Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The association between nutritional conditions during World War II and childhood anthropometric variables in the Nordic countries

Summary. Background: The purpose of the study was to examine the height and weight in Nordic children during the years around World War II (WWII), and compare them with the nutritional situation during the same period. Methods: Information on food consumption and energy intake were obtained from the literature. Anthropometric data were collected from the Nordic capitals and cover the period from 1930 to 1960 for ages 7–13 years. Results: The greatest energy restriction took place in Norway (20%), followed by Finland (17%), while Sweden and Denmark had a restriction of 4–7% compared to pre-war levels. The most pronounced effect of WWII on height and weight is seen in Norwegian children, while some effect is observed for the youngest children in Finland. Little or no effect is seen in Sweden and Denmark. Conclusion: The Nordic children were affected by WWII in terms of a transient reduction in temporal trends in height and weight, and the magnitude of this decrease was associated with the severity of the energy restriction prevailing in the respective country during the war. These findings warrant further studies of the chronic diseases associated with height and weight for cohorts being in their growth periods during WWII.
Channel prediction-based noise reduction algorithm for dual-microphone mobile phones

In this paper, a noise reduction algorithm for dual-microphone mobile phones is proposed, in which a frequency-domain channel prediction filter combined with a variable step-size scheme is utilized to adaptively estimate and suppress the coherent noise component in low-frequency region. To suppress the incoherent noise component, the proposed algorithm estimates a noise power spectral density (PSD) from the error signal of the channel prediction filter using a voice activity detection (VAD) scheme based on a SNR ratio between the two microphone signals. Computer simulations were performed using synthesized and recorded noises, and the results confirmed that the proposed algorithm obtains more accurate noise PSD especially in low-frequency band and better overall speech quality compared with the conventional algorithms.
Title Bivariate Left-Censored Bayesian Model for Predicting Exposure : Preliminary Analysis of Worker Exposure during the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill

In April 2010, the Deepwater Horizon oil rig caught fire and exploded, releasing almost 5 million barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico over the ensuing 3 months. Thousands of workers participated in the spill cleanup and response efforts. The Gulf Longterm Follow-up Study (GuLF STUDY) being conducted by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) is an epidemiological study to investigate potential adverse health effects among these response workers. Many volatile chemicals were released from the oil into the air, including total hydrocarbons (THC) that include benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene (BTEX), and hexane. Our goal is to estimate exposure levels to these toxic chemicals for groups of workers in the study (hereafter called exposure groups) with likely comparable exposure distributions. Although a large number of air measurements was collected, many exposure groups are characterized by a large percentage of censored measurements (below the analytic methods’ limit of detection) or small sample sizes. Here we use THC, which is a composite of the volatile components of oil, the measurements of which have a low degree of censoring, as a predictor to develop linear models for estimating BTEX and hexane air exposure with higher degrees of censoring. We present a novel Bayesian hierarchical linear model that allows us to model, for different exposure groups simultaneously, exposure levels of a second chemical while accounting for censoring in both THC and the chemical of interest. We illustrate the methodology by estimating exposure levels for exposure groups on the Development Driller III, a rig vessel charged with drilling one of the relief wells. The model provided credible estimates in this example for geometric means, arithmetic means, variances, correlations, and regression coefficients for each group. This approach should be considered when estimating exposures in situations when multiple chemicals are correlated and have varying degrees of censoring.
High performance single-stage photovoltaic system interfacing grid without any MPPT algorithm

Anew control strategy to achieve high performance from solar photovoltaic system using single stage inverter interfacing grid without maximum power point tracking (MPPT) techniques is investigated in this paper. Sinusoid-tracking algorithm and adaptive filter is proposed to improve the power quality and to regulate constant AC voltage at the point of common coupling (PCC). Proportional integral controllers for the both outer loops are reinforced by antiwindup strategy to prevent saturation issue when system is subjected to sudden variation. The effectiveness of the developed control algorithm and the proposed configuration are tested using Matlab/Simulink.
Selective Harmonic Elimination Model Predictive Control for Multilevel Power Converters

In this study, a model predictive control (MPC) strategy that combines finite-control-set MPC with selective harmonic elimination (SHE) modulation pattern in its formulation is proposed to govern multilevel power converters. Based on a desired operating point for the system state (converter current reference), an associated predefined SHE voltage pattern is obtained as a required steady-state control input reference. Then, the cost function is formulated with the inclusion of both system state and control input references. According with the proposed reference and cost function formulation, the predictive controller prefers to track the converter output current reference in transients, while preserving the SHE voltage pattern in steady state. Hence, as evidenced by experimental results, a fast dynamic response is obtained throughout transients while a predefined voltage and current spectrum with low switching frequency is achieved in steady state.
Defying stereotypes: the elusive search for a universal model of LysR‐type regulation

