Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prospective Randomized Trial Between Two Doses of Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor After Ifosfamide, Carboplatin, and Etoposide in Children With Recurrent or Refractory Solid Tumors: A Children's Cancer Group Report

Purpose The objectives of this study were: 1) to compare the time to hematologic recovery (absolute neutrophil count [ANC] ≥1,000/mm3 and platelet count ≥100,000/mm3) in a randomized prospective study of two doses of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) (5.0 vs. 10.0 &mgr;g/kg per day) after ifosfamide, carboplatin, and etoposide (ICE) chemotherapy; and 2) to determine the response rate (complete response [CR] + partial response [PR]) of ICE in children with refractory or recurrent solid tumors. Patients and Methods From June 1992 until November 1994, 123 patients with recurrent or refractory pediatric solid tumors were treated with ifosfamide (1,800 mg/m2 per day x 5), carboplatin (400 mg/m2 per day x 2), and etoposide (100 mg/m2 per day x 5) and randomized to receive either 5.0 &mgr;g/kg per day or 10.0 &mgr;g/kg per day of G-CSF subcutaneously until recovery of ANC to ≥1,000/mm3. Results The incidence of grade 4 neutropenia during the first course was 88%. Median time from the start of chemotherapy to ANC ≥1,000/mm3 for all patients during courses 1 and 2 was 21 and 19 days, respectively. The incidence of developing platelet count ≤20,000/mm3 during course 1 was 82%. The median time from the start of the course of chemotherapy to platelet recovery ≥100,000/mm3 for all patients during courses 1 and 2 was 27 days. There was no significant difference in the median time of ANC recovery, platelet recovery, or incidence of grade 4 neutropenia; and in the median days of fever and the incidence of infections requiring hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics during courses 1 and 2, there was no significant difference between the two doses of G-CSF. One hundred eighteen patients were evaluated for response to ICE. The overall response rate (CR + PR) in this study was 51% (90% confidence interval, 43%–59%). The CR rate for all diagnostic categories was 27%. The Kaplan-Meier estimates of 1-year and 2-year survival probabilities for all patients were 52% and 30%, respectively. Conclusion In summary, this combination of chemotherapy (ICE) was associated with a high CR rate (27%) in children with recurrent or refractory solid tumors, but also with a high incidence of grade 4 neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. Doubling the dose of G-CSF from 5.0 to 10.0 &mgr;g/kg per day after ICE chemotherapy did not result in an enhancement of neutrophil or platelet recovery or the incidence of grade 4 neutropenia developing.
Towards a Framework for Scalable Model Checking of Concurrent C Programs

The paper presents a novel framework for scalable model checking of concurrent C programs. With the idea of verification reuse, it shows an integrated approach to efficient reduction of state space by abstraction, symbolic representation and dynamic partial-order reduction (DPOR) techniques. The framework is founded on an over-approximated model of the concurrent program by variable abstraction, and combines DPOR with lightweight symbolic execution to generate the symbolic conditions for all locations, called -conditions, which are intended for verification reuse. The -conditions of a location are weak approximation of the conditions that must be satisfied at that location so as to guarantee the temporal safety properties to be verified. These conditions will be checked for reusing the previous exploration in verification, and will be iteratively refined under the guidance of spurious counterexamples. The presented framework is demonstrated by several experiments including a concurrent software system whose server and client processes are derived from openssl-0.9. 6c C source codes implementing the SSL protocol.
Figurative, spontaneous, interactive and potentially offensive: Three projects with rich visual and linguistic stimuli

We describe three independent projects with novel applications of eye movement technology. In each, we have sought to expand the range of stimuli and tasks typically used in eye movement research, and have been rewarded with a number of interesting theoretical findings. We present pictures, figurative speech, and videos to participants, who watch the displays, form opinions, have discussions and play games. The first two projects use standard looking time measures. In the first we examined how people process figurative speech and other forms of implicit spatial language. In the second we investigated why people look at members of a minority group when forming their opinions about potentially offensive remarks. In the third project we use a mathematical technique called cross recurrence analysis to quantify the temporal coupling between two people’s eye movements. We eye track two conversants simultaneously while they talk about TV, art, politics and match ambiguous figures. We are making interesting discoveries about the role of common ground and the coordination of visual attention. On the basis of these three projects, we argue that eye movement research can employ rich, ecologically valid tasks and stimuli yet still yield rigorous empirical results.
Ocular motor dysfunction in HIV-1-infected subjects

