Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On the value of coordination in network design

We study network design games where n self-interested agents have to form a network by purchasing links from a given set of edges. We consider Shapley cost sharing mechanisms that split the cost of an edge in a fair manner among the agents using the edge. It is well known that the price of anarchy of these games is as high as n. Therefore, recent research has focused on evaluating the price of stability, i.e. the cost of the best Nash equilibrium relative to the social optimum. In this paper we investigate to which extent coordination among agents can improve the quality of solutions. We resort to the concept of strong Nash equilibria, which were introduced by Aumann and are resilient to deviations by coalitions of agents. We analyze the price of anarchy of strong Nash equilibria and develop lower and upper bounds for unweighted and weighted games in both directed and undirected graphs. These bounds are tight or nearly tight for many scenarios. It shows that using coordination, the price of anarchy drops from linear to logarithmic bounds. We complement these results by also proving the first super-constant lower bound on the price of stability of standard equilibria (without coordination) in undirected graphs. More specifically, we show a lower bound of Ω(log W/ log log W) for weighted games, where W is the total weight of all the agents. This almost matches the known upper bound of O(log W). Our results imply that, for most settings, the worst-case performance ratios of strong coordinated equilibria are essentially always as good as the performance ratios of the best equilibria achievable without coordination. These settings include unweighted games in directed graphs as well as weighted games in both directed and undirected graphs.
A Grape ASR Protein Involved in Sugar and Abscisic Acid Signaling Article, publication date, and citation information can be found at www.plantcell.org/cgi/doi/10.1105/tpc.013854.

The function of ASR (ABA [abscisic acid]-, stress-, and ripening-induced) proteins remains unknown. A grape ASR, VvMSA, was isolated by means of a yeast one-hybrid approach using as a target the proximal promoter of a grape putative monosaccharide transporter (VvHT1). This promoter contains two sugar boxes, and its activity is induced by sucrose and glucose. VvMSA and VvHT1 share similar patterns of expression during the ripening of grape. Both genes are inducible by sucrose in grape berry cell culture, and sugar induction of VvMSA is enhanced strongly by ABA. These data suggest that VvMSA is involved in a common transduction pathway of sugar and ABA signaling. Gel-shift assays demonstrate a specific binding of VvMSA to the 160-bp fragment of the VvHT1 promoter and more precisely to two sugar-responsive elements present in this target. The positive regulation of VvHT1 promoter activity by VvMSA also is shown in planta by coexpression experiments. The nuclear localization of the yellow fluorescent protein–VvMSA fusion protein and the functionality of the VvMSA nuclear localization signal are demonstrated. Thus, a biological function is ascribed to an ASR protein. VvMSA acts as part of a transcription-regulating complex involved in sugar and ABA signaling.
Molecular profiling of appendiceal epithelial tumors using massively parallel sequencing to identify somatic mutations.

