Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Infinite Hierarchical MMSB Model for Nested Communities/Groups in Social Networks

Actors in realistic social networks play not one but a number of diverse roles depending on whom they interact with, and a large number of such role-specific interactions collectively determine social communities and their organizations. Methods for analyzing social networks should capture these multi-faceted role-specific interactions, and, more interestingly, discover the latent organization or hierarchy of social communities. We propose a hierarchical Mixed Membership Stochastic Blockmodel to model the generation of hierarchies in social communities, selective membership of actors to subsets of these communities, and the resultant networks due to within- and cross-community interactions. Furthermore, to automatically discover these latent structures from social networks, we develop a Gibbs sampling algorithm for our model. We conduct extensive validation of our model using synthetic networks, and demonstrate the utility of our model in real-world datasets such as predator-prey networks and citation networks.
Motor Neuron Disease in Transgenic Mice With an H46R Mutant SOD1 Gene

Abstract Human familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with an H46R mutant Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) gene is characterized by initial muscle weakness and atrophy in the legs and a very long-term clinical course (approximately 15 years). Transgenic mice with this mutation generated in our laboratory occasionally showed aggregates in the anterior horns and axonal degeneration in all white matter sections of the spinal cord on plastic sections at the presymptomatic stages (12 and 16 weeks old), although conventional staining revealed no pathologic changes. At the symptomatic stages (20 and 24 weeks), loss of anterior horn neurons was observed. On plastic sections, aggregates were frequently seen not only in the anterior horns but also in the posterior horns and in all sections of white matter. Degenerated fibers were observed in the anterior and posterior roots as well as in white matter. Electron and immunoelectron microscopic observation revealed human SOD1- and ubiquitin-positive aggregates consisting of intermediate filaments in the anterior horn even from an early presymptomatic stage. Thus, H46R mutant SOD1 transgenic mice are characterized by widespread pathologic changes of the spinal cord that extend beyond the motor system, including many aggregates lacking vacuoles. The close pathologic similarity makes this animal model suitable for the investigation of human familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with the mutation.
A New Landmark and Sensor Selection Method for Vehicle Localization and Guidance

Markov localization is one of the effective techniques for determining the physical locations of an autonomous vehicle whose the perceptions of the environment are limited. To improve the localization, a multi-sensor approach is used. A landmark selection process is usually employed. The aim of this selection strategy is to select the landmark that answers at best to a criterion. In general, the selected landmark is the one that improve the most the vehicle's location. In this paper, we extend the landmark selection problem into a resource selection (i.e. sensor and feature detection algorithm) problem. This selection is also based on a criterion. However, this criterion is defined in function of the application's objectives. Here, the application concerns vehicle's guidance. This last one requires an accurate and reliable estimation. Thus, we propose a novel selection strategy of the landmark, the sensor, and the feature detection algorithm to offer an accurate and reliable localization. We demonstrate the practicality of this approach by guiding an experimental vehicle in real outdoor environment.
Tie-breaker: Using language models to quantify gender bias in sports journalism

Gender bias is an increasingly important issue in sports journalism. In this work, we propose a language-model-based approach to quantify differences in questions posed to female vs. male athletes, and apply it to tennis post-match interviews. We find that journalists ask male players questions that are generally more focused on the game when compared with the questions they ask their female counterparts. We also provide a fine-grained analysis of the extent to which the salience of this bias depends on various factors, such as question type, game outcome or player rank.
International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity Field Validation of Listings of Food Stores and Commercial Physical Activity Establishments from Secondary Data

Background: Food-and activity-related establishments are increasingly viewed as neighbourhood resources that potentially condition health-related behaviour. The primary objective of the current study was to establish, using ground truthing (on-site verification), the validity of measures of availability of food stores and physical activity establishments that were obtained from commercial database and Internet searches. A secondary objective was to examine differences in validity results according to neighbourhood characteristics and commercial establishment categories.
Inhibition of Three Fungal Isolates from Sorrel Drink (Zobo) Using Hurdle Technique

2 Abstract: Studies were carried out on the inhibition of three fungi isolated from sorrel drink (Zobo) using water extracts of Zingiber officinale (Ginger), Piper guineense (West African Black Pepper) as well as heat as hurdles. The fungi isolated and identified were Aspergillus flavus, A. niger and unidentified Yeast. The spice extracts at concentrations 1-6 ml reduced fungal growth. As the spice concentration was increased, there was a decrease in fungal biomass in the drink when compared with the control. A combination of both spice extracts at different ratios also reduced fungal growth. When the fungi were challenged with 100°C heat for different periods of times (mins), growth reduction also occurred. The further combination of heat treatment with the combined spice treatment inhibted growth tremendously.
Sustained Release of Prostaglandin E2 in Fibroblasts Expressing Ectopically Cyclooxygenase 2 Impairs P2Y-Dependent Ca2+-Mobilization

