Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Adults and children with small non-cleaved-cell lymphoma have a similar excellent outcome when treated with the same chemotherapy regimen.

PURPOSE We have used identical treatment protocols for adults and children with small non-cleaved-cell lymphoma (SNCL) for many years and report here the results of two successive treatment regimens in these age groups. PATIENTS AND METHODS Seventy-two patients (39 adults and 33 children) were treated with protocol 77-04 between 1977 and 1985. All patients, except those with resected abdominal disease, received 15 cycles of a combination of cyclophosphamide (CTX), doxorubicin (ADR), prednisone (PRED), vincristine (VCR), high-dose methotrexate (MTX), and intrathecal (IT) therapy. Forty-one patients (20 adults and 21 children) were treated with protocol 89-C-41, which has been used since 1989. High-risk patients received four alternating cycles (with a total duration of 12 to 15 weeks) of an intensified version of protocol 77-04 without PRED (CODOX-M), and a new drug combination consisting of ifosfamide, etoposide, high-dose cytarabine (ara-C), and IT MTX (IVAC). Low-risk patients received three cycles of the CODOX-M regimen. High-risk patients were randomized to either receive or not receive granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). RESULTS Event-free survival (EFS) in protocol 77-04 was 56% at 2 years and beyond. EFS in protocol 89-C-41 was 92% at 2 years and beyond. GM-CSF was associated with increased thrombocytopenia. CONCLUSION Adults and children with SNCL have a similar prognosis when treated with the same chemotherapy. EFS in high-risk patients has been markedly improved by including IVAC in protocol 89-C-41, and excellent results can be achieved with only four cycles of therapy. In protocol 89-C-41, GM-CSF was not beneficial.
Reliability and Validity of Parent and Teacher Ratings of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms

The reliability and criterion-related validity of the Home and School versions of the AD/HD Rating Scale-IV were evaluated in a nonreferred sample of 71 students. Parent and teacher ratings were obtained 4 weeks apart at a time contemporaneous with observations of classroom behavior and academic productivity. Results indicated adequate levels of internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and cross-informant agreement for both parent and teacher ratings. Teacher ratings were significantly correlated with classroom observational data, and parent ratings were primarily related to behavior ratings. The discriminant validity of these scales also was examined in a sample of 92 clinic-referred children. Both the Home and School versions of the AD/HD Rating Scale-IV were found to discriminate significantly between children with and without AD/HD. The AD/HD Rating Scale-IV appears to have adequate psychometric properties for the screening and assessment of AD/HD.
Segmentation of heart sound recordings by a duration-dependent hidden Markov model

Digital stethoscopes offer new opportunities for computerized analysis of heart sounds. Segmentation of heart sound recordings into periods related to the first and second heart sound (S1 and S2) is fundamental in the analysis process. However, segmentation of heart sounds recorded with handheld stethoscopes in clinical environments is often complicated by background noise. A duration-dependent hidden Markov model (DHMM) is proposed for robust segmentation of heart sounds. The DHMM identifies the most likely sequence of physiological heart sounds, based on duration of the events, the amplitude of the signal envelope and a predefined model structure. The DHMM model was developed and tested with heart sounds recorded bedside with a commercially available handheld stethoscope from a population of patients referred for coronary arterioangiography. The DHMM identified 890 S1 and S2 sounds out of 901 which corresponds to 98.8% (CI: 97.8–99.3%) sensitivity in 73 test patients and 13 misplaced sounds out of 903 identified sounds which corresponds to 98.6% (CI: 97.6–99.1%) positive predictivity. These results indicate that the DHMM is an appropriate model of the heart cycle and suitable for segmentation of clinically recorded heart sounds.
Programmability and performance portability aspects of heterogeneous multi-/manycore systems

