Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dementia diagnostic criteria in Down syndrome

Dementia is a common clinical presentation among older adults with Down syndrome. The presentation of dementia in Down syndrome differs compared with typical Alzheimer's disease. The performance of manualised dementia criteria in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD)‐10 and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders‐IV‐Text Revision (DSM‐IV‐TR) is uncertain in this population.We aimed to determine the concurrent validity and reliability of clinicians' diagnoses of dementia against ICD‐10 and DSM‐IV‐TR diagnoses. Validity of clinical diagnoses were also explored by establishing the stability of diagnoses over time.
Asynchronous detection for machine-to-machine systems with code division multiple access

In this paper, we study multiuser detection for asynchronous uplink machine-to-machine systems with code division multiple access. We formulate the maximal logarithmic likelihood problem for asynchronous multiuser detection via joint channel gains, time delays and transmission symbols detection. We present the design for pilot sequence and propose an adaptive step-size method with low complexity to estimate time delays based on the estimated time delays of the past times. Numerical results are shown to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Moral Decision-Making by Analogy: Generalizations versus Exemplars

Moral reasoning is important to accurately model as AI systems become ever more integrated into our lives. Moral reasoning is rapid and unconscious; analogical reasoning, which can be unconscious, is a promising approach to model moral reasoning. This paper explores the use of analogical generalizations to improve moral reasoning. Analogical reasoning has already been used to successfully model moral reasoning in the MoralDM model, but it exhaustively matches across all known cases, which is computationally intractable and cognitively implausible for human-scale knowledge bases. We investigate the performance of an extension of MoralDM to use the MAC/FAC model of analogical retrieval over three conditions, across a set of highly confusable moral scenarios.
Agricultural Trade Restrictiveness in the European Union and the United States

This paper provides a summary measure of the Uruguay Round tariff reduction commitments in the European Union and the United States, using the Mercantilistic Trade Restrictiveness Index (MTRI) as the tariff aggregator. The authors compute the index for agricultural commodity aggregates assuming a specific (Constant Elasticity of Substitution) functional form for import demand. The levels of the MTRI under the actual commitments of the Uruguay Round are computed and compared with two hypothetical cases, the Swiss Formula leading to a 36 percent average decrease in tariffs and a uniform 36 percent reduction of each tariff. This makes it possible to infer how reducing tariff dispersion would help improve market access in future trade agreements.
Differentially Private Distributed Data Analysis

Users' data analysis has become widespread these days; however, privacy of users is a great concern, specifically, if these data are collected from several sources or shared with multiple entities. One example of distributed analysis is to aggregate statistics of users. Differential Privacy has been proved as a proper tool to perturb the aggregate results. Its previous deployment techniques have several limitations, e.g., they mostly support centralized databases and are prone to collusion in a distributed setting, they pose a trade-off between privacy and utility or they are inefficient in terms of communication and computation costs.To address these issues, we present DstrDP (Distributed Differential Privacy) protocol for private data aggregation. The goal is to generate differentially private aggregate results from distributed databases. In particular, DstrDP focuses on count queries and employs Laplace perturbation mechanism. DstrDP generates Laplace noise in a way that maintains the optimal utility of users' data while does not rely on any trusted party and is resistant to collusion as long as the decryption key remains confidential. We describe our proposed approach and using decision tree classifier as a case study and show that DstrDP can protect the privacy of intermediate results and confirm the efficiency of our protocol by evaluating its performance.
The NMDA Receptor Complex Is Altered in an Animal Model of Human Cerebral Heterotopia

Double intraperitoneal injections of methylazoxymethanol (MAM) in pregnant rats induce developmental brain dysgenesis with nodular heterotopia similar to human periventricular nodular heterotopia (PNH) and composed of hyperexcitable neurons. Here we analyzed the NMDA receptor complex and associated proteins in the heterotopic neurons of 2- to 3-month-old MAM-treated rats by means of a combined immunocytochemical/molecular approach. Our data demonstrated a clear reduction of p286-active form of αCaMKII and a selective impairment of both the targeting and the CaMKII-dependent phosphorylation of NR2A/B subunits in the postsynaptic membranes of the MAM-induced heterotopia. The reduced NR2A/B immunofluorescence of the cellular membrane was not due to reduced expression since it was decreased only in postsynaptic fractions but not in the homogenate. NMDA-NR1 and AMPA-GluR2/3 subunits, as well as PSD-95 and total αCaMKII protein levels, were not affected in MAM-treated rats, thus revealing that the overall composition of the postsynaptic fraction was not altered. These data clearly suggest that the molecular organization of the NMDA/αCaMKII complex is selectively altered in the postsynaptic compartment of heterotopic neurons. This alteration can play a role in determining the hyperexcitability of brain heterotopia in MAM rats as well as in human patients affected by PNH.
Software-Controlled Priority Characterization of POWER5 Processor

