Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Challenging behaviour, epilepsy and intellectual disability: A secondary analysis of findings from a randomised controlled trial

ABSTRACT Background: As both epilepsy and challenging behaviour are highly prevalent in adults with intellectual disability (ID) it is important to explore any potential relationships between the two to inform patient care. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between epilepsy factors and challenging behaviour in adults with ID. Method: The sample was drawn from a clinical trial cohort (n = 246), with all participants displaying challenging behaviour across the range of ID. We described sociodemographic and clinical status (seizure types, seizure frequency and drug burden) in 70 participants with epilepsy (EP). We investigated differences in and predictors of challenging behaviour and mental ill-health, measured by the Aberrant Behaviour Checklist-Community and the Mini Psychiatric Assessment Schedule for Adults with Developmental Disabilities respectively, between participants with and without epilepsy (NEP). Results: More male participants were identified with epilepsy (EP = 76% and NEP = 61%, p = .026) and the EP group had lower adaptive behaviour scores than their NEP counterparts (Mean (SD) EP = 44.4 (24.1), NEP = 51.7 (25.0), p = . 04). EP participants showed significantly less lethargy as measured by the Aberrant Behaviour Checklist-Community than NEP participants (Mean (SD) EP = 11.9 (7.4) and NEP = 15.1 (9.9); t-test p = . 02). Younger age and poorer adaptive functioning were associated with challenging behaviour (beta=−.520, p < .001 and beta=−0.30, p < .001, respectively). Conclusions: These findings indicate that epilepsy does not appear to be associated with challenging behaviour in adults with ID. Therefore, while management of epilepsy is very important in a clinical context, it is essential that professionals should further elucidate reasons for the presentation of such behaviours in order to provide timely and targeted interventions.
B7.1/NHS76: A New Costimulator Fusion Protein for the Immunotherapy of Solid Tumors

Tumor evasion from immune surveillance is due to the anergic status of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, especially T cells. Inappropriate or absent expression of costimulatory molecules such as B7.1 and B7.2 lead to anergy and apoptosis of tumor-infiltrating T cells. To reverse this situation, a tumor-targeted fusion protein, human B7.1/NHS76, was generated by molecular engineering, which retains both the costimulatory activity of B7.1 and the tumor-targeting ability of NHS76 antibody. NHS76 is a human tumor necrosis therapy monoclonal antibody derived from phage display, and is capable of binding intracellular antigens, which are accessible and abundant in necrotic regions of tumors. As human B7.1 can interact functionally with murine B7.1 counter-receptors, the immunotherapeutic potential of this fusion protein was tested in 3 mouse tumor models (Colon 26, RENCA, and MAD109), and animal studies showed a 35% to 55% reduction in tumor volume. To modulate the immune inhibitory microenvironment in tumors, naturally occurring CD4+CD25+ Treg cells were depleted by cytotoxic CD4 or CD25 antibodies. Combination therapy with anti-Treg and B7.1/NHS76 produced complete regression of established tumors and was associated with increased effector T-cell infiltration in tumors. Rechallenge experiments performed 3 months after mice attained complete remission by combination therapy showed that immunologic memory was established by these treatments. These studies indicate that the targeting of B7.1 to necrotic areas of tumors, where both the release of tumor antigens and infiltrating lymphocytes are prevalent, may be a new approach for the immunotherapy of solid tumors. Our results also suggest that the manifestation of immune-inhibitory factors such as the presence of Treg cells at the tumor site and associated draining lymph nodes may be a major cause for immune system failure to eradicate solid tumors.
An N*N optical multiplexer using a planar arrangement of two star couplers

The author describes the design of an integrated N*N multiplexer capable of simultaneously multiplexing and demultiplexing a large number (up to about 50) of input and output wavelength channels. The multiplexer is a generalization of the 2*2 Mach-Zehnder multiplexer. It consists of two N*M star couplers connected by M paths of unequal length. Aberrations caused by mutual coupling in the waveguide arrays are minimized by a correction scheme that causes each star coupler to accurately perform a Fourier transformation. The multiplexer should be useful as a wavelength routing device for long haul and local area networks. <<ETX>>
The effect of government satisfaction on collective action intention—Panel data analysis(2007–2010)