BACKGROUND Some epithelial neoplasms of the appendix, including low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm and adenocarcinoma, can result in pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP). Little is known about the mutational spectra of these tumor types and whether mutations may be of clinical significance with respect to therapeutic selection. In this study, we identified somatic mutations using the Ion Torrent AmpliSeq Cancer Hotspot Panel v2. METHODS Specimens consisted of 3 nonneoplastic retention cysts/mucocele, 15 low-grade mucinous neoplasms (LAMNs), 8 low-grade/well-differentiated mucinous adenocarcinomas with pseudomyxoma peritonei, and 12 adenocarcinomas with/without goblet cell/signet ring cell features. Barcoded libraries were prepared from up to 10 ng of extracted DNA and multiplexed on single 318 chips for sequencing. Data analysis was performed using Golden Helix SVS. Variants that remained after the analysis pipeline were individually interrogated using the Integrative Genomics Viewer. RESULTS A single Janus kinase 3 (JAK3) mutation was detected in the mucocele group. Eight mutations were identified in the V-Ki-ras2 Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) and GNAS complex locus (GNAS) genes among LAMN samples. Additional gene mutations were identified in the AKT1 (v-akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog 1), APC (adenomatous polyposis coli), JAK3, MET (met proto-oncogene), phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase (PIK3CA), RB1 (retinoblastoma 1), STK11 (serine/threonine kinase 11), and tumor protein p53 (TP53) genes. Among the PMPs, 6 mutations were detected in the KRAS gene and also in the GNAS, TP53, and RB1 genes. Appendiceal cancers showed mutations in the APC, ATM (ataxia telangiectasia mutated), KRAS, IDH1 [isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (NADP+)], NRAS [neuroblastoma RAS viral (v-ras) oncogene homolog], PIK3CA, SMAD4 (SMAD family member 4), and TP53 genes. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest molecular heterogeneity among epithelial tumors of the appendix. Next generation sequencing efforts have identified mutational spectra in several subtypes of these tumors that may suggest a phenotypic heterogeneity showing mutations that are relevant for targeted therapies.
Discovery of Radio Outbursts in the Active Nucleus of M81

The low-luminosity active galactic nucleus of M81 has been monitored at centimeter wavelengths since early 1993 as a by-product of radio programs to study the radio emission from supernova 1993J. The extensive data sets reveal that the nucleus experienced several radio outbursts during the monitoring period. At 2 and 3.6 cm, the main outburst occurred roughly in the beginning of 1993 September and lasted for approximately 3 months; at longer wavelengths, the maximum flux density decreases and the onset of the burst is delayed. These characteristics qualitatively resemble the standard model for adiabatically expanding radio sources, although certain discrepancies between the observations and the theoretical predictions suggest that the model is too simplistic. In addition to the large-amplitude, prolonged variations, we also detected milder changes in the flux density at 3.6 cm and possibly at 6 cm on short (≲1 day) timescales. We discuss a possible association between the radio activity and an optical flare observed during the period that the nucleus was monitored at radio wavelengths.
Sumatriptan transdermal iontophoretic patch (NP101-Zelrix™): review of pharmacology, clinical efficacy, and safety in the acute treatment of migraine

Migraine is a chronic, painful, and often disabling primary headache disorder, typically presenting with recurrent attacks that may be accompanied by a variety of neurological, gastrointestinal, and autonomic symptoms. Gastrointestinal symptoms in association with migraine including, nausea, vomiting, and gastroparesis, affect a large proportion of migraine sufferers. These symptoms may result in delays or inconsistencies in the absorption of oral treatments. Hence, the necessity for an innovative, non-invasive, parenteral delivery formulation for quick and effective treatment of migraine attacks is evident. Iontophoresis utilizes minimal amounts of electrical potential to support the fast transfer of ionized medication transdermally and into the general circulation. Two pharmacokinetic clinical trials have shown that iontophoretic delivery of sumatriptan through the skin produces quick and reproducible therapeutic plasma concentrations. A randomized, double-blind, multicenter, phase III study demonstrated superior efficacy versus placebo and excellent tolerability, with no triptan-related adverse events. The proportion of patients that were pain-free at 2 h post-treatment was 18% for the sumatriptan patch vs 9% for placebo (P = 0.0092; number needed to treat = 11.1). Upon approval from the Food and Drug Administration and other regulatory authorities, the iontophoretic transdermal delivery of sumatriptan will be a good choice for patients experiencing poor absorption of oral medication often associated with migraine and/or for those with intolerable triptan-related adverse events.
Sex-specific influence of DRD2 on ADHD-type temperament in a large population-based birth cohort

