Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Computer Geolocation Using Extracted Features

This paper compares the extracted feature data from a sample set of hard drive images in an effort to relate the features to the physical location of the drive. A list of probable zip codes, phone numbers, place names, and IP addresses are extracted from raw drive images and compared to manually identified geolocation data. The results of the individual extractions are then analyzed to determine the feasibility in using automated extraction and analysis techniques for geolocating hard drives.
NR2A-Containing NMDARs in the Prefrontal Cortex Are Required for Working Memory and Associated with Age-Related Cognitive Decline

Working memory, the ability to temporarily maintain representational knowledge, is a foundational cognitive process that can become compromised in aging and neuropsychiatric disease. NMDA receptor (NMDAR) activation in prefrontal cortex (PFC) is necessary for the pyramidal neuron activity believed to enable working memory; however, the distinct biophysical properties and localization of NMDARs containing NR2A and NR2B subunits suggest unique roles for NMDAR subtypes in PFC neural activity and working memory. Experiments herein show that working memory depends on NR2A- but not NR2B-NMDARs in PFC of rats and that NR2A-NMDARs mediate the majority of evoked NMDAR currents on layer 2/3 PFC pyramidal neurons. Moreover, attenuated expression of the NR2A but not the NR2B subunit in PFC associates with naturally occurring working memory impairment in aged rats. Finally, NMDAR currents and working memory are enhanced in aged rats by promoting activation of the NR2A-enriched synaptic pool of PFC NMDARs. These results implicate NR2A-NMDARs in normal working memory and suggest novel treatment strategies for improving working memory in cognitive disorders. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Working memory, the ability to hold information “in mind,” requires persistent activity of pyramidal neurons in prefrontal cortex (PFC) mediated by NMDA receptor (NMDAR) activation. NMDAR loss in PFC may account for working memory impairments in aging and psychiatric disease. Our studies demonstrate that NMDARs containing the NR2A subunit, but not the NR2B subunit, are required for working memory and that loss of NR2A predicts severity of age-related working memory impairment. The importance of NR2A to working memory is likely due its abundant contribution to pyramidal neuron activity and location at synaptic sites in PFC. This information is useful in designing new therapies to treat working memory impairments by enhancing the function of NR2A-containing NMDARs.
Differential Neural Correlates of Set-Shifting in the Bingeing-Purging and Restrictive Subtypes of Anorexia Nervosa: An fMRI Study.

In this study, possible differences in the neural correlates of set-shifting abilities between the restrictive (AN-R) and bingeing/purging (AN-BP) subtypes of anorexia nervosa have been explored. Three groups of participants performed a set-shifting task during functional magnetic resonance imaging: patients with AN-R (N = 16), AN-BP (N = 13) and healthy control participants (N = 15). As in a typical set-shifting experiment, participants had to switch between two easy tasks (i.e. 'Is the presented number odd/even' or 'Is the presented number smaller/larger than 5'). The trials in which the task was repeated (repeat trials) were compared with trials in which the task was switched (switch trials). With regards to the level of task performance, no significant group differences could be established. However, when comparing switch specific brain activity across study groups, a stronger activation was found in the insula and the precuneus in AN-R when compared to AN-BP and HC. These results suggest that the both subtypes of AN might have different neurobiological correlates, and thus, might benefit from different treatment approaches. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Two Notch Ligands, Dll1 and Jag1, Are Differently Restricted in Their Range of Action to Control Neurogenesis in the Mammalian Spinal Cord

Background Notch signalling regulates neuronal differentiation in the vertebrate nervous system. In addition to a widespread function in maintaining neural progenitors, Notch signalling has also been involved in specific neuronal fate decisions. These functions are likely mediated by distinct Notch ligands, which show restricted expression patterns in the developing nervous system. Two ligands, in particular, are expressed in non-overlapping complementary domains of the embryonic spinal cord, with Jag1 being restricted to the V1 and dI6 progenitor domains, while Dll1 is expressed in the remaining domains. However, the specific contribution of different ligands to regulate neurogenesis in vertebrate embryos is still poorly understood. Methodology/Principal Findings In this work, we investigated the role of Jag1 and Dll1 during spinal cord neurogenesis, using conditional knockout mice where the two genes are deleted in the neuroepithelium, singly or in combination. Our analysis showed that Jag1 deletion leads to a modest increase in V1 interneurons, while dI6 neurogenesis was unaltered. This mild Jag1 phenotype contrasts with the strong neurogenic phenotype detected in Dll1 mutants and led us to hypothesize that neighbouring Dll1-expressing cells signal to V1 and dI6 progenitors and restore neurogenesis in the absence of Jag1. Analysis of double Dll1;Jag1 mutant embryos revealed a stronger increase in V1-derived interneurons and overproduction of dI6 interneurons. In the presence of a functional Dll1 allele, V1 neurogenesis is restored to the levels detected in single Jag1 mutants, while dI6 neurogenesis returns to normal, thereby confirming that Dll1-mediated signalling compensates for Jag1 deletion in V1 and dI6 domains. Conclusions/Significance Our results reveal that Dll1 and Jag1 are functionally equivalent in controlling the rate of neurogenesis within their expression domains. However, Jag1 can only activate Notch signalling within the V1 and dI6 domains, whereas Dll1 can signal to neural progenitors both inside and outside its domains of expression.
Stochastic Model Predictive Control for Linear Discrete-Time Systems with Random Dither Quantization

