Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Attachment Styles and Attachment Based Change in Offenders in a Prison Therapeutic Community

ABSTRACT A democratic prison Therapeutic Community (TC) aims to facilitate personal growth through enhanced interpersonal relationships. This study used a four category model of adult attachment to assess TC offenders’ relationships, obtained from a novel self-report method (a card sorting task). Four styles of attachment were empirically evidenced and an examination of individual attachment styles pre- and post-twelve months of treatment revealed a decrease in insecure attachments and an increase in secure attachment. Burglary/theft/robbery offenders were mainly fearful-avoidant at time one and preoccupied or secure by time two; sexual offenders were mostly preoccupied at time one and hybrid attached by time two; and violent offenders had lower fearful and preoccupied attachments and higher secure attachment rates by time two, but also more dismissive attachments. The findings are encouraging given the role of insecure attachment in the maintenance of offending behaviour and confirm that attachment theory can be usefully applied within this setting.
The Shapes of Galaxies and Their Halos as Traced by Stars: The Milky Way Dark Halo and The LMC Disk

Stars and their kinematics provide one of the tools available for studies of the shapes of galaxies and their halos. In this review I focus on two specific applications: the shape of the Milky Way dark halo and the shape of the LMC disk. The former is constrained by a variety of observations, but an accurate determination of the axial ratio q_DH remains elusive. A very flattened Milky Way dark halo with q_DH 0.7 appear most consistent with the data. Near-IR surveys have revealed that the LMC disk is not approximately circular, as long believed, but instead has an axial ratio of 0.7 in the disk plane. The elongation is perpendicular to the Magellanic Stream, indicating that it is most likely due to the tidal force of the Milky Way. Equilibrium dynamical modeling of galaxies is important for many applications. At the same time, detailed studies of tidal effects and tidal streams have the potential to improve our understanding of both the Milky Way dark halo and the structure of satellite galaxies such as the LMC.
Identification of pathogens in mastitis milk samples with fluorescent in situ hybridization

Traditionally, the bacteriological examination of mastitis milk samples is performed by culture followed by biochemical tests on the cultured bacteria to allow identification of the causative pathogen. Depending on the species involved, this classic identification is time-consuming compared to other techniques such as fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), a culture-independent method that utilizes oligonucleotides (labeled with a fluorophore) that are specific to a string of target DNA/RNA. In the current study, the applicability of FISH was evaluated for the detection of mastitis pathogens directly in milk samples. To remove interfering lipids and proteins from mastitis milk samples prior to FISH, a previously published enzymatic treatment with savinase was evaluated. FISH was performed using oligonucleotides specific for Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus uberis, Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus faecium, Escherichia coli, and Trueperella (Arcanobacterium) pyogenes. The enzymatic pretreatment and the sensitivity of FISH were evaluated using spiked whole milk samples and mastitis milk samples with bacterial loads of less than 103 up to 108 colony-forming units (CFU)/ml. Bacteria were reliably detected in milk samples with bacterial numbers of 106 CFU/ml or higher. However, bacteria present in numbers below 106 CFU/ml were not detectable in all cases. The ability of FISH to identify mastitis-causing pathogens directly in milk samples, and therefore earlier than classical culture methods, can supplement the classic diagnostic procedures for mastitis milk samples.
NBER WORKING PAPER SERIES TIME CONSISTENCY AND THE DURATION OF GOVERNMENT DEBT: A SIGNALLING THEORY OF QUANTITATIVE EASING

