Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Trilateral Large-Scale OSN Account Linkability Study

In the last decade, Online Social Networks (OSNs) have taken the world by storm. They range from superficial to professional, from focused to general-purpose, and, from free-form to highly structured. Numerous people have multiple accounts within the same OSN and even more people have an account on more than one OSN. Since all OSNs involve some amount of user input, often in written form, it is natural to consider whether multiple incarnations of the same person in various OSNs can be effectively correlated or linked. One intuitive means of linking accounts is by using stylometric analysis. This paper reports on (what we believe to be) the first trilateral large-scale stylometric OSN linkability study. Its outcome has important implications for OSN privacy. The study is trilateral since it involves three OSNs with very different missions: (1) Yelp, known primarily for its user-contributed reviews of various venues, e.g, dining and entertainment, (2) Twitter, popular for its pithy general-purpose micro-blogging style, and (3) Flickr, used exclusively for posting and labeling (describing) photographs. As our somewhat surprising results indicate, stylometric linkability of accounts across these heterogeneous OSNs is both viable and quite effective. The main take-away of this work is that, despite OSN heterogeneity, it is very challenging for one person to maintain privacy across multiple active accounts on different OSNs.
Mitral cell spike synchrony modulated by dendrodendritic synapse location

On their long lateral dendrites, mitral cells of the olfactory bulb form dendrodendritic synapses with large populations of granule cell interneurons. The mitral-granule cell microcircuit operating through these reciprocal synapses has been implicated in inducing synchrony between mitral cells. However, the specific mechanisms of mitral cell synchrony operating through this microcircuit are largely unknown and are complicated by the finding that distal inhibition on the lateral dendrites does not modulate mitral cell spikes. In order to gain insight into how this circuit synchronizes mitral cells within its spatial constraints, we built on a reduced circuit model of biophysically realistic multi-compartment mitral and granule cells to explore systematically the roles of dendrodendritic synapse location and mitral cell separation on synchrony. The simulations showed that mitral cells can synchronize when separated at arbitrary distances through a shared set of granule cells, but synchrony is optimally attained when shared granule cells form two balanced subsets, each subset clustered near to a soma of the mitral cell pairs. Another constraint for synchrony is that the input magnitude must be balanced. When adjusting the input magnitude driving a particular mitral cell relative to another, the mitral-granule cell circuit served to normalize spike rates of the mitral cells while inducing a phase shift or delay in the more weakly driven cell. This shift in phase is absent when the granule cells are removed from the circuit. Our results indicate that the specific distribution of dendrodendritic synaptic clusters is critical for optimal synchronization of mitral cell spikes in response to their odor input.
Decreased Bone Volume and Bone Mineral Density in the Tibial Trabecular Bone Is Associated with Per2 Gene by 405 nm Laser Stimulation

Low-level laser therapy/treatment (LLLT) using a minimally invasive laser needle system (MILNS) might enhance bone formation and suppress bone resorption. In this study, the use of 405 nm LLLT led to decreases in bone volume and bone mineral density (BMD) of tibial trabecular bone in wild-type (WT) and Per2 knockout (KO) mice. Bone volume and bone mineral density of tibial trabecular bone was decreased by 405 nm LLLT in Per2 KO compared to WT mice at two and four weeks. To determine the reduction in tibial bone, mRNA expressions of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and Per2 were investigated at four weeks after 405 nm laser stimulation using MILNS. ALP gene expression was significantly reduced in the LLLT-stimulated right tibial bone of WT and Per2 KO mice compared to the non-irradiated left tibia (p < 0.001). Per2 mRNA expression in WT mice was significantly reduced in the LLLT-stimulated right tibial bone compared to the non-irradiated left tibia (p < 0.001). To identify the decrease in tibial bone mediated by the Per2 gene, levels of runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) and ALP mRNAs were determined in non-irradiated WT and Per2 KO mice. These results demonstrated significant downregulation of Runx2 and ALP mRNA levels in Per2 KO mice (p < 0.001). Therefore, the reduction in tibial trabecular bone resulting from 405 nm LLLT using MILNS might be associated with Per2 gene expression.
Full system simulation framework for integrated CPU/GPU architecture

The integrated CPU/GPU architecture brings performance advantage since the communication cost between the CPU and GPU is reduced, and also imposes new challenges in processor architecture design, especially in the management of shared memory resources, e.g, the last-level cache and memory bandwidth. Therefore, a micro-architecture level simulator is essential to facilitate researches in this direction. In this paper, we develop the first cycle-level full-system simulation framework for CPU-GPU integration with detailed memory models. With the simulation framework, we analyze the communication cost between the CPU and GPU for GPU workloads, and perform memory system characterization running both applications concurrently.
Curcumin Alleviates oxLDL Induced MMP-9 and EMMPRIN Expression through the Inhibition of NF-κB and MAPK Pathways in Macrophages

