Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bottleneck links, variable demand, and the tragedy of the commons

We study the price of anarchy of selfish routing with variable traffic rates and when the path cost is a nonadditive function of the edge costs. Nonadditive path costs are important, for example, in networking applications, where a key performance metric is the achievable throughput along a path, which is controlled by its bottleneck (most congested) edge. We prove the following results. In multicommodity networks, the worst‐case price of anarchy under the ℓp path cost with 1 < p ≤∞ can be dramatically larger than under the standard ℓ1 path cost. In single‐commodity networks, the worst‐case price of anarchy under the ℓp path cost with 1 < p < ∞ is no more than with the standard ℓ1 path norm. (A matching lower bound follows trivially from known results.) This upper bound also applies to the ℓ∞ path cost if and only if attention is restricted to the natural subclass of equilibria generated by distributed shortest path routing protocols. For a natural cost‐minimization objective function, the price of anarchy with endogenous traffic rates (and under any ℓp path cost) is no larger than that in fixed‐demand networks. Intuitively, the worst‐case inefficiency arising from the “tragedy of the commons” is no more severe than that from routing inefficiencies. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, 2012
Inhomogeneous distribution of mercury on the surfaces of rapidly rotating HgMn stars

Starspots are usually associated with the action of magnetic fields at stellar surfaces. However, an inhomogeneous chemical distribution of mercury was found recently for the mercury-manganese (HgMn) star α And - a well-established mem- ber of anon-magnetic subclass of the chemically peculiar stars of the upper main sequence. In this study we present first results of the high-resolution survey of the Hg  3984 A resonance line in the spectra of rapidly rotating HgMn stars with atmospheric parameters similar to those of α And. We use spectrum synthesis modelling and take advantage of the Doppler resolution of stel- lar surfaces to probe the horizontal structure of mercury distribution. Clear signatures of spots are found in the Hg  3984 A line profiles of HR 1185 and HR 8723. Two observations of the latter star separated by two days give evidence for line profile vari- ability. We conclude that inhomogeneous distribution of Hg is a common phenomenon for the rapidly rotating HgMn stars in the 13 000-13 800 K effective temperature range independent of the stellar evolutionary stage. These results establish the existence of a new class of spectrum variable spotted B-type stars. It is suggested that the observed Hg inhomogeneities arise from dynamical instabilities in the chemical diffusion processes and are unrelated to magnetic phenomena.
Ontology Alignment for Real-World Applications

An ontology-driven approach to data integration relies on the alignment of the concepts of a global ontology that describe the domain, with the concepts of the ontologies that describe the data in the local databases. Once the alignment between the global ontology and each of the local ontologies is established, users can potentially query hundreds of databases using a single query that hides the underlying heterogeneities. Using our approach, querying can be easily extended to a new database by aligning its ontology with the global one. For this purpose, we have designed and implemented a software tool to align ontologies. The output of this tool is a set of mappings between concepts, which will be used to produce the queries to the local databases once a query is formulated on the global ontology.
A critical role for elastin signaling in vascular morphogenesis and disease

Vascular proliferative diseases such as atherosclerosis and coronary restenosis are leading causes of morbidity and mortality in developed nations. Common features associated with these heterogeneous disorders involve phenotypic modulation and subsequent abnormal proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells into the arterial lumen, leading to neointimal formation and vascular stenosis. This fibrocellular response has largely been attributed to the release of multiple cytokines and growth factors by inflammatory cells. Previously, we demonstrated that the disruption of the elastin matrix leads to defective arterial morphogenesis. Here, we propose that elastin is a potent autocrine regulator of vascular smooth muscle cell activity and that this regulation is important for preventing fibrocellular pathology. Using vascular smooth muscle cells from mice lacking elastin (Eln-/-), we show that elastin induces actin stress fiber organization, inhibits proliferation, regulates migration and signals via a non-integrin, heterotrimeric G-protein-coupled pathway. In a porcine coronary model of restenosis, the therapeutic delivery of exogenous elastin to injured vessels in vivo significantly reduces neointimal formation. These findings indicate that elastin stabilizes the arterial structure by inducing a quiescent contractile state in vascular smooth muscle cells. Together, this work demonstrates that signaling pathways crucial for arterial morphogenesis can play an important role in the pathogenesis and treatment of vascular disease.
Relativistic Parker winds with variable effective polytropic index

