Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The profession of IT: crossing the chasm

I n the previous installment of this column I demonstrated that information technology is rapidly becoming a profession in the same way that health care, law, and library science and management have all become professions. Already at least three dozen organized professional groups represent specialties in the IT field. While the discipline of computing may be the mother of all these specialties , it is not the matriarch. Many IT professionals do not want to be identified as computing technologists; computing does not speak for them. Before exploring this further, I want to explain my use of the term " computing technologists. " I need a short name for the large group of people who deal with the scientific core of IT. This group includes computer scientists, network engineers, database engineers , security engineers, software engineers, graphics engineers, and computer engineers. I chose the moniker " computing technologists " for this group because they are all members of the computing field and because they all work with technology. I also use the term " computing discipline " for their field. When I use the pronoun " we, " I am speaking as a member of this group. I argued previously that computing technologists are a subset of all IT professionals. It is an irony that the computing discipline, which gave birth to the IT profession, is not the driving force in the profession. We computing technologists are the inventors and visionaries, but the field is being driven by the large numbers of pragmatists who are the users of the field and include many powerful business, civic, government, and industry leaders. We need to come to grips with the fact that we are no longer in " control " of the field. We do not call the shots. Our research is no longer the driving force behind most IT innovations. We are one of many professional groups in the field. What role can we play? I believe our natural role, consistent with our history as the progenitors, is the custodian of the intellectual and scientific core of the field. This is an important role that must be filled by someone if the IT profession is to achieve coherence. But this role will not come to us automatically. It will come only if we learn to embrace commercial applications , interactions with other fields, and the concerns of our customers. This may …
Imaging D2-dopamine receptor concentration in non-human primate brain using 18F-fallypride

In this paper, we demonstrate how to form images of D2-dopamine receptor concentration in the brain with positron emission tomography (PET). Quantification of receptor sites within the brain is required to understand aging, diseases such as Alzheimer, and drug addiction. This quantification is performed by acquiring dynamic PET data and analyzing the tracer kinetics from the reconstructed emission data. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the reconstructed dynamic PET data is generally so low that region of interest (ROI) analysis is required to have accurate quantification. ROI analysis produces a single value of receptor concentration for each region in the brain. We recently show that it is possible to form parametric images directly from the acquired sinogram data [1]. Elimination of intermediate steps and direct reconstruction of parameters from sinograms allowed us to form dense images of parameters of interest. In this paper, we applied the direct parametric reconstruction algorithm to form images of D2-dopamine receptor concentration within monkey brain using 18F-fallypride radiotracer. Our initial investigations show that our D2 receptor images are consistent with the results of the classical ROI analysis.
Binding patterns of DTR-specific antibodies reveal a glycosylation-conditioned tumor-specific epitope of the epithelial mucin (MUC1).

Glycosylation determines essential biological functions of epithelial mucins in health and disease. We report on the influence of glycosylation of the immunodominant DTR motif of MUC1 on its antigenicity. Sets of novel glycopeptides were synthesized that enabled us to examine sole and combined effects of peptide length (number of repeats) and O-glycosylation with GalNAc at the DTR motif on the binding patterns of 22 monoclonal antibodies recognizing this motif. In case of unglycosylated peptides almost all antibodies bound better to multiple MUC1 tandem repeats. Glycosylation at the DTR led to enhanced binding in 11 cases, whereas 10 antibodies were not influenced in binding, and one was inhibited. In nine of the former cases both length and DTR glycosylation were additive in their influence on antibody binding, suggesting that both effects are different. Improved binding to the glycosylated DTR motif was exclusively found with antibodies generated against tumor-derived MUC1. Based on these data a tumor-specific MUC1 epitope is defined comprising the . PDTRP. sequence in a particular conformation essentially determined by O-glycosylation at its threonine with either GalNAcalpha1 or a related short glycan. The results can find application in the field of MUC1-based immunotherapy.
Mechanisms of self-organization and finite size effects in a minimal agent based model

