Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Patient-reported outcome measures in arthroplasty registries

Abstract — The International Society of Arthroplasty Registries (ISAR) Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) Working Group have evaluated and recommended best practices in the selection, administration, and interpretation of PROMs for hip and knee arthroplasty registries. The 2 generic PROMs in common use are the Short Form health surveys (SF-36 or SF-12) and EuroQol 5-dimension (EQ-5D). The Working Group recommends that registries should choose specific PROMs that have been appropriately developed with good measurement properties for arthroplasty patients. The Working Group recommend the use of a 1-item pain question (“During the past 4 weeks, how would you describe the pain you usually have in your [right/left] [hip/knee]? ”; response: none, very mild, mild, moderate, or severe) and a single-item satisfaction outcome (“How satisfied are you with your [right/left] [hip/knee] replacement? ”; response: very unsatisfied, dissatisfied, neutral, satisfied, or very satisfied). Survey logistics include patient instructions, paper- and electronic-based data collection, reminders for follow-up, centralized as opposed to hospital-based follow-up, sample size, patient- or joint-specific evaluation, collection intervals, frequency of response, missing values, and factors in establishing a PROMs registry program. The Working Group recommends including age, sex, diagnosis at joint, general health status preoperatively, and joint pain and function score in case-mix adjustment models. Interpretation and statistical analysis should consider the absolute level of pain, function, and general health status as well as improvement, missing data, approaches to analysis and case-mix adjustment, minimal clinically important difference, and minimal detectable change. The Working Group recommends data collection immediately before and 1 year after surgery, a threshold of 60% for acceptable frequency of response, documentation of non-responders, and documentation of incomplete or missing data.
The 0.12-2.5 micron Absolute Flux Distribution of the Sun for Comparison With Solar Analog Stars

An absolute ux calibrated reference spectrum of the Sun covering the 0.12 to 2.5 m wavelength range is presented. The ultraviolet and optical spectrum is based on absolute ux measurements from satellites and from the ground. The near-infrared spectrum is based on measurements using the NASA CV-990 aircraft and on a model spectrum. The synthetic optical and near-infrared magnitudes of the absolute calibrated solar reference spectrum agree with published values to 0.01 0.03 magnitudes, i.e. within the uncertainties of the measurements. The absolute ux of the reference spectrum over the optical and near-infrared 0.4 to 2.5 m range is known with an uncertainty of 5%, or better. In the blue and ultraviolet, especially for wavelengths in the 0.12 to 0.2 m interval, the uncertainty increases up to about 20% due to the variability of the solar energy output at these wavelengths. The absolute ux spectrum of the Sun presented here will help to establish the absolute calibration of NICMOS, the HST near-infrared camera and Multi-object Spectrograph.
Inference-based and expectation-based processing in program comprehension

This paper formally distinguishes between two variants of top-down comprehension (as originally described by Brooks (1983) and Soloway (1984)). The first is inference-based comprehension, where the programmer derives meaning from cliched implementations in the code. The second is expectation-based comprehension, where the programmer has pre-generated expectations of the code's meaning. The paper describes the distinguishing features of the two variants, and uses these characteristics as the basis for an empirical study. This study establishes their existence, and identifies their relationship with programmers' domain and coding standards familiarity.
Highly reliable energy-saving mac for wireless body sensor networks in healthcare systems

Wireless body sensor networks (BSNs) in healthcare systems operate under conflicting requirements. These are the maintenance of the desired reliability and message latency of data transmissions, while simultaneously maximizing battery lifetime of individual body sensors. In doing so, the characteristics of the entire system, including physical, medium access control (MAC), and application layers have to be considered. The aim of this paper is to develop a new MAC model for BSNs to fulfill all these specific rigorous requirements under realistic medical settings. For that purpose, a novel cross-layer fuzzy-rule scheduling algorithm and energy-aware radio activation policies are introduced. The main idea is to integrate a fuzzy-logic system in each body sensor to deal with multiple cross-layer input variables of diverse nature in an independent manner. By being autonomously aware of their current condition, body sensors are able to demand a "collision-free" time slot, whenever they consider it strictly required (e.g. high system packet delay or low body sensor residual battery lifetime). Similarly, they may refuse to transmit, if there is a bad channel link, thus permitting another body sensor to do so. This results in improving the system overall performance. The proposed MAC model is evaluated by computer simulations in terms of quality of service and energy consumption under specific healthcare scenarios.
Rigid perfectly plastic two–dimensional polycrystals

