Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Association between electronic media use and sleep habits: an eight-day follow-up study

Previous research suggests that single use of television, computer or game console may be associated with sleep problems. In practice, youngsters have a multiple rather than a single use of electronic media (EM) every day. This study examined the association between electronic stimulation throughout the day, the final evening activity every day of the week, EM availability in the bedroom and sleep problems in 332 middle-school children (girls = 53%; mean age = 12.9). Cell phones (odds ratio [OR] = 2.5 [1.20–5.38]) and MP3 players (OR = 2.5 [1.13–5.70]) were found to predict sleep problem. An evening screen time of one hour or more is associated with a higher risk of sleep problems (OR = 3.10 [1.24–7.78]), particularly going to bed late (OR = 3.4 [1.59–7.271]) and difficulty waking up (OR = 2.15 [1.01–4.6]). Possession and pattern of EM use by adolescents are associated with impaired sleep quality and late bedtimes, indicating the need to control adolescents' screen time.
Mortality among patients with schizophrenia and reduced psychiatric hospital care

Background. There are suggestions that mortality, especially that due to suicide, increases among schizophrenia patients during a period of declining psychiatric beds. We investigated the mortality of schizophrenia patients in the general population of Finland during the reduction of psychiatric beds during 1980–1996. Method. Patients hospitalized for schizophrenia before 31 December 1996, and alive on 1 January 1980 (n=58761) were identified via the National Hospital Discharge Register. General population data came from the National Population Register, and mortality data from the National Causes of Death Register. We calculated relative risks (RR) for total mortality, mortality due to natural causes (cancer, ischaemic heart disease, respiratory disease), unnatural causes (accident, homicide, suicide), and suicide. Results. Patients with schizophrenia had an increased mortality both from natural causes (RR 2·59, 95% CI 2·55–2·63) and from suicide (RR 9·9, 95% CI 9·43–10·30). The RR for both natural and unnatural deaths was highest among patients with <5 years since onset of schizophrenia. Among them all-cause mortality rose in the 1990s, but decreased among patients with >10 years from onset. Otherwise no major changes or linear trends were found in mortality during deinstitutionalization. Conclusions. Reduction of psychiatric beds did not generally increase the mortality of patients with schizophrenia. However, patients in their early years of illness experienced increased mortality after the steepest bed reduction. Improved recognition and treatment of somatic illness would benefit patients with schizophrenia.
Splicing forgeries localization through the use of first digit features

One of the principal problems in image forensics is determining if a particular image is authentic or not and, if manipulated, to localize which parts have been altered. In fact, localization is basic within the process of image examination because it permits to link the modified zone with the corresponding image area and, above all, with the meaning of it. Forensic instruments dealing with copy-move manipulation quite always provides a localization map, but, on the contrary, only a few tools, devised to detect a splicing operation, are able to give information about localization too. In this paper, a method to distinguish and then localize a single and a double JPEG compression in portions of an image through the use of the DCT coefficients first digit features and employing a Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifier is proposed. Experimental results and a comparison with a state-of-the-art technique are provided to witness the performances offered by the proposed method in terms of forgery localization.
Study on Requirements for Service Interaction

The paper concerns problems for service orchestration in IP-based multimedia telecommunications. For operators that want to leverage the value of legacy systems and services, Service Capability Interaction Manager (SCIM) provides means of wrapping those systems and services so that they can be orchestrated alongside new services. SCIM functionality is not specified in details and ‘live’ SCIM implementations need to consider operators’ service specifics. The paper presents a study on the requirements of SCIM that can be used to integrate existing intelligent network services implemented on different service platforms in the network of a real mobile operator. Different service interaction scenarios are investigated and the required functionality of SCIM is synthesized.
Coverage and Inheritance in The Preposition Project

In The Preposition Project (TPP), 13 prepositions have now been analyzed and considerable data made available. These prepositions, among the most common words in English, contain 211 senses. By analyzing the coverage of these senses, it is shown that TPP provides potentially greater breadth and depth than other inventories of the range of semantic roles. Specific inheritance mechanisms are developed within the preposition sense inventory and shown to be viable and provide a basis for the rationalization of the range of preposition meaning. In addition, this rationalization can be used for developing a data-driven mapping of a semantic role hierarchy. Based on these findings and methodology, the broad structure of a WordNet-like representation of preposition meaning, with self-contained disambiguation tests, is outlined.
Association between APOE Genotype and Change in Physical Function in a Population-Based Swedish Cohort of Older Individuals Followed Over Four Years

