Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Discovering different kinds of smartphone users through their application usage behaviors

Understanding smartphone users is fundamental for creating better smartphones, and improving the smartphone usage experience and generating generalizable and reproducible research. However, smartphone manufacturers and most of the mobile computing research community make a simplifying assumption that all smartphone users are similar or, at best, constitute a small number of user types, based on their behaviors. Manufacturers design phones for the broadest audience and hope they work for all users. Researchers mostly analyze data from smartphone-based user studies and report results without accounting for the many different groups of people that make up the user base of smartphones. In this work, we challenge these elementary characterizations of smartphone users and show evidence of the existence of a much more diverse set of users. We analyzed one month of application usage from 106,762 Android users and discovered 382 distinct types of users based on their application usage behaviors, using our own two-step clustering and feature ranking selection approach. Our results have profound implications on the reproducibility and reliability of mobile computing studies, design and development of applications, determination of which apps should be pre-installed on a smartphone and, in general, on the smartphone usage experience for different types of users.
Cantilever biosensors in drug discovery

Importance of the field: There is a growing need for inexpensive and highly sensitive methods in high-throughput format for measuring drug–target interactions. Cantilever biosensors are ultra-high sensitive electromechanical sensors that have been successfully used for label-free detection of a large number of biological entities. They are emerging as a technology that appears attractive for high-throughput drug discovery applications. Therefore, a brief description of this technology is provided here. Areas covered in this review: The objective of this review is to present an overview of the development in cantilever biosensor field reported to date and examine applications of cantilever biosensors for biomolecular interaction characterization and drug discovery. The subareas included in the review are: cantilever measurement principles, various interactions measured such as DNA–DNA, protein–protein, membrane protein–ligand and DNA–protein. Discussion on biomarker detection is also included. What the reader will gain: We analyze the recent publications on cantilever biosensors with an emphasis on drug discovery and biomarker detection. The reader will become informed on the detection sensitivity and limit of detection achieved to date. A description of ongoing commercial activity that is likely to result in a practical instrument for researchers is also included. Technical issues that concern current researchers in the field of cantilever biosensors are also summarized. Take home message: The cantilever biosensors provide an extraordinarily sensitive method for binding affinity measurement using label-free reagents. They can be fabricated in array format for high-throughput applications using semiconductor manufacturing techniques. When they become commercially available in future, it is anticipated that they will be cost-competitive and easy to use in a research bioanalytical laboratory.
Outlier Removal for Sparse 3D Reconstruction from Video

In this work, a comparative study on sparse metric 3D reconstruction from typical video content is presented. Experimental tests are performed in order to evaluate the performances of competing algorithms from the literature in several stages of 3D reconstruction, such as feature detection and epipolar geometry estimation. During the simulations, competing algorithms, such as SIFT and Harris corner detector, PROSAC and RANSAC, 7-point and 8-point algorithms, are tested on various video content, such as TV broadcasts or recording by a hand-held camera in a controlled environment. Based on these results, it could be concluded that SIFT yields significant improvements over Harris in terms of the quality of correspondences between frames, whereas RANSAC and PROSAC perform similarly for the case of limited outliers. Finally, 7-point algorithm yields slightly superior results over 8-point. In addition to this comparative study, a novel method for the elimination of erroneous points from the reconstructed scene is proposed. The quality of the resulting algorithm is quite acceptable for its 3D reconstruction.
Development and Characterization of a High Density SNP Genotyping Assay for Cattle

