Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
New empirical relationships among magnitude, rupture length, rupture width, rupture area, and surface displacement

Source parameters for historical earthquakes worldwide are compiled to develop a series of empirical relationships among moment magnitude (M), surface rupture length, subsurface rupture length, downdip rupture width, rupture area, and maximum and average displacement per event. The resulting data base is a significant update of previous compilations and includes the additional source parameters of seismic moment, moment magnitude, subsurface rupture length, downdip rupture width, and average surface displacement. Each source parameter is classified as reliable or unreliable, based on our evaluation of the accuracy of individual values. Only the reliable source parameters are used in the final analyses. In comparing source parameters, we note the following trends: (1) Generally, the length of rupture at the surface is equal to 75% of the subsurface rupture length; however, the ratio of surface rupture length to subsurface rupture length increases with magnitude; (2) the average surface displacement per event is about one-half the maximum surface displacement per event; and (3) the average subsurface displacement on the fault plane is less than the maximum surface displacement but more than the average surface displacement. Thus, for most earthquakes in this data base, slip on the fault plane at seismogenic depths is manifested by similar displacements at the surface. Log-linear regressions between earthquake magnitude and surface rupture length, subsurface rupture length, and rupture area are especially well correlated, showing standard deviations of 0.25 to 0.35 magnitude units. Most relationships are not statistically different (at a 95% significance level) as a function of the style of faulting: thus, we consider the regressions for all slip types to be appropriate for most applications. Regressions between magnitude and displacement, magnitude and rupture width, and between displacement and rupture length are less well correlated and have larger standard deviation than regressions between magnitude and length or area. The large number of data points in most of these regressions and their statistical stability suggest that they are unlikely to change significantly in response to additional data. Separating the data according to extensional and compressional tectonic environments neither provides statistically different results nor improves the statistical significance of the regressions. Regressions for cases in which earthquake magnitude is either the independent or the dependent parameter can be used to estimate maximum earthquake magnitudes both for surface faults and for subsurface seismic sources such as blind faults, and to estimate the expected surface displacement along a fault for a given size earthquake.
Meningococcal carriage in children and young adults in the Philippines: a single group, cross-sectional study

SUMMARY This cross-sectional prevalence study investigates meningococcal carriage for the first time in a Southeast Asian population. Posterior pharyngeal swabs were collected between August 2013 and March 2014 from 937 healthy Filipinos aged 5–24 years attending school or university in Manila. Of these, 35 were found to be carriers giving an overall carriage prevalence of 3·7% [95% confidence interval (CI) 2·6–5·2]. Carriage was associated with age (P < 0·001) and was highest (9·0%, 95% CI 5·5–13·8) in subjects aged 10–14 years, but was comparatively low (<3%) in all other age groups considered. This suggests that an immunization programme in the Philippines designed to reduce carriage acquisition and induce herd immunity may require a vaccine dose before the age of 10 years. Serogroup B was most commonly carried (65·7%, 95% CI 47·8–80·9), with a small number of carriers for serogroups C, Y and W also present. Two individuals (5·7%, 95% CI 0·7–19·2) who were simultaneously carrying multiple serogroups were identified. This exploratory study provides valuable insight into the asymptomatic carriage of Neisseria meningitidis in a healthy subset of the Filipino population and illustrates the importance of generating local carriage data.
Preclinical Toxicology (Subacute and Acute) and Efficacy of a New Squalenoyl Gemcitabine Anticancer Nanomedicine

