Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Risk Attitude Scales: Concepts, Questionnaires, Utilizations

While risk behavior has been studied intensely and a large number of risk perception studies are available , far less research exists regarding people's mind-sets towards risktaking, i.e., risk attitudes, such as, risk propensity and risk aversion. These can be conceptualized as two poles of a one-dimensional attitude towards risk-taking but also as two separate concepts. It is widely assumed that people differ considerably in their attitude towards risks, ranging from cautiousness to risk-seeking and even pleasure in risk-taking. However, there is no convincing evidence that this presumed dimension is a general trait (rather than a state, or a domain-specific attitude, e.g., distinct for physical, financial, or social risks people may encounter). Furthermore, basically no established measurement tools exist. In this contribution, the conceptualization of risk attitudes will be outlined, several new instruments (Risk Orientations Questionnaire, Risk Propensity Questionnaire, Risk Scenarios Questionnaire, Risk Motivations Questionnaire) presented and empirical findings about the characteristics of these scales examined, including contingencies with related constructs (e.g., venturesomeness, sensation-seeking, impulsiveness). The investigations were conducted in three countries, using versions prepared in English, German and Chinese language. All instruments are based on the respondents' view of their principal standpoint in risk situations (rather than hypothetical gambles). The results so far indicate that risk attitudes are multi-dimensional, that individual risk orientations are not necessarily consistent across domains, and that the motivations for accepting risks vary considerably, depending on the type of hazard. Finally, potential applications and implications for further research are discussed.
Cooperative Wnt-Nodal Signals Regulate the Patterning of Anterior Neuroectoderm

When early canonical Wnt is experimentally inhibited, sea urchin embryos embody the concept of a Default Model in vivo because most of the ectodermal cell fates are specified as anterior neuroectoderm. Using this model, we describe here how the combination of orthogonally functioning anteroposterior Wnt and dorsoventral Nodal signals and their targeting transcription factors, FoxQ2 and Homeobrain, regulates the precise patterning of normal neuroectoderm, of which serotonergic neurons are differentiated only at the dorsal/lateral edge. Loss-of-function experiments revealed that ventral Nodal is required for suppressing the serotonergic neural fate in the ventral side of the neuroectoderm through the maintenance of foxQ2 and the repression of homeobrain expression. In addition, non-canonical Wnt suppressed homeobrain in the anterior end of the neuroectoderm, where serotonergic neurons are not differentiated. Canonical Wnt, however, suppresses foxQ2 to promote neural differentiation. Therefore, the three-dimensionally complex patterning of the neuroectoderm is created by cooperative signals, which are essential for the formation of primary and secondary body axes during embryogenesis.
Countering entropy measure attacks on packed software detection

Malware writers usually employ several techniques to evade detection. For the last years, the number of variants detected each day has increased significantly. Traditional approaches such as signature scanning, one of the most common techniques employed by anti-virus companies, are becoming inefficient for the high amount of samples found in the wild. In order to bypass this kind of filters, malware writers usually obfuscate and transform the code of their creations. One of the methods employed is executable packing, which consists in compressing or ciphering the real malicious code, and injecting a decryption routine into the executable that will load and decompress it at run-time. Entropy is a common heuristic for the detection of packed executables. High entropy values indicate a random distribution of the bytes that compose the executable, a property very common in compressed and ciphered data. Unfortunately, this entropy measure can be altered by different techniques that modify randomness. In this paper, we detail various attacks found on real Zeus family samples, one of the most powerful and spread malware families at this moment, which are protected by custom made packers. In addition, we describe a method for obtaining an alternative entropy measure more resilient to these techniques, and evaluate it for the classification of packed/not-packed executables, obtaining satisfactory detection and false positive rates.
Expression of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunits in the cerebral cortex in Alzheimer’s disease: histotopographical correlation with amyloid plaques and hyperphosphorylated‐tau protein

Impairment of cholinergic transmission and decreased numbers of nicotinic binding sites are well‐known features accompanying the cognitive dysfunction seen in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In order to elucidate the underlying cause of this cholinoceptive dysfunction, the expression of two pharmacologically different nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subunits (α4, α7) was studied in the cerebral cortex of Alzheimer patients as compared to controls. Patch‐clamp recordings of 14 dissociated neurons of control cortices showed responses suggesting the existence of α4‐ and α7‐containing functional nAChRs in the human cortex. In cortices of Alzheimer patients and controls, the pattern of distribution and the number of α4 and α7 mRNA‐expressing neurons were similar, whereas at the protein level a decrease in the density of α4‐ and α7‐expressing neurons of ≈ 30% was observed in Alzheimer patients. The histotopographical correlation of nAChR expression with accompanying pathological changes, e.g. accumulation of hyperphosphorylated‐tau (HP‐tau) protein and β‐amyloid showed that neurons in the vicinity of β‐amyloid plaques bore both nAChR transcripts. Neurons heavily labelled for HP‐tau, however, expressed little or no α4 and α7 mRNA. These results point to an impaired synthesis of nAChRs on the protein level as a possible cause of the cholinoceptive deficit in AD. Further investigations need to elucidate whether interactions of HP‐tau with nAChR mRNA, or alterations in the quality of α4 and α7 transcripts give rise to decreased protein expression at the level of individual neurons.
Sparse Multi-Task Learning for Detecting Influential Nodes in an Implicit Diffusion Network