We present a detailed analysis of the self-organization phenomenon in which the stylized facts originate from finite size effects with respect to the number of agents considered and disappear in the limit of an infinite population. By introducing the possibility that agents can enter or leave the market depending on the behavior of the price, it is possible to show that the system self-organizes in a regime with a finite number of agents which corresponds to the stylized facts. The mechanism for entering or leaving the market is based on the idea that a too stable market is unappealing for traders, while the presence of price movements attracts agents to enter and speculate on the market. We show that this mechanism is also compatible with the idea that agents are scared by a noisy and risky market at shorter timescales. We also show that the mechanism for self-organization is robust with respect to variations of the exit/entry rules and that the attempt to trigger the system to self-organize in a region without stylized facts leads to an unrealistic dynamics. We study the self-organization in a specific agent based model but we believe that the basic ideas should be of general validity.
Flux stabilization of D-branes

We explain how D-branes on group manifolds are stabilized against shrinking by quantized worldvolume U(1) fluxes. Starting from the Born-Infeld action in the case of the SU(2) group manifold we derive the masses, multiplicities and spectrum of small fluctuations of these branes, and show that they agree exactly with the predictions of Conformal Field Theory, to all orders in the α' expansion. We discuss the generalization to other groups and comment on an apparent paradox: why are the `RR charges' of these branes not quantized?
Age-Specific Immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgA to Pneumococcal Protein Antigens in a Population in Coastal Kenya

ABSTRACT Streptococcus pneumoniae is the primary etiological agent of community-acquired pneumonia and a major cause of meningitis and bacteremia. Three conserved pneumococcal proteins—pneumolysin, pneumococcal surface adhesin A (PsaA), and pneumococcal surface protein A (PspA)—are currently being investigated as vaccine candidates. Such protein-based vaccines, if proven effective, could provide a cheaper alternative to conjugate vaccine formulae. Few data from sub-Saharan Africa exist concerning the development of natural antibody to these antigens, however. To investigate the age-specific development of antiprotein immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgA antibody responses, the sera of 220 persons 2 weeks to 84 years of age from coastal Kenya were assayed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. IgG and IgA antibody responses to each antigen were observed in all age groups. Serum concentrations of IgG and IgA antibody responses to PspA and PdB (a recombinant toxoid derivative of pneumolysin), but not to PsaA, increased significantly with age (P < 0.001). No decline was observed in the sera of the elderly. Anti-protein IgG concentrations were only weakly correlated (0.30 < r < 0.56; P < 0.0001), as were IgA concentrations (0.24 < r < 0.54; P < 0.0001).
Entropy‐based metrics in swarm clustering

Ant‐based clustering methods have received significant attention as robust methods for clustering. Most ant‐based algorithms use local density as a metric for determining the ants' propensities to pick up or deposit a data item; however, a number of authors in classical clustering methods have pointed out the advantages of entropy‐based metrics for clustering. We introduced an entropy metric into an ant‐based clustering algorithm and compared it with other closely related algorithms using local density. The results strongly support the value of entropy metrics, obtaining faster and more accurate results. Entropy governs the pickup and drop behaviors, while movement is guided by the density gradient. Entropy measures also require fewer training parameters than density‐based clustering. The remaining parameters are subjected to robustness studies, and a detailed analysis is performed.
Mastermind Revisited

For integers n and k, we define r(n, k) as the average number of guesses needed to solve the game of Mastermind for n positions and k colours; and define f (n, k) as the maximum number of guesses needed. In this paper we add more small values of the two parameters, and provide exact value for the case of n = 2. Finally we comment on the asymptotics.
Computing protection level policies for dynamic capacity allocation problems by using stochastic approximation methods

