Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Chinese lunar birth timing in Singapore: new concerns for child quality amidst multicultural modernity.

This study examines lunar births by season and birth order and lunar births among intermarried Chinese mothers and fathers in Singapore. Lunar birth timing increased during 1970-90 in Singapore as modernization increased. Modernization is not expected to weaken the influence of lunar birth timing in the future. Staggered births create problems for the educational system. The lunar birth pattern in Singapore included a baby boom during the Year of the Dragon and a baby bust during the Year of the Tiger. This study demonstrates the "unambiguous influence of culture on childbearing. " The timing of births corresponds to the traditional lunar zodiac calendar in 12-year intervals. The short shifts in birth timing have implications for completed family size and are not explained by socioeconomic factors. Lunar birth timing appears among Chinese in other Asian countries with the exception of China. Data are obtained from Singapores vital registration system for the period 1970-90. Births among all ethnic groups declined by 1975. However troughs appeared in the Tiger years of 1974 and 1986 for the Chinese. In 1974 declines appeared for all but first births which increased due to the increase in marriage during 1973-74. Increases in Dragon year births were weaker among women with five or more births. Findings from other countries indicate that birth declines during the Year of the Tiger were widespread among the literate social classes regardless of educational level. Seasonal patterns differed between the Dragon and Tiger years. Annual sex ratios at birth did not show gender selection in lunar timing. Findings indicate that intermarried Chinese were more likely to show lunar preferences in birth timing. The degree of lunar timing increased by 1986 but Chinese intermarried wives dominated preferences during the Year of the Tiger and husbands dominated during the Year of the Dragon.
Black-White health disparities in the United States and Chicago: a 15-year progress analysis.

OBJECTIVES In an effort to examine national and Chicago, Illinois, progress in meeting the Healthy People 2010 goal of eliminating health disparities, we examined whether disparities between non-Hispanic Black and non-Hispanic White persons widened, narrowed, or stayed the same between 1990 and 2005. METHODS We examined 15 health status indicators. We determined whether a disparity widened, narrowed, or remained unchanged between 1990 and 2005 by examining the percentage difference in rates between non-Hispanic Black and non-Hispanic White populations at both time points and at each location. We calculated P values to determine whether changes in percentage difference over time were statistically significant. RESULTS Disparities between non-Hispanic Black and non-Hispanic White populations widened for 6 of 15 health status indicators examined for the United States (5 significantly), whereas in Chicago the majority of disparities widened (11 of 15, 5 significantly). CONCLUSIONS Overall, progress toward meeting the Healthy People 2010 goal of eliminating health disparities in the United States and in Chicago remains bleak. With more than 15 years of time and effort spent at the national and local level to reduce disparities, the impact remains negligible.
Distributed Framework for Optimal Demand Distribution in Self-Balancing Microgrid

This study focusses on self-balancing microgrids to smartly utilize and prevent overdrawing of available power capacity of the grid. A distributed framework for automated distribution of optimal power demand is proposed, where all building in a microgrid dynamically and simultaneously adjusts their own power consumption to reach their individual optimal power demands while cooperatively striving to maintain the overall grid stable. Emphasis has been given to aspects of algorithm that yields lower time of convergence and is demonstrated through quantitative and qualitative analysis of simulation results.
Few regulatory metabolites coordinate expression of central metabolic genes in Escherichia coli

