Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Hierarchical Statistical Model of Natural Images Explains Tuning Properties in V2

Previous theoretical and experimental studies have demonstrated tight relationships between natural image statistics and neural representations in V1. In particular, receptive field properties similar to simple and complex cells have been shown to be inferable from sparse coding of natural images. However, whether such a relationship exists in higher areas has not been clarified. To address this question for V2, we trained a sparse coding model that took as input the output of a fixed V1-like model, which was in its turn fed a large variety of natural image patches as input. After the training, the model exhibited response properties that were qualitatively and quantitatively compatible with three major neurophysiological results on macaque V2, as follows: (1) homogeneous and heterogeneous integration of local orientations (Anzai et al., 2007); (2) a wide range of angle selectivities with biased sensitivities to one component orientation (Ito and Komatsu, 2004); and (3) exclusive length and width suppression (Schmid et al., 2014). The reproducibility was stable across variations in several model parameters. Further, a formal classification of the internal representations of the model units offered detailed interpretations of the experimental data, emphasizing that a novel type of model cell that could detect a combination of local orientations converging toward a single spatial point (potentially related to corner-like features) played an important role in reproducing tuning properties compatible with V2. These results are consistent with the idea that V2 uses a sparse code of natural images. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Sparse coding theory has successfully explained a number of receptive field properties in V1; but how about in V2? This question has recently become important since a variety of properties distinct from V1 have been discovered in V2, and thus a more integrative understanding is called for. Our study shows that a hierarchical sparse coding model of natural images explains three major response properties known in the macaque V2. We further provide a detailed analysis revealing the roles of different kinds of model cells in explaining the V2-specific properties. Our results thus offer the first sparse coding account for receptive field properties in V2 that has extensive biological relevance.
Implications of Game Triads for Observations of Trust and Reciprocity

This paper develops a triadic design for conducting trust and reciprocity experiments. A large literature on single-game trust and reciprocity experiments is based on the assumption that subjects’ utility payoffs are the same as their own monetary payoffs in the experiments. Such designs test compound hypotheses that include the hypothesis that other-regarding preferences do not affect behavior. In contrast, experiments with the triadic design do discriminate between transfers resulting from trust or reciprocity and transfers resulting from other-regarding preferences. Decomposing trust from altruism and reciprocity from altruism is critical to obtaining empirical information that can guide the process of constructing models that can increase the empirical validity of game theory.
Robust $H_{\infty}$  Filtering for Switched Stochastic System With Missing Measurements

This paper considers the design of robust H infin filtering problem for switched stochastic discrete time-delay system with missing measurements via switched Lyapunov function approach. Attention is focused on the design of an exponentially stable filter guaranteeing a prescribed noise attenuation level in the H infin sense and missing measurements probability. By using switched Lyapunov functionals, some sufficient conditions in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) are obtained. Finally, a numerical example is provided to demonstrate the effectiveness and applicability of the proposed design approach.
Efficient Refinement Checking for Model-Based Mutation Testing

In model-based mutation testing, a test model is mutated for test case generation. The resulting test cases are able to detect whether the faults in the mutated models have been implemented in the system under test. For this purpose, a conformance check between the original and the mutated model is required. We have developed an approach for conformance checking of action systems, which are well-suited to specify reactive and non-deterministic systems. We rely on constraint solving techniques. Both, the conformance relation and the transition relation are encoded as constraint satisfaction problems. Earlier results showed the potential of our constraint-based approach to outperform explicit conformance checking techniques, which often face state space explosion. In this work, we go one step further and show optimisations that really boost our performance. In our experiments, we could reduce our runtimes by 80%.
Evolutionary Diversification of New Caledonian Araucaria

New Caledonia is a global biodiversity hotspot. Hypotheses for its biotic richness suggest either that the island is a ‘museum’ for an old Gondwana biota or alternatively it has developed following relatively recent long distance dispersal and in situ radiation. The conifer genus Araucaria (Araucariaceae) comprises 19 species globally with 13 endemic to this island. With a typically Gondwanan distribution, Araucaria is particularly well suited to testing alternative biogeographic hypotheses concerning the origins of New Caledonian biota. We derived phylogenetic estimates using 11 plastid and rDNA ITS2 sequence data for a complete sampling of Araucaria (including multiple accessions of each of the 13 New Caledonian Araucaria species). In addition, we developed a dataset comprising 4 plastid regions for a wider taxon sample to facilitate fossil based molecular dating. Following statistical analyses to identify a credible and internally consistent set of fossil constraints, divergence times estimated using a Bayesian relaxed clock approach were contrasted with geological scenarios to explore the biogeographic history of Araucaria. The phylogenetic data resolve relationships within Araucariaceae and among the main lineages in Araucaria, but provide limited resolution within the monophyletic New Caledonian species group. Divergence time estimates suggest a Late Cretaceous-Cenozoic radiation of extant Araucaria and a Neogene radiation of the New Caledonian lineage. A molecular timescale for the evolution of Araucariaceae supports a relatively recent radiation, and suggests that earlier (pre-Cenozoic) fossil types assigned to Araucaria may have affinities elsewhere in Araucariaceae. While additional data will be required to adequately resolve relationships among the New Caledonian species, their recent origin is consistent with overwater dispersal following Eocene emersion of New Caledonia but is too old to support a single dispersal from Australia to Norfolk Island for the radiation of the Pacific Araucaria sect. Eutacta clade.
Management styles of lumber mill managers in the northern United States.