The nucleotide uridine trisphosphate (UTP) released to the extracellular milieu acts as a signaling molecule via activation of specific pyrimidine receptors (P2Y). P2Y receptors are G protein-coupled receptors expressed in many cell types. These receptors mediate several cell responses and they are involved in intracellular calcium mobilization. We investigated the role of the prostanoid PGE2 in P2Y signaling in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs), since these cells are involved in different ontogenic and physiopathological processes, among them is tissue repair following proinflammatory activation. Interestingly, Ca2+-mobilization induced by UTP-dependent P2Y activation was reduced by PGE2 when this prostanoid was produced by MEFs transfected with COX-2 or when PGE2 was added exogenously to the culture medium. This Ca2+-mobilization was important for the activation of different metabolic pathways in fibroblasts. Moreover, inhibition of COX-2 with selective coxibs prevented UTP-dependent P2Y activation in these cells. The inhibition of P2Y responses by PGE2 involves the activation of PKCs and PKD, a response that can be suppressed after pharmacological inhibition of these protein kinases. In addition to this, PGE2 reduces the fibroblast migration induced by P2Y-agonists such as UTP. Taken together, these data demonstrate that PGE2 is involved in the regulation of P2Y signaling in these cells.
A novel parallel power conversion technique for efficiency improvement in hybrid DC/DC converter based rural telephony

Telecommunications has been recognized as one of the prime support services needed for rapid growth and modernization of various sectors of economy. It also holds a basic importance in everyday life. Uninterrupted power supply for the telecom base transceiver station (BTS) is required to ensure reliable communication services. Diesel generators with backup battery are used for powering telecom loads in remote areas. These systems require regular maintenance and costly. So the use of hybrid system with the combination of solar/ wind with backup system is an attractive alternative. The dual input dc-dc converter with parallel power transfer technique (PPCT) is used to derive the power simultaneously from wind/solar, solar/wind energy sources and deliver power continuously to the load. Improved version of hybrid cuk-buck converters is proposed. In order to find the efficiency of both the technologies simulations are carried out using MATLAB/SIMULINK and the results are presented. An elaborate element wise comparison between these topologies is reported.
A novel UWB circular CPW antenna with triple notch band characteristics

This paper presents a novel band-notched circular CPW antenna for ultrawideband (UWB) communication in WiFi and WiMAX applications. The antenna is designed for 3.1-10.6 GHz and added some lower frequencies to this band by novel notch method. This paper applies band-notched antenna method in order to design two lower frequencies in antenna at 2 GHz and 2.4 GHz. These frequencies are applied for DCS, PCS, UMTS, wireless applications and at IEEE 802.11b with 17.5% and 6.5% bandwidths. This paper has investigated the effect of a slot and a metallic ring on the antenna and the effect of their combination simultaneously. The current study shows the simulation of prototype antenna with full-wave numerical EM simulator software HFSS and CST Microwave Studio by finite element method (FEM) and finite difference time domain (FDTD). The total size of antenna is 52 mm × 52 mm × 1.6 mm, it is designed on FR4 low-cost substrate and connected to CPW 50 O feed line.
On the Export of Fatty Acids from the Chloroplast*

The model for export of fatty acids from plastids proposes that the acyl-ACP (acyl carrier protein) product of de novo fatty acid synthesis is hydrolyzed in the stroma by acyl-ACP thioesterases and the free fatty acid (FFA) released is then transferred to the outer envelope of the plastid where it is reactivated to acyl-CoA for utilization in cytosolic glycerolipid synthesis. Experiments were performed to assess whether the delivery of nascent FFA from the stroma for long chain acyl-CoA synthesis (LACS) occurs via simple diffusion or a more complex mechanism. The flux through the in vivo FFA pool was estimated using kinetic labeling experiments with spinach and pea leaves. The maximum half-life for FFA in the export pool was ≤1 s. Isolated pea chloroplasts incubated in the light with [14C]acetate gave a linear accumulation of FFA. When CoASH and ATP were present there was also a linear accumulation of acyl-CoA thioesters (plus derived polar lipids), with no measurable lag phase (<30 s), indicating that the FFA pool supplying LACS rapidly reached steady state. The LACS reaction was also measured independently in the dark after in situ generated FFA had accumulated yielding estimates of LACS substrate-velocity relationships. Based on these experiments the LACS reaction with in situ generated FFA as substrate is only about 3% of the LACS activity required in vivo at the very low concentrations of the FFA export pool calculated from the in vivo experiment. Furthermore, bovine serum albumin rapidly removed in situ generated FFA from chloroplasts, but could not compete effectively for “nascent” FFA substrates of LACS. Together the data suggest a locally channeled pool of exported FFA that is closely linked to LACS.
Uncovering strata: an investigation into the graphic innovations of geologist Henry T. De la Beche

