Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A New Dataset on Infant Mortality Rates, 1816—2002

Systematic data on annual infant mortality rates are of use to a variety of social science research programs in demography, economics, sociology, and political science. Infant mortality rates may be used both as a proxy measure for economic development, in lieu of energy consumption or GDP-per-capita measures, and as an indicator of the extent to which governments provide for the economic and social welfare of their citizens. Until recently, data were available for only a limited number of countries based on regional or country-level studies and time periods for years after 1950. Here, the authors introduce a new dataset reporting annual infant mortality rates for all states in the world, based on the Correlates of War state system list, between 1816 and 2002. They discuss past research programs using infant mortality rates in conflict studies and describe the dataset by exploring its geographic and temporal coverage. Next, they explain some of the limitations of the dataset as well as issues associated with the data themselves. Finally, they suggest some research areas that might benefit from the use of this dataset. This new dataset is the most comprehensive source on infant mortality rates currently available to social science researchers.
Prevalence of anaemia and its associated factors in African children at one and three years residing in the Capricorn District of Limpopo Province, South Africa.

OBJECTIVE The present study evaluated the prevalence of anaemia and its determinants in one- and three-year-old children from the Capricorn District of Limpopo Province, South Africa. METHODS A prospective cohort study conducted in rural villages in the Capricorn District of Limpopo Province, South Africa. At birth, a cohort of 219 children was followed until they were one and three years of age. Data collected included the children's anthropometric measurements, blood for biochemical analysis (full blood count, ferritin, folate and vitamin B12) and socio-demographic status. RESULTS At one year, anaemia (Hb < 11 g/dL) was present in 52% of the children, decreasing to 22% by the third year. Iron deficiency (ferritin < 12 µg/mL) was common in these children (39% and 33% at one year and three years, respectively) particularly in the presence of anaemia. Folate and vitamin B12 deficiencies (< 5 ng/mL and < 145 pg/mL, respectively) were common at one year, with the children accumulating enough vitamin B12 by three years; however, folate deficiency levels remained fairly constant between the two time points. CONCLUSION There was a high prevalence of anaemia in the study participants at one year and three years of age. Factors that increased the risk of anaemia at three years were: a mother with only a primary school education, anaemia at one year, male gender, overweight, and combined overweight and stunting. Protective factors against anaemia were having a younger mother who served as the main caregiver.
High-Brightness Light Emitting Diodes Using Dislocation-Free Indium Gallium Nitride/Gallium Nitride Multiquantum-Well Nanorod Arrays

We demonstrate the realization of the high-brightness and high-efficiency light emitting diodes (LEDs) using dislocation-free indium gallium nitride (InGaN)/gallium nitride (GaN) multiquantum-well (MQW) nanorod (NR) arrays by metal organic-hydride vapor phase epitaxy (MO−HVPE). MQW NR arrays (NRAs) on sapphire substrate are buried in spin-on glass (SOG) to isolating individual NRs and to bring p-type NRs in contact with p-type electrodes. The MQW NRA LEDs have similar electrical characteristics to conventional broad area (BA) LEDs. However, due to the lack of dislocations and the large surface areas provided by the sidewalls of NRs, both internal and extraction efficiencies are significantly enhanced. At 20 mA dc current, the MQW NRA LEDs emit about 4.3 times more light than the conventional BA LEDs, even though overall active volume of the MQW NRA LEDs is much smaller than conventional LEDs. Moreover, the fabrication processes involved in producing MQW NRA LEDs are almost the same for conventional BA LED.
Polymer blends based on polyolefin elastomer and polypropylene

A new family of homogeneous polyolefin polymers that exhibit unique molecular and rheological properties designated polyolefin elastomers (POEs) are characterized by a narrow molecular weight and high degrees of comonomer distribution. Because these copolymers are often elastomeric in nature, one of the uses for these materials is as impact properties improver for brittle polymers such as polypropylene at low temperatures. In this work a study was carried out about the effectiveness of the polyethylene elastomer (POE) as an impact modifier for polypropylene in relation to the traditional modifier EPDM. In this study the flow properties of of the POE/PP and EPDM/PP blends were also evaluated. The blends were analyzed by solid-state 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (13C-NMR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results showed that PEE/PP and EPDM/PP blends present a similar crystalline behavior, which resulted in a similar mechanical performance of the blends, on the composition analyzed. It was also verified that the POE/PP blend presents lower torque values than the EPDM/PP blend, which indicates a better processability when POE is used as an impact modifier. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 66: 2005–2014, 1997
A Spatial-Temporal Correlation Based Novel Clustering Algorithm for Wireless Sensor Networks

