Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Emergence of sound systems through self-organisation

This paper describes a model for explaining the emergence and the universal structural tendencies of vowel systems. Both are considered as the result of self-organisation in a population of language users. The language users try to imitate each other and to learn each other’s vowel systems as well as possible under constraints of production and perception, while at the same time maximising the number of available speech sounds. It is shown through computer simulations that coherent and natural sound systems can indeed emerge in populations of artificial agents. It is also shown that the mechanism that is responsible for the emergence of sound systems can be used for learning existing sound systems as well. Finally, it is argued that the simulation of agents that can only produce isolated vowels is not enough. More complex utterances are needed for other interesting universals of sound systems and for explaining realistic sound change. Work in progress on implementing agents that can produce and perceive complex utterances is reported.
Virtual Environments in Healthcare: Immersion, Disruption, and Flow

Old forms of education are slowly crumbling under the weight of rapidly advancing computer and communication technologies along with the demands of learners who have grown up digital. These advances necessitate new thinking about the ways we educate and assess our healthcare workforce. Choosing anesthesiology (or any other healthcare profession) constitutes a commitment to life-long learning. Our careers span decades, and therefore, we need to constantly update our knowledge and skills. Yet, the traditional model of medical education has not changed in more than 100 years. The majority of our preclinical, and continuing education comes in the form of passive teacher-centric lectures. To paraphrase an example used by Sir Ken Robinson in his book, The Element, if we had a time machine and were able to bring a student forward in time from the 18th century, our educational system would be one of the few parts of society they would recognize.
Thyroid transcription factor‐1 expression in rare cases of mammary ductal carcinoma

1. Aguirre JM, Echebarria MA, Martinez-Conde R, Rodriguez C, Burgos JJ, Rivera JM. Warthin tumor. A new hypothesis concerning its development. Oral Surg. Oral Med. Oral Pathol. Oral Radiol. Endo. 1998; 85; 60–63. 2. Honda K, Kashima K, Daa T, Yokoyama S, Nakayama I. Clonal analysis of the epithelial component of Warthin’s tumor. Hum. Pathol. 2000; 31; 1377–1380. 3. Thompson AS, Bryant HC. Histogenesis of papillary cystadenoma lymphomatosum (Warthin’s tumor) of the parotid salivary gland. Am. J. Pathol. 1950; 26; 807–829. 4. Teymoortash A, Werner JA. Tissue that has lost its track: Warthin’s tumour. Virchows Arch. 2005; 446; 585–588. 5. Moll R, Sievers E, Hämmerling B et al. Endothelial and virgultar cell formations in the mammalian lymph node sinus: endothelial differentiation morphotypes characterized by a special kind of junction (complexus adhaerens). Cell Tissue Res. 2009; 335; 109– 141.
Influence of glaucomatous visual field loss on health-related quality of life.

We examined the influence of glaucomatous visual field defects on vision-targeted and generic health-related quality of life. Vision-targeted and generic health status were assessed across 5 glaucoma treatment categories and a normal reference group from 5 tertiary care ophthalmology practices during regularly scheduled eye care visits. The sample consisted of 147 patients who were members of specific glaucoma treatment categories and 44 reference group patients. For patients with glaucoma, eligibility included a diagnosis of glaucoma at least 1 year prior to enrollment and no evidence of other eye disease. Participants completed 2 vision-targeted surveys, the National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire and the VF-14, and a generic health-related quality of life measure, the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form. Data from automated perimetry (Humphrey Field Analyzer 24-2, Humphrey Instruments, San Leandro, Calif) were used to generate Advanced Glaucoma Intervention Study scores for all participants. The Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form scores from glaucoma and reference group participants collected on a random half of the sample were similar. However, comparisons of the vision-targeted surveys demonstrated significant mean differences on 7 of 11 National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire scales, and a trend toward significant differences for the VF-14 (P < .07 by linear regression). Greater visual field defects in the better eye were significantly associated with poorer National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire scores (P < .05), as well as with worse VF-14 scores. These findings were most dramatic for patients with the most severe field loss in the better eye. Vision-targeted questionnaires were more sensitive than a generic health-related quality of life measure to differences between glaucoma and normal reference participants. Our findings indicate that self-reports of vision-targeted health-related quality of life are sensitive to visual field loss and may be useful in tandem with the clinical examination to fully understand outcomes of treatment for glaucoma.
The effects of skin brushing on H reflex amplitude in normal human subjects

