Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hybrid Opportunistic Relaying and Jamming With Power Allocation for Secure Cooperative Networks

This paper studies the cooperative transmission for securing a decode-and-forward (DF) two-hop network where multiple cooperative nodes coexist with a potential eavesdropper. Under the more practical assumption that only the channel distribution information (CDI) of the eavesdropper is known, we propose an opportunistic relaying with artificial jamming secrecy scheme, where a “best” cooperative node is chosen among a collection of N possible candidates to forward the confidential signal and the others send jamming signals to confuse the eavesdroppers. We first investigate the ergodic secrecy rate (ESR) maximization problem by optimizing the power allocation between the confidential signal and jamming signals. In particular, we exploit the limiting distribution technique of extreme order statistics to build an asymptotic closed-form expression of the achievable ESR and the power allocation is optimized to maximize the ESR lower bound. Although the optimization problems are non-convex, we propose a sequential parametric convex approximation (SPCA) algorithm to locate the Karush-Kuhn-Tucker (KKT) solutions. Furthermore, taking the time variance of the legitimate links' CSIs into consideration, we address the impacts of the outdated CSIs to the proposed secrecy scheme, and derive an asymptotic ESR. Finally, we generalize the analysis to the scenario with multiple eavesdroppers, and give the asymptotic analytical results of the achievable ESR. Simulation results confirm our analytical results.
Welding of Thin Light Alloys Sheets by CO2 Laser Beam: Magnesium Alloys

Laser welding is an important joining technique for magnesium alloys with their increasing applications in aerospace, aircraft, automotive, electronics and other industries. In this document the research and progress in laser welding of magnesium alloys are critically reviewed from different perspectives. Some important laser processing parameters and their effects on weld quality are discussed. The microstructure, metallurgical defects and mechanical properties encountered in laser welding of magnesium alloys, such as porosity, grains size, crystallographic texture and loss of alloying elements are described. Mechanical properties of welds such as hardness, residual stresses and other important structural properties are discussed. The aim of the chapter is to review the recent progress in laser welding of magnesium alloys and to provide a basis for follow-on research.
What Can Be Done to Internationalize Teacher Training? A Research Report on the Undergraduate Training of Secondary School Teachers

Editor's Introduction : The following excerpted report discusses the interaction of the international studies field and teacher education programs at colleges and universities around the country. The reform of teacher education in whatever substantive area is a topic at the forefront of initiatives from the federal government in Washington, DC, as well as ones from private foundations. One such initiative has recently been launched by the Carnegie Corporation of New York and is called Teachers for a New Era (TNE). Linking 11 universities across the country, TNE can be viewed as an innovative attempt to better integrate the content education provided by colleges of arts and sciences with the pedagogical knowledge resident in schools of education. The ultimate aim is to impact student learning by producing better classroom teachers nation‐wide. The following article engages many of these same topics as they relate to the international studies education. The Editors hope that you will find the article thought‐provoking, and we invite comments and responses from members of the ISA community.
Perfectionism as a predictor of subsequent adjustment : Evidence for a specific diathesis-stress mechanism among college students

The relations among perfectionism, stress, subsequent psychological symptoms, and hopelessness were examined among 215 college students. Hierarchical regression analyses were conducted to determine whether dimensions of perfectionism (P. Hewitt & G. Flett, 1991) predicted psychological symptoms and hopelessness (1 month later), and the extent to which stress scores added incremental validity to these predictions. Results indicated that socially prescribed perfectionism was a significant predictor of both adjustment measures. In addition, stress accounted for a significant amount of additional variance in predicting adjustment beyond perfectionism. Consistent with a diathesis-stress model, a significant Perfectionism × Stress interaction was found in predicting scores on adjustment measures beyond perfectionism and stress. However, this interaction was only found for socially prescribed perfectionism. Results provide support for a specific diathesis-stress mechanism and important implications for developing specific interventions in working with perfectionistic college students.
Experiences of Engagement in Occupations and Assertive Outreach Services

Aim: The purpose of this study was to describe the experience and meaning of engagement for staff and clients of assertive outreach teams. Method: Interpretative phenomenological analysis was selected for its flexibility and transparency. Data were collected by semi-structured interviews from a sample of five client and five staff participants (n = 10). The interviews were analysed idiographically, inductively and interrogatively. Findings: Four themes identified by both staff and client participants emerged: engagement as an interpersonal relationship, engagement in and through time, enabling and disabling factors and engagement in occupation. In addition, clients developed a theme around engagement as a means to self-actualisation. Staff also raised a specific theme around the role of engagement in mental health services. Conclusion: Staff and clients experienced engagement in broadly similar ways, but with differing emphases. Although all participants described it as both an invisible ‘means’ and a visible ‘end’, the staff related engagement only to mental health services whereas the clients experienced it in the context of both mental health services and occupations. Relevance: This study is relevant to all occupational therapists who work with people experiencing mental health problems.
Idol Worshipping for Vain Glory, Illusory Romance or Intellectual Learning: A Study in Nanjing and Hong Kong

