Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Measuring the Evolution of Meta-models - A Case Study of Modelica and UML Meta-models

The evolution of both general purpose and domain-specific meta-models and its impact on the existing models and modeling tools has been discussed extensively in the modeling research community. To assess the impact of domain-specific meta-model evolution on the modeling tools, a number of measures have been proposed by Durisic et al., NoC (Number of Changes) being the most prominent one. The proposed measures are evaluated on a case of AUTOSAR meta-model that specifies the language for designing automotive system architectures. In this paper, we assess the applicability of these measure and the underlying data-model for their calculation in a case study of Modelica and UML meta-models. Our preliminary results show that the proposed data-model and the measures can be applied to both analyzed meta-models as we were able to capture 68/77 changes on average per Modelica/UML release. However, only a subset of the data-model elements is applicable for analyzing the evolution of Modelica and also certain transformation of the data-model is required in case of UML. Despite these encouraging results, further studies are needed to assess the usefulness of the actual measures, e.g., NoC, in assessing the impact of Modelica/UML meta-model evolution on the modeling tools.
Generalized analysis of experimental data for interrelated biological measurements

Important biological mechanisms, such as signal transduction and gene expression, are mediated by numerous interacting multifunctional molecules, whose expression and activation are tightly regulated in space and time in response to stimuli. In order to describe the network of functional inter-relationships that govern such mechanisms, we use simple algorithms to interpret multiple variable measurements, identify the prominent participants, evaluate their interactions and obtain a ‘functional fingerprint’ of cell behaviour. Dynamic measurements of responses yield hierarchical information about causal relations in the underlying pathway. As a proof of principles we apply this approach to phosphorylation assays in protein gels, probing hormone and insulin signalling.
Neurofilament redistribution in transected nerves: evidence for bidirectional transport of neurofilaments

Nerve fibers of the C57BL/6/Ola mouse exhibit very slow Wallerian degeneration following axotomy, thus allowing prolonged observation of mammalian axons separated from their cell bodies. The present study utilized teased-fiber preparations, silver histochemistry, immunocytochemistry, and electron microscopy to examine the distribution of axonal components in the distal stumps of axotomized sciatic nerves in C57BL/6/Ola mice. In examining nerve segments at varying intervals after nerve transection, we found no evidence of proximal-to-distal “emptying out” of the cytoskeleton, as would be predicted if the cytoskeleton in these transected nerves were undergoing anterograde transport as an assembled structure. Instead, we observed a gradual redistribution of cytoskeletal constituents over time, dominated by the progressive accumulation of neurofilaments at the severed ends of axons. In particular, there were massive accumulations at the proximal ends of the distal stumps. These results strongly suggest that, at least in transected nerve fibers, neurofilaments can be transported bidirectionally.
Gradual bidding in eBay-like auctions∗

This paper shows that in online auctions like eBay, if bidders can only place bids at random times, then many different equilibria arise besides truthful bidding, despite the option to leave proxy bids. These equilibria can involve gradual bidding, periods of inactivity, and waiting to start bidding towards the end of the auction bidding behaviors common on eBay. Bidders in such equilibria implicitly collude to keep the increase of the winning price slow over the duration of the auction. In a common value environment, we characterize a class of equilibria that include the one in which bidding at any price is maximally delayed, and all bids minimally increment the price. The seller’s revenue can be a small fraction of what could be obtained at a sealed-bid second-price auction. With many bidders, we show that this equilibrium has the feature that bidders are passive until near the end of the auction, and then they start bidding incrementally.
Design of Robustly Stable Disturbance Observers Based on Closed Loop Consideration Using H ∞ Optimization and its Applications to Motion Control Systems

In disturbance-observer-based control, the closed loop system consists of a main feedback control loop and an inner disturbance observer loop. This paper presents a design method for a disturbance observer to satisfy closed loop performance specifications, provided that the main feedback controller is known. Taking advantage of certain fixedstructure disturbance observers, the disturbance observer d esign problem can be transformed into the synthesis problem of H∞ (sub-)optimal static output feedback gain for an extended plant. The static output feedback gain, and therefore the disturbance observer, can be obtained by solving a series of convex optimization problems. Since the disturbance observer is designed based on closed loop consideration, the robust stability of the closed loop system is guaranteed.
Variables Related to Human Breast Cancer