Rupture of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques is the leading cause of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and unstable angina pectoris (UA). However, it still lacks an effective therapy to stabilize the vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques. Numerous reports have shown that upregulation of MMP-9 (matrix metalloproteinase-9) and EMMPRIN (extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer) in macrophages is involved in the progression and development of vulnerable plaques. Here we evaluated the impact of curcumin on the expression of MMP-9 and EMMPRIN in macrophages. Macrophages were pretreated with curcumin or specific inhibitors (p38 MAPK inhibitor, NF-κB p65 inhibitor) for 1 h, then cells were cultured with oxLDL for indicated time. Real-time PCR and Western blot analysis were used to evaluate the expression of mRNA and proteins. Translocation of NF-κB p65 was detected by using laser confocal microscopy. Here we showed that curcumin attenuated the MMP-9 and EMMPRIN expression in oxLDL stimulated macrophages. Further studies revealed that curcumin inhibited oxLDL induced NF-κB activation and p38 MAPK phosphorylation. These findings illustrated that curcumin can inhibit the expression of EMMPRIN and MMP-9 in oxLDL stimulated macrophages through down regulation of NF-κB and p38 MAPK signaling pathways, which might be the molecular mechanism for the anti-atherosclerotic effect of curcumin.
Visions in global education : the globalization of curriculum and pedagogy in teacher education and schools : perspectives from Canada, Russia, and the United States

Contents: James A. Becker: Foreword - Toni Fuss Kirkwood-Tucker: Personal Profile - Kenneth A. Tye: A History of the Global Education Movement in the United States - Elizabeth E. Heilman: Terrains of Global and Multicultural Education: What Is Distinctive, Contested, and Shared? - Hilary Landorf: Toward a Philosophy of Global Education - Guichun Zong: Global Perspectives in Teacher Education Research and Practice - Barbara C. Cruz/Pedro R. Bermudez: Teacher Education in the United States: A Retrospective on the Global Awareness Program at Florida International University - Toni Fuss Kirkwood-Tucker: Tales from the Field: Possibilities and Processes Leading to Global Education Reform in the Miami-Dade County Public Schools - Toni Fuss Kirkwood-Tucker: From the Trenches: The Integration of a Global Perspective in Curriculum and Instruction in the Miami-Dade County Public Schools - Jacob M. Kolker/Irina M. Sheina/Elena S. Ustinova: The Russian Experience in Integrating Global Perspectives in Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Education - Lena Lenskaya: Historical and Sociopolitical Context in the Development and Implementation of Global Education in Russian Education Reform - Merry M. Merryfield: Moving the Center of Global Education: From Imperial Worldviews That Divide the World to Double Consciousness, Contrapuntal Pedagogy, Hybridity, and Cross-Cultural Competence - John J. Cogan and David L. Grossman: Characteristics of Globally Minded Teachers: A Twenty-First Century View - Barbara C. Cruz/Pedro R. Bermudez: The Power of One: Continuing the Dream - Kathy Bickmore: Global Education to Build Peace - Toni Fuss Kirkwood-Tucker: Epilogue.
A New Acceleration of the Projection Method in Nonsymmetric Eigenvalue Problems

This study proposes a new method for the acceleration of the projection method to compute a few eigenvalues with the largest real parts of a large nonsymmetric matrix. In the eld of the solution of the linear system, an acceleration using the least squares polynomial which minimizes its norm on the boundary of the convex hull formed with the unwanted eigenvalues are proposed. We simplify this method for the eigenvalue problem using the same property of the orthogonal polynomial. This study applies the Tchebychev polynomial to the iterative Arnoldi method and proves that the new method computes necessary eigenvalues with far less complexity than the QR method. Its high accuracy enables us to compute the close eigenvalues that can not be obtained by the simple Arnoldi method.
[18F]FDG-PET reveals temporal hypometabolism in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy even when quantitative MRI and histopathological analysis show only mild hippocampal damage.

BACKGROUND The relationship between reduced glucose metabolism in positron emission tomography with fludeoxyglucose F 18 ([(18)F]FDG-PET) and hippocampal damage (HD) in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy is still unclear. OBJECTIVE To determine whether the presence and severity of HD verified by quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (QMRI) and histopathological analysis affect the degree of hypometabolism. PATIENTS AND METHODS Sixteen patients with drug-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy underwent [(18)F]FDG-PET and QMRI (hippocampal volumetry and T2 relaxometry) before surgery. Histopathological analysis of the hippocampus included measurements of neuronal loss, proliferation of glial cells, and mossy fiber sprouting. The asymmetry in glucose metabolism described the degree of hypometabolism. RESULTS Temporal hypometabolism was not related to severity of HD as measured by QMRI or histopathological analysis. The degree of hypometabolism did not differ in patients with mild, moderate, or severe HD. In addition, [(18)F]FDG-PET revealed significant temporal hypometabolism even though hippocampal QMRI findings were normal or showed only mild HD. Thus, glucose consumption was reduced over and above the histopathological changes. CONCLUSIONS [(18)F]FDG-PET is sensitive for localizing the epileptogenic region in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy. However, it is insensitive to reflect the severity of HD.
Comparison of near-duplicate image matching

