Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An attempt toward objective assessment of brain tumor vascularization using susceptibility weighted imaging and dedicated computer program – a preliminary study

Summary Background: Susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI) is a novel MRI sequence which demonstrates the susceptibility differences between adjacent tissues and it is promising to be a sequence useful in the assessment of brain tumors vascularity. The aim of our study was to demonstrate usefulness of SWI in evaluation of intratumoral vessels in comparison to CET1 sequence in a standardized, objective manner. Material/Methods: 10 patients with supratentorial brain tumors were included in the study. All of them underwent conventional MRI examination with a 1,5 T scanner. SWI sequence was additionally performed using the following parameters: TR 49 ms,TE 40 ms. We used authors’ personal computer software – Vessels View, to assess the vessels number. Results: Comparison of SWI and CET1 sequences was performed using our program. Analysis of all 26 ROIs demonstrated predominance of SWI in the amount of white pixels (vessel cross-sectional) and a similar number of elongated structures (blood vessels). Conclusions: To conclude, the results of this study are encouraging; they confirm the added value of SWI as an appropriate and useful sequence in the process of evaluation of intratumoral vascularity. Using our program significantly improved visualization of blood vessels in cerebral tumors. The Vessel View application assists radiologists in demonstrating the vessels and facilitates distinguishing them from adjacent tissues in the image.
On irreversible investment

This paper presents a new and general approach to the theory of irreversible investment. We show that the optimal policy is a base capacity policy and derive general monotone comparative statics results. When the operating profit function is supermodular, the base capacity increases monotonically with the exogenous shock; and firm size is decreasing in the user cost of capital. Last but not least, the paper provides a general existence theorem for optimal policies.
Ieee Transactions on Instrumentation and Measurement 1 Long-duration Time-resolved Piv to Study Unsteady Aerodynamics

—A time-resolved particle image velocimetry (PIV) system has been developed at the with long-recording-time capabilities. This system is uniquely suited to the study of unsteady aerodynamics and hydrodynamics, such as avian aerodynamics or bluff-body oscillations. Measurements have been made on an elongated bluff body through the initial build-up phase of flutter. The possibilities to study this instability, which was responsible for the collapse of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, are significantly broadened by the use of this system. The long-time recording capability of the system allows for novel results since it yields data that are spatially and temporally resolved over a long record length. The buildup of flutter is shown to exhibit complex dynamics that are heavily influenced by the flow-induced motion of the body. Features of the wake turbulence as a function of time are presented and shown to substantially vary.
Saccharomyces cerevisiae FLO1 Gene Demonstrates Genetic Linkage to Increased Fermentation Rate at Low Temperatures

Low fermentation temperatures are of importance to food and beverage industries working with Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Therefore, the identification of genes demonstrating a positive impact on fermentation kinetics is of significant interest. A set of 121 mapped F1 progeny, derived from a cross between haploid strains BY4716 (a derivative of the laboratory yeast S288C) and wine yeast RM11-1a, were fermented in New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc grape juice at 12.5°. Analyses of five key fermentation kinetic parameters among the F1 progeny identified a quantitative trait locus (QTL) on chromosome I with a significant degree of linkage to maximal fermentation rate (Vmax) at low temperature. Independent deletions of two candidate genes within the region, FLO1 and SWH1, were constructed in the parental strains (with S288C representing BY4716). Fermentation of wild-type and deletion strains at 12.5 and 25° confirmed that the genetic linkage to Vmax corresponds to the S288C version of the FLO1 allele, as the absence of this allele reduced Vmax by ∼50% at 12.5°, but not at 25°. Reciprocal hemizygosity analysis (RHA) between S288C and RM11-1a FLO1 alleles did not confirm the prediction that the S288C version of FLO1 was promoting more rapid fermentation in the opposing strain background, suggesting that the positive effect on Vmax derived from S288C FLO1 may only provide an advantage in haploids, or is dependent on strain-specific cis or trans effects. This research adds to the growing body of evidence demonstrating the role of FLO1 in providing stress tolerance to S. cerevisiae during fermentation.
Multi-stage cluster sampling for estimating average species richness at different spatial grains

A multi-stage cluster sampling is proposed for quantifying and monitoring plant species richness at multiple spatial grains over large spatial extents. An unbiased estimator of average species richness at different grains and a conservative estimator of its sampling variance are obtained in a complete design-based framework, i.e., avoiding any assumption about the ecological community under study. An application to the Nature Reserve “ Lago di Montepulciano ” demonstrates that the proposed strategy may accomplish practical advantages and quite satisfactory levels of accuracy.
A Framework for Efficient Design, Maintaining, and Evolution of a System of XML Applications

