Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Trends in health inequalities in 27 European countries

Significance Inequalities in mortality and morbidity among socioeconomic groups are a highly persistent phenomenon despite having been the focus of public health policy in many countries. The United States has recently witnessed a widening of health inequalities due to rising mortality and morbidity among the lowly educated. Our study shows that, despite the financial crisis, most European countries have experienced an improvement in the health of the lowly educated in recent years. In Eastern Europe, this even represents a reversal as compared with previous decades. The 2008 financial crisis has had mixed effects without widening health inequalities. Our results suggest that European countries have been successful in avoiding an aggravation of health inequalities. Unfavorable health trends among the lowly educated have recently been reported from the United States. We analyzed health trends by education in European countries, paying particular attention to the possibility of recent trend interruptions, including interruptions related to the impact of the 2008 financial crisis. We collected and harmonized data on mortality from ca. 1980 to ca. 2014 for 17 countries covering 9.8 million deaths and data on self-reported morbidity from ca. 2002 to ca. 2014 for 27 countries covering 350,000 survey respondents. We used interrupted time-series analyses to study changes over time and country-fixed effects analyses to study the impact of crisis-related economic conditions on health outcomes. Recent trends were more favorable than in previous decades, particularly in Eastern Europe, where mortality started to decline among lowly educated men and where the decline in less-than-good self-assessed health accelerated, resulting in some narrowing of health inequalities. In Western Europe, mortality has continued to decline among the lowly and highly educated, and although the decline of less-than-good self-assessed health slowed in countries severely hit by the financial crisis, this affected lowly and highly educated equally. Crisis-related economic conditions were not associated with widening health inequalities. Our results show that the unfavorable trends observed in the United States are not found in Europe. There has also been no discernible short-term impact of the crisis on health inequalities at the population level. Both findings suggest that European countries have been successful in avoiding an aggravation of health inequalities.
Adaptive computed torque control based on RBF network for a lower limb exoskeleton

A 12 degrees of freedom (DOFs) lower limb exoskeleton for gait rehabilitation is designed in our research. Traditional computed torque control (CTC) is an effective motion control method because of its globally asymptotic stability. Despite the impossibility of obtaining the precise dynamical models of exoskeletons, effective compensative methods can still contribute to achieve satisfying motion control. Adaptive radial basis functional (RBF) neural networks is applied to estimate the unknown part and compensate for it. A comparative research illustrates the better performance and beneficial effects while RBF neural networks are applied. MATLAB/Robotics Toolbox (RTB) helps to obtain the dynamic model information, avoiding the calculating complexity and the corresponding co-simulation results in MATLAB/SimMechanics are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness and fundamental improvement of the proposed control scheme. The combined utilization of RTB and SolidWorks sufficiently indicates the feasibility of the proposed strategy in hardware system.
Machine Learning for Predictive Analytics of Compute Cluster Jobs

We address the problem of predicting whether sufficient memory and CPU resources have been requested for jobs at submission time. For this purpose, we examine the task of training a supervised machine learning system to predict the outcome - whether the job will fail specifically due to insufficient resources - as a classification task. Sufficiently high accuracy, precision, and recall at this task facilitates more anticipatory decision support applications in the domain of HPC resource allocation. Our preliminary results using a new test bed show that the probability of failed jobs is associated with information freely available at job submission time and may thus be usable by a learning system for user modeling that gives personalized feedback to users.
A haunted beast: Targeting STAT5BN642H in T-Cell Neoplasia

ABSTRACT The somatic hot spot mutation STAT5BN642H was found in many T cell leukemia/lymphoma patients. We generated and analyzed a transgenic mouse model with hematopoietic STAT5BN642H expression that caused aggressive T-cell leukemia/lymphomas. Herein, we discuss the scientific merit of our model and its relevance for pre-clinical studies.
Comparative study of lower pharyngeal jaw structure in two phenotypes of Astatoreochromis alluaudi (teleostei: Cichlidae)

