Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
UTILIZING A GAME THEORETICAL APPROACH TO PREVENT COLLUSION AND INCENTIVIZE COOPERATION IN

Author: Arash Golchubian Title: Utilizing a Game Theoretical Approach to Prevent Collusion and Incentivize Cooperation in Cybersecurity Contexts Institution: Florida Atlantic University Thesis Advisor: Dr. Mehrdad Nojoumian Degree: Master of Science Year: 2017 In this research, a new reputation-based model is utilized to disincentivize collusion of defenders and attackers in Software Defined Networks (SDN), and also, to disincentivize dishonest mining strategies in Blockchain. In the context of SDN, the model uses the reputation values assigned to each entity to disincentivize collusion with an attacker. Our analysis shows that not-colluding actions become Nash Equilibrium using the reputationbased model within a repeated game setting. In the context of Blockchain and mining, we illustrate that by using the same socio-rational model, miners not only are incentivized to conduct honest mining but also disincentivized to commit to any malicious activities against other mining pools. We therefore show that honest mining strategies become Nash Equilibrium in our setting. This thesis is laid out in the following manner. In chapter 2 an introduction to game theory is provided followed by a survey of previous works in game theoretic network security, in chapter 3 a new reputation-based model is introduced to be used within the context of a Software Defined Network (SDN), in chapter 4 a reputation-based solution concept is introduced to force cooperation by each mining entity in Blockchain, and finally, in chapter 5, the concluding remarks and future works are presented. vii To: My loving wife, Sanaz. You inspire me to better myself. and My mother, Mina. You showed me that nothing is impossible. UTILIZING A GAME THEORETICAL APPROACH TO PREVENT COLLUSION AND INCENTIVIZE COOPERATION IN CYBERSECURITY CONTEXTS List of Tables . xii List of Figures . xiii
Effect of tocilizumab on neutrophils in adult patients with rheumatoid arthritis: pooled analysis of data from phase 3 and 4 clinical trials

Objectives. To investigate changes in neutrophil count and occurrences of infection in RA patients treated with the IL‐6 receptor‐&agr; inhibitor tocilizumab (TCZ). Methods. Data were pooled from patients who received i.v. TCZ (4 mg/kg + MTX, 8 mg/kg ± DMARDs, 10 mg/kg) or placebo + DMARDs in phase 3/4 clinical trials, long‐term extensions or a pharmacology study. Neutrophil counts were measured routinely according to the Common Toxicity Criteria for Adverse Events grades; TCZ dosing was adjusted if necessary. Covariates associated with decreased neutrophil counts were assessed with multivariate regression analysis. Infection rates within 30 days of neutrophil count changes were calculated per 100 patient‐years of TCZ exposure. Results. In placebo‐controlled parts of trials, more TCZ‐treated than placebo‐treated patients had grade 1/2 or 3/4 neutrophil counts (TCZ: 28.2%/3.1%; placebo: 8.9%/0.2%). In placebo‐controlled trials + long‐term extensions, 4171 patients provided 16204.8 patient‐years of TCZ exposure. Neutrophil counts decreased through week 6 from baseline [mean (s.d.) change, ‐2.17 (2.16) × 109/l) and remained stable thereafter. Rates (95% CI) of serious infections within 30 days of normal [4.66 (4.31, 5.03)], grade 1/2 [2.48 (1.79, 3.34)] and 3/4 [2.77 (0.34, 10.01)] neutrophil counts were similar. Baseline neutrophil count <2 × 109/l and female gender were associated with grade 3/4 neutrophil counts [odds ratio (OR) (95% CI): 19.02 (6.76, 53.52), 2.55 (1.40, 4.66)]. Patients who stopped TCZ in response to decreased neutrophil count returned more quickly to normal levels than patients who reduced or continued their dose. Conclusion. Decreases in neutrophil counts in patients taking TCZ do not appear to be associated with serious infections and are normalized by current risk mitigation guidelines.
Beliefs About the Direct Comparison of E-Cigarettes and Cigarettes

