Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The role of surgery in the management of recurrent adrenocortical carcinoma.

CONTEXT Surgery is the standard of care for localized adrenocortical carcinomas, but its role for recurrent disease is not well defined. OBJECTIVE Our objective was to evaluate clinical outcome after surgery for recurrence. DESIGN We conducted a retrospective analysis in 154 patients with first recurrence after initial radical resection from the German Adrenocortical Carcinoma Registry. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES We evaluated progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) by Kaplan-Meier method and identified prognostic factors by Cox regression analysis. RESULT A total of 101 patients underwent repeated surgery (radical resection, n = 78), and 99 received (additional) nonsurgical therapy. After a median of 6 (1-221) months, 144 patients (94%) experienced progression. Multivariate analysis adjusted for age, sex, tumor burden, time to first recurrence (TTFR), surgery for recurrence (including resection status), and additional therapy indicated that only two factors were significantly associated with shorter PFS [hazard ratio for progression: for TTFR ≤ 12 months, 1.8 (95% confidence interval = 1.3-2.6) vs. TTFR > 12 months; for macroscopically incomplete resection, 3.4 (1.5-7.9), and for no surgery, 3.4 (1.6-7.0) vs. microscopically complete (R0)-resection and OS [hazard ratio for death: for TTFR > 12 months, 3.1 (2.0-4.7) vs. TTFR ≤ 12 months; for macroscopically incomplete resection, 2.7 (1.1-6.9), and no surgery, 4.2 (1.8-9.6) vs. R0-resection]. Patients who had both TTFR over 12 months and R0-resection of recurrent tumors (n = 22) had the best prognosis (median PFS, 24 months; median OS, >60 months). CONCLUSIONS The best predictors of prolonged survival after first recurrence are TTFR over 12 months and R0-resection. Our data suggest that patients with longer TTFR and tumors amenable to radical resection should be operated, whereas individualized treatment decisions are needed for patients with short TTFR or with not completely resectable tumors.
AUTOMATIC BUILDING RECONSTRUCTION FROM A DIGITAL ELEVATION MODEL AND CADASTRAL DATA : AN OPERATIONAL APPROACH

: In this paper, we tackle the problem of automatic building reconstruction using digital elevation model and cadastral data. We aim at massive production of 3D urban models and present thus an algorithm, that is an adaptation of a more general and semi-automatic strategy to an operational context where robustness is essential. We present two approaches relying on two different techniques for non vertical planes extraction using constraints inferred by cadastral limits. The ﬁrst one consists in inferring planar primitives by estimating only two parameters for each building : the height of gutter and the slope of roofs. The other idea is to extract planar primitives directly from the cadastral limits and from the DEM, using a robust RANSAC estimation algorithm. The results of an evaluation carried out on 620 buildings on a dense urban centre are promising and enables to compare both approaches.
Effects of Cognitive Load in Acquisition of Assembly Skills

Recently, instructional videos are widely being used in educational settings. Many researches have proposed the construction of video-based learning environments that reflect Cognitive Load Theory. In this study, we examined the effects of cognitive load induced by the speed of video playing in an interactive video-based learning environment. The experimental results showed that increasing or decreasing cognitive load affected the learners' selection of problem solving strategies, but did not provide learning effects. The results also indicated that learners showed adaptive behaviors for adjusting cognitive load depending on learning situations.
Combined locked nucleic acid and molecular beacon technologies for sensitive detection of the JAK2V617F somatic single-base sequence variant.

We developed a quantitative and very sensitive method that combines molecular beacon (1) and locked nucleic acid (LNA) technologies (2) in a single sealed tube. We used the oncogenic somatic JAK2 V617F single-base sequence variant, observed in a broad range of Philadelphia chromosome-negative myeloproliferative diseases (MPDs) (3), to test this method of detection of somatic point variants. We used the molecular beacon to specifically detect the JAK2 V617F mutant allele and the LNA oligonucleotide to limit amplification of the wild-type JAK2 sequences (see Fig. 1 in the Data Supplement that accompanies the online version of this letter at http://www.clinchem.org/content/vol52/issue7). With this method, we detected very small quantities of mutant alleles in tubes containing the homozygous JAK2 V617F mutant cell line (HEL cell line) mixed with various amounts of wild-type cells and in clinical specimens containing small amounts of JAK2 V617F mutated cells. Primers and beacon probe were designed with the freeware MELT-CALC, Ver. 2.0 (http://www.meltcalc.de/). The melting temperature ( T m) of the molecular beacon stems was calculated by use of the Mfold algorithm (http://www.bioinfo.rpi.edu/applications/mfold/old/dna/form1.cgi), whereas the T m of the LNA was calculated via the Exiqon website (http://lna-tm.com). …
A Lattice Boltzmann Method for Simulating the Separation of Red Blood Cells at Microvascular Bifurcations

