Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Phthalate ester testing in the National Toxicology Program's Environmental Mutagenesis Test Development Program

A number of phthalate esters and related chemicals were tested for mutagenicity in Salmonella typhimurium. The chemicals were tested blind in three laboratories by a preincubation modification of the Ames Salmonella/mammalian microsome test using S-9 prepared from Aroclor-induced rats and Syrian hamsters. All chemicals tested were judged to be nonmutagenic.
Habitat Classification of Temperate Marine Macroalgal Communities Using Bathymetric LiDAR

Here, we evaluated the potential of using bathymetric Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) to characterise shallow water ( 70%), with varying results for the classification of individual habitat classes; for instance, producer accuracy for mixed brown algae and sediment substrata, was 74% and 93%, respectively. LiDAR was also successful for differentiating canopy structure of macroalgae communities (i.e., canopy structure classification), such as canopy forming kelp versus erect fine branching algae. In conclusion, habitat characterisation using bathymetric LiDAR provides a unique potential to collect baseline information about biological assemblages and, hence, potential reef connectivity over large areas beyond the range of direct observation. This research contributes a new perspective for assessing the structure of subtidal coastal ecosystems, providing a novel tool for the research and management of such highly dynamic marine environments.
Invited Paper Traffic analysis in optical burst switching networks: a trace-based case study

Optical burst switching (OBS) appears as a promising technology for building dynamic optical transport networks. The main advantage of OBS is that it allows for dynamic allocation of resources at sub-wavelength granularity. Nevertheless, the burst contention problem, which occurs frequently inside the network, has to be addressed before OBS can be really deployed as the next generation optical transport network. Recently a lot of attention is devoted to different approaches for resolving contentions in OBS networks. Although performance analysis of these approaches is strongly dependent on the traffic characteristics in the network, the majority of the studies is so far based on very hypothetical traffic assumptions. In this study we use traces of real measurements in the Internet to derive realistic data about the traffic that is injected into the OBS network. Specifically, we investigate the marginal distributions of burst size, burst interdeparture time, assembly delay and number of packets per burst as well as the burstiness of the burst traces. We demonstrate that the performance of an OBS core node using the real traces is pretty similar to the results obtained when the traffic arriving to the core node is assumed to be Poisson. In fact, usage of the Poisson as the process of burst arrival to the core node leads in all the investigated cases to an upper bound on the burst drop rate at that node. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Systems of Communicating X-machines for Specifying Distributed Systems Research Report CS-02-07

Various approaches have been proposed to the problem of assembling X-machines (also known as Eilenberg X-machines) into a communication system. In this report, these approaches are presented and unified within the stand-alone X-machine notation. The models are analysed highlighting those aspects that seem to be more relevant for specifying distributed (testable) systems. From the testing perspective, it has been proved that the Holcombe-Ipate testing approach (SMXT), developed originally for stream X-machines, can be applied to some of these communicating systems. For one of the approaches, the CXM-system, the formalism needs to be modified if the testing method will be used and these modifications are discussed. Another of these models, the CSXMS, is surveyed and all its variations are studied in order to provide the necessary conditions for testing it. A different model, the CSXMS-c, that allows a synchronous mechanism for message-passing, is also analysed. The results of this show the correct implementation of the construct and the passing of messages. A methodology for building communicating X-machines from stand-alone Xmachines is also included in this report. This methodology, the MSS, is approached here by means of a modified version of the multiple-stream X machines (M-SXM). These systems, the CM-SXMS, are defined in terms of a graph, where the vertices model the components, and the edges correspond to streams that are shared between them. It seems that the CSXMS-c, CSXMS and CM-SXMS can respectively model the distributed computing models of synchronous, semi-synchronous and asynchronous message-passing. Therefore, if the SXMT can be extended and applied to all of the communicating X-machine systems, then it could be possible to test distributed algorithms with different message-passing structures, but this will require future work
Ultrathin epitaxial graphite: 2D electron gas properties and a route toward graphene-based nanoelectronics.

