julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Acetuino—A Handy Open-Source Radiochemistry Module for the Preparation of [1-11C]Acetate
2018-11-30

Radiosynthesis of [1-<sup>11</sup>C]acetate is well described in literature, but all syntheses either require adaptations in complex commercial synthesizers or rely on closed-source hardware and software control. Arduino microcontrollers are ideal for the compact, flexible, and inexpensive control of low-complexity hardware, making them particularly suited for radiochemistry where operation in space-limited shielded hot cells is mandatory. We established a [1-<sup>11</sup>C]acetate radiosynthesis module for combination with a [<sup>11</sup>C]MeI module available in almost every lab working with <sup>11</sup>C. Its small footprint even enables back-to-back production in a hot cell already occupied by other modules. Using this setup, we achieved a reliable and flexible supply of this tracer, with radiochemical yields of 51.4 ± 28.2% and radiochemical purities (RCPs) of 94.4 ± 6.7% ( n = 9) in a synthesis time of 15 minutes. Positron emission tomography (PET) and biodistribution analysis demonstrated low background uptake in healthy mice, with highest uptake in liver and kidneys. Arduino microcontrollers have become valuable and versatile tools in our lab for the automatization of low-complexity procedures not requiring full-blown commercial radiochemistry synthesizers, as showcased here for the production of [1-<sup>11</sup>C]acetate.
Capacity precommitment, communication, and collusive pricing. Theoretical benchmark and experimental evidence
2018-11-30

In a capacity-then-price-setting game we experimentally identify capacity precommitment, the possibility to communicate before price choices, and prior competition experience as crucial factors for collusive pricing. The theoretical analysis determines the capacity thresholds above which firms have an incentive to coordinate on higher prices. The experimental data reveals that such intra-play communication after capacity but before price choices has a collusive effect only for capacity levels exceeding these thresholds. Subjects with high capacities generally choose higher prices when they have the possibility to communicate. Asymmetry in capacity choices decreases the truthfulness of price messages as well as the probability to coordinate on the same price.
Mutual benefit achieved by combining ultralow-field magnetic resonance and hyperpolarizing techniques
2018-12-01

Ultralow-field (ULF) nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are promising spectroscopy and imaging methods allowing for, e.g., the simultaneous detection of multiple nuclei or imaging in the vicinity of metals. To overcome the inherently low signal-to-noise ratio that usually hampers a wider application, we present an alternative approach to prepolarized ULF MRS employing hyperpolarization techniques like signal amplification by reversible exchange (SABRE) or Overhauser dynamic nuclear polarization (ODNP). Both techniques allow continuous hyperpolarization of 1H as well as other MR-active nuclei. For the implementation, a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID)-based ULF MRS/MRI detection scheme was constructed. Due to the very low intrinsic noise level, SQUIDs are superior to conventional Faraday detection coils at ULFs. Additionally, the broadband characteristics of SQUIDs enable them to simultaneously detect the MR signal of different nuclei such as 13C, 19F, or 1H. Since SQUIDs detect the MR signal directly, they are an ideal tool for a quantitative investigation of hyperpolarization techniques such as SABRE or ODNP.
The HPAfrica protocol: Assessment of health behaviour and population-based socioeconomic, hygiene behavioural factors - a standardised repeated cross-sectional study in multiple cohorts in sub-Saharan Africa
2018-12-01