The today's applications usually form a system of sub-appli- cations, each being responsible for a particular functionality. Hence, the design and maintenance of such a complex system is not a simple task. In addition, the user requirements can change and the aected parts need to be identified and evolved. Similarly, new components or even whole system may need to be integrated. In this paper we describe a framework that enables one to face the de- scribed issues. For this purpose we exploit verified technologies, such as conceptual modeling, data semantics, matching algorithms etc. Using a set of examples we show that our approach enables one to design, main- tain, and evolve a system of applications eciently and precisely. We depict the features on an XML system represented by a set of web ser- vices that exchange XML data. However, the concepts are general and can easily be extended for any kind of data format.
A Common Access Structure for Standard Attributes and Document Representations in Vector Space

In next generation information systems there will be a coalescence of (object-oriented) database management systems and information retrieval systems. Especially the integration of content-based retrieval techniques into object-oriented database management systems is an interesting requirement in this respect. Whereas the aspects of this coalescence dealing with the query language and the data model have been addressed in some recent papers, approaches dealing with the integration at the physical level are missing. In the present paper we propose a common access structure which can support a content-based similarity search with additional conditions on standard attributes in one homogeneous step. To this end, we use a k-dtree based multi-attribute access structure which considers standard attributes in the rst dimensions and the components of a document description vector in the higher dimensions. We describe the algorithms for this access structure and present rst performance results.
Guarded Execution of Privileged Code in the Guest

Allowing a guest to have direct, privileged access to hardware can enhance its performance and functionality. Privileged access to hardware and the VMM also enables and improves the performance of virtualization services by allowing portions of their implementations to be hoisted into the guest, even uncooperatively. However, granting such privilege currently requires that the entire guest be trusted. We present a software technique, guarded execution of privileged code, that allows the VMM to inject code modules into the guest that enjoy unrestrained access to specific hardware and VMM resources. Our system, which combines compile-time, link-time, and run-time techniques, provides the module developer with the guarantee that the module remains unmodified, and that it acquires privilege only when untrusted code invokes it through developer-chosen, valid entry points with a valid stack. An execution path leaving the module will then trigger a revocation of privilege. The system also provides the administrator with a secure method for binding a specific module with particular privileges implemented by the VMM. This lays the basis for guaranteeing that only trusted code in the guest can utilize special privileges. We give a motivating example by guarding the execution of a privileged, network interface driver in the form of a Linux module, such that it, and only it, has uninhibited access to the NIC hardware. This project is made possible by support from the United States National Science Foundation (NSF) via grant CNS-0709168, and the Department of Energy (DOE) via grant DE-SC0005343.
Blood spot homocysteine: a feasibility and stability study.

Homocystinuria is an autosomal recessive disorder usually caused by deficiency of cystathionine β-synthase, leading to grossly increased plasma and urine concentrations of homocysteine. There is considerable evidence that early detection and treatment can prevent the clinical consequences of the enzyme deficiency (1)(2); therefore, screening for the disorder has been advocated (1). Many cases of homocystinuria have secondary hypermethioninemia. Neonatal screening for homocystinuria by measurement of increased methionine concentrations in dried blood spots (DBS) has been performed in some centers but has poor sensitivity. Approximately 20% of cases are missed, partly because of low methionine concentrations in breast milk and some infant formulas (3). The measurement of homocysteine in DBS has not been used as a screen for homocystinuria, partly because of uncertainty about the suitability of DBS samples. Homocysteine concentrations are unstable in whole blood stored at room temperature and increase by ∼1.0 μmol/L per hour (4). This is attributable to in vitro erythrocyte transmethylation reactions that lead to continuous production and release of homocysteine (5). It is not known whether homocysteine is released from erythrocytes in blood that has been spotted on filter paper and dried, either during the spotting and drying process or during storage at room temperature. A recent report assessed stability in screening cards that were stored at 4 °C, which does not reflect routine practice (6). Another investigated the stability of DBS samples, using whole blood to which large concentrations of aqueous homocysteine calibrator had been added, thus potentially masking any increase in homocysteine attributable to release from erythrocytes (7). The lack of information on the stability …
A Note on Decompositions in Fixed Effects Models in the Presence of Time-Invariant Characteristics

Though theoretically appealing and very popular amongst labour economists, the interpretation of the unexplained part of the Oaxaca (1973) decomposition as discrimination rather than an omitted variable problem in cross-section data has often been criticised. In this note it is shown that this problem extends also to panel data and moreover that in a fixed effects model including time invariant regressors omitted variables are a necessary and deliberate consequence. Monte Carlo simulation is used to show the extent of the bias. Special cases and practical implications are discussed.
3D interaction with volumetric medical data: experiencing the Wiimote