We have produced ultrathin epitaxial graphite films which show remarkable 2D electron gas (2DEG) behavior. The films, composed of typically three graphene sheets, were grown by thermal decomposition on the (0001) surface of 6H−SiC, and characterized by surface science techniques. The low-temperature conductance spans a range of localization regimes according to the structural state (square resistance 1.5 kΩ to 225 kΩ at 4 K, with positive magnetoconductance). Low-resistance samples show characteristics of weak localization in two dimensions, from which we estimate elastic and inelastic mean free paths. At low field, the Hall resistance is linear up to 4.5 T, which is well-explained by n-type carriers of density 1012 cm-2 per graphene sheet. The most highly ordered sample exhibits Shubnikov−de Haas oscillations that correspond to nonlinearities observed in the Hall resistance, indicating a potential new quantum Hall system. We show that the high-mobility films can be patterned via conventional lithographic.
Oral fluoropyrimidines among the new drugs for patients with metastatic breast cancer

Although drugs such as the taxoids and vinorelbine have increased the options available for anthracycline-resistant metastatic breast cancer, new therapeutic options are needed, particularly for taxoid-refractory tumours. Increasing emphasis is being placed on the development of oral agents, which many patients prefer provided efficacy is not compromised, particularly if the oral agents are less toxic than current intravenous agents. Capecitabine, a new, oral fluoropyrimidine, mimics continuous infusion 5-FU and is activated preferentially at the tumour site. Phase II studies of capecitabine have demonstrated encouraging response rates in patients with few further treatment options (20% response with an additional 43% achieving stable disease in paclitaxel-refractory patients; 36% response with a further 23% achieving stable disease in anthracycline-refractory patients). In addition, a randomized, phase II trial demonstrated a response rate of 30% (95% Cl: 19–43%) with capecitabine as first-line treatment for metastatic breast cancer, compared with 16% (95% Cl: 5–33%) in patients receiving low-dose CMF. These trials also showed that capecitabine has a favourable safety profile typical of infused fluoropyrimidines. Both alopecia and myelosuppression were rare. Capecitabine may therefore provide an effective, well-tolerated and convenient alternative to intravenous cytotoxic agents, not only in taxoid-resistant patients, but also in anthracycline-resistant metastatic breast cancer or as first-line therapy. Furthermore, the low incidence of myelosuppression makes capecitabine an attractive agent for incorporation into combination regimens with agents such as epirubicin/doxorubicin, the taxoids and vinorelbine. © 2001 Cancer Research Campaign http://www.bjcancer. com
Action of Coxeter groups on m-harmonic polynomials and KZ equations

The Matsuo-Cherednik correspondence is an isomorphism from solutions of Knizhnik-Zamolodchikov equations to eigenfunctions of generalized Calogero-Moser systems associated to Coxeter groups G and a multiplicity function m on their root systems. We apply this correspondence to the most degenerate case of zero spectral parameters. The space of eigenfunctions is then the space H_m of m-harmonic polynomials, recently introduced in math-ph/0105014. We compute the Poincare' polynomials for the space H_m and of its isotypical components corresponding to each irreducible representation of the group G. We also give an explicit formula for m-harmonic polynomials of lowest positive degree in the S_n case.
A Clinical Investigation of Motivation to Change Standards and Cognitions about Failure in Perfectionism