Introduction The objective of the Health Population Africa (HPAfrica) study is to determine health behaviour and population-based factors, including socioeconomic, ethnographic, hygiene and sanitation factors, at sites of the Severe Typhoid Fever in Africa (SETA) programme. SETA aims to investigate healthcare facility-based fever surveillance in Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, Madagascar and Nigeria. Meaningful disease burden estimates require adjustment for health behaviour patterns, which are assumed to vary among a study population. Methods and analysis For the minimum sample size of household interviews required, the assumptions of an infinite population, a design effect and age-stratification and sex-stratification are considered. In the absence of a population sampling frame or household list, a spatial approach will be used to generate geographic random points with an Aeronautical Reconnaissance Coverage Geographic Information System tool. Printouts of Google Earth Pro satellite imagery visualise these points. Data of interest will be assessed in different seasons by applying population-weighted stratified sampling. An Android-based application and a web service will be developed for electronic data capturing and synchronisation with the database server in real time. Sampling weights will be computed to adjust for possible differences in selection probabilities. Descriptive data analyses will be performed in order to assess baseline information of each study population and age-stratified and sex-stratified health behaviour. This will allow adjusting disease burden estimates. In addition, multivariate analyses will be applied to look into associations between health behaviour, population-based factors and the disease burden as determined in the SETA study. Ethics and dissemination Ethic approvals for this protocol were obtained by the Institutional Review Board of the International Vaccine Institute (No. 2016–0003) and by all collaborating institutions of participating countries. It is anticipated to disseminate findings from this study through publication on a peer-reviewed journal.
Acute Endothelial Benefits of Fat Restriction over Carbohydrate Restriction in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Beyond Carbs and Fats
2018-12-01

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the major cause of mortality in type 2 diabetes patients (T2DM). The causes are embedded in a complex interplay between excess body fat, insulin resistance and serum lipid anomalies. Endothelial homeostasis is strongly affected by this pathogenic network. Even though metabolic changes and weight loss improve vascular endothelial function, the effect of different dietary approaches is still uncertain for type 2 diabetes patients. Objective: We aimed to compare the acute effects of a hypocaloric very low carbohydrate (VLC) diet versus a hypocaloric low fat (LF) diet on flow mediated dilation (FMD), intrahepatic lipid (IHL) accumulation and visceral adipose tissue as independent risk factors of CVD in T2DM patients. Design: 36 T2DM patients (age 63 ± 8 years, 60% females) were randomly assigned to the VLC diet (4–10% of total energy intake (E)) or to the LF diet (&lt;30% E) for 3 weeks. Endothelial function was assessed by the flow mediated dilation (FMD) method. Adipose tissue depots and IHL were determined by magnetic resonance. Results: Both dietary strategies reduced body weight, body fat content and IHL. Unexpectedly, the LF group experienced significantly greater enhancement of FMD, compared to the VLC group. The FMD showed a positive correlation with protein intake and fat intake in the LF group, while it revealed a negative correlation with protein intake in the VLC diet group. Conclusions: Reduction of total and hepatic adiposity was shown to be successful using either the VLC or LF hypocaloric diets, however, improvements in FMD may be related to the interplay of fat and protein intake.
A Learning Automaton-Based Controller Placement Algorithm for Software-Defined Networks
2018-12-01

Software-defined networking (SDN) moves the control plane of network devices like switches and routers to the controller. The controller is in charge of managing the whole network through application programming interfaces (APIs). Fault tolerance in the SDN networks can be handled by leveraging multiple controllers. Placing controllers in an SDN network can be seen as facility location problem which is an NP-hard problem. In this paper, we propose a simple heuristic algorithm for controller placement in SDN networks leveraging a learning automaton (LA) approach. The proposed algorithm can place the controllers based on a predefined propagation latency between the controllers and the switches while minimizing the overall propagation latency. We perform several simulations, from the available topologies of ToplogyZoo, and the results show the superiority of the proposed algorithm when compared to competing current state-of-the-art algorithms in terms of propagation latency.
Improving Feature-based Visual SLAM by Semantics
2018-12-01

