Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Stuck in the Conflicted Middle: A Role-Theoretic Perspective on B2B E-Marketplaces

Over the years, research on the implications of information technology on network governance structures has explored the "move to the market" and the "move to the middle" hypotheses. The middle is a space in which the logic and modalities of markets and hierarchies are intermingled. There is increasing evidence that most network relations reflect mixed-mode or hybrid logic. Despite the apparent advantages that make the middle so populous or "swollen" (Hennart 1993, p. 472), Kambil et al. (1999) highlight that it is riddled with uncertainty and high transaction costs. They label it "the conflicted middle" and propose that online marketplaces, specifically all-in-one markets, are capable of resolving this conflict. Unfortunately, however, Kambil et al. provide limited insight into both the nature of the conflict that plagues the middle and the ability of all-in-one markets to resolve it. To address these questions, this paper applies a role-theoretic perspective to the study of an e-marketplace that served the energy industry and evolved into an all-in-one market. Relying on an interpretive case study, this paper addresses the following research questions: (1) What is the nature of the conflict that characterizes the conflicted middle? (2) How do e-marketplaces, specifically all-in-one markets, help resolve this conflict? Our research highlights that brokers, trading partners, and agents who operate in the middle (where the contradictory logic of markets and hierarchies are mixed) experience goal, behavior, and identity conflict. All-in-one markets can help resolve these conflicts by supporting role integration at the group level and role segmentation at the individual level.
A channel-blind system for speaker verification

The majority of speaker verification systems proposed in the NIST speaker recognition evaluation are conditioned on the type of data to be processed: telephone or microphone. In this paper, we propose a new speaker verification system that can be applied to both types of data. This system, named blind system, is based on an extension of the total variability framework. Recognition results with the proposed channel-independent system are comparable to state of the art systems that require conditioning on the channel type. Another advantage of our proposed system is that it allows for combining data from multiple channels in the same visualization in order to explore the effects of different microphones and collection environments.
Prevention of post-spinal hypotension using crystalloid, colloid and ephedrine with three different combinations: A double blind randomized study

Background: The benefit of prophylactic combination therapy using crystalloid and colloid preload with ephedrine has not been cleared to prevent maternal hypotension after spinal anesthesia at cesarean delivery. This study evaluated the efficacy of three combinational methods to prevent hypotension following spinal anesthesia. Materials and Methods: In this prospective double blind trial, 150 candidates of elective cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia were randomly allocated to three treatment groups; 1---Ringer′s Lactate (RL) solution (15 ml/kg) plus Hemaxel (7 ml/kg) preload, 2---RL solution (15 ml/kg) preload plus ephedrine (15 mg, IV, bolus), 3---Hemaxel (7 ml/kg) preload plus ephedrine (15 mg, IV, bolus). Maternal hemodynamic changes during 60 min after spinal injection, nausea/vomiting, and neonatal condition were compared among the groups. Results: The cumulative incidence of hypotension was 44%, 40%, and 46% in groups 1 to 3, respectively. There were not significant differences in supplementary ephedrine requirement among groups which received or among groups which did not receive prophylactic ephedrine. Groups were not different in the incidence of hypertension and nausea or vomiting. There were no significant differences among groups in Apgar scores at 1 or 5 min and umbilical artery PH. Conclusion: Combination of preventive methods decreased the occurrence of hypotension following spinal anesthesia to an acceptable level. Overall, the most effective method was a combination of crystalloid preload with ephedrine.
Local Delivery of OncoVEXmGM-CSF Generates Systemic Antitumor Immune Responses Enhanced by Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte–Associated Protein Blockade

Purpose: Talimogene laherparepvec, a new oncolytic immunotherapy, has been recently approved for the treatment of melanoma. Using a murine version of the virus, we characterized local and systemic antitumor immune responses driving efficacy in murine syngeneic models. Experimental Design: The activity of talimogene laherparepvec was characterized against melanoma cell lines using an in vitro viability assay. Efficacy of OncoVEXmGM-CSF (talimogene laherparepvec with the mouse granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor transgene) alone or in combination with checkpoint blockade was characterized in A20 and CT-26 contralateral murine tumor models. CD8+ depletion, adoptive T-cell transfers, and Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSpot assays were used to study the mechanism of action (MOA) of systemic immune responses. Results: Treatment with OncoVEXmGM-CSF cured all injected A20 tumors and half of contralateral tumors. Viral presence was limited to injected tumors and was not responsible for systemic efficacy. A significant increase in T cells (CD3+/CD8+) was observed in injected and contralateral tumors at 168 hours. Ex vivo analyses showed these cytotoxic T lymphocytes were tumor-specific. Increased neutrophils, monocytes, and chemokines were observed in injected tumors only. Importantly, depletion of CD8+ T cells abolished all systemic efficacy and significantly decreased local efficacy. In addition, immune cell transfer from OncoVEXmGM-CSF-cured mice significantly protected from tumor challenge. Finally, combination of OncoVEXmGM-CSF and checkpoint blockade resulted in increased tumor-specific CD8+ anti-AH1 T cells and systemic efficacy. Conclusions: The data support a dual MOA for OncoVEXmGM-CSF that involves direct oncolysis of injected tumors and activation of a CD8+-dependent systemic response that clears injected and contralateral tumors when combined with checkpoint inhibition. Clin Cancer Res; 23(20); 6190–202. ©2017 AACR.
Single cell analysis of PKC activation during proliferation and apoptosis induced by laser irradiation

