Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optimization of Threshold Functions over Streams

A common stream processing application is alerting, where the data stream management system (DSMS) continuously evaluates a threshold function over incoming streams. If the threshold is crossed, the DSMS raises an alarm. The threshold function is often calculated over two or more streams, such as combining temperature and humidity readings to determine if moisture will form on a machine and therefore cause it to malfunction. This requires taking a temporal join across the input streams. We show that for the broad class of functions called quasiconvex functions, the DSMS needs to retain very few tuples per-data-stream for any given time interval and still never miss an alarm. This surprising result yields a large memory savings during normal operation. That savings is also important if one stream fails, since the DSMS would otherwise have to cache all tuples in other streams until the failed stream recovers. We prove our algorithm is optimal and provide experimental evidence that validates its substantial memory savings.
Adaptive Data Augmentation for Supervised Learning over Missing Data

Real-world data is dirty, which causes serious problems in (supervised) machine learning (ML). The widely used practice in such scenario is to first repair the labeled source (a.k.a. train) data using rule-, statistical- or ML-based methods and then use the "repaired" source to train an ML model. During production, unlabeled target (a.k.a. test) data will also be repaired, and is then fed in the trained ML model for prediction. However, this process often causes a performance degradation when the source and target datasets are dirty with different noise patterns , which is common in practice. In this paper, we propose an adaptive data augmentation approach, for handling missing data in supervised ML. The approach extracts noise patterns from target data, and adapts the source data with the extracted target noise patterns while still preserving supervision signals in the source. Then, it patches the ML model by retraining it on the adapted data, in order to better serve the target. To effectively support adaptive data augmentation, we propose a novel generative adversarial network (GAN) based framework, called DAGAN, which works in an unsupervised fashion. DAGAN consists of two connected GAN networks. The first GAN learns the noise pattern from the target, for target mask generation. The second GAN uses the learned target mask to augment the source data, for source data adaptation. The augmented source data is used to retrain the ML model. Extensive experiments show that our method significantly improves the ML model performance and is more robust than the state-of-the-art missing data imputation solutions for handling datasets with different missing value patterns.
Integrity-based Attacks for Encrypted Databases and Implications

Inference attacks on property-preserving encrypted databases (e.g., CryptDB) have been previously studied. These demonstrate how in certain scenarios one can recover plain text from databases that provide columnar encryption by using auxiliary information such as column statistics. Newer generation of encrypted databases are now being built using secure enclave technology. In this paper, we ﬁrst show how the current generation of encrypted databases are robust against these previously published attacks. However, we identify two broad patterns that we identify as query integrity attacks and data integrity attacks that can be used to construct attacks that are similar in scope for a variety of encrypted databases built using enclaves. We believe this paper initiates an important discussion about the need for integrity protection for future encrypted databases.
A simple high-performance liquid chromatography method for the assay of flavonoids in Ginkgo biloba Leaves

Objective: Ginkgo biloba leaves, as an herbal medicine or dietary supplement, have been widely used worldwide. In this study, an integrated analytical method was established for the comprehensive analysis of flavonoids in G. biloba leaves. Materials and Methods: A practical chromatographic method combining high-performance liquid chromatography fingerprint analysis and quantitation was used to simultaneously determine 11 flavonoids (6 flavonol glycosides and 5 biflavones) in G. biloba leaves from different regions. Results: A total of 11 characteristic peaks were identified accurately, and the similarity of fingerprints ranged from 0.944 to 0.996. Methodology validation revealed appropriate linearity ( R2 ≥ 0.9997), precision, repeatability, stability, and recovery. The total contents of the six flavonol glycosides and five biflavones were within the range of 2.142-8.378 mg/g and 3.759-5.675 mg/g in 19 batches of samples, respectively. Among them, two coumaroyl flavonol glycosides were the predominant components. Conclusions: In this study, a convenient and reliable approach was successfully employed for the comprehensive evaluation of flavonoids in G. biloba leaves, which also provided a reference for its quality standard.
Efficacy of dexmedetomidine as an adjunct to ropivacaine in transversus abdominis plane block for paediatric laparoscopic surgeries: A double-blinded randomised trial

