Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Novel Cue based Picture Word Shape Character Password Creation Scheme

The number of internet users is growing at a rapid rate and this means users now have to remember passwords for many different accounts. The side effects of this increase of user accounts is that users are putting password usability before password security in order to remember these passwords. This paper outlines a novel password creation scheme for creating strong, secure unique passwords that are easier for users to remember on multiple sites. The scheme includes features to more easily create a secure password and recall this password, whilst including multiple layers of security against a targeted attack by an adversary. Results showed that users who did not use a scheme had a much lower login success rate for their accounts than the users who used the created scheme. They also showed that the average password length for each group of users was the same meaning the created scheme passwords in this sample has no greater protection against brute-force attacks, but in terms of dictionary and hybrid attacks the scheme passwords generally seemed to have a lot more protection.
Rab4b controls an early endosome sorting event by interacting with the &ggr;-subunit of the clathrin adaptor complex 1

Summary The endocytic pathway is essential for cell homeostasis and numerous small Rab GTPases are involved in its control. The endocytic trafficking step controlled by Rab4b has not been elucidated, although recent data suggested it could be important for glucose homeostasis, synaptic homeostasis or adaptive immunity. Here, we show that Rab4b is required for early endosome sorting of transferrin receptors (TfRs) to the recycling endosomes, and we identified the AP1&ggr; subunit of the clathrin adaptor AP-1 as a Rab4b effector and key component of the machinery of early endosome sorting. We show that internalised transferrin (Tf) does not reach Vamp3/Rab11 recycling endosomes in the absence of Rab4b, whereas it is rapidly recycled back to the plasma membrane. By contrast, overexpression of Rab4b leads to the accumulation of internalised Tf within AP-1- and clathrin-coated vesicles. These vesicles are poor in early and recycling endocytic markers except for TfR and require AP1&ggr; for their formation. Furthermore, the targeted overexpression of the Rab4b-binding domain of AP1&ggr; to early endosome upon its fusion with FYVE domains inhibited the interaction between Rab4b and endogenous AP1&ggr;, and perturbed Tf traffic. We thus proposed that the interaction between early endocytic Rab4b and AP1&ggr; could allow the budding of clathrin-coated vesicles for subsequent traffic to recycling endosomes. The data also uncover a novel type of endosomes, characterised by low abundance of either early or recycling endocytic markers, which could potentially be generated in cell types that naturally express high level of Rab4b.
Bacteremic Pneumococcal Community-acquired Pneumonia in Children Less Than 5 Years of Age in Italy

Background: This study was designed to determine the proportion of bacteremic pneumococcal cases in a group of pediatric subjects with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), the importance of the different serotypes and the impact of the currently available pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs). Methods: The study involved children who were ⩽5 years with radiographically confirmed CAP admitted to hospital in Italy between September 2008 and March 2011. A diagnosis of laboratory-confirmed bacteremic pneumococcal CAP was made in the presence of a culture and/or real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) positive for Streptococcus pneumoniae. Results: A total of 510 children were included in the study. Pneumococcal CAP was diagnosed in 73 cases (14.3%): S. pneumoniae was identified by means of positive real-time PCR in 67 cases (91.8%), a positive blood culture in 1 (1.4%) and both in 5 (6.8%). Complicated pneumonia was observed significantly more often in the pneumococcal-positive cases (P = 0.02) and empyema was the main complication (P = 0.007). Serotype 19A was most frequently encountered (17 cases; 25.8%), followed by serotypes 14 (10 cases, 15.1%), 4 (5 cases, 7.6%) and 3 (4 cases, 6.1%). The theoretical coverage offered by the available PCVs was calculated to be 31% for PCV7, 37% for PCV10 and 71% for PCV13. Conclusions: In Italy, bacteremic pneumococcal CAP accounts for a significant number of CAP cases in children who were ⩽5 years, with serotypes 19A and 14 being the most frequent. This suggests that PCV13 is the best means of preventing pneumococcal CAP.
Ternary complex of plasmid DNA with NLS-Mu-Mu protein and cationic niosome for biocompatible and efficient gene delivery: a comparative study with protamine and lipofectamine