We present a signalling theory of Quantitative Easing (QE) at the zero lower bound on the short term nominal interest rate. QE is effective because it generates a credible signal of low future real interest rates in a time consistent equilibrium. We show these results in two models. One has coordinated monetary and fiscal policy. The other an independent central bank with balance sheet concerns. Numerical experiments show that the signalling effect can be substantial in both models. Saroj Bhattarai University of Texas at Austin Department of Economics 2225 Speedway, Stop C3100 Austin, TX 78712-1690 saroj.bhattarai@austin.utexas. edu Gauti B. Eggertsson Department of Economics Brown University 64 Waterman Street Providence, RI 02912 and NBER gauti_eggertsson@brown.edu Bulat Gafarov Pennsylvania State University and National Research University Higher School of Economics gafarovb@gmail.com “The problem with Quantitative Easing (QE) is it works in practice, but it doesn’t work in theory,” Ben Bernanke, Chairman of the Federal Reserve, Jan 16, 2014 just before leaving offi ce.
Diversity of life at the geothermal subsurface-surface interface: The Yellowstone example geophysical monograph series

Generally, studies of the terrestrial example of Yellowstone National Park indicate that the diversity of microbial life at the geothermal subsurface-surface interface is considerable. On the other hand, experiments in a subsurface well in Biscuit Basin suggest that the Yellowstone subsurface is highly reduced, with minimal in situ subsurface life at this location. The absence of life in the subsurface is likely due to low concentrations of available electron acceptors. Where subsurface thermal waters emerge to the surface, however, in the presence of oxidizing electron acceptors, microbial life blossoms on all growth surfaces at high temperatures. The geothermal subsurface-surface interface in the presence of both electron donors and acceptors, provides the key location for life to thrive and forms the cornerstone of the microbial ecosystem. Through molecular analyses, the identities of organisms present in a community can be determined by their phylogenetic types (phylotypes), their molecular signatures. Molecular sequences allow relationships to other life forms to be inferred. Comparisons of gene sequences of organisms and consideration of the geochemistry of a particular environment can help to explain how this geothermal system functions. Experimental results challenge some popular notions about the kinds of organisms that inhabit the geothermal realms and the energy sources that fuel them. In contrast to the popular notion that representatives of the phylogenetic domain Archaea dominate high-temperature ecosystems, members of the domain Bacteria are most abundant in the Yellowstone ecosystem. Moreover, while sulfur metabolism is generally proposed to be the primary energy source for life in this geothermal system, the main organisms identified by phylotype are related to organisms that utilize hydrogen, not sulfur, for energy. This implies that hydrogen is the main energy source that drives primary productivity in this and potentially other geothermal ecosystems. Primary dependence on hydrogen metabolism could be the common theme for high-temperature life in hydrothermal zones at mid-oceanic ridges, as well as for the earliest life on Earth and, potentially, for life on other planetary bodies.
Interplay between Active Chromatin Marks and RNA-Directed DNA Methylation in Arabidopsis thaliana

DNA methylation is an epigenetic mark that is associated with transcriptional repression of transposable elements and protein-coding genes. Conversely, transcriptionally active regulatory regions are strongly correlated with histone 3 lysine 4 di- and trimethylation (H3K4m2/m3). We previously showed that Arabidopsis thaliana plants with mutations in the H3K4m2/m3 demethylase JUMONJI 14 (JMJ14) exhibit a mild reduction in RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) that is associated with an increase in H3K4m2/m3 levels. To determine whether this incomplete RdDM reduction was the result of redundancy with other demethylases, we examined the genetic interaction of JMJ14 with another class of H3K4 demethylases: LYSINE-SPECIFIC DEMETHYLASE 1-LIKE 1 and LYSINE-SPECIFIC DEMETHYLASE 1-LIKE 2 (LDL1 and LDL2). Genome-wide DNA methylation analyses reveal that both families cooperate to maintain RdDM patterns. ChIP-seq experiments show that regions that exhibit an observable DNA methylation decrease are co-incidental with increases in H3K4m2/m3. Interestingly, the impact on DNA methylation was stronger at DNA-methylated regions adjacent to H3K4m2/m3-marked protein-coding genes, suggesting that the activity of H3K4 demethylases may be particularly crucial to prevent spreading of active epigenetic marks. Finally, RNA sequencing analyses indicate that at RdDM targets, the increase of H3K4m2/m3 is not generally associated with transcriptional de-repression. This suggests that the histone mark itself—not transcription—impacts the extent of RdDM.
How innovative is Swedish industry? A factor and cluster analysis of CIS II