Background and Aims: α2 agonists have been utilised in regional blocks, but very little data is available for their use in transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block in paediatric laparoscopic (LAP) surgeries. This study investigated the analgesic effect of ropivacaine alone versus its combination with dexmedetomidine for TAP block in children undergoing LAP surgery. Methods: A randomised, double-blind trial was conducted in 50 American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) 1 and 2 children of 2–8 years undergoing LAP abdominal surgery. Children were randomised to receive a total volume of 0.5 ml/kg of 0.2% ropivacaine (LA group) or 0.2% ropivacaine with 1 μg/kg dexmedetomidine (LAD group) for performing ultrasound-guided bilateral TAP block postoperatively (PO). Patients were monitored PO for vital signs, pain, sedation, time to first rescue analgesic and total analgesic consumption for 24 h. Time to first rescue analgesic was expressed as mean ± standard deviation (SD) and analysed using Kaplan–Meier survival analysis. Pain and sedation scores were expressed as median [interquartile range (IQR)] and analysed using Mann–Whitney U test. Results: First rescue analgesic demand was significantly longer (P = 0.001) in LAD (474.8 min) versus LA group (240.9 min) but total analgesics consumption in first 24 h was comparable. Pain scores were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in LAD compared to LA group at all times PO. Each group had comparable but significantly lower sedation scores up to 24 h PO. Conclusion: Addition of dexmedetomidine to ropivacaine in TAP block prolongs the time to first analgesic requirement without a difference in the total analgesic consumption.
Mobile phone use screening test: Development, validation, and implications for screening excessive mobile use

Background: Early identification for the addictive use of smartphones would enable timely intervention to minimize suffering from compromised functioning and associated psychological problems. This study is the first such attempt to develop a test for addictive/excessive use of the mobile phone in the Indian context. The present study aims to develop and validate the mobile phone use screening test (MUST) for the Indian subcontinent. Materials and Methods: Five hundred individuals aged 18–40 years, residing in the South Indian city of Bangalore participated in the study. The sociodemographic datasheet and the newly developed test were administered on these individuals to gather demographic information and patterns of excessive mobile phone use. Results: The developed test has 18-items which use a self-report Likert-type scale format. The test–retest reliability was 0.93 and the Cronbach's alpha was found to be 0.86. The scoring criterion for the overall score was: <30 = mild use; 31–49 = moderate use; and 50 and above = excessive/addictive smartphone use. The scale has four components: craving, loss of control, coping, and consequences. Conclusions: The MUST can be used for the identification of addictive/excessive use of mobile phone among adolescents and young adult groups.
Rectangular Slit Atmospheric Pressure Aerodynamic Lens Aerosol Concentrator

A rectangular slit micro-aerodynamic-lens (μADL) aerosol concentrator operating at atmospheric pressure has been developed. A single stage version has shown concentration ratios of up to 40:1 for 1 μm aerosol particles while particles larger than 2 μm can be concentrated by more than 100:1 in a single stage. The design of this device has been guided by unsteady 3D CFD modeling using detached eddy simulations (DES), and has been validated experimentally using polystyrene spheres and salt crystals of known aerodynamic diameters. The pressure drop in the device does not exceed 1.5 kPa in the major flow and 0.3 kPa in the minor flow at a total flow of 10 slpm. Copyright 2014 American Association for Aerosol Research
Eleven absorbed constituents and 91 metabolites of chuanxiong rhizoma decoction in rats

