Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Exposure to psychosocial work factors in 31 European countries.

BACKGROUND Although psychosocial work factors are recognized as major occupational risk factors, little information is available regarding the prevalence of exposure to these factors and the differences in exposure between countries. AIMS To explore the differences in various psychosocial work exposures between 31 European countries. METHODS The study was based on a sample of 14,881 male and 14,799 female workers from the 2005 European Working Conditions Survey. Eighteen psychosocial work factors were studied: low decision latitude (skill discretion and decision authority), high psychological demands, job strain, low social support, iso-strain, physical violence, sexual harassment, bullying, discrimination, work-family imbalance, long working hours, high effort, job insecurity, low job promotion, low reward and effort-reward imbalance. Covariates were age, number of workers in household, occupation, economic activity, self-employed/employee, public/private sector and part/full time work. Statistical analysis was performed using multilevel logistic regression analysis. RESULTS Significant differences in all psychosocial work factors were observed between countries. The rank of the countries varied according to the exposure considered. However, some countries, especially Denmark, Netherlands and Norway, displayed a significantly lower prevalence of exposure to four factors or more, while some Southern and Eastern countries, especially Czech Republic, Greece, Lithuania and Turkey, had a higher prevalence. CONCLUSIONS Differences in psychosocial work exposures were found between countries. This study is the first to compare a large set of psychosocial work exposures between 31 European countries. These findings may be useful to guide prevention policies at European level.
Selective Sampling With Naive Co-Testing : Preliminary Results

Selective sampling, a form of active learning, reduces the cost of labeling training data by asking only for the labels of the most informative unlabeled examples. We introduce a novel approach to selective sampling which we call co-testing. Co-testing can be applied to problems with redundant views (i.e., problems with multiple disjoint sets of attributes that can be used for learning). We analyze the most general algorithm in the co-testing family, naive co-testing, which can be used with virtually any type of learner. Naive co-testing simply selects at random an example on which the existing views disagree. We applied our algorithm to a variety of domains, including three real-world problems: wrapper induction, Web page classification, and discourse trees parsing. The empirical results show that besides reducing the number of labeled examples, naive co-testing may also boost the classification accuracy.
miRNAs are essential for survival and differentiation of newborn neurons but not for expansion of neural progenitors during early neurogenesis in the mouse embryonic neocortex

Neurogenesis during the development of the mammalian cerebral cortex involves a switch of neural stem and progenitor cells from proliferation to differentiation. To explore the possible role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in this process, we conditionally ablated Dicer in the developing mouse neocortex using Emx1-Cre, which is specifically expressed in the dorsal telencephalon as early as embryonic day (E) 9.5. Dicer ablation in neuroepithelial cells, which are the primary neural stem and progenitor cells, and in the neurons derived from them, was evident from E10.5 onwards, as ascertained by the depletion of the normally abundant miRNAs miR-9 and miR-124. Dicer ablation resulted in massive hypotrophy of the postnatal cortex and death of the mice shortly after weaning. Analysis of the cytoarchitecture of the Dicer-ablated cortex revealed a marked reduction in radial thickness starting at E13.5, and defective cortical layering postnatally. Whereas the former was due to neuronal apoptosis starting at E12.5, which was the earliest detectable phenotype, the latter reflected dramatic impairment of neuronal differentiation. Remarkably, the primary target cells of Dicer ablation, the neuroepithelial cells, and the neurogenic progenitors derived from them, were unaffected by miRNA depletion with regard to cell cycle progression, cell division, differentiation and viability during the early stage of neurogenesis, and only underwent apoptosis starting at E14.5. Our results support the emerging concept that progenitors are less dependent on miRNAs than their differentiated progeny, and raise interesting perspectives as to the expansion of somatic stem cells.
Reconstruction of an active SOCS3-based E3 ubiquitin ligase complex in vitro: identification of the active components and JAK2 and gp130 as substrates

