Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Be healthy, be employed: A comparison between the US and France based on a general equilibrium model

Does health di erences between the US and France come from unemployment risk gaps? A general equilibrium model à la Aiyagari (1994) augmented by investments in health à la Grossman (1972) is used to analyze the market allocations of two particular economies: the US and France. The US are characterized by low unemployment risk, associated to low unemployment insurance. The turnover in the US is larger than in France. We show that expenditures in health are strongly related to the labor market turnover leading the American to perceived their employment spells as a more risky events, therefore reducing their incentives to invest in health. This contributes to explain the poorer health of the Americans than French.
Phosphor-Doped Thermal Barrier Coatings Deposited by Air Plasma Spray for In-Depth Temperature Sensing

Yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ)-based thermal barrier coating (TBC) has been integrated with thermographic phosphors through air plasma spray (APS) for in-depth; non-contact temperature sensing. This coating consisted of a thin layer of Dy-doped YSZ (about 40 µm) on the bottom and a regular YSZ layer with a thickness up to 300 µm on top. A measurement system has been established; which included a portable; low-cost diode laser (405 nm); a photo-multiplier tube (PMT) and the related optics. Coating samples with different topcoat thickness were calibrated in a high-temperature furnace from room temperature to around 900 °C. The results convincingly showed that the current sensor and the measurement system was capable of in-depth temperature sensing over 800 °C with a YSZ top layer up to 300 µm. The topcoat thickness was found to have a strong effect on the luminescent signal level. Therefore; the measurement accuracy at high temperatures was reduced for samples with thick topcoats due to strong light attenuation. However; it seemed that the light transmissivity of YSZ topcoat increased with temperature; which would improve the sensor’s performance at high temperatures. The current sensor and the measurement technology have shown great potential in on-line monitoring of TBC interface temperature.
Transcription blockage by stable H-DNA analogs in vitro

DNA sequences that can form unusual secondary structures are implicated in regulating gene expression and causing genomic instability. H-palindromes are an important class of such DNA sequences that can form an intramolecular triplex structure, H-DNA. Within an H-palindrome, the H-DNA and canonical B-DNA are in a dynamic equilibrium that shifts toward H-DNA with increased negative supercoiling. The interplay between H- and B-DNA and the fact that the process of transcription affects supercoiling makes it difficult to elucidate the effects of H-DNA upon transcription. We constructed a stable structural analog of H-DNA that cannot flip into B-DNA, and studied the effects of this structure on transcription by T7 RNA polymerase in vitro. We found multiple transcription blockage sites adjacent to and within sequences engaged in this triplex structure. Triplex-mediated transcription blockage varied significantly with changes in ambient conditions: it was exacerbated in the presence of Mn2+ or by increased concentrations of K+ and Li+. Analysis of the detailed pattern of the blockage suggests that RNA polymerase is sterically hindered by H-DNA and has difficulties in unwinding triplex DNA. The implications of these findings for the biological roles of triple-stranded DNA structures are discussed.
Translational studies of goal-directed action as a framework for classifying deficits across psychiatric disorders

The ability to learn contingencies between actions and outcomes in a dynamic environment is critical for flexible, adaptive behavior. Goal-directed actions adapt to changes in action-outcome contingencies as well as to changes in the reward-value of the outcome. When networks involved in reward processing and contingency learning are maladaptive, this fundamental ability can be lost, with detrimental consequences for decision-making. Impaired decision-making is a core feature in a number of psychiatric disorders, ranging from depression to schizophrenia. The argument can be developed, therefore, that seemingly disparate symptoms across psychiatric disorders can be explained by dysfunction within common decision-making circuitry. From this perspective, gaining a better understanding of the neural processes involved in goal-directed action, will allow a comparison of deficits observed across traditional diagnostic boundaries within a unified theoretical framework. This review describes the key processes and neural circuits involved in goal-directed decision-making using evidence from animal studies and human neuroimaging. Select studies are discussed to outline what we currently know about causal judgments regarding actions and their consequences, action-related reward evaluation, and, most importantly, how these processes are integrated in goal-directed learning and performance. Finally, we look at how adaptive decision-making is impaired across a range of psychiatric disorders and how deepening our understanding of this circuitry may offer insights into phenotypes and more targeted interventions.
Background reconstruction algorithm based on the longest stationary series of pixel gray value

A background reconstruction algorithm based on the longest stationary series of pixel gray value is put forward in this paper. The algorithm calculates the pixel gray value difference between adjacent frames of image sequence and finds the longest stationary series of gray value. The pixel gray value in the longest stationary series is chose as the pixel gray value of the background. Experimental results demonstrate that the algorithm can reconstruct an accurate background image, and has the properties of rapidity, simplicity and applicability.
Kinematic control of a platoon of autonomous vehicles

