Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
D S ] 2 3 A ug 2 01 7 Distributed Coloring for Everywhere Sparse Graphs

Graph coloring is one of the central problems in distributed graph algorithms. Much of the research on this topic has focused on coloring with ∆+1 colors, where ∆ denotes the maximum degree. Using ∆ + 1 colors may be unsatisfactory in sparse graphs, where not all nodes have such a high degree; it would be more desirable to use a number of colors that improves with sparsity. A standard measure that captures sparsity is arboricity, which is the smallest number of forests into which the edges of the graph can be partitioned. We present simple randomized distributed algorithms that, with high probability, color any n-node α-arboricity graph: • using (2 + ε) · α colors, for constant ε > 0, in O(log n) rounds, if α = Ω̃(logn), or • using O(α logα) colors, in O(log n) rounds, or • using O(α) colors, in O(log n ·min{log logn, logα}) rounds. These algorithms are nearly-optimal, as it is known by results of Linial [FOCS’87] and Barenboim and Elkin [PODC’08] that coloring with Θ(α) colors, or even poly(α) colors, requires Ω(log α n) rounds. The previously best-known O(log n)-time result was a deterministic algorithm due to Barenboim and Elkin [PODC’08], which uses Θ(α) colors. Barenboim and Elkin stated improving this number of colors as an open problem in their Distributed Graph Coloring Book.
Searching the Web in Context : Genetic Algorithms for Exploring Query Space ?

How to enable effective use of on-line information is an increasing problem, as technology enhances the ability to publish information rapidly and large quantities of information are instantly available for retrieval. In text-based web search, users’ information needs and candidate text resources are typically characterized by terms. Therefore, the quality of web retrieval is highly dependant on the vocabulary used to generate the search queries. Selecting good query terms is extremely difficult and presents many interesting research challenges. This paper applies Genetic Algorithms to develop a framework for the dynamic identification of “good query terms” to aid web search in the context of a theme. Starting with a population of terms from a thematic context, the techniques presented in this paper incrementally identify good candidate search queries. After a few generations, the population of queries evolves towards a set of queries that allows to retrieve material relevant to the given context. The proposed techniques have the potential to identify good queries even if some of the terms in the queries do not occur in the original context.
Mix 'n Match: Integrating Text Matching and Product Substitutability within Product Search

Two products are substitutes if both can satisfy the same consumer need. Intrinsic incorporation of product substitutability - where substitutability is integrated within latent vector space models - is in contrast to the extrinsic re-ranking of result lists. The fusion of text matching and product substitutability objectives allows latent vector space models to mix and match regularities contained within text descriptions and substitution relations. We introduce a method for intrinsically incorporating product substitutability within latent vector space models for product search that are estimated using gradient descent; it integrates flawlessly with state-of-the-art vector space models. We compare our method to existing methods for incorporating structural entity relations, where product substitutability is incorporated extrinsically by re-ranking. Our method outperforms the best extrinsic method on four benchmarks. We investigate the effect of different levels of text matching and product similarity objectives, and provide an analysis of the effect of incorporating product substitutability on product search ranking diversity. Incorporating product substitutability information improves search relevance at the cost of diversity.
Efficacy of parsley ( Petroselinum crispum ) leaves extract and decoction on status of lipid profile and osmotic fragility in gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats

The clinical usefulness of gentamicin is limited du e to the development of nephrotoxicity. The abnorma lities in lipid and lipoprotein pattern produce number of pathologi cal diseases including nephrotoxicity. Reactive oxy gen species produce cellular injury and necrosis via several me chanisms including peroxidation of membrane lipids, protein denaturation, and DNA damage. Potential therapeuti c approaches to protect (or) reverse GM damage woul d be having very important clinical consequences in incr easing the safety of the drug. Several natural agen ts have been used to ameliorate drugs toxicity. The survey of li terature reveals that the parsley (Petroselinum cri spum) are found to be used in the traditional system of medicine. I addition, the aqueous extract of parsley reduced the number of calcium oxalate deposits and therefore parsley can be used for kidney and bladder stones. However, the nephroprotective and antidyslipidemic effect of P.c rispum has not been scientifically investigated. So , the present study was design to evaluate the efficacy of parsle y (P.crispum) extract and decoction on the kidney o f gentamicininduced nephrotoxicity in rats. Freshly prepared et hanolic extract and decoction of P.crispum (PCE and PCD) were orally administered to rats. The altered renal mark ers (Urea, uric acid, creatinine and BUN) after GM administered were normalized in extracts treated animals. The mo dified levels of lipid profiles (total cholesterol, triglycerides, phospholipids, HDL, LDL, and VLDL) in GM administer ed rats were normalized in PCE and PCD treated anim ls. The membrane stabilizing effects were confirmed by erythrocytes osmotic fragility and to RBC morpholog y. In conclusion, this study revealed that PCE and PCD ad ministered at a dose of 250mg/kg.bwt and 250mg/kg.b wt were effective respectively. Further, the results of the pr sent study indicate that P.crispum may emerge a s a putative nephroprotective, antihyperlipidemic and membrane-s tabilizing agent against nephrotoxicity. Further st udies need to be undertaken in order to confirm these findings and its extrapolation in humans.
Modeling of AlGaN/GaN High Electron Mobility Transistor for Sensors and High-Temperature Circuit Applications

