Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Psychopathological Organizations and Attachment Styles in Patients with Fear of Flying: A Case Study

Objectives: The scope of the study is to identify the leading "organization of meaning" in patients affected by aviophobia and the related attachment style. Specifically we hypothesized that participants with fear of flying would pre- dominantly display a phobic organization of meaning, associated with an anxious-ambivalent attachment style. Methods: 150 adults, divided between an experimental group (FOF) and a control group (CON), completed three research instruments: two self-report questionnaires assessing attachment style (AAQ and ASQ) and the self-characterization, a qualitative constructivist tool. Results: The insecure attachment style prevailed in aviophobics rather than control group. Socio-economic and gender dif- ferences were found. The vocabulary used by the group with flying phobia featured a system of meaning referring to "freedom" family semantics. Conclusions: Attachment style appears to be a necessary but insufficient condition for predicting fear of flying. A greater role in the disorder is played by the organization of patients' personality, as argued by socio-constructionist and construc- tivist authors. Implication for clinical work and psychotherapy are discussed.
New bounding techniques for channel codes over quasi-static fading channels

New Bounding Techniques for Channel Codes over Quasi-static Fading Channels. (August 2003) Jingyu Hu, B.E. , Shanghai Jiao Tong University, P.R. China Chair of Advisory Committee: Dr. Scott L. Miller This thesis is intended to provide several new bounding techniques for channel codes over quasi-static fading channels (QSFC). This type of channel has drawn more and more attention recently with the demanding need for higher capacity and more reliable wireless communication systems. Although there have been some published results on analyzing the performance of channel codes over QSFCs, most of them produced quite loose performance upper bounds. In this thesis, the general Gallager bounding approach which provides convergent upper bounds of coded systems over QSFCs is addressed first. It is shown that previous Gallager bounds employing trivial low SNR bounds tended to be quite loose. Then improved low instantaneous SNR bounds are derived for two classes of convolutional codes including turbo codes. Consequently, they are combined with the classical Union-Chernoff bound to produce new performance upper bounds for simple convolutional and turbo codes over single-input single-output (SISO) QSFCs. The new bound provides a much improved alternative to characterizing the performance of channel codes over QSFCs over the existing ones. Next the new bounding approach is extended to cases of serially concatenated space-time block codes, which show equivalence with SISO QSFCs. Tighter performance bounds are derived for this coding scheme for two specific cases: first a convolutional code, and later a turbo code. Finally, the more challenging cases of multiple-
Video Background Completion Using Motion-Guided Pixel Assignment Optimization

Background completion for consumer videos captured by free-moving cameras is a challenging problem. In this paper, we present a new approach to complete the holes left by removing objects with motion-guided pixels assignment optimization. We first estimate the motion field in the holes by applying a two-step motion propagation method. Then, using estimated motion field as guidance, the missing parts of the video are completed by performing pixels assignment optimization based on the Markov random field, which optimally assigns available pixels from other neighboring video frames to the missing regions. Finally, we present an illumination-adjusting approach to eliminate the illumination inconsistency in the completed holes. We validate our method on a variety of videos captured by free-moving cameras. Compared with previous methods, our method works better to keep the completed background spatiotemporally coherent, to complete video background with much depth discontinuity and to make the illumination consistent in the completed region.
Paper Selection Leads to a Misleading Conclusion: Updated Evidence of Ice Slurry Ingestion on Endurance Performance

This short report added to the scientifi c debate regarding a controversial conclusion published in European Journal of Sport Science. Reasons for the confl icting views have been presented in detail. Importantly, updated evidence suggests that ingestion of ice slurry is an eff ective countermeasure for endurance performance in the heat. Endurance athletes competing in the upcoming Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics are encouraged to continue utilizing this simple yet very eff ective method for best possible performance.
Assessment of performance of the general purpose polarizable force field QMPFF3 in condensed phase

The recently introduced force field (FF) QMPFF3 is thoroughly validated in gas, liquid, and solid phases. For the first time, it is demonstrated that a physically well‐grounded general purpose FF fitted exclusively to a comprehensive set of high level vacuum quantum mechanical data applied as it is to simulation of condensed phase provides high transferability for a wide range of chemical compounds. QMPFF3 demonstrates accuracy comparable with that of the FFs explicitly fitted to condensed phase data, but due to high transferability it is expected to be successful in simulating large molecular complexes. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2008
A dynamic programming algorithm for RNA structure prediction including pseudoknots.