29-30 Novemeber 2006. Near-duplicate image detection requires the matching of slightly altered images to the original and will assist in the detection of forged images. Much effort has been devoted to visual applications that require effective image signature and similarity metrics. This paper presents an attention based similarity measure in which only very weak assumptions are imposed on the nature of the features employed. This approach generates the similarity measure on a trial and error basis and has the significant advantage that matching is based on an unrestricted competition mechanism that is not dependent upon a priori assumption regarding the data. Efforts are expended searching for the best feature for specific region comparisons rather than expecting that a fixed feature set will perform optimally over unknown patterns. In this paper colour and texture-based signatures are extracted to compare the presented method in the context of near-duplicate image matching, and results are reported on the BBC open news archive.
Public choice II

1. Introduction Part I. Origins of State: 2. The reasons for collective choice - allocative efficiency 3. Allocative efficiency or redistribution Part II. Public Choice in a Direct Democracy: 4. The choice of voting rule 5. Majority rule - positive properties 6. Majority rule - normative properties 7. Simple alternatives to majority rule 8. Complicated alternatives to majority rule 9. Exit, voice and disloyalty Part III. Public Choice in a Representative Democracy: 10. Two party competition - deterministic voting 11. Two party competition - probabilistic voting 12. Multiparty systems 13. Rent seeking 14. The supply of government output Part IV. Applications: 15. Political competition and macroeconoic performance 16. The logic of collective action and macroeconomic performance 17. The size of government 18. The paradox of voting Part V. Normative Public Choice: 19. Real valued social welfare functions 20. Axiomatic social welfare functions 21. A just social contract 22. Utilitarian contracts Part VI. Normative and Positive Theories of Public Choice Compared: 23. Redistribution 24. Allocation, redistribution and public choice References.
Effect of bonding pressure on the bond strengths of low temperature Ag-In bonds

Bonding of multiple indium-silver intermediate layers facilitates precise control of the formed alloy composition and the joint thickness. The bonding temperature and post-bonding re-melting temperature can thus be easily designed by controlling the multilayer materials and structure thicknesses. However, joining different materials involves the formation of intermetallics, which is known to be brittle. In this paper, In-Ag intermetallic phase formation under different applied pressure is studied.
Home Bias in U.S. Beer Consumption

We apply the Berry, Levinsohn, and Pakes (1995) market equilibrium model to data from 30 brands of beers sold in 12 U.S. cities over 20 quarters (1988-92) to estimate the consumers’ taste for beer characteristics (price, alcohol content, and calories) as well as for the cultural region of origin (USA, Anglo-European, Germanic, and countries bordering the U.S.). Consumer heterogeneity is allowed with respect to age and income. Overall we end up with 7,200 beer brand observations (30x12x20) and 13,920 (58 random draws x 12 x 20) consumer observations. Empirical results indicate that indeed there is home bias with respect to foreign beers. Home bias is less accentuated among older and more affluent individuals.
Resolving the Paradox of Stasis: Models with Stabilizing Selection Explain Evolutionary Divergence on All Timescales

We tested the ability of six quantitative genetic models to explain the evolution of phenotypic means using an extensive database compiled by Gingerich. Our approach differs from past efforts in that we use explicit models of evolutionary process, with parameters estimated from contemporary populations, to analyze a large sample of divergence data on many different timescales. We show that one quantitative genetic model yields a good fit to data on phenotypic divergence across timescales ranging from a few generations to 10 million generations. The key feature of this model is a fitness optimum that moves within fixed limits. Conversely, a model of neutral evolution, models with a stationary optimum that undergoes Brownian or white noise motion, a model with a moving optimum, and a peak shift model all fail to account for the data on most or all timescales. We discuss our results within the framework of Simpson’s concept of adaptive landscapes and zones. Our analysis suggests that the underlying process causing phenotypic stasis is adaptation to an optimum that moves within an adaptive zone with stable boundaries. We discuss the implication of our results for comparative studies and phylogeny inference based on phenotypic characters.
Starting performance of delta-modulated inverter-fed submersible motors