Feature-based simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) algorithms with additional semantics can have better feature matching and tracking accuracies than the original SLAM algorithms. Therefore, this paper shows how to improve feature-based SLAM by only matching features from objects of the same semantic class. The basic idea is to use a deep neural network, YOLO (you only look once [1]), to classify objects and to associate features with the objects in whose bounding box they appear, thus giving features the semantic label of these objects. During feature matching of the SLAM algorithms, only features with the same semantic label are matched (e.g. books with books, bottles with bottles etc.), eliminating matches of similar features on different classes of objects. Experiments of classical ORB-SLAM2 with YOLO have been performed on an embedded PC. Additionally, ORB-SLAM2 with different versions of YOLO has also been tested on a powerful desktop GPU as well as on an Nvidia Jetson TX2 board. The experimental results show that using the semantic information given by object recognition methods reduces wrong feature matches in tracking and decreases the tracking lost cases.
Versus—A tool for evaluating visualizations and image quality using a 2AFC methodology
2018-12-01

Novel visualization methods and strategies are necessary to cope with the deluge of datasets present in any scientific field to make discoveries and find answers to previously unanswered questions. These methods and strategies should not only present scientific findings as images in a concise way but also need to be effective and expressive, which often remain untested. Here, we present Versus, a tool to enable easy image quality assessment and image ranking, utilizing a two-alternative forced choice methodology (2AFC) and an efficient ranking algorithm based on a binary search. The tool provides a systematic way of setting up evaluation experiments via the web without the necessity to install any additional software or require any programming skills. Furthermore, Versus can easily interface with crowdsourcing platforms, such as Amazon’s Mechanical Turk, or can be used as a stand-alone system to carry out evaluations with experts. We demonstrate the use of Versus by means of an image evaluation study, aiming to determine if hue, saturation, brightness, and texture are good indicators of uncertainty in three-dimensional protein structures. Drawing from the power of crowdsourcing, we argue that there is demand and also great potential for this tool to become a standard for simple and fast image evaluations, with the aim to test the effectiveness and expressiveness of scientific visualizations. Keywords: Evaluation, Visualization, Visual analytics, Image comparison, Crowdsourcing, Evaluation methods, 2AFC, Image evaluation, Tool, Visualization evaluation
Cost-effective Tapering Algorithm in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Combination of Multibiomarker Disease Activity Score and Autoantibody Status
2018-12-01

Objective. To analyze the effect of a risk-stratified disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD)–tapering algorithm based on multibiomarker disease activity (MBDA) score and anticitrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA) on direct treatment costs for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in sustained remission. Methods. The study was a posthoc retrospective analysis of direct treatment costs for 146 patients with RA in sustained remission tapering and stopping DMARD treatment, in the prospective randomized RETRO study. MBDA scores and ACPA status were determined in baseline samples of patients continuing DMARD (arm 1), tapering their dose by 50% (arm 2), or stopping after tapering (arm 3). Patients were followed over 1 year, and direct treatment costs were evaluated every 3 months. MBDA and ACPA status were used as predictors creating a risk-stratified tapering algorithm based on relapse rates. Results. RA patients with a low MBDA score (&lt; 30 units) and negative ACPA showed the lowest relapse risk (19%), while double-positive patients showed high relapse risk (61%). In ACPA-negative and MBDA-negative (&lt; 30 units), and ACPA or MBDA single-positive (&gt; 30 units) groups, DMARD tapering appears feasible. Considering only patients without flare, direct costs for synthetic and biologic DMARD in the ACPA/MBDA-negative and single positive groups (n = 41) would have been €372,245.16 for full-dose treatment over 1 year. Tapering and stopping DMARD in this low-risk relapse group allowed a reduction of €219,712.03 of DMARD costs. Average reduction of DMARD costs per patient was €5358.83. Conclusion. Combining MBDA score and ACPA status at baseline may allow risk stratification for successful DMARD tapering and cost-effective use of biologic DMARD in patients in deep remission as defined by the 28-joint count Disease Activity Score using erythrocyte sedimentation rate.
Weltethos for Business: Building Shared Ground for a Better World
2018-12-01

