Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Next steps for the community college

EDITORS' NOTES (Trudy H. Bers, Harriott D. Calhoun). 1. Literature on Community Colleges: An Overview (Trudy H. Bers, Harriott D. Calhoun). 2. Transfer Rates: A Problematic Criterion for Measuring the Community College (Barbara K. Townsend). 3. Contemporary Vocational Models and Programs: What the Research Tells Us (Debra D. Bragg). 4. Remediation at the Community College: Pressing Issues, Uncertain Solutions (Betsy Oudenhoven). 5. English as a Second Language at the Community College: An Exploration of Context and Concerns (Amy J. Blumenthal). 6. Assessing Student Learning Outcomes (Jeffrey A. Seybert). 7. Challenges in Supporting Student Learning and Success Through Student Services (Terry E. Williams). 8. Community College Faculty and Professional Staff: The Human Resource Challenge (Kim Gibson Harman, Sandria Rodriguez, Jennifer Grant Haworth). 9. State Governance Patterns for Community Colleges (Cheryl D. Lovell, Catherine Trouth). 10. Key Literature.Index.
Key Establishment in Large Dynamic Groups Using One-Way Function Trees

We present, implement, and analyze a new scalable centralized algorithm, called OFT, for establishing shared cryptographic keys in large, dynamically changing groups. Our algorithm is based on a novel application of one-way function trees. In comparison with the top-down logical key hierarchy (LKH) method of Wallner et al., our bottom-up algorithm approximately halves the number of bits that need to be broadcast to members in order to rekey after a member is added or evicted. The number of keys stored by group members, the number of keys broadcast to the group when new members are added or evicted, and the computational efforts of group members, are logarithmic in the number of group members. Among the hierarchical methods, OFT is the first to achieve an approximate halving in broadcast length, an idea on which subsequent algorithms have built. Our algorithm provides complete forward and backward security: Newly admitted group members cannot read previous messages, and evicted members cannot read future messages, even with collusion by arbitrarily many evicted members. In addition, and unlike LKH, our algorithm has the option of being member contributory in that members can be allowed to contribute entropy to the group key. Running on a Pentium II, our prototype has handled groups with up to 10 million members. This algorithm offers a new scalable method for establishing group session keys for secure large-group applications such as broadcast encryption, electronic conferences, multicast sessions, and military command and control.
Designing Secure Socio-Technical Systems with STS-ml

A Socio-Technical System (STS) is an interplay of humans, organizations and technical systems. STSs consist of interacting actors, which depend on one another to achieve their objectives. In previous work, we have proposed STS-ml, a security requirements modelling lan- guage (using i*-like primitives such as actor, goal, delegation) for the design of secure STSs. STS-ml represents security requirements as con- straints over the interactions (goal delegation and document exchange) among actors in the STS. In this work, we present the current version of STS-ml, which introduces further modelling primitives as well as sophis- ticated reasoning mechanisms to detect conicts in security requirements.
Reflecting on the development of interpretative phenomenological analysis and its contribution to qualitative research in psychology

This paper reflects on the development of interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) as one particular qualitative approach to psychology. After a brief introduction to IPA, the paper outlines what can be described as its characteristic features: idiographic, inductive, interrogative, illustrating each feature with examples from studies which have been conducted with IPA. The paper then considers the different levels of interpretation, which are possible with IPA and discusses the notion of when an interpretation is ‘good enough’. It goes on to consider issues around the types of topics for which IPA is suitable and the emerging pattern of work using the approach. The next section considers how IPA studies can widen the type of participants included and also examines the suitability of different data collection methods. The paper finishes by bringing together some thoughts on the future development of IPA.
The Short-Lived Matα2 Transcriptional Repressor Is Protected from Degradation In Vivo by Interactions with Its Corepressors Tup1 and Ssn6

ABSTRACT The Matα2 (α2) protein is a transcriptional repressor necessary for the proper expression of cell type-specific genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Like many transcription factors, α2 is rapidly degraded in vivo by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. At least two different ubiquitin-dependent pathways target α2 for destruction, one of which recognizes the well-characterized Deg1 degradation determinant near the N terminus of the protein. Here we report that the α2 corepressors Tup1 and Ssn6 modify the in vivo degradation rate of α2. Tup1 modulates the metabolic stability of α2 by directly binding to the Deg1-containing region of the protein. TUP1 overexpression specifically stabilizes Deg1-containing proteins but not other substrates of the same ubiquitination enzymes that recognize Deg1. Point mutations in both α2 and Tup1 that compromise the α2-Tup1 binding interaction disrupt the ability of Tup1 to stabilize Deg1 proteins. The physical association between Tup1 and α2 competes with the ubiquitination machinery for access to the Deg1 signal. Finally, we observe that overproduction of both Tup1 and Ssn6, but not either alone, strongly stabilizes the endogenous α2 protein. From these results, we propose that the fraction of α2 found in active regulatory complexes with Tup1 and Ssn6 is spared from rapid proteolytic destruction and is stabilized relative to the uncomplexed pool of the protein.
Delay Sensitive Communications over Cognitive Radio Networks