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a childhood-onset neurodevelopmental disorder with a significant public-health impact. Previously, we described a candidate gene study in a population-based birth cohort that demonstrated an association with ADHD-affected males and the dopamine receptor D2 (DRD2). The current study evaluates potential associations of dopamine receptor genes and Cloninger temperament traits within this same sample. Participants with stringent lifetime ADHD diagnoses were ascertained systematically from the genetically isolated Northern Finland 1986 Birth Cohort (n=9432), resulting in 178 cases and 157 controls. Markers in all known dopamine receptor genes were genotyped. We report an association of DRD2 with low Persistence in females (rs1079727 P=0.02, rs1124491 P=0.02, rs1800497 P=0.03). The associated DRD2 minor allelic haplotype (CAA, P=0.03) is the same haplotype we previously associated with ADHD in males in this birth cohort. The current study further supports previous results on the role of DRD2 in individuals with ADHD. Investigations suggest that DRD2 may have an impact on both males and females, but the particular outcome appears sex-specific, manifesting as ADHD in males and low Persistence in females. Furthermore, these findings suggest that the putative role of low Persistence as an endophenotype for ADHD deserves further investigation.
Depth Perception Within Virtual Environments: Comparison Between two Display Technologies

Depth perception is one of the key issues in virtual reality. Many questions within this area are still under investigation including the egocentric distance misestimation. In this paper we describe an experiment confirming distance underestimation from another point of view. The approach we developed is based on a very simple task: subjects had to compare relative depths of two virtual objects. The experiment compared performance using head mounted display and stereo- scopic widescreen display to evaluate which visual cues subjects use to estimate depth of virtual objects. To minimize motoric effects, subjects were seated and their estimations were only verbal. Likewise, to avoid the well known effects of apparent size, namely the size-distance invariance, the experiment was also performed with conflict sequences: the presented objects had the same apparent sizes with different depths or the same depth but different physical sizes. The obtained results show significant differences between the two devices and confirm the distance misestimation phenomenon for head mounted display. Moreover, changing the background color or the shape of the presented objects also had an influence on subjects' performance.
Hybridisation is associated with increased fecundity and size in invasive taxa: meta-analytic support for the hybridisation-invasion hypothesis

The hypothesis that interspecific hybridisation promotes invasiveness has received much recent attention, but tests of the hypothesis can suffer from important limitations. Here, we provide the first systematic review of studies experimentally testing the hybridisation-invasion (H-I) hypothesis in plants, animals and fungi. We identified 72 hybrid systems for which hybridisation has been putatively associated with invasiveness, weediness or range expansion. Within this group, 15 systems (comprising 34 studies) experimentally tested performance of hybrids vs. their parental species and met our other criteria. Both phylogenetic and non-phylogenetic meta-analyses demonstrated that wild hybrids were significantly more fecund and larger than their parental taxa, but did not differ in survival. Resynthesised hybrids (which typically represent earlier generations than do wild hybrids) did not consistently differ from parental species in fecundity, survival or size. Using meta-regression, we found that fecundity increased (but survival decreased) with generation in resynthesised hybrids, suggesting that natural selection can play an important role in shaping hybrid performance – and thus invasiveness – over time. We conclude that the available evidence supports the H-I hypothesis, with the caveat that our results are clearly driven by tests in plants, which are more numerous than tests in animals and fungi.
Grouper tshβ Promoter-Driven Transgenic Zebrafish Marks Proximal Kidney Tubule Development

Kidney tubule plays a critical role in recovering or secreting solutes, but the detailed morphogenesis remains unclear. Our previous studies have found that grouper tshβ (gtshβ) is also expressed in kidney, however, the distribution significance is still unknown. To understand the gtshβ role and kidney tubule morphogenesis, here, we have generated a transgenic zebrafish line Tg(gtshβ:GFP) with green fluorescent protein driven by the gtshβ promoter. Similar to the endogenous tshβ in zebrafish or in grouper, the gtshβ promoter-driven GFP is expressed in pituitary and kidney, and the developing details of proximal kidney tubule are marked in the transgenic zebrafish line. The gfp initially transcribes at 16 hours post fertilization (hpf) above the dorsal mesentery, and partially co-localizes with pronephric tubular markers slc20a1a and cdh17. Significantly, the GFP specifically localizes in proximal pronephric segments during embryogenesis and resides at kidney duct epithelium in adult fish. To test whether the gtshβ promoter-driven GFP may serve as a readout signal of the tubular development, we have treated the embryos with retinoic acid signaing (RA) reagents, in which exogenous RA addition results in a distal extension of the proximal segments, while RA inhibition induces a weakness and shortness of the proximal segments. Therefore, this transgenic line provides a useful tool for genetic or chemical analysis of kidney tubule.
Artificial Noise Assisted Secure Transmission Under Training and Feedback

