Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Do Friends Self-Select on the Basis of Virtue?

This study explored the role of signature str��)gfbs (e.g., leadershlp, appreciation of beauty and excellence, social intelligence) in close friendships. Specifically, it was hypothesized that college-aged individuals' signature strengths would be similar to those of their closest friends, and also that the closer and more intimate the friendshlp, the more similar would be the friends in their signature strengths. It was also hypothesized that the strength of the relationship between best friends' signature strengths would be associated with an individual's level of identity development; with the length of the friendshlp; and with the gender of the persons reporting. College students were administered the Values In Action SignatUre Strengths Inventory (VIA-IS), the Berndt Adult Friendship Questionnaire, the Positive and Negative Affectivity Schedule, the Ego Identity Process Questionnaire, and an open-ended measu.t;e assessing perceptions of friends' positive qualities. Results indicated several trends for data in predicted directions, although the small sample size precluded any conclusions based on statistical significance.
Diffusion Independent Semi-Bandit Influence Maximization

We consider \emph{influence maximization} (IM) in social networks, which is the problem of maximizing the number of users that become aware of a product by selecting a set of "seed" users to expose the product to. While prior work assumes a known model of information diffusion, we propose a parametrization in terms of pairwise reachability which makes our framework agnostic to the underlying diffusion model. We give a corresponding monotone, submodular surrogate function, and show that it is a good approximation to the original IM objective. We also consider the case of a new marketer looking to exploit an existing social network, while simultaneously learning the factors governing information propagation. For this, we propose a pairwise-influence semi-bandit feedback model and develop a LinUCB-based bandit algorithm. Our model-independent regret analysis shows that our bound on the cumulative regret has a better (as compared to previous work) dependence on the size of the network. By using the graph Laplacian eigenbasis to construct features, we describe a practical LinUCB implementation. Experimental evaluation suggests that our framework is robust to the underlying diffusion model and can efficiently learn a near-optimal solution.
Calcium/Calmodulin Dependent Protein Kinase II Bound to NMDA Receptor 2B Subunit Exhibits Increased ATP Affinity and Attenuated Dephosphorylation

Calcium/calmodulin dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) is implicated to play a key role in learning and memory. NR2B subunit of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) is a high affinity binding partner of CaMKII at the postsynaptic membrane. NR2B binds to the T-site of CaMKII and modulates its catalysis. By direct measurement using isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), we show that NR2B binding causes about 11 fold increase in the affinity of CaMKII for ATPγS, an analogue of ATP. ITC data is also consistent with an ordered binding mechanism for CaMKII with ATP binding the catalytic site first followed by peptide substrate. We also show that dephosphorylation of phospho-Thr286-α-CaMKII is attenuated when NR2B is bound to CaMKII. This favors the persistence of Thr286 autophosphorylated state of CaMKII in a CaMKII/phosphatase conjugate system in vitro. Overall our data indicate that the NR2B- bound state of CaMKII attains unique biochemical properties which could help in the efficient functioning of the proposed molecular switch supporting synaptic memory.
Population dynamics of a South American rodent: seasonal structure interacting with climate, density dependence and predator effects

Understanding the role of interactions between intrinsic feedback loops and external climatic forces is one of the central challenges within the field of population ecology. For rodent dynamics, the seasonal structure of the environment necessitates changes between two stages: reproductive and non–reproductive. Nevertheless, the interactions between seasonality, climate, density dependence and predators have been generally ignored. We demonstrate that direct climate effects, the nonlinear effect of predators and the nonlinear first–order feedback embedded in a seasonal structure are key elements underlying the large and irregular fluctuations in population numbers exhibited by a small rodent in a semi–arid region of central Chile. We found that factors influencing population growth rates clearly differ between breeding and non–breeding seasons. In addition, we detected nonlinear density dependencies as well as nonlinear and differential effects of generalist and specialist predators. Recent climatic changes may account for dramatic perturbations of the rodent's population dynamics. Changes in the predator guild induced by climate are likely to result, through the food web, in a large impact on small rodent demography and population dynamics. Assuming such interactions to be typical of ecological systems, we conclude that appropriate predictions of the ecological consequences of climate change will depend on having an in–depth understanding of the community–weather system.
Determinants of lemming outbreaks

