Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Integriertes Controlling in Strategischen Unternehmensnetzwerken

In nahezu allen Branchen zeichnet sich der Trend ab, die unternehmerischen Leistungsund Informationsflusse effektiver auf den Markterfolg auszurichten und effizienter im Zieldreieck Qualitat Kosten Zeiten zu gestalten. Dies bedingt die Umsetzung von auf Geschaftsprozessen ausgerichteten Organisationskonzepten. Die damit einhergehende zunehmende Konzentration auf Kernkompetenzen fuhrt vielfach zur Auslagerung von Prozessen aus dem Unternehmen. Die Bereitschaft zur Kooperation vor allem in Strategischen Unternehmensnetzwerken steigt. Vor diesem Hintergrund wird im vorliegenden Beitrag als Ausschnitt aus der umfassenderen – netzwerkubergreifenden – Integrierten Controllingkonzeption ein netzwerkbezogenes Controlling entworfen, das nicht nur unternehmensintern, sondern insb. auch unternehmensubergreifend auf die Interaktionsprozesse mit und zwischen den Netzwerkpartnern ausgerichtet ist. Dabei kann die Koordination mit Hilfe einer Netzwerk-Balanced Scorecard erfolgen, die durch wechselseitige Beziehungen mit den jeweiligen Balanced Scorecards der am Netzwerk beteiligten Unternehmen verbunden ist.
Effect of accumulated night work during the working lifetime, on subjective health and sleep in monozygotic twins

The present study sought to investigate the effects of lifetime accumulated night work on subjective health and sleep in monozygotic twins discordant on the exposure to night work. A total of 169 twin pairs (83 males, 86 females) over 65 years of age were analyzed on variables that describe the presence or absence of complaints regarding subjective health, disturbed sleep, repeated awakenings and not being well rested. Significant (P < 0.05) risk ratios (RR) were found for subjective health (RR = 1.67) and disturbed sleep (RR = 2.83) indicating a higher risk of developing complaints to former night workers. There was neither a dose‐dependent effect of night work nor an interaction effect with gender observed.
Cloning of genes involved in myo-inositol transport in a Pseudomonas sp

A soil isolate of a Pseudomonas sp. can utilize myo-inositol (MI) as the sole carbon source. In this strain, MI is transported through the membrane by a high-affinity transport system in which a periplasmic binding protein is involved. Mutants impaired in the transport system were obtained by mutagenesis with N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine and subsequently identified by their slow growth rate at low MI concentrations. Strains with a low linear initial rate of MI uptake were analyzed. Using a broad-host-range cosmid cloning system, we have constructed a gene bank of the wild-type Pseudomonas sp. in an Escherichia coli recA-host. A rapid mating technique enabled us to screen the gene library for clones which are able to restore the active transport of MI in the mutant. An 11.5-kilobase segment containing genes involved in the MI transport has been isolated, and its restriction enzyme cleavage map has been determined.
An online learning vector quantization algorithm

We propose an online learning algorithm for the learning vector quantization (LVQ) approach in nonlinear supervised classification. The advantage of this approach is the ability of the LVQ to adjust its codebook vectors as new patterns become available, so as to accurately model the class representation of the patterns. Moreover this algorithm does not significantly increase the computational complexity over the original LVQ algorithm.
Palo Blanco: a village in Late and Inka landscapes in Hualfín Valley (Catamarca, Argentina)

ABSTRACT In this article we analyze archaeological data from Palo Blanco, located in the center of the Hualfín Valley (Dept. of Belén, Catamarca, Argentina) to discuss how a relational concept of landscape provides significant tools to reconstruct links between a local village and different landscapes configured during Late and Inka times (c. 1400–1500 ad). Also, we present how this approach allows us to develop an alternative scheme to change interpretations of the past in the region. Based on the analysis of spatial, social and temporal dimensions, we analyze archaeological evidence focusing on placement, building, flow of bodies, spatial perception, relationships between people and material culture, and chronology. Finally, we consider Palo Blanco as a typical local defensive village during late pre-Inka times, which probably changed its role during Inka conquest.
Association of relatively low serum parathyroid hormone with malnutrition-inflammation complex and survival in maintenance hemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND Low serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) has been implicated as a primary biochemical marker of adynamic bone disease in individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who undergo maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) treatment. We hypothesized that the malnutrition-inflammation complex is associated with low PTH levels in these patients and confounds the PTH-survival association. METHODS We examined 748 stable MHD outpatients in southern California and followed them for up to 5 years (October 2001-December 2006). RESULTS In 748 MHD patients, serum PTH <150pg/mL was more prevalent among non-blacks and diabetics. There was no association between serum PTH and coronary artery calcification score, bone mineral density, or dietary protein or calorie intake. Low serum PTH was associated with markers of protein-energy wasting and inflammation, and this association confounded the relationship between serum PTH and alkaline phosphatase. Although 5-year crude mortality rates were similar across PTH increments, after adjustment for the case-mix and surrogates of malnutrition and inflammation, a moderately low serum PTH in 100-150pg/mL range was associated with the greatest survival compared to other serum PTH levels, i.e., a death hazard ratio of 0.52 (95% confidence interval: 0.29-0.92, p<0.001) compared to PTH of 300-600pg/mL (reference). CONCLUSIONS Low serum PTH may be another facet of the malnutrition-inflammation complex in CKD, and after controlling for this confounder, a moderately low PTH in 100-150pg/mL range appears associated with the greatest survival. Limitations of observational studies should be considered.
On multiuser write-efficient memories

