Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reply to "Comments on adaptive IIR filtering with monic normalization"

Kim and Song (see IEEE Signal Processing Lett., vol.6, p.35-37, 1999) focused on the bias removal capability of the monic normalization equation error (MNEE) algorithm and showed in another paper (see IEEE Signal Processing Lett., vol.7, p.54-56, 2000) that the parameter estimated by the MNEE algorithm converges to the solution of the well-known eigenvalue equation presented by Regalia (1994), which is based on the unit-norm constraint. However, the convergence properties of the MNEE have not been fully understood. Some of its convergence issues were commented upon by Soderstrom (see vol.48, p.892-94, 2000). In the MNEE, there is a small bias of order O(/spl mu/). Under a certain condition, the MNEE may not be convergent. In this reply to Soserstrom's comments, we provide some remarks related to the above issues.
Frameworks for Enterprise Architecture

Enterprise architecture addresses the double challenge of increasing IT efficiency while continuing business innovation. Organizations can use enterprise architecture frameworks to manage system complexity and align business and IT resources. An enterprise architecture approach can help align business and IT resources and conform them to fundamental principles and common methodologies governing the entire information systems development process. In that sense, architectural frameworks are a convenient way to support such methodologies and separate roles that facilitate and implement these methodologies as needed. Still, many organizational and technical enterprise architecture challenges remain.
Cloud Computing: Will Commodity Services Benefit Users Long Term?

The attention the IT community has given cloud computing recently rivals that given to American Idol judges by the public. This magazine alone dedicated its March/April 2009 issue and significant other space throughout the year to the topic. Cloud computing's potential lies not only in the evolution of technology but also in a sourcing strategy that uses resources shared by increasingly larger volumes of users. Further potential lies in the commoditization of cloud computing services - that is, a market in which price primarily differentiates cloud computing services. Although the entire IT community will need to address significant challenges, the result will be decreased prices, increased numbers of services, and improved performance not only in the near term but also the longer term. The result should be a decade or more in which cloud computing providers and users all benefit from future technology advancements, cloud efficiencies, and market competition. In response to the as to whether cloud computing is just the same old IT packaged in a new bottle, or is it really new wine? The authors believe that not only is it new wine, but one of a vintage that will improve with maturity.
Boundary localization in texture segmentation

Localizing boundaries between textured image regions without sacrificing the labeling accuracy of interior regions remains a problem in segmentation. Difficulties arise because of the conflicting requirements of localization and labeling. Boundary localization usually demands observing the features over small neighborhoods, whereas labeling accuracy increases with the size of the observation neighborhood. This problem is further exacerbated in texture segmentation by the spatially distributed nature of texture features. In this correspondence, we develop a multiresolution approach that combines localized and distributed features to directly address boundary localization in texture segmentation. Maximum localization is achieved by using the gray-level discontinuities at the boundary between textures to define the boundary. The properties that characterize the gray-level discontinuity at texture boundaries are developed and an algorithm is designed to localize the boundary using these discontinuities. This segmentation algorithm is implemented and successfully tested on a set of Brodatz texture mosaics and AVHRR satellite imagery.
Optimal Gabor filters for texture segmentation

Texture segmentation involves subdividing an image into differently textured regions. Many texture segmentation schemes are based on a filter-bank model, where the filters, called Gabor filters, are derived from Gabor elementary functions. The goal is to transform texture differences into detectable filter-output discontinuities at texture boundaries. By locating these discontinuities, one can segment the image into differently textured regions. Distinct discontinuities occur, however, only if the Gabor filter parameters are suitably chosen. Some previous analysis has shown how to design filters for discriminating simple textures. Designing filters for more general natural textures, though, has largely been done ad hoc. We have devised a more rigorously based method for designing Gabor filters. It assumes that an image contains two different textures and that prototype samples of the textures are given a priori. We argue that Gabor filter outputs can be modeled as Rician random variables (often approximated well as Gaussian rv's) and develop a decision-theoretic algorithm for selecting optimal filter parameters. To improve segmentations for difficult texture pairs, we also propose a multiple-filter segmentation scheme, motivated by the Rician model. Experimental results indicate that our method is superior to previous methods in providing useful Gabor filters for a wide range of texture pairs.
Pediatric Posttonsillectomy Hemorrhage

