Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cell Death in the Thin Films of Bursting Bubbles

A sparged gas bubble floating at the liquid interface has a liquid film which drains and thins until the film spontaneously ruptures at a point. This causes rapid retraction of the film, forming a rim of collected fluid. This rim moves at a constant velocity of about 3 m/s and any cells in the bubble film are rapidly accelerated to this velocity in the moving rim. Half of the surface energy originally in the thin film is converted to kinetic energy of the rim, while the rest is dissipated in this rim. The rate of energy dissipation per mass of rim fluid is approximately 9000 m2/s3, which corresponds to a Kolmogorov eddy size of 3.2 μm in fully developed turbulence or a shear stress of 95 N/m2 in laminar flow. Either of these limiting cases presents an environment in which rapid cell death would be expected. Experiments with'Sf‐9 insect cells suggest that the cell concentration in these thin films is 0.6 times the bulk liquid concentration and that about 20 % of these cells are killed when the film ruptures. An equation based on this mechanism accurately predicts the death rate.
The Construction of an Early Childhood Teacher Efficacy Scale

The purpose of this study was to develop a valid and reliable early childhood teacher efficacy scale. As part of this process, the final version of the early childhood teacher efficacy scale was examined in order to reflect the characteristics of the subjects who participated in this study, namely, 598 in-service teachers employed at kindergartens and child care centers. Our data was analyzed according to both the reliability and validity of the scale. the main results of this study were as follows. The overall internal consistency was relatively high (Cronbach's = .91~.93). In addition, the content reliability was examined by a panel of experts in the field. The results of the factor analyses identified 6 sub-constructs with 59 items, thus clearly establishing the construct validity. Moreover, the concurrent validity of this scale was established. The results of correlational and t-test analyses found that the constructs of this scale reflected the characteristics of early childhood teachers.
Using Higher-Order Contracts to Model Session Types (Extended Abstract)

Session types are used to describe and structure interactions between independent processes in distributed systems. Higher-order types are needed in order to properly structure delegation of responsibility between processes. In this paper we show that higher-order web-service contracts can be used to provide a fully-abstract model of recursive higher-order session types. The model is set-theoretic, in the sense that the denotation of a contract is given by the set of contracts with which it complies; we use a novel notion of peer compliance. A crucial step in the proof of full-abstraction is showing that every contract has a non-empty denotation.
Being a non-drinking student: An interpretative phenomenological analysis

Recent research suggests that safer student alcohol consumption might be assisted by understanding how social occasions are managed by non-drinkers. In-depth, semi-structured interviews with five 19 – 22 year old non-drinking English undergraduates were subjected to interpretative phenomenological analysis. We present five inter-linked themes: ‘living with challenges to non-drinking’; ‘seeing what goes on in drinking environments’; ‘dealing with conversations about non-drinking (making excuses vs. coming out)’; ‘knowing which friends care about you’; and ‘the importance of minimising “legroom” for peer pressure’. Participants felt under persistent peer scrutiny (as a form of peer pressure) and could feel alienated in drinking environments. Talking about non-drinking was characterised by whether to ‘come out’ (as a non-drinker) or ‘fake it’ (e.g. ‘I’m on antibiotics’). Loyal friendships were reported as particularly important in this context. The decision not to drink was experienced as providing a successful buffer to peer pressure for former drinkers. Our findings unsettle traditional health promotion campaigns which advocate moderate drinking among students without always suggesting how it might be most successfully accomplished and offer tentative guidance on how non-drinking during specific social occasions might be managed more successfully. Findings are discussed in relation to extant literature and future research directions are suggested.
On the Function of Boredom

Boredom is frequently considered inconsequential and has received relatively little research attention. We argue that boredom has important implications for human functioning, based on emotion theory and empirical evidence. Specifically, we argue that boredom motivates pursuit of new goals when the previous goal is no longer beneficial. Exploring alternate goals and experiences allows the attainment of goals that might be missed if people fail to reengage. Similar to other discrete emotions, we propose that boredom has specific and unique impacts on behavior, cognition, experience and physiology. Consistent with a broader argument that boredom encourages the behavioral pursuit of alternative goals, we argue that, while bored, attention to the current task is reduced, the experience of boredom is negative and aversive, and that boredom increases autonomic arousal to ready the pursuit of alternatives. By motivating desire for change from the current state, boredom increases opportunities to attain social, cognitive, emotional and experiential stimulation that could have been missed. We review the limited extant literature to support these claims, and call for more experimental boredom research.
Astroinformatics of galaxies and quasars: a new general method for photometric redshifts estimation