Experiments were performed on twenty‐two neurologically normal subjects in order to investigate the effects of skin brushing on H reflex excitability in triceps surae. H reflex amplitude was observed to decrease during brushing of a 2 cm x 10 cm area of skin overlying triceps surae, returning to control levels when brushing ceased. Alterations in the duration of the brushing period did not affect the magnitude of the H reflex inhibition, although increased frequency of brush strokes per minute slightly increased the amount of inhibition observed. Brushing of smaller skin areas overlying the muscle only sometimes resulted in H reflex inhibition. Brushing over other skin areas of the lower limb produced only slight effects on triceps surae H reflex amplitude. Removal of cutaneous input from the skin overlying triceps surae abolished any effects of brushing in this area on H reflex amplitude. These results demonstrate an inhibitory effect of brushing on H reflex excitability in normal subjects. If such results are confirmed in subjects with neurological deficit, they could have implications for the use of brushing in clinical practice.
The response time of GaN photoconductive detector under various ultraviolet-radiation intensities

The persistent photoconductivity (PPC) effect was generally observed in many III-V compound semiconductors and it was always related to yellow luminescence. In this paper, the PPC effect in unintentionally doped GaN was investigated. The GaN photoconductive detector response time measured by changing the chopper frequency of modulator was studied under various ultraviolet-radiation intensities. The maximum value of UV intensities used in test was approximately 0.2W/m2. Experimental results show that the response time of unintentionally doped GaN PC detector is independent of the wavelength of the ultraviolet radiation in the range of 300~365nm and it decreases with the increasing of UV radiation intensity. The longest response time getting in experiments was 7.64ms and the shortest 2.89ms. Fourier transformation and lock-in amplifier was used to reduce the noise at AC frequency of 50Hz and the results show that Fourier transformation was more effective to eliminate the low frequency noise. The experimental data fit the theoretical curve very well, better than the results reported previously. Finally, these phenomena were tried to be explained using a mechanism that minor carriers were captured by deep acceptors. The deep acceptors were deduced to be VGa related complexes. In strong UV radiation, the photo-generated holes (minor carriers) were no longer captured by deep acceptors and the recombination opportunities with majority carriers were increased. Consequently the response time was reduced. The other possible reason was that there were metastable states which were related to Ga vacancy.
Genetic Diversity within Human Erythroviruses: Identification of Three Genotypes

ABSTRACT B19 virus is a human virus belonging to the genus Erythrovirus. The genetic diversity among B19 virus isolates has been reported to be very low, with less than 2% nucleotide divergence in the whole genome sequence. We have previously reported the isolation of a human erythrovirus isolate, termed V9, whose sequence was markedly distinct (>11% nucleotide divergence) from that of B19 virus. To date, the V9 isolate remains the unique representative of a new variant in the genus Erythrovirus, and its taxonomic position is unclear. We report here the isolation of 11 V9-related viruses. A prospective study conducted in France between 1999 and 2001 indicates that V9-related viruses actually circulate at a significant frequency (11.4%) along with B19 viruses. Analysis of the nearly full-length genome sequence of one V9-related isolate (D91.1) indicates that the D91.1 sequence clusters together with but is notably distant from the V9 sequence (5.3% divergence) and is distantly related to B19 virus sequences (13.8 to 14.2% divergence). Additional phylogenetic analysis of partial sequences from the V9-related isolates combined with erythrovirus sequences available in GenBank indicates that the erythrovirus group is more diverse than thought previously and can be divided into three well-individualized genotypes, with B19 viruses corresponding to genotype 1 and V9-related viruses being distributed into genotypes 2 and 3.
Conservatism of Analysis and Controller Synthesis of Decomposable Systems

Abstract Recently, distributed controller synthesis approaches for decomposable systems, a subclass of distributed systems with identical subsystems, where the interconnection can be described as LFT interconnection, have been proposed. In order to make these approaches tractable for systems containing a very large number of subsystems, constraints on the Lyapunov matrix and the multiplier matrices are introduced that render the complexity of analysis and controller synthesis smaller and in best case independent on the number of subsystems. Those assumptions have to be paid for with conservatism, which is investigated in this work. It is proven that the conservatism is not reduced if either only the Lyapunov or only the multiplier matrices are constrained, when compared with having constraints on both simultaneously.
Mechano-Pharmacological Characterization of Cardiomyocytes Derived from Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

Background/Aims: Common systems for the quantification of cellular contraction rely on animal-based models, complex experimental setups or indirect approaches. The herein presented CellDrum technology for testing mechanical tension of cellular monolayers and thin tissue constructs has the potential to scale-up mechanical testing towards medium-throughput analyses. Using hiPS-Cardiac Myocytes (hiPS-CMs) it represents a new perspective of drug testing and brings us closer to personalized drug medication. Methods: In the present study, monolayers of self-beating hiPS-CMs were grown on ultra-thin circular silicone membranes and deflect under the weight of the culture medium. Rhythmic contractions of the hiPS-CMs induced variations of the membrane deflection. The recorded contraction-relaxation-cycles were analyzed with respect to their amplitudes, durations, time integrals and frequencies. Besides unstimulated force and tensile stress, we investigated the effects of agonists and antagonists acting on Ca2+ channels (S-Bay K8644/verapamil) and Na+ channels (veratridine/lidocaine). Results: The measured data and simulations for pharmacologically unstimulated contraction resembled findings in native human heart tissue, while the pharmacological dose-response curves were highly accurate and consistent with reference data. Conclusion: We conclude that the combination of the CellDrum with hiPS-CMs offers a fast, facile and precise system for pharmacological, toxicological studies and offers new preclinical basic research potential.
Automated Marine Propeller Optimal Design Combining Hydrodynamics Models and Neural Networks