A computational simulation for the separation of red blood cells (RBCs) is presented. The deformability of RBCs is expressed by the spring network model, which is based on the minimum energy principle. In the computation of the fluid flow, the lattice Boltzmann method is used to solve the Navier—Stokes equations. Coupling of the fluid-membrane interaction is carried out by using the immersed boundary method. To verify our method, the motions of RBCs in shear flow are simulated. Typical motions of RBCs observed in the experiments are reproduced, including tank-treading, swinging and tumbling. The motions of 8 RBCs at the bifurcation are simulated when the two daughter vessels have different ratios. The results indicate that when the ratio of the daughter vessel diameter becomes smaller, the distribution of RBCs in the two vessels becomes more non-uniform.
Pathogen evolution under host avoidance plasticity

Host resistance consists of defences that limit pathogen burden, and can be classified as either adaptations targeting recovery from infection or those focused upon infection avoidance. Conventional theory treats avoidance as a fixed strategy which does not vary from one interaction to the next. However, there is increasing empirical evidence that many avoidance strategies are triggered by external stimuli, and thus should be treated as phenotypically plastic responses. Here, we consider the implications of avoidance plasticity for host–pathogen coevolution. We uncover a number of predictions challenging current theory. First, in the absence of pathogen trade-offs, plasticity can restrain pathogen evolution; moreover, the pathogen exploits conditions in which the host would otherwise invest less in resistance, causing resistance escalation. Second, when transmission trades off with pathogen-induced mortality, plasticity encourages avirulence, resulting in a superior fitness outcome for both host and pathogen. Third, plasticity ensures the sterilizing effect of pathogens has consequences for pathogen evolution. When pathogens castrate hosts, selection forces them to minimize mortality virulence; moreover, when transmission trades off with sterility alone, resistance plasticity is sufficient to prevent pathogens from evolving to fully castrate.
Comparison of some listening test methods : A case study

The goal of this study was to compare various listening test methods in the particular case of nine in-car ventilation noises. Six listening tests were conducted : - absolute evaluation of noise pleasantness; - evaluation of pleasantness, during which the subject could hear all noises as often as necessary; - paired comparisons (forced choice procedure); - paired comparisons (five levels scale); - paired comparisons (continuous scale); - similarity ratings, analysed with a multidimensional scaling method (Indscal). These six tests were realised by 64 subjects. Different items were examined for each test : its perceived and real duration, its estimated difficulty, the accuracy of merit scores attributed to noises, the perceptual spaces which could be built and the accuracy of a pleasantness indicator computed from the results. It appeared that : - the second procedure can propose a good compromise between the accuracy of the results and the time needed for subjects to realise the test. Thus, it can be recommended for many industrial purposes; - however, the not-forced choice paired comparisons enable a greater discrimination between stimuli; - perceptual spaces built from the paired comparison tests and the similarity rating one were similar, indicating a great stability of sound features used by listeners, whatever their task.
The Psychological Health of the Secondary Schools Students in Ahvaz, Iran 2010

Background: Psychological health of children and adolescents is an issue that requires special attention. Nowadays using various programs such as life skills education, mental health education, school-based health interventions and specific treatments can help children to have a useful life. The purpose of this study was to assess of psychological health of the students of secondary schools in Ahvaz-Iran during 20102011. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study has been done by cluster sampling of 1000 students (girls and boys, secondary school), selected from four different areas, identified by Ministry of Education, in Ahvaz. The instruments used in this study, demographic data questionnaire and psychological symptoms questionnaire (SCL90-R). In order to analyze the data, descriptive statistical tests (mean and standard deviation), and inferential statistical tests (t-test and Kruscal-Wallis) were utilized. Results: Based on results obtained, 31.5% of participants carried psychological illness symptoms, 62.1% girls and 37.9% boys. The prevalence of symptoms was phobia (49%), paranoid ideation (35.6%), psychosis (32.5%), interpersonal sensitivity (30.7%), obsession (29.6%), depression (44.6%), anxiety (44.8%), aggression (28.6%), and somatization (21.7%). The obtained results showed a significant difference between mental health and gender variable (among male participants). However, there was no significant difference between mental health with parents’ level of education and mothers’ jobs.
Multidatabase Interoperability