We recorded eye and head movements in 13 human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1)-infected patients with CD4 counts of less than or equal to 500 cells/mm3 using magnetic search coil oculography. Horizontal and vertical saccades, smooth pursuit, and vestibular smooth eye movements were recorded, as were horizontal antisaccades and vestibular memory-guided saccades. Rightward and leftward and upward and downward responses were analyzed separately. Compared to normal control subjects, HIV-1-infected patients performed the antisaccade test poorly, making the initial antisaccade in the correct direction (away from the target) in only 33% of trials. The mean final gaze position achieved during the vestibular memory-guided saccade task was less accurate for HIV-1-infected patients than for control subjects, and this correlated with inaccuracies on the antisaccade task. Horizontal saccades, horizontal and vertical smooth pursuit, and vestibular smooth eye movements were quantitatively normal. However, smooth pursuit showed directional asymmetries, vertically more than horizontally; horizontal and vertical unpredictable saccades were more inaccurate than predictable saccades; and vertical saccade latencies were prolonged. In patients with HIV-1 infection, abnormalities in vertical eye movements and relative asymmetries in smooth pursuit gains, both horizontally and vertically, are more sensitive and consistent indicators of CNS dysfunction than are horizontal eye movement abnormalities or measurements of absolute smooth pursuit gain and phase. NEUROLOGY 1996;46: 451-457
Solving query-retrieval problems by compacting Voronoi diagrams

In this paper, we describe a new technique for solving a variety of query-retrieval problems in optimal time with optimal or near-optimal space. In particular, we use the technique to construct algorithms and data structures for circular range searching, half-space range searching, and computing k-nearest neighbors in a variety of metrics. For each problem and each query, the response to the query is provided in O(k) or O(k + log n) time where k is the size of the response and n is the size of the problem. (E.g., for the n-point k-nearest neighbors problem, the k-nearest neighbors of any query point are provided in O(k -4log n) steps. ) Depending on the problem being solved, the space required for the data structure is either linear or O(n log n). Hence, the time bounds are optimal and the space bounds are optimal or near-optimal. Previously known data structures for these problems required a factor of ~(log n(log log n) 2) or ~(log n log log n) more space and/or more time to answer each query. Our compaction technique incorporates planar separators, filtering search, and the probabilistic method for discrepancy problems. The fundamental idea is that k'h-order Voronoi diagrams (and other suitable proximity diagrams) can be compacted from k°(1)n space to O(n) space and still retain all the information that is essential for solving query problems. This result is of independent interest and may be useful in improving the memory space requirement or the query-time bound for other query-retrieval problems. Permission to copy without fee all or part of this material is granted provided that the copies are not made or distributexl for direct commercial advantage, the ACM copyright notice and the title of the publication and its date appear, and notice is given that copying is by permission of the Association for Computing Machinery. To copy otherwise, or to republish, requires a f¢~ and/or specific permission. 1 I n t r o d u c t i o n
Recognition of current transformer in infrared imaging based on K-means and morphological algorithm

Infrared imaging technology has gained more attention and become an interesting method in electrical maintenance. This paper proposes a novel method for current transformer recognition and location in infrared images. K-means algorithm is used in current transformer segmentation while an expansion-corrosion algorithm is applied to denoise and eliminate small pieces of equipment such as power lines. The results show that this method can detect current transformers in infrared images with complex background.
Stochastic modeling of the resistive switching mechanism in oxide-based memory

We have investigated a stochastic model of the resistive switching mechanism in resistive random access memory (RRAM) based on electron hopping. The distribution of electron occupation probabilities analyzed with our approach is in good agreement with previous work. In particular, a low occupation region is formed near the cathode for bipolar behavior or near the anode for unipolar behavior. Our simulation of the temperature dependence of the electron occupation probability near the anode and the cathode shows an amazing stability of the low occupation region. This result indicates high robustness of failure-free RRAM switching from a state with low resistance to a state with high resistance for elevated temperature.
Beta-blockers to prevent gastroesophageal varices in patients with cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND Nonselective beta-adrenergic blockers decrease portal pressure and prevent variceal hemorrhage. Their effectiveness in preventing varices is unknown. METHODS We randomly assigned 213 patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension (minimal hepatic venous pressure gradient [HVPG] of 6 mm Hg) to receive timolol, a nonselective beta-blocker (108 patients), or placebo (105 patients). The primary end point was the development of gastroesophageal varices or variceal hemorrhage. Endoscopy and HVPG measurements were repeated yearly. RESULTS During a median follow-up of 54.9 months, the rate of the primary end point did not differ significantly between the timolol group and the placebo group (39 percent and 40 percent, respectively; P=0.89), nor were there significant differences in the rates of ascites, encephalopathy, liver transplantation, or death. Serious adverse events were more common among patients in the timolol group than among those in the placebo group (18 percent vs. 6 percent, P=0.006). Varices developed less frequently among patients with a baseline HVPG of less than 10 mm Hg and among those in whom the HVPG decreased by more than 10 percent at one year and more frequently among those in whom the HVPG increased by more than 10 percent at one year. CONCLUSIONS Nonselective beta-blockers are ineffective in preventing varices in unselected patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension and are associated with an increased number of adverse events. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00006398.)
International Financial Reporting Standards: Expanding Standards, Expanding Geographically, Expanding Literature

