Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
“WAIT-AND-SEE” MONETARY POLICY

This paper develops a model of the optimal timing of interest rate changes. With fixed adjustment costs and ongoing uncertainty, changing the interest rate involves the exercise of an option. Optimal policy therefore has a “wait-and-see” component, which can be quantified using option pricing techniques. We show that increased uncertainty makes the central bank more reluctant to change its target interest rate, and argue that this helps explain recent observed deviations from the Taylor Rule. An optimal wait-and-see policy fits the target interest rates of the Fed and Bank of Canada better than the Taylor Rule.
Comparison of cryoprotective effects of lycopene and cysteamine in different cryoprotectants on bull semen and fertility results.

The objectives of this study were to compare glycerol and ethylene glycol at different concentrations as cryoprotectants and lycopene or cysteamine (with/without) as antioxidants in Tris extender for bull semen. Twenty-four ejaculates were obtained from three bulls. Each ejaculate was split into four equal aliquots and diluted using both of the Tris extenders with glycerol (5% or 7%) or ethylene glycol (3% or 5%). After that, each extenders were split into three equal aliquots and added using both of the cysteamine 5 mm or lycopene 500 μg/ml, and control (without additives). The addition of 7% glycerol with cysteamine, 5% ethylene glycol with cysteamine and 3% ethylene glycol with cysteamine groups gave the lowest CASA motility than the other groups. However, 7% glycerol and 7% glycerol with lycopene resulted in a better rate of CASA progressive motility compared with that of other groups. Generally, all the lycopene groups signed better protective effects on acrosome and total morphology than the other groups. Glycerol 7% and 3% ethylene glycol with lycopene groups yielded to slight higher percentages of membrane integrity assessed by HOST than that of the other groups, but 7% glycerol with cysteamine and 3% ethylene glycol with cysteamine showed the worst percentages of membrane integrity. Glycerol 7% and 5% glycerol with lycopene gave rise to a higher value of VAP, VSL and VCL compared with that of the other groups. On the contrary, adding to 5% glycerol with cysteamine showed negative effect for VAP, VSL, VCL and ALH values. All cryoprotectant groups with lycopene decreased chromatin damage than the other groups. Ethylene glycol 3% led to lower non-return rates of inseminated cows. However, this result was not considered to be statistically important.
Safety and Efficacy of the Use of Bioabsorbable Seamguard in Colorectal Surgery at the Texas Endosurgery Institute

Bioabsorbable Seamguard (BSG) is a random-fiber web of polyglycolic acid/trimethylene carbonate. It is completely absorbed within 6 months or less due to its constitution of a bioabsorbable membrane with polyester braided suture. It has been used in obesity surgery and pulmonary surgery as staple-line reinforcement with good results. As such, we believe that BSG may be ideal to use in colorectal surgery as an aid during the healing process of an anastomosis and may help prevent anastomotic bleeding and staple-line disruption. From July 2003 through September 2004, 30 patients underwent placement of BSG for the following procedures: 12 right hemicolectomies, 7 low anterior resections, 5 sigmoid colectomies, 3 total colectomies, 2 partial resections, and 1 colostomy closure. Median follow-up was 7 months (range 1-13). There were no clinical leaks, no strictures, and no bleeding in our early postoperative follow-up period. The use of BSG as a staple-line reinforcer appears to be safe and may be useful in preventing anastomotic leakage, bleeding, and intraluminal stenosis.
Spatial Distortion in MRI-Guided Stereotactic Procedures: Evaluation in 1.5-, 3- and 7-Tesla MRI Scanners

