Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The rise of cohabitation and childbearing outside marriage in western Europe

In many western European nations there have been dramatic recent rises in unmarried cohabitation and having children outside marriage. Here we examine the extent and depth of these changes across nations. Our analysis includes an examination of type of first partnership, duration of cohabiting unions, characteristics of cohabitants, and dissolution risks of different types of unions. We also examine the partnership context within which children are born, the extent to which children born to cohabiting parents see the marriage of their parents, as well as the variation in dissolution probabilities associated with different partnership histories. The analysis shows that there is not one but several European perspectives on the rise of cohabitation and non-marital childbearing.
Neural networks with dynamical synapses: from mixed-mode oscillations and spindles to chaos

Understanding of short-term synaptic depression (STSD) and other forms of synaptic plasticity is a topical problem in neuroscience. Here we study the role of STSD in the formation of complex patterns of brain rhythms. We use a cortical circuit model of neural networks composed of irregular spiking excitatory and inhibitory neurons having type 1 and 2 excitability and stochastic dynamics. In the model, neurons form a sparsely connected network and their spontaneous activity is driven by random spikes representing synaptic noise. Using simulations and analytical calculations, we found that if the STSD is absent, the neural network shows either asynchronous behavior or regular network oscillations depending on the noise level. In networks with STSD, changing parameters of synaptic plasticity and the noise level, we observed transitions to complex patters of collective activity: mixed-mode and spindle oscillations, bursts of collective activity, and chaotic behaviour. Interestingly, these patterns are stable in a certain range of the parameters and separated by critical boundaries. Thus, the parameters of synaptic plasticity can play a role of control parameters or switchers between different network states. However, changes of the parameters caused by a disease may lead to dramatic impairment of ongoing neural activity. We analyze the chaotic neural activity by use of the 0-1 test for chaos (Gottwald, G. & Melbourne, I., 2004) and show that it has a collective nature.
STFT Phase Retrieval: Uniqueness Guarantees and Recovery Algorithms

The problem of recovering a signal from its Fourier magnitude is of paramount importance in various fields of engineering and applied physics. Due to the absence of Fourier phase information, some form of additional information is required in order to be able to uniquely, efficiently, and robustly identify the underlying signal. Inspired by practical methods in optical imaging, we consider the problem of signal reconstruction from the short-time Fourier transform (STFT) magnitude. We first develop conditions under, which the STFT magnitude is an almost surely unique signal representation. We then consider a semidefinite relaxation-based algorithm (STliFT) and provide recovery guarantees. Numerical simulations complement our theoretical analysis and provide directions for future work.
The Lightweight Distributed Metric Service: A Scalable Infrastructure for Continuous Monitoring of Large Scale Computing Systems and Applications

Understanding how resources of High Performance Compute platforms are utilized by applications both individually and as a composite is key to application and platform performance. Typical system monitoring tools do not provide sufficient fidelity while application profiling tools do not capture the complex interplay between applications competing for shared resources. To gain new insights, monitoring tools must run continuously, system wide, at frequencies appropriate to the metrics of interest while having minimal impact on application performance. We introduce the Lightweight Distributed Metric Service for scalable, lightweight monitoring of large scale computing systems and applications. We describe issues and constraints guiding deployment in Sandia National Laboratories' capacity computing environment and on the National Center for Supercomputing Applications' Blue Waters platform including motivations, metrics of choice, and requirements relating to the scale and specialized nature of Blue Waters. We address monitoring overhead and impact on application performance and provide illustrative profiling results.
Object- versus pixel-based building detection for disaster response

Recent disasters have shown that there is a growing interest for remotely sensed data to support decision makers and emergency teams in the field. Fast and accurate detection of buildings and sustained damage is of great importance. Current methods rely on numerous photo-interpreters to visually analyze the data. Multiple pixel-based methods exist to classify pixels as being part of a building or not but results vary widely and precision is often poor with very high resolution images. This paper proposes an object-based solution to building detection and compares it to a traditional approach. Object-based classification clearly provides adequate results in much less time and thus is ideal for disaster response.
A Distributed Space-Time Trellis Coding Approach for Multi-Terminal Relay Networks

