Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The rate of convergence to the Marchenko – Pastur distribution 3 2 Proof of the main Theorem To bound ∆

LetX = (Xjk) denote n×p random matrix with entriesXjk, which are independent for 1 ≤ j ≤ n, 1 ≤ k ≤ p. We consider the rate of convergence of empirical spectral distribution function of matrix W = 1 p XX ∗ to the Marchenko–Pastur law. We assume that EXjk = 0, EX 2 jk = 1 and that the distributions of the matrix elements Xjk have a uniformly sub exponential decay in the sense that there exists a constant κ > 0 such that for any 1 ≤ j ≤ n, 1 ≤ k ≤ p and any t ≥ 1 we have Pr{|Xjk| > t} ≤ κ−1 exp{−t}. By means of a recursion argument it is shown that the Kolmogorov distance between the empirical spectral distribution of the sample covariance matrix W and the Marchenko–Pastur distribution is of order O(n−1 log n) with some positive constant b > 0.
Delivery of Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) via Umbilical Catheterization: Development of a Piglet Model to Investigate Therapies to Improve Gastrointestinal Structure and Enzyme Activity during TPN

Nutritional support of preterm infants by total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is common; however, TPN compromises intestinal structure and enzyme activity. Our goal was to develop a piglet model to assess the effect of limited enteral stimulation with formula and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) on intestinal morphology and enzyme activity. A nutritionally complete TPN solution was infused for 7 days and piglets were gavaged twice daily with 4 ml sterile water, formula, or formula containing 1,000 µg/l IGF-I. Litter mate piglets fed formula served as orally fed controls. On day 7, body weights and plasma hormone profiles of TPN and orally fed piglets were similar. However, intestinal weight, jejunal and ileal villus height and surface area, and mucosal lactase and sucrase activity of TPN piglets was reduced by ∼50%. No effect of limited enteral stimulation or IGF-I was observed likely due to the small volume of formula administered enterally, which resulted in a low dose of IGF-I (4.3 µg IGF-I/kg/day).
Formangepasste diskrete Cosinus-Transformation für die Prädiktionsverbesserung im HEVC

Um die Kompression in der Videocodierung zu verbessern, führen wir eine explizite Referenzbildentrauschung in die Codierschleife eines Videocodecs ein. Motiviert durch den Gedanken, dass die Leistung des Prädiktionsfehlers höher sein kann, falls Rauschen in dem zu codierenden Video vorhanden ist, wird die Bewegungskompensation durch die eingeführten Module verbessert. Es wird gezeigt wie man einen solchen Ansatz für die Codierung bei sehr kleinen Einstellungen des Quantisierungsparameters aber auch bei sehr groben Quantisierungseinstellungen verwenden kann. Die entwickelten Algorithmen wurden in der Referenzsoftware des aktuellen HEVC-Standards getestet. Die Simulationsergebnisse zeigen, dass mit der vorgeschlagenen Vorgehensweise maximale Bitratenersparnisse von bis zu 10 % für niedrige als auch hohe Quantisierungsparametereinstellungen erreicht werden können. Im Durchschnitt wurden Bitratenersparnisse von 7 % für hohe Qualität und 5 % für niedrige Qualität bei Codierung der ClassB-Sequenzen erreicht.
Inhibin-B secretion and FSH isoform distribution may play an integral part of follicular selection in the natural menstrual cycle

