Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Motion planning for an adaptive wing structure with macro-fiber composite actuators

A systematic approach for flatness-based motion planning and feedforward control is presented for the transient shaping of a piezo-actuated rectangular cantilevered plate modeling an adaptive wing. In the first step the consideration of an idealized infinite-dimensional input allows to determine the state and input parametrization in terms of a flat or basic output, which is used for a systematic motion planning approach. Subsequently, the obtained idealized input function is projected onto a finite number of suitably placed Macro-fiber Composite (MFC) patch actuators. The tracking performance of the proposed approach is evaluated in a simulation scenario.
Backside Exposure of Small-Sized TSVs Using Si/Cu Grinding, CMP, Cap Layer Deposition, and Alkaline Etching

For backside exposure of through-silicon vias (TSVs), we developed a new process using Si/Cu grinding, chemical mechanical polishing (CMP), cap layer deposition, and alkaline etching of Si. In this process, Si/Cu grinding without Cu burning or smearing was performed by using a novel grinding wheel (vitrified-bond type), with in situ cleaning of the grinding wheel by a high-pressure micro jet. CMP was then performed to remove grinding scratches generated by Si/Cu grinding. Next, slight Cu contamination in the Si region between TSVs was decreased by cap layer deposition and alkaline etching of Si. The cap layer was Ni-B film formed by electroless plating. We also applied the developed process to backside exposure of 4-μm-diameter TSVs. As a result, TSVs were exposed uniformly without grinding scratches and Cu contamination in Si region between TSVs was suppressed to < 2.7×1010 atoms/cm2.
Microstructures of magnetically assisted dual-phase steel resistance spot welds

Traditional spot welds and magnetically assisted spot welds were made in 2.25 mm thick galvanised dual-phase steel, and the weld microstructures were compared. The magnetically assisted weld nugget had a ‘dog bone’ shape, and it had an increased diameter, which indicates a larger load-bearing area that will improve mechanical performance. The fusion zone of the magnetically assisted welds had a finer and less-directional grain structure than the conventional welds, which would improve weld strength, plastic strains, and ductility. Both types of welds contained an unusual soft zone very close to the fusion zone that is thought to be an integral part of the fusion zone. The soft zone of the magnetically assisted welds was wider than the conventional welds.
Comparison of 4 Pediatric Health-Related Quality-of-Life Instruments

Background. Few studies have compared multiple health-related quality-of-life (HRQOL) instruments simultaneously for pediatric populations. This study aimed to test psychometric properties of 4 legacy pediatric HRQOL instruments: the Child Health and Illness Profile (CHIP), the KIDSCREEN-52, the KINDL, and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL). Methods. This study used data from 908 parents whose children (ages 2–19 years) were enrolled in Florida Medicaid. Parents were asked via telephone interview to complete each instrument appropriate to the age of their children. Structural, convergent/discriminant, and known-group validities were investigated. We examined structural validity using confirmatory factor analyses. We examined convergent/discriminant validity by comparing Spearman rank correlation coefficients of homogeneous (physical functioning and physical well-being) versus heterogeneous (physical and psychological functioning) domains of the instruments. We assessed known-groups validity by examining the extent to which HRQOL differed by the status of children with special health needs (CSHCN). Results. Domain scores of the 4 instruments were not normally distributed, and ceiling effects were significant in most domains. The KIDSCREEN-52 demonstrates the best structural validity, followed by the CHIP, KINDL, and PedsQL. The PedsQL and the KIDSCREEN-52 show better convergent/discriminant validity than the other instruments. Known-groups validity in discriminating CSHCN versus no needs was the best for the PedsQL, followed by the KIDSCREEN-52, the CHIP, and the KINDL. Conclusion. No one instrument was fully satisfactory in all psychometric properties. Strategies are recommended for future comparison of item content and measurement properties across different HRQOL instruments for research and clinical use.
A Machine Learning Approach for Classifying Textual Data in Crowdsourcing

Crowdsourcing represents an innovative approach that allows companies to engage a diverse network of people over the internet and use their collective creativity, expertise, or workforce for completing tasks that have previously been performed by dedicated employees or contractors. However, the process of reviewing and filtering the large amount of solutions, ideas, or feedback submitted by a crowd is a latent challenge. Identifying valuable inputs and separating them from low quality contributions that cannot be used by the companies is time-consuming and cost-intensive. In this study, we build upon the principles of text mining and machine learning to partially automatize this process. Our results show that it is possible to explain and predict the quality of crowdsourced contributions based on a set of textual features. We use these textual features to train and evaluate a classification algorithm capable of automatically filtering textual contributions in crowdsourcing.
Sequential search leads to faster, more efficient fragment-based de novo protein structure prediction