Abstract Non-viral gene delivery methods are considered due to safety and simplicity in human gene therapy. Since the use of cationic peptide and niosome represent a promising approach for gene delivery purposes we used recombinant fusion protein and cationic niosome as a gene carrier. A multi-domain fusion protein including nuclear localization motif (NLS) and two DNA-binding (Mu) domains, namely NLS-Mu-Mu (NMM) has been designed, cloned and expressed in E. coli DE3 strain. Afterward, the interested protein was purified by affinity chromatography. Binary vectors based on protein/DNA and ternary vectors based on protein/DNA/niosome were prepared. Protamine was used as a control. DNA condensing properties of NMM and protamine were evaluated by various experiments. Furthermore, we examined cytotoxicity, hemolysis and transfection potential of the binary and ternary complexes in HEK293T and MCF-7 cell lines. Protamine and Lipofectamine™2000 were used as positive controls, correspondingly. The recombinant NMM was expressed and purified successfully and DNA was condensed efficiently at charge ratios that were not harmful to cells. Peptidoplexes showed transfection efficiency (TE) but ternary complexes had higher TE. Additionally, NMM ternary complex was more efficient compared to protamine ternary vectors. Our results showed that niosomal ternary vector of NMM is a promising non-viral gene carrier to achieve an effective and safe carrier system for gene therapy.
Skip-Prop: Representing Sentences with One Vector Per Proposition

We introduce the notion of a multi-vector sentence representation based on a “one vector per proposition” philosophy, which we term skip-prop vectors. By representing each predicate-argument structure in a complex sentence as an individual vector, skip-prop is (1) a response to empirical evidence that single-vector sentence representations degrade with sentence length, and (2) a representation that maintains a semantically useful level of granularity. We demonstrate the feasibility of training skip-prop vectors, introducing a method adapted from skip-thought vectors, and compare skip-prop with “one vector per sentence” and “one vector per token” approaches
Reconstitution of Human DNA Repair Excision Nuclease in a Highly Defined System (*)

Xeroderma pigmentosum is a hereditary disease caused by defective DNA repair. Somatic cell genetics and biochemical studies with cell-free extracts indicate that at least 16 polypeptides are required to carry out the repair reaction proper, i.e. the removal of the lesion from the DNA by the dual incisions of the damaged strand. To find out if these proteins are necessary and sufficient for excision repair, they were obtained at a high level of purity in five fractions. The mixture of these five fractions reconstituted the excision nuclease (excinuclease) activity. Using the reconstituted excinuclease, we found that the excised fragment remains associated with the post-incision DNA-protein complex, suggesting that accessory proteins are needed to release the excised oligomer.
Unique and overlapping functions of pRb and p107 in the control of proliferation and differentiation in epidermis

The retinoblastoma gene product, pRb, plays a crucial role in cell cycle regulation, differentiation and inhibition of oncogenic transformation. pRb and its closely related family members p107 and p130 perform exclusive and overlapping functions during mouse development. The embryonic lethality of Rb-null animals restricts the phenotypic analysis of these mice to mid-gestation embryogenesis. We employed the Cre/loxP system to study the function of Rb in adult mouse stratified epithelium. RbF19/F19;K14cre mice displayed hyperplasia and hyperkeratosis in the epidermis with increased proliferation and aberrant expression of differentiation markers. In vitro, pRb is essential for the maintainance of the postmitotic state of terminally differentiated keratinocytes, preventing cell cycle re-entry. However, p107 compensates for the effects of Rb loss as the phenotypic abnormalities of RbF19/F19;K14cre keratinocytes in vivo and in vitro become more severe with the concurrent loss of p107 alleles. p107 alone appears to be dispensable for all these phenotypic changes, as the presence of a single Rb allele in a p107-null background rescues all these alterations. Luciferase reporter experiments indicate that these phenotypic alterations might be mediated by increased E2F activity. Our findings support a model in which pRb in conjunction with p107 plays a central role in regulating epidermal homeostasis.
Linear Embedding of Large-Scale Brain Networks for Twin fMRI

