Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of a novel noninvasive continuous core temperature measurement system with a zero heat flux sensor using a manikin of the human body

Abstract Reliable continuous perioperative core temperature measurement is of major importance. The pulmonary artery catheter is currently the gold standard for measuring core temperature but is invasive and expensive. Using a manikin, we evaluated the new, noninvasive SpotOn™ temperature monitoring system (SOT). With a sensor placed on the lateral forehead, SOT uses zero heat flux technology to noninvasively measure core temperature; and because the forehead is devoid of thermoregulatory arteriovenous shunts, a piece of bone cement served as a model of the frontal bone in this study. Bias, limits of agreements, long-term measurement stability, and the lowest measurable temperature of the device were investigated. Bias and limits of agreement of the temperature data of two SOTs and of the thermistor placed on the manikin’s surface were calculated. Measurements obtained from SOTs were similar to thermistor values. The bias and limits of agreement lay within a predefined clinically acceptable range. Repeat measurements differed only slightly, and stayed stable for hours. Because of its temperature range, the SOT cannot be used to monitor temperatures below 28°C. In conclusion, the new SOT could provide a reliable, less invasive and cheaper alternative for measuring perioperative core temperature in routine clinical practice. Further clinical trials are needed to evaluate these results.
On Stochastic Primal-Dual Hybrid Gradient Approach for Compositely Regularized Minimization

We consider a wide spectrum of regularized stochastic minimization problems, where the regularization term is composite with a linear function. Examples of this formulation include graph-guided regularized minimization, generalized Lasso and a class of l1 regularized problems. The computational challenge is that the closed-form solution of the proximal mapping associated with the regularization term is not available due to the imposed linear composition. Fortunately, the structure of the regularization term allows us to reformulate it as a new convex-concave saddle point problem which can be solved using the Primal-Dual Hybrid Gradient (PDHG) approach. However, this approach may be inefficient in realistic applications as computing the full gradient of the expected objective function could be very expensive when the number of input data samples is considerably large. To address this issue, we propose a Stochastic PDHG (SPDHG) algorithm with either uniformly or non-uniformly averaged iterates. Through uniformly averaged iterates, the SPDHG algorithm converges in expectation with O(1/√t) rate for general convex objectives and O(log(t)/t) rate for strongly convex objectives, respectively. While with non-uniformly averaged iterates, the SPDHG algorithm is expected to converge with O(1/t) rate for strongly convex objectives. Numerical experiments on different genres of datasets demonstrate that our proposed algorithm outperforms other competing algorithms.
Evaluation of GPS trajectories on VGI and social websites

Nowadays, researchers tend to make use of GPS trajectories collected by companies, organizations, or volunteers. GPS trajectories on crowdsourcing websites are less widely used in researches but actually have great potential for various applications. Thus, this paper makes a comprehensive study on GPS trajectories on VGI websites and social websites. The volume, growth rate, and categories of the data are analyzed, the accuracy and integrity are identified, and additional attributes of trajectories are also discussed. Statistical results indicate that the accuracy and integrity of the data is within acceptable limits. We also conclude that this data is suitable for travel-related studies, while may not for time-related researches. Further studies and sample surveys are needed to confirm if it's suitable for road information extraction. This data may be soon applicable to more researches because of its rapid development.
Inflammatory Response to Coronary Stent Implantation in Patients with Unstable Angina

Abstract Previous evidence has shown that coronary angioplasty leads to the release of inflammatory mediators. In this study, we sought to characterize the systemic inflammatory response after coronary stent implantation in patients with unstable angina by measuring different protein markers. Peripheral blood samples were taken before and 24 h, 48 h, and 7 days after successful coronary stenting in 58 patients. Several markers of acute-phase response were determined: C-reactive protein (CRP), α2-macroglobulin, haptoglobin, acid α1-glycoprotein, prealbumin and albumin. Besides, proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α IL-6, IL-8) and the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 were also measured. We have found that coronary angioplasty with stent implantation produces a systemic inflammatory response with a rise in inflammation markers concentration. CRP plasma levels declined 1 week after the intervention, but the other marker levels were even higher after 7 days. IL-6 was the only cytokine whose plasma levels significantly increased in peripheral blood after stenting, with a rise after 24 h, maintained after 48 h, and decreased to near-basal levels after 1 week. There was a good correlation between CRP and IL-6 plasma levels (r=0.5, p<0.001). IL-10 levels were slightly decreased after 24 h. Although no significant differences in the means at different time points were found, there was a decrease in IL-10 in most patients 24 h after the intervention. These results indicate that coronary stent implantation induces a systemic inflammatory reaction, with a temporal increase in the concentration of the inflammation markers, especially CRP and IL-6. Since these markers had been previously used as prognostic markers, this needs to be taken into account in patients undergoing stent implantation.
Hydraulic tomography: Development of a new aquifer test method