Background: Clinical perfectionism is a transdiagnostic process that has been found to maintain eating disorders, anxiety disorders and depression. Cognitive behavioural models explaining the maintenance of clinical perfectionism emphasize the contribution of dichotomous thinking and resetting standards higher following both success and failure in meeting their goals. There has been a paucity of research examining the predictions of the models and motivation to change perfectionism. Motivation to change is important as individuals with clinical perfectionism often report many perceived benefits of their perfectionism; they are, therefore, likely to be ambivalent regarding changing perfectionism. Aims: The aim was to compare qualitative responses regarding questions about motivation to change standards and cognitions regarding failure to meet a personal standard in two contrasting groups with high and low negative perfectionism. Negative perfectionism refers to concern over not meeting personal standards. Method: A clinical group with a range of axis 1 diagnoses who were elevated on negative perfectionism were compared to a group of athletes who were low on negative perfectionism. Results: Results indicated that the clinical group perceived many negative consequences of their perfectionism. They also, however, reported numerous benefits and the majority stated that they would prefer not to change their perfectionism. The clinical group also reported dichotomous thinking and preferring to either keep standards the same or reset standards higher following failure, whilst the athlete group reported they would keep standards the same or set them lower. Conclusions: The findings support predictions of the cognitive behavioural model of clinical perfectionism.
Catheter ablation of scar-related atypical atrial flutter.

AIMS The aim of the study was to assess the impact of isthmus location of atypical atrial flutters/atrial tachycardias (ATs) on outcomes of catheter ablation. Atrial tachycardias are clinically challenging arrhythmias that can occur in the presence of atrial scar--often due to either cardiac surgery or prior ablation for atrial fibrillation. We previously demonstrated a catheter ablation approach employing rapid multielectrode activation mapping with targeted entrainment manoeuvrs. However, the role that AT isthmus location plays in acute and long-term success of ablation remains uncertain. METHODS AND RESULTS Retrospective multicenter analysis of 91 consecutive AT patients undergoing ablation using a systematic four-step approach: (i) high-density activation mapping; (ii) analysis of atrial activation to identify wavefronts of electrical propagation; (iii) targeted entrainment of putative channels; and (iv) irrigated radiofrequency ablation of constrained regions of the circuit. Clinical outcomes, procedural details, and clinical profiles were determined. A total of 171 ATs (1.9 ± 1.0 per patient, 26% septal ATs) were targeted for ablation. The acute success rates were 97 and 77% for patients with either non-septal ATs or septal ATs, respectively (P = 0.0023). Similarly, the long-term success rates were 82 and 67% for patients with either no septal ATs or at least one septal AT, respectively (P = 0.1057). The long-term success rates were 75, 88, and 57% for patients with ATs associated with prior catheter ablation, cardiac surgery or MAZE, and idiopathic atrial scar, respectively. CONCLUSION Catheter ablation of AT can be successfully performed employing a strategy of combined high-density activation and entrainment mapping. Septal ATs are associated with higher rates of acute and long-term recurrences.
An Efficient Multilinear Optimization Framework for Hypergraph Matching

Hypergraph matching has recently become a popular approach for solving correspondence problems in computer vision as it allows the use of higher-order geometric information. Hypergraph matching can be formulated as a third-order optimization problem subject to assignment constraints which turns out to be NP-hard. In recent work, we have proposed an algorithm for hypergraph matching which first lifts the third-order problem to a fourth-order problem and then solves the fourth-order problem via optimization of the corresponding multilinear form. This leads to a tensor block coordinate ascent scheme which has the guarantee of providing monotonic ascent in the original matching score function and leads to state-of-the-art performance both in terms of achieved matching score and accuracy. In this paper we show that the lifting step to a fourth-order problem can be avoided yielding a third-order scheme with the same guarantees and performance but being two times faster. Moreover, we introduce a homotopy type method which further improves the performance.
Designing a Tag-Based Statistical Math Word Problem Solver with Reasoning and Explanation

This paper proposes a tag-based statistical framework to solve math word problems with understanding and reasoning. It analyzes the body and question texts into their associated tag-based logic forms, and then performs inference on them. Comparing to those rule-based approaches, the proposed statistical approach alleviates rules coverage and ambiguity resolution problems, and our tag-based approach also provides the flexibility of handling various kinds of related questions with the same body logic form. On the other hand, comparing to those purely statistical approaches, the proposed approach is more robust to the irrelevant information and could more accurately provide the answer. The major contributions of our work are: (1) proposing a tag-based logic representation such that the system is less sensitive to the irrelevant information and could provide answer more precisely; (2) proposing a unified statistical framework for performing reasoning from the given text.
Factors affecting the breadth and depth of e-procurement use in small and medium enterprises

