Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genetic Analysis of a Novel Tubulin Mutation That Redirects Synaptic Vesicle Targeting and Causes Neurite Degeneration in C. elegans

Neuronal cargos are differentially targeted to either axons or dendrites, and this polarized cargo targeting critically depends on the interaction between microtubules and molecular motors. From a forward mutagenesis screen, we identified a gain-of-function mutation in the C. elegans α-tubulin gene mec-12 that triggered synaptic vesicle mistargeting, neurite swelling and neurodegeneration in the touch receptor neurons. This missense mutation replaced an absolutely conserved glycine in the H12 helix with glutamic acid, resulting in increased negative charges at the C-terminus of α-tubulin. Synaptic vesicle mistargeting in the mutant neurons was suppressed by reducing dynein function, suggesting that aberrantly high dynein activity mistargeted synaptic vesicles. We demonstrated that dynein showed preference towards binding mutant microtubules over wild-type in microtubule sedimentation assay. By contrast, neurite swelling and neurodegeneration were independent of dynein and could be ameliorated by genetic paralysis of the animal. This suggests that mutant microtubules render the neurons susceptible to recurrent mechanical stress induced by muscle activity, which is consistent with the observation that microtubule network was disorganized under electron microscopy. Our work provides insights into how microtubule-dynein interaction instructs synaptic vesicle targeting and the importance of microtubule in the maintenance of neuronal structures against constant mechanical stress.
Estimation of performance and apparatus costs parameters of QRNG components

In This work the estimation of basic components of quasi random number generator (QRNG), based on Gollmann cascade has been done. Performance as well as apparatus costs of these components have been investigated. The obtained information allows to construct mathematical models for the estimation of the above discussed parameters for QRNG of any dimensions. The theoretical results obtained in This work are used for the development of an evolutionary algorithm of QRNG, based on Gollmann cascade IP core generating.
Moderating effects of coping self-efficacy and coping diversity in the stress health relationship in African American college students

MODERATING EFFECTS OF COPING SELF-EFFICACY AND COPING DIVERSITY IN THE STRESS-HEALTH RELATIONSHIP IN AFRICAN AMERICAN COLLEGE STUDENTS Carol Frances Bonner The Virginia Consortium Program in Clinical Psychology, 2015 Director: Dr. Desideria Hacker The present study examined the roles o f coping self-efficacy and coping diversity in moderating the harmful effects o f stress in a sample of African American undergraduate college students. An additional purpose o f the study was to explore alternative methods of measuring coping diversity. Data were obtained from 162 participants who attended a southeastern Historically Black College/University. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were performed to detect main effects and interaction effects o f perceived stress and the two moderator variables, coping selfefficacy and coping diversity, on physical and mental health. Correlational analyses were used to assess the reliability o f an alternative measure of coping diversity. Although the proposed alternative measure of coping diversity showed adequate internal consistency, it did not correlate with measures o f perceived stress, mental health, physical health, or the original method o f measuring coping diversity. Overall, high levels o f perceived stress were related to poorer mental and physical health. These relationships were not, however, moderated by coping self-efficacy or coping diversity. Despite the lack of moderation, coping diversity and coping self-efficacy were significantly correlated with health outcomes in undergraduate African American college students. Copyright, 2015, by Carol Frances Bonner, All Rights Reserved. This dissertation is dedicated to my family at Faith Deliverance Church o f God and Christ, with special thanks to my spiritual parents, Superintendent Lemuel Williams and First Lady Esther Williams. Your prayers, love, support and encouragement have sustained me throughout this process and I am deeply appreciative for all that you have done. I also dedicate this dissertation to my siblings, Joseph P. Avery, III and Theresa Avery, and to my parents, Joseph P. Avery, II and Carol Avery. Thank you for your innumerable personal sacrifices, words o f wisdom, encouragement, unconditional love and support. I also thank you for teaching me to dream big, to work hard and never quit. Finally and most o f all, I dedicate this work to my best friend, soul mate and husband, James Bonner, Jr. who always manages to bring joy to my heart. Although words cannot express my gratitude for having you in my comer, please know that I cherish our time together and look forward to spending every day o f our lives showing you how much you are appreciated.
Hierarchical Classification using Shrunken Centroids