This study investigates 1) the anticancer efficacy of a new squalenoyl prodrug of gemcitabine (SQgem) in nanoassembly form compared with gemcitabine at equitoxic doses and 2) the subacute and acute preclinical toxicity of these compounds. The toxicity studies revealed that SQgem nanoassemblies, like gemcitabine, were toxic, and they led to dose-dependent mortality after daily i.v. injections for 1 week, irrespective of the route of administration. However, a 4- to 5-day spaced dosing schedule (injections on day 0, 4, 8, and 13) was proved to be safer in terms of weight loss and hematological and other toxicity. Using this spaced dosing schedule, SQgem nanoassemblies exhibited impressive anticancer activity in mice bearing L1210 leukemia because this treatment led to 75% long-term survivors. In contrast, at equitoxic doses, neither free gemcitabine nor cytarabine led to longterm survivors and all the mice of these groups died of the disease. Further toxicity studies performed at lethal doses by blood and serum analysis and organ weight determinations revealed that the hematological toxicity was the dose-limiting toxicity in both SQgem nanoassemblies and gemcitabine, whereas probable gastrointestinal toxicity was also associated with free gemcitabine. The SQgem nanoassemblies did not display hepatotoxicity, which is one of the clinically encountered toxicities of gemcitabine. To summarize, these preclinical studies demonstrated that the toxicological profile of new squalenoyl gemcitabine nanomedicine was not distinct from that of the parent gemcitabine, whereas it was much more potent than gemcitabine at equitoxic doses and cytarabine at clinically relevant doses. These data support the candidature of SQgem for clinical trials.
3D Face Recognition Based on MPU Implicits

SUMMARY In this paper, we present an approach for 3D face recognition based on Multi-level Partition of Unity (MPU) Implicits under pose and expression variations. The MPU Implicits are used for reconstructing 3D face surface in a hierarchical way. Three landmarks, nose, left eyehole and right eyehole, can be automatically detected with the analysis of curvature features at lower levels of reconstruted face. Thus, the 3D faces are initially registered to a common coordinate system based on the three landmarks. A variant of Iterative Closest Point (ICP) algorithm is proposed for matching the point surface of a given probe face to the implicits face surface in the gallery. To evaluate the performance of our approach for 3D face recognition, we perform an experiment on GavabDB face database. The re-sults of the experiment show that our method based on MPU Implicits and Adaptive ICP has great capability for 3D face recognition under pose and expression variations.
Prejudice against Muslims: anxiety as a mediator between intergroup contact and attitudes, perceived group variability and behavioural intentions

Abstract Numerous studies have reported an increase in prejudice against Muslims in recent years. Less research has investigated how this increase might be stemmed and relations between non-Muslims and Muslims improved. In this article, we address prejudice against Muslims from the perspective of intergroup contact theory. We conducted two cross-sectional studies to examine the relationship between non-Muslim students' experiences of contact with Muslims and their intergroup anxiety, outgroup attitudes, perceptions of outgroup variability and intergroup behavioural intentions. Study 1 (N=58) showed that frequent high-quality contact with Muslims predicted more positive outgroup attitudes, more perceived outgroup variability and more positive behavioural intentions. These associations were mediated by intergroup anxiety. Study 2 (N=60) replicated these effects and additionally showed that anxiety mediates the influence of extended contact on the same outcome measures. Discussion focuses on the implications of the results for strategies aimed at improving relations between non-Muslims and Muslims.
Individual and Group Bases of Social Influence in Online Environments

Online social interactions in the form of collaborative browsing and recreational chatting were studied. The theory of planned behavior and an augmented theory of planned behavior with the inclusion of group norms and social identity were used to explain decision making by Indian recreational chatters (n = 176) and decision making and behavior by American collaborative browsers (n = 160) and recreational chatters (n = 157). Consistent with predictions under the theory of planned behavior, attitudes and perceived behavioral control were significant determinants of intentions, and intentions influenced behavior. Subjective norms failed to affect intentions. Group norms also proved to be important determinants in all 3 samples, and social identity was salient for American and Indian recreational chatters but not for American collaborative browsers. In tests of hypotheses, intentions were reconceptualized as we- or shared-intentions, and all variables under test contained group action as the referent, in contrast to past research, which has focused on individual action.
Analysis of Software Rejuvenation in Clustered Computing System with Dependency Relation between Nodes

