Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Active noise control

Active noise control exploits the long wavelengths associated with low frequency sound. It works on the principle of destructive interference between the sound fields generated by the original primary sound source and that due to other secondary sources, acoustic outputs of which can be controlled. The acoustic objectives of different active noise control systems and the electrical control methodologies that are used to achieve these objectives are examined. The importance of having a clear understanding of the principles behind both the acoustics and the electrical control in order to appreciate the advantages and limitations of active noise control is emphasized. A brief discussion of the physical basis of active sound control that concentrates on three-dimensional sound fields is presented. <<ETX>>
Multilevel analyses of neighbourhood socioeconomic context and health outcomes: a critical review

PURPOSE Interest in the effects of neighbourhood or local area social characteristics on health has increased in recent years, but to date the existing evidence has not been systematically reviewed. Multilevel or contextual analyses of social factors and health represent a possible reconciliation between two divergent epidemiological paradigms—individual risk factor epidemiology and an ecological approach. DATA SOURCES Keyword searching of Index Medicus (Medline) and additional references from retrieved articles. STUDY SELECTION All original studies of the effect of local area social characteristics on individual health outcomes, adjusted for individual socioeconomic status, published in English before 1 June 1998 and focused on populations in developed countries. DATA SYNTHESIS The methodological challenges posed by the design and interpretation of multilevel studies of local area effects are discussed and results summarised with reference to type of health outcome. All but two of the 25 reviewed studies reported a statistically significant association between at least one measure of social environment and a health outcome (contextual effect), after adjusting for individual level socioeconomic status (compositional effect). Contextual effects were generally modest and much smaller than compositional effects. CONCLUSIONS The evidence for modest neighbourhood effects on health is fairly consistent despite heterogeneity of study designs, substitution of local area measures for neighbourhood measures and probable measurement error. By drawing public health attention to the health risks associated with the social structure and ecology of neighbourhoods, innovative approaches to community level interventions may ensue.
Amusing titles in scientific journals and article citation

The present study examines whether the use of humor in scientific article titles is associated with the number of citations an article receives. Four judges rated the degree of amusement and pleasantness of titles of articles published over 10 years (from 1985 to 1994) in two of the most prestigious journals in psychology, Psychological Bulletin and Psychological Review. We then examined the association between the levels of amusement and pleasantness and the article's monthly citation average. The results show that, while the pleasantness rating was weakly associated with the number of citations, articles with highly amusing titles (2 standard deviations above average) received fewer citations. The negative association between amusing titles and subsequent citations cannot be attributed to differences in the title length and pleasantness, number of authors, year of publication, and article type (regular article vs comment). These findings are discussed in the context of the importance of titles for signalling an article's content.
Septic pulmonary embolism: presenting features and clinical course of 14 patients.

BACKGROUND Septic pulmonary embolism (SPE) is an uncommon disorder with an insidious onset and is difficult to diagnose. STUDY OBJECTIVES To characterize the presenting features and clinical course of patients with SPE. DESIGN Retrospective study. SETTING Tertiary care, referral medical center. PATIENTS Fourteen subjects with SPE diagnosed during a 6-year period between 1996 and 2002. INTERVENTIONS None. RESULTS The median age of these patients was 37.5 years (range, 14 to 81 years) and included five women. Presenting symptoms included fever (93%), dyspnea (36%), pleuritic chest pain (29%), cough (14%), and hemoptysis (7%). The median duration of symptoms before diagnosis was 18 days (range, 5 to 180 days). A potential source or underlying condition that predisposed to SPE was identified in all 14 patients and included Lemierre syndrome (4 patients), central venous catheter infection (3 patients), prosthetic cardiac valve (2 patients), and pacemaker infection (2 patients). Two patients had a focal extrapulmonary infection, and one patient was an IV drug user. Most common pathogens were staphylococcal species (eight patients) and fusobacterium (four patients). Chest radiographic presentation was usually nonspecific, but CT was more helpful and revealed multiple nodular opacities peripherally, often with cavitation. Transesophageal echocardiography was performed in eight patients and demonstrated infectious vegetations in four cases. Aside from antimicrobial therapy and removal of infected devices, the management of these patients included cardiac surgery (two patients), thoracoscopic surgery with decortication (one patient), and tube thoracostomy (one patient). All 14 patients recovered from their illness. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that SPE presents with variable and often nonspecific clinical and radiographic features. The diagnosis is usually suggested by the presence of a predisposing factor, febrile illness, and CT findings of multiple, nodular lung infiltrates peripherally, with or without cavitation.
Regulation of fungal cell wall growth: a guanine nucleotide-binding, proteinaceous component required for activity of (1----3)-beta-D-glucan synthase.

