Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Do social factors in adolescence and adulthood foster a sense of coherence? - A 2-year follow-up study of Japanese men and women

A sense of coherence (SOC), i.e. the capacity to cope with stressors, is fostered by socioeconomic background and status. Thus, the current study of Japanese adults sought to clarify how the socioeconomic status of oneʼs parents at age 15 and an individualʼs academic performance, level of education, current occupation, and financial situation are associated with the level of that individualʼs SOC. This study also sought to clarify how these aspects were associated with changes in SOC over a period of 2 years. In 2007, two-stage stratified random sampling of Japanese men and women ages 20 to 40 was done by sex, age, and city of residence. These individuals were surveyed by mail via a selfadministered questionnaire; 4,800 individuals who agreed to participate in this study constituted the baseline participant pool. A follow-up survey was conducted 2 years later, and 3,605 individuals who responded (follow-up rate 75.1%) constituted the participant sample. Hierarchical multiple regression by fixed effect model analysis was done with SOC as a dependent variable and social factors as independent variables. For both men and women, having a family that was financially well off during adolescence and success in school were directly associated with an individuals current SOC. In addition, the occupation of an individualʼs father and being in a family that was financially worse off were not directly associated with an individualʼs current SOC, but an individualʼs current SOC was indirectly affected by academic performance and level of education. In addition, only men in a blue-collar profession and being unemployed foster a low SOC regardless of sex and age group and regardless of the financial situation during adolescence and level of education. These findings essentially corroborate Antonovskyʼs concept of the development of an SOC. They also indicate that success in school during adolescence is a particularly powerful factor for development of an SOC. Two factors promoting the development of an SOC, parentsʼ occupation and level of education, were not necessarily determinants but were found to be readily affected by an individualʼs current occupation and financial situation. In addition, the salutogenic model stands as a way to explain the mechanisms of class disparities and inequality in health.
A Knowledge-Grounded Neural Conversation Model

Neural network models are capable of generating extremely natural sounding conversational interactions. However, these models have been mostly applied to casual scenarios (e.g., as “chatbots”) and have yet to demonstrate they can serve in more useful conversational applications. This paper presents a novel, fully data-driven, and knowledge-grounded neural conversation model aimed at producing more contentful responses. We generalize the widely-used Sequence-to-Sequence (Seq2Seq) approach by conditioning responses on both conversation history and external “facts”, allowing the model to be versatile and applicable in an open-domain setting. Our approach yields significant improvements over a competitive Seq2Seq baseline. Human judges found that our outputs are significantly more informative.
Efficacy of alternative fidaxomicin dosing regimens for treatment of simulated Clostridium difficile infection in an in vitro human gut model.

BACKGROUND Fidaxomicin treatment reduces the risk of recurrent Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) compared with vancomycin. Extending duration of fidaxomicin therapy may further reduce recurrence. We compared the efficacy of four extended fidaxomicin regimens in an in vitro model of CDI. METHODS Four gut models were primed with human faeces, spiked with C. difficile spores (PCR ribotype 027) and clindamycin instilled (33.9 mg/L, four-times daily, 7 days) to induce simulated CDI. Four extended fidaxomicin treatment regimens were evaluated: model 1, 20 days, 200 mg/L twice daily; model 2, 5 days 200 mg/L twice daily, 5 days rest, 5 days 200 mg/L twice daily; model 3, 5 days 200 mg/L twice daily, 5 days rest, 10 days 200 mg/L once daily; and model 4, 5 days 200 mg/L twice daily, 20 days 200 mg/L once every other day. C. difficile populations, toxin, gut microbiota and antimicrobial levels were monitored daily. RESULTS All fidaxomicin regimens successfully resolved simulated CDI without recurrence. Five days of fidaxomicin instillation was barely sufficient to resolve CDI (models 2-4). A second pulse or tapered dosing further reduced C. difficile and toxin detection. All regimens were sparing of microbiota, affecting only enterococci and bifidobacteria. Pulsed or tapered regimens allowed greater bifidobacteria recovery than the extended (20 day) regimen. Bioactive fidaxomicin persisted throughout the experiment in all models at concentrations inhibitory to C. difficile. CONCLUSIONS Pulsed or tapered fidaxomicin regimens may enhance suppression of C. difficile whilst allowing microbiota recovery; clinical studies are required to ascertain the potential of this approach in further reducing recurrent CDI.
Performance Analysis of BitTorrent-like Systems in Heterogeneous Networks