Abstract Motivation Most current de novo structure prediction methods randomly sample protein conformations and thus require large amounts of computational resource. Here, we consider a sequential sampling strategy, building on ideas from recent experimental work which shows that many proteins fold cotranslationally. Results We have investigated whether a pseudo-greedy search approach, which begins sequentially from one of the termini, can improve the performance and accuracy of de novo protein structure prediction. We observed that our sequential approach converges when fewer than 20 000 decoys have been produced, fewer than commonly expected. Using our software, SAINT2, we also compared the run time and quality of models produced in a sequential fashion against a standard, non-sequential approach. Sequential prediction produces an individual decoy 1.5–2.5 times faster than non-sequential prediction. When considering the quality of the best model, sequential prediction led to a better model being produced for 31 out of 41 soluble protein validation cases and for 18 out of 24 transmembrane protein cases. Correct models (TM-Score > 0.5) were produced for 29 of these cases by the sequential mode and for only 22 by the non-sequential mode. Our comparison reveals that a sequential search strategy can be used to drastically reduce computational time of de novo protein structure prediction and improve accuracy. Availability and implementation Data are available for download from: http://opig.stats. ox.ac. uk/resources. SAINT2 is available for download from: https://github.com/sauloho/SAINT2. Supplementary information Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Validation of a Pulse Oximetry System for High-Altitude Waterfowl by Examining the Hypoxia Responses of the Andean Goose (Chloephaga melanoptera)

Hypoxia at high altitudes constrains O2 supply to support metabolism, thermoregulation in the cold, and exercise. High-altitude natives that somehow overcome this challenge—who live, reproduce, and sometimes perform impressive feats of exercise at high altitudes—are a powerful group in which to study the evolution of physiological systems underlying hypoxia resistance. Here, we sought to determine whether a common pulse oximetry system for rodents (MouseOx Plus) can be used reliably in studies of high-altitude birds by examining the hypoxia responses of the Andean goose. We compared concurrent measurements of heart rate obtained using pulse oximetry versus electrocardiography. We also compared our measurements of peripheral arterial O2 saturation (SaO2) in uncannulated birds with published data collected from blood samples in birds that were surgically implanted arterial cannulae. Responses to acute hypoxia were measured during stepwise reductions in inspired partial pressure of O2. Andean geese exhibited very modest breathing and heart rate responses to hypoxia but were nevertheless able to maintain normal O2 consumption rates during severe hypoxia exposure down to 5 kPa O2. There were some minor quantitative differences between uncannulated and cannulated birds, which suggest that surgery, cannulation, and/or other sources of variability between studies had modest effects on the hypoxic ventilatory response, heart rate, blood hemoglobin, and hematocrit. Nevertheless, measurements of heart rate and SaO2 by pulse oximetry had small standard errors and were generally concordant and well correlated with measurements using other techniques. We conclude that the MouseOx Plus pulse oximetry system can be a valuable tool for studying the cardiorespiratory physiology of waterfowl without the deleterious effects of surgery/cannulation.
Hardware Designer's Guide to Fault Attacks

Hardware designers invest a significant design effort when implementing computationally intensive cryptographic algorithms onto constrained embedded devices to match the computational demands of the algorithms with the stringent area, power, and energy budgets of the platforms. When it comes to designs that are employed in potential hostile environments, another challenge arises-the design has to be resistant against attacks based on the physical properties of the implementation, the so-called implementation attacks. This creates an extra design concern for a hardware designer. This paper gives an insight into the field of fault attacks and countermeasures to help the designer to protect the design against this type of implementation attacks. We analyze fault attacks from different aspects and expose the mechanisms they employ to reveal a secret parameter of a device. In addition, we classify the existing countermeasures and discuss their effectiveness and efficiency. The result of this paper is a guide for selecting a set of countermeasures, which provides a sufficient security level to meet the constraints of the embedded devices.
Communications Technology and Motor Neuron Disease: An Australian Survey of People With Motor Neuron Disease