ABSTRACT Background: Recent data suggests that positive beliefs about electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) use can lead to later e-cig use. Considering that many advertisements claim that e-cigs are superior to cigarettes, individuals' likelihood to view e-cigs more favorably than cigarettes can also influence subsequent e-cig use; however, no studies have directly assessed such a comparison. Objectives: The present study created and validated the Comparing E-Cigarettes and Cigarettes questionnaire (CEAC), which asks individuals to directly compare e-cigs and cigarettes on a number of dimensions, in two independent samples. Methods: In sample 1 (451 undergraduates; mean age = 20.35, SD = 5.44, 72.4% female, 73.4% Caucasian) we explored the factor structure of the CEAC and in sample 2 (699 community adults collected via Amazon's Mechanical Turk; mean age = 34.04, SD = 10.9, 47.7% female, 83.3% Caucasian) we replicated the factor structure. Results: Exploratory factor analysis suggested a three-factor structure: General Benefits (α = 0.80), General Effects (α = 0.86), and Health Benefits (α = 0.88), which was replicated via confirmatory factor analysis, χ2 = 4.36; RMSEA = 0.07, 90% CI = 0.06–0.08; TLI = 0.99; CFI = 0.99, and was relatively invariant across product use and gender. Individuals reported viewing e-cigs as safer and more beneficial than cigarettes and these beliefs were higher in e-cig users. Conclusions: Future work should establish how these comparative beliefs are influenced by e-cig use and/or influence subsequent transition to and increases in e-cig use. Although e-cigs are likely less harmful than cigarettes, and thus these comparative beliefs represent that state of nature, e-cigs are not completely without risk.
Cardiorespiratory interactions previously identified as mammalian are present in the primitive lungfish

Heart rate variation during air breathing indicates similarities between mammals and primitive lungfish. The present study has revealed that the lungfish has both structural and functional features of its system for physiological control of heart rate, previously considered solely mammalian, that together generate variability (HRV). Ultrastructural and electrophysiological investigation revealed that the nerves connecting the brain to the heart are myelinated, conferring rapid conduction velocities, comparable to mammalian fibers that generate instantaneous changes in heart rate at the onset of each air breath. These respiration-related changes in beat-to-beat cardiac intervals were detected by complex analysis of HRV and shown to maximize oxygen uptake per breath, a causal relationship never conclusively demonstrated in mammals. Cardiac vagal preganglionic neurons, responsible for controlling heart rate via the parasympathetic vagus nerve, were shown to have multiple locations, chiefly within the dorsal vagal motor nucleus that may enable interactive control of the circulatory and respiratory systems, similar to that described for tetrapods. The present illustration of an apparently highly evolved control system for HRV in a fish with a proven ancient lineage, based on paleontological, morphological, and recent genetic evidence, questions much of the anthropocentric thinking implied by some mammalian physiologists and encouraged by many psychobiologists. It is possible that some characteristics of mammalian respiratory sinus arrhythmia, for which functional roles have been sought, are evolutionary relics that had their physiological role defined in ancient representatives of the vertebrates with undivided circulatory systems.
Towards a model of loss navigation in adolescence

ABSTRACT Researchers today consider childhood bereavement one of the most traumatic experiences that can befall a child. Nevertheless, most models of bereavement currently limit themselves to dealing with adult grief and primarily explores the internal processes associated with recovery. Based on a study which conducted focus groups with 39 Danish adolescents (aged 9–17), this article presents The Model of Loss Navigation in Adolescence. Centered on the three factors—Being Different, Being in Control, and Being in Grief—the model highlight the social conventions children have to navigate and how these influences both their day-to-day lives and their road to recovery.
A national survey of videolaryngoscopy in the United Kingdom.

Background. There are increasing numbers of videolaryngoscopes marketed and increasing interest in the technology. The Difficult Airway Society's 2015 guidelines recommend that videolaryngoscopes should be immediately available at all times and that all anaesthetists should be trained and skilled in their use. Methods. An electronic survey was sent to all UK National Health Service hospitals to examine availability, use, and attitudes to videolaryngoscopy, and closed in January 2014. Results. The return rate was 67%. Videolaryngoscopy was available in 91% of operating theatres, ∼50% of intensive care units (ICUs) and obstetric theatres, with lower availability in emergency departments (EDs), paediatric anaesthesia, and independent sector hospitals. The most widely available devices were the Airtraq, the GlideScope, and C-MAC. Approximately one in seven respondents reported availability of videolaryngoscopy in all clinical areas. Most departments imposed restrictions on videolaryngoscopy use, especially the ICU and ED. Device selection was only infrequently based on published literature or formal trial. Structured introduction of videolaryngoscopy into practice was uncommon. Penetration of videolaryngoscopy was highly variable; fewer than a third reported widespread use or enthusiasm, although this increased where the C-MAC and GlideScope were widely available. Conclusions. Videolaryngoscopy is available in most hospitals' main operating departments, but in fewer than half of other locations. There is marked variation in device, methods of introduction, usage, and clinical adoption. Most hospitals need to change practice to comply with current guidelines. Selection and implementation vary widely.
A Putative O-Linked β-N-Acetylglucosamine Transferase Is Essential for Hormogonium Development and Motility in the Filamentous Cyanobacterium Nostoc punctiforme

