Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
THE BLESSING OF DIMENSIONALITY IN FORECASTING REAL HOUSE PRICE GROWTH IN THE NINE CENSUS DIVISIONS OF THE US

This paper analyzes whether a wealth of information contained in 126 monthly series used by large-scale Bayesian Vector Autoregressive (LBVAR) models, as well as Factor Augmented Vector Autoregressive (FAVAR) models, either Bayesian or classical, can prove to be more useful in forecasting real house price growth rate of the nine census divisions of the US, compared to the small-scale VAR models, that merely use the house prices. Using the period of 1991:02 to 2000:12 as the in-sample period and 2001:01 to 2005:06 as the out-of-sample horizon, we compare the forecast performance of the alternative models for one- to twelve–months ahead forecasts. Based on the average Root Mean Squared Error (RMSEs) for one- to twelve–months ahead forecasts, we find that the alternative FAVAR models outperform the other models in eight of the nine census divisions.
Contrasting ecosystem CO2 fluxes of inland and coastal wetlands: a meta‐analysis of eddy covariance data

Wetlands play an important role in regulating the atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations and thus affecting the climate. However, there is still lack of quantitative evaluation of such a role across different wetland types, especially at the global scale. Here, we conducted a meta‐analysis to compare ecosystem CO2 fluxes among various types of wetlands using a global database compiled from the literature. This database consists of 143 site‐years of eddy covariance data from 22 inland wetland and 21 coastal wetland sites across the globe. Coastal wetlands had higher annual gross primary productivity (GPP), ecosystem respiration (Re), and net ecosystem productivity (NEP) than inland wetlands. On a per unit area basis, coastal wetlands provided large CO2 sinks, while inland wetlands provided small CO2 sinks or were nearly CO2 neutral. The annual CO2 sink strength was 93.15 and 208.37 g C m−2 for inland and coastal wetlands, respectively. Annual CO2 fluxes were mainly regulated by mean annual temperature (MAT) and mean annual precipitation (MAP). For coastal and inland wetlands combined, MAT and MAP explained 71%, 54%, and 57% of the variations in GPP, Re, and NEP, respectively. The CO2 fluxes of wetlands were also related to leaf area index (LAI). The CO2 fluxes also varied with water table depth (WTD), although the effects of WTD were not statistically significant. NEP was jointly determined by GPP and Re for both inland and coastal wetlands. However, the NEP/Re and NEP/GPP ratios exhibited little variability for inland wetlands and decreased for coastal wetlands with increasing latitude. The contrasting of CO2 fluxes between inland and coastal wetlands globally can improve our understanding of the roles of wetlands in the global C cycle. Our results also have implications for informing wetland management and climate change policymaking, for example, the efforts being made by international organizations and enterprises to restore coastal wetlands for enhancing blue carbon sinks.
A probabilistic template-based approach to discovering repetitive patterns in broadcast videos

There are usually repetitive sub-segments in broadcast videos, which may be associated with high-level concepts or events, e.g., news footage, repeated scores in basketball. Unsupervised mining techniques provide generic solutions to discovering such temporal patterns in various video genres, which are currently the subject of great interests to researchers working on multimedia content analysis. In this paper, we propose a novel approach to automatically detecting repetitive patterns in a video stream. In this approach, a video stream is first transformed to a symbol sequence via the spectral clustering algorithm. After computing the transition probabilities of any two symbols in temporal evolution, we produce a set of probabilistic templates to characterize the patterns of potential interest. Finally, we verify each probabilistic template by measuring the similarities between the video sub-segments and the template. Evaluations on various sports videos show promising results.
Challenge: variability characterization and modeling for 65- to 90-nm processes

In sub-100-nm processes, many physical phenomena have become critical issues in the development of processes, devices, and circuits. To achieve reasonable compromise in ASIC design, device-and process-level characterization of physical designs is a fundamental requirement. In this paper, we address topics regarding "design for variability", which are increasingly important in the 65- to 90-nm technology era. We have developed a new test-structure to precisely measure the on-chip variation of key LSI components (MOST, R, C, and circuit-delay). Statistical analysis of the experimental results revealed that the 3/spl sigma/ variation of MOS drive-current within a chip was 30%, which led to equal variation in the circuit propagation delay (Tpd). We found that variation can be suppressed due to its randomness features in multi-stage circuitry and high-performance, large-gate-area driver CMOS devices.
Coverage and system efficiencies of insecticide-treated nets in Africa from 2000 to 2017

Insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) for malaria control are widespread but coverage remains inadequate. We developed a Bayesian model using data from 102 national surveys, triangulated against delivery data and distribution reports, to generate year-by-year estimates of four ITN coverage indicators. We explored the impact of two potential 'inefficiencies': uneven net distribution among households and rapid rates of net loss from households. We estimated that, in 2013, 21% (17%–26%) of ITNs were over-allocated and this has worsened over time as overall net provision has increased. We estimated that rates of ITN loss from households are more rapid than previously thought, with 50% lost after 23 (20–28) months. We predict that the current estimate of 920 million additional ITNs required to achieve universal coverage would in reality yield a lower level of coverage (77% population access). By improving efficiency, however, the 920 million ITNs could yield population access as high as 95%. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.7554/eLife.09672. 001
Staring at the Cold Sun: Blue Light Regulation Is Distributed within the Genus Acinetobacter

We previously showed that the opportunistic nosocomial pathogen Acinetobacter baumannii is able to sense and respond to light via BlsA, a BLUF (Blue-Light-sensing Using FAD)-domain photoreceptor protein. Here, we extend our previous studies showing that light regulation is not restricted to A. baumannii, but rather widespread within the genus Acinetobacter. First, we found that blue light modulates motility and biofilm formation in many species of the genus, including members of the Acinetobacter calcoaceticus-A. baumannii complex. In many of these species blue light acts as a key factor guiding the decision between motility or sessility at 24°C, whereas in A. baumannii, light inhibits both motility and biofilm formation. We also show that light regulation of motility occurred not only at 24°C but also at 37°C in non-A. baumannii species, contrasting the situation of A. baumannii which only shows photoregulation at 24°C. Second, we show that Acinetobacter baylyi (strain ADP1) BLUF-photoreceptors can functionally replace in vivo the A. baumannii 17978 BlsA protein and that the pathways leading to biofilm formation are inversely regulated at 24°C between these two microorganisms. Finally, we found the presence of predicted genes coding BLUF-containing proteins in all Acinetobacter sequenced genomes, even though the copy number is variable among them. Phylogenetic analysis suggests a common origin for all BLUF domains present in members of this genus, and could distinguish well-differentiated clusters that group together BLUF homologs from different species, a situation particularly clear for members of the ACB complex. Despite a role played by these BLUF domain-containing proteins in the photoregulation observed in the members of the genus Acinetobacter is a likely scenario given our findings in A. baumannii and A. baylyi, further research will contribute to confirm this possibility.
No Acceleration of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration after a Single Injection of Bupivacaine in Young Age Group with Follow-Up of 5 Years

Study Design Prospective study of changes in intervertebral disc degeneration after injection of bupivacaine. Purpose To examine whether injection of bupivacaine into human intervertebral discs accelerates their degeneration. Overview of Literature Bupivacaine is commonly used for therapy and diagnosis of discogenic low back pain. However, several in vitro studies have reported toxic effects of bupivacaine to disc cells. We sought to evaluate whether this finding is clinically relevant. Methods We selected 46 patients with low back pain who showed disc degeneration at only one level (L4-L5 or L5-S1) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (discography group, n=18), discoblock group (injection of bupivacaine, n=18), and a control group, n=10). There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics across the 3 groups. The two experimental groups underwent either discography or anesthetic discoblock, respectively. All three groups were followed up 5 years after the examination. Results At 5 years follow-up, there was no significant difference in the rate of disc degeneration among the 3 groups (p>0.1). Moreover, X-ray images showed that there was no significant difference in disc height, range of motion, or translation between flex and extension position (p>0.1). Conclusions In conclusion, radiologic and MRI findings did not show acceleration of intervertebral disc degeneration at 5 years after a single injection of bupivacaine into human discs.
Socioeconomic Differences in Progression of Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study

Objective—To examine the association of socioeconomic factors with progression of carotid intimal-medial thickness (IMT) in middle-aged adults. Cross-sectional associations of IMT with socioeconomic status (SES) have been demonstrated in middle-aged cohorts. It is unclear whether these factors are associated with progression of IMT. Methods and Results—We examined IMT progression over 9 years among a middle-aged cohort of 12 085 black and white subjects free of cardiovascular disease recruited from 4 US sites participating in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study. Baseline IMT was inversely related to SES among whites and blacks. Repeated measures regression models of IMT progression showed moderate inverse relationships of IMT progression with income in whites so that the difference in 5-year IMT progression rates between the highest and lowest categories was −11.5 &mgr;m (CI, −17.4 to −5.6). In contrast, among blacks, this gradient is reversed, with an 11.1 &mgr;m (CI, −0.1 to 22.3) difference in 5-year progression between highest and lowest income category. Generally, similar patterns were observed for other socioeconomic indicators. Patterns were not accounted for by baseline cardiovascular risk factors. Conclusions—SES is inversely related to IMT progression in middle-aged whites but positively related to IMT progression among middle-aged blacks. These differences do not appear to be attributable to selective attrition or higher IMT among blacks at baseline.
IκBζ is essential for natural killer cell activation in response to IL-12 and IL-18

