Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A computational model for proliferation dynamics of division- and label-structured populations

In most biological studies and processes, cell proliferation and population dynamics play an essential role. Due to this ubiquity, a multitude of mathematical models has been developed to describe these processes. While the simplest models only consider the size of the overall populations, others take division numbers and labeling of the cells into account. In this work, we present a modeling and computational framework for proliferating cell population undergoing symmetric cell division. In contrast to existing models, the proposed model incorporates both, the discrete age structure and continuous label dynamics. Thus, it allows for the consideration of division number dependent parameters as well as the direct comparison of the model prediction with labeling experiments, e.g., performed with Carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester (CFSE). We prove that under mild assumptions the resulting system of coupled partial differential equations (PDEs) can be decomposed into a system of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) and a set of decoupled PDEs, which reduces the computational effort drastically. Furthermore, the PDEs are solved analytically and the ODE system is truncated, which allows for the prediction of the label distribution of complex systems using a low-dimensional system of ODEs. In addition to modeling of labeling dynamics, we link the label-induced fluorescence to the measure fluorescence which includes autofluorescence. For the resulting numerically challenging convolution integral, we provide an analytical approximation. This is illustrated by modeling and simulating a proliferating population with division number dependent proliferation rate.
The Preschool Activity Card Sort

Measuring the participation of preschoolers (children between 3 and 6 years of age) with disabilities in everyday activites has become a professional mandate for occupational therapists. This study outlines the development of the Preschool Activity Card Sort, which can establish a child's occupational profile through parent interview. Six of the nine International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health activity and participation domains are included in the Preschool Activity Card Sort. A literature review and an analysis of parent time logs were used to compile photographs of preschoolers engaged in typical activities. Parents respond to these photographs during discussion about their child's participation in these everyday activities. When a child does not participate in age-appropriate activities, the Preschool Activity Card Sort helps determine whether it is due to child, family, or environmental barriers. Identifying these barriers assists the therapist and the family in determining therapeutic goals.
American Orientalism and American Exceptionalism: A Critical Rethinking of US Hegemony

In this essay, we argue that critical International Relations (IR) scholars must consider American Orientalism in tandem with American Exceptionalism in order to better understand US identity, foreign policymaking, and hegemony. We claim that American Exceptionalism is a particular type of American Orientalism, a style of thought about the distinctions between the “West” and the “East” that gives grounding to the foundational narrative of “America. ” While Exceptionalism and Orientalism both deploy similar discursive, ontological, and epistemological claims about the “West” and its non-western “Others,” Exceptionalism is also rooted specifically in American political thought that developed in contradistinction to Europe. As such, we demonstrate that different logics of othering are at work between the West and the non-West, and among Western powers. We implore critical IR scholars to interrogate how the United States and Europe alternatively collude and clash in wielding normative power over their non-Western Others. We claim such research is important for exploring the staying power of American hegemony and understanding the implications of European challenges to American foreign policy, particularly given recent concerns about a so-called transatlantic divide.
Can you tell if tongue movements are real or synthesized?

We have investigated if subjects are aware of what natural tongue movements look like, by showing them animations based on either measurements or rule-based synthesis. The issue is of interest since a previous audiovisual speech perception study recently showed that the word recognition rate in sentences with degraded audio was significantly better with real tongue movements than with synthesized. The subjects in the current study could as a group not tell which movements were real, with a classification score at chance level. About half of the subjects were significantly better at discriminating between the two types of animations, but their classification score was as often well below chance as above. The correlation between classification score and word recognition rate for subjects who also participated in the perception study was very weak, suggesting that the higher recognition score for real tongue movements may be due to subconscious, rather than conscious, processes. This finding could potentially be interpreted as an indication that audiovisual speech perception is based on articulatory gestures.
Multiple-poles multilevel diode-clamped inverter (M2DCI) topology for alternative multilevel converter

This paper introduces a multiple-poles multilevel diode-clamped inverter (M2DCI) topology. Presented topology is able to synthesis nth-level of output voltage steps with isolated dc voltage source and simple cascaded sub-cell can be easily connected in parallel mode to achieve higher voltage levels. This paper discusses seven-level voltage steps on the output terminal of the inverter. The presented topology provides several merits of low output voltage distortion, low voltage stress and higher voltage levels. The basic structure of seven-level multiple-poles multilevel diode-clamped inverter (7L-M2DCI) topology is to keep the design simple and reduce number of components count as compared with classical seven-level multilevel flying capacitor inverter (7L-MFCI) and seven-level multilevel diode-clamped inverter (7L-MDCI) topologies. Hence, components comparisons of classical MDCI and M2DCI topologies are presented and simple analysis of 7L-M2DCI topology is discussed in this context. To operate effectiveness of 7L-M2DCI topology, a level-shifted pulse width modulation (LS-PWM) technique is presented and simulation results are verified for the operating stages of the proposes 7L-M2DCI converter.
Rapid Multiplex PCR and Real-Time TaqMan PCR Assays for Detection of Salmonella enterica and the Highly Virulent Serovars Choleraesuis and Paratyphi C

