Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
13-month climatology of the aerosol hygroscopicity at the free tropospheric site Jungfraujoch (3580 m a.s.l.)

Abstract. A hygroscopicity tandem differential mobility analyzer (HTDMA) was operated at the high-alpine site Jungfraujoch in order to characterize the hygroscopic diameter growth factors of the free tropospheric Aitken and accumulation mode aerosol. More than ~5000 h of valid data were collected for the dry diameters D0 = 35, 50, 75, 110, 165, and 265 nm during the 13-month measurement period from 1 May 2008 through 31 May 2009. No distinct seasonal variability of the hygroscopic properties was observed. Annual mean hygroscopic diameter growth factors (D/D0) at 90% relative humidity were found to be 1.34, 1.43, and 1.46 for D0 = 50, 110, and 265 nm, respectively. This size dependence can largely be attributed to the Kelvin effect because corresponding values of the hygroscopicity parameter κ are nearly independent of size. The mean hygroscopicity of the Aitken and accumulation mode aerosol at the free tropospheric site Jungfraujoch was found to be κ≈0.24 with little variability throughout the year. The impact of Saharan dust events, a frequent phenomenon at the Jungfraujoch, on aerosol hygroscopicity was shown to be negligible for D0 Aerosol hygroscopicity was found to be virtually independent of synoptic wind direction during advective weather situations, i.e. when horizontal motion of the atmosphere dominates over thermally driven convection. This indicates that the hygroscopic behavior of the aerosol observed at the Jungfraujoch can be considered representative of the lower free troposphere on at least a regional if not continental scale.
Near-far resistance of multiuser detectors in asynchronous channels

Consideration is given to an asynchronous code-division multiple-access environment in which receiver has knowledge of the signature waveforms of all the users. Under the assumption of white Gaussian background noise, the authors compare detectors by their worst case bit error rate in a near-far environment with low background noise, where the received energies of the users are unknown to the receiver and are not necessarily similar. Conventional single-user detection in a multiuser channel is not near-far resistant, and the substantially higher performance of the optimum multiuser detector requires exponential complexity in the number of users. The authors explore suboptimal demodulation schemes which exhibit a low order of complexity while not exhibiting the impairment of the conventional single-user detector. It is shown that there exists a linear detector whose bit-error-rate is independent of the energy of the interfering users. It is also shown that the near-far resistance of optimum multiuser detection can be achieved by a linear detector. The optimum linear detector for worst-case energies is found, along with existence conditions, which are always satisfied in the models of practical interest. >
Derandomizing Approximation Algorithms Based on Semidefinite Programming

Remarkable breakthroughs have been made recently in obtaining approximate solutions to some fundamental NP-hard problems, namely Max-Cut, Max k-Cut, Max-Sat, Max-Dicut, Max-bisection, k-vertex coloring, maximum independent set, etc. All these breakthroughs involve polynomial time randomized algorithms based upon semidefinite programming, a technique pioneered by Goemans and Williamson. In this paper, we give techniques to derandomize the above class of randomized algorithms, thus obtaining polynomial time deterministic algorithms with the same approximation ratios for the above problems. At the heart of our technique is the use of spherical symmetry to convert a nested sequence of n integrations, which cannot be approximated sufficiently well in polynomial time, to a nested sequence of just a constant number of integrations, which can be approximated sufficiently well in polynomial time.
Patterns of Job Attitudes in Two Assembly Technologies

In this report the job attitudes of workers in two assembly plants were examined by applying a factor analysis to data obtained from a content analysis of interviews. For both plants the attitude variables could be described as the following three independent factors: affective components, instrumental components, and job involvement. In the auto assembly plant technological variables describing the jobs broke down into two independent factors, one dealing mainly with the variety present in the job, and the other with physical strain, mechanical pacing, and the like; these were termed variety and assembly-line syndrome respectively. In the electronics assembly plant one technological factor accounted for all the variance in jobs except that of utility operator. It was concluded that this pattern of attitude factors constitutes a replication, with different methods and a different sample, of the work of Herzberg et al.1 and that there may therefore be some general theoretical basis for the distinction between the "satisfiers" and "motivators" as expressive and instrumental aspects of job attitudes respectively. Finally, possibilities for changing the nature of the assembly-line job were examined.2 Thomas M. Lodahl is associate professor of administration in the Graduate School of Business and Public Administration, Cornell University.
Trends in the prevalence and incidence of diabetes in the UK: 1996–2005