LysR‐type transcriptional regulators (LTTRs) compose the largest family of homologous regulators in bacteria. Considering their prevalence, it is not surprising that LTTRs control diverse metabolic functions. Arguably, the most unexpected aspect of LTTRs is the paucity of available structural information. Solubility issues are notoriously problematic, and structural studies have only recently begun to flourish. In this issue of Molecular Microbiology, Taylor et al. (2012 ) present the structure of AphB, a LysR‐type regulator of virulence in Vibrio cholerae. This contribution adds significantly to the group of known full‐length atomic LTTR structures, which remains small. Importantly, this report also describes an active‐form variant. Small conformational changes in the effector‐binding domain translate to global reorganization of the DNA‐binding domain. Emerging from these results is a model of theme‐and‐variation among LTTRs rather than a unified regulatory scheme. Despite common structural folds, LTTRs exhibit differences in oligomerization, promoter recognition and communication with RNA polymerase. Such variation mirrors the diversity in sequence and function associated with members of this very large family.
Multiple Genome Sequences of Important Beer-Spoiling Lactic Acid Bacteria

ABSTRACT Seven strains of important beer-spoiling lactic acid bacteria were sequenced using single-molecule real-time sequencing. Complete genomes were obtained for strains of Lactobacillus paracollinoides, Lactobacillus lindneri, and Pediococcus claussenii. The analysis of these genomes emphasizes the role of plasmids as the genomic foundation of beer-spoiling ability.
A Comparison of Mental Health, Substance Use, and Sexual Risk Behaviors Between Rural and Non-Rural Transgender Persons

The aim of this study was to compare the mental health, substance use, and sexual risk behaviors of rural and non-rural transgender persons. Online banner advertisements were used to recruit 1,229 self-identified rural and non-rural transgender adults (18+ years) residing in the United States. Primary findings include significant differences in mental health between rural and non-rural transmen; relatively low levels of binge drinking across groups, although high levels of marijuana use; and high levels of unprotected sex among transwomen. The results confirm that mental and physical health services for transgender persons residing in rural areas are urgently needed.
SIW textile antennas as a novel technology for UWB RFID tags

A wearable ultra-wideband (UWB) textile antenna based on substrate integrated waveguide technology is presented for application in the next generation radio-frequency identification (RFID) systems operating in the low-duty cycle restricted [3.4-4.8] GHz UWB band. The design of a UWB antenna for application in smart textiles is very challenging. For end users, the antenna should be unobtrusively integrated into smart textile and comfortable to wear. From a system point of view, good impedance matching and radiation characteristics over a very large bandwidth are of major importance, even under harsh operating conditions. Our approach consists of applying copper tube eyelets to implement a cavity-backed slot antenna in textile materials. A prototype was realized and measured. The measured return loss characteristic and radiation performance after bending and deploying the antenna on different human body parts prove that our antenna is extremely suited for on-body use. A -10 dB-bandwidth of 1.33 GHz, or 33 %, was realized, in which the radiation pattern remains quasi invariable.
The effect of regional gene therapy with bone morphogenetic protein-2-producing bone-marrow cells on the repair of segmental femoral defects in rats.

BACKGROUND Recombinant human bone morphogenetic proteins (rhBMPs) can induce bone formation, but the inability to identify an ideal delivery system limits their clinical application. We used ex vivo adenoviral gene transfer to create BMP-2-producing bone-marrow cells, which allow delivery of the BMP-2 to a specific anatomical site. The autologous BMP-2-producing bone-marrow cells then were used to heal a critical-sized femoral segmental defect in syngeneic rats. METHODS Femoral defects in five groups of rats were filled with 5 x 10(6) BMP-2-producing bone-marrow cells, created through adenoviral gene transfer (twenty-four femora, Group I); twenty micrograms of rhBMP-2 (sixteen femora, Group II); 5 x 10(6) beta-galactosidase-producing rat-bone-marrow cells, created through adenoviral gene transfer of the lacZ gene (twelve femora, Group III); 5 x 10(6) uninfected rat-bone-marrow cells (ten femora, Group IV); or guanidine hydrochloride-extracted demineralized bone matrix only (ten femora, Group V). Guanidine hydrochloride-extracted demineralized bone matrix served as a substrate in all experimental groups. Specimens that were removed two months postoperatively underwent histological and histomorphometric analysis as well as biomechanical testing. RESULTS Twenty-two of the twenty-four defects in Group I (BMP-2-producing bone-marrow cells) and all sixteen defects in Group II (rhBMP-2) had healed radiographically at two months postoperatively compared with only one of the thirty-two defects in the three control groups (beta-galactosidase-producing rat-bone-marrow cells, uninfected rat-bone-marrow cells, and guanidine hydrochloride-extracted demineralized bone matrix alone). Histological analysis of the specimens revealed that defects that had received BMP-2-producing bone-marrow cells (Group I) were filled with coarse trabecular bone at two months postoperatively, whereas in those that had received rhBMP-2 (Group II) the bone was thin and lace-like. Defects that had been treated with bone-marrow cells producing beta-galactosidase (Group III), uninfected bone-marrow cells (Group IV), or guanidine hydrochloride-extracted demineralized bone matrix only (Group V) demonstrated little or no bone formation. Histomorphometric analysis revealed a significantly greater total area of bone formation in the defects treated with the BMP-2-producing bone-marrow cells than in those treated with the rhBMP-2 (p = 0.036). Biomechanical testing demonstrated no significant differences, with the numbers available, between the healed femora that had received BMP-2-producing bone-marrow cells and the untreated (control) femora with respect to ultimate torque to failure or energy to failure. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated that BMP-2-producing bone-marrow cells created by means of adenoviral gene transfer produce sufficient protein to heal a segmental femoral defect. We also established the feasibility of ex vivo gene transfer with the use of biologically acute autologous short-term cultures of bone-marrow cells.
Molecular epidemiology and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus blood culture isolates: results of the Quebec Provincial Surveillance Programme