Objective To examine variations in management of pediatric posttonsillectomy hemorrhage and associated costs from a national third-party payer perspective. Study Design The MarketScan database was analyzed for claims made for 30 days following tonsillectomy/adenotonsillectomy between 2008 and 2012 for privately insured children aged 1 to 17 years. Costs for management of postoperative hemorrhage by age, sex, and region were calculated in addition to total costs incurred for 30 days postoperatively. Setting MarketScan database. Subjects and Methods Database study. Results A total of 305,860 children were included. Overall, 0.3% had a postoperative bleed that required treatment but not surgical intervention or admission for hospitalization; 0.2% had one that required hospitalization; and 0.8% had one that required surgical intervention. The mean 30-day costs were $7660 for postoperative bleed that required surgery or hospitalization, $4580 for outpatient treatment, and $370 for no postoperative bleed. Children between 11 and 17 years old were most likely to have interventions for postoperative bleeding but had the lowest mean costs for them ($7320 for hospital based, $3860 for outpatient). There were regional differences in costs for in-patient management of bleeds, with highest costs in the West, with a mean of $8850, versus the South, with a mean of $7160. Conclusions There are geographic and demographic variations in managing pediatric posttonsillectomy hemorrhage and in the costs associated with management on a national level.
Optimizing Positioning for In-Office Otology Procedures

Objective Surgeons often report musculoskeletal discomfort in relation to their practice, but few understand optimal ergonomic positioning. This study aims to determine which patient position—sitting versus supine—is ergonomically optimal for performing otologic procedures. Study Design Observational study. Setting Outpatient otolaryngology clinic setting in a tertiary care facility. Subjects and Methods We observed 3 neurotologists performing a standardized simulated cerumen debridement procedure on volunteers in 2 positions: sitting and supine. The Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA)—a validated tool that calculates stress placed on the upper limb during a task—was used to evaluate ergonomic positioning. Scores on this instrument range from 1 to 7, with a score of 1 to 2 indicating negligible risk of developing posture-related injury. The risk of musculoskeletal disorders increases as the RULA score increases. Results In nearly every trial, RULA scores were lower when the simulated patient was placed in the supine position. When examined as a group, the median RULA scores were 5 with the patient sitting and 3 with the patient in the supine position (P < .0001). When the RULA scores of the 3 neurotologists were examined individually, each had a statistically significant decrease in score with the patient in the supine position. Conclusion This study indicates that patient position may contribute to ergonomic stress placed on the otolaryngologist’s upper limb during in-office otologic procedures. Otolaryngologists should consider performing otologic procedures with the patient in the supine position to decrease their own risk of developing upper-limb musculoskeletal disorders.
Fehlinformation zum Tabakrauchen in deutschen Medizin-Lehrbüchern