In this paper a strategy to control the motion of platoon of autonomous vehicles is presented. The proposed technique is based on the definition of suitable task functions that are handled in the framework of singularity-robust task-priority inverse kinematics. The algorithm is implemented by two-stage control architecture such that inter-vehicle communication is not required. The possible definition of several task functions of interest is discussed and the effectiveness of the approach is investigated by means of numerical simulation case studies.
Online Gaussian Process regression with non-Gaussian likelihood

We present a new algorithm for GP regression over data with non-Gaussian likelihood that does not require costly MCMC sampling, or variational Bayes optimization. In our method, which we term Meta-GP, we model the likelihood by another Gaussian Process point-wise in time. This approach allows for the calculation of the posterior predictive mean and variance in an analytical way pointwise in time, leading to an online inference algorithm. As a result, our method can work with streaming data, is analytically tractable, computationally efficient while being as accurate or better than Expectation Propagation, Laplace Approximation, and MCMC inference methods for non-Gaussian likelihood data.
Structural and functional variation in soil fungal communities associated with litter bags containing maize leaf.

Soil fungi are key players in the degradation of recalcitrant organic matter in terrestrial ecosystems. To examine the organisms and genes responsible for complex organic matter degradation in soil, we tracked changes in fungal community composition and expressed genes in soil adjacent to mesh bags containing maize leaves undergoing decomposition. Using high-throughput sequencing approaches, changes in fungal community composition were determined by targeting 18S rRNA gene sequences, whereas community gene expression was examined via a metatranscriptomic approach. The majority of the 93 000 partial 18S rRNA gene sequences generated, were affiliated with the Ascomycota and Basidiomycota. Fungal diversity was at least 224 operational taxonomic units at the 97% similarity cutoff level. During litter degradation, the relative proportion of Basidiomycota increased, with a decrease in Ascomycota : Basidiomycota ratios over time. The most commonly detected decomposition-associated fungi included Agaricomycetes and Tremellales as well as unclassified Mucoromycotina. The majority of protein families found in the metatranscriptomic data were affiliated to fungal groups described to degrade plant-derived cellulose, such as Mucoraceae, Chaetomiaceae, Sordariaceae, Sebacinaceae, Tremellaceae, Psathyrellaceae and Schizophyllaceae. The combination of high-throughput rRNA gene-based and metatranscriptomic approaches provided perspectives into the organisms and genes involved in complex organic matter in soil.
Local parasite pressures and host genotype may modulate epigenetic diversity in a mixed-mating fish

Parasite-mediated selection is one of the main drivers of genetic variation in natural populations. The persistence of asexual reproduction and self-fertilization, however, challenges the notion that low genetic variation and inbreeding compromise the host’s ability to respond to pathogens. DNA methylation represents a potential mechanism for generating additional adaptive variation under low genetic diversity. We compared genetic diversity (microsatellites and AFLPs), variation in DNA methylation (MSAFLPs), and parasite loads in three populations of Kryptolebias hermaphroditus, a unique mixed-mating (partially self-fertilising) fish, to analyse the potential adaptive value of DNA methylation in relation to genetic diversity and parasite loads. We found strong genetic population structuring, as well as differences in parasite loads and methylation levels among sampling sites and selfing lineages. Globally, the interaction between parasites and inbreeding with selfing lineages influenced DNA methylation, but parasites seemed more important in determining methylation levels at the local scale.
Simulation of model overfit in variance explained with genetic data

Two recent papers, and an author response to prior commentary, addressing the genetic architecture of human temperament and character claimed that “The identified SNPs explained nearly all the heritability expected”. The authors’ method for estimating heritability may be summarized as: Step 1: Pre-select SNPs on the basis of GWAS p<0.01 in the target sample. Step 2: Enter target sample genotypes (the pre-selected SNPs from Step 1) and phenotypes into an unsupervised machine learning algorithm (Phenotype-Genotype Many-to-Many Relations Analysis, PGMRA) for further reduction of the set of SNPs. Step 3: Test the sum score of the SNPs identified from Step 2, weighted by the GWAS regression weights estimated in Step 1, within the same target sample. The authors interpreted the linear regression model R2 obtained from Step 3 as a measure of successfully identified heritability. Regardless of the method applied to select SNPs in Step 2, the combination of Steps 1 and 3, as described, causes inflation of the estimated effect size. The extent of this inflation is demonstrated here, where random SNP selection and polygenic scoring from simulated random data recovered effect sizes similar to those reported in the original empirical papers.
The very short frame of mobile DVB‐RCS: Code design and QoS Performance

In this paper, the design of a new very short frame introduced in the upcoming version of DVB‐RCS standard targeting interactive mobile services will be described. The frame design with a special focus on channel coding and performance are addressed in detail, as well as an evaluation of the QoS performance for realistic traffic scenarios, propagation channel conditions, and carrier sizes. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tissue culture of human epidermal keratinocytes: a differentiating model system for gene testing and somatic gene therapy.

