Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ascertaining cause of mortality among middle-aged and older persons using computer-coded and expert review verbal autopsies in the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study

ABSTRACT Background Verbal autopsy is designed to ascertain causes of death that are not registered or certified. Verbal autopsy has been validated in multiple settings but has not been as widely evaluated for older populations as for younger age groups. Objective This study aims to provide empirical evidence of the value of verbal autopsy interviews in the context of population-based surveys of older adults by comparing the cause-of-death assignments derived from two methods of interpreting verbal autopsy data. Methods Data used in this study come from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, a nationally representative longitudinal survey of older Chinese. We compared 407 causes of death determined using InterVA, which is a computer-coded method, and causes of death as assigned by experts; then evaluated factors that affect the results of the two approaches. Results Among the 407 deaths, neoplasms, cardiac disease, and stroke are the leading causes of death according to both approaches. The consistency of the two approaches is about 45% at the individual level. The primary reason for the mismatch is that no cause of death could be assigned for more than 25% of the sample based on expert review. A higher likelihood of mismatch is associated with advanced age and a long period between death and verbal autopsy interview. Conclusion Both approaches identify the same leading causes of death at the aggregate level, but consistency is relatively low at the individual level. InterVA works well when causes of death are characterized by distinctive signs and symptoms. Grouping the various causes of death with shared etiology or common risk factors may help improve the quality of the ascertainment of causes of death. Open-ended narratives are helpful because they provide information about the circumstances surrounding the death that are not available in the structured verbal autopsy interviews.
BSA- and Elastin-Coated GO, but Not Collagen-Coated GO, Enhance the Biological Performance of Alginate Hydrogels

The use of embedded cells within alginate matrices is a developing technique with great clinical applications in cell-based therapies. However, one feature that needs additional investigation is the improvement of alginate-cells viability, which could be achieved by integrating other materials with alginate to improve its surface properties. In recent years, the field of nanotechnology has shown the many properties of a huge number of materials. Graphene oxide (GO), for instance, seems to be a good choice for improving alginate cell viability and functionality. We previously observed that GO, coated with fetal bovine serum (FBS) within alginate hydrogels, improves the viability of embedded myoblasts. In the current research, we aim to study several proteins, specifically bovine serum albumin (BSA), type I collagen and elastin, to discern their impact on the previously observed improvement on embedded myoblasts within alginate hydrogels containing GO coated with FBS. Thus, we describe the mechanisms of the formation of BSA, collagen and elastin protein layers on the GO surface, showing a high adsorption by BSA and elastin, and a decreasing GO impedance and capacitance. Moreover, we described a better cell viability and protein release from embedded cells within hydrogels containing protein-coated GO. We conclude that these hybrid hydrogels could provide a step forward in regenerative medicine.
Marine control over negative power law scaling of mass wasting events in chalk sea cliffs with implications for future recession under the UKCP09 medium emission scenario

Coastal cliff erosion represents a significant geohazard for people and infrastructure. Forecasting future erosion rates is therefore of critical importance to ensuring the resiliency of coastal communities. We use high precision monitoring of chalk cliffs at Telscombe, UK to generate monthly mass movement inventories between August 2016 and July 2017. Frequency–magnitude analysis of our inventories demonstrate negative power law scaling over 7 orders of magnitude and, for the first time, we report statistically significant correlations between significant wave height (Hs) and power law scaling coefficients (r2 values of 0.497 and 0.590 for β and s respectively). Applying these relationships allows for a quantitative method to predict erosion at the site based on Hs probabilities and sea level forecasts derived from the UKCP09 medium emission climate model (A1B). Monte‐Carlo simulations indicate a range of possible erosion scenarios over 70 years (2020–2090) and we assess the impact these may have on the A259 coastal road which runs proximal to the cliffs. Results indicate a small acceleration in erosion compared with those based on current conditions with the most likely scenario at the site being 21.7 m of cliff recession by 2090. However, low‐probability events can result in recession an order of magnitude higher in some scenarios. In the absence of negative feedbacks, we estimate an ~11% chance that the A259 will be breached by coastal erosion by 2090. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Agent, Patient … ACTION! What the Dyadic Model Misses

