Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The association between objectively measured sedentary behavior and red blood cell distribution width in a national sample of US adults.

Red blood cell distribution width (RDW), an indicator of anisocytosis, is a novel biomarker of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all-cause mortality (1). Although findings are inconclusive, the pathophysiology linking RDW with morbidity/mortality may pertain to inflammation and/or disordered iron homeostasis (2). Consequently, identification of modifiable behaviors for prevention of unequal RDW, particularly in the general population, is needed. Emerging research demonstrates that sedentary behavior (SB), even independently of physical activity, is predictive of CVD and premature mortality (3). Although results have been inconclusive, potential mechanisms for explaining this relationship include SB-induced inflammation and modulation of metabolic risk (4). Consequently, it is plausible to suggest that SB may be related to CVD and mortality via SB-induced anisocytosis. However, to our knowledge, no study has yet examined the association between SB and RDW. Identification of such an association may help to delineate a potential mechanism through which SB may influence CVD. Therefore, we decided to evaluate this possible association.
Multicast in Virtualized Data Centers : Challenges and Opportunities

The increasing volume and importance of pointto-multipoint traffic in virtualized data centers means the deployment of IP multicast is increasingly attractive. However, concerns about the ability of switches and routers based on commodity hardware to support the conventional IP multicast control plane and data plane, especially when there are thousands of participants in the multicast group communication, results in the infrequent deployment of IP multicast in data centers. This paper discusses the evolution of data center architectures towards the virtualized architectures in which technologies such as VXLAN, VXLAN-GPE, GENEVE, STT and NVGRE are used to build emulated Layer 2 networks that will support multitenancy at scale. These technologies are described and compared in terms of a number of factors, with emphasis laid on the manner in which they support multicast. Lastly, innovative approaches that have been proposed to circumvent the obstacles to deploying multicast in the data center IP fabric are also discussed and evaluated.
Appendix for Latent Dirichlet Allocation Models for Image Classification

APPENDIX I VARIATIONAL INFERENCE IN LDA MODELS Given an image I = {w1, . , wN}, wn ∈ V , inference consists of computing the posterior distribution of the unobserved variables, P (π, z1:N |I) . Learning involves estimating the parameters (α,Λ1:K), by maximizing the log likelihood, l = logP (D) of a training image dataset D. Inference and learning are not tractable under LDA. A wide range of approximate inference methods have been proposed, such as Laplace or variational approximations, sampling methods, etc. We adopt variational inference. Variational methods approximate the posterior P (π, z1:N |w1:N ) by a mean-field variational distribution q(π, z1:N ), indexed by free variational parameters, within some class of tractable probability distributions F . These distributions usually assume independent factors,
Design of low phase noise feedback-type harmonic oscillator Using SIW-CMSRR diplexer

An X-band low phase noise feedback-type harmonic oscillator based on diplexer is proposed in this paper. Due to the compact size and high frequency selectivity, the substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) structure loaded with complementary multiple split-ring resonators (CMSRR) is adopted to design the diplexer which behaves as a fundamental frequency stabilization and second harmonic extraction elements simultaneously in oscillator. The principle of diplexer achieves a high isolation between the main feedback-loop circuit and the external load. In order to validate the proposed structure, an X-band prototype is designed and measured. The simulated frequency pulling effect of harmonic oscillator is decreased significantly compared to the fundamental frequency oscillator counterpart based on SIW-CMSRR filter. The measured results show that, the suppression fundamental frequency component is −27.9 dBc in harmonic oscillator, and the phase noise is −114.2 dBc/Hz at 100 kHz offset frequency from 9.31 GHz carrier, which is 2.6 dB better than the output of fundamental frequency oscillator followed by an ideal frequency doubler.
Design and performance assessment methods for third generation cellular systems

It is envisaged that future cellular systems, e.g., UMTS, will consist of three network segments, namely, core, access, and intelligent. In the context of this paper, we define and solve some of the design problems related to the design of the access and intelligent network segments. In addition, we present a platform that enables the assessment of the derived solutions by means of simulation. Our aim is to analyse, formally state, and theoretically formulate these problems, and to provide a platform for assessing the efficiency of the solutions to these problems.
Backstepping controller synthesis for piecewise affine systems: A sum of squares approach