A dynamic capacity allocation problem is considered in this paper. A fixed amount of daily processing capacity is allowed. Jobs of different priorities arrive randomly over time and a decision is required on which jobs should be scheduled on which days. The jobs that are waiting to be processed incur a holding cost depending on their priority levels. The objective is to minimize the total expected cost over a planning horizon. In this paper the focus is on a class of policies that are characterized by a set of protection levels. The role of the protection levels is to “protect” a portion of the capacity from the lower priority jobs so as to make it available for the future higher priority jobs. A stochastic approximation method to find a good set of protection levels is developed and its convergence is proved. Computational experiments indicate that protection level policies perform especially well when the coefficient of variation for the job arrivals is high. [Supplementary materials are available for this article. Go to the publisher's online edition of IIE Transactions for the following free supplemental resource: Technical appendix detailing the proofs of propositions. ]
Dissemination of Agricultural Technologies through Interactive Multimedia Compact Disc (IMCD): An Innovative Approach

Farming community in India is normally endowed with fragmented land holdings, containingmarginal and small sectors to the maximum, the affordability, accessibility and possibility to travel a longdistance and to hunt the information is seldom possible. As the traditional agriculture is transforming intohi-tech agriculture, the need for updated information is also essential for agricultural production andproductivity, eventually giving a lucrative yield and income to the farming community. Improvedcommunication and information access are directly related to social and economic development.Considering its prime importance, newness and demand from the farmers, the Farmer Friendly IMCD onIntegrated Pest Management Practices of Coconut Eriophyid Mite was developed with the combination ofaudio, video, visuals, etc., The study was conducted in Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu (India) with thesample size of 99 farmers. Effectiveness of IMCD was assessed through three treatments, namely IMCD asa self-learning tool, IMCD through LCD projection as a group learning tool (with interaction) and IMCDthrough LCD projection as a group learning tool (without interaction). The result indicated that self-learningmodule resulted in maximum mean knowledge gain followed by others. Further the study result indicatedthat farmers had positive opinion regarding the utility of IMCD as a tool to solve farmers problem. OurNew Agricultural Policy emphasizes commercialization, value-addition and export of agriculturalcommodities, besides globalization. In order to achieve this, combination of traditional extension approach,modern information technology blend with integrated approach is required.
NBER WORKING PAPER SERIES PARTISAN BIAS IN ECONOMIC NEWS: EVIDENCE ON THE AGENDA-SETTING BEHAVIOR OF U.S. NEWSPAPERS

We thank Radu Ban, Bob Erikson, Raphael Franck, Chap Lawson, Gabe Lenz, Andrea Prat, Carlo Rosa, Jesse Shapiro, Michiko Ueda and seminar participants at Bristol, Cambridge, Columbia, Durham, Rome (Ente Einaudi), LSE, MIT, Milan, Suffolk, the World Meeting of the Public Choice Societies (Amsterdam) for helpful comments. We also give a very special thanks to Michael Naber for making the data collection possible. The views expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Bureau of Economic Research.
Ricci-flat deformation of orbifolds and localized tachyonic modes

We study Ricci-flat deformations of orbifolds in type II theory. We obtain a simple formula for mass corrections to the twisted modes due to the deformations, and apply it to originally tachyonic and massless states in several examples. In the case of supersymmetric orbifolds, we find that tachyonic states appear when the deformation breaks all the supersymmetries. We also study nonsupersymmetric orbifolds 2/2N(2N+1), which is T-dual to N type 0 NS5-branes. For N ≥ 2, we compute mass corrections for states, which have string scale tachyonic masses. We find that the corrected masses coincide to ones obtained by solving the wave equation for the tachyon field in the smeared type 0 NS5-brane background geometry. For N = 1, we show that the unstable mode representing the bubble creation is the unique tachyonic mode.
CAD model-based planning and vision guidance for optical 3D co- ordinate measurement