Beef stock contains the essential reduction of a bull. Picasso captures something much more extraordinary: the essence of our visual representation of a bull—the spare curve of a nostril that our mind supplies with steaming breath. Evoking this analogy, Gray, Young, and Waytz (this issue) propose that the essence of our mental capacity to identify moral violations is dyadic mind perception. Do they succeed? According to the dyadic model, the essential form of morality is a perceived set comprising two minds: an agent and a patient. The agent is capable of forming intentions from which follows moral responsibility, whereas the patient experiences sensations from which follow moral rights. Gray and colleagues argue that perception of an agent’s intentions (e.g., to harm) and a patient’s experience (e.g., suffering) constitute the basis of moral judgment. Moreover, they argue that because morality is essentially dyadic, people are compelled to complete the moral dyad when only half of it is observed. Thus, given just a moral agent people perceive a moral patient, and vice versa. Last, they claim that the moral dyadic model uniquely explains moral typecasting, the idea that people view others as either moral agents or moral patients, never both. So let’s subject the dyadic model to the Picasso test, committing a minimum of ink to the page and then awaiting a fully animated concept. John intends to harm Mary, who is suffering. Is this the essence of morality? Do you see a bull? We do not. To our eyes, John is not yet morally responsible and Mary’s rights have not been violated. This thought experiment leads us to doubt that the dyadic model of mind perception fully captures the essence of morality. Our aim is to indicate what is missing while affirming what holds promise. In considering a potentially immoral1 action, both legal scholars (Bonnie, Coughlin, Jeffries, & Low, 2010) and everyday folk (Guglielmo, Monroe, & Malle, 2009; Malle & Nelson, 2003) reveal specific elements that must be present in order to arrive at a guilty verdict. It is important to note that the elements provided by both groups overlap conceptually and, we argue, provide a useful framework for investigating the moral dyadic model’s contribution to moral psychology. A criminal offense consists, in le-
THE 2-MONADIC THEORY OF OPERADIC MULTICATEGORIES

In this paper we show how to simultaneously strictify and change multicategories associated to categories of operators. It starts from symmetric monoidal graded 2-categories and their multicateogries. In the 1-category case, these implicitly pervade stable homotopy theory. In the 2-category case that is our focus, it gives a conceptual reinterpretation of the multicategory associated to a category of operators D in terms of a graded multicategory of 2-monads. From here we use Lack’s theory of codescent objects to show how to simultaneously transport structures from D to the category F of finite based sets and to strictify 2-categorical structure to 1-categorical structure. The original motivation comes from equivariant infinite loop space theory. In a short sequel, which is relatively unencumbered by categorical language, we will show that it leads to a conceptual proof of the equivariant multiplicative Barratt-PriddyQuillen theorem needed to justify the description of the category of G-spectra as the presheaf category of spectral Mackey functors. Everything here works in a general context that is likely to have other applications.
Can Low-wage Workers Find Better Jobs?

There is growing concern over rising economic inequality, the decline of the middle class, and a polarization of the U.S. workforce. This study examines the extent to which low-wage workers in the United States transition to better jobs, and explores the factors associated with such a move up the job ladder. Using data covering the expansion following the Great Recession (2011-17) and focusing on short-term labor market transitions, we find that around 70 percent of low-wage workers stayed in the same job, 11 percent exited the labor force, 7 percent became unemployed, and 6 percent switched to a different low-wage job. Troublingly, just slightly more than 5 percent of low-wage workers found a better job within a 12-month period. Study results point to the importance of educational attainment in helping low-wage workers move up the job ladder.
Design and Implementation of Conventional D Flip-Flop for Registers

More than 50% of random logic power in an SOC chip is typically consumed by Flip Flop. This is because of redundant transition of internal nodes, when the input and output appear to be in the same state. Different low power techniques have been proposed, but all of these designs use more transistors. Leading to an increase in size, which is too costly since flip flops typically account for 50% of random logic area. In this paper we design D flip-flop using 2x1 multiplexer which has reduced transistor count compared to other low power designs of D flip-flops. The focus is to design high speed, low power consumption, positive edge triggered conventional D flip-flop which can be used for registers in multipliers. In this paper the D flip-flop is modified in such a way that it controls the overall capacitances during the operation and will optimize the total capacitance that results in the decrease of the Average Power dissipation. The flip-flop is realized using only 8 transistors. The circuit is characterized by using cadence tools in 0.18 μm technology.
Adaptation of Statistical Machine Translation with Sparse Features

We present an online learning approach for statistical machine translation (SMT) tailored to the computer assisted translation scenario. In particular, by injecting into a phrase-based SMT system new features extracted from the human post-edits, we are able to immediately adapt the translation model to the corrections made by the translator. Hence, dense and sparse feature weights of our models are dynamically tuned via a large margin algorithm. Finally, by combining generative cache-based models with two novel classes of sparse feature functions we were able achieve significant gains in TER score (up to 24% relative) above two state-of-the-art adaptive SMT systems, on three different domains and translation directions.
Molecular Effects of FDA-Approved Multiple Sclerosis Drugs on Glial Cells and Neurons of the Central Nervous System