Objective: Chuanxiong Rhizoma (CR, the dried rhizomes of Ligusticum chuanxiong) is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine that promotes qi to activate blood, dispels wind, and relieves pain. To date, more than 118 constituents of CR have been isolated and identified. However, the in vivo mechanism of CR decoction is unclear and needs further investigation. In addition, to clarify the effective forms of CR, it is essential to reveal the absorbed constituents and metabolites of CR. Materials and Methods: The absorbed constituents and metabolites in urine and plasma samples of rats orally administered with CR decoction were screened and characterized using a high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detector and combined with electrospray ionization ion trap time-of-flight multistage mass spectrometry technique. Results: In total, 102 compounds, including 11 absorbed constituents (eight phthalides and three phthalic acids) and 91 metabolites (71 phthalide-related and 20 phenolic acid-related), were detected in drug-containing rat urine and plasma samples, among which 33 were new metabolites of either CR or its constituents. Based on the structures of these metabolites, six phthalides (ligustilide, senkyunolide I/H, senkyunolide J/N, and butylidenephthalide) and three phenolic acids (ferulic acid, isoferulic acid, and caffeic acid) were proposed as their precursors. They were also deduced to be the main absorbed constituents of CR decoction, which should have closer relationships with its pharmacological effects than other constituents. Phthalide-related metabolites were formed through the metabolic reactions of hydration, hydroxylation, cysteine conjugation, acetylcysteine conjugation, methanethiol conjugation, mercaptomethanol conjugation, glucuronidation, and sulfation, whereas the phenolic acid-related metabolites were mainly formed by glucuronidation and sulfation. Conclusions: Six phthalides and three phenolic acids were shown to be the main precursors of the metabolites of CR, and 33 compounds were new metabolites of either CR or its constituents. These results are helpful for further understanding of the in vivo mechanism and effective forms of CR.
Clinical pearls in anaesthesia for electromyographic tube guided robotic thyroidectomy

S51 Indian Journal of Anaesthesia | Volume 65 | Supplement 1 | March 2021 an absolute (life/limb-threatening) emergency. Quench quickly shuts off the magnetic pull, but the economic burden of the process is huge due to the non-recovery of helium. The alternative is to slowly ramp down the magnetic field strength to the level sufficient to safely retrieve the object. Ramping down is associated with less helium loss and expenditure compared to a quench. However, it is a slow process (2-3 days), and ramping up takes time potentially rendering the MRI scanner unusable for a few days.
Is age just a number: Exploring fear, anxiety, and coping in individuals during COVID-19

Introduction: The current pandemic coronavirus (COVID-19) is a novel disease with no standardized course of treatment and cure. This novelty, origin, and dispersion of COVID-19 have been reported to cause chaos, anxiety, and fear among the general population. Aim: The present study aimed to explore the correlation between different age groups, in relation to their general coping strategies, fear, and anxiety due to COVID-19. Methodology: The research study employed a total sample of 135 participants. The sample was divided into four age groups: 12–18, 19–25, 26–55, and 56–85. Participants were selected through convenience sampling. General coping strategies employed by these participants were assessed using a brief COPE scale, the COVID-19 fear scale was used to assess fear, and coronavirus anxiety scale was used to screen anxiety. Results: Our results indicated that age has a negative correlation with adaptive coping and positive correlation with problem-focused coping, emotion-focused coping, and fear of COVID-19. The most used coping strategy among the age groups 12–18 and 19–25 age group was adaptive coping; for the 26–55 age group, it was problem-focused coping; and for the age group 56–85, emotion-focused coping was used the most. Conclusion: The findings of the current research could help to make the intervention procedure tailor-made for different age groups, thereby ensuring adherence and relatability to the precautionary directions.
A meta analysis for evaluation of marginal bone level changes at dental implants

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the marginal bone level changes at dental implants after 1 year in function. Methods: Detailed searches from PubMed databases were made. A MEDLINE search (PubMed) published in the English language from 1980 to December 2018 was included in this study. Results: The electronic database research (MEDLINE) produced 166 corresponding articles. One hundred and twenty studies were excluded on the basis of abstract while the 46 researches were used chosen for full-text examination after the title and abstract testing, and 41 studies were excluded that did not meet the requirements of our inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total of 5 studies for a quantitative analysis were taken into account. Conclusion: Within the limits of the study, the mean marginal bone loss (MBL) was found to be 0.56 mm. A statistically significant difference in the MBL was found between the various studies.
A simple three-dimensional canopy - planetary boundary layer simulation model for scalar concentrations and fluxes

