Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
CHARACTERIZATIONS OF SYMMETRIC QUASICIRCLES

A quasicircle in the extended complex plane C̄ is, by the standard definition, the image of the unit circle under a quasiconformal self-mapping of C̄. This notion turns out to be very useful in geometric function theory and other fields of mathematics. A recent survey article of Gehring [Ge] collects over two dozens of characterizations for quasicircles, covering remarkably diverse mathematical contexts in which the quasicircle surfaces as an unexpected but yet perfectly natural object of study. An important subclass of quasicircles, namely symmetric quasicircles, was introduced in the late 1980’s by Becker and Pommerenke in the study of conformal mappings [BP, Po]. An interesting fact is that many characterizations for quasicircles have strengthened versions that can be used to characterize symmetric quasicircles. In this article we survey the characterizations of symmetric quasicircles and provide a unified approach to the proofs of several of them.
Nonlinear-Model-Based Analysis Methods for Time-Course Gene Expression Data

Microarray technology has produced a huge body of time-course gene expression data and will continue to produce more. Such gene expression data has been proved useful in genomic disease diagnosis and drug design. The challenge is how to uncover useful information from such data by proper analysis methods such as significance analysis and clustering analysis. Many statistic-based significance analysis methods and distance/correlation-based clustering analysis methods have been applied to time-course expression data. However, these techniques are unable to account for the dynamics of such data. It is the dynamics that characterizes such data and that should be considered in analysis of such data. In this paper, we employ a nonlinear model to analyse time-course gene expression data. We firstly develop an efficient method for estimating the parameters in the nonlinear model. Then we utilize this model to perform the significance analysis of individually differentially expressed genes and clustering analysis of a set of gene expression profiles. The verification with two synthetic datasets shows that our developed significance analysis method and cluster analysis method outperform some existing methods. The application to one real-life biological dataset illustrates that the analysis results of our developed methods are in agreement with the existing results.
Knowledge creation in construction: the Seci Model

Martin, L. and Root, D. (2009) Knowledge creation in construction: the SECI model. In: Dainty, A. (Ed) Procs 25th Annual ARCOM Conference, 7-9 September 2009, Nottingham, UK, Association of Researchers in Construction Management, 749-58.
Formate as the Main Branch Point for Methylotrophic Metabolism in Methylobacterium extorquens AM1

ABSTRACT In serine cycle methylotrophs, methylene tetrahydrofolate (H4F) is the entry point of reduced one-carbon compounds into the serine cycle for carbon assimilation during methylotrophic metabolism. In these bacteria, two routes are possible for generating methylene H4F from formaldehyde during methylotrophic growth: one involving the reaction of formaldehyde with H4F to generate methylene H4F and the other involving conversion of formaldehyde to formate via methylene tetrahydromethanopterin-dependent enzymes and conversion of formate to methylene H4F via H4F-dependent enzymes. Evidence has suggested that the direct condensation reaction is the main source of methylene H4F during methylotrophic metabolism. However, mutants lacking enzymes that interconvert methylene H4F and formate are unable to grow on methanol, suggesting that this route for methylene H4F synthesis should have a significant role in biomass production during methylotrophic metabolism. This problem was investigated in Methylobacterium extorquens AM1. Evidence was obtained suggesting that the existing deuterium assay might overestimate the flux through the direct condensation reaction. To test this possibility, it was shown that only minor assimilation into biomass occurred in mutants lacking the methylene H4F synthesis pathway through formate. These results suggested that the methylene H4F synthesis pathway through formate dominates assimilatory flux. A revised kinetic model was used to validate this possibility, showing that physiologically plausible parameters in this model can account for the metabolic fluxes observed in vivo. These results all support the suggestion that formate, not formaldehyde, is the main branch point for methylotrophic metabolism in M. extorquens AM1.
Maximum certainty approach to feedforward neural networks

A Bayesian-based methodology is presented which leads to a data analysis system based around a committee of radial-basis function (RBF) networks. The authors show that this approach enables estimation of the uncertainty associated with system outputs. Systems with differing numbers of internal degrees of freedom (weights) may hence be compared using training data only.
Recalled gender-related play behavior and peer-group preferences in childhood and adolescence among adults applying for gender-affirming treatment

