Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cost–effectiveness of treatments for high-risk myelodysplastic syndromes after failure of first-line hypomethylating agent therapy

Purpose: To evaluate optimal salvage therapy in high-risk myelodysplastic syndromes patients who have failed a first-line hypomethylating agent (HMA) therapy, given that treatment choice is challenging. Methods: Using published literature and expert opinion, we developed a Markov model to evaluate the cost–effectiveness of current treatments for patients who failed first-line HMA therapy. The model predicted costs, life years, quality-adjusted life years and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the impact of uncertainty in model inputs. Results: Supportive care was the least expensive option ($65,704/patient) with the shortest survival (0.48 years). Low- and high-intensity chemotherapies and hematopoietic cell transplantation increased survival and costs with incremental cost-effectiveness ratios of $108,808, 306,103 and 318,163/life year, respectively. Switching HMA was more costly and less efficacious than another treatment option, namely low-intensity chemotherapy. Conclusions: Subsequent treatments in myelodysplastic syndrome patients who failed first-line HMA significantly increase costs, while only providing marginal clinical benefit and substantially increasing treatment-related morbidities. Additional treatment options would benefit resource allocation, clinical decision-making and patient outcomes.
Risk factors for complications following resection of large gastric cancer

Although there is a low mortality rate after gastrectomy in Japan, most studies include many early gastric cancers. There have been few studies on the morbidity after gastrectomy for advanced gastric cancer. The aim of this study was to clarify the characteristics and risk factors for postoperative complications after resection of large gastric cancers based on three clinical factors: patient, operation and tumour.
COMPUTATIONAL INVESTIGATION OF DOUBLE-DIFFUSIVE MIXED CONVECTIVE FLOW IN AN ENCLOSED SQUARE CAVITY WITH SORET EFFECT

In this study, a two-dimensional steady state double-diffusive mixed convective flow in a square cavity with Soret effect is presented. The numerical investigation is considered with two different conditions, (a) top and bottom walls move with same velocity (Uo) towards right and (b) top wall moves towards right and bottom wall moves towards left with the same velocity (Uo). The left and right walls remain stationary. The top and bottom walls are adiabatic; the left wall is maintained at high temperature and concentration. The right wall is maintained at low temperature and concentration. Governing equations are solved by finite volume method using SIMPLE algorithm in association with QUICK scheme. The Prandtl number (0.71 ≤ Pr ≤ 10) is varied with different Richardson numbers (0.01 ≤ Ri ≤ 100) to analyze the streamline, temperature and concentration contours with and without Soret effect. Results are investigated using Nusselt and Sherwood numbers. The results are also validated with the existing literature.
Context-Aware Trust Aided Recommendation via Ontology and Gaussian Mixture Model in Big Data Environment

With the development of big data, the data size becomes bigger and bigger, which makes users consume enormous time to find the items that they might like from abundant options. Recommender systems are expected to help users find interested items. However, most existing recommendation methods do not take into account any additional contextual information with a reasonable complexity. This paper aims to propose a context-aware recommender system by incorporating context-aware technology into recommendation. The context-aware approach is based on ontology and Gaussian Mixture Model. The recommendation analysis is implemented by trust aided probabilistic matrix factorization approach. The evaluation shows that the proposed approach has a good effect in recommendation quality.
Congenital fiber type disproportion in identical twins

Eighteen‐month‐old identical twins with the muscle histological characteristics of congenital fiber type disproportion are reported. The fiber typing system of pH‐dependent adenosine triphosphatase was used to analyze the size and percentage of type 1, 2A, and 2B fibers in muscle tissue obtained by needle biopsy. Both twins had significantly larger type 2 than type 1 fibers, with 2B fibers representing the largest type. One patient also had type 1 predominance at the expense of a reduction in 2B (2B deficiency). The probands as well as other family members had transient delayed motor development, macrocephaly, and normal intelligence. A biopsy obtained from 1 of these family members failed to demonstrate a similar histological abnormality. The disorder is nonprogressive in this family, as evidenced by minimal disability in the older members and gradual improvement in the probands.
Structural and Chemical Analyser for SEM studies of nanostructures