In many human brain network studies, we do not have sufficient number (n) of images relative to the number (p) of voxels due to the prohibitively expensive cost of scanning enough subjects. Thus, brain network models usually suffer the small-n large-p problem. Such a problem is often remedied by sparse network models, which are usually solved numerically by optimizing L1-penalties. Unfortunately, due to the computational bottleneck associated with optimizing L1-penalties, it is not practical to apply such methods to learn large-scale brain networks. In this paper, we introduce a new sparse network model based on cross-correlations that bypass the computational bottleneck. Our model can build the sparse brain networks at voxel level with p > 25000. Instead of using a single sparse parameter that may not be optimal in other studies and datasets, we propose to analyze the collection of networks at every possible sparse parameter in a coherent mathematical framework using graph filtrations. The method is subsequently applied in determining the extend of genetic effects on functional brain networks at voxel-level for the first time using twin fMRI.
State-restrict MLC STT-RAM designs for high-reliable high-performance memory system

Multi-level Cell Spin-Transfer Torque Random AccessMemory (MLC STT-RAM) is a promising nonvolatile memory technology for high-capacity and high-performance applications. However, the reliability concerns and the complicated access mechanism greatly hinder the application of MLC STT-RAM. In this work, we develop a holistic solution set, namely, state-restrict MLC STT-RAM (SR-MLC STT-RAM) to improve the data integrity and performance of MLC STT-RAM with the minimized information density degradation. Three techniques: state restriction (StatRes), error pattern removal (ErrPR), and ternary coding (TerCode) are proposed at circuit level to reduce the read and write errors of MLC STT-RAMcells. State pre-recovery (PreREC) technique is also developed at architecture level to improve the access performance of SR-MLC STT-RAM by eliminating unnecessary two-step write operations. Our simulations show that compared to conventional MLC STT-RAM, SR-MLC STT-RAM can enhance the write and read reliability of memory cells by 10 - 10000×, allowing the application of simple error correction code schemes. Compared to single-level-cell (SLC) STT-RAM, SR-MLC STT-RAM based cache design can boost the system performance by 6.2% on average by leveraging the increased cache capacity at the same area and the improved write latency.
Automated selection of vision operator libraries with evolutionary algorithms

Adaptive image interpretation systems can learn optimal image interpretation policies for a given domain without human intervention. The policies are learned over an extensive generic image processing operator library. One of the principal weaknesses of the method lies with the large size of such libraries which can make machine learning process intractable. In this paper we demonstrate how evolutionary algorithms can be used to reduce the size of operator library thereby speeding up learning of the policy while still keeping human experts out of the development loop. Experiments in a challenging domain of forestry image interpretation exhibited a 93.3% reduction in the execution time, while maintaining the image interpretation accuracy within 5.5% of optimal.
Dynamically Modeling Semantic Dependencies in Web Forum Threads

The huge amount of knowledge in web forums has motivated great research interests in recent years. However, tracking semantic dependencies in each thread in web forums has posed a challenging problem for researchers. In this paper, we explore an unsupervised topic model to burst through this issue by simultaneously modeling the semantics and the reply relationship in a thread. The proposed model is a dynamic extension of Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) for the structure of web forum threads, where each post is considered as a mixture of topics that vary along the asynchronous conversation. The experimental results on two different forum data sets show encouraging performance of our proposed PPM in ranking the influence of posts.
A Hierarchical Model of Participatory Decision-Making, Job Autonomy, and Perceived Control

