Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Topological data analysis for true step detection in periodic piecewise constant signals

This paper introduces a simple yet powerful approach based on topological data analysis for detecting true steps in a periodic, piecewise constant (PWC) signal. The signal is a two-state square wave with randomly varying in-between-pulse spacing, subject to spurious steps at the rising or falling edges which we call digital ringing. We use persistent homology to derive mathematical guarantees for the resulting change detection which enables accurate identification and counting of the true pulses. The approach is tested using both synthetic and experimental data obtained using an engine lathe instrumented with a laser tachometer. The described algorithm enables accurate and automatic calculations of the spindle speed without any choice of parameters. The results are compared with the frequency and sequency methods of the Fourier and Walsh–Hadamard transforms, respectively. Both our approach and the Fourier analysis yield comparable results for pulses with regular spacing and digital ringing while the latter causes large errors using the Walsh–Hadamard method. Further, the described approach significantly outperforms the frequency/sequency analyses when the spacing between the peaks is varied. We discuss generalizing the approach to higher dimensional PWC signals, although using this extension remains an interesting question for future research.
An online cost-efficient scheduler for requests with deadline constraint in hybrid clouds

The hybrid cloud model has received considerable attention in recent years. However, it is challenging to schedule computing applications in hybrid clouds because of the various product types and pricing models provided by different cloud providers in conjunction with the complexity of private cloud resource management. In this paper, we focus on a typical scenario to schedule computing requests in hybrid clouds, trying to minimize the costs incurred while keeping the deadline missing of the requests at an acceptable level. We formulate this problem as an online optimization model originally, and by taking advantage of the Lyapunov optimization techniques, we transform it into a one-shot binary linear optimization problem which is much easier to solve. Based on that we develop a hybrid cloud scheduler, and simulation results suggest that our scheduler strikes a good balance between the cost of public clouds and the deadline missing of computing requests. Besides, the proposed scheduler shows a nearly optimal resource utilization rate and a good average scheduling delay.
Multi-scale simulation of nonlinear thin-shell sound with wave turbulence

Thin shells --- solids that are thin in one dimension compared to the other two --- often emit rich nonlinear sounds when struck. Strong excitations can even cause chaotic thin-shell vibrations, producing sounds whose energy spectrum diffuses from low to high frequencies over time --- a phenomenon known as wave turbulence. It is all these nonlinearities that grant shells such as cymbals and gongs their characteristic "glinting" sound. Yet, simulation models that efficiently capture these sound effects remain elusive. We propose a physically based, multi-scale reduced simulation method to synthesize nonlinear thin-shell sounds. We first split nonlinear vibrations into two scales, with a small low-frequency part simulated in a fully nonlinear way, and a high-frequency part containing many more modes approximated through time-varying linearization. This allows us to capture interesting nonlinearities in the shells' deformation, tens of times faster than previous approaches. Furthermore, we propose a method that enriches simulated sounds with wave turbulent sound details through a phenomenological diffusion model in the frequency domain, and thereby sidestep the expensive simulation of chaotic high-frequency dynamics. We show several examples of our simulations, illustrating the efficiency and realism of our model.
Parallel Data Shuffling for Hadoop Acceleration with Network Levitated Merge and RDMA for Interconnectivity

Performance is measure issue in today’s hadoop framework. The execution time required for Map reduce model is depends on multiple factors. Shuffling and merging in map reduce requires much amount of time. Proper implementation of shuffling and merging improves the performance of overall system. With this Serialization, multiple interconnect issues are also covered in this paper. Serialization keeps reduce phase to wait; repetitive merges requires multiple d i s k access and lack of portability for different interconnections. Repetitive merges can be reduced by network levitated merge algorithm, Serialization issue is overcome by parallelization. RDMA is used to for multiple interconnects. A non Hadoop and non java machine can also use the hadoop features. If we use pipelining to avoid serialization some sort of serialization is there in shuffle and merge phase. In pipelining output file is shuffled and merged before providing it to reduce task. Instead of pipelined shuffling, parallel shuffling is proposed. This reduces the number of disk accesses resulting in improved performance.
Case Report of Connubial Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia

Since its original report in 1994, frontal fibrosing alopecia has become increasingly common, attracting the attention of the medical community and giving rise to speculations on its etiology, specifically the possibility of environmental factors. Familial cases of frontal fibrosing alopecia point to the possible contribution of hereditary factors maybe related to androgenetic alopecia. We report the first case of connubial frontal fibrosing alopecia in a genetically unrelated couple pointing to the possibility of a common environmental exposure in the etiology of the condition. Our observation may be fortuitous, considering the high frequency of female frontal fibrosing alopecia. Nevertheless, the incidence of male frontal fibrosing alopecia has remained low with a consequently low statistical probability of random occurrence of the condition in a marital couple. We, therefore, suggest to systematically includes the hair condition of marital partners in the patient history of patients with frontal fibrosing alopecia, to elucidate the actual frequency of connubial frontal fibrosing alopecia and maybe a common causative agent or hair grooming practice.
The DLDP Survey on Digital Use and Usability of EU Regional and Minority Languages

The digital development of regional and minority languages requires careful planning to be effective and should be preceded by the identiﬁcation of the current and actual extent to which those languages are used digitally, the type and frequency of their digital use, the opportunity for their use, and the main obstacles currently preventing it. This paper reports about the design, the results and the key ﬁndings of an exploratory survey launched by the Digital Language Diversity Project about the digital use and usability of regional and minority languages on digital media and devices. The aim of the survey - the ﬁrst of this kind - was to investigate the real usage, needs and expectations of European minority language speakers regarding digital opportunities, with a strong focus on electronic communication. The survey is restricted to four languages (Basque, Breton, Karelian and Sardinian) at different stages of digital development, which offers a starting point to develop strategies for assessing digital vitality of these languages and overcoming speciﬁc difﬁculties such as, for instance, the lack of ofﬁcial data.
CARD10, a CEBPE target involved in granulocytic differentiation

Maturation of granulocytes is dependent on controlled gene expression by myeloid lineage restricted transcription factors. CEBPE is one of the essential transcription factors required for granulocytic differentiation. Identification of downstream targets of CEBPE is vital to understand better its role in terminal granulopoiesis. In this study, we have identified Card10 as a novel target of CEBPE. We show that CEBPE binds to regulatory elements upstream of the murine Card10 locus, and expression of CARD10 is significantly reduced in Cebpe knock-out mice. Silencing Card10 in a human cell line and in murine primary cells impaired granulopoiesis, affecting expression of genes involved in myeloid cell development and function. Taken together, our data demonstrate for the first time that Card10 is expressed in granulocytes and is a direct target of CEBPE with functions extending to myeloid differentiation.
On the Risk Return Relationship

While the risk return trade-off theory suggests a positive relationship between the expected return and the conditional volatility, the volatility feedback theory implies a channel that allows the conditional volatility to negatively affect the expected return. We examine the effects of the risk return trade-off and the volatility feedback in a model where both the return and its volatility are influenced by news arrivals. Our empirical analysis shows that the two effects have approximately the same size with opposite signs for the daily excess returns of seven major developed markets. For the same data set, we also find that a linear relationship between the expected return and the conditional standard deviation is preferable to polynomial-type nonlinear specifications.
Towards a global hub: The legal framework for dispute resolution in Malaysia’s Islamic finance industry

Purpose – The paper aims to examine significant developments in the institutional framework for dispute resolution in the Islamic finance industry in Malaysia. Malaysia, as part of its efforts to consolidate its enviable Islamic finance industry, has strengthened its institutional framework for dispute resolution. Design/methodology/approach – Data for this study were collected from both primary and secondary legal sources. Through a conceptual legal analysis, the institutional frameworks of dispute resolution in the Malaysia’s Islamic finance industry are studied. Findings – The study finds that Malaysia is far ahead of other jurisdictions by a significant margin in spearheading reforms in the emerging global Islamic finance industry. The dispute resolution framework has been largely affected by the recent reforms. Research limitations/implications – Other jurisdictions may borrow a leaf from Malaysia’s initiative in providing a robust legal framework for dispute management in the Islamic finance industr.
The cyclin-like protein, SPY1, regulates the ERα and ERK1/2 pathways promoting tamoxifen resistance

The Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK pathway conveys growth factor and mitogen signalling to control the phosphorylation of a plethora of substrates regulating proliferation, survival, and migration. The Ras signalling pathway is frequently associated with poor prognosis and drug resistance in various cancers including those of the blood, breast and prostate. Activation of the downstream effector ERK does not always occur via a linear cascade of events; complicating the targeting of this pathway therapeutically. This work describes a novel positive feedback loop where the cell cycle regulatory factor Spy1 (RINGO; gene SPDYA) activates ERK1/2 in a MEK-independent fashion. Spy1 was originally isolated for the ability to stimulate Xenopus oocyte maturation via a MAPK-signalling pathway and is known to override apoptosis triggered by the DNA damage response. We demonstrate that mammalian Spy1-mediated ERK activation increases ligand-independent phosphorylation and activation of estrogen receptor α, correlating with a decrease in tamoxifen sensitivity. This could define a novel druggable mechanism driving proliferation and resistance in select cancers.
Effects of group music therapy on quality of life, affect, and participation in people with varying levels of dementia.

BACKGROUND There is substantive literature reporting the importance and benefits of music and music therapy programs for older adults, and more specifically for those with dementia. However, few studies have focused on how these programs may contribute to quality of life. OBJECTIVES Objectives for this exploratory study were: (a) to evaluate the potential effect of group music therapy program participation on the quality of life of older people with mild, moderate, and severe dementia living in a nursing home; (b) to identify and analyze changes in affect and participation that take place during music therapy sessions; and (c) to suggest recommendations and strategies for the design of future music therapy studies with people in various stages of dementias. METHODS Sixteen participants (15 women; 1 man), with varying level of dementia participated in 12 weekly music therapy sessions. Based on Global Deterioration Scale (GDS) scores, phases of cognitive function were as follows: mild (n = 9; GDS 3-4), moderate (n = 5; GDS 5), and severe (n = 2; GDS 6-7). Data were collected using the GENCAT scale on Quality of Life. Sessions 1, 6, and 12 were also video recorded for post-hoc analysis of facial affect and participation behaviors. RESULTS There was no significant difference in quality of life scores from pre to posttest (z = -0.824; p =0.410). However, there was a significant improvement in median subscale scores for Emotional Well-being (z = -2.176, p = 0.030), and significant worsening in median subscale scores for Interpersonal Relations (z =-2.074; p = 0.038) from pre to posttest. With regard to affect and participation, a sustained high level of participation was observed throughout the intervention program. Expressions of emotion remained low. CONCLUSIONS Authors discuss implications of study findings to inform and improve future research in the areas of music therapy, quality of life, and individuals with dementia.
Étude des facteurs responsables du déséquilibre des anti-vitamines K dans les Alpes-Maritimes : étude prospective à partir de 64 cas