ABSTRACT Salmonella enterica is a human pathogen with over 2,500 serovars characterized. S. enterica serovars Choleraesuis and Paratyphi C are two globally distributed serovars. We have developed a rapid molecular-typing method to detect serovars Choleraesuis and Paratyphi C in food samples by using a comparative-genomics approach to identify regions unique to each serovar from the sequenced genomes. A Salmonella-specific primer pair based on oriC was designed as an internal control to establish accuracy, sensitivity, and reproducibility. Serovar-specific primer sets based on regions of difference between serovars Choleraesuis and Paratyphi C were designed for real-time PCR assays. Three primer sets were used to screen a collection of over 100 Salmonella strains, and both serovars Choleraesuis and Paratyphi C gave unique amplification patterns. To develop the technique for practical use, its sensitivity for detection of Salmonella spp. in a food matrix was determined by spiking experiments. The technique was also adapted for a real-time PCR rapid-detection assay for both serovars Choleraesuis and Paratyphi C that complements the current procedures for Salmonella sp. isolation and serotyping.
Partially Informed Agents Can Form a Swarm in a Nash Equilibrium

Foraging swarms in one-dimensional motion with incomplete position information are studied in the context of a noncooperative differential game. In this game, the swarming individuals act with partial information as it is assumed that each agent knows the positions of only the adjacent ones. It is shown that a Nash equilibrium solution that exhibits many features of a foraging swarm such as movement coordination, self-organization, stability, and formation control exists.
A Salutogenic Analysis of Healthy Aging in Active Elderly Persons

The authors systematically explore relationships between generalized resistance resources (GRRs), the sense of coherence (SOC), and the healthease/dis-ease (HE-DE) continuum. A sample of 170 active older adults at the mean age of 67 years filled out a comprehensive questionnaire. The results indicate that 11 GRRs significantly predicted SOC (56% of variance accounted for) and that GRRs significantly predicted the HE-DE continuum (38%). Holding GRRs constant, SOC significantly accounted for 3% additional variance in health. Finally, SOC mediated GRRs’ effects on health. SOC proved to be a complete mediator for autonomy/identity resource gains, social external health locus of control, self-efficacy, and self-esteem, and a partial mediator for activity level and social support. The findings suggest that SOC plays a central role for health maintenance and health promotion in the third age because it pools resource influences on health. The authors recommend the application of salutogenic theory to intervention.
The association of DRD4 and novelty seeking is found in a nonhuman primate model

Objective The association of novelty seeking with a repeat polymorphism in the coding region of the dopamine D4 receptor gene (DRD4) has been demonstrated in several human populations, but not in others. The objective of this study was to test the generality of the association in a captive nonhuman primate population of known history, using objective methods for assessing novelty seeking and a pedigree-based association design. Methods Four hundred and fifty two socially-living vervet monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops) from a large multigenerational pedigree at the UCLA-VA Vervet Research Colony were studied. Two variants in the 48 base pair repeat in exon III of the DRD4 gene have been found in this population, a six-repeat (92%) and a less common five-repeat (8%). Novelty seeking was measured by the latency to approach a large and potentially threatening novel object placed in the home enclosure. Heritability of novelty seeking and the association of novelty seeking with the DRD4 polymorphism were assessed using variance component modeling as implemented in Sequential Oligogenic Linkage Analysis Routines. Results The variance component analysis indicated that the DRD4 variant explained a significant portion of the total variance in novelty seeking. The final model included a significant effect of the DRD4 polymorphism (P=0.03), which explained 13% of the phenotypic variance, and a significant remaining genetic effect (h2=0. 467±0.095, P<0.0001). Conclusions The association of DRD4 with novelty seeking has now been replicated in a nonhuman primate species, the vervet monkey.
Meeting a deviant person: Subjective norms and affective reactions

