Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the physical fitness of men and women entering the U.S. Army: 1978-1998.

PURPOSE To compare the physical fitness levels of recruits entering the U.S. Army in 1998 to those entering in 1978 and 1983. METHODS In 1998, 182 men and 168 women were tested before beginning basic training at Fort Jackson, SC. The measurements were 1) skin-fold estimation of percent body fat (%BF); 2) maximum oxygen uptake by treadmill running (VO2max); and 3) upper-body (UB), lower-body (LB), and upright pulling (UP) isometric strength. These data were compared to data from basic trainees at Fort Jackson in 1978 (skin folds, VO2max, UB, and LB) and 1983 (skin folds and UP). RESULTS Body weight (BW) of 1998 recruits was greater (P < 0.05) than 1978 recruits (men, 12%; women, 6%) and 1983 recruits (men, 8%; women, 7%). %BF of 1998 recruits was greater (P < 0.05) than 1978 recruits (men, 15%; women, 5%) and 1983 recruits (men, 15%; women, 17%). The 1998 men had more fat-free mass (FFM) (P < 0.05) than men in 1978 (8%) or 1983 (5%), whereas 1998 women were only different from those measured in 1978 (4%, P < 0.05). The VO2max of men (50.6 +/- 6.2 mL x kg(-1) x min(-1)) was equivalent to men in 1978, whereas that of women (39.7 +/- 5.2 mL x kg(-1) x min(-1)) was 6% greater (P < 0.05). The 1998 recruits were stronger (P < 0.05) on all measures of muscle strength than recruits measured in 1978 (men, UB = 16%, LB = 12%; women, UB = 18%, LB = 6%) and 1983 (men, UP = 7%; women, UP = 6%). CONCLUSION The aerobic capacity, muscle strength, and FFM of 1998 recruits is comparable to or greater than that of 1978 and 1983 recruits; however, 1998 recruits tended to have more BW and a greater %BF.
Evolution and pharmacological modulation of the arrhythmogenic wave dynamics in canine pulmonary vein model

Aims Atrial fibrillation (AF), the commonest cardiac arrhythmia, has been strongly linked with arrhythmogenic sources near the pulmonary veins (PVs), but underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. We aim to study the generation and sustenance of wave sources in a model of the PV tissue. Methods and results A previously developed biophysically detailed three-dimensional canine atrial model is applied. Effects of AF-induced electrical remodelling are introduced based on published experimental data, as changes of ion channel currents (ICaL, IK1, Ito, and IKur), the action potential (AP) and cell-to-cell coupling levels. Pharmacological effects are introduced by blocking specific ion channel currents. A combination of electrical heterogeneity (AP tissue gradients of 5–12 ms) and anisotropy (conduction velocities of 0.75–1.25 and 0.21–0.31 m/s along and transverse to atrial fibres) can results in the generation of wave breaks in the PV region. However, a long wavelength (171 mm) prevents the wave breaks from developing into re-entry. Electrical remodelling leads to decreases in the AP duration, conduction velocity and wavelength (to 49 mm), such that re-entry becomes sustained. Pharmacological effects on the tissue heterogeneity and vulnerability (to wave breaks and re-entry) are quantified to show that drugs that increase the wavelength and stop re-entry (IK1 and IKur blockers) can also increase the heterogeneity (AP gradients of 26–27 ms) and the likelihood of wave breaks. Conclusion Biophysical modelling reveals large conduction block areas near the PVs, which are due to discontinuous fibre arrangement enhanced by electrical heterogeneity. Vulnerability to re-entry in such areas can be modulated by pharmacological interventions.
Singleton types here, singleton types there, singleton types everywhere

Singleton types are often considered a poor man's substitute for dependent types. But their generalization in the form of GADTs has found quite a following. The main advantage of singleton types and GADTs is to preserve the so-called phase distinction, which seems to be so important to make use of the usual compilation techniques. Of course, they considerably restrict the programmers, which often leads them to duplicate code at both the term and type levels, so as to reflect at the type level what happens at the term level, in order to be able to reason about it. In this article, we show how to automate such a duplication while eliminating the problematic dependencies. More specifically, we show how to compile the Calculus of Constructions into λH, a non-dependently-typed language, while still preserving all the typing information. Since λH has been shown to be amenable to type preserving CPS and closure conversion, it shows a way to preserve types when doing code extraction and more generally when using all the common compiler techniques.
Robust Experimental Design for Multivariate Generalized Linear Models

A simple heuristic is proposed for constructing robust experimental designs for multivariate generalized linear models. The method is based on clustering a set of local optimal designs. A method for finding local D-optimal designs using available resources is also introduced. Clustering, with its simplicity and minimal computation needs, is demonstrated to outperform more complex and sophisticated methods.
Clinical outcomes of single versus double row , transosseous equivalent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair

Rotator cuff tears are common and are expected to present with increasing frequency as the population ages. Various techniques in surgical repair have been described to improve clinical outcomes. A arthroscopic transosseous-equivalent double row repair is believed to be superior, with improved tendon to bone contact area and reduced gap formation. In our series of 143 patients, with 76 undergoing single row repair, and 67 double row repairs by a single surgeon, we describe the observed clinical improvements and complication rates. Though surgical times were not significantly different, no significant advantage from double row repairs were observed with regards to clinical outcome measures.
Buried heterostructures for deep UV lithography

Buried Heterostructure (BH) lasers and amplifiers are known to have good thermal performance and efficient current injection [1-2]. However they have not so far been integrated with ridge waveguide devices, preventing complex circuit integration. The inclusion of BH waveguide in photonic circuits requires their integration with deep and shallow waveguides and this has been challenging to achieve because the active and passive waveguides are defined in different mask layers. The waveguides may be connected using either precision tapers [3] and or precision mask alignment at the 100 nm scale.
Models of Continual Computation

Automated problem solving is viewed typically as the expenditure of computation to solve one or more problems passed to a reasoning system. In response to each problem received, effort is applied to generate a solution and problem solving ends when the solution is rendered. We discuss the notion of continual computation that addresses a broader conception of problem by considering the ideal use of the idle time between problem instances. The time is used to develop solutions proactively to one or more expected challenges in the future. We consider analyses for traditional all-or-nothing algorithms as well as more flexible computational procedures. After exploring the allocation of idle time for several settings, we generalize the analysis to consider the case of shifting computation from a current problem to solve future challenges. Finally, we discuss a sample application of the use of continual computation in the setting of diagnostic reasoning.
A Participatory Sensing Approach for Personalized Distance-to-Empty Prediction and Green Telematics

Participatory sensing is an emerging concept that integrates crowd-sourced data collection and knowledge discovery of collective behavior. Capitalizing on the advent of abundant sensors and information collection systems in near-future vehicles, we develop a participatory sensing based system and its methodologies for driving energy efficiency applications. Distance-to-empty (DTE) is the distance an electric or internal-combustion engine (ICE) vehicle can reach before its energy/fuel is exhausted, which is determined by a variety of uncertain factors, such as driving behavior, terrain, types of road, traffic, and vehicle specification. Green telematics aims to optimize the route selection with lower energy consumption. In this paper, we explore an effective approach that integrates the vehicle data gathered from participatory sensing to provide more accurate personalized DTE prediction and green telematics. Our approach relies on extracting the driver/vehicle/route dependent features and discovering correlations from collective driving data. We also present concrete case studies of our results, such as (1) DTE prediction for EVs based on the data of ICE vehicles, (2) classification and recommendations of energy-efficient driving behavior, and (3) route-level energy consumption geo-fencing and planning.
Miniaturized FSS and Patch Antenna Array Coupling for Angle-Independent, High-Order Spatial Filtering

A new filter-antenna array design is presented in this article. This design approach can be employed to simplify the vertical integration of array beamformers. Basically, by placing a high-order filter, whose response is not sensitive to angle of arrival, in front of the array elements, the need for integrating bulky RF filters behind each element is eliminated. A new method for design of such phased-arrays is provided here in which the bandpass filters are removed, and instead, a metamaterial-based frequency-selective surface is placed directly over the antenna to perform the necessary filtering. The small spacing between the frequency-selective surface and the antenna, which is as low as ~ ¿/10, results in creation of a compact filter-antenna design. The close proximity of the surface and the antenna is utilized to achieve a proper coupling between the selective surface and the array for high-order filtering without adversely affecting the gain or scan characteristics of the array. To test the performance of this approach, a 9 × 9-element patch-array is fabricated and measured at X-band. The array is then loaded with a 0.003"-thick, single-pole frequency-selective layer at a close distance on top. The measured received power as a function of frequency exhibits an improved frequency selectivity (better than the frequency-selective surface or the array alone). An improvement of about 50% reduction in the bandwidth and significantly higher frequency roll-off rate is observed once the array is covered with the metamaterial surface.
A Family-Centered Model for Sharing Genetic Risk

The successes of the Human Genome Project and the continuing advances of DNA technology have ushered in a new era of genomic science. Investigators around the world are using genomic technologies to advance our fundamental understanding of biologic and physiologic mechanisms in humans and other species. The ability to sequence the entire human genome exponentially expands our ability to identify the contribution of genetic variation to disease risk and other phenotypic differences within the population. Information derived from this research has the potential to contribute to disease prevention, disease prediction, and personalized treatment. These scientific advances, however, raise several ethical, legal, and social challenges. Many of these challenges, including personal and societal benefits and risks, and privacy and confidentiality, are mirrored in the current professional and public debate about the perceived conflict between personal autonomy, privacy, and confidentiality, and the potential value of sharing genomic information within the family.
Comparison of machining characteristics of metal matrix composites using CO2 laser curve cutting process

