Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reversal of Maternal Programming of Stress Responses in Adult Offspring through Methyl Supplementation: Altering Epigenetic Marking Later in Life

Stress responses in the adult rat are programmed early in life by maternal care and associated with epigenomic marking of the hippocampal exon 17 glucocorticoid receptor (GR) promoter. To examine whether such epigenetic programming is reversible in adult life, we centrally infused the adult offspring with the essential amino acid l-methionine, a precursor to S-adenosyl-methionine that serves as the donor of methyl groups for DNA methylation. Here we report that methionine infusion reverses the effect of maternal behavior on DNA methylation, nerve growth factor-inducible protein-A binding to the exon 17 promoter, GR expression, and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal and behavioral responses to stress, suggesting a causal relationship among epigenomic state, GR expression, and stress responses in the adult offspring. These results demonstrate that, despite the inherent stability of the epigenomic marks established early in life through behavioral programming, they are potentially reversible in the adult brain.
Busting Software Architecture Beliefs: A Survey on Success Factors in Architecture Decision Making

As software development changes, also the myths and beliefs around it come and go. In different communities, different beliefs are kept, usually strengthened by success or failure stories. In this research, we study the beliefs surrounding software architecture. The beliefs range from the amount of effort needed for architecture documentation, to the size of the team or the persons responsible for making the architectural decisions. Most beliefs are based on the idea that the outcome of the project is highly dependent on the methods used during the design and development of software. We conducted a survey with 39 architects where we evaluated 54 architectural decisions. In this survey, we assessed the way in which decisions were made, the success factors of the decisions, as well as the properties of the projects. We conduct statistical analysis in order to evaluate some of the beliefs that currently exist in software development. We conclude that for most of the beliefs, no statistical evidence can be found, making these beliefs folklore for the tales, instead of useful guidelines for predicting projects success or failure.
Has US Household Deleveraging Ended? A Model-Based Estimate of Equilibrium Debt

The balance sheet adjustment in the household sector was a prominent feature of the Great Recession that is widely believed to have held back the cyclical recovery of the US economy. A key question for the US outlook is therefore whether household deleveraging has ended or whether further adjustment is needed. The novelty of this paper is to estimate a time-varying equilibrium household debt-to-income ratio determined by economic fundamentals to examine this question. The paper uses state-level data for household debt from the FRBNY Consumer Credit Panel over the period 1999Q1 to 2012Q4 and employs the Pooled Mean Group (PMG) estimator developed by Pesaran et al. (1999), adjusted for cross-section dependence. The results support the view that, despite signifiant progress in household balance sheet repair, household deleveraging still had some way to go as of 2012Q4, as the actual debt-to-income-ratio continued to exceed its estimated equilibrium. The baseline conclusions are rather robust to a set of alternative specifications. Going forward, our model suggests that part of this debt gap could, however, be closed by improving economic conditions rather than only by further declines in actual debt. Nevertheless, the normalisation of the monetary policy stance may imply challenges for the deleveraging process by making a given level of household debt less affordable and therefore less sustainable. JEL Classification: C13, C23, C52, D14, H31
Fault Tolerant Model Predictive Control of Quad-Rotor Helicopters with Actuator Fault Estimation

Abstract Model predictive control (MPC) at each time step minimizes a cost function subject to dynamical constraints to obtain a stabilizing control signal. Further, MPC is one of the few methodologies that can be used to design feedback control for nonlinear dynamical systems taking into consideration of actuator saturations. It can thus serve as a suitable fault tolerant control approach for quad-rotor helicopter governed by nonlinear dynamics. However, MPC needs a relatively accurate model of the post-failure system to calculate a stabilizing control signal. The problem becomes more critical where the system dynamics is described by a nonlinear model, because there exist few effective nonlinear parameter estimators with reasonable online computation time. To address this issue, for online actuator fault estimation, this paper investigates Moving Horizon Estimation (MHE) and Unscented Kalman Filter (UKF) as two methods for nonlinear parameter estimation. A framework is then formulated for integrating MHE/UKF based fault estimator with MPC to form an active fault tolerant control system for systems with nonlinear constrained dynamics. Performance and computation requirement of both algorithms are also investigated.
Experiences with Requirements Model Reuse: The NFR Catalogue for Ubiquitous Systems