Background: To estimate the incidence and prevalence of type 1 and type 2 diabetes in the UK general population from 1996 to 2005. Methods: Using The Health Improvement Network database, patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes were identified who were 10–79 years old between 1996 and 2005. Prevalent cases (n = 49 999) were separated from incident cases (n = 42 642; type 1 = 1256, type 2 = 41 386). Data were collected on treatment patterns in incident cases, and on body mass index in prevalent and incident cases. Results: Diabetes prevalence increased from 2.8% in 1996 to 4.3% in 2005. The incidence of diabetes in the UK increased from 2.71 (2.58–2.85)/1000 person-years in 1996 to 4.42 (4.32–4.53)/1000 person-years in 2005. The incidence of type 1 diabetes remained relatively constant throughout the study period; however, the incidence of type 2 diabetes increased from 2.60 (2.47–2.74)/1000 person-years in 1996 to 4.31 (4.21–4.42)/1000 person-years in 2005. Between 1996 and 2005, the proportion of individuals newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes who were obese increased from 46% to 56%. Treatment with metformin increased across the study period, while treatment with sulphonylureas decreased. Conclusions: The prevalence and incidence of type 2 diabetes have increased in the UK over the past decade. This might be primarily explained by the changes in obesity prevalence. Also, there was a change in drug treatment pattern from sulphonylureas to metformin.
Dietary adequacy and dietary quality of Inuit in the Canadian Arctic who smoke and the potential implications for chronic disease

Abstract Objective To compare dietary intake and quality among adult Inuit by smoking status. Design A cross-sectional study using data from a validated quantitative FFQ. Setting Three isolated communities in Nunavut, Canada. Subjects Adult Inuit (n 208), aged between 19 and 79 years, from randomly selected households. Results Average energy intake did not differ between male smokers (n 22) and non-smokers (n 14; 16 235 kJ and 13 503 kJ; P = 0·18), but was higher among female smokers (n 126) compared with non-smokers (n 46; 12 704 kJ and 8552 kJ; P < 0·0001). Average daily nutrient intakes were similar among men and higher among female smokers compared with non-smokers for all nutrients (P ≤ 0·05) except n-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, vitamin D and Se. Female smokers had lower intake densities of thiamin, niacin, vitamin B6, folate, Mg, Na (P ≤ 0·05), protein, n-3 fatty acids, cholesterol, Fe (P ≤ 0·01), vitamin B12 and Se (P ≤ 0·001). Between 20 % and 50 % of male and female smokers were below the Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) for Ca, folate, Mg and vitamins A and K, and more than 50 % were below the DRI for fibre and vitamin E. The proportion of smokers below the DRI was lower for all nutrients, except fibre and folate among men. Among smokers, non-nutrient-dense foods and traditional foods contributed less to energy (−2·1 % and −2·0 %, respectively). Conclusions Adult smokers consumed fewer nutrient-dense, traditional foods, but had increased energy intake, which likely contributed to fewer dietary inadequacies compared with non-smokers. Promoting traditional food consumption supplemented with market-bought fruits and vegetables is important to improve dietary quality, especially among smokers.
Neural Architecture for Feature Binding in Visual Working Memory