Abstract SOCS3 (suppressor of cytokine signaling 3) inhibits the intracellular signaling cascade initiated by exposure of cells to cytokines. SOCS3 regulates signaling via two distinct mechanisms: directly inhibiting the catalytic activity of Janus kinases (JAKs) that initiate the intracellular signaling cascade and catalysing the ubiquitination of signaling components by recruiting components of an E3 ubiquitin ligase complex. Here we investigate the latter mode-of-action biochemically by reconstructing a SOCS3-based E3 ubiquitin ligase complex in vitro using fully purified, recombinant components and examining its ability to promote the ubiquitination of molecules involved in the cytokine signaling cascade. We show that SOCS3 is an active substrate recruitment module for a Cullin5-based E3 ligase and have defined the core protein components required for ubiquitination. SOCS3-induced polyubiquitination was rapid and could proceed through a number of different ubiquitin lysines. SOCS3 catalyzed the ubiquitination of both the IL-6 receptor common chain (gp130) and JAK2.
Extending the Horizon in Chronic Heart Failure: Effects of Multidisciplinary, Home-Based Intervention Relative to Usual Care

Background— The long-term impact of chronic heart failure management programs over the typical life span of affected individuals is unknown. Methods and Results— The effects of a nurse-led, multidisciplinary, home-based intervention (HBI) in a typically elderly cohort of patients with chronic heart failure initially randomized to either HBI (n=149) or usual postdischarge care (UC) (n=148) after a short-term hospitalization were studied for up to 10 years of follow-up (minimum 7.5 years of follow-up). Study end points were all-cause mortality, event-free survival (event was defined as death or unplanned hospitalization), recurrent hospital stay, and cost per life-year gained. Median survival in the HBI cohort was almost twice that of UC (40 versus 22 months; P<0.001), with fewer deaths overall (HBI, 77% versus 89%; adjusted relative risk, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.53 to 0.80; P<0.001). HBI was associated with prolonged event-free survival (median, 7 versus 4 months; P<0.01). HBI patients had more unplanned readmissions (560 versus 550) but took 7 years to overtake UC; the rates of readmission (2.04±3.23 versus 3.66±7.62 admissions; P<0.05) and related hospital stay (14.8±23.0 versus 28.4±53.4 days per patient per year; P<0.05) were significantly lower in the HBI group. HBI was associated with 120 more life-years per 100 patients treated compared with UC (405 versus 285 years) at a cost of $1729 per additional life-year gained when we accounted for healthcare costs including the HBI. Conclusions— In altering the natural history of chronic heart failure relative to UC (via prolonged survival and reduced frequency of recurrent hospitalization), HBI is a remarkably cost- and time-effective strategy over the longer term.
Application of Refraction Seismic On the Vulnerability of Underground Aquifers

The multichannel seismic survey consists of a geophysical technique of indirect quantification, whose principles are based on the acoustic properties of the seismic waves produced locally. The current study deals with seismic refraction, whose main advantages are avoidance of any environmental impact during the exploration, low cost and a fast way to present the results. The objective of the technique is to show acoustic characteristics of the geological environment, such as the propagation velocity of the P wave allowing the estimation of the type of rock that constitutes the subsoil. The layers depths determination depends on velocities estimated in the data analysis. The information provided by the seismic survey is used to determine the degree of vulnerability of local groundwater reserves. The region of interest of this study is the central depression of the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. This region consists of one of the recharge areas of the Guarani Aquifer System. This system consists of a set of geological formations rich in sand and poor in clay, which results in a kind of compartmentalized sponge with potential to accumulate groundwater, covered by impermeable rock. Profiles analyzed, in the region of the municipality of Santa Cruz do Sul suggest the presence of basalt, argillite and sandstone at approximately 10 meters depth. These conditions indicate a vulnerability of the aquifer which varies laterally. Therefore, some regions showed to be less protected than others, requiring more attention on the possibility of propagation of some contaminant.
Tandem decoding of children's speech for keyword detection in a child-robot interaction scenario