Background: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is replacing computed tomography (CT) as the main imaging modality for stereotactic transformations. MRI is prone to spatial distortion artifacts, which can lead to inaccuracy in stereotactic procedures. Objective: Modern MRI systems provide distortion correction algorithms that may ameliorate this problem. This study investigates the different options of distortion correction using standard 1.5-, 3- and 7-tesla MRI scanners. Methods: A phantom was mounted on a stereotactic frame. One CT scan and three MRI scans were performed. At all three field strengths, two 3-dimensional sequences, volumetric interpolated breath-hold examination (VIBE) and magnetization-prepared rapid acquisition with gradient echo, were acquired, and automatic distortion correction was performed. Global stereotactic transformation of all 13 datasets was performed and two stereotactic planning workflows (MRI only vs. CT/MR image fusion) were subsequently analysed. Results: Distortion correction on the 1.5- and 3-tesla scanners caused a considerable reduction in positional error. The effect was more pronounced when using the VIBE sequences. By using co-registration (CT/MR image fusion), even a lower positional error could be obtained. In ultra-high-field (7 T) MR imaging, distortion correction introduced even higher errors. However, the accuracy of non-corrected 7-tesla sequences was comparable to CT/MR image fusion 3-tesla imaging. Conclusion: MRI distortion correction algorithms can reduce positional errors by up to 60%. For stereotactic applications of utmost precision, we recommend a co-registration to an additional CT dataset.
THE UNIVERSAL MEDIA BOOK By Shilpi Gupta

OF THESIS THE UNIVERSAL MEDIA BOOK We explore the integration of projected imagery with a physical book that acts as a tangible interface to multimedia data. Using a camera and projector pair, a tracking framework is presented wherein the 3D position of planar pages are monitored as they are turned back and forth by a user, and data is correctly warped and projected onto each page at interactive rates to provide the user with an intuitive mixed-reality experience. The book pages are blank, so traditional camera-based approaches to tracking physical features on the display surface do not apply. Instead, in each frame, feature points are independently extracted from the camera and projector images, and matched to recover the geometry of the pages in motion. The book can be loaded with multimedia content, including images and videos. In addition, volumetric datasets can be explored by removing a page from the book and using it as a tool to navigate through a virtual 3D volume.
Emission inventory of anthropogenic air pollutants and VOC species in the Yangtze River Delta region, China

Abstract. The purpose of this study is to develop an emission inventory for major anthropogenic air pollutants and VOC species in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) region for the year 2007. A "bottom-up" methodology was adopted to compile the inventory based on major emission sources in the sixteen cities of this region. Results show that the emissions of SO 2 , NO x , CO, PM 10 , PM 2.5 , VOCs, and NH 3 in the YRD region for the year 2007 are 2392 kt, 2293 kt, 6697 kt, 3116 kt, 1511 kt, 2767 kt, and 459 kt, respectively. Ethylene, mp-xylene, o-xylene, toluene, 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene, 2,4-dimethylpentane, ethyl benzene, propylene, 1-pentene, and isoprene are the key species contributing 77 % to the total ozone formation potential (OFP). The spatial distribution of the emissions shows the emissions and OFPs are mainly concentrated in the urban and industrial areas along the Yangtze River and around Hangzhou Bay. The industrial sources, including power plants other fuel combustion facilities, and non-combustion processes contribute about 97 %, 86 %, 89 %, 91 %, and 69 % of the total SO 2 , NO x , PM 10 , PM 2.5 , and VOC emissions. Vehicles take up 12.3 % and 12.4 % of the NO x and VOC emissions, respectively. Regarding OFPs, the chemical industry, domestic use of paint & printing, and gasoline vehicles contribute 38 %, 24 %, and 12 % to the ozone formation in the YRD region.
Sorption of Phosphorus from Swine, Dairy, and Poultry Manures

In most phosphorus (P) sorption studies, P is added as an inorganic salt to a predefined background solution such as calcium chloride (CaCl2) or potassium chloride (KCl); however, in many regions, the application of P to agricultural fields is in the form of animal manure. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to compare the sorption behavior of dissolved reactive P (DRP) in monopotassium phosphate (KH2PO4)–amended CaCl2 and KCl solutions with sorption behavior of DRP in three different animal manure extracts. Phosphorus single‐point isotherms (PSI) were conducted on eight soils with the following solutions: KH2PO4‐amended 0.01 M CaCl2 solution, KH2PO4‐amended 0.03 M KCl solution, water‐extracted dairy manure, water‐extracted poultry litter, and swine lagoon effluent. The PSI values for the dairy manure extract were significantly lower than the CaCl2 solution for all eight soils and lower than the KCl solution for six soils. The PSI values were significantly higher, on the other hand, for poultry litter extract and swine effluent than the inorganic solutions in four and five of the soils, respectively. Our observations that the sorption of DRP in manure solutions differs significantly from that of KH2PO4‐amended CaCl2 and KCl solutions indicates that manure application rates based on sorption data collected from inorganic P salt experiments may be inaccurate.
The tear turnover and tear clearance tests – a review