The success of genome-wide association (GWA) studies for the detection of sequence variation affecting complex traits in human has spurred interest in the use of large-scale high-density single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping for the identification of quantitative trait loci (QTL) and for marker-assisted selection in model and agricultural species. A cost-effective and efficient approach for the development of a custom genotyping assay interrogating 54,001 SNP loci to support GWA applications in cattle is described. A novel algorithm for achieving a compressed inter-marker interval distribution proved remarkably successful, with median interval of 37 kb and maximum predicted gap of <350 kb. The assay was tested on a panel of 576 animals from 21 cattle breeds and six outgroup species and revealed that from 39,765 to 46,492 SNP are polymorphic within individual breeds (average minor allele frequency (MAF) ranging from 0.24 to 0.27). The assay also identified 79 putative copy number variants in cattle. Utility for GWA was demonstrated by localizing known variation for coat color and the presence/absence of horns to their correct genomic locations. The combination of SNP selection and the novel spacing algorithm allows an efficient approach for the development of high-density genotyping platforms in species having full or even moderate quality draft sequence. Aspects of the approach can be exploited in species which lack an available genome sequence. The BovineSNP50 assay described here is commercially available from Illumina and provides a robust platform for mapping disease genes and QTL in cattle.
Phenotypical characteristics, lifestyle, social class and uveal melanoma

PURPOSE To investigate potential risk factors of uveal melanoma, including phenotypical characteristics, eye burns, social class, smoking and alcohol consumption. METHODS A hospital-based and population-based case-control study of uveal melanoma was carried out from 1995 through 1998 and the results pooled. A total of 118 patients (59 men and 59 women) with uveal melanoma and 475 controls matching on sex, age and study regions were interviewed. Conditional logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). RESULTS There was an elevated risk for blue or grey iris color (OR = 3.0, 95% CI 1.5–6.0). Red or blond hair color at age 20 was slightly associated with an increased risk for uveal melanoma (OR = 1.5, 95% CI 0.9–2.4). There was no elevated risk for a history of eye burns (OR = 1.1, 95% CI 0.5–2.4). CONCLUSIONS Among the potential risk factors studied, only the phenotypical characteristics showed an association with the risk of uveal melanoma.
Accuracy of slow-roll formulae for inflationary perturbations: implications for primordial black hole formation

We investigate the accuracy of the slow-roll approximation for calculating perturbation spectra generated during inflation. The Hamilton–Jacobi formalism is used to evolve inflationary models with different histories. Models are identified for which the scalar power spectra 𝒫ℛ computed using the Stewart–Lyth slow-roll approximation differ from exact numerical calculations using the Mukhanov perturbation equation. We then revisit the problem of primordial black holes generated by inflation. Hybrid-type inflationary models, in which the inflaton is trapped in the minimum of a potential, can produce blue power spectra and an observable abundance of primordial black holes. However, this type of model can now be firmly excluded from observational constraints on the scalar spectral index on cosmological scales. We argue that significant primordial black hole formation in simple inflation models requires contrived potentials in which there is a period of fast roll towards the end of inflation. For this type of model, the Stewart–Lyth formalism breaks down. Examples of such inflationary models and numerical computations of their scalar fluctuation spectra are presented.
Dynamic fuzzy system design for modeling and control of nonlinear dynamical processes

This paper introduces the architecture and learning procedure of dynamic fuzzy system (DFS) and its control application with linear quadratic regulator (LQR). Our DFS model is a Takagi-Sugeno type fuzzy system. IF parts of the rules are Gaussian type membership functions and THEN parts of the rules are differential equations with linear functions of inputs. We give bioreactor modeling and control results in order to show efficiency of the proposed model.
Regional Cell Proliferation in Microdissected Human Prostate Specimens after Heavy Water Labeling In Vivo: Correlation with Prostate Epithelial Cells Isolated from Seminal Fluid

