Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Computer vision uncovers predictors of physical urban change

Significance We develop a computer vision method to measure changes in the physical appearances of neighborhoods from street-level imagery. We correlate the measured changes with neighborhood characteristics to determine which characteristics predict neighborhood improvement. We find that both education and population density predict improvements in neighborhood infrastructure, in support of theories of human capital agglomeration. Neighborhoods with better initial appearances experience more substantial upgrading, as predicted by the tipping theory of urban change. Finally, we observe more improvement in neighborhoods closer to both city centers and other physically attractive neighborhoods, in agreement with the invasion theory of urban sociology. Our results show how computer vision techniques, in combination with traditional methods, can be used to explore the dynamics of urban change. Which neighborhoods experience physical improvements? In this paper, we introduce a computer vision method to measure changes in the physical appearances of neighborhoods from time-series street-level imagery. We connect changes in the physical appearance of five US cities with economic and demographic data and find three factors that predict neighborhood improvement. First, neighborhoods that are densely populated by college-educated adults are more likely to experience physical improvements—an observation that is compatible with the economic literature linking human capital and local success. Second, neighborhoods with better initial appearances experience, on average, larger positive improvements—an observation that is consistent with “tipping” theories of urban change. Third, neighborhood improvement correlates positively with physical proximity to the central business district and to other physically attractive neighborhoods—an observation that is consistent with the “invasion” theories of urban sociology. Together, our results provide support for three classical theories of urban change and illustrate the value of using computer vision methods and street-level imagery to understand the physical dynamics of cities.
FOLD-EM: automated fold recognition in medium- and low-resolution (4-15 Å) electron density maps

MOTIVATION Owing to the size and complexity of large multi-component biological assemblies, the most tractable approach to determining their atomic structure is often to fit high-resolution radiographic or nuclear magnetic resonance structures of isolated components into lower resolution electron density maps of the larger assembly obtained using cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM). This hybrid approach to structure determination requires that an atomic resolution structure of each component, or a suitable homolog, is available. If neither is available, then the amount of structural information regarding that component is limited by the resolution of the cryo-EM map. However, even if a suitable homolog cannot be identified using sequence analysis, a search for structural homologs should still be performed because structural homology often persists throughout evolution even when sequence homology is undetectable, As macromolecules can often be described as a collection of independently folded domains, one way of searching for structural homologs would be to systematically fit representative domain structures from a protein domain database into the medium/low resolution cryo-EM map and return the best fits. Taken together, the best fitting non-overlapping structures would constitute a 'mosaic' backbone model of the assembly that could aid map interpretation and illuminate biological function. RESULT Using the computational principles of the Scale-Invariant Feature Transform (SIFT), we have developed FOLD-EM-a computational tool that can identify folded macromolecular domains in medium to low resolution (4-15 Å) electron density maps and return a model of the constituent polypeptides in a fully automated fashion. As a by-product, FOLD-EM can also do flexible multi-domain fitting that may provide insight into conformational changes that occur in macromolecular assemblies.
Optimization of Code Rates in SISOME Wiretap Channels

We propose a new framework for determining the wiretap code rates of single-input-single-output multiantenna eavesdropper wiretap channels when the capacity of the eavesdropper's channel is not available at the transmitter. In our framework, we introduce the effective secrecy throughput (EST) as a new performance metric that explicitly captures the two key features of wiretap channels, namely, reliability and secrecy. Notably, the EST measures the average rate of the confidential information transmitted from the transmitter to the intended receiver without being eavesdropped on. We provide easy-to-implement methods to determine the wiretap code rates for two transmission schemes: 1) adaptive transmission scheme in which the capacity of the main channel is available at the transmitter and 2) fixed-rate transmission scheme in which the capacity of the main channel is not available at the transmitter. Such determinations are further extended into an absolute-passive eavesdropping scenario where even the average signal-to-noise ratio of the eavesdropper's channel is not available at the transmitter. Notably, our solutions for the wiretap code rates do not require us to set reliability or secrecy constraints for the transmission within wiretap channels.
SHOULD DEVELOPING COUNTRIES RENOUNCE MINING? A PERSPECTIVE ON THE DEBATE

According to conventional or traditional wisdom, countries that possess rich mineral deposits are fortunate. Such deposits are assets, and so are part of a country’s natural capital. Like an individual or family, the more capital and wealth a nation possesses, the richer and better off it is. In this view of the world, mining is the key that converts dormant mineral wealth into schools, homes, ports, and other forms of capital that directly contribute to economic development.
Oestradiol and human male alcohol-related aggression.