This article provides a description and analysis of innovation in Swedish manufacturing, based on data generated by the second Community Innovation Survey (CIS II). Following a brief introduction, CIS II, which is the first CIS survey ever conducted in Sweden, is discussed. The purpose is to indicate the relevance and significance of data from CIS II. Methodology is then addressed and a sectoral analysis of the data from CIS II is presented. The important dimension of the direction of innovative effort in different sectors is addressed by means of a cluster analysis that distinguishes between strategies regarding markets and competitors. A summary and a section on policy implications conclude.
Electrophysiology of human cardiac atrial and ventricular telocytes

Telocytes (TCs) with exceptionally long cellular processes of telopodes have been described in human epicardium to act as structural supporting cells in the heart. We examined myocardial chamber‐specific TCs identified in atrial and ventricular fibroblast culture using immunocytochemistry and studied their electrophysiological property by whole‐cell patch clamp. Atrial and ventricular TCs with extended telopodes and alternating podoms and podomers that expressed CD34, c‐Kit and PDGFR‐β were identified. These cells expressed large conductance Ca2+‐activated K+ current (BKCa) and inwardly rectifying K+ current (IKir), but not transient outward K+ current (Ito) and ATP‐sensitive potassium current (KATP). The active channels were functionally competent with demonstrated modulatory response to H2S and transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1 whereby H2S significantly inhibited the stimulatory effect of TGF‐β1 on current density of both BKCa and IKir. Furthermore, H2S attenuated TGF‐β1‐stimulated KCa1.1/Kv1.1 (encode BKCa) and Kir2.1 (encode IKir) expression in TCs. Our results show that functionally competent K+ channels are present in human atrial and ventricular TCs and their modulation may have significant implications in myocardial physiopathology.
Null Controllability of Some Systems of Two Parabolic Equations with One Control Force

In this paper we establish some exact controllability results for systems of two parabolic equations. First, we prove the existence of insensitizing controls for the $L^2$ norm of the gradient of solutions of linear heat equations. Then, in the worst situation where null controllability for a system of two parabolic equations can hold, we prove this result for some general couplings.
Values and Networks: Steps Toward Exploring their Relationships

Many technical systems of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector enable, structure and/or constrain social interactions. Thereby, they influence or implement certain values, including human rights, and affect or raise conflicts among values. The ongoing developments toward an "Internet of everything'' is likely to lead to further value conflicts. This trend illustrates that a better understanding of the relationships between social values and networks is urgently needed because it is largely unknown what values lie behind protocols, design principles, or technical and organizational options of the Internet. This paper focuses on the complex steps of realizing human rights in Internet architectures and protocols as well as in Internet-based products and services. Besides direct implementation of values in Internet protocols, there are several other options that can indirectly contribute to realizing human rights via political processes and market choices. Eventually, a better understanding of what values can be realized by networks in general, what technical measures may affect certain values, and where complementary institutional developments are needed may lead toward a methodology for considering technical and institutional systems together.
A Spread Spectrum Watermarking Algorithm Based on Local Instruction Statistic

This paper proposes a spread spectrum watermarking algorithm based on local instruction statistic. We select a group of vector instructions in a certain way, the function where a vector instruction occurs most frequently is the vector function, and the watermark will be embedded and detected within the vector functions. Thus each vector function can be independent, one vector function will not affect another, if the code modification made by the attackers is not in the local area, i.e. vector function, it will not affect the detection of watermark. Theoretical analysis and experiment results show that the algorithm has a low influence on the program and can resist a series of attacks.
Cyclic Response of Highly Ductile Fiber-Reinforced Cement-Based Composites

