Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Music education promotes lifelong engagement with the arts

The purpose of this study was to understand the effects of school-based music education on later adult engagement with the arts using nationally representative data from the U.S. National Endowment for the Arts 2012 Survey of Public Participation in the Arts. The probability of adult arts engagement as performer/creator and patron/consumer was estimated as functions of prior school-based music and arts education participation with statistical covariate control applied for demographic variables known to vary with music education status. Results suggest that both music performance and music appreciation courses are strongly associated with later arts participation as patron/consumer and performer/creator, even after controlling for socioeconomic status, sex, and race/ethnicity. Former music appreciation students were 93% more likely to attend classical music or opera performances as adults and 255% more likely to play a musical instrument as adults than were non-participants. Former music performance students were 342% more likely to play a musical instrument, 258% more likely to sing, and 186% more likely to take photographs as an artistic endeavor than were non-participants. Results of this study suggest that lifelong engagement with music and the arts is one measurable outcome of school-based music education in the United States.
On the H∞ controller design for congestion control in communication networks with a capacity predictor

In this paper we investigate the use of the outgoing link capacity information in the H∞ controller design for rate based flow control in a communication network for the case of a single bottleneck node and a single source. In the previous works in this line of research it was assumed that the controller implemented at the bottleneck node has access to queue length information, and robust controllers were designed for queue management, under time varying time delay uncertainties. Here we assume that, besides the queue information, the controller has access to the outgoing link capacity. On top of the existing robust controller, we use an additional controller term, acting on the capacity information. We investigate optimal ways to design such additional controller term.
Heterogeneity of Systemic Oxidative Stress Profiles in COPD: A Potential Role of Gender

Oxidative stress (OS) plays a key role in the muscle impairment and exercise capacity of COPD patients. However, the literature reveals that systemic OS markers show great heterogeneity, which may hinder the prescription of effective antioxidant supplementation. This study therefore aimed to identify OS markers imbalance of COPD patients, relative to validated normal reference values, and to investigate the possibility of systemic OS profiles. We measured systemic enzymatic/nonenzymatic antioxidant and lipid peroxidation (LP) levels in 54 stable COPD patients referred for a rehabilitation program. The main systemic antioxidant deficits in these patients concerned vitamins and trace elements. Fully 89% of the COPD patients showed a systemic antioxidant imbalance which may have caused the elevated systemic LP levels in 69% of them. Interestingly, two patient profiles (clusters 3 and 4) had a more elevated increase in LP combined with increased copper and/or decreased vitamin C, GSH, and GPx. Further analysis revealed that the systemic LP level was higher in COPD women and associated with exercise capacity. Our present data therefore support future supplementations with antioxidant vitamins and trace elements to improve exercise capacity, but COPD patients will probably show different positive responses.
MYB10 and MYB72 Are Required for Growth under Iron-Limiting Conditions

Iron is essential for photosynthesis and is often a limiting nutrient for plant productivity. Plants respond to conditions of iron deficiency by increasing transcript abundance of key genes involved in iron homeostasis, but only a few regulators of these genes have been identified. Using genome-wide expression analysis, we searched for transcription factors that are induced within 24 hours after transferring plants to iron-deficient growth conditions. Out of nearly 100 transcription factors shown to be up-regulated, we identified MYB10 and MYB72 as the most highly induced transcription factors. Here, we show that MYB10 and MYB72 are functionally redundant and are required for plant survival in alkaline soil where iron availability is greatly restricted. myb10myb72 double mutants fail to induce transcript accumulation of the nicotianamine synthase gene NAS4. Both myb10myb72 mutants and nas4-1 mutants have reduced iron concentrations, chlorophyll levels, and shoot mass under iron-limiting conditions, indicating that these genes are essential for proper plant growth. The double myb10myb72 mutant also showed nickel and zinc sensitivity, similar to the nas4 mutant. Ectopic expression of NAS4 rescues myb10myb72 plants, suggesting that loss of NAS4 is the primary defect in these plants and emphasizes the importance of nicotianamine, an iron chelator, in iron homeostasis. Overall, our results provide evidence that MYB10 and MYB72 act early in the iron-deficiency regulatory cascade to drive gene expression of NAS4 and are essential for plant survival under iron deficiency.
A framework for model-driven proposal and evaluation of TABAC strategies

