Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Potential for Drug Abuse: the Predictive Role of Parenting Styles, Stress and Type D Personality

Objective: This study was an attempt to predict potential for drug abuse on the basis of three predictors, namely parenting style, stress, and type D personality. Method: In this descriptive-correlational study, 200 students (100 males and 100 females) of Islamic Azad University of Karaj were selected by convenience sampling. For data collection, perceived parenting styles questionnaire, perceived stress scale, type D personality scale, and addiction potential scale were used. Results: The results showed that rejecting/neglecting parenting style and emotional support were positively and negatively correlated with addiction potential, respectively. Conclusion: The child-parent relationship and also the relationship between stress and type D personality can be considered as predictive factors in addiction potential.
Terahertz frequency multiplier chains based on planar Schottky diodes

The Herschel Space Observatory (HSO), an ESA cornerstone mission with NASA contribution, will enable a comprehensive study of the galactic and the extra galactic universe. At the heart of this exploration are ultra sensitive coherent detectors for high-resolution spectroscopy. Successful operation of these receivers is predicated on providing a sufficiently powerful local oscillator (LO) source. Historically, a versatile space qualified LO source for frequencies beyond 500 GHz has been difficult if not impossible. This paper will focus on the effort under way to develop, build, characterize and qualify a LO chain to 1200 GHz (Band 5 on HSO) that is based on planar GaAs diodes mounted in waveguide circuits. State-of-the-art performance has been obtained from a three-stage (×2×2×3) multiplier chain that can provide a peak output power of 120 μW (1178 GHz) at room temperature and a peak output power of 190 μW at 1183 GHZ when cooled to 113 K. Implementation of this LO source for the Heterodyne Instrument for Far Infrared (HIFI) one of three instruments on HSO will be discussed in detail.
Modeling the Cell's Guidance System

Cell locomotion can be directed by external gradients of diffusible substances leading to chemotaxis. Recently, the mechanisms of gradient sensing, the cell guidance system, came under scrutiny both in experimental analysis and computational modeling. Here, we review several recent computational models of gradient sensing in eukaryotic cells, demonstrating why some of them predict little sensitivity to changes in the gradient and response "locking," whereas others predict high gradient sensitivity at the expense of signal gain. We also propose a way to view chemotaxis regulation as a highly coupled combination of semi-independent control modules, leading to simplifying modeling of this complex cellular behavior. Chemotaxis, or directed cell motility, is a striking example of a complex and robust behavior exhibited with exquisite precision by single cells. Chemotaxis has long attracted the attention of mathematical and computational biologists. Recent advances in experimental techniques have led to an explosive growth in the accumulated data related to the biochemical nature of both prokaryotic and eukaryotic chemotaxis, which allowed investigators, for the first time, to glimpse the mechanism of the cell's guidance system. Several computational models of eukaryotic gradient sensing, a central part of chemotaxis, have appeared recently that suggest different underlying mechanisms. This review attempts to analyze the merits and deficiencies of each model in the context of the control of eukaryotic chemotactic behavior. The idea of modular organization of different control mechanisms underlying chemotaxis is also proposed.
Are late-night eating habits and sleep duration associated with glycemic control in adult type 1 diabetes patients treated with insulin pumps?

Little is known about the impact of sleep duration and late‐night snacking on glycemic control in patients with type 1 diabetes using insulin pumps. The aim of the present study was to examine whether late‐night eating habits and short sleep duration are associated with glycemic control in continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion‐treated type 1 diabetic patients.
Fair mPSI and mPSI-CA: Efficient Constructions in Prime Order Groups with Security in the Standard Model against Malicious Adversary

In this paper, we propose a construction of fair and efficient mutual Private Set Intersection (mPSI) with linear communication and computation complexities, where the underlying group is of prime order. The main tools in our approach include: (i) ElGamal and Distributed ElGamal Cryptosystems as multiplicatively Homomorphic encryptions, (ii) Cramer-Shoup Cryptosystem as Verifiable encryption. Our mPSI is secure in standard model against malicious parties under Decisional Diffie-Hellman (DDH) assumption. Fairness is achieved using an off-line semi-trusted arbiter. Further, we extend our mPSI to mutual Private Set Intersection Cardinality (mPSI-CA) retaining all the security properties of mPSI. More interestingly, our mPSI-CA is the first fair mPSI-CA with linear complexity.
Representations of a Cubic Deformation of su(2) and Parasupersymmetric Commutation Relations

Application of the twisted generalized Weyl construction to description of irreducible representations of the algebra generated by two idempotents and a family of gradedcommuting selfadjoint unitary elements which are connected by relations of commutation and anticommutation is presented. It’s also discussed ∗-representations and the theory of cubic deformation Apq(3, 1) of the enveloping algebra su(2).
Bias correction for distributed Bayesian estimators

