Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Flip Diameter of Rectangulations and Convex Subdivisions

We study the configuration space of rectangulations and convex subdivisions of $n$ points in the plane. It is shown that a sequence of $O(n\log n)$ elementary flip and rotate operations can transform any rectangulation to any other rectangulation on the same set of $n$ points. This bound is the best possible for some point sets, while $\Theta(n)$ operations are sufficient and necessary for others. Some of our bounds generalize to convex subdivisions of $n$ points in the plane.
Loneliness and Hypervigilance to Social Cues in Females: An Eye-Tracking Study

The goal of the present study was to examine whether lonely individuals differ from nonlonely individuals in their overt visual attention to social cues. Previous studies showed that loneliness was related to biased post-attentive processing of social cues (e.g., negative interpretation bias), but research on whether lonely and nonlonely individuals also show differences in an earlier information processing stage (gazing behavior) is very limited. A sample of 25 lonely and 25 nonlonely students took part in an eye-tracking study consisting of four tasks. We measured gazing (duration, number of fixations and first fixation) at the eyes, nose and mouth region of faces expressing emotions (Task 1), at emotion quadrants (anger, fear, happiness and neutral expression) (Task 2), at quadrants with positive and negative social and nonsocial images (Task 3), and at the facial area of actors in video clips with positive and negative content (Task 4). In general, participants tended to gaze most often and longest at areas that conveyed most social information, such as the eye region of the face (T1), and social images (T3). Participants gazed most often and longest at happy faces (T2) in still images, and more often and longer at the facial area in negative than in positive video clips (T4). No differences occurred between lonely and nonlonely participants in their gazing times and frequencies, nor at first fixations at social cues in the four different tasks. Based on this study, we found no evidence that overt visual attention to social cues differs between lonely and nonlonely individuals. This implies that biases in social information processing of lonely individuals may be limited to other phases of social information processing. Alternatively, biased overt attention to social cues may only occur under specific conditions, for specific stimuli or for specific lonely individuals.
Experimental phonetic study of the syllable duration of Korean with respect to the positional effect

The aim of the paper is to describe the prosodic structure of Korean related to the syllable duration varying with its positional difference. An attempt is made to analyze and describe the concrete correlation between the syllable lengthening and its position in the utterance at the initial and final positions. Using the syllable [na] at the final and initial position of a prosodic phrase in the Korean version of 'the North Wind and the Sun', it has found that the ratio of phrase final versus phrase initial syllable lengthening was approximately 1.8:1 for 4 subjects taking part in the test. In the case of nonsense data, the authors found that the ratio was approximately 1.6:1 for 2 out of 3 subjects. The results of the study might indicate that Korean tends to have a high rate of final lengthening. One can tentatively classify it, therefore, as a stress-timed language. Still, there is no denying that further studies should be done before one can be absolutely certain about the classification of languages along the dichotomy scale.
A computational study of external-memory BFS algorithms

Breadth First Search (BFS) traversal is an archetype for many important graph problems. However, computing a BFS level decomposition for massive graphs was considered nonviable so far, because of the large number of I/Os it incurs. This paper presents the first experimental evaluation of recent external-memory BFS algorithms for general graphs. With our STXXL based implementations exploiting pipelining and disk-parallelism, we were able to compute the BFS level decomposition of a web-crawl based graph of around 130 million nodes and 1.4 billion edges in less than 4 hours using single disk and 2.3 hours using 4 disks. We demonstrate that some rather simple external-memory algorithms perform significantly better (minutes as compared to hours) than internal-memory BFS, even if more than half of the input resides internally.
Physical form of the diet in relation to rumen fermentation