Trust, Accounting, Billing, Auditing and Charging (TABAC) are crucial functions of productive IT and telecommunication systems. However, they are often not considered in early stages of development, but have considerable impact on commercial success at later stages. On the one hand, these functions are costly to be added after having a running prototype. On the other hand, they should not be burdens in early development stages. In order to solve this dilemma, we propose a framework for model-driven proposal and evaluation of TABAC strategies. This framework allows both: evaluating the possibilities to add TABAC functions at an early development stage and adding TABAC strategies to running prototypes by using existing interfaces and applying general models from a model pool. The framework not only proposes suitable strategies based on capabilities and requirements of the existing system. Moreover, it aims at instantiating the TABAC functions in a runtime environment for feeding them with real data from the existing system. This outstanding feature allows compiling a proposal for the best suiting strategy based on realistic interactions with the prototype.
Highly Stable Trimers Formed by Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Envelope Glycoproteins Fused with the Trimeric Motif of T4 Bacteriophage Fibritin

ABSTRACT The envelope glycoproteins of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) function as a trimer composed of three gp120 exterior glycoproteins and three gp41 transmembrane proteins. Soluble gp140 glycoproteins composed of the uncleaved ectodomains of gp120 and gp41 form unstable, heterogeneous oligomers, but soluble gp140 trimers can be stabilized by fusion with a C-terminal, trimeric GCN4 motif (X. Yang et al., J. Virol. 74:5716-5725, 2000). To understand the influence of the C-terminal trimerization domain on the properties of soluble HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein trimers, uncleaved, soluble gp140 glycoproteins were stabilized by fusion with another trimeric motif derived from T4 bacteriophage fibritin. The fibritin construct was more stable to heat and reducing conditions than the GCN4 construct. Both GCN4- and fibritin-stabilized soluble gp140 glycoproteins exhibited patterns of neutralizing and nonneutralizing antibody binding expected for the functional envelope glycoprotein spike. Of note, two potently neutralizing antibodies, immunoglobulin G1b12 and 2G12, exhibited the greatest recognition of the stabilized, soluble trimers, relative to recognition of the gp120 monomer. The observed similarities between the GCN4 and fibritin constructs indicate that the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein ectodomains dictate many of the antigenic and structural features of these fusion proteins. The melting temperatures and ligand recognition properties of the GCN4- and fibritin-stabilized soluble gp140 glycoproteins suggest that these molecules assume conformations distinct from that of the fusion-active, six-helix bundle.
On the Performance of Relay Aided Millimeter Wave Networks

In this paper, we investigate the potential benefits of deploying relays in outdoor millimeter-wave (mmWave) networks. We study the coverage probability from sources to a destination for such systems aided by relays. The sources and the relays are modeled as independent homogeneous Poisson point processes (PPPs). We present a relay modeling technique for mmWave networks considering blockages and compute the density of active relays that aid the transmission. Two relay selection techniques are discussed, namely best path selection and best relay selection. For the first technique, we provide a closed form expression for end-to-end signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and compute the best random relay path in a mmWave network using order statistics. Moreover, the maximum end-to-end SNR of random relay paths is investigated asymptotically by using extreme value theory. For the second technique, we provide a closed form expression for the best relay node having the maximum path gain. Finally, we analyze the coverage probability and transmission capacity of the network and validate them with simulation results. Our results show that deploying relays in mmWave networks can increase the coverage probability and transmission capacity of such systems.
Ecological Citizens: Identifying Values and Beliefs that Support Individual Environmental Responsibility among Swedes

As it has been suggested that involvement of individuals in environmental work is necessary for halting environmental degradation, one focus for contemporary environmental policy and political theory is the need for comprehensive individual lifestyle changes. Ecological Citizenship (EC) has been suggested within the field of political theory as an approach to realize personal responsibility for the environment. However, empirical research on whether EC can serve this purpose is still lacking. Based on a survey sent to 4,000 Swedish households, this paper makes the theory of EC empirically operational and explores whether, and to what extent, people in general hold values and beliefs in line with what is expected of EC, in order to shed light on the feasibility of cultivating ecological citizens in Sweden. The study concludes that a significant proportion of the respondents do demonstrate a value base consistent with EC, i.e. , non-territorial altruism and the primacy of social justice. While additional tests and studies are needed, the results support the use of EC as a theoretical model for behavioral change.
Stochastic Navier-Stokes Equations. Propagation of Chaos and Statistical Moments

Abstract : In the first part of the paper, we discuss existence and uniqueness results for a general stochastic-Navier-Stokes equation (SNS) derived from the first principles. In the second part, we deal with the propagation of Wiener chaos by the SNS and its relation to statistical moments of the solution.
Clinical effectiveness of a manual based coping strategy programme (START, STrAtegies for RelaTives) in promoting the mental health of carers of family members with dementia: pragmatic randomised controlled trial