ABSTRACT Introduction: The aim is to provide a summary of methods available for the assessment of tear turnover and tear clearance rates. The review defines tear clearance and tear turnover and describes their implication for ocular surface health. Additionally, it describes main types of techniques for measuring tear turnover, including fluorescein tear clearance tests, techniques utilizing electromagnetic spectrum and tracer molecule and novel experimental techniques utilizing optical coherence tomography and fluorescein profilometry. Areas covered: Internet databases (PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar) and most frequently cited references were used as a principal resource of information on tear turnover rate and tear clearance rate, presenting methodologies and equipment, as well as their definition and implications for the anterior eye surface health and function. Keywords used for data-search were as follows: tear turnover, tear clearance, fluorescein clearance, scintigraphy, fluorophotometry, tear flow, drainage, tear meniscus dynamics, Krehbiel flow and lacrimal functional unit. Expert commentary: After decades, the topic of tear turnover assessment has been reintroduced. Recently, new techniques have been developed to propose less invasive, less time consuming and simpler methodologies for the assessment of tear dynamics that have the potential to be utilized in clinical practice.
MPC-based torque distribution strategy for energy management of power-split hybrid electric vehicles

This paper presents an improved dynamic model of power-split hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and applies a model predictive control algorithm to the energy management of HEVs. Majority researches only consider the dynamics of the battery state of charge, but ignore the dynamics of IC engines and electric motors. Instead, this paper takes into account both the dynamics from the electrical and the mechanical path. To improve fuel economy, the rate of fuel consumption is included in the cost function in a segmented linear regression form. Besides, the engine efficiency is also included in the cost function. Given the dynamics model and the cost function, a model predictive control algorithm is proposed to handle the nonlinear constrained optimal problem. Simulation results verify that the proposed approach improves the fuel economy and enhances the engine efficiency.
Tumour necrosis factor α −308G→A polymorphism is not associated with response to TNFα blockers in Caucasian patients with rheumatoid arthritis: systematic review and meta-analysis

Background There is a need for biomarkers that can predict anti-tumour necrosis factor (anti-TNF) treatment outcome in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Several studies have suggested that the rare A allele of the tumour necrosis factor α (TNFA) −308G→A polymorphism could be associated with a poorer response to anti-TNF therapy. Nevertheless, these results remain controversial. Objective To determine by a meta-analysis whether the TNFA −308G→A polymorphism is associated with response to anti-TNF treatment in patients with RA. Methods A bibliographic search identified studies in which the TNFA −308G→A gene polymorphism was investigated in Caucasian patients with RA treated with anti-TNF agents. Complementary data were requested when the 28-joint count Disease Activity Score (DAS28) was not used as the primary outcome measure. Odds ratios (ORs) for response based on DAS28 and standardised mean difference (SMD) for mean improvement of DAS28 were calculated to assess the potential association between TNFA −308 genotypes and response to anti-TNF agents. Results The bibliographic search yielded 12 studies that met the inclusion criteria, which were supplemented with the data from a large Dutch cohort (n=426). The OR based on the 12 studies including 1721 patients was 1.24 (95% CI 0.98 to 1.56) and the SMD based on 11 studies including 2579 patients was −0.18 (95% CI −0.36 to 0.1). Subgroup analysis based on the two classes of anti-TNF agents did not demonstrate any association between TNFA −308 genotypes and anti-TNF treatment outcome. Conclusion According to this meta-analysis, the TNFA −308 polymorphism is not a predictor of the clinical response to anti-TNF treatment in RA.
Numerical simulation of the flow and phase change characteristics of ice particles-seawater two-phase flow in heat exchanger of polar ship