This paper deals principally with alteration to the physical form of forage diets and the effect on rumen fermentation. When a forage crop is cut and conserved there are possibilities of (a) changing the physical and chemical characteristics of the forage before it is given and (b) of combining the forage with other food components. T o produce a ruminant ration of high nutrient potential both these measures should be based on nutritional principles. Information on mixed diets is limited (Topps, Kay & Goodall, 1968; Topps, Kay, Goodall, Whitelaw & Reid, 1968; MacRae & Armstrong, 1969; Nicholson & Sutton, 1969). Lack of space precludes in this paper adequate examination of the effect of physical form of cereals (Armstrong & Beever, 1969) and of cereal straws (Lamming, Swan & Clarke, 1966; Pickard, Swan & Lamming, 1969; Swan & Lamming, 1970) and, also, liquid diets (IZlrskov, Fraser & Corse, 1970) on rumen fermentation, and the paper has therefore been restricted to forage diets. The does fermentation producing ruminant;
Contrasting Behavior of the p 18 INK 4 c and p 16 INK 4 a Tumor Suppressors in Both Replicative and Oncogene-Induced Senescence

The cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitors, p18 and p16, both have the credentials of tumor suppressors in human cancers andmousemodels. For p16, the underlying rationale is its role in senescence, but the selective force for inactivation of p18 in incipient cancer cells is less clear. Here, we show that in human fibroblasts undergoing replicative or oncogene-induced senescence, there is amarked decline in the levels of p18 protein and RNA, which mirrors the accumulation of p16. Downregulation of INK4c is not dependent on p16, and RAS can promote the loss of INK4c without cell-cycle arrest. Downregulation of p18 correlates with reduced expression of menin and E2F1 but is unaffected by acute cell-cycle arrest or inactivation of the retinoblastoma protein (pRb). Collectively, our data question the idea that p18 acts as a backup for loss of p16 and suggest that the apparent activation of p18 in some settings represents delayed senescence rather than increased expression. We propose that the contrasting behavior of the two very similar INK4 proteins could reflect their respective roles in senescence versus differentiation. Cancer Res; 72(1); 165–75. 2011 AACR.
Generalized GCD rings

All rings are assumed to be commutative with identity. A generalized GCD ring (G-GCD ring) is a ring (zero-divisors admitted) in which the intersection of every two finitely generated (f.g.) faithful multiplication ideals is a f.g. faithful multiplication ideal. Various properties of G-GCD rings are considered. We generalize some of Jäger’s and Lüneburg’s results to f.g. faithful multiplication ideals. MSC 2000: 13A15 (primary), 13F05 (secondary)
Sum rate maximization for MU-MISO with partial CSIT using Joint Multicasting and Broadcasting

In this paper, we consider a MU-MISO system where users have highly accurate Channel State Information (CSI), while the Base Station (BS) has partial CSI consisting of an imperfect channel estimate and statistical knowledge of the CSI error. With the objective of maximizing the Average Sum Rate (ASR) subject to a power constraint, a special transmission scheme is considered where the BS transmits a common symbol in a multicast fashion, in addition to the conventional private symbols. This scheme is termed Joint Multicasting and Broadcasting (JMB). The ASR problem is transformed into an augmented Average Weighted Sum Mean Square Error (AWSMSE) problem which is solved using Alternating Optimization (AO). The enhanced rate performance accompanied with the incorporation of the multicast part is demonstrated through simulations.
A robust pedestrian navigation algorithm with low cost IMU

Zero velocity update (ZUPT) is an effective way for pedestrian navigation in a GPS (Global Positioning System) denied environment. The stance phase in each step provides zero velocity measurement for IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) drift correction. Most previous research, however, gives navigation solutions only for pedestrian walking but not running. Compared with walking, running has a shorter stance phase with qualified as zero velocity. Therefore a stance phase detector for walking may not be capable for running. This paper presents a novel ZUPT algorithm which can achieve robust pedestrian navigation for walking, stair climbing, and running. Our stance phase detector consists of one footstep detector and two zero velocity detectors (ZVDs). The footstep detector is used to mark each new step, and the first ZVD (ZVD1) can successfully detect zero velocity while walking by setting thresholds on both gyroscope and accelerometer measurements. While ZVD1 is failed for running, the second ZVD (ZVD2) is introduced with a relative larger threshold on gyroscope measurement only. The proposed stance phase detector was tested for walking, running and stair climbing. In all cases, most of the footsteps are detected correctly and our ZUPT algorithm can be successfully implemented. Experimental results show that the navigation accuracy of the proposed algorithm for running cases is comparable to that of walking only cases. Tests on a biped robot are being also conducted to verify the effectiveness of the algorithm.
Efficient gene knockin in axolotl and its use to test the role of satellite cells in limb regeneration