Cooperative relaying is a promising alternative for conventional mobile communications systems as it is able to increase coverage and throughput of these systems. Due to practical constraints most cooperative relaying protocols employ half-duplex relays which implies the need for an increased data rate on the individual links and causes a significant performance loss at higher rates. This paper presents a novel cooperative relaying approach exploiting existing large scale space diversity as well as an additional coding gain by employing a spatial duplex approach. The scheme utilizes a network of alternatingly sending and receiving relay terminals where only one relay node is transmitting at a particular time. This spatial duplexing approach is used to implement a distributed Space-Time Trellis Code (STTC) for virtual antenna arrays. In this work, the protocol is applied to a convolutionally coded system. Due to the serial concatenation of an inner STTC and an outer convolutional code, the destination is able to use well-known turbo-decoding algorithms to reduce the frame error rate of the system. The assessment of the approach is done by comparing it with conventional relaying, a time/frequency duplex cooperative relaying protocol and direct transmission.
Consuming Sport: Fans, Sport and Culture

Consuming Sport offers a detailed consideration of how sport is experienced and engaged with in the everyday lives, social networks and consumer patterns of its followers. It examines the processes of becoming a sport fan, and the social and moral career that supporters follow as their involvement develops over a life-course. The book argues that while for many people sport matters, for many more, it does not. Though for some sport is significant in shaping their social and cultural identity, it is often consumed and experienced by others in quite mundane and everyday ways, through the media images that surround us, conversations overheard and in the clothing of people we pass by. As well as developing a new theory of sport fandom the book links this discussion to wider debates on audiences, fan cultures and consumer practices. The text argues that for far too long consideration of sport fans has focused on exceptional forms of support ignoring the myriad of ways in which sport can be experienced and consumed in everyday life.
Accuracy of Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Diagnosis of Skull Fractures in Children

OBJECTIVE: To determine the test performance characteristics for point-of-care ultrasound performed by clinicians compared with computed tomography (CT) diagnosis of skull fractures. METHODS: We conducted a prospective study in a convenience sample of patients ≤21 years of age who presented to the emergency department with head injuries or suspected skull fractures that required CT scan evaluation. After a 1-hour, focused ultrasound training session, clinicians performed ultrasound examinations to evaluate patients for skull fractures. CT scan interpretations by attending radiologists were the reference standard for this study. Point-of-care ultrasound scans were reviewed by an experienced sonologist to evaluate interobserver agreement. RESULTS: Point-of-care ultrasound was performed by 17 clinicians in 69 subjects with suspected skull fractures. The patients’ mean age was 6.4 years (SD: 6.2 years), and 65% of patients were male. The prevalence of fracture was 12% (n = 8). Point-of-care ultrasound for skull fracture had a sensitivity of 88% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 53%–98%), a specificity of 97% (95% CI: 89%–99%), a positive likelihood ratio of 27 (95% CI: 7–107), and a negative likelihood ratio of 0.13 (95% CI: 0.02–0.81). The only false-negative ultrasound scan was due to a skull fracture not directly under a scalp hematoma, but rather adjacent to it. The κ for interobserver agreement was 0.86 (95% CI: 0.67–1.0). CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians with focused ultrasound training were able to diagnose skull fractures in children with high specificity.
A sprouting tree model for random boolean functions

We define a new probability distribution for Boolean functions of k variables. Consider the random Binary Search Tree of size n, and label its internal nodes by connectives and its leaves by variables or their negations. This random process defines a random Boolean expression which represents a random Boolean function. Finally, let n tend to infinity: the asymptotic distribution on Boolean functions exists; we call it the sprouting tree distribution. We study this model and compare it with two previously‐known distributions induced by two other random trees: the Catalan tree and the Galton‐Watson tree. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg. , 47, 635–662, 2015
Relative shape context based on multiscale edge features for disaster remote sensing image registration

When disasters occur, image local gradients change significantly, whereas global shapes and structures remain relatively stable. Considering the low matching positive ratio in original SIFT, this paper propose a novel registration algorithm using Relative Shape Context (RSC) based on multiscale edge features. Firstly, edge features of global shapes and structures are extracted. Then an equivalent difference of Gaussian (DOG) space is used to detect local scale invariant features of multiscale edge images. Finally, RSC is performed as feature descriptor to find matching points. Experimental results show that the new algorithm is suitable for multiscale images and is invariant to a range of rotation angle changes. The distinctive novel algorithm owns much higher matching accuracy and is more stable than original SIFT.
Optimum noncoherent multiuser decision feedback detection