Les antivitamines K representent la premiere cause d'effets indesirables graves et d'hospitalisation en France. Il est difficile de determiner quels facteurs la prise en charge font le plus defaut. Notre etude a pour objectif de quantifier les facteurs deja mis en evidence au sein d'une population traitee par AVK. Les objectifs secondaires sont de comparer les prises en charge entre milieu urbain et semi-rural. Il s'agit d'une etude prospective realisee dans les Alpes-Maritimes sur une duree de 6 mois a partir de 64 patients, issus de la patientele de 16 generalistes, avec comme critere d'inclusion, un traitement par AVK. Un questionnaire sous forme de questions a choix multiples a ete remis aux medecins. Nous avons analyse un total de 134 prises en charge d'INR, dont 56 hors de la zone therapeutique. Certains facteurs sont preponderants : l'indication du traitement n'est respectee que dans 69.6% des cas. La zone INR cible n'est pas respectee dans 26.8% des cas. Les complications ne sont recherchees que dans 60.7% des cas a INR desequilibre. Le point le moins respecte par les medecins est le delai entre la reception de l'INR desequilibre et la date programmee pour le controle suivant. L'education du patient semble insuffisante. Une mauvaise communication entre les differents intervenants (laboratoire, medecin specialiste, patient et medecin generaliste) est a noter. Lors des prises en charge a INR desequilibre, 14.3% ont ete realisees parfaitement, en respectant les neufs facteurs identifies. Une meilleure formation medicale semble necessaire.
The identification of patients at high risk for recurrent disease after treatment for early-stage cervical cancer.

OBJECTIVE To investigate prognostic factors in patients with recurrent cervical cancer after treatment of early-stage disease in order to identify high-risk patients who might benefit from alternative treatment strategies. STUDY DESIGN The authors retrospectively analyzed clinical and pathology data from 130 recurrent cervical cancer patients after surgical treatment for early-stage disease. Patients were compared with a recurrence-free control group matched for age, FIGO Stage, and adjuvant treatment. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to determine prognostic factors for recurrence and survival. RESULTS Of 889 patients, 130 (14.6%) developed recurrent disease after primary treatment for early-stage cervical cancer. Local or loco-regional metastasis was observed in 45%, distant metastasis in 31%, and combined pelvic and distant metastasis in 24%. Median survival after recurrence was 12 months (range 1-107 months). Median five-year survival was 96% in the control group and 29% in the recurrence group. Tumor size ≥ 40 mm and lymph node metastasis were independent unfavorable prognostic factors for overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). The number of positive lymph nodes (≥ one) and bilateral occurrence of pelvic lymph node metastasis were associated with adverse clinical outcome. CONCLUSIONS Tumor size ≥ 40 mm and lymph node metastasis were independent unfavorable prognostic factors in surgically treated, early-stage cervical cancer patients. The combination of these factors was particularly associated with recurrence. Future trials should focus on the role of alternative adjuvant treatment strategies in patients at high risk of recurrent disease (e.g., by chemotherapy, immunotherapy or combinations thereof).
Selective Stimulation of Facial Muscles Following Chronic Intraneural Electrode Array Implantation and Facial Nerve Injury in the Feline Model.

BACKGROUND Our group has previously shown that activation of specific facial nerve (FN) fiber populations and selective activation of facial musculature can be achieved through acute intraneural multichannel microelectrode array (MEA) implantation in the feline model. HYPOTHESIS Selective stimulation of facial muscles will be maintained in the setting of 1) chronic and 2) acute MEA implantation after FN injury and subsequent recovery. METHODS This study included seven cats. In three cats with normal facial function, 4-channel penetrating MEAs were implanted chronically in the FN and tested biweekly for 6 months. Electrical current pulses were delivered to each channel individually, and elicited electromyographic (EMG) voltage outputs were recorded for each of several facial muscles. For FN injury experiments, two cats received a standardized hemostat-crush injury, and two cats received a transection-reapproximation injury to the FN main trunk. These four underwent acute implantation of MEA and EMG recording in terminal experiments 4 months postinjury. RESULTS Stimulation through individual channels selectively activated restricted nerve populations, resulting in activation of individual muscles in cats with chronic MEA implantation and after nerve injury. Increasing stimulation current levels resulted in increasing EMG voltage responses in all patients. Nerve histology showed only minor neural tissue reaction to the implant. CONCLUSION We have established in the animal model the ability of a chronically implanted MEA to selectively stimulate restricted FN fiber populations and elicit activations in specific facial muscles. Likewise, after FN injury, selective stimulation of restricted FN fiber populations and subsequent activation of discrete facial muscles can be achieved after acute MEA implantation.
Insomnia with Musculoskeletal Pain in Postmenopause: Associations with Symptoms, Mood, and Quality of Life

