Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Automatic Distributed Code Generation from Formal Models of Asynchronous Concurrent Processes

Formal process languages inheriting the concurrency and communication features of process algebras are convenient formalisms to model distributed applications, especially when they are equipped with formal verification tools (e.g., model-checkers) to help hunting for bugs early in the development process. However, even starting from a fully verified formal model, bugs are likely to be introduced while translating (generally by hand) the concurrent model -- which relies on high-level and expressive communication primitives -- into the distributed implementation -- which often relies on low-level communication primitives. In this paper, we present DLC, a compiler that enables distributed code to be generated from models written in a formal process language called LNT, which is equipped with a rich verification toolbox named CADP. The generated code can be either executed in an autonomous way (i.e., without requiring additional code to be defined by the user), or connected to external software through user-modifiable C functions. We present an experiment where DLC generates a distributed implementation from the LNT model of the Raft consensus algorithm.
Current-controlled current-mode multiphase oscillator using CCCDTAs

This paper presents a new current-controlled current-mode multiphase sinusoidal oscillator using current controlled current differencing transconductance amplifiers (CCCDTAs). The proposed oscillator circuit, which employs one CCCDTA, one grounded capacitor and one MOS resistor for each phase, can generate arbitrary n output current equal-amplitude signals that are equally spaced in phase (n being even or odd), all at high output impedance terminals. The frequency of oscillation and the condition of oscillation can be controlled electronically and independently through adjusting the bias currents of the CCCDTAs. The proposed multiphase oscillator is highly suitable for integrated circuit implementation. The theoretical results were verified by PSPICE simulation.
A Note on Barnette’s Conjecture

Abstract Barnette conjectured that each planar, bipartite, cubic, and 3-connected graph is hamiltonian. We prove that this conjecture is equivalent to the statement that there is a constant c > 0 such that each graph G of this class contains a path on at least c|V (G)| vertices.
Extreme Glacial Legacies: A Synthesis of the Antarctic Springtail Phylogeographic Record

We review current phylogeographic knowledge from across the Antarctic terrestrial landscape with a focus on springtail taxa. We describe consistent patterns of high genetic diversity and structure among populations which have persisted in glacial refugia across Antarctica over both short (<2 Mya) and long (>10 Mya) timescales. Despite a general concordance of results among species, we explain why location is important in determining population genetic patterns within bioregions. We complete our review by drawing attention to the main limitations in the field of Antarctic phylogeography, namely that the scope of geographic focus is often lacking within studies, and that large gaps remain in our phylogeographic knowledge for most terrestrial groups.
Diversity of human astrovirus genotypes circulating in children with acute gastroenteritis in Thailand during 2000–2011

Human astrovirus (HAstV) is one of the causative agents of acute gastroenteritis in children worldwide. The objective of this study was to elucidate the molecular epidemiology and genotypic diversity of HAstV circulating in pediatric patients admitted to hospital with diarrhea in Thailand during the year 2000–2011, except for 2004, 2006, and 2009. A total of 1,022 fecal specimens were tested for HAstV by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). HAstV was detected at 1.4% (14 of 1,022). All HAstV strains detected in this study were characterized further by nucleotide sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Analysis of 348 bp partial capsid nucleotide sequences revealed that HAstV strains detected were HAstV‐1 (1a, 1b, and 1d) (8 strains), HAstV‐2 (2c) (3 strains), HAstV‐3 (1 strain), and HAstV‐5 (2 strains). HAstV‐1, the most predominant genotype was detected initially in 2002 and circulated continuously up to 2011. HAstV‐2 was detected in year 2001, and 2007 and grouped into a 2c lineage. HAstV‐3 was found only in 2000 and HAstV‐5 was found in the year 2001. The findings indicate that a wide variety of HAstV strains continue to circulate in children admitted to hospital with acute gastroenteritis in Thailand over a decade. The data provide an epidemiological overview of HAstV infection and HAstV genotype distribution in Thailand. J. Med. Virol. 84:1751–1756, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Influence of disease severity on nitrite and cytokine production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (TB)