The response of highly ductile fiber-reinforced cement-based composites (DFRCC) to uniaxial monotonic and cyclic loading is examined. The DFRCC studied herein is a portland cement-based mortar matrix with a low volume fraction (~2%) of high modulus polymeric fibers. Various cyclic testing schemes were employed to examine the effect of cyclic loading on the material's compressive and tensile stress-strain envelope. The response of different tensile specimen geometries was also examined. A distinctive feature of DFRCC is its pseudo-strain hardening response in tension. Test results identified a unique unloading and reloading response for DFRCC, which is a consequence of fibers debonding and pulling out of the matrix. Reversed cyclic loading was seen to affect the tensile response of the material if the uniaxial compressive strength during loading was exceeded, and not to affect the tensile response if compressive strength was not exceeded. Evaluation of tensile specimen geometries revealed significant variations in strain capacity between the different geometries.
High Efficiency of Temperate Aedes albopictus to Transmit Chikungunya and Dengue Viruses in the Southeast of France

Background Since 2005, cases of chikungunya (CHIK) were caused by an unusual vector, Aedes albopictus. This mosquito, present in Europe since 1979, has gained importance since its involvement in the first CHIK outbreak in Italy in 2007. The species is capable of transmitting experimentally 26 arboviruses. However, the vectorial status of its temperate populations has remained little investigated. In 2010, autochthonous cases of CHIK and dengue (DEN) were reported in southeastern France. We evaluated the potential of a French population of Ae. albopictus in the transmission of both viruses. Methodology and Principal Findings We used two strains of each virus, CHIK and DEN: one strain was isolated from an imported case, and one from an autochthonous case. We used as controls Aedes aegypti from India and Martinique, the source of the imported cases of CHIK and DEN, respectively. We showed that Ae. albopictus from Cagnes-sur-Mer (AL-CSM) was as efficient as the typical tropical vector Ae. aegypti from India to experimentally transmit both CHIK strains isolated from patients in Fréjus, with around 35–67% of mosquitoes delivering up to 14 viral particles at day 3 post-infection (pi). The unexpected finding came from the high efficiency of AL-CSM to transmit both strains of DENV-1 isolated from patients in Nice. Almost 67% of Ae. albopictus AL-CSM which have ensured viral dissemination were able to transmit at day 9 pi when less than 21% of the typical DEN vector Ae. aegypti from Martinique could achieve transmission. Conclusions/Significance Temperate Ae. albopictus behaves differently compared to its counterpart from tropical regions, where recurrent epidemic outbreaks occur. Its potential responsibility for outbreaks in Europe should not be minimized.
Regular and chaotic orbits in barred galaxies - I. Applying the SALI/GALI method to explore their distribution in several models

The distinction between the chaotic and regular behaviour of orbits in galactic models is an important issue and can help our understanding of galactic dynamical evolution. In this paper, we deal with this issue by applying the Smaller ALingment Index (SALI) and Generalized ALingment Index (GALI) techniques to extensive samples of orbits obtained by integrating numerically the equations of motion in a barred galaxy potential. We estimate first the fraction of chaotic and regular orbits for the 2 degrees of freedom (d.o.f.) case [where the galaxy extends only in the (x, y) space] and show that it is a non-monotonic function of the energy. For the 3-d.o. f. extension of this model (in the z-direction), we give similar estimates, both by exploring different sets of initial conditions and by varying the model parameters, like the mass, size and pattern speed of the bar. We find that regular motion is more abundant at small radial distances from the centre of the galaxy, where the relative non-axisymmetric forcing is relatively weak, and at small distances from the equatorial plane, where the trapping around the stable periodic orbits is important. We also find that the variation in the bar pattern speed, within a realistic range of values, does not affect much the phase-space fraction of regular and chaotic motions. Using different sets of initial conditions, we show that chaotic motion is dominant in galaxy models whose bar component is more massive, while models with a fatter or thicker bar present generally more regular behaviour. Finally, we find that the fraction of orbits that are chaotic correlates strongly with the bar strength.
A reduced yet extensible audio-visual description language