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterized by peripheral and central inflammatory features, as well as demyelination and neurodegeneration. The available Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs for MS have been designed to suppress the peripheral immune system. In addition, however, the effects of these drugs may be partially attributed to their influence on glial cells and neurons of the central nervous system (CNS). We here describe the molecular effects of the traditional and more recent FDA-approved MS drugs Fingolimod, Dimethyl Fumarate, Glatiramer Acetate, Interferon-β, Teriflunomide, Laquinimod, Natalizumab, Alemtuzumab and Ocrelizumab on microglia, astrocytes, neurons and oligodendrocytes. Furthermore, we point to a possible common molecular effect of these drugs, namely a key role for NFκB signaling, causing a switch from pro-inflammatory microglia and astrocytes to anti-inflammatory phenotypes of these CNS cell types that recently emerged as central players in MS pathogenesis. This notion argues for the need to further explore the molecular mechanisms underlying MS drug action.
Is inadequate sleep a potential risk factor for periodontitis?

This study was undertaken to investigate the potential association between sleep duration and periodontitis. The study population consisted of 10,291 individuals who participated in the United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from the 2009–2014 cycles. Sleep duration was categorized into sleep deficient (< 7 hours), sleep adequate (7–8 hours), and sleep excessive (> 8 hours). We used the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) periodontitis case definition. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression models were used for data analyses. The prevalence of periodontitis was 36% higher in individuals who reported sleep deficiency when compared to the sleep adequate group (odds Ratio (OR) = 1.36, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.23–1.50). Those who reported excessive sleep had 41% higher odds of periodontitis (OR: 1.40, 95% CI: 1.16–1.71). After adjusting for confounding factors, sleep deficient individuals were 19% more likely to have periodontitis when compared to sleep adequate individuals (OR: 1.19, 95% CI: 1.06–1.38). Among sleep excessive individuals, the association was non-significant (OR: 1.16, 95% CI: 0.94–1.43). Sleep deficiency was associated with a higher prevalence of periodontitis in this study population. The association however needs to be confirmed in longitudinal studies.
A Survey on User Acceptance of Wireless Electric Vehicle Charging

This study presents results of a survey-based analysis on user acceptance of wireless electric vehicle charging. A structural equation model is developed based on Davis’ technology acceptance model (TAM). It is expanded integrating elements of Ajzen’s theory of planned behavior (TPB). The main factors influencing acceptance of wireless electric vehicle charging are evaluated and analyzed. Empirical findings indicate that survey participants’ acceptance of wireless electric vehicle charging is mainly influenced by affective evaluations of wireless charging, subjective norms, perceived usefulness of wireless charging, and environmental awareness. The results indicate a high degree of acceptance for wireless charging. Even individuals with lower degrees of acceptance are willing to use wireless charging within car-sharing or commercial fleets.
Characterization of Intervertebral Disc Changes in Asymptomatic Individuals with Distinct Physical Activity Histories Using Three Different Quantitative MRI Techniques

(1) Background: Assessments of intervertebral disc (IVD) changes, and IVD tissue adaptations due to physical activity, for example, remains challenging. Newer magnetic resonance imaging techniques can quantify detailed features of the IVD, where T2-mapping and T2-weighted (T2w) and Dixon imaging are potential candidates. Yet, their relative utility has not been examined. The performances of these techniques were investigated to characterize IVD differences in asymptomatic individuals with distinct physical activity histories. (2) Methods: In total, 101 participants (54 women) aged 25–35 years with distinct physical activity histories but without histories of spinal disease were included. T11/12 to L5/S1 IVDs were examined with sagittal T2-mapping, T2w and Dixon imaging. (3) Results: T2-mapping differentiated Pfirrmann grade-1 from all other grades (p < 0.001). Most importantly, T2-mapping was able to characterize IVD differences in individuals with different training histories (p < 0.005). Dixon displayed weak correlations with the Pfirrmann scale, but presented significantly higher water content in the IVDs of the long-distance runners (p < 0.005). (4) Conclusions: Findings suggested that T2-mapping best reflects IVD differences in asymptomatic individuals with distinct physical activity histories changes. Dixon characterized new aspects of IVD, probably associated with IVD hypertrophy. This complementary information may help us to better understand the biological function of the disc.
MYC Oncogene Contributions to Release of Cell Cycle Brakes

Promotion of the cell cycle is a major oncogenic mechanism of the oncogene c-MYC (MYC). MYC promotes the cell cycle by not only activating or inducing cyclins and CDKs but also through the downregulation or the impairment of the activity of a set of proteins that act as cell-cycle brakes. This review is focused on the role of MYC as a cell-cycle brake releaser i.e., how MYC stimulates the cell cycle mainly through the functional inactivation of cell cycle inhibitors. MYC antagonizes the activities and/or the expression levels of p15, ARF, p21, and p27. The mechanism involved differs for each protein. p15 (encoded by CDKN2B) and p21 (CDKN1A) are repressed by MYC at the transcriptional level. In contrast, MYC activates ARF, which contributes to the apoptosis induced by high MYC levels. At least in some cells types, MYC inhibits the transcription of the p27 gene (CDKN1B) but also enhances p27’s degradation through the upregulation of components of ubiquitin ligases complexes. The effect of MYC on cell-cycle brakes also opens the possibility of antitumoral therapies based on synthetic lethal interactions involving MYC and CDKs, for which a series of inhibitors are being developed and tested in clinical trials.
Impact of Information System on Transformation of Human Resource Performance: An Exploratory Study in Oromia Radio and Television Organization

