Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Natural History of Lymphatic Malformation Progression in Children: A Retrospective Study

Background/Objectives: Lymphatic malformation (LM) is a challenging lifetime disorder that can significantly impact children’s lives, and a key challenge in management is knowing when interventions might be appropriate. The purpose of this study was to determine (i) natural progression of complications associated with lymphatic malformations during childhood and adolescence, (ii) risk factors associated with complications, and (iii) whether early intervention decreases LM complication rates in adolescents or young adults.Methods: Pediatric patients with LMs of soft tissue and integument were included in the study. Clinical records were reviewed for demographic data, progression, and interventions.Results: The study comprised 293 pediatric patients (<20 years of age), including 157 females and 136 males. The delayed diagnosis of LM at an older age was associated with higher risk of complication (p<0.0001). The odds ratios of complications for patients between 5-10; 10-15; and 15-20 years of age vs. those between 0-5 years of age was 1.81 (95% confidence interval: 0.97-3.40); 0.83 (95% confidence interval: 0.38-1.82) and 2.08 (95% confidence interval: 0.71-6.11), respectively. In the multivariate analysis, the odds ratio of complications between patients with no treatment vs. those with treatment was statistically significant at 2.82 (95% confidence interval: 1.42-5.63). Conclusions: In this study, we found a trend of increased complication rates in children over the age of 5 compared to early childhood between birth and 5 years of age. Delayed diagnosis at an older age therefore associates with significant risk of complication. This is also consistent with the finding that patients who did not receive treatment were nearly three times as likely to experience complications compared to patients who received an intervention before 20 years of age.
Quantifying Inefficiency in Incomplete Asset Markets

Fixing a risky intertemporal, interagent consumption profile, its "social cost" is the total willingness to pay for smoothing everyone's consumption. It decomposes into a "micro cost" capturing the inefficiency in the distribution of total consumption, risky as it is, and a "macro cost" capturing the marginal benefit of eliminating the risk in total consumption, once efficiently redistributed. We consider the risk that between youth and middle age a person experiences income mobility and the consequent income inequality, and how savings mitigate this risk. US panel data estimates a consumption profile, for which we compute the costs. Social cost is 10-14% of total youth consumption for CRRA parameters 1.25-3.5. Of this, 98-99% is the micro cost and only 1-2% the macro cost. The micro cost is approximately computed for a general consumption profile. The best approximations eschew marginal rates of substitution; turn out simple, increasing functions of the allocation's failure to solve the classical social program involving a weighted welfare function; are accurate in the calibrated economy.
Deterministic Control Strategy for a Hybrid Hydraulic System with Intermediate Pressure Line

The paper introduces a new hydraulic system for mobile machines based on a constant pressure system with the aim to increase the efficiency of actuation of hydraulic cylinders. Using a third pressure level located between high pressure and tank pressure called intermediate pressure the system enables additional pressure potentials from high pressure to intermediate pressure and from intermediate pressure to tank pressure. This reduces throttle losses at hydraulic cylinders when driven at low or medium loads. An accumulator connected to the intermediate pressure line is being charged or discharged in function of which pressure potential is currently used. Due to the discrete pressure potentials of the system a control strategy is required which reduces throttle losses at the proportional valves and allows maximum recuperation of potential energy. Best results can be obtained if the future loads on the cylinders are predictable. For this reason a Model Predictive Control (MPC) was developed for a wheel loader which was used as a reference system. By using its specific geometric properties the MPC allows a precise load prediction as a function of the piston’s position. Using the criteria of Bellman, an analytic online calculation of the optimum sequence of pressure potentials and their durations for one complete cylinder stroke can be effectuated using Dynamic Programming. This leads to a deterministic algorithm which is easy to handle and which can be implemented into an online control loop of the wheel loader. The paper furthermore shows how an optimal switching sequence and the optimal accumulator parameters can be found offline using multi objective optimization and closes with simulation results showing an increase of efficiency of 13% compared to a LS system at the example of a typical duty cycle of a wheel loader.
Action Prevents Error Predictive Processing without Active Inference

According to predictive processing, minds relentlessly aim at a single goal: prediction error minimization. Prediction error minimization is said to explain everything the mind does, from perception to cognition to action. Here I focus on action. ‘Active inference’ is the standard approach to action in predictive processing. According to active inference, as it has been developed by Friston and collaborators, action ensues when proprioceptive predictions generate prediction error at the motor periphery, and classical reflex arcs engage to quash the error. In this paper, I raise a series of problems for active inference. I then offer an alternative approach on which action prevents error, rather than quash it. I argue that the action prevents error approach solves all the problems raised for active inference. In addition, I show how the alternative approach can be independently motivated by further commitments of predictive processing and that it is compatible with other prominent approaches to sensorimotor psychology, such as optimal feedback control. Keywords
Variations in behavioural patterns between Lemur catta groups living in different forest types: implications for conservation

