Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Relationship of Housing and Population Health: A 30-Year Retrospective Analysis

Objective We analyzed the relationship between health status and housing quality over time. Methods We combined data from two nationally representative longitudinal surveys of the U.S. population and its housing, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and the American Housing Survey, respectively. We identified housing and health trends from approximately 1970 to 2000, after excluding those trends for which data were missing or where we found no plausible association or change in trend. Results Changes in housing include construction type, proportion of rental versus home ownership, age, density, size, moisture, pests, broken windows, ventilation and air conditioning, and water leaks. Changes in health measures include asthma, respiratory illness, obesity and diabetes, and lead poisoning, among others. The results suggest ecologic trends in childhood lead poisoning follow housing age, water leaks, and ventilation; asthma follows ventilation, windows, and age; overweight trends follow ventilation; blood pressure trends follow community measures; and health disparities have not changed greatly. Conclusions Housing trends are consistent with certain health trends over time. Future national longitudinal surveys should include health, housing, and community metrics within a single integrated design, instead of separate surveys, in order to develop reliable indicators of how housing changes affect population health and how to best target resources. Little progress has been made in reducing the health and housing disparities of disadvantaged groups, with the notable exception of childhood lead poisoning caused by exposure to lead-based paint hazards. Use of these and other data sets to create reliable integrated indicators of health and housing quality are needed.
Transcriptional Modulation of Intestinal Innate Defense/Inflammation Genes by Preterm Infant Microbiota in a Humanized Gnotobiotic Mouse Model

Background and Aims It is known that postnatal functional maturation of the small intestine is facilitated by microbial colonization of the gut. Preterm infants exhibit defects in gut maturation, weak innate immunity against intestinal infection and increased susceptibility to inflammatory disorders, all of which may be related to the inappropriate microbial colonization of their immature intestines. The earliest microbes to colonize the preterm infant gut encounter a naïve, immature intestine. Thus this earliest microbiota potentially has the greatest opportunity to fundamentally influence intestinal development and immune function. The aim of this study was to characterize the effect of early microbial colonization on global gene expression in the distal small intestine during postnatal gut development. Methods Gnotobiotic mouse models with experimental colonization by early (prior to two weeks of life) intestinal microbiota from preterm human infants were utilized. Microarray analysis was used to assess global gene expression in the intestinal epithelium. Results and Conclusion Multiple intestinal genes involved in metabolism, cell cycle regulation, cell-cell or cell-extracellular matrix communication, and immune function are developmental- and intestinal microbiota- regulated. Using a humanized gnotobiotic mouse model, we demonstrate that certain early preterm infant microbiota from prior to 2 weeks of life specifically induce increased NF-κB activation and a phenotype of increased inflammation whereas other preterm microbiota specifically induce decreased NF-κB activation. These fundamental differences correlate with altered clinical outcomes and suggest the existence of optimal early microbial communities to improve health outcomes.
INFORMATION RETRIEVAL APPROACH TO MUSIC INFORMATION RETRIEVAL

This MIREX submission for symbolic music similarity task adopts textual information retrieval methodology in the process of music information retrieval. The main contribution of this approach is to utilize well established term weighting methods for text retrieval and check their suitability for music data. We use a simple feature extraction method, so that the performance of an algorithm depends only on the applied term weighting function. The parameters for each of the algorithms are optimized based on 2005 SMS MIREX data.
A differential SiP (LNA-filter-mixer) in silicon technology for the SKA project

This paper describes two filters realised in a technology entirely dedicated to passive components and which allows active dies flip-chip by means of bumps. Then, it presents the design of a SiP (system in package) constituted of a differential LNA (low noise amplifier) and mixer flipped respectively in front and back of a balanced filter. Measurements of a SiP, where just the LNA is flipped onto the filter, are shown in the last part.
Isotach Networks

We introduce a class of networks called Isotach networks designed to reduce the cost of synchronization in parallel computations. Isotach networks maintain an invariant that allows each process to control the logical times at which its messages are received and consequently executed. This control allows processes to pipeline operations without sacrificing sequential consistency and to send isochrons, groups of operations that appear to be received and executed as an indivisible unit. Isochrons allow processes to execute atomic actions without locks. Other uses of Isotach networks include ensuring causal message delivery and consistency among replicated data. Isotach networks are characterized by this invariant, not by their topology. They can be implemented in a wide variety of configurations, including NUMA (nonuniform memory access) multiprocessors. Empirical and analytic studies of Isotach synchronization techniques show that they outperform conventional techniques, in some cases by an order of magnitude or more. Results presented here assume fault-free systems; we are exploring extension to selected failure models.
Young Adults' Wishful Identification With Television Characters: The Role of Perceived Similarity and Character Attributes