Studied differences in verbal, nonverbal, and physiological responses during a confrontation with a male confederate role-playing either a physically handicapped (PH), homosexual (HS), or normal (NOR) person. One hundred and eight males from colleges of economics and engineering listened in a laboratory experiment to personal introductions by two confederates in succession. Whereas the first confederate always appeared normal, the second took one of the three roles mentioned. A further informal meeting with this confederate was arranged outside the laboratory; all subjects had taken a stereotype test before. Normative differences between PH and HS (p ≤ 0.05) are found on verbal measures including the stereotype test, self-rated emotion and consent to a further contact. General effects of deviance separating PH and HS from NOR (p ≤ 0.05) emerge on observed emotion, interpersonal distance during the informal meeting, and skin-resistance responses. The results largely confirm the hypotheses. They are interpreted as supporting a distinction between intended (action-type) components of behaviour which are strongly influenced by subjective norms, and unintended (reaction-type) components reflecting undifferentiated reactions to deviance.
Predictors of Internet Use

We examined audience uses o f the Internet from a uses-and-gratifications perspective. We expected contextual age, unwillingness to communicate, social presence, and Internet motives to predict outcomes of Internet exposure, affinity and satisfaction. The analyses identified five motives for using the Internet and multivariate links among the antecedents and motives. The results suggested distinctions between instrumental and ritualized Internet use, as well as Internet use serving as a functional alternative to face-to-face interaction.
RamA, a Member of the AraC/XylS Family, Influences Both Virulence and Efflux in Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium

ABSTRACT The transcriptomes of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium SL1344 lacking a functional ramA or ramR or with plasmid-mediated high-level overexpression of ramA were compared to those of the wild-type parental strain. Inactivation of ramA led to increased expression of 14 SPI-1 genes and decreased expression of three SPI-2 genes, and it altered expression of ribosomal biosynthetic genes and several amino acid biosynthetic pathways. Furthermore, disruption of ramA led to decreased survival within RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages and attenuation within the BALB/c ByJ mouse model. Highly overexpressed ramA led to increased expression of genes encoding multidrug resistance (MDR) efflux pumps, including acrAB, acrEF, and tolC. Decreased expression of 34 Salmonella pathogenicity island (SPI) 1 and 2 genes, decreased SipC production, decreased adhesion to and survival within macrophages, and decreased colonization of Caenorhabditis elegans were also seen. Disruption of ramR led to the increased expression of ramA, acrAB, and tolC, but not to the same level as when ramA was overexpressed on a plasmid. Inactivation of ramR had a more limited effect on pathogenicity gene expression. In silico analysis of a suggested RamA-binding consensus sequence identified target genes, including ramR, acrA, tolC, sipABC, and ssrA. This study demonstrates that the regulation of a mechanism of MDR and expression of virulence genes show considerable overlap, and we postulate that such a mechanism is dependent on transcriptional activator concentration and promoter sensitivity. However, we have no evidence to support the hypothesis that increased MDR via RamA regulation of AcrAB-TolC gives rise to a hypervirulent strain.
Chinese social stratification and social mobility

▪ Abstract This essay reviews post-1980 research on class stratification, socio-economic inequalities, and social mobility in the People's Republic of China. Chinese class stratification has transformed from a rigid status hierarchy under Mao to an open, evolving class system in the post-Mao period. Socioeconomic inequalities have also been altered. State redistributive inequalities are giving way to patterns increasingly generated by how individuals and groups succeed in a growing market-oriented economy; rigorous empirical studies have been conducted on occupational prestige, income distribution, housing and consumption, and gender inequality. Finally, occupational mobility, a rare opportunity under Mao, is becoming a living experience for many Chinese in light of emerging labor markets. Scholarly works on status attainment, career mobility, and employment processes show both stability and change in the once politicized social mobility regime. There is relatively richer research output on urban than on .
Exergames for Assessment in Active and Healthy Aging - Emerging Trends and Potentialities

This paper articulated the position, based on literature research findings as well as experiences and considerations, of the authors regarding the role of exergames in stealth cognitive assessment. The conclusions presented therein are based on a long and lasting experience of design, implementation and piloting trials with seniors over the last six years. They are also supported by literature findings concerning exergames’ engagement, acceptance, perceived usefulness and ease of use. The authors express a positive outlook regarding the role of daily exergaming programs regarding their capacities in stealth assessment. Furthermore, it is postulated that additional research efforts should focus on providing even more concrete, evidence based arguments for convincing researchers and clinicians of the potential clinical value of exergames in terms of cognitive assessment.
TEMPORAL INFORMATION PROCESSING IN MUSICIANS AND NONMUSICIANS