This article examined the effect of government satisfaction on collective action intention under Chinese background by panel data analysis (2007–2010). Results demonstrate that among the variables work-life satisfaction, economic situation of country/region, economic development anticipation, social justice have negatively significant effect on collective action intention (p&#60;.05). The social stress and income level do not (p>.05). The government satisfaction has moderate effect between the antecedents and collective action. The fit index of the model is good.
vTestkit: A Performance Benchmarking Framework for Virtualization Environments

Virtualization technology has attracted wide attention in recent years as a method to improve resource utilization, reduce costs, and ease server management. However, the performance penalty resulting from virtualization is an unneglectable problem and should be carefully evaluated. To our knowledge, there are few performance evaluating tools developed for virtualization environments. We propose a configurable framework and implement a prototype vTestkit to provide a platform to do performance evaluation for virtualization environments easily, flexibly, and automatically. In this paper, we first discuss the requirements and challenges of performance measurement in virtualization environments, and then present a methodology for characterizing the performance of single virtual machine (VM) scenario and multi-VM scenario. Then we introduce the architecture of vTestkit framework, implement details, and the testing process with vTestkit. Finally, three typical case studies are presented to show that vTestkit can meet the complex testing requirements well and is propitious to various scenarios.
A new method of detecting fingertip touch for the projector-camera HCI system

This paper proposes a new fingertip touch detecting method with high accuracy for the human-computer interaction based on one projector and a single camera. A finger model composed of a quarter-sphere and half a cylinder is introduced, and the relationship between the finger contour and its shadow based on this model is given out. The way to estimate the distance between finger and the projected surface is presented and discussed. Experimental results show that our approach can achieve a precision of about 2mm when the distance from the projected surface to the projector is 50cm and the button size will not influence the precision.
Is that you, Alice? A Usability Study of the Authentication Ceremony of Secure Messaging Applications

The effective security provided by secure messaging applications depends heavily on users completing an authentication ceremony—a sequence of manual operations enabling users to verify they are indeed communicating with one another. Unfortunately, evidence to date suggests users are unable to do this. Accordingly, we study in detail how well users can locate and complete the authentication ceremony when they are aware of the need for authentication. We execute a two-phase study involving 36 pairs of participants, using three popular messaging applications with support for secure messaging functionality: WhatsApp, Viber, and Facebook Messenger. The first phase included instruction about potential threats, while the second phase also included instructions about the importance of the authentication ceremony. We find that, across the three apps, the average success rates of finding and completing the authentication ceremony increases from 14% to 79% from the first to second phase, with second-phase success rates as high as 96% for Viber. However, the time required to find and complete the ceremony is undesirably long from a usability standpoint, and our data is inconclusive on whether users make the connection between this ceremony and the security guarantees it brings. We discuss in detail the success rates, task timings, and user feedback for each application, as well as common mistakes and user grievances. We conclude by exploring user threat models, finding significant gaps in user awareness and understanding.
Mutation analysis of familial GJB2-related deafness in Iranian Azeri Turkish patients.

AIMS Mutations in the GJB2 gene-encoding connexin 26 protein are the main cause for autosomal recessive nonsyndromic hearing loss worldwide. In this study, we assessed the contributions made by GJB2 and del(GJB6-D13S1830) mutations to the autosomal recessive nonsyndromic deafness genetic load in Iranian Azeri Turkish patients. RESULTS Probands from 209 different nuclear families were investigated. GJB2 mutations were found in 28% of the patients. Among these patients 44 families had 35delG mutation. The following GJB2 variants, R184P, DelE120, V27I+E114G, W24 x, DelE119, R127H, 235DelC, 290-291 insA, Y155 x, A171T, E147 x, 35insG, G158S, R32H, R143Q, T123N, R143W, H16R, V153I, V27I, M163V, and F154F (a new variant), were identified in 126 of the 418 chromosomes. R143Q mutation was identified as compound heterozygous with 35delG in one profoundly deaf patient. Both parents of this patient were healthy, and one normal sister of this patient was also a carrier for the R143Q, indicating that this mutation has incomplete penetrance. CONCLUSIONS Our results show that GJB2 mutations are responsible for about 28% of the autosomal recessive nonsyndromic hearing loss in this ethnic group. 35delG is the most prevalent GJB2 mutation accounting for 64.5% of the GJB2 mutations.
Assistant analyzer for the characteristics of electricity behavior based on big data technology