Hintergrund und Fragestellung: Rauchen ist ein wichtiger Risikofaktor fur die Entstehung der koronaren Herzkrankheit (KHK) und des Bronchial-Karzinoms. Wahrend das im Tabak enthaltene Nikotin fur die Entwicklung der Sucht verantwortlich ist, sind die Auswirkungen des Rauchens auf Herz und Lunge durch andere Inhaltsstoffe bedingt. In der vorliegenden Studie sollte gepruft werden, ob diese Inhalte in deutschen Lehrbuchern der Inneren Medizin adaquat vermittelt werden. Methoden: Es wurden alle (n = 28) in zwei Gottinger Buchhandlungen sowie der Gottinger Universitats-Bibliothek erhaltlichen deutschen Lehrbucher der Inneren Medizin daraufhin untersucht, ob als Risikofaktor fur die koronare Herzkrankheit und das Bronchial-Karzinom „Rauchen” oder „Nikotin” aufgefuhrt wurde. Ergebnisse: In 12 von 25 Lehrbuchern wurde bei der Auflistung der Risikofaktoren der KHK das Rauchen explizit genannt; in weiteren 12 Buchern wurde Nikotin erwahnt. Ein Lehrbuch fuhrte beide Begriffe auf. In den 21 Lehrbuchern, die auf die Risikofaktoren des Bronchial-Karzinoms eingingen, fand sich stets der Begriff „Rauchen”; Nikotin wurde nicht erwahnt. Folgerung: Viele deutsche Lehrbucher der Inneren Medizin enthalten bezuglich der Gesundheitsschadlichkeit des Rauchens sprachliche Ungenauigkeiten, die durch den Einfluss der Sprache auf Denken und Handeln erhebliche Auswirkungen auf ihre Leser haben konnen. Der synonyme Gebrauch der Begriffe „Rauchen” und „Nikotin”, der einen kausalen Zusammenhang zwischen Nikotin und koronarer Herzkrankheit suggeriert, ist irrefuhrend und sollte aus der Fachliteratur entfernt werden. Background and objective: Smoking is a major risk factor for coronary heart disease and lung cancer. While nicotine causes addiction, heart and lung diseases are caused by other substances contained in tobacco smoke. This study assessed whether these facts are adequately portrayed in German medical textbooks. Methods: The sections on cardiovascular and lung cancer risk factors in 28 German textbooks of internal medicine, available in two bookstores as well as the library of Gottingen University (Germany), were scanned for the words "smoking" and "nicotine" as risk factors for coronary artery disease and lung cancer. Results: In 12 of the 25 textbooks covering cardiovascular disease, smoking was mentioned as a risk factor for coronary artery disease; another 12 textbooks listed nicotine or nicotine addiction. In one textbook both terms were used. While smoking was referred to in all 21 textbooks that also discussed risk factors for lung cancer, nicotine was not mentioned in this context. Conclusion: Many German textbooks of internal medicine contain misleading terms for the health effects of smoking, which may influence the thoughts and possibly also the behaviour of their readers. The use of the words "smoking" and "nicotine" as synonymous within the context of cardiovascular risk factors, suggesting a causal relationship between nicotine and coronary heart disease, is incorrect and should be removed from the specialist medical literature.
Cervical and Ocular VEMP Testing in Diagnosing Superior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence

Objective To determine the sensitivity and specificity of ocular and cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs) in the diagnosis of superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SCD) and to describe the VEMP response characteristics that are most sensitive to SCD and compare the findings to previous reports. Study Design Case series with chart review. Setting Two tertiary neurotologic referral centers. Subjects and Methods Cervical and ocular VEMP peak-to-peak amplitudes and thresholds from 39 adult patients older than 18 years with surgically confirmed SCD were compared with 84 age-matched controls. Results Using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, cervical VEMP (cVEMP) amplitudes, cVEMP thresholds, and ocular VEMP (oVEMP) amplitudes had areas under the curve of 0.731, 0.912, and 0.856, respectively, all of which were statistically significant (P < .0001). For cVEMP thresholds, at the clinical equivalent ≤85-dB normalized hearing level (nHL) threshold, the sensitivity and specificity were 97.3% and 31.3%, respectively. At the ≤70-dB nHL threshold, the sensitivity and specificity were 73.0% and 94.0%, respectively. For oVEMP amplitudes >12.0 µV, the sensitivity and specificity were 78.6% and 81.7%, respectively. Conclusion Data from this multicenter study suggest that both cVEMP thresholds and oVEMP amplitudes remain good diagnostic tests for identifying SCD, with each test dependent on a number of factors. The sensitivity and specificity of these individual tests may vary slightly between centers depending on testing parameters used.
Studie zur Qualitätskontrolle der operativen Therapie der Adipositas – Ergebnisse der Pilotphase 2005