The management styles of chief executives largely determine how firms react to a myriad of challenges and opportunities that arise in the marketplace. The management style of a chief executive can influence a firm's ability to successfully compete in an increasingly globalized world. To better understand management styles and practices, a survey of chief executives at 32 sawmills operating in the northern United States was conducted. Five management styles were synthesized from the literature―autocratic, bureaucratic, authoritarian, democratic, and participative. The frequency with which these management styles were used by chief executives was based on their responses to a series of questions related to five key areas of management. Three-quarters of the managers surveyed used a combination of between two and four management styles and just 25 percent exhibited a single style. Management styles were found to be largely independent of demographic profiles and mill characteristics such as product type and mill capacity.
Isolation and Partial Characterization of a Bacteriocin Produced by a Newly Isolated Bacillus megaterium 19 Strain

A Bacillus megaterium 19 strain isolated from a mixture of fermented vegetable wastes, produced a bacteriocin that displayed a wide spectrum antimicrobial activity against food-spoilage microorganisms and possessed a bactericidal mode of action. The bacteriocin activity against Salmonella typhimurium and Staphylococcus aureus attained its maximum value during the mid stationary phase. Maximal bacteriocin activity (93% growth reduction) was achieved using MRS broth, at initial pH of 5.5-6.5 and at 30°C incubation temperature. High levels of bacteriocin activity (up to 85% growth reduction) were detected under limited or reduced oxygen levels. The inhibitory activity increased in mMRS broth with 4% sucrose and (0.10%) beef extract. The bacteriocin was thermally stable over a wide temperature range up to 100°C for 15 min and retained its activity at acidic and neutral pH values, but not at alkaline pHs. Full bacteriocin activity was expressed after 30 days of storage at 4°C, for 15 min of exposure to UV light. The bacteriocin was amylase and lipase sensitive, however, treatment with proteolytic enzymes resulted in a remarkable stability. SDS- PAGE analysis of the partially purified bacteriocin revealed an apparent molecular weight ranging from 3.496 to 6.512 kDa. The strain may have a potential use as food biopreservative, because of its promising thermostable technological properties and broad antimicrobial spectrum.
On the fine structure of large search spaces

Recently, there has been significant progress in our understanding of the computational nature of combinatorial problems. Randomized search methods, both complete and incomplete, often outperform deterministic strategies. In this paper, we relate the performance of randomized methods to the geometric properties of the underlying search space. In particular, our study reveals the inherent fractal nature of the search space at different-length scales, for a range of combinatorial problems. We also discuss the impact of these results on the design of better search methods.
Modulation of Colorectal Cancer Risk by Polymorphisms in 51Gln/His, 64Ile/Val, and 148Asp/Glu of APEX Gene; 23Gly/Ala of XPA Gene; and 689Ser/Arg of ERCC4 Gene

Polymorphisms in DNA repair genes may affect the activity of the BER (base excision repair) and NER (nucleotide excision repair) systems. Using DNA isolated from blood taken from patients (n = 312) and a control group (n = 320) with CRC, we have analyzed the polymorphisms of selected DNA repair genes and we have demonstrated that genotypes 51Gln/His and 148Asp/Glu of APEX gene and 23Gly/Ala of XPA gene may increase the risk of colorectal cancer. At the same time analyzing the gene-gene interactions, we suggest the thesis that the main factor to be considered when analyzing the impact of polymorphisms on the risk of malignant transformation should be intergenic interactions. Moreover, we are suggesting that some polymorphisms may have impact not only on the malignant transformation but also on the stage of the tumor.
A Conceptual Framework for ERP Evaluation in Universities of Pakistan