Supporting the quality of service of unlicensed users in cognitive radio networks is very challenging, mainly due to the dynamic resource availability induced by the licensed users' activities. In this paper, we derive the optimal admission control and channel allocation decisions in cognitive overlay networks to support delay sensitive communications of unlicensed users. We formulate it as a Markov decision process problem, and solve it by transforming the original formulation into a stochastic shortest path problem. We then propose a simple heuristic control policy, which includes a threshold-based admission control scheme and and a largest-delay-first channel allocation scheme, and prove the optimality of the largest-delay-first channel allocation scheme. We further propose an improved policy using the rollout algorithm. By comparing the performance of both proposed policies with the upper-bound of the maximum revenue, we show that our policies achieve close-to-optimal performances with low complexities.
Exercise and aspirin increase levels of circulating gliadin peptides in patients with wheat‐dependent exercise‐induced anaphylaxis

Background Food‐dependent exercise‐induced anaphylaxis (FDEIA) is an allergic reaction characteristically induced by intense exercise combined with the ingestion of causative food. Recent reports have shown that aspirin intake is a contributing factor in some patients with FDEIA. Wheat is known to be the most frequent causative food, and the IgE‐binding epitopes of a major wheat allergen (ω‐5 gliadin) in wheat‐dependent exercise induced anaphylaxis (WDEIA) have already been clarified. However, the mechanism of eliciting the symptom in WDEIA remains not fully understood.
Forensic Analysis of Communication Records of Web-based Messaging Applications from Physical Memory

Inspection of physical memory allows digital investigators to retrieve evidence otherwise inaccessible when analyzing other storage media. In this paper, we analyze in-memory communication records produced by web-based instant messaging and email applications. Our results show that, in spite of the heterogeneity of data formats specific to each application, communication records can be represented in a common applicationindependent format. This format can then be used as a common representation to allow for general analysis of digital artifacts across various applications, even when executed in different browsers. Then, we introduce RAMAS, an extensible forensic tool which aims to ease the process of analyzing communication records left behind in physical memory by instant-messaging and email web clients.
Mechanical properties and myosin light chain composition of skinned muscle fibres from adult and new‐born rabbits.

1. The maximum velocity of shortening, Vmax, and stiffness were measured in skinned single fibre segments from psoas and soleus muscles of adult rabbits and psoas muscles of new‐born rabbits, and the myosin light chain composition was also determined in the same segments used in the mechanical studies. 2. Vmax was obtained at 15 degrees C during maximal activation at pCa 5.49 using a method involving measurement of the time required to take up various amounts of slack imposed on the segments. Stiffness was measured during activation at 10 degrees C by application of length steps complete in 0.6 msec. The myosin light chain composition of the segments was then determined by SDS‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. 3. Only fast type light chains were found to be present in the psoas fibre segments, though the relative amounts of myosin LC1f, LC2f and LC3f in these segments was somewhat variable. In most instances, the sum of the amounts of LC1f and LC3f present was equivalent to the amount of LC2f. Only slow type light chains were found in the soleus segments and the sum of the amounts of LC1as and LC1bs was about equal to the amount of LC2s. 4. The results indicate that there are no consistent relationships between Vmax, tension development or stiffness and LC1f/LC2f in the segments from adult and new‐born psoas muscles, or between these mechanical parameters and LC1as/LC2s or LC1bs/LC2s in the adult soleus segments. However, the psoas segments, which had light chains of the fast type, had Vmax values that were consistently higher than those of the soleus segments, which had light chains of the slow type. 5. The stiffness values obtained in each of the three kinds of muscle were similar, suggesting that cross‐bridge stiffness is similar in rabbit skeletal muscles of different type and age. Moreover, the results indicate that the amount of end compliance introduced by the connections to the fibre segments has a marked influence on the stiffness that is measured.
Adaptive Splitting and Selection ensemble for breast cancer malignancy grading

