Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Implications of Neuronal Diversity on Population Coding

In many cortical and subcortical areas, neurons are known to modulate their average firing rate in response to certain external stimulus features. It is widely believed that information about the stimulus features is coded by a weighted average of the neural responses. Recent theoretical studies have shown that the information capacity of such a coding scheme is very limited in the presence of the experimentally observed pairwise correlations. However, central to the analysis of these studies was the assumption of a homogeneous population of neurons. Experimental findings show a considerable measure of heterogeneity in the response properties of different neurons. In this study, we investigate the effect of neuronal heterogeneity on the information capacity of a correlated population of neurons. We show that information capacity of a heterogeneous network is not limited by the correlated noise, but scales linearly with the number of cells in the population. This information cannot be extracted by the population vector readout, whose accuracy is greatly suppressed by the correlated noise. On the other hand, we show that an optimal linear readout that takes into account the neuronal heterogeneity can extract most of this information. We study analytically the nature of the dependence of the optimal linear readout weights on the neuronal diversity. We show that simple online learning can generate readout weights with the appropriate dependence on the neuronal diversity, thereby yielding efficient readout.
The continuous configurational Boltzmann biased direct Monte Carlo method for free energy properties of polymer chains

We develop here a highly efficient variant of the Monte Carlo method for direct evaluation of the partition function, free energy, and other configurational dependent physical properties for long polymer chains. This method (CC–BB) combines continuous configurational biased sampling with Boltzmann factor biased enrichment. To illustrate the efficiency and to validate the bias correction for weighting the torsion and chain enrichments, we applied this model to isolated single chains using a united atom force field. For a 50 monomer polymer chain CC–BB with 400 chains leads to an accuracy of 0.1% in the free energy whereas simple sampling direct Monte Carlo requires about 109 chains for this accuracy. This leads to cost savings by a factor of about 350 000. CC–BB is easily extended to multichain systems, to the condensed state, to more realistic force fields, and to evaluating the mixing free energy for polymer blends.
Automated Vehicles' Work Planning in Flexible Manufacturing Systems

The problem of rules setting in coordination of automated vehicles access to shared system resources (sections of their transportation paths) which assure a deadlock free and starvation free flow of the executed processes belongs to NP-hard problems. Assuming that there are local (controlling access to shared resources) rules of priority dispatching, the problem deals with setting conditions sufficient for a pair (initial state, set of priority dispatching rules). The assumed knowledge base way of specifying a transportation subsystem leads to solving a logic-algebraic method decision problem. In this regard, the working knowledge representation synthesis method constitutes a significant contribution to the development of programming methods aimed at distributed control procedures design.
Instructions for use Title An experimental approach to study the biosynthesis ofbrominated metabolites by the red algal genus Laurencia

1 An experimental approach to study the biosynthesis of brominated metabolites by the red algal genus Laurencia ABSTRACT The production of labeled brominated metabolites with radioactive 82 Br in Laurencia species was investigated as part of a study of the biosynthesis of halogenated metabolites from species belonging to the red algal genus Laurencia (Rhodomelaceae, Ceramiales). Radiobromide [ 82 Br], thin-layer chromatography (TLC), and TLC–autoradioluminography (ARLG) were used. When cultured in artificial seawater medium (ASP 12 NTA including Na 82 Br) under 16:8 h light:dark (LD) illumination cycles for 24 h, each of the strains of Laurencia, Laurencia japonensis Abe et Masuda, Laurencia nipponica Yamada (laurencin-producing race and laureatin-producing race), and Laurencia okamurae Yamada, produced species-(or race-) specific 82 Br-containing metabolites. In the case of the laurencin-producing race of L. nipponica, laurencin and deacetyllaurencin were found to be produced in approximately 1:1 ratio, though laurencin is the major metabolite in the wild sample. Furthermore, when cultured in the dark, the production rates of brominated metabolites in Laurencia spp. were found to be diminished. The present study strongly indicates that the use of radiobromine [ 82 Br] in combination with the TLC-ARLG method is an effective approach for investigating the biosynthesis of brominated metabolites in Laurencia.
Optimization over positive polynomial matrices