ABSTRACT This study surveyed a sample of 549 and 277 secondary school and university students in Nanjing and Hong Kong to test hypotheses concerning the impact of preference for popular stars as idols or role models on valuations of vain glory, illusory romance, and intellectual learning. The illusory glory and romance represent only the characteristics of popular stars and are thus valued by their followers as a form of remote intimacy. To examine to what extent such valuations determined one's preference for popular stars, this study employed a causal modeling technique to estimate the reciprocal relationships. Supportive of the hypotheses, results indicate that preference for popular stars had weak but significant positive effects on valuations of vain glory and illusory romance and a significant negative effect on valuation of intellectual learning.
Gastrodin Inhibits Allodynia and Hyperalgesia in Painful Diabetic Neuropathy Rats by Decreasing Excitability of Nociceptive Primary Sensory Neurons

Painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) is a common complication of diabetes mellitus and adversely affects the patients’ quality of life. Evidence has accumulated that PDN is associated with hyperexcitability of peripheral nociceptive primary sensory neurons. However, the precise cellular mechanism underlying PDN remains elusive. This may result in the lacking of effective therapies for the treatment of PDN. The phenolic glucoside, gastrodin, which is a main constituent of the Chinese herbal medicine Gastrodia elata Blume, has been widely used as an anticonvulsant, sedative, and analgesic since ancient times. However, the cellular mechanisms underlying its analgesic actions are not well understood. By utilizing a combination of behavioral surveys and electrophysiological recordings, the present study investigated the role of gastrodin in an experimental rat model of STZ-induced PDN and to further explore the underlying cellular mechanisms. Intraperitoneal administration of gastrodin effectively attenuated both the mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia induced by STZ injection. Whole-cell patch clamp recordings were obtained from nociceptive, capsaicin-sensitive small diameter neurons of the intact dorsal root ganglion (DRG). Recordings from diabetic rats revealed that the abnormal hyperexcitability of neurons was greatly abolished by application of GAS. To determine which currents were involved in the antinociceptive action of gastrodin, we examined the effects of gastrodin on transient sodium currents (I NaT) and potassium currents in diabetic small DRG neurons. Diabetes caused a prominent enhancement of I NaT and a decrease of potassium currents, especially slowly inactivating potassium currents (I AS); these effects were completely reversed by GAS in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, changes in activation and inactivation kinetics of I NaT and total potassium current as well as I AS currents induced by STZ were normalized by GAS. This study provides a clear cellular basis for the peripheral analgesic action of gastrodin for the treatment of chronic pain, including PDN.
Do Ethnic Identity and Other-Group Orientation Protect against Discrimination for Asian Americans?.

Ethnic identity and other-group orientation were examined as possible moderators and mediators on the effects of personal ethnic discrimination and minority group discrimination in 2 studies of Asian Americans. Results demonstrated that discrimination, particularly when directed personally at an individual, correlated negatively with psychological well-being and correlated positively with distress. Ethnic identity and other-group orientation, however, correlated positively with psychological well-being. Contrary to the main hypothesis, ethnic identity did not moderate or mediate the effects of discrimination, although other-group orientation demonstrated a moderator effect on community well-being. More research on ethnic identity and other-group orientation as protective factors that enable Asian Americans to be resilient against discrimination is necessary to clarify the findings from these studies.
Contextual analyses of children's responses to an integrated Chinese music and culture experience

The present research investigated the effects of an interdisciplinary program on Chinese music and culture, based on a sociocultural approach to multicultural music education. The program was introduced to 250 fifth- and sixth-grade children in three schools in New York, USA. Reports and questionnaires were collected from the teachers, students, evaluator and administrator. Documentation of students’ work was also examined. Qualitative analysis was conducted to study the context and effects of the program on each school. Results imply that whether multicultural music education experience can lead to positive cultural understanding and attitude depends on many factors, including teachers’ attitude, teaching approach, and the students’ learning environment. It was suggested that a flexible student-centered curriculum using the sociocultural approach can enhance the positive effects of multicultural music education. The effects include an increase in cultural and musical knowledge, learning motivation, positive attitude towards people from other cultures, and self-confidence for students from the minority cultures.
FORECASTING WITH A LINEX LOSS: A MONTE CARLO STUDY