Three-dimensional virtual environments are becoming more and more important for the inspection of volumetric medical data reconstructed from slices of images coming from Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computer Tomography (CT), Positron Emission Tomography (PET) instrumentations. The possibility to visualize and interact with three-dimensional reconstructed organs while being immersed into a virtual environment, provides doctors a very naturalistic way to investigate patient's anatomy. However, most 3D user interfaces for immersive and semi-immersive virtual reality applications lack in usability or make not possible a user-friendly interaction. In this paper we present new flavors of existing 3D interaction techniques specifically designed for interacting with volumetric medical data in a semi-immersive virtual environment by using the Nintendo Wiimote controller as 3D user interface.
Self-Care Practice in Social Work Education: A Systematic Review of Interventions

ABSTRACT Social work is a demanding profession as practitioners routinely face difficult situations that affect their well-being. The National Association of Social Workers strongly supports self-care practice as an approved mechanism to offset these challenges, yet practitioners report not learning techniques necessary to perform self-care. In this study, a systematic review compliant with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses standards was conducted to identify evidence-based interventions used to improve student self-care practice in social work education. In the four studies meeting inclusion criteria, mindfulness practice was the only empirically evaluated self-care strategy reported—and with mixed results. Mindfulness activities enable social workers to sustain their well-being and is critical to modeling and providing effective service delivery to clients. Areas for further research are indicated.
A Fuzzy Method for Global Quality Index Evaluation of Solder Joints in Surface Mount Technology

In recent years, the requirement of compact devices caused an increasing use of Surface Mount Technology. This technology guarantees the reduction of the size of electronic packages by exploiting solder joint interconnection technology. Nevertheless, parameter variations can occur during the deposition and printing of the soldering paste on a board, compromising its correct working. In this paper, it is proposed a fuzzy architecture for computing an index which provides a quantitative refined assessment about the quality of the soldered interconnections. This task is performed by reproducing the modus operandi of the human experts during their assessments. The proposed architecture consists of three modules connected in series: a feature extraction block and two fuzzy ones. The presented solution keeps the benefits of a neurofuzzy system previously proposed in literature, like the reduction of equipment and computational costs. Moreover, it implies two further advantages: the influence of the human experts in its design is reduced and its implementation is reasonable. Experimental results confirm such advantages, in fact, the architecture approximates the human assessments reliably.
TaskMinder : A Context-and User-Aware To-do List Management System

We describe the design, functionality, and early-stage evaluation of TaskMinder, a to-do list management application. TaskMinder builds in rich environmental context, including location and user activity, and uses a machine learning algorithm to compare against a user’s history to produce an automatic ranking of to-do list items. The application also can suggest tasks to be accomplished given short term time constraints. We present key aspects of the TaskMinder design, discuss its implementation and evaluation, and suggest further work in the field of adaptive personal information agents.
Genetic Variation at the BDNF Locus: Evidence for Association with Long-Term Outcome after Ischemic Stroke

Background and Purpose Rates and extent of recovery after stroke vary considerably between individuals and genetic factors are thought to contribute to post-stroke outcome. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays important roles in brain plasticity and repair and has been shown to be involved in stroke severity, recovery, and outcome in animal models. Few clinical studies on BDNF genotypes in relation to ischemic stroke have been performed. The aims of the present study are therefore to investigate whether genetic variation at the BDNF locus is associated with initial stroke severity, recovery and/or short-term and long-term functional outcome after ischemic stroke. Methods Four BDNF tagSNPs were analyzed in the Sahlgrenska Academy Study on Ischemic Stroke (SAHLSIS; 600 patients and 600 controls, all aged 18–70 years). Stroke severity was assessed using the NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Stroke recovery was defined as the change in NIHSS over a 3-month period. Short- and long-term functional outcome post-stroke was assessed using the modified Rankin Scale at 3 months and at 2 and 7 years after stroke, respectively. Results No SNP was associated with stroke severity or recovery at 3 months and no SNP had an impact on short-term outcome. However, rs11030119 was independently associated with poor functional outcome 7-years after stroke (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.46–0.92; P = 0.006). Conclusions BDNF gene variants were not major contributors to ischemic stroke severity, recovery, or short-term functional outcome. However, this study suggests that variants in the BDNF gene may contribute to poor long-term functional outcome after ischemic stroke.
Mindfulness meditation as attention control training: A dual-blind investigation

