Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Rounds in communication complexity revisited

The k-round two-party communication complexity was studied in the deterministic model by [P. H. Papadimitriou and M. Sipser, Proc. of the 14th STOC, 1982, pp. 330–337] and [P. Duris, Z. Galil, and G. Schnitger, Proc. of the 16th STOC, 1984, pp. 81–91] and in the probabilistic model by [A. C. Yao, Proc. of the 24th FOCS, 1983, pp. 420–428] and [B. Halstenberg and R. Reischuk, Proc. of the 20th STOC, 1988, pp. 162–172]. This paper presents new lower bounds that give (1) randomization is more powerful than determinism in k-round protocols, and (2) an explicit function which exhibits an exponential gap between its k and $(k - 1)$-round randomized complexity.This paper also studies the three-party communication model, and exhibits an exponential gap in 3-round protocols that differ in the starting player.Finally, this paper shows new connections of these questions to circuit complexity, that motivate further work in this direction.
Blood and immune cell engineering: Cytoskeletal contractility and nuclear rheology impact cell lineage and localization

Clinical success with human hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation establishes a paradigm for regenerative therapies with other types of stem cells. However, it remains generally challenging to therapeutically treat tissues after engineering of stem cells in vitro. Recent studies suggest that stem and progenitor cells sense physical features of their niches. Here, we review biophysical contributions to lineage decisions, maturation, and trafficking of blood and immune cells. Polarized cellular contractility and nuclear rheology are separately shown to be functional markers of a hematopoietic hierarchy that predict the ability of a lineage to traffic in and out of the bone marrow niche. These biophysical determinants are regulated by a set of structural molecules, including cytoplasmic myosin‐II and nuclear lamins, which themselves are modulated by a diverse range of transcriptional and post‐translational mechanisms. Small molecules that target these mechanobiological circuits, along with novel bioengineering methods, could prove broadly useful in programming blood and immune cells for therapies ranging from blood transfusions to immune attack of tumors.
Exploring the Rules for Selective Deposition: Interactions of Model Polyamines on Acid and Oligoethylene Oxide Surfaces

New results using chemical force microscopy examine the relationships between polyions and both charged acid surface groups (COOH) and neutral oligoethylene oxide (EG) functionalized surfaces. Although poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and its derivatives have been known to resist protein deposition, our data indicate that certain hydrophobic polyelectrolytes, including polyallylamine hydrochloride (PAH), are actually attracted to the EG surface under certain pH conditions. Polymer surface modified colloidal particles were used as force probes to examine the interactions of polyamines with hydrophilic backbones, such as linear polyethyleneimine, and those with hydrophobic backbones, such as PAH, on alkanethiol monolayers. The adsorption and force curves of these two model polyamines with COOH and EG surfaces at a range of pH values is discussed. It is thought that the behavior observed is related to conformational differences between the hydrophobic and hydrophilic polymers at certain degrees of ionization. The .
Speeding Up AES By Extending a 32 bit Processor Instruction Set

Nowadays the need of speed in cipher and decipher operations is more important than in the past. This is due to the diffusion of real time applications, which fact involves the use of cryptography. Many co-processors for cryptography were studied and presented in the past, but only few works were addressed to the enhancement of the instruction set architecture (ISA) of the embedded processor. This paper presents an extension of the ISA of a 32 bit processor, that aims at speeding up the software implementations of the AES algorithm. After the identification of the most frequently executed and the most time consuming sections of the algorithm, a set of dedicated instructions is designed in order to improve the performances of the cipher operations. We validate our instruction set extension by measuring the speed up for different optimized implementations of AES using an ARM processor simulator, but the enhancements we propose are general enough to be applied to almost all 32 bit processors.
On statistical testing in psychology

This paper argues that a Fisherian approach to statistical inference, which views statistical testing as determining the chance probability of an event, is coherent, consistent with modern statistical methods and forms a sound theoretical basis for the use of statistical tests in psychology. It is argued that Fisherian statistical tests are concerned with establishing the direction of tested effects, give rise to confidence intervals and are quite consistent with power analyses. Researchers are encouraged to report chance probabilities, and to interpret them according to the prevailing conditions rather than using a fixed decision rule. The contrasting Neyman–Pearson approach, which views statistical testing as a quality control procedure for accepting hypotheses, posits unreasonable research practices which psychologists do not and should not be expected to follow. Neyman–Pearson theory has caused confusion in the psychological literature and criticisms have been levelled at statistical testing in general that ought to have been directed specifically at Neyman–Pearson testing. Statistical inference, of any sort, is held to be insufficient to characterize the process of testing scientific hypotheses. Data should be seen as evidence to be used in psychological arguments and statistical significance is just one measure of its quality. It restrains researchers from making too much of findings which could otherwise be explained by chance.
An asynchronous tracking systems modeling and its application in tracking performance analysis for hypersonic aircraft vehicle