With the development of science and technology, the security of power system is facing great challenge, and it is necessary to implement the analysis of electricity behavior characteristics based on big data technology. Today, in the big data environment of the smart grid, it is generally to analyze the performance from a single aspect of power grid, this analysis method lack of theoretical modeling of the system. In this paper, a load characteristic analysis and demand response assistant decision analyzer based on large data technology is proposed, which consists of three levels: data preprocessing layer, electricity behavior analysis layer, advanced application layer. The simulation of MATLAB is carried out to verify the feasibility of the method, which can provide the theoretical support for the operation of the power system.
A Novel Technique Combining Euclidian Distance Measure and DHMM For Automatic Speaker Recognition

In this paper, we propose a novel method to build a textdependent, closed-set, Automatic Speaker Recognition System based on Mel Frequency Cepstral Coefficients, Vector Quantisation, and the combination of Discrete Hidden Markov Models and Minimum Euclidean Distance measure. We comparatively analyze the performance of the hybrid technique against the individual methods, to increase the recognition rate in non-ideal conditions like paused and noisy utterances.
Comparison between Ultraviolet Irradiation and Ethylene Effects on Senescence Parameters in Carnation Flowers.

The effects of ethylene and ultraviolet (UV) irradiation on parameters of senescence in carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L. cv White Sim) flowers were characterized and compared.UV irradiation (lambda(max) = 254 nanometers), at fluences above 18 kilojoules per square meter, induced petal in-rolling, similar to that which occurred during natural senescence or after ethylene treatment. Increase in the UV dose from 36 to 54 kilojoules per square meter increased the rate of in-rolling to a maximum. Petal in-rolling was accompanied by increased electrolyte leakage, whether it occurred during natural senescence or was induced by UV irradiation or ethylene.Sucrose uptake by cells, membrane ATPase activity, and membrane lipid fluidity all decreased after UV treatment. These parameters were shown earlier to decline during natural or ethylene-induced senescence.UV irradiation induced ethylene production by the petals only during the period of irradiation. However, silver thiosulfate treatment, which blocks ethylene action, showed that the irradiation effects were not due to the ethylene evolved.On the basis of the above results, we concluded that both ethylene and UV irradiation promote a sequence of reactions in the tissue similar to those of natural senescence. However, UV irradiation initiates a reaction which is independent of that which ethylene initiates.
Optimal spectrum sensing framework in cognitive radio contexts

In cognitive radio contexts, it is an important work to design an optimal spectrum sensing framework. Most of the previous work just focused on either the optimal sensing time (quiet period) or the maximal throughput constrained by the probability of detection or some interference level. In this paper, we propose an optimal spectrum sensing framework in cognitive radio contexts which jointly optimizes the sensing time and the spectrum sensing frame time by maximizing the throughput while keeping the interference and false alarm under certain thresholds. Our main contribution in this paper is that we obtain the optimal spectrum sensing time and spectrum sensing frame time by considering the active distribution and idle distribution of the primary user. Computer simulation validates the proposed scheme.
Amino acid sequence of the murine Mac‐1 alpha chain reveals homology with the integrin family and an additional domain related to von Willebrand factor.

