Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Vancomycin treatment and butyrate supplementation modulate gut microbe composition and severity of neointimal hyperplasia after arterial injury

Gut microbial metabolites are increasingly recognized as determinants of health and disease. However, whether host–microbe crosstalk influences peripheral arteries is not understood. Neointimal hyperplasia, a proliferative and inflammatory response to arterial injury, frequently limits the long‐term benefits of cardiovascular interventions such as angioplasty, stenting, and bypass surgery. Our goal is to assess the effect of butyrate, one of the principal short chain fatty acids produced by microbial fermentation of dietary fiber, on neointimal hyperplasia development after angioplasty. Treatment of male Lewis Inbred rats with oral vancomycin for 4 weeks changed the composition of gut microbes as assessed by 16S rRNA‐based taxonomic profiling and decreased the concentration of circulating butyrate by 69%. In addition, rats treated with oral vancomycin had exacerbated neointimal hyperplasia development after carotid angioplasty. Oral supplementation of butyrate reversed these changes. Butyrate also inhibited vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, migration, and cell cycle progression in a dose‐dependent manner in vitro. Our results suggest for the first time that gut microbial composition is associated with the severity of arterial remodeling after injury, potentially through an inhibitory effect of butyrate on VSMC.
Hybrid resource reservation scheme for transparent integration of access and core optical transport networks

In this paper, we present a novel traffic control and distributed multiplexing scheme based on a hybrid long-reach fiber access network architecture. The proposed network architecture exploits very low cost end-user ONUs and achieves energy efficiency, reduced complexity and high-level scalability. The scheme allows a group of users to share an ultra-wide band long reach WDM-PON, in a fiber to the cabinet configuration, leading to core node consolidation and access-core integration. We show that this architecture can be exploited as a large scale distributed multiplexer that can be used to funnel traffic directly from access networks over a core optical network and describe a control plane architecture compatible with the concept of Software Defined Networking for simplifying the aggregation process and improving performance at the same time.
7 Inference in Bayesian Networks : A Historical Perspective

Judea Pearl introduced Bayesian networks as a representational device in the early 1980s, allowing one to systematically and locally assemble probabilistic beliefs into a coherent whole. While some of these beliefs could be read off directly from the Bayesian network, many were implied by this representation and required computational work to be made explicit. Computing and explicating such beliefs has been the subject of much research and became known as the problem of inference in Bayesian networks. This problem is critical to the practical utility of Bayesian networks as the computed beliefs form the basis of decision making, which typically dictates the need for Bayesian networks in the first place. Over the last few decades, the interest in inference algorithms for Bayesian networks remained great and has witnessed a number of shifts in emphasis with regards to the adopted computational paradigms and the type of queries addressed. My goal in this paper is to provide a historical perspective on this line of work and the associated shifts, where we shall see the key role that Judea Pearl has played in initiating and inspiring many of the technical developments that have formed and continue to form the basis of work in this area.
Examining the process of leader self-identity development among college and university leaders: Developing a grounded theory

The growing field of cognitive leadership has begun to explore possible connections between leader self-identity and leader performance. Little of this research, however, has focused on the process of leader self-identity development, particularly approaches that employ data-rich qualitative inquiries. The present study employed a constructivist grounded theory approach to examine the process of leader self-identity development among sixteen senior leaders of a private university in the Southeast. Semistructured interviews revealed a cyclical, phased approach to leader self-identity development that began with an antecedent event or experience that served as a spark for leadership and led to acknowledging the possibility of self as leader. A reinforcing developmental cycle followed and included the stages of acquiring (development of skills in the leadership domain), applying (use of skills to address leadership challenges), adapting (modification of leader skills based on experience and new knowledge), and assimilating (refinement, clarification, and incorporation of the leader self-identity). The proposed grounded theory of leader self-identity development was examined using the theoretical perspective of symbolic interactionism and in consideration of compatible theories associated with self-identity development including core self-evaluations, self-monitoring, and implicit leadership theories. Finally, implications for future cognitive leader development approaches to better prepare college and university leaders for the growing challenges of leading institutions of higher education were considered.
Self-Assembled Hydrogel Nanoparticles for Drug Delivery Applications

Hydrogel nanoparticles—also referred to as polymeric nanogels or macromolecular micelles—are emerging as promising drug carriers for therapeutic applications. These nanostructures hold versatility and properties suitable for the delivery of bioactive molecules, namely of biopharmaceuticals. This article reviews the latest developments in the use of self-assembled polymeric nanogels for drug delivery applications, including small molecular weight drugs, proteins, peptides, oligosaccharides, vaccines and nucleic acids. The materials and techniques used in the development of self-assembling nanogels are also described.
predictionet : a package for inferring predictive networks from high-dimensional genomic data

