Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sponsor Risk and the Performance of Asset-Backed Securities

Asset-backed securitization transforms assets into securities and in the process separates the credit risk of a pool of assets from the credit risk of the securitization’s sponsor, which gives securitization several important advantages over issuing corporate debt. Recent research, however, suggests a link between the financial condition of the sponsor and the performance of its ABS. If market participants do not fully understand the link between the sponsor’s financial condition and the future performance of its ABS, rating agencies may improperly rate these securities, investors may improperly price the risk of these securities, and regulators may require inadequate capital against potential losses in these securities. The results presented in this paper suggest a strong link between the financial condition of the sponsor and the subsequent performance of the securitization. Securities sponsored by a higher-rated sponsor retain their initial rating longer before being downgraded than securities sponsored by a lower-rated sponsor. Securities sponsored by better capitalized, more diversified, or vertically integrated firms also perform better. Finally, securities sponsored by banks tend to be downgraded later than ABS sponsored by foreign banks or by nonbanks. Importantly, we find many of these relationships existed in ABS issued well before the financial crisis.
1-Methyl-4-phenylpyridinium-induced Apoptosis in Cerebellar Granule Neurons Is Mediated by Transferrin Receptor Iron-dependent Depletion of Tetrahydrobiopterin and Neuronal Nitric-oxide Synthase-derived Superoxide*

In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms of toxicity of 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+), an ultimate toxic metabolite of a mitochondrial neurotoxin, 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine, that causes Parkinson-like symptoms in experimental animals and humans. We used rat cerebellar granule neurons as a model cell system for investigating MPP+ toxicity. Results show that MPP+ treatment resulted in the generation of reactive oxygen species from inhibition of complex I of the mitochondrial respiratory chain, and inactivation of aconitase. This, in turn, stimulated transferrin receptor (TfR)-dependent iron signaling via activation of the iron-regulatory protein/iron-responsive element interaction. MPP+ caused a time-dependent depletion of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) that was mediated by H2O2 and transferrin iron. Depletion of BH4 decreased the active, dimeric form of neuronal nitric-oxide synthase (nNOS). MPP+-mediated “uncoupling” of nNOS decreased . NO and increased superoxide formation. Pretreatment of cells with sepiapterin to promote BH4 biosynthesis or cell-permeable iron chelator and TfR antibody to prevent iron-catalyzed BH4 decomposition inhibited MPP+ cytotoxicity. Preincubation of cerebellar granule neurons with nNOS inhibitor exacerbated MPP+-induced iron uptake, BH4 depletion, proteasomal inactivation, and apoptosis. We conclude that MPP+-dependent aconitase inactivation, Tf-iron uptake, and oxidant generation result in the depletion of intracellular BH4, leading to the uncoupling of nNOS activity. This further exacerbates reactive oxygen species-mediated oxidative damage and apoptosis. Implications of these results in unraveling the molecular mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases (Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease) are discussed.
Couples' Online Cognitions during Conflict: Links between What Partners Think and their Relational Satisfaction

The current study was conducted to investigate the thoughts romantic partners had as they discussed a topic of conflict in their relationship. A modified version of protocol analysis was employed to access couples' cognitions. Specifically, partners voiced their thoughts aloud as they engaged in a computer-mediated interaction. The findings yielded associations between individuals' cognitions and their relational satisfaction as well as differences between the cognitions of men and women. Individuals' vocalized thoughts also were associated with their partner's satisfaction. The results provide an interesting portrayal of various associations between the way partners feel about their relationship and the unspoken thoughts they have during the course of interaction. Possible theoretical and methodological implications for the literature on couples' cognitions and relational satisfaction are discussed.
Automatic Fire Detection: A Survey from Wireless Sensor Network Perspective

A label/window position detecting device includes a conveyor, light-emitting elements, a lens, linear image sensors, image processors, and coordinate calculation units. The conveyor conveys a target object having a label/window. The light-emitting elements illuminate the target object which is being conveyed by the conveyor. The lens forms an image of the target object illuminated with the light-emitting elements. The linear image sensors photoelectrically convert image light incident through the lens into image signals. The image processors binarize the image signals obtained from the linear image sensors into monochrome binary image signals, using a predetermined threshold. The coordinate calculation units calculate a label/window position of the target object on the basis of the binary image signals from the image processors, which correspond to a label/window edge portion. A method of detecting a label/window position is also disclosed.
A deeply embedded young protoplanetary disk around L1489 IRS observed by the submillimeter array