The aim of the present paper is to expand the concept on how follicular selection takes place in the follicular phase of the natural menstrual cycle. It is suggested that inhibin-B exerts a more intimate role in this process than previously understood. Inhibin-B shows a peak in the circulation around cycle day 7, simultaneous with selection of the dominant follicle, whereas levels of estradiol and inhibin-A only start to increase a few days later suggesting that inhibin-B is mainly responsible for downregulating pituitary FSH release. New data now demonstrate that the circulatory peak of inhibin-B is reflected by peak production of inhibin-B, in contrast to inhibin-A, in the selected follicle with a diameter of 10-12 mm, where concentrations are one thousand times higher than in the circulation. This high inhibin-B concentration also exerts paracrine effects, stimulating theca cell androgen production in concert with LH. New data now suggest that in the corresponding granulosa cells androgens upregulate FSH receptor (FSHR) and LH receptor (LHR) mRNA expression, which in turn stimulate CYP19a mRNA expression providing the follicles which most effectively undertake these processes with the best chance of becoming selected. Inhibin-B production is stimulated by FSH and it appears that the acidic isoforms of FSH induce inhibin-B secretion most efficiently thereby, for the first time, placing the changing FSH isoform profile during the follicular phase in a physiological context. Collectively, it appears that inhibin-B is an integral part of follicular selection in the normal menstrual cycle, exerting both endocrine and paracrine effects and facilitating continued growth of the selected follicle.
LED Phototherapy with Gelatin Sponge Promotes Wound Healing in Mice

Tiny but highly efficient, a light‐emitting diode (LED) can power a therapy device, such as a phototherapy device, and, at the same time, decrease the device's size requirements. In this study, a LED phototherapy device was designed to investigate the possible impact on wound healing using a mouse model and a cell line exposed to red and blue light. To enhance wound phototherapy, a gelatin sponge was fabricated. Results showed that the red and blue lights promoted cell growth and wound healing, while the blue light with a gelatin sponge protected the wound from infection in the early stages of wound healing. The LED phototherapy device combined with the gelatin sponge, therefore, has potential significance in clinical application for wound healing.
Catheter Insertion and Perioperative Practices Within the ISPD North American Research Consortium

♦ Background: In general, efforts to standardize care based on group consensus practice guidelines have resulted in lower morbidity and mortality. Although there are published guidelines regarding insertion and perioperative management of peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheters, variation in practice patterns between centers may exist. The objective of this study is to understand variation in PD catheter insertion practices in preparation for conducting future studies. ♦ Methods: An electronic survey was developed by the research committee of the International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis – North American Research Consortium (ISPD-NARC) to be completed by physicians and nurses involved in PD programs across North America. It consisted of 45 questions related to 1) organizational characteristics; 2) PD catheter insertion practices; 3) current quality-improvement initiatives; and 4) interest in participation in PD studies. Invitation to participate in the survey was given to nephrologists and nurses in centers across Canada and the United States (US) identified by participation in the inaugural meeting of the ISPD-NARC. Descriptive statistics were applied to analyze the data. ♦ Results: Fifty-one ISPD-NARC sites were identified (45% in Canada and 55% in the US) of which 42 responded (82%). Center size varied significantly, with prevalent PD population ranging from 6 – 300 (median: 60) and incident PD patients in the year prior to survey administration ranging from 3 – 180 (median: 20). The majority of centers placed fewer than 19 PD catheters/year, with a range of 0 – 50. Availability of insertion techniques varied significantly, with 83% of centers employing more than 1 insertion technique. Seventy-one percent performed laparoscopic insertion with advanced techniques (omentectomy, omentopexy, and lysis of adhesions), 62% of sites performed open surgical dissection, 10% performed blind insertion via trocar, and 29% performed blind placement with the Seldinger technique. Use of double-cuff catheters was nearly universal, with a near even distribution of catheters with pre-formed bend versus straight inter-cuff segments. There was also variation in the choice of perioperative antibiotics and perioperative flushing practices. Although 86% of centers had quality-improvement initiatives, there was little consensus as to appropriate targets. ♦ Conclusions: There is marked variability in PD catheter insertion techniques and perioperative management. Large multicenter studies are needed to determine associations between these practices and catheter and patient outcomes. This research could inform future trials and guidelines and improve practice. The ISPD-NARC is a network of PD units that has been formed to conduct multicenter studies in PD.
Carcinogenesis: Mutations and Mutagens