Dealing with the whole dataset in big data estimation problems is usually unfeasible. A common solution then consists of dividing the data into several smaller sets, performing distributed Bayesian estimation and combining these partial estimates to obtain a global estimate. A major problem of this approach is the presence of a non-negligible bias in the partial estimators, due to the mismatch between the unknown true prior and the prior assumed in the estimation. A simple method to mitigate the effect of this bias is proposed in this paper. Essentially, the approach is based on using a reference data set to obtain a rough estimation of the parameter of interest, i.e., a reference parameter. This information is then communicated to the partial filters that handle the smaller data sets, which can thus use a refined prior centered around this parameter. Simulation results confirm the good performance of this scheme.
An instrumented glove for grasp specification in virtual-reality-based point-and-direct telerobotics

Hand posture and force, which define aspects of the way an object is grasped, are features of robotic manipulation. A means for specifying these grasping "flavors" has been developed that uses an instrumented glove equipped with joint and force sensors. The new grasp specification system will be used at the Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) in a Virtual Reality based Point-and-Direct (VR-PAD) robotics implementation. Here, an operator gives directives to a robot in the same natural way that human may direct another. Phrases such as "put that there" cause the robot to define a grasping strategy and motion strategy to complete the task on its own. In the VR-PAD concept, pointing is done using virtual tools such that an operator can appear to graphically grasp real items in live video. Rather than requiring full duplication of forces and kinesthetic movement throughout a task as is required in manual telemanipulation, hand posture and force are now specified only once. The grasp parameters then become object flavors. The robot maintains the specified force and hand posture flavors for an object throughout the task in handling the real workpiece or item of interest.
Analysis of LTE Multiuser Flat Downlink Power Spectrum with Multi-antenna System Simulation

Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology is developing into the de-facto NGN mobile access network. In order to deliver multimedia contents and services, higher data rates and low latency are required. The new planned LTE base stations can deliver high data throughput at lower latency than other existing cellular networks. This is achieved through a different technology among of which is MIMO deployment where multiple antennas at both the transmitter and the receiver are considered. In this paper, a simulation study of different multiple antenna configurations are presented. LTE cell deployment is evaluated and analyzed to maximize cell throughput under equal power distribution, while preventing cell edge customers from starvation. Average service mean time which indicates how long it takes to service the customers is used as a system performance measure. It is shown that significant performance enhancements can be achieved through multiple antenna deployment.
Predicting team rankings in basketball: The questionable use of on-court performance statistics

Statistics on on-court performances (e.g. free-throw shots, 2-point shots, defensive and offensive rebounds, and assists) of basketball players during actual games are typically used by basketball coaches and sport journalists not only to assess the game performance of individual players and the entire team, but also to predict future success (i.e. the final rankings of the team). The purpose of this correlational study was to examine the relationships between 12 basketball on-court performance variables and the final rankings of professional basketball teams, using information gathered from seven consecutive seasons and controlling for multicollinearity. Data analyses revealed that (a) some on-court performance statistics can predict team rankings at the end of a season; (b) on-court performance statistics can be highly correlated with one another (e.g. 2-point shots and 3-point shots); and (c) condensing the correlated variables (e.g. all types of shots as one category) can lead to more stable regressional models. It is recommended that basketball coaches limit the use of individual on-court statistics for predicting the final rankings of their teams. The prediction process may be more reliable if on-court performance variables are grouped into a large category of variables.
Beyond the Visible Pattern: Historical Particularities, Development, and Age at First Marriage in Transylvania, 1850–1914

Abstract The present study focused on age at first marriage in Transylvania between 1850 and 1914, a time of both social-economic change and resilient historically entrenched particularities. Based on data extracted from the Historical Population Database of Transylvania we constructed an extensive sample from settlements with a broad range of social-economic characteristics, which allowed for a comparative view into the influence of various factors on marriage timing. We examined in this sense both individual-level co-variates, such as denominational affiliation, migration background, and social-occupational status, as well as broader factors, such as the development level attained by certain settlements and the time frame. We found that the area level of development measured according to a heuristic index was in many cases more decisive than individual characteristics in shaping individuals’ constraints and opportunities on the marriage market. More significantly, the analysis showed that the ways in which the development level worked to transform marriage timing for both men and women could be explained by historically entrenched differences and specificities. At the same time, these patterns in age at first marriage, given by factors such as denomination, might be the result of other largely still invisible factors, for which the variables used are merely imperfect proxies.
Differentially Expressed MicroRNAs in Maternal Plasma for the Noninvasive Prenatal Diagnosis of Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21)

