Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Exploiting Agent Symmetries for Performance Analysis of Distributed Optimization Methods

We show that, in many settings, the worst-case performance of a distributed optimization algorithm is independent of the number of agents in the system, and can thus be computed in the fundamental case with just two agents. This result relies on a novel approach that systematically exploits symmetries in worst-case performance computation, framed as Semidefinite Programming (SDP) via the Performance Estimation Problem (PEP) framework. Harnessing agent symmetries in the PEP yields compact problems whose size is independent of the number of agents in the system. When all agents are equivalent in the problem, we establish the explicit conditions under which the resulting worst-case performance is independent of the number of agents and is therefore equivalent to the basic case with two agents. Our compact PEP formulation also allows the consideration of multiple equivalence classes of agents, and its size only depends on the number of equivalence classes. This enables practical and automated performance analysis of distributed algorithms in numerous complex and realistic settings, such as the analysis of the worst agent performance. We leverage this new tool to analyze the performance of the EXTRA algorithm in advanced settings and its scalability with the number of agents, providing a tighter analysis and deeper understanding of the algorithm performance.
Kinetics of Contraction-Induced GLUT4 Translocation in Skeletal Muscle Fibers From Living Mice

OBJECTIVE Exercise is an important strategy for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. This is due in part to an increase in glucose transport that occurs in the working skeletal muscles. Glucose transport is regulated by GLUT4 translocation in muscle, but the molecular machinery mediating this process is poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to 1) use a novel imaging system to elucidate the kinetics of contraction-induced GLUT4 translocation in skeletal muscle and 2) determine the function of AMP-activated protein kinase α2 (AMPKα2) in this process. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Confocal imaging was used to visualize GLUT4-enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) in transfected quadriceps muscle fibers in living mice subjected to contractions or the AMPK-activator AICAR. RESULTS Contraction increased GLUT4-EGFP translocation from intracellular vesicle depots to both the sarcolemma and t-tubules with similar kinetics, although translocation was greater with contractions elicited by higher voltage. Re-internalization of GLUT4 did not begin until 10 min after contractions ceased and was not complete until 130 min after contractions. AICAR increased GLUT4-EGFP translocation to both sarcolemma and t-tubules with similar kinetics. Ablation of AMPKα2 activity in AMPKα2 inactive transgenic mice did not change GLUT4-EGFP′s basal localization, contraction-stimulated intracellular GLUT4-EGFP vesicle depletion, translocation, or re-internalization, but diminished AICAR-induced translocation. CONCLUSIONS We have developed a novel imaging system to study contraction-stimulated GLUT4 translocation in living mice. Contractions increase GLUT4 translocation to the sarcolemma and t-tubules with similar kinetics and do not require AMPKα2 activity.
Cavity cooling of an optically levitated submicron particle

The coupling of a levitated submicron particle and an optical cavity field promises access to a unique parameter regime both for macroscopic quantum experiments and for high-precision force sensing. We report a demonstration of such controlled interactions by cavity cooling the center-of-mass motion of an optically trapped submicron particle. This paves the way for a light–matter interface that can enable room-temperature quantum experiments with mesoscopic mechanical systems.
An optimal sequential preventive maintenance policy under stochastic maintenance quality

This paper presents a sequential imperfect preventive maintenance policy for a degradation system. Two kinds of activity, called continuous preventive maintenance (PM) and minimal repair, are simultaneously considered when arranging discrete imperfect preventive maintenance schedules. In order to obtain the maximum benefit in a finite lifetime, an expected benefit model is formulated based on maximal/equal cumulative-hazard rate constraints, and the optimal PM intervals are obtained using a genetic algorithm (GA). It is usually difficult to determine fixed maintenance quality after performing maintenance activities. This problem is addressed in the present paper by assuming that the reduction factor is a stochastic variable following probability distributions at fixed times. It is more rational to describe the fluctuation and trend of quality of discrete preventive maintenance during a lifetime; this makes optimisation results more robust and insensitive to the randomness of the crucial parameters in imperfect PM models. A numerical case is presented to illustrate the proposed model and some discussions are summarised.
A Passive Wireless Multi-Sensor SAW Technology Device and System Perspectives