We consider rigid perfectly plastic polycrystals in the two–dimensional anti–plane shear context. The yield sets of the grains are identified with rectangles in the plane centred at the origin whose sides have length 2 and 2M. The limit M → ∞ corresponds to the grains being rigid in one direction and ductile in the orthogonal direction. We show that for large values of M there exist polycrystals whose effective yield sets are large in all directions. More precisely, for each value of M, we construct a polycrystal whose yield set contains the set [–f,f] × [–f,f], where f = √M –O(1). We also show that the yield set of any isotropic polycrystal is contained in the ball of radius 4√M/π centred at the origin. This bound results as an application of the div–curl lemma. The new component of our analysis, which allowed us to obtain sharper results, is that we consider simultaneously not only two but an infinite number of admissible stress fields whose averages have different directions.
Towards Automatic Image Editing: Learning to See another You

Learning the distribution of images in order to generate new samples is a challenging task due to the high dimensionality of the data and the highly non-linear relations that are involved. Nevertheless, some promising results have been reported in the literature recently,building on deep network architectures. In this work, we zoom in on a specific type of image generation: given an image and knowing the category of objects it belongs to (e.g. faces), our goal is to generate a similar and plausible image, but with some altered attributes. This is particularly challenging, as the model needs to learn to disentangle the effect of each attribute and to apply a desired attribute change to a given input image, while keeping the other attributes and overall object appearance intact. To this end, we learn a convolutional network, where the desired attribute information is encoded then merged with the encoded image at feature map level. We show promising results, both qualitatively as well as quantitatively, in the context of a retrieval experiment, on two face datasets (MultiPie and CAS-PEAL-R1).
The forces exerted by aquatic suction feeders on their prey

Successful prey capture by aquatic suction feeders depends on the ability of the predator to generate a flow of water external to the mouth that overcomes any movements and forces that the prey uses to resist the suction flow. Elucidating the nature and magnitude of these forces is a key to understanding what limits suction feeding performance. We identify three potential forces produced by the suction flow field: drag, acceleration reaction and the fluid pressure gradient. Using a mathematical model parametrized with empirical data from feeding bluegill, Lepomis macrochirus, we explore the relative magnitude of these forces under three encounter scenarios with a 5 mm diameter, spherical prey: an immobile mid-water prey; a similar prey that executes an escape response; and a prey item that grips a substratum. Contrary to the almost exclusive emphasis on drag in the suction feeding literature, it made a minor contribution to the total forces in all three cases. In all three scenarios, the pressure gradient is the largest of the three forces. These results are important because previous researchers have emphasized drag and have not explicitly recognized a role for the pressure gradient force in suction feeding. The simulations suggest previously unrecognized mechanisms that suction feeders can use to enhance the forces that they exert, by increasing the steepness of the pressure gradient that the prey item is exposed to. This can be accomplished either by increasing the rate of increase in fluid velocity or by restricting the size of the mouth aperture, which creates a steeper spatial gradient in pressure.
Affect Detection from Semantic Interpretation of Drama Improvisation

We have developed an intelligent agent to engage with users in virtual drama improvisation previously. The intelligent agent was able to perform sentence-level affect detection from user inputs with strong emotional indicators. However, we noticed that many inputs with weak or no affect indicators also contain emotional implication but were regarded as neutral expressions by the previous interpretation. In this paper, we employ latent semantic analysis to go beyond linguistic restrictions and to perform topic theme detection and identify target audiences for those inputs with vague affect indicators and ambiguous target audiences. We also discuss how emotions embedded in such emotionally ambiguous inputs are detected with the consideration of interpersonal relationships, special sentence types and emotions experienced by the target audiences using a neural network based contextual affect detection. The work contributes to the conference themes on discourse and pragmatics, semantics and sentiment and text classification. TITLE AND ABSTRACT IN CHINESE
Seamless Gene Tagging by Endonuclease-Driven Homologous Recombination

Gene tagging facilitates systematic genomic and proteomic analyses but chromosomal tagging typically disrupts gene regulatory sequences. Here we describe a seamless gene tagging approach that preserves endogenous gene regulation and is potentially applicable in any species with efficient DNA double-strand break repair by homologous recombination. We implement seamless tagging in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and demonstrate its application for protein tagging while preserving simultaneously upstream and downstream gene regulatory elements. Seamless tagging is compatible with high-throughput strain construction using synthetic genetic arrays (SGA), enables functional analysis of transcription antisense to open reading frames and should facilitate systematic and minimally-invasive analysis of gene functions.
Development of an Interaction Assay between Single-Stranded Nucleic Acids Trapped with Silica Particles and Fluorescent Compounds