The association between decline in physical function and age-related conditions, such as reduced cognitive performance and vascular disease, may be explained by genetic influence on shared biological pathways of importance for aging. The apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene is well-known for its association with Alzheimer’s disease, but has also been related to other disorders of importance for aging. The aim of this study was to investigate possible associations between APOE allele status and physical function in a population-based longitudinal study of older individuals. In 2005, at the age of 75, 622 individuals underwent neuropsychiatric and physical examinations, including tests of physical function, and APOE-genotyping. Follow-up examinations were performed at age 79. A significantly larger decline in grip strength (p = 0.015) between age 75 and 79 was found when comparing APOE 𝜀4 allele carriers with non-carriers [10.3 (±10.8) kg versus 7.8 (±10.1) kg]. No association was seen with decline in gait speed, chair-stand, or balance. The association with grip strength remained after correction for cognitive and educational level, depression, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and BMI.
Environmental Temperature Affects Prevalence of Blood Parasites of Birds on an Elevation Gradient: Implications for Disease in a Warming Climate

Background The rising global temperature is predicted to expand the distribution of vector-borne diseases both in latitude and altitude. Many host communities could be affected by increased prevalence of disease, heightening the risk of extinction for many already threatened species. To understand how host communities could be affected by changing parasite distributions, we need information on the distribution of parasites in relation to variables like temperature and rainfall that are predicted to be affected by climate change. Methodology/Principal Findings We determined relations between prevalence of blood parasites, temperature, and seasonal rainfall in a bird community of the Australian Wet Tropics along an elevation gradient. We used PCR screening to investigate the prevalence and lineage diversity of four genera of blood parasites (Plasmodium, Haemoproteus, Leucocytozoon and Trypanosoma) in 403 birds. The overall prevalence of the four genera of blood parasites was 32.3%, with Haemoproteus the predominant genus. A total of 48 unique lineages were detected. Independent of elevation, parasite prevalence was positively and strongly associated with annual temperature. Parasite prevalence was elevated during the dry season. Conclusions/Significance Low temperatures of the higher elevations can help to reduce both the development of avian haematozoa and the abundance of parasite vectors, and hence parasite prevalence. In contrast, high temperatures of the lowland areas provide an excellent environment for the development and transmission of haematozoa. We showed that rising temperatures are likely to lead to increased prevalence of parasites in birds, and may force shifts of bird distribution to higher elevations. We found that upland tropical areas are currently a low-disease habitat and their conservation should be given high priority in management plans under climate change.
Applying a Market-Based Approach to the Development of a Sharing-Enabled KM Model for Knowledge-Intensive Small Firms

Abstract In this paper, we draw on the knowledge market analogy and integrate the considerations of organizational culture and attributes, knowledge management (KM) guiding principles and continuous learning-based systems development into the design of a model for KM initiatives. This model has been implemented in a small medical consulting firm for its KM initiative. The successful implementation of this model indicates the possible applicability of our model to other knowledge-intensive small firms and the feasibility of applying the same concepts used in larger KM implementations to small companies.
First-Year Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP) Observations: The Angular Power Spectrum

We present the angular power spectrum derived from the first-year Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP) sky maps. We study a variety of power spectrum estimation methods and data combinations and demonstrate that the results are robust. The data are modestly contaminated by diffuse Galactic foreground emission, but we show that a simple Galactic template model is sufficient to remove the signal. Point sources produce a modest contamination in the low-frequency data. After masking ∼700 known bright sources from the maps, we estimate that residual sources contribute ∼3500 μK2 at 41 GHz and ∼130 μK2 at 94 GHz to the power spectrum [ℓ(ℓ + 1)Cℓ/2π] at ℓ = 1000. Systematic errors are negligible compared to the (modest) level of foreground emission. Our best estimate of the power spectrum is derived from 28 cross-power spectra of statistically independent channels. The final spectrum is essentially independent of the noise properties of an individual radiometer. The resulting spectrum provides a definitive measurement of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) power spectrum, with uncertainties limited by cosmic variance, up to ℓ ∼ 350. The spectrum clearly exhibits a first acoustic peak at ℓ = 220 and a second acoustic peak at ℓ ∼ 540 (Page and coworkers), and it provides strong support for adiabatic initial conditions (Spergel and coworkers). Kogut and coworkers analyze the C power spectrum and present evidence for a relatively high optical depth and an early period of cosmic reionization. Among other things, this implies that the temperature power spectrum has been suppressed by ∼30% on degree angular scales, as a result of secondary scattering.
Axonal Neuregulin Signals Cells of the Oligodendrocyte Lineage through Activation of HER4 and Schwann Cells through HER2 and HER3