We present a numerical model capable of computing the physical processes within both plant canopy and planetary boundary layer (PBL), offering the potential benefit of wide applicability due to reduced computational requirements. The model, named SCADIS (scalar distribution), synthesizes existing knowledge of boundary and surface layer turbulence and surface layer vegetative processes and was tested using several data sets from the European part of Russia and Siberia obtained as part of the EUROSIBERIAN CARBONFLUX project. Despite simplifications which were necessary in order to simulate the natural processes, the first version of the model presented here demonstrated a satisfactory agreement between modelled and observed data for different surface features and weather conditions. For example, the model successfully predicted the diurnal patterns of concentration profiles of CO2, water vapour and potential temperature profiles both within the summer atmospheric boundary layer and within the plant canopy itself. The very different effects of the surface energy characteristics of bog versus forest on convective boundary layer (CBL) structure and development are also illustrated. The model was applied to evaluate the effective footprints for eddy covariance measurements above non-uniform plant canopies, the case study here being a mixed spruce forest in European Russia. The model also demonstrates the likely variations in the above-canopy turbulence and surface layer fluxes as dependent on the presence of patches of deciduous broadleaf forest within a predominantly evergreen coniferous stand.
Physical and chemical gels of lipid nanoparticles for controlled delivery of lipophilic drugs and proteins

The controlled delivery of drugs and biologicals (proteins, antibodies, DNA and derivatives) is a growing need to take the full benefit of new therapeutic strategies. However these new molecules or biomolecules display solubility issues, or high degradation rates once injected. Therefore, both suitable delivery materials for their encapsulation and protection from the surrounding environment, and smart delivery devices (such as micro-needles or implanted pumps) are necessary to achieve controlled delivery of these precious therapeutic agents. We have developed bio-inspired gel materials, based on lipid nanoparticles which act as reservoirs for lipophilic drugs. The lipid nanoparticles, termed lipidots™, are biocompatible, colloidally stable, non-immunogenic, and obtained from a cheap and simple solvent-free process. The particles can be assembled to form physical or chemical gels, with tunable rheological properties. Physico-chemical studies have been carried out to determine the limits of the stability domains for colloidal and gel formulations (choice of surfactants for nanoparticle surface, and composition ratios of lipids, surfactants and co-surfactants). In particular, it is demonstrated that lipid nanoparticles keep their integrity in the gels. Gels of lipidots™ could therefore constitute biocompatible materials for the efficient encapsulation and tuned delivery of lipophilic drugs and biomolecules.
Estudo reológico da polpa de morango (Fragaria vesca) em diferentes temperaturas

The strawberry, a fleshy, juicy and slightly acid-tasting fruit, contains several substances which are important for human nutrition. Since the development of frozen strawberry pulp industry has increased considerably during the last decades, investigation on rheological parameters is an important asset for nutrition engineering proposals. Current research deals with strawberry pulp rheological parameters for temperatures between 20 and 35oC with a concentric cylinders rheometer. Data were adjusted to models by Ostwald de Waale, Bingham and Herschell-Buckley employing the Bayesian methodology. Strawberry pulp showed a non-Newtonian behavior with pseudoplastic characteristics. Apparent viscosity decreased in proportion to temperature increase. Arrhenius model satisfactorily describes the effect of temperature on the apparent viscosity.
Apatite-type Ba5(VO4)3Cl

The title compound, penta­barium tris­(vanadate) chloride, crystallizes in the well known apatite structure type, with space group P63/m and Z = 2. The crystal structure contains isolated (VO4)3− tetra­hedra that are bridged by Ba2+ ions. The inter­mediate Cl− anions, situated on positions with \overline{3} symmetry, are octa­hedrally surrounded by Ba2+ cations.
The Valuation of Hedge Funds’ Equity Positions

