Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Biotechnological Applications Derived from Microorganisms of the Atacama Desert

The Atacama Desert in Chile is well known for being the driest and oldest desert on Earth. For these same reasons, it is also considered a good analog model of the planet Mars. Only a few decades ago, it was thought that this was a sterile place, but in the past years fascinating adaptations have been reported in the members of the three domains of life: low water availability, high UV radiation, high salinity, and other environmental stresses. However, the biotechnological applications derived from the basic understanding and characterization of these species, with the notable exception of copper bioleaching, are still in its infancy, thus offering an immense potential for future development.
Version of 3 / 23 / 05 The Nature of the Language Faculty and its Implications for Evolution of Language ( Reply to Fitch , Hauser , & Chomsky )

In a continuation of the conversation with Fitch, Chomsky, and Hauser on the evolution of language, we examine their defense of the claim that the uniquely human, language-specific part of the language faculty (the “narrow language faculty”) consists only of recursion, and that this part cannot be considered an adaptation to communication. We argue that their characterization of the narrow language faculty is problematic for many reasons, including its dichotomization of cognitive capacities into those that are utterly unique and those that are identical to nonlinguistic or nonhuman capacities, omitting capacities that may have been substantially modified during human evolution. We also question their dichotomy of the current utility versus original function of a trait, which omits traits that are adaptations for current use, and their dichotomy of humans and animals, which conflates similarity due to common function and similarity due to inheritance from a recent common ancestor. We show that recursion, though absent from other animals’ communications systems, is found in visual cognition, hence cannot be the sole evolutionary development that granted language to humans. Finally, we note that despite Fitch et al.’s denial, their view of language evolution is tied to Chomsky’s conception of language itself, which identifies combinatorial productivity with a core of “narrow syntax. ” An alternative conception, in which combinatoriality is spread across words and constructions, has both empirical advantages and greater evolutionary plausibility.
A general approach to backwards-compatible delivery of high dynamic range images and video

We propose a general solution to the problem of decoding high dynamic range (HDR) information stored as a supplement to low dynamic range (LDR) images or video. Each LDR frame is paired with a lower resolution HDR version, and these are compressed separately using any of the existing methods appropriate to the task. On decode, the low-resolution HDR image is upsampled to match the resolution of the LDR version, and the high frequencies are transferred from the LDR to the HDR frame. The recovery process places no constraints on the color space or tone-mapping of the backwards-compatible LDR content, and is thus ideally suited to applications such as DVD movies that target legacy equipment while building in forward-compatibility with emerging HDR systems. A fast and simple recovery algorithm is demonstrated, followed by a more sophisticated and accurate technique. Examples are shown on computer-generated video frames as well as HDR captured video.
Stabilization and Synchronization of Complex Dynamical Networks With Different Dynamics of Nodes Via Decentralized Controllers

This paper investigates the stabilization and synchronization of complex dynamical networks with different dynamics of nodes by using decentralized linear control and linear matrix inequality. We propose a dynamical network model with similar nodes that the dimensions of node dynamics are different. For this kind of network model, decentralized linear controllers are designed for the stabilization and synchronization. In addition, the synchronization manifold is defined as an invariant manifold, which is regarded as the generalized case of the networks with same node dynamics. Some criteria for the synchronization of networks are derived in this paper. Finally, numerical examples are presented to verify the theoretical results.
A variational approach to JPEG anti-forensics

The objective of JPEG anti-forensics is to remove all the possible footprints left by JPEG compression. By contrary, there exist detectors that attempt to identify any telltale of the image tampering operation of JPEG compression and JPEG anti-forensic processing. This paper makes contribution on improving the undetectability of JPEG anti-forensics, with a higher visual quality of processed images. The employment of constrained total variation based minimization for deblocking successfully fools the forensic methods detecting JPEG blocking, and another advanced JPEG forensic detector. Calibration-based detector is also defeated by conducting a further feature value optimization. Experimental results show that the proposed method outperforms the state-of-the-art methods in a better trade-off between forensic undetectability and visual quality of processed images.
Regulation as a way to force innovation: the biodiesel case

The introduction of biofuels is one of the objectives of the European Union. For this reason, measures to promote the production and consumption of this product have been implemented, such as tax exemptions and fixing a minimum amount of mixture. In this paper, we test the level of competition as a factor that can significantly affect the introduction of this new product. The empirical analysis conducted of the biodiesel market in Spain shows a non-linear and inverted U among the level of competition in the market and the introduction of biodiesel by petrol stations. This result justifies the adoption of measures to promote competition in order to improve the commercialization of biofuels.
Towards an Ontological Analysis of Powertypes