This paper will discuss a SAW passive, wireless multi-sensor system under development by our group for the past several years. The device focus is on orthogonal frequency coded (OFC) SAW sensors, which use both frequency diversity and pulse position reflectors to encode the device ID and will be briefly contrasted to other embodiments. A synchronous correlator transceiver is used for the hardware and post processing and correlation techniques of the received signal to extract the sensor information will be presented. Critical device and system parameters addressed include encoding, operational range, SAW device parameters, post-processing, and antenna-SAW device integration. A fully developed 915 MHz OFC SAW multi-sensor system is used to show experimental results. The system is based on a software radio approach that provides great flexibility for future enhancements and diverse sensor applications. Several different sensor types using the OFC SAW platform are shown.
Balloon Angioplasty With Built-In Embolic Protection Mechanism: The Dual Role of the Proteus Balloon

Distal embolization (DE) occurs frequently during percutaneous arterial interventions. Using various embolic protection devices, particulates ranging in size from microto macrodebris have been captured at a high frequency. Of the many tools introduced to treat lesions in the iliac and infrainguinal arteries, including dilation balloons, cutting balloons, atherectomy catheters, and stents, all have been associated with DE, with the highest frequency seen in directional and laser atherectomy. DE requiring further treatment occurs in 2% to 3% of unselected infrainguinal patients and is associated with long occlusions, thrombotic lesions, mechanical thrombectomy, and directional or laser atherectomy. DE in the periphery leads to longer procedure time, higher contrast use, and more radiation exposure. Filters have been commonly used for embolic protection, and the SpiderFX Filter (Covidien, Mansfield, MA, USA) is approved for use in patients with calcified femoropopliteal lesions undergoing TurboHawk atherectomy. The Proteus embolic capture angioplasty balloon (Angioslide, Inc., Minneapolis, MN, USA) is also approved for use in capturing debris while performing balloon angioplasty. Proteus is a semi-compliant balloon inflated at 8 to 10 atmospheres. After angioplasty is done, the pressure is reduced to 2 atmospheres, and while arterial flow is interrupted, the balloon is folded in on itself, creating negative pressure that traps the debris in the balloon. The balloon is then fully deflated and retrieved. In this issue of the JEVT, Hadidi et al. present their experience in 30 claudicants who underwent treatment in lower extremity arteries with the Proteus embolic capture balloon. The majority of the 36 lesions treated were considered complex owing to severe calcification, chronic total occlusion, length, and in-stent stenosis, all of which are angiographic predictors of significant DE. Debris was captured in 89% of cases and DE occurred in 5.5% of lesions, only complex ones. These findings support prior observations that postintervention debris are highly prevalent in lower extremity arterial interventions, and a discrepancy exists between the occurrence of debris and clinically significant DE. Furthermore, the Proteus balloon seems to capture debris in the majority of cases, but it is unclear how much of the debris generated by the intervention are captured. Although DE did occur in this study, it was not attributed to Proteus but to wire crossing. This observation may indicate that the balloon efficiency in capturing clinically significant debris is high, but larger studies are needed to verify this finding. As noted by Hadidi and colleagues, the main limitation of Proteus is its single use. Except for simple, shorter lesions (,100 mm),
How is a moving target continuously tracked behind occluding cover

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Anomaly Induced Supernovae Cooling: New Contribution from Axions

Compact stellar objects like supernovae and neutron stars are believed to cool by emitting axions predominantly via axion bremsstrahlung ($NN \to NNa$), pion conversion ($\pi^- p^+ \to N a$) and photo-production ($\gamma N \to N a$). In this $\textit{letter}$, we study a previously overlooked contribution to the photo-production channel, originating from the $\textit{unavoidable}$ anomaly-induced Wess-Zumino-Witten term $\propto \epsilon^{\mu \nu \alpha \beta}\, F_{\mu \nu}\, \partial_\alpha a \, \omega_\beta$. As a result, supernovae can cool up to three times faster than what was previously thought, translating into stronger bounds on the axion decay constant. Furthermore, the spectrum of axions emitted in the process is $\textit unique$ as it is significantly harder than those originating from bremsstrahlung. As a consequence, we find that these axions are more likely to show up in near future water Cherenkov detectors as compared to traditional ones.
Exploiting cyclic features of walking for pedestrian dead reckoning with unconstrained smartphones