This paper describes a new analytical method the structural and chemical analyser (SCA) for scanning electron microscopes (SEMs), and its application to the study of nanostructures. In order to collect Raman, photoluminescence, and cathodoluminescence spectra whilst observing a secondary electron image, an SEM interface that can be connected to a spectrometer has been constructed. Using the SCA it is now possible to determine the chemical, structural, mechanical, and electrical properties of various materials at the same spatial resolution as conventional X-ray analysis (or better), without having to move the sample between multiple instruments. The SCA interface can be fitted to many different SEM makes and models, and the nature of Raman spectroscopy means that its performance is not affected by the operating environment making it compatible with ESEM, LVSEM, HV-SEM, FEG-SEM and even UHV systems.
Evaluation of Electron Trapping Speed of AlGaN/GaN HEMT With Real-Time Electroluminescence and Pulsed $I{-}V$ Measurements

A methodology for the evaluation of the electron trapping speed by combining real-time electroluminescence and the ON-resistance is proposed. In real-time electroluminescence measurements with the high sensitivity of a silicon-intensified CCD with low noise characteristics, a shift of the luminescence location from the gate edge to the drain edge was observed even while the device was under continuous biasing. This shift results from the alleviation of an electric field at the gate edge, and an alternative high electric field is produced at the drain edge. Although a drain current was almost stable even when the position of the electroluminescence was shifting, the ON-resistance significantly increased in pulsed I-V measurements. Using device simulation, we estimated dependence of the ON-resistance on the density of trapped electrons at the AlGaN surface. From measured and simulated results, the electron-trapping speed is supposed to be approximately 1×1010 cm-2 s-1 in the case of the AlGaN/GaN HEMT with a 2.0- μm-long gate under Vd and Vg of 10 and 0 V, respectively.
Glass Machining and In-situ Metrology: recovery of spatiotemporal phase distribution from 2-dimensional interference fringe movement caused by irradiation of glass with ultrashort laser pulses at high pulse repetition rates

An interferometry-based method for direct observation of phase modifications caused by transient temperature and pressure changes during irradiation of glass using ultra-short laser pulses is shown. The method provides a 3-dimensional time-resolved phase distribution and allows to distinguish between reversible and irreversible laser induced phase changes inside the glass. © 2019 The Author(s)
The ASTRODEEP Frontier Fields Catalogues: I - Multiwavelength photometry of Abell-2744 and MACS-J0416

We present multiwavelength photometric catalogues (HST, Spitzer and Hawk-I K band) for the first two of the Frontier Fields, Abell2744 and MACSJ0416 (plus their parallel fields). To detect faint sources even in the central regions of the clusters, we develop a robust and repeatable procedure that uses the public codes Galapagos and Galfit to model and remove most of the light contribution from both the brightest cluster members as well as the ICL. We perform the detection on the HST H160 processed image to obtain a pure H-selected sample. We also add a sample of sources which are undetected in the H160 image but appear on a stacked infrared image. Photometry in the other HST bands is obtained using SExtractor, performed again on residual images after the Galfit procedure for foreground light removal. Photometry on the Hawk-I and IRAC bands has been obtained using our PSF-matching deconfusion code T-PHOT. A similar procedure, but without the need for the foreground light removal, is adopted for the Parallel fields. The procedure allows for the detection and the photometric measurements of ~2500 sources per field. We deliver and release complete photometric H-detected catalogues, with the addition of a complementary sample of infrared-detected sources. All objects have multiwavelength coverage including B to H HST bands, plus K band from Hawk-I, and 3.6 - 4.5 {\mu}m from Spitzer. Full and detailed treatment of photometric errors is included. We perform basic sanity checks on the reliability of our results. The multiwavelength catalogues are publicly available and are ready to be used for scientific purposes. Our procedures allows for the detection of outshined objects near the bright galaxies, which, coupled with the magnification effect of the clusters, can reveal extremely faint high redshift sources. Full analysis on photometric redshifts is presented in a companion Paper II. [abridged]
Phosphorus cycling in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre using cosmogenic 32P and 33P