Considering the requirements of energy saving and data aggregation, and the characteristics of spatial-correlation and temporal-correlation in wireless sensor networks (WSN), this paper proposes a spatial-temporal correlation based novel clustering algorithm, STCBCA. In cluster formation phase, STCBCA clusters nodes in the network according to the spatial correlation between nodes and cluster heads. In data gathering phase, STCBCA clusters data sampled by nodes via the criterion of data cluster, and then sends them to the cluster heads. Our results show that STCBCA can reduce data traffic, prolong network lifetime and improve quality of data aggregation against the clustering algorithm DCAM.
Toward a neural basis of interactive alignment in conversation

The interactive-alignment account of dialogue proposes that interlocutors achieve conversational success by aligning their understanding of the situation under discussion. Such alignment occurs because they prime each other at different levels of representation (e.g., phonology, syntax, semantics), and this is possible because these representations are shared across production and comprehension. In this paper, we briefly review the behavioral evidence, and then consider how findings from cognitive neuroscience might lend support to this account, on the assumption that alignment of neural activity corresponds to alignment of mental states. We first review work supporting representational parity between production and comprehension, and suggest that neural activity associated with phonological, lexical, and syntactic aspects of production and comprehension are closely related. We next consider evidence for the neural bases of the activation and use of situation models during production and comprehension, and how these demonstrate the activation of non-linguistic conceptual representations associated with language use. We then review evidence for alignment of neural mechanisms that are specific to the act of communication. Finally, we suggest some avenues of further research that need to be explored to test crucial predictions of the interactive alignment account.
Management of BCG failures in non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer

Purpose: Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) intravesical therapy is the standard treatment in high-risk patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer, but a significant number of patients experience recurrence after BCG therapy. Although several treatment options are available for recurrence after BCG therapy, the optimal treatment strategy is still controversial. We reviewed current and promising treatment options after BCG failure. Materials and Methods: A search of published literature using PubMed and meeting abstracts was performed. Results: BCG failures are further subdefined as BCG refractory, BCG resistant, BCG relapsing, and BCG intolerance. Several predictors for BCG response have been studied, but prediction or stratification before therapy seems to be difficult in clinical practice. Novel biomarkers associated with immunologic mechanisms appear to be promising to predict BCG failure. Radical cystectomy is the standard treatment for BCG-refractory disease, but the timing of cystectomy is controversial. BCG maintenance or combination with interferon- is a promising therapy for BCG resistance or relapse. Some salvage therapies or device-assisted instillations have been also promising, but the efficacy and safety of these novel therapies should be confirmed by large prospective studies before their clinical use in BCG failure. Conclusions: Patients with BCG failure are not a homogeneous group and need to be stratified. Radical cystectomy should be performed without delay in patients with BCG-refractory status, but salvage intravesical therapies may be an alternative in cases without true refractory status. Although BCG and interferon intravesical therapy is promising, more efficient salvage therapy after BCG failure is required.
Correlation of the Appearance of the Keratoconic Cornea In Vivo by Confocal Microscopy and In Vitro by Light Microscopy

Objective: To compare morphologic features of keratoconus as observed in vivo with a slit scanning confocal microscope and in vitro using light microscopy. Methods: Slit scanning confocal microscopy (CM) was used to evaluate the central cornea of 29 keratoconic subjects (mean age, 31 ± 10 years; range, 16-49). Light microscopy (LM) examination was performed on 2 of the keratoconic corneas post-keratoplasty. Results: With CM, the epithelium appeared more abnormal with increasing severity of keratoconus. In severe disease, the epithelium displayed the following characteristics: superficial cells were elongated and spindle shaped, wing cell nuclei were larger and more irregularly spaced, and basal cells were flattened. These findings were confirmed by LM. Images obtained using CM revealed disruption to Bowman's layer and the occasional presence of epithelial cells and stromal keratocytes. This was shown with LM to be due to breaks in Bowman's layer. Stromal haze and hyperreflectivity observed with CM corresponded with apical scarring seen on slit-lamp biomicroscopy. Hyperreflective keratocyte nuclei observed with CM are thought to indicate the presence of fibroblastic cells seen with LM. Increasing levels of haze detected with CM were found with LM to be due to fibroblast accumulation and irregular collagen fibers. Descemet's membrane appeared normal with both CM and LM. Evidence of endothelial cell elongation was apparent in 1 subject with CM. Conclusions: The current study confirms the application of CM for assessing morphologic alterations to the epithelium, Bowman's layer, and stroma in keratoconus. Many of the tissue changes observed with CM could be reconciled with observations made using LM. This work provides a framework against which tissue changes in keratoconus can be studied in a clinical context in vivo using CM.
Integrative Analysis of Gene Networks and Their Application to Lung Adenocarcinoma Studies