The main purpose of this paper is to provide a brief review of the most current work in the area of multidatabases. We first define the problem and argue that multidatabase research will become increasingly important in the incoming years. We then outline basic research issues in this area and concentrate on issues related to schema integration and semantic heterogeneity, and multidatabase transaction management. The review is not intended to be comprehensive and in spite of our effort to remain objective in selecting review topics, probably reflects the author's biases to some extent.
A test case generator for the validation of high-level Petri nets

Test concepts mostly refer to the program code and not to models used in earlier stages of the software development process. High-level Petri nets are a widely accepted graphical language for the representation and simulation of requirements, analysis and design models. In this paper, a technique is proposed which generates test cases for the validation of high-level Petri nets in a systematic way. Our approach is derived from cause-effect graphs, a concept that was originally developed for testing of program code. However, in our approach the relationship between pre-specified causes and effects is not represented by a Boolean graph, but instead by a Petri net. The test cases are created in a quite efficient way by generating so-called process nets.
The Default Space Theory of Consciousness: Phenomenological Support from Personal Observations and Clinical Deficits

Consciousness is the unified, structured, subjective experience that we all share. The Default Space Theory has been proposed as a unified theory of consciousness that includes the brain and body in describing the infrastructure of consciousness. We have presented the theory in journals with a variety of academic specialties; however, the model is continually being developed. Due to the current state of science on the nature of conscious experience lacking hard data, the theory’s concepts must thoroughly explain and shoulder phenomenological observations including the phenomenology of deficits of consciousness. According to the theory, the thalamus serves as a central hub which networks the globally distributed, and continuous fast oscillations not only among the brain, but also the eyes, ears, skin, and other sensory organs. These oscillations form the virtual template of external space within the mind in which external sensory information is integrated into this pre-existing, dynamic space. In this article, we explore phenomenological support for our theory of conscious experience in which such experience resides entirely in such a virtual space, termed the default space. In order to provide such support, we discuss simple personal experiments and observations which anyone can partake along with phenomenal symptoms of clinical deficits. We encourage readers to perform the personal experiments we describe in order to gain an understanding of the various concepts of the theory. The neurological deficits we elucidate not only support the theory but clarify obscurities surrounding these conditions. We assert the support we give in our theory here will advance the uphill struggle many paramount theories face in gaining initial acceptance. Further research is needed in order to acquire empirical evidence for the veracity of our theory.
The MP1 Network Chip and its Application to Parallel Computers

This paper presents results concerning the design and testing of a fast network chip (the MPI) for parallel computers. We briefly introduce the theoretical results on which the MPI chip design was based and describe its architecture. The chip has been fabricated and tested in small prototype system. Based on parameters measured using this prototype and a simulator implemented at the logic level we have been able to accurately model the performance of larger networks based on this chip under a variety of synthetic loads. Extensive results are presented based on these simulations
Ontology exploration tool for social, economic and environmental development

In the SEED (Social, Economic and Environmental Development) framework, semantic knowledge management is one of key technologies which refine the framework. In order to facilitate collaborative sustainable development, it is important to know what others are thinking about each other accrues different domains. This paper overviews an ontology exploration tool which facilitates collaborative sustainable development. Its features are divergent exploration according to the user's viewpoints and consensus building support through comparisons among conceptual maps which are results of the explorations.
Watermarking Algorithm Based on Curvelet Transform and Human Visual Model

Fast Discrete Curvelet Transform(FDCT) is a multiscale, multidirection and shift-invariant over complete transform. The paper proposes a blind watermarking algorithm in the FDCT domain. A simple but effective human visual model in FDCT domain is described. By modelling watermarking as a communication process. The experimentations show that this domain has higher capacity than the wavelet (include complex wavelet and real wavelet) and spatial domains. FDCT has better direction selectivity and less redundancy than wavelets, and has shift-invariant property. Watermarking algorithm based on curvelet transform improves the robustness of watermark at gaussian white noise attack. Hence that curvelet provide a potentially good domain for watermarking.
The age of the solar neighbourhood

High-quality Hipparcos data for a complete sample of nearly 12 000 main-sequence and subgiant stars, together with Padua isochrones, are used to constrain the star formation history of the solar neigbourhood and the processes that stochastically accelerate disc stars. The velocity dispersion of a coeval group of stars is found to increase with time from ∼8 km s−1 at birth as t0.33. In the fits, the slope of the initial mass function (IMF) near 1 M⊙ proves to be degenerate with the rate at which the star formation rate declines. If the slope of the IMF is to lie near Salpeter's value, −2.35, the star formation rate has to be very nearly constant. The age of the solar neighbourhood is found to be 11.2±0.75 Gyr with remarkably little sensitivity to variations in the assumed metallicity distribution of old disc stars. This age is only a gigayear younger than the age of the oldest globular clusters when the same isochrones and distance scale are employed. It is compatible with current indications of the redshift of luminous galaxy formation only if there is a large cosmological constant. A younger age is formally excluded because it provides a poor fit to the number density of red stars. Since this density is subject to a significantly uncertain selection function, ages as low as 9 Gyr are plausible even though they lie outside our formal error bars.
Cognitive radio with causal primary message and partial channel state information at the transmitter