In normal human cells there is a steady accumulation of mutations with time. We argue that the great majority of these mutations arise spontaneously and are due to endogenous factors or processes that damage DNA. A small fraction of these mutations converts a normal cell into a cell that is initiated towards the development of cancer. We propose that, in general, these initiated cells are more susceptible to the mutagenic effects of exogenous carcinogenic agents than to the mutagenic effects of endogenous factors. Indeed, it can be assumed that in most instances the initiation event is due to a mutation which causes inactivation or loss of a mutation avoidance gene, such as the p53 gene, or a gene which is involved in the repair of damaged DNA. Recent studies have shown that most of such mutations lead to a considerable enhancement in the mutagenicity of many exogenous agents, whereas the mutagenicity of endogenous factors is less affected. Furthermore, the progressive accumulation of mutations with increasing age implies that more initiated cells are likely to be found in older individuals. Therefore, sensitivity to the carcinogenic effect of exogenous mutagens can generally be assumed to increase in older people.
Sweden's Trilemma Trade-offs

In this paper, we empirically examine the theoretical concept of “impossible trinity” (financial trilemma) for Sweden for the period of 2010-2017. While doing this, we modified the Aizenman, Chinn and Ito approach by adding an extra interaction term to the main regression which shows whether these three policies are implemented in harmony without creating any trade-offs. Similarly, this interaction term also reflects the effectiveness of all supportive policies (i.e. hoarding international reserves, liquidity policies etc.) in order to eliminate the trade-offs between the monetary independence, exchange rate stability and capital openness. Our results indicate that the standard ACI approach is not sufficient in explaining Sweden’s economic policies and adding an interaction term to the main trilemma regression is both necessary and critical. From the latter perspective, the interaction term has a negative contribution indicating that Sweden could achieve to relax the binding trilemma trade-offs in this period. Lastly, our analysis continues by exploring the implications of the interaction term for inflation in a VAR and Granger Causality analyses where we find that interaction term has certain decreasing impact on inflation.
Eating Disorders in Young Women with Type 1 Diabetes

Disordered eating attitudes and behavior are common and persistent in adolescent and young adult females with type 1 diabetes, and are associated with impaired metabolic control and a higher risk of diabetes-related complications. Specific aspects of diabetes and its management, e.g. weight gain associated with initiation of insulin treatment or improved metabolic control, and dietary restraint, may trigger the body dissatisfaction and drive for thinness that accompany eating disturbances. Health care providers should be aware of the possible association between eating disturbances and diabetes, and also of the types of behavior, particularly insulin omission for weight loss, that are common in these young women. Therapy will depend on the severity of the eating disturbance. Group psychoeducation, incorporating a nondeprivational approach to eating, may prove effective, especially in those with milder degrees of eating and weight psychopathology.
Correlation between digital and physical world, case study in Thessaloniki

Abstract This study investigates the use of geo-referenced social media data for enhancing the transportation planning capabilities. A methodological framework is defined for the identification of the citizens’ mobility patterns using social media data, which consists of a number of check-in events that are made through the Facebook service and 1200 taxis’ floating car data for the city of Thessaloniki, during the period of February of 2016. Focus is paid on the derivation of taxi demand forecasting models using the number of check-in events through spatial statistic and analytical tools. The results illustrate the actual correlation of demand for taxis to the check-in events, while it is noted that models should take into account the temporal and spatial offset of the demand production to the check-in events. The results show that the correlation is better during the evening and night hours, since during the morning and afternoon most tips are homework based and people does not check-in at their place of work or at home.
A CMOS 180nm class-AB power amplifier with intergrated phase linearizer for BLE 4.0 achieving 11.5dB gain, 38.4% PAE and 20dBm OIP3

In this paper, the design of a low power consumption linear power amplifier (PA) for Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) application is presented. A passive linearizer is integrated at the input of the CMOS PA to nullify the effect of the Cgs capacitance thus improving the linearity and efficiency without trading-off the power gain and stability. The PA delivers more than 10dB power gain from 2.4GHz to 2.5GHz. At centre frequency of 2.45GHz, the PA exhibits gain of 11.5dB with corresponding PAE of 38.4% and maximum output power of 15dBm followed by OIP3 of 20.3dBm. This performance is achieved with supply voltage headroom of 1.8V. The proposed linearization scheme serves to be a good solution to improve the linear output power of a CMOS PA without trading off other critical parameters.
Eco-friendly IOT based waste segregation and management