The construction of gene regulatory networks (GRNs) is an essential component of biomedical research to determine disease mechanisms and identify treatment targets. Gaussian graphical models (GGMs) have been widely used for constructing GRNs by inferring conditional dependence among a set of gene expressions. In practice, GRNs obtained by the analysis of a single data set may not be reliable due to sample limitations. Therefore, it is important to integrate multiple data sets from comparable studies to improve the construction of a GRN. In this article, we introduce an equivalent measure of partial correlation coefficients in GGMs and then extend the method to construct a GRN by combining the equivalent measures from different sources. Furthermore, we develop a method for multiple data sets with a natural missing mechanism to accommodate the differences among different platforms in multiple sources of data. Simulation results show that this integrative analysis outperforms the standard methods and can detect hub genes in the true network. The proposed integrative method was applied to 12 lung adenocarcinoma data sets collected from different studies. The constructed network is consistent with the current biological knowledge and reveals new insights about lung adenocarcinoma.
MostVis: An Interactive Visualization Supporting Automotive Engineers in MOST Catalog Exploration

The MOST bus is a current bus technology for connecting multimedia components in cars, such as radios, navigation systems, or media players. The bus functionality is described in a large hierarchically structured catalog of some 4’000 entries. Browsing this catalog has become infeasible on paper as well as with currently used textual database interfaces. An observation of current work practices has revealed many problems and inef¿ciencies. We describe the (iteratively developed) design of MostVis, a visual tool for exploring MOST function catalogs, as well as an evaluation of our implemented prototype. Our design carefully adapts existing visualization techniques and combines them in a multiple coordinated view (MCV) approach to satisfy the speci¿c needs of our target group. With this paper, we hope to provide a living example of how existing general-purpose techniques can be successfully trimmed and tailored for a very speci¿c audience.
Modeling the Seasonal Adaptation of Circadian Clocks by Changes in the Network Structure of the Suprachiasmatic Nucleus

The dynamics of circadian rhythms needs to be adapted to day length changes between summer and winter. It has been observed experimentally, however, that the dynamics of individual neurons of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) does not change as the seasons change. Rather, the seasonal adaptation of the circadian clock is hypothesized to be a consequence of changes in the intercellular dynamics, which leads to a phase distribution of electrical activity of SCN neurons that is narrower in winter and broader during summer. Yet to understand this complex intercellular dynamics, a more thorough understanding of the impact of the network structure formed by the SCN neurons is needed. To that effect, we propose a mathematical model for the dynamics of the SCN neuronal architecture in which the structure of the network plays a pivotal role. Using our model we show that the fraction of long-range cell-to-cell connections and the seasonal changes in the daily rhythms may be tightly related. In particular, simulations of the proposed mathematical model indicate that the fraction of long-range connections between the cells adjusts the phase distribution and consequently the length of the behavioral activity as follows: dense long-range connections during winter lead to a narrow activity phase, while rare long-range connections during summer lead to a broad activity phase. Our model is also able to account for the experimental observations indicating a larger light-induced phase-shift of the circadian clock during winter, which we show to be a consequence of higher synchronization between neurons. Our model thus provides evidence that the variations in the seasonal dynamics of circadian clocks can in part also be understood and regulated by the plasticity of the SCN network structure.
Chemical exfoliation and optical characterization of threading-dislocation-free gallium-nitride ultrathin nanomembranes

Semiconductor nanostructures have generated tremendous scientific interests as well as practical applications stemming from the engineering of low dimensional physics phenomena. Unlike 0D and 1D nanostructures, such as quantum dots and nanowires, respectively, 2D structures, such as nanomembranes, are unrivalled in their scalability for high yield manufacture and are less challenging in handling with the current transfer techniques. Furthermore, due to their planar geometry, nanomembranes are compatible with the current complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology. Due to these superior characteristics, there are currently different techniques in exfoliating nanomembranes with different crystallinities, thicknesses and compositions. In this work we demonstrate a new facile technique of exfoliating gallium nitride (GaN) nanomembranes with novel features, namely with the non-radiative cores of their threading-dislocations (TDs) being etched away. The exfoliation process is based on engineering the gallium vacancy (VGa) density during the GaN epitaxial growth with subsequent preferential etching. Based on scanning and transmission electron microscopies, as well as micro-photoluminescence measurements, a model is proposed to uncover the physical processes underlying the formation of the nanomembranes. Raman measurements are also performed to reveal the internal strain within the nanomembranes. After transferring these freely suspended 25 nm thin GaN nanomembranes to other substrates, we demonstrate the temperature dependence of their bandgap by photoluminescence technique, in order to shed light on the internal carrier dynamics.
European Conference on Information Systems ( ECIS ) Summer 10-6-2011 DESIGN OF A PEDAGOGICAL ARTEFACT FOR DOCTORAL RESEARCHERS TO ASSESS THEORETICAL STRENGTH