There are various types of classifiers that can be trained on gene expression data with class labels. Many of them have an embedded mechanism for feature selection, by which they distinguish a subset of significant genes that are used for future prediction. When dealing with more than two class labels, especially when the number goes up to a dozen or more, people find it useful to know the relative affinity among the classes and different subsets of genes involved in discriminating different groups of classes. It provides them with more information not only when analyzing the relationship among classes, but also when predicting on future instances. We have achieved this by developing a hierarchical adaptation of the nearest shrunken centroid classifier. Here, we demonstrate our new method using a cancer data example.
A statistical approach for estimating user satisfaction in spoken human-machine interaction

This paper addresses a new approach for statistical modeling of user satisfaction in Spoken Dialogue Systems (SDS) and thereby allows an online monitoring of spoken human-machine interaction. The presented technique relies on a large set of input variables originating from system log files that quantify the ongoing spoken human-machine interaction. The target variable, user satisfaction (US), is captured in a lab study on a 5 point scale with 46 users interacting with an SDS. The model, which is based on Support Vector Machines (SVM) yields a performance of 49.2% unweighted average recall (Cohen's κ = .442, Spearman's ρ = .668) and significantly outperforms related work in that field.
Covert Timing Channel with Distribution Matching

Network covert channel is a communication fashion that uses the redundancy in network protocols to transfer information. The goal of covert channel is reliably transmit more information undetectably. In this paper, a simple covert timing channel with distribution matching is proposed. The approach processes the network traffic as fixed-length fragment and obtains the histogram of the delays, then uses the binary coding method to embed the message bits. Experimental results show that our method works well.
Emotion-enabled haptic-based serious game for post stroke rehabilitation

In this paper, we propose and develop a novel adaptive haptic- based serious game for post stroke rehabilitation. Real-time patients emotions monitoring based on the Electroencephalogram (EEG) is used as an additional game control. A subject-dependent algorithm recognizing negative and positive emotions from EEG is integrated. Force feedback is proposed and implemented in the game. The proposed EEG-enabled haptic-based serious game could help to promote rehabilitation of the patients with motor deficits after stroke. Such games could be used by the patients for post stroke rehabilitation even at home convenience without a nurse presence.
Subchannel Allocation in Multiuser Multiple-Input&#8211;Multiple-Output Systems

Assuming perfect channel state information at the transmitter of a Gaussian broadcast channel, strategies are investigated on how to assign subchannels in frequency and space domain to each receiver aiming at a maximization of the sum rate transmitted over the channel. For the general sum capacity maximizing solution, which has recently been found, a method is proposed that transforms each of the resulting vector channels into a set of scalar channels. This makes possible to achieve capacity by simply using scalar coding and detection techniques. The high complexity involved in the computation of this optimum solution motivates the introduction of a novel suboptimum zero-forcing allocation strategy that directly results in a set of virtually decoupled scalar channels. Simulation results show that this technique tightly approaches the performance of the optimum solution, i.e., complexity reduction comes at almost no cost in terms of sum capacity. As the optimum solution, the zero-forcing allocation strategy applies to any number of transmit antennas, receive antennas and users
Activated Protein C Promotes Neovascularization and Neurogenesis in Postischemic Brain via Protease-Activated Receptor 1