Pedestrian dead reckoning (PDR) is a promising complementary technique to balance the requirements on both accuracy and costs in outdoor and indoor positioning systems. In this paper, we propose a unified framework to comprehensively tackle the three sub problems involved in PDR, including step detection and counting, heading estimation and step length estimation, based on sequentially rotating the device (reference) frame to the Earth (reference) frame through sensor fusion. To be specific, a robust step detection and counting algorithm is devised according to vertical angular velocities and turns out to be tolerant of various smartphone placements; then, a zero velocity update (ZUPT) based algorithm is leveraged to calibrate the measurements in the Earth frame; on these grounds, the heading and step length are further estimated by exploiting the cyclic features of walking. A thorough and extensive experimental analysis is conducted and confirms the effectiveness and advantages of the proposed PDR framework as well as the corresponding algorithms.
Neuropsychology of learning disabilities: Essentials of subtype analysis.

Part I: Introduction. Rourke, Overview of Learning Disability Subtypes. Part II: Theory and Methodology. Adams, Theoretical, Methodological, and Statistical Issues. Fletcher, Satz, Cluster Analysis and the Search for Learning Disability Subtypes. Joschko, Rourke, Neuropsychological Subtypes of Learning-Disabled Children Who Exhibit the ACID Pattern on the WISC. Del Dotto, Rourke, Subtypes of Left-Handed Learning-Disabled Children. Part III: Reading, Spelling, and Arithmetic Disability Subtypes. Doehring, Reading Disability Subtypes: Interactions of Reading and Nonreading Deficits. Sweeney, Rourke, Spelling Disability Subtypes. Strang, Rourke, Arithmetic Disability Subtypes: The Neuropsychological Significance of Specific Arithmetical Impairment in Childhood. Part IV: Validity Studies of Learning Disability Subtypes. Fletcher, External Validation of Learning Disability Typologies. Van der Vlugt, Satz, Subgroups and Subtypes of Learning-Disabled and Normal Children: A Cross-Cultural Replication. Lyon, Educational Validation Studies of Learning Disability Subtypes. Part V: Personality and Socioemotional Dimensions of Learning Disabilities in Children. Porter, Rourke, Socioemotional Functioning of Learning-Disabled Children: A Subtypal Analysis of Personality Patterns. Ozols, Rourke, Dimensions of Social Sensitivity in Two Types of Learning-Disabled Children. Strang, Rourke, Adaptive Behavior of Children Who Exhibit Specific Arithmetic Disabilities and Associated Neuropsychological Abilities and Deficits. Part VI: Summary and Conclusions. Fisk, Finnell, Rourke, Major Findings and Future Directions for Learning Disability Subtype Analyses.
Quality adaptive online double auction in participatory sensing

Agents (specially humans) with smart devices are stemming with astounding rapidity and that may play a big role in information and communication technology apart from being used only as a mere calling devices. Inculcating the power of smart devices carried by the agents in several different applications is commonly termed as participatory sensing (PS). In this paper, for the first time a truthful quality adaptive participatory sensing is presented in an online double auction environment. The proposed algorithm is simulated with a benchmark mechanism that adapts the existing McAfee's Double Auction (MDA) directly in the online environment.
The U.S. Military and Higher Education: A Brief History