Background People with Motor Neuron Disease (MND), of which amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common form in adults, typically experience difficulties with communication and disabilities associated with movement. Assistive technology is essential to facilitate everyday activities, promote social support and enhance quality of life. Objective This study aimed to explore the types of mainstream and commonly available communication technology used by people with MND including software and hardware, to identify the levels of confidence and skill that people with MND reported in using technology, to determine perceived barriers to the use of technology for communication, and to investigate the willingness of people with MND to adopt alternative modes of communication. Methods An on-line survey was distributed to members of the New South Wales Motor Neuron Disease Association (MND NSW). Descriptive techniques were used to summarize frequencies of responses and cross tabulate data. Free-text responses to survey items and verbal comments from participants who chose to undertake the survey by telephone were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results Responses from 79 MND NSW members indicated that 15-21% had difficulty with speaking, writing and/or using a keyboard. Commonly used devices were desktop computers, laptops, tablets and mobile phones. Most participants (84%) were connected to the Internet and used it for email (91%), to find out more about MND (59%), to follow the news (50%) or for on-line shopping (46%). A third of respondents used Skype or its equivalent, but few used this to interact with health professionals. Conclusions People with MND need greater awareness of technology options to access the most appropriate solutions. The timing for people with MND to make decisions about technology is critical. Health professionals need skills and knowledge about the application of technology to be able to work with people with MND to select the best communication technology options as early as possible after diagnosis. If people with MND are willing to trial telehealth technology, there is potential for tele-consultations via Skype or its equivalent, with health professionals. People with MND can benefit from health professional involvement to match technology to their functional limitations and personal preferences. However, health professionals need a comprehensive understanding of the application of available technology to achieve this.
A mixed-method outcome evaluation of a specialist Alcohol Hospital Liaison Team

Aims: To evaluate the effectiveness of an Alcohol Hospital Liaison Team at reducing alcohol-specific hospital attendances and admissions. Methods: In a mixed-method evaluation, 96 patients who accessed the team were monitored using data for alcohol-specific hospital attendances and Accident and Emergency (A&E) admissions before, during, and after engaging with the team. A feedback survey was sent to patients and a focus group was held with staff from the team to identify barriers and facilitators to the successful delivery of this service. Results: No differences were observed when looking at alcohol admissions or A&E attendances before patients engaged with the service to those after discharge. While hospital admissions decreased slightly and A&E attendances increased slightly, these differences were not significant. Hospital admissions and A&E attendances increased significantly during engagement with the service. The focus group identified confusion over who should be delivering brief interventions and that the team was holding onto patients for too long. Conclusion: The results of this evaluation demonstrated that this team was not effective at reducing alcohol attendances or admissions due to a number of factors. Policy makers should make note of the barriers to effectiveness highlighted in this article, before commissioning alcohol care teams in the future.
Baseline features and differences in 48 week clinical outcomes in patients with gastroparesis and type 1 vs type 2 diabetes

In studies of diabetic gastroparesis, patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T1DM, T2DM) are often combined for analyses. We compared gastroparesis severity, healthcare utilization, psychological function, and quality of life in T1DM vs T2DM gastroparesis patients.
Automated prediction of tissue outcome after acute ischemic stroke in computed tomography perfusion images

Assessment of the extent of cerebral damage on admission in patients with acute ischemic stroke could play an important role in treatment decision making. Computed tomography perfusion (CTP) imaging can be used to determine the extent of damage. However, clinical application is hindered by differences among vendors and used methodology. As a result, threshold based methods and visual assessment of CTP images has not yet shown to be useful in treatment decision making and predicting clinical outcome. Preliminary results in MR studies have shown the benefit of using supervised classifiers for predicting tissue outcome, but this has not been demonstrated for CTP. We present a novel method for the automatic prediction of tissue outcome by combining multi-parametric CTP images into a tissue outcome probability map. A supervised classification scheme was developed to extract absolute and relative perfusion values from processed CTP images that are summarized by a trained classifier into a likelihood of infarction. Training was performed using follow-up CT scans of 20 acute stroke patients with complete recanalization of the vessel that was occluded on admission. Infarcted regions were annotated by expert neuroradiologists. Multiple classifiers were evaluated in a leave-one-patient-out strategy for their discriminating performance using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) statistics. Results showed that a RandomForest classifier performed optimally with an area under the ROC of 0.90 for discriminating infarct tissue. The obtained results are an improvement over existing thresholding methods and are in line with results found in literature where MR perfusion was used.
Reading Type Classification based on Generative Models and Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory

Measuring the attention of users is necessary to design smart Human Computer Interaction (HCI) systems. Particularly, in reading, the reading types, so-called reading, skimming, and scanning are signs to express the degree of attentiveness. Eye movements are informative spatiotemporal data to measure quality of reading. Eye tracking technology is the tool to record eye movements. Even though there is increasing usage of eye trackers in research and especially in psycholinguistics, collecting appropriate task-specific eye movements data is expensitive and time consuming. Moreover, machine learning tools like Recurrent Neural Networks need large enough samples to be trained. Hence, designing a generative model in order to have reliable research-oriented synthetic eye movements is desirable. This paper has two main contributions. First, a generative model in order to synthesize reading, skimming, and scanning in reading is developed. Second, in order to evaluate the generative model, a bidirectional Long ShortTerm Memory (BLSTM) is proposed. It was trained with synthetic data and tested with real-world eye movements to classify reading, skimming, and scanning where more than 95% classification accuracy is achieved. ACM Classification
Should surgery be conducted for small nonfunctioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors: a systematic review

Background The incidence of nonfunctioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors smaller than 2cm has increased remarkably in the last two decades. Controversies exist regarding whether surgery should be conducted for this group of tumors. Methods MEDLINE, EMBASE and CENTRAL were search until 2017/01/17. Studies with comparative results between operation and observation group were included. Primary outcomes were overall survival and disease specific survival. Secondary outcomes were disease progression and surgical death and complications. Results 6 studies with a total of 1861 patients were identified. No randomized controlled trials were found. Survival rate was high (97-100%) and no patients died because of the disease in 5 of the 6 studies, with no difference between operation and observation group. Disease progression was compared in 3 of the 6 studies. 2 studies reported minimal disease progression (0-3.5%) and no significant difference between operation and observation group. Perioperative deaths were rare (0-3%), but complications were common (33-46%). None of the 46 patients who crossed over form observation to operation group had disease recurrence after resection. Conclusion Small NF-PNETs without distant metastasis, lymph node metastasis and local invasion on imaging studies can be observed without increase in death and disease progression.
Distributed data fusion in the dempster-shafer framework

Dempster-Shafer theory is a formal framework for reasoning and decision-making under uncertainty. A cornerstone in this formalism is Dempster's rule, which provides a mechanism for combining belief functions representing independent pieces of evidence. This rule has been used extensively in information fusion applications. In this paper, we consider the situation where several agents are located at the nodes of a network and can communicate only with their neighbors. We show that synchronous or asynchronous linear consensus mechanisms can be used to combine the agents' belief functions in a distributed way. After convergence, a consensus state is reached, in which all agents hold the same belief, which is equal to the orthogonal sum of the agents' initial belief functions. Simulation results with a simple distributed classification are reported.
Examining Bias in Studies of Statin Treatment and Survival in Patients With Cancer

Importance Patients with cancer who use statins appear to have a substantially better survival than nonusers in observational studies. However, this inverse association between statin use and mortality may be due to selection bias and immortal-time bias. Objective To emulate a randomized trial of statin therapy initiation that is free of selection bias and immortal-time bias. Design, Setting, and Participants We used observational data on 17 372 patients with cancer from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare database (2007-2009) with complete follow-up until 2011. The SEER-Medicare database links 17 US cancer registries and claims files from Medicare and Medicaid in 12 US states. We included individuals with a new diagnosis of colorectal, breast, prostate, or bladder cancer who had not been prescribed statins for at least 6 months before the cancer diagnosis. Individuals were duplicated, and each replicate was assigned to either the strategy “statin therapy initiation within 6 months after diagnosis” or “no statin therapy initiation. ” Replicates were censored when they stopped following their assigned strategy, and the potential selection bias was adjusted for via inverse-probability weighting. Hazard ratios (HRs), cumulative incidences, and risk differences were calculated for all-cause mortality and cancer-specific mortality. We then compared our estimates with those obtained using the same analytic approaches used in previous observational studies. Exposures Statin therapy initiation within 6 months after cancer diagnosis. Main Outcomes and Measures Cancer-specific and all-cause mortality using SEER-Medicare data and data from previous studies. Results Of the 17 372 patients whose data were analyzed, 8440 (49%) were men, and 8932 (51%) were women (mean [SD] age, 76.4 [7.4] years; range, 66-115 years). The adjusted HR (95% CI) comparing statin therapy initiation vs no initiation was 1.00 (0.88-1.15) for cancer-specific mortality and 1.07 (0.93-1.21) for overall mortality. Cumulative incidence curves for both groups were almost overlapping (the risk difference never exceeded 0.8%). In contrast, the methods used by prior studies resulted in an inverse association between statin use and mortality (pooled hazard ratio 0.69). Conclusion and Relevance After using methods that are not susceptible to selection bias from prevalent users and to immortal time bias, we found that initiation of therapy with statins within 6 months after cancer diagnosis did not appear to improve 3-year cancer-specific or overall survival.