— Recently, feedback control systems using random dither quantizers have been proposed for linear discrete-time systems. However, the constraints imposed on state and control variables have not yet been taken into account for the design of feedback control systems with random dither quantization. Model predictive control is a kind of optimal feedback control in which control performance over a ﬁnite future is optimized with a performance index that has a moving initial and terminal time. An important advantage of model predictive control is its ability to handle constraints imposed on state and control variables. Based on the model predictive control approach, the objective of this paper is to present a control method that satisﬁes probabilistic state constraints for linear discrete-time feedback control systems with random dither quantization. In other words, this paper provides a method for solving the optimal control problems subject to probabilistic state constraints for linear discrete-time feedback control systems with random dither quantization.
Accelerating Gaussian bare-bones differential evolution using neighbourhood mutation

Gaussian bare-bones differential evolution GBDE is a new DE algorithm which employs Gaussian random sampling to generate mutant vectors. Though this method can maintain population diversity and enhance the global search ability, it may result in slow convergence rate. In this paper, we present an improved GBDE IGBDE algorithm by using neighbourhood mutation to accelerate the evolution. Moreover, a modified parameter control method is utilised to adjust the crossover rate CR. To verify the performance of our approach, 13 well-known benchmark functions are tested in the experiments. Simulation results show that IGBDE outperforms the original GBDE in terms of solution accuracy and convergence speed.
Mutants of Lactobacillus plantarum ML11-11 Deficient in Co-Aggregation with Yeast Exhibited Reduced Activities of Mixed-Species Biofilm Formation

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) mutants deficient in inter-species co-aggregation with yeast were spontaneously derived from Lactobacillus plantarum ML11-11, a significant mixed-species biofilm former in static co-cultures with budding yeasts. These non-co-aggregative mutants also showed significant decreases in mixed-species biofilm formation. These results suggest the important role of co-aggregation between LAB and yeast in mixed-species biofilm formation. Cell surface proteins obtained by 5 M LiCl extraction from the wild-type cells and non-co-aggregative mutant cells were analyzed by SDS–PAGE. There was an obvious difference in protein profiles. The protein band at 30 kDa was present abundantly in the wild-type cell surface fraction but was significantly decreased in the mutant cells. This band assuredly corresponded to the LAB surface factors that contribute to co-aggregation with yeasts.
Chapter 1 Cancer Biomarkers

Cancer biomarkers (CB) are biomolecules produced either by the tumor cells or by other cells of the body in response to the tumor. Every cell type has its unique molecular signature and identifiable characteristics such as levels or activities of myriad of genes, proteins, or other molecular features; therefore, biomarkers can facilitate the molecular definition of cancer. Our aim was providing updated knowledge and performing detailed review about CB regarding their molecular and biochemical characterization and their clinical utility in screening, diagnosis, follow-up, or therapeutic stratification for cancer patients. Focusing on conventional, the FDA approved as well as promising future biomarkers in most common cancers. In addition, emphasizing on their prospective role may be of great value in improving the management of cancer patients. The challenge and future prospective of biomarkers, by facilitating the combination of therapeutics with diagnos‐ tics, promise to play an important role in the development of personalized medicine.
Ion beam effect on Ge-Se chalcogenide glass films: Non-volatile memory array formation, structural changes and device performance

In this work a scheme for fabricating a conductive bridge non-volatile memory arrays, using ion bombardment through a mask, is demonstrated. Blanket films and devices have been created to study the structural changes, surface roughness and device performance. Ar+ ions interaction on thin films of GexSe1-x system have been studied using Raman Spectroscopy, Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS). The performance of the memory devices has been analyzed based on the formation of vias and damage accumulation due to Ar+ ion interactions with GexSe1-x(x=0.25, 0.3 and 0.4) thin films of chalcogenide glasses (ChG). This method of devices/arrays fabrication provides a unique alternative to conventional photolithography for prototyping redox conductive bridge memory without involving any wet chemistry.
Archiving in the networked world: by the numbers