This book is a distillation of the authors' experience with human infertility-its prevalence, implications, diagnosis, and treatment. It is a useful practical guide for the physician who deals with this problem and includes detailed discussion of the techniques of investigation. There is an excellent chapter on endometrial interpretation by the late Dr. Earle T. Engle. The authors are to be commended especially for an attempt to evaluate critically the results of current treatment. This is a uniquely difficult undertaking, since every infertility case involves at least two persons, each with physical variables, cultural and emotional attitudes, and psychological vagaries which affect anything that touches upon the procreative function. The difficulty is further compounded. Many couples who have no recognized reason for infertility never achieve a pregnancy, while other patients sometimes conceive in the face of formidable odds. In the treated patient success is usually ascribed to therapy; in the untreated it is accepted as an inexplicable act of God. The authors have taken statistical cognizance of the acts of God, and the results are sobering. For example, complete tubal occlusion, demonstrated by salpingogram, is usually regarded as an insurmountable obstacle to conception unless surgically corrected. An analysis of the results of surgery showed a 14.6 per cent pregnancy rate after tuboplasty in 48 patients, though more than half of the pregnancies were abortive or ectopic (page 177). However, of 71 patients with tubal closure not treated surgically, follow-up revealed a pregnancy rate of 11.3 per cent (page 162). In the important area of infertility attributed to ovarian dysfunction the results of therapy are even more discouraging. The statistical advantage here lay with the untreated group (page 132). An impressive number of infertility patients conceived after history taking or discussion alone, or simple pelvic examination, or indeed after making an appointment for the initial visit! (page 17). It is not surprising that many strange remedies are reported to yield wonderful cures. The waters have long been muddied by our ignorance of what happens to the untreated patient. This is not to say that investigation and treatment are fruitless. There are some spectacular successes in the treatment of Stein-Leventhal ovaries, and many other successes clearly attributable to treatment. These are gratifying, and make the effort worth while, particularly since the specialty is young and rapidly progressing and but lately graduated from armulets and incantations. IRVING FRIEDMAN
PIK3CA and AKT gene polymorphisms in susceptibility to osteosarcoma in a Chinese population.

PURPOSE To explore the association between PIK3CA and AKT single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNP) and osteosarcoma susceptibility. METHODS TaqMan polymerase chain reaction(PCR) was used to detect the genotypes of SNPs (rs7646409, rs6973569 and rs9866361) in peripheral blood samples from 59 patients with osteosarcoma and from 63 healthy controls. Unconditional logistic regression was used to analyze the correlation between SNPs and osteosarcoma risk. RESULTS No statistically significant difference was found between osteosarcoma patients and healthy controls in the genotype of AKT rs6973569 (P = 0.7). However, after stratified analysis, the genotype AA of AKT rs6973569 carried a higher risk of osteosarcoma metastasis (OR:2.94, 95%CL:1.00-8.59); the difference of rs7646409 genotype distributions between the case and control groups was statistically significant (P = 0.032). Taking genotype TT as a reference, the risk of osteosarcoma increased three fold in patients with genotype CC (OR:3.47, 95%CL:1.26-9.56). A statistically significant difference was found between the alleles C and T (P=0.005). Further analysis showed that the risk factor was more pronounced in male patients with Enneking's stage IIB and osteoblastic osteosarcoma. PIK3CA rs9866361 did not fit Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Genotype CC in locus PIK3CA rs7646409 may increase the risk of osteosarcoma in the Chinese population.
Genetic Risk Factors for Thrombosis in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Objective. Thrombosis is a serious complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We investigated whether genetic variants implicated in thrombosis pathways are associated with thrombosis among 2 ethnically diverse SLE cohorts. Methods. Our discovery cohort consisted of 1698 patients with SLE enrolled in the University of California, San Francisco, Lupus Genetics Project and our replication cohort included 1361 patients with SLE enrolled in the PROFILE cohort. Patients fulfilled American College of Rheumatology SLE criteria, and data relevant to thrombosis were available. Thirty-three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) previously shown to be associated with risk of deep venous thrombosis in the general population or implicated in thrombosis pathways were genotyped and tested for association with thrombosis in bivariate allelic analyses. SNP with p < 0.1 in the bivariate analyses were further tested in multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for age, sex, disease duration, antiphospholipid antibody status, smoking, nephritis, and medications. Results. In the discovery cohort, 23% of patients with SLE experienced a thrombotic event. SNP in the following genes demonstrated association with thrombosis risk overall in the discovery or replication cohorts and were assessed using metaanalytic methods: factor V Leiden (FVL) rs6025 (OR 1.85, p = 0.02) and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) rs1801133 (OR 0.75, p = 0.04) in whites, and fibrinogen gamma (FGG) rs2066865 (OR 1.91, p = 0.01) in Hispanic Americans. SNP in these genes showed association with venous thrombosis risk in whites: MTHFR rs1801131 (OR 1.51, p = 0.01), MTHFR rs1801133 (OR 0.70, p = 0.04), FVL rs6025 (OR 2.69, p = 0.002), and FGG rs2066865 (OR 1.49, p = 0.02) in whites. A SNP in FGG rs2066865 (OR 2.19, p = 0.003) demonstrated association with arterial thrombosis risk in Hispanics. Conclusion. Our results implicate specific genetic risk factors for thrombosis in patients with SLE and suggest that genetic risk for thrombosis differs across ethnic groups.
Pathology in Captive Wild Felids at German Zoological Gardens

