Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fabrication of High-Performance Bridged-Grain Polycrystalline Silicon TFTs by Laser Interference Lithography

In this paper, bridged-grain (BG) low-temperature polycrystalline silicon thin-film transistors (TFTs) were fabricated. The periodic submicrometer BG structures were patterned using a maskless and large-area applicable laser interference lithography (LIL) technology, which was able to minimize extra manufacture costs of BG structures. Compared with conventional metal-induced crystallized (MIC) poly-Si TFTs, the BG-MIC TFTs involving the LIL technology exhibited reduced threshold voltage and subthreshold swing, improved ON-OFF current ratio, and suppressed leakage current and kink effect. Since the exposure energy density is one of key parameters for LIL, its relationship with device electrical performance was further investigated. It was found that when the exposure energy density was in the vicinity of 60 mJ/cm2, these BG-MIC TFTs could perform optimally without device uniformity degradation.
Efficacy Outcome Selection in the Therapeutic Hypothermia After Pediatric Cardiac Arrest Trials*

Objectives: The Therapeutic Hypothermia After Pediatric Cardiac Arrest trials will determine whether therapeutic hypothermia improves survival with good neurobehavioral outcome, as assessed by the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales Second Edition, in children resuscitated after cardiac arrest in the in-hospital and out-of-hospital settings. We describe the innovative efficacy outcome selection process during Therapeutic Hypothermia After Pediatric Cardiac Arrest protocol development. Design/Setting: Consensus assessment of potential outcomes and evaluation timepoints. Interventions: None. Measurements and Main Results: We evaluated practical and technical advantages of several follow-up timepoints and continuous/categorical outcome variants. Simulations estimated power assuming varying hypothermia benefit on mortality and on neurobehavioral function among survivors. Twelve months after arrest was selected as the optimal assessment timepoint for pragmatic and clinical reasons. Change in Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales Second Edition from prearrest level, measured as quasicontinuous with death and vegetative status being worst-possible levels, yielded optimal statistical power. However, clinicians preferred simpler multicategorical or binary outcomes because of easier interpretability and favored outcomes based solely on postarrest status because of concerns about accurate parental assessment of prearrest status and differing clinical impact of a given Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales Second Edition change depending on prearrest status. Simulations found only modest power loss from categorizing or dichotomizing quasicontinuous outcomes because of high expected mortality. The primary outcome selected was survival with 12-month Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales Second Edition no less than two SD below a reference population mean (70 points), necessarily evaluated only among children with prearrest Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales Second Edition greater than or equal to 70. Two secondary efficacy outcomes, 12-month survival and quasicontinuous Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales Second Edition change from prearrest level, will be evaluated among all randomized children, including those with compromised function prearrest. Conclusions: Extensive discussion of optimal efficacy assessment timing, and of the advantages versus drawbacks of incorporating prearrest status and using quasicontinuous versus simpler outcomes, was highly beneficial to the final Therapeutic Hypothermia After Pediatric Cardiac Arrest design. A relatively simple, binary primary outcome evaluated at 12 months was selected, with two secondary outcomes that address the potential disadvantages of primary outcome.
Adaptive Process Distribution at the Edge of IoT using the Integration of BPMS and Containerization

Emerging cloud-centric Internet of Things (IoT) system relies on distant data centers to manage the entire processes, which raises the issue of latency. To address the issue, researchers have introduced the Edge computing methodologies that carry out computation closer to the edge network of IoT system. Among the numerous Edge computing approaches, Mist computing paradigm emphasises the mechanism that moves the computation further to the front-end IoT devices. Although the architecture of Mist computing is promising, it raises a new challenge in how the Business Process Management System for IoT (BPMS4IoT) distributes the business process workflow to the heterogeneous IoT devices? In general, executing business process workflows relies on the common platform for executing customized tasks. For example, if the management server defines a Python script task in a workflow, which has been allocated to an IoT device, the workflow engine of the IoT device must have the compatible execution method. Such a requirement is less flexible when one considers the heterogeneity of the IoT devices. Therefore, in this thesis, the author proposes a framework to decouple the workflow task execution method from the workflow engines using the containerization technology. A proof-of-concept prototype has been developed and has been tested on several single-board computers-based IoT devices. Further, a case study has been performed to demonstrate the performance of the proposed framework comparing to the cloud-centric system.
Cochlear Implantation in Children with Anomalous Cochleovestibular Anatomy