We discuss three complementary approaches that can provide both portability and an increased level of abstraction for the programming of heterogeneous multicore systems. Together, these approaches also support performance portability, as currently investigated in the EU FP7 project PEPPHER. In particular, we consider (1) a library-based approach, here represented by the integration of the SkePU C++ skeleton programming library with the StarPU runtime system for dynamic scheduling and dynamic selection of suitable execution units for parallel tasks; (2) a language-based approach, here represented by the Offload-C++ high-level language extensions and Offload compiler to generate platform-specific code; and (3) a component-based approach, specifically the PEPPHER component system for annotating user-level application components with performance metadata, thereby preparing them for performance-aware composition. We discuss the strengths and weaknesses of these approaches and show how they could complement each other in an integrational programming framework for heterogeneous multicore systems.
Checking and inferring local non-aliasing

In prior work [15] we studied a language construct <tt>restrict</tt> that allows programmers to specify that certain pointers are not aliased to other pointers used within a lexical scope. Among other applications, programming with these constructs helps program analysis tools locally recover strong updates, which can improve the tracking of state in flow-sensitive analyses. In this paper we continue the study of <tt>restrict</tt> and introduce the construct <tt>confine</tt>. We present a type and effect system for checking the correctness of these annotations, and we develop efficient constraint-based algorithms implementing these type checking systems. To make it easier to use <tt>restrict</tt> and <tt>confine</tt> in practice, we show how to automatically infer such annotations without programmer assistance. In experiments on locking in 589 Linux device drivers, <tt>confine</tt> inference can automatically recover strong updates to eliminate 95% of the type errors resulting from weak updates.
Cis‐ and trans‐acting genetic factors contribute to heterogeneity in the rate of crossing over between the Drosophila simulans clade species

In the genus Drosophila, variation in recombination rates has been found within and between species. Genetic variation for both cis‐ and trans‐acting factors has been shown to affect recombination rates within species, but little is known about the genetic factors that affect differences between species. Here, we estimate rates of crossing over for seven segments that tile across the euchromatic length of the X chromosome in the genetic backgrounds of three closely related Drosophila species. We first generated a set of Drosophila mauritiana lines each having two semidominant visible markers on the X chromosome and then introgressed these doubly marked segments into the genetic backgrounds of its sibling species, Drosophila simulans and Drosophila sechellia. Using these 21 lines (seven segments, three genetic backgrounds), we tested whether recombination rates within the doubly marked intervals differed depending on genetic background. We find significant heterogeneity among intervals and among species backgrounds. Our results suggest that a combination of both cis‐ and trans‐acting factors have evolved among the three D. simulans clade species and interact to affect recombination rate.
Evaluation of Rearfoot Deformity Based on Instrumented Motion Analysis. Talus Valgus Case Study

The paper proposes a first level protocol (FLP) that can be used in investigation of the gait movement. This protocol is composed of six major stages, each one being considered as a second level protocol. In the paper, beside the FLP, the protocol for data processing is presented. This second level protocol can be used only for kinematic data of the gait. In order to prove the utility of the data processing protocol, this was applied to the data recorded for two children. The first one was considered as reference and the other one was diagnosed with Talus Valgus. The results of the subjects were graphically represented in two ways: by computing the averages on each subject only, and by averaging, applying the angular corrections and normalizing the time series. Therefore, the paper presents both a global and data processing protocol (a branch of the first one), and their concrete application on the recordings of the ankle joint variables, in gait analysis.
Comparison of pitch detection algorithms for the Crazy Square project

Crazy Square is an interactive environment for music learning that is specifically developed for children approaching music and a musical instrument for the first time. Audio signal processing algorithms are required for the game to work properly such as pitch detection and beat detection. In this paper an analysis of Pitch Detection Algorithms (PDAs) responding to Crazy Square requirements is presented and performance results are analysed. The algorithm implemented in the interactive environment proposed is discussed.
Effect of the Al thickness on the performance of Nb/Al/AlOx/Al/Nb superconducting tunnel junctions used as x-ray detectors