This paper addresses backstepping controller synthesis for piecewise affine (PWA) systems. The main contribution of the paper is to formulate controller design for a large class of PWA systems as a convex problem. Integrator backstepping is proposed as the principal design step in constructing Lyapunov functions for PWA systems in strict feedback form. The controller synthesis problem is divided into two cases. The first case consists of the construction of a sum of squares (SOS) Lyapunov function for PWA systems with discontinuous vector fields. The second case addresses the construction of a piecewise polynomial Lyapunov function for PWA systems with continuous vector fields. After constructing a (piecewise) polynomial Lyapunov function, controller synthesis for a PWA system can be formulated as an SOS program, which is a convex optimization problem and can be efficiently solved. The new synthesis method is applied to a numerical example.
mmWave metamaterial inspired coaxial-fed microstrip antenna array for Femtosat

Planar antenna array on a Femtosat is used to establish inter-satellite communication link using V-band with very high bandwidth. In this paper, the results are presented for a compact metamaterial inspired coaxial fed microstrip antenna which is designed to work at 60GHz with an impedance bandwidth of 6.5GHz. Beam steering for 7×1 array is also presented. A 7×7 planar array of the same is designed for dimensions of 3×3 cm for placement analysis on a typical femtosat model.
Physics of 2H-PbI/sub 2/ layered single crystals with hydrazine nanoparticles

The present review report is devoted to physics of 2H-Pbl2 layered single crystals with hydrazine nanoparticles. The reflection, photoluminescence (PL) and Raman scattering spectra of these substances will be considered. We used for the investigation the Bridgman-grown 2H-Pbl2 layered single crystals because they are classical compounds for intercalation. As intercalant we took advantage of dehydrated hydrazine which has high ability to penetrate into interlayer space and creates a stable compound with the crystal matrix
Design optimisation of permanent magnet assisted synchronous reluctance machines for electric vehicle applications

This paper describes the design optimization of a permanent magnet assisted synchronous reluctance machine for electric vehicle applications employing finite element based optimization tool Flux 2D/3D GOT-It. Firstly a preliminary optimisation against key design parameters at the rated load is performed. To maximise the energy efficiency of the traction machine over a defined reference drive cycle - New European Driving Cycle, global optimisation is undertaken using the optimization tool against 12 points representative of the energy distribution of the driving cycle for a given set of vehicle parameters. The utility and effectiveness of the optimization technique and tool have been illustrated through a case study.
De l’économie des interactions à l’économie géographique : théories et évidences sur la formation et la stabilité des clusters

The paper focuses on the prospects interaction economics opens in the economic geography field. The first part is devoted to the conditions in which interaction economics emerges and develops. The second one focuses on the main concepts and models. In the third one, we show through a recent research survey, that sequential, cumulative and non-market interaction approach allows to explain the emergence and stability of agglomeration structures. The paper ends up in the prospects interaction economics opens, in a spatial competition con¬ text, about local policy modes.
Enhancer‐independent mutants of the Cin recombinase have a relaxed topological specificity.

Cin is a member of the hin family of complementing site‐specific recombinases which regulate the alternate expression of genes by inverting DNA segments. Common characteristics of this family of recombination systems are the requirement for an enhancer‐like element in cis and the specificity for inversely oriented recombination sites on the same DNA molecule. We have isolated two mutants of the Cin recombinase which will efficiently recombine a substrate lacking the enhancer. In addition, these mutant proteins also catalyse efficient recombination between sites in direct orientation or on different DNA molecules. Both mutations are due to single amino acid substitutions at different positions in the protein and the two mutants have slightly different phenotypes. The finding that the loss of enhancer dependence is coupled to a change in topological specificity leads us to conclude that the enhancer determines the specificity of the system for DNA inversion.
Automatic Speech Detection and Segmentation of Air Traffic Control Audio Using the Parametric Trajectory Model

This study investigates the use of the parametric trajectory model to perform unsupervised speech detection and segmentation in a noisy air traffic control audio. The process of detecting and segmenting speech is subdivided into two primary tasks: the binary distinction of speech and noise, and the ability to identify the beginning and end of speech segments. For each of these two tasks, the parametric trajectory model algorithm is applied in both a model-based (prior training) and a blind (no training) approach. The model is also trained created completely unsupervised. The results show that the parametric trajectory model can be applied to detect and segment speech in noisy audio with a high degree of success using either approach. While the model approach provided significantly fewer false alarms, the addition of a simple heuristic to the blind approach effectively produces the same level of performance when measured using the F-measure.
Nosocomial Legionnaires' disease in England and Wales, 1980–92