Implementing effective primate conservation strategies requires knowledge of species’ ecological and behavioural parameters. The protection of all habitat types required for preserving viable dispersion and gene flow between disparate populations necessitates a thorough understanding of the behavioural flexibility of a species. Ring-tailed lemurs Lemur catta inhabit a plethora of habitats throughout southern Madagascar but, hitherto, research has been restricted primarily to riverine gallery forests. The present study presents comparative data on the activity budgets and foraging behaviour of 2 L. catta groups living in different habitats at Berenty Reserve, Madagascar. Data were collected for 2 mo on groups living in a xerophytic spiny forest and a riverine gallery forest. The spiny forest group spent significantly more time in inactive behaviours compared with the gallery forest group. This strategy of apparent energy minimization allows L. catta to thermoregulate despite decreased water availability and high ambient temperatures. The spiny forest group spent significantly more time feeding on small fruits of succulent trees, which we associate with the group’s significantly higher rate of feeding agonism compared with the gallery forest group. These results demonstrate the high behavioural and ecological flexibility of L. catta, suggesting that xerophytic spiny forests might be a vital habitat type for L. catta conservation efforts. Future research should advance knowledge of the resources needed to sustain L. catta populations in other xerophytic spiny forests.
Structuring of turbulence and its impact on basic features of Ekman boundary layers

Abstract. The turbulent Ekman boundary layer (EBL) has been studied in a large number of theoretical, laboratory and modeling works since F. Nansen's observations during the Norwegian Polar Expedition 1893–1896. Nevertheless, the proposed analytical models, analysis of the EBL instabilities, and turbulence-resolving numerical simulations are not fully consistent. In particular, the role of turbulence self-organization into longitudinal roll vortices in the EBL and its dependence on the meridional component of the Coriolis force remain unclear. A new set of large-eddy simulations (LES) are presented in this study. LES were performed for eight different latitudes (from 1° N to 90° N) in the domain spanning 144 km in the meridional direction. Geostrophic winds from the west and from the east were used to drive the development of EBL turbulence. The emergence and growth of longitudinal rolls in the EBL was simulated. The simulated rolls are in good agreement with EBL stability analysis given in Dubos et al. (2008). The destruction of rolls in the westerly flow at low latitude was observed in simulations, which agrees well with the action of secondary instability on the rolls in the EBL. This study quantifies the effect of the meridional component of the Coriolis force and the effect of rolls in the EBL on the internal EBL parameters such as friction velocity, cross-isobaric angle, parameters of the EBL depth and resistance laws. A large impact of the roll development or destruction is found. The depth of the EBL in the westerly flow is about five times less than it is in the easterly flow at low latitudes. The EBL parameters, which depend on the depth, also exhibit large difference in these two types of the EBL. Thus, this study supports the need to include the horizontal component of the Coriolis force into theoretical constructions and parameterizations of the boundary layer in models.
Experimental Research Perceptions of Visual Product Appearances

The designer plays a main role in exploring an effective data collection technique in market research perceptions of visual product appearances. The understanding of how objects are perceived by users in the design process is important for company in producing an enjoyable and successful object. The way to achieve this is through the implementation of an efficient market research method conducted as part of new product development. Mostly market research conducted may result in abstract outcomes, whether verbally or numerically based, rather than visual outcomes. Thus, the need for an effective method of researching and describing the social and emotional impact of designed objects on consumer’s life will increase the sales of the company. As marketing competition increases, competing companies explore their design development and the effectiveness of marketing research methods impact on consumer choices. Regarding this aspect, the role of designers is crucial, and important in determining an alternative method to discover the way users perceive and evaluate their products. This paper explores an analysis of existing methods in related disciplines and provides guidelines in formulating and extending the technique. Finally, suggestions are made as a way forward in developing an efficient market research data collection technique in research perceptions of visual product appearances.
An Improved MPPT Algorithm for PV Generation Applications Based on P-U Curve Reconstitution

The output power of PV array changes with the variation of environmental factors, such as temperature and solar irradiation. Therefore, a maximum power point (MPP) tracking (MPPT) algorithm is essential for the photovoltaic generation system. However, the P-U curve changes dynamically with the variation of the environmental factors; here, the misjudgment may occur if a simple perturb-and-observe (P&O) MPPT algorithm is used. In order to solve this problem, this paper takes MPPT as the main research object, and an improved MPPT algorithm for PV generation applications based on P-U curve reconstitution is proposed. Firstly, the mathematical model of PV array is presented, and then the output dynamic characteristics are analyzed. Based on this, a P-U curve reconstitution strategy is introduced, and the improved MPPT algorithm is proposed. At last, simulation and comparative analysis are conducted. Results show that, with the proposed algorithm, MPP is tracked accurately, and the misjudgment problem is solved effectively.
Mechanical Properties of Nanocomposite