In several subject domains, the categorization scheme itself is part of the subject matter. In this case, experts make use of categories of categories in their accounts. This has led to a number of approaches in conceptual modeling and knowledge representation that are called multi-level modeling approaches. An early approach for multi-level modeling is the powertype pattern which introduces “power types” and “base types”. More recently, other proposals for multilevel modeling include “clabjects”, “m-objects”, which admit the existence of entities being somehow, simultaneously, types (classes) and instances (usually associated to objects). Regardless of the choice of approach to perform multi-level modelling, a question remains concerning the ontological status of “base types”, “power types” and “clabjects”. This paper aims to address this question through an ontological analysis. We use here the general term powertype to generally refer to types whose instances exhibit somehow both type-like and instance-like characteristics. We examine alternative accounts for powertype instances: (i) powertype instances as universals (abstract repeatable entities), (ii) powertype instances as mereological sums of instances of an associated type and (iii) powertype instances as variable embodiments. We conclude that the latter is the most promising account for an ontological interpretation of this phenomenon that meets the modelling desiderata for powertypes present in the literature.
A Chandra X-Ray Investigation of the Violent Interstellar Medium: From Dwarf Starbursts to Ultraluminous Infrared Galaxies

We have analyzed observations with the Chandra X-Ray Observatory of the diffuse emission by hot gas in seven dwarf starburst galaxies, six edge-on starburst galaxies, and nine ultraluminous infrared galaxies. These systems cover ranges of ~104 in X-ray luminosity, and several thousand in star formation rate and K-band luminosity (a proxy for stellar mass). Despite this range in fundamental parameters, we find that the properties of the diffuse X-ray emission are very similar in all three classes of starburst galaxies. The spectrum of the diffuse emission is well fitted by thermal emission from gas with kT ~ 0.25-0.8 keV and with several times solar abundance ratios of α-elements to Fe. The ratio of the thermal X-ray to far-infrared luminosity is roughly constant, as is the characteristic surface brightness of the diffuse X-ray emission. The size of the diffuse X-ray source increases systematically with both far-infrared and K-band luminosity. All three classes show strong morphological relationships between the regions of hot gas probed by the diffuse X-ray emission and the warm gas probed by optical line emission. These findings suggest that the same physical mechanism is producing the diffuse X-ray emission in the three types of starbursts. These results are consistent with that mechanism being shocks driven by a galactic "superwind," which is powered by the kinetic energy collectively supplied by stellar winds and supernovae in the starburst.
NO2 profiling from ground-based UV-visible observations

F. Hendrick, B. Barret , M. Van Roozendael, H. Boesch , A. Butz, M. De Mazière, F. Goutail, C. Hermans, J.-C. Lambert, K. Pfeilsticker, and J.-P. Pommereau Institut d’Aéronomie Spatiale de Belgique (IASB-BIRA), Brussels, Belgium Institute for Environmental Physics, University of Heidelberg, Germany Service d’Aéronomie du CNRS, Verrieres le Buisson, France Now at: Service de Chimie Quantique et Photophysique: atomes, molécules et atmosphères, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium Now at: Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, California, USA
Revising the IT Outsourcing Decision Model: A Transaction Cost Perspective

Williamson’s (1979) transaction cost theory (TCT) has been widely used in information technology (IT) outsourcing research. This research, however, has led to mixed and unexpected results. From a theoretical standpoint, this paper argues that the conceptualization of the constructs and, more importantly, the linkage among constructs that IT outsourcing decision models have hypothesized are not completely in line with TCT. By reviewing the extant IT outsourcing decision models, this paper proposes a model of IT outsourcing decision that is closer to TCT than its predecessors. The model links transaction attributes to the outsourcing decision through a cost analysis mechanism, and also includes some attributes of transactions that have been ignored in past IT outsourcing research. In addition, the proposed model re-examines the role of some transaction attributes by taking into account their moderating effects.
Section Ii-exercise Physiology & Sports Medicine the Influence of High-altitude Acclimatization on Ventilatory and Blood Oxygen Saturation Responses during Normoxic and Hypoxic Testing

We investigated how acclimatization effects achieved during a high-altitude alpinist expedition influence endurance performance, ventilation (E) and blood oxygen saturation (SaO2) in normoxic (NOR) and hypoxic conditions (HYP). An incremental testing protocol on a cycle ergometer was used to determine the power output corresponding to the Lactate (PLT) and Ventilatory Threshold (PVT) in NOR and HYP (FiO2=0.13) as indirect characteristics of endurance performance in both conditions. Furthermore, changes in E, SaO2, blood pH and Pco2 were measured at a similar absolute exercise intensity of 180 W in NOR and HYP conditions. Seven experienced alpinists (mean ± SD: age: 50 ± 6 yrs; body mass: 76 ± 5 kg; body height: 175 ± 8 cm) volunteered to participate in this study after they had reached the summit of Gasherbrum II and Ama Dablam. They had therefore experienced the limitations of their acclimatization. Individual differences of PLT between values reached after and before the expedition (ΔPLT) correlated (r = 0.98, p = 0.01) with differences of SaO2 (ΔSaO2) in HYP, and differences of PVT (ΔPVT) correlated (r =-0.83, p = 0.02) with differences of E (Δ E) in HYP. The results suggest that the acclimatization may not have an equivocal and simple influence on the performance in hypoxia: enhanced blood oxygen saturation may be accompanied by increased endurance only, when the increase exceeded 2-3%, but enhanced ventilation, when increased more than 10 l/min in HYP, could detrimentally influence endurance.
SME Networks and International Performance: Unveiling the Significance of Foreign Market Entry Mode