The North Pacific Subtropical Gyre (NPSG) has been hypothesized to be in transition from a nitrogen (N)‐limited system to one predominantly limited by phosphorus (P) as a result of a two‐decade‐long selection for N2‐fixing organisms. In this study, the naturally occurring cosmogenic radioisotopes, 32P (half‐life = 14.3 d) and 33P (halflife = 25.3 d), were measured and 33P/32P activity ratios were used to estimate radioactive P residence times at Sta. ALOHA (22°45′N, 158°00′W) in the NPSG from February 1999 to July 2000. The 33P/32P activity ratio in the total dissolved P pool varied considerably but systematically; high ratios correlated with periods of enhanced primary production (14C incorporation). Marine particulate 33P/32P activity ratios were similar to those found in the source (i.e., rain). Smaller size classes had longer apparent residence times. The observation that the activity ratio of 33P/32P closely follows primary production suggests that atmospherically derived 32P and 33P atoms track the most “bioavailable” pool of P within the NPSG ecosystem. These preferred substrates were removed from the dissolved phase via plankton uptake during periods of high productivity. Our results suggest that the soluble nonreactive P pool, which is substantially larger than the soluble reactive P pool, is a potentially important source of P to organisms and that its utilization can vary significantly on scales of weeks to months.
Magnetic Field‐Assisted Control of Phase Composition and Texture in Photocatalytic Hematite Films

We report the influence of external magnetic fields applied parallel or perpendicular to the substrate during plasma chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) of hematite (α‐Fe2O3) nanostructures. Hematite films grown from iron precursors show pronounced changes in phase composition (pure hematite vs. coexistence of hematite and magnetite) and crystallographic textures depending upon whether PECVD is performed with or without the influence of external magnetic field. Static magnetic fields created by rod‐type (RTMs) or disk‐type magnets (DTMs) results in hematite films with anisotropic or equiaxed grains, respectively. Using RTMs, a superior photoelectrochemical (PEC) performance is obtained for hematite photoanodes synthesized under perpendicularly applied magnetic field (with respect to substrate), whereas parallel magnetic field results in the most efficient hematite photoanode in the case of DTM. The experimental data on microstructure and functional properties of hematite films show that application of magnetic fields has a significant effect on the crystallite size and texture with preferred growth and/or suppression of grains with specific texture in Fe2O3 films. Investigations on the water splitting properties of the hematite films in a photoelectrochemical reactor reveal that photocurrent values of hematite photoanodes are remarkably different for films deposited with (0.659 mA cm−2) or without (0.484 mA cm−2) external magnetic field.
Evidence for a Burushaski-Phrygian connection

Based on previous research on the very strong correlations between the Burushaski and Phrygian languages, expanded in this article, we discuss in detail the direct mythological correspondence between Burushaski hargin ‘dragon’ and Phrygian argwitas ‘dragon’. We also contemplate a possible etymology for Indo-European *silVbVr- ‘silver’. The proposition of a historical link between Burushaski and Phrygian is reconsidered, as well as the gene evidence that locates the Burusho within North-Western Indo-European. Keywords: Burushaski, Phrygian, genetic classification, IndoEuropean, mythology, names for ‘dragon’ and ‘silver’.
Comparative metabolism of benzo(a)pyrene by ovarian microsomes of various species