SUMMARY Two hundred and eighteen nosocomial cases of Legionnaires' disease with 68 deaths were reported to the National Surveillance Scheme for Legionnaires Disease between 1980 and 1992, representing 15% of the reported infections acquired in England and Wales. Twenty–two nosocomial outbreaks accounted for 135 (62%) of these cases, the remainder occurring as single cases either in hospitals where other single cases or outbreaks had been reported in different years or as ‘sporadic’ cases in hospitals from which no other cases were reported. A clinical history prior to onset of Legionnaires' disease was available for 124 patients, 61 of whom had undergone recent transplant therapy or were immunosuppressed for other reasons. Sixty cases (27%) were diagnosed by culture of the organism and isolates from 56 patients were typed; 25 (42%) were non L. pneumophila serogroup 1 infections. Methods for prevention and control of nosocomial outbreaks are discussed, in particular the susceptibility to Legionnaires' disease of certain groups of hospital patients.
0 Mobile Targeting

Mobile technologies enable marketers to target consumers by time and location. This study builds on a large-scale randomized experiment of short message service (SMS) sent to 12,265 mobile users. We draw on the contextual marketing theory to hypothesize how different combinations of mobile targeting determine consumer responses to mobile promotions. We identify that temporal targeting and geographical targeting individually increase sales purchases. Surprisingly, the sales effects of employing these two strategies simultaneously are not straightforward. When targeting proximal mobile users, our findings reveal a negative sales-lead time relationship; sending same-day mobile promotions yields an increase in the odds of consumer purchases compared to sending them two-day prior to the promoted event. However, when targeting non-proximal mobile users, there is an inverted-U, curvilinear relationship. Sending one-day prior SMSs yields an increase in the odds of consumer purchases by 9.5 times compared to same-day SMSs, and an increase in the odds of consumer purchases by 71% compared to two-day prior SMSs. These results are robust to unobserved heterogeneity, alternative estimation models, bootstrapped resamples, randomization checks, consumer mobile usage behavior, and segmentation of consumer scenarios. In addition, we conducted follow-up surveys to delve into the psychological mechanisms explaining the findings in our field experiment. In line with consumer construal arguments, consumers who received SMSs close (far) in time and location formed a more (less) concrete mental construal, which, in turn, increased their involvement and purchase intent. These findings suggest that understanding the when, where, and how of mobile targeting strategies is crucial. Marketers can save money by carefully designing their mobile targeting campaigns.
Rapid epidemiological mapping of onchocerciasis (REMO): its application by the African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control (APOC)

Abstract One of the fundamental challenges that the African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control (APOC) has had to face is how to identify the endemic communities where its mass ivermectin-treatment operations are to be carried out in conformity with its stated objective of targetting the most highly endemic, aVected and at-risk populations. This it has done by adopting a technique, known as the rapid epidemiological mapping of onchocerciasis (REMO), that provides data on the distribution and prevalence of onchocerciasis. Integration of the REMO data into a geographical information system (GIS) enables delineation of zones of various levels of endemicity, and this is an important step in the planning process for onchocerciasis control. Zones are included in (or excluded from) the APOC-funded programme of community-directed treatment with ivermectin (CDTI), depending on whether or not their levels of onchocercal endemicity reach the threshold set by APOC. This review describes the application of the REMO/GIS technique by APOC in its operations, and identifies the remaining related challenges.
GATA1-Deficient Dendritic Cells Display Impaired CCL21-Dependent Migration toward Lymph Nodes Due to Reduced Levels of Polysialic Acid

Dendritic cells (DCs) play a pivotal role in the regulation of the immune response. DC development and activation is finely orchestrated through transcriptional programs. GATA1 transcription factor is required for murine DC development, and data suggest that it might be involved in the fine-tuning of the life span and function of activated DCs. We generated DC-specific Gata1 knockout mice (Gata1-KODC), which presented a 20% reduction of splenic DCs, partially explained by enhanced apoptosis. RNA sequencing analysis revealed a number of deregulated genes involved in cell survival, migration, and function. DC migration toward peripheral lymph nodes was impaired in Gata1-KODC mice. Migration assays performed in vitro showed that this defect was selective for CCL21, but not CCL19. Interestingly, we show that Gata1-KODC DCs have reduced polysialic acid levels on their surface, which is a known determinant for the proper migration of DCs toward CCL21.
Half‐time re‐warm up increases performance capacity in male elite soccer players

This study investigated the acute effects of a half‐time re‐warm up on performance and movement patterns in soccer match play. Using a crossover design, 22 professional male players performed traditional passive rest (CON) or a low‐intensity re‐warm up (RW) during the half‐time period of two soccer matches. Before and after the first half and before the second half, maximal sprint and jump performance were evaluated. Time–motion analysis of the first 15 min of each half was conducted. Sprint and jump performance were reduced (P < 0.05) by 2.6% and 7.6%, respectively, during the half‐time period in CON, whereas sprint performance was maintained and the decrement in jump performance (3.1%; P < 0.05) was lower after RW. No significant interaction for high‐intensity running was observed, but less defensive high‐intensity running was observed after RW than CON (0.14 ± 0.06 vs 0.22 ± 0.07 km; P < 0.01). Moreover, RW had more possession of the ball in the beginning of the second half. In conclusion, traditional passive half‐time rest leads to impaired sprint and jump performance during the initial phase of the second half in professional soccer players whereas a re‐warm up effectively attenuates such deteriorations. Less defensive high‐intensity running and more ball possession were observed after RW, indicating a game advantage at the onset of the second half.
The Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39): development and validation of a Parkinson's disease summary index score.