Activated protein C (APC) is a serine protease with anticoagulant and direct cytoprotective activities. Early postischemic APC application activates the cellular protein C pathway in brain endothelium and neurons, which is neuroprotective. Whether late APC administration after a transient ischemic attack is neuroprotective and whether APC influences brain repair is not known. Here, we determined safety and efficacy of late APC and tissue-plasminogen activator (tPA) administrations in a mouse model of transient brain ischemia. tPA given at 6 h after onset of ischemia killed all mice within 2 d, whereas APC given at 6 or 24 h after ischemia onset improved significantly functional outcome and reduced spread of the ischemic lesion. At 7 d postischemia, APC multiple dosing (0.8 mg/kg, i.p.) at 6–72 or 72–144 h enhanced comparably cerebral perfusion in the ischemic border by ∼40% as shown by in vivo lectin-FITC angiography, blocked blood–brain barrier leakage of serum proteins, and increased the number of endothelial replicating cells by 4.5- to 4.7-fold. APC multidosing at 6–72 h or 72–144 h increased proliferation of neuronal progenitor cells in the subventricular zone (SVZ) by 40–50% and migration of newly formed neuroblasts from the SVZ toward the ischemic border by approximately twofold. The effects of APC on neovascularization and neurogenesis were mediated by protease-activated receptor 1 and were independent of the reduction by APC of infarction volume. Our data show that delayed APC administration is neuroprotective and mediates brain repair (i.e., neovascularization and neurogenesis), suggesting a significant extension of the therapeutic window for APC intervention in postischemic brain.
Mapping the phase diagram of the writhe of DNA nanocircles using atomistic molecular dynamics simulations

We have investigated the effects of duplex length, sequence, salt concentration and superhelical density on the conformation of DNA nanocircles containing up to 178 base pairs using atomistic molecular dynamics simulation. These calculations reveal that the partitioning of twist and writhe is governed by a delicate balance of competing energetic terms. We have identified conditions which favour circular, positively or negatively writhed and denatured DNA conformations. Our simulations show that AT-rich DNA is more prone to denaturation when subjected to torsional stress than the corresponding GC containing circles. In contrast to the behaviour expected for a simple elastic rod, there is a distinct asymmetry in the behaviour of over and under-wound DNA nanocircles. The most biologically relevant negatively writhed state is more elusive than the corresponding positively writhed conformation, and is only observed for larger circles under conditions of high electrostatic screening. The simulation results have been summarised by plotting a phase diagram describing the various conformational states of nanocircles over the range of circle sizes and experimental conditions explored during the study. The changes in DNA structure that accompany supercoiling suggest a number of mechanisms whereby changes in DNA topology in vivo might be used to influence gene expression.
Multiterminal-HVDC scaled platform for offshore wind transmission systems emulation

This paper presents a Multiterminal VSC-HVDC (Voltage Sources Converter, High Voltage Direct Current) emulation platform. Design details of the scaled platform are discussed. A DC grid droop-based voltage control method designed following Lyapunov control theory has been adopted. In addition, operational points of the Multiterminal HVDC grid are described. The emulation platform have been tested under wind power change and power converter disconnection scenarios. The emulation results has been verified by means of simulations.
The functional MAOA‐uVNTR promoter polymorphism in patients with frontotemporal dementia

The genetic underpinnings of frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a rare yet early onset disorder still remains elusive. As FTD is characterized by a serotonergic deficit in the frontal lobe, and as some symptoms of FTD resemble conditions of monoamino oxidase A (MAO‐A) deficiency, MAO‐A is an attractive candidate gene for case–control association studies of FTD. We have thus ascertained 62 Italian FTD patients and 151 controls matched to age and genotyped them for a functional promoter polymorphism, termed MAOA‐uVNTR. However, no significant differences were observed between patients and controls. Bearing in mind the caveat of the small patient sample size, our data nevertheless argue against a major genetic role of MAO‐A polymorphism in FTD.
A HYBRID PARAMETRIC , NON-PARAMETRIC APPROACH TO BAYESIANTARGET TRACKINGJohn