This paper investigates the achievable rate of cognitive radio network when one primary user (PU) and one secondary user (SU) are present, where there is partial channel state information at the transmitter (CSIT). On one hand, SU learns primary message causally in the first phase and then relays it with decode-and-forward strategy in the second phase. On the other hand, SU employs linear assignment Gel'fand-Pinsker coding (LA-GPC) on its own message to cancel the interference from the primary transmitter. We formulate an optimization problem to maximize SU's achievable rate while keeping PU's rate unaffected. An algorithm is proposed to jointly determine the fraction of channel uses in the first phase, the percentage of SU's transmit power used for relaying, and the filter factors in LA-GPC method. The performance of the proposed algorithm is evaluated through numerical simulations.
Grasping the Democratic Peace

By illuminating the conflict-resolving mechanisms inherent in the relationships between democracies, Bruce Russett explains one of the most promising developments of the modern international system: the striking fact that the democracies that it comprises have almost never fought each other.By illuminating the conflict-resolving mechanisms inherent in the relationships between democracies, Bruce Russett explains one of the most promising developments of the modern international system: the striking fact that the democracies that it comprises have almost never fought each other.
The Converged Protocol for Management of Heterogeneous Devices

The development of network convergence and multimedia service are driving the management of heterogeneous devices. According to the disadvantages of the existing device management mechanisms, a converged protocol for the management of heterogeneous devices is proposed to facilitate the convergence of service. Following the top-down model, the converged device management protocol (CDMP) is designed with the characteristics of the smallest Meta-Method set, the data synchronization mechanism, and application independence. Different from the existing DM protocols, CDMP can satisfy any management requirements of mobile and fixed devices with strong extensibility of Meta-Method set and common message structure. Then CDMP is validated by illustrating the configuration procedure based on CDMP. Finally, the simulation is implemented to evaluate CDMP performance in terms of message traffic.
Drift dependence of optimal trade execution strategies under transient price impact

We give a complete solution to the problem of minimizing the expected liquidity costs in the presence of a general drift when the underlying market impact model has linear transient price impact with exponential resilience. It turns out that this problem is well-posed only if the drift is absolutely continuous. Optimal strategies often do not exist, and when they do, they depend strongly on the derivative of the drift. Our approach uses elements from singular stochastic control, even though the problem is essentially non-Markovian due to the transience of price impact and the lack in Markovian structure of the underlying price process. As a corollary, we give a complete solution to the minimization of a certain cost-risk criterion in our setting.
Pricing Options and Equity-Indexed Annuities in a Regime-switching Model by Trinomial Tree Method

In this paper we summarize the main idea and results of Yuen and Yang (2009, 2010a, 2010b) and provide some results on pricing of Parisian options under the Markov regime-switching model (MRSM). The MRSM allows the parameters of the market model depending on a Markovian process, and the model can reflect the information of the market environment which cannot be modeled solely by linear Gaussian process. However, when the parameters of the stock price model are not constant but governed by a Markovian process, the pricing of the options becomes complex. We present a fast and simple trinomial tree model to price options in MRSM. In recent years, the pricing of modern insurance products, such as Equity-Indexed annuity (EIA) and variable annuities (VAs), has become a popular topic. We show here that our trinomial tree model can been used to price EIA with strong path dependent exotic options in the regime switching model.
Toward Understanding Expressive Percussion Through Content Based Analysis

Musical expression is the creative nuance through which a musician conveys emotion and connects with a listener. In un-pitched percussion instruments, these nuances are a very important component of performance. In this work, we present a system that seeks to classify different expressive articulation techniques independent of percussion instrument. One use of this system is to enhance the organization of large percussion sample libraries, which can be cumbersome and daunting to navigate. This work is also a necessary first step towards understanding musical expression as it relates to percussion performance. The ability to classify expressive techniques can lead to the development of models that learn the the functionality of articulations in patterns, as well as how certain performers use them to communicate their ideas and define their musical style. Additionally, in working towards understanding expressive percussion, we introduce a publicly available dataset of articulations recorded from a standard four piece drum kit that captures the instrument’s expressive range.