A theory of noncoherent decision feedback multiuser detection for nonorthogonal binary modulation is developed that parallels that of coherent decision feedback multiuser detection for single-pulse modulation. In particular, an optimum noncoherent decision feedback detector is obtained that maximizes symmetric energy over a newly defined class of decision feedback detectors. Unlike the usual per-user performance metrics such as asymptotic efficiency or near-far resistance, the symmetric energy measure captures, with a single number, the asymptotic (high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR)) bit-error performance of all users at once. Several properties of the optimum decision feedback detector are established, one of which is that it outperforms the decision feedback generalized-likelihood ratio (GLR) detector in symmetric energy. It is also shown that, regardless of the order in which users are detected, the optimum noncoherent decision feedback detector outperforms its non-decision feedback counterpart in symmetric energy. Furthermore, two simple rules are obtained for determining the order in which users must be detected to guarantee that the optimum decision feedback detector outperforms its non-decision feedback counterpart (which in turn, is superior to the decorrelative GLR detector presented earlier) in terms of asymptotic effective energy for every user. In fact, one of the two (greedy) ordering rules also maximizes symmetric energy among all possible orderings. Such ordering rules are not available for the noncoherent decision feedback GLR detector in earlier work of the authors. Feasible sets of received energies are characterized in which it is possible, with power control, to achieve quality-of-service objectives for each user. None of the results in this paper make simplifying assumptions about the effects of error propagation. The term "noncoherent" in this work is used to denote that the receiver has no knowledge of the carrier phases and received signal energies of any of the users.
Nephropathy in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetics with special stress on the role of hypertension.

OBJECTIVE Nephropathy is a common complication in diabetes mellitus (DM), with significant morbidity and mortality. The aim of the present study is to study the incidence of nephropathy in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetics and to study the relationship of development of nephropathy with various risk factors associated with DM, like age, sex, blood pressure, blood sugar, body mass index (BMI). MATERIAL AND METHODS We analysed 300 newly diagnosed type 2 diabetics (diagnosed within 6 months), between Jan 2008 to August 2009. Presence of urinary microalbuminuria in two samples in a period of six months was taken as criteria for detecting nephropathy. RESULTS Incidence of nephropathy in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetics was 17.34% (52/300). It increased significantly with increase in age and was 30% in age group >60 years. It also has significant correlation with male sex and blood pressure with incidence of nephropathy being as high as 66.67% at BP> 160/100 mmHg. The incidence also increased with increase in BMI as well as HbA1C. Dyslipidemia also has significant effect. All results were statistically proven. Family history of DM has only little effect. CONCLUSION Incidence of nephropathy in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetics is as high as 17.34%. Hypertension is the most important associated factor contributing to development of nephropathy in these patients. Poor glycemic control (high HbA1C), high BMI, dyslipidemia, age, male sex also play significant role. Family history of DM seems to have little effect.
IgM Promotes the Clearance of Small Particles and Apoptotic Microparticles by Macrophages

Background Antibodies are often involved in enhancing particle clearance by macrophages. Although the mechanisms of antibody-dependent phagocytosis have been studied for IgG in greater detail, very little is known about IgM-mediated clearance. It has been generally considered that IgM does not support phagocytosis. Recent studies indicate that natural IgM is important to clear microbes and other bioparticles, and that shape is critical to particle uptake by macrophages; however, the relevance of IgM and particle size in their clearance remains unclear. Here we show that IgM has a size-dependent effect on clearance. Methodology/Principal Findings We used antibody-opsonized sheep red blood cells, different size beads and apoptotic cells to determine the effect of human and mouse IgM on phagocytosis by mouse alveolar macrophages. Our microscopy (light, epifluorescence, confocal) and flow cytometry data show that IgM greatly enhances the clearance of small particles (about 1–2 micron) by these macrophages. There is an inverse relationship between IgM-mediated clearance by macrophages and the particle size; however, macrophages bind and internalize many different size particles coated with IgG. We also show that IgM avidly binds to small size late apoptotic cells or bodies (2–5 micron) and apoptotic microparticles (<2 µm) released from dying cells. IgM also promotes the binding and uptake of microparticle-coated beads. Conclusions/Significance Therefore, while the shape of the particles is important for non-opsonized particle uptake, the particle size matters for antibody-mediated clearance by macrophages. IgM particularly promotes the clearance of small size particles. This finding may have wider implications in IgM-mediated clearing of antigens, microbial pathogens and dying cells by the host.
Probability in the Engineering and Informational Sciences the Optimal Admission Threshold in Observable Queues with State Dependent Pricing the Optimal Admission Threshold in Observable Queues with State Dependent Pricing

We consider the social welfare model of Naor [20] and revenue-maximization model of Chen and Frank [7], where a single class of delay-sensitive customers seek service from a server with an observable queue, under state dependent pricing. It is known that in this setting both revenue and social welfare can be maximized by a threshold policy, whereby customers are barred from entry once the queue length reaches a certain threshold. However, no explicit expression for this threshold has been found. This paper presents the first derivation of the optimal threshold in closed form, and a surprisingly simple formula for the (maximum) revenue under this optimal threshold. Utilizing properties of the Lambert W function, we also provide explicit scaling results of the optimal threshold as the customer valuation grows. Finally, we present a generalization of our results, allowing for settings with multiple servers.
Adaptive fuzzy control of MIMO non-linear system with dead zone compensation