Using Monte-Carlo Simulation, I compare the forecasts of returns from the optimal predictor (conditional mean predictor) for a symmetric quadratic loss function (MSE) with the pseudo-optimal predictor and optimal predictor for an asymmetric loss function under the assumption that agents have asymmetric loss functions. In particular, I use the LINEX asymmetric loss function with different degrees of asymmetry. I generate GARCH(1,1) processes with different persistence levels both with normally distributed errors. The results strongly suggest not to use the conditional mean predictor when agents have any kind of asymmetry. The reduction in mean loss by using the optimal versus the pseudo-optimal predictor however depends on the degree of asymmetry, and the persistence parameters being used
Correlates of Readiness for Interethnic Relations of Israeli Jews and Arabs

The first goal of the research was to examine the relationship of selected psychosocial variables to the professed readiness of two ethno-national groups (Jews and Arabs) to enter into increasingly intimate social relations with one another. The variables were (a) frequency and importance of intergroup contact, (b) expectation that members of the other ethnic group are ready to enter into these relations, (c) ethno-cultural empathy, and (d) ideological orientation. The second goal was to determine whether the pattern of these correlations in each ethnic group is consistent with a long-standing commitment to social interaction (relational contract) or with a short-term commitment that could change as geopolitical circumstances change (transactional contract). Questionnaires were completed by 245 Israeli college students, half Arab (Muslims) and half Jewish, in two consecutive studies. All psychosocial variables were highly correlated with readiness for social relations with members of the other group for J.
Reconfiguring East-West identities: Cross-Generational discourses in German and Polish border communities

This article takes its data from one of two sets of communities studied as part of a British ESRC project into discursive constructions of identity. In this paper we argue three interrelated points. Firstly, we show the ways in which different elicitation formats of interviewee responses foreground variable aspects in people's identification. Secondly, we show how similar elicitation methods produced different criss-crossings of identification which render summary generalisations about identities in these communities problematic. Thirdly, we highlight the fluid and often paradoxical nature of multiple identifications across the different layers with which people choose to engage.
Soybean miR172c Targets the Repressive AP2 Transcription Factor NNC1 to Activate ENOD40 Expression and Regulate Nodule Initiation[C][W]

Induction of miR172c in response to rhizobial inoculation activates ENOD40 expression and nodule formation by repressing an AP2/ERF transcription factor, called NNC1, that acts to inhibit ENOD40 expression. MicroRNAs are noncoding RNAs that act as master regulators to modulate various biological processes by posttranscriptionally repressing their target genes. Repression of their target mRNA(s) can modulate signaling cascades and subsequent cellular events. Recently, a role for miR172 in soybean (Glycine max) nodulation has been described; however, the molecular mechanism through which miR172 acts to regulate nodulation has yet to be explored. Here, we demonstrate that soybean miR172c modulates both rhizobium infection and nodule organogenesis. miR172c was induced in soybean roots inoculated with either compatible Bradyrhizobium japonicum or lipooligosaccharide Nod factor and was highly upregulated during nodule development. Reduced activity and overexpression of miR172c caused dramatic changes in nodule initiation and nodule number. We show that soybean miR172c regulates nodule formation by repressing its target gene, Nodule Number Control1, which encodes a protein that directly targets the promoter of the early nodulin gene, ENOD40. Interestingly, transcriptional levels of miR172c were regulated by both Nod Factor Receptor1α/5α-mediated activation and by autoregulation of nodulation-mediated inhibition. Thus, we established a direct link between miR172c and the Nod factor signaling pathway in addition to adding a new layer to the precise nodulation regulation mechanism of soybean.
Meditation in a Deep South Prison: A Longitudinal Study of the Effects of Vipassana

In an era marked by pronounced overcrowding, including an increasing number of offenders serving long-term sentences, correctional systems continue to search for innovative and effective treatments. Few jurisdictions have attempted non-Western approaches such as meditative practice to reduce stress, conflict, and rule infractions. The current study examined the psychological and behavioral effects of intensive ten-day Vipassana Meditation (VM) retreats in a maximum security prison. VM goals and practice are consistent with evidence-based methods such as cognitive behavioral treatment and Risk-Need-Responsivity principles, as well as newer conceptions such as the Good Lives Model. Long-term offenders were followed over a one-year period. These included three retreat cohorts (n = 60) as well as an alternative treatment comparison group (n = 67). Pretreatment measures assessed mindfulness, anger, emotional intelligence, and mood states. Baseline rates of prison infractions, segregation time, and health visits were also recorded. VM participants achieved enhanced levels of mindfulness and emotional intelligence and had decreased mood disturbance relative to a comparison group. Both groups' rates of behavioral infractions were reduced at one-year follow-up. Clinically, VM holds promise for addressing self-regulation and impulse control, among other barriers to prisoner adjustment and community reentry. Additional study of VM across diverse offender groups is warranted.
Using Multiple Methods to Assess Students' Perceptions of Classroom Goal Structures