Continuing earlier work (Ahlswede and Zhang, 1989) on write-efficient memories (WEM), the authors introduce new models, where several persons use the same storage device. At any time instant, exactly one of a prescribed set of users has access to the memory, but there is no protocol which determines the moving order. Among the constraints analyzed, the most interesting one is a complete privacy protection. While a user stores new data, he has to guarantee that those of the others do not get distorted. This leads to fascinating new coding problems. The authors provide several code constructions, as well as abstract performance bounds. >
Decreasing Global Transcript Levels over Time Suggest that Phytoplasma Cells Enter Stationary Phase during Plant and Insect Colonization

ABSTRACT To highlight different transcriptional behaviors of the phytoplasma in the plant and animal host, expression of 14 genes of “Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris,” chrysanthemum yellows strain, was investigated at different times following the infection of a plant host (Arabidopsis thaliana) and two insect vector species (Macrosteles quadripunctulatus and Euscelidius variegatus). Target genes were selected among those encoding antigenic membrane proteins, membrane transporters, secreted proteins, and general enzymes. Transcripts were detected for all analyzed genes in the three hosts; in particular, those encoding the antigenic membrane protein Amp, elements of the mechanosensitive channel, and two of the four secreted proteins (SAP54 and TENGU) were highly accumulated, suggesting that they play important roles in phytoplasma physiology during the infection cycle. Most transcripts were present at higher abundance in the plant host than in the insect hosts. Generally, transcript levels of the selected genes decreased significantly during infection of A. thaliana and M. quadripunctulatus but were more constant in E. variegatus. Such decreases may be explained by the fact that only a fraction of the phytoplasma population was transcribing, while the remaining part was aging to a stationary phase. This strategy might improve long-term survival, thereby increasing the likelihood that the pathogen may be acquired by a vector and/or inoculated to a healthy plant.
Interobserver agreement of EUS elastography in the evaluation of solid pancreatic lesions

Background and Objectives: Previous reports assessing the reproducibility of endoscopic ultrasound elastography (EUS-E) in evaluation of solid pancreatic lesions (SPL) involved only experienced endosonographers. We aimed to assess the interobserver agreement (IOA) of EUS-E in the evaluation of SPL by endoscopists with different levels of experience in EUS and EUS-E. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational multicenter study was designed and included 11 endoscopists who were divided into four groups: Group A (long experience in EUS and EUS-E); Group B (short experience in EUS and EUS-E); Group C (long experience in EUS and no experience in EUS-E); and Group D (no experience in EUS or EUS-E). The observers independently classified the patterns of 60 video sequences of EUS-E, after a 20-min training session. For each group, we calculated IOA (kappa statistic, κ) of EUS-E and the diagnostic accuracy of EUS-E for pancreatic malignancy, by comparing the pattern of EUS-E indicative of malignancy (heterogeneous or homogenous blue) with the final diagnosis. Results: The overall IOA was moderate (κ = 0.42; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.33-0.52). The IOA of Group A (κ = 0.80; 95% CI 0.65-1.00) was significantly higher than that of Groups B (κ = 0.54; 95%CI 0.40-0.71), C (κ = 0.54; 95%CI 0.39-0.68), and D (κ = 0.28; 95%CI 0.14-0.40). IOA of Groups B and C was not significantly different, but it was significantly higher than that of Group D. The diagnostic accuracy of Group A (area under the curve under summary receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) = 0.83; 95%CI 0.75-0.90) was not significantly different from that of Group B (AUROC = 0.77; 95%CI 0.71-0.83), but it was significantly higher than that of Groups C (AUROC = 0.74; 95%CI 0.67-0.81) and D (AUROC = 0.74; 95%CI 0.67-0.81). No significant difference was seen between Groups B, C, and D for diagnostic accuracy. Conclusion: EUS-E is reproducible in the evaluation of SPL, even between endoscopists with no or limited experience in EUS and/or EUS-E. Reproducibility and diagnostic accuracy increase with experience in EUS and EUS-E.
Lithographic Data Generation Algorithm based on Micromirror Cell Decomposition

