Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Manual guidance of a compliant manipulator during curve-following tasks: Basic framework and preliminary experimental tests

Human robot collaboration (HRC) is a cogent need in many industrial applications nowadays. This paper proposes a framework specifically targeting curve-following tasks whereby a compliant robot, in impedance-control mode, can be manually guided by an operator. Preliminary experiments are described to test the performance of approach. In particular, data relative to curve following in the case of vertical tool positioner versus vertical tool positioner plus impedance-control mode are performed under manual guidance, showing better performance in the former case.
D-dimer levels correlate with mortality in patients with acute pulmonary embolism: Findings from the RIETE registry

Object:Few studies have addressed the prognostic implications of D-dimer in patients with pulmonary embolism. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between D-dimer levels and mortality in patients with pulmonary embolism. Design:Observational study. Setting:Hospitals participating in the Registro Informatizado de la Enfermedad Tromboembólica (RIETE). Patients:A total of 588 consecutive patients with symptomatic pulmonary embolism who were included in the RIETE between March 2001 and December 2004. Interventions:Quantitative D-dimer measurement was performed on admission using an automated latex agglutination test (IL Test D-dimer). All patients underwent clinical follow-up for 3 months. Measurements and Main Results:Overall mortality rate was 10.5%. The cause of death was pulmonary embolism in 18 patients (3.0%), fatal bleeding in one patient (0.2%), and other causes in 43 patients (7.3%). There were 28 (4.8%) nonfatal venous thromboembolism recurrences and 35 (6.0%) nonfatal bleeding episodes. The incidence of D-dimer 500–2499 ng/mL, D-dimer 2500–4999 ng/mL, and D-dimer ≥5000 ng/mL was 47.8%, 26.0%, and 20.4%, respectively. Compared with patients with D-dimer 500–2499 ng/mL, the relative risk (odds ratio) of overall mortality was 1.91 (95% confidence interval 0.91–4.09) and 2.94 (95% confidence interval 1.42–6.25) in patients with D-dimer 2500–4999 ng/mL and D-dimer ≥ 5000 ng/mL, respectively (p = .032). Patients with D-dimer ≥5000 ng/mL showed higher risk of death from fatal pulmonary embolism (odds ratio 4.4, 95% confidence interval 0.5–33.0) than death from other causes (odds ratio 2.1, 95% confidence interval 0.7–6.0). Elevated D-dimer levels were associated with more severe disease, as assessed by clinical features. Conclusions:In patients who present with pulmonary embolism, D-dimer concentration is an independent predictive factor associated with all-cause and pulmonary embolism-related death. D-dimer ≥5000 ng/mL occurs in about one in five patients and is associated with a 2.9-fold increased risk of overall mortality. These results suggest that D-dimer quantification could be a useful biomarker and help determine initial therapies.
MIS2: Misinformation and Misbehavior Mining on the Web

Misinformation and misbehavior mining on the web(MIS2) workshop is held in Los Angeles, California, USA on February 9, 2018, and co-located with the 11th ACM International Conference on Web Search and Data Mining(WSDM 2018). Web is a dynamic ecosystem that enables malicious users to create and spread deceptive information to a wide audience in a matter of minutes. These malicious actors work on a wide variety of platforms, such as social media, e-commerce, and more. The main object of MIS2 is to discuss new and upcoming research on modeling, discovery, detection, and mitigation methods of misbehavior and misinformation on the web. MIS2 is an interdisciplinary venue for leading researchers and practitioners from the areas of data mining, social network analysis, cybersecurity, communications, human-computer interaction, and natural language processing. The topics addressed in MIS2 are extremely timely and the research presented by refereed papers and invited keynote speakers will participants a full dose of emerging research.
A baboon (Papio hamadryas) with an isochromosome for the long arm of the X

