Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Age at First Delivery and Osteoporosis Risk in Korean Postmenopausal Women: The 2008–2011 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES)

It has been reported in several studies that there may be a significant correlation between reproductive history and the risk of osteoporosis due to the effect of estrogen. Under this hypothesis, however, it is unclear whether the age at first delivery has any major influences on the risk of osteoporosis. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between the age at first delivery and the risk of osteoporosis in Korean menopausal women. This study was performed using data from the 2008–2011 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and included 2,530 Korean postmenopausal women. The diagnosis of osteoporosis was made using the World Health Organization T-score criteria (T-score ≤ -2.5, at the femoral neck or lumbar spine). Participants were categorized into 3 groups according to age at first delivery: ≤23, 24–29, and ≥30 years. Older age, lower body mass index, lower calcium intake, later menarche, and earlier menopause increased the risk of osteoporosis, whereas hormone therapy and oral contraceptive use were associated with a decreased risk of osteoporosis. Postmenopausal women whose first delivery occurred at age 24–29 years were shown to have a significantly increased risk of osteoporosis (odds ratio, 2.124; 95% confidence interval, 1.096–4.113; P = 0.026) compared to those who first gave birth after the age of 30 years. These findings suggest that postmenopausal women whose first delivery occurred in their mid to late 20s, a period during which bone mass slowly accumulates to the peak, are at an increased risk of osteoporosis.
Investigating Link Inference in Partially Observable Networks: Friendship Ties and Interaction

While privacy preserving mechanisms, such as hiding one's friends list, may be available to withhold personal information on online social networking sites, it is not obvious whether to which degree a user's social behavior renders such an attempt futile. In this paper, we study the impact of additional interaction information on the inference of links between nodes in partially covert networks. This investigation is based on the assumption that interaction might be a proxy for connectivity patterns in online social networks. For this purpose, we use data collected from 586 Facebook profiles consisting of friendship ties (conceptualized as the network) and comments on wall posts (serving as interaction information) by a total of 64 000 users. The link-inference problem is formulated as a binary classification problem using a comprehensive set of features and multiple supervised learning algorithms. Our results suggest that interactions reiterate the information contained in friendship ties sufficiently well to serve as a proxy when the majority of a network is unobserved.
Absolute and convective instability of cylindrical Couette flow with axial and radial flows

Imposing axial flow in the annulus and/or radial flow through the cylindrical walls in a Taylor–Couette system alters the stability of the flow. Theoretical methods and numerical simulations were used to determine the impact of imposed axial and radial flows, homogeneous in the axial direction, on the first transition of Taylor–Couette flow in the framework of convective and absolute instabilities. At low axial Reynolds numbers the convective instability is axisymmetric, but convective helical modes with an increasing number of helices having a helicity opposite that of the base flow dominate as the axial flow increases. The number of helices and the critical Taylor number are affected only slightly by the radial flow. The flow becomes absolutely unstable at higher Taylor numbers. Absolutely unstable axisymmetric modes occur for inward radial flows, while helical absolute instability modes having a helicity identical to that of the base flow occur at high enough axial Reynolds numbers for outward radial flow.
A blind-ML scheme for blind source separation

We present a new approach to the blind source separation problem (BSS, also known as independent component analysis (ICA)), which we term "blind-ML". This approach proposes a framework for estimation of the mixing, which combines a possibly non-parametric distribution estimator with the maximum likelihood estimation of the separating matrix, thereby obtaining both robustness to the sources' densities, and asymptotic efficiency. We provide guidelines for a proof, and verify using simulations, that this approach yields asymptotically efficient (optimal) mean-square-error performance without knowledge of the source densities, and with mild assumptions on the types of sources.
Initial Investigation into Using Two-Level Regional Voting Approach for Face Verification

Face verification is defined as a person whose identity is claimed a priori will be compared with the person's individual template in database, and then the system checks whether the similarity between pattern and template is sufficient to provide access. In this paper we introduce a new procedure of face verification with an embedding Electoral College framework, which has been applied successfully in face identification. The approaches are evaluated by experiments on benchmark face databases applying the Electoral College framework embedded with standard baseline PCA (Principle Component Analysis) algorithm and newly developed algorithm S-LDA (Spatially Smooth Version of Linear Discriminant Analysis). The results demonstrate that the proposed face verification systems improve the performance of these holistic algorithms.
An evaluation of biometrie identification approach on low-frequency ECG signal

In order to provide high security level, different identification and verification methods are being used in information systems. A development of the new highly accurate methods are of great interest nowadays. Those methods that analyze biometric signals are becoming more widespread as biometric data can provide hardly forged information about a person. This paper presents the developed biometric identification approach and the results of its evaluation on the ECG data collected during the experimental study.
Compatible Value Gradients for Reinforcement Learning of Continuous Deep Policies