An historical investigation into the types of illustrations in the Golden Age of Geology (1788-1840) revealed the nature and progression of graphic representation at the dawning of geology as a science. Exhaustive sampling of geology texts published in the period of focus proceeded until saturation was achieved. Qualitative analysis and evaluation of early illustrations were accomplished with Edward R. Tufte’s theory of graphic design. Hypothesis testing around a correlation coefficient revealed significance at the 99% confidence level for relationships between publication year and number of included graphics, and publication year and the graphic density of texts. Henry T. De la Beche emerged as an important geologist who made numerous innovative graphic contributions in the Golden Age of Geology. De la Beche promoted colliding theory graphics, or the accurate portrayal of the earth’s sections and scenes that would remain valuable for future generations of geologists. He was apparently the first geologist to utilize the small multiple format. De la Beche also designed and drew scientific caricatures that encapsulated the theoretical debates of the day, as well as the social, cultural, and historical influences on the emerging theories of geology. These scientific caricatures have emerged as instructional graphics with significant classroom potential for teaching the nature of science. De la Beche also drew the first portrayal of a scene from deep time, Duria antiquior, which became the first innovative classroom geology teaching graphic. Through his introduction and development of several important genres of visual explanation, De la Beche emerged as the Father of Visual Geology Education.
Adaptation in Affective Video Games: A Literature Review

Abstract Playing computer games is a predominantly emotional than rational process. Video games with affect-based adaptation measure player’s behavior signals and recognize player’s emotional states in order to adapt specific game features in a dynamic manner and to improve player’s engagement, immersion, excitement, and challenge. The present review deals with models for the presentation of emotions, techniques for measuring behavioral signals, emotion recognition and adaptation mechanisms applied in video games with affective feedback including methods for their assessment and validation. Studies using self-reports, observational methods and psychophysiological measurements of both autonomic and central nervous systems including processing and interpretation of signals are systematically reviewed with regard to their results concerning emotional adaptation in games. Next, the article provides a comparative analysis of affect-based adaptation methods and techniques applied in 14 adaptive video games developed in last ten years. Based on this comparison, we summarized future directions in research, design and evaluation of video games with affective adaption.
Eclipsing Voice in Research with Young Children

This article examines two vignettes taken from a research project designed to give voice to children's understandings of equity and social diversity in order to raise questions about how this project potentially reinforced inequities in children's lives. A rhizoanalysis of the vignettes is used to raise questions about how young children perform diverse discourses of ‘race’. This paper specifically focuses on the extent to which some of the voices produced in the research colluded in the production of racist and sexist practices. It uses this focus to raise questions generated through the rhizoanalysis for researchers who want to give voice to young children. Specifically, it asks if it is time for researchers to move beyond a concern for children's ‘voices’ and towards transforming inequitable power relations in our research with them.
Bandwidth Enhancement of Metamaterial loaded Microstrip Antenna using Double Layered Substrate

Communication has become a key aspect of our daily life, becoming increasingly portable and mobile. This would need the use of micro strip antennas. The rapid growth has led to the need of antennas with smaller size, increased bandwidth and high gain. In this paper, a new version of micro strip patch antenna is designed by adopting double layered substrate concept and adding a layer of metamaterial structure to a square micro strip antenna. The antenna properties gain, return loss and bandwidth are studied to achieve better performance. The designed patch antenna has an improved bandwidth of 60% at a resonant frequency of 2.47 GHz. This antenna is designed and simulated by using HFSS software.
Female Orgasm From Intercourse: Importance, Partner Characteristics, and Health