Objectives. Most developmental processes are under the control of small regulatory RNAs called microRNAs (miRNAs). We hypothesize that different fetal developmental processes might be reflected by extracellular miRNAs in maternal plasma and may be utilized as biomarkers for the noninvasive prenatal diagnosis of chromosomal aneuploidies. In this proof-of-concept study, we report on the identification of extracellular miRNAs in maternal plasma of Down syndrome (DS) pregnancies. Methods. Using high-throughput quantitative PCR (HT-qPCR), 1043 miRNAs were investigated in maternal plasma via comparison of seven DS pregnancies with age and fetal sex matched controls. Results. Six hundred and ninety-five miRNAs were identified. Thirty-six significantly differentially expressed mature miRNAs were identified as potential biomarkers. Hierarchical cluster analysis of these miRNAs resulted in the clear discrimination of DS from euploid pregnancies. Gene targets of the differentially expressed miRNAs were enriched in signaling pathways such as mucin type-O-glycans, ECM-receptor interactions, TGF-beta, and endocytosis, which have been previously associated with DS. Conclusions. miRNAs are promising and stable biomarkers for a broad range of diseases and may allow a reliable, cost-efficient diagnostic tool for the noninvasive prenatal diagnosis of DS.
Tissue factor and thrombosis: The clot starts here

Summary Thrombosis, or complications from thrombosis, currently occupies the top three positions in the cardiovascular causes of morbidity and mortality in the developed world. There are a limited number of safe and effective drugs to prevent and treat thrombosis. Animal models of thrombosis are necessary to better understand the complex components and interactions involved in the formation of a clot. Tissue factor (TF) is required for the initiation of blood coagulation and likely plays a key role in both arterial and venous thrombosis. Understanding the role of TF in thrombosis may permit the development of new antithrombotic drugs. This review will focus on the role of TF in in vivo models of thrombosis.
Effect of Site Level Environmental Variables, Spatial Autocorrelation and Sampling Intensity on Arthropod Communities in an Ancient Temperate Lowland Woodland Area

The interaction of arthropods with the environment and the management of their populations is a focus of the ecological agenda. Spatial autocorrelation and under-sampling may generate bias and, when they are ignored, it is hard to determine if results can in any way be trusted. Arthropod communities were studied during two seasons and using two methods: window and panel traps, in an area of ancient temperate lowland woodland of Zebracka (Czech Republic). The composition of arthropod communities was studied focusing on four site level variables (canopy openness, diameter in the breast height and height of tree, and water distance) and finally analysed using two approaches: with and without effects of spatial autocorrelation. I found that the proportion of variance explained by space cannot be ignored (≈20% in both years). Potential bias in analyses of the response of arthropods to site level variables without including spatial co-variables is well illustrated by redundancy analyses. Inclusion of space led to more accurate results, as water distance and tree diameter were significant, showing approximately the same ratio of explained variance and direction in both seasons. Results without spatial co-variables were much more disordered and were difficult to explain. This study showed that neglecting the effects of spatial autocorrelation could lead to wrong conclusions in site level studies and, furthermore, that inclusion of space may lead to more accurate and unambiguous outcomes. Rarefactions showed that lower sampling intensity, when appropriately designed, can produce sufficient results without exploitation of the environment.
Regulatory Specialization of Xyloglucan (XG) and Glucuronoarabinoxylan (GAX) in Pericarp Cell Walls during Fruit Ripening in Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)

Disassembly of cell wall polysaccharides by various cell wall hydrolases during fruit softening causes structural changes in hemicellulose and pectin that affect the physical properties and softening of tomato fruit. In a previous study, we showed that the changes in pectin during tomato fruit ripening were unique in each fruit tissue. In this study, to clarify the changes in hemicellulose in tissues during tomato fruit ripening, we focused on glucuronoarabinoxylan (GAX) and xyloglucan (XG). GAX was detected only in the skin and inner epidermis of the pericarp using LM11 antibodies, whereas a large increase in XG was detected in all fruit tissues using LM15 antibodies. The activity of hemicellulose degradation enzymes, such as β-xylosidase and α-arabinofuranosidase, decreased gradually during fruit ripening, although the tomato fruits continued to soften. In contrast, GAX and XG biosynthesis-related genes were expressed in all tomato fruit tissues even during ripening, indicating that XG was synthesized throughout the fruit and that GAX may be synthesized only in the vascular bundles and the inner epidermis. Our results suggest that changes in the cell wall architecture and tissue-specific distribution of XG and GAX might be required for the regulation of fruit softening and the maintenance of fruit shape.
The Influence of Subconscious Goals on Careless Responding.