How to identify influential nodes is a central research topic in information diffusion analysis. Many existing methods rely on the assumption that the network structure is completely known by the model. However, in many applications, such a network is either unavailable or insufficient to explain the underlying information diffusion phenomena. To address this challenge, we develop a multi-task sparse linear influence model (MSLIM), which can simultaneously predict the volume for each contagion and automatically identify sets of the most influential nodes for different contagions. Our method is based on the linear influence model with two main advantages: 1) it does not require the network structure; 2) it can detect different sets of the most influential nodes for different contagions. To solve the corresponding convex optimization problem for learning the model, we adopt the accelerated gradient method (AGM) framework and show that there is an exact closed-form solution for the proximal mapping. Therefore, the optimization procedure achieves the optimal first-order convergence rate and can be scaled to very large datasets. The proposed model is validated on a set of 2.6 millions tweets from 1000 users of Twitter. We show that MSLIM can efficiently select the most influential users for specific contagions. We also present several interesting patterns of the selected influential users.
A Peak Detection Method for Understanding User States for Empathetic Intelligent Agents

Recognition of facial expression is a useful and unobtrusive means for machines to understand users' internal states. However, most human facial expression is ambiguous or subtle to recognize resulting in poor accuracy. To overcome this limitation, we propose a peak detection method to select only meaningful images from image sequences which imply significant changes of facial expression by calculating differences between images. We believe this method will alleviate the accuracy degradation caused by different personal appearances and ambiguous facial expressions. When applied to commercial products, it can provides a suitable method for adaptation of the empathetic agent embedded in machines such as personal assistants on TV, smartphone and vehicles based on recognized facial expression of users. For experimental validation of the proposed method, we tested four different features for measuring image similarity with the extended Cohn-Kanade facial image dataset. As a result, we could get better recognition accuracy than the original image sequences. Moreover, we reduced the number of images that need to be recognized to 24.52% without degradation of accuracy.
Changes in User Beliefs and Attitudes during the Learning Process of Office Applications

This longitudinal study examines the mechanisms through which behavioral beliefs and attitude toward behavior change in time. We test two alternative explanations: the two-stage model of cognition change based on the expectation-disconfirmation theory (EDT), and the implicit change mechanism of the deliberative theories: theory of reasoned action (TRA) and theory of planned behavior (TPB). As the research setting we employed the learning process of information systems, specifically office applications taught to university students. Our observations suggest that the expectation-disconfirmation model captures a special case rather than the general case of temporal change in dispositions. We posit that that the deliberative theories have more general inbuilt mechanisms of attitude and belief change. We feel that in an effort to create parsimonious models of the deliberative process, separate constructs for the feelings of (dis)satisfaction may not be needed, as suggested by EDT.
Gender, gender identification and perceived gender discrimination: An examination of mediating processes in China

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of gender and strength of gender identification on employees’ perception of gender discrimination. It also explores whether gender comparison and perceived gender bias against women act as mediators in the above relationships. It aims to advance the understanding of the processes leading to individual’s perception of gender discrimination in the Chinese workplace. Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected from 362 workers via an employee survey in three large companies in China. The human resource staff helped us to distribute a self-administered questionnaire to the employees, and the authors assured them of confidentiality and protected their anonymity. To test the hypotheses, the authors employed structural equation modeling. The authors first conducted confirmatory factor analysis on the measurement model, and then the authors estimated three nested structural models to test the mediating hypotheses. Findings – The results reveal th.
To Parcel or Not to Parcel: Exploring the Question, Weighing the Merits

We examine the controversial practice of using parcels of items as manifest variables in structural equation modeling (SEM) procedures. After detailing arguments pro and con, we conclude that the unconsidered use of parcels is never warranted, while, at the same time, the considered use of parcels cannot be dismissed out of hand. In large part, the decision to parcel or not depends on one's philosophical stance regarding scientific inquiry (e.g., empiricist vs. pragmatist) and the substantive goal of a study (e.g., to understand the structure of a set of items or to examine the nature of a set of constructs). Prior to creating parcels, however, we recommend strongly that investigators acquire a thorough understanding of the nature and dimensionality of the items to be parceled. With this knowledge in hand, various techniques for creating parcels can be utilized to minimize potential pitfalls and to optimize the measurement structure of constructs in SEM procedures. A number of parceling techniques are described, noting their strengths and weaknesses.
Near-infrared light-triggered theranostics for tumor-specific enhanced multimodal imaging and photothermal therapy