IκBζ, encoded by Nfibiz, is a nuclear IκB-like protein harboring ankyrin repeats. IκBζ has been shown to regulate IL-6 production in macrophages and Th17 development in T cells. However, the role of IκBζ in natural killer (NK) cells has not be understood. In the present study, we found that the expression of IκBζ was rapidly induced in response to IL-18 in NK cells, but not in T cells. Analysis of Nfkbiz−/− mice revealed that IκBζ was essential for the production of IFN-γ production and cytotoxic activity in NK cells in response to IL-12 and/or IL-18 stimulation. IL-12/IL-18–mediated gene induction was profoundly impaired in Nfkbiz−/− NK cells. Whereas the phosphorylation of STAT4 was normally induced by IL-12 stimulation, STAT4 was not recruited to the Ifng gene regions in Nfkbiz−/− NK cells. Acetylation of histone 3 K9 on Ifng regions was also abrogated in Nfkbiz−/− NK cells. IκBζ was recruited on the proximal promoter region of the Ifng gene, and overexpression of IκBζ together with IL-12 activated the Ifng promoter. Furthermore, Nfkbiz−/− mice were highly susceptible to mouse MCMV infection. Taken together, these results demonstrate that IκBζ is essential for the activation of NK cells and antiviral host defense responses.
Determination of three-dimensional positions of known sparse objects from a single projection.

A new technique is developed for accurate determination of the three-dimensional position and orientation of known sparse objects, e.g., a configuration of points, from a single-perspective projection. In this technique, a computer model of the known object is translated and rotated so as to align it optimally in a least-squares sense with the projection lines connecting the image points with the focal spot by using a modification of the projection-Procrustes technique. The translational and rotational adjustments are repeated iteratively until the angular change between iterations is less than 0.25 degree. Simulations indicate that, for rms input image errors of 0.03 cm, the three-dimensional positions and orientations can be determined to within approximately 0.2 cm and 0.3 degree for a wide range of initially guessed positions and orientations, and positions can be determined with an accuracy of approximately 0.3 cm for objects having as few as four points. In phantom experiments, three-dimensional positions and orientations of a cube phantom were reproducibly determined to within 0.23 cm and 0.13 degree. The entire calculation requires only 10 s on a VAX 3500 to converge to the solution. The accuracy, precision, and speed of the technique indicate that it will be a useful tool for determination of three-dimensional positions and orientations of known sparse objects.
Spottier Targets Are Less Attractive to Tabanid Flies: On the Tabanid-Repellency of Spotty Fur Patterns

During blood-sucking, female members of the family Tabanidae transmit pathogens of serious diseases and annoy their host animals so strongly that they cannot graze, thus the health of the hosts is drastically reduced. Consequently, a tabanid-resistant coat with appropriate brightness, colour and pattern is advantageous for the host. Spotty coats are widespread among mammals, especially in cattle (Bos primigenius). In field experiments we studied the influence of the size and number of spots on the attractiveness of test surfaces to tabanids that are attracted to linearly polarized light. We measured the reflection-polarization characteristics of living cattle, spotty cattle coats and the used test surfaces. We show here that the smaller and the more numerous the spots, the less attractive the target (host) is to tabanids. We demonstrate that the attractiveness of spotty patterns to tabanids is also reduced if the target exhibits spottiness only in the angle of polarization pattern, while being homogeneous grey with a constant high degree of polarization. Tabanid flies respond strongly to linearly polarized light, and we show that bright and dark parts of cattle coats reflect light with different degrees and angles of polarization that in combination with dark spots on a bright coat surface disrupt the attractiveness to tabanids. This could be one of the possible evolutionary benefits that explains why spotty coat patterns are so widespread in mammals, especially in ungulates, many species of which are tabanid hosts.
HYPOTHALAMIC REGULATION OF SLEEP IN RATS

THE ESSENTIAL role of the nervous system in the regulation of the sleepwaking rhythm of higher animals is now widely recognized. No less a person than nomenon von Economo, however, drew attention to the fact that the pheof sleep cannot be accounted for by a mere functional change of the central nervous system from its condition during the waking state. It is indeed an important fact that the function of sleep, instead of being characteristic of higher animals, is also observed in organisms which do not possess a central nervous system, and even in several vegetable species. It is therefore impossible to attribute this mysterious function to any special organ. Since all experimental work on sleep has hitherto been confined to mammals, chiefly to cats and monkeys, practically no data concerning the comparative physiology of this phenomenon are available. Nevertheless, it seems probable that during the phylogenetic development the function of sleep, together with many other mechanisms, was progressively centralized into the nervous system from which organ all changes, characteristic of sleep, were ultimately effected. This centralization proceeded so far that the alternation of wake and sleep seems to be governed in mammals by a circumscribed area of the central nervous system, capable of determining physical and psychical activities. The existence of this “centre” for the regulation of sleep is generally accepted by students of this subject. It has, however, given rise to a number of problems, concerned in the first place with the make-up of the centre, and secondly with its mode of action. Is there one single centre for the regulation of the sleep-and-waking rhythm, or must it be thought of as composed of two antagonistic parts, viz., a sleep and a waking centre? And next, on what structures and along what paths does it primarily exert its influence ? These questions have been so divergently answered bY various investigators that a brief review of the seems essential. current opinions
Cooperative Localisation of AUVs based on Huber-based Robust Algorithm and Adaptive Noise Estimation