Enabling an intelligent access to multimedia data requires a powerful description language. In this paper we demonstrate why the MPEG-7 standard fails to fulfill this task. We introduce then our proposition: an audio-visual specific description language modular reduced but designed to be extensible. This language is centered on the notions of <i>descriptor</i> and <i>structure</i> with a well-defined semantics. A descriptor can be a low-level feature automatically extracted from the signal or a higher semantic concept that will be used to annotate the video documents. The descriptors can be combined into structures according to defined models that provide description patterns.
Extracting Human-readable Knowledge Rules in Complex Time-evolving Environments

A production rule system is a reasoning system that uses rules for knowledge representation. Manual rule acquisition requires a great amount of effort and time from humans. In this paper, we present a data-driven technique for autonomously extracting human-readable rules from complex, time-evolving environments that makes rule acquisition for production rule systems efficient. Complex, time-evolving environments are often highly dynamic and hard to predict. We represent these environments using sets of attributes, and transform those attributes to the frequency domain which enables analysis to extract important features. We extract human-readable knowledge rules from these features using rule-based classification techniques and translating the decision rules back to the time domain. We present an evaluation of our methodology on three environments: hurricane data, a real-time strategy game, and a currency exchange. Experiments show extracted rules are humanreadable and achieve good prediction accuracy.
Disentangling the Role of Working Memory in Parkinson’s Disease

Working memory (WM) represents a core cognitive function with a major striatal contribution, and thus WM deficits, commonly observed in Parkinson’s disease (PD), could also relate to many other problems in PD patients. Our online study aimed to determine the subdomains of WM that are particularly affected in PD and to clarify the links between WM and everyday cognitive deficits, other executive functions, psychiatric and PD symptoms, as well as early cognitive impairment. Fifty-two mild-to-moderate PD patients and 54 healthy controls performed seven WM tasks tapping selective updating, continuous monitoring, or maintenance of currently active information. Self-ratings of everyday cognition, depression, and apathy symptoms, as well as screenings of global cognitive impairment, were also collected. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Of the three WM domains, only selective updating was directly predictive of PD group membership. More widespread WM deficits were observed only in relation to global cognitive impairment in PD patients. Self-rated everyday cognition or psychiatric symptoms were not linked to WM performance but correlated with each other. Our findings suggest that WM has a rather limited role in the clinical manifestation of PD. Nevertheless, due to its elementary link to striatal function, the updating component of WM could be a candidate for a cognitive marker of PD also in patients who are otherwise cognitively well-preserved.
Automatic Initialization of Multiple Active Contours Applied to Ultrasound Images of Breast Cancer

The multiple active contours (snakes) are widely used in image processing to extract objects of interest. However, initialization of the active contours is still an open problem. This paper proposes a new completely automatic initializa-tion of snakes based on a combination of Phrase Portrait Analysis (PPA) image intensity clustering and multi-stage evolution of the active contours. The proposed method has been tested with the ultrasound images of breast. The experiments show that the proposed automatic initialization is applicable to noisy ultrasound images.
Nonparametric hierarchal bayesian modeling in non-contractual heterogeneous survival data

An important problem in the non-contractual marketing domain is discovering the customer lifetime and assessing the impact of customer's characteristic variables on the lifetime. Unfortunately, the conventional hierarchical Bayes model cannot discern the impact of customer's characteristic variables for each customer. To overcome this problem, we present a new survival model using a non-parametric Bayes paradigm with MCMC. The assumption of a conventional model, logarithm of purchase rate and dropout rate with linear regression, is extended to include our assumption of the Dirichlet Process Mixture of regression. The extension assumes that each customer belongs probabilistically to different mixtures of regression, thereby permitting us to estimate a different impact of customer characteristic variables for each customer. Our model creates several customer groups to mirror the structure of the target data set. The effectiveness of our proposal is confirmed by a comparison involving a real e-commerce transaction dataset and an artificial dataset; it generally achieves higher predictive performance. In addition, we show that preselecting the actual number of customer groups does not always lead to higher predictive performance.