Binding refers to the operation that groups different features together into objects. We propose a neural architecture for feature binding in visual working memory that employs populations of neurons with conjunction responses. We tested this model using cued recall tasks, in which subjects had to memorize object arrays composed of simple visual features (color, orientation, and location). After a brief delay, one feature of one item was given as a cue, and the observer had to report, on a continuous scale, one or two other features of the cued item. Binding failure in this task is associated with swap errors, in which observers report an item other than the one indicated by the cue. We observed that the probability of swapping two items strongly correlated with the items' similarity in the cue feature dimension, and found a strong correlation between swap errors occurring in spatial and nonspatial report. The neural model explains both swap errors and response variability as results of decoding noisy neural activity, and can account for the behavioral results in quantitative detail. We then used the model to compare alternative mechanisms for binding nonspatial features. We found the behavioral results fully consistent with a model in which nonspatial features are bound exclusively via their shared location, with no indication of direct binding between color and orientation. These results provide evidence for a special role of location in feature binding, and the model explains how this special role could be realized in the neural system. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The problem of feature binding is of central importance in understanding the mechanisms of working memory. How do we remember not only that we saw a red and a round object, but that these features belong together to a single object rather than to different objects in our environment? Here we present evidence for a neural mechanism for feature binding in working memory, based on encoding of visual information by neurons that respond to the conjunction of features. We find clear evidence that nonspatial features are bound via space: we memorize directly where a color or an orientation appeared, but we memorize which color belonged with which orientation only indirectly by virtue of their shared location.
Schottky Diode Derating for Survivability in a Heavy Ion Environment

In this paper, we irradiate a number of silicon power Schottky diodes from a variety of manufacturers. The tested diodes represent a wide assortment of reverse voltages and forward currents. Additionally, we review correlations between single-event failures in Schottky diodes and device electrical parameters. The spatial locations of failures in the diode are discussed, as well as a possible explanation for why the failures occur. Based on these correlations to date, we propose a derating scheme for Schottky diodes flown in a heavy ion environment and suggest screening procedures for decreasing the risks of such failures.
Gender Gaps

Young women with disabilities face multiple barriers in making the transition from high school to meaningful careers. This study used focus groups and individual interviews with high school girls with disabilities, college women with disabilities, high school special education teachers, school administrators and employers to examine career development and transition needs for young women with disabilities. Barriers and supports were identified in four major categories: a) individual/interpersonal skills, b) career options, c) school system issues, and d) disability needs. Recommendations for practice are discussed.
Endobronchial Tuberculosis : A Case Report

Received September 11, 2003 Abstract Pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) is endemic in Hong Kong. Endobronchial tuberculosis (EBTB) occurs in 30% to 60 % of children with PTB. The treatment of EBTB is different from PTB without endobronchial involvement as systemic steroid is required. We report a 20-month-old boy who presented with a two-day history of cough and shortness of breath and was subsequently diagnosed to have EBTB by flexible fibreoptic bronchoscopy. He was treated with standard anti-tuberculosis drugs plus steroid and recovered after 6 months of treatment.
Prestorage and bedside leucofiltration of whole blood modulates storage‐time‐dependent suppression of in vitro TNFα release

Immunosuppression after transfusion may be related to the content of leucocytes in the transfused blood. Therefore we studied the effects of prestorage and bedside leucodepletion by filtration on the suppression by whole blood of in vitro stimulated tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) release. Nine units of whole blood were leucofiltered prestorage and stored for 35 d. 27 units, 3 × 9, were stored and leucofiltered at the bedside after 7, 21 and 35 d. Supernatants were collected from all units during storage and added to a whole blood assay of E. coli‐LPS‐stimulated TNFα release. The effects of storage were assessed and compared with supernatants collected immediately after donation as reference. TNFα release was storage time dependently suppressed to: 81%, 74% and 57% by supernatants from non‐filtered blood stored for 7, 21 and 35 d, respectively. Prestorage leucofiltration almost eliminated this effect, but we still observed a storage‐time‐dependent suppression by bedside‐leucofiltered blood to 88%, 78% and 65%, respectively. Prestorage leucofiltration appeared to reduce storage‐time‐dependent suppression of in vitro stimulated TNFα release induced by plasma from whole blood compared with non‐filtered and bedside‐leucofiltered whole blood.
Attentional Cues Affect Accuracy and Reaction Time via Different Cognitive and Neural Processes