This retrospective study provides an overview on spontaneous diseases occurring in 38 captive wild felids submitted for necropsy by German zoological gardens between 2004 and 2013. Species included 18 tigers, 8 leopards, 7 lions, 3 cheetahs and 2 cougars with an age ranging from 0.5 to 22 years. Renal lesions, predominantly tubular alterations (intra-tubular concrements, tubular degeneration, necrosis, intra-tubular cellular debris, proteinaceous casts, dilated tubuli) followed by interstitial (lympho-plasmacytic inflammation, fibrosis, metastatic-suppurative inflammation, eosinophilic inflammation) and glomerular lesions (glomerulonephritis, glomerulosclerosis, amyloidosis) were detected in 33 out of 38 animals (87%). Tumors were found in 19 of 38 felids (50%) with 12 animals showing more than one neoplasm. The tumor prevalence increased with age. Neoplasms originated from endocrine (11), genital (8), lympho-hematopoietic (5) and alimentary organs (4) as well as the mesothelium (3). Most common neoplasms comprised uterine/ovarian leiomyomas (5/2), thyroid adenomas/adenocarcinoma (5/1), pleural mesotheliomas (3), hemangiosarcomas (2) and glossal papillomas (2). Inflammatory changes were frequently encountered in the intestine and the lung. Two young animals displayed metastatic mineralization suggestive of a vitamin D- or calcium intoxication. One tiger exhibited degenerative white matter changes consistent with an entity termed large felid leukoencephalomyelopathy. Various hyperplastic, degenerative and inflammatory changes with minor clinical significance were found in several organs. Summarized, renal lesions followed by neoplastic changes as well as inflammatory changes in lung and gastrointestinal tract represent the most frequent findings in captive wild felids living in German zoological gardens.
Self-regulation versus habit: The influence of self-schema on fruit and vegetable consumption

The aim of this study is to examine the determinants of fruit and vegetable (F&V) consumption with the application of the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) and the additional variables of self-schema, habit and self-regulation. While it has been shown that those with a healthy-eater self-schema are more likely to carry out their healthy dietary intentions, the underlying processes that influence this relationship have received limited empirical attention. Recent findings on dietary behaviour suggest that self-regulatory ability and habit strength may have dissimilar effects on the intention–behaviour relationship within schematics and non-schematics. Self-report questionnaires regarding F&V consumption cognitions and two tests of self-regulation were administered to 209 university students. One week later, participants completed questionnaires on their behaviour. The TPB significantly predicted intentions and prospective behaviour. Self-schema did not moderate the relationship between intention and behaviour. However, within healthy-eater schematics, those with high intention and high self-regulatory ability were more likely to consume F&V, while within non-schematics, those with low intention and high habit strength were more likely to consume F&V. The findings support the use of the TPB in predicting F&V consumption and the validity of the self-schema distinction. Implications for designing interventions are discussed.
Assessment of intervention outcome in the absence of baseline data: ‘reconstruction’ of condom use time trends using retrospective analysis of survey data

Background Avahan, the India AIDS Initiative, is a large-scale targeted intervention. Data on condom use prior to Avahan are unavailable. The authors used a novel method of analysing cross-sectional survey data to ‘reconstruct’ condom use rates in presurvey years, and to assess the relationship between Avahan and time trends in condom use among female sex workers (FSWs). Methods Among FSWs reporting consistent condom use (CCU) with clients in surveys from 21 districts in southern India (n=7358), data on length of time using condoms, and length of time selling sex, were converted into number of FSWs using condoms (numerator) and selling sex (denominator) by year, to give yearly rates of CCU from 2001 to year of survey. Linear regression with generalised estimating equations was used to assess time trends and to compare the rate of increase in condom use before and after Avahan initiation in 2003. Results In all 21 districts, the rate of increase in CCU from 2001 to time of the surveys was highly significant. Overall CCU increased from 27% (22%) with occasional (regular) clients in 2001, to 76% (68%) in 2006, respectively. The yearly rate of increase in CCU was significantly greater after (slope 2003–2006: 12.7% (12.0%) per year for occasional (regular) clients) than prior to Avahan (slope 2001–2003: 5.1% (5.3%) per year for occasional (regular) clients) implementation (p<0.0001). Conclusions The findings indicate a positive relationship between implementation of the Avahan programme and rates of CCU increase among FSW. This method of analysis may be useful in other contexts where preintervention data are lacking.
Gallium Phosphide - New Prospect for Optoelectronics