Context. Circumstellar disks are expected to form early in the process that leads to the formation of a young star, during the collapse of the dense molecular cloud core. Currently, it is not well understood at what stage of the collapse the disk is formed or how it subsequently evolves. Aims. We aim to identify whether an embedded Keplerian protoplanetary disk resides in the L1489 IRS system. Given the amount of envelope material still present, such a disk would respresent a very young example of a protoplanetary disk. Methods. Using the Submillimeter Array we have observed the HCO + J = 3–2 line with a resolution of about 1 �� . At this resolution a protoplanetary disk with a radius of a few hundred AUs should be detectable, if present. Radiative transfer tools are used to model the emission from both continuum and line data. Results. We find that these data are consistent with theoretical models of a collapsing envelope and Keplerian circumstellar disk. Models reproducing both the spectral energy distribution and the interferometric continuum observations reveal that the disk is inclined by 40 ◦ , which is significantly different to the surrounding envelope (74 ◦ ). Conclusions. This misalignment of the angular momentum axes may be caused by a gradient within the angular momentum in the parental cloud, or if L1489 IRS is a binary system rather than just a single star. In the latter case, future observations looking for variability at sub-arcsecond scales may be able to constrain these dynamical variations directly. However, if stars form from turbulent cores, the accreting material will not have a constant angular momentum axis (although the average is well defined and conserved), in which case it is more likely to have a misalignment of the angular momentum axes of the disk and the envelope.
Constructions of 2‐cover‐free families and related separating hash families

Cover‐free families (CFFs) were considered from different subjects by numerous researchers. In this article, we mainly consider explicit constructions of (2; d)‐cover‐free families. We also determine the size of optimal 2‐cover‐free‐families on 9, 10, and 11 points. Related separating hash families, which can be used to construct CFFs, are also discussed. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Combin Designs 14: 423–440, 2006
Network Meta-Analysis Using R: A Review of Currently Available Automated Packages

Network meta-analysis (NMA) – a statistical technique that allows comparison of multiple treatments in the same meta-analysis simultaneously – has become increasingly popular in the medical literature in recent years. The statistical methodology underpinning this technique and software tools for implementing the methods are evolving. Both commercial and freely available statistical software packages have been developed to facilitate the statistical computations using NMA with varying degrees of functionality and ease of use. This paper aims to introduce the reader to three R packages, namely, gemtc, pcnetmeta, and netmeta, which are freely available software tools implemented in R. Each automates the process of performing NMA so that users can perform the analysis with minimal computational effort. We present, compare and contrast the availability and functionality of different important features of NMA in these three packages so that clinical investigators and researchers can determine which R packages to implement depending on their analysis needs. Four summary tables detailing (i) data input and network plotting, (ii) modeling options, (iii) assumption checking and diagnostic testing, and (iv) inference and reporting tools, are provided, along with an analysis of a previously published dataset to illustrate the outputs available from each package. We demonstrate that each of the three packages provides a useful set of tools, and combined provide users with nearly all functionality that might be desired when conducting a NMA.
School‐based management and the role conflict of the school superintendent

Although superintendency has long been considered a high‐conflict role, little is known about the way decentralization initiatives are perceived by superintendents and how they influence their coping strategies, especially when confronting role conflict following the introduction of school‐based management (SBM) in centralized educational systems. Data collected in a set of in‐depth interviews conducted with school superintendents provide evidence for a role conflict that they experience following the introduction of SBM. It is evident that superintendents tend to employ rationalization and resistance as two major coping strategies with these newly created circumstances, in an attempt to restore the relevancy and the professional status of their role. Based on the findings, it is argued that superintendents are more likely to adopt a destructive rather than constructive problem‐focused coping strategy and may therefore, prove to be restraining factors and obstacles for the implementation of SBM in a centralized educational system.
Multi-level locks to control collaborative modeling sessions

Collaborative editing systems require mechanisms of control in order to make the collaboration more effective. The synchronous collaboration allows the notion of simultaneity; however, it demands more adequate perception elements. In the collaborative edition of UML diagrams where dependencies between their modeling elements do exist, it is necessary to apply a mechanism of control to support the edition of consistent models. In this work, we present a multi-level locking mechanism that automatically manages locks in the modeling elements of UML diagrams during a collaborative session. This paper also describes a controlled experiment conducted to study the use of the multi-level locking mechanism during collaborative modeling sessions, and the observations from the empirical data collected.
Fair Class-Based Downlink Scheduling with Revenue Considerations in Next Generation Broadband Wireless Access Systems

The success of emerging Broadband Wireless Access Systems (BWASs) will depend, among other factors, on their ability to manage their shared wireless resources in the most efficient way. This is a complex task due to the heterogeneous nature, and hence, diverse Quality of Service (QoS) requirements of different applications that these systems support. Therefore, QoS provisioning is crucial for the success of such wireless access systems. In this paper, we propose a novel downlink packet scheduling scheme for QoS provisioning in BWASs. The proposed scheme employs practical economic models through the use of novel utility and opportunity cost functions to simultaneously satisfy the diverse QoS requirements of mobile users and maximize the revenues of network operators. Unlike existing schemes, the proposed scheme is general and can support multiple QoS classes with users having different QoS and traffic demands. To demonstrate its generality, we show how the utility function can be used to support three different types of traffic, namely best-effort traffic, traffic with minimum data rate requirements, and traffic with maximum packet delay requirements. Extensive performance analysis is carried out to show the effectiveness and strengths of the proposed packet scheduling scheme.
The Social Accuracy Model of Interpersonal Perception: Assessing Individual Differences in Perceptive and Expressive Accuracy