Biopolymers are easily denatured by heating, a change in pH or chemical substances when they are immobilized on a substrate. To prevent denaturation of biopolymers, we developed a method to trap a polynucleotide on a substrate by hydrogen bonding using silica particles with surfaces modified by aminoalkyl chains ([A-AM silane]/SiO2). [A-AM silane]/SiO2 was synthesized by silane coupling reaction of N-2-(aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (A-AM silane) with SiO2 particles with a diameter of 5 μm at 100 °C for 20 min. The surface chemical structure of [A-AM silane]/SiO2 was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and molecular orbital calculations. The surface of the silica particles was modified with A-AM silane and primary amine groups were formed. [A-AM silane]/SiO2 was trapped with single-stranded nucleic acids [(Poly-X; X = A (adenine), G (guanine) and C (cytosine)] in PBS solution at 37 °C for 1 h. The single-stranded nucleic acids were trapped on the surface of the [A-AM silane]/SiO2 by hydrogen bonding to form conjugated materials. The resulting complexes were further conjugated by derivatives of acridine orange (AO) as fluorescent labels under the same conditions to form [AO:Poly-X:A-AM silane]/SiO2 complexes. Changes in the fluorescence intensity of these complexes originating from interactions between the single-stranded nucleic acid and aromatic compounds were also evaluated. The change in intensity displayed the order [AO: Poly-G: A-AM silane]/SiO2 > [AO:Poly-A:A-AM silane]/SiO2 >> [AO:Poly-C:A-AM silane]/SiO2. This suggests that the single-stranded nucleic acids conjugated with aminoalkyl chains on the surfaces of SiO2 particles and the change in fluorescence intensity reflected the molecular interaction between AO and the nucleic-acid base in a polynucleotide.
The Technology Path to Deep Greenhouse Gas Emissions Cuts by 2050: The Pivotal Role of Electricity

Electrifying Prospects Greenhouse gas emissions need to be reduced in order to decrease the risk of dangerous climate change, and a commonly advocated intermediate step to decarbonizing our energy production is to cut emissions by 80% by the year 2050. Williams et al. (p. 53, published online 24 November) analyze the infrastructure and technology requirements required to meet this goal in California and conclude that simply using the most technologically advanced types of energy supply now available will not be enough. Instead, transportation and other sectors will need to be converted largely to electrical systems, which would make decarbonized electricity the dominant form of energy supply. Such a transformation will require technologies that are not yet commercialized and intensive public-private and interindustry coordination at every stage of the process. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 80% below 1990 levels by 2050 requires widespread electrification of transportation and other sectors. Several states and countries have adopted targets for deep reductions in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, but there has been little physically realistic modeling of the energy and economic transformations required. We analyzed the infrastructure and technology path required to meet California’s goal of an 80% reduction below 1990 levels, using detailed modeling of infrastructure stocks, resource constraints, and electricity system operability. We found that technically feasible levels of energy efficiency and decarbonized energy supply alone are not sufficient; widespread electrification of transportation and other sectors is required. Decarbonized electricity would become the dominant form of energy supply, posing challenges and opportunities for economic growth and climate policy. This transformation demands technologies that are not yet commercialized, as well as coordination of investment, technology development, and infrastructure deployment.
Micro and nano patterning of carbon electrodes for bioMEMS

Carbon based bioMEMS are an emerging class of miniaturized biomedical devices. Due to the numerous advantages such as scalable manufacturing processes, inexpensive and readily available precursor polymer materials, tunable surface properties and biocompatibility, carbon has become a preferred material for a wide variety of future biosensing applications. In this article, we review fabrication methodologies for carbon-MEMS (CMEMS) and carbon-NEMS (CNEMS) devices and strategies for their surface modification for biocompatibility and for biosensing. We also discuss the underlying graphitic and glassy microstructures of carbon since the biocompatibility of carbon and its microstructures are intertwined. We conclude by exploring various CMEMS and CNEMS devices that have been successfully fabricated.
Protective Effect of Nicotine on Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Lung Injury in Mice

Background: Recently, nicotine administration has been shown to be a potent inhibitor of a variety of innate immune responses, including endotoxin-induced sepsis. Objective: It was the aim of this study to evaluate the effect of nicotine on attenuating lung injury and improving the survival in mice with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury (ALI). Methods: ALI was induced in mice by intratracheal instillation of LPS (3 mg/ml). The mice received intratracheal instillation of nicotine (50, 250 and 500 µg/kg) before or after LPS administration. Pulmonary histological changes were evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin stain, and lung wet/dry weight ratios were observed. Concentrations of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β and high mobility group box (HMGB)-1, as well as myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The mortality rate was recorded and analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: Nicotine pretreatment significantly attenuated the severity of lung injury and inhibited the production of TNF-α, IL-1β and HMGB-1 in mice with ALI. After LPS administration, the lung wet/dry weight ratios, as an index of lung edema, and MPO activity were also markedly reduced by nicotine pretreatment. Early treatment with a high dose of nicotine (500 µg/kg) after LPS administration decreased the mortality in mice with ALI, even when treatment was started 24 h after LPS administration. Conclusion: Nicotine attenuated the lung injury and reduced mortality in mice with LPS-induced ALI.
A study of the synthetic methods and properties of graphenes