Making a theoretical contribution can be viewed as one of the most important and confusing objectives for a doctoral researcher. Focusing on the literature review process, this paper highlights the need to develop a pedagogical artefact that will enable a new doctoral researcher to assess the theoretical strength of the literature they survey and review, while also facilitating the development of a concept-centric matrix for their chosen research topic. In this paper we present a conceptual data model design underpinning the structure of our proposed pedagogical artifact. We support new doctoral researchers through promoting a two step literature review process of [1] categorising the literature and [2] developing a theoretical framework to guide making a theoretical contribution. The artefact‟s conceptual data model design captures the most important aspects that demand the attention of a new doctoral researcher.
Dental stain prevention by abrasive toothpastes : A new in vitro test and its correlation with clinical observations

A new in vitro test based on the removal of a model film from polished hydroxyapatite discs has been developed to predict more precisely the stain prevention properties of toothpastes in vivo. It is argued that dental stain prevention, as opposed to removal, is the predominant function provided by abrasive pastes suitable for unrestricted home use. It is necessary, therefore, to focus on abrasive systems capable of efficient removal of the relatively soft and invisible up-to-24-hour-old salivary pellicle formed between brushings, rather than on hamer visible mature stain. A cleaning model of this film has therefore been developed. The abrasive effect on the model film of a typical silica xerogel has been examined, and the data compared with clinical observation of stain build-up. A good correlation was apparent. Stain prevention increased dramatically from zero to 4% w/w silica, after which higher levels had little or no beneficial effect, despite a continuing increase in potential dentine damage.
A Systematic Approach to Pair Secretory Cargo Receptors with Their Cargo Suggests a Mechanism for Cargo Selection by Erv14

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is the site of synthesis of secreted and membrane proteins. To exit the ER, proteins are packaged into COPII vesicles through direct interaction with the COPII coat or aided by specific cargo receptors. Despite the fundamental role of such cargo receptors in protein traffic, only a few have been identified; their cargo spectrum is unknown and the signals they recognize remain poorly understood. We present here an approach we term "PAIRS" (pairing analysis of cargo receptors), which combines systematic genetic manipulations of yeast with automated microscopy screening, to map the spectrum of cargo for a known receptor or to uncover a novel receptor for a particular cargo. Using PAIRS we followed the fate of ∼150 cargos on the background of mutations in nine putative cargo receptors and identified novel cargo for most of these receptors. Deletion of the Erv14 cargo receptor affected the widest range of cargo. Erv14 substrates have a wide array of functions and structures; however, they are all membrane-spanning proteins of the late secretory pathway or plasma membrane. Proteins residing in these organelles have longer transmembrane domains (TMDs). Detailed examination of one cargo supported the hypothesis that Erv14 dependency reflects the length rather than the sequence of the TMD. The PAIRS approach allowed us to uncover new cargo for known cargo receptors and to obtain an unbiased look at specificity in cargo selection. Obtaining the spectrum of cargo for a cargo receptor allows a novel perspective on its mode of action. The rules that appear to guide Erv14 substrate recognition suggest that sorting of membrane proteins at multiple points in the secretory pathway could depend on the physical properties of TMDs. Such a mechanism would allow diverse proteins to utilize a few receptors without the constraints of evolving location-specific sorting motifs.
On a reciprocal relationship between the deformation fields of a line force and a straight dislocation

Based on Stroh's formalism for anisotropic plane linear elastostatics, an explicit linear relationship between the stress field of a line force and the displacement gradients of a straight dislocation is deduced. This reciprocal relationship had been derived previously by the present authors from arguments based on thermostatics (Moutier's theorem) and Betti's theorem of linear elasticity.
Quality-driven mobility management with a network information service

Data traffic over mobile networks is growing substantially and pose increased challenges for both end systems and networks to satisfy the required service levels of different applications. Currently, mobility management is based on signal-strength-based analysis, although for end-users, the Quality of Experience (QoE) and the underlying Quality of Service (QoS) would be the most meaningful criteria for triggering handovers and selecting target base stations. In this demonstration, we present a network information service that helps mobile devices find networks and base stations that not only cover their current location but also satisfy their application QoS requirements. End systems perform QoS measurements in real time and feed the information service with results. Through a single query to the information service end systems can find a sufficient amount of information about networks and base stations in range to make handover target decisions on QoS basis.