The social accuracy model of interpersonal perception (SAM) is a componential model that estimates perceiver and target effects of different components of accuracy across traits simultaneously. For instance, Jane may be generally accurate in her perceptions of others and thus high in perceptive accuracy—the extent to which a particular perceiver's impressions are more or less accurate than other perceivers on average across different targets. Just as well, Jake may be accurately perceived by others and thus high in expressive accuracy—the extent to which a particular target is accurately perceived on average across different perceivers. Perceptive and expressive accuracy can be further decomposed into their constituent components of normative and distinctive accuracy. Thus the SAM represents an integration of Cronbach's componential approach with Kenny's (1994) social relations model. The SAM is illustrated using both a half-block as well as a round-robin design. Key findings include reliable individual differences in several specific aspects of interpersonal perceptions.
Efficient processing of 3-sided range queries with probabilistic guarantees

This work studies the problem of 2-dimensional searching for the 3-sided range query of the form [<i>a, b</i>] x (-∞, <i>c</i>] in both main and external memory, by considering a variety of input distributions. A dynamic linear main memory solution is proposed, which answers 3-sided queries in <i>O</i>(log <i>n + t</i>) worst case time and scales with <i>O</i> (log log <i>n</i>) expected with high probability update time, under continuous μ-random distributions of the <i>x</i> and <i>y</i> coordinates, where <i>n</i> is the current number of stored points and <i>t</i> is the size of the query output. Our expected update bound constitutes a considerable improvement over the <i>O</i>(log <i>n</i>) update time bound achieved by the classic Priority Search Tree of McCreight [23], as well as over the Fusion Priority Search Tree of Willard [30], which requires <i>O</i>(log <i>n</i>/log log <i>n</i>) time for all operations. Moreover, we externalize this solution, gaining <i>O</i>(<i>log</i><sub><i>B</i></sub> <i>n + t/B</i>) worst case and <i>O</i>(<i>log</i><sub><i>B</i></sub><i>logn</i>) amortized expected with high probability I/Os for query and update operations respectively, where <i>B</i> is the disk block size. Then, combining the Modified Priority Search Tree [27] with the Priority Search Tree [23], we achieve a query time of <i>O</i>(log log <i>n + t</i>) expected with high probability and an update time of <i>O</i>(log log <i>n</i>) expected with high probability, under the assumption that the <i>x</i>-coordinates are continuously drawn from a smooth distribution and the <i>y</i>-coordinates are continuously drawn from a more restricted class of distributions. The total space is linear. Finally, we externalize this solution, obtaining a dynamic data structure that answers 3-sided queries in <i>O</i>(log<sub><i>B</i></sub> log <i>n + t/B</i>) I/Os expected with high probability, and it can be updated in <i>O</i>(log<sub><i>B</i></sub> log <i>n</i>) I/Os amortized expected with high probability and consumes <i>O(n/B)</i> space, under the same assumptions.
Development of the UB Hand IV: Overview of Design Solutions and Enabling Technologies

The replication of the human hand's functionality and appearance is one of the main reasons for the development of robot hands. Despite 40 years of research in the field [1], the reproduction of human capabilities, in terms of dexterous manipulation, still seems unachievable by the state-of-the-art technologies. From a design perspective, even defining the optimal functionalities of a robotic end-effector is quite a challenging task since possible applications of these devices span industrial robotics, humanoid robotics, rehabilitation medicines, and prosthetics, to name a few. Therefore, it is reasonable to think that the design solutions, which are well suited to a single domain, might not be readily taken as general guidelines. For example, industrial manipulators are often equipped with basic grippers, which are conceived so as to increase the throughput and the reliability, and are assumed to operate in structured environments. In this case, the enhanced manipulation skills and the subsequent cost increases must be carefully motivated by the application requirements.
Automatic Mutation Testing and Simulation on OWL-S Specified Web Services

Web Ontology Language for Services (OWLS) is a standard XML-based language for specifying workflows and integration semantics among Web services (WS), which form composite WS. This paper analyzes the fault patterns of OWL-S specified composite WS and their workflows, proposes an ontology-based mutation analysis method, and applies specification-based mutation techniques for composite WS simulation and testing. Four categories of OWL-S mutant operators are specified, including data mutation, condition mutation, control flow mutation, and data flow mutation. Finally, the paper studies the ontology-based input mutation technique using a BookFinder service as a case study, which shows that ontology-based mutation provides viable test adequacy criteria for testing OWL-S specified composite WS.
A 6-bit 1GS/s low-power flash ADC