The article presents an application of Adaptive Splitting and Selection (AdaSS) ensemble classifier in a real-life task of designing an efficient clinical decision support system for breast cancer malignancy grading. We approach the problem of cancer detection form a different angle - we already know that a given patient has a malignant type of cancer and we want to asses the level of that malignancy to propose the most efficient treatment. We carry a cytological image segmentation process with fuzzy c-means procedure and extract a set of highly discriminative features. However, the difficulty lies in the fact, that we have a high disproportion in the number of patients between the groups, which leads to an imbalanced classification problem. To address this, we propose to use a dedicated ensemble model, which is able to exploit local areas of competence in the decision space. AdaSS is a hybrid combined classifier, based on an evolutionary splitting of object space into clusters and simultaneous selection of most competent classifiers for each of them. To increase the overall accuracy of the classification, in the hybrid training algorithm of AdaSS we embedded a feature selection and trained weighted fusion of individual classifiers based on their support functions. Experimental investigation proves that the introduced method is more accurate than previously used classification approaches.
Liraglutide Increases FGF-21 Activity and Insulin Sensitivity in High Fat Diet and Adiponectin Knockdown Induced Insulin Resistance

Background Liraglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 analogue that stimulates insulin secretion and improves β-cell function. However, it is not clear whether liraglutide achieves its glucose lowering effect only by its known effects or whether other as yet unknown mechanisms are involved. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of liraglutide on Fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF-21) activity in High-fat diet (HFD) fed ApoE−/− mice with adiponectin (Acrp30) knockdown. Method HFD-fed ApoE−/− mice were treated with adenovirus vectors expressing shAcrp30 to produce insulin resistance. Hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp studies were performed to evaluate insulin sensitivity of the mouse model. QRT-PCR and Western blot were used to measure the mRNA and protein expression of the target genes. Results The combination of HFD, ApoE deficiency, and hypoadiponectinemia resulted in an additive effect on insulin resistance. FGF-21 mRNA expressions in both liver and adipose tissues were significantly increased while FGF-21 receptor 1 (FGFR-1) and β-Klotho mRNA levels in adipose tissue, as well as FGFR-1-3 and β-Klotho mRNA levels in liver were significantly decreased in this model. Liraglutide treatment markedly improved insulin resistance and increased FGF-21 expression in liver and FGFR-3 in adipose tissue, restored β-Klotho mRNA expression in adipose tissue as well as FGFR-1-3, β-Klotho levels and phosphorylation of FGFR1 up to the levels observed in control mice in liver. Liraglutide treatment also further increased FGF-21 proteins in liver and plasma. In addition, as shown by hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp, liraglutide treatment also markedly improved glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity in these animals. Conclusion These findings demonstrate an additive effect of HFD, ApoE deficiency, and adiponectin knockdown on insulin resistance and unveil that the regulation of glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity by liraglutide may be partly mediated via increased FGF-21 and its receptors action.
A Computational Model of “Active Vision” for Visual Search in Human–Computer Interaction

Human visual search plays an important role in many human–computer interaction (HCI) tasks. Better models of visual search are needed not just to predict overall performance outcomes, such as whether people will be able to find the information needed to complete an HCI task, but to understand the many human processes that interact in visual search, which will in turn inform the detailed design of better user interfaces. This article describes a detailed instantiation, in the form of a computational cognitive model, of a comprehensive theory of human visual processing known as “active vision” (Findlay & Gilchrist, 2003). The computational model is built using the Executive Process-Interactive Control cognitive architecture. Eye-tracking data from three experiments inform the development and validation of the model. The modeling asks—and at least partially answers—the four questions of active vision: (a) What can be perceived in a fixation? (b) When do the eyes move? (c) Where do the eyes move? (d) What information is integrated between eye movements? Answers include: (a) Items nearer the point of gaze are more likely to be perceived, and the visual features of objects are sometimes misidentified. (b) The eyes move after the fixated visual stimulus has been processed (i.e., has entered working memory). (c) The eyes tend to go to nearby objects. (d) Only the coarse spatial information of what has been fixated is likely maintained between fixations. The model developed to answer these questions has both scientific and practical value in that the model gives HCI researchers and practitioners a better understanding of how people visually interact with computers, and provides a theoretical foundation for predictive analysis tools that can predict aspects of that interaction.
A Novel Mouse Model of Cutaneous Radiation Injury

Background: Radiation therapy is a cornerstone of oncologic treatment. Skin tolerance is often the limiting factor in radiotherapy. To study these issues and create modalities for intervention, the authors developed a novel murine model of cutaneous radiation injury. Methods: The dorsal skin was isolated using a low-pressure clamp and irradiated. Mice were followed for 8 weeks with serial photography and laser Doppler analysis. Sequential skin biopsy specimens were taken and examined histologically. Tensiometry was performed and Young's modulus calculated. Results: High-dose radiation isolated to dorsal skin causes progressive changes in skin perfusion, resulting in dermal thickening, fibrosis, persistent alopecia, and sometimes ulceration. There is increased dermal Smad3 expression, and decreased elasticity and bursting strength. Conclusions: This model of cutaneous radiation injury delivers reproducible localized effects, mimicking the injury pattern seen in human subjects. This technique can be used to study radiation-induced injury to evaluate preventative and therapeutic strategies for these clinical issues.
The Tax (Dis)Advantage of a Firm Issuing Options on its Own Stock