Due to the limitations of instruction-level parallelism, thread-level parallelism has become a popular way to improve processor performance. One example is the IBM POWER5TM processor, a two-context simultaneous-multithreaded dual-core chip. In each SMT core, the IBM POWER5 features two levels of thread resource balancing and prioritization. The first level provides automatic in-hardware resource balancing, while the second level is a software-controlled priority mechanism that presents eight levels of thread priorities. Currently, software-controlled prioritization is only used in limited number of cases in the software platforms due to lack of performance characterization of the effects of this mechanism. In this work, we characterize the effects of the software-based prioritization on several different workloads. We show that the impact of the prioritization significantly depends on the workloads coscheduled on a core. By prioritizing the right task, it is possible to obtain more than two times of throughput improvement for synthetic workloads compared to the baseline. We also present two application case studies targeting two different performance metrics: the first case study improves overall throughput by 23.7% and the second case study reduces the total execution time by 9.3%. In addition, we show the circumstances when a background thread can be run transparently without affecting the performance of the foreground thread.
Automatic registration of terrestrial point cloud using panoramic reflectance images

Much attention is paid to registration of terrestrial point clouds nowadays. Research is carried out towards improved efficiency and automation of the registration process. This paper reports a new approach for point clouds registration utilizing reflectance panoramic images. The approach follows a two-step procedure: pair-wise registration and global registrations. The pair-wise registration consists of image matching (pixel-to-pixel registration) and point clouds registration (point-to-point correspondence), provided the correspondence between image and point cloud (pixel-to-point) is known. The image matching process delivers corresponding points within the overlapping area of two images. These points are matched to their 3D equivalent points within the point clouds. False accepted correspondences are successfully removed by a geometric invariance check. An iterative least-square adjustment completes the pair wise registration. The global registration on all point clouds is obtained by a bundle adjustment using circularly self-closure constraint. The approach is tested with several data sets (indoor and outdoor scenes) acquired by the laser scanner FARO LS 880.
A novel statistical approach identifies feedback interactions for the construction of robust stochastic transcriptional oscillators

Synthetic biology can be defined as applying engineering approaches, such as part standardisation, abstraction and mathematical modelling, to the design and engineering of novel biological systems. Engineering transcriptional networks presents many challenges including inherent uncertainty in the system structure, changing cellular context and stochasticity in the governing dynamics. One approach to address these problems is to design and build systems that can function across a range of conditions; that is they are robust to uncertainty in their constituent components. Here we define a measure of robustness that coincides with the Bayesian model evidence, which allows us to exploit Bayesian model selection to calculate the relative structural robustness of gene network models governed by stochastic dynamics. We then use this framework to examine the robustness landscape of transcriptional oscillators, which underlie many important processes such as circadian rhythms and the cell cycle, plus also serve as a model for the engineering of complex and emergent phenomena. We report the most robust two and three gene oscillator systems, plus examine how the number of interactions, the presence of auto-regulation, and degradation of mRNA and protein affects the frequency, amplitude and robustness of transcriptional oscillators. Importantly, we provide predictions on new oscillator systems that can be constructed to verify the theory and advance design and modelling approaches to systems and synthetic biology.
Site-specific stochastic propagation model for automated RFID network planning

In this paper, we propose a model to calculate the probability of successful identification of passive UHF RFID tags in a given environment. The validity of the proposed model is verified by comparison with analytical ray-tracing results and measurements. The model can be included in automated RFID network planning algorithms to evaluate the identification performance of different configurations.
Calculation Methods and Effects of End-Winding Inductance and Permanent-Magnet End Flux on Performance Prediction of Nonoverlap Winding Permanent-Magnet Machines

Due to the short end windings of nonoverlap winding permanent-magnet (PM) machines, the end-winding inductance component is generally ignored in the design. In most cases, the end-flux fringing effects in PMs are also not taken into account. It is shown in this paper that these end effects have a significant influence on the performance parameters of the machine. In this paper, several nonoverlap winding PM machines are considered with respect to the effects of end-winding inductance and PM end-flux fringing. A number of calculation methods for the per-phase end-winding inductance of the machines are compared. A new simple analytical calculation method is proposed, which is shown to give a relatively good prediction of the end-winding inductance compared with 3-D finite-element (FE) results. It is proposed in this paper that the PM strength should be reduced by a certain fringing factor to take the end-flux fringing effects into account in the 2-D FE analysis. Practical measurements are also presented to validate the FE calculations and to give an indication on the effects that are caused by the end-winding inductance and the PM end-flux fringing.
What Causes Persistence Of Stock Return Volatility? One Possible Explanation With An Artificial Stock Market