This paper proposes a framework for the artificial noise assisted secure transmission in multiple-input, multiple-output, multiple antenna eavesdropper (MIMOME) wiretap channels in frequency-division duplexed (FDD) systems. We focus on a practical scenario that only the eavesdroppers' channel distribution information (CDI) is available and the imperfect channel state information (CSI) of the legitimate receiver is acquired through training and analog feedback. By taking explicitly into account the signaling overhead and training power overhead incurred by channel estimation and feedback, we define the achievable effective ergodic secrecy rate (ESR), and investigate a joint power allocation and training overhead optimization problem for the maximization of effective ESR. We first derive a deterministic approximation for the achievable effective ESR which facilitates the joint optimization. Then, efficient iterative algorithms are proposed to solve the considered nonconvex optimization problem. In particular, in the high-SNR regime, a block coordinate descent method (BCDM) is proposed to handle the joint optimization. In the low-SNR regime, we transform the problem into a sequence of geometric programmings (GPs) and locate its Karush-Kuhn-Tucker (KKT) solution using the successive convex approximation (SCA) method. For the general case of SNR, we maximize the lower bound of the achievable effective ESR. Simulation results corroborate the theoretical analysis and illustrate the secrecy performance of the proposed secure transmission scheme.
MEASUREMENTS AND ANALYSIS OF THE TRANSPORT OF RADON THROUGH CONCRETE SAMPLES

Experiments were conducted to measure the transportability of radon gas through common concrete samples which were characterized by their mix proportions, dimensions, porosity, air permeability and radon gas diffusion coefficient. Several innovative test systems and methods were designed, fabricated and calibrated to accurately measure these radon gas transport characteristics for concrete and to overcome many of the shortcomings of previously published experimental works. From the experimental results, it is found that diffusion is the dominant transport mechanism by which radon gas flows through an intact concrete slab. It is also shown that the indoor radon levels are greatly affected by the type ofconcrete mix employed. The results of this study can be utilized to improve the present technology of radon-resistant construction techniques for new residential construction.
Investigating and predicting social and visual image interestingness on social media by crowdsourcing

Not all images are interesting to people. People are drawn by interesting images and ignore tasteless ones. Image interestingness has the importance no less than other subjective image properties that have received significant research interest, but has not been systematically studied before. In this work we focus on visual and social aspects of image interestingness. We rely on crowdsourcing tools to survey human perceptions for these subjective properties and verify data by analyzing consistency and reliability. We show that people have an agreement when deciding if an image is interesting or not. We examine the correlation between the social, visual aspects of interestingness and aesthetics. By exploring the correlation, we find that: (1) Weak correlation between social interestingness and both of visual interestingness and image aesthetics indicates that the images frequently re-shared by people are not necessarily aesthetic or visually interesting. (2) High correlation between image aesthetics and visual interestingness implies aesthetic images are more likely to be visually interesting to people. Then we wonder what features of an image lead to social interestingness, e.g. receiving more likes and shares on social networking sites? We train classifiers to predict visual and social interestingness and investigate the contribution from different image features. We find that social and visual interestingness can be best predicted with color and texture, respectively, providing a way to manipulate social and visual liking of images with image features. Further, we investigate the correlation between social/visual image interestingness and image color. We find that colors with arousal effect show more frequently in images with higher social interestingness. That could be explained by previous studies for activation-related affect of colors and provides useful and important advice when advertising on social networking sites.
Efficient Use of Clickers: A Mixed-Method Inquiry with University Teachers