Objective. To determine the influence of inner ear dysplasia on both surgical and audiologic outcomes following pediatric cochlear implant (CI) surgery. Data Sources. MEDLINE (1982-2009) and data from Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary. Review Methods. A systematic review of the literature was performed. Variables assessed included age at implantation, duration of CI use, radiologic and operative findings, and speech perception outcome data. Results. The initial search yielded 1326 articles. Including data from our own study, twenty-two fulfilled criteria for inclusion, representing 311 patients. Data for bilateral implants were recorded only for the first implant. Data on simultaneous bilateral implants were not recorded. The most common anomaly seen was large vestibular aqueduct (89/311 or 29%). When comparing patients with mild-moderate or severe dysplasia, rates of cerebrospinal fluid gusher were 31% versus 35% (odds ratio [OR] = 0.50), anomalous facial nerve anatomy was seen in 11% versus 51% (OR = 0.15), and postoperative speech perception abilities were found in 84% versus 54% (OR = 1.93), respectively. A large heterogeneity was found among studies regarding all outcome measures. Conclusion. Although we found that severe inner ear dysplasia was associated with increased surgical difficulty and lower speech perception, the lack of uniformity in published clinical data limited the strength of these results. Standardization of surgical and radiologic reporting as well as more consistent speech perception testing is needed to better determine the association between anomalous cochleovestibular anatomy and clinical outcomes.
Uso de competiciones y sistemas de clasificación como metodología de evaluación de una asignatura

En este articulo describimos nuestra experiencia en el uso de una metodologia de ensenanza activa y participativa orientada al aprendizaje de tecnicas de Inteligencia Artificial entre los estudiantes de Informatica. En concreto describimos una aproximacion basada en competiciones para evaluar las practicas de los alumnos y un conjunto de herramientas desarrollado para el apoyo de esta metodologia. Esta experiencia nos muestra que las competiciones como parte del metodo de evaluacion incrementan la motivacion de los alumnos y proporcionan un mecanismo para que el alumno demuestre sus habilidades, sus proyectos, comparta sus intereses y pueda compararse con otros. Asi mismo, presentamos los resultados obtenidos en las encuestas realizadas a los alumnos sobre el uso de las competiciones, asi como un experimento que analiza la correlacion entre las notas reales obtenidas por los alumnos en las practicas y la posicion alcanzada en la competicion.
Economic impact of prescribing error prevention with computerized physician order entry of injectable antineoplastic drugs

A cost–benefit analysis was carried out to determine the potential economic costs and benefits of pharmaceutical analysis in preventing prescribing errors for full standardized injectable antineoplastic drugs computerized physician order entry, in a pharmaceutical unit (University teaching hospital), compared with theoretical setting with no pharmaceutical analysis. The viewpoint is that of the payer or the French national Public Health Insurance system, and is limited to hospital cost (only direct medical costs related to net cost and net benefit. A decision analysis model was performed to compare two strategies: with pharmaceutical analysis (±pharmacy intervention) and without pharmaceutical analysis. Results are expressed in terms of benefit-to-cost ratio and total benefit. The robustness of the results was assessed through a series of one-way sensitivity analyses. Over 1 year, prescribing error incidence was estimated at 1.5% [1.3–1.7], i.e. 218 avoided prescribing errors. Potential avoidance of hospital stay was estimated at 419 days or 1.9 ± 0.3 days per prescribing error. Cost–benefit analysis could estimate a net benefit-to-cost ratio of 33.3 (€17.34/€0.52) and a total benefit at €16.82 per pharmaceutical analysis or €249,844 per year. The sensitivity analysis showed robustness of results. Our study shows a substantial economic benefit of pharmaceutical analysis and intervention in the prevention of prescribing errors. The clinical pharmacist adds both value and economic benefit, making it possible to avoid additional use of expensive antineoplastic drugs and hospitalization. Computerized physician order entry of antineoplastic drugs improves the relevance of clinical pharmacist interventions, expanding pharmaceutical analysis and also the role of the pharmacist.
SNP Genotyping using Sequenom MassARRAY 7K Platform