The potentially molluscivorous East‐African cichlid Astatoreochromis alluaudi is known to exhibit phenotypic plasticity in its pharyngeal jaw apparatus. We examined wild‐caught (snail‐eating) fish and specimens experimentally reared on soft food for differences in bone structure in their lower pharyngeal jaw (LPJ). The LPJ is built up of two halves, each of which consists of four structural units: a bony dentigerous, sutural and cortical plate, surrounding a medullary cavity containing sparse bone. Histomorphometric data and associated statistical analysis on serial microradiographs through the posterior third region of the LPJ, where crushing forces are assumed to be the highest, reveal differing growth trajectories: (1) compensating for fish size (standard length) the LPJ grows to a significantly larger size and volume in snail‐eating specimens, (2) all structural units distinguished contribute to the volume increase of the LPJ in the hard versus the soft phenotype, and (3) the bone volume fraction in each of the units keeps pace with the growth of the unit proper, indicating that porosity does not change on one growth trajectory or from one phenotype to another. In addition, morphological observations show in hard food specimens: (1) the development of a structurally different bony layer along the inner side of the cortical plate, and (2) a reinforcement of the medullary cavity in the form of oriented trabeculae. Both are interpreted as a consolidation of the medullary cavity to resist the compressive forces exerted when hard food particles (mollusc shells) are crushed. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Variable sampling time model predictive control of multiphase induction machines

Model predictive control of multiphase induction machines has gained importance in recent years due to the advantages that it presents over conventional controllers. However, one of the principal problems of this control technique is the high harmonic content that appears in the voltage and currents of the system. This paper presents a new control scheme that modifies the conventional model predictive control algorithm in order to use a variable sampling time. Thus, in each sampling period, the application time of the selected voltage vector is adjusted to better pursue the control objectives. The additional degree of freedom introduced by the variable sampling time can be used to improve the problem of the harmonic content. Simulations using a five-phase induction machine test the feasibility of the proposed controller.
Improving spatial prediction of Schistosoma haematobium prevalence in southern Ghana through new remote sensors and local water access profiles

Background Schistosomiasis is a water-related neglected tropical disease. In many endemic low- and middle-income countries, insufficient surveillance and reporting lead to poor characterization of the demographic and geographic distribution of schistosomiasis cases. Hence, modeling is relied upon to predict areas of high transmission and to inform control strategies. We hypothesized that utilizing remotely sensed (RS) environmental data in combination with water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) variables could improve on the current predictive modeling approaches. Methodology Schistosoma haematobium prevalence data, collected from 73 rural Ghanaian schools, were used in a random forest model to investigate the predictive capacity of 15 environmental variables derived from RS data (Landsat 8, Sentinel-2, and Global Digital Elevation Model) with fine spatial resolution (10–30 m). Five methods of variable extraction were tested to determine the spatial linkage between school-based prevalence and the environmental conditions of potential transmission sites, including applying the models to known human water contact locations. Lastly, measures of local water access and groundwater quality were incorporated into RS-based models to assess the relative importance of environmental and WASH variables. Principal findings Predictive models based on environmental characterization of specific locations where people contact surface water bodies offered some improvement as compared to the traditional approach based on environmental characterization of locations where prevalence is measured. A water index (MNDWI) and topographic variables (elevation and slope) were important environmental risk factors, while overall, groundwater iron concentration predominated in the combined model that included WASH variables. Conclusions/Significance The study helps to understand localized drivers of schistosomiasis transmission. Specifically, unsatisfactory water quality in boreholes perpetuates reliance on surface water bodies, indirectly increasing schistosomiasis risk and resulting in rapid reinfection (up to 40% prevalence six months following preventive chemotherapy). Considering WASH-related risk factors in schistosomiasis prediction can help shift the focus of control strategies from treating symptoms to reducing exposure.
SolarDB

Efficient transaction processing over large databases is a key requirement for many mission-critical applications. Although modern databases have achieved good performance through horizontal partitioning, their performance deteriorates when cross-partition distributed transactions have to be executed. This article presents SolarDB, a distributed relational database system that has been successfully tested at a large commercial bank. The key features of SolarDB include (1) a shared-everything architecture based on a two-layer log-structured merge-tree; (2) a new concurrency control algorithm that works with the log-structured storage, which ensures efficient and non-blocking transaction processing even when the storage layer is compacting data among nodes in the background; and (3) find-grained data access to effectively minimize and balance network communication within the cluster. According to our empirical evaluations on TPC-C, Smallbank, and a real-world workload, SolarDB outperforms the existing shared-nothing systems by up to 50x when there are close to or more than 5% distributed transactions.
The effects of lutein on cisplatin-induced retinal injury: an experimental study