A 5.5-yr-old female baboon was evaluated for sexual immaturity. She was small for her age and had normal external female genitalia. However, she lacked cyclical perineal turgescence and displayed atypical coloration of the perineal skin. Laparoscopy revealed a small uterus and absence of both ovaries. Cytogenetic analysis revealed a 42,X,i(X)(q10) karyotype. DNA analysis using loci DXS1683, which maps to Xp22.1, and DXS297, which maps to Xq27.3, was consistent with inheritance of the normal X chromosome from the dam and formation of the isochromosome Xq from the paternal X.
Stability Analysis of the Particle Swarm Optimization Without Stagnation Assumption

In this letter, we study the first- and second-order stabilities of a stochastic recurrence relation that represents a class of particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithms. We assume that the personal and global best vectors in that relation are random variables (with arbitrary means and variances) that are updated during the run so that our calculations do not require the stagnation assumption. We prove that the convergence of expectation and variance of the positions generated by that relation is independent of the mean and variance of the distribution of the personal and global best vectors. We also provide convergence boundaries for that relation and compare them with those of standard PSO algorithms (as a specific case of the stochastic recurrence relation) provided in earlier studies.
A cytogenetic investigation of inherited true hermaphroditism in BALB/cWt mice.

A predictably high incidence of true hermaphroditism (3%) among fetal BALB/cWt mice provided the opportunity for studying the cause of inherited hermaphroditism. G-banded liver metaphase chromosomes were analyzed from 20 fetal hermaphrodites and from 15 normal female and male littermate controls. All hermaphrodites and seven males were chromosomal mosaics, i.e. XO/XY or XO/XY/XYY. In each mosaic fetus there were more XO than XYY cells. From these findings we hypothesize that BALB/cWt hermaphrodites arise from non-disjunction and probable loss of the Y-chromosome during mitosis. Results from breeding experiments indicated that a defect in the BALB/cWt Y-chromosome per se accounts for its nondisjunction and loss. A significant relationship was found between the amount of ovarian tissue and the percentage of XO cells in mosaic fetuses. If all chromosomally mosaic (XO/XY and XO/XY/XYY) individuals are considered, ovarian tissue was formed if there was 24% or more XO cells in an individual. If only hermaphroditic individuals are considered, ovarian tissue was formed if there were 44% or more XO cells. Finally, we found that the distribution of ovarian and testicular tissue within an ovotestis of BALB/cWt hermaphrodites was not random: ovarian tissue was situated at both ends or only at the cranial end; in only one case was ovarian tissue situated in the center flanked by testicular tissue. We suggest that such nonrandom distribution of ovarian and testicular tissue argues against the hypothesis that the organization of testicular tissue is dependent only on the presence of H-Y antigen.
Creating and fostering Singerian inquiring organizations through psychological empowerment in the context of information assurance

Singerian Inquiring Organizations (SIO) (Courtney, et al., 1998; Courtney, 2001) are knowledge-based enterprises based on Churchman’s theory of Singerian inquiring systems (Courtney, 2001). For Singerian organizations to thrive, employees must feel unfettered to quest for knowledge, share what knowledge has been found, and express opinions about the findings of others. In short, employees must feel empowered to act in order to foster the well-being and development of the organization and its stakeholders. Both the psychology and organizational behavior literature have examined psychological empowerment as a way to challenge individuals and/or employees to take control of and interest in organizational situations; however, there has been limited research examining the amalgamation of empowerment and information systems (IS) research constructs. The purpose of this research is to extend the empowerment stream of research into IS and examine the potential positive influence that empowered employees can have on the information assurance of an organization, and ultimately, the ways in which these principles can foster Singerian Inquiring Organizations, providing a roadmap for organizations to construct their own SIO environment. These ideas were conceptualized in a research model, which was tested by collecting survey data, and proven to be significant and of good fit. The model conceptualized in this research is offered as a way for organizations to model themselves as a Singerian Inquiring Organization, and in turn foster an organizational environment where employees are empowered to contribute in the decision-making process and tackle real world problems. APPROVAL FOR SCHOLARLY DISSEMINATION The author grants to the Prescott Memorial Library of Louisiana Tech University the right to reproduce, by appropriate methods, upon request, any or all portions of this Dissertation. It is understood that “proper request” consists of the agreement, on the part of the requesting party, that said reproduction is for his personal use and that subsequent reproduction will not occur without written approval of the author of this Dissertation. Further, any portions of the Dissertation used in books, papers, and other works must be appropriately referenced to this Dissertation. Finally, the author of this Dissertation reserves the right to publish freely, in the literature, at any time, any or all portions of this Dissertation.
Network Interconnection and Gateways

