Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
NMRDPP : Decision-Theoretic Planning with Control Knowledge

We discuss NMRDPP, a system for solving decision processes with non-Markovian reward. More specifically, target decision processes exhibit Markovian dynamics and rewarding behaviours are modelled as state trajectories specified in a linear temporal logic. In addition to implementing structured, tabular and online MDP solution algorithms, NMRDPP can exploit domain specific control knowledge. State trajectories which violate the users knowledge/intuition regarding useful dynamics can be pruned from consideration by the MDP solution algorithm. Thus, in addition to facilitating concise specification of complex reward structures, NMRDPP can be used to greatly speed up policy computation for propositional MDPs. To our knowledge, NMRDPP is the only implementation of solution algorithms designed to solve decision processes with non-Markovian rewards.
BLAST: a Loosely Schema-aware Meta-blocking Approach for Entity Resolution

Identifying records that refer to the same entity is a fundamental step for data integration. Since it is prohibitively expensive to compare every pair of records, blocking techniques are typically employed to reduce the complexity of this task. These techniques partition records into blocks and limit the comparison to records co-occurring in a block. Generally, to deal with highly heterogeneous and noisy data (e.g. semi-structured data of the Web), these techniques rely on redundancy to reduce the chance of missing matches. Meta-blocking is the task of restructuring blocks generated by redundancy-based blocking techniques, removing superfluous comparisons. Existing meta-blocking approaches rely exclusively on schema-agnostic features. In this paper, we demonstrate how "loose" schema information (i.e., statistics collected directly from the data) can be exploited to enhance the quality of the blocks in a holistic loosely schema-aware (meta-)blocking approach that can be used to speed up your favorite Entity Resolution algorithm. We call it Blast (Blocking with Loosely-Aware Schema Techniques). We show how Blast can automatically extract this loose information by adopting a LSH-based step for efficiently scaling to large datasets. We experimentally demonstrate, on real-world datasets, how Blast outperforms the state-of-the-art unsupervised meta-blocking approaches, and, in many cases, also the supervised one.
The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS): Progress of an NIH Roadmap Cooperative Group During its First Two Years

Background:The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Roadmap initiative (www.nihpromis.org) is a 5-year cooperative group program of research designed to develop, validate, and standardize item banks to measure patient-reported outcomes (PROs) relevant across common medical conditions. In this article, we will summarize the organization and scientific activity of the PROMIS network during its first 2 years. Design:The network consists of 6 primary research sites (PRSs), a statistical coordinating center (SCC), and NIH research scientists. Governed by a steering committee, the network is organized into functional subcommittees and working groups. In the first year, we created an item library and activated 3 interacting protocols: Domain Mapping, Archival Data Analysis, and Qualitative Item Review (QIR). In the second year, we developed and initiated testing of item banks covering 5 broad domains of self-reported health. Results:The domain mapping process is built on the World Health Organization (WHO) framework of physical, mental, and social health. From this framework, pain, fatigue, emotional distress, physical functioning, social role participation, and global health perceptions were selected for the first wave of testing. Item response theory (IRT)-based analysis of 11 large datasets supplemented and informed item-level qualitative review of nearly 7000 items from available PRO measures in the item library. Items were selected for rewriting or creation with further detailed review before the first round of testing in the general population and target patient populations. Conclusions:The NIH PROMIS network derived a consensus-based framework for self-reported health, systematically reviewed available instruments and datasets that address the initial PROMIS domains. Qualitative item research led to the first wave of network testing which began in the second year.
CD69 Is a TGF-β/1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 Target Gene in Monocytes