In the last few decades, emerging hyper-competitive era has increased the demand of information system and technology on human resource management for competitiveness. The revolution of information system and technology is completely and rapidly redefining the way of things are done in almost every field of human activity. Many firms are looking for utilizing the two elements (human resources and information system) as strategic weapons to compete. In particular, information system is demonstrated for human resource management that referred as human resource information system (HRIS). The HRIS is an integrated system mostly used to collect data, govern, record and to deliver and present data for human resource and hence promotes and transforms appropriateness of transforming human resource performance. This paper focuses on the impact of information system on transformation of human resource performance, the case of Oromia radio and television organization in Ethiopia. Both literature studies and interviews were done in this study to accrue information.
Does Universalization of Healthwork? Evidence from Health Systems Restructuring and Expansion in Brazil

We investigate universalization of access to health in Brazil. We find large reductions in maternal, foetal, neonatal and post-neonatal mortality, a reduction in fertility and, possibly on account of selection, no change in the quality of births. Using rich administrative data, we investigate changes in organization, access and outcomes, thereby illuminating the driving mechanisms. We find sharp increases in coverage of primary health facilities with GPs and outreach workers and, in line with this, increases in outpatient procedures, prenatal care visits, health-education activities and home visits by medical professionals. Consistent with an attempt to rationalize use of hospital resources, we find a decline in specialists and hospital beds per capita. Despite this, we see increases in hospital births, C-sections, and maternal hospitalization for complications, with no change in rates of infant hospitalization.
What is the magnitude of the group-size effect on vigilance?

Vigilance has been predicted to decrease with group size due to increased predator detection and dilution of predation risk in larger groups. Although earlier literature reviews have provided ample support for this prediction, an increasing number of studies have failed to document a decline in vigilance with group size. In addition, support for this prediction has been based thus far on the P value of the relationship between vigilance and group size rather than on a quantitative assessment of effect magnitude. Here, I use a meta-analysis of empirical relationships between vigilance and group size in birds published in the last 35 years to provide a reassessment of the group-size effect on vigilance. Nearly one-third of all published relationships between vigilance and group size were not significant (n e 172). Results from the meta-analysis indicate weak to moderate negative correlations between group size and time spent vigilant (n e 43), scan frequency (n e 29), or scan duration (n e 20). The magnitude of the relationship was stronger in studies that controlled the amount of food available to birds. A funnel plot of the relationship between correlation coefficients and sample size failed to reveal an obvious publication bias. Although the meta-analysis results generally support the prediction that vigilance should decline with group size, a large amount of variation in vigilance remains unexplained in avian studies. Copyright 2008, Oxford University Press.
Twelve tips for creating a medical education podcast

Abstract Podcasts and other asynchronous remote learning pedagogies have become increasingly utilized in undergraduate and graduate medical education. They offer a convenient and accessible form of education for personalized learning and have been developed across multiple disciplines of medicine. This paper discusses the current literature on medical education podcasts, offers practical examples of existing free podcast content, and offers guidance on planning, designing, and executing the creation of a new educational podcast. It discusses best practices for the engagement of learners and logistical considerations for recording and hosting the material. These Twelve Tips hope to empower educators to utilize resources across the world to offer the highest quality opportunities for learners of all levels.
PIVOT: Learning API-Device Correlations to Facilitate Android Compatibility Issue Detection

The heavily fragmented Android ecosystem has induced various compatibility issues in Android apps. The search space for such fragmentation-induced compatibility issues (FIC issues) is huge, comprising three dimensions: device models, Android OS versions, and Android APIs. FIC issues, especially those arising from device models, evolve quickly with the frequent release of new device models to the market. As a result, an automated technique is desired to maintain timely knowledge of such FIC issues, which are mostly undocumented. In this paper, we propose such a technique, PIVOT, that automatically learns API-device correlations of FIC issues from existing Android apps. PIVOT extracts and prioritizes API-device correlations from a given corpus of Android apps. We evaluated PIVOT with popular Android apps on Google Play. Evaluation results show that PIVOT can effectively prioritize valid API-device correlations for app corpora collected at different time. Leveraging the knowledge in the learned API-device correlations, we further conducted a case study and successfully uncovered ten previously-undetected FIC issues in open-source Android apps.