Population outbreaks in tundra rodents have intrigued scientists for a century as a result of their spectacular appearances and their general lessons in ecology. One outstanding question that has led to competing hypotheses is why sympatric lemmings and voles differ in regularity and shape of their outbreaks. Lemming outbreaks may be lost for decades while vole populations maintain regular population cycles. Moreover, when lemming populations eventually irrupt, they do so more steeply than the vole populations. Norwegian lemmings exhibited a large-scale outbreak synchronously with gray-sided voles in Finnmark, northern Fennoscandia, during 2006 to 2007 for the first time in two decades. Analyses of spatial variability of this outbreak across altitudinal gradients allowed us to identify determinants of the contrasting lemming and vole dynamics. The steeper lemming outbreak trajectories were caused by breeding and population growth during winter, when nonbreeding vole populations consistently declined. The differently shaped lemming and vole outbreaks appear to result from a particular demographic tactic of lemmings that evolved as an adaptation to the long and cold Arctic–Alpine winters. The lemming outbreak amplitude increased with altitude and vole density, indicating that lemming outbreaks are jointly facilitated by low temperatures and apparent mutualism with voles mediated by shared predators. High sensitivity to variation in climate and predation is likely to be the reasons why lemmings have more erratic population dynamics than sympatric voles. The combination of continued climatic warming and dampened vole cycles is expected to further decrease the frequency, amplitude, and geographic range of lemming outbreaks in tundra ecosystems.
Problem-Solving under Insu cient Resources

This paper discusses the problem of resources-limited information processing. After a review of relevant approaches in several elds, a new approach, controlled concurrency, is described and analyzed. This method is proposed for adaptive systems working under insu cient knowledge and resources. According to this method, a problemsolving activity consists of a sequence of steps which behaves like an anytime algorithm | it is interruptible, and the quality of the result is improved incrementally. The system carries out many such activities in parallel, distributes its resources among the them in a time-sharing manner, and dynamically adjusts the distribution according to the feedback of each step. The step sequence for a given problem is formed at run time, according to the system's knowledge structure, which is also dynamically formed and adjusted. Finally, this approach is compared with other approaches, and several of its properties and implications are discussed. In a computer system, all problem-solving activities cost computational resources, mainly processor time and memory space. Because these two types of resource can often be substituted by each other, this paper focuses on the management of the time resource. The paper begins by a review of the di erent assumptions about time resource made in various elds for di erent purposes. Then, a new situation, problem-solving under insufcient resources, is de ned and discussed. A resource-management mechanism, controlled concurrency, is proposed for this situation. After its basic components are introduced, the properties and implications of the mechanism are discussed and compared with those of other approaches.
Energy-efficient base station cooperation in downlink heterogeneous cellular networks

Heterogeneous cellular networks (HetNets) are to be deployed for future wireless communication to meet the ever-increasing mobile traffic demand. However, the dense and random deployment of small cells and their uncoordinated operation raise important concerns about energy efficiency. In this paper, we consider the base station (BS) cooperation solution for improving energy efficiency of the HetNets where BSs from each tier within the cooperative cluster jointly transmit the same data to a typical user. Firstly, based on the proposed clustering model, we precisely derive the ergodic rate expression using tools from stochastic geometry. Furthermore, we formulate a power minimization problem with minimum ergodic rate constraint and derive a closed-form approximated result of the optimal cooperative radii. Building upon these results, we could effectively address the problem how to design appropriate cooperative radii, taking into account the trade-off of ergodic rate and energy efficiency. Simulation results also indicate that under the proposed clustering model, deploying a two-tier HetNet is more energy-saving compared to a macro-only network.
Magnetic helicity effects in astrophysical and laboratory dynamos