Positive polynomial matrices play a fundamental role in systems and control theory. We give here a simplified proof of the fact that the convex set of positive polynomial matrices can be parameterized using block Hankel and block Toeplitz matrices. We also show how to derive efficient computational algorithms for optimization problems over positive pseudo polynomial matrices over the real line, over the imaginary axis and over the unit circle.
Consuming Dynamic Linked Data

The establishment of Linked Data principles has ushered in a remarkable new era of widespread semantics-based interoperation. In particular, the use of RDF, SPARQL and HTTP allow a high degree of generic tool support and lightweight composition of data sources. This rosy picture, however, mainly applies to static data. When it comes to dynamics - both on-the-fly computation and the causation of side effects - the current norm is to drop the use of RDF in favour of JSON and XML. By introducing updates, the core SPARQL standard starts to address dynamics, but only in a very limited manner. Similarly while the use of HTTP is preserved, REST principles are also often abandoned. Linked Open Services establish principles for semantics-based interoperation and interlinkage in a dynamic environment, building on both Linked Data and REST principles and the use of HTTP, RDF and SPARQL.
Problems with the concept of capitalism in the social sciences

The paper argues that the term “capitalism” carries with it baggage that interferes with our ability to understand contemporary market economies. The evolution of work in the “varieties of capitalism” literature is used to make the argument that more essentialist modes of analysis win out over those that emphasize variation and contingency. It is argued that analysts should instead use the terminology of variegated societies operating within a capitalist world economy in order to develop a better toolkit for analyzing political, social, and economic change.
Audit market competition: auditor changes and the impact of tendering

Increased competition within the external audit market and the recent phenomenon of audit tendering has renewed interest in the factors influencing auditor changes. In this paper, a questionnaire instrument is used to elicit perceptions of the factors which influence auditor–client realignments in this new environment and to indicate the relative influence of economic and behavioural factors. Positive, statistically significant associations were found between unsolicited approaches and the consideration of either a change in auditor or the conduct of a competitive tender. Fees are both the most frequently cited reason for considering auditor change and the most frequently cited factor influencing the selection of a new auditor. The chemistry of the relationship with senior audit firm personnel was ranked as more important than service issues in new auditor selection. Several significant associations between the reasons for change and both company size and type of change are identified. In particular, smaller companies, and companies changing from a non-Big Six firm, were more likely to change due to the need for a wider range of services and the influence of third parties. Findings indicated that 55% of auditor changes were effected by means of a tender, with the incumbent auditor having only an 18% chance of retaining the client. The various stages of the tender process appear to be dominated by the finance director, with audit committees having a restricted role. Tenders resulted in significant fee reductions in the year of change.
An Efficient Adaptive Binary Arithmetic Coder With Low Memory Requirement

In this paper we propose a novel efficient adaptive binary arithmetic coder which is multiplication-free and requires no look-up tables. To achieve this, we combine the probability estimation based on a virtual sliding window with the approximation of multiplication and the use of simple operations to calculate the next approximation after the encoding of each binary symbol. We show that in comparison with the M-coder the proposed algorithm provides comparable computational complexity, less memory footprint and bitrate savings from 0.5 to 2.3% on average for H.264/AVC standard and from 0.6 to 3.6% on average for HEVC standard.
Daily Variations of Water Use with Vapor Pressure Deficit in a Plantation of I214 Poplars

Daily rates of whole tree water use were measured in a homogeneous 7-year-old plantation over 84 days. Two trees were selected in the two most contrasting ends, i.e., with mean water table at -1.5 m and -3.5 m. Results showed that the mean tree water use was close to 80 dm3 day–1 with a small mean difference between the two sites (5.4 dm3 day–1, about 7%). Higher daily variations were observed on a single tree over the season (from 17 to 138 dm3 day–1). These fluctuations could be modeled using linear regressions on the vapor pressure deficit (VPD). Results also indicated decreasing sap flux densities with radial sapwood depth and that the whole tree water use could be estimated from the sap flux densities measured at the 0–2 cm depth.
Rifampicin Mono-Resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: A Significant Phenomenon in a High Prevalence TB-HIV Region