Purpose: Prostate cancer is detected with increasing frequency but has a highly variable natural history and prognosis and active surveillance of men with low-risk prostate cancer would benefit greatly from minimally invasive methods to identify progression. We describe here two novel in vivo metrics of cell proliferation in men with prostate neoplasia. Experimental Design: Three groups of men drank heavy water, a nonradioactive, stable isotopic tracer for 14 to 28 days: (i) healthy men, (ii) men scheduled for transrectal core needle biopsy, and (iii) men scheduled for radical prostatectomy. Prostate epithelial cells (PEC) were isolated from ejaculated seminal fluid in all subjects. Histologically graded lesions were microdissected from tissue slides obtained from subjects undergoing surgery and proliferation rates were measured from isolated cells via mass spectrometry. Results: Proliferation rates of seminal PEC in healthy men (0.10%–0.27%/d) were stable on repeat sampling. Rates above 0.34%/d were seen only in patients with cancer where rates increased progressively from normal tissue through benign prostate hyperplasia, prostate intraepithelial neoplasia, and tumor grades III and IV in all subjects. Seminal PEC kinetics correlated highly with the most proliferative microdissected region in each subject (r2 = 0.94). Conclusions: Prostate cell proliferation can be measured in vivo from microdissected histopathology sections or noninvasively from seminal fluid where the latter reflects the most proliferative region of the gland. This approach may allow monitoring of progression in men with low-risk prostate cancer. Clin Cancer Res; 18(12); 3250–60. ©2012 AACR.
Fundamentals of materials science and engineering : aninteractive e.text

List of Symbols Introduction Atomic Structure and Interatomic Bonding Structures of Metals and Ceramics Polymer Structures Imperfections in Solids Diffusion Mechanical Properties.Deformation and Strengthening Mechanisms Failure Phase Diagrams Phase Transformations Electrical Properties Types and Applications of Materials Synthesis, Fabrication, and Processing of Materials (CD-ROM) Composites (CD-ROM) Corrosion and Degradation of Materials (CD-ROM) Thermal Properties (CD-ROM) Magnetic Properties (CD-ROM). Optical Properties (CD-ROM) Materials Selection and Design Considerations (CD-ROM). Economic, Environmental, and Societal Issues in Materials Science and Engineering (CD-ROM). Appendix A: The International System of Units (SI) Appendix B: Properties of Selected Engineering Materials Appendix C: Costs and Relative Costs for Selected Engineering Materials Appendix D: Mer Structures for Common Polymers Appendix E: Glass Transition and Melting Temperatures for Common Polymeric Materials Glossary Answers to Selected Problems Index
Invasion Fosters Change: Independent Evolutionary Shifts in Reproductive Traits after Oxalis pes-caprae L. Introduction

Biological invasions offer optimal scenarios to study evolutionary changes under contemporary timescales. After long-distance dispersal, exotic species have to cope with strong mate limitation, and shifts toward uniparental reproduction have been hypothesized to be selectively advantageous. Oxalis pes-caprae is a clonal tristylous species native to South Africa, and invasive in Mediterranean regions worldwide. It reproduces sexually and asexually but the importance of each strategy differs between ranges. Native populations reproduce mostly sexually while in invasive ones asexual reproduction is the prevailing strategy due to the dominance of pentaploid monomorphic populations. Nevertheless, two contrasting scenarios have been observed after introduction: transition toward clonality, and re-acquisition of sexuality fueled by multiple introductions of compatible mates. Here, we aimed to assess evolutionary changes of reproductive traits in O. pes-caprae invasive populations and evaluate whether these traits could be related with invasion success and prevalence of certain forms in the western Mediterranean basin. Sexual and asexual reproduction traits were quantified under optimal conditions in a common garden experiment including native and invasive sexual, predominately asexual, and obligated asexual individuals. Different reproductive, ecological, and genetic constraints created by long-distance dispersal seem to have generated different selective pressures in sexual and asexual traits, with our results supporting evolutionary changes in invasive populations of O. pes-caprae. Native plants had higher sexual fitness, while a transition toward clonality was clear for invasive forms, supporting clonal reproduction as a major trait driving invasion. Differences were also observed among invasive plants, with sexual forms having increased dispersal potential; thus, they are expected to be in advantage in comparison with predominantly asexual and obligated asexual plants, and may become widespread in the future. Historical processes, like the initial introduction of predominantly asexual forms followed by sexual forms more recently, could be in the origin of current distribution patterns of O. pes-caprae in the western Mediterranean. This study shows that invasion processes are very dynamic and that ecological and genetic constraints determined by the invasion process may originate different reproductive strategies that are likely to determine invasion success.
Application of Radioisotopes in Biochemical Analyses: Metal Binding Proteins and Metal Transporters