A new adaptive fuzzy control scheme with its adaptive laws to guarantee control objectives without so many initialization assumption constraints and minimum tracking error is proposed in the paper. With the new scheme, dead zone function is incorporated into tracking error vector for the design of the adaptive laws which provide on-line tuning for the parameters of the MIMO non-line system. The adaptive laws of minimum approximation error and the dead zone functions are also designed, which offer fast update for adjustable parameters of the approximations and quick convergence of the tracking errors. Furthermore, the new control scheme with dead zone can achieve less tracking error. What's more important, real-time computed value of minimum approximation error can be obtained by utilizing the adaptive law designed in the paper. The stability and robustness properties of the proposed adaptive fuzzy control scheme are established by utilizing the Lyapunov stability laws. In the paper, we gave the simulation studies, which show the effectiveness, tracking performance and robustness of the proposed control scheme.
OpenCLunk : a Cilk-like framework for the GPGPU

The potential for GPUs to attain high speedup over traditional multicore systems has made them a popular target for parallel programmers. However, they are notoriously difficult to program and debug. Meanwhile, there are several programming models in the multicore domain which are designed to be simple to design and program for, such as Cilk. OpenCLunk attempts to combine Cilk’s ease of programming with the good performance of the GPU. We implemented a Cilk-like task-parallel programming framework for the GPU, and evaluated its performance. The results indicate that while it is possible to implement such a system, it is not possible to attain good performance, and therefore a Cilk-like system is currently not feasible as a programming model for the GPU.
the Antitumor Immune Response Strategies for Antigen Loading of Dendritic Cells to Enhance Updated

Dendritic cells (DCs) primed with tumor antigens can effectively mediate the regression of a variety of established solid malignancies in both murine and human models. Despite such clinical efficacy, the optimal means of DC priming is unknown. The goal of this study was to compare three methods of tumor preparation: irradiation, boiling, or freeze thaw lysis for DC priming. Mouse bone marrow-derived DCs were loaded with defined ratios of E.G7 tumor cells expressing a model tumor antigen, OVA. Sensitized DCs were used for stimulation of OVA-specific CTLs derived from OT-1 T-cell receptor transgenic mice. IFNrelease, determined by ELISA at 24 and 48 h, was used to assess the expression of antigens by DCs. DCs loaded with irradiated tumors were effective stimulators for OT-1 CTLs, whereas DCs stimulated with freeze-thawed or boiled tumors did not stimulate IFNproduction. Freeze-thaw lysis appeared to inhibit CTL activity in vitro and in two of three cases, this effect was not overcome by the addition of OVA. The ability to load irradiated tumor cells was reproduced in two analogous human melanoma models using melanoma cell lines expressing gp100 and CTL clones specific for a gp100 melanoma antigen. Consistent with the in vitro data, only DC/irradiated tumor vaccines were effective in preventing or delaying outgrowth of E.G7 and a poorly immunogenic murine squamous cell carcinoma (SCCVII), on local tumor challenge. These data demonstrate that the method of tumor cell preparation clearly influences the ability of DCs to present antigen to T cells. Correlation of in vitro data with the generation of protective immunity in vivo suggests the utility of irradiated tumor-primed DCs as a means to generate protective immunity in patients with solid malignancies.
The Focal Adhesion Kinase‐‐A Regulator of Cell Migration and Invasion

Cell migration plays an important role in embryonic development, wound healing, immune responses, and in pathological phenomena such as tissue invasion and metastasis formation. In this review, we summarize recent reports that connect the focal adhesion kinase (FAK) to cell migration and invasion. FAK is a nonreceptor protein tyrosine kinase involved in signal transduction from integrin‐enriched focal adhesion sites that mediate cell contact with the extracellular matrix. Multiple protein‐protein interaction sites allow FAK to associate with adapter and structural proteins allowing for the modulation of mitogen‐activated protein (MAP) kinases, stress‐activated protein (SAP) kinases, and small GTPase activity. FAK‐enhanced signals have been shown to mediate the survival of anchorage‐dependent cells and are critical for efficient cell migration in response to growth factor receptor and integrin stimulation. Elevated expression of FAK in human tumors has been correlated with increased malignancy and invasiveness. Because recent findings show that FAK contributes to the secretion of matrix‐metalloproteinases, FAK may represent an important checkpoint in coordinating the dynamic processes of cell motility and extracellular matrix remodeling during tumor cell invasion.