Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modern Human Behaviour and Pleistocene Sahul in Review

Abstract The Middle to Upper Palaeolithic transition in Europe has furnished a ‘package’ of archaeologically visible innovations that are claimed to reflect modern human behaviour. McBrearty and Brooks (2000) documented the gradual assembling of the package over a 200,000 year period in the African Middle Stone Age and proposed that it was later exported to other regions of the Old World. Mellars (2006) recently proposed that modern humans quickly spread from Africa with the package of modern human behaviours and colonised not only Europe but also southern Asia and ultimately Australia. In this paper, we examine the late Pleistocene-early Holocene archaeological record of Sahul to establish if the package was brought here by the earliest colonising groups. We find that the package is not evident at the earliest sites; rather, its components were gradually assembled over a 30,000 year period following initial occupation of the continent by anatomically and behaviourally modern humans. The review further supports the view that there is currently no package of archaeologically visible traits that can be used to establish modern human behaviour, as the components not only appear in different continents at different times, but also at different times and locations within continents such as Australia. This review also identifies chronological and geographical patterning of the individual ‘traits’ and proposes six ‘zones of innovation’ across Sahul.
The Solute-Exclusion Zone: A Promising Application for Mirofluidics

While unique phenomena exist at fluid-solid phase intersections, many interfacial phenomena manifest solely on limited scales—i.e., the nm-mm ranges—which stifles their application potential. Here, we constructed microfluidic chips that utilize the unique long-distance interface effects of the Solute-Exclusion Zone (EZ) phenomenon to mix, separate, and guide samples in desired directions within microfluidic channels. On our “EZ Chip”, we utilized the interfacial force generated by EZs to transport specimens across streamlines without the need of an off-chip power source. The advantages of easy-integration, low fabrication cost, and no off-chip energy input make the EZ suitable for independent, portable lab-on-chip system applications.
Deletion of a Single β‐Catenin Allele in Osteocytes Abolishes the Bone Anabolic Response to Loading

The Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway is essential for bone cell viability and function and for skeletal integrity. To determine if β‐catenin in osteocytes plays a role in the bone anabolic response to mechanical loading, 18‐ to 24‐week‐old osteocyte β‐catenin haploinsufficient mice (Dmp1‐Cre × β‐catenin fl/ + ; HET cKO) were compared with their β‐catenin fl/fl (control) littermates. Trabecular bone volume (BV/TV) was significantly less (58.3%) in HET cKO females versus controls, whereas male HET cKO and control mice were not significantly different. Trabecular number was significantly less in HET cKO mice compared with controls for both genders, and trabecular separation was greater in female HET cKO mice. Osteoclast surface was significantly greater in female HET cKO mice. Cortical bone parameters in males and females showed subtle or no differences between HET cKO and controls. The right ulnas were loaded in vivo at 100 cycles, 2 Hz, 2500 µϵ, 3 days per week for 3 weeks, and the left ulnas served as nonloaded controls. Calcein and alizarin complexone dihydrate were injected 10 days and 3 days before euthanization, respectively. Micro‐computed tomography (µCT) analysis detected an 8.7% and 7.1% increase in cortical thickness in the loaded right ulnas of male and female control mice, respectively, compared with their nonloaded left ulnas. No significant increase in new cortical bone formation was observed in the HET cKO mice. Histomorphometric analysis of control mice showed a significant increase in endocortical and periosteal mineral apposition rate (MAR), bone‐formation rate/bone surface (BFR/BS), BFR/BV, and BFR/TV in response to loading, but no significant increases were detected in the loaded HET cKO mice. These data show that deleting a single copy of β‐catenin in osteocytes abolishes the anabolic response to loading, that trabecular bone in females is more severely affected and suggest that a critical threshold of β‐catenin is required for bone formation in response to mechanical loading. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
GPU-powered and settings-free parameter estimation of biochemical systems

To understand the emergent behavior of biochemical systems, computational analyses generally require the inference of unknown reaction kinetic constants, a problem known as parameter estimation (PE). In this work we propose a PE methodology that exploits Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) to examine a set of candidate kinetic parameterizations, whose fitness is evaluated by comparing given target time-series of experimental data with in silico dynamics, simulated by using the parameterization encoded by each particle. In particular, we consider a Fuzzy Logic-based version of PSO - called Proactive Particles in Swarm Optimization (PPSO) - that automatically tunes the setting (inertia, cognitive and social factors) of each particle, independently from all other particles in the swarm. Since the optimization phase requires a large number of simulations for each particle at each iteration, we exploit a GPU-accelerated deterministic simulator, called cupSODA, that automatically generates the system of Ordinary Differential Equations associated with the biochemical system and performs its simulation for each candidate parameterization. We compare the performance of PPSO with respect to PSO for the PE problem by considering two biochemical systems as test cases. In addition, we evaluate the impact on PE of different strategies adopted, both in PPSO and PSO, for the selection of the initial positions of particles within the search space. We prove the effectiveness of our settings-free PE methodology by showing that PPSO outperforms PSO with respect to the computational time required to execute the optimization, achieving comparable results concerning the fitness of the best parameterization found.
Predicting Disease Comorbidity by Mining Large Text Corpora