Major technical issues for interconnecting computer networks that must be solved, which include selection of a protocol level at which to interconnect, addressing, routing, fragmentation, and congestion control, are discussed. Specialized gateway devices used to interconnect networks and implement any necessary internet protocols are examined. Two leading alternatives have been developed by the DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) Internet community (datagram internet protocol) and by the CCITT (International Telegraphy and Telephony Consultative Committee) for public data networks (concatenation of virtual circuits). The new ISO standards encompass both approaches, but providing interoperability between them is still a problem. >
Switching Function Model-Based Fast-Diagnostic Method of Open-Switch Faults in Inverters Without Sensors

A novel fast-diagnostic method for open-switch faults in inverters without sensors is proposed to improve the reliability of power electronic system in this paper. The presented method is achieved by analysis of switching function model of the inverter under both healthy and faulty conditions. Due to the different voltages endured by each power switch under healthy condition from open-switch faults in some cases, open-circuit faults can be detected by sensing the collector-emitter voltages of the lower power switches in each leg. The diagnostic scheme employs the simple hardware circuit to obtain indirectly the voltages of lower power switches and to get rid of high cost and complexity as a result of sensors. Also, this method minimizes the detection time and is available for the inverter faults in the systems with open-loop or closed-loop current control strategies. To ensure the effectiveness and reliability of the proposed diagnostic method, the rising-edge delays for switching signals are used to avoid misdiagnostic results because of the ON-OFF processes of power switches, and the delay durations are determined considering various factors. Simulation and experimental results validate the proposed scheme for detecting switch and leg open-circuit faults.
Neonatal chemical hypoglycemia in newborns from pregnancies complicated by type 2 and gestational diabetes mellitus – the importance of neonatal ponderal index

Objective. To determine the frequency and risk factors associated with neonatal chemical hypoglycemia in neonates of mothers with type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Research Design and Methods. A retrospective cohort study of women with type 2 diabetes or GDM and their singleton neonates. The primary outcome measure was the presence of neonatal chemical hypoglycemia (capillary plasma equivalent glucose <45 mg/dl) within 1 h of birth. Statistical methods included bivariate and multivariate analyses. Results. 242 mother infant dyads were identified. Sixty-eight (28%) were treated with diet, 110 (46%) with glyburide, and 64 (26%) with insulin. The incidence of neonatal chemical hypoglycemia was 18% (44/242). The incidence was significantly higher in those requiring pharmacotherapy (25% vs. 3%, p < 0.001). The frequency of neonatal chemical hypoglycemia between the glyburide and insulin-treated pregnancies did not differ significantly (23% vs. 27%, p = 0.58). The frequency of neonatal chemical hypoglycemia was statistically associated with birth weight, macrosomia and ponderal index (p < 0.001). Neonatal ponderal index was the strongest predictor of hypoglycemia (adjusted Odds ratio 5.59). Conclusion. Neonatal chemical hypoglycemia occurs more frequently in infants from women with type 2 diabetes and GDM treated with glyburide or insulin. An increased neonatal ponderal index is a strong predictor of significant neonatal chemical hypoglycemia.
Formulation and characterization of lipid-based drug delivery system of raloxifene-microemulsion and self-microemulsifying drug delivery system

