Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Health Level and Socio-Economic Characteristics of People Working in the Shipbuilding Industry: A Control Group Study

Introduction: The health level of the population and the way people perceive it has been associated with their physical and mental health, as well as with their social and occupational characteristics. Purpose: The comparative assessment of mental and health level in shipbuilding industry workers and general population and its relationship to social and economic parameters. Methods: A group of one hundred men working in the shipbuilding industry aged 51.8±8.2 years old and a control group of one hundred men of the general population aged 51.1±6.4 were studied. All participants completed the General Health Questionnaire – 28 and Fagerstrom test and a form with demographic, occupational and economic status characteristics. The statistical software SPSS 17.0 was used for data analysis. Results: Twenty–six percent of the general population and 47% of men working in the shipbuilding industry assessed their health as moderate/poor. Higher median values of anxiety and depressive symptomatology were observed in individuals characterizing their health as moderate/poor (p<0.001), their work as physically too demanding and in individuals with high dependency on smoking (p<0.05). With regard to the parameter of physical complaints, people working in the shipbuilding industry, non-active employees and those with comorbidities were found more burdened in relation to the general population (p<0.05). Depressive disorders were more common in those stating that their economic situation had been significantly deteriorated and in individuals with chronic diseases, which also showed reduced social functioning (p<0.05). Conclusions: Health level and its individual dimensions are both associated with health self-assessment and occupational and economic status. The coexistence of chronic diseases and smoking dependence affects emotion and social functioning of individuals.
GAS DISTRIBUTION, KINEMATICS, AND EXCITATION STRUCTURE IN THE DISKS AROUND THE CLASSICAL Be STARS β CANIS MINORIS AND ζ TAURI

Using CHARA and VLTI near-infrared spectro-interferometry with hectometric baseline lengths (up to 330 m) and with high spectral resolution (up to λ/Δλ = 12, 000), we studied the gas distribution and kinematics around two classical Be stars. The combination of high spatial and spectral resolution achieved allows us to constrain the gas velocity field on scales of a few stellar radii and to obtain, for the first time in optical interferometry, a dynamical mass estimate using the position–velocity analysis technique known from radio astronomy. For our first target star, β Canis Minoris, we model the H+K-band continuum and Brγ-line geometry with a near-critical rotating stellar photosphere and a geometrically thin equatorial disk. Testing different disk rotation laws, we find that the disk is in Keplerian rotation (v(r)∝r−0.5 ± 0.1) and derive the disk position angle (140° ± 1.°7), inclination (38.°5 ± 1°), and the mass of the central star (3.5 ± 0.2 M☉). As a second target star, we observed the prototypical Be star ζ Tauri and spatially resolved the Brγ emission as well as nine transitions from the hydrogen Pfund series (Pf 14-22). Comparing the spatial origin of the different line transitions, we find that the Brackett (Brγ), Pfund (Pf 14-17), and Balmer (Hα) lines originate from different stellocentric radii (Rcont < RPf < RBrγ ∼ RHα), which we can reproduce with an LTE line radiative transfer computation. Discussing different disk-formation scenarios, we conclude that our constraints are inconsistent with wind compression models predicting a strong outflowing velocity component, but support viscous decretion disk models, where the Keplerian-rotating disk is replenished with material from the near-critical rotating star.
On the Latency and Energy Efficiency of Erasure-Coded Cloud Storage Systems

The increase in data storage and power consumption at data-centers has made it imperative to design energy efficient Distributed Storage Systems (DSS). The energy efficiency of DSS is strongly influenced not only by the volume of data, frequency of data access and redundancy in data storage, but also by the heterogeneity exhibited by the DSS in these dimensions. To this end, we propose and analyze the energy efficiency of a heterogeneous distributed storage system in which $n$ storage servers (disks) store the data of $R$ distinct classes. Data of class $i$ is encoded using a $(n,k_{i})$ erasure code and the (random) data retrieval requests can also vary across classes. We show that the energy efficiency of such systems is closely related to the average latency and hence motivates us to study the energy efficiency via the lens of average latency. Through this connection, we show that erasure coding serves the dual purpose of reducing latency and increasing energy efficiency. We present a queuing theoretic analysis of the proposed model and establish upper and lower bounds on the average latency for each data class under various scheduling policies. Through extensive simulations, we present qualitative insights which reveal the impact of coding rate, number of servers, service distribution and number of redundant requests on the average latency and energy efficiency of the DSS.
SIRT3 Deacetylates and Activates OPA1 To Regulate Mitochondrial Dynamics during Stress