In recent years, with the shrinkage of the arctic sea ice area, arctic channel can be used for merchant ships. Different from the traditional channel, there are ice areas in arctic channel. Moreover, ice particles may enter into seawater cooling system of polar marines with the seawater. In the present study, Eulerian-Eulerian multiphase model coupled with the interphase heat and mass transfer model were used to investigate the solid-liquid two-phase flow and phase change characteristics of seawater slurry in the seawater pipe of shell- and-tube heat exchanger of polar ships. Firstly, the numerical models were adopted to investigate the flow and phase change characteristics of ice slurry in a straight pipe at different inlet velocities fractions. The solid phase distribution was obtained which showed that the particles concentrated on the main flow, the flow pattern was suspension, and the influence of gravity was limited with the increasing of velocity. Moreover, as a result of the collision between the particles and wall and the melting of ice particles, fewer particles were in the boundary layer region and the effect was more obvious with increasing the inlet velocity. Thereafter, the numerical models were used to investigate the flow and phase change characteristics of ice slurry in a U-pipe at the same inlet conditions. The results showed that the seawater and particles near the inner wall at the corner of pipe flowed to the outer wall because of the centrifugal force. Meanwhile, more ice particles were melt at the corner of U-pipe owing to the secondary flow caused by the bending of pipe.
Prospective study of body mass index, physical activity and thyroid cancer

Increased body size and physical inactivity are positively related to risk of several cancers, but only few epidemiologic studies have investigated body‐mass index (BMI) and physical activity in relation to thyroid cancer. We examined the relations of BMI and physical activity to thyroid cancer in a prospective cohort of 484,326 United States men and women, followed from 1995/1996 to 2003. During 3,490,300 person‐years of follow‐up, we documented 352 newly incident cases of thyroid cancer. The multivariate relative risks (RR) of thyroid cancer for BMI values of 18.5–24.9 (reference), 25.0–29.9 and ≥30 kg m−2 were 1.0, 1.27 and 1.39 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.05–1.85]. Adiposity predicted papillary thyroid cancers (RR comparing extreme BMI categories = 1.47; 95% CI = 1.03–2.10) and, based on small numbers, suggestively predicted follicular thyroid cancers (RR = 1.49; 95% CI = 0.79–2.82) and anaplastic thyroid cancers (RR = 5.80; 95% CI = 0.99–34.19). No relation with BMI was noted for medullary thyroid cancers (RR = 0.97; 95% CI = 0.27–3.43). The positive relation of BMI to total thyroid cancer was evident for men but not for women. However, the test of interaction (p = 0.463) indicated no statistically significant gender difference. Physical activity was unassociated with thyroid cancer. The RRs of total thyroid cancer for low (reference), intermediate, and high level of physical activity were 1.0, 1.01 and 1.01 (95% CI = 0.76–1.34, p for trend = 0.931), respectively. Our results support an adverse effect of adiposity on risk for developing total and papillary, and possibly follicular thyroid cancers. Based on only 15 cases, adiposity was unrelated to medullary thyroid cancers. Physical activity was unrelated to total thyroid cancer.
A Reinforcement Learning Approach for Motion Planning of Hopping Rovers

This paper considers the problem of navigating a hopping rover on the surface of small Solar System bodies, such as asteroids and comets. Specifically, by controlling the torques applied to three internal flywheels, the rover is able to perform controllable long-range hops and short tumbling maneuvers. The highly stochastic dynamics of bouncing in microgravity and the sequential and discrete nature of control inputs makes it difficult to apply traditional motion planning algorithms (e.g., graph search and sampling-based methods). Building on a previous RL approach to motion planning in a simplified 2D world, this project casts the full 3D motion planning problem as a tractable MDP. Model-free RL techniques (i.e. Q-iteration) with linear regression value function approximation is used to derive approximately optimal control policies which outperform previous control heuristics in simulation.
Fitness landscape for nucleosome positioning

