Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spatial dynamics of the 1918 influenza pandemic in England, Wales and the United States

There is still limited understanding of key determinants of spatial spread of influenza. The 1918 pandemic provides an opportunity to elucidate spatial determinants of spread on a large scale. To better characterize the spread of the 1918 major wave, we fitted a range of city-to-city transmission models to mortality data collected for 246 population centres in England and Wales and 47 cities in the US. Using a gravity model for city-to-city contacts, we explored the effect of population size and distance on the spread of disease and tested assumptions regarding density dependence in connectivity between cities. We employed Bayesian Markov Chain Monte Carlo methods to estimate parameters of the model for population, infectivity, distance and density dependence. We inferred the most likely transmission trees for both countries. For England and Wales, a model that estimated the degree of density dependence in connectivity between cities was preferable by deviance information criterion comparison. Early in the major wave, long distance infective interactions predominated, with local infection events more likely as the epidemic became widespread. For the US, with fewer more widely dispersed cities, statistical power was lacking to estimate population size dependence or the degree of density dependence, with the preferred model depending on distance only. We find that parameters estimated from the England and Wales dataset can be applied to the US data with no likelihood penalty.
Aderência aço-concreto: simulação numéricadosensaios de arranchamento pull-out e APULOT usando o programa ATENA

The bond between steel and concrete is essential for the existence of reinforced concrete structures, as both materials act together to absorb structural strain. The bond phenomenon is considered to be complex regarding many factors that affect it. Several types of bond tests have been proposed over years. One is the modified proposed of pull-out test, which was elaborated by Lorrain and Barbosa [1] called APULOT test (Appropriete pull-out-test). Based on experimental results obtained by Vale Silva[2] either by conventional pull-out tests, or by modified pull-out test, APULOT, seeks to know the numeric behavior of bond steel-concrete through a numerical simulation using a calculation code ATENA which is based on the Finite Element Method (FEM). The numerical simulation provided better evaluate the stress distribution and cracking that occurs during the test, thereby becoming a valuable tool to support the experimental project that aims to validation, validation partially or not recommend the modified bond test steel-concrete - APULOT test - as quality control test of structural concrete. The numerical results showed good representation compared to experimental results.
Alzheimer’s Disease Susceptibility Genes APOE and TOMM40, and Hippocampal Volumes in the Lothian Birth Cohort 1936

The APOE ε and TOMM40 rs10524523 (‘523’) variable length poly-T repeat gene loci have been significantly and independently associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) related phenotypes such as age of clinical onset. Hippocampal atrophy has been significantly associated with memory impairment, a characteristic of AD. The current study aimed to test for independent effects of APOE ε and TOMM40 ‘523’ genotypes on hippocampal volumes as assessed by brain structural MRI in a relatively large sample of community-dwelling older adults. As part of a longitudinal study of cognitive ageing, participants in the Lothian Birth Cohort 1936 underwent genotyping for APOE ε2/ε3/ε4 status and TOMM40 ‘523’ poly-T repeat length, and detailed structural brain MRI at a mean age of 72.7 years (standard deviation = 0.7, N range = 624 to 636). No significant effects of APOE ε or TOMM40 523 genotype were found on hippocampal volumes when analysed raw, or when adjusted for either intracranial or total brain tissue volumes. In summary, in a large community-dwelling sample of older adults, we found no effects of APOE ε or TOMM40 523 genotypes on hippocampal volumes. This is discrepant with some previous reports of significant association between APOE and left/right hippocampal volumes, and instead echoes other reports that found no association. Previous significant findings may partly reflect type 1 error. Future studies should carefully consider: 1) their specific techniques in adjusting for brain size; 2) assessing more detailed sub-divisions of the hippocampal formation; and 3) testing whether significant APOE-hippocampal associations are independent of generalised brain atrophy.
User-Defined Table Operators: Enhancing Extensibility for ORDBMS