I am submitting herewith a dissertation written by Sazia Afreen Eliza entitled ―Modeling of AlGaN/GaN High Electron Mobility Transistor for Sensors and High-Temperature Circuit Applications. ‖ I have examined the final electronic copy of this dissertation for form and content and recommend that it be accepted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, with a major in Electrical Engineering.
A meta-analysis of the TFPI2 hyper-methylation frequency and colorectal cancer risk

Tissue Factor Pathway Inhibitor 2 (TFPI2) is a serine protease inhibitor; it plays an important role in the degradation and remodeling of Extracellular Matrix (ECM). The degradation and reshaping of ECM is the basic steps of tumour growth and metastasis, angiogenesis, cell migration, and normal physiological processes. Therefore, TFPI2 plays a key in cancer, while it often silence by its promoter methylation. This study aimed to conduct a meta-analysis to access the relationship between TFPI2 promoter hyper-methylation and Colorectal Cancer (CRC). A detailed search of the literature was made using PubMed, Cochrane Library, Excerpta Medica Database (Embase), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and Web of Science for related research publications written in English and Chinese. The methodological quality of the studies was also evaluated. The data were extracted and assessed by two reviewers independently. Analyses of the pooled data were performed. Odds Ratios (ORs) were calculated summarized. A final analysis of 1,125 CRC patients from 13 eligible studies was performed. The pooled OR from 13 studies was OR=37.31 (Confidence Interval (CI)=22.06-63.12, p<0.00001). Aberrant TFPI2 hyper-methylation was significantly higher CRC than in normal control. This present study observed that TFPI2 hyper-methylation was significantly higher in CRC than in normal controls, which suggest that TFPI2 hyper-methylation is associated with an increased risk of CRC.
CLOUD COMPUTING ADOPTION

The employment of the right technology in an organisation can provide major competitive advantages. Not only in organisations, but at a higher level, governments are seeking for new technologies to enhance their services while minimising the costs. Although, there might be no precise definition for cloud computing, the tremendous advantages and benefits of this new technology has turn cloud computing to the hottest topic in Information Technology. The remarkable effects of cloud computing in economy have already stimulated the developed countries to deploy this technology in national level. Nonetheless, the adoption of cloud computing could transform the workflow in the organisations. Therefore, in order to ensure the smooth transition with minimal casualties, preparations needs to be done and a clear road map has to be followed. However, the approach to cloud adoption process in developing countries can be entirely different. While it has been pointed out that cloud computing can bring more advantages to developing countries, it adoption can be profoundly challenging. Consequently, a set of fundamental and yet vital preparation are required to facilitate the process of cloud adoption. Moreover, a definite framework that is formed based on the current state of the country is absolutely necessary. In this research, we focus on the process of cloud adoption in Iran as a developing country. We start by providing a comprehensive background on cloud computing by studying its aspects, features, advantages and disadvantages and continue to identify the vital cloud readiness criteria. Next, we conduct an empirical study in order to assess the state of cloud readiness in Iran by performing interviews, observations and discussions. Finally, after we analyse our data from the empirical study, we present our results by presenting a clear and definitive framework for cloud adoption in Iran.
Microsystems for cell-based electrophysiology

Among the electrophysiology techniques, the voltage clamp and its subsequent scaling to smaller mammalian cells, the so-called patch clamp, led to fundamental discoveries in the last century, revealing the ionic mechanisms and the role of single-ion channels in the generation and propagation of action potentials through excitable membranes (e.g. nerves and muscles). Since then, these techniques have gained a reputation as the gold standard of studying cellular ion channels owing to their high accuracy and rich information content via direct measurements under a controlled membrane potential. However, their delicate and skill-laden procedure has put a serious constrain on the throughput and their immediate utilization in the discovery of new cures targeting ion channels until researchers discovered ‘lab-on-a-chip’ as a viable platform for the automation of these techniques into a reliable high-throughput screening functional assay on ion channels. This review examines the innovative ‘lab-on-a-chip’ microtechnologies demonstrated towards this target over a period of slightly more than a decade. The technologies are categorically reviewed according to their considerations for design, fabrication, as well as microfluidic integration from a performance perspective with reference to their ability to secure G Ω seals (gigaseals) on cells, the norm broadly accepted among electrophysiologists for quality recordings that reflect ion-channel activity with high fidelity.
The Use of Interactive Environments to Promote Self-Regulation in Online Learning: A Literature Review.