AIMS In comparison to androgens, almost nothing is known about the role of endogenous oestrogens in human aggressive behaviour. This new aspect was studied in the present investigation involving men with a history of alcohol-related aggression (AGG+) and in an age-matched male control population (AGG-). METHODS Male AGG+ volunteers were recruited through advertisements and the controls were drawn from the Finnish Population Register. Alcohol misuse and interpersonal partner violence were estimated by questionnaires. Endogenous hormone levels were measured from morning plasma samples. RESULTS A positive association emerged between plasma oestradiol and emotional negotiation during interpersonal conflict situations. Furthermore, a negative association was observed between oestradiol and testosterone-related physical, violent, aggression in the AGG+ men. In addition, oestradiol, rather than testosterone, was positively associated with psychological aggression in both groups of men. CONCLUSION It is suggested that endogenous female sex hormones may be related to empathic behaviour and could, thus, represent a counter-balancing factor in alcohol-related male aggressive behaviour. Altogether, oestrogen may represent a multifactor ingredient in the complex interactions of partner conflicts.
Het effect van werkeisen en hulpbronnen op hetwelzijn van medewerkers van een zorginstelling

In this cross-sectional study among 146 employees of a health institution the relationship between cognitive, emotional and physical job demands and exhaustion is investigated. According to the principle of compensation of the DISC model, this relationship is moderated by (matching) work-related resources. The results of the hierarchical multiple regression analysis showed that only emotional resources have a moderating effect on the relationship between cognitive job demands and exhaustion. To reduce exhaustion from cognitive workload in healthcare emplyees, interventions should be focused on emotional resources. Some recommendations to serve this purpose are given in this study. A match between job demands and resources in accordance with the principles of the DISC model is not found in this study. Limitations of this study are discussed and possible explanations for the buffering effect of emotional job demands on cognitive resources are given. The results of this study indicate that further research into the principles of the DISC model is needed for better understanding of the link between work-related tasks and moderating resources.
Parameters identification of sectional winding high frequency transformer model using neural network

In this paper, the parameters of the power transformer model are identified to simulate its behavior under high frequency transients. The mathematical description of the sectionalized model of the transformer using two-port network topology is given. The adoption of the neural network to estimate the parameters of the sectionalized model is presented. The proposed estimation method overcomes the assumption of identical sections. The results show the ability of the proposed method to estimate the parameters with less sensitivity to the initial guess of the parameters.
A fast hybrid adaptive filter for parameter estimation of non stationary sinusoid under noise

This paper presents a modified combined approach using Taylor series expansion and Extended Kalman filter for accurate estimation of parameters and harmonic components of a time-varying signal embedded in noise with low signal-to-noise ratio. The signal is modelled using a dynamic model with time varying parameters. The power signal with a changing envelope has been expressed using a second order Taylor expansion. EKF algorithm is used for computing the parameters of such signal model. The algorithm using a linear model approach is presented which also reduces the computational complexity. Moreover this approach is also immune to noise, harmonic contaminations and also shows better convergence properties.
A survey of steganographic techniques

Many different steganographic methods have been proposed during the last few years; most of them can be seen as substitution systems. Such methods try to substitute redundant parts of a signal with a secret message (as presented in Section 2.3); their main disadvantage is the relative weakness against cover modifications. Recently, the development of new robust watermarking techniques led to advances in the construction of robust and secure steganography systems. Therefore, some of the methods presented here are strongly related to watermarking techniques of Chapter 6. There are several approaches in classifying steganographic systems. One could categorize them according to the type of covers used for secret communication. A classification according to the cover modifications applied in the embedding process is another possibility. We want to follow the second approach and group steganographic methods in six categories, although in some cases an exact classification is not possible:
Effects of Body-Color Mutations on Vitality: An Attempt to Establish Easy-to-Breed See-Through Medaka Strains by Outcrossing

“See-through” strains of medaka are unique tools for experiments: their skin is transparent, and their internal organs can be externally monitored throughout life. However, see-through fish are less vital than normally pigmented wild-type fish, which allows only skilled researchers to make the most of their advantages. Expecting that hybrid vigor (heterosis) would increase the vitality, we outcrossed two see-through strains (SK2 and STIII) with a genetically distant wild-type strain (HNI). Fish with the see-through phenotypes were successfully restored in the F2 generation and maintained as closed colonies. We verified that genomes of these hybrid see-through strains actually consisted of approximately 50% HNI and approximately 50% SK2 or STIII alleles, but we could not obtain evidence supporting improved survival of larvae or fecundity of adults, at least under our breeding conditions. We also found that four of the five see-through mutations (bg8, i-3, gu, and il-1 but not lf) additively decrease viability. Given that heterosis could not overwhelm the viability-reducing effects of the see-through mutations, easy-to-breed see-through strains will only be established by other methods such as conditional gene targeting or screening of new body-color mutations that do not reduce viability.
Precise delay generation using coupled oscillators