In maskless lithography, micromirrors in an array work like a mask to write patterns directly onto substrates. We focus our attention on lithographic data generation for digital micromirror device (DMD) based maskless lithography on a huge substrate, with no manipulation of the light source shape, with no adjustment of mirror tilting angles, and/or without grey imaging levels. To overcome the limitations of existing lithographic data generation methods developed upon the assessment of lithographic paths of the reflected beam spots, we place our primary concern on the pattern. To generate lithographic data for controlling the on/off reflection of millions of micromirrors, we devise a unique criterion, the occupancy limit. By comparing the actual occupancy of the pattern per unit micromirror to the occupancy limit, which is a value determined upon the lithography process condition by the user, binary reflections off micromirrors are approved. A strategy for the computation of the actual occupancy of the pattern per unit micromirror is devised upon the micromirror cell decomposition (MCD). The MCD algorithm for lithographic data generation is proposed. For verification, along with a lithography simulation, an actual lithography experiment is performed to fabricate a pattern on a wafer
The interface between the brain microwave radiation and autonomic nervous system

The features of the application of multifractal analysis to assess the interrelation of the short-term signals of microwave radiation of the human brain and heart rate variability (HRV) are described. Data are presented for periods (20, 40) s of microwave radiation signals and periods (6.5, 25) s of HRV showing low level of systematic divergence. Similar properties for periods (50, 70) s of microwave radiation signals and periods (25, 300) s of HRV are found. The results indicate the interface between microwave radiation fluctuations of the human brain and HRV signals, which represent autonomic nervous system activity.
A frame synchronizer for IEEE 802.15.4-g MR-OFDM PHY: Algorithm proposal and hardware implementation

This work presents the proposal of a Frame Synchronization algorithm and its implementation architecture tar-getting the MR-OFDM physical layer (PHY) of IEEE 802.15. 4-g, which is an amendment to IEEE 802.15. 4 standard for supporting Smart Metering Utility Network (SUN). The proposed synchronizer makes part of a project that is under development and aims to implement in ASIC the 3 PHYs defined by the IEEE 802.15. 4-g, i.e. MR-FSK, MR-OQPSK and MR-OFDM. The paper shows details on the proposed synchronization method, which makes use of the repetition pattern presented in the frame preamble, and also discusses the simulation results with acceptable performance under low SNR. Furthermore, the implemented architecture was verified in RTL simulation, giving hint that the algorithm is suitable for hardware implementation in real-world target applications.
High-Performance Metal-Insulator-Metal Tunnel Diode Selectors

We report on a novel high-performance metal-insulator-metal tunnel diode, with ultrathin atomic layer deposited Ta2O5, for bidirectional selector applications in resistive switching memory. The diode exhibits high drive current of over 105 A/cm2, high nonlinearity, and fast turn-on and turn-off times in the below-ns range. A very good uniformity for structures down to 40 nm size and excellent ac endurance is demonstrated, well exceeding the stand-alone nonvolatile memory requirements.
MRI-Detected Cranial Nerve Involvement in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

The incidence of cranial nerve (CN) palsy is not uncommon in patients with untreated nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC). In the 7th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) Staging Manual, the AJCC recommended that CN involvement be assessed by neurological evaluation rather than by cross-sectional imaging (computed tomography [CT] and magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]), because CN involvement is considered a poor prognostic indicator in NPC patients, those with CN involvement are staged as T4.
Development of a new bimodal imaging methodology: a combination of fluorescence microscopy and high‐resolution secondary ion mass spectrometry

In this paper, we present a new experimental methodology to combine mass spectrometry (NanoSIMS) with fluorescence microscopy to provide subcellular information on the location of small molecules in cultured cells. We demonstrate this by comparing the distribution of 5‐bromo‐2‐deoxyuridine in the same cells given by both NanoSIMS analysis and by fluorescence immunohistochemistry. Fiducial markers in the substrates ensured that the images formed by SIMS mapping of bromine ions could be co‐registered exactly with images from fluorescence microscopy. The NanoSIMS was shown to faithfully reproduce the information from fluorescence microscopy, but at a much higher spatial resolution. We then show preliminary SIMS images on the distribution of ATN‐224, a therapeutic copper chelator for which there is no fluorescent marker, co‐registered with conventional Lysotracker and Hoechst stains on the same cells.
Sexually transmitted infection screening uptake and knowledge of sexually transmitted infection symptoms among female sex workers participating in a community randomised trial in Peru