Magnetic helicity effects are discussed in laboratory and astro-physical settings. Firstly, dynamo action in Taylor–Green flows is discussed for different boundary conditions. However, because of the lack of scale separation with respect to the container, no large-scale field is being produced and there is no resistively slow saturation phase as otherwise expected. Secondly, the build-up of a large-scale field is demonstrated in a simulation where a localized magnetic eddy produces field on a larger scale if the eddy possesses a swirl. Such a set-up might be realizable experimentally through coils. Finally, new emerging issues regarding the connection between magnetic helicity and the solar dynamo are discussed. It is demonstrated that dynamos with a nonlocal (Babcock–Leighton type) α effect can also be catastrophically quenched, unless there are magnetic helicity fluxes.
The Q705K Polymorphism in NLRP3 Is a Gain-of-Function Alteration Leading to Excessive Interleukin-1β and IL-18 Production

Background The Q705K polymorphism in NLRP3 has been implicated in several chronic inflammatory diseases. In this study we determine the functional role of this commonly occurring polymorphism using an in-vitro system. Principal Findings NLRP3-WT and NLRP3-Q705K were retrovirally transduced into the human monocytic cell line THP-1, followed by the assessment of IL-1β and IL-18 levels in the cell culture supernatant. THP-1 cells expressing the above NLRP3 variants were sorted based upon Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) expression. Cytokine response to alum (one of the most widely used adjuvants in vaccines) in the cells stably expressing NLRP3-WT and NLRP3-Q705K were determined. IL-1β and IL-18 levels were found to be elevated in THP-1 cells transduced with NLRP3-Q705K compared to the NLRP3-WT. Upon exposure to alum, THP-1 cells stably expressing NLRP3-Q705K displayed an increased release of IL-1β, IL-18 and TNF-α, in a caspase-1 and IL-1 receptor-dependent manner. Conclusions Collectively, these findings show that the Q705K polymorphism in NLRP3 is a gain-of-function alteration leading to an overactive NLRP3 inflammasome. The option of IL-1β blockade may be considered in patients with chronic inflammatory disorders that are unresponsive to conventional treatments.
EcMLST: an online database for multi locus sequence typing of pathogenic Escherichia coli

In order to provide a portable and accurate typing system for the unambiguous characterization of pathogenic Escherichia coli isolates to the scientific community, we have constructed an online database for multilocus sequence typing of pathogenic E. coli (EcMLST) using current Internet and open source technology. The system consists of an XML specification of the E. coli MLST system, and a set of peri modules defining the database tables and generating dynamic Web pages for querying the database. It is implemented on a Sun server running the Apache web server. The underlying tier is the MySQL database system. Currently, the database contains nucleotide sequence data and annotated allelic profile data of 15 house-keeping genes for 600 representative E. coli isolates. Access to the central-held typing and epidemiology data is supported by parametric searching, full-text searching, as well as query interface links to the reference center of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC, http://www.shigatox.net/stec). EcMLST has been used by public health laboratories and researchers for epidemiology and evolutionary studies. The system can be accessed at http://www.shigatox. net/mlst.
The SAGE Handbook of Fieldwork