This paper investigates software rejuvenation policy for the clustered computing system with dependency relation between nodes, and reconstructs a SRN model for the software rejuvenation in clustered computing system which considers both having different node types and having dependency relation between nodes. Numerical simulations of the new model shows that the software rejuvenation strategy can significantly decrease failure rate and increase the availability of the system, and also shows that dependencies between nodes have impact on software rejuvenation policy.
An Iterative Approach for Disparity Estimation in Multiview Video Applications

Disparity is an important feature of multiview video applications, which can be used in coding techniques, synthesis of views, among others. The disparity estimation, however, is very complex and requires high processing capabilities to produce precise results. This paper presents an estimation method that uses segmentation and disparity information in an iterative cycle. In each cycle the frames are segmented and applied in a disparity estimation process. Error analysis is also made, correcting inaccurate values. The obtained map is then used to improve the segmentation, restarting the cycle. Experimental results indicate that the proposed method works, diminishing up to 50% the mean error presented in the maps.
Multi-Resolution Graph Cuts for Stereo-Motion Estimation

Multi-Resolution Graph Cuts for Stereo-Motion Estimation Joshua A. Worby Master of Applied Science Graduate Department of The Edward S. Rogers Sr. Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering University of Toronto 2007 This thesis presents the design and implementation of a multi-resolution graph cuts (MRGC) for stereo-motion framework that produces dense disparity maps. Both stereo and motion are estimated simultaneously under the original graph cuts framework [8]. Our framework extends the problem from one to five dimensions, creating a large increase in complexity. Using three different multi-resolution graph cut algorithms, LDNR, EL and SAC, we reduce the number of pixels m and the number of labels n that limit the α − β swap algorithm (with complexity O(mn) required from the definition of our semi-metric smoothness function. This results in a reduction of computation time and the ability to handle larger images and larger label sets. The choice of the three MRGC algorithms to use in computation determines the appropriate level of accuracy and computation time desired.
Culture as accent: The cultural logic of hijabistas

Abstract This paper shows how we manufacture authenticity by blending a variety of semiotic resources, some of which are sufficient (“enough”) to produce a particular targeted authentic identity, and consequently enable others to identify us as “authentic” members of social groups within different “micro-hegemonies. ” In contexts of rapid sociocultural change (for instance in the case of migration in the present-day superdiverse conjuncture), we can expect enoughness to gain increasing importance as a critical tool for identity work. We propose the framework outlined here will enable us to engage with the complexities of contemporary identity practices and the complex field of authenticity.
Transglutaminase 2 Expression and Its Prognostic Significance in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma

Background: A few recent studies have demonstrated a possible role of transglutaminase 2 (TG2) in tumorigenesis or progression of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The aim of this study was to examine TG2 expression and its clinicopathologic significance in a large number of human clear cell RCCs (CCRCCs). Methods: We analyzed 638 CCRCC patients who underwent partial or radical nephrectomy between 1995 and 2005. The expression of TG2 was determined by immunohistochemistry and categorized into four groups, according to staining intensity: negative (0), mild (1+), moderate (2+), and strong (3+). Results: TG2 staining intensity was negative in 8.5% of CCRCC (n=54), 1+ in 32.6% (n=208), 2+ in 50.5% (n=322), and 3+ in 8.5% (n=54). Strong TG2 expression was correlated with high Fuhrman nuclear grade (p=.011), high T category (p=.049), metastasis (p=.043) and male sex (p<.001) but not with N category.The survival analysis showed a significant association between strong TG2 expression and worse overall and cancer-specific survival (p=.027 and p=.010, respectively). On multivariate analysis, strong TG2 expression was a marginally significant prognostic indicator for Fuhrman nuclear grade and TNM staging (p=.054). Conclusions: Our study is the first to demonstrate the clinicopathologic significance of TG2 expression in a large number of human CCRCC samples. Strong TG2 expression was associated with high nuclear grade and poor prognosis.
Sequential structure of neocortical spontaneous activity in vivo