Clones encoding the Mac‐1 alpha chain were selected from a mouse macrophage cDNA library by screening with oligonucleotide probes based on the sequence of a genomic clone encoding the N‐terminus of the mature protein. The sequence of overlapping clones (4282 nt) was determined and translated into a protein of 1137 amino acids and a signal peptide of 15 amino acids. The Mac‐1 sequence was found to be related to the alpha chain sequences of three other members of the integrin family of cell adhesion receptors, i.e. the fibroblast receptors for fibronectin and vitronectin and the platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa. All four sequences share a number of structural features, like the position of 13 cysteine residues, a transmembrane domain near the C‐terminus and the location of three putative binding sites for divalent cations. Furthermore, a conserved sequence motif is repeated seven times in the N‐terminal half of the molecule and three of these repeats include putative Ca/Mg‐binding sites of the general structure DXDXDGXXD. On the other hand, Mac‐1 contains a unique domain of 220 amino acids inserted into the N‐terminal part of the integrin structure. This additional domain is homologous to a repeated domain found in von Willebrand factor, cartilage matrix protein and in the complement factors B and C2. In two of these proteins, the homologous domain is likely to be involved in binding to collagen fibrils. Therefore, Mac‐1 may also bind to collagen, which could play a role in the interaction of leukocytes with the subendothelial matrix.
Identification of Community Structure in Networks Using Higher Order Neighborhood Concepts

The identification of community structures in networks is investigated within a framework based on the concepts of higher order neighborhoods and neighborhood matrix $\hat{M}$. This procedure is of relevance especially for networks representing evolutionary situations, since several evidences show that they are assembled from pre-existing smaller structures, rather than by the mere adhesion of individual nodes. We proceed within the successive elimination of the links with largest betweenness degree. The effect of erasing a link at step k is quantified by the distance between $\hat{M}^{k-1}$ and $\hat{M}^{k}$, which describe the network neighborhoods prior and after the kth link elimination. For modular networks, this measure is characterized by a very long sequence of sharp peaks, following a much more complete cascade of cluster splitting. The evidences indicate that this method identifies a more precise description of smaller communities splitting than the one based on modularity function.
Book Review: An Introduction to Forensic Genetics

An Introduction to Forensic Genetics (2 Edition) is written by William Goodwin, Adrian Linacre and Sibte Hadi and is published by Wiley-Blackwell. Two of the authors are from a UK university, and the other author is from an Australian university. An Introduction to Forensic Genetics (2 Edition) is aimed at readers who are undergraduate students studying courses or modules in Forensic Genetics. This book mainly describes the underlying principles and applications of genetics in forensic use, the application of DNA technologies and its use in the legal system.
The Numerical Approaches to Heat Transfer Problem in Modern Electronic Structures

The main aim of this paper is to present a detailed description of the research related to the modeling of heat conduction in modern electronic structures including special consideration of numerical aspects of analyzed algorithms. The motivation to undertake the research and some most important results of experiments and simulations are also included. Moreover, the numerical appoximation of the problem as well as the methodology and the sample solution of mentioned problem are presented. In the main part, the discretisation techniques, Ordinary Differential Equation algorithms and simulation results for Runge-Kutta and Gear's algorithms are analysed and discussed. Additionally, a new effective approach to modelling of heat transfer in electronic nanostructures is demonstrated.
3-Amino-5,6-dimethyl-1,2,4-triazin-2-ium nitrate

In the title compound, C5H9N4 +·NO3 −, the organic cations and the nitrate anions have both crystallographically imposed mirror symmetry and are linked via N—H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming infinite chains running along the c-axis direction. The values of the N—O bond lengths [1.2256 (19)–1.2642 (18) Å] and O—N—O angles [118.39 (16)–121.64 (15)°] indicate that the nitrate anion exhibits a slightly distorted C3h geometry. The N atom of the NH2 group has sp 2 character.
Signal and Membrane Anchor Functions Overlap in the Type II Membrane Protein I , CAT

