Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A new acquisition function for Bayesian optimization based on the moment-generating function

Bayesian Optimization or Efficient Global Optimization (EGO) is a global search strategy that is designed for expensive black-box functions. In this algorithm, a statistical model (usually the Gaussian process model) is constructed on some initial data samples. The global optimum is approached by iteratively maximizing a so-called acquisition function, that balances the exploration and exploitation effect of the search. The performance of such an algorithm is largely affected by the choice of the acquisition function. Inspired by the usage of higher moments from the Gaussian process model, it is proposed to construct a novel acquisition function based on the moment-generating function (MGF) of the improvement, which is the stochastic gain over the current best fitness value by sampling at an unknown point. This MGF-based acquisition function takes all the higher moments into account and introduces an additional real-valued parameter to control the trade-off between exploration and exploitation. The motivation, rationale and closed-form expression of the proposed function are discussed in detail. In addition, we also illustrate its advantage over other acquisition functions, especially the so-called generalized expected improvement.
Cost‐Effectiveness of Extending Medicare Coverage of Immunosuppressive Medications to the Life of a Kidney Transplant

Unless they maintain Medicare status through disability or age, kidney transplant recipients lose their Medicare coverage of immunosuppression 3 years after transplantation. A significant transplant survival advantage has previously been demonstrated by the extension of Medicare immunosuppressive medication coverage from 1 year to 3 years, which occurred between 1993 and 1995.
Automatic segmentation of leg bones by using active contours

In this paper, we present a new active contours model to segment human leg bones in computed tomography images that is based on a variable-weighted combination of local and global intensity. This model can split an object surrounded by both weak and strong boundaries, and also distinguish very adjacent objects with those boundaries. The ability of this model is required for segmentation in medical images, e.g., human leg bones, which are usually composed of highly inhomogeneous objects and where the distances among organs are very close. We developed an evolution equation of a level set function whose zero level set represents a contour. An initial contour is automatically obtained by applying a histogram based multiphase segmentation method. We experimented with computed tomography images from three patients, and demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed method in experimental results.
An efficient method for calculating the absorption enhancement in solar cells with integrated plasmonic and photonic nanoparticles

We present a method for calculating the plasmonic and photonic enhancement of the absorption in solar cells. The method involves coupling between a transfer matrix method to describe light propagation in the layered stack and Mie theory for calculating the absorption and angular scattered field distribution from the nanoparticles. We also compare the method to rigorous simulations.
Basic fibroblast growth factor, a protein devoid of secretory signal sequence, is released by cells via a pathway independent of the endoplasmic reticulum‐Golgi complex

Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) modulates functions of a variety of cell types. Whereas bFGF is known to act extracellularly, the protein lacks a transient signal peptide. No defined mechanism for bFGF secretion has been characterized besides release from dead or injured cells. To study this problem we devised an experimental system to examine bFGF‐mediated migration of isolated single cells. Under these conditions individual cells are not affected by bFGF derived from other cells. By this method we have previously shown that bFGF released by NIH 3T3 cells transfected with bFGF cDNA modulates migration in an autocrine manner. We have now examined the effects on cell motility of drugs or treatments known to affect various pathways of protein secretion. Drugs that block secretion via the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)‐Golgi complex or via multidrug resistance proteins did not inhibit cell motility. Migration was enhanced by the calcium ionophore A23187, which stimulates exocytosis, and was inhibited by methylamine, serum‐free, and low temperature (18°C) conditions, which block endoand exocytosis. The reversal of these effects by the concomitant addition of affinity‐purified anti‐bFGF IgG or recombinant bFGF showed that the alterations in cell migration were mediated by changes in bFGF externalization. Thus bFGF can be released via a mechanism of exocytosis independent of the ER‐Golgi pathway. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Relationship between Stiffness of the Musculature and Static Flexibility: An Alternative Explanation for the Occurrence of Muscular Injury

The static flexibility of the gleno-humeral joint of fourteen experienced male weight lifters was determined. Further the subjects performed a series of quasistatic muscular actions of the deltoid/pectoralis musculature during which a brief perturbation was applied. The damped oscillations resulting from such a procedure provided data pertaining to the stiffness of each subject's musculature. A significant correlation (r = -0.544, p less than 0.05) between maximal stiffness and static flexibility was observed. This relationship is discussed with reference to the popular belief that flexibility is related to the incidence of muscular injury. It is proposed that the injury-reducing benefits associated with a high degree of flexibility can be effectively explained through the relationship between flexibility and stiffness.
Desflurane compared with propofol for postoperative sedation in the intensive care unit.