ABSTRACT Norms are considered to influence expectations toward gender-related behavior. Deviations from these norms are often perceived negatively by the social environment. The objective of this study was to investigate adults diagnosed with a Gender Identity Disorder (GID), their recalled play behavior, and peer preferences in childhood and adolescence. Differences between individuals who applied for transition from female to male (FtMs) and those who applied for transition from male to female (MtFs) and between age-of-onset subgroups were explored. Data collection took place as part of the European Network for the Investigation of Gender Incongruence. The sample consisted of N = 634 participants (mean age = 30.6) diagnosed with GID according to DSM-IV-TR who were recruited between 2007 and 2012. Participants answered two questions regarding recalled play behavior and three questions on peer preferences. Nonconforming gender expression was more frequently recalled in FtMs than MtFs. Within gender groups, individuals who were categorized as early-onset recalled nonconforming gender expression more frequently than individuals who were categorized as late-onset. The results of the study are in line with previous findings indicating different phenomenological pathways in individuals applying for gender-affirming treatment that warrant attention. Factors that are considered to impact on gender-related differences in nonconforming gender expression are discussed.
360° Stance Detection

The proliferation of fake news and filter bubbles makes it increasingly difficult to form an unbiased, balanced opinion towards a topic. To ameliorate this, we propose 360° Stance Detection, a tool that aggregates news with multiple perspectives on a topic. It presents them on a spectrum ranging from support to opposition, enabling the user to base their opinion on multiple pieces of diverse evidence.
Additivity of standardized ileal digestibility of amino acids in mixed diets containing multiple protein sources for growing pigs fed three crude protein levels

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary crude protein (CP) levels of semi-purified diets on the additivity of values for standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids (AA) in mixed diets from multiple protein sources for growing pigs. A total of 28 barrows (initial BW, 66.4 ± 1.3 kg) were surgically fitted with simple T-cannulas at the distal ileum and assigned to a replicated 14 × 4 incomplete Latin square design with 14 diets and 4 periods. The 14 experimental diets consisted of a nitrogen-free diet; a corn-based diet (80 g CP/kg); nine semi-purified diets containing soya bean meal (SBM), canola meal (CM) or corn distillers dried grains with solubles (cDDGS), each type (protein source) of semi-purified diets supplied 80, 120 or 160 g CP/kg, respectively; three mixed diets based on corn, SBM, CM and cDDGS formulated to contain 120, 160 and 200 g CP/kg respectively. Pigs were fed each of the 14 diets during a seven-day period, and ileal digesta were collected from 08:00 a.m to 6:00 p.m on day 6 and 7. Chromic oxide was added as an indigestible marker. Results indicated that the SID of CP and AA were not affected by CP levels (p > .05). Values for SID of AA were additive (p > .05) with the exception of His and Lys; Arg and Lys; Arg, Lys, Thr, Asp, Cys and Gly in the mixed diets containing 120, 160 and 200 g CP/kg respectively (p < .05). In conclusion, additivity of SID values of AA in the mixed diets at different CP levels was not affected by the CP levels of semi-purified diets for growing pigs. Therefore, it is recommended that SID values of AA should be used to formulate practical diets containing multiple ingredients for pigs.
Nonlinear Dynamical Detection of Normal Vowels Using PPS Algorithm and WDP of Neural Networks

Normal vowels are confirmed to have irregular property which is possibly due to chaos. In this paper, we employ two approaches to detect the existence of underlying dynamics in Chinese normal vowels recorded from both male and female adults. The PPS algorithm that can test pseudoperiodic time series against the hypothesis of periodic orbits with uncorrelated noise presents that these data sets follow chaos. Meanwhile, another novel technique, weight distribution projection (WDP) of neural networks, is proposed to identify dynamical property of these given time series. Intuitively, their WDP graphs exhibit the chaotic property. So both methods give the same conclusion that the measured Chinese vowels are consistent with chaos. Keywords-normal vowelst; surrogate algorithm; neural networks; weight distribution projection
The expected adjustment and academic outcomes of Honors College students

THE EXPECTED ADJUSTMENT AND ACADEMIC OUTCOMES OF HONORS COLLEGE STUDENTS Christina R. Washington Old Dominion University, 2012 Chair: Dr. Alan Schwitzer The transition to an institution of higher education can present challenges and difficulties, but it is a student's expectations that can ultimately predict adjustment (Jackson, Pancer, Pratt, & Hunsberger, 2000). A larger number of students who experience difficulties in their adjustment end up withdrawing from the institution (Baker & Siryk, 1986). There is evidence that for some students there is a vast disconnect between their expectations regarding the institution of higher education, and the reality of their experiences. Students may not realize that what was expected of them in high school will differ greatly in college. It is this lack of understanding of the different expectations that can lead students to struggle academically, and can affect adjustment (Kern, Fagley, & Miller, 1998). Studies indicate that students who entered college with unrealistically high expectations were less successful academically than students with lower, but more accurate grade expectations (Smith & Wertlieb, 2005). High achieving college students may face unique challenges related to their overall adjustment (Rice, Leever, Christopher, & Porter, 2006). These challenges may also affect students' expectations regarding adjustment. The current study followed a non-experimental ex post facto design. Data collected from the Transition to College Inventory was analyzed to assess expected academic, social, personalemotional, and institutional adjustment of honors students and non-honors students. Additionally, the study examined expected adjustment and participation in honors programming as predictors of academic success and retention status. A random sample of Honors College students and non-honors students (N = 393) was utilized for the current study. Results indicate that there was a significant difference between honors students and non-honors student reports' on expected adjustment. Additionally, factor 2 (Influences in college choice), and the group the student belonged to (honors vs. non-honors) were most influential in predicating first semester
What drives change? Barriers to and incentives for achieving evidence‐based practice