The higher education has been greatly impacted by worldwide trends. In a result, the universities throughout the world are focusing to enhance performance and efficiency in their workings. Therefore, the higher education has moved their systems to Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems to cope with the needs of changing environment. However, the literature review indicates that there is void on the evaluation of success or failure of ERP systems in higher education Institutes in Pakistan. In overall, ERP systems implementation in higher education of Pakistan has not been given appropriate research focus. Thus, in this paper the authors have attempted to develop a conceptual framework for ERP evaluation in Universities of Pakistan. This seeks to expand the knowledge on ERP in higher educational institutes of Pakistan and focuses on understanding the ERP related critical success factors.
Association of hypermagnesemia and blood pressure in the critically ill

Background: Although magnesium is important in the biology of blood pressure regulation, little clinical data exist on the association of hypermagnesemia and blood pressure. Method: We examined the association of hypermagnesemia and SBP in a cross-sectional study of 10 521 ICU patients from a single tertiary care medical center, 6% of whom had a serum magnesium above 2.6 mg/dl at time of admission. Results: In a multivariable analysis, hypermagnesemia was associated with SBP 6.2 mmHg lower [95% confidence interval (CI) −8.2, −4.2, P < 0.001] than in patients with admission values of serum magnesium 2.6 mg/dl or less. Each mg/dl increase in serum magnesium was associated with a decrease in SBP of 4.3 mmHg (95% CI −5.5, −3.1, P < 0.001). In addition, hypermagnesemic patients had a 2.48-fold greater likelihood (95% CI 2.06, 3.00, P < 0.001) of receiving intravenous vasopressors during the first 24 h of ICU care, independent of admission SBP. Conclusion: Our findings add support to the biologic importance of magnesium regulation in blood pressure control.
Vertical Nanowire Gate-All-Around p-type Tunneling Field-Effect Transistor With Si 0.8 Ge 0.2 /Si Heterojunction

We present a CMOS compatible p-type gate-all-around (GAA) vertical silicon nanowire tunneling field effect transistor (TFET) featuring Si0.8Ge0. 2 source with silicon channel. Besides heterojunction on source side, the highly abrupt doping profile at source-to-channel junction is achieved by low temperature dopant segregation. The fabricated devices display subthreshold slope (SS) as low as 30mV/dec over one decade of drain current, which remains below 60 mV/dec over 3 decades. In addition, our TFET showed reasonable Ion/Ioff ratio of (10 4 ) and low drain induced barrier lowering (DIBL) of 40 mV/V.
Mind the Gap! Consumer Perceptions and Choices of Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans

Medicare Part D provides prescription drug coverage through Medicare approved plans offered by private insurance companies and HMOs. In this paper, we study the role of current prescription drug use and health risks, related expectations, and subjective factors in the demand for prescription drug insurance. To characterize rational behavior in the complex Part D environment, we develop an intertemporal optimization model of enrollment decisions. We generally find that seniors' choices respond to the incentives provided by their own health status and the market environment as predicted by the optimization model. The proportion of individuals who do not attain the optimal choice is small, but the margin for error is also small since enrollment is transparently optimal for most eligible seniors. Further, there is also evidence that seniors over-react to some salient features of the choice situation, do not take full account of the future benefit and cost consequences of their decisions, or the expected net benefits and risk properties of alternative plans.
Internal auditors’ role and authority

In this study, internal auditors are asked to come to a view on whether functions they perform in connection with internal audit engagements are essential, and to what degree. Inspired by Burns, Greenspan and Hartwell’s concept of the true professional, there is an underlying interest in determining whether, and under what circumstances, internal auditors’ enjoy the authority over and independence from management that we might expect of a professional. The findings emerge from a survey of New Zealand auditors, all of whom are IIA branch members. A 73 per cent response rate is achieved over the original and follow‐up survey. A factor analysis identifies converging issues, and t‐tests isolate responses by employment status, disciplinary background, experience, and audit charter existence. The findings suggest that characteristics of a “true” profession exist but do not dominate. Significantly, and as subgroups, public practice and experienced auditors may enjoy greater influence over management, and accountancy‐trained auditors may enjoy greater status owing to the “mystique” of their activities. Comments from the internal auditors shed further light on these results. Conclusions point to further avenues for research.
How Hard Is Aspect-Oriented Programming ?