Many high‐throughput single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping technologies are currently available. The method for SNP genotyping described in this unit is based on the commercially available Sequenom MassARRAY platform which offers several attractive features for users desiring an accurate SNP genotyping assay. The assay described is based on primer extension and offers two levels of specificity. First a locus‐specific PCR reaction takes place, followed by a locus‐specific primer extension reaction (homogeneous Mass Extend, or hME assay) in which an oligonucleotide primer anneals immediately upstream of the polymorphic site being genotyped. The extension of the primer is according to the sequence of the variant site and can be a single complementary base or a series of complementary bases. Through the use of MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry, the mass of the extended primer is determined. The preparation of probe and genomic DNA is also described in this unit.
Human Dialogue Modelling Using Annotated Corpora

We describe two major dialogue system segments: first we describe a Dialogue Manager which uses a representation of stereotypical dialogue patterns that we call Dialogue Action Frames and which, we believe, generate strong and novel constraints on later access to incomplete dialogue topics. Secondly, an analysis module that learns to assign dialogue acts from corpora, but on the basis of limited quantities of data, and up to what seems to be some kind of limit on this task, a fact we also discuss.
A neural network inversion of the DART model to retrieve Norway spruce LAI at a very high spatial resolution

Leaf Area Index (LAI) is a key input parameter in many eco-physiological and climate models. Therefore, the development of methods to accurately and timely retrieve LAI over large areas is essential to fully understand the Earth system. The inversion of radiative transfer models is a “universal” method to retrieve LAI from remotely sensed images because it is independent from the study area and the sampling conditions. In this paper, we study the potential of the 3D Discrete Anisotropic Radiative Transfer (DART) model to retrieve the LAI of a Norway spruce forest stand. An extensive airborne/field campaign was carried out in September 2004 to acquire AISA Eagle VNIR hyperspectral images (pixel size of 0.4 m) and to collect ground truth data for the image pre-processing, DART parameterization and validation of the LAI estimations. Because DART is a complex and computationally demanding model, it was first run in direct mode to build a large dataset of possible canopy realizations. Then, a relatively simple two-layer feed forward backpropragation neural network was trained using the simulated DART top of canopy reflectances and a priori information on canopy closure. Finally, the LAI inversion was performed over the radiometrically and atmospherically corrected AISA Eagle images by using a sliding window whose size matches the extent of the DART modelled forest scenes. Results indicate that the inversion of the DART model to retrieve the LAI of complex Norway spruce canopies using ANN is a promising tool. Nevertheless, the approach still has to be improved in case of very high spatial resolution images.
Analyse conjointe texte et image pour la caractérisation de films d'animation. (text and image information fusion for animated movie characterization)

These last years, the fast development of new technologies allows digital media collections and the circulation of these data growing in size and number. However, the exploitation of these data remains a whole problem and creates a strong requirement for e cient tools to manipulate it. The current trend is in search of automatic indexing technique, based on semantic document contents. In the context of Annecy International Animation Film Festival the animated movie characterization presented in our works consists in information fusion between information contained in the animated movie images, textual information extracted from festival registration form and the expert knowledge. This information fusion uses color statistics and activity measure extracted from automatic image sequence analysis and uses textual description and emotion measure from automatic textual analysis. Two characterizations are provided from this information fusion. A rst global characterization consists in a dramatic emotion classi cation and a second local characterization consists in the time-localized action description from the actant scenario. Mots clefs : Caractérisation de lms, cinéma d'animation, analyse d'images, analyse de textes, Extraction d'information, scénario actanciel, fusion d'information, système de fusion ou.
Embryonic Chicken Skeletal Muscle Cells Fail to Develop Normal Excitation-Contraction Coupling in the Absence of the α Ryanodine Receptor