In presenting this thesis as a partial fulfillment of the requirements for a degree from Emory University, I hereby grant to Emory University and its agents the non-exclusive license to archive, make accessible, and display my thesis in whole or in part in all forms of media, now or hereafter known, including display on the world wide web. I understand that I may select some access restrictions as part of the online submission of this thesis. I retain all ownership rights to the copyright of the thesis. I also retain the right to use in future works (such as articles or books) all or part of this thesis.
Chloroquine and Rheumatoid Arthritis

When Page (1951) reported that mepacrine produced improvement in lupus erythematosus, he stated that, in one of his patients, a rheumatoid type of arthritis which had been present for 2 years improved together with the skin lesions. Following this report, I began an investigation of the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with mepacrine (Freedman and Bach, 1952). Early results were promising, but a controlled trial was not possible because the drug almost invariably discoloured the skin. A pilot investigation with other antimalarials suggested that Proguanil was of doubtful value, but that chloroquine seemed to give benefit with absence of toxic reactions*. The controlled trial with chloroquine was begun in April, 1953.
A dynamic honeypot design for intrusion detection

Modern technology in the area of intrusion detection is honeypot technology that, unlike common IDSs, tends to provide the attacker with all the necessary resources needed for a successful attack. Honeypots provide a platform for studying the methods and tools used by the intruders (blackhat community), thus deriving their value from the unauthorized use of their resources. This paper discusses the design of a dynamic honeypot, which is an autonomous honeypot capable of adapting in a dynamic and constantly changing network environment. The dynamic honeypot approach integrates passive or active probing and virtual honeypots. This approach addresses the challenge of deploying and configuring virtual honeypots.
Evaluation of parameter generation using high order dynamic features and long span windows for HMM based speech synthesis

The essence of speech parameter generation from HMMs using dynamic features is to take full advantage of equation constraints between static and dynamic features, suppressing stepwise parameter sequence of consecutive mean vectors and forcing the generated sequence to be smooth. The equation constraints are demonstrated to be useful; however, the number of constraints and their concrete values are seldom investigated systematically and thoroughly. This paper considers many possible forms of high order dynamic features and long span windows by experimental evaluation. Objective and subjective experiments show that it is helpful to add the third order dynamics to the conventional configuration to achieve better performance for the evaluated male speaker. Moreover, more high order dynamics reduce unvoiced/voiced decision error rate, while just utilizing the first order dynamics minimizes reconstruction error on spectrum and fundamental frequency simultaneously.
Structural insights into the proton pumping by unusual proteorhodopsin from nonmarine bacteria

Light-driven proton pumps are present in many organisms. Here, we present a high-resolution structure of a proteorhodopsin from a permafrost bacterium, Exiguobacterium sibiricum rhodopsin (ESR). Contrary to the proton pumps of known structure, ESR possesses three unique features. First, ESR's proton donor is a lysine side chain that is situated very close to the bulk solvent. Second, the α-helical structure in the middle of the helix F is replaced by 310- and π-helix–like elements that are stabilized by the Trp-154 and Asn-224 side chains. This feature is characteristic for the proteorhodopsin family of proteins. Third, the proton release region is connected to the bulk solvent by a chain of water molecules already in the ground state. Despite these peculiarities, the positions of water molecule and amino acid side chains in the immediate Schiff base vicinity are very well conserved. These features make ESR a very unusual proton pump. The presented structure sheds light on the large family of proteorhodopsins, for which structural information was not available previously.
Adaptive deadlock- and livelock-free routing with all minimal paths in Torus networks

This paper consists of two parts. In the first part, two new algorithms for deadlock- and livelock-free wormhole routing in the torus network are presented. The first algorithm, called Channels, is for the n-dimensional torus network. This technique is fully-adaptive minimal, that is, all paths with a minimal number of hops from source to destination are available for routing, and needs only five virtual channels per bidirectional link, the lowest channel requirement known in the literature for fully-adaptive minimal worm-hole routing. In addition, this result also yields the lowest buffer requirement known in the literature for packet-switched fully-adaptive minimal routing. The second algorithm, called 4-Classes, is for the bidimensional torus network. This technique is fully-adaptive minimal and requires only eight virtual channels per bidirectional link. Also, it allows for a highly parallel implementation of its associated routing node. In the second part of this paper, four worm-hole routing techniques for the two-dimensional torus are experimentally evaluated using a dynamic message injection model and different traffic patterns and message lengths. >
Self-Annuitization and Ruin in Retirement