An analysis of the starting performance of tuned delta-modulated inverter-fed submersible motors is presented. Submersible motors are induction motors that have unique constructional features. These motors are required to operate in one of the most harsh environmental conditions. The operating characteristics of a submersible motor pump system require soft starting facility and variable-speed operation. To satisfy both requirements, a delta-modulated inverter supply is proposed, and the system starting performance is presented. The soft starting characteristic of the motor is obtained by the inherent V/F control of the delta-modulated inverter. The analysis is carried out using time domain representation of inverter voltages and the d-q axis model of the motor. The time-domain representation of inverter voltages is done using gate functions. The starting performances of submersible motors improved substantially. Though the analysis and results presented in this paper are for a submersible motor, they are equally applicable for any type of polyphase induction motor. <<ETX>>
Motivating contributors in social media networks

Despite recent advancements in user-driven social media platforms, tools for studying user behavior patterns and motivations remain primitive. We highlight the voluntary nature of user contributions and that users can choose when (and when not) to contribute to the common media pool. We use a Game theoretic framework to study the dynamics of a social media network wherein contribution costs are individual but gains are common. We model users as rational selfish agents, and consider domain attributes like voluntary participation, virtual reward structure and public-sharing to model the dynamics of this interaction. The created model describes the most appropriate contribution strategy from each user's perspective. Next, we consider the problem of mechanism design from a system designer's perspective who is interested in finding the optimal incentive levels to influence the selfish end-users so that the overall system utility is maximized. We demonstrate how a system administrator can exploit the selfishness of its users, to design incentive mechanisms which help in improving the overall task completion probability and system performance, while possibly still benefiting the individual users.
The radio structure of radio-quiet quasars

Aims.We investigate the radio emitting structures of radio-quiet active galactic nuclei with an emphasis on radio-quiet quasars to study their connection to Seyfert galaxies. Methods: . We present and analyse high-sensitivity VLA radio continuum images of 14 radio-quiet quasars and six Seyfert galaxies. Results: . Many of the low redshift radio-quiet quasars show radio structures that can be interpreted as jet-like outflows. However, the detection rate of extended radio structures on arcsecond scales among our sample decreases with increasing redshift and luminosity, most likely due to a lack of resolution. The morphologies of the detected radio emission indicate strong interactions of the jets with the surrounding medium. We also compare the radio data of seven quasars with corresponding HST images of the [O III] emitting narrow-line region (NLR). We find that the scenario of interaction between the radio jet and the NLR gas is confirmed in two sources by structures in the NLR gas distribution as previously known for Seyfert galaxies. The extended radio structures of radio-quiet quasars at sub-arcsecond resolution are by no means different from that of Seyferts. Among the luminosities studied here, the morphological features found are similar in both types of objects while the overall size of the radio structures increases with luminosity. This supports the picture where radio-quiet quasars are the scaled-up versions of Seyfert galaxies. In addition to known luminosity relations we find a correlation of the NLR size and the radio size shared by quasars and Seyferts.
Orthodontics treatment simulation by teeth segmentation and setup

This paper presents the development of three-dimensional (3D) computer aided orthodontic software using Borland C++ Builderreg and OpenGL with the purpose of creating the 3D orthodontic treatment simulation. The method consists of 4 main steps as follows: the dental cast produced by 3D scanner in STL format was transformed from un-indexed data to an indexed data and taken as input in the first step. The cast model can be displayed in various views while user can move the model to any directions as required. Second step is the 3D teeth segmentation which has 2 methods available: segmentation using landmarks and segmentation using planes. Third step is to rearrange the segmented teeth to align with standard arch form curves using translation and rotation tools developed to let the user interaction with ease. Finally, the simulation of the orthodontics treatment has been developed, which display the alignment of each tooth from the beginning to the final outcome. The result has shown that the 3D orthodontic treatment simulation can be shown as a guideline of treatment preview for the patients. It is also a training tool for orthodontists, residents and students to enhance the experience through simulation before taking actual orthodontic planning.
An Approach to Usability Evaluation of an Intelligent Tutoring System

Intelligent tutoring systems are a generation of computerized educational systems, which are intended to improve the process of learning and teaching by attempting to mimic the capabilities of human teachers. The development of application technology in the field of computerized educational systems has not been accompanied by an adequate usable, user-centered interface design, possibly resulting in scarce, unusable support for interaction and indeed in the decrease of interface’s effectiveness and efficiency. In order to improve the usability of an intelligent tutoring system, nowadays perhaps the most important goal of current research in the field of human-computer interaction in general, scenario-based usability evaluation is advocated as a formal approach for intelligent tutoring system evaluation.
Market Microstructure Considerations in Index Construction

Illiquidity of securities in a market index generates noise in the index, increases the tracking error experienced by index funds and increases basis risk on an index futures market. This paper proposes methods where liquidity of alternative stocks explicitly influences index construction. These methods are particularly appropriate on markets where liquidity is accurately observed, such as the open electronic limit order book. The results obtained in applying these ideas in the construction of India's NSE-50 index are reported.