Two ryanodine receptor (RyR), sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release channels, α and β, co-exist in chicken skeletal muscles. To investigate a two-RyR Ca2+ release system, we compared electrically evoked Ca2+ transients in Crooked Neck Dwarf (cn/cn) cultured muscle cells, which do not make αRyR, and normal (+/? ) cells. At day 3 in culture, Ca2+ release in +/? cells required extracellular Ca2+ (Ca2+o), and Ca2+ transients had slow kinetics. At day 5, Ca2+ release was Ca2+o-independent in 40% of the cells, and transients were more rapid. By day 7, all +/? cells had Ca2+o-independent Ca2+ release. Contractions were observed in +/? cells on all days. Ca2+ transients were observed in cn/cn cells on days 3, 5, and 7, but in each case they were Ca2+o-dependent and exhibited slow kinetics. Localized vesiculations, not contractions, occurred in cn/cn cells. By day 10, Ca2+ transients were no longer observed in cn/cn cells even in Ca2+o. Sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ was not depleted, as caffeine induced Ca2+ transients. Thus, in the absence of αRyR there is a failure to develop Ca2+o-independent Ca2+ release and contractions and to sustain Ca2+o-dependent release. Moreover, contributions by the αRyR cannot be duplicated by the βRyR alone.
Trials of Antidiabetic Drugs in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Proceed with Caution?

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder with limited therapeutic options. Clinical trials of several drugs shown to be effective in the superoxide dismutase (SOD1) model of ALS have shown no or negative effects when tested in humans. Here we discuss the role of pioglitazone, a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ agonist, which failed to show efficacy in a recently published phase II clinical trial of ALS patients. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of pioglitazone make it an attractive therapeutic candidate for neurodegenerative disorders. However, its antidiabetic and antidyslipidemic effects might be detrimental, as emerging evidence suggests that some features of the metabolic syndrome may be protective in ALS. A number of clinical studies show that dyslipidemia, high body mass index, and possibly diabetes mellitus type 2 are associated with better clinical outcomes in ALS. This is further corroborated by studies on transgenic animal models and immortalized neuronal cell lines. Finally, the intricate interplay between glucose/lipid metabolism and susceptibility to oxidative damage in neurons warrants a judicious approach in further trials of antidiabetic drugs in ALS.
A novel bidirectional DC-DC converter with high power efficiency for isolation in high voltage DC power feeding systems

Recently, the high voltage DC feeding system has been researched and developed to save electrical energy and to make use of the green energy from the solar cell, wind turbine and so forth. This paper presents a novel high efficiency DC-DC converter for isolation in high voltage DC feeding systems. The prototype 4.0kW bidirectional DC-DC converter has been made and tested. As a result, in the forward and regenerative operation modes, the maximum power efficiency over is 98.4% and the regulation degree of the output voltage is within 2% under the output power condition from 0.1kW to 4.0kW.
On using Schmitt trigger for digital logic

This paper looks at a classical CMOS NOR-2 gate as well as Schmitt trigger (ST) versions, when the transistors are sized conventionally and unconventionally. ST gates exhibit positive feedback leading to better static noise margins (SNMs), hence less sensitive to noises (i.e., more reliable). The ST concept has lately been used for SRAM cells, with a few papers targeting digital logic. Here we explore the whole voltage and performance range, characterizing SNM, power, delay, and power-delay-product of ST NOR-2 gates, with the aim of getting a better understanding of their advantages for digital logic.
Accumulation of hypointense lesions ("black holes") on T1 spin-echo MRI correlates with disease progression in multiple sclerosis