Controlling the geometric accuracy of manufactured products is seen as an important issue, since it affects both production costs and quality. Optical measurement technology has been found suitable for various geometric control applications, and laser rangefinder devices in particular are now being used to measure large objects and structures. This thesis describes the development of a concept of CAD model-based automated 3D measurement and the evaluation of its feasibility in cases drawn from industrial needs. Automated 3D measurement can be seen as comprising two steps: measurement planning and measurement execution. Measurement planning takes place interactively using the information contained in the CAD model of the object, to yield a measurement plan in a form readable by the measurement system. In the second step, the planned measurement sequence is executed automatically under computer control using sensory feedback. The analysis and use of the results, e.g. for quality control or for guiding parts assembly, which is naturally the following step, is touched on only briefly in this work. The concept was evaluated by implementing a graphical measurement planning tool and two automatic measurement systems. The tool was built using the development environment of a commercial CAD package, which ensured compatibility with existing CAD data. The experimental automatic measurement systems were based on optical co-ordinate measuring devices and were equipped with vision systems for sensory feedback. The operation chain from CAD modelbased measurement planning to comparison between the measured and designed geometries was demonstrated. Successful experiments with automatic operation controlled by the measurement plan and vision guidance were carried out and the key performance criteria were met.
A super-resolution map of the vertebrate kinetochore

A longstanding question in centromere biology has been the organization of CENP-A–containing chromatin and its implications for kinetochore assembly. Here, we have combined genetic manipulations with deconvolution and super-resolution fluorescence microscopy for a detailed structural analysis of chicken kinetochores. Using fluorescence microscopy with subdiffraction spatial resolution and single molecule sensitivity to map protein localization in kinetochore chromatin unfolded by exposure to a low salt buffer, we observed robust amounts of H3K9me3, but only low levels of H3K4me2, between CENP-A subdomains in unfolded interphase prekinetochores. Constitutive centromere-associated network proteins CENP-C and CENP-H localize within CENP-A–rich subdomains (presumably on H3-containing nucleosomes) whereas CENP-T localizes in interspersed H3-rich blocks. Although interphase prekinetochores are relatively more resistant to unfolding than sur-rounding pericentromeric heterochromatin, mitotic kinetochores are significantly more stable, reflecting mitotic kinetochore maturation. Loss of CENP-H, CENP-N, or CENP-W had little or no effect on the unfolding of mitotic kinetochores. However, loss of CENP-C caused mitotic kinetochores to unfold to the same extent as their interphase counterparts. Based on our results we propose a new model for inner centromeric chromatin architecture in which chromatin is folded as a layered boustrophedon, with planar sinusoids containing interspersed CENP-A–rich and H3-rich subdomains oriented toward the outer kinetochore. In mitosis, a CENP-C–dependent mechanism crosslinks CENP-A blocks of different layers together, conferring extra stability to the kinetochore.
Adaptive noise

In biology, noise implies error and disorder and is therefore something which organisms may seek to minimize and mitigate against. We argue that such noise can be adaptive. Recent studies have shown that gene expression can be noisy, noise can be genetically controlled, genes and gene networks vary in how noisy they are and noise generates phenotypic differences among genetically identical cells. Such phenotypic differences can have fitness benefits, suggesting that evolution can shape noise and that noise may be adaptive. For example, gene networks can generate bistable states resulting in phenotypic diversity and switching among individual cells of a genotype, which may be a bet hedging strategy. Here, we review the sources of noise in gene expression, the extent to which noise in biological systems may be adaptive and suggest that applying evolutionary rigour to the study of noise is necessary to fully understand organismal phenotypes.
A Comparison between Children with ADHD and Children with Epilepsy in Self-Esteem and Parental Stress Level

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is frequently associated with negative psychological outcomes. This study explores the relationship between self-esteem, ADHD symptoms and parental stress. It compares children with ADHD, children with epilepsy (E) and typical developmental controls (TD). Participants included 65 children (aged 9-12 yrs) and their parents. The assessment was conducted by Multidimensional Self-Concept Scale (MSCS), Parent Stress Index (PSI) and Conners' Parent Rating Scales–Revised. Significant differences were found in Social, Competence and Academic areas of self-esteem between children with ADHD, with E and TD. Moreover, parents of children with ADHD showed a higher overall stress than both other groups. In conclusion, it seems important to evaluate the psychological aspects of ADHD con-dition, both in children and in parents, in order to suggest an individual multimodal treatment.
Sulfide Intrusion and Detoxification in the Seagrass Zostera marina