Laser irradiation has been shown to trigger cellular proliferation and apoptosis in various cell types. Studying the signaling pathways involved in the laser irradiation is important for understanding these processes. In present study, to monitor the protein kinase Cs (PKCs) activity in living cells in real time, we transfected and screened human lung adenocarcinoma cells (ASTC‐a‐1) stably expressing C kinase activity reporter (CKAR) constructed based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) technique. The CKAR is a specific, reversible reporter of phosphorylation by PKCs and it can monitor the ongoing balance between PKCs and phosphatases. The increasing dynamics of PKCs activity is monitored during cell proliferation induced by low‐power laser irradiation (LPLI) (0.8 J/cm2) in serum‐starved ASTC‐a‐1 cells stably expressing CKAR reporter using FRET imaging on laser scanning confocal microscope and using spectrofluorometric analysis on a luminescence spectrometer, respectively. However, the decreasing dynamics of PKCs activity has been monitored in real time using FRET imaging for the cells treated with high fluence LPLI (60 J/cm2), which was previously found to induce cell apoptosis. Taken together, LPLI induces the ASTC‐a‐1 cell proliferation by specifically activating PKCs. However, PKCs activity decreases during cell apoptosis induced by high fluence LPLI. Our results indicate that PKCs play an important role in the laser irradiation‐induced biological effects. J. Cell. Physiol. 206: 441–448, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Control of a VSC-diode bridge combination for industrial rectifier applications

This paper discusses the suitability of a voltage source converter (VSC)-diode bridge combination as a rectifier in industrial applications. This particular rectifier arrangement consists of a full rated diode bridge rectifier and a partially rated two-level voltage source auxiliary converter. This combination helps achieve power conversion at medium voltage with low voltage switching devices, improve current quality through pulse width modulation (PWM) operation and smoothen the dc-link voltage by transferring the ripples to the dc-side of the auxiliary converter. Moreover, this topology can be extended by replacing the two-level auxiliary converter with a multilevel converter such as diode-clamped three-level converter to achieve higher voltage levels and better power quality requirements. Apart from that, there is a possibility of interfacing energy storage devices through the dc-side of the auxiliary converter to mitigate power fluctuations. Control strategies and modulation techniques that are specific to the topology for different operating scenarios are simulated in MATLAB/Simulink. Simulation results are presented to verify the operation of the proposed topology.
Building large urban environments from unstructured point data

We present a robust method for modeling cities from unstructured point data. Our algorithm provides a more complete description than existing approaches by reconstructing simultaneously buildings, trees and topologically complex grounds. Buildings are modeled by an original approach which guarantees a high generalization level while having semantized and compact representations. Geometric 3D-primitives such as planes, cylinders, spheres or cones describe regular roof sections, and are combined with mesh-patches that represent irregular roof components. The various urban components interact through a non-convex energy minimization problem in which they are propagated under arrangement constraints over a planimetric map. We experimentally validate the approach on complex urban structures and large urban scenes of millions of points.
Presheaf models and process calculi

Process calculi like CCS have been motivated and studied operationally, thus from the outset lacking the abstract mathematical treatment provided by a domain theory. Consequently, concurrency has become a rather separate study; in particular, higher-order and functional features as known from sequential programming are most often treated in an ad hoc fashion, if at all. The study of presheaf models of processes [3, 14] can be seen as an attempt to bring concurrency back within the realm of traditional denotational semantics by providing a domain theory for concurrent computation. Much of the work so far [4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 27] has concentrated on developing the domain theory itself and on showing how to handle existing models and notions from process calculi within it. Meanwhile, a full operational understanding of presheaf models has still not been obtained. A sensible way to proceed would be to
Quantile Regression Estimates for a Class of Linear and Partially Linear Errors-in-Variables Models