By treatment with detergent and NaCl, particulate (1----3)-beta-D-glucan synthase (EC 2.4.1.34) from Hansenula anomala or Neurospora crassa was dissociated into a "soluble fraction" and a "membrane fraction. " Each fraction alone was almost inactive, but enzymatic activity could be reconstituted by mixing the two fractions and adding GTP or one of its analogs. Based on their lability to heat and to incubation with trypsin, the activity in both fractions is proteinaceous. The active component in the soluble fraction appears to bind guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate (GTP[gamma S]), since it was specifically protected by this nucleotide against heat inactivation and against inactivation in the presence of EDTA. Furthermore, precipitation of the soluble component with ammonium sulfate in the presence of GTP[gamma S] gave rise to a fraction that was highly active in the absence of added nucleotide, indicating either tight binding or covalent interaction between GTP[gamma S] and the soluble component. The membrane fraction probably contains the catalytic moiety, because it was partially protected against heat inactivation by the substrate, UDP-glucose. Soluble fractions that stimulated membrane fractions from H. anomala and N. crassa were obtained from several other fungi, including Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We propose that the soluble fraction contains a GTP-binding protein that modulates the biosynthesis of (1----3)-beta-D-glucan of fungal cell walls and probably has a major role in the regulation of cell wall morphogenesis.
Influence of skull inhomogeneities on EEG source localization

We investigated the influence of using simplified models of the skull on electroencephalogram (EEG) source localization. An accurately segmented skull from computed tomography (CT) images, including spongy and compact bones as well as some air-filled cavities, was used as a reference model. The simplified models approximated the skull as a homogeneous compartment with: (1) isotropic, and (2) anisotropic conductivity. The results showed that these approximations could lead to errors of more than 2 cm in dipole estimation. We recommend the use of anisotropy but considering a different ratio for each region of the skull, according to the amount of spongy bone.
Trickle: Automated infeasible path detection using all minimal unsatisfiable subsets

Static analysis techniques can be used to compute safe bounds on the worst-case execution time (WCET) of programs. For large programs, abstractions are often required to curb computational complexity. These abstractions may introduce infeasible paths which result in significant overestimation. These paths can be eliminated by adding additional constraints to the static analysis. Such constraints can be found manually but this is labour-intensive and error-prone. Automated methods of finding infeasible path constraints are thus highly desirable. In this paper we present Trickle: a method to automatically detect infeasible paths on compiled binary programs, in order to refine WCET estimates. We build upon the Sequoll framework and apply satisfiability modulo theory (SMT) solvers to find classes of infeasible paths. Unlike other techniques, Trickle can find infeasible paths which contain an arbitrary number of conflicting conditions. We also integrate the compute all minimal unsatisfiable subsets (CAMUS) algorithm to reduce the number of refinement iterations required. We show the practicality of Trickle by applying it to a WCET analysis of the seL4 microkernel. We also evaluate its effectiveness on the Mälardalen WCET benchmarks.
Building a distributed full-text index for the web

We identify crucial design issues in building a distributed inverted index for a large collection of Web pages. We introduce a novel pipelining technique for structuring the core index-building system that substantially reduces the index construction time. We also propose a storage scheme for creating and managing inverted files using an embedded database system. We suggest and compare different strategies for collecting global statistics from distributed inverted indexes. Finally, we present performance results from experiments on a testbed distributed Web indexing system that we have implemented.
Violation of Kohler's rule by the magnetoresistance of a quasi-two-dimensional organic metal

The interlayer magnetoresistance of the quasi-two-dimensional metal alpha-(BEDT-TTF)(2)KHg(SCN)(4) is considered. In the temperature range from 0.5 to 10 K and for fields up to 10 T the magnetoresistance has a stronger temperature dependence than the zero-field resistance. Consequently Kohler's rule is not obeyed for any range of temperatures or fields. This means that the magnetoresistance cannot be described in terms of semiclassical transport on a single Fermi surface with a single scattering time. Possible explanations for the violations of Kohler's rule are considered, both within the framework of semiclassical transport theory and involving incoherent interlayer transport. The issues considered are similar to those raised by the magnetotransport of the cuprate superconductors. [S0163-1829(98)13219-8].
Modeling and Analysis of Wind turbine Driven Self-Excited Induction Generator Connected to Grid Interface with Multilevel H-Bridge Inverter

