Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
NPL Cs fountain frequency standards and the quest for the ultimate accuracy

NPL operates a system of two primary caesium fountain clocks consisting of a fully characterised standard NPL-CsF2 together with a new standard NPL-CsF3, which has recently become operational. Both fountains feature a single-stage vapour-loaded magneto-optical trap as the source of cold atoms and an approximate cancellation of the potentially large cold collision frequency shift. As a result, the collision-shift type-B uncertainty is less than 10-16. Subsequently, more subtle systematic effects, including the frequency shifts from distributed cavity phase, microwave lensing and collisions with background gas have also been evaluated at the level of 10-16 or below. Now, as several systematic effects contribute to the fountains’ uncertainty budgets similarly, further significant improvement of their accuracies is expected to be even more difficult. The short-term stability of these standards is also a significant factor limiting the overall precision as many days or even weeks of averaging is required for the type-A statistical uncertainty to approach the declared type-B systematic uncertainty. Going forward, further improvements in the reliability and robustness of operation of fountain standards is one of our priorities.
The robust regulation problem with robust stability: a subspace-valued function approach

Among the most common purposes are the tracking of reference signals and the rejection of disturbance signals in the face of uncertainties. The related design problem is called the "robust regulation problem". Here we investigate the tradeoff between the robust regulation constraint and the requirement of robust stability with respect to perturbations in the normalized coprime factors of the plant. We use an approach in terms of subspace-valued functions associated to plant and controller. In this way, necessary and sufficient conditions for robust regulation with robust stability can be related to a simple geometric property.
A Return Prediction-based Investment with Particle Filtering and Anomaly Detection

This paper proposes a new stochastic volatility model with time-varying expected return, which enables us to predict returns based on exponential moving averages of the past returns frequently used in practice. Particularly, exploiting a particle filter in a self-organizing state space framework, we demonstrate that a simple return prediction- based strategy is superior to well-known strategies such as equally-weighted, minimum-variance and risk parity portfolios, which do not depend on return prediction. In addition, we develop three types of anomaly detectors that are easily implemented in the algorithm of the particle filter and apply them to investment decision. As a result, our model robustly outperforms the exponential moving average. Our dataset is monthly total returns of global assets such as stocks, bonds and REITs, and investment performances are evaluated with various statistics such as compound returns, Sharpe ratios, Sortino ratios or drawdowns.
Carbon and oxygen isotopic records of benthic foraminifera from the Northeast Indian Ocean : implications on glacial-interglacial atmospheric CO 2 changes

We present here continuous records of 8180 and t~13C in benthic foraminifera, extending well into the last ice age, in two piston cores from the Andaman Sea (sill depth ~ 1.3 km) and the Bay of Bengal (3 km). These show that, contrary to the previous reports, the glacial to interglacial shift in 613C at mid-depths in the Northeast Indian Ocean was indistinguishable from the mean oceanic 313C change, negating a more vigorous renewal of intermediate waters globally during the glacial time. The corresponding 813C shift in deep waters is estimated to be about 50% larger than that reported previously. Jointly with some recent data from the Pacific, our results indicate a modest glacial-Holocene shift in the intermediate to deep water chemical gradients in the Indo-Pacific as a whole, implying that it was perhaps not the dominant mechanism for the glacial-interglacial atmospheric CO 2 variations. Also, in conflict with previous work, our measurements suggest significant cooling of both the intermediate and deep waters during the glacial time. The high-resolution records from the Andaman Sea help reconstruct paleoenvironmental changes at intermediate depths during the last deglaciation. Rapid increases in t~13C occurring in two stages during the early deglaciation appear to have been caused by the fluctuations in the North Atlantic Deep Water production. A negative excursion in t~13C during the mid-deglaciation is ascribed to enhanced nutrient regeneration at mid-depths associated with the greatly intensified summer monsoon around the Pleistocene-Holocene boundary.
Phosphatidylcholine hydrolysis activates NF-kappa B and increases human immunodeficiency virus replication in human monocytes and T lymphocytes