BitTorrent is the most successful peer-to-peer system and has attracted a lot of attention from the research community. Researchers have studied a number of aspects of the system, including its scalability, performance, effici ency and fairness. However, the complexity of the system has forced m ost researchers to make a number of simplifying assumptions, e. g user homogeneity, or even ignore some aspects of the protoco l altogether, e.g. the Tit-for-Tat (TFT) unchoking scheme, i n order to keep the analysis tractable. Motivated by this, in this paper we propose two analytical models that accurately predict the performance of the syste m without compromising on the realism of the modeling methodology. Our first model is a steady-state one, in the sense that it is valid during periods of time where the number of users remains fixed. Freed by the complications of time-dynamics, we accou nt for all the details of the BitTorrent protocol, including TF T and optimistic unchoking, and predict a number of performance metrics including upload and download rates, as well as file download delays. Our second model builds upon prior work on fluid models for BitTorrent. Using our first model, we extend the fluid-based methodology to capture the transient behavi or as new users join or old users leave, while fully modelling cent ral properties of the BitTorrent system, e.g. TFT. Finally, as an example of how to use our analytical models to study variatio ns of the basic BitTorrent scheme and make design decisions, we propose a flexible token-based scheme for BitTorrent that ca n be used to tradeoff between overall system performance and fairness, and evaluate the scheme’s parameters that achiev e a target operational point.
Dependent source and channel rate allocation for video transmission

A general joint source-channel rate allocation scheme for a dependent video coding environment is presented. It is assumed that the source coders rely on motion-compensated prediction, and thus error propagation will contribute significantly to the degradation of the reconstructed video. The rate allocation methodology is based upon generation of operational distortion-rate characteristics. In order to reduce computational complexity, these surfaces and the channel code performance are modeled. An analytic method for computing optimal rate allocation across frames in a video sequence is then introduced. Comparisons are made between equal error protection and unequal error protection over video frames. Results are shown for H.263 compressed video used in conjunction with rate-compatible punctured convolutional codes.
Major histocompatibility complex class I presentation of peptides derived from soluble exogenous antigen by a subset of cells engaged in phagocytosis

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules generally present peptides derived from cytoplasmic proteins, but recent reports have suggested that macrophages (M phi) may be uniquely able to present exogenous antigens via these molecules, and that particle-associated antigens show a marked increase in the efficiency of such presentation. We confirm here that particle uptake by M phi permits exogenous ovaalbumin (OVA) to gain access to the endogenous class I processing pathway, an event that occurs rarely, if at all, in the absence of phagocytic stimuli. Presentation of soluble protein antigens by MHC class I molecules, however, is not limited to M phi, nor is direct coupling of antigen to the particle required. A variety of unconjugated particles promoted presentation of simultaneously offered soluble OVA to Kb-restricted T cells by both M phi and non-M phi antigen-presenting cells (APC), provided the latter could phagocytose the particles. Enhancement of presentation by phagocytic stimuli could not be explained by greater delivery of soluble antigen to endosomal compartments because such stimuli did not increase soluble tracer accumulation, nor did they improve presentation of OVA to an MHC class II-restricted T cell hybridoma. OVA presentation induced by cophagocytosis of particles and free antigen was nevertheless very inefficient in comparison to presentation of OVA peptide, and even modest responses required high concentrations of protein and particles. Furthermore, only a fraction of APC exposed to OVA and particles were lysed by anti-OVA cytotoxic T lymphocytes, despite virtually all cells showing OVA accumulation, particle uptake, and Kb expression. Titration experiments were most consistent with a model in which, by disrupting membrane integrity, phagocytic overload ("indigestion") allows escape of OVA into the cytosol of some APC, rather than with a model in which phagocytosis activates a novel antigen processing pathway that has evolved to permit class I loading of exogenous antigen. These data suggest caution in the development of vaccine strategies based on use of particle conjugates for elicitation of CD8+ T cell immunity, but, at the same time, may be relevant to understanding class I-restricted responses to some intracellular pathogens normally resident in membrane- bound vesicles.
Estimating Structural Changes in Regression Quantiles

This paper considers the estimation of multiple structural changes occurring at unknown dates in one or multiple conditional quantile functions. The analysis covers time series models as well as models with repeated cross-sections. We estimate the break dates and other parameters jointly by minimizing the check function over all permissible break dates. The limiting distribution of the estimator is derived and the coverage property of the resulting confidence interval is assessed via simulations. A procedure to determine the number of breaks is also discussed. Empirical applications to the quarterly US real GDP growth rate and the underage drunk driving data suggest that the method can deliver more informative results than the analysis of the conditional mean function alone.
Functional outcome of locking anatomical plate in extra articular fractures of the distal humerus