To bridge the gap between scientific evidence and patient care we need an in‐depth understanding of the barriers and incentives to achieving change in practice. Various theories and models for change point to a multitude of factors that may affect the successful implementation of evidence. However, the evidence for their value in the field is still limited. When planning complex changes in practice, potential barriers at various levels need to be addressed. Planning needs to take into account the nature of the innovation; characteristics of the professionals and patients involved; and the social, organisational, economic and political context.
VNF placement with replication for Loac balancing in NFV networks

Network Function Virtualization (NFV) is a new paradigm, enabling service innovation through virtualization of traditional network functions located flexibly in the network in form of Virtual Network Functions (VNFs). Since VNFs can only be placed onto servers located in networked data centers, which is the NFV's salient feature, the traffic directed to these data center areas has significant impact on network load balancing. Network load balancing can be even more critical for an ordered sequence of VNFs, also known as Service Function Chains (SFCs), a common cloud and network service approach today. To balance the network load, VNF's can be placed in a smaller cluster of servers in the network thus minimizing the distance to the data center. The optimization of the placement of these clusters is a challenge as also other factors need to be considered, such as the resource utilization. To address this issue, we study the problem of VNF placement with replications, and especially the potential of VNFs replications to help load balance the network. We design and compare three optimization methods, including Linear Programing (LP) model, Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Random Fit Placement Algorithm (RFPA) for the allocation and replication of VNFs. Our results show that the optimum placement and replication can significantly improve load balancing, for which we also propose a GA heuristics applicable to larger networks.
Peculiar, low-luminosity Type II supernovae: low-energy explosions in massive progenitors?

A number of supernovae, classified as Type II, show remarkably peculiar properties such as an extremely low expansion velocity and an extraordinarily small amount of 5 6 Ni in the ejecta. We present a joint analysis of the available observations for two of these peculiar Type II supernovae, SN 1997D and SN 1999br, using a comprehensive semi-analytic method that can reproduce the light curve and the evolution of the line velocity and continuum temperature. We find that these events are underenergetic with respect to a typical Type II supernova and that the inferred mass of the ejecta is relatively large. We discuss the possibility that these supernovae originate from the explosion of a massive progenitor in which the rate of early infall of stellar material on the collapsed core is large. Events of this type could form a black hole remnant, giving rise to significant fallback and late-time accretion.
Jour Fixe - We Are Structuring Knowledge Collaborative - Structuring of Semantic Spaces as a Didactic Concept and New Form of Cooperative Knowledge Organization

To successfully develop and study methods for cooperative knowledge organization, we must not only develop suitable tools and theories, but in particular embed these in our daily work as educators. The key conceptual and organizational element in our approach here is the jour fixe: parallel to the course of lectures they are attending, students report on the progress they have made in the semantic design and structuring of a virtual knowledge space at fixed points in time, socalled jours fixes. To do so, they make use of a special cooperative shared whiteboard. The treatment of a course-related topic in small groups of students and its presentation at a series of jour fixe dates forms part of the subsequent examination requirements. The paper presents our jour fixe concept as an integral element of our teaching programme in Paderborn and describes initial experience with its practical application in the course “Konzepte Digitaler Medien” (Concepts of
Typeset Using Revt E X 2