Radioisotopes (RI) such as 3H, 14C, 32P, and 45Ca are excellent tools in biological research. Most RI are used as tracers in studies of primary and secondary metabolism, drug metabolism, transcription, translation, post-translational modifications such as protein phosphorylation, association of proteins with metals, and transport of metals across biomembranes. Furthermore, some experiments have used neutrons for mutagenesis of microorganisms, animals, and plants. Recent progress in the biological sciences has resulted in novel probes and labeling reagents, which has decreased the need for RI. Experiments with RI require experimental space specialized for RI, careful experimental procedures, and training. Although these are disadvantages, RI are still useful and powerful tools with high resolution compared with non-RI methods. Here, we describe the advantages of RI in biochemical assays, and detailed experimental procedures of metal-binding assays and membrane transport measurements of metal cations, especially calcium and zinc.
HeartWare Implantation with Outflow Graft Anastomosis to the Descending Aorta via Left Thoracotomy

Ventricular assist devices (VADs) have revolutionized treatment of advanced heart failure. VAD recipients benefit from improved functional status, better quality of life and good survival result. The advancement of post-VADs implant management, improved durability of devices and scarcity of heart donor have made VAD an attractive alternative to heart transplant, with an increasing trend of it being used as destination therapy rather than bridge therapy. The increasing demand for VAD therapy and complexity of patients called for alternative VAD implantation approaches to be addressed. We report a case of HeartWare VAD implantation via left thoracotomy with outflow graft anastomosis to the descending aorta in a patient with previous sternotomy from coronary artery bypass.
Comparison of 90Y-Ibritumomab Tiuxetan and 131I-Tositumomab in Clinical Practice

We retrospectively evaluated our single-center clinical experience with 90Y-ibritumomab tiuxetan and 131I-tositumomab for therapy of refractory non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). We evaluated the hypothesis that the patient-specific dosing regimen used with 131I-tositumomab results in less bone marrow toxicity than does the weight-based dosing regimen used with 90Y-ibritumomab tiuxetan. Methods: Thirty-eight patients (25 male and 13 female; median age, 64 y) received radioimmunotherapy for NHL (20 received 90Y-ibritumomab tiuxetan; 18 received 131I-tositumomab). Patient and disease characteristics were evaluated to determine whether any were prognostic indicators of short- or long-term clinical response. The 12-wk response rate and clinical and hematologic toxicities attributable to each therapy were assessed. The response rate at 12 wk was correlated with long-term overall survival. Results: Twenty-six patients received full-radiation-dose radioimmunotherapy and 12 received attenuated doses because of hematologic concerns. The 12-wk overall response rate for all patients was 47%, and the complete response rate was 13%. The 12-wk overall response rate did not significantly differ between the 90Y-ibritumomab tiuxetan and 131I-tositumomab groups. Responses at 12 wk were more frequent in patients with normal levels of serum lactate dehydrogenase, no bone marrow involvement, and International Prognostic Index scores of no more than 2 (P ≤ 0.04). Grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia occurred in 57% and 56% of patients treated with 90Y-ibritumomab tiuxetan and 131I-tositumomab, respectively. Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia was observed in 57% and 50%, respectively. The time to the absolute neutrophil count nadir was shorter for the 90Y-ibritumomab tiuxetan group than for the 131I-tositumomab group (36 ± 9 vs. 46 ± 14 d, P = 0.01). The mean percentage decline in platelet count after radioimmunotherapy was greater in the 90Y-ibritumomab tiuxetan group than in the 131I-tositumomab group (79% ± 17% vs. 63% ± 28%, P = 0.04). Overall survival was longer in responders than in nonresponders 12 wk after therapy (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: Both 90Y-ibritumomab tiuxetan and 131I-tositumomab were well tolerated. We observed response rates at the lower range of those reported in the literature, possibly because of referral bias, dose attenuation, and reasonably liberal acceptance criteria for a patient to receive therapy. Initial response assessments 12 wk after radioimmunotherapy predict longer-term response. 131I-tositumomab caused significantly less severe declines in platelet counts than did 90Y-ibritumomab tiuxetan and may be a more appropriate choice for patients with limited bone marrow reserve, but large, randomized, prospective trials are needed to better compare the performance of these 2 treatments.
Magnetic dipole absorption of radiation in small conducting particles

