Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Massively Parallel Simulations of Spread of Infectious Diseases over Realistic Social Networks

Controlling the spread of infectious diseases in large populations is animportant societal challenge. Mathematically, the problem is best captured as acertain class of reaction-diffusion processes (referred to as contagionprocesses) over appropriate synthesized interaction networks. Agent-basedmodels have been successfully used in the recent past to study such contagionprocesses. We describe EpiSimdemics, a highly scalable, parallel code writtenin Charm++ that uses agent-based modeling to simulate disease spreads overlarge, realistic, co-evolving interaction networks. We present a new parallelimplementation of EpiSimdemics that achieves unprecedented strong and weakscaling on different architectures – Blue Waters, Cori and Mira. EpiSimdemicsachieves five times greater speedup than the second fastest parallel code inthis field. This unprecedented scaling is an important step to support the longterm vision of real-time epidemic science. Finally, we demonstrate the capabilities of EpiSimdemics by simulating thespread of influenza over a realistic synthetic social contact network spanningthe continental United States (~280 million nodes and 5.8 billion social contacts).
Ensemble of classifiers for off-line signature verification

In this work we address two important issues of off-line signature verification. The first one regards feature extraction. We introduce a new graphometric feature set that considers the curvature of the main strokes of the signature. The idea is to simulate the shape of the signature by using Bezier curves and then extract features from these curves. The second important aspect is the use of an ensemble of classifiers based on graphometric features to improve the reliability of the classification, hence reducing the false acceptance. The ensemble was built using a standard genetic algorithm and different fitness functions were assessed to drive the search. Thorough experiments were conduct on a database composed of 100 writers and the results compare favorably.
The Link between the Metabolic Syndrome and Cancer

Since the incidence of the metabolic syndrome is on the rise in the western world, its coherence to cancer is becoming more apparent. In this review we discuss the different potential factors involved in the increase of cancer in the metabolic syndrome including obesity, dyslipidemia and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) as well as inflammation and hypoxia. We especially focus on the insulin and IGF systems with their intracellular signaling cascades mediated by different receptor subtypes, and suggest that they may play major roles in this process. Understanding the mechanisms involved will be helpful in developing potential therapeutics.
Diplopia after refractive surgery: occurrence and prevention.

OBJECTIVES To report the occurrence of persistent diplopia manifesting after refractive surgery, to describe the different causes of this complication, to provide risk stratification for its occurrence, and to outline minimal screening techniques for its prevention. METHODS A retrospective medical record review of patients seen in 2 private strabismus practices who experienced persistent diplopia after refractive surgery. RESULTS A total of 28 patients were identified who met the inclusion criteria. The causes of postoperative diplopia could be traced to 1 of 5 mechanisms. These included technical problems, prior need of prisms, aniseikonia, iatrogenic monovision, and improper control of accommodation in patients with strabismus. The recommended screening techniques would have identified all patients in this series as being at risk for postoperative diplopia with the exception of those in whom technical problems were responsible. CONCLUSIONS Diplopia can become manifest after refractive surgery. With proper attention paid to risk stratification and recommended screening criteria, the incidence of this complication can be minimized.
The power factor in mechanical system

This paper represents a analytical, simulation and experimental study of power factor in mechanical system. In electrical system, power factor is often used to evaluate how intense we can use the electrical power as a active electrical power. It is useful when considering the power consumption of the electrical system. However, this kind of approach did not exist in mechanical system. In mechanical system, we consider mechanical loss of energy, however we did not consider the amount of power used in the phase change. Thus this study introduces the power factor in the mechanical system and investigates how much power is actually used in the motion. Power factor of certain frequency of the motion was analyzed and compared with the simulation results. Experiments were conducted to further study the behavior of power factor in many situations. Experimental results signify power factor changes due to the speed of the motion and also path of the motion.
Animal models of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading global cause of mortality and chronic morbidity. Inhalation of cigarette smoke is the principal risk factor for development of this disease. COPD is a progressive disease that is typically characterised by chronic pulmonary inflammation, mucus hypersecretion, airway remodelling and emphysema that collectively reduce lung function. There are currently no therapies that effectively halt or reverse disease progression. It is hoped that the development of animal models that develop the hallmark features of COPD, in a short time frame, will aid in the identifying and testing of new therapeutic approaches. Areas covered: The authors review the recent developments in mouse models of chronic cigarette smoke-induced COPD as well as the principal findings. Furthermore, the authors discuss the use of mouse models to understand the pathogenesis and the contribution of infectious exacerbations. They also discuss the investigations of the systemic co-morbidities of COPD (pulmonary hypertension, cachexia and osteoporosis). Expert opinion: Recent advances in the field mark a point where animal models recapitulate the pathologies of COPD patients in a short time frame. They also reveal novel insights into the pathogenesis and potential treatment of this debilitating disease.
Long live FOXO: unraveling the role of FOXO proteins in aging and longevity