SUMMARY The objectives of this study were to characterize methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) blood culture isolates and to determine their relative importance in both nosocomial and community-acquired infections. A total of 535 MRSA blood culture isolates were analysed. In vitro susceptibility to 14 agents was determined. The genes nuc, mecA and coding for PVL toxin were identified by PCR. All isolates were characterized by PFGE or spa typing to assess their genomic relationships. Most MRSA isolates were retrieved from nosocomial bloodstream infections (474, 89%) and were of the CMRSA2 genotype. Healthcare-associated (HA)-MRSA bloodstream infections were associated with older age (70–89 years, P = 0·002) and most often secondary to central line infections (P = 0·005). Among MRSA strains associated with community-acquired (CA)-MRSA, 28·8% were isolated in intravenous drug users. CA-MRSA genotypes were more frequently found in young adults (20–39 years, P < 0·0001) with skin/soft tissue as the primary sources of infection (P = 0·006). CMRSA10 genotype was the predominant CA-MRSA strain. All MRSA isolates were susceptible to doxycycline, tigecycline, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and vancomycin. Both the presence of the genes coding for PVL toxin (89·8%) and susceptibility to clindamycin (86·5%) were predictive of CA-MRSA genotypes. Whereas in the USA, HA-MRSA have been replaced by USA300 (CMRSA10) clone as the predominant MRSA strain type in positive blood cultures from hospitalized patients, this phenomenon has not been observed in the province of Quebec.
Stimulation of the P2Y1 Receptor Up-Regulates Nucleoside-Triphosphate Diphosphohydrolase-1 in Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells

Stimulation of receptors for either ATP or adenosine leads to physiologic changes in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells that may influence their relationship with the adjacent photoreceptors. The ectoenzyme nucleoside-triphosphate diphosphohydrolase-1 (NTPDase1) catalyzes the dual dephosphorylation of ATP and ADP to AMP. Although NTPDase1 can consequently control the balance between ATP and adenosine, it is unclear how its expression and activity are regulated. Classic negative feedback theory predicts an increase in enzyme activity in response to enhanced exposure to substrate. This study asked whether exposure to ATP increases NTPDase1 activity in RPE cells. Although levels of NTPDase1 mRNA and protein in cultured human ARPE-19 cells were generally low under control conditions, exposure to slowly hydrolyzable ATPγS led to a time-dependent increase in NTPDase1 mRNA that was accompanied by a rise in levels of the functional 78-kDa protein. Neither NTPDase2 nor NTPDase3 mRNA message was elevated by ATPγS. The ATPase activity of cells increased in parallel, indicating the up-regulation of NTPDase1 was functionally relevant. The up-regulation of NTPDase1 protein was partially blocked by P2Y1 receptor inhibitors MRS2179 (N6-methyl-2′-deoxyadenosine-3′,5′-bisphosphate) and MRS2500 [2-iodo-N6-methyl-(N)-methanocarba-2′-deoxyadenosine 3′,5′-bisphosphate] and increased by P2Y1 receptor agonist MRS2365 [(N)-methanocarba-2MeSADP]. In conclusion, prolonged exposure to extracellular ATPγS increased NTPDase1 message and protein levels and increased ecto-ATPase activity. This up-regulation reflects a feedback circuit, mediated at least in part by the P2Y1 receptor, to regulate levels of extracellular purines in subretinal space. NTPDase1 levels may thus serve as an index for increased extracellular ATP levels under certain pathologic conditions, although other mechanisms could also contribute.
A trust model between cloud entities using fuzzy mathematics