Using the example of Gallium Phosphide (GaP), this article proposes a economical, resource-saving and impactful way for development of optoelectronics with the help of a special transformation of an ordinary semiconductor into the base material for various device structures. It is shown that compared with the freshly grown crystals, the long-term, tens of years, ordered GaP, its artificial analogues and nanoparticles are very interesting for different application properties, which gives an opportunity to be applied in optoelectronic device structures with various spectral region and band, light emissive maximum position and its intensity only this material instead of a lot of compounds currently used in optoelectronics.
Testing Social Theories in CMC through Gaming and Simulation

Information is a critical component of commercial transactions. Our games, the LEMONADE STAND and HULIA, and simulation, AUCTION SIMULATION, represent a variety of computerized commercial situations where information may be actively shared or traded or passively available as part of the transaction. These games and simulation served as research tools for testing a variety of social theories aiming to offer some explanations for information behavior in online spaces and its subsequent effect on the commercial transactions taking place. We demonstrate, using the analytical sciences approach, how computerized games and simulations are used to study and validate theoretical constructs in networked environments. Ownership status provided an explanation for information buying and selling practices as well as the willingness to share it using LEMONADE STAND variations based on the theories of the Endowment Effect and Mere Ownership Effect. A model representing several group information sharing theories receives support using HULIA, the supply-chain management game. Social Presence and Media Richness Theories as well as normative and informational influence show a distinct effect on auction performance using AUCTION SIMULATION. Validating a variety of theories using three different artifacts, while acknowledging their strengths and limitations, shows promise for the continued development of games and simulations as important instruments for the analytical sciences approach.
Modeling Commonality among Related Classes in Relation Extraction

This paper proposes a novel hierarchical learning strategy to deal with the data sparseness problem in relation extraction by modeling the commonality among related classes. For each class in the hierarchy either manually predefined or automatically clustered, a linear discriminative function is determined in a top-down way using a perceptron algorithm with the lower-level weight vector derived from the upper-level weight vector. As the upper-level class normally has much more positive training examples than the lower-level class, the corresponding linear discriminative function can be determined more reliably. The upper-level discriminative function then can effectively guide the discriminative function learning in the lower-level, which otherwise might suffer from limited training data. Evaluation on the ACE RDC 2003 corpus shows that the hierarchical strategy much improves the performance by 5.6 and 5.1 in F-measure on least- and medium- frequent relations respectively. It also shows that our system outperforms the previous best-reported system by 2.7 in F-measure on the 24 subtypes using the same feature set.
Metal Nanowires: Synthesis, Processing, and Structure-Property Relationships in the Context of Flexible Transparent Conducting Films

Metal Nanowires: Synthesis, Processing, and Structure-Property Relationships in the Context of Flexible Transparent Conducting Films by Aaron R. Rathmell Department of Chemistry Duke University Date:_______________________ Approved: ___________________________ Benjamin J. Wiley, Supervisor ___________________________ Stephen L. Craig ___________________________ Jie Liu ___________________________ Michael J. Therien An abstract of a dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of Chemistry in the Graduate School of Duke University
System modeling and multicore simulation using transactions

With the increasing complexity of digital systems that are becoming more and more parallel, a better abstraction to describe such systems has become a necessity. This paper shows how, by using the powerful mechanism of transactions as a concurrency model, and by taking advantage of . NET introspection and attribute programming capabilities, we were able to develop a system-level modeling and parallel simulation environment. We kept the same concepts to describe the architecture of high-level models, such as modules and communication channels. However, unlike SystemC, the behaviour is no longer described as processes and events but as transactions. We implemented scheduling algorithms in order to enable simulating a transactional models in parallel by taking advantage of a multicore machine. These algorithms take into account the dependency between transactions and the number of cores of the simulation machine. We studied two synchronisation strategies: one using locking and the other using partitioning. An experiment made on a WiFi 802.11a transmitter achieved a speedup of about 1.9 using two threads. With 8 threads, although the workload of individual transactions was not significant, we could reach a 5.1 speedup. When the workload is significant the speedup can reach 6.3.