Earlier studies in patients with pulmonary TB have revealed a higher production of Th1 cell type cytokines in moderate TB, with predominant Th2‐like responses in advanced disease. Given the influence of IL‐12 in T cell differentiation, as well as the roles of transforming growth factor‐beta (TGF‐β), nitric oxide and tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) in the immune response against intracellular pathogens, we decided to analyse the interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ), IL‐4, IL‐12, TGF‐β, TNF‐α and nitrite concentrations in culture supernatants of PBMC from TB patients showing different degrees of lung involvement. The sample population comprised 18 untreated TB patients with either moderate (n = 9) or advanced (n = 9) disease and 12 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls (total population (patients and controls) 12 women, 18 men, aged 37 ± 13 years (mean ± s.d.)). PBMC were stimulated with whole sonicate from Mycobacterium tuberculosis and the supernatants were collected on day 4 for measurement of cytokine and nitrite levels. Antigen‐stimulated IFN‐γ, TGF‐β and TNF‐α production was found to be significantly increased in TB patients, both moderate and advanced, compared with the controls. Levels of IFN‐γ were significantly higher in moderate disease than advanced cases, whereas advanced cases showed significantly higher IL‐12, TGF‐β and TNF‐α concentrations when compared with cases of moderate TB. Nitrite levels were also increased in TB patients and the increase was statistically significant when advanced cases were compared with controls. These findings may contribute to a clearer picture of the net effect of cytokine interactions in TB, essential for a better understanding of the immunopathological mechanisms underlying the distinct clinical forms of the disease.
Quantification of the curvature and shape of the interventricular septum

The interventricular septum (IVS) occupies a unique position within the heart, lying between the left (LV) and right (RV) ventricular cavities. Changes in its normal geometry may signify not only abnormalities of the septal myocardium, but also abnormal pressure differences between the LV and RV. Flattening of the IVS has been noted with cross‐sectional imaging in association with pulmonary hypertension, but the septal curvature and shape have not previously been measured in three dimensions. This paper describes a method to model the RV surface of the IVS from spatially registered cross‐sectional images for measurements of curvature. A smoothing 2D spline surface is constructed through the RV septal surface at regular times during the cardiac cycle, and the principal curvatures, as well as the Gaussian and mean curvatures, shape index, and curvedness, are calculated. Vector and color surface maps and graphs of average curvature and shape indices are constructed. Consistent curvature patterns were observed in four normal subjects. This method of measuring septal geometry can provide potentially useful new information on the effects of RV disease. We examine the problem of describing septal motion, and describe a simple measure of septal curvature that may be of clinical value. Magn Reson Med 52:154–163, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Analysis of coordination in multi-agent systems through partial difference equations

In this note, we introduce the framework of partial difference equations (PdEs) over graphs for analyzing the behavior of multi-agent systems equipped with decentralized control schemes. Both leaderless and leader-follower models are considered. PdEs mimic partial differential equations (PDEs) on graphs and can be studied by introducing concepts of functional analysis strongly inspired to the corresponding ones arising in PDEs theory. We generalize different models proposed in the literature by introducing errors in the agent dynamics and analyze agent coordination through the joint use of PdEs and automatic control tools. Moreover, for the simplest control schemes, we show that the resulting PdEs enjoy properties that are similar to those of well-known PDEs like the heat equation, thus allowing to exploit physical-based reasoning for conjecturing formation properties.
The utility of multiple mini-interviews: experience of a medical school

Purpose This paper aims to introduce the design of multiple mini-interviews (MMIs) as a tool to assess medical school applicants’ attributes in alignment with the school’s educational goals and to evaluate its utility. Methods In this MMI, candidates rotated through six stations (10 minutes per station), in which specific interview topics were drawn by mapping the school’s educational goals with the core competencies for entering medical students. We conducted post-MMI surveys of all of the interviewers and candidates to investigate their experiences of MMIs. The G-coefficient and interclass correlation were analyzed to investigate the reliability of this test. Additionally, the candidates’ MMI scores were compared across different backgrounds and a univariate analysis was used to estimate correlations between their MMI scores and prior academic achievements. Results A total of 164 candidates (a 98.8% response rate) and 19 interviewers (a 100% response rate) completed the surveys in the years 2014 and 2015. Both candidates and assessors showed positive responses to MMIs. The G-coefficient of MMI scores was 0.88 and the interclass correlation coefficients ranged from 0.58 to 0.75. The participants’ total MMI scores did not differ across genders or undergraduate backgrounds and were not associated with age, undergraduate graduate point averages, nor the Korean medical school admission test (Medical Education Eligibility Test) scores. Conclusion Our study illustrates the utility of MMIs that utilize the institution’s educational goals to identify attributes to be pursued in the admission interviews in alignment with the institution’s core values. Future research is warranted of the predictive validity of this MMI.
Understanding end-user computing through technological frames