Significance Salamanders have great potential to regenerate damaged organs upon injury, and thus provide an important model for understanding the mechanisms of tissue regeneration; however, genetic studies have been limited due to a lack of gene knockin strategies. In this study, we have established efficient CRISPR/Cas9 mediated gene knockin approaches in the axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum), which has allowed us to genetically mark two critical stem cell pools for limb and spinal cord regeneration. Our genetic fate mapping establishes the role of PAX7+ satellite cells for limb muscle regeneration. This method opens up the possibility of marking and perturbing gene function inducibly in any definable cell populations in the axolotl, a key functionality required for the precise, rigorous understanding of processes such as regeneration. Salamanders exhibit extensive regenerative capacities and serve as a unique model in regeneration research. However, due to the lack of targeted gene knockin approaches, it has been difficult to label and manipulate some of the cell populations that are crucial for understanding the mechanisms underlying regeneration. Here we have established highly efficient gene knockin approaches in the axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) based on the CRISPR/Cas9 technology. Using a homology-independent method, we successfully inserted both the Cherry reporter gene and a larger membrane-tagged Cherry-ERT2-Cre-ERT2 (∼5-kb) cassette into axolotl Sox2 and Pax7 genomic loci. Depending on the size of the DNA fragments for integration, 5–15% of the F0 transgenic axolotl are positive for the transgene. Using these techniques, we have labeled and traced the PAX7-positive satellite cells as a major source contributing to myogenesis during axolotl limb regeneration. Our work brings a key genetic tool to molecular and cellular studies of axolotl regeneration.
Infectious Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (Strain NADL) RNA from Stable cDNA Clones: a Cellular Insert Determines NS3 Production and Viral Cytopathogenicity

ABSTRACT Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), strain NADL, was originally isolated from an animal with fatal mucosal disease. This isolate is cytopathic in cell culture and produces two forms of NS3-containing proteins: uncleaved NS2-3 and mature NS3. For BVDV NADL, the production of NS3, a characteristic of cytopathic BVDV strains, is believed to be a consequence of an in-frame insertion of a 270-nucleotide cellular mRNA sequence (called cIns) in the NS2 coding region. In this study, we constructed a stable full-length cDNA copy of BVDV NADL in a low-copy-number plasmid vector. As assayed by transfection of MDBK cells, uncapped RNAs transcribed from this template were highly infectious (>105 PFU/μg). The recovered virus was similar in plaque morphology, growth properties, polyprotein processing, and cytopathogenicity to the BVDV NADL parent. Deletion of cIns abolished processing at the NS2/NS3 site and produced a virus that was no longer cytopathic for MDBK cells. This deletion did not affect the efficiency of infectious virus production or viral protein production, but it reduced the level of virus-specific RNA synthesis and accumulation. Thus, cIns not only modulates NS3 production but also upregulates RNA replication relative to an isogenic noncytopathic derivative lacking the insert. These results raise the possibility of a linkage between enhanced BVDV NADL RNA replication and virus-induced cytopathogenicity.
6D Relocalisation for RGBD Cameras Using Synthetic View Regression