We have tested whether breakdown of phosphatidylcholine (PC) initiated by exogenous addition of a PC-specific phospholipase C (PC-PLC) from Bacillus cereus or by endogenous overexpression of PC-PLC induces functional activation of NF-kappa B and increases human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) enhancer activity. PC-PLC-activated hydrolysis of PC was found to induce bona fide p50/p65 NF-kappa B binding activity in three different cell lines of human or murine origin. No significant changes in the turnover of other cellular phospholipids were detected in PC-PLC-treated cells. Induction of NF-kappa B by PC-PLC did not depend on de novo synthesis of proteins or autocrine secretion of either tumor necrosis factor or interleukin 1. In human monocytic and lymphoblastoid T-cell lines, induction of NF-kappa B by PC-PLC resulted in clear induction of luciferase expression vectors placed under the control of synthetic kappa B enhancers or wild type, but not kappa B-mutated, HIV long terminal repeat constructs. HIV replication was increased by PC-PLC in chronically infected monocytes and T lymphocytes. NF-kappa B activation promoted by addition of exogenous PC-PLC correlated with an intense production of diacylglycerol. However, addition of a phosphatidylinositol-specific PLC from B. cereus also induced diacylglycerol but did not activate kappa B enhancer-directed vectors. PC-PLC-induced NF-kappa B activation could not be blocked by a specific inhibitor of phorbol ester-inducible protein kinases C. These results indicate that a cellular transduction pathway, dependent on specific PC breakdown, is functional in T lymphocytes and monocytes and may be used by various transmembrane receptors to activate HIV transcription through NF-kappa B-dependent induction of the HIV enhancer.
Internet Addictive Behavior in Adolescence: A Cross-Sectional Study in Seven European Countries

A cross-sectional school-based survey study (N=13,284; 53% females; mean age 15.8±0.7) of 14-17-year-old adolescents was conducted in seven European countries (Greece, Spain, Poland, Germany, Romania, the Netherlands, and Iceland). The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence of Internet addictive behavior (IAB) and related psychosocial characteristics among adolescents in the participating countries. In the study, we distinguish two problematic groups: adolescents with IAB, characterized by a loss of control over their Internet use, and adolescents "at risk for IAB," showing fewer or weaker symptoms of IAB. The two groups combined form a group of adolescents with dysfunctional Internet behavior (DIB). About 1% of adolescents exhibited IAB and an additional 12.7% were at risk for IAB; thus, in total, 13.9% displayed DIB. The prevalence of DIB was significantly higher among boys than among girls (15.2% vs. 12.7%, p<0.001) and varied widely between countries, from 7.9% in Iceland to 22.8% in Spain. Frequent use of specific online activities (e.g., gambling, social networking, gaming) at least 6 days/week was associated with greater probability of displaying DIB. Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that DIB was more frequent among adolescents with a lower educational level of the parents, earlier age at first use of the Internet, and greater use of social networking sites and gaming sites. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that externalizing (i.e., behavioral) and internalizing (i.e., emotional) problems were associated with the presence of DIB.
An architectural proposal to explore the data of a private community through visual analytic

In this document, a proposal is made to study the data that will be generated in the private and anonymous community of the WYRED project, in order to extract knowledge about how their users interact, both between them, and with the platform. To do this, it is started with the creation of a system that will generate a set of test data, as close as possible to the original. With this information and considering the impact of privacy when dealing with the data of the project, a flexible and complete architecture has been proposed for the development of interactive visualizations that will allow to visualize the previously generated data. Finally, a use case is presented where the suitability of the visual analytic is demonstrated to perform analysis of the data of the project and to extract knowledge, in a simple way.
Classification of Imbalanced Data: a Review