I),CAT is a hybrid protein that inserts into the membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum as a type II membrane protein. These proteins span the membrane once and expose the NH2-terminal end on the cytoplasmic side and the COOH terminus on the exoplasmic side. I),CAT has a single hydrophobic segment of 30 amino acid residues that functions as a signal for membrane insertion and anchoring. The signal-anchor region in I),CAT was analyzed by deletion mutagenesis from its COOH-terminal end (AC mutants). The results show that the 13 amino acid residues on the amino-terminal side of the hydrophobic segment are not sufficient for membrane insertion and translocation. Mutant proteins with at least 16 of the hydrophobic residues are inserted into the membrane, glycosylated, and partially proteolytically processed by a microsomal protease (signal peptidase). The degree of processing varies between different AC mutants. Mutant proteins retaining 20 or more of the hydrophobic amino acid residues can span the membrane like the parent I3,CAT protein and are not proteolytically processed. Our data suggest that in the type II membrane protein I),CAT, the signals for membrane insertion and anchoring are overlapping and that hydrophilic amino acid residues at the COOH-terminal end of the hydrophobic segment can influence cleavage by signal pep-
Default Risk of Advanced Economies: An Empirical Analysis of Credit Default Swaps during the Financial Crisis

Prices observed in the European sovereign credit default swap (CDS) market have severely increased since the beginning of the financial crisis. We document that the state of a country's financial system and, since the beginning of the crisis, also the state of the world financial system have strong explanatory power for the behavior of CDS spreads, and the magnitude of this impact depends on the importance of a country's financial system pre-crisis. Furthermore, Economic and Monetary Union member countries exhibit higher sensitivities to the health of the financial system. Our results suggest the presence of a private-to-public risk transfer through which market participants incorporate their expectations about financial industry bailouts. Copyright 2012, Oxford University Press.
Relay selection with outdated channel state information in cooperative communication systems

Relay selection has been considered as an effective method to improve the performance of cooperative communication. However, the channel state information (CSI) used in relay selection can be outdated, yielding severe performance degradation of cooperative communication systems. In this study, the authors investigate how to select relays under outdated CSI in an amplify-and-forward cooperative communication system to improve its outage performance. The authors adopt maximum a posteriori (MAP) estimation to predict the actual signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of each relay during data transmission and propose a single-relay selection (SRS) strategy based on the MAP estimation (SRS-MAP). To reduce the computational complexity, we approximate the a posteriori probability density of SNR and obtain a closed form of the predicted SNR. Simulation shows that SRS-MAP outperforms the relay selection strategies given in the literature. In order to further improve the outage performance, a new multiple-relay selection (MRS) method for outdated CSI is proposed, and by applying it to existing SRS strategies the corresponding MRS strategies are obtained. The authors find that the MRS strategies perform much better than their corresponding SRS ones and the MRS method improves the outage performance of cooperative communication system more effectively under outdated CSI than under non-outdated CSI.
Mutational analysis of the Bacillus subtilis DegU regulator and its phosphorylation by the DegS protein kinase

The DegS-DegU protein kinase-response regulator pair controls the expression of genes encoding degradative enzymes as well as other cellular functions in Bacillus subtilis. Both proteins were purified. The DegS protein was autophosphorylated and shown to transfer its phosphate to the DegU protein. Phosphoryl transfer to the wild-type DegU protein present in crude extracts was shown by adding 32P-labeled DegS to the reaction mixture. Under similar conditions, the modified proteins encoded by the degU24 and degU31 alleles presented a stronger phosphorylation signal compared with that of the wild-type DegU protein. This may suggest an increased phosphorylation of these modified proteins, responsible for the hyperproduction of degradative enzymes observed in the degU24 and degU31 mutants. However, the degU32 allele, which also leads to hyperproduction of degradative enzymes, encodes a modified DegU response regulator which seems not to be phosphorylatable. The expression of the hyperproduction phenotype of the degU32 mutant is still dependent on the presence of a functional DegS protein. DegS may therefore induce a conformational change of the degU32-encoded response regulator enabling this protein to stimulate degradative enzyme synthesis. Two alleles, degU122 and degU146, both leading to deficiency of degradative enzyme synthesis, seem to encode phosphorylatable and nonphosphorylatable DegU proteins, respectively.