Histone–DNA complexes, so-called nucleosomes, are the building blocks of DNA packaging in eukaryotic cells. The histone-binding affinity of a local DNA segment depends on its elastic properties and determines its accessibility within the nucleus, which plays an important role in the regulation of gene expression. Here, we derive a fitness landscape for intergenic DNA segments in yeast as a function of two molecular phenotypes: their elasticity-dependent histone affinity and their coverage with transcription factor binding sites. This landscape reveals substantial selection against nucleosome formation over a wide range of both phenotypes. We use it as the core component of a quantitative evolutionary model for intergenic DNA segments. This model consistently predicts the observed diversity of histone affinities within wild Saccharomyces paradoxus populations, as well as the affinity divergence between neighboring Saccharomyces species. Our analysis establishes histone binding and transcription factor binding as two separable modes of sequence evolution, each of which is a direct target of natural selection.
Speech motor programming in apraxia of speech: evidence from a delayed picture-word interference task.

PURPOSE Apraxia of speech (AOS) is considered a speech motor programming impairment, but the specific nature of the impairment remains a matter of debate. This study investigated 2 hypotheses about the underlying impairment in AOS framed within the Directions Into Velocities of Articulators (DIVA; Guenther, Ghosh, & Tourville, 2006) model: The retrieval hypothesis states that access to the motor programs is impaired, and the damaged programs hypothesis states that the motor programs themselves are damaged. METHOD The experiment used a delayed picture-word interference paradigm in which participants prepare their response and auditory distracters are presented with the go signal. The overlap between target and distracter words was manipulated (i.e., shared sounds or no shared sounds), and participants' reaction times (RTs) were measured. Participants included 5 speakers with AOS (4 with concomitant aphasia), 2 speakers with aphasia without AOS, and 9 age-matched control speakers. RESULTS The control speakers showed no effects of distracter type or presence. The speakers with AOS had longer RTs in the distracter condition compared to the no-distracter condition. The speakers with aphasia without AOS were comparable to the control group in their overall RTs and RT pattern. CONCLUSION Results provide preliminary support for the retrieval hypothesis, suggesting that access to motor programs may be impaired in speakers with AOS. However, the possibility that the motor programs may also be damaged cannot be ruled out.
High-sensitivity quantitative PCR platform.

Real-time PCR methods have become widely used within the past few years. However, real-time PCR is rarely used to study chronic diseases with low pathogen loads, presumably because of insufficient sensitivity. In this report, we developed an integrated nucleic acid isolation and real-time PCR platform that vastly improved the sensitivity of the quantitative detection of the intracellular bacterium, Chlamydia spp. , by fluorescence resonance energy transfer real-time PCR. Determinants of the overall detection sensitivity were analyzed by extracting nucleic acids from bovine milk specimens spiked with low amounts of chlamydial organisms. Nucleic acids were optimally preserved and recovered by collection in guanidinium stabilization buffer, binding to a matrix of glass fiber fleece, and elution in low volume. Step-down thermal cycling and an excess of hot-start Taq polymerase vastly improved the robustness and sensitivity of the real-time PCR while essentially maintaining 100% specificity. The amplification of Chlamydia 23S rRNA allowed for the differentiation of chlamydial species and was more robust at low target numbers than amplification of the omp1 gene. The best combined method detected single targets per a 100-microL specimen equivalent in a 5-microL real-time PCR input. In an initial application, this high-sensitivity real-time PCR platform demonstrated a high prevalence of chlamydial infection in cattle.
A comprehensive study of text classification algorithms

Huge amount of data in today's world are stored in the form of electronic documents. Text mining is the process of extracting the information out of those textual documents. Text classification is the process of classifying text documents into fixed number of predefined classes. The application of text classification includes spam filtering, email routing, sentiment analysis, language identification etc. This paper discusses a detailed survey on the text classification process and various algorithms used in this field.