This study investigates the relevance of interorganizational networks for the international performance of small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in relation to the foreign market entry mode (FMEM) selected. We distinguish two groups of internationalized SMEs: exporting firms and micromultinational enterprises (mMNEs). Drawing on insights from the network theory, our study accounts for the role of intermediate outcomes (innovative behavior and foreign market knowledge). Structural equation modeling is conducted in a sample of U.K.‐based internationalized SMEs. Our findings suggest that interorganizational networks have an indirect influence on international performance but differences are found among the two groups of internationalized SMEs.
Use of Antipsychotics: A Study from the French National Insurance Healthcare System Database

A marked increase in antipsychotic prescriptions has been observed in most countries since the introduction of second-generation antipsychotics. Misuse could partly explain this rise. We described the use of antipsychotic medication in France. This retrospective analysis was conducted on the sample “Echantillon generaliste de beneficiaries” from the French National Insurance Healthcare System. All reimbursements for antipsychotic medications in 2010 were identified. Antipsychotics use was described in terms of patient’s profiles and condition of use. In 2010, we identified 11,729 single patients with at least one reimbursement for antipsychotic medication (2.23% of French health insurance beneficiaries). The mean age in the population was 54 (sd 20) years. Forty-one percent had declared psychiatric disorder and 15% had a psychiatric follow-up for unknown diseases. Schizophrenia, others psychosis and personality disorders were the three main diagnoses of psychiatric disease. Patients without declared psychiatric disorders and without psychiatric follow-up accounted for 23% (aged between 15 and 65) and 20% (aged 65 years and over) of the population using antipsychotics. Forty-five percent of patients aged between 15 and 65 had more than 3 months of treatment refunded. Patients aged 65 years and over were 69% without dementia and 47% had more than three months of treatment of antipsychotics refunded during the year. These results suggested that antipsychotic treatments were used in France at long term in particular for patients without declared psychiatric disorder or psychiatric follow-up.
Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase α in the Dorsomedial Striatum Promotes Excessive Ethanol-Drinking Behaviors

We previously found that excessive ethanol drinking activates Fyn in the dorsomedial striatum (DMS) (Wang et al., 2010; Gibb et al., 2011). Ethanol-mediated Fyn activation in the DMS leads to the phosphorylation of the GluN2B subunit of the NMDA receptor, to the enhancement of the channel's activity, and to the development and/or maintenance of ethanol drinking behaviors (Wang et al., 2007, 2010). Protein tyrosine phosphatase α (PTPα) is essential for Fyn kinase activation (Bhandari et al., 1998), and we showed that ethanol-mediated Fyn activation is facilitated by the recruitment of PTPα to synaptic membranes, the compartment where Fyn resides (Gibb et al., 2011). Here we tested the hypothesis that PTPα in the DMS is part of the Fyn/GluN2B pathway and is thus a major contributor to the neuroadaptations underlying excessive ethanol intake behaviors. We found that RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated PTPα knockdown in the DMS reduces excessive ethanol intake and preference in rodents. Importantly, no alterations in water, saccharine/sucrose, or quinine intake were observed. Furthermore, downregulation of PTPα in the DMS of mice significantly reduces ethanol-mediated Fyn activation, GluN2B phosphorylation, and ethanol withdrawal-induced long-term facilitation of NMDAR activity without altering the intrinsic features of DMS neurons. Together, these results position PTPα upstream of Fyn within the DMS and demonstrate the important contribution of the phosphatase to the maladaptive synaptic changes that lead to excessive ethanol intake.
The Impact of Jitter on Traffic Flow Optimization in Communication Networks

Current network planning and design methods use the average delay, packet loss and throughput as metrics to optimize the network cost and performance. New multimedia applications, on the other hand, also have critical jitter requirements that are not taken into account by these methods. Here, we explore the impact on the network performance of adding these jitter constraints. We use a fast jitter calculation model to solve the optimal routing problem for flows subject to jitter or delay constraints. We find that the optimal routing is very different for the two kinds of flows: They should be routed on different paths, the jitter-constrained flows should not be split on multiple paths while the opposite conclusion is true for delay-constrained flows.
Iron K Lines from Gamma-Ray Bursts