Previous research indicates that women prefer orgasms triggered by penile-vaginal intercourse (PVI) as compared to those triggered by direct manual stimulation of the clitoris. However, for reasons that are not well understood, most women are unable to reach PVI orgasms as often as they desire. In addition, it is unclear why many women prefer PVI orgasms to those triggered by direct clitoral stimulation. This study developed a more precise measure of PVI orgasm frequency and evaluated key predictors of this frequency, including duration of intercourse, physical and psychological health, and partner traits with implications for either mating quality or relationship quality. The present study also measured PVI orgasm importance and investigated why it is important for many women. The sample consisted of 835 adult women with experience in PVI. Mean PVI orgasm frequency was 50%, with 39.4% of women never or rarely having PVI orgasms, 37.1% sometimes having PVI orgasms, and 23.5% almost always or always having PVI orgasms. As a median response, women believed that PVI orgasm was “very important” and perceived importance was correlated with orgasm frequency (r = .31, p < .001), as were reasons for importance. Duration of intercourse showed a linear relationship with PVI orgasm frequency, but this finding was qualified for women at the low and high extremes of the orgasm frequency distribution. Body esteem, anxiety during intercourse, exercise, and general pain predicted PVI orgasm frequency. Sensitive male traits, although valued by women even more highly than alpha male traits, showed notably weaker relationships with PVI orgasm than did male alpha traits. This is consistent with evolutionary theories of orgasm, and it supports the view that the female orgasm may function to favor some males over others in terms of sire choice. Clinical and theoretical implications of the present findings are discussed.
Association between the neurofibromatosis‐1 (NF1) locus and autism in the Japanese population

Autistic patients have a 100 to 190‐fold increased risk of neurofibromatosis compared to the general population. This suggests that the two diseases may share a common etiological background. Recently, a new allele (or the six‐repeat allele) of the (AAAT)n repeat polymorphism in an Alu sequence in the neurofibromatosis‐1 (NF1) gene was observed exclusively in severe autistic patients, not in controls, in Caucasians of French ancestry. This suggests a role of the NF1 gene in the development of autism. We investigated three microsatellite polymorphisms within the intron‐27b and intron‐38 of the NF1 region, including the (AAAT)n and two (CA)n repeat polymorphisms, in Japanese subjects with autism (n = 74) and controls (n = 122). The six‐repeat allele of the (AAAT)n polymorphism was not found either in patients or controls, possibly indicating an ethnic difference in the polymorphism. However, significant differences were observed in the allele distributions of the (AAAT)n and a (CA)n, which were located at intron‐27b, between patients and controls, although an association was not significant between autism and another polymorphism at intron‐38. This may suggest an involvement of the NF1 locus in susceptibility to autism, although further investigations are recommended. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A High Performance Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor Drive by using a Robust Adaptive Control Strategy

This paper presents a robust adaptive control strategy for permanent-magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) drive systems. This control scheme is based on a adaptive pole placement control strategy integrated to a sliding mode control scheme. This control strategy is applied to the machine current control loop. With this non-standard control strategy, the PMSM drive systems achieve a fast transient response and robustness to parametric uncertainties and disturbances occurred on the machine parameters owing to saturation, temperature changes and loading conditions. Simulation and experimental results are presented for showing the effectiveness of this proposed closed-loop current control strategy.
Reported awareness of tobacco advertising and promotion in China compared to Thailand, Australia and the USA

Background: China currently does not have comprehensive laws or regulations on tobacco advertising and promotion, although it ratified the World Health Organization (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) in October 2005 and promised to ban all tobacco advertising by January 2011. Much effort is needed to monitor the current situation of tobacco advertising and promotion in China. Objective: This study aims to examine levels of awareness of tobacco advertising and promotion among smokers in China as compared to other countries with different levels of restrictions. Methods: One developing country (Thailand) and two developed countries (Australia and the USA) were selected for comparison. All four countries are part of the International Tobacco Control (ITC) Policy Evaluation Survey project. Between 2005 and 2006, parallel ITC surveys were conducted among adult smokers (at least smoked weekly) in China (n = 4763), Thailand (n = 2000), Australia (n = 1767) and the USA (n = 1780). Unprompted and prompted recall of noticing tobacco advertising and promotion were measured. Results: Chinese respondents reported noticing tobacco advertisements in a range of channels and venues, with highest exposure levels on television (34.5%), billboards (33.4%) and in stores (29.2%). A quarter of respondents noticed tobacco sponsorships, and a high level of awareness of promotion was reported. Cross-country comparison reveals that overall reported awareness was significantly higher in China than in Thailand (particularly) and Australia, but lower than in the USA. Conclusions: There is a big gap between China and the better-performing countries such as Thailand and Australia regarding tobacco promotion restrictions. China needs to do more, including enhanced policy and more robust enforcement.