With the availability of the huge amounts of data produced by current and future large multiband photometric surveys, photometric redshifts have become a crucial tool for extragalactic astronomy and cosmology. In this paper we present a novel method, called Weak Gated Experts (WGE), which allows us to derive photometric redshifts through a combination of data mining techniques. The WGE, like many other machine learning techniques, is based on the exploitation of a spectroscopic knowledge base composed by sources for which a spectroscopic value of the redshift is available. This method achieves a variance σ^2(Δz) = 2.3 × 10^(−4) [σ^2(Δz) = 0.08, where Δz=z_(phot)−z_(spec)] for the reconstruction of the photometric redshifts for the optical galaxies from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) and for the optical quasars, respectively, while the root mean square (rms) of the Δz variable distributions for the two experiments is, respectively, equal to 0.021 and 0.35. The WGE provides also a mechanism for the estimation of the accuracy of each photometric redshift. We also present and discuss the catalogues obtained for the optical SDSS galaxies, for the optical candidate quasars extracted from the Data Release 7 of SDSS photometric data set (the sample of SDSS sources on which the accuracy of the reconstruction has been assessed is composed of bright sources, for a subset of which spectroscopic redshifts have been measured) and for optical SDSS candidate quasars observed by GALEX in the ultraviolet range. The WGE method exploits the new technological paradigm provided by the virtual observatory and the emerging field of astroinformatics.
A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF MORPHOLOGICAL VARIATION PATTERNS IN THE PAPIONINS

Comparative studies of intraspecific variation patterns are important in attempts to reconstruct the differential selection pressures experienced by related species and in assessing the resultant observed interspecific variation. Reconstruction of past selection depends on an assumption of relatively stable patterns of genetic variance and covariance through time and across related species. Models by Lande (1979) and Turelli (1988a, 1988b) lead to contrasting expectations of stability versus lability of variation patterns, respectively, at least for closely related species. I report on a comparative study of phenotypic variance and correlation patterns in seven species of papionins, including macaques, baboons, and mangabeys, in order to determine the stability of variation patterns in this group.
Evaporating Liquidity

The returns of short-term reversal strategies in equity markets can be interpreted as a proxy for the returns from liquidity provision. Analysis of reversal strategies shows that the expected return from liquidity provision is strongly time-varying and highly predictable with the VIX index. Expected returns and conditional Sharpe Ratios increase enormously along with the VIX during times of financial market turmoil, such as the financial crisis 2007-09. Even reversal strategies formed from industry portfolios (which do not yield high returns unconditionally) produce high rates of return and high Sharpe Ratios during times of high VIX. The results point to withdrawal of liquidity supply, and an associated increase in the expected returns from liquidity provision, as a main driver behind the evaporation of liquidity during times of financial market turmoil, consistent with theories of liquidity provision by financially constrained intermediaries.
A comparison of area pointing and goal crossing for people with and without motor impairments

Prior work has highlighted the challenges faced by people with motor impairments when trying to acquire on-screen targets using a mouse or trackball. Two reasons for this are the difficulty of positioning the mouse cursor within a confined area, and the challenge of accurately executing a click. We hypothesize that both of these difficulties with area pointing may be alleviated in a different target acquisition paradigm called "goal crossing. " In goal crossing, users do not acquire a confined area, but instead pass over a target line. Although goal crossing has been studied for able-bodied users, its suitability for people with motor impairments is unknown. We present a study of 16 people, 8 of whom had motor impairments, using mice and trackballs to do area pointing and goal crossing. Our results indicate that Fitts' law models both techniques for both user groups. Furthermore, although throughput for able-bodied users was higher for area pointing than for goal crossing (4.72 vs. 3.61 bits/s), the opposite was true for users with motor impairments (2.34 vs. 2.88 bits/s), suggesting that goal crossing may be viable for them. However, error rates were higher for goal crossing than for area pointing under a strict definition of crossing errors (6.23% vs. 1.94%). Subjective results indicate a preference for goal crossing among motor-impaired users. This work provides the empirical foundation from which to pursue the design of crossing-based interfaces as accessible alternatives to pointing-based interfaces.
Pooling Biomarker Data from Different Studies of Disease Risk, with a Focus on Endogenous Hormones

Large numbers of observations are needed to provide adequate power in epidemiologic studies of biomarkers and cancer risk. However, there are currently few large mature studies with adequate numbers of cases with biospecimens available. Therefore, pooling biomarker measures from different studies is a valuable approach, enabling investigators to make robust estimates of risk and to examine associations in subgroups of the population. The ideal situation is to have standardized methods in all studies so that the biomarker data can be pooled in their original units. However, even when the studies do not have standardized methods, as with existing studies on hormones and cancer, a simple approach using study-specific quantiles or percentage increases can provide substantial information on the relationship of the biomarker with cancer risk. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 19(4); 960–5. ©2010 AACR.
NowAndThen: a social network-based photo recommendation tool supporting reminiscence