Classification of data with imbalanced class distribution has encountered a significant drawback of the performance attainable by most standard classifier learning algorithms which assume a relatively balanced class distribution and equal misclassification costs. This paper provides a review of the classification of imbalanced data regarding: the application domains; the nature of the problem; the learning difficulties with standard classifier learning algorithms; the learning objectives and evaluation measures; the reported research solutions; and the class imbalance problem in the presence of multiple classes.
Crystal structure of 5-(4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-3-methyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyrazin-6-amine

In the title compound, C15H15N7, the phenyl ring is inclined by 19.86 (5)° to the mean plane of the pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyrazine core. In the crystal, N—H⋯N and C—H⋯N hydrogen bonds form [010] chains, which stack via π–π interactions [centroid–centroid distance between the pyrazole rings = 3.4322 (7) Å].
Mutual coupling reduction in MIMO antennas using artificial magnetic materials

In this paper, artificial magnetic resonators are used in order to reduce mutual coupling in Multiple-input Multiple-Output (MIMO) systems. Split-ring resonator (SRR) inclusions are inserted between closely-spaced high-profile monopole antenna elements. It is shown that mutual coupling between the antenna elements can be reduced significantly by incorporating such magnetic inclusions. The magnetic materials work as insulators, and thus can be applied in a variety of antenna applications.
Evaluation of a Computerized Clinical Decision Support System and EHR-Linked Registry to Improve the Management of Hypertension in a Community Health Center Inclusive dates

Hypertension affects millions of adults in the United States, many of whom are among the underserved populations that bear a disproportionate burden of chronic disease and illness. Community health centers (CHCs) are a major source of care for the underserved. This project was designed to analyze the efficacy of office-based electronic decision support and provider feedback in improving hypertension control in CHCs. Dr. Kopal and her team hypothesized that a clinical decision support system (CDSS) and electronic registry-linked performance feedback would be more effective at improving hypertension control than a standard-care electronic health record (EHR) in CHCs that serve low-income, primarily Latino patients.
RGB-D foreground extraction from a moving camera using nonlinear pixel classification

Abstract. We propose a foreground extraction method from a freely moving RGB-D video camera that uses a nonlinear optimization function to classify pixels in every frame as either foreground or background. The method starts with extracting sparse features in every frame. These features are then matched to create a nonlinear optimization function that is used to label each pixel in the depth image as either foreground or background. Finally, the inverse mapping from depth to RGB data is used to extract the foreground from the RGB image. Our results show that even in the presence of high camera motion, it is possible to reliably extract the foreground from the RGB-D video data captured from a freely moving camera.
Potentially synbiotic fermented beverage with aqueous extracts of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd) and soy

The aim of this study was to develop a potentially synbiotic beverage fermented with Lactobacillus casei LC-1 based on aqueous extracts of soy and quinoa with added fructooligosaccharides (FOS). Five formulations with differing proportions of soy and quinoa extracts were tested. The viability of the microorganism, the pH, and the acidity of all formulations were monitored until the 28th day of storage at 5 ℃. The chemical composition of the extracts and beverages and the rheological and sensory properties of the final products were analyzed. Although an increase in acidity and a decrease in pH were observed during the 28 days of storage, the viability of the probiotic microorganism was maintained at 108 CFU·mL−1 in all formulated beverages throughout the storage period. An increase in viscosity and consistency in the formulations with higher concentrations of quinoa (F1 and F2) was observed. Formulation F4 (70% soy and 30% quinoa extracts) showed the least hysteresis. Formulations F4 and F5 (100% soy extract) had the best sensory acceptance while F4 resulted in the highest intention to purchase from a group of 80 volunteers. For chemical composition, F3 (50% soy and 50% quinoa extracts) and F4 showed the best results compared to similar fermented beverages. The formulation F4 was considered the best beverage overall.
Heparin-induced Thrombocytopenia in Two Patients Undergoing Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Surgery