This paper proposes GProp, a deep reinforcement learning algorithm for continuous policies with compatible function approximation. The algorithm is based on two innovations. Firstly, we present a temporal-difference based method for learning the gradient of the value-function. Secondly, we present the deviator-actor-critic (DAC) model, which comprises three neural networks that estimate the value function, its gradient, and determine the actor's policy respectively. We evaluate GProp on two challenging tasks: a contextual bandit problem constructed from nonparametric regression datasets that is designed to probe the ability of reinforcement learning algorithms to accurately estimate gradients; and the octopus arm, a challenging reinforcement learning benchmark. GProp is competitive with fully supervised methods on the bandit task and achieves the best performance to date on the octopus arm.
4S: Scalable subspace search scheme overcoming traditional Apriori processing

In many real-world applications, data is collected in multi-dimensional spaces. However, not all dimensions are relevant for data analysis. Instead, interesting knowledge is hidden in correlated subsets of dimensions (i.e., subspaces of the original space). Detecting these correlated subspaces independent of the underlying mining task is an open research problem. It is challenging due to the exponential search space. Existing methods have tried to tackle this by utilizing Apriori search schemes. However, they show poor scalability and miss high quality subspaces. This paper features a scalable subspace search scheme (4S), which overcomes the efficiency problem by departing from the traditional levelwise search. We propose a new generalized notion of correlated subspaces which gives way to transforming the search space to a correlation graph of dimensions. Then we perform a direct mining of correlated subspaces in the graph. Finally, we merge subspaces based on the MDL principle and obtain high dimensional subspaces with minimal redundancy. We theoretically show that our search scheme is more general than existing search schemes and has a significantly lower runtime complexity. Our experiments reveal that 4S scales near-linearly with both database size and dimensionality, and produces higher quality subspaces than state-of-the-art methods.
Printed Graphene Circuits

we have fabricated transparent electronic devices based on graphene materials with thickness down to one single atomic layer by the transfer printing method. The resulting printed graphene devices retain high field effect mobility and have low contact resistance. The results show that the transfer printing method is capable of high-quality transfer of graphene materials from silicon dioxide substrates, and the method thus will have wide applications in manipulating and delivering graphene materials to desired substrate and device geometries. Since the method is purely additive, it exposes graphene (or other functional materials) to no chemical preparation or lithographic steps, providing greater experimental control over device environment for reproducibility and for studies of fundamental transport mechanisms. Finally, the transport properties of the graphene devices on the PET substrate demonstrate the non-universality of minimum conductivity and the incompleteness of the current transport theory.
Dynamical masses of ultra-compact dwarf galaxies in Fornax

Aims. We determine masses and mass-to-light ratios of five ultra-compact dwarf galaxies (UCDs) and one dwarf elliptical nucleus in the Fornax cluster from high resolution spectroscopy. We examine whether they are consistent with pure stellar populations or whether dark matter is needed to explain their masses. Methods. Velocity dispersions were derived from selected wavelength regions using a direct-fitting method. To estimate the masses of the UCDs a new modelling program has been developed that allows a choice of different representations of the surface brightness profile (i.e. Nuker, Sersic or King laws) and corrects the observed velocity dispersions for observational parameters (i.e. seeing, slit size). The derived dynamical masses are compared to those expected from stellar population models. Results. The observed velocity dispersions range between 22 and 30 km s(-1). The resulting masses are between 1.8 and 9.5 x 10(7) M-circle dot. These, as well as the central and global projected velocity dispersions, were derived from the generalized King model which turned out to give the most stable results. The masses of two UCDs, that are best fitted by a two-component profile, were derived from a combined King+Sersic model. The mass-to-light ratios of the Fornax UCDs range between 3 and 5 (M/L-V)(circle dot). The M/L-V ratio of the dwarf elliptical nucleus is 2.5. These values are compatible with predictions from stellar population models. Within 1-2 half-mass radii dark matter is not dominating UCDs and the nucleus. An increasing dark matter contribution towards larger radii can not be ruled out with the present data. The M/L-V ratios of some UCDs suggest they have intermediate age stellar populations. Conclusions. We show that the mass-to-light ratios of UCDs in Fornax are consistent with those expected for pure stellar populations. Thus UCDs seem to be the result of cluster formation processes within galaxies rather than being compact dark matter dominated substructures themselves. Whether UCDs gained their mass in super-star cluster complexes of mergers or in nuclear star cluster formation processes remains an open question. It appears, however, clear that star clusters more massive than about 5 x 10(6) M-circle dot exhibit a more complex formation history than the less massive "ordinary" globular clusters.
The ages of Galactic globular clusters in the context of self-enrichment