Knowledge of the ability of the female reproductive system to metabolize polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is critical to the diagnosis and management of female infertility and for risk assessment purposes. The PAHs are a family of widespread pollutants that are released into the environment from automobile exhausts, cigarette smoke, burning of refuse, industrial emissions, and hazardous waste sites. In exposed animals, PAHs become activated to reactive metabolites that interfere with target organ function and as a consequence cause toxicity. The extent of susceptibility to PAH exposure may depend on the ability of animals to metabolize these chemicals. The present study has been undertaken to assess whether any differences exist among mammals in the metabolism of benzo(a)pyrene (BaP), a prototypical PAH compound. Microsomes isolated from the liver and ovaries of rats, mice, goats, sheep, pigs, and cows were incubated with 5 μM BaP. Postincubation, samples were extracted with ethyl acetate and analyzed for BaP/metabolites by reverse‐phase HPLC with fluorescence detection. The rate of metabolism (pmol of metabolite/min/mg protein) was found to be more in liver than in ovary in all the species studied (P < 0.05). The differences in metabolite concentrations were statistically significant (P < 0.0001) among the various species in both organs studied. Multiple species comparison also revealed that the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.001) between rodents (rat and mouse) and higher mammals (ewe, sow, and cow). Even among the higher mammals, in a majority of the cases, the differences in metabolite concentrations were significantly different (P < 0.001) both in ovary and liver. The BaP metabolites identified were 4,5‐diol; 7,8‐diol; 9,10‐diol; 3‐hydroxy BaP; and 9‐hydroxy BaP. The rodent microsomes produced considerably higher proportion of BaP 4,5‐diol and 9,10‐diol than did cow, sow, goat, and sheep. However, microsomes from higher mammals converted a greater proportion of BaP to 3‐hydroxy and 9‐hydroxy BaP, the detoxification products of BaP. Overall, our results revealed a great variation among species to metabolize BaP. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2009.
CT Angiography in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

In 32 cases of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) computed tomographic angiography (CTA) was performed to evaluate its diagnostic usefulness. The contrast material was infused into both the hepatic artery and superior mesenteric artery. Computed tomography was performed during the arterial and the portal phase. According to the CTA findings, HCC could be classified into four types; 28 of 32 cases (87.5%) showed the characteristic findings of HCC. It was also apparent that CT portography was quite efficient in detecting the existence of tumor, in particular the presence of small intrahepatic metastatic lesions and tumor infiltration into the portal vein. Computed tomographic angiography performed during both the arterial and portal phase is useful in evaluating HCC prior to hepatic lobectomy or arterial embolization therapy.
Coastline detection in SAR images using multiscale normalized cut segmentation

The multiscale normalized cut technique is used to detect land/sea boundary in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images. The proposed method is a region-based one, which is able to capture and utilize spatial information in the image. The real SAR images, e.g. ERS, ENVISAT and COSMO-SkyMed (CSK) SAR images, together with the Landsat-7 ETM+ optical data and in-situ GPS data were collected and used to validate the performance of the proposed method for coastline detection in SAR images.
Vom Sinn und Unsinn der Messung psychischer Belastung und Beanspruchung

Es wird dargelegt, dass zahlreiche der in jungerer Zeit vorgelegten Untersuchungen zum Problemkreis der psychischen Belastung und Beanspruchung auf Methoden zuruckgreifen, die sich in der Vergangenheit als untauglich erwiesen haben. Daher sind die so erhobenen Befunde ungeeignet, als Bezugssystem fur zulassige Beanspruchung zu dienen.
MLLR techniques for speaker recognition

Maximum-Likelihood Linear Regression (MLLR) and Constrained MLLR (CMLLR) have been recently used for feature extraction in speaker recognition. These systems use (C)MLLR transforms as features that are modeled with Support Vector Machines (SVM). This paper evaluates and compares several of these approaches for the NIST Speaker Recognition task. Single CMLLR and up to 4-phonetic-class MLLR transforms are explored using Gaussian Mixture Models (GMM) and large-vocabulary speech recognition Hidden Markov Models (HMM), using both speaker recognition and speech recognition cepstral front-ends and normalizations. Results for the individual systems as well as in combination with two standard cep-stral systems are provided. Relative gains of 3% and 12% were obtained when combining the best performing CMLLR-based and MLLR-based systems with two standard cepstral systems, respectively.
Assessing the Interaction and Interactivity in OUT-MOODLE LMS: The Outlook of Content Design Patterns, System Configurations and User’s Access Rates