We are interested in the signaling between axons and glia that leads to myelination and maintenance of the myelin internode, and we have focused on the role of neuregulins and their receptors. Neuregulins are a family of ligands that includes heregulin, neu differentiation factor, glial growth factor, and the acetylcholine receptor–inducing activity. Three signal transducing transmembrane receptors for neuregulins, which bear significant homology to the EGF receptor, are currently known: HER2 (erbB2), HER3 (erbB3), and HER4 (erbB4). We have found that oligodendrocite–type II astrocyte (O2A) progenitor cells and mature oligodendrocytes express HER2 and HER4 but no HER3. Schwann cells express HER2 and HER3 but little HER4. In O2A progenitor cells and oligodendrocytes, recombinant neuregulin induces the rapid tyrosine phosphorylation of only HER4. HER2 is not phosphorylated in cells of the oligodendrocyte lineage, but a physical interaction between HER2 and HER4 was detected in coimmunoprecipitation experiments. In Schwann cells, neuregulin induces the phosphorylation of both HER2 and HER3. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments indicate that receptor activation in Schwann cells results in the formation of HER2:HER3 heterodimers. Neuregulin localized immunocytochemically was present on neurites of cultured dorsal root ganglion neurons, and it was released into the medium in a form that promoted receptor tyrosine phosphorylation. Neuregulins therefore meet important criteria expected of molecules involved in axonal-glial signaling. The use of unique neuregulin receptor combinations in oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells likely results in recruitment of different signaling pathways and thus provides a basis for different biological responses.
A Compact Dual-Band Bandpass Filter Using Meandering Stepped Impedance Resonators

This letter presents a miniaturized dual-band narrow bandpass filter (BPF) using meandering stepped impedance resonators (SIRs) with a new coupling scheme, which exhibited a size reduction of 50% compared with the traditional direct coupling structure at the same frequency, while the new structure can generate three transmission zeros in the insertion loss response. To validate the design and analysis, two dual-band BPFs centered at 2.4-GHz/5.2-GHz and 2.4-GHz/5.7-GHz for WLAN application were fabricated and measured. It is shown that the measured and simulated performances are in good agreement. The BPFs achieved insertion loss of less than 2 dB and return loss of greater than 16-dB in each band.
Photon Induced Photo-Acoustic Streaming- Conquering the Enemy within - A Review.

The goal of endodontic treatment is to obtain effective cleaning and removal of the smear layer, bacteria and their by products within the root canal system. Endodontic techniques use mechanical instruments as well as ultrasonic and chemical irrigation in an attempt to shape, clean and completely decontaminate the endodontic system, but still fall short of elimination of the same. A recent advancement in the delivery of laser energy into the root canal system has been investigated, specifically the creation of a system of laser-activated irrigation (LAI) . In this work, a novel tapered and stripped tip of a laser-activated irrigation technique called photon induced Photo-acoustic streaming (PIPS) was used. PIPS is a unique laser application utilizing the Er 2,940 nm wavelength. The Er:YAG is used because of its high affinity, chromophore, for water, and its hydroxyl group with low energy levels of 20 mJ creates a significant and profound photo acoustic shock wave that allows for 3-dimensional (3-D) movement of the irrigants without the need to place the tip close to the apical terminus. PIPS has significantly demonstrated the ability to remove smear layer, debride canals, lateral tubules, delicate apical morphology, and eliminating bacteria.Unlike other laser systems, this application with these specific settings and the unique PIPS tip design yields a nonthermal subablative effect. The purpose of this article is to introduce the experimental background of this laser technique in removing bacterial load in areas where traditional methods may fail to succeed and to introduce the clinical protocol. Keywords - Photon induced photoacoustic Streaming ,Er:YAG, Laser-activated irrigation, lower energy levels.
Anthropometric measurements of general and central obesity and the prediction of cardiovascular disease risk in women: a cross-sectional study

Objectives It is important to ascertain which anthropometric measurements of obesity, general or central, are better predictors of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in women. 10-year CVD risk was calculated from the Framingham risk score model, SCORE risk chart for high-risk regions, general CVD and simplified general CVD risk score models. Increase in CVD risk associated with 1 SD increment in each anthropometric measurement above the mean was calculated, and the diagnostic utility of obesity measures in identifying participants with increased likelihood of being above the treatment threshold was assessed. Design Cross-sectional data from the National Heart Foundation Risk Factor Prevalence Study. Setting Population-based survey in Australia. Participants 4487 women aged 20–69 years without heart disease, diabetes or stroke. Outcome measures Anthropometric obesity measures that demonstrated the greatest increase in CVD risk as a result of incremental change, 1 SD above the mean, and obesity measures that had the greatest diagnostic utility in identifying participants above the respective treatment thresholds of various risk score models. Results Waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and waist-to-stature ratio had larger effects on increased CVD risk compared with body mass index (BMI). These central obesity measures also had higher sensitivity and specificity in identifying women above and below the 20% treatment threshold than BMI. Central obesity measures also recorded better correlations with CVD risk compared with general obesity measures. WC and WHR were found to be significant and independent predictors of CVD risk, as indicated by the high area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (>0.76), after controlling for BMI in the simplified general CVD risk score model. Conclusions Central obesity measures are better predictors of CVD risk compared with general obesity measures in women. It is equally important to maintain a healthy weight and to prevent central obesity concurrently.
Yield-Ensuring DAC-Embedded Opamp Design Based on Accurate Behavioral Model Development