With the advancement of information technology and policies encouraging interactivities in teaching and learning, the use of students’ response system (SRS), commonly known as clickers, has experienced substantial growth in recent years. The reported effectiveness of SRS has varied. Based on the framework of technological-pedagogical-content knowledge (TPACK), the current study attempted to explore the disparity in efficiency of adopting SRS. A concurrent mixed method design was adopted to delineate factors conducive to efficient adoption of SRS through closed-ended survey responses and qualitative data. Participants were purposefully sampled from diverse academic disciplines and backgrounds. Seventeen teachers from various disciplines (i.e., tourism management, business, health sciences, applied sciences, engineering, and social sciences) at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University formed a teacher focus group for the current study. In the facilitated focus group, issues relating to efficient use of clickers, participants explored questions on teachers’ knowledge on various technologies, knowledge relating to their subject matters, methods and processes of teaching, as well as how to integrate all knowledge into their teaching. The TPACK model was adopted to guide the discussions. Emergent themes from the discussions were extracted using NVivo 10 for Windows, and were categorized according to the framework of TPACK. The survey, implemented on an online survey platform, solicited participants on teachers’ knowledge and technology acceptance. The close-ended survey comprised 30 items based on the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) framework and 20 items based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). Participating teachers concurred with the suggestion that use of clickers is instrumental in engaging students in learning and assessing formative students’ progress. Converging with the survey results, several major themes contributing to the successful implementation of clickers, namely technology, technological-pedagogical, technological-content, technological-pedagogical-content knowledge, were identified from the teacher focus groups. The most and second most frequently cited themes were technological-pedagogical-content Knowledge and the technological knowledge respectively. Findings from the current study triangulated with previous findings on TPACK and use of clickers, particularly, the influence of technological-pedagogical-content Knowledge and technological knowledge on successful integration of innovations in class. Furthermore, the current study highlighted the impact of technological-pedagogical and technological-content knowledge for further research to unfold technology adoption with these featured TPACK configurations, as well as rendering support to frontline academics related to integration of technology and pedagogy.
Core losses in motor laminations exposed to high-frequency or nonsinusoidal excitation

This paper first reviews three internationally standardized core loss measurement methods: the Epstein frame, toroids, and single sheet testers. A comparison of the Epstein frame and toroid test results is presented for annealed and unannealed steel. Two methods are used to predict core losses under nonsinusoidal supplies. The first method uses the Fourier series and an improved loss separation algorithm to predict no-load core losses under brushless DC motor flux waveform excitation with a flux density known spectrum. The second method uses the form factor concept and an improved loss separation algorithm to predict core loss. The combination of the improved loss separation algorithm and the form factor concept was found to yield results close to the measured losses under high-frequency supplies, such as pulsewidth-modulated waveforms. An Epstein frame with commercial 0.0140-in (0.356 mm) electrical steel was used for direct core loss measurements; the methods and test bench used are detailed in the paper, along with test results.
Change propagation based incremental data handling in a Web service discovery framework

Due to the explosive growth in availability of Web services over the open Web and the heterogeneous sources in which they are available, discovering relevant web services for a given task continues to be challenging. In order to deal with these problems, a bottom-up approach based on finding published service descriptions to automatically build a service repository for developing a web service discovery framework was proposed. This framework employs a Service Crawler to find published service descriptions on the Web. Since the service crawler will periodically make repeated runs to find new service descriptions or to check the continued availability of already crawled services, the framework is of an inherently dynamic nature. Hence, it is critical to keep track of various entities like visited URLs, already added & successfully processed service descriptions to avoid rework when the service data set changes. In order to cope with this problem, we developed a change propagation technique based on an event based state machine to incorporate an incremental processing strategy in this Web scale framework.