Transcription networks consist of hundreds of transcription factors with thousands of often overlapping target genes. While we can reliably measure gene expression changes, we still understand relatively little why expression changes the way it does. How does a coordinated response emerge in such complex networks and how many input signals are necessary to achieve it? Here, we unravel the regulatory program of gene expression in Escherichia coli central carbon metabolism with more than 30 known transcription factors. Using a library of fluorescent transcriptional reporters, we comprehensively quantify the activity of central metabolic promoters in 26 environmental conditions. The expression patterns were dominated by growth rate‐dependent global regulation for most central metabolic promoters in concert with highly condition‐specific activation for only few promoters. Using an approximate mathematical description of promoter activity, we dissect the contribution of global and specific transcriptional regulation. About 70% of the total variance in promoter activity across conditions was explained by global transcriptional regulation. Correlating the remaining specific transcriptional regulation of each promoter with the cell's metabolome response across the same conditions identified potential regulatory metabolites. Remarkably, cyclic AMP, fructose‐1,6‐bisphosphate, and fructose‐1‐phosphate alone explained most of the specific transcriptional regulation through their interaction with the two major transcription factors Crp and Cra. Thus, a surprisingly simple regulatory program that relies on global transcriptional regulation and input from few intracellular metabolites appears to be sufficient to coordinate E. coli central metabolism and explain about 90% of the experimentally observed transcription changes in 100 genes.
Hugh Grant's image restoration discourse: An actor apologizes

Hugh Grant was arrested in Hollywood for lewd behavior with a prostitute. He appeared on “The Tonight Show,”; “Larry King Live,”; “The Today Show,”; “Live with Regis and Kathie Lee,”; and “The Late Show”; both to defend his image and to promote his new film, “Nine Months. ”; Grant used mortification, bolstering, attacking one's accuser, and, to a lesser extent, denial to help restore his reputation. This essay uses this case as a springboard to contrast entertainment image repair with political and corporate image repair, arguing that important situational differences can be identified.
Tropical cyclone genesis across palaeoclimates

Tropical cyclone genesis is investigated for the Pliocene, Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) and the mid-Holocene through analysis of five climate models. The genesis potential index is used to estimate this from large scale atmospheric properties. The mid-Pliocene and LGM characterise periods where carbon dioxide levels were higher and lower than pre-industrial respectively, while the mid-Holocene differed primarily in its orbital configuration. The number of tropical cyclones formed each year is found to be fairly consistent across the various palaeoclimates. Although there is some model uncertainty in the change of global annual tropical cyclone frequency, there are coherent changes in the spatial patterns of tropical cyclogenesis. During the Pliocene and LGM, changes in carbon dioxide led to sea surface temperature changes throughout the tropics, yet the potential intensity of tropical cyclones appears relatively insensitive to these variations. Changes in tropical cyclone genesis during the mid-Holocene are observed to be asymmetric about the Equator: genesis is reduced in the Northern Hemisphere, but enhanced in the Southern Hemisphere. This is clearly driven by the altered seasonal insolation. Nonetheless, the enhanced seasonality may have driven localised effects on tropical cyclone genesis, through changes to the strength of monsoons and shifting of the inter-tropical convergence zone. Trends in future tropical cyclone genesis are neither consistent between the five models studied, nor with the palaeoclimate results. It is not clear why this should be the case.
Behold the sun's heat, which becometh wine

Northern and Southern Europe differ in their perceptions, historical memories and acculturation of alcoholic beverages. The vineyard is cultivated in the hills and valleys of the Mediterranean. In the Judeo-Christian narrative Noah introduced it, employing the skill of man and synchronicity with nature (McGovern 2003). Wine is experienced as part of the meal, as it was during Jesus’ Last Supper and the Christian mass. The Roman poet Horace celebrated its taste and
Training and the Earnings of Immigrant Males: Evidence from the "Canadian Workplace and Employee Survey"

To improve on the existing research on earnings differentials between visible minority immigrants and the native-born, and on the role of discrimination in producing that difference. To do this we introduce into the analysis: (1) access to training and (2) training effects on earnings growth. Copyright (c) 2005 by the Southwestern Social Science Association.
The Impact of Ripening Time on Technological Quality Traits, Chemical Change and Sensory Characteristics of Dry-cured Loin

