Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hyperspectral Confocal Fluorescence Imaging: Exploring Alternative Multivariate Curve Resolution Approaches

Hyperspectral confocal fluorescence microscopy, when combined with multivariate curve resolution (MCR), provides a powerful new tool for improved quantitative imaging of multi-fluorophore samples. Generally, fully non-negatively constrained models are used in the constrained alternating least squares MCR analyses of hyperspectral images since real emission components are expected to have non-negative pure emission spectra and concentrations. However, in this paper, we demonstrate four separate cases in which partially constrained models are preferred over the fully constrained MCR models. These partially constrained MCR models can sometimes be preferred when system artifacts are present in the data or where small perturbations of the major emission components are present due to environmental effects or small geometric changes in the fluorescing species. Here we demonstrate that in the cases of hyperspectral images obtained from multicomponent spherical beads, autofluorescence from fixed lung epithelial cells, fluorescence of quantum dots in aqueous solutions, and images of mercurochrome-stained endosperm portions of a wild-type corn seed, these alternative, partially constrained MCR analyses provide improved interpretability of the MCR solutions. Often the system artifacts or environmental effects are more readily described as first and/or second derivatives of the main emission components in these alternative MCR solutions since they indicate spectral shifts and/or spectral broadening or narrowing of the emission bands, respectively. Thus, this paper serves to demonstrate the need to test alternative partially constrained models when analyzing hyperspectral images with MCR methods.
Ockhamist Computational Logic: Past-Sensitive Necessitation in CTL

The framework underlying CTL* is extended in order to include past operators Recent developments in areas related to concurrent program specification and verification, as well as database and information systems specification, justify the interest of such extension The semantics for the language so obtained is defined according to the ockhamist approach to non-deterministic time The differences between this semantics and the original semantics for CTL* are analysed. A sound axiomatization is proposed for such logic and its completeness is proved
Utility of the Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument for Assessing Acute Hand and Wrist Injuries in Children

Background: Despite the frequency of hand and wrist injuries in children, patient-reported outcomes have not been systematically assessed. This study hypothesizes that the Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument (PODCI) can be reliable, responsive, and discriminatory in assessing the impact of acute pediatric hand and wrist injuries on function and quality of life. Methods: Consecutive patients presenting to a pediatric clinic with acute hand and wrist injuries over a 3-month period completed PODCI questionnaires at initial and follow-up visits. Reliability was assessed with Cronbach &agr; and responsiveness with standardized response means and effect sizes. Scores for each PODCI scale were compared with established age-matched normative scores and among injury types, injury locations, sexes, age groups, and visits using t tests. Changes in clinic wait times, visit lengths, and patient satisfaction were assessed as measures of feasibility through t tests and Fisher exact tests. The influence of PODCI administration on patient wait times, total visit lengths, and satisfaction was measured through t tests and Fisher exact tests. Results: During this study, 125 patients with acute hand and wrist injuries completed PODCI questionnaires at initial presentation. Follow-up questionnaires were collected at a median of 3 weeks later from 22 patients. All PODCI scales demonstrated internal reliability and responsiveness to clinical change in this sample. At the initial visit, mean scores for all PODCI scales, except happiness, were significantly lower than established age-matched normative values. Adolescents had worse pain and global function than young children. Children significantly improved in mobility, comfort, and global function from initial visit to follow-up. At follow-up, young children were similar to norms on all scales except global function, whereas adolescents were only similar to norms on pain. PODCI administration did not influence patient wait times, total visit lengths, or satisfaction. Conclusions: Patient-reported outcomes can be systematically assessed in children and adolescents with acute hand and wrist injuries. The PODCI is reliable, responsive to changes over time, and able to discriminate between populations. The PODCI has potential to be an effective clinical and research tool for assessing and improving patient outcomes. Level of Evidence: Level III.
In-situ strain measurement of ultrasonic ball bonding

Dynamic change in distribution of strain generated in Si under a pad electrode was measured during ultrasonic ball bonding by using newly developed Si strain sensor. The sensor was designed to be able to determine strains in the directions normal and parallel to the surface. Bonding of Cu and Au was measured. It was clearly observed that the position of the largest compressive strain moved from the center of the ball to the periphery according to the progress of bonding under the application of the ultrasonic. Bonding of Cu was found to generate larger strain than bonding of Au. Bonding of Cu was also found to induce under-pad damage. SEM observation of bonded balls suggested that the under-pad damage appeared at the positon where the edge of the capillary existed and at the time when the large force of ultrasonic vibration was applied.
Time and time–frequency characterization of dual-axis swallowing accelerometry signals