Mindfulness meditation is a form of secular meditation that emphasizes non-judgmental awareness of the present moment. Research into mindfulness has greatly expanded in recent years (Davidson & Kasniak, 2015) and a growing literature has documented effects of mindfulness training on cognition. However, the specific aspects of mindfulness meditation training for novice practitioners that might influence cognition remain unexplored. The present study used a rigorous, dual-blind design to investigate whether the attention-monitoring component of mindfulness meditation reduces mind-wandering and improves performance during reading comprehension and sustained attention tasks. When compared with relaxation meditation, mindfulness training improved recall of specific details from a text but did not reduce mind-wandering or affect sustained attention. The results are discussed with respect to design considerations when studying a meditation intervention.
Algorithmic Characterization of Lake Stratification and Deep Chlorophyll Layers From Depth Profiling Water Quality Data

We develop and test algorithms for rapidly and consistently analyzing water quality profile data such as temperature and fluorescence that are used to identify lake thermostratification and deep chlorophyll layers (DCL). Currently, the processing of profile data and identification of key features are manual and subjective, and thus, the results are not comparable from one sampling event to another. In this study, we develop a method to approximate vertical temperature profiles with linear segments using a piecewise linear representation algorithm, from which stratification patterns can be extracted. We also propose an automated peak detection algorithm to identify the location and magnitude of DCL. The algorithms are applied to water quality profile data collected by the United States Environmental Protection Agency Great Lakes National Program Office, which conducts annual depth profiling using conductivity, temperature, depth profilers at fixed locations in the Great Lakes. The algorithms generate similar results to human judgments, with some outliers that show expert errors, algorithm limitations, and ambiguities in defining layers. We also show how the algorithms can analyze the shape of temperature and fluorescence profiles to detect unusual patterns. Lake Superior is used as a case study to reveal spatial and temporal trends of the thermocline, DCL, and the heat storage change from spring to summer. The results reveal that more heat was stored in the eastern basin of the lake. The methods proposed here will help take full advantage of historical depth profiling data and benefit future sampling processes by providing a consistent method.
The Roaring Nineties Can Full Employment Be Sustained ?

This work is part of the Sustainable Employment Initiative, jointly sponsored by the Russell Sage Foundation and the Century Foundation. Portions of the paper were written while Blau and Kahn were Visiting Scholars at the Russell Sage Foundation. We are grateful to Olivier Blanchard and Justin Wolfers for making their macroeconomic data set available, and to Justin Wolfers for his help in assembling and using the data; to David Neumark for providing us with demographic data; and to Jonas Pontusson and David Rueda for their help in obtaining union density and unpublished OECD earnings data. We are indebted to ABSTRACT We analyze a 1960-96 panel of OECD countries to explain why the US moved from relatively high to relatively low unemployment over the last three decades. We find that while macroeconomic and demographic shocks and changing labor market institutions explain a modest portion of this change, the interaction of these shocks and labor market institutions is the most important factor explaining the shift in US relative unemployment. Our finding of the central importance of these interactions is consistent with Blanchard and Wolfers (2000). We also show that, controlling for country-and time-specific effects, high employment is associated with low wage levels and high levels of wage inequality. These findings suggest that US relative unemployment has fallen in recent years in part because its more flexible labor market institutions allow shocks to affect real and relative wages to a greater degree than is true in other countries. Disaggregating, we find that the employment of both younger and older people fell sharply in other countries relative to the United States since the 1970s, with much smaller differences in outcomes among the prime-aged. In the late 1990s, the US had lower unemployment than our models predict, suggesting exceptionally favorable recent US experience.
Research of Software User Interface Evaluation Method based on Subjective Expectation

The artificial neural network based subjective expectation evaluation method on software user interface is proposed. The analytic hierarchy process and radial basis functions neural network based subjective expectation evaluation models are established. The two kinds of models are used to evaluate the control system software user interface of power station. Evaluation results show that the radial basis function neural network based evaluation method can be used to evaluate the software user interface. Because the proposed method has the advantages of deciding the subjective expectation evaluation weights automatically, so it can observably enhance the objectivity of subjective expectation evaluation of software user interface.
COX-2 inhibitors--a lesson in unexpected problems.

This issue of the Journal contains three articles about the adverse cardiovascular effects of agents that selectively inhibit one form of prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase, commonly known as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). 1–3 This is part of a long bench-to-bedside story with an adverse outcome that was not widely anticipated at its start. Unfortunately, as the evidence began to suggest unexpected toxicity of this group of agents, the same zeal that had driven the clinical investigation to show their gastrointestinal safety was not evidenced by studies designed to show their cardiovascular safety. In 1987, evidence emerged4 that there were probably two enzymes — .