This article describes a versatile approach to non-linear, non-Gaussian noise target tracking which makes use of both parametric and non-parametric techniques within a Bayesian framework. It produces a Gaussian mixture model (GMM) of a track, but resorts to a sampling technique within the tracking process to handle non-linearity. GMMs are recovered from samples using the expectation-maximisation method. The approach has been implemented in PV-WAVE software and tested against a Kalman-lter tracker in a simulator with air-defence scenarios. Sample results are presented for a scenario with a single surveillance-radar and a single target following a weaving path. These show that the tracker produces signiicantly better position estimates and comparable heading and speed estimates. Computation times are about 30 times greater than for the Kalman-lter tracker, but there is scope for reducing that substantially by tolerating fewer samples. 1. BACKGROUND Multi-sensor, multi-target tracking is a very important and active research area, with major developments dating back to the mid-1950's 1]. Almost invariably, the objective has been to produce a best estimate of a track state vector-either a mean or a maximum likelihood. With the development of data fusion techniques, it is important to have the track probability distribution as well, but with a suitably economic representation allowing ready calculation and acceptably low bandwidth permission of the controller of Her Brittanic Majesty's Stationary OOce demands in the communication links of distributed systems. Gaussian mixture models (GMMs) are recog-nised as good candidates 2] and we use them in this work. They are a logical progression from the single Gaussian model associated with Kalman-lter tracking. The latter has been the workhorse in tracking for around two decades, but in principle it is limited to linear, Gaussian noise applications. These GMMs are parametric; the parameters are sets of means, covariances and weights. Unfortunately, while handling non-Gaussian noise, they do not propagate as GMMs in the prediction process of non-linear tracking which is a major current challenge. Approximate approaches have been developed to overcome the dii-culty, but they are not invariably satisfactory 3]. Recently , Gordon, Salmond and Smith 4] used a boot-strap sampling approach to solve the problem. Their track model is non-parametric in that it consists merely of random samples from the track distribution. All calculations are in terms of these samples and a mean is used as the best track estimate. 2. PRESENT APPROACH We have been much persuaded by the merits of both …
An Algorithmic Study of the Construction of Higher-order One-dimensional Castillo-Grone Mimetic Gradient and Divergence Operators

Observation This entire document is written in Maple 16; its related PDF file will be generated depicting the construction of a 4th-order accurate mimetic divergence, thus matching Appendix J of [3]. However, the interested reader can download this Maple worksheet, make necessary changes, and produce the appropriate tailored results: Please state the required order of accuracy (an even integer number, greater or equal than 2): 4 Please state whether you want a gradient (0) or a divergence (1): 1 Thanks.
Maternal attachment insecurity and poorer proficiency savoring memories with their children

Relational savoring is the process of focusing one’s attention on the pleasurable parts of a relationship experience, and recent work has explored its relation to attachment styles. This study examined the relationship between attachment insecurity and the quality of responses to a relational savoring task among 63 mothers of children aged 9–12, testing the hypothesis that rumination mediated the relationship between greater attachment insecurity and lower quality savoring responses. Quality of savoring responses was measured two ways—on a macro level, via a global coding measure, as well as on a micro level, using word count analysis. Results indicated that greater attachment insecurity was related to lower quality relational savoring responses, and that in the case of attachment avoidance, maternal rumination mediated this relationship. These findings underscore the link between maternal attachment insecurity and poorer quality savoring, with preliminary cross-sectional findings pointing to rumination as an indirect effect explaining the link between attachment avoidance and poorer quality savoring. An inability to relish the positive aspects of parent–child interactions may be one factor underlying insecure parents’ insensitive caregiving and their diminished satisfaction in parenting. If replicated, these findings could have implications for clinical intervention using relational savoring.
EnTracked: energy-efficient robust position tracking for mobile devices