The major challenge in current clinic contrast agents (CAs) and chemotherapy is the poor tumor selectivity and response. Based on the self-quench property of IR820 at high concentrations, and different contrast effect ability of Gd-DOTA between inner and outer of liposome, we developed “bomb-like” light-triggered CAs (LTCAs) for enhanced CT/MRI/FI multimodal imaging, which can improve the signal-to-noise ratio of tumor tissue specifically. IR820, Iohexol and Gd-chelates were firstly encapsulated into the thermal-sensitive nanocarrier with a high concentration. This will result in protection and fluorescence quenching. Then, the release of CAs was triggered by near-infrared (NIR) light laser irradiation, which will lead to fluorescence and MRI activation and enable imaging of inflammation. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that LTCAs with 808 nm laser irradiation have shorter T1 relaxation time in MRI and stronger intensity in FI compared to those without irradiation. Additionally, due to the high photothermal conversion efficiency of IR820, the injection of LTCAs was demonstrated to completely inhibit C6 tumor growth in nude mice up to 17 days after NIR laser irradiation. The results indicate that the LTCAs can serve as a promising platform for NIR-activated multimodal imaging and photothermal therapy.
Resources and instructional strategies effective middle school science teachers use to improve content area reading skills

This study examined the resources and instructional strategies effective middle school science teachers use to improve content area reading skills. Reading instruction in the middle school years should follow the natural cognitive progression that occurs in the adolescent brain from learning to read to reading to learn. Scientific reading is a different type of reading than most middle school students are accustomed to. It is important to understand that students will continue to be expected to read non-fiction critically for success in the 21 st century. Effective teachers know this, and they perceive themselves as teachers of reading regardless of the content area in which their expertise lies. This qualitative research study was conducted at a rural middle school with three science teachers who employ before, during, and after literacy strategies when reading the textbook content with their students. The methodologies used in this study were interviews, observations, and document collection. The results of this study revealed the students‘ reading difficulties perceived by the teacher participants, the literacy strategies used by the teacher participants, the instructional resources the teacher participants used to improve comprehension, and the need for professional development in content area literacy.
Differences in event brand personality between social media users and non-users

Research on both brand personality and social media in sport is still in their respective developmental stages, and to date no research has examined the impact of social media use on sport brands. This study was the first to examine if differences exist in the brand personality of a sport event between those that use the events social media page and those that do not. After surveying fans of a major National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) event, the results revealed that eight of the nine brand personality items were rated significantly higher for users of the event's Facebook page. This finding is significant as it is the first known empirical evidence which suggests that social media may have a positive impact on a sport brand's image. These results provide a number of theoretical and practical implications and point to the need for further examination of social media branding effects.
Promotion of students’ mastery goal orientations: does TARGET work?

Achievement goal orientations are important for students’ ongoing motivation. Students with a mastery goal orientation show the most advantageous achievement and motivational patterns. Much research has been conducted to identify classroom structures which promote students’ mastery goal orientation. The TARGET framework is one example of these efforts and provides six instructional dimensions (task, authority, recognition, grouping, evaluation, time), which should form a classroom structure that fosters a mastery goal orientation. The aim of this study was to examine the entire multi-dimensional TARGET framework and its impact on mastery goal orientation in a longitudinal study with 1680 secondary school students. CFAs confirmed the existence of one latent factor TARGET comprising the six proposed dimensions. This study also provides the first empirical evidence, based on longitudinal data, that TARGET has a positive impact on student mastery goal orientations.
Pseudo-free families of finite computational elementary abelian p-groups

Abstract We initiate the study of (weakly) pseudo-free families of computational elementary abelian p-groups, where p is an arbitrary fixed prime. We restrict ourselves to families of computational elementary abelian p-groups G d {G_{d}} such that for every index d, each element of G d {G_{d}} is represented by a single bit string of length polynomial in the length of d. First, we prove that pseudo-freeness and weak pseudo-freeness for families of computational elementary abelian p-groups are equivalent. Second, we give some necessary and sufficient conditions for a family of computational elementary abelian p-groups to be pseudo-free (provided that at least one of two additional conditions holds). Third, we establish some necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of pseudo-free families of computational elementary abelian p-groups.
Genetic Diversity of Cryptosporidium spp. within a Remote Population of Soay Sheep on St. Kilda Islands, Scotland