The objective of this research was to investigate the effect of technological frames of reference on end-user satisfaction. A large multi national corporation with regional headquarters in Singapore participated in this research effort, which used a combination of quantitative and qualitative methodologies. An end-user survey instrument was used in the quantitative phase of the study to measure the effectiveness of the computer systems at the organization, while at the same time measuring the level of end-user support satisfaction with that system. Grounded theory techniques for qualitative analysis were used to assess the technological frames of three functional groups (MIS, management, and end-users) across four dimensions (technology in use, technology strategy, ownership of technology, and nature of technology). Once the frames of reference had been developed, the level of congruence among the three groups for each of the four domains was determined. Orlikowski’s work on technological frames of reference was expanded to study the effects that the congruence of these frames of reference had on the level of satisfaction with end-user support. The software package NUD*IST was utilized to assist in the content analysis of a series of in-depth interviews for the qualitative portion of the study. Congruence was determined for two domains: technology strategy and nature of technology. Partial congruence was found for the technology in use domain, and incongruence was determined for the ownership of technology domain. The level of congruence was shown to be related to user satisfaction. For those domains that displayed congruence, the end-user survey indicated satisfaction. For the domains that displayed incongruence and partial incongruence, the end-user survey indicated dissatisfaction.
Decreased levels of autoantibodies against apolipoprotein B‐100 antigens are associated with cardiovascular disease in systemic lupus erythematosus

Increased production of autoantibodies is a characteristic feature of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and there is evidence that several of these autoantibodies may contribute to increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) in SLE. Autoantibodies against the apolipoprotein (apo) B‐100 peptides p45 and p210 have been associated with a lower CVD risk in non‐SLE cohorts. The aim of the present study was to investigate how SLE affects the occurrence of these potentially protective autoantibodies. The study cohort consisted of 434 SLE patients and 322 age‐ and sex‐matched population controls. Antibodies against native and malondialdehyde (MDA)‐modified p45 and p210 were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). SLE patients had significantly lower levels of p210 immunoglobulin (Ig)G and p45 IgM (both the native and malondialdehyde (MDA)‐modified forms). SLE patients with manifest CVD (myocardial infarction, ischaemic cerebrovascular disease or peripheral vascular disease) had lower levels p210 IgG and p45 IgM than SLE patients without CVD. Decreased levels of these autoantibodies were also observed in SLE patients with permanent organ damage, as assessed by the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Damage Index (SDI). The present findings show that patients with SLE, a condition generally characterized by abundance of autoantibodies of multiple specificities, have reduced levels of antibodies against the apo B‐100 antigens p45 and p210 and that the levels of these antibodies are reduced further in SLE patients with CVD. These observations suggest the possibility that an impaired antibody‐mediated removal of damaged LDL particles may contribute to the development of vascular complications and organ damage in SLE.
Competencies of the First Dental Graduates from Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM): Graduates' and Employers' Perceptions

Objective: The present study assessed the perceptions of graduates and employers after six months of practising with regard to three domains of the existing curriculum at Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM): knowledge, skills and attitudes. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on the first cohort of dental graduates from USIM, as well as their employers, in August 2013. This study employed a questionnaire that was derived from a list of objectives formulated by the General Dental Council (GDC, UK). A set of questions was distributed to the graduates and their employers after 6 months in practice. The survey included 17 objectives, addressing the three domains. The responses were rated according to a five-point Likert scale (1-very poor, 2-poor, 3-average, 4-good, 5-very good). In addition, the USIM dental graduates were also compared to other dental graduates who were under the supervision of the employers. Data were analysed using SPSS 20. Results: Respond rate of the graduates and their employers was 65.5% (n=19). The graduates were rated as demonstrating good levels of performance by more than 80% of their employers for objectives relating to knowledge. However, only 21%26% of the graduates perceived themselves as very good in relation to the knowledge objectives. Over 90% of graduates and employers rated skill being either good or very good. For the attitudinal scores 87% of the graduates rated themselves as good or very good, whereas 90% of the employer rated them as good or very good. Conclusion: This study has shown that the present USIM curriculum, is achieving satisfactory outcomes in the three measured domains; knowledge, skills and attitudes.
A Kernel Method for the Two-Sample-Problem

We propose two statistical tests to determine if two samples are from different distributions. Our test statistic is in both cases the distance between the means of the two samples mapped into a reproducing kernel Hilbert space (RKHS). The first test is based on a large deviation bound for the test statistic, while the second is based on the asymptotic distribution of this statistic. The test statistic can be computed in O(m2) time. We apply our approach to a variety of problems, including attribute matching for databases using the Hungarian marriage method, where our test performs strongly. We also demonstrate excellent performance when comparing distributions over graphs, for which no alternative tests currently exist.
Estimation of Candida albicans ABC Transporter Behavior in Real-Time via Fluorescence