CD69 is a transmembrane lectin that can be expressed on most hematopoietic cells. In monocytes, it has been functionally linked to the 5-lipoxygenase pathway in which the leukotrienes, a class of highly potent inflammatory mediators, are produced. However, regarding CD69 gene expression and its regulatory mechanisms in monocytes, only scarce data are available. Here, we report that CD69 mRNA expression, analogous to that of 5-lipoxygenase, is induced by the physiologic stimuli transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1α,25(OH)2D3) in monocytic cells. Comparison with T- and B-cell lines showed that the effect was specific for monocytes. CD69 expression levels were increased in a concentration-dependent manner, and kinetic analysis revealed a rapid onset of mRNA expression, indicating that CD69 is a primary TGF-β/1α,25(OH)2D3 target gene. PCR analysis of different regions of the CD69 mRNA revealed that de novo transcription was initiated and proximal and distal parts were induced concomitantly. In common with 5-lipoxygenase, no activation of 0.7 kb or ∼2.3 kb promoter fragments by TGF-β and 1α,25(OH)2D3 could be observed in transient reporter assays for CD69. Analysis of mRNA stability using a transcription inhibitor and a 3′UTR reporter construct showed that TGF-β and 1α,25(OH)2D3 do not influence CD69 mRNA stability. Functional knockdown of Smad3 clearly demonstrated that upregulation of CD69 mRNA, in contrast to 5-LO, depends on Smad3. Comparative studies with different inhibitors for mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs) revealed that MAPK signalling is involved in CD69 gene regulation, whereas 5-lipoxygenase gene expression was only partly affected. Mechanistically, we found evidence that CD69 gene upregulation depends on TAK1-mediated p38 activation. In summary, our data indicate that CD69 gene expression, conforming with 5-lipoxygenase, is regulated monocyte-specifically by the physiologic stimuli TGF-β and 1α,25(OH)2D3 on mRNA level, although different mechanisms account for the upregulation of each gene.
Default Correlation in Reduced-Form Models

Reduced-form models have proven to be a useful tool for analyzing the dynamics of credit spreads. However, some have recently questioned their ability to match the level of empirical default correlation. The key concern appears to be the assumption that defaults are independent conditional on the state variables driving the default intensity. In this paper, I use a thought experiment as well as numerical examples calibrated to recent studies to show that the modelimplied default correlation can be quite sensitive to the common factor structure imposed on the default intensity. Therefore, the inability of reduced-form models to generate sufficient default correlation has more to do with a restrictive common factor structure than the assumption of conditional independence.
Compressive tracking of doubly selective channels in multicarrier systems based on sequential delay-Doppler sparsity

We propose a compressive method for tracking doubly selective channels within multicarrier systems, including OFDM systems. Using the recently introduced concept of modified compressed sensing (MOD-CS), the sequential delay-Doppler sparsity of the channel is exploited to improve estimation performance through a recursive estimation mode. The proposed compressive channel tracking algorithm uses a MOD-CS version of OMP with reduced complexity. Simulation results demonstrate substantial performance gains over conventional compressive channel estimation.
Regulation of Neurite Outgrowth in N1E-115 Cells through PDZ-Mediated Recruitment of Diacylglycerol Kinase ζ

ABSTRACT Syntrophins are scaffold proteins that regulate the subcellular localization of diacylglycerol kinase ζ (DGK-ζ), an enzyme that phosphorylates the lipid second-messenger diacylglycerol to yield phosphatidic acid. DGK-ζ and syntrophins are abundantly expressed in neurons of the developing and adult brain, but their function is unclear. Here, we show that they are present in cell bodies, neurites, and growth cones of cultured cortical neurons and differentiated N1E-115 neuroblastoma cells. Overexpression of DGK-ζ in N1E-115 cells induced neurite formation in the presence of serum, which normally prevents neurite outgrowth. This effect was independent of DGK-ζ kinase activity but dependent on a functional C-terminal PDZ-binding motif, which specifically interacts with syntrophin PDZ domains. DGK-ζ mutants with a blocked C terminus acted as dominant-negative inhibitors of outgrowth from serum-deprived N1E-115 cells and cortical neurons. Several lines of evidence suggest DGK-ζ promotes neurite outgrowth through association with the GTPase Rac1. DGK-ζ colocalized with Rac1 in neuronal processes and DGK-ζ-induced outgrowth was inhibited by dominant-negative Rac1. Moreover, DGK-ζ directly interacts with Rac1 through a binding site located within its C1 domains. Together with syntrophin, these proteins form a tertiary complex in N1E-115 cells. A DGK-ζ mutant that mimics phosphorylation of the MARCKS domain was unable to bind an activated Rac1 mutant (Rac1V12) and phorbol myristate acetate-induced protein kinase C activation inhibited the interaction of DGK-ζ with Rac1V12, suggesting protein kinase C-mediated phosphorylation of the MARCKS domain negatively regulates DGK-ζ binding to active Rac1. Collectively, these findings suggest DGK-ζ, syntrophin, and Rac1 form a regulated signaling complex that controls polarized outgrowth in neuronal cells.
Departments of 1 Molecular and Developmental Biology and 2 Dna Biology and Embryo Engineering