Many of modern systems and applications such as cloud computing, grid computing, pervasive computing, P2P networks and even web applications have employed the concepts of trust. Trust is a level of subjective probability between two entities, a trustor (i.e. source entity) and a trustee (i.e. target entity), which is formed through the direct observation nature and/or recommendation from trusted entities. Trust relationship is the most complex relationship between trustor and trustee because it is extremely subjective, non-symmetric, partial transitive, dynamic, context-dependant, uncertainty, and difficult to be evaluation and establish. Today, there is no special trust evaluation model for cloud computing environment. Hence, in this paper, we present a trust model based on fuzzy mathematics named TMFM in cloud computing environment according to success and failure interaction between cloud entities so that the fuzzy direct trust relation is calculated based on direct experiences between trustor and trustee also, trustor can builds a fuzzy Indirect trust relation with trustee through his acquaintances. Simulation results show that the TMFM model has some identification and containment capability in synergies cheating, promotes interaction between entities, and improves the performance of the entire cloud environment.
JAC—Access right based encapsulation for Java

Unwanted effects of aliasing cause encapsulation problems in object‐oriented programming. Nevertheless, aliasing is part of common and efficient programming techniques for expressing sharing of objects and as such its general restriction is not an option in practice. This paper proposes an approach that allows full referential object sharing but adds transitive access control to object references to limit the effects of aliasing. The approach relies on well‐known properties of object‐oriented type systems but exploits them in a novel way to support an access‐right‐based model of encapsulation. It is presented as an extension of Java, called JAC (Java with Access Control). Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Autonomous inter base station synchronisation via a common broadcast control channel

Studies a mutual synchronisation technique between base stations (BSs) which operates over the air. First, the different possible structures for broadcast control channels (BCCHs) are presented with their main functionalities. A structure of a common BCCH for a group of BSs sharing the same carrier with time multiplexing is proposed. This common BCCH may be used to provide synchronisation. Existing mutual synchronisation algorithms are then reviewed. For such algorithms, each BS combines measurements (estimated time offset) from neighbouring BSs to determine its own time phase. Computer simulations based on a TDMA system are used to evaluate stability and convergence speed of the algorithm. <<ETX>>
Secure Cooperative Spectrum Trading in Cognitive Radio Networks: A Reversed Stackelberg Approach

In cognitive radio networks, spectrum trading between primary and secondary users can be used to improve spectrum utilization. Most of previous work on spectrum trading does not consider security issues. One crucial assumption behind cooperative spectrum trading is that the radio nodes can always be trusted. However, this assumption may not be valid in some networks, especially in hostile environments. In this paper, we propose a secure cooperative spectrum trading scheme based on a reversed Stackelberg game. In our proposed model, the primary user can supervise whether the secondary user cooperates or not and detect the compromised actions. A supervising-cooperating mechanism is introduced to punish the compromised nodes. Numerical results are presented to show the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
SLAS Europe High-Content Screening Conference in Dresden

SLAS Europe presented a High-Content Screening Conference at the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics in Dresden, Germany, June 27-29, 2016. The conference was part of a series of conferences organized by SLAS Europe on various topics as SLAS expands its educational and networking activities in Europe. The conference brought together speakers from academia and industry to present their latest results and innovations in the field of high-content screening (HCS). HCS is a vibrant, expanding field that is evolving rapidly, and the conference offered a glimpse of the current state of the art and future perspectives. The achievements of four conference participants comprise this JBS Special Collection on High-Content Screening. The conference and resulting special collection reflect some of the aspects where HCS is likely to develop in the near future. These fields can be summed up in three broad categories: (1) complex cell biological systems for screening, (2) novel screening modalities and readouts, and (3) data analysis.
X-ANOVA ranked features for Android malware analysis

The proposed framework represents a static analysis framework to classify the Android malware. From each Android . apk file, three distinct features likely (a) opcodes (b) methods and (c) permissions are extracted. Analysis of Variance (X-ANOVA) is used to rank features that have high difference in variance in malware and benign training set. To achieve this conventional ANOVA was modified; and a novel technique referred to us as X-ANOVA is proposed. Especially, X-ANOVA is utilized to reduce the dimensions of large feature space in order to minimize classification error and processing overhead incurred during the learning phase. Accuracy of the proposed system is computed using three classifiers (J48, ADABoostM1, RandomForest) and the performance is compared with voted classification approach. An overall accuracy of 88.30% with opcodes, 87.81% with method and an accuracy of 90.47% is obtained considering permission as features, using independent classifiers. However, using voted classification approach, an accuracy of 88.27% and 87.53% are obtained respectively for features like opcodes and methods. Also, an improved accuracy of 90.63% was ascertained considering permissions. Initial results are promising which demonstrate that the proposed approach can be used to assist mobile antiviruses.