Since January 1, 2005, the situation of bariatric surgery has been examined in Germany. The data are registered in cooperation with the An-Institute of Quality Assurance in the Surgery Department at the Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg. Materials and Methods: The data registration occurs prospectively in an internet online data bank. All clinics performing bariatric procedures in Germany were asked to submit their data All primary bariatric procedures that have been performed since January 1, 2005 as well as re-operations in patients that have been operated before this time were analyzed. Results: During the first year of the study 629 patients were operated in 21 hospitals. The most frequently performed operation in the first year was gastric banding with 44.1% followed by Roux-en-Y-Gastric Bypass with 43.8%. 74.4% of the patients were female. The mediumBMI of all patients was 48.5 kg/m2. Conclusion: During the first year of the study, there is a trend from restrictive bariatric procedures to the malabsorptive approach. In Germany the BMI of the patients undergoing bariatric surgery is higher than in the most countries worldwide. Form and frequency of intra- and postoperative complications were not different from those described in the literature.
The segmentation of cursive handwriting: an approach based on off-line recovery of the motor-temporal information

This paper presents a segmentation method that partly mimics the cognitive-behavioral process used by human subjects to recover motor-temporal information from the image of a handwritten word. The approach does not exploit any thinning or skeletonization procedure, but rather a different type of information is manipulated concerning the curvature function of the word contour. In this way, it is possible to detect the parts of the image where the original odometric information is lost or ambiguous (such as, for example, at an intersection of the handwritten lines) and interpret them to finally recover a part of the original temporal information. The algorithm scans the word, following the natural course of the line, and attempts to reproduce the same movement as executed by the writer during the generation of the word. It segments the cursive trace where the contour shows the slow-down of the original movement (corresponding to the maximum curvature points of the curve). At the end of the scanning process, a temporal sequence of motor strokes is obtained which plausibly composed the original intended movement.
Radiographic Evidence of Occult Intracranial Hypertension in Patients with Ménière’s Disease

Objectives (1) Describe the prevalence of radiographic signs of intracranial hypertension (ICH) in Ménière’s disease (MD) and (2) compare the prevalence of radiographic signs of ICH in MD patients managed medically to those managed surgically. Study Design Case-control study. Setting Academic neurotologic practice. Subjects and Methods Adult MD patients (aged ≥17 years) treated from 2011 to 2015 were reviewed. Inclusion required magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the head and follow-up >6 months. Patients with intracranial tumors, mass effect, trauma, previous intracranial surgery, and glaucoma were excluded. MD patients were separated by administered treatment into medical and surgical subgroups. Cochlear implant (CI) recipients served as radiographic controls. Eighty-four MD patients (46 surgical, 38 medical) and 37 CI controls were assessed. MRI measurements assessed for empty/partial sella (ES/PS), dilated/tortuous optic nerve sheath (ONS), and posterior globe flattening (PGF). Results Mean age was 53.8 ± 1.3 years and median body mass index (BMI) was 28.2 kg/m2. Of the patients, 64% were female and 92% were white. MRI findings in the MD cohort were as follows: ES/PS, 46.4%; ONS change, 42.8%; and PGF, 8.3%. The prevalence of ONS change was higher in MD patients than in controls (42.8% vs 13.5%, P = .003). The surgical MD group had higher prevalence of ONS change (52%) compared with the medical group (31.5%, P = .05) and controls (13.5%, P = .0004). The surgical group had a higher prevalence of ≥2 simultaneous MRI findings compared with medical MD patients (39% vs 10%, P = .01) and controls (14%, P = .01). Conclusion MD patients demonstrate a high prevalence of radiographic signs of ICH. MD patients who required surgery had a greater prevalence of radiographic signs of ICH compared with non-MD patients and medically managed MD patients.
A Polymorphous Computing Fabric