The effect of ripening time on the technological quality traits, fatty acid compositions and sensory characteristics of dry-cured loin was studied. Pork loins (n = 102) at 24 h post-mortem were used to produce dry-cured loins. The dry-cured loins were assessed at 30, 60, and 90 days of ripening for the aforementioned characteristics. Our results showed that the water activity (aw) decreased (p<0.05) up to 60 days and did not change thereafter. The lipid oxidation and weight loss levels significantly (p<0.05) increased with increased ripening time. The Commission Internationale de l’Eclairage (CIE) L* decreased for 90 days while CIE a* increased for 60 days and did not increase thereafter. More noticeably, the levels of most of unsaturated fatty acids and total polyunsaturated fatty acids significantly decreased as increasing ripening time up to 90 days. The 30 days-ripened loins had lower (p<0.05) color, flavor and overall acceptability scores than the loins ripened for 60 and 90 days, however, no differences in sensory traits occurred between the 60 and 90 day-ripened samples. Based on the results obtained in the present study, it is suggested that the ripening duration between 30 and 60 days could be more appropriate for producing dry-cured loin product with higher quality and economic benefits.
Semiconductor quantum dots as fluorescent probes for in vitro and in vivo bio-molecular and cellular imaging

Over the years, biological imaging has seen many advances, allowing scientists to unfold many of the mysteries surrounding biological processes. The ideal imaging resolution would be in nanometres, as most biological processes occur at this scale. Nanotechnology has made this possible with functionalised nanoparticles that can bind to specific targets and trace processes at the cellular and molecular level. Quantum dots (QDs) or semiconductor nanocrystals are luminescent particles that have the potential to be the next generation fluorophores. This paper is an overview of the basics of QDs and their role as fluorescent probes for various biological imaging applications. Their potential clinical applications and the limitations that need to be overcome have also been discussed.
Identification of Novel Chemical Scaffolds Inhibiting Trypanothione Synthetase from Pathogenic Trypanosomatids

Background The search for novel chemical entities targeting essential and parasite-specific pathways is considered a priority for neglected diseases such as trypanosomiasis and leishmaniasis. The thiol-dependent redox metabolism of trypanosomatids relies on bis-glutathionylspermidine [trypanothione, T(SH)2], a low molecular mass cosubstrate absent in the host. In pathogenic trypanosomatids, a single enzyme, trypanothione synthetase (TryS), catalyzes trypanothione biosynthesis, which is indispensable for parasite survival. Thus, TryS qualifies as an attractive drug target candidate. Methodology/Principal Finding A library composed of 144 compounds from 7 different families and several singletons was screened against TryS from three major pathogen species (Trypanosoma brucei, Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania infantum). The screening conditions were adjusted to the TryS´ kinetic parameters and intracellular concentration of substrates corresponding to each trypanosomatid species, and/or to avoid assay interference. The screening assay yielded suitable Z’ and signal to noise values (≥0.85 and ~3.5, respectively), and high intra-assay reproducibility. Several novel chemical scaffolds were identified as low μM and selective tri-tryp TryS inhibitors. Compounds displaying multi-TryS inhibition (N,N'-bis(3,4-substituted-benzyl) diamine derivatives) and an N5-substituted paullone (MOL2008) halted the proliferation of infective Trypanosoma brucei (EC50 in the nM range) and Leishmania infantum promastigotes (EC50 = 12 μM), respectively. A bis-benzyl diamine derivative and MOL2008 depleted intracellular trypanothione in treated parasites, which confirmed the on-target activity of these compounds. Conclusions/Significance Novel molecular scaffolds with on-target mode of action were identified as hit candidates for TryS inhibition. Due to the remarkable species-specificity exhibited by tri-tryp TryS towards the compounds, future optimization and screening campaigns should aim at designing and detecting, respectively, more potent and broad-range TryS inhibitors.
Using Genetic Algorithm Based Variable Selection to Improve Neural Network Models for Real-World Systems