This paper explores a possible cause of persistence in stock return volatility. Artificial stock markets are examined with different learning mechanisms, i.e. imitative and experiential learning. The simulation result shows that an economy with imitative learning gives rise to persistence of return volatility while an experiential learning economy does not. We find that volatility becomes persistent as investors learn through imitating the prediction methods of others. Imitation is crucial to producing the persistence in stock return volatility.
A multilevel surface modeling method and its application to range image registration

This paper proposes a new method for representing 3D shapes based on spatial approximation by spheres with discretized radii. The shape representation is composed of several levels of spherical expressions that characterize the spatial resolution of a given model. The radius of spheres in each level of expression is determined based on a volumetric primitive which is defined by bounding the given shape. This multilevel surface modeling is useful not only for hierarchical model operations like collision detection, database retrieval and so on, but also for hierarchical partial shape matching with a portion of object surface. We applied our shape representation method to range image registration by an ICP algorithm. As a result, it was proved that the method is very effective for model matching and registration, and also its computational cost is remarkably reduced compared with the original ICP algorithm.
Interference Cancellation of AM Narrowband Interference Signals

In this paper, we consider an overlay system where narrowband AM signals interfere with a broadband multicarrier system (M. Schnell et al., 2004). To reduce the effect of the AM narrowband interference on the multicarrier system, we propose a low complexity algorithm to estimate AM narrowband interference. We derive analytical expressions for the performance of the estimator and verify the results with simulations. The proposed estimator is able to produce accurate estimates of the frequencies, and track the time-varying amplitudes of the AM signals. The estimator can reduce the power of the AM signal to a level that is approximately 20 dB lower than the multicarrier power, independent of the AM signal power.
INTEGRATION OF VISUALIZATION TECHNIQUES AND ACTIVE LEARNING STRATEGY IN LEARNING COMPUTER PROGRAMMING : A PROPOSED FRAMEWORK

This paper reviews the issues and problems faced by students in learning programming, thus recommend a conceptual framework to overcome the problem. Computer programming courses are said to be complex and difficult, particularly to novice students. Among the causes of students’ failure in developing programming skills is their inability to visually illustrate the flow of the program code during the program execution. To overcome this problem, a Program Visualization (PV) is recognized as one of the available learning support tools that can help novice students in enhancing their understanding of the programming execution. Nevertheless, using the PV alone without the active engagement with the tools will not produce the optimal learning outcome on students' programming performance. Previous studies indicated that, active learning strategies are among the most effective strategies in learning programming. Apart from learning strategies, there is a requirement of active involvement of students in the learning process, the ability to think logically which affect their ability to solve problems, thus lead them to develop a program. In addition, using PV as learning aids is expected to increase the students’ self-efficacy in learning assignment activity and overcome the challenges of learning. Consequently, it is also important that these aspects are viewed in studies related to the effectiveness of any instructional materials such as PV to enhance programming performance, particularly in finding approaches that can improve novices’ self-efficacy.
Providing academic access to individuals with significant disabilties [sic]

Academic access to the general education curriculum for individuals with significant disabilities poses many challenges for educators. With the implementation of the Essential Elements in the summer of 2013, educators will have a new instructional framework for providing access to their students. Within this thesis I have explored the challenges educators face in regards to facilitating academic access for students with significant support needs through the use of focus group interviews, and provide a literature review demonstrating where schools have been in regards to providing access, and where they are headed. PROVIDING ACADEMIC ACCESS TO INDIVIDUALS WITH SIGNIFICANT DISABILITIES A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Degree Master of Arts in Education Lindsey Jill Frandsen University of Northern Iowa August 2013 ii THESIS APPROVAL PAGE This Study by: Lindsey J. Frandsen Entitled: Providing Academic Access to Individuals with Significant Disabilities has been approved as meeting the thesis requirement for the Degree of Master of Arts Education ___________ _____________________________________________________ Date Dr. Amy Petersen, Chair, Thesis Committee ___________ _____________________________________________________ Date Dr. Christina Curran, Thesis Committee Member ___________ _____________________________________________________ Date Dr. Christopher Kliewer, Thesis Committee Member ___________ _____________________________________________________ Date Dr. Michael J. Licari, Dean, Graduate College iii TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF TABLES . v CHAPTER
Induction of Apoptosis in MCF-7 Cells via Oxidative Stress Generation, Mitochondria-Dependent and Caspase-Independent Pathway by Ethyl Acetate Extract of Dillenia suffruticosa and Its Chemical Profile