In target tracking community, the target dynamics are often in continuous-time space, while observation system is usually digital and thus in discrete-time space. Discretization technique is often adopted. Thus, system state and observation equations tend to have different sampling rates due to the constrained sampling ability of sensors. We coin this system to be the asynchronous tracking system. If the observation equation has a lower sampling rate than that of state equation, the loss rate of the target tracking is greatly increased in general. In this paper, we model the asynchronous tracking equations and give the state estimation for the continuous-time and discrete-time systems. As an important application of fast varying state systems, the tracking performances of hypersonic aircraft vehicle are analyzed under the time-invariant condition. The research results show that the sampling rate for observation system has a huge impact on the hypersonic aircraft vehicle's tracking.
Learning to Choose the Best System Configuration in Information Retrieval: the Case of Repeated Queries

This paper presents a method that automatically decides which system configuration should be used to process a query. This method is developed for the case of repeated queries and implements a new kind of meta-system. It is based on a training process: the meta-system learns the best system configuration to use on a per query basis. After training, the meta-search system knows which configuration should treat a given query. The Learning to Choose method we developed selects the best configurations among many. This selective process rests on data analytics applied to system parameter values and their link with system effectiveness. Moreover, we optimize the parameters on a per-query basis. The training phase uses a limited amount of document relevance judgment. When the query is repeated or when an equal-query is submitted to the system, the meta-system automatically knows which parameters it should use to treat the query. This method its the case of changing collections since what is learnt is the relationship between a query and the best parameters to use to process it, rather than the relationship between a query and documents to retrieve. In this paper, we describe how data analysis can help to select among various configurations the ones that will be useful. The "Learning to choose" method is presented and evaluated using simulated data from TREC campaigns. We show that system performance highly increases in terms of precision, specifically for the queries that are difficult or medium difficult to answer. The other parameters of the method are also studied.
Lexicographic Max-Min Fairness in a Wireless Ad Hoc Network with Random Access

We consider the lexicographic max-min fair rate control problem at the link layer in a random access wireless network. In lexicographic max-min fair rate allocation, the minimum link rates are maximized in a lexicographic order. For the Aloha multiple access model, we propose iterative approaches that attain the optimal rates under very general assumptions on the network topology and communication pattern; the approaches are also amenable to distributed implementation. The algorithms and results in this paper generalize those in our previous work [7] on maximizing the minimum rates in a random access network, and nicely connects to the “bottleneck-based” lexicographic rate optimization algorithm popularly used in wired networks [1].
(Re)forming the circle: education, ethics and accountancy practices

In advancing and sustaining their claims to be a ‘profession’, the accountancy institutes argue that they serve the public interest and that this is done by behaving in an ethical and impartial way. Some of the accountancy bodies' interventions in the auditing and financial reporting arena are examined and doubts are cast on their claims. It is argued that the profession's ethical position is compromised, partially at least, as a result of its educational processes and the socializing experiences of successive generations of accountants who are not encouraged to reflect upon the profession's social obligations. The accounting textbooks recommended by the accountancy bodies to their students rarely contain any explicit discussion of ethics, while most of the auditing books have a tendency to expound the ethical guidelines issued by the professional bodies in a mechanical way, without critical scrutiny and discussion. Overall, professional education fails to develop any moral reasoning process among aspirin.
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Induction by Prostaglandin E2 in Human Airway Smooth Muscle Cells Is Mediated by E Prostanoid EP2/EP4 Receptors and SP-1 Transcription Factor Binding Sites*

