Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Allergic and non-allergic rhinitis: relationship with nasal polyposis, asthma and family history

SUMMARY Rhinitis and rhinosinusitis (with/without polyposis), either allergic or non-allergic, represent a major medical problem. Their associated comorbidities and relationship with family history have so far been poorly investigated. We assessed these aspects in a large population of patients suffering from rhinosinusal diseases. Clinical history, nasal cytology, allergy testing and direct nasal examination were performed in all patients referred for rhinitis/rhinosinusitis. Fibre optic nasal endoscopy, CT scan and nasal challenge were used for diagnosis, when indicated. A total of 455 patients (60.7% male, age range 4-84 years) were studied; 108 (23.7%) had allergic rhinitis, 128 (28.1%) rhinosinusitis with polyposis, 107 (23.5%) non-allergic rhinitis (negative skin test); 112 patients had associated allergic and non-allergic rhinitis, the majority with eosinophilia. There was a significant association between non-allergic rhinitis and family history of nasal polyposis (OR = 4.45; 95%CI = 1.70-11.61; p = 0.0019), whereas this association was no longer present when allergic rhinitis was also included. Asthma was equally frequent in non-allergic and allergic rhinitis, but more frequent in patients with polyposis. Aspirin sensitivity was more frequent in nasal polyposis, independent of the allergic (p = 0.03) or non-allergic (p = 0.01) nature of rhinitis. Nasal polyposis is significantly associated with asthma and positive family history of asthma, partially independent of the allergic aetiology of rhinitis.
Der Wert von Privatsphäre bei Websuchen und Personalisierung von Websuchen

KURZFASSUNG In dieser Arbeit wird der Wert von Privatsphäre bei Websuchen unter Berücksichtigung von Personalisierung besprochen. Zu Beginn wird eine kurze Einführung in Anonymisierung und Personalisierung gegeben. Diese beinhaltet jeweils verschiedene Arten und deren Voraussetzungen. Danach wird auf das Hauptthema „Was ist der Wert von Privatsphäre bei Websuchen? “ eingegangen. Dazu werden ein Experiment und eine Umfrage herangezogen. Für das Experiment sollten Probanden verschiedene Websuchen ausführen. Dabei wurden deren Verhalten und Privatsphäre Einstellungen beobachtet und ausgewertet. Im weiteren Verlauf der Arbeit werden der Ablauf des Experiments und dessen Ergebnisse aufgezeigt. Nachfolgend wird der Aufbau der erstellten Umfrage erklärt und zur Bewertung der Ergebnisse des Experiments herangezogen.
Sample preparation for many-reactant bioassay on DMFBs using common dilution operation sharing

Sample preparation is an essential processing step in most biochemical applications. Various reactants are mixed together to produce a solution with the target concentration. Since reactants generally take a notable part of the cost in a bioassay, their usage should be minimized whenever possible. In this paper, we propose an algorithm, CoDOS, to prepare the target solution with many reactants using common dilution operation sharing on digital microfluidic biochips (DMFBs). CoDOS first represents the given target concentration as a recipe matrix, and then identifies rectangles in the matrix, where each rectangle indicates an opportunity of dilution operation sharing for reactant minimization. Experimental results demonstrate that CoDOS can achieve up to 27% of reactant saving as compared with the bit-scanning method in single-target sample preparation. Moreover, even if CoDOS is not developed for multi-target sample preparation, it still outperforms the recent state-of-the-art algorithm, RSMA. Hence, it is convincing that CoDOS is a better alternative for many-reactant sample preparation.
Visual Support to Filtering Cases for Process Discovery