BACKGROUND We hypothesized that emergence from sedation in postoperative patients in the intensive care unit would be faster and more predictable after sedation with desflurane than with propofol. METHODS Sixty patients after major operations were allocated randomly to receive either desflurane or propofol. The target level of sedation was defined by a bispectral index(TM) (BIS(TM)) of 60. All patients were receiving mechanical ventilation of the lungs for 10.6 (SD 5.5) h depending on their clinical state. The study drugs were stopped abruptly in a calm atmosphere with the fresh gas flow set to 6 litres min(-1), and the time until the BIS increased above 75 was measured (t(BIS75), the main objective measure). After extubation of the trachea, when the patients could state their birth date, they were asked to memorize five words. RESULTS Emergence times were shorter (P<0.001) after desflurane than after propofol (25th, 50th and 75th percentiles): t(BIS75), 3.0, 4.5 and 5.8 vs 5.2, 7.7 and 10.3 min; time to first response, 3.7, 5.0 and 5.7 vs 6.9, 8.6 and 10.7 min; time to eyes open, 4.7, 5.7 and 8.0 vs 7.3, 10.5 and 20.8 min; time to squeeze hand, 5.1, 6.5 and 10.2 vs 9.2, 11.1 and 21.1 min; time to tracheal extubation, 5.8, 7.7 and 10.0 vs 9.7, 13.5 and 18.9 min; time to saying their birth date, 7.7, 10.5 and 15.5 vs 13.0, 19.4 and 31.8 min. Patients who received desflurane recalled significantly more of the five words. We did not observe major side-effects and there were no haemodynamic or laboratory changes except for a more marked increase in systolic blood pressure after stopping desflurane. Using a low fresh gas flow (air/oxygen 1 litre min(-1)), pure drug costs were lower for desflurane than for propofol (95 vs 171 Euros day(-1)). CONCLUSIONS We found shorter and more predictable emergence times and quicker mental recovery after short-term postoperative sedation with desflurane compared with propofol. Desflurane allows precise timing of extubation, shortening the time during which the patient needs very close attention.
Accuracy of a wavelet-based fall detection approach using an accelerometer and a barometric pressure sensor

Goal: Falls are a major source of morbidity in older adults, and 50% of older adults who fall cannot rise independently after falling. Wearable sensor-based fall detection devices may assist in preventing long lies after falls. The goal of this study was to determine the accuracy of a novel wavelet-based approach to automatically detect falls based on accelerometer and barometric pressure sensor data. Methods: Participants (n=15) mimicked a range of falls, near falls, and activities of daily living (ADLs) while wearing accelerometer and barometric pressure sensors on the lower back, chest, wrists and thighs. The wavelet transform using pattern adapted wavelets was applied to detect falls from the sensor data. Results: In total, 525 trials (194 falls, 105 near-falls and 226 ADLs) were included in our analysis. When we applied the wavelet-based method on only accelerometer data, classification accuracies ranged from 82% to 96%, with the chest sensor providing the highest accuracy. Accuracy improved by 3.4% on average (p=0.041; SD=3.0%) when we also included the barometric pressure sensor data. The highest classification accuracies (of 98%) were achieved when we combined wavelet-based features and traditional statistical features in a multiphase fall detection model using machine learning. Conclusion: We show that the wavelet-based approach accurately distinguishes falls from near-falls and ADLs, and that it can be applied on wearable sensor data generated from various body locations. Additionally, we show that the accuracy of a wavelet-based fall detection system can be further improved by combining accelerometer and barometric pressure sensor data, and by incorporating wavelet and statistical features in a machine learning classification algorithm.
A Review of Williamson's Transaction Cost Theory

In order to have a review on Williamson's contribution on transaction cost theory and probe into origin of his theory, the paper introduces the general idea of his transaction cost theory, including definition of transaction cost, contract man, transaction dimensionality, kinds of contract and governance structure and generalized his transaction cost application field. Finally, the paper discusses problems among transaction cost theory.
Isolation and biochemical and molecular analyses of a species-specific protein antigen from the gastric pathogen Helicobacter pylori

A protein of Mr 26,000 which was present in large quantities in extracts of cells of Helicobacter pylori was purified to homogeneity by ammonium sulfate precipitation followed by gel filtration and reversed-phase chromatography or anion-exchange chromatography. The protein appeared to be associated with the soluble fraction of the cell, and antibodies raised against the protein were reactive with whole-cell lysates of a variety of H. pylori strains in a simple immunodot blot assay. This reaction was species specific. Protein sequence determination of the amino terminus and internal cyanogen bromide fragments and amino acid composition analysis were performed. An oligonucleotide derived from these data was used to clone a fragment encoding most of the coding sequence. Expression in Escherichia coli was dependent on vector promoters. The DNA sequence of the fragment was determined. DNA probes derived from the cloned fragment hybridized to genomic DNA of all H. pylori strains tested, but not to DNAs of Helicobacter mustelae, Wolinella succinogenes, various Campylobacter species, and a panel of gram-negative enteric bacteria. The apparent uniqueness of this protein may be exploited for the development of species-specific diagnostics for this gastric pathogen.
Operative Drainage Following Pancreatic Resection: Analysis of 1122 Patients Resected Over 5 Years at a Single Institution