We have experienced 2 cases of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia during unfractionated heparin treatment for disseminated intravascular coagulation after surgery for an abdominal aortic aneurysm. In the first case, as a symptom of disseminated intravascular coagulation gradually improved with antithrombin concentrates and heparin treatment, mesenteric artery thrombosis suddenly occurred, associated with a >50% decrease in platelet count on the 11th day. Although the platelet counts were increasing due to heparin cessation, clinical symptom and coagulation abnormalities worsened to multiple organ failure. In the second case, the platelet count decreased to <10 × 104/µL on the 13th day after the start of unfractionated heparin anticoagulation along with continuous hemodiafiltration, which was indicated for postoperative renal failure. The extracorporeal circuit clotted frequently under an adequate dose of unfractionated heparin. Serologically, heparin—platelet factor 4 complex antibodies were repeatedly detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Argatroban, a direct thrombin inhibitor, was introduced as an alternative to unfractionated heparin, and the platelet count improved with a decrease in titers of the antibodies. Disseminated intravascular coagulation is a common complication in cases of abdominal aortic aneurysm and is usually treated in association with unfractionated heparin. It is important to recognize the onset of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia that acute declines in the platelet count and appearance of thrombosis with positive for heparin—platelet factor 4 complex antibodies would suddenly occur in clinical course of disseminated intravascular coagulation.
Translocation of autogenous bone particles to improve peri‐implant osteogenesis

During the placement of titanium implants into bone, particles are loosened and translocated as a result of the inherent roughness of the surface. Such bone particles have been shown to play a significant role in new bone formation. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to establish a new regenerative procedure, which can be implemented immediately during surgery, to provide implants with additional autogenous bone particles. Thereafter, we investigated the effect of such ‘bone‐coated’ implants on the healing response. In our model, dental screw‐type implants were placed in the iliac crests of goats, following three approaches: (a) implants were placed, then removed while retaining bone debris on the surface, and subsequently placed into freshly prepared holes; (b) new implants were installed in the donor sites from group 1; and (c) control implants were inserted according to the standard protocol. After 3 weeks, microcomputed tomography and histomorphometerical analyses on bone–implant contact (BIC) and bone area (BA) were performed. The results showed that the retained bone debris in group 1 was viable bone‐like tissue when cultured in vitro. In vivo histological results showed a significantly higher BIC for the ‘bone‐coated’ (43.42 ± 11.29%) compared to the control (28.15 ± 11.86%) implants. Also, adjacent to the implants a significantly higher BA was found for ‘bone‐coated’ implants (39.51 ± 11.17%) compared to the controls (31.92 ± 10.25%). Notably, no detrimental effects were noticed for the ‘donor‐site’ positions. In conclusion, the transported autogenous bone particles accelerated peri‐implant osteogenesis. Clinical studies are needed to evaluate the potential of this procedure in clinical practice. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
No Increase of the Blood Oxygenation Level-Dependent Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Signal with Higher Field Strength: Implications for Brain Activation Studies

Experimental data up to 7.0 T show that the blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) signal of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) increases with higher magnetic field strength. Although several studies at 11.7 T report higher BOLD signal compared with studies at 7.0 T, no direct comparison at these two field strengths has been performed under the exact same conditions. It therefore remains unclear whether the expected increase of BOLD effect with field strength will still continue to hold for fields >7.0 T. To examine this issue, we compared the BOLD activation signal at 7.0 and 11.7 T with the two common sequences, spin-echo (SE) and gradient-echo (GE) echo planar imaging (EPI). We chose the physiologically well controlled rat model of electrical forepaw stimulation under medetomidine sedation. While a linear to superlinear increase in activation with field strengths up to 7.0 T was reported in the literature, we observed no significant activation difference between 7.0 and 11.7 T with either SE or GE. Discussing the results in light of the four-component model of the BOLD signal, we showed that at high field only two extravascular contributions remain relevant, while both intravascular components vanish. Constancy of the BOLD effect is discussed due to motional narrowing, i.e., susceptibility gradients become so strong that phase variance of diffusing spins decreases and therefore the BOLD signal also decreases. This finding will be of high significance for the planning of future human and animal fMRI studies at high fields and their quantitative analysis.
ISPAD Clinical Practice Consensus Guidelines 2006–2007 Definition, epidemiology and classification