Working with average-sized event logs is still a major task in process mining, where the main goal is to gain process-related insights based on event logs created by a wide variety of systems. An event log contains a sequence of events for every case that was handled by the system. Several discovery algorithms have been proposed and work well in specific cases but fail to be generic strategies. Moreover, there is no evidence that the existing strategies can handle events with a large number of variants. For this reason, a generic approach is needed to allow experts to explore event log data and decompose information into a series of smaller problems, to identify outliers and relations between the analyzed cases. In this paper we present a visual filtering approach for event logs that makes process analysis tasks more feasible and tractable. To evaluate our approach, we have developed a visual filtering tool and used it with the event log from BPI
Mining game logs to create a playbook for unit AIs

We present a method for mining game logs for plays, sequences of actions for a group of units achieving an objective with a high likelihood and in many logs. The mining moves through a log backwards, identifying states that achieve the objective and taking this state and certain surrounding ones as a play candidate. After filtering out irrelevant information and too costly candidates, we cluster similar candidates and abstract the candidates in large enough clusters into a play. We applied these general ideas to the game Battle for Wesnoth and our evaluation showed that we are able to consistently mine successful plays, some of which are also often applied in logs that were not used for the mining.
Enhancing p-channel InGaSb QW-FETs via Process-Induced Compressive Uniaxial Strain

We study the effect of process-induced uniaxial stress on the performance of biaxially strained InGaSb p-channel quantum-well field-effect transistors (QW-FETs). Uniaxial stress is incorporated using a self-aligned nitride stressor. Compared with unstressed control devices, fabricated stressed devices with a gate length of Lg=0.30 μm showed an increase of more than 40% in the drain current at VGS-VT =-0.5 V and VDS = -2.0\) V, an enhancement of more than 40% in the peak extrinsic transconductance at VDS = -2.0\) V, and a reduction in the source and drain resistance of 25%. These figures suggest an enhancement of the intrinsic transconductance by as much as 60%. The improvement in device characteristics was also found to scale favorably with gate length. The results indicate that process-induced compressive uniaxial strain holds great promise for developing high-performance antimonide-based p-FETs.
Modelling low income transitions

We examine the determinants of low income transitions using first-order Markov models that control for initial conditions effects (those found to be poor in the base year may be a nonrandom sample) and for attrition (panel retention may also be non-random). Our econometric model is a form of endogeneous switching regression, and is fitted using simulated maximum likelihood methods. The estimates, derived from British panel data for the 1990s, indicate that there is substantial genuine state dependence in poverty. We also provide estimates of low income transition rates and lengths of poverty and non-poverty spells for persons of different types.
EEG abnormalities among "normal" applicants for phase I clinical trials of an agent that could possibly act on the central nervous system

Objective: To investigate the rate of EEG abnormalities among men who had applied to participate in the screening process of phase I clinical trials of an agent that could possibly act on the central nervous system held at the Kitasato University East Hospital. Methods: All the applicants were admitted to our ward for 1 week and were investigated. Routine diurnal EEGs were recorded as part of the screening. All paper EEG recordings were visually inspected by clinical neurophysiologists certified by the JSCN (Japanese Society of Clinical Neurophysiology). Results: Among the 296 applicants (aged 20−44 and 65−85.5 years), 51 men (17.2%) showed abnormalities in basic EEG activity, and 64 men (21.6%) showed epileptiform discharges. Conclusion: Our results suggest that a considerable number of the applicants for phase I trials could have EEG abnormalities. Recording EEGs may be useful to rule out applicants with possible or concealed underlying brain diseases from phase I clinical trials.
Evaluation of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and Its Family Member Expression After Peripheral Nerve Regeneration and Denervation