ABSTRACT Mitochondrial morphology is regulated by the balance between two counteracting mitochondrial processes of fusion and fission. There is significant evidence suggesting a stringent association between morphology and bioenergetics of mitochondria. Morphological alterations in mitochondria are linked to several pathological disorders, including cardiovascular diseases. The consequences of stress-induced acetylation of mitochondrial proteins on the organelle morphology remain largely unexplored. Here we report that OPA1, a mitochondrial fusion protein, was hyperacetylated in hearts under pathological stress and this posttranslational modification reduced the GTPase activity of the protein. The mitochondrial deacetylase SIRT3 was capable of deacetylating OPA1 and elevating its GTPase activity. Mass spectrometry and mutagenesis analyses indicated that in SIRT3-deficient cells OPA1 was acetylated at lysine 926 and 931 residues. Overexpression of a deacetylation-mimetic version of OPA1 recovered the mitochondrial functions of OPA1-null cells, thus demonstrating the functional significance of K926/931 acetylation in regulating OPA1 activity. Moreover, SIRT3-dependent activation of OPA1 contributed to the preservation of mitochondrial networking and protection of cardiomyocytes from doxorubicin-mediated cell death. In summary, these data indicated that SIRT3 promotes mitochondrial function not only by regulating activity of metabolic enzymes, as previously reported, but also by regulating mitochondrial dynamics by targeting OPA1.
Tobacco Smoking Among School Children in Colombo District, Sri Lanka

Tobacco smoking is an important problem among schoolchildren. The authors studied the patterns of tobacco smoking among schoolchildren in Colombo, Sri Lanka, using a self-administered questionnaire. Multistaged stratified random sampling was used to select 6000 students. Response rate was 90.7% (5446), out of which 53.4% were males. Prevalence rates for males and females, respectively, were as follows: having smoked at least 1 complete cigarette: 27.0% and 13.3%, smoked more than 100 cigarettes: 2.3% and 0.3%, daily smoking: 1.8% and 0.2%. Mean age of starting to smoke was 14.16 years. The tobacco products most used were cigarettes (91.5%) and bidis (3.8%). In univariate analysis, male gender, parental smoking, studying non-science subjects, peer smoking, and participating in sports were significantly associated with smoking of at least 1 complete cigarette (P < .05). In multivariate analysis, the most significant correlates were having close friends (odds ratio = 3.29, confidence interval = 2.47-4.37) or parents who smoked (odds ratio = 1.86, confidence interval = 1.28-2.71). Female smoking has increased from previously reported values. These high-risk groups can be targets for preventive programs.
Prediction of Fracture Risk in Patients with Osteoporosis: A Brief Review

Osteoporosis, a well-defined and growing public health problem, is a disease characterized by increased bone turnover and decreased bone mass with associated skeletal fragility, resulting in an increased risk of fracture. It is often unrecognized until the late stages when fragility fractures have occurred. In adults, early recognition of the disease prior to the occurrence of fractures followed by timely and efficient initiation of appropriate treatment can reduce fracture risk. In this article, we review clinical modalities available to effectively predict fracture risk in patients with osteoporosis. Bone mineral density and presence of clinical risk factors may be combined to provide a more comprehensive osteoporotic fracture risk assessment. Use of FRAX may serve as a general guideline for clinical management and deciding a threshold for cost-effective pharmacological intervention. Elevated bone turnover markers are predictive of high fracture risk and can provide additional clinical information as well.
Salivary Reactivity in Restrained and Unrestrained Eaters and Women with Bulimia Nervosa