Purpose – The purpose of this research is to investigate: how many journal titles are both in LOCKSS and in Portico? ; what is the relationship of small publishers to LOCKSS/CLOCKSS and Portico? ; and what is the relationship of large publishers to LOCKSS/CLOCKSS and Portico? Design/methodology/approach – The paper describes how data from Portico, LOCKSS, and CLOCKSS were cleaned and analyzed using Perl programs to discover duplications.Findings – The findings show a significant overlap among the archiving systems. They also show that Portico has no prejudice against small publishers and that large publishers are as willing to choose the LOCKSS software as to choose Portico. LOCKSS does, however, archive many more small and arguably endangered publishers and may be the only economically viable choice for them.Originality/value – The push for greater transparency has made more and more data available. Both LOCKSS and Portico deserve commendation for providing the detailed lists of titles and publishers on whi.
Evaluation of Student Handwashing Practices During a School-Based Hygiene Program in Rural Western Kenya, 2007

Unsafe drinking water and inadequate handwashing facilities in primary schools increase the risk of absenteeism due to diarrhea and respiratory infections. To mitigate these risks, we provided 28 schools in rural Western Kenya with handwashing and drinking water stations (containers with lids and taps on metal stands), bleach for water treatment, soap for handwashing, and educational materials. We observed the use of the water stations and assessed teachers’ attitudes toward the intervention. Of 151 total handwashing stations, 69 (59%) were observed to have soap and water and treated drinking water 4 months after implementation; observations of pupils showed an increase in handwashing behavior in water stations located < 10 m, as compared with those >10 m, from latrines (p < .02). In focus groups, teachers reported improved cleanliness and decreased illness in pupils. Teacher training and installation of water stations resulted in observed improvements in pupils’ hygiene, particularly when water stations were located <10 m from latrines.
Molecular Tuning of an EF-Hand-like Calcium Binding Loop

Calcium binding and signaling orchestrate a wide variety of essential cellular functions, many of which employ the EF-hand Ca2+ binding motif. The ion binding parameters of this motif are controlled, in part, by the structure of its Ca2+ binding loop, termed the EF-loop. The EF-loops of different proteins are carefully specialized, or fine-tuned, to yield optimized Ca2+ binding parameters for their unique cellular roles. The present study uses a structurally homologous Ca2+ binding loop, that of the Escherichia coli galactose binding protein, as a model for the EF-loop in studies examining the contribution of the third loop position to intramolecular tuning. 10 different side chains are compared at the third position of the model EF-loop with respect to their effects on protein stability, sugar binding, and metal binding equilibria and kinetics. Substitution of an acidic Asp side chain for the native Asn is found to generate a 6,000-fold increase in the ion selectivity for trivalent over divalent cations, providing strong support for the electrostatic repulsion model of divalent cation charge selectivity. Replacement of Asn by neutral side chains differing in size and shape each alter the ionic size selectivity in a similar manner, supporting a model in which large-ion size selectivity is controlled by complex interactions between multiple side chains rather than by the dimensions of a single coordinating side chain. Finally, the pattern of perturbations generated by side chain substitutions helps to explain the prevalence of Asn and Asp at the third position of natural EF-loops and provides further evidence supporting the unique kinetic tuning role of the gateway side chain at the ninth EF-loop position.
Study of the Implementation of Business Process Management in Public Administration in Germany , Switzerland and Austria

Electronic democracy has been in use in many countries around the world with mixed success. With the power of the web 2.0 technologies, there are more opportunities to enhance the democratic process through the use of social networking tools. Social networks showed potential for facilitating democracy and democratic change during the Arab spring revolutions, suggesting that they could be utilized as an e-democracy tool. This research proposed a new model of how the decision making process for local governments in Arab spring countries could be improved via social networks. Quantitative approach was used to investigate how the use of a social network amongst people living in the same suburb could improve decision-making on the local level. Findings showed that awareness building, deliberation and consultation factors could be used to affect the decision making for their local governments.
Polymeric biomaterials for bone regeneration

Natural and synthetic polymeric materials have been widely used in bone tissue engineering due to their similarity with extracellular matrices and considerable biocompatibility and biodegradability. A variety of techniques has been applied to modify the physicochemical, structural, and biological properties of polymeric materials to meet the specific requirements of bone regeneration. This review aims to provide a brief overview of recent progress on the synthesis and fabrication of polymeric materials for bone tissue engineering. Commonly used and innovative processing techniques to fabricate different structural polymer scaffolds and bioactive surface modification of polymer scaffolds to promote bone regeneration are introduced. The mechanical stimulation and immunomodulatory effect of polymeric materials to cells are also discussed.
Analysis of voice fundamental frequency contours for declarative sentences of Japanese