In this study, 208 young adults completed questionnaires measuring their perceptions of and responses to their favorite fictional television characters, both male and female. Measures included perceived attitude similarity, perceived character attributes (smart, successful, attractive, funny, violent, admired), and wishful identification with the characters. Wishful identification was defined as the desire to be like or act like the character. Respondents reported greater wishful identification with same-gender characters and with characters who seemed more similar in attitudes. Both men and women identified more strongly with successful and admired characters of the other gender, but they differed in the attributes that predicted their wishful identification with same-gender characters. Men identified with male characters whom they perceived as successful, intelligent, and violent, whereas women identified with female characters whom they perceived as successful, intelligent, attractive, and admired. Humor was the only attribute that was not related to wishful identification. Interpretations of the findings, and implications for understanding the social impact of television, are discussed.
Image registration based on both feature and intensity matching

Image registration is one of the most important tasks in image processing. The algorithms of image registration are classified into two categories: the feature-based matching and intensity-based matching. Each of them has its strength and weakness. In this paper, by combining these two techniques together, we developed a new algorithm for image registration. The algorithm utilises a parametric projective model accounting for geometrical variation and a polynomial model with a small number of polynomial coefficients explicating the smooth spatially varying illumination variation. The initial projective model parameters are first estimated by using feature-based approach. Subsequently, the coefficients of the illumination model are determined simultaneously with the projective transformation parameters through the process of intensity matching. The experimental results demonstrated the algorithm is of robustness, efficiency and accuracy.
A new approach in self-generation of fuzzy logic controller by means of genetic algorithm

Ever since its first development, Fuzzy Logic Controllers (FLC) have been popular among the practitioners due to its robustness, interpretability, and especially its ability to handle imprecision. Many constructions of these controllers are still heavily dependent on the presence of experts' knowledge. This drawback has been investigated by many researchers, resulting in several methods integrated into the construction of FLC. This paper presents a novel method to generate FLC with the minimum involvement of experts. The method integrates Genetic Algorithm (GA) into the design process. The concept of gene pool, rule filter, and two levels of encoding were devised for the method. Simulative tests to control a nonlinear single tank system and a benchmark inverted pendulum system were undertaken. The results show the performance of the proposed method to create FLCs for both systems with minimum need of prior knowledge.
In vitro reconstitution of cytoplasm to vacuole protein targeting in yeast

Although the majority of known vacuolar proteins transit through the secretory pathway, two vacuole-resident proteins have been identified that reach this organelle by an alternate pathway. These polypeptides are targeted to the vacuole directly from the cytoplasm by a novel import mechanism. The best characterized protein that uses this pathway is aminopeptidase I (API). API is synthesized as a cytoplasmic precursor containing an amino-terminal propeptide that is cleaved off when the protein reaches the vacuole. To dissect the biochemistry of this pathway, we have reconstituted the targeting of API in vitro in a permeabilized cell system. Based on several criteria, the in vitro import assay faithfully reconstitutes the in vivo reaction. After incubation under import conditions, API is processed by a vacuolar- resident protease, copurifies with a vacuole-enriched fraction, and becomes inaccessible to the cytoplasm. These observations demonstrate that API has passed from the cytoplasm to the vacuole. The reconstituted import process is dependent on time, temperature, and energy. ATP gamma S inhibits this reaction, indicating that API transport is ATP driven. API import is also inhibited by GTP gamma S, suggesting that this process may be mediated by a GTP-binding protein. In addition, in vitro import requires a functional vacuolar ATPase; import is inhibited both in the presence of the specific V-ATPase inhibitor bafilomycin A1, and in a yeast strain in which one of the genes encoding a V-ATPase subunit has been disrupted.
Inequality and Happiness: Are Europeans and Americans Different?

The answer to the question posed in the title is 'yes. ' Using a total of 128,106 answers to a survey question about happiness,' we find that there is a large, negative and significant effect of inequality on happiness in Europe but not in the US. There are two potential explanations. First, Europeans prefer more equal societies (inequality belongs in the utility function for Europeans but not for Americans). Second, social mobility is (or is perceived to be) higher in the US so being poor is not seen as affecting future income. We test these hypotheses by partitioning the sample across income and ideological lines. There is evidence of inequality generated' unhappiness in the US only for a sub-group of rich leftists. In Europe inequality makes the poor unhappy, as well as the leftists. This favors the hypothesis that inequality affects European happiness because of their lower social mobility (since no preference for equality exists amongst the rich or the right). The results help explain the greater popular demand for government to fight inequality in Europe relative to the US.
Voluntary false confessions in a Munchausen patient: a new variant of the syndrome?