Salivary and cognitive reactivity to a highly palatable food cue were examined in 19 women with bulimia nervosa, 19 restained eaters and 19 unrestrained eaters. Salivary reactivity at presentation of the palatable food varied significantly across the three groups but not baseline. Bulimic women displayed significantly less salivary reactivity than either restrained or unrestrained eaters. Bulimic women were depressed and self-reported markedly greater anxiety (SUDS) at all points during the procedure. SUDS were not significantly correlated with salivary reactivity. Depression as measured by the Beck Depression Inventory was significantly and inversely correlated with salivary reactivity. Potential cognitive and physiological explanations for decreased salivary reactivity in women with bulimia are discussed.
Strontium biokinetic model for the lactating woman and transfer to breast milk: application to Techa River studies

This paper presents a biokinetic model for strontium metabolism in the lactating woman and transfer to breast milk for members of Techa River communities exposed as a result of discharges of liquid radioactive wastes from the Mayak plutonium production facility (Russia) in the early 1950s. This model was based on that developed for the International Commission for Radiological Protection with modifications to account for population specific features of breastfeeding and maternal bone mineral metabolism. The model is based on a biokinetic model for the adult female with allowances made for changes in mineral metabolism during periods of exclusive and partial breast-feeding. The model for females of all ages was developed earlier from extensive data on 90Sr-body measurements for Techa Riverside residents. Measurements of 90Sr concentrations in the maternal skeleton and breast milk obtained in the1960s during monitoring of global fallout in the Southern Urals region were used for evaluation of strontium transfer to breast and breast milk. The model was validated with independent data from studies of global fallout in Canada and measurements of 90Sr body-burden in women living in the Techa River villages who were breastfeeding during maximum 90Sr-dietary intakes. The model will be used in evaluations of the intake of strontium radioisotopes in breast milk by children born in Techa River villages during the radioactive releases and quantification of 90Sr retention in the maternal skeleton.
A weak trapezoidal method for a class of stochastic differential equations

We present a numerical method for the approximation of solutions for the class of stochastic differential equations driven by Brownian motions which induce stochastic variation in fixed directions. This class of equations arises naturally in the study of population processes and chemical reaction kinetics. We show that the method constructs paths that are second order accurate in the weak sense. The method is simpler than many second order methods in that it neither requires the construction of iterated Ito integrals nor the evaluation of any derivatives. The method consists of two steps. In the first an explicit Euler step is used to take a fractional step. This fractional point is then combined with the initial point to obtain a higher order, trapezoidal like, approximation. The higher order of accuracy stems from the fact that both the drift and the quadratic variation of the underlying SDE are approximated to second order.
Exploring the design space for multi-sensory heart rate feedback in immersive virtual reality

Virtual Reality (VR) interfaces have been shown to be able to trigger different emotions in users. However, earlier VR interfaces did not provide users with their own heart rate feedback and the effect of such a feedback on overall experience has not been investigated. In this research, we investigated whether providing heart rate feedback enhanced the participant's experience of using VR and we explored the design space of different types of multi-sensory heart rate representations. Through a within-subjects study, and using subjective measurements, we found that participants enjoyed seeing their heart rate feedback when experiencing VR environments. From the different types of heart-rate representations, audio-haptic feedback was the most preferred while visual feedback was reported as being distracting. We report on the implications of this for designing VR experiences and directions for future research1.
Unilateral vibrissa contact: changes in amplitude but not timing of rhythmic whisking