Even in the absence of sensory stimulation, the neocortex shows complex spontaneous activity patterns, often consisting of alternating “DOWN” states of generalized neural silence and “UP” states of massive, persistent network activity. To investigate how this spontaneous activity propagates through neuronal assemblies in vivo, we simultaneously recorded populations of 50–200 cortical neurons in layer V of anesthetized and awake rats. Each neuron displayed a virtually unique spike pattern during UP states, with diversity seen amongst both putative pyramidal cells and interneurons, reflecting a complex but stereotypically organized sequential spread of activation through local cortical networks. Spike timing was most precise during the first ≈100 ms after UP state onset, and decayed as UP states progressed. A subset of UP states propagated as traveling waves, but waves passing a given point in either direction initiated similar local sequences, suggesting local networks as the substrate of sequential firing patterns. A search for repeating motifs indicated that their occurrence and structure was predictable from neurons' individual latencies to UP state onset. We suggest that these stereotyped patterns arise from the interplay of intrinsic cellular conductances and local circuit properties.
Impact of Microvascular Dysfunction on Left Ventricular Remodeling and Long-Term Clinical Outcome After Primary Coronary Angioplasty for Acute Myocardial Infarction

Background—We hypothesized that preserved microvascular integrity in the area at risk would favorably influence left ventricular (LV) remodeling and long-term outcome after acute myocardial infarction. Methods and Results—Before and after successful primary angioplasty (percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty [PTCA]), 124 patients with acute myocardial infarction underwent intracoronary myocardial contrast echo (MCE). An MCE score index (MCESI) was derived by averaging the single-segment score (0=not visible, 1=patchy, 2=homogeneous contrast effect) within the area at risk. An MCESI ≥1 was considered adequate reperfusion. Mean follow-up was 46±32 months. After PTCA, 100 patients showed adequate reperfusion (no microvascular dysfunction, NoMD), whereas 24 did not (MD). MD patients had a higher mean creatine kinase (4153±2422 versus 2743±1774 U/L; P =0.002) and baseline wall-motion score index (2.61±0.31 versus 2.25±0.42; P <0.001) and a lower baseline ejection fraction (33±8% versus 40±7%; P <0.001). From day 1 on, LV volumes progressively increased in the MD patients (n=19) and were larger than those of NoMD patients (n=85) at 6 months (end-diastolic volume 170±55 versus 115±29 mL; P <0.001). MCESI was the most important independent predictor of LV dilation (OR 0.61, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.71, P <0.000001). By Cox analysis, MD represented the only predictor of cardiac death (OR 0.26, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.72, P =0.010) and combined events (cardiac death, reinfarction, and heart failure; OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.23 to 0.85, P =0.014). MD patients showed worse survival in terms of cardiac death (P <0.0001) and combined events (P <0.0001). Conclusions—In reperfused acute myocardial infarction, MD within the risk area is an important predictor of both LV remodeling and unfavorable long-term outcome.
Performance Evaluation of 3D-LOCUS Advanced Acoustic LPS

Local positioning systems (LPSs) based on acoustic transducers (mainly ultrasonic) offer accurate localization in indoor environments. However, their performance is commonly limited by the transducers' frequency bandwidth and emission pattern. 3D-LOCUS is a new advanced acoustic LPS that claims subcentimeter accuracy even in turbulent environments. This is achieved through the use of broadband omnidirectional transducers, suitable design of emitted signals, proper calibration, and bidirectional emissions. This paper evaluates the 3D-LOCUS LPS by providing results in terms of some positioning metrics such as accuracy, resolution, and coverage, which show how it outperforms other state-of-the-art LPS prototypes. 3D-LOCUS operating in bidirectional mode minimizes environmental effects, such as temperature and airflows, attaining localization errors below 9 mm with a 90% confidence level, an RMS error below 7.4 mm, and 5 mm resolution in a localization volume of 2 times 2 times 0.4 m3.
A new failure mode of radiation-induced soft errors in dynamic memories