Currently parallel object-relational database technology is setting the direction for the future of data management. A central enhancement of objectrelational database technology is the possibility to execute arbitrary user-defined functions within SQL statements. We show the limits of this approach and propose user-defined table operators as a new concept that allows the definition and implementation of arbitrary user-defined N-ary database operators, which can be programmed using SQL or Embedded SQL (with some extensions). Our approach leads to a new dimension of extensibility that allows to push more application code into the server with full support for efficient execution and parallel processing. Furthermore it allows performance enhancements of orders of magnitude for the evaluation of many queries with complex user-defined functions as we show for two concrete examples. Finally, our implementation perception guarantees that this approach fits well into the architectures of commercial object-relational database management systems.
The PTEN pathway in Tregs is a critical driver of the suppressive tumor microenvironment

Tumors depend on a specialized pathway of regulatory T cell activation to create their immunosuppressive microenvironment, which can be blocked by inhibiting PTEN phosphatase. The tumor microenvironment is profoundly immunosuppressive. We show that multiple tumor types create intratumoral immune suppression driven by a specialized form of regulatory T cell (Treg) activation dependent on the PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog) lipid phosphatase. PTEN acted to stabilize Tregs in tumors, preventing them from reprogramming into inflammatory effector cells. In mice with a Treg-specific deletion of PTEN, tumors grew slowly, were inflamed, and could not create an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. In normal mice, exposure to apoptotic tumor cells rapidly elicited PTEN-expressing Tregs, and PTEN-deficient mice were unable to maintain tolerance to apoptotic cells. In wild-type mice with large established tumors, pharmacologic inhibition of PTEN after chemotherapy or immunotherapy profoundly reconfigured the tumor microenvironment, changing it from a suppressive to an inflammatory milieu, and tumors underwent rapid regression. Thus, the immunosuppressive milieu in tumors must be actively maintained, and tumors become susceptible to immune attack if the PTEN pathway in Tregs is disrupted.
PBIL PDR for scalable Bluetooth Indoor Localization

The ever-existing problems in indoor localization are attaining efficient scalability, reliability and accuracy besides cost efficiency. Although diverse approaches based on WLAN, Bluetooth, ZigBee, RFID and UWB had been divulged for localization and navigation, these schemes often do lack competent localization. Furthermore these schemes linger either expensive or be deficient in accuracy. Moreover not all technologies exist in smart phones. Recent outburst of technology expansion has paved way to solve indoor localization complexity by cohering various positioning methods and sensor models. In this paper, we developed a unified particle filter based localization approach based on Bluetooth positioning and pedestrian dead reckoning (PDR) method. We call this system as PBIL (PDR for scalable Bluetooth Indoor Localization). The proposed approach overcomes failure in the context of uninterrupted service where Bluetooth technologies lag behind. By coalescing Bluetooth and 3D compass sensor models, we surmount the localizing tribulations and guarantee a preeminent solution for pedestrian indoor localization and navigation.
SAR-BASED 3 D-RECONSTRUCTION OF COMPLEX URBAN ENVIRONMENTS

Within the paper the applicability of SAR imagery for 3D reconstruction of urban areas will be discussed. Since data collection for this purpose is usually based on stereo imagery or dense point clouds from airborne laser scanning, in the first part of the paper the main properties SAR systems will be compared to this standard airborne data collection. In this respect, advantages of SAR image collection like range and weather independence contrast with the usually lower quality of geometric and radiometric data due to the side-looking capability of this systems. This lower quality even increases the problems of automatic 3D data collection in urban areas compared to the evaluation of aerial images or LIDAR data. For this reason, our approach aims on the application of SAR imagery for change detection and semi-automatic building reconstruction. In order to fulfil this task, a user interface to generate 3D vector models is combined with a SAR simulator. By these means, simulated SAR imagery can be generated based on existing 3D city models and compared to real images for change detection. By interactive manipulation of the 3D object shapes, which are used as input data for the simulator, operators can be trained for the interpretation of SAR images. Additionally, this tool can be applied for semi-automatic building reconstruction. ∗ Corresponding author
Complete localisation in the parabolic Anderson model with Pareto-distributed potential