The advance of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) across the globe has accelerated over the last few years. This is placing increasing demands on educators to respond to these changes by an increased focus on IFRS in the curricula of accounting students. This paper reviews a range of educational texts covering IFRS within the context of a review of the progress of IFRS themselves.
A signature test framework for rapid production testing of RF circuits

Production test costs for today's RF circuits are rapidly escalating. Two factors are responsible for this cost escalation: (a) the high cost of RF ATEs and (b) long test times required by elaborate performance tests. In this paper, we propose a framework for low-cost signature test of RF circuits using modulation of a baseband test signal and subsequent demodulation of the DUT response. The demodulated response of the DUT is used as a "signature" from which all the performance specifications are predicted. The applied test signal is optimized in such a way that the error between the measured DUT performances and the predicted DUT performances is minimized. The proposed low-cost solution can be easily built into a load board that can be interfaced to an inexpensive tester.
Emerging Roles of Competing Endogenous RNAs in Cancer: Insights from the Regulation of PTEN

ABSTRACT The capacity of noncoding RNA to regulate gene expression in health and disease is epitomized by the microRNAs, small ∼22-nucleotide RNAs that target mRNAs to repress their translation into protein. Recently a previously unrecognized gene regulatory layer has emerged, characterized by the ability of a wide range of RNA transcripts to vie for microRNA binding and alleviate the repressive effect of microRNAs on their mRNA targets. Termed competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs), these participate in a microRNA-dependent cross talk, producing robust networks that when perturbed may lead to cancer. To date, the tumor suppressor PTEN has been most extensively validated as competing with a variety of ceRNAs in different cancers: reducing these ceRNAs appears to reduce PTEN levels, tipping cells toward cancer progression. In this review we look at ceRNA networks in cancer, their characteristics, and constituent parts, focusing on the insights that can be gained from the studies conducted on PTEN. We also explore the conditions that facilitate ceRNA cross talk, proposing that the disruption of these conditions may represent a general phenomenon in carcinogenesis.
The Impact of Cognitive-Behavioral Stress Management Training Program on Job Stress in Hospital Nurses: Applying PRECEDE Model.

BACKGROUND Nursing is one of the most stressful jobs. The present study aimed to determine the effect of a cognitive-behavioral stress management training program based on PRECEDE model on stress reduction among nurses. METHODS In this quasi-experimental study, which was conducted in 2010, 58 female nurses in Hamadan, northwest Iran were enrolled in the study and were divided into two equal groups included 29 nurses from one Hospital and 29 nurses from the other as intervention and control groups respectively. The data collection tool was a self-administered questionnaire including demographic characteristics and nursing stress scale (NSS). In addition, a questionnaire based on PRECEDE model was used in order to assess predisposing, reinforcing and enabling factors. The intervention was a training program including five sessions during three weeks in which relaxation and problem-solving training was thought. A pre-test and a post-test were performed 1.5 months apart. The t-test, Mann Whitney and Willxocon statistical tests were used for data analysis at 95% significant level using SPSS 13. RESULTS The baseline score average of job stress was 113.0 and 109.8 for intervention and control groups respectively (P=0.250). After intervention, score average of job stress decreased to 94.0 in experimental group while that of control group remained relatively unchanged (109.2), (P<0.001). A significant difference was found in PRECEDE model constructs and stress management behaviors in intervention group compared to control group after training interventions (P<0.001). CONCLUSION Training programs based on PRECEDE model might be effective on decreasing job stress in nurses.
Image retrieval based on intrinsic dimension and Shannon entropy

How to find out a particularly efficient search algorithm in the premise of a considerable accuracy is highlighted in the research of Web content-based image retrieval. This paper focuses on dimensionality reduction and similarity measure of Web image. First, the paper presents the current commercial search engines how to look for Web images. Then, it describes commonly used methods for the non-linear dimension reduction of Web images, follows by proposing intrinsic dimension estimator that is based on HSV features, where the HSV color histogram intersection was used as the function of similarity judgments. And the similarity measure based on Shannon entropy is discussed. Finally, some improvements are made on computing the Shannon mutual information. The results showed that this method has greatly improved the image retrieval in time and precision rates.
Frequency and characteristics of tooth agenesis among an orthodontic patient population.