Spherically symmetric hydrodynamical outflows accelerated thermally in the vicinity of a compact object are studied by generalizing an equation of state with a variable effective polytropic index, appropriate to describe relativistic temperatures close to the central object and nonrelativistic ones further away. Relativistic effects introduced by the Schwarzschild metric and the presence of relativistic temperatures in the corona are compared with previous results for a constant effective polytropic index and also with results of the classical wind theory. By a parametric study of the polytropic index and the location of the sonic transition it is found that space time curvature and relativistic temperatures tend to increase the efficiency of thermal driving in accelerating the outflow. Thus conversely to the classical Parker wind, the outflow is accelerated even for polytropic indices higher than 3/2. The results of this simple but fully relativistic extension of the polytropic equation of state may be useful in simulations of outflows from hot coronae in black hole magnetospheres.
Transcriptome Sequencing Identified Genes and Gene Ontologies Associated with Early Freezing Tolerance in Maize

Originating in a tropical climate, maize has faced great challenges as cultivation has expanded to the majority of the world's temperate zones. In these zones, frost and cold temperatures are major factors that prevent maize from reaching its full yield potential. Among 30 elite maize inbred lines adapted to northern China, we identified two lines of extreme, but opposite, freezing tolerance levels—highly tolerant and highly sensitive. During the seedling stage of these two lines, we used RNA-seq to measure changes in maize whole genome transcriptome before and after freezing treatment. In total, 19,794 genes were expressed, of which 4550 exhibited differential expression due to either treatment (before or after freezing) or line type (tolerant or sensitive). Of the 4550 differently expressed genes, 948 exhibited differential expression due to treatment within line or lines under freezing condition. Analysis of gene ontology found that these 948 genes were significantly enriched for binding functions (DNA binding, ATP binding, and metal ion binding), protein kinase activity, and peptidase activity. Based on their enrichment, literature support, and significant levels of differential expression, 30 of these 948 genes were selected for quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) validation. The validation confirmed our RNA-Seq-based findings, with squared correlation coefficients of 80% and 50% in the tolerance and sensitive lines, respectively. This study provided valuable resources for further studies to enhance understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying maize early freezing response and enable targeted breeding strategies for developing varieties with superior frost resistance to achieve yield potential.
Problem Based Learning in an MSW Programme: A Study of Learning Outcomes

This article reports research undertaken as part of the curriculum development of a Master of Social Work programme at the University of Hong Kong. It was decided to switch four out of five core subjects to a problem based method of teaching and learning. Two student self‐assessment measures were used to track learning skills acquisition and professional knowledge acquisition. The Problem Based Skills Learning Inventory covered problem solving, interpersonal and group skills, self‐directed learning skills, self‐assessment and knowledge building. The Competence and Aptitude in Social Work Scale included knowledge, social awareness, communication skills, leadership and self‐concept. Results indicated that for most students there were significant gains over the course of the academic year in most areas. Serendipitous findings throw light on the issue of students' response to pure and hybrid PBL methods and the acceptability of this more active approach to learning to Chinese students.
Complete resolution of myoclonus-like involuntary movements under subarachnoid block after midazolam administration in a patient undergoing cesarean section: a case report

Involuntary movement during and after neuraxial anesthesia, such as spinal and epidural anesthesia, is rarely observed. In this report, we describe a case of myoclonus-like involuntary movement of the upper extremities in a patient undergoing a planned repeat cesarean section under spinal anesthesia with bupivacaine that completely subsided after administration of 2 mg of midazolam. The myoclonus-like movement did not recur or cause any apparent neurological side effects.
Optimal Multiband Pulse Shaping and Improved Power Spectrum Estimation Using Stopbands Information

In this letter, we derive formulas for optimal discrete-time pulse shaping for communications in multiband channels. Furthermore, we propose a technique for extending a short signal segment for the purpose of power spectral estimation using the available information about the signal stopbands. The later technique can be also used for minimizing the energy leakage into stopbands of a signal, e.g., as in windowing for orthogonal frequency division modulation (OFDM). Simulation results show that when the pulse duration is long enough, the stopband energy can be practically reduced to zero using the proposed technique. The proposed power spectral estimation technique can improve the resolution and reduce the energy leakage from signal passbands into adjacent stopbands. Moreover, it can reduce the out-of-band power leakage significantly when used for windowing in OFDM.
What I Say is What I Get: Stronger Effects of Self-Generated vs. Cue-Induced Expectations in Event-Related Potentials