Participative decision-making and job autonomy have been linked to perceived control, however, there has been some ambiguity in how this relationship has been approached in the literature. Researchers have generally sought to maintain the conceptual distinction among the constructs but have treated measures of the constructs as if they were indicators of a single underlying control dimension or disposition. The present study tests the plausibility that a hypothetical general control factor influences responding on several measures of perceived job autonomy and participative decision-making at work. Hierarchical confirmatory factor analysis in samples of teachers and computer company employees supported a model in which measures of separate job autonomy dimensions, general job autonomy, perceptions of participative climate at work, and perceptions of control at work all were related to a second order control factor. The second order control factor was shown to be distinct from perceptions of one's supervisor and from measures of work-related affect. Implications of a second order control construct for future research are discussed.
Design of a power-factor-correction converter based on half-bridge topology

A single-stage AC/DC converter based on a half-bridge topology suitable for low-power-level applications is proposed. The proposed converter has high power factor, low harmonic distortion, and tight output regulations. An asymmetrical control and synchronous rectification are employed to reduce the switching and rectification losses, respectively. The modeling and detailed analysis are performed to derive the design equations. Based on these design equations, a prototype converter has been designed and tested by experiment. This prototype meets the IEC 61000-3-2 regulations with near-unity power factor and high efficiency.
Laboratory diagnosis and monitoring of desmopressin treatment of von Willebrand’s disease by flow cytometry

Background and Objectives von Willebrand’s disease (VWD) is a heterogeneous bleeding disorder caused by quantitative or qualitative defects in von Willebrand factor (VWF). The diagnosis of VWD requires several laboratory tests. The aim of our study was to validate a flow cytometric test for the diagnosis of VWD and for monitoring the effects of desmopressin therapy. Design and Methods Flow cytometric analysis of ristocetin-induced VWF binding to platelets was performed in platelet-rich plasma (PRP) samples from patients with VWD and from control subjects and in samples of formalin-fixed platelets in the presence of plasma from patients or controls. In 12 VWD patients the test was conducted before and 1 hour after desmopressin infusion. Results were compared with VWF:Ag, VWF:RCo, VWF:CB, RIPA, PFA-100® and the skin bleeding time. Results Ristocetin-induced VWF binding to platelets, evaluated by both flow cytometry-based assays, was significantly reduced in patients with type1, 2A and 2M VWD as compared with that in healthy subjects. Patients with type 2B VWD showed reduced binding of VWF to formalin-fixed platelets, but increased binding to autologous platelets in PRP, similar to RIPA. VWF binding to platelets assessed by both flow cytometric assays correlated significantly with VWF:Ag, VWF:RCo, VWF:CB, RIPA, PFA100® and bleeding time. VWF binding to platelets increased after desmopressin infusion. Interpretation and Conclusions The measurement of ristocetin-induced binding of VWF to platelets by flow cytometry is a sensitive, simple and rapid test for the diagnosis of VWD and for the monitoring of the effects of desmopressin therapy. The flow cytometric assay performed with autologous platelets is useful in the identification of type 2B VWD patients.
Identification of dynamics and hysteresis of Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) actuator using Laguerre filters

Recursive approximation of a hysteretic system namely a Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) Actuator using Laguerre filters is experimentally tested in this paper. This approach permits us to capture simultaneously the Nonlinearity and the Dynamic of the system as opposed to most of the strategies dealt within the literature, where hysteresis is first compensated, then the dynamic is controlled. Two schemes using Linear Laguerre filter and Nonlinear Volterra Laguerre filters have been implemented to identify the SMA actuator with Hysteresis. An output prediction error model using classical Recursive Least Square (RLS) has been used to approximate the Hysteretic SMA. The Linear and Nonlinear Laguerre models have proven to be efficient with the choice of appropriate Laguerre pole. The two models have been compared and studied under different circumstances.
Commentary: Models of the Effect of Light on the Human Circadian System: Current State of the Art

Charles A. Czeisler* and Emery N. Brown *Circadian, Neuroendocrine & Sleep Disorders Section, Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School / MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Boston, MA 02115, USA, Statistics Research Laboratory, †Department of Anesthesia & Critical Care, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School / MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Boston, MA 02114-2696, USA
Regulation of mRNA Abundance by Polypyrimidine Tract-Binding Protein-Controlled Alternate 5′ Splice Site Choice