In this article, we focus on keyword detection in children's speech as it is needed in voice command systems. We use the FAU Aibo Emotion Corpus which contains emotionally colored spontaneous children's speech recorded in a child-robot interaction scenario and investigate various recent keyword spotting techniques. As the principle of bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory (BLSTM) is known to be well-suited for context-sensitive phoneme prediction, we incorporate a BLSTM network into a Tandem model for flexible coarticulation modeling in children's speech. Our experiments reveal that the Tandem model prevails over a triphone-based Hidden Markov Model approach.
Nested miller active-capacitor frequency compensation for low-power three-stage amplifiers

A new frequency compensation technique for low-power, area-efficient multistage amplifiers is introduced in this work. By utilizing active capacitors to realize the compensation network in a nested way, two inverting gain stages can be used as the second and third gain-stages. The proposed scheme reaches better bandwidth-to-power and slew-rate-to-power performances comparing to the ever published works. Implemented in a standard 0.35 um CMOS technology, the proposed three-stage amplifier achieves 112-dB DC gain, 1.7-M GBW, 47deg phase margin and 1.95-V/mus average slew rate under a 500 pF capacitive load. All of these are realized with only 38 muW power consumption under a 2-V power supply and with very small compensation capacitors.
Personality Profiles Identify Depressive Symptoms over Ten Years? A Population-Based Study

Little is known about the relationship between temperament and character inventory (TCI) profiles and depressive symptoms. Personality profiles are useful, because personality traits may have different effects on depressive symptoms when combined with different combinations of other traits. Participants were from the population-based Young Finns study with repeated measurements in 1997, 2001, and 2007 (n = 1402 to 1902). TCI was administered in 1997 and mild depressive symptoms (modified Beck's depression inventory, BDI) were reported in 1997, 2001, and 2007. BDI-II was also administered in 2007. We found that high harm avoidance and low self-directedness related strongly to depressive symptoms. In addition, sensitive (NHR) and fanatical people (ScT) were especially vulnerable to depressive symptoms. high novelty seeking and reward dependence increased depressive symptoms when harm avoidance was high. These associations were very similar in cross-sectional and longitudinal analysis. Personality profiles help in understanding the complex associations between depressive symptoms and personality.
SPITFIRE: toward a semantic web of things

The developed world is awash with sensors. However, they are typically locked into unimodal closed systems. To unleash their full potential, access to sensors should be opened such that their data and services can be integrated with data and services available in other information systems, facilitating novel applications and services that are based on the state of the real world. We describe our vision and architecture of a Semantic Web of Things: a service infrastructure that makes the deployment and use of semantic applications involving Internet-connected sensors almost as easy as building, searching, and reading a web page today.
Specialized Models and Ranking for Coreference Resolution

This paper investigates two strategies for improving coreference resolution: (1) training separate models that specialize in particular types of mentions (e.g., pronouns versus proper nouns) and (2) using a ranking loss function rather than a classification function. In addition to being conceptually simple, these modifications of the standard single-model, classification-based approach also deliver significant performance improvements. Specifically, we show that on the ACE corpus both strategies produce f-score gains of more than 3% across the three coreference evaluation metrics (MUC, B3, and CEAF).
Frequency of HER2 heterogeneity by fluorescence in situ hybridization according to CAP expert panel recommendations: time for a new look at how to report heterogeneity.

In 2009, a College of American Pathologists expert panel published supplemental HER2 testing recommendations suggesting that cases with between 5% and 50% individual cells amplified by fluorescence in situ hybridization be reported as "heterogeneous for HER2 gene amplification. " We examined the implications of applying these recommendations to clinical practice in 1,329 consecutive breast cancer cases. By ratio criteria, 23.2% of cases met the proposed criteria for heterogeneity, of which 81.6% were not amplified and 15.5% were equivocal by standard criteria. In contrast, the proposed criteria based on HER2 signals per cell classified only 6.5% of cases as heterogeneous, of which only 8% (7/87) were not amplified and 79% (69/87) were equivocal by standard criteria. These results show that the 2 proposed criteria sets are not equivalent and that the ratio-based definition results in large numbers of nonamplified cases being classified as heterogeneous. Further definition of optimal criteria with clinical relevance is needed before HER2 heterogeneity reporting is adopted in routine practice.
Consumer to Creator: How Households Buy Furniture to Inform Design and Fabrication Interfaces