In the present paper, a computationally efficient methodology to develop fast and reliable propeller selection procedures based on a fully automated optimization technique is described. To this aim, a comprehensive propeller hydrodynamics model is combined with performance prediction acceleration techniques based on Neural Networks. Under given operating conditions, screw characteristics and blade shape details are optimized around a baseline configuration via general-purpose numerical optimization software based on genetic algorithms and via a parametric model. Numerical applications concern the propulsion retrofitting of marine vessels. A off-design performance verification study is presented to evaluate the robustness of the identified optimal configurations.
Welfare-Maximizing Monetary Policy Under Parameter Uncertainty

This paper examines welfare-maximizing monetary policy in an estimated dynamic stochastic general equilibrium model of the U.S. economy where the policymaker faces uncertainty about the true values of model parameters. Uncertainty about parameters describing preferences and technology implies not only uncertainty about model dynamics but also uncertainty about the “natural” level of output that the central bank should aim to achieve. We analyze the characteristics and performance of alternative monetary policy rules given the estimated covariance of parameter estimates. We find that the natural rates of output is very imprecisely estimated. We then show that policy rules that rely on the output gap and therefore estimates estimates of the natural rate of output perform poorly under parameter uncertainty. Instead, optimal policies respond primarily to indirect signals regarding natural rates extracted from observed prices and wages.
Analysis of cell-aware test pattern effectiveness — A case study using a 32-bit automotive microcontroller

With the semiconductor manufacturing development following the trend into very-deep sub-micron technologies and thus making Moore's law a reality, the decrease in node size introduces new defect mechanisms in manufacturing. Still, the strict quality requirements especially related to the automotive industry stay the same. Traditional fault models like stuck-at and transition delay models which have been used for the digital logic of System-on-Chip designs may be successful in detecting most of the manufacturing defects, but not all of them. In this paper, the new Cell Aware fault model, which has been introduced by Mentor Graphics®, is being evaluated for usage in the automotive design process of Freescale™. Using a state-of-the-art microcontroller product manufactured in a CMOS 55nm process technology, the fault model is evaluated for test coverage and test cost (pattern count) and compared against the traditional fault models used by Freescale. The analysis is carried out by performing several experiments, especially focusing on reducing the test pattern count overhead.
Signaling to stomatal initiation and cell division

Stomata are two-celled valves that control epidermal pores whose opening and spacing optimizes shoot-atmosphere gas exchange. Arabidopsis stomatal formation involves at least one asymmetric division and one symmetric division. Stomatal formation and patterning are regulated by the frequency and placement of asymmetric divisions. This model system has already led to significant advances in developmental biology, such as the regulation of cell fate, division, differentiation, and patterning. Over the last 30 years, stomatal development has been found to be controlled by numerous intrinsic genetic and environmental factors. This mini review focuses on the signaling involved in stomatal initiation and in divisions in the cell lineage.
Human Factors for Design of Hand Gesture Human - Machine Interaction

A global approach to hand gesture vocabulary design is proposed which includes human as well as technical design factors. The method of selecting gestures for preconceived command vocabularies has not been addressed in a systematic manner. Present methods are ad hoc. In an analytical approach technological factors of gesture recognition accuracy are easily obtained and well studied. Conversely, it is difficult to obtain measures of human centered desires (intuitiveness, comfort). These factors, being subjective, are costly and time consuming to obtain, and hence we have developed automated methods for acquisition of these data through specially designed applications. Results of the intuitiveness experiments showed when commands are presented as stimuli the gestural responses vary widely over a population of subjects. This result refutes the hypothesis that there exist universal common gestures to express user intentions or commands.
On the decision-directed equalization of constant modulus signals

Decision-directed (DD) equalization is the most primitive blind equalization (BE) method for the cancelling of inter-symbol-interference (ISI) in data communication systems. Even through DD equalizers are believed to be unable to open the channel eye when it is initially closed, this does not seem to be true in the of constant-modulus (CM) constellations (pure phase modulation). We investigate the shape of the DD cost function in this case and obtain several interesting results that indicate that the DD algorithm should be capable of opening a closed channel eye in the CM case. Based on this fact, we propose a novel hybrid CMA-DD equalization scheme that offers an appealing alternative to the generalized Sato (GSATO) algorithm, for QAM constellations. Our theoretical claims about the performance of DD equalizers as well as the performance of our novel scheme are verified through computer simulations. <<ETX>>
On The Start-Up Bias Problem Of Metropolis Sampling

