Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Exploiting Model Variability in ABS to Verify Distributed Algorithms

—We show a way to evaluate functional properties of distributed algorithms by the example of the AODV algorithm in sensor networks, Creol and ABS models, and component testing. We present a new method to structure the evaluation work into the categories of techniques, perspectives, arrangements, and properties using executable models. We demonstrate how to use this structure for network simulations and component testing using Creol models and demonstrate how the delta modelling technique of the ABS language can be used to facilitate the approach.
Doxorubicin Regulates Autophagy Signals via Accumulation of Cytosolic Ca2+ in Human Cardiac Progenitor Cells

Doxorubicin (DOXO) is widely used to treat solid tumors. However, its clinical use is limited by side effects including serious cardiotoxicity due to cardiomyocyte damage. Resident cardiac progenitor cells (hCPCs) act as key regulators of homeostasis in myocardial cells. However, little is known about the function of hCPCs in DOXO-induced cardiotoxicity. In this study, we found that DOXO-mediated hCPC toxicity is closely related to calcium-related autophagy signaling and was significantly attenuated by blocking mTOR signaling in human hCPCs. DOXO induced hCPC apoptosis with reduction of SMP30 (regucalcin) and autophagosome marker LC3, as well as remarkable induction of the autophagy-related markers, Beclin-1, APG7, and P62/SQSTM1 and induction of calcium-related molecules, CaM (Calmodulin) and CaMKII (Calmodulin kinase II). The results of an LC3 puncta assay further indicated that DOXO reduced autophagosome formation via accumulation of cytosolic Ca2+. Additionally, DOXO significantly induced mTOR expression in hCPCs, and inhibition of mTOR signaling by rapamycin, a specific inhibitor, rescued DOXO-mediated autophagosome depletion in hCPCs with significant reduction of DOXO-mediated cytosolic Ca2+ accumulation in hCPCs, and restored SMP30 and mTOR expression. Thus, DOXO-mediated hCPC toxicity is linked to Ca2+-related autophagy signaling, and inhibition of mTOR signaling may provide a cardio-protective effect against DOXO-mediated hCPC toxicity.
Developmental Trajectories of Social Skills during Early Childhood and Links to Parenting Practices in a Japanese Sample

This study used data from a nationwide survey in Japan to model the developmental course of social skills during early childhood. The goals of this study were to identify longitudinal profiles of social skills between 2 and 5 years of age using a group-based trajectory approach, and to investigate whether and to what extent parenting practices at 2 years of age predicted developmental trajectories of social skills during the preschool period. A relatively large sample of boys and girls (N > 1,000) was assessed on three social skill dimensions (Cooperation, Self-control, and Assertion) at four time points (ages 2, 3, 4, and 5), and on four parenting practices (cognitive and emotional involvement, avoidance of restriction and punishment, social stimulation, and social support for parenting) at age 2. The results indicated that for each social skill dimension, group-based trajectory models identified three distinct trajectories: low, moderate, and high. Multinomial regression analysis revealed that parenting practice variables showed differential contributions to development of child social skills. Specifically, Cooperation and Assertion were promoted by cognitive and emotional involvement, Self-control by social stimulation, and Assertion by avoidance of restriction and punishment. Abundant social support for parenting was not associated with higher child social skills trajectories. We found heterogeneity in developmental profiles of social skills during the preschool ages, and we identified parenting practices that contributed to different patterns of social skills development. We discussed the implications of higher-quality parenting practices on the improvement of child social skills across early childhood.
A simple model of photovoltaic module electric characteristics

Power electronics is used in an increasing number of applications as connecting element between photovoltaic modules and electric loads. The design of power converters for these applications needs to consider hereby the electrical characteristics of solar cells. To support this, a behavioural model has been developed to characterise current, voltage and power of photovoltaic modules as function of solar cell temperature and solar radiation. It has the advantage to use only parameters that are available from data sheets plus a single fit parameter. Calculated diagrams are compared with diagrams of two photovoltaic module data sheets.
Which Aspects of Postural Control Differentiate between Patients with Parkinson's Disease with and without Freezing of Gait?