A model for the generation of fundamental frequency contours (F0 contours) of spoken, sentences is presented for the purpose of elucidating the relationship between the sentence F0 contour and the linguistic and non-linguistic information. It is based on a quantitative formulation of the process whereby the logarithmic fundamental frequency is controlled in proportion to the sum of two components corresponding respectively to the effects of phrase and accent. The model's parameters were determined to give the best approximation to an observed F0 contour on the basis of the mean squared error. Analysis of natural utterances of various declarative sentences of Japanese revealedthat the model can generate close approximations to observed F0 contours from a set of discrete commands and a small number of parameters. The extracted parameters were found to be closely related to linguistic factors and factors constituting thenaturalness of speech. These results provide a means for generating natural F0 contours from a small set of parameters and rules for synthesis.
Reliability and Validity of an Interviewer-Administered Adaptation of the Youth Self-Report for Mental Health Screening of Vulnerable Young People in Ethiopia

Objective Evaluate the reliability and validity of the Youth Self-Report (YSR) as a screening tool for mental health problems among young people vulnerable to HIV in Ethiopia. Design A cross-sectional assessment of young people currently receiving social services. Methods Young people age 15–18 participated in a study where a translated and adapted version of the YSR was administered by trained nurses, followed by an assessment by Ethiopian psychiatrists. Internal reliability of YSR syndrome scales were assessed using Chronbach's alpha. Test-retest reliability was assessed through repeating the YSR one month later. To assess validity, analysis of the sensitivity and specificity of the YSR compared to the psychiatrist assessment was conducted. Results Across the eight syndrome scales, the YSR best measured the diagnosis of anxiety/depression and social problems among young women, and attention problems among young men. Among individual YSR syndrome scales, internal reliability ranged from unacceptable (Chronback’s alpha = 0.11, rule-breaking behavior among young women) to good (α≥0.71, anxiety/depression among young women). Anxiety/depression scores of ≥8.5 among young women also had good sensitivity (0.833) and specificity (0.754) to predict a true diagnosis. The YSR syndrome scales for social problems among young women and attention problems among young men also had fair consistency and validity measurements. Most YSR scores had significant positive correlations between baseline and post-one month administration. Measures of reliability and validity for most other YSR syndrome scales were fair to poor. Conclusions The adapted, personally administered, Amharic version of the YSR has sufficient reliability and validity in identifying young vulnerable women with anxiety/depression and/or social problems, and young men with attention problems; which were the most common mental health disorders observed by psychiatrists among the migrant populations in this study. Further assessment of the applicability of the YSR among vulnerable young people for less common disorders in Ethiopia is needed.
High-power wind energy conversion systems: State-of-the-art and emerging technologies

This paper presents a comprehensive study on the state-of-the-art and emerging wind energy technologies from the electrical engineering perspective. In an attempt to decrease cost of energy, increase the wind energy conversion efficiency, reliability, power density, and comply with the stringent grid codes, the electric generators and power electronic converters have emerged in a rigorous manner. From the market based survey, the most successful generator-converter configurations are addressed along with few promising topologies available in the literature. The back-to-back connected converters, passive generator-side converters, converters for multiphase generators, and converters without intermediate dc-link are investigated for high-power wind energy conversion systems (WECS), and presented in low and medium voltage category. The onshore and offshore wind farm configurations are analyzed with respect to the series/parallel connection of wind turbine ac/dc output terminals, and high voltage ac/dc transmission. The fault-ride through compliance methods used in the induction and synchronous generator based WECS are also discussed. The past, present and future trends in megawatt WECS are reviewed in terms of mechanical and electrical technologies, integration to power systems, and control theory. The important survey results, and technical merits and demerits of various WECS electrical systems are summarized by tables. The list of current and future wind turbines are also provided along with technical details.
A Graph-Theoretic Fusion Framework for Unsupervised Entity Resolution

Entity resolution identifies all records in a database that refer to the same entity. The mainstream solutions rely on supervised learning or crowd assistance, both requiring labor overhead for data annotation. To avoid human intervention, we propose an unsupervised graph-theoretic fusion framework with two components, namely ITER and CliqueRank. Specifically, ITER constructs a weighted bipartite graph between terms and record-record pairs and iteratively propagates the node salience until convergence. Subsequently, CliqueRank constructs a record graph to estimate the likelihood of two records resident in the same clique. The derived likelihood from CliqueRank is fed back to ITER to rectify the edge weight until a joint optimum can be reached. Experimental evaluation was conducted among 14 competitors and results show that without any labeled data or crowd assistance, our unsupervised framework is comparable or even superior to state-of-the-art methods among three benchmark datasets.