The effect of microstructure on thermal stability and mechanical properties of co-sputtered deposited Zr-W- B-N thin films on Si (100) substrates have been studied in detail. The power density of boron target has been varied from 0.1 to 7.5 W/cm2 to obtained films of varying microstructure. It was found that there were a lot of dislocations and twins generated in the composite. The process of dislocation or twin generation can dissipate much fracture energy and then increase the fracture toughness.
Pinning down the concept of “interface” in bilingualism

The ‘Interface Hypothesis’ (IH) was put forward by Sorace and colleagues as an attempt to account for patterns of non-convergence and residual optionality found at very advanced stages of adult second (L2)acquisition. The IH originally proposed that language structures involving an interface between syntax and other cognitive domains are less likely to be acquired completely than structures that do not involve this interface. At the same time, the IH was extended to bilingual first language (L1) acquisition and to the very early stages of L1 attrition, which exhibit optionality in precisely the same structures: this provides a unifying framework for the study of bilingual language development. This paper selectively reviews the research on the IH, addressing some common misinterpretations and outlining the most recent interdisciplinary developments.
EMTDC Assessment of a New Type of VSC for Back to Back HVdc Interconnections

A new type of voltage source converter is described based on the reinjection of dc. voltage pulses into the main series connected bridges via the d.c side neutral point. This configuration produces a 36-pulse voltage waveform at the converter side of the interface transformers. The paper analy- ses the steady state and dynamic performance of the scheme when applied to a back to back HVdc interconnection.
Leakage from gravity currents in a porous medium. Part 2. A line sink

We consider the propagation of a buoyancy-driven gravity current in a porous medium bounded by a horizontal, impermeable boundary. The current is fed by a constant flux injected at a point and leaks through a line sink at a distance from the injection point. This is an idealized model of how a fault in a cap rock might compromise the geological sequestration of carbon dioxide. The temporal evolution of the efficiency of storage, defined as the instantaneous ratio of the rate at which fluid is stored without leaking to the rate at which it is injected, is of particular interest. We show that the ‘efficiency of storage’ decays like t−2/5 for times t that are long compared with the time taken for the current to reach the fault. This algebraic decay is in contrast to the case of leakage through a circular sink (Neufeld et al., J. Fluid Mech., vol. 2010) where the efficiency of storage decays more slowly like 1/lnt. The implications of the predicted decay in the efficiency of storage are discussed in the context of geological sequestration of carbon dioxide. Using parameter values typical of the demonstration project at Sleipner, Norway, we show that the efficiency of storage should remain greater than 90% on a time scale of millennia, provided that there are no significant faults in the cap rock within about 12km of the injection site.
Internet use and opinion formation in countries with different ICT contexts

Use of the internet has become central to social, civic and economic participation in many societies. Countries with early adopters and skilled users are clearly advantaged in comparison to those whose population remains disengaged. A positive public opinion about the internet and technologies can therefore be a major asset to the development and competitiveness of a country on the world stage. It remains unclear to which extent the processes through which public opinion about the internet is formed are similar around the world. World Internet Project data from Chile, the US and the UK are used to model the processes behind opinion formation in countries which are at different stages of development in terms of internet infrastructure and policy making. The findings show that socio-economic factors are more important in countries at the beginning of the diffusion curve, while individual skills and self-efficacy are more important in countries that are further developed. A proactive digital inclusion policy, as found in the UK, seems to achieve a reduction in the importance of skills and economics but cannot diminish the effects of socialization and exposure to ICTs.
The supplier industry in transition - the new geography of auto production

On April 18 and 19, 2006, the Chicago Fed held a conference at its Detroit Branch to examine the ongoing structural changes in the U.S. auto industry. As suppliers play an increasingly central role in auto production, it has become crucial for carmakers to have a strong relationship with their supply base.
Is Interleukin 1α a Luteotropic or Luteolytic Agent in Cattle