Alternative splicing (AS) provides a potent mechanism for increasing protein diversity and modulating gene expression levels. How alternate splice sites are selected by the splicing machinery and how AS is integrated into gene regulation networks remain important questions of eukaryotic biology. Here we report that polypyrimidine tract-binding protein 1 (Ptbp1/PTB/hnRNP-I) controls alternate 5′ and 3′ splice site (5′ss and 3′ss) usage in a large set of mammalian transcripts. A top scoring event identified by our analysis was the choice between competing upstream and downstream 5′ss (u5′ss and d5′ss) in the exon 18 of the Hps1 gene. Hps1 is essential for proper biogenesis of lysosome-related organelles and loss of its function leads to a disease called type 1 Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome (HPS). We show that Ptbp1 promotes preferential utilization of the u5′ss giving rise to stable mRNAs encoding a full-length Hps1 protein, whereas bias towards d5′ss triggered by Ptbp1 down-regulation generates transcripts susceptible to nonsense-mediated decay (NMD). We further demonstrate that Ptbp1 binds to pyrimidine-rich sequences between the u5′ss and d5′ss and activates the former site rather than repressing the latter. Consistent with this mechanism, u5′ss is intrinsically weaker than d5′ss, with a similar tendency observed for other genes with Ptbp1-induced u5′ss bias. Interestingly, the brain-enriched Ptbp1 paralog Ptbp2/nPTB/brPTB stimulated the u5′ss utilization but with a considerably lower efficiency than Ptbp1. This may account for the tight correlation between Hps1 with Ptbp1 expression levels observed across mammalian tissues. More generally, these data expand our understanding of AS regulation and uncover a post-transcriptional strategy ensuring co-expression of a subordinate gene with its master regulator through an AS-NMD tracking mechanism.
Australia's long-term electricity demand forecasting using deep neural networks

Accurate prediction of long-term electricity demand has a significant role in demand side management and electricity network planning and operation. Demand over-estimation results in over-investment in network assets, driving up the electricity prices, while demand under-estimation may lead to under-investment resulting in unreliable and insecure electricity. In this manuscript, we apply deep neural networks to predict Australia's long-term electricity demand. A stacked autoencoder is used in combination with multilayer perceptrons or cascade-forward multilayer perceptrons to predict the nation-wide electricity consumption rates for 1-24 months ahead of time. The experimental results show that the deep structures have better performance than classical neural networks, especially for 12-month to 24-month prediction horizon.
Recent advances in the study of fine-scale population structure in humans

Empowered by modern genotyping and large samples, population structure can be accurately described and quantified even when it only explains a fraction of a percent of total genetic variance. This is especially relevant and interesting for humans, where fine-scale population structure can both confound disease-mapping studies and reveal the history of migration and divergence that shaped our species’ diversity. Here we review notable recent advances in the detection, use, and understanding of population structure. Our work addresses multiple areas where substantial progress is being made: improved statistics and models for better capturing differentiation, admixture, and the spatial distribution of variation; computational speed-ups that allow methods to scale to modern data; and advances in haplotypic modeling that have wide ranging consequences for the analysis of population structure. We conclude by outlining four important open challenges: The limitations of discrete population models, uncertainty in individual origins, the incorporation of both fine-scale structure and ancient DNA in parametric models, and the development of efficient computational tools, particularly for haplotype-based methods.
Children's formal division of labor in requests

This study aims to shed a light on children’s pragmatic development by examining Mandarin-speaking children’s requests in interactions with their parents. It is found that children between 24 and 36 months old appear to use various request forms, primarily with simple imperatives and WANT statements. A closer examination reveals that children prefer to use simple imperatives in activity-based interactions while both primary forms are found in unstructured daily conversations. The findings suggest that children’s preference for simple imperatives may be driven by their awareness of parents’ cooperativeness in interactional situations. It is thus speculated that simple imperatives and WANT statements may be children’s two primal request forms, but they may pivot on one request form when the situation is right.