Real-world systems are often modeled by sampling sensor data taken during system operation. System states may not be all known or measurable, sensor data may be biased or noisy, and it is not often known which sensor data may be useful for predictive modeling. Neural network models generated from this data must therefore rely on how effectively the chosen sensor data represents the system. Genetic algorithms may help to address this problem by determining a near optimal subset of sensor variables most appropriate to produce good models. This paper describes the use of genetic algorithms to optimize variable selection to determine inputs into a neural network system model. The use of this technique for modeling a typical industrial application, a liquid fed ceramic melter, and the results of the genetic search to optimize the neural network model for this application, are described.
Squelettes et graphes de Voronoï 2D et 3D. (2D and 3D skeletons and Voronoi graphs)

Notre travail concerne l'etude, le calcul et la simplification des squelettes d'objets 2D et 3D. Le squelette d'un objet est une figure mince, centree dans la forme et qui en resume l'aspect. Il est utile pour la description et la reconnaissance de formes, la quantification, la mise en correspondance, etc. Dans un premier temps, nous recensons les differentes techniques de calcul du squelette. La tres grande majorite d'entre elles travaille sur des images binaires avec des outils de la geometrie discrete. Or, dernierement, une nouvelle famille de methodes, appelees methodes continues a vu le jour. Le squelette est approche a l'aide du graphe de Voronoi d'un echantillonnage de la frontiere, et se calcule par des moyens propres a la geometrie algorithmique. Notre interet s'est porte sur cette nouvelle approche et les problemes qui s'y rattache. Pour commencer, nous proposons une formulation des methodes continues a l'aide du squelette d'une union finie de spheres. En effet, nous montrons que le squelette d'une union finie de spheres se construit de facon exacte a l'aide d'elements tres simples comme des segments de droite en 2D et des polygones en 3D. La construction du squelette necessite de pouvoir interpoler par des facettes triangulaires un ensemble de points localises sur la frontiere d'un objet. Nous proposons une methode, fondee sur le calcul du graphe de Delaunay et dont nous montrons la convergence en 2D. Enfin, des methodes de simplification du squelette sont presentees. Elles permettent de selectionner les branches correspondant a des renflements significatifs de la forme et conduisent en 3D soit a des squelettes surfaciques, soit a des squelettes filiformes selon les besoins de l'utilisateur. Pour finir, nous decrivons une application qui valide notre approche, et l'illustre sur des donnees biologiques.
Top pair invariant mass distribution: a window on new physics

We explore in detail the physics potential of a measurement of the t invariant mass distribution. First, we assess the accuracy of the best available predictions for this observable and find that in the low invariant mass region, the shape is very well predicted and could be used to perform a top mass measurement. Second, we study the effects of a heavy s-channel resonance on the t invariant mass distribution in a model independent way. We provide the necessary Monte Carlo tools to perform the search and outline a simple three-step analysis.
Driving Style Analysis Using Primitive Driving Patterns With Bayesian Nonparametric Approaches

Driving style analysis plays a pivotal role in intelligent vehicle design. This paper presents a novel framework for driving style analysis based on primitive driving patterns. To this end, a Bayesian nonparametric approach based on a hidden semi-Markov model (HSMM) is introduced to extract the primitive driving patterns from muti-dimensional time-series driving data without prior knowledge of these driving patterns. For the Bayesian nonparametric approach, a hierarchical Dirichlet process (HDP) is applied to learn the unknown smooth dynamical modes in the HSMM, called primitive driving patterns. Two other types of Bayesian nonparametric approaches (HDP-HMM and sticky HDP-HMM) are developed as comparatives in order to show the advantages of the HDP-HSMM. The naturalistic car-following data of 18 drivers are collected from the University of Michigan Safety Pilot Model Deployment database. For each driver, 75 primitive driving patterns are semantically predefined according to their physical and psychological perception thresholds. The individual driving styles are then semantically analyzed based on the distribution over primitive driving patterns, and the similarity of driving styles among drivers is then evaluated. Experimental results demonstrate that the utilization of driving primitive pattern provides a semantically interpretable way to analyze driver’s behavior and driving style.
Adaptive detection technique for Cache-based Side Channel Attack using Bloom Filter for secure cloud