Electromyographic recordings from the mystacial pad of rats were used to assess the effect of unilateral vibrissa contact on the bilateral movement of the vibrissae. A first group of animals was trained to whisk freely in air and served to establish the baseline variability in bilateral symmetry. We observed that the electromyogram (EMG) activity across the two mystacial pads was rhythmic and synchronous to within 2 ms on a whisk-by-whisk basis; this value is small in comparison with the ˜50 ms required for protraction during the whisk cycle. A second group of animals was trained to use their vibrissae to contact a sensor that was located on one side of the head. The average EMG activity across the two pads was synchronous at the time of vibrissa contact, albeit with higher variability than for the case of free whisking. In contrast, the average amplitude of the activity on the contact vs noncontact side of the face was transiently greater, by 25% or ˜10°, at the time of contact. These data show that the amplitude of the vibrissae on the two sides of the face can be controlled independently, while the timing of vibrissa movement is largely synchronous.
Physical properties of a new resin-based root canal sealer in comparison with AH Plus Jet

Obturating the instrumented canal with endodontic sealer is an important step in endodontic treatment to achieve a fluid-tight or hermetic seal both apically and laterally. Proper sealing action with sealers prevents apical leakage, reduces inflammation, minimizes the invasion of residual bacteria into the periapical tissues and resolves periapical lesions. Hence, sealers should have certain characteristics to achieve an effective seal. As stated by Grossman, an ideal endodontic sealer should have an excellent seal, radiopacity, a slow setting time, insolubility in tissue fluids, adequate adhesion between the canal wall and the filling materials, and suitable biological properties. Furthermore, adequate flow and mechanical strength are desirable for clinical reasons. Currently, a wide range of endodontic sealers with different bases is available: silicone, bioceramic, zinc oxide eugenol, glass ionomer, calcium hydroxide and resin. Among these options, resin-based sealers are superior due to their excellent physicochemical properties. The AH series has been the most successful resin-based sealer for over half a century. AH Plus Jet (DENTSPLY De Trey, Konstanz, Germany) is an innovation based on the well-established AH Plus Original Article https://doi.org/10.14368/jdras.2017. 33.2. 80
Finding Similar People to Guide Life Choices: Challenge, Design, and Evaluation

People often seek examples of similar individuals to guide their own life choices. For example, students making academic plans refer to friends; patients refer to acquaintances with similar conditions, physicians mention past cases seen in their practice. How would they want to search for similar people in databases? We discuss the challenge of finding similar people to guide life choices and report on a need analysis based on 13 interviews. Our PeerFinder prototype enables users to find records that are similar to a seed record, using both record attributes and temporal events found in the records. A user study with 18 participants and four experts shows that users are more engaged and more confident about the value of the results to provide useful evidence to guide life choices when provided with more control over the search process and more context for the results, even at the cost of added complexity.
Feature-selective attention enhances color signals in early visual areas of the human brain

We used an electrophysiological measure of selective stimulus processing (the steady-state visual evoked potential, SSVEP) to investigate feature-specific attention to color cues. Subjects viewed a display consisting of spatially intermingled red and blue dots that continually shifted their positions at random. The red and blue dots flickered at different frequencies and thereby elicited distinguishable SSVEP signals in the visual cortex. Paying attention selectively to either the red or blue dot population produced an enhanced amplitude of its frequency-tagged SSVEP, which was localized by source modeling to early levels of the visual cortex. A control experiment showed that this selection was based on color rather than flicker frequency cues. This signal amplification of attended color items provides an empirical basis for the rapid identification of feature conjunctions during visual search, as proposed by “guided search” models.
Generating event traces based on arrival curves

System-level performance-evaluation methods for computer and communication systems can be divided into two main areas: simulation and analytic methods. Analytic methods are often fast but rather coarse, whereas simulation is time-consuming but often leads to more accurate results. Therefore, there is the need to (a) determine analytic models from simulation results, actual measurements or formal specifications and (b) to generate representative event traces from analytic models. Whereas there are many results available in case of statistical analytic models, there are no methods known for other forms of variability characterizations. The method presented in this paper is suited for arrival curves, a widely accepted tool for traffic characterization. In addition, this class of event models has been successfully used to perform a modular performance, end-to-end delay and buffer size analysis of distributed computer and communication systems. In particular, we propose a new method to generate event traces for simulation or physical measurements, starting from a formal specification of event streams in form of arrival curves. In addition, a quality indicator is defined to evaluate the generated traces. Finally, experiments are described that show the applicability of the approach.
Advances in Brief Cyclooxygenase-2 Expression and Effect of Celecoxib in Gastric Adenomas of Trefoil Factor 1-deficient Mice 1

Expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2) is elevated in gastric adenocarcinomas and precursor lesions leading to this disease. Mice deficient for trefoil factor 1 (TFF1) develop a pyloric adenoma with full penetrance. Because inhibition of Cox-2 suppresses tumor growth in several animal models, we studied expression of Cox-2 and effect of a selective Cox-2 inhibitor celecoxib in gastrointestinal tissues of the TFF1-deficient mice. Cox-2 mRNA and protein were strongly expressed in the pyloric adenomas of the TFF1 / mice as detected by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. Nonneoplastic gastrointestinal tissues of wild-type or TFF1 / mice expressed low or nondetectable levels of Cox-2. Celecoxib (1600 ppm p.o. for 3 months) caused ulceration and inflammation of the adenoma in all treated TFF1 / mice (n 7). This effect of the drug was adenoma specific, because no histological alterations were observed in the non-neoplastic gastric or intestinal tissues in the TFF1 / or wild-type mice receiving the drug treatment. All untreated TFF1 / mice had an adenoma (n 7), but none demonstrated the combination of ulceration and inflammation. Our data show that Cox-2 is expressed in gastric adenomas of the TFF1 / mice and suggest that inhibition of Cox-2 disturbs the integrity of the adenoma by promoting ulceration and inflammation. These findings support the effort to initiate clinical studies to investigate the effect of Cox-2 inhibitors as a chemotherapeutic modality for dysplasias of the stomach.
Internet Routing: Separating Customers from Providers

To address the serious challenges in scalability, stability and security facing the global routing infrastructure today, we propose a new routing architecture SIRA 1 , which separates Internet providers and customers to different address and routing spaces. This separation insulates the core routing infrastructure from the growth, dynamics and security threats generated by edge customers, promotes site multi-homing by eliminating providerdependent addresses, and provides multi-homed customers an explicit channel to express their preferences among their providers. We also identify the major challenges in engineering the proposed seaparation, namely how to design a robust and secure mapping service, and how to bridge the two separate routing spaces.
Widespread Increase in Myeloid Calcifying Cells Contributes to Ectopic Vascular Calcification in Type 2 Diabetes

Rationale: Acquisition of a procalcific phenotype by resident or circulating cells is important for calcification of atherosclerotic plaques, which is common in diabetes. Objective: We aim to identify and characterize circulating calcifying cells, and to delineate a pathophysiological role for these cells in type 2 diabetes. Methods and Results: We demonstrate for the first time that a distinct subpopulation of circulating cells expressing osteocalcin and bone alkaline phosphatase (OC+BAP+) has procalcific activity in vitro and in vivo. The study of naïve patients with chronic myeloid leukemia indicated that OC+BAP+ cells have a myeloid origin. Myeloid calcifying OC+BAP+ cells (MCCs) could be differentiated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and generation of MCCs was closely associated with expression of the osteogenic transcription factor Runx2. In gender-mismatched bone marrow–transplanted humans, circulating MCCs had a much longer half-life compared with OC−BAP− cells, suggesting they belong to a stable cell repertoire. The percentage of MCCs was higher in peripheral blood and bone marrow of type 2 diabetic patients compared with controls but was lowered toward normal levels by optimization of glycemic control. Furthermore, diabetic carotid endoarterectomy specimens showed higher degree of calcification and amounts of cells expressing OC and BAP in the &agr;-smooth muscle actin–negative areas surrounding calcified nodules, where CD68+ macrophages colocalize. High glucose increased calcification by MCCs in vitro, and hypoxia may regulate MCC generation in vitro and in vivo. Conclusions: These data identify a novel type of blood-derived procalcific cells potentially involved in atherosclerotic calcification of diabetic patients.