A novel component of dynamic random-access memory (DRAM) soft error, in addition to the previously known cell-failure component and the bit-line failure component, is reported. The error component, named the combined cell-bit line (CCB) failure mode, occurs when the cell and the bit line each collect radiation-induced charge which are individually insufficient to upset the cell, but which does cause an error in combination. Experimental results covering the three soft-error rate (SER) components (cell, bit line, and CCB) have been obtained using an Americium-241 source, over a wide range of cycle times from 75 ns to 30 mu s. The study indicates that, at short cycle times, CCB failure mode can dominate SER in high-density, high-speed dynamic memories. <<ETX>>
Identification of a Dual-Specific T Cell Epitope of the Hemagglutinin Antigen of an H5 Avian Influenza Virus in Chickens

Avian influenza viruses (AIV) of the H5N1 subtype have caused morbidity and mortality in humans. Although some migratory birds constitute the natural reservoir for this virus, chickens may play a role in transmission of the virus to humans. Despite the importance of avian species in transmission of AIV H5N1 to humans, very little is known about host immune system interactions with this virus in these species. The objective of the present study was to identify putative T cell epitopes of the hemagglutinin (HA) antigen of an H5 AIV in chickens. Using an overlapping peptide library covering the HA protein, we identified a 15-mer peptide, H5246–260, within the HA1 domain which induced activation of T cells in chickens immunized against the HA antigen of an H5 virus. Furthermore, H5246–260 epitope was found to be presented by both major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and II molecules, leading to activation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cell subsets, marked by proliferation and expression of interferon (IFN)-γ by both of these cell subsets as well as the expression of granzyme A by CD8+ T cells. This is the first report of a T cell epitope of AIV recognized by chicken T cells. Furthermore, this study extends the previous finding of the existence of dual-specific epitopes in other species to chickens. Taken together, these results elucidate some of the mechanisms of immune response to AIV in chickens and provide a platform for creation of rational vaccines against AIV in this species.
Improved Densification of One Permutation Hashing

The existing work on densification of one permutation hashing reduces the query processing cost of the $(K,L)$-parameterized Locality Sensitive Hashing (LSH) algorithm with minwise hashing, from $O(dKL)$ to merely $O(d + KL)$, where $d$ is the number of nonzeros of the data vector, $K$ is the number of hashes in each hash table, and $L$ is the number of hash tables. While that is a substantial improvement, our analysis reveals that the existing densification scheme is sub-optimal. In particular, there is no enough randomness in that procedure, which affects its accuracy on very sparse datasets. In this paper, we provide a new densification procedure which is provably better than the existing scheme. This improvement is more significant for very sparse datasets which are common over the web. The improved technique has the same cost of $O(d + KL)$ for query processing, thereby making it strictly preferable over the existing procedure. Experimental evaluations on public datasets, in the task of hashing based near neighbor search, support our theoretical findings.
Student Success Courses in the Community College

Using data from the Virginia Community College System and building upon prior Florida-based research, this study examines whether student success course enrollment, as well as student and institutional characteristics, has positive associations with shorter-term student outcomes, including earning any college credits within the first year and persistence into the second year. The present study finds that students who enrolled in a student success course in the first semester were more likely to earn any college-level credits within the first year and were more likely to persist to the second year. The study also finds that students who were referred to developmental education were more likely to earn any college-level credits within the first year if they enrolled in a student success course in their first term.
New Algorithms for Fast Discovery of Association Rules

Discovery of association rules is an important problem in database mining. In this paper we present new algorithms for fast association mining, which scan the database only once, addressing the open question whether all the rules can be efficiently extracted in a single database pass. The algorithms use novel itemset clustering techniques to approximate the set of potentially maximal frequent itemsets. The algorithms then make use of efficient lattice traversal techniques to generate the frequent itemsets contained in each cluster. We propose two clustering schemes based on equivalence classes and maximal hypergraph cliques, and study two traversal techniques based on bottom-up and hybrid search. We also use a vertical database layout to cluster related transactions together. Experimental results show improvements of over an order of magnitude compared to previous algorithms.