In aspect-oriented programming, it is desirable to algorithmically design correct advised programs that meet a new crosscutting concern while preserving the properties of the base program. Such an automated design eliminates the need for after-the-fact verification, thereby potentially reducing development costs. In this paper, we present a formalization of the problem of designing safety aspects for finite-state programs while ensuring the reachability of states from where liveness is met, where safety stipulates that nothing bad ever happens, and liveness states that something good will eventually happen in program computations. Subsequently, we illustrate that, for deterministic sequential programs, it is impossible to efficiently design safety aspects and reach states from where liveness is satisfied unless P = NP; i.e., the problem is NP-hard in program state space. This is a counterintuitive result as previous work illustrates that this problem is NP-hard for distributed programs in the presence of faults.
Process Mining for Clinical Processes

Business process analysis and process mining, particularly within the health care domain, remain under-utilized. Applied research that employs such techniques to routinely collected health care data enables stakeholders to empirically investigate care as it is delivered by different health providers. However, cross-organizational mining and the comparative analysis of processes present a set of unique challenges in terms of ensuring population and activity comparability, visualizing the mined models, and interpreting the results. Without addressing these issues, health providers will find it difficult to use process mining insights, and the potential benefits of evidence-based process improvement within health will remain unrealized. In this article, we present a brief introduction on the nature of health care processes, a review of process mining in health literature, and a case study conducted to explore and learn how health care data and cross-organizational comparisons with process-mining techniques may be approached. The case study applies process-mining techniques to administrative and clinical data for patients who present with chest pain symptoms at one of four public hospitals in South Australia. We demonstrate an approach that provides detailed insights into clinical (quality of patient health) and fiscal (hospital budget) pressures in the delivery of health care. We conclude by discussing the key lessons learned from our experience in conducting business process analysis and process mining based on the data from four different hospitals.
Direct Electrical Current Reduces Bacterial and Yeast Biofilm Formation

New strategies are needed for prevention of biofilm formation. We have previously shown that 24 hr of 2,000 µA of direct current (DC) reduces Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilm formation in vitro. Herein, we examined the effect of a lower amount of DC exposure on S. epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Propionibacterium acnes, and Candida albicans biofilm formation. 12 hr of 500 µA DC decreased S. epidermidis, S. aureus, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa biofilm formation on Teflon discs by 2, 1, 1, and 2 log10 cfu/cm2, respectively (p < 0.05). Reductions in S. epidermidis, S. aureus, and E. coli biofilm formation were observed with as few as 12 hr of 200 µA DC (2, 2 and 0.4 log10 cfu/cm2, resp.); a 1 log10 cfu/cm2 reduction in P. aeruginosa biofilm formation was observed at 36 hr. 24 hr of 500 µA DC decreased C. albicans biofilm formation on Teflon discs by 2 log10 cfu/cm2. No reduction in P. acnes biofilm formation was observed. 1 and 2 log10 cfu/cm2 reductions in E. coli and S. epidermidis biofilm formation on titanium discs, respectively, were observed with 12 hr of exposure to 500 µA. Electrical current is a potential strategy to reduce biofilm formation on medical biomaterials.
pTop : A Process-level Power Profiling Tool

We solve the problem of estimating the amount of energy consumed by each application in the system by presenting the design and implementation of pTop, a simple and efficient process-level power profiling tool. Being a service of the operating system, pTop provides real-time information about the energy consumed by each process in terms of different resource components. pTop also supports a set of well-defined energy-aware application programming interfaces (API) helping the system and application developers build energy optimization policies. Different from hardware-based measurement tools, pTop is software-based, requires no additional hardware, and therefore, it is easy to apply in various platforms. Using pTop APIs, we developed an application adaptation scheme that extends the battery lifetime to meet certain time constraints. Experiment results showed that pTop is lightweight and easy to use.
The Peculiar Type Ib Supernova SN 2005bf: Explosion of a Massive He Star with a Thin Hydrogen Envelope?

We present BVRI photometry and optical spectroscopy of SN 2005bf near maximum light. The maximum phase is broad and occurred around 2005 May 7, about 40 days after the shock breakout. SN 2005bf has a peak bolometric magnitude Mbol = -18.0 ± 0.2; while this is not particularly bright, it occurred at an epoch significantly later than other Type Ibc supernovae (SNe Ibc), indicating that the SN possibly ejected ~0.31 M☉ of 56Ni, which is more than the typical amount. The spectra of SN 2005bf around maximum are very similar to those of the Type Ib SNe 1999ex and 1984L about 25-35 days after explosion, displaying prominent He I, Fe II, Ca II H and K, and the near-IR triplet P Cygni lines. Except for the strongest lines, He I absorptions are blueshifted by ≲6500 km s-1, and Fe II absorptions are blueshifted by ~7500-8000 km s-1. No other SNe Ib have been reported to have their Fe II absorptions blueshifted more than their He I absorptions. Relatively weak Hα and very weak Hβ may also exist, blueshifted by ~15,000 km s-1. We suggest that SN 2005bf was the explosion of a massive He star, possibly with a trace of a hydrogen envelope.