In the present work, the effects of input variables of laser beam machining on the machining characteristics of the metal matrix composites reinforced with SiC, Al2O3, and ZrO2 particles were investigated. The comparison of the machining characteristics has been done to analyze the behavior of various reinforced particles with the variation of laser machining variables. Various output characteristics such as dross height, kerf deviation, and striations angle have been investigated and compared with each metal matrix composite material. Parameters such as cutting speed, reinforced particles, and cut profile were found to be the most significant factors influencing the various output characteristics. The morphological changes in the structure have been examined using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction technique for the agglomeration of the reinforced particles. The crack and recast layer formation has been examined in the specimens of higher quantity of the reinforced particles. It was analyzed that the metal matrix composites material reinforced with SiC particles has shown different behaviors as compared to other metal matrix composites materials.
Collusion in a Multi-party Communication Protocol forAnonymous Credit Cards

We proposed in 8] a novel scheme to implement an anonymous credit card that protects privacy while providing the security, record-keeping and charging mechanism of conventional credit cards. The key idea is to use cryptographic techniques to allow two parties to communicate without knowing each other. In this paper, we present a formal method to study collusion in the multi-party communication protocol in 8]. Application of the method to our protocol leads to a simpliied implementation of anonymous credit cards that is equally secure.
Interannual variations of monthly and seasonal normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) in China from 1982 to 1999

[1] In this paper, we analyzed interannual variations of normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and their relationships with climatic variables (temperature and precipitation) and human activity in China between 1982 and 1999. Monthly and seasonal NDVI increased significantly at both the country and biome scales over the study period. NDVI shows the largest increase (14.4% during the 18 years and a trend of 0.0018 yr−1) over 85.9% of the total study area in spring and the smallest increase (5.2% with a trend of 0.0012 yr−1) over 72.2% of the area in summer. The NDVI trends show a marked heterogeneity corresponding to regional and seasonal variations in climates. There is about a 3-month lag for the period between the maximum trend in temperature (February) and that in NDVI (April or May) at the country and biome scales. Human activity (urbanization and agricultural practices) also played an important role in influencing the NDVI trends over some regions. Rapid urbanization resulted in a sharp decrease in NDVI in the Yangtze River and Pearl River deltas, while irrigation and fertilization may have contributed to the increased NDVI in the North China plain.
Re-compressed based JPEG forgery detection and localization through automated quality factor investigation

In today's media-saturated society, digital images act as the primary carrier for majority of information that flows around us. However, because of the advent of highly sophisticated easy-to-use image processing tools, modifying images has become easy. In this paper we deal with detection of forgeries in Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) images. Due to its best compression features and optimal space requirement, JPEG is used as a world-wide standard format for storing digital images. Tampering in a JPEG images often involve re-compression. In this paper we proposed a forensic technique for automatic detecting and localizing of such re-compression based JPEG forged regions. The proposed technique is based on estimating the quality factor of the tampered image block-wise, in order to detect and localize the forgery. The proposed technique is capable of detecting single as well as multiple forged regions in a JPEG image.
Do we need out-of-office blood pressure in every patient?

Purpose of review The limitations affecting office blood pressure readings have spurred the development of techniques for measuring blood pressure out of a clinical environment. The increasing use of home and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring has allowed the identification of specific blood pressure patterns related either to a discrepancy between office and out-of-office blood pressure or to alterations in the 24-h blood pressure profiles. This review offers an update on the most recent data published on the above issues. Recent findings A critical overview is provided on recent data published on blood pressure patterns suggested to have clinical relevance. These include white coat hypertension, the so-called masked hypertension, enhanced overall blood pressure variability over 24 h, a steeper morning blood pressure surge and a blunted or an excessive blood pressure fall at night. Summary All of these different conditions have been variably reported to carry prognostic implications, and may represent specific targets for antihypertensive treatment. Their identification and management require information on out-of-office blood pressure, which suggests that self blood pressure monitoring at home or 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring should be used more frequently in clinical practice, following the indications issued in recent guidelines.
The adenovirus E4 gene, in addition to the E1A gene, is important for trans-activation of E2 transcription and for E2F activation