Single-axis swallowing accelerometry has shown potential as a non-invasive clinical swallowing assessment tool. Previous swallowing accelerometry research has focused exclusively on the anterior–posterior vibration detected on the surface of the neck. However, hyolaryngeal motion during pharyngeal swallowing occurs in both the anterior–posterior and superior–inferior directions, suggesting that dual-axis accelerometry may be worthy of investigation. With this motivation, the present paper provides a characterization of dual-axis swallowing accelerometry signals from healthy adults in the time and time–frequency domains. Time-domain analysis revealed that signals in the two axes exhibited different probability density functions, and minimal cross-correlation and mutual information. Time–frequency analysis highlighted inter-axis dissimilarities in the scalograms, pseudo-spectra and temporal evolution of low- and high-frequency content. Therefore, it was concluded that the two axes contain different information about swallowing and that the superior–inferior axis should be further investigated in future swallowing accelerometry studies.
Two DOF Camera Pose Estimation with a Planar Stochastic Reference Grid

Determining the pose of the camera is a need to many higher level computer vision tasks. We assume a set of features to be distributed on a planar surface (the world plane) as a Poisson point process, and to know their positions in the image plane. Then we propose an algorithm to recover the pose of the camera, in the case of two degrees of freedom (slant angle and distance from the ground). The algorithm is based on the observation that cell areas of the Voronoi tessellation generated by the points in the image plane represent a reliable sampling of the Jacobian determinant of the perspective transformation up to a scaling factor, the density of points in the world plane, which we demand as input. In the process, we develop a transformation of our input data (areas of Voronoi cells) so that they show almost constant variances among the locations, and analytically find a correcting factor to considerably reduce the bias of our estimates. We perform intensive synthetic simulations and show that with few hundreds of random points our errors on angle and distance are not more than few percents.
Acculturation and cigarette smoking among pregnant Hispanic women residing in the United States.

OBJECTIVES We explored whether higher levels of acculturation were associated with higher rates of cigarette smoking among pregnant Hispanic women residing in the United States. METHODS We evaluated data from the Latina Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Study, a prospective study of 1231 Hispanic prenatal care patients conducted from 2000 to 2004 in Massachusetts. Self-reported data on acculturation, cigarette smoking, and covariates were collected by bilingual interviewers using a questionnaire. We conducted logistic regression multivariate analyses to examine the impact of acculturation level on the odds of smoking. RESULTS Overall, 21% of women reported smoking during pregnancy. Acculturation was associated with elevated smoking rates in pregnant Hispanic women. US-born Hispanic women who preferred English had more than twice the odds of smoking compared with Puerto Rican or foreign-born Hispanic women who preferred Spanish (odds ratio [OR]=2.76, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.36, 5.63). CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that higher-acculturated Hispanic women living in the United States are more likely to smoke cigarettes during pregnancy than are less-acculturated Hispanic women. These results will inform interventions aimed at reducing cigarette smoking during pregnancy among US Hispanic women.
Comprehensive modeling and practical verification of grid connected VSI with LCL filter

Modeling of three-phase grid connected voltage source inverters (VSI) often involves simplifications like constant DC-link voltage or averaging over a switching period. These simplifications remove transistor switching and DC-link capacitor dynamics from the model. In this paper, a three-phase VSI with LCL filter is modeled as a state-space system using three-phase representation. DC-link voltage is not considered constant and no averaging is used. The model becomes a piecewise linear system which includes dynamics from both switching and variable DC voltage. Component values in each phase are treated separately, which enables simulation of unbalanced systems. Since no transformations are used, there is a one-to-one relationship between the model and real variables. It also allows non-sinusoidal grid voltages. Simulation of dead-time and rectifier operation is described and tested. Modeling and equations are described in detail. The model is verified by simulation and experiments.
Isolation of high quality DNA: a protocol combining “rennet” and glass milk

High quality DNA is essential for many molecular biology techniques. However, the reagents used for that purpose usually are expensive and/or cause a high environmental impact. Here, we describe two alternative protocols that use inexpensive reagents and are not hazardous to the environment. The first protocol utilizes the enzyme chymosin, normally used as "rennet" in cheese production and which is easily obtained on the commercial market. The second protocol uses "rennet DNA extraction protocol" combined with the DNA binding capacity of glass powder (glass milk), which can easily be "home made". The first protocol is used when a high yield of DNA is needed, whereas the second protocol is used for production of a higher quality DNA, being able to work with sparse samples.
Development of a Car Racing Simulator Game Using Artificial Intelligence Techniques

This paper presents a car racing simulator game called Racer, in which the human player races a car against three game-controlled cars in a three-dimensional environment. The objective of the game is not to defeat the human player, but to provide the player with a challenging and enjoyable experience. To ensure that this objective can be accomplished, the game incorporates artificial intelligence (AI) techniques, which enable the cars to be controlled in a manner that mimics natural driving. The paper provides a brief history of AI techniques in games, presents the use of AI techniques in contemporary video games, and discusses the AI techniques that were implemented in the development of Racer. A comparison of the AI techniques implemented in the Unity platform with traditional AI search techniques is also included in the discussion.
An Overview of Video Allocation Algorithms for Flash-based SSD Storage Systems

