Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spatial Correlation as an Early Warning Signal of Regime Shifts in a Multiplex Disease-Behaviour Network

Early warning signals of sudden regime shifts are a widely studied phenomenon for their ability to quantify a system’s proximity to a tipping point to a new and contrasting dynamical regime. However, this effect has been little studied in the context of the complex interactions between disease dynamics and vaccinating behaviour. Our objective was to determine whether critical slowing down (CSD) occurs in a multiplex network that captures opinion propagation on one network layer and disease spread on a second network layer. We parameterized a network simulation model to represent a hypothetical self-limiting, acute, vaccine-preventable infection with short-lived natural immunity. We tested five different network types: random, lattice, small-world, scale-free, and an empirically derived network. For the first four network types, the model exhibits a regime shift as perceived vaccine risk moves beyond a tipping point from full vaccine acceptance and disease elimination to full vaccine refusal and disease endemicity. This regime shift is preceded by an increase in the spatial correlation in non-vaccinator opinions beginning well before the bifurcation point, indicating CSD. The early warning signals occur across a wide range of parameter values. However, the more gradual transition exhibited in the empirically-derived network underscores the need for further research before it can be determined whether trends in spatial correlation in real-world social networks represent critical slowing down. The potential upside of having this monitoring ability suggests that this is a worthwhile area for further research.
Acceptable Tolerances for Matching Icing Similarity Parameters in Scaling Applications

This paper reviews past work and presents new data to evaluate how changes in similarity parameters affect ice shapes and how closely scale values of the parameters should match reference values. Experimental ice shapes presented are from tests by various researchers in the NASA Glenn Icing Research Tunnel. The parameters reviewed are the modified inertia parameter (which determines the stagnation collection efficiency), accumulation parameter, freezing fraction, Reynolds number, and Weber number. It was demonstrated that a good match of scale and reference ice shapes could sometimes be achieved even when values of the modified inertia parameter did not match precisely. Consequently, there can be some flexibility in setting scale droplet size, which is the test condition determined from the modified inertia parameter. A recommended guideline is that the modified inertia parameter be chosen so that the scale stagnation collection efficiency is within 10 percent of the reference value. The scale accumulation parameter and freezing fraction should also be within 10 percent of their reference values. The Weber number based on droplet size and water properties appears to be a more important scaling parameter than one based on model size and air properties. Scale values of both the Reynolds and Weber numbers need to be in the range of 60 to 160 percent of the corresponding reference values. The effects of variations in other similarity parameters have yet to be established.
An Immune Response Network Associated with Blood Lipid Levels

While recent scans for genetic variation associated with human disease have been immensely successful in uncovering large numbers of loci, far fewer studies have focused on the underlying pathways of disease pathogenesis. Many loci which are associated with disease and complex phenotypes map to non-coding, regulatory regions of the genome, indicating that modulation of gene transcription plays a key role. Thus, this study generated genome-wide profiles of both genetic and transcriptional variation from the total blood extracts of over 500 randomly-selected, unrelated individuals. Using measurements of blood lipids, key players in the progression of atherosclerosis, three levels of biological information are integrated in order to investigate the interactions between circulating leukocytes and proximal lipid compounds. Pair-wise correlations between gene expression and lipid concentration indicate a prominent role for basophil granulocytes and mast cells, cell types central to powerful allergic and inflammatory responses. Network analysis of gene co-expression showed that the top associations function as part of a single, previously unknown gene module, the Lipid Leukocyte (LL) module. This module replicated in T cells from an independent cohort while also displaying potential tissue specificity. Further, genetic variation driving LL module expression included the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) most strongly associated with serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels, a key antibody in allergy. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) indicated that LL module is at least partially reactive to blood lipid levels. Taken together, this study uncovers a gene network linking blood lipids and circulating cell types and offers insight into the hypothesis that the inflammatory response plays a prominent role in metabolism and the potential control of atherogenesis.
Evaluation of optical remote sensing models for crop residue cover assessment