Abstract Graphenes with varying number of layers can be synthesized by using different strategies. Thus, single-layer graphene is prepared by micromechanical cleavage, reduction of single-layer graphene oxide, chemical vapor deposition and other methods. Few-layer graphenes are synthesized by conversion of nanodiamond, arc discharge of graphite and other methods. In this article, we briefly overview the various synthetic methods and the surface, magnetic and electrical properties of the produced graphenes. Few-layer graphenes exhibit ferromagnetic features along with antiferromagnetic properties, independent of the method of preparation. Aside from the data on electrical conductivity of graphenes and graphene-polymer composites, we also present the field-effect transistor characteristics of graphenes. Only single-layer reduced graphene oxide exhibits ambipolar properties. The interaction of electron donor and acceptor molecules with few-layer graphene samples is examined in detail.
Robust patch-based hdr reconstruction of dynamic scenes

High dynamic range (HDR) imaging from a set of sequential exposures is an easy way to capture high-quality images of static scenes, but suffers from artifacts for scenes with significant motion. In this paper, we propose a new approach to HDR reconstruction that draws information from all the exposures but is more robust to camera/scene motion than previous techniques. Our algorithm is based on a novel patch-based energy-minimization formulation that integrates alignment and reconstruction in a joint optimization through an equation we call the HDR image synthesis equation. This allows us to produce an HDR result that is aligned to one of the exposures yet contains information from all of them. We present results that show considerable improvement over previous approaches.
Association of Antigen-Specific T-cell Responses with Antigen Expression and Immunoparalysis in Multiple Myeloma

Purpose: Cancer testis antigens (CTA) are immunotherapeutical targets aberrantly expressed on multiple myeloma cells, especially at later stages, when a concomitant immunoparesis hampers vaccination approaches. Experimental Design: We assessed the expression of the multiple myeloma antigen HM1.24 (reported present in all malignant plasma cells) and the CTAs MAGE-A2/A3 and NY-ESO-1 (aberrantly expressed in a subset of patients with myeloma), in CD138-purified myeloma cells by qRT-PCR (n = 149). In a next step, we analyzed the antigen-specific T-cell responses against these antigens by IFNγ EliSpot assay (n = 145) and granzymeB ELISA (n = 62) in relation to stage (tumor load) and expression of the respective antigen. Results: HM1.24 is expressed in all plasma-cell samples, whereas CTAs are significantly more frequent in later stages. HM1.24-specific T-cell responses, representing the immunologic status, significantly decreased from healthy donors to advanced disease. For the CTAs, the probability of T-cell responses increased in early and advanced stages compared with healthy donors, paralleling increased probability of expression. In advanced stages, T-cell responses decreased because of immunoparesis. Conclusion: In conclusion, specific T-cell responses in myeloma are triggered by antigen expression but suppressed by tumor load. Future CTA-based immunotherapeutical approaches might target early plasma-cell diseases to establish prophylactically a specific T-cell response against late-stage antigens in immunocompetent patients. Clin Cancer Res; 21(7); 1712–21. ©2015 AACR.
On the Effect of Body Capacitance to Ground in Tetrapolar Bioimpedance Measurements

Tetrapolar bioimpedance measurements on subjects have long been suspected of being affected by stray capacitance between the subjects' body and ground. This paper provides a circuit model to analyze that effect in the frequency range from 100 Hz to 1 MHz in order to identify the relevant parameters when impedance is measured by applying a voltage and measuring both the resulting current and the potential difference between two points on the surface of the volume conductor. The proposed model includes the impedance of each electrode and the input impedance of the differential voltage amplifier. When common values for the circuit parameters are assumed, the simplified model predicts: 1) a frequency-independent gain (scale factor) error; 2) inductive artifacts, that is, the measured impedance increases with increasing frequency and may include positive angle phases; and 3) resonance that can affect well below 1 MHz. In addition to the stray capacitance to ground, relevant parameters that determine those errors are the capacitance of the “low-current” electrode and the input capacitance of the differential voltage amplifier. Experimental results confirm those theoretical predictions and show effects from several additional resonances above 1 MHz that also depend on body capacitance to ground.