OBJECTIVES to briefly outline the development and validation of the Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39) and then to provide evidence for the use of the measure as either a profile of health status scores or a single index figure. DESIGN the PDQ-39 was administered in two surveys: a postal survey of patients registered with local branches of the Parkinson's Disease Society of Great Britain (n = 405) and a survey of patients attending neurology clinics for treatment for Parkinson's disease (n = 146). Data from the eight dimensions of the PDQ-39 were factor-analysed. This produced a single factor on the data from both surveys. OUTCOME MEASURES the eight dimensions of the PDQ-39 and the new single index score-the Parkinson's disease summary index (PDSI), together with clinical assessments (the Columbia rating scale and the Hoehn and Yahr staging score). RESULTS in the postal survey 227 patients returned questionnaires (58.2%). AH 146 patients approached in the clinic sample agreed to take part. Higher-order principal-components factor analysis was undertaken on the eight dimensions of the PDQ-39 and produced one factor on both datasets. Consequently it was decided that the scores of the eight domains could be summed to produce a single index figure. The psychometric properties of this index were explored using reliability tests and tests of construct validity. The newly derived single index was found to be both internally reliable and valid. DISCUSSION data from the PDQ-39 can be presented either in profile form or as a single index figure. The profile should be of value in studies aimed at determining the impact of treatment regimes upon particular aspects of functioning and well-being in patients with Parkinson's disease, while the PDSI will provide a summary score of the impact of the illness on functioning and well-being and will be of use in the evaluation of the overall effect of different treatments. Furthermore, the PDSI reduces the number of statistical comparisons and hence the role of chance when exploring data from the PDQ-39.
A Rescoring Approach for Keyword Search Using Lattice Context Information

In this paper we present a rescoring approach for keyword search (KWS) based on neural networks (NN). This approach exploits only the lattice context in a detected time interval instead of its corresponding audio. The most informative arcs in lattice context are selected and represented as a matrix, where words on arcs are represented in an embedding space with respect to their pronunciations. Then convolutional neural networks (CNNs) are employed to capture distinctive features from this matrix. A rescoring model is trained to minimize termweighted sigmoid cross entropy so as to match the evaluation metric. Experiments on single-word queries show that lattice context brings complementary gains over normalized posterior scores. Performance on both in-vocabulary (IV) and outof-vocabulary (OOV) queries are improved by combining NNbased scores with standard posterior scores.
Efficacy of a home blood pressure monitoring programme on therapeutic compliance in hypertension: the EAPACUM–HTA study

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of a programme of home blood pressure measurement (HBPM) on therapeutic compliance in mild-to-moderate hypertension. Design A prospective controlled multicentre clinical trial. Setting Forty primary care centres in Spain, with a duration of 6 months. Patients A total of 250 patients with newly diagnosed or uncontrolled hypertension were included. Interventions The patients were randomly selected and distributed in two groups: (1) the control group (CG) who received standard health intervention; (2) the intervention group (IG): the patients in this group received an OMRON in their homes for a programme of HBPM. Main outcome measure Four visits were scheduled, for the measurement of blood pressure (BP). They were provided with an electronic monitor for measuring compliance (monitoring events medication system; MEMS). Therapeutic compliance was defined as a drug consumption of 80–110%. A number of variables were calculated using the MEMS. The mean BP were calculated and the percentage of controlled patients. Results A total of 200 patients completed the study (100 in each group). Compliance was observed in 74 and 92%, respectively, in the CG and IG [95% confidence interval (CI) 63.9–84.1 and 86.7–97.3; P = 0.0001], the mean percentage compliances were 87.6 and 93.5% (95% CI 81.2–94 and 80.7–98.3; P = 0.0001), the percentages of correct days were 83.6 and 89.4%, the percentages of subjects who took the medication at the prescribed time were 79.89 and 88.06%, and the levels of therapeutic cover were 86.7 and 93.1%. The number needed to treat to avoid one case of non-compliance was 5.6 patients. The differences in the mean decreases in BP were significant for diastolic BP, with a greater decrease observed in the IG. Conclusions An HBPM programme using electronic monitors is effective in improving compliance in arterial hypertension, measured using the MEMS.