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) can increase thelial vascular endogrowth factor A (VEGF-A) production but the mechanisms involved are unclear. Here we characterized the transcriptional mechanisms involved in human airway smooth muscle cells (HASMC). PGE2 increased VEGF-A mRNA and protein but not mRNA stability. PGE2 stimulated the activity of a transiently transfected 2068-bp (–2018 to +50) VEGF-A promoter-driven luciferase construct. Functional 5′ deletional analysis mapped the PGE2 response element to the 135-bp sequence (–85/ +50) of the human VEGF-A promoter. PGE2-induced luciferase activity was reduced in cells transfected with a 135-bp VEGF promoter fragment containing mutated Sp-1 binding sites but not in cells transfected with a construct containing mutated EGR-1 binding sites. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay confirmed binding of Sp-1 to the VEGF promoter. PGE2 increased phosphorylation of Sp-1 and luciferase activity of a transfected Sp-1 reporter construct. PGE receptor agonists EP2 (ONO-AE1 259) and EP4 (ONO-AE1 329) mimicked the effect of PGE2, and reverse transcription-PCR, Western blotting, and flow cytometry confirmed the presence of EP2 and EP4 receptors. VEGF protein release and Sp-1 reporter activity were increased by forskolin and isoproterenol, which increase cytosolic cAMP, and the cAMP analogue, 8-bromoadenosine-3′,5′-cyclophosphoric acid. These studies suggest that PGE2 increases VEGF transcriptionally and involves the Sp-1 binding site via a cAMP-dependent mechanism involving EP2 and EP4 receptors.
Understanding outcome-based education changes in teacher education: evaluation of a new instrument with preliminary findings

Outcome-based education (OBE) is a current initiative in Hong Kong universities, with widespread backing by governments and standards bodies. However, study of students’ perceptions of OBE and validation of understanding these perceptions are lacking. This paper reports on the validation of an OBE-specific instrument and resulting preliminary findings. Instrument responses (n = 89) were analysed using Rasch and exploratory/confirmatory factor analyses. Both approaches identified two dimensions (i.e. evaluation and comparison). Challenges and modifications to the instrument items and their relationships to constructs are discussed. Preliminary findings suggest students did not perceive significant differences between OBE and traditionally organised courses. Lack of explicit discussion of OBE with the students may have denied students the ability to make fully informed evaluations of OBE innovations. Implications for instrument validation and evaluation of initiatives in an OBE context are discussed as is the broader issue of transparency in teacher education curriculum design and implementation.
Assessment of equity in healthcare financing in Fiji and Timor-Leste: a study protocol

Introduction Equitable health financing remains a key health policy objective worldwide. In low and middle-income countries (LMICs), there is evidence that many people are unable to access the health services they need due to financial and other barriers. There are growing calls for fairer health financing systems that will protect people from catastrophic and impoverishing health payments in times of illness. This study aims to assess equity in healthcare financing in Fiji and Timor-Leste in order to support government efforts to improve access to healthcare and move towards universal health coverage in the two countries. Methods and analysis The study employs two standard measures of equity in health financing increasingly being applied in LMICs—benefit incidence analysis (BIA) and financing incidence analysis (FIA). In Fiji, we will use a combination of secondary and primary data including a Household Income and Expenditure Survey, National Health Accounts, and data from a cross-sectional household survey on healthcare utilisation. In Timor-Leste, the World Bank recently completed a health equity and financial protection analysis that incorporates BIA and FIA, and found that the distribution of benefits from healthcare financing is pro-rich. Building on this work, we will explore the factors that influence the pro-rich distribution. Ethics and dissemination The study is approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of University of New South Wales, Australia (Approval number: HC13269); the Fiji National Health Research Committee (Approval # 201371); and the Timor-Leste Ministry of Health (Ref MS/UNSW/VI/218). Results Study outcomes will be disseminated through stakeholder meetings, targeted multidisciplinary seminars, peer-reviewed journal publications, policy briefs and the use of other web-based technologies including social media. A user-friendly toolkit on how to analyse healthcare financing equity will be developed for use by policymakers and development partners in the region.
Rapid Screening for Cognitive Impairment in Parkinson's Disease: A Pilot Study

Aim. This study sought to establish the discriminant validity of a rapid cognitive screen, that is, the National Institute of Neurological Disease and Stroke-Canadian Stroke Network (NINDS-CSN) 5-minute protocol, and compare its discriminant validity to the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) in detecting cognitive impairment (CI) in PD patients. Methods. One hundred and one PD patients were recruited from a movement disorders clinic in Singapore and they received the NINDS-CSN 5-minute protocol, MoCA, and MMSE. No cognitive impairment (NCI) was defined as Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) = 0 and CI was defined as CDR ≥ 0.5. Results. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of NINDS-CSN 5-minute protocol was statistically equivalent to MoCA and larger than MMSE (0.86 versus 0.90, P = 0.07; 0.86 versus 0.76, P = 0.03). The sensitivity of NINDS-CSN 5-minute protocol (<9) was statistically equivalent to MoCA (<22) (0.77 versus 0.85, P = 0.13) and superior to MMSE (<24) (0.77 versus 0.52, P < 0.01) in detecting CI, while the specificity of NINDS-CSN 5-minute protocol (<9) was statistically equivalent to MoCA (<22) and MMSE (<24) (0.78 versus 0.88, P = 0.34). Conclusion. The NINDS-CSN 5-minute protocol is time expeditious while remaining statistically equivalent to MoCA and superior to MMSE and therefore is suitable for rapid cognitive screening of CI in PD patients.
Qualitative Assessment in Developmental Reading.