We describe a dynamic programming algorithm for predicting optimal RNA secondary structure, including pseudoknots. The algorithm has a worst case complexity of O(N6) in time and O(N4) in storage. The description of the algorithm is complex, which led us to adopt a useful graphical representation (Feynman diagrams) borrowed from quantum field theory. We present an implementation of the algorithm that generates the optimal minimum energy structure for a single RNA sequence, using standard RNA folding thermodynamic parameters augmented by a few parameters describing the thermodynamic stability of pseudoknots. We demonstrate the properties of the algorithm by using it to predict structures for several small pseudoknotted and non-pseudoknotted RNAs. Although the time and memory demands of the algorithm are steep, we believe this is the first algorithm to be able to fold optimal (minimum energy) pseudoknotted RNAs with the accepted RNA thermodynamic model.
A Multiscale Tridomain Model for Simulating Bioelectric Gastric Pacing

Goal: Gastric motility disorders have been associated with abnormal slow wave electrical activity (gastric dysrhythmias). Gastric pacing is a potential therapy for gastric dysrhythmias; however, new pacing protocols are required that can effectively modulate motility patterns, while being power efficient. This study presents a novel comprehensive 3-D multiscale modeling framework of the human stomach, including anisotropic conduction, capable of evaluating pacing strategies. Methods: A high-resolution anatomically realistic mesh was generated from CT images taken from a human stomach. Principal conduction axes were calculated and embedded within this model based on a modified Laplace- Dirichlet rule-based algorithm. A continuum-based tridomain formulation was implemented and evaluated for performance and used to model the slow-wave propagation, which takes into account the two main cell types present in gastric musculature. Model parameters were found by matching predicted normal slow-wave activity to experimental observation and data. These simulation parameters were applied while modeling an external pacing event to entrain slow-wave patterns. Results: The proposed formulation was found to be two times more efficient than a previous formulation for a normal slow-wave simulation. Convergence analysis showed that a mesh resolution of ≈0.4-0.5 mm is required for an accurate solution process. Conclusion: The effect of different pacing frequencies on entrainment demonstrated that the pacing protocols are limited by the frequency of the native propagation and the refractory period of the cellular activity. Significance: The model is expected to become an important tool in studying pacing protocols for both efficiency and effectiveness.
Predictors of Progression in Albuminuria in the General Population: Results from the PREVEND Cohort

Background Urinary albumin excretion is known to be independently associated with progression of renal and cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to identify predictors for progression in albuminuria in the general population. Methods Data were used of the first 4 screening rounds of a community-based prospective cohort study (PREVEND). Included were 5,825 subjects that at baseline had no known renal disease or macroalbuminuria. Subjects were defined as having progressive albuminuria when they belonged to the quintile of subjects with highest absolute increase in urinary albumin excretion per year and a urinary albumin excretion during the last screening in which they participated of ≥150 mg/24 h. Change in urinary albumin excretion per year was calculated as last available urinary albumin excretion minus baseline UAE divided by follow-up time. Results During 9.3 years follow-up 132 subjects had progressive albuminuria. These subjects were significantly older, more often of male gender and had a worse cardiovascular risk profile. In a multivariable model, testing baseline values, significant predictors of progressive albuminuria were male gender (OR 2.23; p<0.001), age (OR 1.03; p<0.001), BMI (OR 1.06; p = 0.02) and baseline albuminuria (OR 5.71; p<0.001). Based on these findings a risk score was made to estimate a subject's risk for progressive albuminuria. Conclusion A high baseline albuminuria is by far the most important predictor of progressive albuminuria. Thus, screening for baseline albuminuria will be more important than screening for cardiovascular risk factors in order to identify subjects at risk for progressive albuminuria.
Radioluminescent Imaging: Factors Affecting Total Light Output

