Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Visual Graph Mining

In this study, we formulate the concept of "mining maximal-size frequent subgraphs" in the challenging domain of visual data (images and videos). In general, visual knowledge can usually be modeled as attributed relational graphs (ARGs) with local attributes representing local parts and pairwise attributes describing the spatial relationship between parts. Thus, from a practical perspective, such mining of maximal-size subgraphs can be regarded as a general platform for discovering and modeling the common objects within cluttered and unlabeled visual data. Then, from a theoretical perspective, visual graph mining should encode and overcome the great fuzziness of messy data collected from complex real-world situations, which conflicts with the conventional theoretical basis of graph mining designed for tabular data. Common subgraphs hidden in these ARGs usually have soft attributes, with considerable inter-graph variation. More importantly, we should also discover the latent pattern space, including similarity metrics for the pattern and hidden node relations, during the mining process. In this study, we redefine the visual subgraph pattern that encodes all of these challenges in a general way, and propose an approximate but efficient solution to graph mining. We conduct five experiments to evaluate our method with different kinds of visual data, including videos and RGB/RGB-D images. These experiments demonstrate the generality of the proposed method.
Silica-Induced TNF-α and TGF-β1 Expression in RAW264.7 Cells are Dependent on Src-ERK/AP-1 Pathways

The cytokines secreted by lung macrophages have been shown to play a critical role in the pathogenesis of silicosis, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) are prominent cytokines in silicosis, but the underlying mechanism remains to be determined. The aim of the present study was to investigate the roles of Src-mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPKs)/activator protein-1 (AP-1) signaling pathways in silica-induced TNF-α and TGF-β1 expression in macrophage cells (RAW264.7). It was found that silica activated Src, p38 kinase, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in RAW264.7 cells. The induction of TNF-α and TGF-β1 by silica was suppressed by Src inhibitor (PP1), ERK inhibitor (PD98059), but not by p38 kinase inhibitor (SB203580). Dominant negative mutant c-Jun (TAM67) inhibited silica-induced AP-1 DNA binding activity and downregulated the TNF-α and TGF-β1 expression. In addition, PD98059 but not SB203580 inhibited the AP-1 DNA binding activity induced by silica. Based on these findings, it was conclude that Src-ERK/AP-1 signaling pathways are involved in the TNF-α and TGF-β1 expression induced by silica in macrophages.
Geographic patterns of disability in the United States.

Geographic patterns of county prevalence rates of disability benefit receipt are shown for the Social Security Administration's Disability Insurance (DI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs. Prevalence rates were calculated by dividing each county's December 1990 DI and SSI disability caseloads by the population aged 18-64 for that year in that county. Separate maps were also constructed for men and women recipients. Areas with the highest overall DI prevalence rates included Appalachia, the Southeast Coastal Plains, the Mid-south, northwestern Montana, the coastal counties of Washington, and isolated counties of the Southwest. Areas with the highest SSI prevalence rates included the Mississippi Delta, scattered counties in Oklahoma, the Missouri "Boot Heel," parts of Appalachia, isolated counties in South and North Dakota, the "Four Corners" regions of the Southwest, the Sacramento and San Joaquin Valley regions of California, isolated parts of the upper Great Lakes States, northern Maine, and the coastal region of southwestern Alaska. Disability prevalence rates were also calculated for the overall population and by sex for each of the 10 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services administrative regions.
Banking Spreads in Latin America

Intermediation spreads in Latin America are high by international standards. This paper examines the determinants of bank interest margins in that region using bank- and country-level data from 85 countries, including 14 Latin American economies. The results suggest that Latin America has higher interest rates, less efficient banks, and larger reserve requirements than other regions and that these factors have a significant impact on spreads. However, Latin American countries do not differ markedly from their peers in other aspects that are found important in determining the cost of financial intermediation, such as inflation and bank profit taxation. (JEL E43, E44, G21, O54)
The relationship between social support and well-being of rural elderly women.