PART ONE: LOCATING FIELDWORK The Fieldwork Tradition - George J McCall Praxical Reasoning and the Logic of Field Research - Gary Shank PART TWO: SITUATING FIELDWORK Jelly's Place - Elijah Anderson An Ethnographic Memoir Your Place or Mine - Michael Stein The Geography of Social Research PART THREE: SITUATING THE RESPONDENTS Fieldwork with the Elite - Mary Dodge and Gilbert Geis Interviewing White-Collar Criminals Entering the Field - C H Browner and H Mabel Preloran Recruiting Latinos for Ethnographic Research PART FOUR: FIELDWORK AS A REFLEXIVE ENTERPRISE Self-Narratives and Ethnographic Fieldwork - Ben Crewe and Shadd Maruna 'You Don't Do Fieldwork, Fieldwork Does You' - Bob Simpson Between Subjectivation and Objectivation in Anthropological Fieldwork PART FIVE: THE FIELD OF EMOTION Aural Sex - Christine Mattley The Politics and Moral Dilemmas of Studying the Social Construction of Fantasy The Case for Dangerous Fieldwork - Bruce Jacobs PART FIVE: FIELDWORK AND SEXUALITIES Fieldwork on Urban Male Homosexuality in Mexico - Joseph Carrier Knowing Sexuality - Chris Haywood and Mairtin Mac an Ghaill Epistemologies of Research Researching Sex Work - Teela Sanders Dynamics, Difficulties and Decisions PART SEVEN: EMBODIMENT AND IDENTITY Fieldwork and the Body - Lee F Monaghan Reflections on an Embodied Ethnography Sport Ethnography - Susan Brownell A Personal Account Hidden Identities and Personal Stories - Jennifer Hargreaves International Research About Women in Sport PART EIGHT: FIELDWORK IN ORGANIZATIONS Policework and Fieldwork - Nigel Fielding An Ethnographer's Tale - Robert G Burgess A Personal View of Educational Ethnogrpahy PART NINE: FIELDWORK, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Software and Fieldwork - Susanne Friese Seeking Science in the Field - Steve Fuller Life Beyond the Laboratory PART TEN: LOCATING FRESH FIELDS Postmodern Fieldwork in Health Research - Nick J Fox Fieldwork in Transition - Peter Kirby Manning
Preserving privacy in a network of mobile computers

Even as wireless networks create the potential for access to information from mobile platforms, they pose a problem for privacy. In order to retrieve messages, users must periodically poll the network. The information that the user must give to the network could potentially be used to track that user. However, the movements of the user can also be used to hide the user's location if the protocols for sending and retrieving messages are carefully designed. We have developed a replicated memory service which allows users to read from memory without revealing which memory locations they are reading. Unlike previous protocols, our protocol is efficient in its use of computation and bandwidth. We show how this protocol can be used in conjunction with existing privacy preserving protocols to allow a user of a mobile computer to maintain privacy despite active attacks. <<ETX>>
The Influence of Chitosan Cross-linking on the Properties of Alginate Microparticles with Metformin Hydrochloride—In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation

Sodium alginate is a polymer with unique ability to gel with different cross-linking agents in result of ionic and electrostatic interactions. Chitosan cross-linked alginate provides improvement of swelling and mucoadhesive properties and might be used to design sustained release dosage forms. Therefore, the aim of this research was to develop and evaluate possibility of preparing chitosan cross-linked alginate microparticles containing metformin hydrochloride by the spray-drying method. In addition, influence of cross-linking agent on the properties of microparticles was evaluated. Formulation of microparticles prepared by the spray drying of 2% alginate solution cross-linked by 0.1% chitosan was characterized by good mucoadhesive properties, high drug loading and prolonged metformin hydrochloride release. It was shown that designed microparticles reduced rat glucose blood level, delayed absorption of metformin hydrochloride and provided stable plasma drug concentration. Additionally, histopathological studies of pancreas, liver and kidneys indicated that all prepared microparticles improved degenerative changes in organs of diabetic rats. Moreover, no toxicity effect and no changes in rats behavior after oral administration of chitosan cross-linked alginate microparticles were noted.
The standardization problem in networks—a general framework