Hydraulic tomography (i.e., a sequential aquifer test) has recently been proposed as a method for characterizing aquifer heterogeneity. During a hydraulic tomography experiment, water is sequentially pumped from or injected into an aquifer at different vertical portions or intervals of the aquifer. During each pumping or injection, hydraulic head responses of the aquifer at other intervals are monitored, yielding a set of head/discharge (or recharge) data. By sequentially pumping (or injecting) water at one interval and monitoring the steady state head responses at others, many head/discharge (recharge) data sets are obtained. In this study a sequential inverse approach is developed to interpret results of hydraulic tomography. The approach uses an iterative geostatistical inverse method to yield the effective hydraulic conductivity of an aquifer, conditioned on each set of head/discharge data. To efficiently include all the head/discharge data sets, a sequential conditioning method is employed. It uses the estimated hydraulic conductivity field and covariances, conditioned on the previous head/discharge data set, as prior information for next estimations using a new set of pumping data. This inverse approach was first applied to hypothetical, two‐dimensional, heterogeneous aquifers to investigate the optimal sampling scheme for the hydraulic tomography, i.e., the design of well spacing, pumping, and monitoring locations. The effects of measurement errors and uncertainties in statistical parameters required by the inverse model were also investigated. Finally, the robustness of this inverse approach was demonstrated through its application to a hypothetical, three‐dimensional, heterogeneous aquifer.
Modeling of Heavy Tailed Sea Clutter Based on the Generalized Central Limit Theory

For high-resolution radars operating at low grazing angles, sea clutter always exhibits an impulse behavior with heavy tailed statistical property. Presented is a statistical model for spiky sea clutter based on the generalized central limit theory (CLT). Within the compound Gaussian structure, the CLT is adopted in the modeling of the Bragg scattering speckle component, while the generalized CLT is introduced to describe the contribution of spiky scattering component, which has potential in describing the impulse nature of the underlying mean level because of its algebraic (inverse power) tails. Validation results with S- and X-band measured sea clutter data indicate that the proposed model can improve the fitting accuracy of spiky sea clutter effectively, especially in the tail region.
The composition of cometary volatiles

The composition of cometary ices provides key information on the chemical and physical properties of the outer solar nebula where comets formed, 4.6 G.y. ago. This chapter summarizes our current knowledge of the volatile composition of cometary nuclei, based on spectroscopic observations and in situ measurements of parent molecules and noble gases in cometary comae. The processes that govern the excitation and emission of parent molecules in the radio, infrared (IR), and ultraviolet (UV) wavelength regions are reviewed. The techniques used to convert line or band fluxes into molecular production rates are described. More than two dozen parent molecules have been identified, and we describe how each is investigated. The spatial distribution of some of these molecules has been studied by in situ measurements, long-slit IR and UV spectroscopy, and millimeter wave mapping, including interferometry. The spatial distributions of CO, H2CO, and OCS differ from that expected during direct sublimation from the nucleus, which suggests that these species are produced, at least partly, from extended sources in the coma. Abundance determinations for parent molecules are reviewed, and the evidence for chemical diversity among comets is discussed.
Active Input Current Shaper Without an Electrolytic Capacitor for Retrofit Lamps Applications

The evolution of solid-state lighting technology has transformed traditional solutions in lighting. High-brightness light-emitting diodes (HB-LEDs) have become very attractive light sources due to their excellent characteristics, namely high efficiency, a long lifetime, and low maintenance. It is evident that HB-LED drivers must be durable and efficient in order to enjoy these advantages. Moreover, to replace incandescent bulbs, the ac-to-dc HB-LED driver must be simple and have low size and comply with international regulations (i.e., injecting low-frequency harmonics into the mains supply). With the last modifications regarding low-power lighting equipment (i.e., < 25 W), the authors have traditionally focused their efforts on increasing efficiency by sacrificing sinusoidal input current, yet all their solutions obviate the suppression of the traditional electrolytic capacitor of ac-to-dc converters, highlighting that this is the price to pay for a simple and low-size solution. This paper, however, puts forward the design of a simple and low-size ac-to-dc HB-LED driver for retrofit lamps without an electrolytic capacitor in order to extend its lifetime. The solution proposed here derives from a well-known technique used in the past, the active input current shaper (AICS), but without an electrolytic capacitor in this case. If the electrolytic capacitor of an AICS is removed, then low-frequency ripple arises at its intermediate dc bus, adding some distortion in the line input current over the proper natural one of an AICS. However, this addition is slight in comparison to the proper natural distortion of AICSs. Moreover, the low-frequency ripple at the intermediate bus is not transferred to the output with the help of the rapid output dynamic response of the AICS, which prevents flicker. This paper presents a theoretical analysis that guarantees a compromise between compliance with international regulations and the use of capacitor technologies other than the electrolytic design. Finally, a 24-W experimental prototype has been built and tested to validate the theoretical results presented in this paper.
Shame and Humiliation: From Isolation to Relational Transformation