ABSTRACT Most species of filamentous cyanobacteria are capable of gliding motility, likely via a conserved type IV pilus-like system that may also secrete a motility-associated polysaccharide. In a subset of these organisms, motility is achieved only after the transient differentiation of hormogonia, which are specialized filaments that enter a nongrowth state dedicated to motility. Despite the fundamental importance of hormogonia to the life cycles of many filamentous cyanobacteria, the molecular regulation of hormogonium development is largely undefined. To systematically identify genes essential for hormogonium development and motility in the model heterocyst-forming filamentous cyanobacterium Nostoc punctiforme, a forward genetic screen was employed. The first gene identified using this screen, designated ogtA, encodes a putative O-linked β-N-acetylglucosamine transferase (OGT). The deletion of ogtA abolished motility, while ectopic expression of ogtA induced hormogonium development even under hormogonium-repressing conditions. Transcription of ogtA is rapidly upregulated (1 h) following hormogonium induction, and an OgtA-GFPuv fusion protein localized to the cytoplasm. In developing hormogonia, accumulation of PilA but not HmpD is dependent on ogtA. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis indicated equivalent levels of pilA transcript in the wild-type and ΔogtA mutant strains, while a reporter construct consisting of the intergenic region in the 5′ direction of pilA fused to gfp produced lower levels of fluorescence in the ΔogtA mutant strain than in the wild type. The production of hormogonium polysaccharide in the ΔogtA mutant strain is reduced compared to that in the wild type but comparable to that in a pilA deletion strain. Collectively, these results imply that O-GlcNAc protein modification regulates the accumulation of PilA via a posttranscriptional mechanism in developing hormogonia. IMPORTANCE Filamentous cyanobacteria are among the most developmentally complex prokaryotes. Species such as Nostoc punctiforme develop an array of cell types, including nitrogen-fixing heterocysts, spore-like akinetes, and motile hormogonia, that function in dispersal as well as the establishment of nitrogen-fixing symbioses with plants and fungi. These symbioses are major contributors to global nitrogen fixation. Despite the fundamental importance of hormogonia to the life cycle of filamentous cyanobacteria and the establishment of symbioses, the molecular regulation of hormogonium development is largely undefined. We employed a genetic screen to identify genes essential for hormogonium development and motility in Nostoc punctiforme. The first gene identified using this screen encodes a eukaryotic-like O-linked β-N-acetylglucosamine transferase that is required for accumulation of PilA in hormogonia.
Use of MenACWY-CRM Vaccine in Children Aged 2 Through 23 Months at Increased Risk for Meningococcal Disease: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, 2013

During its October 2013 meeting, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended use of a third meningococcal conjugate vaccine, MenACWY-CRM (Menveo, Novartis), as an additional option for vaccinating infants aged 2 through 23 months at increased risk for meningococcal disease. MenACWY-CRM is the first quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine licensed for use in children aged 2 through 8 months. MenACWY-D (Menactra, Sanofi Pasteur) is recommended for use in children aged 9 through 23 months who are at increased risk for meningococcal disease, and Hib-MenCY-TT (MenHibrix, GlaxoSmithKline) is recommended for use in children aged 6 weeks through 18 months at increased risk. This report summarizes information on MenACWY-CRM administration in infants and provides recommendations for vaccine use in infants aged 2 through 23 months who are at increased risk for meningococcal disease. Because the burden of meningococcal disease in infants is low in the United States and the majority of cases that do occur are caused by serogroup B, which is not included in any vaccine licensed in the United States, only those infants who are at increased risk for meningococcal disease are recommended to receive a meningococcal vaccine.
Design of liquid crystals with ‘de Vries-like’ properties: carbosilane-terminated 5-phenylpyrimidine mesogens suitable for chevron-free FLC formulations