This exploratory study aimed to identify which aspects of postural control are able to distinguish between subgroups of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and controls. Balance was tested using static and dynamic posturography. Freezers (n = 9), nonfreezers (n = 10), and controls (n = 10) stood on a movable force platform and performed 3 randomly assigned tests: (1) sensory organization test (SOT) to evaluate the effective use of sensory information, (2) motor control test (MCT) to assess automatic postural reactions in response to platform perturbations, and (3) rhythmic weight shift test (RWS) to evaluate the ability to voluntarily move the center of gravity (COG) mediolaterally and anterior-posteriorly (AP). The respective outcome measures were equilibrium and postural strategy scores, response strength and amplitude of weight shift. Patients were in the “on” phase of the medication cycle. In general, freezers performed similarly on SOT and MCT compared to nonfreezers. Freezers showed an intact postural strategy during sensory manipulations and an appropriate response to external perturbations. However, during voluntary weight shifting, freezers showed poorer directional control compared to nonfreezers and controls. This suggests that freezers have adequate automatic postural control and sensory integration abilities in quiet stance, but show specific directional control deficits when weight shifting is voluntary.
Choice of Dental Specialties among dental students and associated influencing and motivating factors in Saudi Arabia

Background: Healthcare providers including dentists reserve a significant role in the society. The oral health of a community mainly relies on dentists and specialists in the field. Therefore, the choice of dentistry as a career and selecting specialty and continuing Postgraduate Dental Education is an important milestone in an individual's life which ultimately affects his social status and financial stability. The aim of this study is to investigate motivating factors that influence and inspire students in choosing a dental specialty. Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted on a sample of 600 dental students and graduates from different universities in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The data was collected through an online questionnaire, disseminated on Twitter with convenience sampling technique while Cluster simple random technique was used for targeting colleges. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 16. Arithmetic mean and standard deviation was calculated for quantitative data, chi-square and Fischer Exact test to compare categorical data. For comparing numerical data, Mann-Whitney test, Kruskal -Wallis test, student`s t-test and ANOVA test were used. Additionally, factor analysis and regression analysis were used to group common items and identify their effect after controlling other predictor variables. Results: The results of the study show that many of the students want to pursue their career in dental subspecialty from an international program however, prefer to work as a civilian dentist in the public sector. Oral maxillofacial surgery was the most wanted career choice followed by Orthodontic, dentofacial orthopedics, restorative and cosmetic surgery in males and pediatric surgery in females. For these, salary aspects and cost of living expenses were the influencing factors. Moreover, six factors for motivation were obtained and significance was achieved against a variety of socio-demographic factors including job and financial security, family encouragement, inspiration from other people, and flexibility in working hours. Conclusion: Dentistry is a well-known field of science and dentists require appropriate opportunities and guidance for enhancement of their career whether academic education or clinical sub specialty. Therefore, keeping in view the factors which motivates and influences their decision of choosing dental career, professional development guidance and mentoring should be provided at the university level.
Explicit update vs implicit update

In this paper, the problem of implicit online learning is considered. A tighter convergence bound is derived, which demonstrates theoretically the feasibility of implicit update for online learning. Then we combine SMD with implicit update technique and the resulting algorithm possesses the inherent stability. Theoretical result is well corroborated by the experiments we performed which also indicate that combining SMD with implicit update technique is another promising way for online learning.
Detection of Salmonella spp. Using a Generic and Differential FRET-PCR

To facilitate the detection of Salmonella and to be able to rapidly and conveniently determine the species/subspecies present, we developed and tested a generic and differential FRET-PCR targeting their tetrathionate reductase response regulator gene. The differential pan-Salmonella FRET-PCR we developed successfully detected seven plasmids that contained partial sequences of S. bongori and the six S. enterica subspecies. The detection limit varied from ∼5 copies of target gene/per PCR reaction for S. enterica enterica to ∼200 for S. bongori. Melting curve analysis demonstrated a T m of ∼68°C for S. enterica enterica, ∼62.5°C for S. enterica houtenae and S. enterica diarizonae, ∼57°C for S. enterica indica, and ∼54°C for S. bongori, S. enterica salamae and S. enterica arizonae. The differential pan-Salmonella FRET-PCR also detected and determined the subspecies of 4 reference strains and 47 Salmonella isolated from clinically ill birds or pigs. Finally, we found it could directly detect and differentiate Salmonella in feline (5/50 positive; 10%; one S. enterica salamae and 4 S. enterica enterica) and canine feces (15/114 positive; 13.2%; all S. enterica enterica). The differential pan-Salmonella FRET-PCR failed to react with 96 non-Salmonella bacterial strains. Our experiments show the differential pan-Salmonella FRET-PCR we developed is a rapid, sensitive and specific method to detect and differentiate Salmonella.
Dissonance Between the “International” and the Conservative “National”: Challenges Facing School Leaders in International Schools in Saudi Arabia