Abstract At retirement, most individuals face a choice between voluntary annuitization and discretionary management of assets with systematic withdrawals for consumption purposes. Annuitization–buying a life annuity from an insurance company–assures a lifelong consumption stream that cannot be outlived, but it is at the expense of a complete loss of liquidity. On the other hand, discretionary management and consumption from assets–self-annuitization–preserves flexibility but with the distinct risk that a constant standard of living will not be maintainable. In this paper we compute the lifetime and eventual probability of ruin (PoR) for an individual who wishes to consume a fixed periodic amount–a self-constructed annuity–from an initial endowment invested in a portfolio earning a stochastic (lognormal) rate of return. The lifetime PoR is the probability that net wealth will hit zero prior to a stochastic date of death. The eventual PoR is the probability that net wealth will ever hit zero for an infinitely lived individual. We demonstrate that the probability of ruin can be represented as the probability that the stochastic present value (SPV) of consumption is greater than the initial investable wealth. The lifetime and eventual probabilities of ruin are then obtained by evaluating one minus the cumulative density function of the SPV at the initial wealth level. In that eventual case, we offer a precise analytical solution because the SPV is known to be a reciprocal gamma distribution. For the lifetime case, using the Gompertz law of mortality, we provide two approximations. Both involve “moment matching” techniques that are motivated by results in Arithmetic Asian option pricing theory. We verify the accuracy of these approximations using Monte Carlo simulations. Finally, a numerical case study is provided using Canadian mortality and capital market parameters. It appears that the lifetime probability of ruin–for a consumption rate that is equal to the life annuity payout–is at its lowest with a well-diversified portfolio.
On the utility of procedural rules: conditions of the use of rules in the production of operation sequences

Abstract Through a series of experiments we sought to find the conditions of identification and application of a four-level system of hierarchic rules. These rules were used to organize patterns of digits, which were copied (by our 49 subjects) from a visual display on to paper. We varied instructions in the rule system, tasks (rule application vs transfer by heart), load on the working memory, and number of repetitions of the digit transfer task. The procedure applied by the subjects was a mixture of memorization of grouped digits and rule application. The mixture depended on the ratio of costs and benefits of rule application. We found an efficient unconscious rule application existed, relieving working memory. The most extensive rule application was found with a combination of instruction on the rules and transfer by memorization. The applied model of rule hierarchy and its acquisition was determined by behavioral economy. The unconscious rule application could be systematically promoted.
Positron range estimations with PeneloPET

Technical advances towards high resolution PET imaging try to overcome the inherent physical limitations to spatial resolution. Positrons travel in tissue until they annihilate into the two gamma photons detected. This range is the main detector-independent contribution to PET imaging blurring. To a large extent, it can be remedied during image reconstruction if accurate estimates of positron range are available. However, the existing estimates differ, and the comparison with the scarce experimental data available is not conclusive. In this work we present positron annihilation distributions obtained from Monte Carlo simulations with the PeneloPET simulation toolkit, for several common PET isotopes (18F, 11C, 13N, 15O, 68Ga and 82Rb) in different biological media (cortical bone, soft bone, skin, muscle striated, brain, water, adipose tissue and lung). We compare PeneloPET simulations against experimental data and other simulation results available in the literature. To this end the different positron range representations employed in the literature are related to each other by means of a new parameterization for positron range profiles. Our results are generally consistent with experiments and with most simulations previously reported with differences of less than 20% in the mean and maximum range values. From these results, we conclude that better experimental measurements are needed, especially to disentangle the effect of positronium formation in positron range. Finally, with the aid of PeneloPET, we confirm that scaling approaches can be used to obtain universal, material and isotope independent, positron range profiles, which would considerably simplify range correction.
Sex-Role Orientation and Attitudes toward Sexual Expression

I n this study, the effect of sex-role orientation on attitudes toward human sexual expression was examined. Subjects were 107 female and 96 male undergraduate students, aged between 18 and 29 yr. , who were enrolled in the course, Introduction to Psychology. In participating, each subject completed the Bern Sex-role Inventory (Bem, 1975) and the Sexual Attitude Scale (Hudson, Murphy, & Nurius, 1983). Statistical analyses of the data involved a hierarchical multiple regression approach suggested by Lubinski, Tellegen, and Butcher (1983). In this procedure, a regression equation is calculated by first entering sex and scores on masculinity and on femininity to assess main effects. After this equation is calculated, masculinity x femininity (androgyny), sex x masculinity, and sex x femininity are then entered to assess any unique contributions to interaction. The multiple correlation between sexual attitudes and the six predictor variables was . 285, accounting for 8.15% of total variance (F,,,,, = 2.46, p< .01). The multiple regression analyses indicated androgyny as the only significant predictor, but accounted for only 5.5% of the variance (F,,,,, = 9.07, p < ,003). The remaining variables, sex (.48%), femininity (.57%), masculinity (.44%), and sex x masculinity (.83%), and sex x femininity (.33%), were nonsignificant. The negative relationship between androg~ny and sexual attitude scores indicates that higher androgyny scores are associated with more liberal attitudes toward sexual expression among these college students.
Review on the Antimicrobial Properties of Carbon Nanostructures