Aging constitutes the key risk factor for age‐related diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular and neurodegenerative disorders. Human longevity and healthy aging are complex phenotypes influenced by both environmental and genetic factors. The fact that genetic contribution to lifespan strongly increases with greater age provides basis for research on which “protective genes” are carried by long‐lived individuals. Studies have consistently revealed FOXO (Forkhead box O) transcription factors as important determinants in aging and longevity. FOXO proteins represent a subfamily of transcription factors conserved from Caenorhabditis elegans to mammals that act as key regulators of longevity downstream of insulin and insulin‐like growth factor signaling. Invertebrate genomes have one FOXO gene, while mammals have four FOXO genes: FOXO1, FOXO3, FOXO4, and FOXO6. In mammals, this subfamily is involved in a wide range of crucial cellular processes regulating stress resistance, metabolism, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis. Their role in longevity determination is complex and remains to be fully elucidated. Throughout this review, the mechanisms by which FOXO factors contribute to longevity will be discussed in diverse animal models, from Hydra to mammals. Moreover, compelling evidence of FOXOs as contributors for extreme longevity and health span in humans will be addressed.
Direct interactions between pre-mRNA and six U2 small nuclear ribonucleoproteins during spliceosome assembly

Highly purified mammalian spliceosomal complex B contains more than 30 specific protein components. We have carried out UV cross-linking studies to determine which of these components directly contacts pre-mRNA in purified prespliceosomal and spliceosomal complexes. We show that heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins cross-link in the nonspecific complex H but not in the B complex. U2AF65, which binds to the 3' splice site, is the only splicing factor that cross-links in purified prespliceosomal complex E. U2AF65 and the U1 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein particle (snRNP) are subsequently destabilized, and a set of six spliceosome-associated proteins (SAPs) cross-links to the pre-mRNA in the prespliceosomal complex A. These proteins require the 3' splice site for binding and cross-link to an RNA containing only the branch site and 3' splice site. Significantly, all six of these SAPs are specifically associated with U2 snRNP. These proteins and a U5 snRNP component cross-link in the fully assembled B complex. Previous work detected an ATP-dependent, U2 snRNP-associated factor that protects a 30- to 40-nucleotide region surrounding the branchpoint sequence from RNase digestion. Our data indicate that the six U2 snRNP-associated SAPs correspond to this branchpoint protection factor. Four of the snRNP proteins that are in intimate contact with the pre-mRNA are conserved between Saccharomyces cerevisiae and humans, consistent with the possibility that these factors play key roles in mediating snRNA-pre-mRNA interactions during the splicing reaction.
Personality Testing in Personnel Selection: Adverse Impact and Differential Hiring Rates

Personality tests are often used in selection and have demonstrated predictive validity across a variety of occupational groups and performance criteria. Although different selection decision methods can be used to make selection decisions (e.g., compensatory top down, compensatory with sliding bands, noncompensatory) from personality test results, there is a paucity of research addressing the influence of these different selection decision methods on issues such as, adverse impact and differential hiring rates. This gap in the literature is redressed in the current study. Results from 398 bus operator candidates indicated that there may be adverse impact and differential hiring rate issues depending on the selection decision method used and the designated group being assessed. Implications and future research directions are discussed.
Abundance and diversity of aerobic heterotrophic microorganisms and their interaction with cyanobacteria in the oxic layer of an intertidal hypersaline cyanobacterial mat

ABSTRACT Aerobic heterotrophic microorganisms (AH) play a significant role in carbon cycling in cyanobacterial mats; however, little is known about their abundance, diversity and interaction with cyanobacteria. Using catalyzed reporter deposition fluorescence in situ hybridization (CARD‐FISH), bacterial counts in the mat's oxic layer reached a mean of 2.23 ± 0.4 × 1010 cells g−1. Cultivation of AH yielded strains belonging to Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Gammaproteobacteria and Haloarchaea. 16S rRNA bacterial sequences retrieved from the mat's oxic layer were related to Bacteroidetes, Chloroflexi and Proteobacteria, whereas archaeal sequences belonged to Crenarchaeota and Haloarchaea. Monocultures of cyanobacteria from the same mat were associated with different AH, although Bacteroidetes were found in most cultures. CARD‐FISH showed that Bacteroidetes‐ and Chloroflexi‐related bacteria were closely associated with filaments of Microcoleus chthonoplastes. The growth of an axenic culture of M. chthonoplastes PCC7420 was stimulated on the addition of a filtrate obtained from a non‐axenic Microcoleus culture and containing only AH and released substances. In contrast, a similar filtrate from a non‐axenic Cyanothece‐related culture killed Cyanothece PCC 7418. We conclude that a diverse community of AH exist in close association with cyanobacteria in microbial mats and the interactions between AH and cyanobacteria are species‐specific and involve the release of substances.
Gabapentin and the Neurokinin1 Receptor Antagonist CI-1021 Act Synergistically in Two Rat Models of Neuropathic Pain