Previous experiments have demonstrated that adenovirus infection of human and mouse cells leads to an E1A-dependent activation of the DNA-binding capacity of a cellular transcription factor termed E2F. E2F binds to two sites in the adenovirus E2 early promoter which have been shown to be critical for E1A-dependent E2 early transcription, and the E2F-binding sites can confer E1A-induced transcription to a heterologous promoter. In addition, under a variety of circumstances, the increase in E2F-binding activity coincides with the activation of E2 transcription. We now find that, in addition to the E1A gene, another early viral gene, the E4 gene, is necessary for the activation of E2F-binding activity. Extracts prepared from human 293 cells, which express the E1A and E1B genes, had low levels of E2F activity, whereas infection of 293 cells with the E1A mutant dl312 increased E2F activity. This increase did not occur when 293 cells were infected with dl366, an E4 deletion mutant, nor was there an increase in E2F activity in HeLa cells infected with either dl366 or dl312; however, a coinfection with the two mutants yielded the normal wild-type increase in E2F. Furthermore, infection of HeLa cells with a high multiplicity of dl312, conditions that allow E4 gene expression in the absence of E1A, did not yield an increase in E2F activity. Thus, it appears that both the E1A gene and the E4 gene are directly involved in E2F activation. Measurements of E2 RNA production in a dl366 infection as compared with a wild-type or dl312 infection demonstrate that the E4 gene is essential for full E2 transcription. Furthermore, transfection assays of the E2 promoter demonstrate that, although E1A alone can trans-activate the E2 promoter, it is not as effective as the combination of E1A and E4 in the induction of the E2 promoter. We therefore conclude that the activation of the E2F factor leading to the activation of E2 transcription requires the combined action of both the E1A 289-amino-acid protein and an E4 product.
Regression with Phrase Indicators for Estimating MT Quality

We in this paper describe the regression system for our participation in the quality estimation task of WMT12. This paper focuses on exploiting special phrases, or word sequences, to estimate translation quality. Several feature templates on this topic are put forward subsequently. We train a SVM regression model for predicting the scores and numerical results show the effectiveness of our phrase indicators and method in both ranking and scoring tasks.
Age-related effects in inter-trial inhibition of attention

ABSTRACT Young and older adults indentified the shape of a color oddball in a visual search task, and both showed faster and more accurate responses when the distractor color was passively viewed in the preceding target-absent trial than when the target color was previewed. This inter-trial effect, known as the distractor previewing effect (DPE), reflects an attentional bias that prevents attention from focusing on recently inspected features that failed to produce a target. The results showed that the DPE pattern was preserved across the lifespan, and that the age-related increase in the magnitude of the DPE appeared rooted in age-related slowing, suggesting substantial sparing of this inhibitory effect in old age.
An experimental evaluation of a digital predistortion system with thermal memory effects modeling

In the paper, we propose a novel DPD model including long term thermal memory effects modeling. The model is based on CPWL functions that are multidimensional mapping from Rn to Cm, and predistorter coefficients are naturally nonlinear functions of the modeled thermal effects. Our tests show the CPWL-based DPD model with thermal memory effects modeling has roughly 5 dB gain for dynamic transmitted power of 4-carrier UMTS signal spanning 20 MHz.
A Self-Organizing Time Map for time-to-event data

Understanding dynamics in multivariate data before, during and after events, i.e. time-to-event data, is of central importance in a wide range of tasks, such as the path to and afterlife of a failure of a financial institution or country and diagnosis of a disease. The main task of this paper is to provide a solution to exploring dynamics across manifold entities in multivariate data paired with a time-to-event dimension. The Self-Organizing Time Map (SOTM) provides means for visual dynamic clustering by illustrating temporal dynamics on a two-dimension plane. Likewise, the SOTM holds promise for illustrating patterns in time-to-event data by simply interchanging the time dimension for a time-to-event dimension. This provides a new approach to visual analysis of patterns in multivariate data before, during and after events of interest. The time-to-event SOTM is illustrated on toy and real-world data. The real-world case illustrates dynamics in macro-financial data before, during and after modern systemic financial crises.
Combined source-channel coding for a power and bandwidth constrained noisy channel with application to progressive image transmission

In this paper, combined source-channel coding for a power and bandwidth constrained channel is studied, with application to progressive image transmission. For a given power constrained and bandwidth constrained Gaussian communication channel, we consider the optimum coded modulation scheme among a predetermined set of signaling constellations when the performance is measured by end-to-end average distortion. This scheme particularly fits progressive source coding in conjunction with unequal error protection.
GTAP : Spatially-Explicit , Biophysical Land Use in a Computable General Equilibrium Model *

In this paper the global agricultural land use model KLUM is coupled to an extended version of the computable general equilibrium model (CGE) GTAP in order to consistently assess the integrated impacts of climate change on global cropland allocation and its implications for economic development. The methodology is innovative as it introduces dynamic economic land-use decisions based also on the biophysical aspects of land into a state-of the-art CGE; it further allows the projection of resulting changes in cropland patterns at a spatially explicit level. A convergence test and illustrative future simulations underpin the robustness analysis and serve to highlight the potential of the coupled system. Reference simulations with the uncoupled models emphasize the impact and relevance of the coupling; the results of coupled and uncoupled simulations can differ by several hundred percent.