Objective To assess whether a manual based coping strategy compared with treatment as usual reduces depression and anxiety symptoms in carers of family members with dementia. Design Randomised, parallel group, superiority trial. Setting Three mental health community services and one neurological outpatient dementia service in London and Essex, UK. Participants 260 carers of family members with dementia. Intervention A manual based coping intervention comprising eight sessions and delivered by supervised psychology graduates to carers of family members with dementia. The programme consisted of psychoeducation about dementia, carers’ stress, and where to get emotional support; understanding behaviours of the family member being cared for, and behavioural management techniques; changing unhelpful thoughts; promoting acceptance; assertive communication; relaxation; planning for the future; increasing pleasant activities; and maintaining skills learnt. Carers practised these techniques at home, using the manual and relaxation CDs. Main outcome measures Affective symptoms (hospital anxiety and depression total score) at four and eight months. Secondary outcomes were depression and anxiety caseness on the hospital anxiety and depression scale; quality of life of both the carer (health status questionnaire, mental health) and the recipient of care (quality of life-Alzheimer’s disease); and potentially abusive behaviour by the carer towards the recipient of care (modified conflict tactics scale). Results 260 carers were recruited; 173 were randomised to the intervention and 87 to treatment as usual. Mean total scores on the hospital anxiety and depression scale were lower in the intervention group than in the treatment as usual group over the eight month evaluation period: adjusted difference in means −1.80 points (95% confidence interval −3.29 to −0.31; P=0.02) and absolute difference in means −2.0 points. Carers in the intervention group were less likely to have case level depression (odds ratio 0.24, 95% confidence interval 0.07 to 0.76) and there was a non-significant trend towards reduced case level anxiety (0.30, 0.08 to 1.05). Carers’ quality of life was higher in the intervention group (difference in means 4.09, 95% confidence interval 0.34 to 7.83) but not for the recipient of care (difference in means 0.59, −0.72 to 1.89). Carers in the intervention group reported less abusive behaviour towards the recipient of care compared with those in the treatment as usual group (odds ratio 0.47, 95% confidence interval 0.18 to 1.23), although this was not significant. Conclusions A manual based coping strategy was effective in reducing affective symptoms and case level depression in carers of family members with dementia. The carers’ quality of life also improved. Trial registration Current Controlled Trials ISCTRN70017938.
The oligodendrocyte "processosome": novel regulators of differentiation and myelination

The oligodendrocyte (OL) is the myelinating cell in the central nervous system (CNS). Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is the most frequent demyelinating disease in the CNS and it is thought that its progression is due to oligodendrocyte progenitor cells’ (OPC) inability to differentiate into new myelinating cells in the inhibitory microenvironment of MS lesions. During differentiation, an OPC is initially bipolar and extends its processes, which become ramified (immature OL) and finally produce a myelin membrane. This mature OL can contact an axon and myelinate it. Globally, the aim of this project is to identify and study novel molecules, which may have an important role in OL differentiation and myelination. To do so, a technique was established to physically separate OPC soma from processes and mRNA from these two fractions was sequenced. It was hypothesized that mRNAs enriched in the processes would have a higher probability of having an important role in OL process extension, branching and myelination. Several mRNAs were identified to be significantly enriched in OPC process and, of these, four candidates were selected based on their role in cytoskeleton modulation and regulation of protein translation: Kank2, Dusp19, PABPC1 and YBX1. In particular, the main purpose of this Master thesis is to study the functional role of Kank2, Dusp19, PABPC1 and YBX1 in OL differentiation, with special regard to process extension and ramification as well as myelin production. In this context, we also intend to develop an automated analysis protocol of OL morphology. Our results show a delay in OL process extension when Kank2, Dusp19, PABPC1 and YBX1 mRNAs are depleted, relatively to control. This delay is characterized by an enrichment of cells in earlier stages of differentiation (manual categorization analysis). There is also a reduction in the percentage of cells positively stained for MBP (myelin basic protein) after depletion of Kank2, Dusp19 and PABPC1 mRNAs. In the case of depletion of YBX1, there is a non-significant increase in the percentage of cells with MBP staining. Thus, we could conclude that the candidates identified by RNA sequencing do have an important role in OL differentiation.
PERMUTATION TESTS FOR MULTIFACTORIAL ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE

Several permutation strategies are often possible for tests of individual terms in analysis-of-variance (ANOVA) designs. These include restricted permutations, permutation of whole groups of units, permutation of some form of residuals or some combination of these. It is unclear, especially for complex designs involving random factors, mixed models or nested hierarchies, just which permutation strategy should be used for any particular test. The purpose of this paper is two-fold: (i) we provide a guideline for constructing an exact permutation strategy, where possible, for any individual term in any ANOVA design; and (ii) we provide results of Monte Carlo simulations to compare the level accuracy and power of different permutation strategies in two-way ANOVA, including random and mixed models, nested hierarchies and tests of interaction terms. Simulation results showed that permutation of residuals under a reduced model generally had greater power than the exact test or alternative approximate permutation methods (such as permutation of raw data). In several cases, restricted permutations, in particular, suffered more than other procedures, in terms of loss of power, challenging the conventional wisdom of using this approach. Our simulations also demonstrated that the choice of correct exchangeable units under the null hypothesis, in accordance with the guideline we provide, is essential for any permutation test, whether it be an exact test or an approximate test. For reference, we also provide appropriate permutation strategies for individual terms in any two-way or three-way ANOVA for the exact test (where possible) and for the approximate test using permutation of residuals.
Online user modeling with Gaussian Processes for Bayesian plan recognition during power-wheelchair steering

Many elderly and disabled people experience difficulties when maneuvering an electric wheelchair. In order to make wheelchair driving a safer and more comfortable experience, there has long been the claim to equip wheelchairs with some form of intelligent controller assisting in difficult or unsafe situations. It has been observed that every user presents different symptoms causing a specific driving pattern. Therefore, if the user is to be helped and not frustrated, his/her particular driving behavior should be taken into account when assisting him/her. In this paper we present a general user modeling technique for our Bayesian framework for plan recognition and shared wheelchair control. Plan recognition corresponds to estimating the plan a user has in mind. Assistive actions can then be taken based on the estimated user plan. A user modeling technique based on Gaussian processes has been selected, which can be adapted online to any type of driving style. The potential of Gaussian processes for user modeling is illustrated on a case study with a disabled patient suffering from spastic quadriplegia.
Path Planning for Mobile Robots in Dynamic Environments Using Particle Swarm Optimization

This paper presents a Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) planner that is able to swiftly determine optimal solution for mobile robot path planning problems in dynamic environments. Obstacles of different shapes (convex, concave and curved) with varying velocities are considered. The method uses only valid particles (feasible paths form start to target without interfering obstacles) in the population, obviating the need to search the invalid particles and hence penalty function evaluation design, as in earlier evolutionary approaches. The generated valid paths are subjected to PSO algorithm to get global optimal paths. The proposed algorithm also gives the velocity of the robot for each path segment depending upon the path length and or travel time optimization. The effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed algorithm is demonstrated by simulation studies.
MALMQUIST PRODUCTIVITY INDEX IN SEVERAL TIME PERIODS ON INTERVAL DATA

The productivity change of a decision making unit (DMU) between two time periods can be evaluated by the Malmquist productivity index. In this study, we propose a method to compute the Malmquist productivity index in several time periods (from the first to the last periods) on interval data in data envelopment analysis (DEA). Then, the obtained Malmquist productivity index is compared with Malmquist productivity index between two time periods (the first and last time periods) on interval data. The aim of this paper is to investigate the progress and regress of decision making units (DMUs) in several time periods by considering all time periods between the first and the last one, on interval data. Consequently when the Malmquist productivity index is computed in several time periods, progress and regress of decision making units can be evaluated more carefully than before. What is more, one can judge with greater accuracy whether or not such strategy are favorable and promising. Lastly, a numerical demonstration illustrates the procedure of the proposed method; then some conclusions are reached, and directions for future research are suggested.
Word-decoding and reading-related skills in children with cochlear implants

This study explores the role of working memory, language, and different time factors, including age at implant, time with implant, age at onset of deaf-ness, duration of deafness, on word-decoding skills (rapid reading of isolated words and non-words) in eighteen Swedish children with cochlear implants, who lost their hearing before 36 months of age. In general there was wide variability in language and cognitive skills among the eighteen children. Decoding scores (accuracy) correlated significantly with most linguistic and working memory measures even when age and duration of deafness were partialled out. Speed and accuracy measures for word decoding also remained significantly correlated, but not for non-word decoding when age was factored out. As for the time factors, no significant correlations with decoding of words/ non-words were found. In the second part of the study, fifteen of the children with CI were individually matched to hearing children studied by Lindstrom and Malmsten (2003). The children with CI were significantly less accurate, but they were faster decoding words and non-words than the age-matched hearing children. We found no significant difference between the groups on complex working memory, as measured by the CLPT (Competing Language Processing Task), nor on reading span tasks (word span and non-word span).
Experimental study on wavelet-like decomposition based on filtering in domains of discrete trigonometric transforms

In this paper a new scheme based on the wavelet type decomposition-reconstruction is proposed and experimentally verified. Instead of typical filters, i.e., those referring to the Fourier representation, half-band filters based on the discrete trigonometric transforms (DTTs) are used. A comparison with the standard approach has been performed and the differences are indicated. A perfect reconstruction condition is formulated for the considered filtering systems and illustrated with an example. The comparative study is supported by two examples of one level 2D image decomposition.