Swift developments in nanotechnology have prominently encouraged innovative discoveries across many fields. Carbon-based nanomaterials have emerged as promising platforms for a broad range of applications due to their unique mechanical, electronic, and biological properties. Carbon nanostructures (CNSs) such as fullerene, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphene and diamond-like carbon (DLC) have been demonstrated to have potent broad-spectrum antibacterial activities toward pathogens. In order to ensure the safe and effective integration of these structures as antibacterial agents into biomaterials, the specific mechanisms that govern the antibacterial activity of CNSs need to be understood, yet it is challenging to decouple individual and synergistic contributions of physical, chemical and electrical effects of CNSs on cells. In this article, recent progress in this area is reviewed, with a focus on the interaction between different families of carbon nanostructures and microorganisms to evaluate their bactericidal performance.
Flocking for Networks of Mobile Robots with Nonlinear Dynamics

In this paper, we address the problem of flocking for networks of nonholonomic mobile robots with nonlinear dynamics given that a flocking algorithm for particles is known. Our approach relies on the use of near-identity change of coordinates that transform the nonlinear dynamics of the robot to a partially-linear normal form with a double-integrator linear subsystem. The flocking algorithm is then applied to the linear part. The inverse of the near-identity transformation provides the flocking algorithm for the networked nonholonomic robots. We prove the emergence of flocking behavior for robotic networks with nonlinear dynamics according to the formal definition of flocking in Olfati-Saber’s flocking paper (TAC ’06). Simulation results are provided for large-scale networks of two-wheeled robots with nonlinear dynamics as models of Khepera-III robots that demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed transformation and algorithm.
Vaccine delivery using nanoparticles

Vaccination has had a major impact on the control of infectious diseases. However, there are still many infectious diseases for which the development of an effective vaccine has been elusive. In many cases the failure to devise vaccines is a consequence of the inability of vaccine candidates to evoke appropriate immune responses. This is especially true where cellular immunity is required for protective immunity and this problem is compounded by the move toward devising sub-unit vaccines. Over the past decade nanoscale size (<1000 nm) materials such as virus-like particles, liposomes, ISCOMs, polymeric, and non-degradable nanospheres have received attention as potential delivery vehicles for vaccine antigens which can both stabilize vaccine antigens and act as adjuvants. Importantly, some of these nanoparticles (NPs) are able to enter antigen-presenting cells by different pathways, thereby modulating the immune response to the antigen. This may be critical for the induction of protective Th1-type immune responses to intracellular pathogens. Their properties also make them suitable for the delivery of antigens at mucosal surfaces and for intradermal administration. In this review we compare the utilities of different NP systems for the delivery of sub-unit vaccines and evaluate the potential of these delivery systems for the development of new vaccines against a range of pathogens.
Araştırmaya Yönelik Kaygı Ölçeğinin Geliştirilmesi

Bu arastirma, universite ogrencilerinin arastirmaya donuk kaygilarini olcmede kullanilacak tek faktorlu gecerli ve guvenilir likert tipi bir olcme araci gelistirmek amaciyla gerceklestirilmistir. Arastirmanin calisma grubunu 113 lisans ve 93 yuksek lisans ogrencisi olmak uzere toplam 206 universite ogrencisi olusturmustur. Yapilan analizler sonucunda, universite ogrencilerinin arastirma kaygisini olcen ve 12 maddeden olusan tek faktorlu gecerli ve guvenilir bir olcek gelistirilmistir.
Optimal Control of a Surface Vehicle to Improve Underwater Vehicle Network Connectivity

The use of an autonomous surface vehicle as an auxiliary agent to improve connectivity in a network of autonomous underwater vehicles is investigated. An algorithm is developed that consists of an optimal waypoint generator and a minimum-time guidance law that is used to steer the vehicle to the waypoint. This algorithm is used together with a communication architecture to improve underwater vehicle connectivity in a region of interest. The approach is simulated using various underwater vehicle configurations, both with and without the autonomous surface vehicle, where it is found that network connectivity is improved significantly via the inclusion of the autonomous surface vehicle. An in-water hardware test is then performed and is shown to be consistent with the simulation results. The results of this study show that adding an autonomous surface vehicle to an underwater vehicle network can improve the connectivity of the network.