Despite the fact that Solid State Disk (SSD) data storage media had offered a revolutionary property storages community, but the unavailability of a comprehensive allocation strategy in SSDs storage media, leads to consuming the available space, random writing processes, time-consuming reading processes, and system resources consumption. In order to overcome these challenges, an efficient allocation algorithm is a desirable option. In this paper, we had executed an intensive investigation on the SSD-based allocation algorithms that had been proposed by the knowledge community. An explanatory comparison had been made between these algorithms. We reviewed these algorithms in order to building advanced knowledge armature that would help in inventing new allocation algorithms for this type of storage media.
A 3-10 GHz LCR-matched power amplifier using flip-chip mounted AlGaN/GaN HEMTs

We report a GaN-based broadband power amplifier using AlGaN/GaN-HEMTs, grown on sapphire substrates, as the active devices. The circuit topology used novel LCR-matching networks in a 4-way binary-Wilkinson combiner structure. The devices were flip-chip bonded onto the AlN circuit for thermal management. Using devices with 0.7-/spl mu/m gate length and 4-mm gate width, a small-signal gain of 7 dB was obtained with 3-10 GHz bandwidth. The saturation power level was 8.5 W at 8 GHz, which is the highest for a power amplifier using GaN-HEMTs-on-Sapphire.
Capital público en España: evolución y distribución territorial (1900-2012)

Este informe presenta la ultima actualizacion de las series historicas de capital publico, desarrolladas conjuntamente por la Fundacion BBVA y el Ivie, y analiza los resultados mas recientes. La base de datos cubre un periodo de mas de 100 anos (1900-2012) y las series se ofrecen desagregadas por agentes inversores, funciones de gasto publico, comunidades autonomas y provincias. La riqueza de las estimaciones ofrecidas permite estudiar las caracteristicas de la acumulacion de capital publico desde multiples puntos de vista y con el suficiente detalle como para convertir este banco de datos en un instrumentobasico en el analisis de la evolucion territorial de las inversiones y el capital de caracter publico, con claras implicaciones en la evaluacion y diseno de politicas publicas y el analisis del impacto del capital publico sobre el crecimiento y la convergencia. El presente informe analiza la trayectoria de la inversion y el capital publico en Espana y sus regiones y provincias durante la ultima etapa de crecimiento y posterior crisis economica (1995-2012), enmarcando el comportamiento de estos anos en una vision de mas largo plazo.
Cross-Cultural Caregiving and the Temporal Dimension

The caregiving research literature has explored and documented findings from psychological, clinical, and policy/program perspectives, but little is known regarding the contextual perspectives of caregiving. Temporal factors influence the structure and functioning of the caregiving family. The proposed paradigm adaptation extends a contextual perspective that addresses the exploration of the caregiving process as a temporal, dynamic, progressive process over time, in which decisions made by caregivers may not always be based on observable tasks but, nevertheless, may have important consequences. When cultures cross, attitudes and behaviors are modified, resulting from contact with a different set of values and beliefs. Cross-cultural research aims to explore these changes that take place over time. Future research should consider the inclusion of measures that assess the temporal aspect of caregiving and the acculturation considerations of family caregivers. These measures are especially needed because of the increased influence of international migration, economic globalization, and political conflicts in today's multicultural societies.
Six quantitative trait loci influence task thresholds for hygienic behaviour in honeybees (Apis mellifera)

Honeybee hygienic behaviour provides colonies with protection from many pathogens and is an important model system of the genetics of a complex behaviour. It is a textbook example of complex behaviour under simple genetic control: hygienic behaviour consists of two components – uncapping a diseased brood cell, followed by removal of the contents – each of which are thought to be modulated independently by a few loci of medium to large effect. A worker’s genetic propensity to engage in hygienic tasks affects the intensity of the stimulus required before she initiates the behaviour. Genetic diversity within colonies leads to task specialization among workers, with a minority of workers performing the majority of nest‐cleaning tasks. We identify three quantitative trait loci that influence the likelihood that workers will engage in hygienic behaviour and account for up to 30% of the phenotypic variability in hygienic behaviour in our population. Furthermore, we identify two loci that influence the likelihood that a worker will perform uncapping behaviour only, and one locus that influences removal behaviour. We report the first candidate genes associated with engaging in hygienic behaviour, including four genes involved in olfaction, learning and social behaviour, and one gene involved in circadian locomotion. These candidates will allow molecular characterization of this distinctive behavioural mode of disease resistance, as well as providing the opportunity for marker‐assisted selection for this commercially significant trait.
A Revolutionary Road: An Analysis of Persons Living With Hepatitis B in China