From almost unnoticed beginnings in the Morrill Land-Grant College Act of 1862, the military-university relationship has, since 1940, become a major feature of American society. Putting higher education to the service of public priorities has longer and stronger roots in the American tradition than does the ideal of the university as a sanctuary for independent, critical scholarship and disinterested pursuit of learning for its own sake. Ironically, the university gained its principal claim to eminence in the American mainstream only in the early twentieth century when much of the nation's elite came to respect the ideal of autonomous, disinterested research and teaching within an academic sanctuary. Although the ideal continued to be honored as worthy, its approximation to reality faded egregiously after 1940. Its very importance for the achievement of public priorities, most conspicuously for national defense, led the university to accept inducements and constraints that pulled it notably away from its briefly assumed mission as a protected refuge for the dispassionate and critical study of science and society.
Serum Amyloid A3 Binds MD-2 To Activate p38 and NF-κB Pathways in a MyD88-Dependent Manner

Serum amyloid A (SAA) 3 is a major component of the acute phase of inflammation. We previously reported that SAA3 served as an endogenous peptide ligand for TLR4 to facilitate lung metastasis. Because these experiments were performed with SAA3 recombinant proteins purified from Escherichia coli or mammalian cells, we could not rule out the possibility of LPS contamination. In this study, we used SAA3 synthetic peptides to eliminate the presence of LPS in SAA3. We found that the SAA3 synthetic peptide (aa 20–86) (20–86) stimulated cell migration and activated p38 in a manner dependent on TLR4, MD-2, and MyD88. SAA3 (20–86) also activated NF-κB and Rho small GTPase. Using surface plasmon resonance analysis, the binding constant KD values between SAA3 (20–86) or SAA3 (43–57) and TLR4/MD-2 protein highly purified by the baculovirus system were 2.2 and 30 μM, respectively. FLAG-tagged SAA3 tightly bound to protein A–tagged MD-2, but not to TLR4 in baculovirus coinfection experiments. Although SAA3 (20–86) caused a low, but appreciable level of endocytosis in TLR4, it induced the upregulation of both IL-6 and TNF-α, but not IFN-β1. An i.v. injection of SAA3 (43–57) induced the lung recruitment of CD11b+Gr-1+ cells at an estimated serum concentration around its KD value toward TLR4/MD-2. Taken together, these results suggest that SAA3 directly binds MD-2 and activates the MyD88-dependent TLR4/MD-2 pathway.
Classroom Management—a Pathway to Student Achievement: A Study of Fourteen Inner‐City Elementary Schools

This article examines the achievement effects of a prosocial classroom and instructional management program—Consistency Management & Cooperative Discipline (CMCD)—implemented at 14 elementary schools in a single geographic feeder pattern of a large, urban school district. State reading and mathematics achievement data were collected over 2 years for a stratified, random sample of 350 upper elementary students and their matched cohort. Using an archival post‐hoc quasi‐experimental design, test data were collected prior to start‐up and upon program completion, enabling a continuous view of achievement from both groups. Students in CMCD schools outperformed control students. In mathematics, on average, CMCD students ranked at the 67th percentile, while control students ranked at the 50th percentile. In reading, on average, CMCD students ranked at the 64th percentile, while control students ranked at the 50th percentile. These findings are consistent with other studies of CMCD. As the classroom management program does not provide an academic curriculum, findings suggest that other alterable and additive educational variables that improve learning conditions should be examined further.
Anticancer Properties of Chrysin on Colon Cancer Cells, In vitro and In vivo with Modulation of Caspase-3, -9, Bax and Sall4

Background The SALL4/Sall4 is constitutively expressed in human and mice. SALL4 mRNA could be used as a marker for the diagnosis of different types of cancers. On the other hand, chrysin has diverse biological properties. Objectives In the present study, the effect of the chrysin was investigated on the CT26 colon cancer in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the expression levels of the stem cell markers; sall4 and Bax was analyzed, as well. Materials and Methods The cytotoxic effects and the type of cell death induced by chrysin were evaluated using a number of biological assays. The apoptotic pathway was examined by caspase-3and caspase-9 assay. The in vivo antitumor efficacy of chrysin on transplanted CT26 tumor cells in BALB/c mice was investigated. In addition, mRNA expression of sall4, Bax was analyzed with RT-PCR. Results MTT assay and morphological characteristics showed that chrysin exerted a cytotoxic effect on CT26 cells in a dose dependent manner with IC50= 80 μg. mL-1. The biological assays have indicated that chrysin administrated cytotoxicity on colon cancer cells through recruitment of the apoptosis. Caspase-3 and caspase-9 colorimetric assays, in addition to Bax expression analysis, have indicated the involvement of intrinsic apoptotic pathway in the cytotoxic effect of the chrysin. The in vivo assay revealed a remarkable reduction of the colon tumor volume in treated mice (8, 10 mg.kg -1) as compared to the untreated mice. RT-PCR elucidated that chrysin attenuated tumor volume through down regulation of the sall4 and up-regulation of the Bax. Conclusions It was demonstrated that chrysin accomplishes anti-cancer effect on colon cancer cells via induction of the apoptosis and attenuation of the sall4 the expression. These findings introduce chrysin as an efficient apoptosis based therapeutic agent against colon cancer.
Patients with chronic hepatitis B infection: what is their quality of life?