MRI findings are increasingly used as outcome measures in therapeutic trials in MS.The discrepancy between the extent of the lesions on conventional T2 images and the clinical condition of the patient is one of the problems encountered in such studies. This clinical-radiological paradox prevents the use of MRI data as surrogate markers of disability in MS. A recent pilot study suggested a relationship between hypointense lesions on T1 MRI and disability. To assess in more detail the correlation of changes in hypointense lesion load on T1-weighted spin-echo MR images ("black holes") with changes in disability in MS, we studied 46 patients with clinically definite MS at baseline and after a median follow-up of 40 months. There was a significant correlation between baseline disability and hypointense lesion load (Spearman rank correlation coefficient [SRCC] = 0.46, p = 0.001). In secondary progressive patients, the rate of accumulation of these "black holes" was significantly related to progression rate (SRCC = 0.81, p < 0.0001). We speculate that the appearance of hypointense lesions is the MRI equivalent of a failure of remission. Overall, T1 lesion load measurements correlated better with clinical assessments than T2 lesion load measurements. Quantification of hypointense lesion load on T (1-weighted) spin-echo MRI helps to resolve the clinical-radiological paradox between disability and MRI and has the potential to be a surrogate marker of disability in MS. NEUROLOGY 1996;47: 1469-1476
Particle acceleration in a transient magnetic reconnection event

Context. In the present paper, we investigate particle acceleration by direct electric field in solar flares. Aims. Proton and electron kinetics are considered based on MHD simulations of magnetic reconnection, with the aim of determining the properties of accelerated particles in a time-dependent reconnecting event model. Methods. At first, we considered several two-dimensional numerical models of forced reconnection in the initially force-free Harris current sheet. The electric and magnetic fields from these models were then used to study proton and electron motion with the guiding centre, test particle approach. Results. It is shown that protons and electrons can be accelerated to very high energies up to tens of MeV in the present model. The energy spectra for both particle species are combinations of exponential and rather hard power-law shapes. Also, protons and electrons are ejected from the CS in different directions.
A Novel Metabolite, an Oxepin Formed from Cannabidiol with Guinea‐pig Hepatic Microsomes

The metabolic formation of an oxepin derivative, 3‐pentyl‐6, 7, 7a, 8, 9, 11a‐hexahydro‐1, 7‐dihydroxy‐7, 10‐dimethyldibenzo‐[b,d]‐oxepin, from cannabidiol was studied in‐vitro using guinea‐pig hepatic microsomes.
Development of a wideband and inclined polarized cavity backed slot antenna using SIW structure

This paper presents a broadband, dual-polarized substrate integrated waveguide cavity-backed slot antenna. In this design, high-order cavity resonances are used to generate arbitrary levels of inclined linear polarization. The antenna can provide an adjustable inclined linearly polarized with an aspect ratio of Ex/Ey ranging from 0.11 to 0.69. The proposed antenna provides fractional impedance bandwidth of 11% with at least front-to-back ratio of 10 dB in broadside direction and a relative gain of 6 dBi at most of the operating impedance bandwidth. The antenna structure is numerically evaluated using High Frequency Structure Simulator and results including reflection coefficient, axial ratio, and radiation patterns are reported.
Chemical composition, antimicrobial and antifungal activities of essential oils of the leaves of Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa growing in Egypt

The essential oil obtained by hydrodistillation of Aegle marmelos (L.)Correa leaves were analyzed by GC/MS yield (0.9% v/w). Twenty seven components were identified representing 97.76 % of the total oil composition. The major components were α-phellenderene (20.97%), α-pinene (17.76%) and δ-carene (16.37%) and other abundant components as γ-cadinene (8.01%), trans-2-hydroxycinnmic acid (6.85%) and β-myrcene (4.32%). The essential oil exhibited significant antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria as Streptococcus faecalis with inhibition zone (30 mm) and Gram-negative bacteria as Pseudomonas aeruginosa (28 mm). Moreover, moderate activity was observed against Bacillus subtilis (23 mm), Staphylococcus aureus (23 mm), Sarcina lutea (20 mm), Arthrobacter citreus (20 mm) and Escherichia coli (25 mm) in comparison with antibiotics. The antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger (30 mm) and Candida albicans (30 mm) was higher than the antifungal antibiotics. Moreover, the oil inhibited the germination of Aspergillus niger and Fusarium oxysporum spores at different concentrations.