Choosing the right set of communications standards is fundamental in any kind of interaction, especially in the coordination of economic activities. This decision problem, generally referred to as "the standardization problem", mainly results from interdependencies due to positive network effects. The problem has to be analyzed differently in centralized and decentralized networks. Therefore, we developed separate models for each of these coordination forms which illustrate the advantages and disadvantages of using standards. We based the economic parameters of the models and the discussion of its implications on empirical research. To gain information about the use of software standards in enterprises, we conducted a comprehensive empirical survey, both in Germany and North America. It focuses on the corporate adoption and use of various IT standards, including Internet and electronic commerce standards, business software and EDI. Approaching a general framework for analyzing the standardization problem we combine three different research approaches: Formal analysis, a simulative approach and empirical studies (questionnaire, case studies). The framework is being developed as part of a general network theory within the interdisciplinary research program "Competitive Advantage by Networking" at Frankfurt University (http://www.vernetzung.de/eng).
On the Neuronal Activity in the Human Brain during Visual Recognition, Imagery and Binocular Rivalry

How does the neuronal activity in our brains give rise to our perceptions? We recorded the electrophysiological activity of over one thousand individual neurons in the human brain during object recognition, binocular rivalry, visual imagery and sleep. Subjects were patients with intractable epilepsy implanted with depth electrodes in targets including the amygdala, entorhinal cortex and hippocampus to localize the seizure focus for potential surgical resection. This has allowed us to explore the neuronal responses during visual processing in humans at an unprecedented level of spatial and temporal resolution. We observed a high degree of selectivity in the responses to complex visual stimuli. Some units were selective to categories of pictures including faces, houses, objects, famous people and animals while others responded only to one or a few stimuli, suggesting a sparse representation of visual information in the medial temporal lobe. Most of the selective neurons modulated their responses depending on the subject's percept during flash suppression. To further explore the correlation between perception and neuronal activity we investigated the vivid images that can be voluntarily generated in our minds in the absence of concomitant visual input. Our study revealed neuronal correlates of visual imagery and supports a common substrate for the processing of visual input and recall. Since visual memory is also prominent during dreams, we investigated the neuronal responses during different stages of the sleep-wake cycle. We observed an increase in synchrony during slow wave sleep compared to the wake and rapid-eye-movement sleep states. Our results suggest that neuronal activity in the human medial temporal lobe correlates with perception, shows a strong degree of invariance to changes in the input and could be involved in processing, storing and recalling visual information.
Automating Guidelines for Clinical Decision Support: Knowledge Engineering and Implementation

As utilization of clinical decision support (CDS) increases, it is important to continue the development and refinement of methods to accurately translate the intention of clinical practice guidelines (CPG) into a computable form. In this study, we validate and extend the 13 steps that Shiffman et al.5 identified for translating CPG knowledge for use in CDS. During an implementation project of ATHENA-CDS, we encoded complex CPG recommendations for five common chronic conditions for integration into an existing clinical dashboard. Major decisions made during the implementation process were recorded and categorized according to the 13 steps. During the implementation period, we categorized 119 decisions and identified 8 new categories required to complete the project. We provide details on an updated model that outlines all of the steps used to translate CPG knowledge into a CDS integrated with existing health information technology.
Are preferences complete? An experimental measurement of indecisiveness under risk

We propose an experimental design allowing a behavioral test of the axiom of completeness of individual preferences. The central feature of our design consists in enabling subjects to postpone commitment at a small cost. Our main result is that preferences are significantly incomplete. We use lotteries as choice alternatives and we find that risk aversion is globally robust to preference incompleteness.
2 A Variable Resolution transform for music analysis

This paper presents a novel music representation using a Variable Resolution Transform (VRT) which is particularly well adapted for music audio analysis. The VRT is inspired by continuous wavelet transform and it applies different wavelet function at different scale. This method enables a good flexibility of the transform in order to follow log scale of musical note frequencies and at the same time to maintain good time and frequency resolution. As an example of application of this novel VRT, a multiple f0 detection algorithm is presented and evaluated showing convincing results. Furthermore, a direct comparison with the FFT applied to the same algorithm is also provided.