Requirements engineering activities demand adequate conceptual modeling support to be effective and efficient, especially in complex domains such as ubiquitous computing. The main objective of this work is to use modeling and analysis techniques adopted from a framework based on Non-Functional Requirements (NFRs) to support elicitation, analysis, and operationalization of these requirements for ubiquitous systems. Such systems operate within ever-changing environments, rely on a growing list of heterogeneous devices, assume user mobility and content server distribution, and require adaptability and context awareness. The chapter presents a NFR catalogue for ubiquitous systems and a method for using it to guide systematic requirements engineering. The chapter also reports on experiences in the construction and use of the catalogue in several projects.
Effect of Rebonding on the Bond Strength of Orthodontic Tubes: A Comparison of Light Cure Adhesive and Resin-Modified Glass Ionomer Cement In Vitro

The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of different enamel preparation procedures and compare light cure composite (LCC) and resin-modified glass ionomer (RMGI) on the bond strength of orthodontic metal tubes rebonded to the enamel. Twenty human molars were divided into two groups (n = 10). Tubes were bonded using LCC (Transbond XT) in group 1 and RMGI (Fuji Ortho LC) in group 2. The tubes in each group were bonded following manufacturers' instructions (experiment I) and then debonded using testing machine. Then, the same brackets were sandblasted and rebonded twice. Before the first rebonding, the enamel was cleaned using carbide bur (experiment II) and before second rebonding, it was cleaned using carbide bur and soda blasted (experiment III). Mann–Whitney and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests showed no significant difference between RMGI and LCC bond strengths in case of normal bonding and rebonding, when enamel was cleaned using carbide bur before rebonding. Enamel soda blasting before rebonding significantly increased RMGI tensile bond strength value compared to LLC (p < 0.05). LCC and RMGI (especially RMGI) provide sufficient bond strengths for rebonding of molar tubes, when residual adhesive from previous bonding is removed and enamel soda blasted.
Histidine-Rich Glycoprotein Protects from Systemic Candida Infection

Fungi, such as Candida spp. , are commonly found on the skin and at mucosal surfaces. Yet, they rarely cause invasive infections in immunocompetent individuals, an observation reflecting the ability of our innate immune system to control potentially invasive microbes found at biological boundaries. Antimicrobial proteins and peptides are becoming increasingly recognized as important effectors of innate immunity. This is illustrated further by the present investigation, demonstrating a novel antifungal role of histidine-rich glycoprotein (HRG), an abundant and multimodular plasma protein. HRG bound to Candida cells, and induced breaks in the cell walls of the organisms. Correspondingly, HRG preferentially lysed ergosterol-containing liposomes but not cholesterol-containing ones, indicating a specificity for fungal versus other types of eukaryotic membranes. Both antifungal and membrane-rupturing activities of HRG were enhanced at low pH, and mapped to the histidine-rich region of the protein. Ex vivo, HRG-containing plasma as well as fibrin clots exerted antifungal effects. In vivo, Hrg−/− mice were susceptible to infection by C. albicans, in contrast to wild-type mice, which were highly resistant to infection. The results demonstrate a key and previously unknown antifungal role of HRG in innate immunity.
Multi-scale self-simulation: a technique for reconfiguring arrays with faults

In this paper we study the ability of array-based networks to tolerate faults. We show that an N x N twodimensional array can sustain N1 -‘ worst-case faults, for any fixed c >0, and still emulate a fully functioning N x N array with only constant slowdown. We also observe that even if every node fails with some fixed probability, p, with high probability the array can still emulate a fully functioning array with constant slowdown. Previously, no connected bounded-degree network was known to be able to tolerate constantprobability node failures without suffering more than a constant-factor loss in performance. Finally, we observe that if faulty nodes are allowed to communicate, but not compute, then an N-node one-dimensional array can tolerate logO(lJ N worst-case faults and still emulate a fault-free array with constant slowdown, and this bound is tight.
Structural differences between two graphs through hierarchies

This paper presents a technique for visualizing the differences between two graphs. The technique assumes that a unique labeling of the nodes for each graph is available, where if a pair of labels match, they correspond to the same node in both graphs. Such labeling often exists in many application areas: IP addresses in computer networks, namespaces, class names, and function names in software engineering, to name a few. As many areas of the graph may be the same in both graphs, we visualize large areas of difference through a graph hierarchy. We introduce a path-preserving coarsening technique for degree one nodes of the same classification. We also introduce a path-preserving coarsening technique based on betweenness centrality that is able to illustrate major differences between two graphs.
A wide range low power CMOS radio frequency ring oscillator

This paper presents a wide frequency range, low power dissipation CMOS voltage controlled ring oscillator based on three-stage differential current-steering amplifiers (CSA) cell. The frequency of oscillator has a highly linear relationship with voltage. The VCO circuit realized through 0. 18µm CMOS process parameter shows wide operating frequency from 1.624GHz to 3.229 GHz. The simulation result shows that power dissipation is 1mW with 1.8V power supply voltage.
Analysing engaging experiences with a tangible 3D tabletop