In this paper, adaptive noise estimation is used along with a previously proposed Huber-based robust algorithm for cooperative localisation of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs). The Huber-based robust cooperative localisation algorithm named Huber-based Iterative Divided Difference Filtering (HIDDF), proposed in our previous work, effectively achieved a robust result against abnormal measurement noise, enhanced the stability of the filtering algorithm and improved the performance of cooperative localisation state estimation. However, its performance could be significantly further improved if it could estimate the system's noise statistical properties online in real time and then adaptively adjust the filtering gain matrix accordingly. In this paper, a novel adaptive noise estimation algorithm is proposed based on a covariance matching method. The proposed algorithm is suitable for adaptively estimating Gaussian and non-Gaussian measurement as well as process noise. The efficacy of the proposed algorithm has been verified through simulation results. In order to further verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm in practical systems, lake tests were conducted. Then, based on offline test data, the performance of the cooperative positioning algorithm under dual-pilot and single-pilot schemes was simulated. The advantages and feasibility of the algorithm are analysed and compared through performance comparison. Cooperative localisation accuracy of the previously proposed Huber-based robust algorithm has been enhanced significantly when used with the proposed adaptive noise estimation algorithm.
Water Flux Tracking With a Distributed Hydrological Model to Quantify Controls on the Spatio‐temporal Variability of Transit Time Distributions

Water transit times and flow pathways are crucial elements in characterizing catchment hydrologic response. Understanding their variability in space and time sheds light on the link between discharge formation and water quality at the catchment scale. Here, we introduce a novel modeling framework to explore water transport mechanisms using the Hafren catchment in Wales (UK) as a case study. We show that a fully distributed hydrological model coupled with a transport component for conservative tracers is useful in analyzing how hydrometeorological conditions and spatial heterogeneity may affect water transit times and age distributions in a real catchment. We use the model to track the paths of water parcels that entered the catchment as rainfall over 2 years, labeling each day of rain individually. There is a reasonable agreement between tracer simulations and observations, suggesting that dynamic transit time distributions (TTDs) both forward and backward in time can be approximated using a high spatial and temporal resolution hydrochemical model, without assuming a priori any transit and storage selection functions at the catchment scale. TTDs are quantified for the modeled internal dynamics of the study catchment. TTDs conditional on a given rainfall time are mostly correlated to the season in which the rain event occurs, whereas TTDs conditional on a given exit time are mostly affected by catchment wetness. When TTDs for individual rainfall events are re‐scaled as functions of cumulative discharge, they collapse around a single common distribution, suggesting a potential characteristic catchment function.
Peer-Assisted Learning in a Gross Anatomy Dissection Course

Peer-assisted learning encourages students to participate more actively in the dissection process and promotes thoughtful dissection. We implemented peer-assisted dissection in 2012 and compared its effects on students’ self-assessments of learning and their academic achievement with those of faculty-led dissection. All subjects performed dissections after a lecture about upper-limb gross anatomy. Experimental group (n = 134) dissected a cadaver while guided by peer tutors who had prepared for the dissection in advance, and control group (n = 71) dissected a cadaver after the introduction by a faculty via prosection. Self-assessment scores regarding the learning objectives related to upper limbs were significantly higher in experimental group than in control group. Additionally, experimental group received significantly higher academic scores than did control group. The students in peer-assisted learning perceived themselves as having a better understanding of course content and achieved better academic results compared with those who participated in faculty-led dissection. Peer-assisted dissection contributed to self-perception and to the ability to retain and explain anatomical knowledge.
Szemerédi's regularity lemma revisited

Szemer'edi's regularity lemma is a basic tool in graph theory, and also plays an important role in additive combinatorics, most notably in proving Szemer\'edi's theorem on arithmetic progressions . In this note we revisit this lemma from the perspective of probability theory and information theory instead of graph theory, and observe a variant of this lemma which introduces a new parameter $F$. This stronger version of the regularity lemma was iterated in a recent paper of the author to reprove the analogous regularity lemma for hypergraphs.