This paper is a discussion of shame and humiliation that goes beyond individualistic perspectives, offering a broader, relational analysis of these profound and complex experiences. In addition to defining and examining the harmful consequences of various forms of derision and degradation, the authors explore clinical encounters with shame and humiliation, present a case, and describe relational practices that can transform shame and humiliation into opportunities for growth and greater connection.
Exploiting expectation maximization algorithm for sentiment analysis of product reviews

Millions of comments are available on forums, Facebook, Tweeter, YouTube etc. Proper analysis of these huge comments can lead to solve many social, economic, political, business related questions which otherwise are difficult to understand and analyse. Proposed system explores the statistical approach for sentiment analysis of product reviews using expectation maximization algorithm. Systematic mathematical model has been developed for the proposed system.
Augmented reality and digital genre design — Situated simulations on the iPhone

In digital media - including augmented reality research - rapid change continue to take place at the levels of hardware and software. This paper focus on a third layer in a hierarchy of digital media - meaningware. Meaningware is the domain of digital textuality, its genres and conventions - all key subject matters of the humanities. To prevent cultural lag at the textual level the conduct of genre design is suggested as a methodological approach. The potential 'genre' experimented with here is a type of augmented reality system we have named Situated Simulations. The system takes advantage of the convergence of mobility, broadband, rich graphics capabilities and positioning/orientation technologies, on off the shelf mobile phones. The current platform applied is Apple's iPhone. The paper describes the development of three prototyped situated simulations designed for use in both learning and tourism. Interface and design issues are discussed, and a perspective on the epistemological increment of augmented reality and situated simulations is related to Bateson's notion of double descriptions.
Hepatitis C Virus Genotyping Based on 5′ Noncoding Sequence Analysis (Trugene)

ABSTRACT Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotyping of samples from 184 patients with chronic HCV infection by the Trugene 5′NC genotyping kit, based on sequence analysis of the 5′ noncoding region (5′ NCR), and the InnoLiPA assay was evaluated. In addition to these methods, the 184 samples were also analyzed by sequencing of part of the NS5B of the HCV genome after in-house PCR amplification, as a means of validating results obtained with the 5′ NCR. The distribution of the genotypes typed by NS5B sequence analysis was as follows: 1a, 41 samples; 1b, 58 samples; 1d, 1 sample; 2a, 5 samples; 2b, 2 samples; 2c, 7 samples; 3a, 46 samples; 4a, 7 samples; 4c, 1 samples; 4e, 9 samples; 5a, 6 samples; 6a, 1 sample. The Trugene and InnoLiPA assays gave concordant results within HCV types in 100% of cases. The ability to discriminate at the subtype level was 76 and 74% for the Trugene and the InnoLiPA assays, respectively.
Fuzzy cognitive maps based on text analysis for supporting strategic planning

Strategy maps are attracting considerable interest in strategic planning due to their capacity to represent causal-effect relationships among the key concepts. Several studies have used expert estimates to quantify the relationships. However, these evolve dynamically and are context-specific. Therefore, there is a need to develop automatic knowledge acquisition systems. Here, the assumption was used that knowledge can be extracted from strategic documents in order to conduct a detailed analysis of causal strategic concepts. First, latent semantic analysis is employed to obtain an interpretable semantic model. Second, collocated causal concepts are used to model relationships among strategic concepts. This approach to generate fuzzy cognitive maps (FCMs) is semi-automatic, requiring theoretical background literature/domain experts to determine the direction of the causalities. The FCMs can subsequently be used to simulate the effects of strategic management and, thus, provide an effective decision support tool. Several innovation strategies of regions are used as a case study and it is demonstrated that the generated FCMs are consistent with expert opinions and fuzzy ANP method.
Treating infant colic with the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri: double blind, placebo controlled randomised trial