Distance education in the 21 st century often relies on educational technology as the primary delivery of teaching to learners. In distance education, the source of the information and the learner do not share the same physical setting; therefore, the information is delivered by a variety of methods. The new emerging tools that are used in online learning have changed the view of pedagogical perspective in distance education. Although online learning shares some elements with traditional classroom environments, the shared elements often take very different forms, and each type of learning environment has distinct limitations and affordances. Because current practices often compare or assess the effectiveness of online learning by comparing it with traditional instruction methods, educators and researchers often find it important to consider the methods and strategies that are used in classroom settings when designing online learning environments. Online environments should provide opportunities for students to master necessary tasks by using appropriate strategies, such as self-regulation. Self-regulation is one of the predictors of student performance in both traditional and modern learning environments. In an online platform, when students use strategies that are related to self-regulation, they can regulate their personal functioning and benefit from the online learning environment by changing their behaviors accordingly. Thus, it is important to explore and embed new interactive functions to the online learning environments and lead learners to use self-regulatory behaviors in those learning environments. This article discusses the importance of self-regulation in online environments, and provides recommendations for best practices in the design and implementation of interactive online learning environments with the self-regulated learning approach.
The interrelationship between insulin resistane and Alzheimer development

Abnormalities in insulin metabolism, characteristic of T2DM, are among the major factors thought to mechanistically influence the onset of AD. These abnormalities are thought to play a role in AD via their influence on the synthesis and degradation of Aβ and as a consequence of the cascade of neuronal alterations resulting from the effects of danger/alarm signals from oligomeric amyloid species. Additionally, recent studies have indicated that certain signal transduction pathways downstream of the InsR may also promote the generation of Aβ peptides by modulating the cleavage of the parent Aβ precursor protein (AβPP) at the γ-secretase site, a cleavage site necessary for Aβ amyloidogenicity. Glucose homeostasis is critical for energy generation, neuronal maintenance, neurogenesis, neurotransmitter regulation, cell survival and synaptic plasticity. It also plays a key role in cognitive function. In an insulin resistance condition, there is a reduced sensitivity to insulin resulting in hyperinsulinemia; this condition persists for several years before becoming full blown diabetes. Toxic levels of insulin negatively influence neuronal function and survival, and elevation of peripheral insulin concentration acutely increases its cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentration. Peripheral hyperinsulinemia correlates with an abnormal removal of the amyloid beta peptide (Aβ) and an increase of tau hyperphosphorylation as a result of augmented cdk5 and GSK3β activities. This leads to cellular cascades that trigger a neurodegenerative phenotype and decline in cognitive function. Chronic peripheral hyperinsulinemia results in a reduction of insulin transport across the BBB and reduced insulin signaling in brain, altering all of insulin’s actions, including its anti-apoptotic effect. However, the increase in brain insulin levels resulting from its peripheral administration at optimal doses has shown a cognition enhancing effect on patient with AD.
IMPACT FACTORS ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF INTERNAL AUDITING IN THE 21 ST CENTURY

In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in internal auditing. The internal audit function (IAF) evolved as reaction to various impact factors that are poorly analysed, however. The purpose of this paper is therefore (1) to investigate internal auditing and its function at the end of the 20 th century; (2) to examine the internal and external developments that affect IAF; and (3) to describe the new understanding of internal auditing. Based on the definition for internal auditing of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) from 1999, the authors analysed the effects of six streams with impact on the IAF which were identified in literature. These are corporate governance, organisation and management as internal factors, and information technology, regulations and external auditors as external factors. As a result, a new understanding for internal auditing was developed. The key finding is that the diversity of the changes heightened the requirements for and enlarged the role of internal auditors.
Maternal Sensitivity in Mother-Infant Interactions for Infants with and without Prenatal Alcohol Exposure

Maternal Sensitivity in Mother-Infant Interactions for Infants with and without Prenatal Alcohol Exposure Jennifer Michelle Nash Chair of the Supervisory Committee: Assistant Professor Tracy Jirikowic Rehabilitation Medicine Objective: To examine maternal sensitivity behaviors in moth ers of infants ages 6-15 months with and without prenatal alcohol exposure ( PAE) in response to a developmental social stress paradigm. Background: Children with PAE are at high risk for negative m other-child interactions, which can affect the quality of maternal and child relationship and child social-emotional development. Maternal behavior characteristics suc h as being stable, predictable, and responsive are known to facilitate more positive an d satisfying mother-child relationships and healthy child development. Understanding the q uality of interactions between high-
The Role of Emotions in Native Language Identification