We present a fluorometric method for determining ABC transporter activity in the pathogenic fungus C. albicans during different growth phases and in response to glucose. The carbocyanine dye diS-C3(3) was previously used to monitor plasma membrane potentials and test the influence of surface-active compounds in membrane polarization. We used diS-C3(3) to show changes in fluorescence kinetics that reflect changes in the activity of ABC transporters in C. albicans growth. Cdr1-GFP fluorescence, revealed that Cdr1p relocates to the inside of the cell after the early-log growth phase. Addition of glucose to the cell suspension resulted in Cdr1p transporter expression in the CDR2-knockout strain. We confirmed the diS-C3(3) results by standard RT-PCR and Western blotting.
Genome-Wide Association Study of Intracranial Aneurysms Confirms Role of Anril and SOX17 in Disease Risk

Background— Genomewide association studies have identified novel genetic factors that contribute to intracranial aneurysm (IA) susceptibility. We sought to confirm previously reported loci, to identify novel risk factors, and to evaluate the contribution of these factors to familial and sporadic IA. Method— We utilized 2 complementary samples, one recruited on the basis of a dense family history of IA (discovery sample 1: 388 IA cases and 397 controls) and the other without regard to family history (discovery sample 2: 1095 IA cases and 1286 controls). Imputation was used to generate a common set of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) across samples, and a logistic regression model was used to test for association in each sample. Results from each sample were then combined in a metaanalysis. Results— There was only modest overlap in the association results obtained in the 2 samples. In neither sample did results reach genomewide significance. However, the metaanalysis yielded genomewide significance for SNP on chromosome 9p (CDKN2BAS; rs6475606; P=3.6 × 10−8) and provided further evidence to support the previously reported association of IA with SNP in SOX17 on chromosome 8q (rs1072737; P=8.7 × 10−5). Analyses suggest that the effect of smoking acts multiplicatively with the SNP genotype, and smoking has a greater effect on risk than SNP genotype. Conclusion— In addition to replicating several previously reported loci, we provide further evidence that the association on chromosome 9p is attributable to variants in CDKN2BAS (also known as ANRIL, an antisense noncoding RNA).
Research Group ( CIS ) Department of Computer & Information Science June 2007 Provenance Semirings

We show that relational algebra calculations for incomplete databases, probabilistic databases, bag semantics and why provenance are particular cases of the same general algorithms involving semirings. This further suggests a comprehensive provenance representation that uses semirings of polynomials. We extend these considerations to datalog and semirings of formal power series. We give algorithms for datalog provenance calculation as well as datalog evaluation for incomplete and probabilistic databases. Finally, we show that for some semirings containment of conjunctive queries is the same as for standard set semantics.
Cognitive Profile During Remission: Euthymic Bipolar Disorder Patients Compared to Schizophrenia Patients

Background: Cognitive deficits are fundamental features in schizophrenia (SZ) and major determinants of psychosocial functioning. Cognitive deficits in bipolar disorder (BD) were only recently recognized, and research on them is limited, especially in the euthymic stage. Earlier attempts to establish and compare the cognitive profiles of these overlapping disorders were few, and their results were inconsistent. Methods: We compared the cognitive profile of age- and gender-matched euthymic BD patients, SZ patients in remission, and healthy controls (30 subjects in each group). Cognitive performance was evaluated using a well-validated computerized assessment battery (Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery [CANTAB]). Results: The findings indicated both quantitive and qualitative differences in cognitive functioning of patients who were in the stable stage of the two disorders. While SZ patients exhibited more generalized cognitive deficits, those of the BD patients were more focused in the dom.
Adsorption of H2S molecule on TiO2/Au nanocomposites: A density functional theory study

The adsorption of hydrogen sulfide molecule on undoped and N-doped TiO2/Au nanocomposites was investigated by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The results showed that the adsorption energies of H2S on the nanocomposites follow the order of 2N doped (Ti site)>N-doped (Ti site)>Undoped (Ti site). The structural properties including bond lengths, angles and adsorption energies and electronic properties in view of the projected density of states (PDOSs) and molecular orbitals (MOs) were analyzed in detail. The results indicated that the interaction between H2S molecule and N-doped TiO2/Au nanocomposite is stronger than that between H2S and undoped nanocomposite, suggesting that N-doping helps to strengthen the interaction of H2S with TiO2/Au nanocomposite. Mulliken population analysis was conducted to analyze the charge transfer between the nanocomposite and H2S molecule. Although H2S molecule has no significant interaction with undoped nanocomposite, it tends to be strongly adsorbed on the N-doped nanocomposite. The results also suggest that the two doped nitrogen atoms in TiO2 greatly strengthen the adsorption process, being a helpful procedure to help in the design and development of improved sensor devices for H2S detection.