In recent years collection and segregation of waste is the major challenge faced by all metropolitan cities worldwide, this is due to the rapid increase in population, industrialization and urbanization. There is lack of knowledge about segregation of waste at the domestic level. The major problems faced due to improper waste management include health hazards to human kind, environmental issues etc. Therefore leading to an unhealthy atmosphere to survive. Segregation of wastes at junk yards is a tedious and time consuming process hence recycling of wastes is not effectual. These drawbacks can be overcome by proper waste management at domestic level. The main objective of this paper is effective and efficient methods of waste collection and segregation at domestic level based on their nature of composition i.e. metal, plastic and biodegradable, the waste is stored accordingly in their respective segments of the dustbin.
A secondary syphilis rash with scaly target lesions

Abstract A 40-year-old man reported a 5-day history of fever and malaise, followed by a pruritic generalized rash. He had well-demarcated erythematous papules and plaques with scaling. The patient was diagnosed with secondary syphilis. The skin biopsy showed a psoriasiform lichenoid dermatitis with plasma cells. The anti-T. pallidum antibody confirmed the presence of spirochetes. He was also found to be hepatitis C virus and human immunodeficiency virus positive. The characteristic rash of secondary syphilis may appear as maculopapular, evolving initially from macules to small reddish-brown papules with minor scaling later. When the scaling is prominent, lesions can be difficult to differentiate from guttate psoriasis. Typical target lesions are most often associated with erythema multiforme, but they can rarely occur in secondary and congenital syphilis. Syphilis should be suspected in high-risk patients presenting a variety of atypical syndromes such as neurologic symptoms, uveitis or cholestatic hepatitis, especially if palmoplantar lesions are present.
Microelectrode study of the medial geniculate body in unanesthetized free-moving cats.

The behaviour of single units in the medial geniculate nucleus of the unanaesthetized unrestrained cat has much in common with that of units in auditory cortex, in terms of response categories and their relative proportions. The antero-posterior axis of the nucleus exhibits a very weak tonotopicity similar to that found in cortex. As in cortex, units responding to frequency change are often completely direction specific. On the other hand a high proportion of tone responsive units do so with inhibition. An apparently unique feature is the existence of ‘W-units’ which exhibit wide-band inhibitory response curves with a central region of excitation.
Perceived Strength and Identity of Foreign Accent in Swedish

Abstract We report three listening experiments focussing on the phonetic correlates of perceived foreignness and perceived strength of foreign accent in Swedish. In the first experiment, it is shown that accentedness can be reliably measured on the basis of a relatively short speech sample and that a statistical count of deviating pronunciations correlates significantly with subjective judgements of accentedness by linguistically naive listeners. The second experiment shows a significant correlation between number of deviant features and perceived accent strength and a significant correlation between judgements of degree of deviation and foreignness. Some features are associated with impressions of stronger accents than others, and some with perception of ‘Finnish’ accent. The third experiment establishes which combinations of deviant phonetic characteristics most strongly tend to give the impression of Finnish accent.
Differential Prognostic Impact of Strong PD-L1 Expression and 18F-FDG Uptake in Triple-negative Breast Cancer

Objectives: Triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC) is an aggressive disease and often associated with early distant metastases, which negate the role of adjuvant radiotherapy. We studied the clinical utility of programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) and other available factors in predicting clinical outcome in TNBC. Methods: Of the 539 patients with newly diagnosed TNBC between 2004 and 2011, we analyzed 117 patients who had both tumor samples which PD-L1 protein expression could be evaluated using immunohistochemistry and initial staging 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) data to find available immunologic or metabolic factors. Median follow-up duration was 53 months. Results: Strong PD-L1 expression was significantly associated with increased risk of recurrence along with tumor hypermetabolism. The systemic recurrence rate was significantly higher in the strong PD-L1 group than the weak PD-L1 group (35% vs. 11%; P=0.002); whereas there was no difference in locoregional failures (8% vs. 8%). Meanwhile, tumor hypermetabolism seemed to relate with an increase in overall recurrences (26% vs. 8%; P=0.019), not with specific type (locoregional, 9% vs. 3% [P=0.289]; systemic, 22% vs. 8% [P=0.051]). The relationship between PD-L1 expression and survival outcomes retained significance even after adjusting potential risk factors. Conclusions: PD-L1 and tumor metabolism might have role of predicting an increase in treatment failures. Especially, strong PD-L1 expression status was related to distant metastasis-dominant recurrence pattern which needs for intensive systemic therapy.
A flight-phase terrain following control strategy for stable and robust hopping of a one-legged robot under large terrain variations