Objective To determine whether the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 reduces crying or fussing in a broad community based sample of breastfed infants and formula fed infants with colic aged less than 3 months. Design Double blind, placebo controlled randomised trial. Setting Community based sample (primary and secondary level care centres) in Melbourne, Australia. Participants 167 breastfed infants or formula fed infants aged less than 3 months meeting Wessel’s criteria for crying or fussing: 85 were randomised to receive probiotic and 82 to receive placebo. Interventions Oral daily L reuteri (1×108 colony forming units) versus placebo for one month. Main outcomes measures The primary outcome was daily duration of cry or fuss at 1 month. Secondary outcomes were duration of cry or fuss; number of cry or fuss episodes; sleep duration of infant at 7, 14, and 21 days, and 1 and 6 months; maternal mental health (Edinburgh postnatal depression subscale); family functioning (paediatric quality of life inventory), parent quality adjusted life years (assessment of quality of life) at 1 and 6 months; infant functioning (paediatric quality of life inventory) at 6 months; infant faecal microbiota (microbial diversity, colonisation with Escherichia coli), and calprotectin levels at 1 month. In intention to treat analyses the two groups were compared using regression models adjusted for potential confounders. Results Of 167 infants randomised from August 2011 to August 2012, 127 (76%) were retained to primary outcome; of these, a subset was analysed for faecal microbial diversity, E coli colonisation, and calprotectin levels. Adherence was high. Mean daily cry or fuss time fell steadily in both groups. At 1 month, the probiotic group cried or fussed 49 minutes more than the placebo group (95% confidence interval 8 to 90 minutes, P=0.02); this mainly reflected more fussing, especially for formula fed infants. The groups were similar on all secondary outcomes. No study related adverse events occurred. ConclusionsL reuteri DSM 17938 did not benefit a community sample of breastfed infants and formula fed infants with colic. These findings differ from previous smaller trials of selected populations and do not support a general recommendation for the use of probiotics to treat colic in infants. Trial registration Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN95287767.
Plant-Specific Histone Deacetylases HDT1/2 Regulate GIBBERELLIN 2-OXIDASE2 Expression to Control Arabidopsis Root Meristem Cell Number[OPEN]

HDT1 and HDT2 fine-tune GA metabolism in Arabidopsis root tips to control the switch from cell division to expansion, and in this way determine meristem cell number and regulate root growth rate. Root growth is modulated by environmental factors and depends on cell production in the root meristem (RM). New cells in the meristem are generated by stem cells and transit-amplifying cells, which together determine RM cell number. Transcription factors and chromatin-remodeling factors have been implicated in regulating the switch from stem cells to transit-amplifying cells. Here, we show that two Arabidopsis thaliana paralogs encoding plant-specific histone deacetylases, HDT1 and HDT2, regulate a second switch from transit-amplifying cells to expanding cells. Knockdown of HDT1/2 (hdt1,2i) results in an earlier switch and causes a reduced RM cell number. Our data show that HDT1/2 negatively regulate the acetylation level of the C19-GIBBERELLIN 2-OXIDASE2 (GA2ox2) locus and repress the expression of GA2ox2 in the RM and elongation zone. Overexpression of GA2ox2 in the RM phenocopies the hdt1,2i phenotype. Conversely, knockout of GA2ox2 partially rescues the root growth defect of hdt1,2i. These results suggest that by repressing the expression of GA2ox2, HDT1/2 likely fine-tune gibberellin metabolism and they are crucial for regulating the switch from cell division to expansion to determine RM cell number. We propose that HDT1/2 function as part of a mechanism that modulates root growth in response to environmental factors.
Leveraging the Software Ecosystem - Towards a Business Model Framework for Marketplaces

Software platforms in the form of marketplaces like Salesforce.com`s AppExchange, Netsuite`s SuiteApp or SAP`s Commercial Platform are changing the way how software and services are distributed, consumed, and priced. Technical innovations in the underlying platforms receive high attention, while innovative business models that build on and commercialize a flourishing ecosystem are neglected. In this paper we investigate the question which marketplace business model options are available to software platform owners that want to commercialize their ecosystem's products and services. We present a framework of ten possible models that is derived from both theory and practice. The options are clustered by the required level of product/service standardization to guide the choice of business model. The framework may serve decision makers as a starting point for their business model innovation plans.
An adaptive grid refinement strategy for the drift-diffusion equations

A method of computing the error in the solution of the semiconductor current continuity equations as well as the error in the terminal currents is proposed. An appropriate error indicator is developed based on a divergence free upwinding (finite element) discretization. The grid used for discretization is adapted to the error in the solution by dynamically adding or removing grid points in order to improve the solution and thus the terminal currents. The examples indicate that it is sufficient only for a reverse-biased p-n junction to refine the grid according to the error in the Poisson equation. In the forward biased case, it is necessary to take into account the error in the current continuity equation in order to guarantee exact terminal currents. >
A low-noise thermistor bridge for use in calorimetry.

A precision thermistor bridge and thermistor is described for use in a thermal titration calorimeter or a high-speed stopped- or continuous-flow calorimeter of the Roughton type. These are compared and evaluated with regard to several other types of detectors, including the platinum resistance thermometer, thermocouple, transistor thermometer, and capacitance thermometers. At this time the best detection for our purpose seems to be a specially constructed 20-100 kΩ thermistor used in conjunction with a new ac lock-in amplifier bridge. The sensitivity of the system is equivalent to a peak-to-peak noise of 25 x 10-6 °C, with a 100-ms time constant and 1 µW power dissipation in the thermistor. Long-term drift of the bridge, without an oven, was 1 x 10-6 °C/min.