ABSTRACT Organizations differ in the range of e-procurement functionalities they use (breadth of use) and in how much they rely on e-procurement (depth of use). Nonetheless, factors affecting the breadth and the depth of e-procurement use have never been studied in a single context. Therefore, it is unclear whether the differences between the effects discovered in past studies are due to the difference between the breadth and the depth of use, or to the difference between contexts. We test the effects of factors potentially affecting the breadth and the depth of e-procurement use in a single context, using data from 151 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the manufacturing sector in New Zealand. The results indicate that the breadth and the depth of use of e-procurement in business organizations are influenced by different factors. Perceived relative advantage of using e-procurement, plus external pressure from suppliers and competitors to use e-procurement, result in the use of a broader range of e-procurement functionalities – in a greater breadth of e-procurement use. However, the extent of an organization’s reliance on e-procurement in organizational purchasing (i.e., depth of e-procurement use) is driven by compatibility of e-procurement with organizational values, practices, technology infrastructure, and strategy. Arguing that in order to benefit fully from e-procurement, an organization needs to integrate it deeply into its operations, we conclude that managers evaluating new e-procurement technologies should consider their compatibility with organizational norms and practices.
More super Schrodinger algebras from psu(2,2|4)

We discuss super Schrodinger algebras with less supercharges from =4 superconformal algebra psu(2,2|4). Firstly =2 and =1 superconformal algebras are constructed from the psu(2,2|4) via projection operators. Then a super Schrodinger subalgebra is found from each of them. The one obtained from =2 has 12 supercharges with su(2)2 × u(1) and the other from =1 has 6 supercharges with u(1)3. By construction, those are still subalgebras of psu(2,2|4). Another super Schrodinger algebra, which preserves 6 supercharges with a single u(1) symmetry, is also obtained from =1 superconformal algebra su(2,2|1). In particular, it coincides with the symmetry of =2 non-relativistic Chern-Simons matter system in three dimensions.
Development of a robust canopy height model derived from ALS point clouds for predicting individual crown attributes at the species level