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Extra articular distal humerus fractures are difficult to treat with conventional implants like intra medullary nail, 4.5 DCP and dual plate. The present study aims to study the functional outcome of the extra articular distal humerus plate (EADHP). </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> 48 patients with displaced extra articular distal humerus fractures were included in the study. Inclusion criteria were age more than 18 years, closed fractures with or without radial nerve palsy and less than 3 weeks old trauma. Patients aged less than 18 years, those having open fractures, fractures more than 3 weeks old, non – unions and pathological fractures were excluded from the study. All patients were operated with EADHP. Clinically, the outcome was assessed by the disability of arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) score and elbow range of motion radiologically, union was evaluated on anteroposterior and lateral radiographs. <strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Out of 48 patients, 12 had AO type 12 A1 fracture, 26 patients had type B1 fractures and remaining 10 had type C1 fractures. Mean DASH score at final follow up was 18.1; range being 12.6 to 35.7 points. The mean elbow range of motion was 0 to 130 degrees (range: 120 to 140 degrees). The mean duration for complete radiological fracture union was 14 weeks, range being 12 to 18 weeks. </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> The extraarticular distal humerus plate is an ideal implant for the fixation of distal humerus fractures since it provides good stability of fracture and enables early return to function. </p>
Network induces burst synchronisation in cat brain

The brain of mammals are divided into different cortical areas that are anatomically connected forming larger networks which perform cognitive tasks. The cat cerebral cortex is composed of 65 areas organised into the visual, auditory, somatosensory-motor and frontolimbic cognitive regions. We have built a network of networks, in which networks are connected among themselves according to the connections observed in the cat cortical areas aiming to study how inputs drive the synchronous behaviour in this cat brain-like network. We show that without external perturbations it is possible to observe high level of bursting synchronisation between neurons within almost all areas, except for the auditory area. Bursting synchronisation appears between neurons in the auditory region when an external perturbation is applied in another cognitive area. This is a clear evidence that pattern formation and collective behaviour in the brain might be a process mediated by other brain areas under stimulation.
Understanding Consumer Decision Making for Complex Choices: The Effects of Individual and Contextual Factors

E-commerce consumers are facing increasingly complex purchasing decisions. Due to their cognitive capacity, however, consumers may not always achieve their goal of optimal product choice. Existing research has focused on providing aids to consumers to help them make rational and conscious information choices for complex purchasing decisions. Recently, a dual-process Unconscious Thought Theory (UTT) has suggested otherwise. It shows that due to the limited cognitive resources, unconscious information processing may outperform conscious information processing for complex decisions. Drawing on the UTT, the study proposes that strategically designed interventions would interact with other contextual and individual factors in consumer information processing, and ultimately lead to superior consumer choice under certain choice environment. An experiment was conducted to test the research model. Focusing on the unconscious information processing in online shopping, this study has important implications for Web-specific human-computer interaction research and e-commerce practitioners.
Mapping Dependence

We describe DMSL, a domain specific language for defining schema mappings. Schema mappings are assertions in carefully crafted logics that express constraints between data represented in different formats, including XML and relational schema. DMSL is suitable for representing programs over mappings, which, for instance, occur in dataflow graphs of mappings. DMSL programs of mapping type are statically guaranteed by a qualified type system to denote satisfiable constraints; the principal polymorphic schemas of source and target solution data instances are automatically inferred. DMSL implements a variety of operations over mappings (e.g., composition) by interfacing with IBM’s Clio Mapping Engine.
INTEGRATING CORPUS CONSULTATION IN LANGUAGE STUDIES

Alongside developments in language research, the potential of corpora as a resource in language learning and teaching has been evident to researchers and teachers since the late 1960s. Despite publications which emphasise the benefits of corpus consultation for language learners (Bernardini, 2002; Kennedy & Miceli, 2001), there is little evidence to suggest that direct corpus consultation is coming to be seen as a complement or alternative to consultation of a dictionary, course book, or grammar by the majority of learners. There is thus a need for research to underpin the integration of corpora and concordancing in the language-learning environment. This study begins with an account of published research relating to course design and structure in the area of corpus consultation by language learners. The focus then narrows to the initial training of learners in corpus consultation, using as an example a course involving undergraduate students on several language degree programmes. The results of the students' consultation of the corpora are examined, including choice of search word(s), analytical skills, the problems encountered, and their evaluation of the activity. The results reveal how corpus consultation can complement traditional language-learning resources, while also raising questions concerning its integration in the language-learning environment.
Is There a Relation between ABO Blood Groups and Clinical Outcome in Patients with Pemphigoid? A Case-Control Study