The epidermis constitutes the outer, protective covering of the human body. It is a stratified squamous epithelium structurally maintained through continuous loss and replacement of cells. Cell proliferation takes place mainly in the basal layer and most of the new cells undergo terminal differentiation as they are displaced upwards towards the stratum corneum before finally being shed as dead squames from the surface. During the process of terminal differentiation, the cells undergo characteristic changes that are reflected in a highly coordinated, sequential expression of morphological and biochemical markers of differentiation (Green, 1980; Green etal. 1982). Many benign and malignant disease processes in the skin (e.g. psoriasis, ichthyoses and carcinomas) characteristically interfere with the normally subtly regulated balance between the rate of proliferation and differentiation in the epidermis causing severe disturbances of tissue homeostasis (Sybert et al. 1985; Bernard et al. 1988; Rehfeld et al. 1988; Turbitt et al. 1990).
Application of Microdialysis Technique in the Traditional Chinese Medicine

The concentration of extracellular neurotransmitters can be dynamically measured by in vivo microdialysis. This technique can apply to quantitatively evaluating the beneficial effects of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). In the present study, the protective effects of Puerarin (Pur) on cerebral injuries evoked by ischemia/reperfusion was supported by a decrease of extracellular amino acids, especially glutamate (Glu), which were monitored by microdialysis combined with HPLC throughout the experiments. It suggested that, in addition to being a versatile and practical method in neuroscience, the microdialysis technique would play an important role in assessing and screening the effects of TCM
Towards flexible learning for adult learners in professional contexts: an activity-focused course design

This article argues for a flexible model of learning for adults which allows them to make choices and contextualise their learning in a manner appropriate to their own professional practice whilst also developing as a member of a learning community. It presents a design based around online ‘learning activities’ which draws on ideas of constructivism, collaborative learning and reflective practice. The model was developed for adult learning in Higher Education, and has been adapted and extended to a number of different programmes. Implementation of the model for the Teaching Qualification (Further Education) has been the subject of an interpretative evaluation using a multiple methods approach. Learners' experiences of this programme together with issues associated with the application of the model to other programmes are discussed.
Feature Extraction from Feedforward Neural Networks using Sensitivity Analysis

| Sensitivity analysis is a powerful tool to extract meaningful information from trained multilayer feedforward neural networks. A neural network (NN) numerically encodes its knowledge about a problem in the weights of the network. This knowledge is used to generalize to data not seen during training, and can be used to optimize the network architecture, to optimize use of the training set, to enhance rule extraction, and to analyze the function of each hidden unit. This paper shows how sensitivity analysis with respect to the NN output function can be used to achieve these objectives.
CBR-TM: A New Case-Based Reasoning System for Help-Desk Environments

In this paper, a new CBR system for help-desk environments is presented. This CBR system provides intelligent customer support for multiple domains. It is also portable and flexible. The system is implemented as a module of a complete help-desk application to make it as independent as possible of any change in the help-desk system. Each phase of the reasoning cycle is also separated as an independent module, making the CBR system easy to update. The system has been tested in a real call center managed by the Spanish company TISSAT S.A.
AN AUTOMATIC STATIC PERIMETER, DESIGN AND PILOT STUDY

An instrument for automatic static perimetry at 14 points across a meridian was constructed and used in a pilot study. The machine was controlled by a computer and the subjects responded to the light stimuli by pressing one of two push‐buttons. Most people investigated readily understood the rules at testing. “Blunders” made by the subject were, however, so common, that allowance had to be made in the test programme for a number of mistakes. The test stimuli should be exposed in random order.
Low Bit-rate Mobile Cloud Gaming