Abstract A case of Munchausen syndrome associated with habitual voluntary false confessions is described. It is suggested that voluntary false confessions may be an overlooked feature ofMunchausen syndrome. Furthermore, it is suggested that this case raises the possibility that a yet unidentified variant of Munchausen syndrome may exist which substitutes prison for hospital.
Domain adaptation methods for robust pattern recognition

The large majority of classical and modern estimation techniques assume the data seen at the testing phase of statistical inference come from the same process that generated the training data. In many real-world applications this can be a restrictive assumption. We outline two solutions to overcome this heterogeneity: instance-weighting and dimension reduction. The instance-weighting methods estimate weights to use in a loss function in an attempt to make the weighted training distribution “look like” the testing distribution, whereas dimension reduction methods seek transformations of the training and testing data to place them both into a latent space where their distributions will be similar. We use synthetic datasets and a real data example to test the methods against one another.
ASYMPTOTIC ANALYSIS OF k-NONCROSSING MATCHINGS

In this paper we study k-noncrossing matchings. A k-noncrossing matching is a labeled graph with vertex set {1, . , 2n} arranged in increasing order in a horizontal line and vertex-degree 1. The n arcs are drawn in the upper halfplane subject to the condition that there exist no k arcs that mutually intersect. We derive: (a) for arbitrary k, an asymptotic approxima- tion of the exponential generating function of k-noncrossing matchings Fk(z). (b) the asymptotic formula for the number of k-noncrossing matchings fk(n) � ck n ((k 1) 2 +(k 1)/2) (2(k 1))2n
A Systematic Review of Failed Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With Autograft Compared With Allograft in Young Patients

Context: The advantages of allograft anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), which include shorter surgical time, less postoperative pain, and no donor site morbidity, may be offset by a higher risk of failure. Previous systematic reviews have inconsistently shown a difference in failure prevalence by graft type; however, such reviews have never been stratified for younger or more active patients. Objective: To determine whether there is a different ACLR failure prevalence of autograft compared with allograft in young, active patients. Data Sources: EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cochrane trials registry. Study Selection: Comparative studies of allograft versus autograft primary ACL reconstruction in patients <25 years of age or of high-activity level (military, Marx activity score >12 points, collegiate or semiprofessional athletes). Study Design: Systematic review with meta-analysis. Level of Evidence: Level 3. Data Extraction: Manual extraction of available data from eligible studies. Quantitative synthesis of failure prevalence and Lysholm score (outcomes in ≥3 studies) and I2 test for heterogeneity. Assessment of study quality using CLEAR NPT and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Results: Seven studies met inclusion criteria (1 level 1; 2 level 2, 4 level 3), including 788 patients treated with autograft tissue and 228 with various allografts. The mean age across studies was 21.7 years (64% male), and follow-up ranged between 24 and 51 months. The pooled failure prevalence was 9.6% (76/788) for autografts and 25.0% (57/228) for allografts (relative risk, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.24-0.53; P < 0.00001; I2 = 16%). The number needed to benefit to prevent 1 failure by using autograft was 7 patients (95% CI, 5-10). No difference between hamstrings autograft and patella tendon autograft was noted. Lysholm score was reported in 3 studies and did not differ between autograft and allograft. Conclusion: While systematic reviews comparing allograft and autograft ACLR have been equivocal, this is the first review to examine young and active patients in whom allograft performs poorly.
Assessing The Assessors - An Overview And Evaluation Of IT Project Success Reports

A great number of scholars in the information systems discipline motivate their research referring to poor performance of information technology (IT) projects, which is reported in prior success studies. However, the rigour of such success studies has either not been analysed to an adequate degree or in case of the most prominent study, the Chaos Report, widely criticised. In order to ensure a sound research foundation, there is a need for assessing the quality of existing success reports. We conduct a systematic mapping study of IT project success reports and provide an overview and a critical evaluation of existing reports as a result. We enable scholars to more carefully and thoughtfully motivate their research and help practitioners to assess published success rates at their true worth. By pointing out strengths and critical weaknesses of existing success reports, we hope to contribute to more considerate future inquiries.
Single-session Therapy of Chronic Insomnia: A Case Study

A chronic case of insomnia treated by paradoxical intention is reported. All previous attempts at treatment, including progressive muscle relaxation, had failed. When a behavioural analysis was conducted and treatment was selected according to the analysis, full recovery resulted and was maintained through long follow-up. The case study illustrates a clinically useful way to choose the treatment technique when many techniques exist to treat a presenting problem.
Caenorhabditis elegans oocyte meiotic spindle pole assembly requires microtubule severing and the calponin homology domain protein ASPM-1