The parabolic Anderson problem is the Cauchy problem for the heat equation $\partial_t u(t,z)=\Delta u(t,z)+\xi(z) u(t,z)$ on $(0,\infty)\times {\mathbb Z}^d$ with random potential $(\xi(z) \colon z\in {\mathbb Z}^d)$. We consider independent and identically distributed potential variables, such that Prob$(\xi(z)>x)$ decays polynomially as $x\uparrow\infty$. If $u$ is initially localised in the origin, i.e. if $u(0,x)=\one_0(x)$, we show that, at any large time $t$, the solution is completely localised in a single point with high probability. More precisely, we find a random process $(Z_t \colon t\ge 0)$ with values in $\Z^d$ such that $\lim_{t \uparrow\infty} u(t,Z_t)/\sum_{z\in\Z^d} u(t,z) =1,$ in probability. We also identify the asymptotic behaviour of $Z_t$ in terms of a weak limit theorem.
Scrotal Swelling and Testicular Atrophy due to Schistosomiasis in a 9-Year-Old Boy: A Case Report

Schistosomiasis is a communicable disease which commonly involves urinary bladder causing hematuria, or large bowel causing bloody stool. The common species encountered in this lake region surrounding Lake Victoria in Tanzania are Schistosoma haematobium and Schistosoma mansoni. Complications can lead to portal hypertension due portal fibrosis in liver, and fibrosis in lung can lead to pulmonary hypertension; this commonly seen with S. mansoni. Major complications of S. maeametobium are chronic cystitis with squamous metaplasia with subsequent development of squamous cell carcinoma. Involvement of spinal cord causing paraplegia has been observed in S. haematobium. Other unusual pathology of schistosomiasis has been described, such as involvement of the appendix, ovary, prostate, and cervix. Here, we present a case of schistosomiasis in a 9-year-old boy who presented with left scrotal pain for one year which was accompanied by scrotal swelling; surgical exploration was done, and the finding was hydrocele and atrophic testes with nodules on the surface. Histological examination reveals atrophic testis and heavy active granulomatous inflammation with schistosoma eggs consistent with Schistosoma haematobium in the tunica vaginalis.
Preliminary Research of the Flexible Procurement

With the increasing dynamic global environment, a tremendous impact is brought to enterprises and its procurement activities by more and more uncertainties. It is proved in practice that implementing flexible procurement is an effectual way to help enterprises respond to uncertainty quickly and reduce the negative impact. In this paper, the flexible procurement is defined based on the organic integration of the concepts of organizational flexibility and procurement. The flexible procurement is a proactive, adaptive and resilient procurement. It can help enterprises recover from the crisis. Then, the tactics to carry out the flexible procurement is preliminary researched. That is to give procurement pro-activity; to build the adaptability; to establishing resilient procurement mechanism. Finally, problems were analyzed in the last place which should be paid attention to when implementing the flexible procurement tactics.
Enhanced Thermostability of a Fungal Alkaline Protease by Different Additives

A fungal strain (Conidiobolus brefeldianus MTCC 5184) isolated from plant detritus secreted a high activity alkaline protease. Thermostability studies of the fungal alkaline protease (FAP) revealed that the protease is stable up to 50°C with 40% residual activity after one hour. Effect of various additives such as sugars, sugar alcohols, polyols, and salts, on the thermostability of FAP was evaluated. Among the additives tested, glycerol, mannitol, xylitol, sorbitol, and trehalose were found to be very effective in increasing the stability of FAP, which was found to be concentration dependent. Fivefold increase in residual activity of FAP was observed in the presence of trehalose (50%) and sorbitol (50%) at 50°C for 4 h, compared to FAP without additive. Other additives like calcium at 20 mM and 10–15% ammonium sulphate showed lower stability improvement than trehalose and sorbitol. NaCl, MgCl2, K2HPO4, and glycine were found to be poor stabilizers and showed only a marginal improvement. PEG 6000 did not show any increase in stability but was found to be slightly inhibitory.
Carbon fibre-reinforced poly(ethylene glycol) diglycidylether based multifunctional structural supercapacitor composites for electrical energy storage applications