An array oscillator, a series of coupled ring oscillators that achieves a delay resolution equal to a buffer delay divided by the number of rings, is described. Using a 2- mu m n-well CMOS technology, delays as small as 30 ps are achieved at frequencies up to 200 MHz. An array oscillator structured as a two-dimensional array of buffers is shown. The integral linearity and differential nonlinearity versus position in the -22 mode measured from the output ports are shown. The frequency sensitivity to static supply voltage in the -12 mode is investigated. The measured static frequency rejection is less than 0.25% over most of the operating range for each mode. The characteristics and performance of the array oscillator as a voltage-controlled oscillator for each mode are summarized. <<ETX>>
WINGS: A WIde-field Nearby Galaxy-cluster Survey - II. Deep optical photometry of 77 nearby clusters

Context: This is the second paper of a series devoted to the WIde Field Nearby Galaxy-cluster Survey (WINGS). WINGS is a long term project which is gathering wide-field, multi-band imaging and spectroscopy of galaxies in a complete sample of 77 X-ray selected, nearby clusters (0.04 < z < 0.07) located far from the galactic plane (|b|≥ 20°). The main goal of this project is to establish a local reference for evolutionary studies of galaxies and galaxy clusters. Aims: This paper presents the optical (B,V) photometric catalogs of the WINGS sample and describes the procedures followed to construct them. We have paid special care to correctly treat the large extended galaxies (which includes the brightest cluster galaxies) and the reduction of the influence of the bright halos of very bright stars. Methods: We have constructed photometric catalogs based on wide-field images in B and V bands using SExtractor. Photometry has been performed on images in which large galaxies and halos of bright stars were removed after modeling them with elliptical isophotes. Results: We publish deep optical photometric catalogs (90% complete at V ~ 21.7, which translates to ˜ M^*_V+6 at mean redshift), giving positions, geometrical parameters, and several total and aperture magnitudes for all the objects detected. For each field we have produced three catalogs containing galaxies, stars and objects of "unknown" classification (~6%). From simulations we found that the uncertainty of our photometry is quite dependent of the light profile of the objects with stars having the most robust photometry and de Vaucouleurs profiles showing higher uncertainties and also an additional bias of ~-0.2^m. The star/galaxy classification of the bright objects (V < 20) was checked visually making negligible the fraction of misclassified objects. For fainter objects, we found that simulations do not provide reliable estimates of the possible misclassification and therefore we have compared our data with that from deep counts of galaxies and star counts from models of our Galaxy. Both sets turned out to be consistent with our data within ~5% (in the ratio galaxies/total) up to V ~ 24. Finally, we remark that the application of our special procedure to remove large halos improves the photometry of the large galaxies in our sample with respect to the use of blind automatic procedures and increases (~16%) the detection rate of objects projected onto them. Based on observations taken at the Issac Newton Telescope (2.5 m-INT) sited at Roque de los Muchachos (La Palma, Spain), and the MPG/ESO-2.2 m Telescope sited at La Silla (Chile). Appendices are only available in electronic form at http://www.aanda. org Catalog is only available in electronic form at the CDS via anonymous ftp to cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr (130.79.128.5) or via http://cdsweb.u-strasbg.fr/cgi-bin/qcat? J/A+A/497/667
Increasing prevalence of dementia among very old people.

BACKGROUND it is unknown whether the age-specific prevalence of dementia among the very old changes over time. METHODS this study compares the prevalence of dementia in two population-based cross-sectional samples of very old people in northern Sweden in 2000-02 and in 2005-07. In total, 430 individuals aged 85 and older (mean age 89.5 years, 71.4% women) were evaluated for dementia in the first cross-section and 465 individuals (mean age 90.2 years, 70.9% women) in the second. Trained assessors performed assessments and interviews during home visits and collected information from carers, relatives and medical records. Dementia was diagnosed according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition criteria. RESULTS the prevalence of dementia in the total sample was 26.5% in 2000-02 and 37.2% in 2005-07 (P = 0.001). There was also an increase in the prescription of different antihypertensive agents, antilipemic agents and choline esterase inhibitors, and more people had had heart surgery in the later sample. CONCLUSIONS in this sample of very old people, an increase in the age-specific prevalence of dementia was detected over 5 years. Possible reasons for this may be extended survival among individuals with risk factors for dementia and among individuals with established dementia.
A High-Performance Architecture for Real-Time Garbage Collection