Background: Raloxifene, a second-generation selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) used to prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women is administered orally in the form of a tablet. The absolute bioavailability of the drug is only 2% because of extensive hepatic first-pass metabolism. Lipid-based formulations are reported to reduce the first-pass metabolism by promoting its lymphatic uptake. Materials and Methods: In the present investigation, microemulsion and Self-Microemulsifying Drug Delivery System (SMEDDS) formulations of Raloxifene were prepared. The prepared formulations were characterized for drug loading, size, transparency, zeta potential, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and in vitro intestinal permeability. Results: The results indicated that high drug loading, optimum size and desired zeta potential and transparency could be achieved with both SMEDDS and microemulsion. The TEM studies indicated the absence of aggregation with both the systems. The in vitro intestinal permeability results showed that the permeation of the drug from the microemulsion and SMEDDs was significantly higher than that obtained from the drug dispersion and marketed formulation. Conclusion: Lipid based formulations such as microemulsion and Self Microemulsifying drug delivery systems are expected to increase the oral bioavailability as evidenced by the increased intestinal permeation.
5G mmWave Positioning for Vehicular Networks

5G technologies present a new paradigm to provide connectivity to vehicles, in support of high data-rate services, complementing existing inter-vehicle communication standards based on IEEE 802.11p. As we argue, the specific signal characteristics of 5G communication turn out to be highly conducive for vehicle positioning. Hence, 5G can work in synergy with existing on-vehicle positioning and mapping systems to provide redundancy for certain applications, in particular automated driving. This article provides an overview of the evolution of cellular positioning and discusses the key properties of 5G as they relate to vehicular positioning. Open research challenges are presented.
Simple analytical derivation of magnetic flux profile eliminating source current ripple and torque ripple of switched reluctance motors for electric vehicle propulsion

This paper proposes a simple control technique for switched reluctance motors to eliminate both the source current ripple and the torque ripple simultaneously. The proposed control is a current tracking control based on a pre-computed magnetic flux profile. This profile is derived using a simple analytical SRM model without the magnetic saturation. Conventionally, the magnetic saturation is commonly utilized for limiting excessive magnetic flux induction to improve the torque output. However, in the proposed control, the magnetic flux profile is utilized for limiting the magnetic flux by control. By controlling without the magnetic saturation, elimination of the source current ripple and the torque ripple can be achieved regardless to the output power. Along with theoretical derivation of the magnetic flux profile, an experiment is carried out to evaluate the proposed control. The results revealed suppression of the source current ripple and the torque ripple simultaneously in comparison with the conventional square-wave current control.
Are Older Adults Up-to-Date With Cancer Screening and Vaccinations?

Introduction Public health organizations in the United States emphasize the importance of providing routine screening for breast cancer, cervical cancer, and colorectal cancer, as well as vaccinations against influenza and pneumococcal disease among older adults. We report a composite measure of adults aged 50 years and older who receive recommended cancer screening services and vaccinations. Methods We analyzed state data from the 2002 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, which included 105,860 respondents aged 50 and older. We created a composite measure that included colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy within 10 years or a fecal occult blood test in the past year, an influenza vaccination in the past year, a Papanicolaou test within 3 years for women with an intact cervix, a mammogram, and for adults aged 65 and older, a pneumonia vaccination during their lifetime. We performed separate analyses for four age and sex groups: men aged 50 to 64, women aged 50 to 64, men aged 65 and older, and women aged 65 and older. Results The percentage of each age and sex group that was up-to-date according to our composite measure ranged from 21.1% of women aged 50 to 64 (four tests) to 39.6% of men aged 65 and older (three tests). For each group, results varied by income, education, race/ethnicity, insurance status, and whether the respondent had a personal physician. Conclusion These results suggest the need to improve the delivery of cancer screenings and vaccinations among adults aged 50 and older. We propose continued efforts to measure use of clinical preventive services.
Peripheral vascular disease in Type 2 diabetic Chinese patients: associations with metabolic indices, concomitant vascular disease and genetic factors