We explore the hypothesis that emotion is one of the dimensions of language that surfaces from the native language into a second language. To check the role of emotions in native language identification (NLI), we model emotion information through polarity and emotion load features, and use document representations using these features to classify the native language of the author. The results indicate that emotion is relevant for NLI, even for high proficiency levels and across topics.
The Basolateral Amygdala c-Aminobutyric Acidergic System in Health and Disease

Eric M. Prager, Hadley C. Bergstrom, Gary H. Wynn, and Maria F.M. Braga* Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Genetics, F. Edward H ebert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services, University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland Psychology Department, Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, New York Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, F. Edward H ebert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland Department of Psychiatry, F. Edward H ebert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland Program in Neuroscience, F. Edward H ebert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
The antimicrobial activity of Prunella vulgaris extracts

Summary Prunella vulgaris ( Labiatae family) or self-heal is traditionally used for different ailments such as eye pain and inflammation, headache, dizziness, sore throat and wound healing. Total phenolic and total flavonoid contents of extracts (methanol, ethanol and aqueous) were determined by a spectrophotometer. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated by micro broth dilution assay. The total phenolic content of P. vulgaris extracts were higher in aqueous extract (156.5 mg GAC/g) followed by ethanol extract and methanol extract. The TFC content of P. vulgaris methanol extract (82.8 mg QE/g) was higher than ethanol extract (22.7 mg QE/g) and aqueous extract (16.2 mg QE/g). The antimicrobial activity of methanol or ethanol extracts was higher than aqueous extract from P. vulgaris. The sensitivity of microorganisms to different extracts is related to type of pathogens. There is no positive relation between total phenolic content and its antimicrobial activity. Prunella vulgaris ethanolic extract as a source of phenolic and flavonoid contents can be used as an antimicrobial agent.
Hearing and leisure noise

This presentation reports on the examination of the relationship between self-reported noise exposure during leisure activities and audiological indicators: including measured hearing threshold levels (HTL) and tinnitus. The research was conducted by cross sectional survey of 1432 individuals from 11 to 35 years old. Methodology included of a full audiometric assessment including otoscopy, pure tone audiometry (PTA) (air-and bone-conduction), otoacoustic emissions (OAE) and tympanometry. A comprehensive questionnaire gathered information on demographics, hearing health status and participation in work, non-work and leisure activities. Using the history of work, non-work and leisure noise exposure a cumulative life time noise exposure was estimated. No correlation was found between cumulative life time noise exposure and audiometric PTA or OAE parameters. However, tinnitus was found to frequently occur at what would be considered as low exposure levels.
FALSE POSITIVE REDUCTION FOR NODULE DETECTION IN CT SCANS USING A CONVOLUTIONAL NEURAL NETWORK : APPLICATION TO THE LUNA 16 CHALLENGE

We propose a method for automatic false-positive reduction of a list of candidate pulmonary nodules, extracted from thoracic computed tomography scans, using a convolutional neural network operating on patches extracted from each of the three orthogonal planes. Batch normalisation was applied to reduce overfitting. Data augmentation on the positive set of candidates was used to balance the training set. Training and testing was performed on the LUNA16 competition data set. The resulting AUC score at the patch level was 0.9944 on average per fold in 10-fold cross-validation. The system achieved a competition score of 0.784, detecting 81.5% of all nodules at an average of 1 false positive detections per scan.
Using a Neuromuscular Model of Human Locomotion to Control Bipedal Robots

In a previous study, we have proposed a neuromuscular model of human locomotion that can generate robust and diverse locomotion behaviors in physics simulation [1]. The neural control circuitry of the model consists of a spinal reflex network and a supraspinal system. The spinal reflex network involves feedback modules that produce essential leg functions for stable locomotion; the supraspinal system modulates the reflex pathways for different locomotion behaviors and to react to external disturbances. With different sets of control parameters found through optimization, the human model can walk on terrains with unexpected ground-height changes of ±10 cm, and generate various behaviors, including turning, accelerating and decelerating, negotiating stairs and slopes, deliberately avoiding obstacles, and running.
Predictive models can overcome reductionism in cognitive neuroimaging

Understanding the organization of complex behavior as it relates to the brain requires modeling the behavior, the relevant mental processes, and the corresponding neural activity. Experiments in cognitive neuroscience typically study a psychological process via controlled manipulations, reducing behavior to one of its component. Such reductionism can easily lead to paradigm-bound theories. Predictive models can generalize brain-mind associations to arbitrary new tasks and stimuli. We argue that they are needed to broaden theories beyond specific paradigms. Predicting behavior from neural activity can support robust reverse inference, isolating brain structures that govern mental processes. The converse prediction enables modeling brain responses as a function of a complete description of the task, rather than building on oppositions.