Gaseous sulfide intrusion into seagrasses growing in sulfidic sediments causes little or no harm to the plant, indicating the presence of an unknown sulfide tolerance or detoxification mechanism. We assessed such mechanism in the seagrass Zostera marina in the laboratory and in the field with scanning electron microscopy coupled to energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, chromatographic and spectrophotometric methods, and stable isotope tracing coupled with a mass balance of sulfur compounds. We found that Z. marina detoxified gaseous sediment-derived sulfide through incorporation and that most of the detoxification occurred in underground tissues, where sulfide intrusion was greatest. Elemental sulfur was a major detoxification compound, precipitating on the inner wall of the aerenchyma of underground tissues. Sulfide was metabolized into thiols and entered the plant sulfur metabolism as well as being stored as sulfate throughout the plant. We conclude that avoidance of sulfide exposure by reoxidation of sulfide in the rhizosphere or aerenchyma and tolerance of sulfide intrusion by incorporation of sulfur in the plant are likely major survival strategies of seagrasses in sulfidic sediments.
Development of a DNA Aptamer for Screening Neisseria meningitidis Serogroup B by Cell SELEX

Background: Artificial oligonucleotides like DNA or RNA aptamers can be used as biodiagnostic alternatives for antibodies to detect pathogens. Comparing to antibodies, artificial oligonucleotides are produced easily at lower costs and are more stable. Neisseria meningitidis, the causative agent of meningitis, is responsible for about 1% of infections in an epidemic period. Specific DNA aptamers that bind to N. meningitidis serogroup B were identified by whole-cell Systemic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential Enrichment (SELEX). Methods: The SELEX begins with a library of labeled ssDNA molecules. After six rounds of selection and two rounds of counter-selection, 60 clones were obtained, of which the binding efficiency of 21 aptamers to the aforementioned bacterium was tested by flow cytometry. Results: The aptamers K3 and K4 showed the highest affinity to N. meningitidis serogroup B and no affinity to N. meningitidis serogroups Y, A, and C, or to other meningitis causing bacteria. The dissociation constant (Kd value) for K3 and K4 were calculated as 28.3 ± 8.9 pM and 39.1 ± 8.6 pM, respectively. K3 aptamer with the lowest Kd was chosen as the main aptamer. K3 could detect N. meningitidis in patients’ cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples and in CSF from healthy volunteers inoculated with N. meningitidis serogroup B (ATCC 13090) at 200 and 100 CFU ml-1, respectively. Conclusion: The findings suggest the application of the developed aptamer in specific detection of N. meningitidis serogroup B amongst a group of meningitis causing bacteria.
Tilings associated with beta-numeration and substitutions.

This paper surveys different constructions and properties of some multiple tilings (that is, finite-to-one coverings) of the space that can be associated with beta-numeration and substitutions. It is indeed possible, generalizing Rauzy’s and Thurston’s constructions, to associate in a natural way either with a Pisot number β (of degree d) or with a Pisot substitution σ (on d letters) some compact basic tiles that are the closure of their interior, that have non-zero measure and a fractal boundary; they are attractors of some graph- directed Iterated Function System. We know that some translates of these prototiles under a Delone set Γ (provided by β or σ) cover Rd−1; it is conjectured that this multiple tiling is indeed a tiling (which might be either periodic or self-replicating according to the translation set Γ). This conjecture is known as the Pisot conjecture and can also be reformulated in spectral terms: the associated dynamical systems have pure discrete spectrum. We detail here the known constructions for these tilings, their main properties, some applications, and focus on some equivalent formulations of the Pisot conjecture, in the theory of quasicrystals for instance. We state in particular for Pisot substitutions a finiteness property analogous to the well-known (F) property in beta-numeration, which is a sufficient condition to get a tiling.