It is common for firms to issue or purchase options on the firm's own stock. Examples include convertible bonds, warrants, call options as employee compensation, and the sale of put options as part of share repurchase programs. This paper shows that option positions with implicit borrowing - such as put sales and call purchases - are tax-disadvantaged relative to the equivalent synthetic option with explicit borrowing. Conversely, option positions with implicit lending - such as warrants - are tax-advantaged. We also show that firms are better off from a tax perspective issuing bifurcated convertible bonds - bonds plus warrants - rather than an otherwise equivalent standard convertible. The put option sales which have been popular with some firms are like issuing debt with non-deductible interest and thus have a tax cost. For example, we estimate that in 1999 the tax cost to Microsoft of written puts was about "$80" per year.
Robust Intrinsic and Extrinsic Calibration of RGB-D Cameras

Color-depth cameras (RGB-D cameras) have become the primary sensors in most robotics systems, from service robotics to industrial robotics applications. Typical consumer-grade RGB-D cameras are provided with a coarse intrinsic and extrinsic calibration that generally does not meet the accuracy requirements needed by many robotics applications [e.g., highly accurate three-dimensional (3-D) environment reconstruction and mapping, high precision object recognition, localization, etc.]. In this paper, we propose a human-friendly, reliable, and accurate calibration framework that enables to easily estimate both the intrinsic and extrinsic parameters of a general color-depth sensor couple. Our approach is based on a novel two components error model. This model unifies the error sources of RGB-D pairs based on different technologies, such as structured-light 3-D cameras and time-of-flight cameras. Our method provides some important advantages compared to other state-of-the-art systems: It is general (i.e., well suited for different types of sensors), based on an easy and stable calibration protocol, provides a greater calibration accuracy, and has been implemented within the robot operating system robotics framework. We report detailed experimental validations and performance comparisons to support our statements.
An approach for failure recognition in IP‐based industrial control networks and systems

Industrial control networks (ICNs) and systems support robust communications of devices in process control or manufacturing environments. ICN proprietary protocols are being migrated to Ethernet/IP networks in order to merge various different types of networks into a single common network. ICNs are deployed in mission‐critical operations, which require a maximum level of network stability. Network stability is often described using several categories of network performance quality‐of‐service metrics, such as throughput, delay, and loss measurements. The question arises as to whether these network performance metrics are sufficient to run valuable diagnostics of ICN components and their communications. Any abnormal decision with respect to typical IP traffic behavior does not necessarily coincide with ICN fault cases. A precise and specific diagnostic technique for ICNs is required to remove the uncertainty in detecting problems. However, existing Ethernet/IP diagnosis tools have not been able to fully handle fault symptoms and mainly focus on network diagnostics rather than process or device diagnostics. This paper demonstrates that the absence of advanced fault diagnosis techniques leads to the development of new methodologies that are suitazble for ICN. We describe unique traffic characteristics and categorize the faults of ICN. We also propose a fault diagnosis, prediction, and adaptive decision methodologies, and verify them with real‐world ICN data from the steel‐making company POSCO. Our experience in developing the fault diagnosis system provides a firm guideline to understand the fault management mechanisms in large ICNs. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An on-chip back-bias generator for MOS dynamic memory

An on-chip back-bias generator for 64K dynamic MOS RAM has been developed.The use of this generator achieves the goal of a single 5 V power supply part while preserving the advantages of substrate bias in n-channel MOS technology. These advantages include the elimination of substrate injection current from localized forward biasing of diodes, improved speed and power characteristics, and a larger differential data signal on the bit sense lines. The generator circuit avoids several pit-falls on on-chip V/SUB BB/ generation. The circuit pumps to a known regulated voltage. This avoids substrate drift with changes in substrate current resulting from changes in cycle time. This drift will change device characteristics and degrade storage levels. A unique two-level reference scheme avoids changes in substrate bias voltage that otherwise result from the shift in V/SUB BB/ between precharged and active memory states when memory duty cycle changes. The standby power used by the generator is only 0.74 mW.
Combining a collaborative robot and a lightweight Jamming-Gripper to realize an intuitively to use and flexible co-worker

By using collaborative robotic systems, new approaches like programming by demonstration can effectively be realized. As (re)programming of robots thereby gets fast and easy, such systems can facilitate the transition of industrial robots to flexible automation solutions suitable for small companies and small batch sizes. One reason that is preventing the usage of those robots on a broader scale is the fact that for nearly every different work piece a new gripping system has to be designed or at least mechanically adapted. The presented integration of a collaborative robot with a universal Jamming-Gripper broadens the spectrum of parts that can be handled by one robotic system without any mechanical modification.