Measurement of crop residue cover over large areas is useful for monitoring conservation tillage adoption, assessing carbon sequestration potential and erosion modeling. This study was designed to test the accuracy of crop residue estimates in current Tillage Transect Surveys, and to test the feasibility of predicting crop residue cover based on data recorded by Landsat Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+) satellite scenes. A total of 468 corn and/or soybean fields in 11 Minnesota counties were characterized for residue cover in the course of three sampling campaigns coinciding in time with satellite scene acquisition. Results showed that Tillage Transect Survey estimates were correct for 49 percent to 74 percent of fields when either five or two categories were used in classification respectively. Regression analysis showed a strong positive relationship between percent soybean residue cover and ETM+ bands 1, 3, and 7 (r 2 =0.66) and between percent corn residue and ETM+ bands 4, 5 and 7 (r 2 = 0.44). Three additional indices based on satellite digital numbers, the Soil Tillage Index, Normalized Difference Index, and Normalized Difference Tillage Index had coefficients of determination between 0.02 and 0.56 for corn and soybean residues. The Crop Residue Index Multiband model, a more physically based model, correctly predicted residue cover categories for 30 to 64 percent of fields when five or two categories were used in classification respectively. We conclude that remote-sensing techniques had accuracy as good or better than Tillage Transect Surveys estimates when residue cover classifications were decreased to two categories (o to 30 percent, and >30 percent). Since residue cover information is primarily needed to assess the extent of two categories, conservation and conventional tillage, remote sensing with Landsat imagery provides a means of sampling every field with an efficient, economical and uniform methodology.
An update on small molecule inhibitors of the HCV NS5B polymerase: effects on RNA synthesis in vitro and in cultured cells, and potential resistance in viral quasispecies

Correspondence: C Kao Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, indiana University, Bloomington, iN 47405, USA Tel +1 812 855 7583 Fax +1 812 856 5710 email ckao@indiana.edu Abstract: Chronic infection by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) can lead to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. There is currently no prophylactic vaccine against HCV, and the treatment is currently limited to modified interferon and ribavirin. The RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) of HCV is an attractive target for inhibitor development, and this has led to active efforts in the development of nucleoside and non-nucleoside inhibitors. The HCV polymerase is also one of the model systems for detailed analysis of how RdRp structure affects the mechanism of RNA synthesis. This review summarizes current efforts with inhibitors targeting the HCV RdRp and how the various inhibitors affect the mechanism of RNA synthesis.
Model predictive direct current control strategy for three-level T-type rectifier under unbalanced grid voltage conditions

In order to reduce the total harmonic distortion (THD) of grid current and output power fluctuations under unbalanced grid voltages, a model predictive direct current control (MPDCC) strategy is proposed for three-level T-type rectifier. The reference current is used as the control objective and calculated by grid voltages and its 1/4 delaying value. Compared with the conventional method, computation of instantaneous active power and reactive power, extraction of positive and negative sequence, phase-locked loop (PLL), PWM modulation and inner current loop are avoided. In addition, the redundant P-type and N-type small vectors are selected to control the neutral-point balance simultaneously. The experimental results are presented to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of proposed MPDCC strategy.
Community-based diagnosis of non-communicable diseases and their risk factors in rural and urban Haiti: a cross-sectional prevalence study

Objective To estimate the prevalence of hypertension, diabetes and chronic kidney disease and their risk factors in a rural and urban region of Haiti. Setting and participants Community health workers enumerated 2648 households (909 rural and 1739 urban) via a multistage cluster random sampling method from July 2015 to May 2016, completed 705 rural and 1419 urban assessments for adults aged 25–65 years. Outcome measures We performed a WHO STEPS based questionnaire, measured two blood pressure values, weight, height, abdominal circumference and point of care test finger stick blood sample for haemoglobin A1c, creatinine and cholesterol (total, high density lipoprotein (HDL) and triglycerides). Results After adjusting for age and sex, the overall prevalence rates of hypertension, diabetes and chronic kidney disease were 15.6% (±2.93%), 19.7% (±1.57%) and 12.3% (±2.72%), respectively. Of the three non-communicable diseases (NCDs), only diabetes showed a significant difference between rural and urban sites (p=0.000), with the rural site (23.1%) having a higher prevalence than the urban site (16.4%). When comparing male and female participants, females were significantly more likely than males to have an NCD (p≤0.011). Females had a higher prevalence of most of the risk factors when compared with males. The urban location had a higher prevalence than the rural location for four risk factors that showed a significant difference between location (p≤0.037). Conclusions Women in Haiti had significantly higher prevalence rates of most NCDs and risk factors than men, and urban populations frequently, but not always, had higher rates of NCDs risk factors than the rural population. Further, it was shown that using point of care blood tests combined with community health workers, it is feasible to screen for NCDs and risk factors in remote areas which otherwise have limited access to healthcare.
Serum micronutrient concentrations and decline in physical function among older persons.