U (1) × SU (2) Chern–Simons gauge theory of underdoped cuprate superconductors Abstract The Chern-Simons bosonization with U (1) × SU (2) gauge field is applied to the 2-D t − J model in the limit t ≫ J, to study the normal state properties of underdoped cuprate superconductors. We prove the existence of an upper bound on the partition function for holons in a spinon background, and we find the optimal spinon configuration saturating the upper bound on average – a coexisting flux phase and s + id-like RVB state. After neglecting the feedback of holon fluctuations on the U (1) field B and spinon fluctuations on the SU (2) field V , the holon field is a fermion and the spinon field is a hard– core boson. Within this approximation we show that the B field produces a π flux phase for the holons, converting them into Dirac–like fermions, while the V field, taking into account the feedback of holons produces a gap for the spinons vanishing in the zero doping limit. The nonlinear σ-model with a mass term describes the crossover from the short-ranged antiferromagnetic (AF) state in doped samples to long range AF order in reference compounds. Moreover, we derive a low–energy effective action in terms of spinons, holons and a self-generated U (1) gauge field. Neglecting the gauge fluctuations, the holons are described by the Fermi liquid theory with a Fermi surface consisting of 4 " half-pockets " centered at (± π 2 , ± π 2) and one reproduces the results for the electron spectral function obtained in the mean field approximation, in agreement with the photoemission data on underdoped cuprates. The gauge fluctuations are not confining due to coupling to holons, but nevertheless yield an attractive interaction between spinons and holons leading to a bound state with electron quantum numbers. The renormalisation effects due to gauge fluctuations give rise to non–Fermi liquid behaviour for the composite electron, in certain temperature range showing the linear in T resistivity. This 1 formalism provides a new interpretation of the spin gap in the underdoped superconductors (mainly due to the short-ranged AF order) and predicts that the minimal gap for the physical electron is proportional to the square root of the doping concentration. Therefore the gap does not vanish in any direction. All these predictions can be checked explicitly in experiment.
Using model views to assist with model conformance and extension

Most literature in conceptual modelling focuses on the development of models. However, models, once created, must be used, which requires that the model is as usable as possible. Often, usage scenarios for a model are only vaguely clear at model creation time, so model usability should be considered as a relevant problem, especially in relation to conformance (creating instance models that conform to a base type model) and extension (creating extended models that build on a base one). In this paper, we propose a particular mechanism, model views, that allow model users to customise, to certain extent, what a model looks like, and thus adapt it to their usage scenario. Model views are fully described, and two case studies regarding very different situations are reported as a form of validation. The results obtained show that model views significantly add flexibility and customisation control during model conformance and extension efforts.
Cloud‐Based Privacy‐Preserving Remote ECG Monitoring and Surveillance

The number of technical solutions for monitoring patients in their daily activities is expected to increase significantly in the near future. Blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, BMI, oxygen saturation, and electrolytes are few of the physiologic factors that will soon be available to patients and their physicians almost continuously. The availability and transfer of this information from the patient to the health provider raises privacy concerns. Moreover, current data encryption approaches expose patient data during processing, therefore restricting their utility in applications requiring data analysis.
Distributed under Creative Commons Cc-by 4.0 Preliminary Study on Non-viral Transfection of F9 (factor Ix) Gene by Nucleofection in Human Adipose-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Background. Hemophilia is a rare recessive X-linked disease characterized by a deficiency of coagulation factor VIII or factor IX. Its current treatment is merely palliative. Advanced therapies are likely to become the treatment of choice for the disease as they could provide a curative treatment. Methods. The present study looks into the use of a safe non-viral transfection method based on nucleofection to express and secrete human clotting factor IX (hFIX) where human adipose tissue derived mesenchymal stem cells were used as target cells in vitro studies and NOD. Cg-Prkdcscid Il2rgtm1Wjl/SzJ mice were used to analyze factor IX expression in vivo studies. Previously, acute liver injury was induced by an injected intraperitoneal dose of 500 mg/kg body weight of acetaminophen. Results. Nucleofection showed a percentage of positive cells ranging between 30.7% and 41.9% and a cell viability rate of 29.8%, and cells were shown to secrete amounts of hFIX between 36.8 and 71.9 ng/mL. hFIX levels in the blood of NSG mice injected with ASCs transfected with this vector, were 2.7 ng/mL 48 h after injection. Expression and secretion of hFIX were achieved both in vitro cell culture media and in vivo in the plasma of mice treated with the transfected ASCs. Such cells are capable of eventually migrating to a previously damaged target tissue (the liver) where they secrete hFIX, releasing it to the bloodstream over a period of at least five days from administration. Conclusions. The results obtained in the present study may form a preliminary basis for the establishment of a future ex vivo non-viral gene/cellular safe therapy protocol that may eventually contribute to advancing the treatment of hemophilia.
Current Limitations and Perspectives in Single Port Surgery: Pros and Cons Laparo-Endoscopic Single-Site Surgery (LESS) for Renal Surgery

Laparo-Endoscopic Single-Site surgery (LESS) for kidney diseases is quickly evolving and has a tendency to expand the urological armory of surgical techniques. However, we should not be overwhelmed by the surgical skills only and weight it against the basic clinical and oncological principles when compared to standard laparoscopy. The initial goal is to define the ideal candidates and ideal centers for LESS in the future. Modification of basic instruments in laparoscopy presumably cannot result in better functional and oncological outcomes, especially when the optimal working space is limited with the same arm movements. Single port surgery is considered minimally invasive laparoscopy; on the other hand, when using additional ports, it is no more single port, but hybrid traditional laparoscopy. Whether LESS is a superior or equally technique compared to traditional laparoscopy has to be proven by future prospective randomized trials.