Setting The dual epidemics of HIV-TB including MDR-TB are major contributors to high morbidity and mortality rates in South Africa. Rifampicin (RIF) resistance is regarded as a proxy for MDR-TB. Currently available molecular assays have the advantage of rapidly detecting resistant strains of MTB, but the GeneXpert does not detect isoniazid (INH) resistance and the GenoTypeMTBDRplus(LPA) assay may underestimate resistance to INH. Increasing proportions of rifampicin mono-resistance resistance (RMR) have recently been reported from South Africa and other countries. Objective This laboratory based study was conducted at NHLS TB Laboratory, Durban, which is the reference laboratory for culture and susceptibility testing in KwaZulu-Natal. We retrospectively determined, for the period 2007 to 2009, the proportion of RMR amongst Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) isolates, that were tested for both RIF and INH, using the gold standard of culture based phenotypic drug susceptibility testing (DST). Gender and age were also analysed to identify possible risk factors for RMR. Design MTB culture positive sputum samples from 16,748 patients were analysed for susceptibility to RIF and INH during the period 2007 to 2009. RMR was defined as MTB resistant to RIF and susceptible to INH. For the purposes of this study, only the first specimen from each patient was included in the analysis. Results RMR was observed throughout the study period. The proportion of RMR varied from a low of 7.3% to a high of 10.0% [overall 8.8%]. Overall, males had a 42% increased odds of being RMR as compared to females. In comparison to the 50 plus age group, RMR was 37% more likely to occur in the 25–29 year age category. Conclusion We report higher proportions of RMR ranging from 7.3% to 10% [overall 8.8%] than previously reported in the literature. To avoid misclassification of RMR, detected by the GeneXpert, as MDR-TB, culture based phenotypic DST must be performed on a second specimen, as recommended by the SA NDOH TB guidelines as well as WHO. We suggest that two sputum samples should be obtained at the first visit. The second sputum sample should be stored at 4°C. The latter sample is then readily available for performing additional DST (phenotypic or genotypic) for 2nd lines drugs, resulting in a decreased waiting period for DST results to become available.
Skeletal muscle sodium glucose co-transporters in older adults with type 2 diabetes undergoing resistance training

We examined the expression of the sodium-dependent glucose co-transporter system (hSGLT3) in skeletal muscle of Hispanic older adults with type 2 diabetes. Subjects (65±8 yr) were randomized to resistance training (3x/wk, n=13) or standard of care (controls, n=5) for 16 weeks. Skeletal muscle hSGLT3 and GLUT4 mRNA transcript levels were determined by real time RT-PCR. hSGLT3 transcripts increased by a factor of ten following resistance training compared to control subjects (0.10, P=0.03). There were no differences in GLUT4 mRNA expression levels between groups. Protein expression levels of these transporters were confirmed by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. hSGLT3 after resistance exercise was found not to be co-localized with the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. The change in hSGLT3 transcript levels in the vastus lateralis muscle was positively correlated with glucose uptake, as measured by the change in muscle glycogen stores (r=0.53, P=0.02); and with exercise intensity, as measured by the change in muscle strength (r=0.73, P=0.001). Group assignment was be the only independent predictor of hSGLT3 transcript levels, explaining 68% of its variability (P=0.01). Our data show that hSGLT3, but not GLTU4, expression was enhanced in skeletal muscle after 16 weeks of resistance training. This finding suggests that hSGLT3, an insulin-independent glucose transporter, is activated with exercise and it may play a significant role in glycemic control with muscle contraction. The hSGLT3 exact mechanism is not well understood and requires further investigation. However its functional significance regarding a reduction of glucose toxicity and improvement of insulin resistance is the subject of ongoing research.
A methodology for developing deadlock-free dynamic network reconfiguration processes. Part II