An important feature of a modern mobile device is that it can position itself. Not only for use on the device but also for remote applications that require tracking of the device. To be useful, such position tracking has to be energy-efficient to avoid having a major impact on the battery life of the mobile device. Furthermore, tracking has to robustly deliver position updates when faced with changing conditions such as delays due to positioning and communication, and changing positioning accuracy. This work proposes EnTracked - a system that, based on the estimation and prediction of system conditions and mobility, schedules position updates to both minimize energy consumption and optimize robustness. The realized system tracks pedestrian targets equipped with GPS-enabled devices. The system is configurable to realize different trade-offs between energy consumption and robustness. We provide extensive experimental results by profiling how devices consume power, by emulation on collected data and by validation in several real-world deployments. Results from this profiling show how a device consumes power while tracking its position. Results from the emulation indicate that the system can estimate and predict system conditions and mobility. Furthermore they provide evidence for that the system can lower the energy consumption considerably and remain robust when faced with changing system conditions. By validation in several real-world deployments we provide evidence that the real system works as predicted by the emulation.
5 GHz voltage controlled ring oscillator using source capacitively coupled current amplifier

A 5 GHz voltage controlled ring oscillator (VCO) has been designed using 0.18 /spl mu/m CMOS technology. Source Capacitively Coupled Current Amplifier (SC3A) is adopted to realize this VCO. Because of the band-pass characteristic of the SC3A, this VCO exhibits the low noise performance with a large tuning range. It can operate from 4.3 GHz up to 6.1 GHz with a phase noise of about -85 dBc/Hz at 1 MHz frequency offset. For the 2 V supply voltage, the power consumption is about 80 mW.
AUTOMATED CODING OF INTERNATIONAL EVENT DATA USING SPARSE PARSING TECHNIQUES

“Event data” record the interactions of political actors reported in sources such as newspapers and news services; this type of data is widely used in research in international relations. Over the past ten years, there has been a shift from coding event data by humans—typically university students—to using computerized coding. The automated methods are dramatically faster, enabling data sets to be coded in real time, and provide far greater transparency and consistency than human coding. This paper reviews the experience of the Kansas Event Data System (KEDS) project in developing automated coding using “sparse parsing” machine coding methods, discusses a number of design decisions that were made in creating the program, and assesses features that would improve the effectiveness of these programs.
SPATIAL DOMAIN MODELING OF MICROCELLULAR SYSTEMS OPERATING IN MULTIPATH NAKAGAMI ENVIRONMENTS

In conventional channel models, the AoA’s at the BS, are assumed to be uniformly distributed. However, measurements in urban areas have shown non-uniform AoA distributions. In this paper, the spatial characterization of wideband urban mobile radio channels is investigated and the resulting temporal and spatial correlations at the BS receiver are computed. A geometrically based modeling is used to spatially characterize both typical and bad urban environments. The clustered scatterers are assumed to have bivariate Gaussian densities. The AoA pdf’s are derived. The temporal and spatial correlations are computed for both environments and the effects of the channel parameters such as the MS scatterer’s variance, the BS-MS distance and the mean angle of arrival on these correlations are investigated.
A Modular Lentiviral and Retroviral Construction System to Rapidly Generate Vectors for Gene Expression and Gene Knockdown In Vitro and In Vivo

The ability to express exogenous cDNAs while suppressing endogenous genes via RNAi represents an extremely powerful research tool with the most efficient non-transient approach being accomplished through stable viral vector integration. Unfortunately, since traditional restriction enzyme based methods for constructing such vectors are sequence dependent, their construction is often difficult and not amenable to mass production. Here we describe a non-sequence dependent Gateway recombination cloning system for the rapid production of novel lentiviral (pLEG) and retroviral (pREG) vectors. Using this system to recombine 3 or 4 modular plasmid components it is possible to generate viral vectors expressing cDNAs with or without inhibitory RNAs (shRNAmirs). In addition, we demonstrate a method to rapidly produce and triage novel shRNAmirs for use with this system. Once strong candidate shRNAmirs have been identified they may be linked together in tandem to knockdown expression of multiple targets simultaneously or to improve the knockdown of a single target. Here we demonstrate that these recombinant vectors are able to express cDNA and effectively knockdown protein expression using both cell culture and animal model systems.