Expectations regarding future events enable preparatory processes and allow for faster responses to expected stimuli compared to unexpected stimuli. Expectations can have internal sources or follow external cues. While many studies on expectation effects use some form of cueing, a direct comparison with self-generated expectations involving behavioral and psychophysiological measures is lacking. In the present study we compare cue-induced expectations with self-generated expectations that are both expressed verbally in a within-subjects design, measuring behavioral performance, and event-related brain potentials (ERPs). Response time benefits for expected stimuli are much larger when expectations are self-generated as compared to externally cued. Increased amplitudes in both the N2 and P3 components for violations of self-generated expectations suggest that this advantage can at least partially be ascribed to greater perceptual preparation. This goes along with a missing benefit for stimuli matching the expected response only and is mirrored in the lateralized readiness potential (LRP). Taken together, behavioral and ERP findings indicate that self-generated expectations lead to increased premotoric preparation compared to cue-induced expectations. Underlying cognitive or neuronal functional differences between these types of expectation remain a subject for future studies.
Strategic management and the philosophy of science: the case for a constructivist methodology

In this paper, we suggest that constructivism has the potential to inform research in strategic management. The realist paradigm currently dominates strategy research, and constructivism, a well-established tradition in the philosophy of science, is often ignored. However, a study of strategy literature and research reveals that it is drawn upon more frequently than is explicitly acknowledged. Constructivism occupies a methodological space characterized by ontological realism and epistemological relativism. Ontological realism is an important cornerstone of a field as applied as strategy, while epistemological relativism helps us explore the constructed nature of the field, where the researcher is an active participant rather than a reactor or information processor. In this paper, we demonstrate the precedents and possibilities for constructivist research in strategic management. We examine some of the existent constructivist works in the strategy literature, and point to specific techniques, including historical analysis, to demonstrate how this perspective may advance the boundaries of strategy research. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Causal Representation and Behavior: The Integration of Mechanism and Covariation

Causal knowledge can be based on acquired information about the statistical relationship (covariation) between a cause and effect or on knowledge of the mechanism by which causal power is transmitted between the cause and effect. A key issue is the functional significance of this distinction. In this article, we review recent research in which the influence of covariational evidence on prior beliefs was analyzed. We argue that the way in which covariation influences prior beliefs is independent of whether those beliefs are based on covariation or mechanism information, and that convincing demonstrations of the dissociability of the two types of causal knowledge have not been obtained. We argue that although there are several ways in which causal knowledge can be acquired, that knowledge shares a common representational basis.
Treating Cognitive Distortions with EMDR: A Case Study of a Sex Offender

This single-case study illustrates how eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) can be of use in the treatment of cognitive distortions in sex offenders who themselves have been victimized in their childhood. A 56-year-old man did not perceive his childhood sexual experiences as negative. As a consequence, he could not see any harm in his own offending in later life. He spent one year in cognitive-behavioral group therapy barely making any progress. After nine EMDR sessions, most cognitive distortions appeared to be resolved. He was able to attend his group sessions in a more open and involved manner.
Associations Among School and Friendship Identity in Adolescence and Romantic Relationships and Work in Emerging Adulthood

This study examined the interrelations between employment status and romantic relationship status, work and romantic relationship identity in emerging adulthood, and school and friendship identity in adolescence. Dutch participants (N = 1,026) from two age cohorts (16-year-old cohort comprised 735 participants and 20-year-olds comprised 291, at Time 1) reported about school and friendship identity during adolescence, and about status of and identification with work and romantic relationships during emerging adulthood 5 years later. Employment status and romantic relationship status were significantly related to each other. Employment status was also significantly related to relational identity, and relationship status was significantly related to work identity. Moreover, work and romantic relationship identity, but not employment status and romantic relationship status, could be predicted by school and friendship identity in adolescence. These results confirm the interdependence of role transitions in emerging adulthood and suggest that the base of the successful attainment of these transitions is laid in adolescence.
Password Based Anonymous Authentication with Private Information Retrieval

This paper focuses on authentication with three types of entities: a user who sends an authentication request, a service provider who receives and verifies the request, and a database who supplies the service provider with information for verifying the request. This paper presents novel authentication protocols that satisfy the following important properties: (1) se- cure against replay attacks and (2) the database cannot identify which user is authenticating. First, we show a protocol which satisfies Properties (2). Second, we show a protocol which satisfies Properties (1) and (2). A key idea of our authentication protocols is to use private information retrieval (PIR) (Chor et al. J. ACM, 1998). Categories and Subject Descriptors K.6. 5 (Management of Computing and Information System)
The analysis of translation-related gene set boosts debates around origin and evolution of mimiviruses