We present models for reprocessing of an intense flux of X-rays and gamma rays expected in the vicinity of gamma-ray burst sources. We consider the transfer and reprocessing of the energetic photons into observable features in the X-ray band, notably the K lines of iron. Our models are based on the assumption that the gas is sufficiently dense to allow the microphysical processes to be in a steady state, thus allowing efficient line emission with modest reprocessing mass and elemental abundances ranging from solar to moderately enriched. We show that the reprocessing is enhanced by down-Comptonization of photons whose energy would otherwise be too high to absorb in iron and that pair production can have an effect on enhancing the line production. Both "distant" reprocessors, such as supernova or wind remnants, and "nearby" reprocessors, such as outer stellar envelopes, can reproduce the observed line fluxes with Fe abundances 30-100 times above solar, depending on the incidence angle. The high incidence angles required arise naturally only in nearby models, which for plausible values can reach Fe line-to-continuum ratios close to the reported values.
Women's Perceptions of the Superintendency

The majority of students enrolled in graduate programs in educational administration are women. However, few of these students aspire to be superintendents. This study was undertaken to identify the sources of job satisfaction, the benefits of the job, the sources of self-fulfillment, and the personal strengths that women bring to the superintendent's role. The study results are based on interviews with 51 women superintendents from rural and urban settings. For individuals considering assuming a superintendent's position, the findings offer a positive portrait of the superintendency from the perspectives of the women interviewed.
Asymptotic insensitivity of least-recently-used caching to statistical dependency

We investigate a widely popular least-recently-used (LRU) cache replacement algorithm with semiMarkov modulated requests. SemiMarkov processes provide the flexibility for modeling strong statistical correlation, including the broadly reported long-range dependence in the World Wide Web page request patterns. When the frequency of requesting a page n is equal to the generalized Zipf's law c/n/sup /spl alpha//, /spl alpha/ > 1, our main result shows that the cache fault probability is asymptotically, for large cache sizes, the same as in the corresponding LRU system with i.i. d. requests. This appears to be the first explicit average case analysis of LRU caching with statistically dependent request sequences. The surprising insensitivity of LRU caching performance demonstrates its robustness to changes in document popularity. Furthermore, we show that the derived asymptotic result and simulation experiments are in excellent agreement, even for relatively small cache sizes. The potential of using our results in predicting the behavior of Web caches is tested using actual, strongly correlated, proxy server access traces.
What’s Your Story? Assessing Childhood Maltreatment Using the Thematic Apperception Test in An Adult Inpatient Population.

There is a robust evidence that childhood maltreatment contributes to the development of adult psychopathology (Brown & Anderson, 1991; Johnson, Cohen, Brown, Smailes, & Bernstein 1999; Johnson, Smailes, Cohen, Brown, & Bernstein, 2000; Ruggiero et al., 1999). However, the identification of childhood maltreatment remains a methodological problem that results in inconsistencies in the reported incidence and psychological sequelae of maltreatment. A primary method for identifying histories of childhood maltreatment among adults is retrospective self-report measures which are susceptible to multiple biases (Briere, 1992; Cicchetti & Rizley, 1981; Shaffer, Huston, & Egeland, 2008). This present study suggests that childhood maltreatment can be assessed using a projective measurement called the Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) as it has been shown to provide less biased information regarding personality pathology associated with a history of childhood abuse (Toth, Cicchetti, Macfie, & Emde, 1997). The present study assessed the utility of a new scoring system for the TAT (Comprehensive Assessment of the Thematic Apperception Test (CATAT)) (Cohen, 2016) for distinguishing adult inpatients with a history of childhood maltreatment from those without. The results indicated that the CATAT has the potential to be an excellent tool for assessing childhood
Probabilistic Mapping and Volume Measurement of Human Primary Auditory Cortex

Despite their potential utility in clinical and research settings, the range of intra- and interindividual variations in size and location of cytoarchitectonically defined human primary auditory cortex (PAC) is largely unknown. This study demonstrates that gyral patterns and the size and location of PAC vary independently to a considerable degree. Thus, the cytoarchitectonic borders of PAC cannot be reliably inferred from macroscopic-MR visible-anatomy. Given the remarkable topographical variability of architectonic areal borders, standard brain mapping which is made solely on the basis of macroanatomic landmarks may lead to structural-functional mismatch. Consequently, interpretations of individual auditory activity patterns might often be inaccurate. In view of the anatomic discrepancies, we generated probability maps of PAC in which the degree of intersubject overlap in each stereotaxic position was quantified. These maps show that the location of PAC in Talairach space differs considerably between hemispheres and individuals. In contrast to earlier cytoarchitectonic work which is based in most cases on studies of single brains, our systematic approach provides extensive microanatomic data as a reference system for studies of human auditory function.