Cdc7-related kinases play essential roles in the initiation of yeast DNA replication. We show that mice lacking murine homologs of Cdc7 (muCdc7) genes die between E3.5 and E6.5. We have established a mutant embryonic stem (ES) cell line lacking the muCdc7 genes in the presence of a loxP-¯anked transgene expressing muCdc7 cDNA. Upon removal of the trans-gene by Cre recombinase, mutant ES cells cease DNA synthesis, arresting growth with S-phase DNA content, and generate nuclear Rad51 foci, followed by cell death with concomitant increase in p53 protein levels. Inhibition of p53 leads to partial rescue of muCdc7 ±/± ES cells from cell death. muCdc7 ±/± p53 ±/± embryos survive up to E8.5, and their blastocysts generate inner cell mass of a signi®cant size in vitro, whereas those of the muCdc7 ±/± p53 +/± embryos undergoes complete degeneration. These results demonstrate that, in contrast to cell cycle arrest at the G 1 /S boundary observed in yeasts, loss of Cdc7 in ES cells results in rapid cessation of DNA synthesis within S phase, triggering checkpoint responses leading to recombin-ational repair and p53-dependent cell death.
The Risk Factor that Affect Children Diarrhea in The Island of Java 2013 (Riskesdas 2013 Data Analysis)

Abstract Diarrhea is the biggest cause of infant and child death in Indonesia. In 2013, Indonesian Ministry of Health stated that children diarrhea incidence was still high and rated as public health problem accounting for 6.7 per cent. Two of five provinces with the highest incidence of infant diarrhea in Indonesia was located in the island of Java, even though Java has the biggest achievement in infant and child healthcare coverage as well as the physical quality of drinking water and improved sanitation over the national. Based on these facts, the purpose of this study was to identify risk factors that affect the incidence of children diarrhea in Java 2013. Binary logistic regression was used to statistical analysis with incidence of children diarrhea as response variable while the explanatory variables are age, nutritional status, level maternal education, maternal age, maternal behavior of washing hands, access to sources of drinking water, access to sanitation facilities and household density. The source of data was Riskesdas 2013. The results of this study showed that all the explanatory variables: age, nutritional status, maternal education level, maternal age, maternal behavior of washing hands, access to sources of drinking water, access to sanitation facilities and household density significantly affect the incidence of children diarrhea. Keywords : children diarrhea, binary logistic regression, Riskesdas 2013.
Loss of IP3 Receptor-Dependent Ca2+ Increases in Hippocampal Astrocytes Does Not Affect Baseline CA1 Pyramidal Neuron Synaptic Activity