Objectives To investigate the relationship between insomnia (INS) combined with chronic musculoskeletal pain (MSP) in postmenopausal women and its characteristics regarding MSP, menopausal and mood symptoms, sleep and quality of life (QOL). Methods A cross-sectional control study in 4 groups of postmenopausal women: control (n = 15), MSP (n = 15), INS (n =15) and INS + MSP (n = 17). Sixty-two participants completed questionnaires and had blood collected, and 43 underwent polysomnography. Results INS was associated with increased anxiety (P = 0.04) and sleep fragmentation (P = 0.02); worse MSP severity (P = 0.00), MSP interference with daily function (P = 0.00), higher pain intensity at midday (P = 0.02) and menopausal symptoms (P = 0.00); and reduced QOL (P = 0.00). MSP was associated with increased anxiety (P = 0.02) and menopausal symptoms (P = 0.00), and reduced QOL (P = 0.05). In the whole sample, depression symptoms were higher but no statistical differences were found between groups (P = 0.47). Worse QOL was associated with both higher depressive symptoms (P = 0.01) and worse pain interference (P = 0.02) Conclusions INS + MSP was related to higher menopausal and anxiety symptoms, more sleep fragmentation and complaints of MSP severity and interference, more pain sites and worse QOL. The presence of INS was associated to more MSP. Sleep management is essential in women who have developed chronic MSP.
Spectral image compression for data communications

We report a technique for spectral image compression to be used in the field of data communications. The spectral domain of the images is represented by a low-dimensional component image set, which is used to obtain an efficient compression of the high-dimensional spectral data. The component images are compressed using a similar technique as the JPEG- and MPEG-type compressions use to subsample the chrominance channels. The spectral compression is based on Principal Component Analysis (PCA) combined with color image transmission coding technique of 'chromatic channel subsampling' of the component images. The component images are subsampled using 4:2:2, 4:2:0, and 4:1:1-based compressions. In addition, we extended the test for larger block sizes and larger number of component images than in the original JPEG- and MPEG-standards. Totally 50 natural spectral images were used as test material in our experiments. Several error measures of the compression are reported. The same compressions are done using Independent Component Analysis and the results are compared with PCA. These methods give a good compression ratio while keeping visual quality of color still good. Quantitative comparisons between the original and reconstructed spectral images are presented.
Registration of 2D cardiac images to real-time 3D ultrasound volumes for 3D stress echocardiography

Three-dimensional (3D) stress echocardiography is a novel technique for diagnosing cardiac dysfunction, by comparing wall motion of the left ventricle under different stages of stress. For quantitative comparison of this motion, it is essential to register the ultrasound data. We propose an intensity based rigid registration method to retrieve two-dimensional (2D) four-chamber (4C), two-chamber, and short-axis planes from the 3D data set acquired in the stress stage, using manually selected 2D planes in the rest stage as reference. The algorithm uses the Nelder-Mead simplex optimization to find the optimal transformation of one uniform scaling, three rotation, and three translation parameters. We compared registration using the SAD, SSD, and NCC metrics, performed on four resolution levels of a Gaussian pyramid. The registration's effectiveness was assessed by comparing the 3D positions of the registered apex and mitral valve midpoints and 4C direction with the manually selected results. The registration was tested on data from 20 patients. Best results were found using the NCC metric on data downsampled with factor two: mean registration errors were 8.1mm, 5.4mm, and 8.0° in the apex position, mitral valve position, and 4C direction respectively. The errors were close to the interobserver (7.1mm, 3.8mm, 7.4°) and intraobserver variability (5.2mm, 3.3mm, 7.0°), and better than the error before registration (9.4mm, 9.0mm, 9.9°). We demonstrated that the registration algorithm visually and quantitatively improves the alignment of rest and stress data sets, performing similar to manual alignment. This will improve automated analysis in 3D stress echocardiography.