Nine college and university students enrolled in developmental reading programs in two different institutions participated in a series of five 1-hour interviews regarding (a) reading and metacognition, (b) study, (c) notetaking, (d) motivation and attitudes, and (e) family literacy history. The interviews demonstrated that the students had weak reading, study, and notetaking skills, although they got fairly good grades during their first semesters in higher education. Analysis of the interviews revealed numerous differences between quantitative and qualitative results, and revealed how qualitative assessment practices may be powerful in understanding student capabilities and improving instruction in developmental programs.
The Social Problem of Kidnapping and its Implications on the Socio-Economic Development of Nigeria: A Study of Uyo Metropolis

The main thrust of this study was to investigate the problem of kidnapping and its consequences on Nigerians in general and Uyo dwellers in particular. To achieve this objective, the study elicited data through questionnaire from 260 randomly selected respondents comprising of policemen/women from various departments at the state police headquarters, Ikot Akpan Abia, Uyo, in Akwa Ibom State, lawyers from the state judiciary headquarters as well as clergymen and members of the public in the aforementioned study area. Chi-square analytical tool was used to analyze elicited data at 0.05 level of significance. The result from the test of hypothesis one shows that there is a significant relationship between the recurring rates of kidnapping and the people’s culture. Test of hypothesis two shows that there is no correlation between kidnapping and the disposition of government. Test of hypothesis three shows that kidnapping is significantly dependent on the provisions of the Nigerian constitution; while result from hypothesis four shows that there is no significant relationship between kidnapping and political activities. Findings from the study shows that, the prevalence of kidnapping in Nigeria is as a result of laxity in the law implementation process to prosecute offenders. Consequent upon this findings it is suggested that the issue of ransom payment by victim’s families/relatives to kidnappers should be seriously condemned. Government also should endeavour to create employment for the teaming population of youths as this will assist to check the proliferation of the kidnapping. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2013. v4n6p531
Prediction of common bile duct stones prior to cholecystectomy: a prospective validation of a discriminant analysis function.

BACKGROUND Selection routines for preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in patients with symptomatic gallstone disease should give a low frequency of both false-negative ERCP results and residual common bile duct stones (CBDS). OBJECTIVE To validate a discriminant function (DF) based on retrospectively collected data, for characterization of patients with symptomatic gallstone disease as regards presence of CBDS, and to compare clinical, ultrasonographic, and DF characterization. DESIGN Prospective registration of CBDS criteria in consecutive patients with symptomatic gallstone disease. SETTING A department of surgical gastroenterology in a Norwegian central hospital. PATIENTS One hundred ninety-two patients with gallbladder stones. INTERVENTION Laparoscopic cholecystectomy or ERCP with or without endoscopic sphincterotomy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS Sensitivity and specificity of the clinical, ultrasonographic, and DF characterizations, and test of the validity of the DF. RESULTS Thirty-two patients had CBDS. The clinical criteria of CBDS were present in 152 patients (79.2%): 21.1% of these patients had CBDS and there were no false-negative results (sensitivity, 100%; specificity, 25%). The risk of CBDS in patients with normal bile ducts at ultrasonographic examination was 8 of 124, and in patients with dilated ducts or suspected CBDS, 17 of 47 (sensitivity, 68%; specificity, 80%). The DF was positive in 50 patients (26%): 60% of these had CBDS, and there were 2 false-negative results (sensitivity, 94%; specificity, 88%). A discriminant analysis of the prospectively registered data selected the same set of CBDS criteria, and a new DF did not alter the characterization of any patient. CONCLUSIONS Clinical characterization had a higher sensitivity for CBDS detection than ultrasonography alone, but a lower specificity. The DF analysis was both more sensitive and specific than ultrasonography, and seemed efficient in selecting symptomatic gallstone patients for ERCP. It was reproducible and simple to use.
Incidence of Bordetella pertussis Infection in Adolescents and Adults

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