Cytokines are thought to regulate prostaglandin (PG) secretion in the bovine endometrium. However, there is no consensus about the role of interleukin-1 a (IL1A) on PG secretion. The objective of this study was to examine the inﬂuence of IL1A on basal and interferon- t (IFNT)-regulated PG in vitro secretion, as well its effects on PG secretion, progesterone (P 4 ) output, and corpus luteum (CL) in vivo lifespan. Explants of bovine endometrium (days 16–17 of the estrous cycle or early pregnancy) were stimulated with IL1A (10 ng/ml), IFNT (30 ng/ml), or IL1A combined with IFN. IL1A alone strongly stimulated luteotrophic PGE 2 secretion by endometrial tissues of both pregnant and nonpregnant cows. IL1A also stimulated luteolytic PGF 2 a output in the late luteal phase. IFNTaugmented the stimulatory effect of IL1A on PGE 2 secretion. In an in vivo experiment, saline or IL1A at different doses (0.001–10 m g/per animal) was applied to the uterine lumen on day 16 of the cycle. Only the highest dose of IL1A caused a temporal increase in PGF 2 a secretion, while it had no effect on P 4 secretion or CL lifespan. Application of 0.1 and 1 m g IL1A stimulated P 4 and PGE 2 output and prolonged the CL lifespan. Although IL1A may stimulate in vitro luteolytic PGF 2 a secretion during the estrous cycle, it onlyacts as a luteotrophic factor in vivo . IL1A increased luteotrophic PGE 2 and P 4 output, inhibiting spontaneous luteolysis. These luteotrophic effects may result in appropriate luteal development and function in cows during the estrous cycle and early pregnancy.
Scanning X-ray micro-fluorescence study of hydrogels as a matrix for the immobilization of redox enzymes

Introduction The work presented in this paper contributes to a research project in which electrode surfaces are modified with redox enzymes using improved immobilization techniques, such as their incorporation into a biocompatible matrix. Such systems have their importance, amongst other fields, in the development of bioelectrochemical devices (e.g. biosensors). The embedding matrix, under investigation is gelatin, an example of a physically cross-linked hydrogel. The enzyme containing biolayers, which are deposited onto the electrode surfaces, are studied by performing scanning micro-XRF experiments at beamline L of the Doris III storage ring. These measurements are based on the excitation of the metal ion present in the enzyme. By constructing elemental maps based on the scanning micro-XRF measurements, emphasis is placed on the investigation of the uniformity or homogeneity of the deposited film on a 40 μm scale. In addition, a comparison with a pure standard foil of the element under study provides quantitative information of the surface coverage. The obtained results were normalized with the ionization chamber readout in order to construct the elemental maps and to perform the calculations with the fundamental parameter method.
Capturing time-varying brain dynamics

The human brain is a complex network of interacting nonstationary subsystems, whose complicated spatial–temporal dynamics is still poorly understood. Deeper insights can be gained from recent improvements of time-series-analysis techniques to assess strength and direction of interactions together with methodologies for deriving and characterizing evolving networks from empirical time series. We here review these developments, and by taking the example of evolving epileptic brain networks, we discuss the progress that has been made in capturing and understanding brain dynamics that varies on time scales ranging from seconds to years.
Modified Social Benches: Exploring the Role of Aesthetic Interaction to Placemaking

This paper discusses some aesthetic and social aspects thatinvolve interactions withurban art installations. The aim is to better understand how, and to what extent, aesthetic interactions with art installations can transform an urban space into a place. The discus- sion is based on a case study of the Modified Social Benches , a series of outdoor, interactive artworks that provide different types of bodily engagement, social encounters and aes- thetic experiences. A detailed empiricalanalysis is carried out, emphasising the social roles around the installations as well as the most salient aspects regarding the bodily, the spatial and the experiential qualities of the interactions. The results suggest that urban installations affording playful, action-oriented and sensorimotor encounters are more effective to placemaking than installations that encourage static modalities of social activities.
A curious rarity of the thymus gland: the microscopic thymoma

In 1976, Rosai & Levine (1) opened a novel and interesting niche in the variegated field of the morphology of thymus gland in myasthenia gravis (MG). These authors firstly described a microscopic lesion having the histological features of a thymoma, occasionally observed in thymus gland removed during cardiac operations.
Determination of Traps' Density of State in OLEDs from Current–Voltage Analysis

A simple method to determine the traps' density of state (DOS) in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) by manipulating the current-voltage (I–V) characteristic of the devices at room temperature is introduced. In particular, the trap-dependent space-charge limited current formula is simplified to obtain effective density of traps. In this study, poly[(9,9-di-n-octylfluorenyl-2,7-diyl)-alt-(benzo[2,1,3]thiadiazol-4,8-diyl)] (F8BT) and 2-Methoxy-5-(3′,7′-dimethyloctyloxy) benzene-1,4-diacetonitrile (OC1C10-PPV) are selected as the OLEDs emissive layer. The trap DOS of F8BT- and OC1C10-PPV-based OLEDs are calculated in the magnitudes of 1024 m−3 and 10 m−3, respectively. In addition, the results agree with the other conventional method which is used to determine the trap DOS in OLEDs. This calculation technique may serve as a robust and reliable approach to obtain the trap DOS in OLEDs at room temperature.