Security is the one of the main concern in the field of cloud computing. Different users sharing the same physical machines or even software on frequent basis make cloud vulnerable to many security threats. Side channel attacks are the most probable attacks in cloud because of physical resource sharing. In cloud, where multiple Virtual Machines (VM) share same physical machine creates a great opportunity to carry out Cache-based Side Channel Attack (CSCA). In this paper, a novel detection technique using Bloom Filter (BF) for CSCA is designed. This technique treats cache miss sequence as a signature of CSCA and uses a difference mean calculator to generate these signatures. This technique is adaptive, which makes it possible to detect the CSCA with new patterns, which are not observed yet. Bloom filter is used in this technique to reduce the performance overhead to minimum level. The solution is implemented with a cache simulator and proved very effective as it has very less execution time in comparison to the execution time of CSCA.
Modulation of Ribosomal Frameshifting Frequency and Its Effect on the Replication of Rous Sarcoma Virus

ABSTRACT Programmed −1 ribosomal frameshifting is widely used in the expression of RNA virus replicases and represents a potential target for antiviral intervention. There is interest in determining the extent to which frameshifting efficiency can be modulated before virus replication is compromised, and we have addressed this question using the alpharetrovirus Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) as a model system. In RSV, frameshifting is essential in the production of the Gag-Pol polyprotein from the overlapping gag and pol coding sequences. The frameshift signal is composed of two elements, a heptanucleotide slippery sequence and, just downstream, a stimulatory RNA structure that has been proposed to be an RNA pseudoknot. Point mutations were introduced into the frameshift signal of an infectious RSV clone, and virus replication was monitored following transfection and subsequent infection of susceptible cells. The introduced mutations were designed to generate a range of frameshifting efficiencies, yet with minimal impact on encoded amino acids. Our results reveal that point mutations leading to a 3-fold decrease in frameshifting efficiency noticeably reduce virus replication and that further reduction is severely inhibitory. In contrast, a 3-fold stimulation of frameshifting is well tolerated. These observations suggest that small-molecule inhibitors of frameshifting are likely to have potential as agents for antiviral intervention. During the course of this work, we were able to confirm, for the first time in vivo, that the RSV stimulatory RNA is indeed an RNA pseudoknot but that the pseudoknot per se is not absolutely required for virus viability.
“I Just Can’t Stand Being Like This Anymore”: Dilemmas, Stressors, and Motivators for Undocumented Mexican Women in Higher Education

This study examines the stress factors associated with college persistence among a sample of four undocumented Mexican immigrant women from a small rural community in the Rocky Mountain region. Using Chicana feminist epistemological techniques to analyze data collected from in-depth interviews, this study yielded four major findings that include: (a) financial stressors and missed opportunities, (b) making meaning in their college degrees as undocumented immigrants, (c) coping with stress while navigating legal status, and (d) anxiety with the navigation of campus resources and climate. Recommendations for student affairs practitioners and future research are discussed.
Effects of Training on Physiological Correlates of Rowing Ergometry Performance

Before and after a fall training season, 10 male college rowers performed a 2-km time trial on a rowing ergometer. Each rower also undertook an incremental rowing ergometer test to determine rowing velocity and oxygen uptake corresponding to a blood lactate concentration of 4.0 mmol · L−1, peak rowing velocity, and peak &OV0312;O2. Both pre and post 2-km times were highly correlated with all parameters measured. After the training season, improvements were observed for 2-km time and velocity associated with 4.0 mmol · L−1. There were no overall changes in peak parameters after training; however, the 3 subjects who did improve peak velocity also had the most improvement in 2-km time. As a result, change in peak velocity correlated significantly with change in 2-km time (r = −0.77). The increase in peak velocity in these 3 subjects appeared to be associated with an altered &OV0312;O2-velocity relationship. It is concluded that in highly trained rowers, velocity and &OV0312;O2 at 4.0 mmol · L−1 and peak can predict 2-km rowing ergometer time. Furthermore, improvement in 2-km time appears to correlate with changes in peak velocity.