Background: The only prospective randomized trial evaluating the use of intraperitoneal drainage following pancreatic resection was published from our institution approximately 10 years ago. The current study sought to evaluate the evolution of practice over the last 5 years. Patients and Methods: Between June 2006 and June 2011, there were 1122 resections performed. Six surgeons were evenly grouped and compared by practice pattern: routine drainers (drains placed > 95%), selective drainers, and routine nondrainers (drains placed ∼15%). Prospectively recorded preoperative, operative, and morbidity data were assessed in uni- and multivariate models. Results: Our operative drainage rate was 49% and decreased over time (62% 2006–2008 vs 37% 2009–2011, P < 0.001). Patients without operative drains had significantly lower grade ≥3 overall morbidity (26% vs 33%; P = 0.01), shorter hospital stays (7 vs 8 days; P < 0.01), fewer readmissions (20% vs 27%; P = 0.01), and lower rates of grade ≥3 pancreatic fistula (16% vs 20%; P = 0.05). Similar reoperation (both <1%), interventional radiology procedures (15% vs 19%; P = 0.1), and mortality rates (2% vs 1%; P = 0.3) were seen in both groups. There were no differences between the routine drainers group (n = 248) and the nondrainers group (n = 478) in grade ≥3 fistula or need for interventional radiology-guided procedures. Conclusions: In this study, operative drains were used nearly half of the time and were associated with longer hospital stay, and higher grade ≥3 morbidity, fistula, and readmission rates. They did not decrease the need for reintervention or alter mortality rates. Routine prophylactic drainage after pancreatic resection could be safely abandoned.
Pracniques: further remarks on reducing truncation errors

the symbol f'l denotes an AND operation and the symbol • denotes a multiplication operation. (2) The result of an OR operation w i t h any number of Boolean variables is the same as the (arithmetic) addition of tile x, y, z integer variables after the following t e s t is made: (a) If the sum is equal to zero, the result is correct; (b) If the sum is larger thart zero, the answer is a 1; i.e. where the symbol O denotes an OR (}peration and the symbol-{-denotes an addition operation. (3) The result of a NOT operation with a Bo{}lean variable is the same as subtracting an integer variable x from 1; i.e. i = (1-x) (3) because if A = x = l, t h e n A = 1-1 = 0 ; a n d i f A = x = 0, then /[ = I-0 = I. The FOUTm~N program in Figure 1 illustrates the method presented. It simulates the logic of a full-adder as described by the folh}wing two Boolean flmctions: (5) where K~ , K.a and Ka are the two i n p u t bits attd previous carry to be added, L is the output carry, and M is the output sum. htteger variables were chosen for compatibility with the FOEn'R~N language. The AND and NOT operatimts are transf0rlned to multiplication and subtraction operations as described in (1) and (3). The OR operation needs a control IF s t a t e m e n t after the arithmetic addition is performed in order to restore the value of tile variable to unity. This may be simplified by using a li'unction subprogram to calculate tile result of the OIL operation, thus eliminating the need for repetition of the IF s t a t e m e n t s. It was not done in this example because of the limitatien of the FOremAN colnpiier in the 1620 Model 1 computer where this p r o g r a m was checked out, and where the use of subprograms is not pernfitted.1] proposed the use o f accumulators to evaluate a sum of the form S = when N is large and all the y's are of rougMy the s a m (magnitude. His intention was to alleviate tile accumula~tion 0/ rounding or truncation errors which otherwise occurs wlmn S i~ …
Isolation and identification of bacterial strains from a mixed wastewater treatment system used to treat petrochemical effluents

Petrochemical industry generates highly toxic effluents with a large variety of chemicals, being most of them recalcitrant and toxic such as: organic chlorinated compounds (mainly 1,2 dichloroethane) and volatile and semivolatile organic compounds. The most common wastewater treatment systems used in Mexico to treat this kind of effluents are activated sludge and aerated lagoons. Treatibility studies in batch aerated reactors were made to define the best operating conditions that could treat efficiently a mixed effluent from several petrochemical industries. Operating conditions evaluated were F/M relationship in a range of 0.2 – 0.7, kg COD/kg VSS*day, volumetric organic load, HRT 2-4 days, kg COD ≥ 0.25 m day. Organic matter removal achieved was more than 80 %. Some of the persistent molecules identified after treatment were: 1,1,2 trichloroethene, 1,2 dichloroethane, ethilbenzene and 1,4 dicholorobenzene. This highly toxic compounds are removed by aeration and the residual concentration degradated by the microbial biomass produced for each condition. Mixed liquor volatile suspended solids (MLVSS) were in the range of 2000 mg/L. During the experiment, microbial activity was followed and a selection of bacterial biomass was observed in the reactors; the main bacterial strains isolated were: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Pantoea sp. , Chryseomonas luteola, Proteus peenneri and Serratia sp. This native microorganisms were acclimated to this kind of residues and are potentially suitable to biodegradation bioremediation in the wastewater petrochemical industry.
Towards a methodological framework for the cognitive-behavioural evaluation of educational e-games