With the advent of real-time dense scene reconstruction from handheld cameras, one key aspect to enable robust operation is the ability to relocalise in a previously mapped environment or after loss of measurement. Tasks such as operating on a workspace, where moving objects and occlusions are likely, require a recovery competence in order to be useful. For RGBD cameras, this must also include the ability to relocalise in areas with reduced visual texture. This paper describes a method for relocalisation of a freely moving RGBD camera in small workspaces. The approach combines both 2D image and 3D depth information to estimate the full 6D camera pose. The method uses a general regression over a set of synthetic views distributed throughout an informed estimate of possible camera viewpoints. The resulting relocalisation is accurate and works faster than framerate and the system’s performance is demonstrated through a comparison against visual and geometric feature matching relocalisation techniques on sequences with moving objects and minimal texture.
Improved analytical modeling of conductive losses in gapped high-frequency inductors

An improved method to predict conductive losses in gapped high frequency inductors is presented and used for parametrization of an equivalent small signal circuit model. The method is based on the superposition of power losses resulting from the well known one-dimensional field calculation and losses due to eddy currents caused by the fringing field of airgaps determined from new analytical 2D-field calculations. Losses due to reactive currents in the windings caused by the self capacitance are also considered An accuracy improvement of at least 50% percent compared to the known methods is proved by measurements.
Gravitational Lensing and Dark Structures

We examine whether a cosmologically significant distribution of dark galaxy group or cluster-sized objects can have an optical depth for multiple imaging of distant background sources, which is comparable with that from known galaxies while at the same time producing angular splittings of the same order of magnitude. Our purpose is to explore whether such objects could realistically account for some of the observed lenses. Modeling such systems as isothermal spheres with core radii and assuming a Schechter-type distribution function, we find that independent of the cosmology (open, flat matter-dominated, or flat cosmological constant-dominated) an allowed, albeit narrow, parameter range exists that is comparable in velocity dispersion with that for known compact groups of galaxies, although the preferred core radii are somewhat smaller than that normally assumed for compact groups. Dark cluster-sized objects, on the other hand, cannot reproduce the observed lensing characteristics. If the one known dark cluster were a good representative of such a distribution, most such objects would not produce multiple images. We also present a result for the angular splitting from an isothermal sphere lens with nonzero core radius, extending earlier work of Hinshaw & Krauss. Our results are expressed as contour plots for fixed lensing probabilities and angular splittings.
Definition and analysis of composition structures for discrete-event models

The re-use of a model by someone else than the original developer is still an open challenge. This paper presents composition structures and interface descriptions for discrete-event models. Interfaces are introduced as separate units of description that complement model definitions. As XML documents, interfaces may be stored in databases to search, select, and analyze composition candidates based on public visible property descriptions. A meta model formalizes interfaces, components, and compositions, such that the refinement of interfaces into model implementations and the compatibility of interfaces can be analyzed. The composition approach combines different hierarchical relations (type hierarchies, refinement hierarchies, and composition hierarchies) to simplify the modeling process.
Isolation and characterization of 11 new microsatellite markers for Macaranga (Euphorbiaceae)

We provide primer sequences for 11 new polymorphic microsatellite markers developed in the tropical ant–plant genus Macaranga (Euphorbiaceae), after enrichment cloning of Macaranga tanarius and Macaranga hypoleuca. Allele numbers per locus ranged from two to 16 among 20 accessions of M. tanarius, and from three to 10 among 22 accessions of M. hypoleuca. Observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.150 to 0.900 and from 0.375 to 0.894 in M. tanarius, and from 0.545 to 1.000 and from 0.434 to 0.870 in M. hypoleuca, respectively. Six of the 11 primer pairs successfully cross‐amplified polymorphic polymerase chain reaction products in Macaranga winkleri.
Autecology, feeding preferences and reproductive biology of Chorthippus (Glyptobothrus) vagans (Eversmann, 1848) (Orthoptera: Gomphocerinae) in Mediterranean ecosystems