Despite the wide spread adoption of MOODLE by Higher Learning Institutions (HLIs) in Tanzania, there is still lack of maximum utilization of the software by learners. This is due to lack of interactivity in the system caused by poor MOODLE customization and configuration, improper content design and integration with add-on multimedia files. On the other hand, instructors consider that uploading learning materials in MOODLE is enough without putting down the interactivity facilities. This paper assesses the interactivity in MOODLE from both design and usage. The paper discloses the extent of poor MOODLE customization that can likely hinder the inclusion of the multimedia facilities, extent of poor online course design and lack of virtual interactivity among learners. To undertake this study, a case study methodology was opted by investigating the MOODLE platform of the Open University of Tanzania. The respondents to this study were categorized as MOODLE Learners (MLs), MOODLE Instructors (MIs) and MOODLE Administrators (MA). In addition to interview, an intensive documentary review together with screening the design and configurations of MOODLE servers has been done. The study focused on four aspects of interactivity which are learner interaction to learner, instructor, content, and interface. The study reveals that there is a critical lack of interactivity between learners themselves enrolled in the same course, between learners and their respective tutors and between learners and system contents and interfaces. The synchronous interaction is less practiced compared to asynchronous interaction. This has been due to less insertion of real time multimedia and interactivity features. Generally,
Periodontitis is not associated with metabolic risk during the fourth decade of life

AIM To examine associations between periodontitis and developmental trajectories of glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) during the third and fourth decades in an initially healthy sample. MATERIALS AND METHODS HbA1c data collected at ages 26, 32 and 38 in the prospective Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study were used to assign study members (n = 893) to trajectories applying group-based trajectory modelling (GBTM). The model allowed the statistical linking of baseline demographic, smoking and waist-height ratio covariates to group membership probability; and added a time-varying covariate (periodontitis) to the trajectories themselves to examine whether events that occurred during the course of the trajectory altered its course. RESULTS Three HbA1c trajectory groups were identified: "Low" (n = 98, 11.0%); "Medium" (n = 482, 54.0%); and "High" (n = 313, 35.0%) with mean HbA1c of 29.6, 34.1 and 38.7 mmol/mol, respectively, at age 38. Having periodontitis at 32 and 38 was associated with an upward shift in the trajectories. However, none of the associations were statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Periodontitis was not found to be associated with dysglycaemia over 12 years from early adulthood into early middle age. This suggests that any influence periodontitis may have on dysglycaemia develops later in life.
Techniques for high-efficiency outphasing power amplifiers

A trade-off between linearity and efficiency exists in conventional power amplifiers (PAs). The outphase amplifying concept overcomes this trade-off by enabling the use of high efficiency, non-linear power amplifiers for linear amplification. However, the efficiency improvement is limited by the efficiency of the output power combiner. This thesis investigates techniques to overcome this efficiency limit while maintaining sufficient linearity. Two techniques are proposed. The first technique is called the outphasing energy recovery amplifier (OPERA), which recovers the normally wasted power back to the power supply and utilizes a resistance compression network for improved linearity. A 48-MHz, 20-W prototype OPERA system was built which demonstrates more than 2x higher efficiency than the standard outphasing system for a 16-QAM signal. The second technique to improve the efficiency of the outphasing system is asymmetric multilevel outphasing (AMO) modulation. In the AMO system, the amplitude for each of the two outphased PAs can switch independently among multiple discrete levels, significantly reducing the energy lost in the power combiner. Three different AMO prototypes were built, each of which demonstrate between 2x-3x efficiency improvement compared to the standard outphasing system. A 2.4-GHz, 500mW prototype made in a 65-nm CMOS process achieves an average system efficiency of 28.7% for a 20-MHz 64-QAM signal. To the author's best knowledge, this is the highest reported efficiency for a CMOS PA in the 2-2.7 GHz range for signal bandwidths greater than 10 MHz. Thesis Supervisor: Joel L. Dawson Title: Associate Professor