2 Biology and Data 3 2.1 RAS signaling pathway . 3 2.2 Colon cancer gene expression data . 3 2.3 Known gene interactions extracted from the biomedical literature and public structured databases . 3 2.4 Predictionet package . 6
Perception Enhancement Using Visual Attributes in Sequence Motif Visualization

Sequence logo is a well-accepted scientific method to visualize the conservation characteristics of biological sequence motifs. Previous studies found that using sequence logo graphical representation for scientific evidence reports or arguments could seriously cause biases and misinterpretation by users. This study investigates on the visual attributes performance of a sequence logo in helping users to perceive and interpret the information based on preattentive theories and Gestalt principles of perception. A survey was conducted to gather users’ opinion after being presented with several alternative design details to perform selected tasks on motif analysis. Analysis of results showed that there are improvements needed on the use of colour, negative space, size, and arrangement of the nucleotides, richness of information and interactivity aspect in a sequence logo visualization. These improvements can alleviate biases and misinterpretation of the results in sequence logo visualization.
U.S. Environmental Regulation and FDI: Evidence from a Panel of U.S. Based Multinational Firms

This paper measures the response of U.S. based multinational rms to the Clean Air Act Amendments (CAAA), which dramatically strengthened U.S. environmental regulation. Using a panel of rm-level data over the period 1966-1999, I estimate the e¤ect of regulation on a multinationals foreign production decisions. The CAAA induced substantial variation in the degree of regulation faced by rms, allowing for the estimation of econometric models that control for rm-speci c characteristics and industrial trends. I nd that the CAAA caused regulated multinational rms to increase their foreign assets by 5.3% and their foreign output by 9%. In aggregate, this increase represents approximately 0.6% of the stock of multinationalsdomestic assets in polluting industries. Contrary to common beliefs, I nd that heavily regulated rms did not disproportionately increase foreign investment in developing countries. Finally, this paper presents limited evidence that U.S. based multinationals increased imports of highly polluting goods when faced with tougher U.S. environmental regulation. Overall, these results are consistent with the view that U.S. environmental regulations cause U.S. rms to move capital and jobs abroad. The statistical analysis of rm-level data on U.S. based multinational companies was conducted at the International Investment Division, Bureau of Economic Analysis, U.S. Department of Commerce, under arrangements that maintain legal con dentiality requirements. The views expressed are those of the author and do not reect o¢ cial positions of the U.S. Department of Commerce. The MIT Laboratory for Energy and the Environment provided generous nancial support. I am indebted to Abhijit Banerjee, Esther Duo, Michael Greenstone, Sendhil Mullainathan, and William Zeile. This paper also bene ted from discussions with David Autor, Daniel Bergstresser, Shawn Cole, Toan Do, Susan Feinberg, Fritz Foley, Andrew Healy, Andrei Levchencko, Byron Lutz, Petia Topalova, the MIT Development Lunch, the Harvard Environmental Lunch, and the Harvard-MIT Environmental Seminar.
H-Tree: An Efficient Index Structurefor Event Matching in Content-BasedPublish/Subscribe Systems

Content-based publish/subscribe systems have been employed to deal with complex distributed information flows in many applications. It is well recognized that event matching is a fundamental component of such large-scale systems. Event matching searches a space which is composed of all subscriptions. As the scale and complexity of a system grows, the efficiency of event matching becomes more critical to system performance. However, most existing methods suffer significant performance degradation when the system has large numbers of both subscriptions and their component constraints. In this paper, we present Hash Tree (H-Tree), a highly efficient index structure for event matching. H-Tree is a hash table in nature that is a combination of hash lists and hash chaining. A hash list is built up on an indexed attribute by realizing novel overlapping divisions of the attribute's value domain, providing more efficient space consumption. Multiple hash lists are then combined into a hash tree. The basic idea behind H-Tree is that matching efficiencies are improved when the search space is substantially reduced by pruning most of the subscriptions that are not matched. We have implemented H-Tree and conducted extensive experiments in different settings. Experimental results demonstrate that H-Tree has better performance than its counterparts by a large margin. In particular, the matching speed is faster by three orders of magnitude than its counterparts when the numbers of both subscriptions and their component constraints are huge.
Adjacent channel interference aware channel assignment scheme for WLANs

As the deployment of wireless devices becomes widespread, the performance reduction due to interference between wireless channels incur a new research issue. Thus, the channel assignment scheme for reducing the interference is very important in IEEE 802.11-based Wireless LANs. However, most previous approaches have focused on 2.4GHz spectral band or have assumed that there is no interference between non-overlapping channels. In this paper, we investigate adjacent channel interference (ACI) between non-overlapping channels. We find out that the ACI has a great impact on the throughput performance via experimental results. We also propose a new channel assignment scheme which minimizes the ACI. The proposed scheme allocates the channel so as to maximize the system utilization based on the information of neighbor channel state. To evaluate the proposed scheme, we conduct extensive experiments on a wireless testbed. We also show that the proposed scheme achieves superior network performance.
Examining the time-course of vigilant and avoidant attentional biases in repressors: Testing the robustness of Vigilance-Avoidance Theory.