Astrocytes in the hippocampus release calcium (Ca2+) from intracellular stores intrinsically and in response to activation of Gq-linked G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) through the binding of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) to its receptor (IP3R). Astrocyte Ca2+ has been deemed necessary and sufficient to trigger the release of gliotransmitters, such as ATP and glutamate, from astrocytes to modulate neuronal activity. Several lines of evidence suggest that IP3R type 2 (IP3R2) is the primary IP3R expressed by astrocytes. To determine whether IP3R2 is the primary functional IP3R responsible for astrocytic Ca2+ increases, we conducted experiments using an IP3R2 knock-out mouse model (IP3R2 KO). We show, for the first time, that lack of IP3R2 blocks both spontaneous and Gq-linked GPCR-mediated increases in astrocyte Ca2+. Furthermore, neuronal Gq-linked GPCR Ca2+ increases remain intact, suggesting that IP3R2 does not play a major functional role in neuronal calcium store release or may not be expressed in neurons. Additionally, we show that lack of IP3R2 in the hippocampus does not affect baseline excitatory neuronal synaptic activity as measured by spontaneous EPSC recordings from CA1 pyramidal neurons. Whole-cell recordings of the tonic NMDA receptor-mediated current indicates that ambient glutamate levels are also unaffected in the IP3R2 KO. These data show that IP3R2 is the key functional IP3R driving Gq-linked GPCR-mediated Ca2+ increases in hippocampal astrocytes and that removal of astrocyte Ca2+ increases does not significantly affect excitatory neuronal synaptic activity or ambient glutamate levels.
A new Monte Carlo code for star cluster simulations - I. Relaxation

We have developed a new simulation code aimed at studying the stellar dynamics of a galactic central star cluster surrounding a massive black hole. In order to include all the relevant physical ingredients (2-body relaxation, stellar mass spectrum, collisions, tidal disruption, .) , we chose to revive an umerical scheme pioneered by H enon in the 70's (H enon 1971b,a; H enon 1973. It is basically a Monte Carlo resolution of the Fokker-Planck equation. It can cope with any stellar mass spectrum or velocity distribution. Being a particle-based method, it also allows one to take stellar collisions into account in a very realistic way. This rst paper covers the basic version of our code which treats the relaxation-driven evolution of a stellar cluster without a central BH. A technical description of the code is presented, as well as the results of test computations. Thanks to the use of a binary tree to store potential and rank information and of variable time steps, cluster models with up to 2 10 6 particles can be simulated on a standard personal computer and the CPU time required scales as Np ln(Np) with the particle number Np. Furthermore, the number of simulated stars needs not be equal to Np but can be arbitrarily larger. A companion paper will treat further physical elements, mostly relevant to galactic nuclei.
Metabolic and Cardiovascular Benefits and Risks of EMD386088—A 5-HT6 Receptor Partial Agonist and Dopamine Transporter Inhibitor

Since 5-HT6 receptors play role in controlling feeding and satiety and dopamine is essential for normal feeding behavior, we evaluated the ability of EMD 386088—5-HT6 receptor partial agonist and dopamine transporter inhibitor—to reduce body weight in obese rats, as well as its anorectic properties (calorie intake reduction) in rat model of excessive eating and the influence on metabolism (plasma glucose and glycerol levels). We also determined the effect of the studied compound on pica behavior in rats and its influence on blood pressure after single administration. EMD 386088 reduced body weight in obese rats fed high-fat diet and decreased calorie intake in both models applied (rat model of obesity and of excessive eating). In both models EMD 386088 regulated plasma glucose and increased plasma glycerol levels. The latter proves that the compound reduced body fat. We think that it might have increased lipolysis, but this requires further studies. The reduction in glucose levels is the first symptom of metabolic disorders compensation. EMD 386088 did not cause pica behavior in rats but increased blood pressure after single administration. We think that partial 5-HT6 agonists might have potential in the treatment of obesity. Thus, EMD 386088 requires extended studies.
Cognitive-behavioural therapy in the treatment of bipolar affective disorders