Smectic liquid crystals with ‘de Vries-like’ properties are characterized by a maximum layer contraction of ≤1% upon transition from the orthogonal SmA phase to the tilted SmC phase. In an effort to expand the library of ‘de Vries-like’ liquid crystals required for the formulation of chevron-free ferroelectric liquid crystal mixtures, we report the synthesis of a homologous series of tricarbosilane 5-phenylpyrimidine liquid crystals QL16-n using an improved synthetic route, and the characterization of their liquid crystalline and ‘de Vries-like’ properties. Measurements of orientational order parameters S2 and effective molecular lengths Leff by monodomain 2D X-ray scattering suggest that ‘de Vries-like’ behavior in series QL16-n is due to the combined effect of an increase in S2 and a decrease in bilayer interdigitation, thus causing a smectic layer expansion that compensates for the molecular tilt in the SmC phase. We also show how the optical tilt angle in the SmC phase may be optimized for SSFLC displays—without compromising ‘de Vries-like’ properties—by shortening the tricarbosilane end-group to a dicarbosilane. Two of the new materials reported herein, 5-[4-(12,12,14,14,16,16-hexamethyl-12,14,16-trisilaheptadecyloxy)phenyl]-2-hexyloxypyrimidine (QL16-6) and 2-hexyloxy-5-[4-(12,12,14,14-tetramethyl-12,14-disilapentadecyloxy)phenyl]pyrimidine (QL24-6) rank among the best ‘de Vries-like’ materials reported heretofore, with broad SmC phases and reduction factors R of 0.17 and 0.18, respectively, at a reduced temperature T − TAC = −10 K. We also show that inverting the orientation of the 5-phenylpyrimidine core in the homologous series QL17-n causes a suppression of ‘de Vries-like’ properties. These results suggest that non-covalent core–core interactions in the intercalated smectic bilayers formed by these mesogens may influence ‘de Vries-like’ behavior.
Levels of supplementation of inorganic selenium and vitamin E for meat quail aged 0 to 14 and 14 to 35 days

Two experiments were carried out to determine the levels of supplementation of inorganic selenium (Se) and vitamin E (VE) in diets of quails aged 0-14 and 14-35 days old. A completely randomized design was used in a factorial design (Se = 0.1125; 0.2250; 0.3375 and 0.4500 mg kg-1 diet-1 × VE = 10; 23; 36 and 49 IU kg-1 diet-1 ). In experiment 1, quail (n = 2,400) were aged 0-14 days and were divided into 16 treatments, with three replicates of 50 birds. In experiment 2, quail (n = 1,680) were aged 14-35 days and were divided into the same treatments, with three replicates of 35 birds. At age 0-14 days, the levels of VE did not affect performance (p > .05); however, the feed conversion (FC) was influenced by a quadratic effect (p = .0515), according to the level of Se, with a higher level estimated at 0.29 mg Se kg-1 diet-1 . At age 14-35 days, there was a linear effect with interaction (Se × VE), for FC (p = .0150) and weight gain (WG; p = .0266). FC (Se, p = .0048 and VE, p = .0019) and WG (Se, p = .0049 and VE, p = .0068) improved linearly with increasing levels of Se and VE. The feed intake (FI) decreased linearly (p = .0582) as a function of VE. The carcass yield showed a quadratic effect (p = .0056) on the levels of VE, with a higher yield estimation of 27.24 IU VE/kg of diet. It can be concluded that the optimum level of supplementation at age 0-14 days was 0.29 mg Se kg-1 diet-1 and 10 IU VE kg-1 diet-1 and at age 14-35 days, it was 0.4500 mg Se kg-1 diet-1 and 49 IU of VE kg-1 diet-1 .
Use of the direct oral anticoagulants in obese patients: guidance from the SSC of the ISTH

K . MART IN ,* J . BEYER-WESTENDORF ,† B . L . DAV IDSON,‡ M. V . HUISMAN,§ P . M. SANDSET ¶ and S . MOLL* *Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; †Thrombosis Research Unit, Center for Vascular Diseases, University Hospital, Technische Universit€at Dresden, Dresden, Germany; ‡Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA; §Department of Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands; and ¶Department of Hematology, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
Markers of criticality in phase synchronization