Emerging technologies for digital design and fabrication let people participate in the making of objects that were previously dominated by professional designers. A growing body of work in HCI provides understanding in the activities of designing and making by novices and in maker communities. However, we know little about how casual users might employ these technologies with the goal of having an object in their home that satisfies a need. We present a long-term qualitative study in which we followed 16 households during a purchasing process of furniture items for their homes. We looked into how families discover what they need, find solutions, realize a solution in their house and put it to use. The results provide insights into their design activities and workflow and we identify two distinct stages: understanding needs and prototyping a solution. Based on the findings, we discuss the social practice of acquiring and appropriating furniture in the home and within families, and identify design opportunities for digital design and fabrication to support people as they create the objects they need, want and desire.
Impact of the fiber type arrangement on bidirectional mixed-fiber optical links

In this paper we investigate the impact of the fiber types arrangement on the performance of bidirectional mixed-fiber optical links. It is shown how to compose an optical link given a set of different fiber types in order to optimize the transmission bit error rate (BER). To this aim, a nonlinear interference noise (NLIN) theoretical prediction model was adapted to take into account different fiber types and their positions in the optical link. The analysis was performed considering a coherent wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) transmission system with no inline dispersion compensation.
Telomeric co-localization of the modified base J and contingency genes in the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi

Base J or β-d-glucosylhydroxymethyluracil is a modification of thymine residues within the genome of kinetoplastid parasites. In organisms known to contain the modified base, J is located mainly within the telomeric repeats. However, in Trypanosoma brucei, a small fraction of J is also located within the silent subtelomeric variant surface glycoprotein (VSG) gene expression sites, but not in the active expression site, suggesting a role for J in regulating telomeric genes involved in pathogenesis. With the identification of surface glycoprotein genes adjacent to telomeres in the South American Trypanosome, Trypanosoma cruzi, we became interested in the telomeric distribution of base J. Analysis of J and telomeric repeat sequences by J immunoblots and Southern blots following DNA digestion, reveals ∼25% of J outside the telomeric repeat sequences. Moreover, the analysis of DNA sequences immunoprecipitated with J antiserum, localized J within subtelomeric regions rich in life-stage-specific surface glycoprotein genes involved in pathogenesis. Interestingly, the pattern of J within these regions is developmentally regulated. These studies provide a framework to characterize the role of base J in the regulation of telomeric gene expression/diversity in T. cruzi.
Calibrated Probabilistic Forecasting Using Ensemble Model Output Statistics and Minimum CRPS Estimation

Abstract Ensemble prediction systems typically show positive spread-error correlation, but they are subject to forecast bias and dispersion errors, and are therefore uncalibrated. This work proposes the use of ensemble model output statistics (EMOS), an easy-to-implement postprocessing technique that addresses both forecast bias and underdispersion and takes into account the spread-skill relationship. The technique is based on multiple linear regression and is akin to the superensemble approach that has traditionally been used for deterministic-style forecasts. The EMOS technique yields probabilistic forecasts that take the form of Gaussian predictive probability density functions (PDFs) for continuous weather variables and can be applied to gridded model output. The EMOS predictive mean is a bias-corrected weighted average of the ensemble member forecasts, with coefficients that can be interpreted in terms of the relative contributions of the member models to the ensemble, and provides a highly competiti.
Electrocortical Processing of Food and Emotional Pictures in Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa

Objective: To compare the electrocortical processing of food pictures in participants with anorexia nervosa (n = 21), bulimia nervosa (n = 22), and healthy controls (HCs) (n = 32) by measuring the early posterior negativity, an event-related potential that reflects stimulus salience and selective attention. Methods: We exposed these three groups to a rapid stream of high- and low-calorie food pictures, as well as standard emotional and neutral pictures. Results: Event-related potentials in the time range of 220 milliseconds to 310 milliseconds on posterior electrodes differed between groups: patients with eating disorders showed facilitated processing of both high- and low-calorie food pictures relative to neutral pictures, whereas HC participants did so only for the high-calorie pictures. Subjective palatability of the pictures was rated highest by patients with anorexia nervosa, followed by the HC and bulimia nervosa groups. Conclusions: Patients with eating disorders show a generalized attentional bias for food images, regardless of caloric value. This might explain the persistent preoccupation with food in these individuals.ANOVA = analysis of variance; AN = anorexia nervosa; BN = bulimia nervosa; EDs = eating disorders; DSM-IV = Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition; EPN = early posterior negativity; EEG = electroencephalography; ERPs = event-related potentials; fMRI = functional magnetic resonance imaging; high-cal = high-calorie; IAPS = international affective picture system; LPP = late positive potential; low-cal = low-calorie; RSVP = rapid serial visual presentation.
Effects of real environment simulations on mobile ad hoc networks

In order to conduct meaningful performance analysis of routing algorithms in the context of mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs), it is essential that the underlying mobility model on which the simulation is based reflects realistic mobility behavior. This paper addresses the robustness of the current mobility model in NS2, a network simulator that is used extensively in research institutes for the simulation of MANETs. The simulation environment was conducted on an existing building; the Inter-Minestral Committee for Foreign Aid, located at Cairo. This is to reflect the simulation results to a real environment
Forecasting Diabetes Prevalence in California: A Microsimulation

Introduction Setting a goal for controlling type 2 diabetes is important for planning health interventions. The purpose of this study was to explore what may be a feasible goal for type 2 diabetes prevention in California. Methods We used the UCLA Health Forecasting Tool, a microsimulation model that simulates individual life courses in the population, to forecast the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in California's adult population in 2020. The first scenario assumes no further increases in average body mass index (BMI) for cohorts entering adolescence after 2003. The second scenario assumes a gradual BMI decrease for children entering adolescence after 2010. The third scenario builds on the second by extending the same BMI decrease to people aged 12 to 65 years. The fourth scenario builds on the third by eliminating racial/ethnic disparities in physical activity. Results We found the predicted diabetes prevalence of the first, second, third, and fourth scenarios in 2020 to be 9.93%, 9.91%, 9.76%, and 9.77%, respectively. We found obesity prevalence for type 2 diabetes patients in 2020 to be 34.2%, 34.0%, 25.7%, and 25.6% for the 4 scenarios. Life expectancy in the third (80.56 y) and fourth (80.94 y) scenarios compared favorably with that of the first (80.32 y) and second (80.32 y) scenarios. Conclusion For the next 10 years, behavioral risk factor modifications are more likely to affect obesity prevalence and life expectancy in the general population and obesity prevalence among diabetic patients than to alter type 2 diabetes prevalence in the general population. We suggest setting more specific goals for reducing the prevalence of diabetes, such as reducing obesity-related diabetes complications, which may be more feasible and easier to evaluate than the omnibus goal of lowering overall type 2 diabetes prevalence by 2020.
An implantable power supply with an optically rechargeable lithium battery

A novel power supply for medical implants has been developed. A wireless near-infrared power transmission recharges a lithium secondary battery in the power supply. A photovoltaic cell array embedded under skin receives near-infrared light through the skin and charges the battery directly powering an implanted device. The authors have shown that, for a photodiode area of 2.1 cm/sup 2/, 17 min of near-infrared irradiation at a 810-mn wavelength with a power density of 22 mW/cm/sup 2/ can send enough energy to allow regular commercial cardiac pacemakers to run for 24 h. The temperature rise of the skin during the light irradiation was 1.4/spl deg/C.