Two studies were conducted to examine how students perceive and interpret achievement goal messages in the classroom. The first study, using observational and interview methodologies in four classrooms, found that goals are rarely explicitly discussed by teachers or students in the classroom, and that teachers often provide mixed and contradictory goal messages. In addition, students differed in their perception of and reaction to goal messages, partly according to age and achievement levels. The second study employed survey methods and hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) analytic methods with a sample of high school students. This study revealed that both individual-level and classroom-level goal structure perceptions were associated with students' personal goals, self-handicapping, value, and achievement in English classes. The results from the two studies suggest that teachers can create coherent goal structures that affect students' personal goals and achievement in the classroom, but these goal struct.
High content cellular imaging for drug development

This paper discusses the bioinformatics issues related to high content screening (HCS) and presents a bioinformatics pipeline for HCS drug development. The paper reviews the advanced methods for bioimage processing, cell segmentation, neurite centerline extraction, and cell tracking and registration in the context of HCS of different bioassays. These methods prove that HCS is potentially a powerful tool in quantitative cell biology and drug discovery. There remain, however, many challenging issues that require the development of new bioimage analysis algorithms to fulfil the potential of HCS
Insulin-Like Growth Factor Is Associated with Changes in Body Composition with Antiretroviral Therapy Initiation.

Growth hormone (GH)/insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 axis abnormalities have been associated with body composition changes among HIV-infected persons with wasting or lipodystrophy. Little is known of GH/IGF-1 axis alterations with antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation or differing ART therapies. The AIDS Clinical Trials Group Prospective Evaluation of Antiretrovirals in Resource-Limited Settings (PEARLS) study was a prospective, randomized clinical trial of ART initiation with emtricitabine/tenofovir + efavirenz (FTC/TDF+EFV) versus lamivudine/zidovudine + efavirenz (3TC/ZDV+EFV) in HIV-1-infected individuals from resource-diverse settings. IGF-1 was measured from baseline, week 48, and week 96 stored serum samples. Multivariate models were constructed. 415 participants were included: 170 (41%) were randomized to FTC/TDF+EFV and 245 (59%) to 3TC/ZDV+EFV. The mean age was 35 years, 60% were black, 42% women. The mean IGF-1 level did not change significantly from baseline to week 96 (-0.65 ng/ml; 95% confidence interval (CI) -5.18-3.87), p = . 78 and there were no differences by treatment arm at week 96, p = . 74. Lower baseline IGF-1 was associated with age, non-white race, greater waist-hip ratio (WHR), low CD4 count, and lower baseline albumin (all p < .01) but not plasma HIV-1 RNA, body mass index, or treatment arm. Greater change in IGF-1 from baseline to 96 weeks was associated with female sex, smaller WHR change, lower baseline albumin, and higher baseline HIV-1 RNA (all p < .01). ART initiation with either ZDV or TDF did not significantly impact overall IGF-1 levels. Baseline and on-treatment changes in IGF-1 with ART initiation may be related to the body composition changes that occur after ART initiation.
Genetic Polymorphisms of ORAI1 and Chronic Kidney Disease in Taiwanese Population

Taiwan has very high incidence and prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD), which easily progresses to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The association between inflammation and CKD has been explored in several studies. ORAI1 functions as a pore-forming subunit of the store-operated calcium channels which are involved in the regulation of immune system. Hence, we conducted a case-control study to determine whether the genetic polymorphisms of ORAI1 gene is a susceptibility factor to CKD and its clinical features in a Taiwanese population. Five hundred seventy-nine CKD patients from a hospital-based CKD care program were included in the study. Five tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (tSNPs) of ORAI1 were selected from the genotyping data of the Han Chinese population from the HapMap project. Among these polymorphisms, rs12313273 was found to be significantly associated with elevated serum calcium levels, which has been linked to increased risk of death in CKD patients. To have a better management of serum calcium, we suggest that ORAI1 polymorphisms might be used as a potential biomarker for initiating non-calcium-based phosphate binder in CKD patients in the future.
Intermittent high-dose treatment with erlotinib enhances therapeutic efficacy in EGFR-mutant lung cancer

Treatment with EGFR kinase inhibitors improves progression-free survival of patients with EGFR-mutant lung cancer. However, all patients with initial response will eventually acquire resistance and die from tumor recurrence. We found that intermittent high-dose treatment with erlotinib induced apoptosis more potently and improved tumor shrinkage significantly than the established low doses. In mice carrying EGFR-mutant xenografts intermittent high-dose treatment (200 mg/kg every other day) was tolerable and prolonged progression-free survival and reduced the frequency of acquired resistance. Intermittent EGFR-targeted high-dose schedules induce more profound as well as sustained target inhibition and may afford enhanced therapeutic efficacy.