Abstract A significant fraction of stars in globular clusters (about 70%-85%) exhibit peculiar chemical patterns, with strong abundance variations in light elements along with constant abundances in heavy elements. These abundance anomalies can be created in the H-burning core of a first generation of fast-rotating massive stars, and the corresponding elements are conveyed to the stellar surface thanks to rotational induced mixing. If the rotation of the stars is fast enough, this material is ejected at low velocity through a mechanical wind at the equator. It then pollutes the interstellar medium (ISM) from which a second generation of chemically anomalous stars can be formed. The proportion of anomalous stars to normal stars observed today depends on at least two quantities: (1) the number of polluter stars; (2) the dynamical history of the cluster, which may lose different proportions of first- and second-generation stars during its lifetime. Here we estimate these proportions, based on dynamical models for globular clusters. When internal dynamical evolution and dissolution due to tidal forces are accounted for, starting from an initial fraction of anomalous stars of 10% produces a present-day fraction of about 25%, still too small with respect to the observed 70-85%. In the case of gas expulsion by supernovae, a much higher fraction is expected to be produced. In this paper we also address the question of the evolution of the second-generation stars that are He-rich, and deduce consequences for the age determination of globular clusters.
Possible transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) in cardiac surgery patients

Aim To determine the incidence of possible transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) and related risk factors in cardiac surgery patients. Methods A single-center prospective cohort study was conducted from January 2009 to March 2010 at the Zagreb University Hospital Center, Croatia. Patient-, transfusion-, and surgery-related data were collected. The study included 262 patients who were observed for respiratory worsening including measurements of arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2), fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2), and partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2). Possible TRALI was defined according to the Toronto Consensus Conference definition broadened for 24-hour post-transfusion. This cohort was divided in two groups. TRALI group included 32 participants with diagnosis of TRALI and the control group included 220 patients with or without respiratory worsening, but with no signs of ALI. Results Possible TRALI was observed in 32 (12.2%) patients. Compared with the control group, possible TRALI patients had higher American Association of Anesthesiology scores, higher rate of respiratory comorbidity (43.8% vs 15.5%), and required more red blood cells (median 4, range [2.5-6] vs 2 [1-3]), plasma (5 [0-6] vs 0 [0-2]), and platelet units (0 [0-8] vs 0 [0-0]) (P < 0.001 all). Risk factors for possible TRALI were total number of transfused blood units (odds ratio [OR] 1.23; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.10-1.37) and duration of cardiopulmonary bypass (OR 1.08; 95% CI 1.05-1.11). Post-transfusion PaO2/FiO2 ratio was significantly decreased in possible TRALI patients and significantly increased in transfused controls without acute lung injury. Conclusion We observed a higher rate of possible TRALI cases than in other studies on cardiac surgery patients. Serial monitoring of PaO2/FiO2 ratio and detection of its post-transfusion worsening aids in identification of possible TRALI cases.
Localized surface antigens of guinea pig sperm migrate to new regions prior to fertilization

We have previously defined distinct localizations of antigens on the surface of the guinea pig sperm using monoclonal antibodies. In the present study we have demonstrated that these antigen localizations are dynamic and can be altered during changes in the functional state of the sperm. Before the sperm is capable of fertilizing the egg, it must undergo capacitation and an exocytic event, the acrosome reaction. Prior to capacitation, the antigen recognized by the monoclonal antibody, PT-1, was restricted to the posterior tail region (principle piece and end piece). After incubation in capacitating media at 37 degrees C for 1 h, 100% of the sperm population showed migration of the PT-1 antigen onto the anterior tail. This redistribution of surface antigen resulted from a migration of the surface molecules originally present on the posterior tail. It did not occur in the presence of metabolic poisons or when tail-beating was prevented. It was temperature-dependent, and did not require exogenous Ca2+. Since the PT- 1 antigen is freely diffusing on the posterior tail before migration, the mechanism of redistribution could involve the alteration of a presumptive membrane barrier. In addition, we observed the redistribution of a second surface antigen after the acrosome reaction. The antigen recognized by the monoclonal antibody, PH-20, was localized exclusively in the posterior head region of acrosome-intact sperm. Within 7-10 min of induction of the acrosome reaction with Ca2+ and A23187, 90-100% of the acrosome-reacted sperm population no longer demonstrated binding of the PH-20 antibody on the posterior head, but showed binding instead on the inner acrosomal membrane. This redistribution of the PH-20 antigen also resulted from the migration of pre-existing surface molecules, but did not appear to require energy. The migration of PH-20 antigen was a selective process; other antigens localized to the posterior head region did not leave the posterior head after the acrosome reaction. These rearrangements of cell surface molecules may act to regulate cell surface function during fertilization.
Examining Federally Funded Secondary Transition Personnel Preparation Programs