This study aims to evaluate condom use, sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening, and knowledge of STI symptoms among female sex workers in Peru associated with sex work venues and a community randomised trial of STI control. One component of the Peru PREVEN intervention conducted mobile-team outreach to female sex workers to reduce STIs and increase condom use and access to government clinics for STI screening and evaluation. Prevalence ratios were calculated using multivariate Poisson regression models with robust standard errors, clustering by city. As-treated analyses were conducted to assess outcomes associated with reported exposure to the intervention. Care-seeking was more frequent in intervention communities, but differences were not statistically significant. Female sex workers reporting exposure to the intervention had a significantly higher likelihood of condom use, STI screening at public health clinics, and symptom recognition compared to those not exposed. Compared with street- or bar-based female sex workers, brothel-based female sex workers reported significantly higher rates of condom use with last client, recent screening exams for STIs, and HIV testing. Brothel-based female sex workers also more often reported knowledge of STIs and recognition of STI symptoms in women and in men. Interventions to promote STI detection and prevention among female sex workers in Peru should consider structural or regulatory factors related to sex work venues.
Characterization of Neural Network Backpropagation on Chiplet-based GPU Architectures

Advances in parallel computing architectures (e.g., Graphics Processing Units (GPUs)) have had great success in helping meet the performance and energy-eﬃciency demands of many high-performance computing (HPC) applications. DRAM bandwidth is generally a critical performance bottleneck for many of such applications. With the advances in memory technology, the DRAM bandwidth bottleneck is shifting towards other parts of the system hierarchy (e.g., interconnects). We identify neural network backpropagation as one application where the interconnect network is one of the biggest performance bottlenecks. We show that the interconnect bottleneck for backpropagation can be signiﬁcantly alleviated if computing cores and caching units are carefully tiled (an architecture commonly known as “chiplet”) and organized on the interconnect fabric. To simulate a chiplet design, we augment an existing, well-documented GPU simulator, GPGPU-Sim. Our modiﬁcations add an additional level of cache between on-chip L1s and an interconnect network-on-chip. This additional layer of cache reduces demand on the interconnect by localizing memory traﬃc to individual chiplets. We show that under a ﬁxed core budget with additional cache, a chiplet architecture can increase Instruction Per Cycle (IPC) counts for important CUDA kernels by up to 20% during the training phase.
iMPACT3: Internet-Based Development and Administration of Utility Elicitation Protocols

iMPACT3 (Internet Multimedia Preference Assessment Instrument Construction Tool, version 3) is a software development environment that helps researchers build Internet-capable multimedia utility elicitation software programs. The program is a free, openly accessible Web site (http://preferences.ucsd.edu/impact3/asp). To develop a utility elicitation software program using iMPACT3, a researcher selects modular protocol components from a library and custom tailors the components to the details of his or her research protocol. iMPACT3 builds a Web site implementing the protocol and downloads it to the researcher’s computer. In a study of 75 HIV-infected patients, an iMPACT3-generated protocol showed substantial evidence of construct validity and good internal consistency (logic error rates of 4% to 10% and procedural invariance error rates of 10% to 26%, depending on the elicitation method) but only fair 3- to 6-week test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.42 to 0.55). Further work may be needed on specific utility assessment procedures, but this study’s results confirm iMPACT3’s feasibility in facilitating the collection of health state utility data.
Child Abuse & Neglect ixed-methods feasibility study on the cultural adaptation of child abuse prevention model

The current study utilized mixed-methods analyses to examine the process of adapting a home-based parenting program for a local Latino community. The study examined the: (a) acceptability and cultural congruence of the adapted SafeCare® protocol, (b) adherence to the core components of SafeCare® while adapting to local community culture, and (c) social validity of the new model in addressing SafeCare® target areas (parenting, home safety, and child health). Participants were 28 Latino mothers and eight providers. After training in the adapted model, providers demonstrated improved knowledge and skills. All providers reached national certification standards for SafeCare®, demonstrating fidelity to the core components of the original model. Positive consumer–provider relationships were developed as reflected by the results on the Working Alliance (collaboration between caregivers and parents). Themes from the integrated results of the social validity measures and individual interviews with parents were perceived benefits of the program on targeted areas and cultural congruency of the approach. Recommendations are to consider using adaptation guidelines as outlined to promote local culturally congruent practices. © 2014 Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Spectrum Sensing for DTMB System Based on PN Cross-Correlation

Through the investigation on frame header (FH) structures of DTMB system, i.e. the digital terrestrial television broadcasting standard of China, spectrum sensing methods based on PN cross-correlation (PNCC) are proposed for all FH options. Miss-detection probability, decision threshold and sensing time requirement of the proposed methods are analyzed in detail. Comparisons on spectrum sensing performance, robustness to time dispersive channel and carrier frequency offset are made between the proposed methods and the existing methods based on PN autocorrelation (PNAC). Both theoretical analyses and simulation results demonstrate the considerable advantage of the proposed PNCC methods over the existing PNAC methods.