Repressors are a group of individuals characterised by a lack of cognitive awareness of their own elevations in physiology, in response to anxiety and stress. Due to this, repressors typically report lower levels of subjective distress via self-report measures, in conjunction with elevations in physiological responding (Myers, 2010). Resultantly, repressors are at an increased risk of developing a number of negative, stress-related illnesses (e.g. coronary heart disease and cancers, Myers, 2010). In an attempt to explain the discrepant responses of repressors Derakshan, Eysenck & Myers (2007), proposed the Vigilance-Avoidance Theory of Repressive Coping. The theory states, that repressors engage in initial rapid processing of threat stimuli which triggers their elevations in physiology. In the second stage that follows, repressors engage in avoidant attentional biases, inhibiting their conscious experience of stress or anxiety. The current study investigated the robustness of the theory as an explanation of repressive coping through the use of the dot-probe paradigm. Participants (N=68) completed a dot-probe task in which they were shown angry, fearful and neutral facial expressions for short (200ms) and long (2000ms) exposure durations. Unlike previous studies the current study used two alternative methods to define repressors; Weinberger, Schawartz and Davison’s (1979) method involving measures of trait-anxiety (STAI-trait, Speilberger, Gorsuch, Lushene & Vagg, 1983) and defensiveness (MC SDS, Crowne & Marlowe, 1960); as well as the Mainz Coping Inventory (MCI, Krohne et al., 2000). Results indicate that there were no significant effects of either fearful or angry faces, at either 200ms or 2000ms, on the attentional biases of repressors. These findings contradict the predications of vigilance-avoidance theory.
Zone Based Systems Design Framework for the Realisation of Efficient Block Cipher Based Message Authentication Code Algorithms

A zone based systems design framework is described and utilized in the implementation of a message authentication code (MAC) algorithm based on symmetric key block ciphers. The resulting block cipher based MAC algorithm may be used to provide assurance of the authenticity and, hence, the integrity of binary data. Using software simulation to benchmark against the de facto cipher block chaining MAC(CBC-MAC) variant used in the TinySec security protocol for wireless sensor networks and the NIST cipher block chaining MAC standard, CMAC; we show that our zone based systems design framework can lead to block cipher based MAC constructs that point to improvements in message processing efficiency, processing throughput and processing latency.
Designing for Interactive Dimension Reduction Visual Analytics Tools to Explore High-Dimensional Data

Exploring high-dimensional data is challenging. As the number of dimensions in datasets increases, the harder it becomes to discover patterns and develop insights. Dimension reduction algorithms, such as multidimensional scaling, support data explorations by reducing datasets to two dimensions for visualization. Because these algorithms rely on underlying parameterizations, they may be tweaked to assess the data from multiple perspectives. Alas, tweaking can be difficult for users without a strong knowledge base of the underlying algorithms. In this paper, we present principles for developing interactive visual analytic systems that enable users to tweak model parameters directly or indirectly so that they may explore highdimensional data. To exemplify our principles, we introduce an application that implements interactive weighted multidimensional scaling (WMDS). Our application, Andromeda, allows for both parametric and object-level interaction to provide in-depth data exploration. In this paper, we describe the types of tasks and insights that users may gain with Andromeda. Also, the final version of Andromeda is the result of sequential improvements made to multiple designs that were critiqued by users. With each critique we uncovered design principles of effective, interactive, visual analytic tools. These design principles focus on three main areas: (1) layout, (2) semantically visualizing parameters, and (3) designing the communication between the interface and the algorithm.
Advanced Manufacturing Technology: A Way of Improving Technological Competitiveness

Survival and success in present turbulent times increasingly depends on competitiveness. Competitiveness comes through an integrated effort across different functions and deployment of advanced manufacturing technologies. Advanced manufacturing technology (AMT) plays a major role in quality and flexibility improvements in manufacturing organizations. The automated “factory of the future” is seen as the essential ingredient for increasing the competitive advantages in the global market. The concept of technology as a competitive weapon is also gaining momentum because of the rapid introduction of new products with the high complexity and accuracy, new manufacturing process, changing in customer needs and expectations, including varying extents of product support. AMT provides benefits and advantages in areas that would enable manufacturers to maintain quality, operational, organizational, financial performances to improve technological competitiveness. This research reports findings of an empirical study of process sector companies through questionnaire survey. Responses from 58 manufacturing managers are analyzed and presented.
Addressing health needs of an aging society through medical-religious partnerships: what do clergy and laity think?