We consider the problem of estimating quantile regression coefficients in errors-in-variables models. When the error variables for both the response and the manifest variables have a joint distribution that is spherically symmetric but otherwise unknown, the regression quantile estimates based on orthogonal residuals are shown to be consistent and asymptotically normal. We also extend the work to partially linear models when the response is related to some additional covariate.
Priorities for Standards and Measurements to Accelerate Innovations in Nano-Electrotechnologies: Analysis of the NIST-Energetics-IEC TC 113 Survey,

In 2008, the National Institute of Standards and Technology and Energetics Incorporated collaborated with the International Electrotechnical Commission Technical Committee 113 (IEC TC 113) on nano-electrotechnologies to survey members of the international nanotechnologies community about priorities for standards and measurements to accelerate innovations in nano-electrotechnologies. In this paper, we analyze the 459 survey responses from 45 countries as one means to begin building a consensus on a framework leading to nano-electrotechnologies standards development by standards organizations and national measurement institutes. The distributions of priority rankings from all 459 respondents are such that there are perceived distinctions with statistical confidence between the relative international priorities for the several items ranked in each of the following five Survey category types: 1) Nano-electrotechnology Properties, 2) Nano-electrotechnology Taxonomy: Products, 3) Nano-electrotechnology Taxonomy: Cross-Cutting Technologies, 4) IEC General Discipline Areas, and 5) Stages of the Linear Economic Model. The global consensus prioritizations for ranked items in the above five category types suggest that the IEC TC 113 should focus initially on standards and measurements for electronic and electrical properties of sensors and fabrication tools that support performance assessments of nano-technology enabled sub-assemblies used in energy, medical, and computer products.
Basement membrane matrices in tissue development.

The complex structures and functions of basement membranes are beginning to be resolved. Basement membranes are the extracellular matrices that underlie epithelial and endothelial cells and surround peripheral nerve and muscle cells. Although only observable by electron microscopy, basement membranes have important biologic functions in development, in the maintenance and repair of differentiated tissues, and in regulation of the passage of macromolecules and cells to and from the vasculature and tissues or into the urine (1). Composed primarily of collagen IV, laminin, entactin, and heparan sulfate proteoglycan, basement membranes have been found to contain additional forms of collagen IV and variants of laminin as well as several growth factors. Studies on certain autoimmune diseases of the kidney and skin confirm that basement membranes contain tissue-specific components. In addition, it is clear that in the same tissue the amount and type of components can vary with development. Such complexity is further confirmed in the report in this issue by Sannes and colleagues which describes a chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan whose distribution varies with development in the lung (2). The diversity in composition of basement membranes, which are nearly ubiquitous, thus allows for significant regulatory effects on cell differentiation and development.
Effect of electroless Ni/immersion Au plating parameters on PBGA solder joint attachment reliability

We reported in ECTC'98 the phenomenon of brittle fracture of PBGA (plastic ball grid array) solder joints attached on electroless Ni/immersion Au (e'less Ni/imm Au) surface finish. In order to identify the root cause for the brittle fracture, a matrix study of e'less Ni/imm Au plating parameters was conducted. The pH value, temperature, and rinsing procedure in the Ni plating bath were varied systematically. The order of putting solder mask before or after Ni/Au plating was compared. Different e'less Ni bath chemistries (low P, high P, boron reducing agent) were also studied. The solder joint attachment strength on the surface finishes was measured by 4-point bending test. The surface finishes were characterized by their surface morphology, phosphorous concentration in Ni, and relative Au layer thickness. The results showed that the solder joint attachment strength depended on the plating conditions, but did not pinpoint a single plating parameter or physical property as a sole factor. The high phosphorous content, in the range of 6 to 12 wt. %, was not the root cause for the brittle interfacial fracture. The possible solder mark contamination of Ni and Au plating baths was not the root cause for the interfacial fracture. The results suggest that impurities or damage introduced during immersion Au plating are responsible for the poor interfacial strength and brittle fracture.
A miniature load cell suitable for mounting on the phalanges of human-sized robot fingers