This paper deals with the stator flux oriented vector control of wind driven self excited induction generator This paper presents an investigation of Hybrid nine level inverter (HNLI) used along with the voltage source rectifier unit as interface between Self excited induction generator and grid. Making use of HNLI benefits of low harmonics distortion, reduced number of switches to achieve the nine level output over the conventional cascaded nine level inverter and reduced switching losses results in improvement of the p.f at grid, to compensate the reactive power and to suppress the total harmonic reduction. The generated voltage of the wind driven self excited induction generator mainly depends on the wind velocity, appropriate excitation capacitance and grid conditions. The main objective of this paper is to track the maximum power of the grid connected SEIG driven by wind turbine. In previous literature there no discussion about the grid connected SEIG interface with the AC/DC link. The variable magnitude, variable frequency, voltage of the generator can be controlled by the proper modulation index. The modulation index of the proposed HNLI is adjusted to obtain the maximum output power. The results are valid through MATLAB/SIMULINK software. Keywords: Self excited induction generator (SEIG), Wind turbine, Hybrid nine level inverter, voltage source rectifier, grid.
Reliability of Assessing Percentage of Diffusion-Perfusion Mismatch

Background and Purpose— Emergent neurovascular imaging holds promise in identifying new and optimum target populations for thrombolysis in stroke. Recent research has focused on patients with diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI)-perfusion-weighted MRI (PWI) mismatch as a marker of tissue at risk of infarction and a means to select the most suitable candidates for thrombolysis. The present study sought to estimate the reliability of assessing the percentage of DWI-PWI mismatch. Methods— Thirteen patients with acute strokes had DWI and PWI within 7 hours of symptom onset. Six raters independently created relative mean transit time (rMTT) maps and then compared them with DWI images to assess the percentage of mismatch (PWI>DWI) in 10% increments. The MR scans were reassessed by 4 raters, tracing around the lesions to calculate the volume percentage of mismatch. Results— Visual assessment had an interrater reliability of 0.68 (95% CI, 0.52 to 1.0; SEM=21.6%) and an intrarater reliability of 0.80 (95% CI, 0.47 to 1.0; SEM=16.9%). Hand-drawn assessment had an interrater reliability of 0.66 (95% CI, 0.45 to 1.0; SEM=26.2%) and an intrarater reliability of 0.94 (95% CI, 0.81 to 1.0; SEM=10.9%). Conclusions— Results from the present study suggest that quantifying mismatch by the human eye is reproducible but not reliable among observers. This raises doubts about using mismatch for clinical decision making and clinical trial enrollment.
Identifying Expertise to Extract the Wisdom of Crowds

Statistical aggregation is often used to combine multiple opinions within a group. Such aggregates outperform individuals, including experts, in various prediction and estimation tasks. This result is attributed to the “wisdom of crowds. ” We seek to improve the quality of such aggregates by eliminating poorly performing individuals from the crowd. We propose a new measure of contribution to assess the judges' performance relative to the group and use positive contributors to build a weighting model for aggregating forecasts. In Study 1, we analyze 1,233 judges forecasting almost 200 current events to illustrate the superiority of our model over unweighted models and models weighted by measures of absolute performance. In Study 2, we replicate our findings by using economic forecasts from the European Central Bank and show how the method can be used to identify smaller crowds of the top positive contributors. We show that the model derives its power from identifying experts who consistently outperform the crowd. Data, as supplemental material, are available at http://dx.doi. org/10.1287/mnsc.2014. 1909 . This paper was accepted by James Smith, decision analysis.
Does perioperative hemodynamic optimization protect renal function in surgical patients? A meta-analytic study

Objective:Postoperative acute deterioration in renal function, producing oliguria and/or increase in serum creatinine, is one of the most serious complication in surgical patients. Most cases are due to renal hypoperfusion as a consequence of systemic hypotension, hypovolemia, and cardiac dysfunction. Although some evidence suggests that perioperative monitoring and manipulation of oxygen delivery by volume expansion and inotropic drugs may decrease mortality in surgical patients, no study analyzed this approach on postoperative renal dysfunction. The objective of this investigation is to perform a meta-analysis on the effects of perioperative hemodynamic optimization on postoperative renal dysfunction. Data Sources, Study Selection, Data Extraction:A systematic literature review, using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and The Cochrane Library databases through January 2008 was conducted and 20 studies met the inclusion criteria (4220 participants). Data synthesis was obtained by using odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) by random-effects model. Data Synthesis:Postoperative acute renal injury was significantly reduced by perioperative hemodynamic optimization when compared with control group (OR 0.64; CI 0.50-0.83; p = 0.0007). Perioperative optimization was effective in reducing renal injury defined consistently with risk, injury, failure, and loss and end-stage kidney disease and Acute Kidney Injury Network classifications, and in studies defining renal dysfunction by serum creatinine and/or need of renal replacement therapy only (OR 0.66; CI 0.50-0.88; p = 0.004). The occurrence of renal dysfunction was reduced when treatment started both preoperatively and intraoperatively or postoperatively, was performed in high-risk patients, and was obtained by fluids and inotropes. Mortality was significantly reduced in treatment group (OR 0.50; CI 0.31-0.80; p = 0.004), but statistical heterogeneity was observed. Conclusions:Surgical patients receiving perioperative hemodynamic optimization are at decreased risk of renal impairment. Because of the impact of postoperative renal complications on adverse outcome, efforts should be aimed to identify patients and surgery that would most benefit from perioperative optimization.
eview ood service research : An integrated approach