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between social support and well-being of rural elderly women. A sample of 284 women aged 60 and older (M = 69.12, SD = 6.40) in a rural area of southern Taiwan completed all interview questions. The Chinese versions of the Personal Resource Questionnaire (PRQ) and the Positive Affect and Negative Affect Scale (PANAS) were used to measure social support and well-being. Content validity of the Chinese versions of the instruments was estimated as satisfactory. The alpha reliability coefficients were . 86 for the entire PRQ-85 Part 2 and from . 65 to . 78 for the subscales. The alpha reliability coefficients were . 85 and . 65 for the PA subscale and NA subscale respectively. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to examine the relationship between social support and well-being. The findings demonstrated that not only the entire social support but also its five dimensions were positively correlated with positive affect (r ranged from .24 to .48, p < .01) and were inversely correlated with negative affect (r ranged from -.15 to -.21, p < .05 or .01). A substantive intervention design may help verify the effectiveness of social support on elderly women's positive affect and negative affect. Using social support as a strategy to promote these women's well-being, therefore, should be the subject of future study.
Investigation of SiC/Oxide Interface Structures by Spectroscopic Ellipsometry

Additional information available the chapter Abstract We have investigated SiC/oxide interface structures by the use of spectroscopic ellipsometry. The depth profile of the optical constants of thermally grown oxide layers on SiC was obtained by observing the slope-shaped oxide layers, and the results suggest the existence of the interface layers, around 1 nm in thickness, having high refractive index than those of both SiC and SiO 2 . The wavelength dispersions of optical constants of the interface layers were measured in the range of visible to deep UV spectral region, and we found the interface layers have similar dispersion to that of SiC, though the refractive indices are around 1 larger than SiC, which suggests the interface layers are neither transition layers nor roughness layers, but modified SiC, e.g., strained and/or modified composition. By the use of an in-situ ellipsometer, real-time observation of SiC oxidation was performed, and the growth rate enhancement was found in the thin thickness regime as in the case of Si oxidation, which cannot be explained by the Deal-Grove model proposed for Si oxidation. From the measure‐ ments of the oxidation temperature and oxygen partial pressure dependences of oxidation rate in the initial stage of oxidation, we have discussed the interface structures and their formation mechanisms within the framework of the interfacial SiC emission model we proposed for SiC oxidation mechanism. 2 determination layer range, these optical constants ( n it , k it ) of the interface were at each photon energy in the entire range from 2.0 to 6.0 from the ellipsometric parameters ( Ψ, ∆ ) measured at the corresponding energies.
Selective Drug Taking During Combination Antiretroviral Therapy in an Unselected Clinic Population

Objectives:Multidrug therapy is necessary to achieve sustained viral suppression. Discordant adherence to individual components of a multidrug regimen may lead to adverse outcomes. Methods:Antiretroviral-naive patients initiating therapy from 1997 through 2002 were included. Adherence for each antiretroviral was determined using pharmacy refill data. Selective drug taking was defined as ≥5% difference in adherence between 2 components of an antiretroviral regimen lasting at least 60 days. Results:A total of 322 of 415 patients (78%) met inclusion criteria. Selective drug taking occurred in 47 of 322 patients (15%) and on 51 of 438 regimens (12%). Factors associated with selective drug taking were lower baseline CD4 lymphocyte count (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.3, 95% CI: 1.1 to 1.6 per 100 cell/μL decrease); 3 times daily dosing schedule (AOR: 4.1, 95% CI: 1.1 to 15.5); and the presence of significant adverse drug events (AOR: 2.9, 95% CI: 1.3 to 6.4). Regimens containing a fixed-dose combination dosage form were less likely to have selective drug taking (AOR: 0.5, 95% CI: 0.2 to 0.99). Outcomes independently associated with selective drug taking included earlier progression to a new AIDS-defining illness or death (hazard ratio: 2.3, 95% CI: 1.2 to 4.5). Conclusions:Selective drug taking was relatively common among patients taking combination antiretroviral therapy. The factor most closely associated with selective drug taking was the presence of an adverse drug event. Clinical outcomes appeared worse in patients with selective drug taking.
Experiences of Family Relationships Among Donor-Conceived Families