Purpose: This article seeks to investigate the leadership challenges in international schools in one region in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). It particularly examines the dissonance between the more liberal approaches to education prevalent in international schools and the conservative nature of those observed in the Saudi context, unveiling the challenges that this posed for school leaders. Research Methodology: In view of the sensitive and complex nature of the study, it was designed as an exploratory study located within qualitative paradigm, using interviewing for data generation. Individual, semistructured interviews were undertaken with 10 senior leaders from five international schools located in Al-Ahsa Governorate in KSA. Findings: The study highlighted a number of complex challenges faced by international school leaders in KSA mainly linked to issues such as sex segregation, Saudization, and parental expectations. The study also unveiled two coping strategies developed by school leaders—namely, compliance and circumvention. Implications for Research and Practice: The findings of this interesting study will have implications for both research and practice. By venturing into this underexplored and sensitive area, the study not only seeks to develop an empirical picture of leadership practices and challenges in international schools in KSA but also stresses the need for further research to gain insight into cross-cultural complexities. Moreover, highlighting the impact of cultural dissonance on leadership practices will be useful for both the practicing and the future leaders of international schools not only in KSA but in other parts of the world too.
Temporal patterns of saccadic eye movements predict individual variation in alternation rate during binocular rivalry

Interindividual variation has been shown in the rates at which subjects alternate in perception during viewing of binocular rivalry and other ambiguous figures. A similar pattern of interindividual variation is evident in the rate of eye movements. The aim of this study was to determine whether individual differences in the rate of binocular rivalry predict individual differences in the rate of eye movements. First, participants reported changes in perception during contour rivalry. We found that the alternation rate during rivalry varied from 0.15 to 0.59/s between individuals. Next, participants viewed different visual displays while their eye movements were tracked. We found that the rate of saccadic eye movements varied by 1.9–4.4/s between individuals. Although the temporal characteristics of eye movements and binocular rivalry differed in their absolute rate, we found a significant positive correlation between these measures; that is, the frequency of saccadic eye movements can predict an individual's rate of perceptual alternation during rivalry. These findings suggest a potential link between the mechanisms involved in binocular rivalry and those processes involved in controlling eye movements.
Differentiation in the Momentary Rating of Somatic Symptoms Covaries With Trait Emotional Awareness in Patients at Risk for Sudden Cardiac Death

Objectives: Somatic symptom ratings covary with neuroticism. Yet, people vary from one another in their ability to report their own emotions and differentiate them from bodily sensations. We hypothesized that stressed individuals with greater emotional awareness would experience somatic symptoms in a more differentiated way independent of neuroticism. Methods: Over 3 days, ecological momentary assessments were completed in 161 patients (72.6% female; mean age, 35 years) with Long QT Syndrome, a genetic disorder associated with increased risk for sudden cardiac death. Patients were paged randomly ten times per day to report their momentary experience of nine somatic symptoms (e.g., headache, sore throat, tiredness) as well as other variables. We examined the intercorrelation between somatic symptom ratings, reasoning that greater intercorrelation among ratings indicated less differentiation. Subjects completed measures of neuroticism, depression, and the Levels of Emotional Awareness Scale, a trait measure of the tendency to experience emotions in a complex and differentiated way. Results: Higher Levels of Emotional Awareness Scale-Self scores were associated with greater differentiation in the momentary rating of somatic symptoms (p < .001) in men and women independently. This association did not change after removing variance due to neuroticism, depression, or symptom intensity. Conclusions: Among individuals stressed by having a life-threatening condition, those who are more emotionally aware report somatic symptoms in a more differentiated way. These findings regarding symptoms largely unrelated to the disorder are consistent with other evidence that medically unexplained physical symptoms, which tend to be nonspecific, may be accompanied by relatively undifferentiated negative affect. BDI = Beck Depression Inventory; EMA = ecological momentary assessments; LEAS = Levels of Emotional Awareness Scale; LQTS = Long QT Syndrome; PANAS = Positive and Negative Affect Scale; PDA = personal digital assistant; TAS-20 = 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale.
Keeping Up with the Joneses : Evidence from Micro Data

This paper provides evidence that habit persistence is an important determinant of household consumption choices in a setting that allows for individual heterogeneity and credit constraints. By using actual individual consumption data, I find that the strength of the external habit, captured by the consumption of the reference group, is 0.290; while the strength of internal habit, represented by household past consumption, is 0.503. These findings provide empirical support to the theories that explain the equity premium puzzle by introducing habit persistence in the utility function. The results are robust to the inclusion of income growth rate and other measures of economic activity in the regression, changes in specification and in the instrument set. I also show that my specification subsumes the isoelastic specification used in Constantinides (1990), Abel (1990) and Campbell and Cochrane (1999) and that the strength of habit, the curvature of the utility function and the coefficient of relative risk aversion are similar to theirs. Finally, I show how incorrect aggregation and neglecting heterogeneity can explain why empirical studies of habit persistence based on aggregate consumption data and a representative agent reach mixed or negative findings. ∗I would like to thank Debbie Lucas, Kent Daniel, Bill Rogerson, Paola Sapienza and Annette Vissing-Jorgensen for long discussions, support and guidance. Special thanks go to Donald P. Jacobs and the U.S. credit card company that provided the data. I am also grateful to George Akerlof, Roc Armenter, Luca Benzoni, Paco Buera, Francesco Caselli, Colin Camerer, John Campbell, Janice Eberly, Andrea Eisfeldt, Mike Fishman, Johannes Horner, David Laibson, Ron Laschever, Annamaria Lusardi, Sendhil Mullainathan, John Panzar, Marcin Peski, Karl Schmedders, Bob McDonald, Christopher Polk, Todd Pulvino, Matthew Rabin, Marciano Siniscalchi and Costis Skiadas for valuable discussions and suggestions. I would also like to thank Patricia Ledesma for technical support. Financial support from the Northwestern University Dissertation Year Fellowship, Banca d’Italia and Fondazione Einaudi is gratefully acknowledged. All remaining errors are mine. Comments are welcome: e-ravina@northwestern.edu.
The PL hierarchy collapses