For pt.I see ibid., vol.16, no.5, p.412-427 (2005). Dynamic network reconfiguration is defined as the process of changing from one routing function to another while the network remains up and running. The main challenge is in avoiding deadlock anomalies while keeping restrictions on packet injection and forwarding minimal. Current approaches either require virtual channels in the network or they work only for a limited set of routing algorithms and/or fault patterns. In this paper, we present a methodology for devising deadlock free and dynamic transitions between old and new routing functions that is consistent with newly proposed theory [J. Duato et al., (2005)]. The methodology is independent of topology, can be applied to any deadlock-free routing function, and puts no restrictions on the routing function changes that can be supported. Furthermore, it does not require any virtual channels to guarantee deadlock freedom. This research is motivated by current trends toward using increasingly larger Internet and transaction processing servers based on clusters of PCs that have very high availability and dependability requirements, as well as other local, system, and storage area network-based computing systems.
Overcoming Institutional Voids: A Reputation-Based View of Long Run Survival

Emerging markets are characterized by underdeveloped institutions and frequent environmental shifts. Yet they also contain many firms that have survived over generations. How are firms in weak institutional environments able to persist over time? Motivated by 69 interviews with leaders of emerging market firms with histories spanning generations, we combine induction and deduction to propose reputation as a meta-resource that allows firms to activate their conventional resources. We conceptualize reputation as consisting of prominence, perceived quality, and resilience, and develop a process model that illustrates the mechanisms that allow reputation to facilitate survival in ways that persist over time. Building on research in strategy and business history, we thus shed light on an underappreciated strategic construct (reputation) in an under-theorized setting (emerging markets) over an unusual period (the historical long run).
Na-O anticorrelation and horizontal branches - IV. Detection of He-rich and He-poor stellar populations in the globular cluster NGC 6218

We used the multifiber spectrograph FLAMES on the ESO Very Large Telescope UT2 to derive atmospheric parameters, metallicities and abundances of O and Na for 79 red giant stars in the Galactic globular cluster NGC 6218 (M 12). We analyzed stars in the magnitude range from about 1 mag below the bump to the tip of the Red Giant Branch. The average metallicity we derive is $\rm [Fe/H]=-1.31\pm 0.004\pm 0.028$ dex (random and systematic errors, respectively), with a very small star-to-star scatter ($\rm rms=0.033$ dex), from moderately high-resolution Giraffe spectra. This is the first extensive spectroscopic abundance analysis in this cluster. Our results indicate that NGC 6218 is very homogeneous as far as heavy elements are concerned. On the other hand, light elements involved in the well known proton-capture reactions of H-burning at high temperature, such as O and Na, show large variations, anticorrelated with each other, at all luminosities along the red giant branch. The conclusion is that the Na-O anticorrelation must be established in early times at the cluster formation. We interpret the variation of Na found near the RGB-bump as the effect of two distinct populations having different bump luminosities, as predicted for different He content. To our knowledge, NGC 6218 is the first GC where such a signature has been spectroscopically detected, when combined with consistent and homogeneous data obtained for NGC 6752 to gain in statistical significance.
Gecko Crude Peptides Induce Apoptosis in Human Liver Carcinoma Cells In Vitro and Exert Antitumor Activity in a Mouse Ascites H22 Xenograft Model

Aim. To investigate the anti-tumor effects and mechanisms of gecko crude peptides (GCPs) in vitro and in vivo. Methods. 3-(4,5)-dimethylthiahiazo (-z-y1)-3,5-di-phenytetrazoliumromide (MTT) assay was applied to measure the effects of GCPs on the HepG2 cell viability. Fluorescence morphology was used to identify apoptotic cells. A xenograft H22 liver cancer model was established in Kunming mice. The tumor-bearing mice were treated with daily intraperitoneal injections of normal saline (NS group) or GCPs (80, 40 or 20 mg/kg) for 10 days, or once per two days with 2 mg/kg doxorubicin (ADR group; n = 10 each). Serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL)-6 were quantified using ELISA assay. Results. GCPs significantly inhibited the growth of HepG2 cells and induced typical apoptotic morphological features through increasing bcl-2/bax ratio in a dose- and time-dependent manner in vitro. The tumor weights of the ADR group, GCPs (H) group, GCPs (M) group, GCPs (L) group were smaller compared to the NS group. While the white blood cell count, thymus index, spleen index were higher in the high dose GCPs group than the NS group (P < 0.05), the VEGF expression in tumor tissue and serum TNF-α and IL-6 levels in the GCPs groups were lower than the NS group (P < 0.05).
Role of tongue pressure production in oropharyngeal swallow biomechanics