Nb/Al/AlOx/Al/Nb superconducting tunnel junctions (STJs) have been studied extensively as photon detectors, because of their intrinsic capabilities in terms of charge output and energy resolving power. A critical element in such an STJ is the aluminum layer which separates the superconductive Nb from the AlOx tunnel barrier. In this paper, the role of this Al layer is investigated. The behavior of high quality STJs, differing by the Al thickness only, is analyzed. Five thicknesses ranging between 5 nm and 120 nm are considered. The charge output, the energy linearity and resolution for the case of 6 keV x-ray photons are discussed.
Enhancing the Hydrophilicity and Cell Attachment of 3D Printed PCL/Graphene Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering

Scaffolds are physical substrates for cell attachment, proliferation, and differentiation, ultimately leading to the regeneration of tissues. They must be designed according to specific biomechanical requirements, i.e., certain standards in terms of mechanical properties, surface characteristics, porosity, degradability, and biocompatibility. The optimal design of a scaffold for a specific tissue strongly depends on both materials and manufacturing processes, as well as surface treatment. Polymeric scaffolds reinforced with electro-active particles could play a key role in tissue engineering by modulating cell proliferation and differentiation. This paper investigates the use of an extrusion-based additive manufacturing system to produce poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL)/pristine graphene scaffolds for bone tissue applications and the influence of chemical surface modification on their biological behaviour. Scaffolds with the same architecture but different concentrations of pristine graphene were evaluated from surface property and biological points of view. Results show that the addition of pristine graphene had a positive impact on cell viability and proliferation, and that surface modification leads to improved cell response.
Neuronal Oscillations in Various Frequency Bands Differ between Pain and Touch

Although humans are generally capable of distinguishing single events of pain or touch, recent research suggested that both modalities activate a network of similar brain regions. By contrast, less attention has been paid to which processes uniquely contribute to each modality. The present study investigated the neuronal oscillations that enable a subject to process pain and touch as well as to evaluate the intensity of both modalities by means of Electroencephalography. Nineteen healthy subjects were asked to rate the intensity of each stimulus at single trial level. By computing Linear mixed effects models (LME) encoding of both modalities was explored by relating stimulus intensities to brain responses. While the intensity of single touch trials is encoded only by theta activity, pain perception is encoded by theta, alpha and gamma activity. Beta activity in the tactile domain shows an on/off like characteristic in response to touch which was not observed in the pain domain. Our results enhance recent findings pointing to the contribution of different neuronal oscillations to the processing of nociceptive and tactile stimuli.
Overview of floating-gate devices, circuits, and systems

T HIS Special Issue of the IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON CIRCUITS AND SYSTEMS II is focused on circuits using floating-gate MOS transistors. These devices are well known from EPROMs, EEPROMs, and flash memories. The primary principle is that the polysilicon gate of an MOS transistor completely wrapped in silicon dioxide maintains stored charge for a long time. Since the first report of floating-gate devices in 1967 [1], digital floating-gate circuits have developed into a mature technology present in every personal computer [2]. Since the floating-gate devices are full-blown MOS transistors , it is tempting to utilize them as analog circuit elements. Already in the late 1980s, floating-gate devices were used in analog circuits for analog nonvolatile memory elements (the Intel ETANN chip [3]) and for circuit tuning (Mead's ultraviolet adaptive retina [4]). During the 1990s, an increasing number of applications were published, uncovering new and exciting ways of using floating-gate devices [5]–[8], including audio recording products based upon analog floating-gate memories [9]. Another surprising aspect is that floating-gate devices are available in standard CMOS processes [10], [11], although double polysilicon layers are recommended for floating capacitors. As a circuit available in standard CMOS technology, floating-gate circuits should find wide use in analog microelectronics by giving researchers a wider set of solutions. As a result, floating-gate devices are not just for memories anymore, but are circuit elements with analog memory and important time-domain dynamics. we organized a special session on " Floating-Gate Circuits and Systems " that attracted a significant number of good contributions. Based on this positive response, we organized a special issue of this TRANSACTIONS and issued a call for papers. After a normal reviewing procedure , a total of ten regular papers and five short papers were selected for publication in this special issue. The aim of our efforts is to present advanced floating-gate circuits and systems exhibiting the versatility of floating-gate devices. To our best knowledge, this collection of papers represents the state-of-the-art within this exciting field. Most of the papers have verified results in silicon. We hope to remove something of the exotic " special effect " image of floating-gate devices and to promote floating-gate circuits to a place as part of the standard engineering repertoire. Hopefully, we will have triggered some interest, making more people join this exciting research. Floating-gate devices and circuits are classically divided into three major directions. We will briefly describe the 15 …
Flu Shots, Mammograms, and the Perception of Probabilities