People frequently post their photos on social network sites (e.g. Facebook, Instagram) as a way to share memorable moments, emotions, or locations visited. While sharing photos with the same subjects as past photos could lead to user reminiscence and potentially create valuable benefits, existing products still cannot support this adequately. Based on a survey on user habits in sharing and revisiting photos on social network sites, we propose NowAndThen, a photo recommendation concept and tool that assists reminiscence when sharing photos on social network sites. By combining visual features of the photos and associated tags, a prototype we developed can recommend old photos that have common subjects with the user's current photos of interest. Our study with the prototype shows that this approach can help users positively revive past memories and connections with their friends. In addition, our results include various design insights and implications for future reminiscence-support systems.
A Geometric Proof of Calibration

We provide yet another proof of the existence of calibrated forecasters; it has two merits. First, it is valid for an arbitrary finite number of outcomes. Second, it is short and simple and it follows from a direct application of Blackwell's approachability theorem to a carefully chosen vector-valued payoff function and convex target set. Our proof captures the essence of existing proofs based on approachability (e.g., the proof by Foster [Foster, D. 1999. A proof of calibration via Blackwell's approachability theorem. Games Econom. Behav.29 73--78] in the case of binary outcomes) and highlights the intrinsic connection between approachability and calibration.
The distribution of hepatitis B virus exposure and infection in a population‐based sample of U.S. Hispanic adults

Little is known regarding the prevalence and distribution of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in U.S. Hispanics/Latinos. We sought to determine the prevalence of HBV exposure (serum HBV core antibody; anti‐HBc), active HBV infection (serum HBV surface antigen; HBsAg), and vaccine‐induced HBV immunity (antibody against HBV surface antigen; anti‐HBs) in U.S. Hispanics/Latinos and consider how these data inform clinical screening recommendations. Our analysis included 11,999 women and men of the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL), a population‐based, household survey in four urban communities (Bronx, NY; Miami, FL; Chicago, IL; and San Diego, CA) of U.S. civilian, noninstitutionalized self‐identifying Hispanic/Latino adults ages 18‐74. Vaccine‐induced immunity was defined as detection of anti‐HBs, but not anti‐HBc. However, if anti‐HBc were present, it was considered evidence of exposure to HBV, with detection of HBsAg used to distinguish those with active HBV infection. Mean age was 45.7 years, and 7,153 were women. Vaccine‐induced immunity was greatest among those ages 18‐29 years (60.2% in women, 54% in men) and decreased with increasing age, regardless of country of birth. The prevalence of active HBV infection was 0.29% (95% confidence interval: 0.19‐0.43), but varied by country of birth. Those born in the Dominican Republic had the highest prevalence of HBV exposure (20.3% in women, 29.7% in men) and active HBV infection (0.95%). Conclusions: The overall age‐standardized prevalence of active HBV infection in Hispanic/Latino adults (0.29%) was no different from the general U.S. population estimate (0.27%) and did not exceed 2%, regardless of country of birth. These data do not support targeting HBV screening to US Hispanic/Latino adults based upon background. (Hepatology 2016;63:445–452)
Long-Term T-Cell-Mediated Immunologic Memory to Hepatitis B Vaccine in Young Adults Following Neonatal Vaccination.

Background: The long-term duration of cell-mediated immunity induced by neonatal hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination is unknown. Objectives: Study was designed to determine the cellular immunity memory status among young adults twenty years after infantile HB immunization. Patients and Methods: Study subjects were party selected from a recent seroepidemiologic study in young adults, who had been vaccinated against HBV twenty years earlier. Just before and ten to 14 days after one dose of HBV vaccine booster injection, blood samples were obtained and sera concentration of cytokines (interleukin 2 and interferon) was measured. More than twofold increase after boosting was considered positive immune response. With regard to the serum level of antibody against HBV surface antigen (HBsAb) before boosting, the subjects were divided into four groups as follow: GI, HBsAb titer < 2; GII, titer 2 to 9.9; GIII, titer 10 to 99; and GIV, titers ≥ 100 IU/L. Mean concentration level (MCL) of each cytokines for each group at preboosting and postboosting and the proportion of responders in each groups were determined. Paired descriptive statistical analysis method (t test) was used to compare the MCL of each cytokines in each and between groups and the frequency of responders in each group. Results: Before boosting, among 176 boosted individuals, 75 (42.6%) had HBsAb 10 IU/L and were considered seroprotected. Among 101 serosusceptible persons, more than 80% of boosted individuals showed more than twofold increase in cytokines concentration, which meant positive HBsAg-specific cell-mediated immunity. MCL of both cytokines after boosting in GIV were decreased more than twofold, possibly because of recent natural boosting. Conclusions: Findings showed that neonatal HBV immunization was efficacious in inducing long-term immunity and cell-mediated immune memory for up to two decades, and booster vaccination are not required. Further monitoring of vaccinated subjects for HBV infections are recommended.
Systematic Reviews of Pharmacy Practice Research: Methodologic Issues in Searching, Evaluating, Interpreting, and Disseminating Results