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) represents one of the main factors involved not only in angiogenesis and vasculogenesis but also in neuritogenesis. VEGF plays its function acting via different receptors: VEGF receptor1 (VEGFR‐1), VEGF receptor2 (VEGFR‐2), VEGF receptor3 (VEGFR‐3), and co‐receptors Neuropilin‐1 (NRP1) and Neuropilin‐2 (NRP2). This study reports on the first in vivo analysis of the expression of VEGF and VEGF family molecules in peripheral nerve degeneration and regeneration: for this purpose, different models of nerve lesion in rat were adopted, the median nerve crush injury and the median nerve transaction followed or not by end‐to end microsurgical repair. Results obtained by real time polymerase chain reaction showed that VEGF and VEGF family molecules are differentially expressed under regenerating and degenerating condition, furthermore, in order to study the modulation and involvement of these factors in two different regenerative models, crush injury and end‐to‐end repair, protein expression analysis was evaluated. In addition, immunohistochemical analysis allowed to state a glial localization of VEGF and VEGFR‐2 after peripheral nerve crush injury. Finally in vitro assay on primary Schwann cells culture show that VEGF165 stimulation increases Schwann cells migration, a major process in the promotion of neurite outgrowth. Anat Rec, 301:1646–1656, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Splitting strategies for islanding operation of large-scale power systems using OBDD-based methods

Summary form only given. System spitting problem (SS problem) is to determine proper splitting points (or called splitting strategies) to split the entire inter-connected transmission network into islands ensuring generation/load balance and satisfaction of transmission capacity constraints when islanding operation of system is unavoidable. For a large-scale power system, its SS problem is very complicated in general because a combinatorial explosion of strategy space happens. This paper mainly studies how to find proper splitting strategies of large-scale power systems using an OBDD-based three-phase method. Then a time-based layered structure of the problem solving process is introduced to make this method more practical. Simulation results on IEEE 30- and 118-bus networks show that by this method proper splitting strategies can be given quickly. Further analyses indicate that this method is effective for larger-scale power systems.
Interpretive policy analysis in the Netherlands

This chapter outlines the character of interpretive policy analysis (IPA) and then looks at the history and present state of its practice in the Netherlands. In an approach commonly found in science studies, that history is traced through key actors and their publications, institutional locations, and academic events. The chapter also engages five specific areas of the approach's development and application in the Netherlands: discourse, framing, category, and narrative analyses, and practice studies.
3. Pediatric Reference Intervals: Critical Gap Analysis and Establishment of a National Initiative

The practice of pediatric laboratory medicine involves unique challenges related to development, nutrition, growth and diseases during different periods of infancy, childhood and adolescence. Pediatric patients require a unique medical approach, as significant differences exist in disease frequencies, specimen collection, test performance and test interpretation. In the last two decades, clinical diagnostic laboratories have witnessed a tremendous increase in the variety of biomarkers and major technology changes. Screening, diagnosis and monitoring of almost all pediatric diseases requires the measurement of a wide range of disease biomarkers with varying degree of clinical specificity and sensitivity. These biomarkers are commonly measured in clinical laboratories and guide important clinical decisions. Physicians rely on the availability of appropriate and reliable reference (or normal) intervals to accurately interpret laboratory test results with data collected during medical interview and clinical examination. According to the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC) guidelines, reference intervals are defined as the central 95% of values from a reference population bound by lower and upper reference limits (2.5% above and below the interval) at designated percentiles. In order to validate a marker for use in the diagnosis of clinical disorders, the hormones or chemical substances must be measured in large healthy populations of various ages, ethnicities and both genders to establish appropriate reference intervals. Although health professionals understand the importance of reference intervals, many laboratories still do not have comprehensive reference interval data, especially for the pediatric population. Pediatric specimen collection provides challenges and is a major concern for health care providers. It is frequently difficult to obtain sufficient volumes of blood or urine from pediatric patients. Common reference intervals have not been implemented in Canada due to lack of harmonization of methods and differences in patient populations. Consequently, clinical laboratory accreditation organizations and licensing agencies require that each laboratory verify or establish reference intervals for each method. To provide such reference intervals requires selection criteria for suitable reference individuals, defined conditions for specimen collection and analysis, method selection to determine reference limits and validation of the reference interval.
A virtual piano-playing environment for rehabilitation based upon ultrasound imaging