The purpose of this study was to examine 41 secondary transition-focused personnel preparation projects funded between 2001 and 2016. Specifically, this study examined the amount and characteristics of these projects through a systematic abstract review. In addition, authors explored key issues in federally funded transition-focused personnel preparation programs as perceived by principal investigators of funded projects through telephone interviews. Results indicated a decline in Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP)-funded personnel preparation grants over the period of 2001–2016. The interview results revealed three overarching themes regarding key issues in transition personnel preparation programs: (a) catalysts of successful program implementation, (b) critical content, and (c) program impact. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.
Performance of Inflation Targeting across Canadian Provinces

This paper examines how inflation-targeting framework performs across the Canadian provinces. The framework implies optimal moment conditions such that forecasts of inflation, conditional on information available today, are kept on target. We analyze whether these conditions hold when we use provincial inflation and various information variables deemed to be useful for forecasting. We find that there are predictable deviations from the target for the periphery provinces (British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Atlantic Canada). These results summarize regional discrepancies in Canada when it comes to the conduct of monetary policy. We estimate regional wage Phillips curves to assess asymmetries in rigidities across Canada. We find that Nova Scotia and British Columbia are much more rigid regions than the rest of Canada. Such results are useful for the design of optimal monetary policy in Canada. ∗Tel. : +1 306 966 6468; fax: +1 306 966 5232. E-mail address: maxym.chaban@usask.ca †Tel. : +1 250 721 8545; fax: +1 250 721 6214. E-mail address: gvoss@uvic.ca
A Chi-Square-Test for Word Importance Differentiation in Text Classification

Text classification is the main issue in order to support searches of digital libraries and the Internet. Most approaches suffer from the high dimensionality of feature space, e.g. word frequency vectors. To overcome this problem, a new feature selection technique based on a new application of the chi square test is used. Experiments have shown that the determination of word importance may increase the speed of the classification algorithm and save their resource use significantly. By doing so, a success rate of 92.20% could be reached using documents of the ACM digital library.
Changes in Underlying Determinants Explain Rapid Increases in Child Linear Growth in Alive & Thrive Study Areas between 2010 and 2014 in Bangladesh and Vietnam123

Background: Child linear growth sometimes improves in both intervention and comparison groups in evaluations of nutrition interventions, possibly because of spillover intervention effects to nonintervention areas or improvements in underlying determinants of nutritional change in both areas. Objective: We aimed to understand what changes in underlying socioeconomic characteristics and behavioral factors are important in explaining improvements in child linear growth. Methods: Baseline (2010) and endline (2014) surveys from the Alive & Thrive impact evaluation were used to identify the underlying determinants of height-for-age z scores (HAZs) among children aged 24–48 mo in Bangladesh (n = 4311) and 24–59 mo in Vietnam (n = 4002). Oaxaca-Blinder regression decompositions were used to examine which underlying determinants contributed to HAZ changes over time. Results: HAZs improved significantly between 2010 and 2014 in Bangladesh (∼0.18 SDs) and Vietnam (0.25 SDs). Underlying determinants improved substantially over time and were larger in Vietnam than in Bangladesh. Multiple regression models revealed significant associations between changes in HAZs and socioeconomic status (SES), food security, maternal education, hygiene, and birth weight in both countries. Changes in HAZs were significantly associated with maternal nutrition knowledge and child dietary diversity in Bangladesh, and with prenatal visits in Vietnam. Improvements in maternal nutrition knowledge in Bangladesh accounted for 20% of the total HAZ change, followed by maternal education (13%), SES (12%), hygiene (10%), and food security (9%). HAZ improvements in Vietnam were accounted for by changes in SES (26%), prenatal visits (25%), hygiene (19%), child birth weight (10%), and maternal education (7%). The decomposition models in both countries performed well, explaining >75% of the HAZ changes. Conclusions: Decomposition is a useful and simple technique for analyzing nonintervention drivers of nutritional change in intervention and comparison areas. Improvements in underlying determinants explained rapid improvements in HAZs between 2010 and 2014 in Bangladesh and Vietnam.
Teleconnection between the Arctic Oscillation and Hudson Bay river discharge

Rising surface air temperatures in response to anthropogenic forcing are intensifying the global hydrologic cycle. Some of the more dramatic signs of climate change are increasing precipitation, evaporation, and freshwater discharge in continental river basins draining to high‐latitude oceans. At regional scales, however, an acceleration of the hydrologic cycle is not always detected. In contrast to its major Eurasian counterparts, the North American Hudson Bay Basin experienced a 15% decline in river runoff between 1964 and 1994. It is shown that the Arctic Oscillation explains with statistical significance up to 90% of the recent variability in Hudson Bay river discharge. This study reveals the important role of large‐scale atmospheric phenomena such as the Arctic Oscillation in regulating the terrestrial hydrologic budget. The ability of weather and climate models to represent these interannual to decadal scale phenomena governs their predictions of the surface water budget's future state in a changing climate.