Bipolar disorder (BD) belongs to the group of recurrent affective disorders. As biological factors play an important role in its aetiopathogenesis, pharmacology remains the main treatment, while psychotherapy can augment its effectiveness. Psychotherapeutic methods, contributing to BD treatment, such as psychoeducation and family-focused therapy (FFT) have already been used in the treatment of schizophrenia. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) has proved efficacious in the treatment of unipolar affective disorders. Specifically for BD, interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT) was developed. All of the aforementioned procedures have proven to be efficacious in augmenting pharmacological treatment. Cognitive behavioural therapy constitutes a group of well-proven psychosocial interventions for the treatment of anxiety, depressive, personality, and eating disorders as well as for addictions. The aim of this article is to review the literature on the effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy in the treatment of bipolar disorder. The majority of studies bring about promising results of the use of CBT in BD. A recent meta-analysis shows that, using CBT results in decreasing frequency of recurrences of the illness, a reduction of intensity of depressive and manic symptoms as well as improvement in psychosocial functioning were seen, although is some studies the results are not unequivocal. In many papers, the necessity of further studies on the use of cognitive-behavioural therapy in BD is emphasised, in order to elaborate definite standards and therapeutic indications as well as better methods to assess its efficacy.
Integration of Resource Management Activities in Distributed Systems

We present a two-level model of distributed computation bas ed on the actor model. This two-level model is the basis for developing a sem antic framework that supports dynamic customizability and separation of concer ns in designing and reasoning about components of open distributed systems (ODS). ODS evolve dynamically and components of ODS interact with an environment th a is not under their control. In particular, we would like to be able to consider s parately issues such as: functional behavior of a service; failure semantics and f ult tolerance protocols; and resource management issues such as memory management, m igration, load balancing, and scheduling. In this report we consider remote cr eation, migration, and reachability snapshot services: their specification at dif ferent levels of abstraction, and their composition.
Visual impression localization of autonomous robots

This paper proposes a novel localization approach based on visual impressions. We define a visual impression as the representation of a HSV color distribution of a place. The representation uses clustering feature (CF) tree to manage the color distribution and we propose to weight each CF entry to indicate its importance. The method compares the navigating tree, which is created by the robot from its observations, with the available reference trees of the environment. In addition, we propose a new similarity measure to compare two CF trees which represent the visual impressions of the corresponding two places. The method is tested on two data sets collected in different environments. The results of the experiments show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Societal malaise and ethnocentrism in the European Union: monitoring societal change by focusing on EU citizens' perceptions of crisis

»Gesellschaftliches Unbehagen und Ethnozentrismus. Eine empirische Analyse der subjektiven Stimmungslage des sozialen Wandels in der EU«. During the last years a vague sense of discomfort with current societal developments is spreading all over Europe and is particularly affecting lower social classes of society. It seems necessary to theoretically derive new concepts of quality of society and to take these crises perceptions of EU-citizens more adequately into account. In this article a new multidimensional concept of societal wellbeing is proposed to understand and evaluate new cleavages in societal embeddedness, social recognition and social belonging. It is hypothesized that those restrictions concerning quality of life are also mainly responsible for the rise in ethnocentrism and radicalization in many European societies. A macro-micromacro explanation of causes, characteristics and consequences of societal malaise is developed as a theoretical framework and also addressed empirically. As a first step, a cluster analysis of indicators of societal developments is used to justify the conceptualization of a highly diverse Europe. The empirical approach on the micro-level is based on two survey waves of the European Social Survey (2006 and 2012). After testing the cross-national equivalence of the new concept of societal wellbeing, which is based on 14 indicators, the evolution of certain crises feelings in society is documented for several European regions in the aftermath of the financial crisis. Finally, separate multiple OLS-regressions within those regions were conducted to derive crucial factors which are responsible to explain ethnocentrism. It is notable that feelings of societal malaise exert a high influence on perceptions of an ethnic threat – especially in Western Europe. These value polarizations between social groups have to be considered as a future threat of social cohesion.
Integration of Access Control Policy Design into Software Development

Security is an important part especially in complex software systems, but now it is not considered as an essential part in software development. There would be many difficulties and mismatches if security mechanisms are added to existing systems afterwards, so it is proposed to integrate the design of access control policy into software development. In this paper, UML is used to model access control policy, and then a compiler is designed as a plug-in component of UML tools to export the model result to XACML for complex distributed system. The mechanism supports the automatic generation of a XACML specification based on an extended RBAC.