In mobile cloud gaming, high-quality, high-frame-rate game images of immense data-size need to be delivered to the clients under stringent delay requirement. For good gaming experience, reducing the transmission bit-rate of the game images is necessary. In this work, we investigate a framework to achieve low bit-rate game image transmission. In particular, we extend our previously proposed layered coding to reduce transmission bandwidth and latency. In layered coding, we leverage the rendering capability of modern mobile devices to locally render low-quality game images, or the base layer. Instead of sending high quality game images directly, cloud servers can send enhancement layer information, which clients can utilize to improve the quality of the base layer. We investigate the design of a complexity-scalable base layer (BL) rendering pipeline that can be executed on a range of power-constrained mobile devices for layered coding. We focus on the popular Blinn-Phong lighting and formulate the design of BL Blinn-Phong lighting as an information-complexity optimization problem. Furthermore, we investigate a solution to remove the initialization latency of layered coding. Experiment results show that the information rate of the enhancement layer could be much less than that of the high quality game image; while the base layer can be generated with only a very small amount of computation. In particular, up to 84 percent reduction in bandwidth usage can be achieved by the proposed layered coding scheme.
Effect of strength and endurance training program on mental and physical health of spinal cord-injured persons

Background. The aim of the research was to examine the effects of eight weeks of strength and endurance training on the improvement of mental health and physical state of spinal cord-injured persons. Methods. Twelve persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) participated in an eight-week intervention program of mainly two training types: strength and wheelchair driving endurance training. Subjects with SCI represented the experimental and control groups. The mental (Ware, 2000) and physical (isometric strength of the hand grip, strength of the shoulders and arms bench press, aerobic endurance 12 min and anaerobic endurance 30 s driving the wheelchair tests) values were evaluated before and after the program. Results. After the primary questioning of the experimental group participants before organizing strength and endurance training program and the final questioning after the program, it was revealed that most values of mental health improved. The physical state characteristics of persons with spinal cord injury revealed differences between pre-test and post-test values. Conclusions. This study indicated that persons with spinal cord injury involved in eight weeks strength and endurance training program improved mental and physical health parameters in comparison with persons with spinal cord injury not participating in any training program. Isometric force and 12 min wheelchair driving are good markers for strength, power and endurance in persons with spinal cord injury.
Different transcriptional responses of heat shock protein 20 in the marine diatom Ditylum brightwellii exposed to metals and endocrine‐disrupting chemicals

Diatoms are sensitive indicators of water quality, and hence used for environmental hazard assessments; however, their toxicogenomic studies have been insufficiently attempted. In the present study, we determined the cDNA sequence of heat shock protein 20 (Hsp20) gene from the diatom Ditylum brightwellii, and examined the transcriptional responses of the gene after exposing it to environmental stressors such as thermal shock, metals, and endocrine‐disrupting chemicals (EDCs). The open reading frame (ORF) of DbHsp20 was 531 bp long, encoding 177 amino acid residues (19.49 kDa) with a conserved C‐terminal and α‐crystallin domain. The genomic region of DbHsp20 did not contain introns. Phylogeny of eukaryotic Hsp20s showed D. brightwellii was closely related to other diatoms. With regard to the gene expressional profile, real‐time PCR results showed that the gene was significantly upregulated (P < 0.001) under thermal stress, with the highest change of 3.2‐fold. Metals' (copper and nickel) treatments showed that it was induced after a certain point of treated concentration. On the contrary, EDCs did not display noticeable change on the expression of DbHsp20. These results suggest that the diatom Hsp20 basically responds to thermal stress, but may differentially respond to toxic substances such as metals and organic compounds such as EDCs. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 29: 1379–1389, 2014.
A foldable CFTR F 508 biogenic intermediate accumulates upon inhibition of the Hsc 70 – CHIP E 3 ubiquitin ligase

FTR F508 exhibits a correctable protein-folding defect that leads to its misfolding and premature degradation, which is the cause of cystic fibrosis (CF). Herein we report on the characterization of the CFTR F508 biogenic intermediate that is selected for proteasomal degradation and identification of cellular components that polyubiquitinate CFTR F508. Nonubiquitinated CFTR F508 accumulates in a kinetically trapped, but folding competent conformation, that is maintained in a soluble state by cytosolic Hsc70. Ubiquitination of Hsc70-bound CFTR F508 requires CHIP, a U box conC taining cytosolic cochaperone. CHIP is demonstrated to function as a scaffold that nucleates the formation of a multisubunit E3 ubiquitin ligase whose reconstituted activity toward CFTR is dependent upon Hdj2, Hsc70, and the E2 UbcH5a. Inactivation of the Hsc70–CHIP E3 leads CFTR F508 to accumulate in a nonaggregated state, which upon lowering of cell growth temperatures, can fold and reach the cell surface. Inhibition of CFTR F508 ubiquitination can increase its cell surface expression and may provide an approach to treat CF.