Although there has been a large number of trials on pharmacist care, often demonstrating clinically significant benefits, the trials generally have not changed practice or healthcare policy. What is needed are focused evidence syntheses, such as a systematic review. A systematic review is defined as a summary that addresses a focused clinical question, using methods to reduce the likelihood of bias. These reviews, which are the highest level of evidence, can help to impact policy by bringing together results of various trials. However, systematic reviews of practice research pose some unique methodologic challenges, including issues with searching, interpreting, and evaluating the available research. Well-conducted systematic reviews of pharmacist interventions could go a long way toward changing pharmacy practice and healthcare policy to recognize the important impact that pharmacists could have in the healthcare system.
High-Power Modular Multilevel Converters With SiC JFETs

This paper studies the possibility of building a modular multilevel converter (M2C) using silicon carbide (SiC) switches. The main focus is on a theoretical investigation of the conduction losses of such a converter and a comparison to a corresponding converter with silicon-insulated gate bipolar transistors. Both SiC BJTs and JFETs are considered and compared in order to choose the most suitable technology. One of the submodules of a down-scaled 3 kVA prototype M2C is replaced with a submodule with SiC JFETs without antiparallel diodes. It is shown that the diodeless operation is possible with the JFETs conducting in the negative direction, leaving the possibility to use the body diode during the switching transients. Experimental waveforms for the SiC submodule verify the feasibility during normal steady-state operation. The loss estimation shows that a 300 MW M2C for high-voltage direct current transmission would potentially have an efficiency of approximately 99.8% if equipped with future 3.3 kV 1.2 kA SiC JFETs.
Generalized joint laxity and multidirectional instability of the shoulder

Abstract Generalized joint laxity and shoulder instability are common conditions that exhibit a wide spectrum of different clinical forms and may coexist in the same patient. Generalized joint laxity can be congenital or acquired. It is fundamental to distinguish laxity from instability. Laxity is a physiological condition that may predispose to the development of shoulder instability. A high prevalence of generalized joint laxity has been identified in patients with multidirectional instability of the shoulder. Multidirectional instability is defined as symptomatic instability in two or more directions. The diagnosis and treatment of this condition are still challenging because of complexities in its classification and etiology. These complexities are compounded when multidirectional instability and laxity exist in the same patient. With an improved understanding of the clinical symptoms and physical examination findings, a successful strategy for conservative and/or surgical treatments can be developed. Conservative treatment is the first-line option. If it fails, different surgical options are available. Historically, open capsular shift has been considered the gold standard in the surgical management of these patients. Nowadays, advanced arthroscopic techniques offer several advantages over traditional open approaches and have shown similar outcomes. The correct approach to the management of failed stabilization procedures has not been yet defined.
Ejection velocities of high Galactic latitude runaway stars

We estimate the distribution of ejection velocities for the known population of high Galactic latitude runaway stars. The initial sample is a collection of 174 early-type stars selected from the literature. The stars are first classified according to their evolutionary status in order to obtain a homogeneous sample of 96 genuine main-sequence stars. Their present velocities and flight times are then estimated using proper motion data from various astrometric catalogues (including Tycho-2, UCAC2 and USNO-B) and the ejection velocities are computed by tracing their orbits back in time, based on a Galactic potential. The potential used is constructed from a mass density model chosen to fit the most recent observational constraints. We find evidence for two different populations of runaway stars: a ‘high’ velocity population, with a maximum ejection velocity of about 400–500 km s−1, and a ‘low’ velocity population, with a maximum ejection velocity of about 300 km s−1. We argue that the observed limit of 500 km s−1 and the bimodality of the observed ejection velocity distribution are natural consequences of the so-called Binary Ejection Mechanism. We discuss the connection between the ‘high’ velocity population and the so-called hypervelocity stars, showing how previously studied hypervelocity stars are consistent with the results obtained. We also find that some stars that were once thought to be best explained as being formed in the halo are compatible with a runaway hypothesis once proper motions are included in the analysis. However, three stars in the selected sample appear to be inconsistent with ejection from the Galactic disc. Possible scenarios are discussed, including a possible formation in the Galactic halo.