PURPOSE The objectives of this study were to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of tooth agenesis and the associated skeletal morphology and arch widths in a group of Turkish patients seeking orthodontic treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS We designed a retrospective study composed of pre- and post-treatment panoramic radiographs and lateral cephalometric films of 3,341 patients (2,040 females and 1,301 males). Tooth agenesis was evaluated for hypodontia and oligodontia -excluding the third molars- from the orthopantomograms. The significance test for the differences in the skeletal morphology between hypodontia and non-hypodontia patients was performed using the Pearson chi-square and Student t-test. RESULTS The prevalence of tooth agenesis was 4.6 percent for the Turkish orthodontic patient population. Tooth agenesis was found more frequently in females than in males, although this difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). The most commonly missing teeth were the maxillary lateral incisors, followed by the mandibular second premolars and mandibular central incisors. Intercanine and intermolar widths in the maxillary and mandibular arches were significantly reduced in the hypodontia group compared with the control group (p<0.01). Tooth agenesis was statistically and significantly less in patients with skeletal Class II (p<0.01). There was no statistically significant difference in hypodontia patients in the vertical relationship of the jaws (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of tooth agenesis was found to be 4.6 percent for the Turkish orthodontic patient population (hypodontia 4.3% and oligodontia 0.3%), and was found more frequently in females. Intercanine and intermolar widths were significantly reduced in the hypodontia group for both jaws compared with the control group.
Communicating across Cultures in Cyberspace: A Bibliographical Review of Intercultural Communication Online

"This bibliographic review is a first attempt at collecting together a body of literature relevant to the study of intercultural communication in cyberspace. It explores and summarizes themes and arguments in current literature relating to the culture(s) of the Internet', the language of cyberspace', intercultural communication on the Internet', identity and community in cyberspace', culture and education in cyberspace' and the impact of the Internet on culture(s)'. The survey offers an overview of current research and theoretical contributions identified in each area an extensive annotated bibliography that includes abstracts or summaries of each contribution It also identifies the most pressing issues in the field as well as gaps in current knowledge and understanding. Prof. Roche ist Sprecher des Instituts f r Deutsch als Fremdsprache der LMU M nchen, assoziierter Professor an der Deutsch-Jordanischen Hochschule und Vorsitzender des Wissenschaftlichen Beirats des Bundesamtes f? r Migration und Fl chtlinge. "
Handedness and Brain Asymmetry: The Right Shift Theory

Introduction. The Puzzle of Handedness and Cerebral Speech. The Right Shift Theory. Human Handedness: Discrete Types or Continuous Varieties? The Right Shift Theory of Handedness: Chance Plus or Minus Right Loading. A Right Shift Factor for Left Cerebral Dominance. The Single Gene Theory of Right Shift. Explorations in the Light of the Theory. Stability and Change: Handedness with Age, Sex and Time. A Single Gene with Variable Expression for Genotype, Sex and Twinning. Other Asymmetries of Brain and Behaviour. Predicting Associations Between Asymmetries. A Genetic Balanced Polymorphism with Heterozygote Advantage. Why Right Shift and Why Genetic Variability? The Advantages and Disadvantages of the RS+ Gene. Heterozygote Advantage. What are the Disadvantages of Right Shift? Spatial and Mathematical Reasoning, Art, Music, Surgery and Sport. Speech, Phonology and Varieties of Dyslexia: The Costs and Benefits of the RS+ Gene. Schizophrenia and Autism: The Theory of an Agnosic RS+ Gene. Independent Replications, Challenges and Theories. Independent Tests and Challenges. Alternative Theories or Variations on a Theme? Conclusions. Summary: What, How, and Why? Appendices.
Key Point Detecting and Matching for Microscopic Images of MEMS Components Based on Template Method

On the purpose of 3D reconstruction, this paper proposes a novel template based method for detecting and matching key points in microscopic images of Micro Electromechanical System (MEMS) components. Since the feature detection and matching is already a difficult problem, selecting features that can reflect the information of object structure and be matched well in microscopic images of MEMS components is much harder. Considering MEMS always has special construction itself, our template method can be used for both features extracting and matching. First, the self-similarity descriptors of patches which reflect the information of object structure are extracted. Second, the geometric relationship among patches is modeled. By use our template method, the structure of object can be extracted and matched exactly. Finally, the promising results of extracting and matching object structure in microscopic images of MEMS components are presented.
Evaluating New Cluster Setup on 10Gbit/s Network to Support the SuperB Computing Model

The new era of particle physics poses strong constraints on computing and storage availability for data analysis and data distribution. The SuperB project plans to produce and analyzes bulk of dataset two times bigger than the actual HEP experiment. In this scenario one of the main issues is to create a new cluster setup, able to scale for the next ten years and to take advantage from the new fabric technologies, included multicore and graphic programming units (GPUs). In this paper we propose a new site-wide cluster setup for Tier1 computer facilities, aimed to integrate storage and computing resources through a mix of high density storage solutions, cluster file system and Nx10Gbit/s network interfaces. The main idea is overcome the bottleneck due to the storage-computing decoupling through a scalable model composed by nodes with many cores and several disks in JBOD configuration. Preliminary tests made on 10Gbit/s cluster with a real SuperB use case, show the validity of our approach.