CONTEXT Maintaining independence of older persons is a public health priority, and identifying the factors that contribute to decline in physical function is needed to prevent or postpone the disablement process. The potential deleterious effect of poor nutrition on decline in physical function in older persons is unclear. OBJECTIVE To determine whether a low serum concentration of micronutrients is associated with subsequent decline in physical function among older men and women living in the community. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Longitudinal study of 698 community-living persons 65 years or older who were randomly selected from a population registry in Tuscany, Italy. Participants completed the baseline examination from November 1, 1998, through May 28, 2000, and the 3-year follow-up assessments from November 1, 2001, through March 30, 2003. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Decline in physical function was defined as a loss of at least 1 point in the Short Physical Performance Battery during the 3-year follow-up. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated for the lowest quartile of each nutrient using the other 3 quartiles combined as the reference group. Two additional and complementary analytical approaches were used to confirm the validity of the results. RESULTS The mean decline in the Short Physical Performance Battery score was 1.1 point. In a logistic regression analysis that was adjusted for potential confounders, only a low concentration of vitamin E (<1.1 microg/mL [<24.9 micromol/L]) was significantly associated with subsequent decline in physical function (OR, 1.62; 95% confidence interval, 1.11-2.36; P = .01 for association of lowest alpha-tocopherol quartile with at least a 1-point decline in physical function). In a general linear model, the concentration of vitamin E at baseline, when analyzed as a continuous measure, was significantly associated with the Short Physical Performance Battery score at follow-up after adjustment for potential confounders and Short Physical Performance Battery score at baseline (beta = .023; P = .01). In a classification and regression tree analysis, age older than 81 years and vitamin E (in participants aged 70-80 years) were identified as the strongest determinants of decline in physical function (physical decline in 84% and 60%, respectively; misclassification error rate, 0.33). CONCLUSIONS These results provide empirical evidence that a low serum concentration of vitamin E is associated with subsequent decline in physical function among community-living older adults. Clinical trials may be warranted to determine whether an optimal concentration of vitamin E reduces functional decline and the onset of disability in older persons.
Computer Use by Secondary School Principals.

The purpose of this study was firstly to identify the extent to which Iranian secondary school principals used computers and secondly to explore the relationship between a number of variables related to the use of information and communications technology (ICT). Findings indicated that four factors played a role in explaining the level of computer use by principals. These factors included high level of computer access, strong perceptions of the attributes of ICT, high level of computer competence, as well as the high level of transformational leadership behaviors, all contributed significantly to the level of computer use by principals. All four constructs are equally important but have varying impacts on computer use. Therefore, all four constructs should be viewed in an integrated manner in accordance to the conceptual model proposed in this study.
Prediction of tracheostomy tube size for paediatric long-term ventilation: an audit of children with spinal cord injury.

BACKGROUND There are no published data to predict tracheostomy tube size as growth proceeds in children requiring long-term ventilation. METHODS A retrospective audit was undertaken of children having long-term ventilation, managed from the Southport spinal injuries unit. The dates of step-up in size of tracheostomy tube were noted together with the tube inside and outside diameters (ID and OD) and the lateral tracheal diameter. The data were aggregated for each increment in tube size to calculate the Pearson correlation coefficients for age and weight of the children. Linear regression was then used to generate predictive equations based on age and weight. RESULTS Out of 12 children, data from seven boys and two girls, with a mean age of 5.9 (range 1.5-13.75) yr, were obtained. Average length of follow-up was 7 yr, with an average of 3.5 tube changes per patient equating to a larger tube every 2 yr. The inside and outside tracheal tube diameters, as well as the lateral tracheal diameter, correlated significantly with age and weight (P<0.01). The appropriate tracheostomy tube internal diameter is conveniently expressed by the formula: ID mm=age yr/3 + 3.5 CONCLUSIONS The step-up in size of the tracheostomy tube as growth proceeds should be undertaken as a planned procedure at least every 2 yr to avoid nocturnal desaturation. Age appears to be a convenient and reliable predictor.
TAS3 miR390-dependent loci in non-vascular land plants: towards a comprehensive reconstruction of the gene evolutionary history

Trans-acting small interfering RNAs (ta-siRNAs) are transcribed from protein non-coding genomic TAS loci and belong to a plant-specific class of endogenous small RNAs. These siRNAs have been found to regulate gene expression in most taxa including seed plants, gymnosperms, ferns and mosses. In this study, bioinformatic and experimental PCR-based approaches were used as tools to analyze TAS3 and TAS6 loci in transcriptomes and genomic DNAs from representatives of evolutionary distant non-vascular plant taxa such as Bryophyta, Marchantiophyta and Anthocerotophyta. We revealed previously undiscovered TAS3 loci in plant classes Sphagnopsida and Anthocerotopsida, as well as TAS6 loci in Bryophyta classes Tetraphidiopsida, Polytrichopsida, Andreaeopsida and Takakiopsida. These data further unveil the evolutionary pathway of the miR390-dependent TAS3 loci in land plants. We also identified charophyte alga sequences coding for SUPPRESSOR OF GENE SILENCING 3 (SGS3), which is required for generation of ta-siRNAs in plants, and hypothesized that the appearance of TAS3-related sequences could take place at a very early step in evolutionary transition from charophyte algae to an earliest common ancestor of land plants.
Prion protein (PrP) with amino‐proximal deletions restoring susceptibility of PrP knockout mice to scrapie.