Authors: Maria E. Craig, University of NSW,University of Sydney, The Children’s Hospital atWestmead, AustraliaAndrew Hattersley, Institute of Biomedical andClinical Sciences, Peninsula Medical School, Exeter, UKKim Donaghue, University of Sydney, The Children’sHospital at Westmead, NSW, Australiae-mail KimD@chw.edu. auAcknowledgements: Denis Daneman, Zvi Laron, ShinAmemiya, Shigetaka Sugihara, Tatsuhiko Urakami,Gun ForsanderEditors: Kim Donaghue, Ragnar Hanas, GeorgeannaKlingensmith, Peter SwiftDefinitionDiabetes mellitus (DM) is a group of metabolicdiseases characterized by chronic hyperglycaemiaresulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulinaction, or both. The abnormalities in carbohydrate,fat, and protein metabolism that are found in diabetesare due to deficient action of insulin on target tissues.If ketones are present in the blood or urine, treatmentis urgent because ketoacidosis can evolve rapidly.Diagnostic criteria for diabetes inchildhood and adolescenceDiagnostic criteria for diabetes are based on bloodglucose measurements and thepresenceorabsenceof symptoms (E) (1, 2). Three ways to diagnosediabetes are possible and each, in the absence ofunequivocal hyperglycaemia, must be confirmed, ona subsequent day, by any one of the three methodsgiveninTable1.
Technical Note - A Note on the Structure of Joint Inventory-Pricing Control with Leadtimes

We consider a joint inventory-pricing control problem for a periodic-review, single-stage inventory system with a positive order leadtime and a linear order cost. Demands in consecutive periods are independent, but their distributions depend on the price in accordance with a stochastic demand function of additive form. Pricing and ordering decisions are made simultaneously at the beginning of each period. The objective is to maximize the total expected discounted profit over a finite horizon. We partially characterize the structure of the optimal joint ordering and pricing policies. We also show that our structural analysis can be extended to a multistage (or serial) inventory system with constant or stochastic leadtimes and an assemble-to-order system with price-sensitive demand.
Thompson Sampling for Learning Parameterized MDPs

We consider reinforcement learning in parameterized Markov Decision Processes (MDPs), where the parameterization may induce correlation across transition probabilities or rewards. Consequently, observing a particular state transition might yield useful information about other, unobserved, parts of the MDP. We present a version of Thompson sampling for parameterized reinforcement learning problems, and derive a frequentist regret bound for priors over general parameter spaces. The result shows that the number of instants where suboptimal actions are chosen scales logarithmically with time, with high probability. It holds for prior distributions that put significant probability near the true model, without any additional, specific closed-form structure such as conjugate or product-form priors. The constant factor in the logarithmic scaling encodes the information complexity of learning the MDP in terms of the Kullback-Leibler geometry of the parameter space.
Image Interpolation Based on Saliency Information

In this paper, we propose an image interpolation algorithm based on the characteristics of the Human Visual System (HVS). Firstly, the saliency map is extracted for the input image by the feature contrast. Based on the saliency detection algorithm, the input image can be divided into salient regions and non-salient regions. A non-local means based interpolation and the bicubic interpolation operations are adopted to implement the image interpolation for salient and non-salient regions in visual scenes, respectively. Experimental results show that the proposed method improves the perceptual quality of the salient regions during image interpolation. The PSNR and SSIM results demonstrate that the proposed method can obtain better performance than existing related image interpolation methods.
Pediatric transfusion medicine: development of a critical mass

Many significant events have occurred in the recent past that beg a broad audience to address the question “What is pediatric transfusion medicine? ” Herein, we list some of these events and their relevance below and attempt to provide an answer for this question. Indeed, several issues regarding the subspecialty of pediatric transfusion medicine (PTM) are particularly timely, and it appears that a critical mass, or a nidus capable of becoming a critical mass, is developing in PTM.