We have developed structural supercapacitors that can carry mechanical loads as well as can store electrochemical energy simultaneously. Structural supercapacitors are fabricated by impregnating carbon fibre mat electrodes and glass fibre mat separator with crosslinked poly(ethylene glycol) diglycidylether polymer electrolyte using the resin infusion under flexible tooling method. In this study, design parameters of the structural supercapacitors have been explored including the separators and the polymer electrolytes. The fabricated structural supercapacitors have been characterised using charge–discharge method and impedance spectroscopy to evaluate the electrochemical performance and in-plane shear properties to evaluate the mechanical performance. A structural supercapacitor, exhibiting a specific capacitance of 10.3 mF/cm3 and a shear modulus of 0.50 GPa simultaneously, have been fabricated.
Two groups of spinal interneurones that respond to stimulation of the abdominal viscera of the cat

1. Recordings have been made from sixty‐three spinal interneurones that received inputs from the abdominal viscera. These were divided into two groups: group A were sacral interneurones without either significant ascending projections or afferent input from the lumbar splanchnic nerves and group B were neurones with short ascending axons and afferent inputs from the lumbar splanchnic nerves, and often also from the pelvic and pudendal nerves.
Identification of HHV8 in early Kaposi's sarcoma: implications for Kaposi's sarcoma pathogenesis.

AIMS: Kaposi's sarcoma is a vascular tumour of uncertain pathogenesis possibly caused by an infectious agent, identified in high risk groups. Accumulating solution phase polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and seroepidemiological data suggest that a previously undescribed herpes DNA virus (human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8)) is the causative agent. Using a unique cohort of early Kaposi's sarcoma, the precise cell type infected with HHV8 in such lesions was identified to elucidate further the role of HHV8 in the pathobiology of Kaposi's sarcoma. METHODS: Sixteen cases of early Kaposi's sarcoma (derived from skin and lymph node) were assessed for the presence of HHV8 using both standard solution phase PCR and TaqMan PCR to the KS330 Bam region of HHV8. In situ amplification was also performed on a selected group in an attempt to identify the candidate infected cells. RESULTS: Using both conventional solution phase and TaqMan PCR, 87% of cases were positive. In addition, HHV8 amplicons were localised in situ to endothelial and spindle cell proliferations in early Kaposi's sarcoma. The HHV8 viral load varied from lesion to lesion. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of HHV8 in early lesions supports a role for HHV8 in the pathogenesis of Kaposi's sarcoma. Coupled with recent seroepidemiological studies, these results suggest that HHV8 is the aetiological agent of Kaposi's sarcoma. Its precise interaction with other factors known to be involved in the development of Kaposi's sarcoma, including cytokines and anti-apoptosis genes, requires elucidation.
Irish House Price Indices — Methodological Issues

This paper reviews the international literature on house price indices, looking at the basic methodologies employed, the variables chosen for the indices and the functional forms used. Ideas are sought for future improvements to an Irish index and tentative assessments are made of how Irish results correspond to published research findings. Although the recent vintage of hedonic house price indices in Ireland warrants caution in reaching conclusions, there are interesting correspondences with published results. Some issues are identified that will require resolution to achieve further progress.
The Feasibility of Computer-Based Prism Adaptation to Ameliorate Neglect in Sub-Acute Stroke Patients Admitted to a Rehabilitation Center