In this paper we evaluate ultrasound imaging as a human-machine interface in the context of rehabilitation. Ultrasound imaging can be used to estimate finger forces in real-time with a short and easy calibration procedure. Forces are individually predicted using a transducer fixed on the forearm, which leaves the hand completely free to operate. In this application, a standard ultrasound machine is connected to a virtual-reality environment in which a human operator can play a dynamic harmonium over two octaves, using either finger (including the thumb). The interaction in the virtual environment is managed via a fast collision detection algorithm and a physics engine. Ten human subjects have been engaged in two games of increasing difficulty. Our experimental results, both objective and subjective, clearly show that both tasks could be accomplished to the required degree of precision and that the subjects underwent a typical learning curve. The learning happened uniformly, irrespective of the required finger, force or note. Such a system could be made portable, and has potential applications as rehabilitation device for amputees and muscle impaired, even at home.
Artemisinin combination therapies and malaria parasite drug resistance: the game is afoot.

Steve M. Taylor and Jonathan J. Juliano Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Duke University Medical Center, and Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, North Carolina; Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, and Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Cigarette Strength and Smoking Behavior

This paper analyzes the link between cigarette strength and smoking behavior. I estimate state dependence demand models that capture two main features of addiction: reinforcement and the existence of withdrawal costs. I find that demand for lights is more price sensitive than for regulars, and that lights are less addictive. Additionally, I find that while smoking restrictions are ineffective in reducing regular cigarette smoking, they reduce light cigarette purchases by about half a pack per month. I also find that the quitting behavior of regular and light smokers is similar, though there is some evidence that switching to lights contributes to quitting. These findings support the idea that an establishment of maximum nicotine levels could be helpful to curtail smoking. JEL Codes: D03, D12, I18, L66. ∗Department of Economics, University of Miami petru@miami.edu. I would like to thank Aviv Nevo, Igal Hendel, and Robert Porter for their support and guidance. I would also like to thank Germán Bet, Ignacio Franceschelli, Melissa Gray, Frank Limbrock, Lee Lockwood, Fernando Luco, Guillermo Marshall, Cecilia Peluffo, Tiago Pires, and Ana Reynoso for their valuable comments, and the seminar participants at Northwestern University. This research was funded in part by a cooperative agreement between the USDA/ERS and Northwestern University, but the views expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Requirements and methods for video summarization

Executive Summary Content-based video indexing and retrieval has still a number of challenges to be solved before being fully automatized and reliable, and therefore, these applications often fail. In these cases it is very practical that the retrieved videos can be browsed effortless and fast to evaluate their relevance and importance. Video summarization provides the means for such video browsing by reducing redundant content in video sequences.
On Free ω-Continuous and Regular Ordered Algebras

We study varieties of certain ordered $\Sigma$-algebras with restricted completeness and continuity properties. We give a general characterization of their free algebras in terms of submonads of the monad of $\Sigma$-coterms. Varieties of this form are called \emph{quasi-regular}. For example, we show that if $E$ is a set of inequalities between finite $\Sigma$-terms, and if $\mathcal{V}_\omega$ and $\mathcal{V}_\mathrm{reg}$ denote the varieties of all $\omega$-continuous ordered $\Sigma$-algebras and regular ordered $\Sigma$-algebras satisfying $E$, respectively, then the free $\mathcal{V}_\mathrm{reg}$-algebra $F_\mathrm{reg}(X)$ on generators $X$ is the subalgebra of the corresponding free $\mathcal{V}_\omega$-algebra $F_\omega(X)$ determined by those elements of $F_\omega(X)$ denoted by the regular $\Sigma$-coterms. This is a special case of a more general construction that applies to any quasi-regular family. Examples include the *-continuous Kleene algebras, context-free languages, $\omega$-continuous semirings and $\omega$-continuous idempotent semirings, OI-macro languages, and iteration theories.
A LIMITING FIRST ORDER REALIZABILITY INTERPRETATION