Abstract We provide evidence on the valuation of equity positions by hedge funds. Reported valuations deviate from standard valuations based on closing prices from the Center for Research in Security Prices for roughly 7% of the positions. These equity valuation deviations are positively related to illiquidity and price volatility of the underlying stocks. They respond to past performance and intensify after an advisor starts reporting to a commercial database. Furthermore, advisors with more valuation deviations show a stronger discontinuity in their reported returns around 0, manage a higher fraction of potentially fraudulent funds, report smoother returns, and exhibit an upward spike in their December reported returns.
REVIEW

Research on word learning is vital and consequential. Acquiring a large, accessible vocabulary is key to complete fluency in a language and to later literacy. The drive to learn words is hard to extinguish even in challenging circumstances (Goldin-Meadow & Mylander, 1984). For these reasons, Weaving a Lexicon, an ambitious review of recent experimental research on infants’ and children’s word knowledge, is a welcome contribution. It is also timely because researchers have in recent years converged on a ‘tool kit ’ for assessing infants’ inferences, and the time is ripe for the field to examine these methods and their implications for theoretical models of early lexical development. Editors Geoffrey Hall and Sandra Waxman are former collaborators, and each contributes a chapter (11 and 10 respectively). They and other contributors are jointly responsible for much of the most influential research on early word learning. As such, the volume is a fair summary of the state of the field and the most visible research of the last decade. The volume includes nineteen substantive chapters and a brief introduction. It is divided into two sections, one on infants’ identification and inferences about words and another on preschoolers’ later acquisition of lexical knowledge. There is no further organization, so the volume would require scaffolding for use as an undergraduate text. However, for that purpose there are suitable chapters by Akhtar (ch. 15), Bloom (ch. 7), Gelman (ch. 14), Gentner & Namy (ch. 17), Imai & Haryu (ch. 13) and Markman & Jaswal (ch. 12). Graduate language seminars could utilize contributions by Fisher, Church & Chambers (ch. 1), Hohenstein, Naigles & Eisenberg (ch. 18), Landau (ch. 4), Snedeker & Gleitman (ch. 9), Werker & Fennell (ch. 3) and Woodward (ch. 5). Seminars on thought and language could utilize the chapters by Gelman, by Gentner & Namy and by Landau. Phonology courses could use Werker & Fennell’s and Echols & Marti’s (ch. 2) contributions. Almost all chapters describe the authors’ research programs, as is typical of edited psychology volumes. Bloom breaks this mold with a more broadly informative critique of assumptions about children’s word-learning acumen; this should be required reading for child language researchers. Other J. Child Lang. 34 (2007), 909–916. f 2007 Cambridge University Press Printed in the United Kingdom
Enantioselective synthesis of the polyketide antibiotic (3R,4S)‐(−)‐citrinin

The fungal metabolite (−)-citrinin (1) was synthesized for the first time. Reaction of the Grignard reagent of 2,4-bis(benzyloxy)-6-bromotoluene (3) with (2S)-trans-(−)-2,3-dimethyloxirane (6) in the presence of 1,5-cyclooctadienecopper(I) chloride as catalyst leads to the formation of (2S,3S)-(−)-7 with erythro configuration. Compound (−)-7 could be transformed into (2R,3S)-(−)-9 with threo configuration via the formate (1R,2S)-(+)-8 by a Mitsunobu reaction. Reaction of the Grignard reagent of 3 with the achiral cis-2,3-dimethyl-oxirane yielded directly (±)-9. The starting material 3 was readily available from 1,3-bis(benzyloxy)-5-bromobenzene (4). Formylation of 4 furnished the aldehyde 5 which could be reduced to 3 with borane. Hydrogenolysis of the benzyl ether groups in (−)-9 gave (−)-2 with threo configuration. The remaining steps to produce citrinin [(−)-1] from (−)-2 required carboxylation to 11, formylation and in situ ring closure with ethyl orthoformate to produce the required quinomethide structure. Application of the same reactions to (±)-9 and (±)-2 afforded (±)-citrinin in 40% overall yield.