We give a theoretical treatment of magnetic dipole absorption of electromagnetic radiation in small conducting particles, at photon energies which are large compared to the single-particle level spacing, and small compared to the plasma frequency. We discuss both diffusive and ballistic electron dynamics for particles of arbitrary shape. The conductivity becomes non-local when the frequency is smaller than the frequency characterizing the transit of electrons from one side of the particle to the other, but in the diffusive case plays no role in determining the absorption coefficient. In the ballistic case, the absorption coefficient is proportional to for , but is a decreasing function of for .
FPGA-Based Spread-Spectrum Schemes for Conducted-Noise Mitigation in DC–DC Power Converters: Design, Implementation, and Experimental Investigation

This paper proposes a family of spread-spectrum schemes, several of which are new, for conducted-noise reduction in dc-dc converters. The schemes use three randomized parameters to generate the switching signals: carrier frequency, duty ratio, and pulse position. The increasing performance and cost reduction of field-programmable gate array (FPGA) technology have made the application of these schemes possible in this field. A theoretical framework for a general representative scheme is provided. Then, the proposed schemes are designed and implemented using an FPGA-based controller. Furthermore, the effect of using the proposed controller on common-mode, differential-mode, and total conducted-noise characteristics of the dc-dc converter is experimentally investigated. In addition, the three randomization parameters are swept to determine the values that best achieve the conducted-noise spectrum spread. All studied cases are designed, implemented, and experimentally investigated. Then, the conducted-noise spectra are compared. The experimental results show that the use of the proposed controller with the determined randomization values significantly improves the conducted-noise spectrum and effectively reduces the noise peaks at both high- and low-frequency ranges.
Energy Efficiency of Downlink Transmission Strategies for Cloud Radio Access Networks

This paper studies the energy efficiency of the cloud radio access network (C-RAN), specifically focusing on two fundamental and different downlink transmission strategies, namely the data-sharing strategy and the compression strategy. In the data-sharing strategy, the backhaul links connecting the central processor (CP) and the base-stations (BSs) are used to carry user messages-each user's messages are sent to multiple BSs; the BSs locally form the beamforming vectors then cooperatively transmit the messages to the user. In the compression strategy, the user messages are precoded centrally at the CP, which forwards a compressed version of the analog beamformed signals to the BSs for cooperative transmission. This paper compares the energy efficiencies of the two strategies by formulating an optimization problem of minimizing the total network power consumption subject to user target rate constraints, where the total network power includes the BS transmission power, BS activation power, and load-dependent backhaul power. To tackle the discrete and nonconvex nature of the optimization problems, we utilize the techniques of reweighted ℓ1 minimization and successive convex approximation to devise provably convergent algorithms. Our main finding is that both the optimized data-sharing and compression strategies in C-RAN achieve much higher energy efficiency as compared to the nonoptimized coordinated multipoint transmission, but their comparative effectiveness in energy saving depends on the user target rate. At low user target rate, data-sharing consumes less total power than compression; however, as the user target rate increases, the backhaul power consumption for data-sharing increases significantly leading to better energy efficiency of compression at the high user rate regime.