Introduction: There is wide interest in transferring paper-and-pencil tests to a computer-based setting, resulting in more precise recording of performance. Here, we investigated the feasibility of computer-based testing and computer-based prism adaptation (PA) to ameliorate neglect in sub-acute stroke patients admitted to a rehabilitation center. Methods: Thirty-three neglect patients were included. PA was performed with a pair of goggles with wide-field point-to-point prismatic lenses inducing an ipsilesional optical shift of 10°. A variety of digitalized neuropsychological tests were performed using an interactive tablet immediately before and after PA. Results: All 33 patients [mean age 60.36 (SD 13.30)], [mean days post-stroke 63.73 (SD 37.74)] were able to work with the tablet and to understand, perform, and complete the digitalized tests within the proposed time-frame, indicating that there is feasibility of computer-based assessment in this stage post-stroke. Analyses of the efficacy of PA indicated no significant change on any of the outcome measures, except time. Discussion: In conclusion, there is feasibility of computer-based testing in such an early stage, which makes the computer-based setting a promising technique for evaluating more ecologically valid tasks. Secondly, the computer-based PA can be considered as a reliable procedure. We can conclude from our analysis, addressing the efficacy of PA, that the effectiveness of single session PA may not be sufficient to produce short-term effects on our static tasks. Further studies, however, need to be done to evaluate the computer-based efficacy with more ecologically valid assessments in an intensive double-blind, sham-controlled multiple PA treatment design.
Synthesis of Tongue Motion and Acoustics From Text Using a Multimodal Articulatory Database

We present an end-to-end text-to-speech (TTS) synthesis system that generates audio and synchronized tongue motion directly from text. This is achieved by adapting a three-dimensional model of the tongue surface to an articulatory dataset and training a statistical parametric speech synthesis system directly on the tongue model parameters. We evaluate the model at every step by comparing the spatial coordinates of predicted articulatory movements against the reference data. The results indicate a global mean Euclidean distance of less than 2.8 mm, and our approach can be adapted to add an articulatory modality to conventional TTS applications without the need for extra data.
A Place to Hide in the Home-Cage Decreases Yolk Androgen Levels and Offspring Emotional Reactivity in Japanese Quail

An animal's emotional responses are the result of its cognitive appraisal of a situation. This appraisal is notably influenced by the possibility of an individual to exert control over an aversive event. Although the fact that environment controllability decreases emotional responses in animals is well established, far less is known about its potential trans-generational effects. As the levels of avian yolk hormones can vary according to the mother's environment, we hypothesized that housing environment of mothers would modulate the quality of her eggs and in turn her offspring's behaviour. Two groups of female Japanese quail were constituted: a group that had access to a place to hide in their home-cage (Hd, n = 20) and a group that had nowhere to hide (NoHd, n = 20) when stressed. Both groups were submitted to daily human disturbances for a twenty-day-period. Hd females produced eggs with both less testosterone and androstenedione than did NoHd females. The emotional and social reactivity of Hd females' offspring were lower and their growth was slower than those of NoHd females' offspring. Our results show that a minor difference in housing environment had substantial effects on eggs and offspring. The presence of a shelter probably helped quail to cope with daily human disturbances, producing less reactive offspring. This transgenerational effect caused by an opportunity to hide could lead to applications in care of laboratory animals, conservation biology and animal welfare.
Supporting evolving security models for an agile security evaluation

At present, security-related engineering usually requires a big up-front design (BUFD) regarding security requirements and security design. In addition to the BUFD, at the end of the development, a security evaluation process can take up to several months. In today's volatile markets customers want to influence the software design during the development process. Agile processes have proven to support these demands. Nevertheless, there is a clash with traditional security design and evaluation processes. In this paper, we propose an agile security evaluation method for the Common Criteria standard. This method is complemented by an implementation of a change detection analysis for model-based security requirements. This system facilitates the agile security evaluation process to a high degree.