In this qualitative evidence synthesis, we explore how family relationships are experienced by parents who used gamete donation to conceive. We systematically searched four databases (PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and ProQuest) for literature related to this topic and retrieved 25 studies. Through the analysis of the qualitative studies, a comprehensive synthesis and framework was constructed. Following the meta-ethnography approach of Noblit and Hare, four main themes were identified: (a) balancing the importance of genetic and social ties, (b) normalizing and legitimizing the family, (c) building strong family ties, and (d) minimizing the role of the donor. Underlying these four main themes, a sense of being “different” and “similar” at the same time was apparent. Findings are discussed in terms of their implications for studying and counseling donor-conceived families.
Abstraction in conceptual model design

Abstract Understanding and supporting conceptual model design is an important issue in Model Management System (MMS) research. While there are a broad range of aspects which affect conceptual design, this study focuses on the use and the support of abstraction in the design process. We classify the use of abstraction in design into three categories: vertical, horizontal and general abstraction techniques. We then propose a theoretical framework which suggests the completeness of the design, the development of higher level concepts in design, and the design organization as the three dimensions of design output that can be enhanced by effective use of these abstraction techniques. The proposed framework was empirically tested on a design problem using non-domain experts, with a software prototype that provided abstraction aids. The findings indicated significant effects of abstraction aids on the three dimensions of design output. Specifically, training exercises with comprehensive examples of various design strategies significantly improved both the number of high level ideas generated and the design organization compared to unaided designs. The completeness of designs was enhanced by both the design environment structure and the examples and analogies provided during training. The implications of this study are: (a) it is possible to measure the impact of abstraction support on the conceptual design process, (b) the proposed measures can be used in the development and evaluation of design support systems, and (c) abstraction support can significantly improve the quality of design by non-domain experts.
Calcium feedback mechanisms regulate oscillatory activity of a TRP‐like Ca2+ conductance in C. elegans intestinal cells

Inositol‐1,4,5‐trisphosphate (IP3)‐dependent Ca2+ oscillations in Caenorhabditis elegans intestinal epithelial cells regulate the nematode defecation cycle. The role of plasma membrane ion channels in intestinal cell oscillatory Ca2+ signalling is unknown. We have shown previously that cultured intestinal cells express a Ca2+‐selective conductance, IORCa, that is biophysically similar to TRPM7 currents. IORCa activates slowly and stabilizes when cells are patch clamped with pipette solutions containing 10 mm BAPTA and free Ca2+ concentrations of ∼17 nm. However, when BAPTA concentration is lowered to 1 mm, IORCa oscillates. Oscillations in channel activity induced simultaneous oscillations in cytoplasmic Ca2+ levels. Removal of extracellular Ca2+ inhibited IORCa oscillations, whereas readdition of Ca2+ to the bath caused a rapid and transient reactivation of the current. Experimental manoeuvres that elevated intracellular Ca2+ blocked current oscillations. Elevation of intracellular Ca2+ in the presence of 10 mm BAPTA to block IORCa oscillations led to a dose‐dependent increase in the rate of current activation. At intracellular Ca2+ concentrations of 250 nm, current activation was transient. Patch pipette solutions buffered with 1–4 mm of either BAPTA or EGTA gave rise to similar patterns of IORCa oscillations. We conclude that changes in Ca2+ concentration close to the intracellular opening of the channel pore regulate channel activity. Low concentrations of Ca2+ activate the channel. As Ca2+ enters and accumulates near the pore mouth, channel activity is inhibited. Oscillating plasma membrane Ca2+ entry may play a role in generating intracellular Ca2+ oscillations that regulate the C. elegans defecation rhythm.
Correlation of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Gene Polymorphism with Effect of Antihypertensive Therapy by Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor

Background: The correlation of the angiotensin-converting enzyme insertion/deletion polymorphism with essential hypertension shown in previous studies is controversial, and the responses of hypertensive patients with different angiotensin-converting enzyme genotypes to treatment with an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor merits investigation. Methods: Eighty-nine patients with essential hypertension and 102 normotensive subjects were included in this study. All subjects were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction for the insertion/deletion polymorphism of the angiotensin-converting enzyme gene. Blood pressure was measured before and after taking Benazepril 10 mg, once daily, for 2 months. Results: The genotype and allele frequencies were similar (X2 = 0.64, P = .73; x2 = 0.36, P = .55, respectively). The reduction of both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in the DD genotype was significantly greater than in the II genotype (10.13 ± 4.91 vs 5.37 ± 2.79, P < .01; 7.47 + 3.50 vs 4.71 ± 2.40, P < .05, respectively). Conclusions: No significant association of angiotensin-converting enzyme gene polymorphism with essential hypertension was found. Angiotensin-converting enzyme gene polymorphism might be related to the antihypertensive response to an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor in hypertensive patients.
Acetaminophen, aspirin and progression of advanced chronic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND Although many studies have investigated the possible association between analgesic use (acetaminophen and aspirin) and the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD), the effect of analgesics on the progression of established CKD of any cause has not yet been investigated. METHODS In this population-based Swedish cohort study, we investigated the decline over 5-7 years in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) among 801 patients with incident, advanced CKD (serum creatinine >3.4 mg/dL for men, >2.8 mg/dL for women for the first time) and with different analgesic exposures. Lifetime analgesic use and current regular use were ascertained through in-person interviews at inclusion while data on analgesic use during the follow-up was abstracted from the medical records at the end of the study period. A linear regression slope, based on their eGFR values during the follow-up, provided a summary of within-individual change. In the final multivariate analyses, a linear mixed effects model was implemented to assess the relation of analgesic use and change in eGFR over time. RESULTS The progression rate for regular users of acetaminophen was slower than that for non-regular users (regular users progressed 0.93 mL/min/1.73 m(2) per year slower than non-regular users; 95% CI 0.03, 1.8). For regular users of aspirin, the progression rate was significantly slower than that for non-regular users (regular users progressed 0.80 mL/min/1.73 m(2) per year slower than non-regular users; 95% CI 0.1, 1.5). Different levels of lifetime cumulative dose of acetaminophen and aspirin did not significantly affect the progression rate. CONCLUSION We suggest that single substance acetaminophen and aspirin may be safe to use by patients with diagnosed advanced CKD stage 4-5 without an adverse effect on the progression rate of the disease.
Synthesized Light Transients

Light spanning the near infrared to the ultraviolet has been confined in pulses shorter than a single optical cycle. Manipulation of electron dynamics calls for electromagnetic forces that can be confined to and controlled over sub-femtosecond time intervals. Tailored transients of light fields can provide these forces. We report on the generation of subcycle field transients spanning the infrared, visible, and ultraviolet frequency regimes with a 1.5-octave three-channel optical field synthesizer and their attosecond sampling. To demonstrate applicability, we field-ionized krypton atoms within a single wave crest and launched a valence-shell electron wavepacket with a well-defined initial phase. Half-cycle field excitation and attosecond probing revealed fine details of atomic-scale electron motion, such as the instantaneous rate of tunneling, the initial charge distribution of a valence-shell wavepacket, the attosecond dynamic shift (instantaneous ac Stark shift) of its energy levels, and its few-femtosecond coherent oscillations.
Being a hospice volunteer