We investigated whether symbolic endogenous attentional cues affect perceptual accuracy and reaction time (RT) via different cognitive and neural processes. We recorded magnetoencephalography in 19 humans while they performed a cued somatosensory discrimination task in which the cue–target interval was varied between 0 and 1000 ms. Comparing behavioral and neural measures, we show that (1) attentional cueing affects accuracy and RT with different time courses and (2) the time course of our neural measure (anticipatory suppression of neuronal oscillations in stimulus-receiving sensory cortex) only accounts for the accuracy time course. A model is proposed in which the effect on accuracy is explained by a single process (preparatory excitability increase in sensory cortex), whereas the effect on RT is explained by an additional process that is sensitive to cue–target compatibility (post-target comparison between expected and actual stimulus location). These data provide new insights into the mechanisms underlying behavioral consequences of attentional cueing.
Mode of action of (R)-9-[4-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)butyl]guanine against herpesviruses

The activity, metabolism, and mode of action of (R)-9-[4-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)butyl]guanine (H2G) against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV) were studied. Compared to acyclovir (ACV), H2G has superior activity against VZV (50% inhibitory concentration of 2.3 microM) and Epstein-Barr virus (50% inhibitory concentration of 0.9 microM), comparable activity against HSV-1, and weaker activity against HSV-2. The antiviral effect on HSV-1 showed persistence after removal of compound. H2G was metabolized to its mono-, di- and triphosphate derivatives in virus-infected cells, with H2G-triphosphate being the predominant product. Only small amounts of H2G-triphosphate were detected in uninfected cells (1 to 10 pmol/10(6) cells), whereas the level in HSV-1-infected cells reached 1,900 pmol/10(6) cells. H2G was a substrate for all three viral thymidine kinases and could also be phosphorylated by mitochondrial deoxyguanosine kinase. The intracellular half-life of H2G-triphosphate varied in uninfected (2.5 h) and infected (HSV-1, 14 h; VZV, 3.7 h) cells but was always longer than the half-life of ACV-triphosphate (1 to 2 h). H2G-triphosphate inhibited HSV-1, HSV-2, and VZV DNA polymerases competitively with dGTP (Ki of 2.8, 2.2, and 0.3 microM, respectively) but could not replace dGTP as a substrate in a polymerase assay. H2G was not an obligate chain terminator but would only support limited DNA chain extension. Only very small amounts of radioactivity, which were too low to be identified by high-performance liquid chromatography analysis of the digested DNA, could be detected in purified DNA from uninfected cells incubated with [3H]H2G. Thus, H2G acts as an anti-herpesvirus agent, particularly potent against VZV, by formation of high concentrations of relatively stable H2G-triphosphate, which is a potent inhibitor of the viral DNA polymerases.
UWB Impulse Radio with Triple-Polarization SIMO

Polarized single-input multiple-output (SIMO) arrays can improve system robustness and rate while offering a compact design. We investigate the error performance of Impulse Radio ultrawideband (UWB) systems with multiple- antenna arrays employing polarization orthogonality. Based on indoor channel measurements, we evaluate the improvement in the link reliability due to dual- or triple-polar antenna arrays. Using a two-dimensional combining receiver, it is demonstrated that polarization diversity can be very effective in reducing the overall system complexity, making Impulse Radio implementation practically feasible.
Optimisation of IrDA IrLAP Link Access Protocol