ABSTRACT Tree crown attributes are important parameters during the assessment and monitoring of forest ecosystems. Canopy height models (CHMs) derived from airborne laser scanning (ALS) data have proved to be a reliable source for extracting different biophysical characteristics of single trees and at stand level. However, ALS-derived tree measurements (e.g., mean crown diameter) can be negatively affected by pits that appear in the CHMs. Thus, we propose a novel method for generating pit-free CHMs from ALS point clouds for estimating crown attributes (i.e., area and mean diameter) at the species level. The method automatically calculates a threshold for a pixel based on the range of height values within neighbouring pixels; if the pixel falls below the threshold then it is recognized as a pitted pixel. The pit is then filled with the median of the values of the neighbouring pixels. Manually delineated individual tree crowns (ITC) of four deciduous and two coniferous species on Colour Infrared (CIR) stereo images were used as a reference in the analysis. In addition, a variety of different algorithms for constructing CHMs were compared to investigate the performance of different CHMs in similar forest conditions. Comparisons between the estimated and observed crown area (R2 = 0.95, RMSE% = 19.12% for all individuals) and mean diameter (R2 = 0.92, RMSE% = 12.16% for all individuals) revealed that ITC attributes were correctly estimated by segmentation of the pit-free CHM proposed in this study. The goodness of matching and geometry revealed that the delineated crowns correctly matched up to the reference data and had identical geometry in approximately 70% of cases. The results showed that the proposed method produced a CHM that estimates crown attributes more accurately than the other investigated CHMs. Furthermore, the findings suggest that the proposed algorithm used to fill pits with the median of height observed in surrounding pixels significantly improve the accuracy of the results the species level due to a higher correlation between the estimated and observed crown attributes. Based on these results, we concluded that the proposed pit filling method is capable of providing an automatic and objective solution for constructing pit-free CHMs for assessing individual crown attributes of mixed forest stands.
Serum CXCL16 as a Novel Marker of Renal Injury in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background Soluble C-X-C chemokine ligand 16 (CXCL16), a scavenger receptor for oxidized low density lipoprotein, has been shown to promote atherogenic effects in vivo and to predict long-term mortality in acute coronary syndrome. The aim of this study was to explore the association of circulating CXCL16 levels with diabetic subjects with and without renal disease. Methodology/Principal Findings One hundred twenty Chinese subjects, which included patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), diabetic nephropathy (DN), and CKD, as well as healthy controls, were enrolled in this study. Serum CXCL16 levels were examined by immunoassay and other clinical biochemical parameters were tested based on standard methods. Our results indicated that, HDL and LDL cholesterol levels are significantly different in DN but not in T2D patients in comparison with healthy subjects. On the other hand, Serum CXCL16 levels were significantly increased in DN subjects compared with age and gender matched healthy and T2DM subjects (p<0.05 respectively). However, no significant changes in serum CXCL16 levels were found between T2DM and healthy subjects. Furthermore, serum CXCL16 concentration negatively correlated with estimated glomerular filtrate rate, creatinine clearance rate and blood albumin, and positively with 24 h proteinuria, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, and uric acid after adjusting for age, gender and BMI in subjects with DN. Multiple stepwise regression analyses indicated that serum CXCL16 levels were independently associated with serum 24 h proteinuria, and BUN (p<0.05 respectively). Conclusion Serum CXCL16 may be an indicator of renal injury in subjects with T2DM. Understanding the exact mechanism of elevated CXCL16 in subjects with DN requires further study.
Pain frequency moderates the relationship between pain catastrophizing and pain

Background: Pain frequency has been shown to influence sensitization, psychological distress, and pain modulation. The present study examined if pain frequency moderates the relationship between pain catastrophizing and pain. Method: A non-clinical (247 students) and a clinical (223 pain patients) sample completed the Danish versions of the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), Beck Depression Inventory, and the State Trait Anxiety Inventory and rated pain intensity, unpleasantness and frequency. Results: In both samples, high pain frequency was found to moderate the association between pain catastrophizing and pain intensity, whereas low pain frequency did not. The psychometric properties and the factor structure of the Danish version of the PCS were confirmed. Conclusions: This is the first study to validate the Danish version of the PCS and to show that pain frequency moderates the relationship between pain catastrophizing and reported pain in both non-clinical and clinical populations.
Sec24 Proteins and Sorting at the Endoplasmic Reticulum*

COPII proteins are necessary to generate secretory vesicles at the endoplasmic reticulum. In yeast, the Sec24p protein is the only COPII component in which two close orthologues have been identified. By using gene knock-out in yeast, we found that the absence of one of these Sec24 orthologues resulted in a selective secretion defect for a subset of proteins released into the medium. Data base searches revealed the existence of an entire family of Sec24-related proteins in humans, worms, flies, and plants. We identified and cloned two new human cDNAs encoding proteins homologous to yeast Sec24p, in addition to two human cDNAs already present within the data bases. The entire Sec24 family identified to date is characterized by clusters of highly conserved residues within the 2/3 carboxyl-terminal domain of all the proteins and a divergent amino terminus domain. Human (h) Sec24 orthologues co-immunoprecipitate with hSec23Ap and migrate as a complex by size exclusion chromatography. Immunofluorescence microscopy confirmed that these proteins co-localize with hSec23p and hSec13p. Together, our data suggest that in addition to its role in the shaping up of the vesicle, the Sec23-24p complex may be implicated in cargo selection and concentration.