An accurate behavioral model of a DAC-embedded opamp (DAC-opamp) is developed for a yield-ensuring LCD column driver design. A lookup table for the V-I curve of the unit differential pair in the DAC-opamp is extracted from a circuit simulation and is later manipulated through a random error insertion. Virtual ground assumption simplifies the output voltage estimation algorithm. The developed behavioral model of a 5-bit DAC-opamp shows good agreement with the circuit level simulation with less than 5% INL difference.
A Systematic Evaluation of the Impact of STRICTA and CONSORT Recommendations on Quality of Reporting for Acupuncture Trials

Background We investigated whether there had been an improvement in quality of reporting for randomised controlled trials of acupuncture since the publication of the STRICTA and CONSORT statements. We conducted a before-and-after study, comparing ratings for quality of reporting following the publication of both STRICTA and CONSORT recommendations. Methodology and Principal Findings Ninety peer reviewed journal articles reporting the results of acupuncture trials were selected at random from a wider sample frame of 266 papers. Papers published in three distinct time periods (1994–1995, 1999–2000 and 2004–2005) were compared. Assessment criteria were developed directly from CONSORT and STRICTA checklists. Papers were independently assessed for quality of reporting by two assessors, one of whom was blind to information which could have introduced systematic bias (e.g. date of publication). We detected a statistically significant increase in the reporting of CONSORT items for papers published in each time period measured. We did not, however, find a difference between the number of STRICTA items reported in journal articles published before and 3 to 4 years following the introduction of STRICTA recommendations. Conclusions and Significance The results of this study suggest that general standards of reporting for acupuncture trials have significantly improved since the introduction of the CONSORT statement in 1996, but that quality in reporting details specific to acupuncture interventions has yet to change following the more recent introduction of STRICTA recommendations. Wider targeting and revision of the guidelines is recommended.
Novel Resource Management Approach for End-To-End QoS Support in Wireless Mesh Networks

In this paper, we propose a novel end-to-end resource allocation approach for wireless mesh networks with quality-of-service (QoS) assurance. By introducing additional interference tolerability to each multimedia flow, our proposed approach is shown effective in fostering frequency reuse and increasing the number of multimedia flows supported in the system, outperforming its conventional resource allocation counterpart. Further, the proposed approach is of low complexity, leading to a preferred candidate for practical implementation.
Fuzzy adaptive model reference temperature control of an oil cooler for tool machine

In this paper, a fuzzy adaptive model reference temperature control is proposed for an oil cooler of tool machines for achieving nice set-point tracking and disturbance rejection performance. First, a simple PID controller based on the Ziegler-Nichol method is adopted as a basic controller. Next, in order to deal with the nonlinear time varying characteristic of the plant, a first order time delayed model is then chosen as a reference model to generate an extra control to reduce the temperature deviation. Third, a fuzzy controller is augmented as an auxiliary control to take care of the parameter changes and load disturbances. Finally, some simulation and experimental results are also given for demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed control.
Privileged scaffolds targeting reverse-turn and helix recognition

Background: Protein–protein interactions dominate molecular recognition in biologic systems. One major challenge for drug discovery arises from the very large surfaces that are characteristic of many protein–protein interactions. Objectives: To identify ‘drug-like’ small molecule leads capable of modulating protein–protein interactions based on common protein-recognition motifs, such as α-helices, β-strands, reverse-turns and polyproline motifs for example. Overview: Many proteins/peptides are unstructured under physiologic conditions and only fold into ordered structures on binding to their cellular targets. Therefore, preorganization of an inhibitor into its protein-bound conformation reduces the entropy of binding and enhances the relative affinity of the inhibitor. Accordingly, this review describes a general strategy to address the challenge based on the ‘privileged structure hypothesis’ [Che, PhD thesis, Washington University, 2003] that chemical templates capable of mimicking surfaces of protein-recognition motifs are potential privileged scaffolds as small-molecule inhibitors of protein–protein interactions. The authors highlight recent advances in the design of privileged scaffolds targeting reverse-turn and helical recognition. Conclusions: Privileged scaffolds targeting common protein-recognition motifs are useful to help elucidate the receptor-bound conformation and to provide non-peptidic, bioavailable substructures suitable for optimization to modulate protein–protein interactions.