Abstract Aim: Lutein is one of the most common carotenoids defined in human plasma as having potent anti-oxidant effects. We aimed to determine the biochemical and histopathological effects of lutein on cisplatin-induced oxidative retinal injury in rats. Materials and methods: Twenty-four rats were equally divided into four groups as healthy controls (HC group), only cisplatin (5 mg/kg) administered group (CIS group), Lutein (0.5 mg/kg) + cisplatin (5 mg/kg) administered group (LC group), and only Lutein (0.5 mg/kg) (LUT group) administered group. From the blood samples obtained, serum malondialdehyde (MDA), total glutathione (tGSH), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) levels were investigated. In histopathological analyses, the total retinal thickness, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), photoreceptor layer (PL), outer nuclear layer (ONL), outer plexiform layer (OPL), inner nuclear layer (INL), inner plexiform layer (IPL), and ganglion cell layer (GCL) were evaluated. Results: MDA, IL-1β, and TNF-a levels were statistically significantly higher (p < 0.001) in CIS group compared with other three groups while tGSH levels were statistically significantly lower (p < 0.001). In subgroup analyses, there was no any statistically significant difference regarding all four parameters analyzed between HC, LC, and LUT groups. In histopathological analyses, cisplatin-induced retinal damage included atrophy and disorganization on outer segment, degeneration and detachment of RPE and PL from choroid, degeneration and edema of INL and IPL, total degeneration of GCL; while cisplatin-induced retinal damage was determined to be significantly prevented with 0.5 mg lutein treatment on histopathological evaluations. Conclusions: Lutein co-administration was highly effective in prevention of cisplatin-induced retinal damage due to the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of lutein.
Fair Benchmarking Considered Difficult: Common Pitfalls In Database Performance Testing

Performance benchmarking is one of the most commonly used methods for comparing different systems or algorithms, both in scientific literature and in industrial publications. While performance measurements might seem objective on the surface, there are many different ways to influence benchmark results to favor one system over the other, either by accident or on purpose. In this paper, we perform a study of the common pitfalls in DBMS performance comparisons, and give advice on how they can be spotted and avoided so a fair performance comparison between systems can be made. We illustrate the common pitfalls with a series of mock benchmarks, which show large differences in performance where none should be present.
An Improved Wearable Resonant Wireless Power Transfer System for Biomedical Capsule Endoscope

Magnetic resonant-based wireless power transfer system (WPTS) is an efficient way to energize critical biomedical devices, such as wireless capsule endoscopes, where a direct wire connection is not practical. However, low power transfer efficiency (PTE) and poor received power stability (RPS) are usually the main bottlenecks of WPTS in this application. Thus, this paper proposes an efficient WPTS that tremendously improves the PTE and enriches the RPS. In order to improve the PTE, an optimum three-coil inductive link is adopted with a compact wearable power transmitting coil-I (PTC-I) and a 2-3D power receiving coil. As a result, the stability is improved with the new configuration of the power transmission coil-III (PTC-III) and power combining technique at the receiving side. To confirm the validity of the proposed design, proof-of-concept prototypes were implemented for an experimental test. Results obtained from the experimental test assured that the proposed PTC-I-based system achieved a PTE of more than 8% while transferring 758 mW of power with 68.7% RPS. The best overall RPS attained by the proposed PTC-III based system is 79.2%. This system achieved a PTE of 5.4% transferring at least 570 mW of power. In comparison, the performance of the proposed designs greatly outweighs the previous designs.
Critical review of long-term ozone exposure and asthma development

Abstract Asthma, a chronic respiratory disorder with complex etiology and various phenotypes, is a considerable public health concern in the USA and worldwide. While there is evidence suggesting ambient ozone exposure may exacerbate asthma, information regarding the potential role of ozone in asthma development is more limited. Thus, we conducted a critical review of observational epidemiology studies to determine whether long-term ambient ozone exposure is a risk factor for asthma development. We identified 14 relevant studies; 11 evaluated asthma development in children, while three studies, based on a single cohort, assessed this outcome in adults. Studies of childhood asthma and long-term ozone exposure – including exposure in utero, during the first year of life and during early childhood – reported inconsistent findings, which were further weakened by critical methodological limitations in statistical analyses and in exposure and outcome assessments, such as exposure measurement error and a lack of adjustment for key confounders. For adult-onset asthma, long-term ozone exposure was associated with an increased risk in men but not women. In addition to considerable uncertainties due to potential exposure measurement error and a lack of adjustment for key confounders, this study has limited generalizability to the US general population. While experimental evidence indicates that it may be biologically plausible that long-term ozone exposure could contribute to asthma development, it does not provide insight regarding an established mode of action. Future research is needed to address the uncertainties regarding the role of long-term ambient ozone exposure in asthma development.
RAP GTPases and platelet integrin signaling