Dillenia suffruticosa, which is locally known as Simpoh air, has been traditionally used to treat cancerous growth. The ethyl acetate extract of D. suffruticosa (EADs) has been shown to induce apoptosis in MCF-7 breast cancer cells in our previous study. The present study aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved in EADs-induced apoptosis and to identify the major compounds in the extract. EADs was found to promote oxidative stress in MCF-7 cells that led to cell death because the pre-treatment with antioxidants α-tocopherol and ascorbic acid significantly reduced the cytotoxicity of the extract (P<0.05). DCFH-DA assay revealed that treatment with EADs attenuated the generation of intracellular ROS. Apoptosis induced by EADs was not inhibited by the use of caspase-inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK, suggesting that the cell death is caspase-independent. The use of JC-1 dye reflected that EADs caused disruption in the mitochondrial membrane potential. The related molecular pathways involved in EADs-induced apoptosis were determined by GeXP multiplex system and Western blot analysis. EADs is postulated to induce cell cycle arrest that is p53- and p21-dependent based on the upregulated expression of p53 and p21 (P<0.05). The expression of Bax was upregulated with downregulation of Bcl-2 following treatment with EADs. The elevated Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and the depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential suggest that EADs-induced apoptosis is mitochondria-dependent. The expression of oxidative stress-related AKT, p-AKT, ERK, and p-ERK was downregulated with upregulation of JNK and p-JNK. The data indicate that induction of oxidative-stress related apoptosis by EADs was mediated by inhibition of AKT and ERK, and activation of JNK. The isolation of compounds in EADs was carried out using column chromatography and elucidated using the nuclear resonance magnetic analysis producing a total of six compounds including 3-epimaslinic acid, kaempferol, kaempferide, protocatechuic acid, gallic acid and β-sitosterol-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside. The cytotoxicity of the isolated compounds was determined using MTT assay. Gallic acid was found to be most cytotoxic against MCF-7 cell line compared to others, with IC50 of 36 ± 1.7 μg/mL (P<0.05). In summary, EADs generated oxidative stress, induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in MCF-7 cells by regulating numerous genes and proteins that are involved in the apoptotic signal transduction pathway. Therefore, EADs has the potential to be developed as an anti-cancer agent against breast cancer.
Ku and DNA-dependent Protein Kinase Dynamic Conformations and Assembly Regulate DNA Binding and the Initial Non-homologous End Joining Complex*

DNA double strand break (DSB) repair by non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) is initiated by DSB detection by Ku70/80 (Ku) and DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs) recruitment, which promotes pathway progression through poorly defined mechanisms. Here, Ku and DNA-PKcs solution structures alone and in complex with DNA, defined by x-ray scattering, reveal major structural reorganizations that choreograph NHEJ initiation. The Ku80 C-terminal region forms a flexible arm that extends from the DNA-binding core to recruit and retain DNA-PKcs at DSBs. Furthermore, Ku- and DNA-promoted assembly of a DNA-PKcs dimer facilitates trans-autophosphorylation at the DSB. The resulting site-specific autophosphorylation induces a large conformational change that opens DNA-PKcs and promotes its release from DNA ends. These results show how protein and DNA interactions initiate large Ku and DNA-PKcs rearrangements to control DNA-PK biological functions as a macromolecular machine orchestrating assembly and disassembly of the initial NHEJ complex on DNA.
Power Consumption of Virtualization Technologies: An Empirical Investigation

Virtualization is growing rapidly as a result of the increasing number of alternative solutions in this area, and of the wide range of application field. Until now, hypervisor-based virtualization has been the de facto solution to perform server virtualization. Recently, container-based virtualization -- an alternative to hypervisors -- has gained more attention because of lightweight characteristics, attracting cloud providers that have already made use of it to deliver their services. However, a gap in the existing research on containers exists in the area of power consumption. This paper presents the results of a performance comparison in terms of power consumption of four different virtualization technologies: KVM and Xen, which are based on hypervisor virtualization, Docker and LXC which are based on container virtualization. The aim of this empirical investigation, carried out by means of a testbed, is to understand how these technologies react to particular workloads. Our initial results show how, despite of the number of virtual entities running, both kinds of virtualization alternatives behave similarly in idle state and in CPU/Memory stress test. Contrarily, the results on network performance show differences between the two technologies.