The aim of this study was to obtain an understanding of what it means to be a hospice volunteer in a country without a tradition of hospice or palliative volunteer care services. Ten volunteers from three different hospices in Sweden were interviewed. Their narratives were interpreted with a phenomenological hermeneutic method. Three themes were disclosed: motives for becoming involved in hospices, encountering the hospice and encountering the patient. The interpretations disclose a need for the volunteer to be affirmed as a caring person and received in fellowship at the hospice. Positive encounters with a hospice are closely related to personal growth. Volunteers feel rejected if their need for meaning and for belonging to the hospice is not satisfied. This shows that hospices need to set goals in terms of volunteer support, particularly regarding existential issues following the encounter with the hospice and the patient.
Plasmodium falciparum antigenic variation: relationships between in vivo selection, acquired antibody response, and disease severity.

BACKGROUND Variant surface antigens (VSA) on Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes are potentially important targets of immunity to malaria. We previously identified a VSA phenotype--VSA with a high frequency of antibody recognition (VSA(FoRH))--that is associated with young host age and severe malaria. We hypothesized that VSA(FoRH) are positively selected by host molecules such as intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM1) and CD36 and dominate in the absence of an effective immune response. Here, we assessed, in 115 Kenyan children, the potential role played by in vivo selection pressures in either favoring or selecting against VSA(FoRH) among parasites that cause malaria. METHODS We tested for associations between VSA(FoRH) and (1) the repertoire of VSA antibodies carried by children at the time of acute malaria and (2) polymorphisms in ICAM1 (K29M) and CD36 (T188G) that could potentially reduce the positive selection of VSA(FoRH). RESULTS An expected negative association between VSA antibody repertoire and VSA(FoRH) was observed in children with nonsevere malaria. However, this association did not extend to children with severe malaria, many of whom apparently had well-developed VSA antibody responses despite being infected by parasites expressing VSA(FoRH). There was no evidence for involvement of CD36 or ICAM1 in positive selection of VSA(FoRH). On the contrary, a weak positive association between carriage of the CD36 (T188G) allele and VSA(FoRH) was observed in children with severe malaria. CONCLUSION The association between the VSA(FoRH) parasite phenotype and severe malaria cannot be explained simply in terms of the total repertoire of VSA antibodies carried at the time of acute disease.
Behavioral Biometrics for Smartphone User Authentication

Pervasive in nature and extensively used for a wide range of features, smartphone provides functionality such as social networking, online shopping, mobile gaming, private/group communication, etc. While using these services, a user has to provide private information such as account credentials, credit card details, etc., which are then stored on the device. This information, if lost, can result in a user's privacy leakage and monetary loss. Therefore, significance of securing a smartphone from adversarial access becomes paramount. Despite being security and privacy critical, smartphones are still protected by traditional authentication mechanisms such as PINs and passwords, whose limitations and drawbacks are well known and well documented in the security community. The recent introduction of physical biometrics like facial, fingerprint and iris recognition, in smartphone authentication, has mitigated the problems with user input, however, they still suffer from other usability and security issues. Hence, new, accurate, and user-friendly authentication mechanisms are required. In this direction, behavior-based authentication solutions have recently attracted a significant amount of interest in both commercial and academic contexts. Most of the smartphone users prefer convenience over security and consider authentication mechanism more annoying as compared to other technological problems, such as lack of coverage, power consumption, etc. In this dissertation, we discuss limitations of existing authentication methods in terms of security and usability, and propose their replacements with behavioral biometric based authentication mechanisms. The underlying principle of our approach is to design solutions that authenticate users with either minimal or no cooperation from the users. We design, prototype and test the proposed authentication mechanisms based on our identified human behavior, such as how a person holds the phone, lifts the phone, types free-text PIN on the phone, signs her name on the touchscreen, etc. Moreover, we provide a comparative evaluation, based on accuracy, performance and usability, of our proposed mechanisms with the available state-of-the-art solutions. All of our solutions exploit the existing hardware (avoiding additional hardware requirement), and hence can be implemented on most of the smartphones available in the market today.