THE P RESENT S TUDY WAS D ESIGNED to examine the general notion that temporal information processing is more accurate in musicians than in nonmusicians. For this purpose, 36 academically trained musicians and 36 nonmusicians performed seven different auditory temporal tasks. Superior temporal acuity for musicians compared to nonmusicians was shown for auditory fusion, rhythm perception, and three temporal discrimination tasks. The two groups did not differ, however, in terms of their performance on two tasks of temporal generalization. Musicians’ superior performance appeared to be limited to aspects of timing which are considered to be automatically and immediately derived from online perceptual processing of temporal information. Unlike immediate online processing of temporal information, temporal generalizations, which involve a reference memory of sorts, seemed not to be influenced by extensive music training.
Intersectoral migration costs and multiple equilibria

In familiar models, a decrease in the friction facing mobile factors (e.g., lowering their adjustment costs) increases a coordination problem, leading to more circumstances where there are multiple equilibria. We show that a decrease in friction can decrease coordination problems if, for example, a production externality arises from a changing stock of knowledge. In general, the relation between the amount of friction that mobile factors face and the likelihood of multiple equilibria is non-monotonic.
Role conflicts of family members in family firms

The existence of role conflict among organizational members tends to create tensions inside organizations worldwide. However, in the context of family firms, having a dual role of being a member of a family and a member of the firm can represent interesting differences that make family firms an important form of organization to study. Following the tenets of the stewardship theory, our article develops a model where reciprocal altruism represents an antecedent to role conflict among family members. We further argue that perceptions of collective efficacy among family members have a moderating effect on the relationship between reciprocal altruism and role conflict. Last, we propose that role conflict in family firms reduces the family firm performance. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.
Sunday blues: Have Sunday time use and its emotional connotations changed over the past two decades?

Historical changes in the use of time have long attracted researchers’ attention. Less attention has been paid to the changing configuration of time use on different days of the week. This article uses time use data collected by Statistics Canada from 1981 to 2005, and experience sampling data collected in 1985 and 2003 in Ontario (Canada) to examine changes in the allocation of time to paid work, housework, shopping, child care, personal needs, and free time on weekdays and Sundays. It examines further whether changes in the behavioural make-up of Sundays have contributed to what is referred to as ‘Sunday blues’ or emotional discomfort at the doorstep of a new week.
From Theory to Intervention: Mapping Theoretically Derived Behavioural Determinants to Behaviour Change Techniques

Theory provides a helpful basis for designing interventions to change behaviour but offers little guidance on how to do this. This paper aims to illustrate methods for developing an extensive list of behaviour change techniques (with definitions) and for linking techniques to theoretical constructs. A list of techniques and definitions was generated from techniques published in two systematic reviews, supplemented by “brainstorming” and a systematic search of nine textbooks used in training applied psychologists. Inter-rater reliability of extracting the techniques and definitions from the textbooks was assessed. Four experts judged which techniques would be effective in changing 11 theoretical constructs associated with behaviour change. Thirty-five techniques identified in the reviews were extended to 53 by brainstorming and to 137 by consulting textbooks. Agreement for the 53 definitions was 74.7 per cent (15.4% cells completed and 59.3% cells empty for both raters). Agreement about the link between the 35 techniques and theoretical constructs was 71.7 per cent of 385 judgments (12.2% agreement that effective and 59.5% agreement that not effective). This preliminary work demonstrates the possibility of developing a comprehensive, reliable taxonomy of techniques linked to theory. Further refinement is needed to eliminate redundancies, resolve uncertainties, and complete technique definitions.
Perspectives on the impact of JAK-inhibitor therapy upon inflammation-mediated comorbidities in myelofibrosis and related neoplasms

Chronic inflammation is suggested to contribute to the Philadelphia-chromosome−negative myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) disease initiation and progression, as well as the development of premature atherosclerosis and may drive the development of other cancers in MPNs, both nonhematologic and hematologic. The MPN population has a substantial comorbidity burden, including cerebral, cardiovascular, pulmonary, abdominal, renal, metabolic, skeletal, autoimmune, and chronic inflammatory diseases. This review describes the comorbidities associated with MPNs and the potential impact of early intervention with anti-inflammatory and/or immunomodulatory agents such as JAK-inhibitors, statins, and IFN-α to inhibit cancer progression and reduce MPN-associated comorbidity impact. Early intervention may yield a subset of patients who achieve minimal residual disease, thereby likely reducing the comorbidity burden and improving the cost-effective socioeconomic profile.
Personalized Machine Translation: Preserving Original Author Traits

The language that we produce reflects our personality, and various personal and demographic characteristics can be detected in natural language texts. We focus on one particular personal trait of the author, gender, and study how it is manifested in original texts and in translations. We show that author’s gender has a powerful, clear signal in originals texts, but this signal is obfuscated in human and machine translation. We then propose simple domain-adaptation techniques that help retain the original gender traits in the translation, without harming the quality of the translation, thereby creating more personalized machine translation systems.