This study explores the interactions of the environmental barriers, coping behaviors, and personal characteristics of persons living with hepatitis B in China within the framework of Bandura's social cognitive theory. An analysis of 1,607 messages from an online support group revealed multiple barriers including institutional discrimination, relationship difficulty, alcohol-drinking social norm, limitations of the health care system and pharmaceutical market, and financial constraints. Major coping behaviors were identified as seeking health and reproductive advice, avoiding disclosure and discrimination, protecting legal rights, preventing transmission, and outreaching support behaviors. At the intrapersonal level, a combatant identity was constructed in the online community. The combatant identity was significantly associated with high self-efficacy, positive emotions, and outreaching support behaviors, but it was not significantly associated with environmental barriers. The constructed online combatant identity appeared to be support-focused instead of politically oriented.
Ataxia-telangiectasia Mutated (ATM)-dependent Activation of ATR Occurs through Phosphorylation of TopBP1 by ATM*

ATM (ataxia-telangiectasia mutated) is necessary for activation of Chk1 by ATR (ATM and Rad3-related) in response to double-stranded DNA breaks (DSBs) but not to DNA replication stress. TopBP1 has been identified as a direct activator of ATR. We show that ATM regulates Xenopus TopBP1 by phosphorylating Ser-1131 and thereby strongly enhancing association of TopBP1 with ATR. Xenopus egg extracts containing a mutant of TopBP1 that cannot be phosphorylated on Ser-1131 are defective in the ATR-dependent phosphorylation of Chk1 in response to DSBs but not to DNA replication stress. Thus, TopBP1 is critical for the ATM-dependent activation of ATR following production of DSBs in the genome.
Exploring Relationships Between Hospital Patient Safety Culture and Adverse Events

Objectives: There has been very limited research linking staff perceptions of hospital patient safety culture with rates of adverse clinical events. This exploratory study examined relationships between the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's (AHRQ) Hospital Survey of Patient Safety Culture and rates of in-hospital complications and adverse events as measured by the AHRQ Patient Safety Indicators (PSIs). The general hypothesis was that hospitals with a more positive patient safety culture would have lower PSI rates. Methods: We performed multiple regressions to examine the relationships between 15 patient safety culture variables and a composite measure of adverse clinical events based on 8 risk-adjusted PSIs from 179 hospitals, controlling for hospital bed size and ownership. All patient safety culture data were collected in 2005 and 2006 (except 1 late 2004 hospital), and all PSI data were collected in 2005. Results: Nearly all of the relationships tested were in the expected direction (negative), and 7 (47%) of the 15 relationships were statistically significant. All significant relationships were of moderate size, with standardized regression coefficients ranging from −0.15 to −0.41, indicating that hospitals with a more positive patient safety culture scores had lower rates of in-hospital complications or adverse events as measured by PSIs. Conclusions: Our findings support the idea that a more positive patient safety culture is associated with fewer adverse events in hospitals. Further research is needed to determine the generalizability of these results to larger sets of hospitals and to examine the causal relationship between patient safety culture and clinical patient outcomes.
Optimization and Simulation of a MO Problem Solved by GAs and PSO

This paper solves an economic multi-objective optimization problem through two improved intelligent optimization methods, one is multi-objective genetic algorithms named RNPGA (random niche pareto genetic algorithms), and the other is improved PSO (particle swarm optimization) with linear inertia weight reduction, which the constraints is in a specified region. Moreover we calculate the model through programming and give the simulation results. Computing results show the validity and advancing of the methods and the PSO algorithm is more quickly to solve the actual problem.
The Use of Fixed-and Random-Effects Models for Classifying Hospitals as Mortality Outliers: A Monte Carlo Assessment

Background. There is an increasing movement towards the release of hospital “report-cards. ” However, there is a paucity of research into the abilities of the different methods to correctly classify hospitals as performance outliers.Objective. To examine the ability of risk-adjusted mortality rates computed using conventional logistic regression and random-effects logistic regression models to correctly identify hospitals that have higher than acceptable mortality.Research Design.Monte Carlo simulations.Measures. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value of a classification as a high-outlier for identifying hospitals with higher than acceptable mortality rates.Results. When the distribution of hospital-specific log-odds of death was normal, random-effects models had greater specificity and positive predictive value than fixed-effects models. However, fixed-effects models had greater sensitivity than random-effects models.Conclusions. Researchers and policy makers need to carefully consider the balance between false positives and false negatives when choosing statistical models for determining which hospitals have higher than acceptablemortality in performance profiling.