Radioluminescent imaging, as used in this discussion, is defined as the mechanism wherein a phosphor coating absorbs an x-ray photon and re-emits light photons in the visible spectrum. This visible light, in turn, can expose a photosensitive film, excite a photodetector, or be viewed directly. Mathematical models are developed for three different juxtapositions of radioluminescent coating and photoreceptor planes. These models predict the total light output reaching the photoreceptor plane as a function of x-ray and optical attenuation coefficients, coating weights and intrinsic phosphor properties. Although the analysis is one dimensional, the model is shown to be extremely useful in actual designs of radioluminescent imaging systems.
Robust bifurcation Analysis of Systems with Dynamic uncertainties

In this paper, we propose in uncertain dynamical systems a novel method for identifying the region that includes all possible bifurcation boundaries. First, we formulate a robust bifurcation analysis problem for parameter-dependent differential equations with dynamic uncertainties. Next, to solve this problem, we give stability and instability conditions for the uncertain system. Finally, on the basis of these conditions, we propose a method for solving the robust bifurcation analysis problem.
High prevalence of Angiostrongylus cantonensis (rat lungworm) on eastern Hawai‘i Island: A closer look at life cycle traits and patterns of infection in wild rats (Rattus spp.)

The nematode Angiostrongylus cantonensis is a zoonotic pathogen and the etiological agent of human angiostrongyliasis or rat lungworm disease. Hawai‘i, particularly east Hawai‘i Island, is the epicenter for angiostrongyliasis in the USA. Rats (Rattus spp.) are the definitive hosts while gastropods are intermediate hosts. The main objective of this study was to collect adult A. cantonensis from wild rats to isolate protein for the development of a blood-based diagnostic, in the process we evaluated the prevalence of infection in wild rats. A total of 545 wild rats were sampled from multiple sites in the South Hilo District of east Hawai‘i Island. Adult male and female A. cantonensis (3,148) were collected from the hearts and lungs of humanely euthanized Rattus rattus, and R. exulans. Photomicrography and documentation of multiple stages of this parasitic nematode in situ were recorded. A total of 45.5% (197/433) of rats inspected had lung lobe(s) (mostly upper right) which appeared granular indicating this lobe may serve as a filter for worm passage to the rest of the lung. Across Rattus spp. , 72.7% (396/545) were infected with adult worms, but 93.9% (512/545) of the rats were positive for A. cantonensis infection based on presence of live adult worms, encysted adult worms, L3 larvae and/or by PCR analysis of brain tissue. In R. rattus we observed an inverse correlation with increased body mass and infection level of adult worms, and a direct correlation between body mass and encysted adult worms in the lung tissue, indicating that larger (older) rats may have developed a means of clearing infections or regulating the worm burden upon reinfection. The exceptionally high prevalence of A. cantonensis infection in Rattus spp. in east Hawai‘i Island is cause for concern and indicates the potential for human infection with this emerging zoonosis is greater than previously thought.
Automated speech scoring for non-native middle school students with multiple task types

This study presents the results of applying automated speech scoring technology to English spoken responses provided by non-native children in the context of an English proficiency assessment for middle school students. The assessment contains three diverse task types designed to measure a student’s English communication skills, and an automated scoring system was used to extract features and build scoring models for each task. The results show that the automated scores have a correlation of r = 0.70 with human scores for the Read Aloud task, which matches the human-human agreement level. For the two tasks involving spontaneous speech, the automated scores obtain correlations of r = 0.62 and r = 0.63 with human scores, which represents a drop of 0.08 0.09 from the humanhuman agreement level. When all 5 scores from the assessment for a given student are aggregated, the automated speaker-level scores show a correlation of r = 0.78 with human scores, compared to a human-human correlation of r = 0.90. The challenges of using automated spoken language assessment for children are discussed, and directions for future improvements are proposed.
Changes in Dental Caries 1953–2003