Background. Relationship between blood groups and dermatologic diseases remains controversial and was not yet fully elucidated nor explained clearly. The aim of this study was to examine if any relation exists between different types of pemphigoid diseases and ABO blood group. Methods. In this case-control study, 159 pemphigoid patients and 152 healthy matched-controls were evaluated. All blood group (including Rh status) data for the study was obtained from the hospital medical records. Statistical comparisons were completed with chi-square test and logistic regression. Results. Blood group “O” was found in 32.9% of patients and 38.2% of control group. Blood group “A” was found among 30.8% of patients and 34.2% of control group, while group “B” was reported in 27.4% of cases and 21.1% of controls and “AB” was identified among 8.9% of patients and 6.6% of control group. 84.9% of patients were Rh positive, while in the control group 86.2% of patients were Rh positive. No significant differences were found regarding ABO blood groups (P = 0.46) or Rh (P = 0.76) between pemphigoid patients and control group. Also, older females had the higher risk of developing bullous pemphigoid. Conclusion. We found no relationship between ABO blood groups and pemphigoid disease.
Metabolic Modeling of Common Escherichia coli Strains in Human Gut Microbiome

The recent high-throughput sequencing has enabled the composition of Escherichia coli strains in the human microbial community to be profiled en masse. However, there are two challenges to address: (1) exploring the genetic differences between E. coli strains in human gut and (2) dynamic responses of E. coli to diverse stress conditions. As a result, we investigated the E. coli strains in human gut microbiome using deep sequencing data and reconstructed genome-wide metabolic networks for the three most common E. coli strains, including E. coli HS, UTI89, and CFT073. The metabolic models show obvious strain-specific characteristics, both in network contents and in behaviors. We predicted optimal biomass production for three models on four different carbon sources (acetate, ethanol, glucose, and succinate) and found that these stress-associated genes were involved in host-microbial interactions and increased in human obesity. Besides, it shows that the growth rates are similar among the models, but the flux distributions are different, even in E. coli core reactions. The correlations between human diabetes-associated metabolic reactions in the E. coli models were also predicted. The study provides a systems perspective on E. coli strains in human gut microbiome and will be helpful in integrating diverse data sources in the following study.
Square-Root Lasso: Pivotal Recovery of Sparse Signals via Conic Programming

We propose a pivotal method for estimating high-dimensional sparse linear regression models, where the overall number of regressors p is large, possibly much larger than n, but only s regressors are significant. The method is a modification of the lasso, called the square-root lasso. The method is pivotal in that it neither relies on the knowledge of the standard deviation σ nor does it need to pre-estimate σ. Moreover, the method does not rely on normality or sub-Gaussianity of noise. It achieves near-oracle performance, attaining the convergence rate σl(s/n) log pr-super-1/2 in the prediction norm, and thus matching the performance of the lasso with known σ. These performance results are valid for both Gaussian and non-Gaussian errors, under some mild moment restrictions. We formulate the square-root lasso as a solution to a convex conic programming problem, which allows us to implement the estimator using efficient algorithmic methods, such as interior-point and first-order methods. Copyright 2011, Oxford University Press.
Individual and Time Effects in Nonlinear Panel Data Models with Large N, T

Fixed effects estimators of panel models can be severely biased because of the well-known incidental parameters problem. We develop analytical and jackknife bias corrections for nonlinear models with both individual and time effects. Under asymptotics where the time-dimension (T ) grows with the cross-sectional dimension (N), the time effects introduce additional incidental parameter bias. As the existing bias expressions apply to models with only individual effects, we derive the appropriate corrections. The basis for the corrections are asymptotic expansions of fixed effects estimators with incidental parameters in multiple dimensions. These expansions apply to M-estimators with concave objective functions, which cover fixed effects estimators of the most popular limited dependent variable models such as logit, probit, Tobit and Poisson models. We consider specifications with additive or interactive individual and time effects, therefore extending the use of large-T bias adjustments to an important class of models.
A Novel Short-Circuit Detecting Scheme Using Turn-On Switching Characteristic of IGBT

This paper represents a novel short-circuit detecting scheme using turn-on switching characteristic of IGBT. The proposed scheme has a simple protection circuit, fast fault detection time, and low-cost devices to protect IGBT under short-circuit faults such as fault under load (FUL) and hard switching fault (HSF). The proposed short-circuit detecting scheme using turn-on switching characteristic of IGBT can be integrated as a gate drive integrated circuit (IC) or high voltage integrated circuit (HVIC) because the proposed protection circuit supplements logic and low-voltage component. The feasibility of the proposed short-circuit detecting scheme is verified by simulation results.
Delay-dependent stability of 2D state-delayed linear systems

This paper addresses the problem of stability for two-dimensional systems with delays in the state. To solve this problem, the Lyapunov second method is used. The resulting condition is written in terms of linear matrix inequalities and it is dependent on the size of delays. This fact allows us to reduce the conservatism in the stability analysis of two-dimensional systems with state delays. A simulation example is given to illustrate the theoretical developments