Hardware-assisted garbage collection offers the potential of high average-case allocation rates and memory bandwidth, with very low worst-case allocation, fetch, and store times. This paper describes an architecture that allows memory fetch and store operations to execute, on the average, nearly as fast as traditional memory. The architecture is high-performance in that it includes support for caching of garbage-collected memory cells. The architecture is real-time in that the worst-case time required for a memory fetch or store is approximately six traditional memory cycles, and the time required to allocate an object is bounded by a small constant times the size of the object. A prototype of the proposed architecture has been successfully simulated. Continuing research focuses on measuring the system’s performance under real workloads.
Structural Variabilities in β-Lactamase (blaA) of Different Biovars of Yersinia enterocolitica: Implications for β-Lactam Antibiotic and β-Lactamase Inhibitor Susceptibilities

Yersiniosis caused by Yersinia enterocolitica has been reported from all continents. The bacterial species is divided into more than fifty serovars and six biovars viz. 1A, 1B, 2, 3, 4 and 5 which differ in geographical distribution, ecological niches and pathogenicity. Most Y.enterocolitica strains harbor chromosomal genes for two β-lactamases, blaA an Ambler class A penicillinase and blaB an Ambler class C inducible cephalosporinase. In the present study, susceptibility to b-lactam antibiotics and β-lactamase inhibitor was studied for Y. enterocolitica strains of biovars 1A, 1B, 2 and 4. We observed that β-lactamases were expressed differentially among strains of different biovars. To understand the molecular mechanisms underlying such differential expression, the sequences of genes and promoters of blaA were compared. Also, the variants of blaA present in different biovars were modeled and docked with amoxicillin and clavulanic acid. The mRNA secondary structures of blaA variants were also predicted in-silico. Our findings indicated that neither variations in the promoter regions, nor the secondary structures of mRNA contributed to higher/lower expression of blaA in different biovars. Analysis of H-bonding residues of blaA variants with amoxicillin and clavulanic acid revealed that if amino acid residues of a β-lactamase interacting with amoxicillin and the clavulanic acid were similar, clavulanic acid was effective in engaging the enzyme, accounting for a significant reduction in MIC of amoxicillin-clavulanate. This finding might aid in designing better β-lactamase inhibitors with improved efficiencies in future.
Loss of cooperative function of transforming growth factor‐β signaling proteins, smad3 with embryonic liver fodrin, a β‐spectrin, in primary biliary cirrhosis

Abstract: Modulation of fibrogenesis, epithelial, and mesenchymal cell fates are prominent effects of transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) signaling by Smad proteins. We have previously shown that Smad2 and Smad3 insufficiency leads to a loss of bile ducts. In addition, Smad3/4 activity is mediated by embryonic liver fodrin (ELF), a β‐Spectrin. In mouse elf−/− mutants and in liver explant cultures, loss of ELF function results in T lymphocytic proliferation and absent intrahepatic bile ducts. A similar phenotype is seen in a number of cholestatic diseases with progressive loss of intrahepatic bile ducts and fibrosis. However, the expression patterns of Smads or role of ELF in cholestatic and fibrotic liver diseases are not yet known.
On a Partition Function of Richard Stanley

In this paper, we examine partitions classified according to the number r() of odd parts in and s() the number of odd parts in 0 , the conjugate of . T he generating function for such partitions is obtained when the parts of are all 5 N. From this a variety of corollaries follow including a Ramanujan type congruence for Stanley’s partition function t(n).
Tenofovir or Zidovudine in Second-Line Antiretroviral Therapy after Stavudine Failure in Southern Africa

Background There is debate over using tenofovir or zidovudine alongside lamivudine in second-line anti-retroviral therapy (ART) following stavudine failure. We analysed outcomes in cohorts from South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe Methods Patients aged ≥16 years who switched from a first-line regimen including stavudine to a ritonavir-boosted lopinavir-based second-line regimen with lamivudine or emtricitabine and zidovudine or tenofovir in seven ART programmes in southern Africa were included. We estimated the causal effect of receiving tenofovir or zidovudine on mortality and virological failure using Cox proportional hazards marginal structural models. Its parameters were estimated using inverse probability of treatment weights. Baseline characteristics were age, sex, calendar year and country. CD4+ T-cell count, creatinine and haemoglobin levels were included as time-dependent confounders. Results A total of 1,256 patients on second-line ART, including 958 on tenofovir, were analysed. Patients on tenofovir were more likely to have switched to second-line ART in recent years, spent more time on first-line ART (33 versus 24 months) and had lower CD4+ T-cell counts (172 versus 341 cells/ml) at initiation of second-line ART. The adjusted hazard ratio comparing tenofovir with zidovudine was 1.00 (95% CI 0.59, 1.68) for virological failure and 1.40 (0.57, 3.41) for death. Conclusions We did not find any difference in treatment outcomes between patients on tenofovir or zidovudine; however, the precision of our estimates was limited. There is an urgent need for randomized trials to inform second-line ART strategies in resource-limited settings.