Constructive Mathematics might be regarded as a fragment of classical mathematics in which any proof of an existence theorem is equipped with a computable function giving the solution of the theorem. Limit Computable Mathematics (LCM) considered in this note is a fragment of classical mathematics in which any proof of an existence theorem is equipped with a function computing the solution of the theorem in the limit. Computation in the limit, or more formally, limiting recursion, is a central notion of learning theory by Gold and Putnam [9, 21, 18]. We will show that a realizability interpretation via limiting recursive functions is a natural modeling of LCM for rst order arithmetic. We will point out that this will enable automatic extraction of limit-algorithms from some classical proofs of well-known trans nite theorems, e.g., Hilbert's original proof of his famous nite basis theorem, once blamed as \theology" by P. Gordan.
Full band calculations of low-field mobility in p-type silicon nanowire MOSFETs

The bandstructure of p-type gated Si nanowires (NWs) is calculated self-consistently using the sp3d5s* atomistic tight-binding (TB) model and the 2D Poisson equation. The Boltzmann transport formalism is then used for calculation of the low-field mobility. We show that the bandstructures of NWs in the [110] and [111] transport orientations change as the channel is driven into inversion, which causes a ~50% increase in their intrinsic phonon-limited hole mobility. For short channel MOSFET devices, however, the total mobility is lower that the intrinsic mobility because it is affected by the so-called “ballistic” mobility.
Defining the Pathways Underlying the Prolonged PR Interval in Atrioventricular Conduction Disease

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most commonly observed arrhythmia, and it is estimated to affect more than 2 million adults annually in the United States alone [1]. The risk of stroke, heart failure, and sudden death are all increased in patients with AF. The frequency of AF increases with age and most often underlies other overt cardiomyopathies or cardiovascular diseases such as ischemic heart disease, congestive heart failure, or hypertension [2], [3]. However, for nearly 70 years AF has also been known to be an inherited, Mendelian disorder [4]. Indeed, work from the Framingham Heart Study reported a significant increase in the risk of AF in patients who had just one parent with AF [5]. The genetic mechanisms that lead to AF vary widely as do the degrees of penetrance [6], [7].
Triggering up states in all-to-all coupled neurons

Slow-wave sleep in mammalians is characterized by a change of large-scale cortical activity currently paraphrased as cortical Up/Down states. A recent experiment demonstrated a bistable collective behaviour in ferret slices, with the remarkable property that the Up states can be switched on and off with pulses, or excitations, of same polarity; whereby the effect of the second pulse significantly depends on the time interval between the pulses. Here we present a simple time-discrete model of a neural network that exhibits this type of behaviour, as well as quantitatively reproduces the time dependence found in the experiments.
Increased Sensitivity to Mirror Symmetry in Autism

Can autistic people see the forest for the trees? Ongoing uncertainty about the integrity and role of global processing in autism gives special importance to the question of how autistic individuals group local stimulus attributes into meaningful spatial patterns. We investigated visual grouping in autism by measuring sensitivity to mirror symmetry, a highly-salient perceptual image attribute preceding object recognition. Autistic and non-autistic individuals were asked to detect mirror symmetry oriented along vertical, oblique, and horizontal axes. Both groups performed best when the axis was vertical, but across all randomly-presented axis orientations, autistics were significantly more sensitive to symmetry than non-autistics. We suggest that under some circumstances, autistic individuals can take advantage of parallel access to local and global information. In other words, autistics may sometimes see the forest and the trees, and may therefore extract from noisy environments genuine regularities which elude non-autistic observers.
Sorting by reversals is difficult

We prove that the problem of sorting a permutation by the minimum number of reversals is NP-hard, thus answering a major question on the complexity of a problem which has widely been studied in the last years. The proof is based on the strong relationship between this problem and the problem of finding the maximum number of edge-disjoint alternating cycles in a suitably-defined bicolored graph. For this latter problem we derive a number of structural properties, that can be used for showing its NP-hardness.