The widespread installation of millions of IrDA infrared ports in mobile devices for wireless communication applications necessitates for throughput performance optimisation of the IR links at the IrLAP link layer. Link layer throughput optimisation is important for any line BER of the IR links. The paper provides a mathematical model based on which we derive a simple equation linking IrLAP throughput with physical and link layer parameters. Simple equations for optimum values of window and frame size lengths for maximum link layer throughput as a function of BER are derived. A study of the importance of parameters such as link minimum turn around time and t Fout timer is presented. Finally a protocol improvement that utilises special Supervisory frames (S-frames) to pass transmission control is proposed to deal with delays introduced by F-timer expiration. Results indicate that employing the special S-frame highly improves throughput performance when optimum window and frame size values are implemented.
Constructing positive identities in ableist workplaces: Disabled employees’ discursive practices engaging with the discourse of lower productivity

This article explores how disabled workers engage with the ableist discourse of disability as lower productivity in constructing positive identities in the workplace. Disabled employees inhabit a contradictory discursive position: as disabled individuals, they are discursively constructed for what they are unable to do, whereas as employees they are constituted as human resources and expected to be able to produce and create value. Our discourse analysis of 30 in-depth interviews with disabled employees identifies three types of discursive practices through which they construct positive workplace identities: (1) practices contesting the discourse of lower productivity as commonly defined; (2) practices contesting the discourse of lower productivity by redefining productivity; and (3) practices reaffirming the discourse of lower productivity yet refusing individual responsibility for it. The study advances the disability literature by highlighting how disabled speakers sustain positive workplace identities despite the negative institutionalized expectations of lower productivity both by challenging and reproducing ableism as an organizing principle.
Posterolateral tunnels and ponticuli in human atlas vertebrae

The posterolateral tunnel on the superior surface of the first cervical (atlas) vertebra is of normal occurrence in monkeys and other lower animals, but its presence in the form of a tunnel‐like canal, for the passage of the third part of the vertebral artery over the posterior arch of the human atlas vertebra is not reported. The aim of the present study was to detect the presence of such a canal, in addition to other types of ponticuli (little bridges) reported by earlier investigators, in macerated atlas vertebrae and routine cadaveric dissections. The posterolateral tunnel was detected in 1.14%, and the posterior and lateral ponticuli in 6.57 and 2% of vertebrae. Probably the bony roof of the posterolateral tunnel serves the purpose of additional lateral extension for the attachment of the posterior atlanto‐occipital membrane in quadrupeds, where the load of the head is supported by the extensor muscles of the neck, ligaments and posterior atlanto‐occipital membrane. In man, where the weight of the head is borne by the vertical loading of the superior articular process of the atlas, the roof of the tunnel has disappeared.
Complications of Lumboperitoneal Shunts for Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus

For the past half century, the mainstay of cerebrospinal fluid shunting for normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) has been ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery. Lumboperitoneal (LP) shunt has been used occasionally and seemed to be associated with higher failure rates compared to ventriculoperitoneal shunts. There is no uniformity in the reporting of complication and surgical revision rates. Goals of this study were to understand better the complications and the causes of surgical revisions post-LP shunt insertion in NPH patients. Nine patients with NPH undergoing lumboperitoneal shunt surgery for the first time by the senior author at an academy tertiary-care institution were retrospectively reviewed. Presence of complications and surgical revisions were the two main outcome variables. Logistic regression analysis was used first to assess if there was a correlation between preoperative patient characteristics and complications and second to evaluate if there was any association between postsurgical complications and surgical revision.
Arkose: reusing informal information from online discussions

Online discussions such as a large-scale community brainstorming often end up with an unorganized bramble of ideas and topics that are difficult to reuse. A process of distillation is needed to boil down a large information space into information that is concise and organized. We take a system-augmented approach to the problem by creating a set of tools with which human editors can collaboratively distill a large amount of informal information. Two design principles, which we will define as incremental diagenesis and incremental summarization, help editors flexibly distill the informal information. Our system, Arkose, is built as a demonstration of these principles, providing the necessary tools for distillation. These tools include a number of visualization and information retrieval mechanisms, as well as an authoring tool and a navigator for the information space. They support a gradual increase in the order and reusability of the information space and allow various levels of intermediate states of a distillation.