The concept of the brain as a critical dynamical system is very attractive because systems close to criticality are thought to maximize their dynamic range of information processing and communication. To date, there have been two key experimental observations in support of this hypothesis: (i) neuronal avalanches with power law distribution of size and (ii) long-range temporal correlations (LRTCs) in the amplitude of neural oscillations. The case for how these maximize dynamic range of information processing and communication is still being made and because a significant substrate for information coding and transmission is neural synchrony it is of interest to link synchronization measures with those of criticality. We propose a framework for characterizing criticality in synchronization based on an analysis of the moment-to-moment fluctuations of phase synchrony in terms of the presence of LRTCs. This framework relies on an estimation of the rate of change of phase difference and a set of methods we have developed to detect LRTCs. We test this framework against two classical models of criticality (Ising and Kuramoto) and recently described variants of these models aimed to more closely represent human brain dynamics. From these simulations we determine the parameters at which these systems show evidence of LRTCs in phase synchronization. We demonstrate proof of principle by analysing pairs of human simultaneous EEG and EMG time series, suggesting that LRTCs of corticomuscular phase synchronization can be detected in the resting state and experimentally manipulated. The existence of LRTCs in fluctuations of phase synchronization suggests that these fluctuations are governed by non-local behavior, with all scales contributing to system behavior. This has important implications regarding the conditions under which one should expect to see LRTCs in phase synchronization. Specifically, brain resting states may exhibit LRTCs reflecting a state of readiness facilitating rapid task-dependent shifts toward and away from synchronous states that abolish LRTCs.
Neurodevelopmental outcome at 2 years for preterm children born at 22 to 34 weeks’ gestation in France in 2011: EPIPAGE-2 cohort study

Objectives To describe neurodevelopmental outcomes at 2 years corrected age for children born alive at 22-26, 27-31, and 32-34 weeks’ gestation in 2011, and to evaluate changes since 1997. Design Population based cohort studies, EPIPAGE and EPIPAGE-2. Setting France. Participants 5567 neonates born alive in 2011 at 22-34 completed weeks’ gestation, with 4199 survivors at 2 years corrected age included in follow-up. Comparison of outcomes reported for 3334 (1997) and 2418 (2011) neonates born alive in the nine regions participating in both studies. Main outcome measures Survival; cerebral palsy (2000 European consensus definition); scores below threshold on the neurodevelopmental Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ; at least one of five domains below threshold) if completed between 22 and 26 months corrected age, in children without cerebral palsy, blindness, or deafness; and survival without severe or moderate neuromotor or sensory disabilities (cerebral palsy with Gross Motor Function Classification System levels 2-5, unilateral or bilateral blindness or deafness). Results are given as percentage of outcome measures with 95% confidence intervals. Results Among 5170 liveborn neonates with parental consent, survival at 2 years corrected age was 51.7% (95% confidence interval 48.6% to 54.7%) at 22-26 weeks’ gestation, 93.1% (92.1% to 94.0%) at 27-31 weeks’ gestation, and 98.6% (97.8% to 99.2%) at 32-34 weeks’ gestation. Only one infant born at 22-23 weeks survived. Data on cerebral palsy were available for 3599 infants (81.0% of the eligible population). The overall rate of cerebral palsy at 24-26, 27-31, and 32-34 weeks’ gestation was 6.9% (4.7% to 9.6%), 4.3% (3.5% to 5.2%), and 1.0% (0.5% to 1.9%), respectively. Responses to the ASQ were analysed for 2506 children (56.4% of the eligible population). The proportion of children with an ASQ result below threshold at 24-26, 27-31, and 32-34 weeks’ gestation were 50.2% (44.5% to 55.8%), 40.7% (38.3% to 43.2%), and 36.2% (32.4% to 40.1%), respectively. Survival without severe or moderate neuromotor or sensory disabilities among live births increased between 1997 and 2011, from 45.5% (39.2% to 51.8%) to 62.3% (57.1% to 67.5%) at 25-26 weeks’ gestation, but no change was observed at 22-24 weeks’ gestation. At 32-34 weeks’ gestation, there was a non-statistically significant increase in survival without severe or moderate neuromotor or sensory disabilities (P=0.61), but the proportion of survivors with cerebral palsy declined (P=0.01). Conclusions In this large cohort of preterm infants, rates of survival and survival without severe or moderate neuromotor or sensory disabilities have increased during the past two decades, but these children remain at high risk of developmental delay.