Abstract In order to provide context and ground for a future assessment of the manifold overlap and possible differences between the Humanistic Management Project and the Weltethos Project, this article offers a comprehensive assessment of the history, arguments, and relevance of the Weltethos Project as applied to economics and business. A literature review of foundational documents on “Weltethos” and “Weltethos for business” outlines essential elements and arguments from two main Weltethos Project pioneers. It first recounts how its founder, the theologian Hans Küng, has launched a fruitful academic and public discourse spanning almost three decades since 1990, including the presentation of the Manifesto for a Global Economic Ethic by world leaders at a joint event with the UN Global Compact at the UN headquarters in New York in 2009, calling for business to serve human dignity. Then, the agenda of Claus Dierksmeier, Küng’s academic successor and a philosopher with foundational contributions to the Humanistic Management Project, is assessed both in regard to Weltethos motifs and Humanistic Management arguments, spanning from Dierksmeier’s conception of qualitative freedom as the foundation of unity in diversity to his effort to reframe economic theory and ethics, the inclusive and innovative practices of Humanistic Management, and to the capability approach. The article ends by highlighting how these two different approaches to Weltethos commitments converge in their care for human dignity, the idea of globally responsible freedom, and the capacity for dialogue as a learning process for creative change leadership.
Patterns of infiltration and local recurrences of various types of cutaneous sarcomas following three‐dimensional histology
2018-12-01

Summary Background Cutaneous sarcomas are rare and characterized by pathogenetic heterogeneity. Knowledge about local infiltration patterns and recurrence rates may be useful in improving patient care and outcomes. The objective of the present study was to compare these two characteristics in sarcomas that had been treated using the identical surgical procedure. Patients and methods Between 2006–2010, 84 patients with various types of sarcoma underwent surgery followed by three‐dimensional histology. Tumor entities included dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP, 54 patients), leiomyosarcoma (ten patients), rhabdomyosarcoma (one patient), angiosarcoma (seven patients) as well as atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX, three patients) and cutaneous undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS, nine patients). Median follow‐up was four years (range: 2–6 years). Results Local recurrence rates among patients with primary DFSP were 2.2 %. All patients undergoing re‐excision were subsequently tumor free. Patients with leiomyosarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, AFX, and cutaneous UPS experienced no local recurrence; however, one individual developed in‐transit metastasis (UPS) (8.3 %). Three patients with angiosarcoma developed local recurrence (43 %), two of whom remained tumor free following re‐excision. Two angiosarcoma patients died from distant metastases (29 %). Both DFSP and especially angiosarcoma lesions exhibited extensive subclinical growth. Conclusions Recurrence rates of cutaneous sarcomas following three‐dimensional histology are low. Local recurrences are readily manageable by re‐excision. Angiosarcoma is characterized by extensive superficial growth, aggressive biological behavior, and predominantly hematogenous spread.
Rapid Sensitivity Curve Measurement for MEMS Accelerometers
2018-12-01

The rapid progression of MEMS technologies for inertial sensors requires fast and reliable characterization methods at wafer-level. This paper presents a novel method for determining the surface charges and for the measurement of the sensitivity curve of capacitive MEMS accelerometer sensors. The hardware setup relies on fully electrical stimuli and measurement. The test algorithm and the FPGA hardware model represent the core of the testing system. They enable a fast and reliable method for measuring sensor capacitances continuously over time and deriving the sensitivity curve, the offset and surface charge from this data with high accuracy. The precise knowledge of the sensors sensitivity curve supports MEMS designers to verify their models, facilitating a significant improvement in design technology. The offset and the surface charge parameters are used to monitor the production process of acceleration MEMS devices as well as for the development of novel manufacturing technologies. Additionally in this test step a three to seven times reduction in test time compared to the current method is achieved. This will help to lower the costs for MEMS in production by a substantial amount.
3D Reconstructions with KinFu Using Different RGBD Sensors
2018-12-01