Abstract Chorthippus vagans is a common species of Gomphocerinae (Orthoptera) on the Iberian Peninsula. It is endangered in Central Europe where information about its ecological requirements is available; however, aspects of its biology are almost unknown in Mediterranean ecosystems, where it is widespread and common. The focus of this study was to determine how C. vagans adjusts its biology to environmental features of this ecosystem and to interpret how it may be affected by the ecological changes related to the re-vegetation programme linked to the construction of the Breña dam (SW Spain). The research parameters included the autoecology, feeding response and some aspects of reproduction of this species in the Southern Iberian Peninsula. To determine the local distribution and phenology of C. vagans, monthly samplings were conducted (2007–2010) in 12 sampling plots. For the food selection tests, ten nymphs and ten adults were placed individually in insectaries under controlled conditions. Grasses (Lolium sp.) and shrubs (Cistus sp.) were supplied ad libitum in two types of tests, monospecific and mixed diet. The reproductive biology was analysed by both observations of anatomical structures (integument, bristles, tibial spines, tarsal claws and mandibles) and ovarian dissections of 29 females and in laboratory rearing experiments with 15 pairs of adults. The results indicate that C. vagans shows an extended activity period which peaks at the end of summer. It is a polyphagous grasshopper, although adults show a slight preference for grasses. In addition, it is a univoltine species with spring–summer breeding activity.
Optimal bounds for semi-honest quantum oblivious transfer

Oblivious transfer is a fundamental cryptographic primitive in which Bob transfers one of two bits to Alice in such a way that Bob cannot know which of the two bits Alice has learned. We present an optimal security bound for quantum oblivious transfer protocols under a natural and demanding definition of what it means for Alice to cheat. Our lower bound is a smooth tradeoff between the probability B with which Bob can guess Alice's bit choice and the probability A with which Alice can guess both of Bob's bits given that she learns one of the bits with certainty. We prove that 2B + A is greater than or equal to 2 in any quantum protocol for oblivious transfer, from which it follows that one of the two parties must be able to cheat with probability at least 2/3. We prove that this bound is optimal by exhibiting a family of protocols whose cheating probabilities can be made arbitrarily close to any point on the tradeoff curve.
Lack of association between GSTM1, GSTP1, and GSTT1 gene polymorphisms and asthma in adult patients from Rome, central Italy.

BACKGROUND Asthma is a complex multifactorial disease that is not yet fully understood. Oxidative stress due to an imbalance between the oxidative forces and the antioxidant defense systems has been implicated in asthma pathogenesis. However, much debate still surrounds the key genetic factors involved in the development of this disease. Candidate genes include the glutathione S-transferases (GSTs). In particular, mu, pi, and theta classes of GSTs play an important role in regulating inflammatory responses. However, few and contradictory data are available on the association between asthma development and GST gene polymorphisms (GSTM1, GSTP1, and GST1). OBJECTIVE To investigate whether GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTP1 polymorphisms are associated with asthma development. METHODS We recruited 200 unrelated healthy individuals and 199 asthmatic patients from Rome in Central Italy. Genotyping of GSTMI and GSTT1 genes was performed by a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) while the GSTP1 polymorphism (rs1695) was determined using PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. RESULTS Our results suggest that the GST polymorphisms analyzed are not associated with asthma, confirming the uncertain role of GST genes in the development of asthma. CONCLUSIONS Oxidative stress is certainly involved in the development of asthma, and GSTs may therefore influence asthma risk, although, as our results show, their role in pathogenesis remains to be elucidated. Future studies should focus on the interactions of GST genes with the environment and other antioxidant genes to shed light on the role of GSTs in asthma.
Cox rings and combinatorics

Given a variety X with a finitely generated total coordinate ring, we describe basic geometric properties of X in terms of certain combinatorial structures living in the divisor class group of X. For example, we describe the singularities, we calculate the ample cone, and we give simple Fano criteria. As we show by means of several examples, the results allow explicit computations. As immediate applications we obtain an effective version of the Kleiman-Chevalley quasiprojectivity criterion, and the following observation on surfaces: a normal complete surface with finitely generated total coordinate ring is projective if and only if any two of its non-factorial singularities admit a common affine neighbourhood.