This paper proposes a low-power design guideline for high speed ADCs, and a low-power ADC with this design guideline is fabricated in a 0. 13µm CMOS process. The experimental results show that the effective number of bit (ENOB) is 5.16 at the sampling frequency of 1 GHz, and the resolution bandwidth (ERBW) is higher than 500 MHz at 700MS/s. Due to the high input bandwidth and low power consumption, this ADC is very suitable for UWB systems.
Fostering pupils’ lifelong learning competencies in the classroom: evaluation of a training programme using a multivariate multilevel growth curve approach

Abstract Evidence-based interventions to promote lifelong learning are needed not only in continuing education but also in schools, which lay important cornerstones for lifelong learning. The present article reports evaluation results about the effectiveness of one such training programme (TALK). TALK aims to systematically implement the enhancement of lifelong learning in secondary schools by optimizing teaching in terms of developing pupils’ competencies for lifelong learning. TALK is conducted within the framework of a three-semester course of studies for secondary school teachers. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of TALK, a questionnaire study with 1144 pupils was conducted in the form of a pretest–posttest–posttest design for both training and control groups. Multivariate multilevel growth curve analyses showed the benefit of TALK in terms of both pupils’ perceptions of classroom instructions and their individual motivation. Finally, TALK’s contribution to promote lifelong learning in schools is discussed and implications are given.
Implementation and optimization of image processing algorithms on handheld GPU

The advent of GPUs with programmable shaders on handheld devices has motivated embedded application developers to utilize GPU to offload computationally intensive tasks and relieve the burden from embedded CPU. In this work, we propose an image processing toolkit on handheld GPU with programmable shaders using OpenGL ES 2.0 API. By using the image processing toolkit, we show that a range of image processing algorithms map readily to handheld GPU. We employ real-time video scaling, cartoon-style non-photorealistic rendering, and Harris corner detector as our example applications. In addition, we propose techniques to achieve increased performance with optimized shader design and efficient sharing of GPU workload between vertex and fragment shaders. Performance is evaluated in terms of frames per second at varying video stream resolution.
Adverse Effect of High Glucose Concentration on Stem Cell Therapy

Stem cell therapy could have great potential for the treatment of a wide variety of diseases. Stem cells might have the ability to differentiate into a widespread cell types, and to repopulate and revitalize the damaged cells with healthy tissue, and improve its performance. We provide here the evidence supporting the critical use of stem cell as a treatment in disease conditions existing with high glucose complaint such as diabetes. The reduction of glucose stimulated cell proliferation and high glucose enhanced apoptosis in rat model, which may be a problem in therapeutic strategies based on ex vivo expansion of stem cell, and may also propagate the development of osteoporosis in high glucose complaint such as diabetes. This leads to the hypothesis that, high glucose could be more deleterious to stem cell therapy that may be due to the aggravation of oxidative stress triggered by high glucose. These findings may help to understand the possible reasons associated with high glucose induced detrimental effects on stem cells as well as provide novel therapeutic strategies for preventing the adverse effects of glucose on the development and progression of stem cells in patients with diabetes.
Testing Judgments about Attribution-Emotion-Action Linkages: A Lifespan Approach

Two studies are reported that examined attribution-emotion-action linkages across the lifespan. Specifically, two sets of relations were examined: (1) that between causal controllability, the social emotions of anger and pity, and intended helping behavior; and (2) that between causal locus, the achievement-related emotion of pride, and intended self reward. In Experiment 1, participants ranging in age from 5 to 95 years were given a set of vignettes concerning a person in need of help with the cause of that need manipulated to be either controllable or uncontrollable. Perceptions of controllability, emotional reactions of anger and pity, and likelihood of help were ascertained. In Experiment 2, subjects comprising the same age groups were given a set of scenarios describing an achievement success with the cause of that success manipulated to be either internal or external. Perceptions of causal locus, emotional reactions of pride, and intended reward allocation were similarly measured. The linkages invol.
Systemic Associations of Dynamic Retinal Vessel Analysis: A Review of Current Literature

Endothelial dysfunction is a key pathogenic mechanism of CVD. The retinal microvascular network offers a unique, non‐invasive window to study endothelial function. Recently, dynamic measurement of retinal vessel caliber using flicker light stimulation has been used to evaluate potential endothelial dysfunction and other mechanisms in CVD. A variety of studies now indicate that retinal vasodilation during flicker light simulation is reduced in diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and obesity, and may be influenced by age and race/ethnicity. These data suggest that flicker light‐induced retinal vasodilation may be a unique and non‐invasive measure of endothelial dysfunction. This review focuses recent studies on systemic associations of flicker light‐induced retinal vasodilation, and discusses the potential for future research in this area.