RGBD sensors are widely used in robotics and computer vision. Since the Microsoft Kinect was launched, various other sensors, such as the Asus Xtion PRO LIVE and the Intel R200, have been developed. Among other applications, these sensors are useful for 3D reconstruction, which can be achieved with KinFu (an open-source implementation of KinectFusion). Reconstructions of objects and people are useful in multiple fields such as computer graphics and ergonomics. In this paper, we analyze if the 3D reconstructions generated by KinFu depend on the sensor used to record its input. The analysis comprehends qualitative and quantitative evaluations of reconstructions created from point clouds recorded with six well-known sensors. The results suggest that the reconstruction is sensor dependent and the selection of a determined sensor is conditioned to the requirements of each application.
Ernest Henley and the shape of baryons
2018-12-01

Calculations of pion–baryon couplings, baryon quadrupole and octupole moments, baryon spin and orbital angular momentum done in collaboration with Ernest Henley are reviewed. A common theme of this work is the shape of baryons. Also, a personal account of my work with Ernest Henley during the period 1999–2013 is given.
Diel and infradian (7‐day) activity rhythms in Mexican spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi) kept with and without visitor contact
2018-12-01

Diel activity rhythms in mammals are regulated by an endogenous (circadian) timing system which is synchronized by environmental 24‐hr periodicities called zeitgebers. Additional direct responses to stochastic environmental factors ensure the fine‐tuning to the actual situation and may mask the circadian time course. Following an observational study on behavioral effects of visitor activities in a group of spider monkeys ( Ateles geoffroyi ) kept free‐ranging on a small island of Lake Catemaco, Veracruz, Mexico, we analyzed the effect of weekly varying numbers of visiting tourist boats on the monkeys’ diel activity rhythm. With small accelerometer‐data logger devices we recorded the monkeys’ locomotor activity continuously for several months each. Then we compared the data with those from spider monkeys living without tourist contact. Neither the duration of the monkeys’ activity time (α) nor its phase relationship to the 24‐hr solar day did change on different weekdays in either site. However, their activity level showed a clear 7‐day rhythm. The monkeys of the tourist site showed highest activity on Saturday and Sunday, when the frequency of visiting tourist boats was highest, whereas those of the non‐tourist site were least active on Sunday and Monday, when human activities were lowest there. While the monkeys of the non‐tourist site usually displayed a distinct bimodal activity pattern peaking in the morning and late afternoon, the pattern in those of the tourist site mostly lacked a morning peak and varied more over time. Based on our results, we suggest that circadian entrainment is not involved in the differences between the diel activity rhythms of the spider monkeys from the two keeping sites and the differing 7‐day variation in their activity level. Rather, these differences seemingly reflect direct responses to the differing human activities and thus may correspond to circadian masking effects.
Semi-Supervised Emotion Lexicon Expansion with Label Propagation
2018-12-01

The task of emotion classification has traditionally been addressed using two different but complementary approaches: lexicon-based approaches typically have a wider coverage of emotion-bearing words whereas corpus-based approaches learn to use contextual cues. It should not come as a surprise that these methods have been used jointly to exploit the strengths of both. However, a combination of the two techniques still suffers from the relatively limited size of the available linguistic resources. In this work, we introduce a novel variant of the Label Propagation algorithm (Zhu and Ghahramani 2002) to extend the coverage of an existing emotion lexicon. In order to do so, we construct a fully connected graph wherein words are vertices and the edges are weighted by the geometric proximity of distributional word representations. The vertices that correspond to words that occur in an emotion lexicon are initialised using the emotion distribution indicated in the lexicon. Then, the label propagation algorithm is used to derive emotion distributions for words that do not occur in the lexicon. Finally, we propose batched label propagation: an optimisation procedure which makes expansion tractable for large vocabularies. In our experiments, we compare four emotion classifiers: the model of Mohammad and Kiritchenko (2015); a bidirectional LSTM model; a bidirectional LSTM model using an emotion lexicon; a bidirectional LSTM model using the extended emotion lexicon derived through label propagation. Our results show that the classifier that uses the expanded emotion lexicon outperforms the other models on the two deployed emotion classification benchmarks.