The ‘protein only’ hypothesis postulates that the prion, the agent causing transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, is PrP(Sc), an isoform of the host protein PrP(C). Protease treatment of prion preparations cleaves off approximately 60 N‐terminal residues of PrP(Sc) but does not abrogate infectivity. Disruption of the PrP gene in the mouse abolishes susceptibility to scrapie and prion replication. We have introduced into PrP knockout mice transgenes encoding wild‐type PrP or PrP lacking 26 or 49 amino‐proximal amino acids which are protease susceptible in PrP(Sc). Inoculation with prions led to fatal disease, prion propagation and accumulation of PrP(Sc) in mice expressing both wild‐type and truncated PrPs. Within the framework of the ‘protein only’ hypothesis, this means that the amino‐proximal segment of PrP(C) is not required either for its susceptibility to conversion into the pathogenic, infectious form of PrP or for the generation of PrP(Sc).
Executive control deficits in substance-dependent individuals: A comparison of alcohol, cocaine, and methamphetamine and of men and women

Substance dependence is associated with executive function deficits, but the nature of these executive defects and the effect that different drugs and sex have on these defects have not been fully clarified. Therefore, we compared the performance of alcohol- (n = 33; 18 women), cocaine- (n = 27; 14 women), and methamphetamine-dependent individuals (n = 38; 25 women) with sex-matched healthy comparisons (n = 36; 17 women) on complex decision making as measured with the Iowa Gambling Task, working memory, cognitive flexibility, and response inhibition. Cocaine- and methamphetamine-dependent individuals were impaired on complex decision making, working memory, and cognitive flexibility, but not on response inhibition. The deficits in working memory and cognitive flexibility were milder than the decision-making deficits and did not change as a function of memory load or task switching. Interestingly, decision making was significantly more impaired in women addicted to cocaine or methamphetamine than in men addicted to these drugs. Together, these findings suggest that drug of choice and sex have different effects on executive functioning, which, if replicated, may help tailor intervention.
The challenge of technical text

When evaluating and comparing Answer Extraction and Question Answering systems one can distinguish between scenarios for different information needs such as the “Fact Finding”, the “Problem Solving”, and the “Generic Information” scenarios. For each scenario, speciﬁc types of questions and speciﬁc types of texts have to be taken into account, each one causing speciﬁc problems. We argue that comparative evaluations of such systems should not be limited to a single type of information need and one speciﬁc text type. We use the example of technical manuals and a working Answer Extraction system, “ExtrAns”, to show that other, and important, problems will be encountered in the other cases. We also argue that the quality of the individual answers could be determined automatically through the parameters of correctness and succinctness, i.e. measures for recall and precision on the level of unifying predicates, against a (hand-crafted) gold standard of “ideal answers”.
Mobile Edge Computing-Enabled Heterogeneous Networks

The mobile edge computing (MEC) has been introduced for providing computing capabilities at the edge of networks to improve the latency performance of wireless networks. In this paper, we provide the novel framework for MEC-enabled heterogeneous networks (HetNets), composed of the multi-tier networks with access points (APs) (i.e., MEC servers), which have different transmission power and different computing capabilities. In this framework, we also consider multiple-type mobile users with different sizes of computation tasks, and they offload the tasks to a MEC server, and receive the computation resulting data from the server. We derive the successful edge computing probability (SECP), defined as the probability that a user offloads and finishes its computation task at the MEC server within the target latency. We provide a closed-form expression of the approximated SECP for general case, and closed-form expressions of the exact SECP for special cases. This paper then provides the design insights for the optimal configuration of MEC-enabled HetNets by analyzing the effects of network parameters and bias factors, used in MEC server association, on the SECP. Specifically, it shows how the optimal bias factors in terms of SECP can be changed according to the numbers of user types and tiers of MEC servers, and how they are different to the conventional ones that did not consider the computing capabilities and task sizes.