We study individuals' decisions to decline or accept preventive health care interventions such as flu shots and mammograms. In particular, we analyze the role of perceptions of the effectiveness of the intervention, by eliciting individuals' subjective probabilities of sickness and survival, with and without the interventions. Respondents appear to be aware of some of the qualitative relationships between risk factors and probabilities. However, on average they have very poor perceptions of the absolute probability levels as reported in the epidemiological literature. Perceptions are less accurate if a respondent is female and has no college degree. Perceived probabilities significantly affect the subsequent take-up rate of flu shots and mammograms.
Environmental Adaptation: Genomic Analysis of the Piezotolerant and Psychrotolerant Deep-Sea Iron Reducing Bacterium Shewanella piezotolerans WP3

Shewanella species are widespread in various environments. Here, the genome sequence of Shewanella piezotolerans WP3, a piezotolerant and psychrotolerant iron reducing bacterium from deep-sea sediment was determined with related functional analysis to study its environmental adaptation mechanisms. The genome of WP3 consists of 5,396,476 base pairs (bp) with 4,944 open reading frames (ORFs). It possesses numerous genes or gene clusters which help it to cope with extreme living conditions such as genes for two sets of flagellum systems, structural RNA modification, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) biosynthesis and osmolyte transport and synthesis. And WP3 contains 55 open reading frames encoding putative c-type cytochromes which are substantial to its wide environmental adaptation ability. The mtr-omc gene cluster involved in the insoluble metal reduction in the Shewanella genus was identified and compared. The two sets of flagellum systems were found to be differentially regulated under low temperature and high pressure; the lateral flagellum system was found essential for its motility and living at low temperature.
Protocol for a systematic literature review of research on the Wikipedia

Context: Wikipedia has become one of the ten-most visited sites on the Web, and the world's leading source of Web reference information. Its rapid success has attracted over 1,000 scholarly studies that treat Wikipedia as a major topic or data source. Objectives: This article presents a protocol for conducting a systematic mapping (a broad-based literature review) of research on Wikipedia. It identifies what research has been conducted; what research questions have been asked, which have been answered; and what theories and methodologies have been employed to study Wikipedia. Methods: This protocol follows the rigorous methodology of evidence-based software engineering to conduct a systematic mapping study. Results and conclusions: This protocol reports a study in progress.
Programs for Cheap!

Write down the definition of a recursion operator on a piece of paper. Tell me its type, but be careful not to let me see the operator's definition. I will tell you an optimization theorem that the operator satisfies. As an added bonus, I will also give you a proof of correctness for the optimisation, along with a formal guarantee about its effect on performance. The purpose of this paper is to explain these tricks.
Retesting visual fields: utilizing prior information to decrease test-retest variability in glaucoma.