In the first half of the 20th century, indices and methods of conducting surveys of the level of dental diseases were developed. Modern epidemiological studies began in the fifties and many reliable studies have been conducted after 1960. In the following decades, a substantial decline of caries prevalence was documented in the majority of the highly industrialized countries, with reductions of lifetime caries experience exceeding 75%. The decline comes to an end when low or very low levels of prevalence are reached. Children of low socioeconomic status and immigrants from outside Western Europe, however, generally have higher disease levels and may cause increases in caries prevalence. For this and other reasons, caries epidemiology will remain an indispensable part of dental public health.
Proteomic analysis of media from lung cancer cells reveals role of 14-3-3 proteins in cachexia

Aims: At the time of diagnosis, 60% of lung cancer patients present with cachexia, a severe wasting syndrome that increases morbidity and mortality. Tumors secrete multiple factors that contribute to cachectic muscle wasting, and not all of these factors have been identified. We used Orbitrap electrospray ionization mass spectrometry to identify novel cachexia-inducing candidates in media conditioned with Lewis lung carcinoma cells (LCM). Results: One-hundred and 58 proteins were confirmed in three biological replicates. Thirty-three were identified as secreted proteins, including 14-3-3 proteins, which are highly conserved adaptor proteins known to have over 200 binding partners. We confirmed the presence of extracellular 14-3-3 proteins in LCM via western blot and discovered that LCM contained less 14-3-3 content than media conditioned with C2C12 myotubes. Using a neutralizing antibody, we depleted extracellular 14-3-3 proteins in myotube culture medium, which resulted in diminished myosin content. We identified the proposed receptor for 14-3-3 proteins, CD13, in differentiated C2C12 myotubes and found that inhibiting CD13 via Bestatin also resulted in diminished myosin content. Conclusions: Our novel findings show that extracellular 14-3-3 proteins may act as previously unidentified myokines and may signal via CD13 to help maintain muscle mass.
Biochemical Analysis of Point Mutations in the 5′-3′ Exonuclease of DNA Polymerase I of Streptococcus pneumoniae

To define the active site of the 5′-3′ exonucleolytic domain of the Streptococcus pneumoniae DNA polymerase I (Spn pol I), we have constructed His-tagged Spn pol I fusion protein and introduced mutations at residues Asp10, Glu88, and Glu114, which are conserved among all prokaryotic and eukaryotic 5′ nucleases. The mutations, but not the fusion to the C-terminal end of the wild-type, reduced the exonuclease activity. The residual exonuclease activity of the mutant proteins has been kinetically studied, together with potential alterations in metal binding at the active site. Comparison of the catalytic rate and dissociation constant of the D10G, E114G, and E88K mutants and the control fusion protein support: (i) a critical function of Asp10 in the catalytic event, (ii) a role of Glu114 in the exonucleolytic reaction, being secondarily involved in both catalysis and DNA binding, and (iii) a nonessential function of Glu88 for the exonuclease activity of Spn pol I. Moreover, the pattern of metal activation of the mutant proteins indicates that none of the three residues is a metal-ligand at the active site. These findings and those previously obtained with D190A mutant of Spn pol I are discussed in relation to structural and mutational data for related 5′ nucleases.
Molecular Characterization of the Flagellar Hook in Bacillus subtilis