YOUNG, AMANDA LEIGH. The Influence of Subconscious Goals on Careless Responding. (Under the direction of Dr. Adam W. Meade.) Careless responding is a prevalent problem that can affect survey data quality. Researchers have identified indicators to recognize careless responding after data collection is complete, but preventative measures are needed. Previous researchers have successfully used methods such as modifying instructions to reduce careless responding (e.g. Meade & Craig, 2012). The present study explored increasing participant motivation to reduce careless responding by using goal-setting theory. Subconscious goals are a new direction in goal-setting research, and have been shown to increase performance on different types of tasks (e.g. Shantz & Latham, 2009). The present research assessed the viability of reducing careless responding by activating a subconscious diligence goal through the combination of sematic and picture primes. These stimuli were presented to people in a prime condition, who were compared to people in neutral stimuli and control conditions. Analyses all indicated that there were no significant differences between the groups. Possible causes of the null results are discussed. Although the stimuli in the present study did not impact careless responding, motivating participants to respond to surveys carefully is an important area for future research. © Copyright 2016 by Amanda Leigh Young All Rights Reserved The Influence of Subconscious Goals on Careless Responding by Amanda Leigh Young A thesis proposal submitted to the Graduate Faculty of North Carolina State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science
Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS)*

The Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS) was developed in order to facilitate evaluation of five important symptoms frequently observed in ‘core schizophrenia’ (process schizophrenia, the schizophrenic defect state, negative schizophrenia). These symptoms include affective flattening, alogia (poverty of speech and thought), avolition, anhedonia, and attentional impairment.
A Role for IL-18 in Neutrophil Activation1

IL-18 expression and functional activity has been identified in several autoimmune and infectious diseases. To clarify the potential role of IL-18 during early innate immune responses, we have explored the capacity of IL-18 to activate neutrophils. Human peripheral blood-derived neutrophils constitutively expressed IL-18R (α and β) commensurate with the capacity to rapidly respond to IL-18. IL-18 induced cytokine and chemokine release from neutrophils that was protein synthesis dependent, up-regulated CD11b expression, induced granule release, and enhanced the respiratory burst following exposure to fMLP, but had no effect upon the rate of neutrophil apoptosis. The capacity to release cytokine and chemokine was significantly enhanced in neutrophils derived from rheumatoid arthritis synovial fluid, indicating differential responsiveness to IL-18 dependent upon prior neutrophil activation in vivo. Finally, IL-18 administration promoted neutrophil accumulation in vivo, whereas IL-18 neutralization suppressed the severity of footpad inflammation following carrageenan injection. The latter was accompanied by reduction in tissue myeloperoxidase expression and suppressed local TNF-α production. Together, these data define a novel role for IL-18 in activating neutrophils and thereby promoting early innate immune responses.
An investigation of foster parent training needs

256 © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd Abstract The training foster parents receive in America, pass the initial training required to certify them to take children into their homes, is not standardized. The Foster Care Independence Act of 1999 (H.R. 3443) requires prospective foster parents to be trained, but it provides only general guidelines for the training content. The training offered differs by state. This research examines what a group of foster parents attending a state foster parent association conference felt they needed in the area of training, to help them fulfil their role. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected. Foster parents were surveyed and ranked their training needs based on 10 pre‐identified needs. They also responded to an open‐ended question about their training needs. Foster parents ranked training to enhance their ability to help the child adjust in their homes and manage challenging behaviours as most needed. The qualitative data suggested that foster parents have additional needs and some are not related to training, such as the need for respite services.
The Role of (Non-)Conformism in Rating Platforms

Social content-sharing networks allow users to share content annotations. Although convergence and consistency in semantic annotation (tags) has been well-studied, less effort has been devoted to studying evaluative annotations (ratings and reviews) with respect to user characteristics and user-item relationships. In this paper, we first identify trends in both item scores and in the ways in which users allocate scores, these are also associated with some of users' other activity -- in particular, social links and rating activity are both found to be higher for a moderate level of non-conformism and dissensus. We then conduct a more thorough investigation into how item score distributions might arise and be sustained. The fact that most items have a clear modal score can be attributed to the tendency of items to evoke similar degrees of satisfaction across users. In addition to this however, our findings suggest that social links between users can play a role in stabilising rating distributions. Firstly, we find that socially linked users are more likely to give the same score to an item (possibly due to similarities in taste). Secondly, we eliminate the possibility that distributions of scores arise through attracting users with particular ratings styles (e.g. tendency to agree). Thirdly, we find that a large mean shift is much rarer for items with a large proportion of added scores from socially linked users and that this is most likely to be due to maintaining a stable distribution than to added scores conforming to the mean.