We propose a polymorphous computing fabric-based system (FBS) well suited to digital signal processing (DSP) and image processing applications. We have implemented our design on a system on a programmable chip (SoPC). The fabric's highly parameterized cellular architecture enables customized synthesis of fabric instances to achieve high performance for different classes of applications. The system's innovative global memory provides a host control processor with random access to all the variables and instructions on the fabric. The fabric supports several computing models including multiple instruction, multiple data (MIMD); single program, multiple data (SPMD); and systolic flow and permits dynamic reconfiguration of communication patterns. To illustrate the capabilities of our approach, we present two fabric instances with implementations of representative applications including a k-means clustering algorithm, a bank of finite impulse response (FIR) filters, an N-tap FIR filter (N is the number of taps of the filter), and a vector-by-matrix multiplication. Each fabric instance holds 52 cells on the Altera Excalibur ARM embedded processor system.
Scalable Vector Processors for Embedded Systems

For embedded applications with data-level parallelism, a vector processor offers high performance at low power consumption and low design complexity. Unlike superscalar and VLIW designs, a vector processor is scalable and can optimally match specific application requirements.To demonstrate that vector architectures meet the requirements of embedded media processing, we evaluate the Vector IRAM, or VIRAM (pronounced "V-IRAM"), architecture developed at UC Berkeley, using benchmarks from the Embedded Microprocessor Benchmark Consortium (EEMBC). Our evaluation covers all three components of the VIRAM architecture: the instruction set, the vectorizing compiler, and the processor microarchitecture. We show that a compiler can vectorize embedded tasks automatically without compromising code density. We also describe a prototype vector processor that outperforms high-end superscalar and VLIW designs by 1.5x to 100x for media tasks, without compromising power consumption. Finally, we demonstrate that clustering and modular design techniques let a vector processor scale to tens of arithmetic data paths before wide instruction-issue capabilities become necessary.
Measuring Architectural Vulnerability Factors

The continuous exponential growth in transistors per chip as described by Moore's law has spurred tremendous progress in the functionality and performance of semiconductor devices, particularly microprocessors. At the same time, each succeeding technology generation has introduced new obstacles to maintaining this growth rate. Transient faults caused by single-event upsets have emerged as a key challenge likely to gain significantly more importance in the next few design generations. Techniques for dealing with these faults exist, but they come at a cost. Designers need accurate soft-error estimates early in the design cycle to weigh the benefits of error protection techniques against their costs. This article presents a method for generating these estimates.
Addressing Workload Variability in Architectural Simulations

The inherent variability of multithreaded commercial workloads can lead to incorrect results in architectural simulation studies. Although most architectural simulation studies ignore space variability's effects, our results demonstrate that space variability has serious implications for architectural simulation studies using multithreaded workloads. The standard solution - running long enough - does not easily apply to simulation because of its enormous slowdown. To address this problem, we propose a simulation methodology combining multiple simulations with standard statistical techniques, such as confidence intervals and hypothesis testing. This methodology greatly decreases the probability of drawing incorrect conclusions, and permits reasonable simulation times given sufficient simulation hosts.
Minimum Reporting Standards for Adult Cochlear Implantation

This article outlines new minimum standards for reporting adult cochlear implant outcomes. These standards have been endorsed by the Implantable Hearing Devices Committee and the Hearing Committee of the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery. The lack of a standardized method for reporting outcomes following cochlear implantation in clinical trials has hampered the ability of investigators to draw comparisons across studies. Variability in data reported in articles and presentation formats inhibits meta-analyses, making it impossible to accumulate the large patient cohorts needed for statistically significant inference. While investigators remain unrestricted in publishing their adult cochlear implant outcome data in additional formats that they believe to be valuable, they should include the presently proposed minimal data set to facilitate interstudy comparability and consistency of reporting.