The present study examines the effect of combinations of gabapentin (Neurontin) and a selective neurokinin (NK)1 receptor antagonist, 1-(1H-indol-3-ylmethyl)-1-methyl-2-oxo-2-[(1-phenylethyl)amino]ethyl]-2-benzofuranylmethyl ester (CI-1021), in two models of neuropathic pain. Dose responses to both gabapentin and CI-1021 were performed against static allodynia induced in the streptozocin and chronic constriction injury (CCI) models. Theoretical additive lines were calculated from these data. Dose responses to various fixed dose ratios of a gabapentin/CI-1021 combination were then examined in both models. In the streptozocin model, administration of gabapentin/CI-1021 combinations at fixed dose ratios of 1:1 and 60:1 resulted in an additive effect with dose response similar to the theoretical additive line. However, a synergistic interaction was seen after fixed dose ratios of 10:1, 20:1, and 40:1 with static allodynia completely blocked and the dose responses shifted approximately 8-, 30-, and 10-fold leftward, respectively, from the theoretical additive values. In the CCI model, after fixed dose ratios of 5:1 and 20:1, combinations of gabapentin and CI-1021 produced an additive response. At the fixed dose ratio of 10:1 static allodynia was completely blocked with an approximate 10-fold leftward shift of the dose response from the theoretical additive value, indicating synergy. The combination of gabapentin with a structurally unrelated NK1receptor antagonist, (2S,3S)-3-(2-methoxybenzylamino)-2-phenylpiperidine (CP-99,994), also produced synergy, at a fixed dose ratio of 20:1. This ratio completely blocked streptozocin-induced static allodynia and was approximately shifted leftward 5-fold from the theoretical additive value. These data suggest a synergistic interaction between gabapentin and NK1 receptor antagonists in animal models of neuropathic pain.
The effects of lumbar massage on muscle fatigue, muscle oxygenation, low back discomfort, and driver performance during prolonged driving

An increasing dependence of society on automobiles for both work and leisure and the corresponding increase in time spent seated in the car has been correlated with a greater risk of low back pain and absence from work (Porter and Gyi 2002). This study examined the effects of three types of lumbar massage units on seating comfort, muscle fatigue, muscle oxygenation, muscle blood flow and driving performance during a 1 h simulated driving task. Electromyographic (EMG) signals were recorded from the right and left thoracic and lumbar erector spinae musculature. Average EMG (AEMG), mean power frequency (MPF), gaps and amplitude probability distribution function (APDF) parameters were analysed from the three massage seats and compared to a control seat. Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and skin temperature from the right thoracic and lumbar erector spinae were used as an indication of muscle oxygenation and blood flow throughout the driving task. Ratings of perceived discomfort were used to assess driver discomfort, and driving performance was assessed by calculating mean lap times for the duration of each driving trial. The results showed statistically significant increases in skin temperature compared with the control seat after 60 min of driving. The NIRS results reflected these trends although the results were not statistically significant. AEMG and MPF measures showed no significant differences between the seats. MPF measures were found to increase over time, effects attributed to increases in muscle temperature. Gaps and APDF analyses revealed greater rest times and lower activation levels, respectively, with the control seat, which could result in increased loading of passive structures. This study demonstrated the beneficial effects of lumbar massage systems in increasing muscle blood flow and oxygenation. Although EMG parameters were not significantly different, the trends support the significant blood flow results. Future research should include longer driving times and adjustments in EMG measures to account for the effects of increasing muscle temperature on AEMG and MPF measures.
Trans fatty acid content in Malaysian supermarket foods: a field-to-laboratory approach in assessing food risk

The extent of industrial trans fatty acids (TFA) in the food supply is unknown in Malaysia, whilst TFA disclosure on food labels is not mandatory by Malaysian food standards. Supermarket foods such as dairy products, fats and oils, meat products, snack foods, soups, and confectionery are commonly cited to be major contributors of TFA in the diet. A consumer survey (n = 622) was used to develop a food listing of these ‘high risk’ foods. TFA content of high-risk foods were analysed by gas chromatography. Food samples (n = 158) were analysed and their total TFA content were compared with Malaysian Food Standards. A wide variation in TFA content within food categories was indicated. Of the foods containing TFA, many food labels did not cite TFA content or the use of partially hydrogenated vegetable oils (PHVO) as an ingredient. Hypothesised estimates of TFA intake from these supermarket foods in a sample day’s menu providing 2000 kcal projected a minimum intake of 0.5 g and a maximum intake of 5.2 g TFA. This study found there was no voluntary disclosure of TFA content on food labels or identifying PHVO as an ingredient. It appears that health education targeting consumers to minimise TFA consumption is required supported by mandatory PHVO disclosure on the food label. Graphical Abstract
Kernelized type-2 fuzzy c-means clustering algorithm in segmentation of noisy medical images