The tongue is important for orofacial movements, including swallowing. Although numerous studies have focused on tongue pressure against the palate, its physiological role has not been fully evaluated. The tongue pressure generation may have the temporal coordination with the swallowing relational organs. The aim of this study was to clarify the physiological mechanisms of tongue pressure and to investigate the temporal relationship among tongue pressure, supra‐hyoid muscle activity, and videofluorographic (VF) images during swallowing. Fifteen healthy young subjects participated. Tongue pressure measured using a sensor sheet with five channels, electromyographic EMG, and VF was recorded synchronously during 4‐ml barium swallowing. Swallowing behavior in VF images with and without the sensor sheet was compared. Furthermore, the temporal relationship between events measured from tongue pressure, EMG, and VF was evaluated. Swallowing behavior on VF images was not affected by placement of the sensor sheet. Tongue pressure at the posterio‐lateral point of the hard palate tended to have biphasic peaks. Tongue pressure production with a monophasic pattern appeared during the same period as the second peak in the biphasic pattern. The onset of tongue pressure was later than the start of hyoid movement and onset of EMG, and offset was observed between the hyoid at the up‐forward position and reposition. Onset of tongue pressure at the anterior area was correlated with the start of slight hyoid elevation. Offset of tongue pressure at the posterio‐lateral points was strongly time locked with the hyoid at the up‐forward position. The present results suggested the temporal coordination of tongue pressure generation with the swallowing‐related organs. That is, the tongue pressure was produced for bolus propulsion, and was closely related to hyoid movement temporally during swallowing. These results may contribute to clarify the clinical state with the disorder of tongue kinetics.
Prediction of Atrial Fibrillation via Atrial Electromechanical Interval After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Background— We assessed the validity of the atrial electromechanical interval, measured by transthoracic tissue Doppler echocardiography, in determining patients at risk of post–coronary artery bypass graft atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods and Results— This prospective study recruited 355 patients in sinus rhythm who were candidates for coronary artery bypass grafting. The patients underwent a preoperative transthoracic echocardiography with a tissue Doppler evaluation and were monitored with continuous ECG telemetry during their hospital stay. Sixty-eight patients had postoperative AF (19.2%), with the incident occurring 2.3±0.7 days after surgery. The median length of hospitalization was 7.0 days for the AF patients and 6.0 days for the non-AF patients (P<0.0001). The subjects with postoperative AF differed from the sinus rhythm patients in that the former had a lower ejection fraction (40.4±8.5% versus 48.4±9.4%), a reduced maximal A-wave transmitral Doppler flow velocity (44.3±4.6 versus 53.3±10.9 cm/s), an increased total atrial volume (68.7±12.6 versus 55.3±11.8 mL), and a prolonged atrial electromechanical interval (141.9±13.4 versus 100.3±10.3 ms, respectively; P<0.0001 for all). In addition, the AF patients were older than the sinus rhythm group (66.0±8.0 versus 59.8±8.5 years). The atrial electromechanical interval was the best independent discriminator of the history of AF. We defined a cutoff point for the atrial electromechanical interval and chose 120 milliseconds for categorization, which yielded 100% sensitivity and 94.8% specificity for the prediction of AF. Conclusions— The atrial electromechanical interval by transthoracic tissue Doppler echocardiography could be a valuable method for identifying patients vulnerable to post–coronary artery bypass graft AF.