Aims Conventional and genetic risk factors have been reported to play a role in the pathogenesis of vascular disease, but do not explain the lower burden of cardiac and peripheral vascular disease (PVD) in Chinese compared with Caucasians. The role of renin‐angiotensin system (RAS) gene polymorphisms and conventional vascular risk factors has not been determined.
Age Distribution and Its Mechanism of Peasant's Suicide: Based on the Case of Zao Village in the North of China

through introducing the suicide characteristics distribution of three age groups in Zao village on the north of China, the author indicated that we could understand the youth people's suicide from the patriarchy perspective and liberation discourse system, while the middle aged people's suicide was related to the drastically social comparison. However, this paper thought that the elders' suicide was related to the new unbalanced inter-generation relationship and the social force which was shifted to the weak people like the elders. The period from 1995 to 1999 was the shift divide of peasant's suicide, ahead of this period, the suicide mainly emerged on the youth people, while after this period, the suicide mainly occurred on the middle aged people and elders. This kind of change reflected the relations between rural social change and peasant's suicide.
Pragmatic difficulties in children with autism associated with childhood epilepsy

Purpose: The intention of this study was to examine specific pragmatic functions in 35 children, aged 6–11 years, with a history of epilepsy (mean length of duration 6.5 years), who demonstrated autistic features, ASD or autistic regression. Method: The children's ability to recognize and convey communicative intentions, conversational engagement and paralinguistic features were investigated using the Pragmatics Profile of Everyday Communication Skills in Children using semi-structured key-worker interviews. The association between weak or abnormal prosody and epileptic focus was also examined. Results: Findings demonstrate a strong association between early onset epilepsy with autism or autistic regression and additional pragmatic impairment. A number of children exhibited weak or abnormal prosody in association with temporal lobe EEG abnormalities, particularly in the non-dominant hemisphere. Consideration is given to recent studies of the converse—the presence of a reducing prevalence of epilepsy in the autism population and acknowledgment of implications for learning within the autistic population.
Diagnosis and treatment of nicotine dependence with emphasis on nicotine replacement therapy. A status report.

Tobacco use is a global health care problem. Repetitive exposure to nicotine produces neuroadaptation resulting in nicotine dependence. Cigarette smoking is particularly addictive due to the repeated delivery of bolus doses of nicotine to the bloodstream. Although compulsive tobacco use is sustained by nicotine addiction, it is the toxic combustion products in tobacco smoke such as carbon monoxide and oxidant gases that adversely affect the cardiovascular system. Smoking cessation produces significant health benefits and is a very cost-effective intervention. Evidence that nicotine is the addictive component of tobacco provides the rationale for using nicotine replacement therapy to aid cessation. Nicotine replacement therapy doubles successful smoking cessation rates and evidence-based guidelines for the treatment of tobacco addiction recommend routine use of nicotine replacement therapy, particularly in heavily dependent smokers. Success rates of up to 40% can be achieved in specialist clinics. Despite early concerns regarding the safety of nicotine replacement therapy in smokers with heart disease, it is now clear that the health risks of using nicotine replacement therapy to assist such patients to stop, or significantly reduce, smoking far outweigh any treatment-related risks.
Phase noise reduction of charge pump PLLs by using a new approach

This paper analyses phase noise properties of the second order charge-pump phased locked loops (PLLs) in order to use in MTI radars. The effect of each building block on the total output phase noise of PLL is demonstrated by mathematical relationship and graphical treatment. Phase noise transfer functions are analyzed by the superposition theory and linear operation of PLL. The output phase noise due to each source is correctly predicted by calculating the relation between an input power spectrum density and its closed-loop transfer function. There exist four noise sources which are generated by reference oscillator, voltage-controlled oscillator, filter and main divider. We will analysis these noise sources in a linear model of PLL.