PURPOSE To determine whether sensitivity estimates from an individual's previous visual field tests can be incorporated into perimetric procedures to improve accuracy and reduce test-retest variability at subsequent visits. METHODS Computer simulation was used to determine the error, distribution of errors and presentation count for a series of perimetric algorithms. Baseline procedures were Full Threshold and Zippy Estimation by Sequential Testing (ZEST). Retest strategies were (1) allowing ZEST to continue from the previous test without reinitializing the probability density function [pdf]; (2) running ZEST with a Gaussian pdf centered about the previous result; (3) retest minimizing uncertainty (REMU), a new procedure combining suprathreshold and ZEST procedures incorporating prior test information. Empiric visual field data of 265 control and 163 patients with glaucoma were input into the simulation. Four error conditions were modeled: patients who make no errors, 15% false-positive (FP) with 3% false-negative (FN) errors, 15% FN with 3% FP errors, and 20% FP with 20% FN errors. RESULTS If sensitivity was stable from test to retest, all the retest algorithms were faster than the baseline algorithms by, on average, one presentation per location and are significantly more accurate (P < 0.05). When visual fields changed from test to retest, REMU was faster and more accurate than the other retest approaches and the baseline procedures. Relative to the baseline procedures, REMU showed decreased test-retest variability in impaired regions of visual field. CONCLUSIONS The obvious approaches to retest, such as continuing the previous procedure or seeding with previous values, have limitations when sensitivity changes between tests. REMU, however, significantly improves both accuracy and precision of testing and displays minimal bias, even when fields change and patients make errors.
Have recent changes to the rugby union laws of scrummage reduced serious cervical spine injuries?

Dear Editor-in-chief All areas of play in rugby union are acknowledged to be potentially dangerous but it is in the scrum where the most frequent and serious spinal injuries occur (McIntosh & McCrory, 2005). This letter addresses the questions: what is it about the scrum which accounts for the alleged increased frequency of scrummage associated spinal cord injury (particular in the cervical region) and what has the Rugby Football Union [RFU] done to minimise the chance of cervical cord damage by changes to the Laws? Scrums are used to restart play after infringement of Law 20.1. The team which is successful in winning the ball from the scrum can provide quality possession and space to their attacking backs (IRB, 2005). The three front row players are especially vulnerable to serious cervical spine injury. The majority of neck injuries are caused by heads not being properly aligned when opposing front row players make initial contact as the scrum is being formed. If the scrum collapses then excessive forward flexion/rotation of the cervical spine can occur and by wheeling the scrum this can result in increased abnormal lateral flexion/rotation. Added to these possible abnormal increases in directional movement of the cervical spine is the force generated at engagement. It has been calculated that in the front row a static weight of up to 1600kg is placed on each player’s neck. Fracture dislocation (usually between C4/C6) of the spine can be the resulting injury which if the cord is involved can cause tetra paresis. In response to this evidence the IRB amended the law of scrummage which was put into effect 2007 in the hope of reducing the incidence of serious cervical spine injury. This is summarised as a 4 step Law of engagement which is: “crouch, touch, pause, engage”. The distance between the front rows must now be less than arms length before making contact. Prior to the introduction of this Law with the stipulated distance apart before engagement, the front row forwards were then more likely to foul and possibly injure an opposing player because of the sheer force generated at the initial point of contact caused by a combination of the acceleration of the players over the distance between the front rows multiplied by their combined weights. With the new Law now in place worldwide for over 18 months and more particularly with its rigorous enforcement during the recent World Cup in 2007, there is now sufficient data available for analysis to enable scrutiny of the effect of this change to the Law in protecting players from cervical spine injury.
Phase-resolved photoacoustic spectroscopy and EPR investigation of MnO2- and CoO-doped soda-lime glasses.

A discussion on the use of the phase shifts of the photoacoustic signal of different constituents of a composite sample for resolving their individual spectra is presented. It is experimentally shown that as long as we are interested in a qualitative analysis the method is simple and fast. For a quantitative analysis in which the nonradiative relaxation time and the characteristic diffusion time within the optical-absorption depth are sought, the method presents some limitations. This is demonstrated using MnO~and CoO-doped soda-lime —silica glass samples.