The paper presents an analysis of the start-up bias problem of Metropolis sampling. The analysis is carried out both theoretically and using simulations. In order to allow theoretical treatment, a simpli(cid:12)ed model is established and the convergence of the Metropolis sampling is examined by Fourier analysis. It is concluded that the start-up bias can be quite signi(cid:12)cant if the integrand is relatively uniform, thus Metropolis sampling becomes really e(cid:14)cient only for di(cid:14)cult integrands, that is for di(cid:14)cult lighting situations. The theoretical results are then validated for two di(cid:11)erent integral formulations of the rendering equation. The (cid:12)rst is based on bi-directional path tracing, and the second is on ray-bundle tracing.
DNA Reactivity Profile of trans‐Platinum Planar Amine Derivatives

New trans‐platinum planar amines (TPAs) represent a family of platinum‐based drugs with cytotoxicity equivalent to that of cisplatin, but with negligible cross‐resistance. According to the substitution pattern around the metal center, distinct DNA adducts can be formed which yield various levels of cytotoxicity in cell lines. We compared the effects of leaving groups (Cl− versus formate or acetate) and amines (NH3 versus aromatic heterocyclic planar systems) on the efficiency, kinetics, and mode of DNA platination. We show that the substitution of just a single amino group on the transplatin nucleus is optimal, with major effects on the kinetics of metal complex conversion into the reactive aquo species. Additionally, by monitoring TPA reactivity toward variable DNA structures, a lack of preference for double‐stranded DNA in over single‐stranded or G‐quadruplex DNA was observed which is possibly related to steric effects of the planar amine groups. These properties can lead to a unique distribution of platination sites by TPA relative to the lead compound cisplatin, which may help to explain the unique cytotoxic profile of TPAs.
Dynamic Vehicle Detection via the Use of Magnetic Field Sensors

The vehicle detection process plays the key role in determining the success of intelligent transport management system solutions. The measurement of distortions of the Earth’s magnetic field using magnetic field sensors served as the basis for designing a solution aimed at vehicle detection. In accordance with the results obtained from research into process modeling and experimentally testing all the relevant hypotheses an algorithm for vehicle detection using the state criteria was proposed. Aiming to evaluate all of the possibilities, as well as pros and cons of the use of anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) sensors in the transport flow control process, we have performed a series of experiments with various vehicles (or different series) from several car manufacturers. A comparison of 12 selected methods, based on either the process of determining the peak signal values and their concurrence in time whilst calculating the delay, or by measuring the cross-correlation of these signals, was carried out. It was established that the relative error can be minimized via the Z component cross-correlation and Kz criterion cross-correlation methods. The average relative error of vehicle speed determination in the best case did not exceed 1.5% when the distance between sensors was set to 2 m.
THE IMPACT OF CRM CAPABILITY DIMENSIONS ON ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE

ustomer relationship management is considered key to organizations' success in today's competitive environment. However, empirical evidence show mixed support to the impact of CRM initiatives on performance. Using the resourcebased view RBV of the firm, CRM is hypothesized as a distinctive capability that can lead to superior business performance. The study proposes four dimensions of CRM capability: CRM technology, CRM processes, customer orientation, and CRM organization. Data used to validate the research model were collected through cross sectional survey of large Egyptian companies. SEM was used to test the research hypotheses. All CRM proposed dimensions showed significant link to performance. However, when all impacts were considered simultaneously, CRM organization emerged as the only significant predictor of performance. Implications for theory and practice are presented.
Chinese Radicals in NLP Tasks

The Chinese writing system uses a set of tens of thousands of characters, each of which represents a syllable, and usually a morpheme, in the Chinese language. (In Chinese, almost all morphemes are monosyllabic). Although the number of distinct characters is very large, they have internal structure, and all of them are made out of a few hundred common graphic components called radicals. Moreover, the vast majority of Chinese characters are so-called phonosemantic compounds: they consist of two parts, a semantic part which is a single radical that indicates something about the meaning of the character, and a phonetic part which gives a hint as to its pronunciation. For example, the character “妈 (mā),” meaning “mother” is composed of a semantic component “女,” meaning “woman,” and phonetic component “马,” pronounced “mǎ. ” C hinese lexicographers have developed standardized sets of radicals, which are used to organize characters in dictionaries, as well as in the Unihan database which is a part of Unicode. Normally when processing Chinese, this internal structure is ignored. However, we believe that radicals carry useful information for many NLP tasks. In this project, we investigated how using radicals affected performance on three tasks: language modeling, part-of-speech tagging, and word segmentation.