The giant mimiviruses challenged the well-established concept of viruses, blurring the roots of the tree of life, mainly due to their genetic content. Along with other nucleo-cytoplasmic large DNA viruses, they compose a new proposed order—named Megavirales—whose origin and evolution generate heated debate in the scientific community. The presence of an arsenal of genes not widespread in the virosphere related to important steps of the translational process, including transfer RNAs, aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, and translation factors for peptide synthesis, constitutes an important element of this debate. In this review, we highlight the main findings to date about the translational machinery of the mimiviruses and compare their distribution along the distinct members of the family Mimiviridae. Furthermore, we discuss how the presence and/or absence of the translation-related genes among mimiviruses raises important insights to boost the debate on their origin and evolutionary history.
Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction: An Overview

Background: Adult acquired flatfoot deformity is a commonly seen condition with a large clinical spectrum. It ranges from asymptomatic subjects to severely disabled arthritic patients. Posterior tibialis tendon dysfunction is a common cause of adult acquired flatfoot deformity. Methods: This article systematically reviews the published literature from books and journals that were either originally written or later translated into the English language regarding the subject of posterior tibialis tendon dysfunction. Results: Posterior tibialis tendon dysfunction is a primary soft tissue tendinopathy of the posterior tibialis that leads to altered foot biomechanics. Although the natural history of posterior tibialis tendon dysfunction is not fully known, it has mostly been agreed that it is a progressive disorder. While clinical examination is important in diagnosing adult acquired flat-feet; further investigation is often required to delineate the different aetiologies and stage of the disease. The literature describes many different management choices for the different stages of posterior tibialis tendon dysfunction. Conclusion: Because of the wide range of symptom and deformity severity, surgical reconstruction is based on a-la-carte. The consensus is that a plethora of reconstructive options needs to be available and the list of procedures should be tailored to tackle the different symptoms, especially when managing complex multi-planar reconstructions.
The utility of the Revised NEO Personality Inventory in an outpatient, drug rehabilitation context.

This study evaluated the psychometric properties of the Revised NEO Personality Inventory (NEO-PI-R) in a mostly African American clinical sample and determined if these qualities provided useful information about their motivational characteristics that were germane to treatment. Eighty-two men and 50 women entered a 6-week outpatient drug rehabilitation program, completed the NEO-PI-R, and received counselor ratings of personality at admission. The 99 who finished the program completed a 2nd NEO-PI-R. Counselors provided ratings of treatment responsiveness. The cross-observer, cross-method, cross-time correlations indicated that the NEO-PI-R can be a useful tool for organizing clinical information about clients.
A Modified Car-Following Model Based on a Neural Network Model of the Human Driver Effects

Nowadays, among the microscopic traffic flow modeling approaches, the car-following models are increasingly used by transportation experts to utilize appropriate intelligent transportation systems. Unlike previous works, where the reaction delay is considered to be fixed, in this paper, a modified neural network approach is proposed to simulate and predict the car-following behavior based on the instantaneous reaction delay of the driver-vehicle unit as the human effects. This reaction delay is calculated based on a proposed idea, and the model is developed based on this feature as an input. In this modeling, the inputs and outputs are chosen with respect to the reaction delay to train the neural network model. Using the field data, the performance of the model is calculated and compared with the responses of some existing neural network car-following models. Considering the difference between the responses of the actual plant and the predicted model as the error, comparison shows that the error in the proposed model is significantly smaller than that that in the other models.
Relationships Between Laws, Norms and Practices

The road rules are the only area of ‘law’ about which almost every citizen is given explicit instruction, and with which most citizens engage on a daily basis – as a driver, a cyclist or a pedestrian. This makes these rules the ideal site for an exploration of the interaction between the law (or, more properly, regulations), the norms that are linked to the law and the practices adopted by road users that relate to those norms. This exploration will be done using the work of Michel Foucault. His work will be supplemented by a categorisation of the practices exhibited by individuals into ‘normative practices’, ‘practices of habit’ and ‘spontaneous practices’. The manner in which the interests of the road users impact on the decisions made by them, in light of their learnt practices, provides insight into why, in some cases, road rules are breached.
Entity Linking and Knowledge Discovery in Microblogs

Social media platforms have become significantly popular and are widely used for various customer services and communication. As a result, they experience a real-time emergence of new entities, ranging from product launches to trending mentions of celebrities. On the other hand, a Knowledge Base (KB) is used to represent entities of interest/relevance for general public, however, unlikely to cover all entities appearing on social media. One of the key tasks towards bridging the gap between Web of Unstructured Data and Web of Data is identifying such entities from social media streams which are important and haven’t been yet represented in a KB. The main focus of this PhD work is discovery of new knowledge from social media streams in the form of new entities and/or new mentions of existing entities while enriching KBs as well as lexically extending them for existing entities. Based on the discovery of new entities or new mentions, structured data in the form of RDF (Resource Description Framework) can be extracted from the Web.