Abstract Platelets are highly specialized cells that continuously patrol the vasculature to ensure its integrity (hemostasis). At sites of vascular injury, they are able to respond to trace amounts of agonists and to rapidly transition from an anti-adhesive/patrolling to an adhesive state (integrin inside-out activation) required for hemostatic plug formation. Pathological conditions that disturb the balance in the underlying signaling processes can lead to unwanted platelet activation (thrombosis) or to an increased bleeding risk. The small GTPases of the RAP subfamily, highly expressed in platelets, are critical regulators of cell adhesion, cytoskeleton remodeling, and MAP kinase signaling. Studies by our group and others demonstrate that RAP GTPases, in particular RAP1A and RAP1B, are the key molecular switches that turn on platelet activation/adhesiveness at sites of injury. In this review, we will summarize major findings on the role of RAP GTPases in platelet biology with a focus on the signaling pathways leading to the conversion of integrins to a high-affinity state.
Pedestrian Dead Reckoning Based on Motion Mode Recognition Using a Smartphone

This paper presents a pedestrian dead reckoning (PDR) approach based on motion mode recognition using a smartphone. The motion mode consists of pedestrian movement state and phone pose. With the support vector machine (SVM) and the decision tree (DT), the arbitrary combinations of movement state and phone pose can be recognized successfully. In the traditional principal component analysis based (PCA-based) method, the obtained horizontal accelerations in one stride time interval cannot be guaranteed to be horizontal and the pedestrian’s direction vector will be influenced. To solve this problem, we propose a PCA-based method with global accelerations (PCA-GA) to infer pedestrian’s headings. Besides, based on the further analysis of phone poses, an ambiguity elimination method is also developed to calibrate the obtained headings. The results indicate that the recognition accuracy of the combinations of movement states and phone poses can be 92.4%. The 50% and 75% absolute estimation errors of pedestrian’s headings are 5.6° and 9.2°, respectively. This novel PCA-GA based method can achieve higher accuracy than traditional PCA-based method and heading offset method. The localization error can reduce to around 3.5 m in a trajectory of 164 m for different movement states and phone poses.
Accurate Building Detection in VHR Remote Sensing Images Using Geometric Saliency

This paper aims to address the problem of detecting buildings from remote sensing images with very high resolution (VHR). Inspired by the observation that buildings are always more distinguishable in geometries than in texture or spectral, we propose a new geometric building index (GBI) for accurate building detection, which relies on the geometric saliency of building structures. The geometric saliency of buildings is derived from a mid-level geometric representations based on meaningful junctions that can locally describe anisotropic geometrical structures of images. The resulting GBI is measured by integrating the derived geometric saliency of buildings. Experiments on three public datasets demonstrate that the proposed GBI achieves very promising performance, and meanwhile shows impressive generalization capability.
The fine structure of the encysting salt marsh heterotrich ciliate Fabrea salina

Wall and internal organelles of the encysting salt marsh heterotrich ciliate Fabrea salina were examined by bright field and Nomarski interference contrast microscopy and by transmission and scanning electron microscopy. A mucoid sheath believed to be derived from bacteria covers the ectocyst. The possible bacterial origin of this sheath has been demonstrated experimentally by its removal and reappearence after 24 hours. Control ectocyst maintained in sterile seawater did not replace the sheath. The ectocyst has a crinkled appearance. The endocyst is composed of two layers. The inner endocyst material is continuous with that of the plug located at one end of the cyst. The two membranes are separated from one another by an interwall space filled with fibrous material. The cytoplasm, covered by an outer double membrane pellicle, contains mucocysts, pigment granules, microtubules, non‐ciliated kinetosomes, Golgi complexes, ribosome‐studded endoplasmic reticulum, and mitochondria. The endoplasm contains numerous autophagosomes, mitochondria, and food reserve materials. The macronucleus is centrally located in the cytoplasm of the encysting organism.