Food production demands competencies in both natural science and management principles. The suggested framework includes the following areas of research: technological innovation, process design (including Industrial Cuisine), product development (including Molecular Gastronomy, Industrial Gasisk management tronomy and Functional Meal) and risk management (including quantitative risk assessment and predictive microbiology). Developments stemming from food science and engineering could be combined with studies in operations management, consumer psychology, cognitive psychology, sociology and economics. The paper concludes that in order to meet societal demands for health, sustainability and efficiency a radical shift is needed—from ‘low tech’ recipe development and proliferation of marketing concepts to ‘cutting edge’ technological innovation supported by advanced research in management and consumer studies. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
An Algebraic Framework for Urgency

A sub-class of timed automata known as timed automata with deadlines was presented. Parallel composition and other operators were defined according to 'orthogonality' principal, for timed process algebras and hybrid automata. The compositional description methods that are based on 'flexible' composition rules that relax urgency constraints to preserve time reactivity was also studied.
Glucosamine sulphate for the management of arthrosis: a controlled clinical investigation.

SummaryA new preparation of pure glucosamine sulphate, in injectable and oral form, was investigated in a controlled clinical trial in patients with osteoarthrosis. Two groups of 15 in-patients received either 400 mg glucosamine sulphate daily (12by the intramuscular and 3 by the intra-articular route) for 7 days, followed by 2 weeks at 1.5 g daily of oral glucosamine sulphate in 3 divided doses, or an intramuscular injection daily of a piperazine/chlorbutanol combination for 7 days, followed by oral placebo during the following 2 weeks. Semi-quantitative scoring of pain at rest and during active and passive movements, of restricted function and, where possible, of walking time over 20 metres, were taken as therapeutic activity indices, and tested before and after 1 and 3 weeks of treatment. Patients were positively questioned daily for possible intolerance symptoms. Laboratory tests were recorded before and after treatment. With both initial parenteral treatments, each symptom significantly improved, wit.
Therapeutic Targeting of Histone Modifications in Adult and Pediatric High-Grade Glioma

Recent exciting work partly through The Cancer Genome Atlas has implicated epigenetic mechanisms including histone modifications in the development of both pediatric and adult high-grade glioma (HGG). Histone lysine methylation has emerged as an important player in regulating gene expression and chromatin function. Lysine (K) 27 (K27) is a critical residue in all seven histone 3 variants and the subject of posttranslational histone modifications, as it can be both methylated and acetylated. In pediatric HGG, two critical single-point mutations occur in the H3F3A gene encoding the regulatory histone variant H3.3. These mutations occur at lysine (K) 27 (K27M) and glycine (G) 34 (G34R/V), both of which are involved with key regulatory posttranscriptional modifications. Therefore, these mutations effect gene expression, cell differentiation, and telomere maintenance. In recent years, alterations in histone acetylation have provided novel opportunities to explore new pharmacological targeting, with histone deacetylase (HDAC) overexpression reported in high-grade, late-stage proliferative tumors. HDAC inhibitors have shown promising therapeutic potential in many malignancies. This review focuses on the epigenetic mechanisms propagating pediatric and adult HGGs, as well as summarizing the current advances in clinical trials using HDAC inhibitors.
Demographic predictors of environmental concern : It does make a difference how it's measured : Research on the environment

This paper clarifies the reasons for the inconsistent relationships reported in previous research between measures of environmental concern and standard demographic predictors. It calls attention to the specific trade-offs and implicit comparisons that are associated with the different ways environmental issues are framed in questionnaire items (trade-offs between environmental protection and economic growth or the size of government, assessments of pollution at local and Statewide levels, participation in pro-environmental behaviors, global threats and humanity-nature relationships). The authors combined the data from four biennial Texas-wide surveys and regressed eight demographic variables on each of twenty-one repeated measures of environmental attitudes. Reliable relationships across the different ways of measuring environmental concern were found for education and age. This was much less true for gender, religiosity, and ethnicity. Income, size of town, and self-identified political ideology had quite specific and delimited effects. The determinants of environmental concern vary in predictable ways, depending on the trade-offs reflected in the questionnaire items. It does indeed make a difference how environmental concern is measured.