INTRODUCTION Hepatitis B (HBV) is endemic in Singapore. This study aimed to determine the quality of life of patients with chronic HBV infection (HBV carriers) on conservative management. They were reviewed in primary care facilities and in a district hospital in Singapore. METHODS This cross-sectional survey utilised a validated Hepatitis Quality of Life questionnaire, which incorporated the SF-36 health survey, to assess a convenience sample of HBV carriers' quality of life in 14 domains. The mean scores in each domain were determined, with higher scores indicating better health. Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test was used in the data analysis to determine statistical significance (p-value is less than 0.05). RESULTS The mean age of 108 participants was 44.1 (standard deviation 12.5) years. They were predominantly Chinese (90.7 percent), male (58.3 percent) and 50.7 percent of them had family members who were HBV-infected. The latter had higher scores in the hepatitis specific limitation (HLIM) domain. The majority did not have any impaired physical nor mental health. In comparison with the healthy peers in the local population, the Chinese HBV carriers scored significantly lower in the "social functioning" domain (p-value is less than 0.001), regardless of gender. CONCLUSION The majority of HBV carriers had good physical and mental health. Physicians should recognise the impact of the chronic infection on the social aspects of daily living of the HBV carriers, and such issues should be addressed appropriately to provide better quality care.
Introduction: cultural aspects of learning and teaching

This special issue of LTHE (edited together with Kay Sanderson of Middlesex University, Dubai) focuses on cultural aspects of learning and teaching in Gulf higher education contexts. As higher education throughout the world has become increasingly globalized, culture has become noticeable in many more ways and in many more contexts than before (Palfreyman, 2007). In the Gulf and elsewhere, ideas of ‘local culture’ or ‘Western culture’ are often invoked by teachers and others in educational institutions in the Gulf; and it is worth considering what these terms mean, firstly to practitioners who use them, secondly in the context of recent scholarship and thirdly in the context of the Gulf region as part of the global scene in the early twenty-first century. In everyday discourse, ‘culture’ is often identified (sometimes almost as a synonym) with nationality – e.g. ‘American culture’, ‘Emirati culture’ – with the suggestion that anyone born in a particular country is ‘programmed’ to behave in a particular way. A broader definition of culture is:
$H_{\infty } $  Filtering for Network-Based Systems With Delayed Measurements, Packet Losses, and Randomly Varying Nonlinearities

The H∞ filtering problem is investigated for a class of systems subject to varying nonlinearities caused by network environment, which are governed by a Bernoulli switched white sequence. The sensor measurement will be received with delays or even lost during the transmission to the remote filter through the network links. Due to the delayed measurements and packet losses, the data processing center/filter will receive one or multiple packets or nothing at each time instant (i.e., within one sampling period). Based on a recent developed model to describe the above-mentioned phenomena, a full-order H∞ nonlinear filter is designed. Sufficient conditions for the existence of such a filter are obtained, such that for all possible randomly varying nonlinearities, delayed measurements, and packet losses, the filtering error dynamic is asymptotically mean-square stable and also achieves a prescribed H∞ performance level. The filter gains are obtained by solutions to a set of linear matrix inequalities. A simulation example is presented to show the effectiveness of the developed filter.