Oocyte meiotic spindles are bipolar but assemble without centrosomes. Three Caenorhabditis elegans genes that contribute are that for the calponin homology domain protein, aspm-1; the katanin mei-1; and the kinesin-12 family member klp-18. The results indicate that both microtubule severing and ASPM-1 promote pole assembly, whereas KLP-18 promotes bipolarity.
France : La cartellisation des relations professionnelles

Contribution a un ouvrage collectif sur le syndicalisme dans les principaux pays developpes. L'article presente un tableau synthetique des syndicats francais au XXIe siecle. Il examine les explications du recul de la syndicalisation et de la baisse des conflits sociaux. La negociation d'entreprise se developpe a un rythme rapide et sa portee semble augmenter ouvrant ainsi la possibilite d'une dereglementation douce. Les organisations d'employeurs et de salaries forment un oligopole en paix (cartel). Leurs responsables ont remplace les cotisations des adherents par des ressources institutionnelles et ils ont privatise les aides et les protections traditionnellement accordees au mouvement syndical.
Addressing Security Challenges in Pervasive Computing Applications

Abstract : Pervasive computing provides services that use knowledge about the operating environment. The very knowledge that enables an application to provide better services may, however, be misused, causing security and privacy breaches. Uncontrolled disclosure of information or unconstrained interaction among entities may have serious consequences. Traditional security policies and mechanisms are inadequate because these applications are dynamic and are executed in resource constrained environment. This work proposed new access control models and trust models for use in pervasive computing applications. The work also investigated risk management and security provisioning for pervasive environments when limited resources are available. Controlled data dissemination techniques were also proposed as a part of this work. Finally, the work also discussed methodologies for designing secure pervasive computing applications.
Mixed-Mode Decohesion Finite Elements for the Simulation of Delamination in Composite Materials

AbstractA new decohesion element with mixed-mode capability is proposed anddemonstrated. The element is used at the interface between solid finite ele-ments to model the initiation and non-self-similar growth of delaminations.A single relative displacement-based damage parameter is applied in a soft-ening law to track the damage state of the interface and to prevent therestoration of the cohesive state during unloading. The softening law formixed-mode delamination propagation can be applied to any mode interac-tion criterion such as the two-parameter power law or the three-parameterBenzeggagh-Kenane criterion. To demonstrate the accuracy of the predic-tions and the irreversibility capability of the constitutive law, steady-statedelamination growth is simulated for quasi-static loading-unloading cyclesof various single mode and mixed-mode delamination test specimens. 1 Introduction Interlaminar damage (delamination) is one of the predominant forms of failure inmany laminated composites systems, especially when there is no reinforcement inthe thickness direction. Delamination as a result of impact or a manufacturingdefect can cause a significant reduction in the compressive load-carrying capacityof a structure. The stress gradients that occur near geometric discontinuities such*DEMEGI, Faculdade de Engenharia, Universidade do Porto, Portugal; Visiting Scientist,Mechanics & Durability Branch, NASA Langley Research Center, U.S.A.tAnalytieal & Computational Methods Branch, NASA Langley Research Center, U.S.A.
Intergenerational Support and Life Satisfaction: A Comparison of Chinese, Indonesian, and German Elderly Mothers

The exchange of support between generations is a fundamental feature of intergenerational relationships. Although most studies have concentrated on the impact of social support on the receiver, effects on subjective well-being of the provider of support have been studied less often. Given cultural differences in the norms and values of intergenerational relationships, the present study compared samples from rural and urban China, Indonesia, and Germany. The results showed that in the different cultural contexts elderly mothers’ well-being was differently related to help that they provided to their adult daughters. The results are discussed from a culture-informed perspective on intergenerational relationships.
The Self-Diagnose Algorithm for Liquid Level Sensor on WSN Node

In order to diagnose the state of the liquid level sensor on the tank truck and make sure the wireless sensor networks (WSN) work properly, this paper studies an on-line self fault diagnosing method for liquid level sensors installed on oil tank trucks. First, a flexible fault sensing circuit is designed as a state detection module on sensor node. Second, a self-diagnosing algorithm is proposed, the Mean-Variance model is used to analysis the measuring values and the liquid density is taken as the relationship of sensors. At last, the state detection module compares the statistics characteristic quantities with threshold values to get the condition attributes and detects the failure of the liquid level sensor. Field experiments and simulations at the detection accuracy and the misdiagnosis probability show that this self-diagnosing algorithm is suit to the liquid level sensor on the oil tank trucks.