ABSTRACT The structure of the Gram-positive flagellum is poorly understood, and Bacillus subtilis encodes three proteins homologous to the flagellar hook protein from Salmonella enterica. Here we generated a modified B. subtilis hook protein that could be fluorescently stained using a cysteine-reactive dye. We used the fluorescently labeled hook to demonstrate that FlgE is the hook structural protein and that FliK regulated hook length. We further demonstrate that two proteins of unknown function, FlhO and FlhP, and the putative hook cap, FlgD, were required for hook assembly, such that when flhO, flhP, or flgD was mutated, hook protein was secreted into the supernatant. All mutants defective in hook completion resulted in homogeneously reduced σD-dependent gene expression due to the action of the anti-sigma factor FlgM.
Semi-Supervised Dimensionality Reduction

Dimensionality reduction is among the keys in mining highdimensional data. This paper studies semi-supervised dimensionality reduction. In this setting, besides abundant unlabeled examples, domain knowledge in the form of pairwise constraints are available, which specifies whether a pair of instances belong to the same class (must-link constraints) or different classes (cannot-link constraints). We propose the SSDR algorithm, which can preserve the intrinsic structure of the unlabeled data as well as both the must-link and cannot-link constraints defined on the labeled examples in the projected low-dimensional space. The SSDR algorithm is efficient and has a closed form solution. Experiments on a broad range of data sets show that SSDR is superior to many established dimensionality reduction methods.
Robust secure beamforming and power splitting for SWIPT over interference channels

In this paper, we address the problem of secrecy wireless information and power transfer (SWIPT) over interference channels, where an external eavesdropper is also interested in the transmitted message. Under a practical assumption that only imperfect eavesdropper channel state information (CSI) is available, our objective is to minimize the total transmit power while satisfying the constraints on the minimum amounts of individual harvested energy, the worst-case achievable secrecy rate of the wiretapped node, and the minimum signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) at the wiretap-free node. An optimal robust secure beamforming and power splitting scheme is obtained via the aid of a one-dimensional search. Moreover, in order to reduce the computational complexity, we also propose a suboptimal scheme based on zero-forcing beamforming (ZFB). Finally, simulation results validate the effectiveness of the proposed schemes.
Modern analyses on an historical data set: skull morphology of Italian red squirrel populations

Abstract Recent molecular evidence suggests that Sciurus vulgaris populations from Calabria (southern Italy) are distinct from those occurring in northern and central Italy. Here, we re-analyzed using multivariate and univariate techniques an historical dataset provided by Cavazza (1913), who documented measurements for the now extinct squirrel population from Campania. Both univariate and multivariate analyses confirmed that the sample from Calabria was homogenous and relatively distinct compared to the rest of the squirrel samples.
Optimal placement of static var compensators in power system for stability improvement

This paper presents a new method which applies the application of Genetic Algorithm as meta-heuristic optimization method for power system problems in distribution substations. With increase in load, any power system model suffers from disturbances. These disturbances effect the overall stability of the system. Criterias like voltage profile, power flows, losses tell us about the state of the system under study. Load flow analysis under study is capable of providing the insight of the system. Static var compensator is one of the methods and can be applied to obtain a system with least losses, increased power flow and healthy voltage profile. Number, location and size of Static var compensator are the main concerns and they can be optimized to a great extent by Genetic Algorithm. Use of Static var compensator in system has shown considerable increase in voltage profile and power flows while decrease in losses.
Assessment of Damage Gradients Using Dynamic Modulus of Thin Concrete Disks

Thin circular disks sawn from cylinders or cores are widely used in the measurement of chloride or air permeability of concrete and water-soluble chloride penetration into concrete. Whereas these methods provide useful information on concrete properties with depth, the capability of measuring changes in mechanical properties in small-depth increments is of value to both researchers and consulting engineers practicing in condition assessment. This study presents applications of testing the dynamic Young's modulus of thin disks to structural assessment projects involving damage gradients. Three different damage mechanisms are discussed: exposure to fire, freezing-and-thawing damage, and exposure to rain following placement. The use of thin disks enabled determination of mechanical properties of relatively thin layers of concrete and, therefore, provided a means to quantitatively assess the extent of damage gradients. Thin disks presented an advantage over the compressive strength of cores, which represent a larger depth of concrete, in cases involving relatively thin layers of damage.