The proposed methodological framework reviews and uses knowledge from the field of cognitive psychology in order to evaluate aspects of educational games. In particular, we concentrate on two components of human cognition that play a central role in learning, namely memory and motivation. After having reviewed theories in the field, we created a questionnaire in order to evaluate educational games. The questionnaire incorporates different experimental findings of cognitive psychology. In particular, we have applied Maslow|s motivation theory, behavioural findings on reinforcement, experimental findings about attention and memory. We present the results obtained from the evaluation of three games, Angry Birds, PAC-MAN and Mega Jump. The results confirmed the user ratings of the three games, showing that there seem to be cognitive reasons for the success/failure of different games. Finally, a list of guidelines for developers is included.
Minimum-time within a deviation-constrained hybrid controller for boost converters

This paper introduces a new transient-oriented controller for boost-type converters. The controller incorporates a peak current programmed mode control for steady-state operation and a non-linear, state-plane based transient-mode control for load transients. The new controller facilitate convergence from a loading transient to the new steady-state point within the minimum possible time while constraining the output voltage deviation to a desired (minimal) value. As a result, the loading transient performance of indirect energy transfer converters may be significantly improved since two control objectives (convergence time and undershoot) are simultaneously obtained. A detailed principle of operation of the controller is provided and explained through a state-plane analysis. The operation of the controller is experimentally verified on a 30W 3.3V-to-12V boost converter, demonstrating a significantly lower output voltage deviation and lower peak inductor current when compared to time-optimal control, allowing for volume reduction of the converter.
Positive regulation of glutamate biosynthesis in Bacillus subtilis

Nitrogen source regulation of glutamate synthase activity in Bacillus subtilis occurs at the level of transcription of the gltA and gltB genes, which encode the two subunits of the enzyme. We show here that transcription of gltA requires the product of gltC, a gene whose transcription is divergent from that of gltA and whose transcriptional control sequences overlap those of gltA. gltC mutants had decreased, aberrantly regulated levels of glutamate synthase activity and decreased gltA mRNA. The gltC gene product could act in trans to complement both these defects. In addition, the gltC gene product repressed its own transcription. The DNA sequence of gltC revealed that its putative product is very similar to a number of positive regulatory proteins from gram-negative bacteria (the LysR family).
Stress and Its Relationship to Leadership and a Healthy Workplace Culture

Every organization needs to be driven by effective leaders. In higher education, many leadership courses are designed to transfer knowledge and critical thinking. Other professional development workshops, seminars, and conferences in leadership also offer leadership training and development to assist individuals to understand human capital, and create an organization free from toxicity. A toxic working environment can lead to low morale, disruption in productivity and motivation, high rate of absenteeism, individuals using sick days when they are not sick, cause emotional and physical health issues, and even submitting derailed projects beyond deadlines. When there is an upsurge of stress in the workplace within employees and administrators, the organization will struggle. Negative information dynamics affect health and contribute to stress. Stress management capacity is the ability to manage stress and is vital in the prevention of a negative impact of stress. Stress management can be improved for leaders and organizations.
Pneumococcal serotype diversity among adults in various countries, influenced by pediatric pneumococcal vaccination uptake.

Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes differ in clinical manifestations among adults. Indirect effects of pediatric use of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) affect rates of adult serotype-specific invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD). To characterize PCV effect on adult serotype patterns, we reviewed the literature for differences in proportions and incidence matching the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) and 13-valent PCV within specified geographic and time conditions. For adult IPD serotype distribution before widespread pediatric PCV7 use, the median differential between the 23 and 13 serotypes was 16.3% in the core analysis. After pediatric PCV7 adoption, the median differential was 24.4% (P < .003). The median differential in IPD incidence among adults was 5.6 cases per 100 000 population before pediatric PCV7 use and 6.4 afterward (P = .52). The differential for the serotypes in alternate vaccines helps explain recent national recommendations for one or both vaccines in various populations. These differences may widen further, with more extensive pediatric uptake of higher-valence PCVs.
Throughput analysis for wireless LAN with frame aggregation under mixed traffic

Frame aggregation is a mandatory feature of the high throughput wireless LAN MAC to improve the performance. Frame aggregation can be implemented at MAC or PHY layer. However, implementing only one type of aggregation will be more cost-effective. This paper derives an upper bound of MSDU throughput (MT) for the two types of aggregation under mixed traffic.