Tangible 3D tabletops are a novel type of interface, which combines tangible tabletop interaction with 3D projection in such a way that the tangible objects can be augmented with visual content corresponding to their physical shapes, positions and orientations on the tabletop. We present a specific tangible 3D tabletop installation, Projected Play, which was developed for and deployed at LEGO World, a four-day event at which visitors immerse themselves in the world of LEGO. The use of Projected Play was documented through observations, interviews and video recordings. We propose an analytical approach to understanding the perception and use of this type of installation building upon existing research into interaction in public spaces. We apply this approach to analyse how people interacted with and experienced the installation. The focal points of the analytical approach include social, cultural and physical aspects of experience, interaction patterns and forms of engagement. Moreover, we critically discuss the potentials and limitations of both the analytical approach and the installation.
Expanded Distance-based Phylogenetic Analyses of Fossil Homo Skull Shape Evolution

Analyses of a set of 47 fossil and 4 modern skulls using phylogenetic geometric morphometric methods corroborate and refine earlier results. These include evidence that the African Iwo Eleru skull, only about 12,000 years old, indeed represents a new species of near human. In contrast, the earliest known anatomically modern human skull, Qafzeh 9, the skull of Eve from Israel/Palestine, is validated as fully modern in form. Analyses clearly show evidence of archaic introgression into Gravettian, pre_Gravettian, Qafzeh, and Upper Cave (China) populations of near modern humans, and in about that order of increasing archaic content. The enigmatic Saldahna (Elandsfontein) skull emerges as a probable first representative of that lineage, which exclusive of Neanderthals that, eventually lead to modern humans. There is also evidence that the poorly dated Kabwe (Broken Hill) skull represents a much earlier distinct lineage. The clarity of the results bode well for quantitative statistical phylogenetic methods making significant inroads in the stalemates of paleoanthropology.
Implications of Climate Change for Bird Conservation in the Southwestern U.S. under Three Alternative Futures

Future expected changes in climate and human activity threaten many riparian habitats, particularly in the southwestern U.S. Using Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt3.3.3) modeling, we characterized habitat relationships and generated spatial predictions of habitat suitability for the Lucy’s warbler (Oreothlypis luciae), the Southwestern willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus) and the Western yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus). Our goal was to provide site- and species-specific information that can be used by managers to identify areas for habitat conservation and/or restoration along the Rio Grande in New Mexico. We created models of suitable habitat for each species based on collection and survey samples and climate, biophysical, and vegetation data. We projected habitat suitability under future climates by applying these models to conditions generated from three climate models for 2030, 2060 and 2090. By comparing current and future distributions, we identified how habitats are likely to change as a result of changing climate and the consequences of those changes for these bird species. We also examined whether land ownership of high value sites shifts under changing climate conditions. Habitat suitability models performed well. Biophysical characteristics were more important that climate conditions for predicting habitat suitability with distance to water being the single most important predictor. Climate, though less important, was still influential and led to declines of suitable habitat of more than 60% by 2090. For all species, suitable habitat tended to shrink over time within the study area leaving a few core areas of high importance. Overall, climate changes will increase habitat fragmentation and reduce breeding habitat patch size. The best strategy for conserving bird species within the Rio Grande will include measures to maintain and restore critical habitat refugia. This study provides an example of a presence-only habitat model that can be used to inform the management of species at intermediate scales.
Comparative genetic mapping of allotetraploid cotton and its diploid progenitors

Allotetraploid cotton species (Gossypium) belong to a 1-2 million year old lineage that reunited diploid genomes that diverged from each other 5-10 million years ago. To characterize genome evolution in the diploids and allotetraploids, comparative RFLP mapping was used to construct genetic maps for the allotetraploids (AD genome; n = 26) and diploids (A and D genomes; n = 13). Comparisons among the 13 suites of homoeologous linkage groups permitted comparisons of synteny and gene order. Two reciprocal translocations were confirmed involving four allotetraploid At genome chromosomes, as was a translocation between the two extant A genome diploids. Nineteen locus order differences were detected among the two diploid and two allotetraploid genomes. Conservation of colinear linkage groups among the four genomes indicates that allopolyploidy in Gossypium was not accompanied by extensive chromosomal rearrangement. Many inversions include duplicated loci, suggesting that the processes that gave rise to inversio.
Formulating diagnostic problem solving using an action language with narratives and sensing