PURPOSE This article reports on the interest within the religious community in a medical-religious partnership model designed to address some of the health challenges communities face as the population continues to age and become more diverse. DESIGN AND METHODS A geographically and religiously diverse group of 183 clergy who were attending a continuing education program on theology and preaching were invited to complete a 16-item survey asking about their interest in working with hospitals to offer health-related programs and activities in their congregations. Another sample, this one consisting of 524 individuals from a religiously diverse group of congregations in Florida, was also asked about their interest in having health programs offered in their congregations. RESULTS Of the 54% of clergy who completed the surveys, 72% said it was "very important" and 28% said it was "somewhat important" to actively address the health needs of their congregations. Support for specific programs was also strong, with at least 80% reporting it was very likely they would support screenings, preventive interventions, and health-related classes in their congregations. Strong support was also found among the laity surveyed, with 85% expressing interest in faith-based health programs and 45% reporting they would be interested in helping organize and promote such programs. IMPLICATIONS Health care systems and other organizations interested in addressing health needs of older adults can look to religious institutions for assistance in providing the information and support patients and family members need to prevent or minimize the impact of chronic illnesses.
Identifying predictors of students’ perception of and engagement with assessment feedback

Higher education students’ perception of and level of engagement with the feedback they receive has gained increasing attention in the literature to identify areas which require educators’ attention. However, predictors of students’ perception and engagement have yet to be identified. To address this, a survey measuring students’ views and practices regarding feedback was completed. Characteristics of the individual student (gender, age and whether English is their first language), the learning environment (student living on or off campus) and course-related variables (year of study of the course and whether the second subject was the same or a different discipline) were analysed to assess whether these variables predict students’ perception and engagement with feedback. Multivariate analysis established that the only significant predictor variable was year of study of the course, thus identifying a key predictor while ruling out numerous potential predictors. As the only significant predictor of students’ relationship with feedback was their year of study, further analyses were conducted to establish which specific areas of perception of and engagement with feedback change as a function of this.
An approach to estimate global biomass burning emissions of organic and black carbon from MODIS fire radiative power

Received 23 September 2008; revised 29 May 2009; accepted 17 June 2009; published 23 September 2009. [1] Biomass burning is the main global source of fine primary carbonaceous aerosols in the form of organic carbon (OC) and black carbon (BC). We present an approach to estimate biomass burning aerosol emissions based on the measurement of radiative energy released during combustion. We make use of both Aqua and Terra MODIS observations to estimate the fire radiative energy using a simple model to parameterize the fire diurnal cycle based on the long-term ratio between Terra and Aqua MODIS FRP. The parameterization is developed using cases of frequent (up to 12 times daily) MODIS observations, geostationary data from SEVIRI, and precessing observations from TRMM VIRS. FRE-based emission coefficients for the organic and black carbon (OCBC) component of fine mode aerosols are computed from multiple regions encompassing grassland/savanna, tropical forest, and extratropical forest biomes using OCBC emission estimates derived from the MODIS fine mode aerosol product and an inverse aerosol transport model. The values of emission coefficients for OCBC retrieved were 2.7 ± 0.3 g/MJ for grassland/savanna, 8.6 ± 0.8 g/MJ for tropical forest, and 14.4 ± 0.8 g/MJ for extratropical forest. The FRE monthly data are then used to estimate OCBC emissions from biomass burning on a global basis. For 2001 to 2007, our annual estimates are comparable to previously published values. According to our estimate, the OCBC emissions are the largest for 2003 (18.8 Tg), roughly 20% above average and primarily driven by wildland fires in the Lake Baikal region (Russia). Citation: Vermote, E. , E. Ellicott, O. Dubovik, T. Lapyonok, M. Chin, L. Giglio, and G. J. Roberts (2009), An approach to estimate global biomass burning emissions of organic and black carbon from MODIS fire radiative power, J. Geophys. Res., 114, D18205,
On the problem of uniqueness of energy-momentum tensor of gravitational ﬁeld

For an island-like distribution of matter the gravitational energy-momentum tensor is de(cid:12)ned according to Weinberg as a source of metric. If this source is formed by self-interactions of gravitons, so that nonphysical degrees of freedom are excluded, then this source is a reasonable candidate for the energy-momentum tensor of gravitational (cid:12)eld. The disastrous inﬂuence of the nonphysical degrees of freedom is demonstrated by comparing the gravitational energy-momentum tensors in the harmonic, isotropic and standard frames for the Schwarzschild solution. The harmonic frame is clearly preferable for de(cid:12)ning the gravitational energy-momentum tensor.