The toughest challenges in medical diagnosis are uncertainty handling and noise. This paper presents a novel kernelized type-2 fuzzy c-means algorithm that is a generalization of conventional type-2 fuzzy c-means (T2FCM). Although T2FCM has proven effective for spherical data, it fails when the data structure of input patterns is non-spherical and complex. In this paper, we present a novel kernelized type-2 fuzzy c-means (KT2FCM) where type-2 fuzzy c-means is extended by adopting a kernel induced metric in the data space to replace the original Euclidean norm metric. Use of kernel function makes it possible to cluster data that is linearly non-separable in the original space into homogeneous groups in the transformed high dimensional space. From our experiments, we found that different kernel with different kernel widths lead to different clustering results. Thus a key point is to choose an appropriate value for the kernel width. Experimental are done using synthetic and real medical images (CT Scan and MR images) to show the effectiveness of method.
A 15-bit binary-weighted current-steering DAC with ordered element matching

Device variability has become one of the fundamental challenges to high-resolution and high-accuracy DACs in nanometer and emerging processes. This paper introduces a 15-bit binary-weighted current-steering DAC in a standard 130nm CMOS technology, which utilizes a new random mismatch compensation theory called ordered element matching to improve the static linearity performance with the presence of large variability. The chip's core area is less than 0.42mm2, among which the 7-bit MSB current source area is well within 0.021mm2. Measurement results have shown that the DAC's DNL and INL can be reduced from 9.85LSB and 17.41LSB to 0.34LSB and 0.77LSB, respectively.
Incentive Resource Distribution in P 2 P Networks

The current peer-to-peer (P2P) information sharing paradigm does not provide incentive and service differentiation for users. Since there is no motivation to share information or resources, this leads to the “free-riding” and the “tragedy of the commons” problems. In this paper, we address how one can incorporate incentive into the P2P information sharing paradigm so as to encourage users to share information and resources. Our mechanism (or protocol) provides service differentiation to users with different contribution values and connection types. The mechanism also has some desirable properties: (1) conservation of cumulative contribution and social utility in the P2P community, (2) maximization of social utility if all requesting clients have the same contribution value, and (3) incentive-based resource distribution. The resource distribution algorithm and the contribution update algorithm are computationally efficient and can be easily implemented. We discuss how one can provide the truth revealing property so that nodes have no motivation to misrepresent their contribution values and connection types. In addition, the mechanism is invulnerable to various malicious actions of users. Experimental results illustrate the efficiency and fairness of our algorithms.
La construction collective du problme dans la recherche-action:difficults, ressorts et enjeux

(VF)Toute demarche de recherche-action pose comme centrale la re-solution d’un probleme concret. Cet article se propose de specifier et d’illustrer les difficultes que pose le choix d’une demarche de construction collective du probleme avec les membres de l’organisation. Une recherche-action visant a elaborer un projet strategique pour une association du secteur social souligne ainsi l’ambivalence, la diversite et la dynamique des representations du probleme a resoudre dans la conduite du projet. Ces elements posent alors la question de l’evaluation du change-ment produit et des connaissances elaborees dans ce type de demarche. (VA) The resolution of a concrete problem lies at the heart of action research approaches. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the practical difficulties implied by the adoption of a participative approach where the problem to be solved is constructed collaboratively with organizational members. Empirical action research that aimed at elaborating a strategic project for a non-profit child welfare organization reveals that participants hold different, dynamic, and sometimes ambivalent representations of the problem. The practical and theoretical contributions of this kind of research may consequently be difficult to assess.
Selfduality and Chern-Simons Theory

We propose a relation between the operator of S-duality (of N=4 super Yang-Mills theory in 3+1D) and a topological theory in one dimension lower. We construct the topological theory by compactifying N=4 super Yang-Mills on a circle with an S-duality and R-symmetry twist. The S-duality twist requires a selfdual coupling constant. We argue that for a sufficiently low rank of the gauge group the three-dimensional low-energy description is a topological theory, which we conjecture to be a pure Chern-Simons theory. This conjecture implies a connection between the action of mirror symmetry on the sigma-model with Hitchin's moduli space as target space and geometric quantization of the moduli space of flat connections on a Riemann surface.