This work demonstrates a simple, once per step, flight-control method for robots running on a planar unknown rough-terrain environment. The robot used to exemplify these control strategies is the ParkourBot, a spring loaded inverted pendulum (SLIP)-based robot. The SLIP model is widely used for the description of humans and animals running motion and has been the basis for many robots. A known control scheme for increasing robustness of the conservative, SLIP model is the swing leg retraction (SLR) method. Despite of the SLR’s popularity, it is not intended to be used on the more realistic, non-conservative damped SLIP model. On the damped SLIP model, the SLR controller failed to provide adequate results, therefore, we have derived a new simple, flight-phase control method called polynomial energy insertion (PEI). The new PEI method is based on the dead-beat solution of the damped simplified instantaneous SLIP (iSLIP) model, which assumes an infinitely stiff spring. Unlike the SLR which, starting from apex, changes the leg angle monotonically during flight, the PEI requires the leg length (hence, energy insertion) to change monotonically throughout the flight phase. Interestingly, the leg angle remains nearly constant. In simulations and experiments, we have compared the newly developed PEI to the previous SLR method. We have found that since the SLR does not control the horizontal velocity, it looses its stability under rough terrain. The PEI method was able to control the horizontal velocity and height from ground and hence showed great improvement in robustness to rough terrain. Moreover, in both simulations and experiments the PEI methods showed an increase in the mean jumps to failure of more than 30% compared to SLR-based controllers.
Clustering of time series using hybrid symbolic aggregate approximation

Clustering of time series is one of the best-known grand challenges in time series analysis because of its application potentialities and difficulty. It is like data clustering and the task of partitioning time series into several groups based on their similarities, such that time series in a cluster are similar and they are not similar to other clusters. In the last decade, symbolic aggregate approximation (SAX), which is a high-level symbolic representation for time series, has attracted the attention of many data mining researchers. SAX enables time series analysis to be applied to sequence mining techniques. In this study, we propose a new approach for clustering time series that utilizes a moving average convergence divergence (MACD)-histogram-based SAX (MHSAX) and the k-medoids method. MHSAX is a hybrid symbolic aggregate approximation combining the SAX strings of a time series and its MACD histogram. By utilizing MHSAX, we can calculate the more accurate distance between time series compared with other approaches. This improves the affinity with the k-medoids method and improves the accuracy of clustering. We actually implemented the proposed clustering method and conducted experiments using the whole UCR Time Series Archive data sets. The experimental results show that the proposed method is superior to other state-of-the-art methods.
Dynamical analysis and development of a biologically inspired SMA caterpillar robot

With the goal of robustly designing and fabricating a soft robot based on a caterpillar featuring shape memory alloy (SMA) actuators, analytical and numerical models for a soft robot were created based on the forward crawling motion of the Manduca sexta caterpillar. The analytical model features a rod theory and the mechanics of undulation were analyzed using a motion pattern based on the ‘Witch of Agnesi’ curve. Complementing these models, experiments on a SMA actuator sample were performed in order to determine its flexural rigidity and curvature as a function of the actuation voltage. A series of these actuators can be modeled as a system of rigid bodies connected by torsional springs. As these bodies are actuated according to the motion pattern based on the individual caterpillar segments, ground contact forces are calculated and analyzed to determine the requirements of successful forward locomotion. The energetics of the analytical and numerical models are then compared and discussed.