Given a system and unexpected observations about the system, a diagnosis is often viewed as a fault assignment to the various components of the system that is consistent with (or that explains) the observations. If the observations occur over time, and if we allow the occurrence of (deliberate) actions and (exoge-nous) events, then the traditional notion of a candidate diagnosis must be modiied to consider the possible occurrence of actions and events that could account for the unexpected system behavior. In the presence of multiple candidate diagnoses , we may need to perform actions and observe their impact on the system, to be able to narrow the list of possible diagnoses, and possibly even initiate some repair. A plan that guarantees such narrowing will be referred to as a diagnostic plan, and if this plan also guarantees that at the end of the execution of the plan, the system has no faults then we refer to it as a repair plan. Since actions and narrative play a central role in diagnostic problem solving, we characterize diagnosis, diagnostic planning and repair with respect to the existing action language L, extended to include static constraints , sensing actions, and the notion of observable uents. This language is used to provide a uniform account of diagnostic problem solving.
CSF Metabolic and Proteomic Profiles in Patients Prodromal for Psychosis

Background The initial prodromal state of psychosis (IPS) is defined as an early disease stage prior to the onset of overt psychosis characterized by sub-threshold or more unspecific psychiatric symptoms. Little is known regarding the biochemical changes during this period. Methodology/Principal Findings We investigated the metabolic/proteomic profiles of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of first-onset drug naïve paranoid schizophrenia patients (n = 54) and individuals presenting with initial prodromal symptoms (n = 24), alongside healthy volunteers (n = 70) using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) spectroscopy and surface enhanced laser desorption ionization (SELDI) mass spectrometry, respectively. Partial least square discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) showed that 36%/29% of IPS patients displayed proteomic/metabolic profiles characteristic of first-onset, drug naïve schizophrenia, i.e., changes in levels of glucose and lactate as well as changes in a VGF-derived peptide (VGF23-62) and transthyretin protein concentrations. However, only 29% (n = 7) of the investigated IPS patients (who to date have been followed up for up to three years) have so far received a diagnosis of schizophrenia. The presence of biochemical alterations in the IPS group did not correlate with the risk to develop schizophrenia. Conclusions/Significance Our results imply that schizophrenia-related biochemical disease processes can be traced in CSF of prodromal patients. However, the biochemical disturbances identified in IPS patients, at least when measured at a single time point, may not be sufficient to predict clinical outcome.
Should We Really Expect More from Our Friends?

In the present paper, we analyze an original channel of interaction between politicians and lobbies i.e. the nuisance power of a lobby. Some lobbies are influencing public policies just because they are able to impact negatively the image of a politician. More particularly, we develop a setting in which unions may transmit some information to the voters about the quality of the government via a costly signal i.e. a strike. In our setting unions represent sectors of the economy. An incumbent government seeking reelection allocates a fixed budget among several unionized sectors. Strikes are costly and transmit information to voters about the quality of the government. The politician may have interest to distort the budget allocation away from the efficient one in order to maximize his/her probability of reelection. In most cases a hostile receive receives more than a neutral/friendly one.
Language Acquisition and Linguistic Theory Missing Subjects in Early Child Language

The marriage of linguistic theory and language acquisition is approaching its golden anniversary. In her 1966 dissertation Ursula Bellugi provided a transformational analysis of the development of negation in English-speaking children. On the model of the Standard Theory of Generative Grammar (Chomsky 1965), she proposed a system of phrase structure and transformational rules to describe the various stages of negation and the transitions from one stage to the next. Following Bellugi's seminal work, various studies provided transformational analyses of other aspects of child grammar among others). In keeping with the goals of genera-tive grammar, these studies attempted to provide an explicit procedure for generating all and only the utterances produced by children in a specific age range or with respect to a specific aspect of grammar. While acknowledging that children's early utterances were more or less reduced versions of the adult target – " telegraphic " as characterized by Brown and Fraser (1964)—the descriptive focus was on the categories and combinations that the child reliably produced, rather than what he failed to produce or produced only probabilistically. Fast forward 20 some odd years, it had become increasingly apparent that the " telegraphic " child's two and three word utterances belie a far richer and more abstract grammatical system. His language shows grammatical dependencies such and Weissenborn 1992 among others), hence a sensitivity to the grammatical function of nouns and to the tense and aspect of verbs. The focus of generative acquisition research into early development shifted from the description of what
Epistemic reasoning in Lineland

In this paper we investigate a concrete situation of epistemic spatial reasoning: there are agents (humans, cameras,.) which are located on a line, and according to their respective positions and to where agents are looking at, the epistemic situation will vary. Using standard epistemic logic language, we aim at expressing various properties (“Agent A knows that agent B sees agent C”,.) For the case of the line, we provide here a qualitative geometry of what agents see, and give an axiomatic theory for both this geometry and for the corresponding epistemic reasoning. We also provide algorithms for the model checking and satisfiability problems and show that they are PSPACE-complete.