It is frequently accepted that tactile sensing must play a key role in robust manipulation and assembly. The potential exists to complement the gross shape information that vision or range sensors can provide with fine-scale information about the texture, stiffness, and shape of the object grasped. Nevertheless, no widely accepted tactile sensing technology currently exists for robot hands. Furthermore, while several proposals exist in the robotics literature regarding how to use tactile sensors to improve manipulation, there is little consensus. This paper describes the electro-mechanical design of the Robonaut 2 phalange load cell. This is a miniature load cell suitable for mounting on the phalanges of humanoid robot fingers. The important design characteristics of these load cells are the shape of the load cell spring element and the routing of small-gauge wires from the sensor onto a circuit board. The paper reports results from a stress analysis of the spring element and establishes the theoretical sensitivity of the device to loads in different directions. The paper also compares calibrated load cell data to ground truth load measurements for four different manufactured sensors. Finally, the paper analyzes the response of the load cells in the context of a flexible materials localization task.
Procalcitonin Guidance to Reduce Antibiotic Treatment of Lower Respiratory Tract Infection in Children and Adolescents (ProPAED): A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background Antibiotics are overused in children and adolescents with lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI). Serum-procalcitonin (PCT) can be used to guide treatment when bacterial infection is suspected. Its role in pediatric LRTI is unclear. Methods Between 01/2009 and 02/2010 we randomized previously healthy patients 1 month to 18 years old presenting with LRTI to the emergency departments of two pediatric hospitals in Switzerland to receive antibiotics either according to a PCT guidance algorithm established for adult LRTI or standard care clinical guidelines. In intention-to-treat analyses, antibiotic prescribing rate, duration of antibiotic treatment, and number of days with impairment of daily activities within 14 days of randomization were compared between the two groups. Results In total 337 children, mean age 3.8 years (range 0.1–18), were included. Antibiotic prescribing rates were not significantly different in PCT guided patients compared to controls (OR 1.26; 95% CI 0.81, 1.95). Mean duration of antibiotic exposure was reduced from 6.3 to 4.5 days under PCT guidance (−1.8 days; 95% CI −3.1, −0.5; P = 0.039) for all LRTI and from 9.1 to 5.7 days for pneumonia (−3.4 days 95% CI −4.9, −1.7; P<0.001). There was no apparent difference in impairment of daily activities between PCT guided and control patients. Conclusion PCT guidance reduced antibiotic exposure by reducing the duration of antibiotic treatment, while not affecting the antibiotic prescribing rate. The latter may be explained by the low baseline prescribing rate in Switzerland for pediatric LRTI and the choice of an inappropriately low PCT cut-off level for this population. Trial Registration Controlled-Trials.com ISRCTN17057980 ISRCTN17057980
Sleep apnea in an urban public hospital: assessment of severity and treatment adherence.

OBJECTIVE To assess obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) severity, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) adherence, and factors associated with CPAP adherence among a group of patients with OSA receiving care at a publicly funded county hospital. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING A retrospective cohort study in a 464-bed urban public hospital in Cook County, Illinois. RESULTS A total of 507 patients were included. They had a mean (SD) age of 46.9(11) years, mean body mass index of 46.2 (11.0) kg/m2; mean and median baseline apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) of 71.0 (44.4) and 69.5 episodes/h; mean Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) score of 15.8 (6.1). Of these patients, 53% were men, 74% did not have health insurance coverage, and 77% were African American. Mean CPAP adherence of the 323 patients with follow-up data was 3.87 (2.62) hours/ day, with 47.7% of subjects using CPAP objectively for > or = 4 hours/day. Women were 2.49 (95% CI, 1.39-4.46) times more likely to be nonadherent than men, after adjusting for race, marital status, and age. Of the 172 patients who did not follow up, there were disproportionately more men. When individuals without follow-up were assumed to be nonadherent, the overall compliance rate was 30.4%, and women were 1.72 (95% CI, 1.03-2.88) times more likely to be noncompliant than men, adjusting for race, marital status, and age. CONCLUSION This study population experienced severe OSA. CPAP adherence was low, with women having a higher likelihood of nonadherence than men. With the epidemic of obesity and increased awareness of OSA, this population should be further studied to diminish future health disparities in the treatment of this disease.
Information filtering based on wiki index database

In this paper we present a profile-based approach to information filtering by an analysis of the content of text documents. The Wikipedia index database is created and used to automatically generate the user profile from the user document collection. The problem-oriented Wikipedia subcorpora are created (using knowledge extracted from the user profile) for each topic of user interests. The index databases of these subcorpora are applied to filtering information flow (e.g., mails, news). Thus, the analyzed texts are classified into several topics explicitly presented in the user profile. The paper concentrates on the indexing part of the approach. The architecture of an application implementing the Wikipedia indexing is described. The indexing method is evaluated using the Russian and Simple English Wikipedia.
Retrieval with the help of Personalization in Search : A Review

Using personal data of users from profile and retrieve the results that are much like the user’s preferences. We use xml, it power to represent the quality style of information and it'll exchange this sort of information. We tend to concentrate on the personalization techniques that are terribly effective to look keyword victimization it that may recommend question to users and generate some queries here. once we produce users profile, we tend to build profile of user’s interest on server, distinguishing the user’s interest supported the previous web search or previously websites visited by users. distinguishing the user’s interest on the premise of his/her education and background of users so given result search quick and simple to indicate the results. we tend to are use feedback based mostly personalization so system are re-ranking the search result supported product average rating/feedback keep in xml. Company and class wise feedback are half-tracked in info moreover as in xml document.