ABSTRACT This is the first report to characterize the genotypes and subtypes of Cryptosporidium species infecting a geographically isolated population of feral Soay sheep (Ovis aries) on Hirta, St. Kilda, Scotland, during two distinct periods: (i) prior to a population crash and (ii) as host numbers increased. Cryptosporidium DNA was extracted by freeze-thawing of immunomagnetically separated (IMS) bead-oocyst complexes, and species were identified following nested-PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP)/PCR sequencing at two Cryptosporidium 18S rRNA loci. Two hundred fifty-five samples were analyzed, and the prevalent Cryptosporidium species in single infections were identified as C. hominis (11.4% of all samples tested), C. parvum (9%), C. xiaoi (12.5%), and C. ubiquitum (6.7%). Cryptosporidium parvum was also present with other Cryptosporidium species in 27.1% of all samples tested. Cryptosporidium parvum- and C. hominis-positive isolates were genotyped using two nested-PCR assays that amplify the Cryptosporidium glycoprotein 60 gene (GP60). GP60 gene analysis showed the presence of two Cryptosporidium genotypes, namely, C. parvum IIaA19G1R1 and C. hominis IbA10G2. This study reveals a higher diversity of Cryptosporidium species/genotypes than was previously expected. We suggest reasons for the high diversity of Cryptosporidium parasites within this isolated population and discuss the implications for our understanding of cryptosporidiosis.
Multiple marker approach to risk stratification in patients with stable coronary artery disease.

AIMS multimarker approaches for risk prediction in coronary artery disease have remained inconsistent. We assessed multiple biomarkers representing distinct pathophysiological pathways in relation to cardiovascular events in stable angina. METHODS AND RESULTS we investigated 12 biomarkers reflecting inflammation [C-reactive protein, growth-differentiation factor (GDF)-15, neopterin], lipid metabolism (apolipoproteins AI, B100), renal function (cystatin C, serum creatinine), and cardiovascular function and remodelling [copeptin, C-terminal-pro-endothelin-1, mid-regional-pro-adrenomedullin (MR-proADM), mid-regional-pro-atrial natriuretic peptide (MR-proANP), N-terminal-pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (Nt-proBNP)] in 1781 stable angina patients in relation to non-fatal myocardial infarction and cardiovascular death (n = 137) over 3.6 years. Using Cox proportional hazards models and C-indices, the strongest association with outcome for log-transformed biomarkers in multivariable-adjusted analyses was observed for Nt-proBNP [hazard ratio (HR) for one standard deviation increase 1.65, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.28-2.13, C-index 0.686], GDF-15 (HR 1.59, 95% CI 1.25-2.02, C-index 0.681), MR-proANP (HR 1.46, 95% CI 1.14-1.87, C-index 0.673), cystatin C (HR 1.39, 95% CI 1.10-1.75, C-index 0.671), and MR-proADM (HR 1.63, 95% CI 1.21-2.20, C-index 0.668). Each of these top single markers and their combination (C-index 0.690) added predictive information beyond the baseline model consisting of the classical risk factors assessed by C-index and led to substantial reclassification (P-integrated discrimination improvement <0.05). CONCLUSION comparative analysis of 12 biomarkers revealed Nt-proBNP, GDF-15, MR-proANP, cystatin C, and MR-proADM as the strongest predictors of cardiovascular outcome in stable angina. All five biomarkers taken separately offered incremental predictive ability over established risk factors. Combination of the single markers slightly improved model fit but did not enhance risk prediction from a clinical perspective.
The HET-s Prion Protein of the Filamentous Fungus Podospora anserina Aggregates in Vitro into Amyloid-like Fibrils*

The HET-s protein of Podospora anserina is a fungal prion. This protein behaves as an infectious cytoplasmic element that is transmitted horizontally from one strain to another. Under the prion form, the HET-s protein forms aggregatesin vivo. The specificity of this prion model compared with the yeast prions resides in the fact that under the prion form HET-s causes a growth inhibition and cell death reaction when co-expressed with the HET-S protein from which it differs by 13 residues. Herein we describe the purification and initial characterization of recombinant HET-s protein expressed inEscherichia coli. The HET-s protein self-associates over time into high molecular weight aggregates. These aggregates greatly accelerate precipitation of the soluble form. HET-s aggregates appear as amyloid-like fibrils using electron microscopy. They bind Congo Red and show birefringence under polarized light. In the aggregated form, a HET-s fragment of ∼7 kDa is resistant to proteinase K digestion. CD and FTIR analyses indicate that upon transition to the aggregated state, the HET-s protein undergoes a structural rearrangement characterized by an increase in antiparallel β-sheet structure content. These results suggest that the [Het-s] prion element propagates in vivo as an infectious amyloid.