It is shown that the PL hierarchy PLH = PL \bigcup PL^{PL} \bigcup PL^{PL}^{PL} \bigcup \cdots, defined in terms of the Ruzzo-Simon-Tompa relativization, collapses to PL. Also, it is shown that PL is closed under logspace-uniform AC^0-reductions.
Identification and characterization of the RNA binding surface of the pentatricopeptide repeat protein

The expressions of chloroplast and mitochondria genes are tightly controlled by numerous nuclear-encoded proteins, mainly at the post-transcriptional level. Recent analyses have identified a large, plant-specific family of pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) motif-containing proteins that are exclusively involved in RNA metabolism of organelle genes via sequence-specific RNA binding. A tandem array of PPR motifs within the protein is believed to facilitate the RNA interaction, although little is known of the mechanism. Here, we describe the RNA interacting framework of a PPR protein, Arabidopsis HCF152. First, we demonstrated that a Pfam model could be relevant to the PPR motif function. A series of proteins with two PPR motifs showed significant differences in their RNA binding affinities, indicating functional differences among PPR motifs. Mutagenesis and informatics analysis putatively identified five amino acids organizing its RNA binding surface [the 1st, 4th, 8th, 12th and 'ii'(-2nd) amino acids] and their complex connections. SELEX (Systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment) and nucleobase preference assays determined the nucleobases with high affinity for HCF152 and suggested several characteristic amino acids that may be involved in determining specificity and/or affinity of the PPR/RNA interaction.
Steganography using Genetic Algorithm along with Visual Cryptography for wireless network application

Image steganography is an emerging field of research for secure data hiding and transmission over networks. The proposed system provides the best approach for Least Significant Bit (LSB) based steganography using Genetic Algorithm (GA) along with Visual Cryptography (VC). Original message is converted into cipher text by using secret key and then hidden into the LSB of original image. Genetic Algorithm and Visual Cryptography has been used for enhancing the security. Genetic Algorithm is used to modify the pixel location of stego image and the detection of this message is complex. Visual Cryptography is used to encrypt the visual information. It is achieved by breaking the image into two shares based on a threshold. The performance of the proposed system is experimented by performing steganalysis and conducting benchmarking test for analysing the parameters like Mean Squared Error (MSE) and Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR). The main aim of this paper is to design the enhanced secure algorithm which uses both steganography using Genetic Algorithm and Visual Cryptography to ensure improved security and reliability.
Flow cytometry-based immunophenotypic analysis of primary systemic light chain amyloidosis

Using flow cytometry, the present study aimed to investigate the immunophenotypic characteristics of malignant plasma cells (PCs) in the bone marrow of patients with primary systemic light chain amyloidosis (AL) compared with the characteristics of patients with multiple myeloma (MM). Flow cytometric results of 51 patients with AL and 150 patients with MM were reviewed. The proportion of total bone marrow PCs in the patients with AL was significantly lower than that in the patients with MM, 1.35% (0.3–9.5%) vs. 9.7% (0.4–75.7%); (P<0.001). The cells in 24/51 patients with AL comprised two distinct populations: Normal PCs and malignant PCs, whereas only 11/150 patients with MM exhibited two populations. Patients with AL exhibited an increased cluster of differentiation (CD)19 expression compared with patients with MM, 4.5% (0.1–80.9%) vs. 1.6% (0.1–33.6%; P<0.001) and reduced CD138, with 90.8% (30.4–99.9%) vs. 95.0% (40.7–100%; P=0.006) and CD56, with 61.0% (1.5–99.2%) vs. 98.3% (0.1–100%; P<0.001) expression in malignant PCs. Light chain restriction was identified in all patients with AL, and the proportion of λ light chain restriction was 72.5%. The immunophenotypic characteristics of patients with AL demonstrated by flow cytometry were different compared with the characteristics of patients with MM in the number and composition of plasma cells, and the intracellular and extracellular expression of antigens. These differences may be associated with a less malignant phenotype of clonal PCs in AL than MM.