Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
L- and M-band imaging observations of the Galactic Center region

In this paper we present near-infrared H-, K-, L -a ndM-band photometry of the Galactic Center from images ob- tained at the ESO VLT in May and August 2002, using the NAOS/CONICA (H and K )a nd the ISAAC (L and M) instruments �� . The large field of view (70 �� × 70 �� ) of the ISAAC instrument and the large number of sources identified (L− M data for a total of 541 sources) allows us to investigate their colors, infrared excesses and the extended dust emission. Our new L-band magnitude calibration reveals an important offset to the traditionally used "standard" calibrations, which we attribute to the use of the variable star IRS 7 as a flux calibrator. Together with new results on the extinction towards the Galactic Center (Scoville et al. 2003; Raab 2000), our magnitude calibration results in stellar color properties expected from standard stars and removes any necessity to modify the K-band extinction. The large number of sources for which we have obtained L − M colors allows us to measure the M-band extinction to AM = (0.056 ± 0.006)AV ,i . e.AM ≈ AL, a considerably higher value than what has so far been assumed. L − M color data has not been investigated previously, due to lack of useful M-band data. We find that this color is a useful diagnostic tool for the preliminary identification of stellar types, since hot and cool stars show a fairly clear L − M color separation, with average L − M colors of 0.46 ± 0.17 for emission-line stars and −0.05 ± 0.27 for cool red giants/AGB stars. This is especially important if visual colors are not available, as in the Galactic Center. For one of the most prominent dust embedded sources, IRS 3, we find extended L -a ndM-band continuum emission with a characteristic bow-shock shape. An explanation for this unusual appearance is that IRS 3 consists of a massive, hot, young mass-losing star surrounded by an optically thick, extended dust shell, which is pushed northwest by wind from the direction of the IRS 16 cluster and Sgr A*.
Single-nucleotide polymorphisms for diagnosis of salt-sensitive hypertension.

BACKGROUND Salt-sensitive (SS) hypertension affects >30 million Americans and is often associated with low plasma renin activity. We tested the diagnostic validity of several candidate genes for SS and low-renin hypertension. METHODS In Japanese patients with newly diagnosed, untreated hypertension (n = 184), we studied polymorphisms in 10 genes, including G protein-coupled receptor kinase type 4 (GRK4), some variations of which are associated with hypertension and impair D1 receptor (D1R)-inhibited renal sodium transport. We used the multifactor dimensionality reduction method to determine the genotype associated with salt sensitivity (> or =10% increase in blood pressure with high sodium intake) or low renin. To determine whether the GRK4 genotype is associated with impaired D1R function, we tested the natriuretic effect of docarpamine, a dopamine prodrug, in normotensive individuals with or without GRK4 polymorphisms (n = 18). RESULTS A genetic model based on GRK4 R65L, GRK4 A142V, and GRK4 A486V was 94.4% predictive of SS hypertension, whereas the single-locus model with only GRK4 A142V was 78.4% predictive, and a 2-locus model of GRK4 A142V and CYP11B2 C-344T was 77.8% predictive of low-renin hypertension. Sodium excretion was inversely related to the number of GRK4 variants in hypertensive persons, and the natriuretic response to dopaminergic stimulation was impaired in normotensive persons having > or =3 GRK4 gene variants. CONCLUSIONS GRK4 gene variants are associated with SS and low-renin hypertension. However, the genetic model predicting SS hypertension is different from the model for low renin, suggesting genetic differences in these 2 phenotypes. Like low-renin testing, screening for GRK4 variants may be a useful diagnostic adjunct for detection of SS hypertension.
Reconstructing the Past: Personal Memory Technologies Are Not Just Personal and Not Just for Memory

Research has shown that personal memory technologies are a promising way to address the needs of older adults with memory impairments. In this article, we review three recently completed studies that evaluated technologies for personal memories intended for persons with Alzheimer's disease (AD) or mild cognitive impairment (MCI). In the first study, we worked with 12 participants with AD or MCI and their families to construct DVD-based Multimedia Biographies that depicted prominent events, people, and places from the participant's past. We then evaluated over a period of 6 months psychosocial effects that viewing the biographies had on the participants and their family members. These effects included stimulating reminiscence of past events, triggering predominantly positive emotions of happiness and occasional moments of sadness, and engaging conversations with family members. In our second study, we designed a home-based ambient display that allowed a man with AD to similarly review his past life, in combination with recent photos automatically captured by a lifelogging device called SenseCam. Psychometric tests and semistructured interviews revealed how the intervention appeared to improve the participant's sense of self and lower apathy. In our final study of 5 cognitively impaired participants we compared representations of recent experiences captured with SenseCam in 3 ways: with the raw image stream, with a slide show consisting of a selected number of SenseCam images narrated by a family member, and with a control reviewing no images. Results included evidence that reviewing SenseCam images improved episodic recall for personal events depicted in the images for 4 of the 5 participants. Based on lessons learned from this research, we suggest that personal memory technologies should not just be framed as systems for augmenting an individual user's capacity for accurate recall of personal events, but instead should support groups of people such as members of a family in telling their life stories. This conception yields benefits beyond the support of memory, such as fostering a sense of self and strengthening interpersonal relationships with family members. We conclude the article by presenting design considerations to help guide and inform the development and evaluation of future “personal memory” technologies.
Window Architecture for Deblocking Filter in H.264/AVC

In this paper, we study and analyze the computational complexity of deblocking filter in H.264/AVC baseline decoder based on SimpleScalar/ARM simulator. The simulation result shows that the memory reference, content activity check operations and filter operations are known to be very time consuming in the decoder of this new video coding standard. In order to improve overall system performance, we propose a window processing approach with efficient VLSI architecture which simultaneously processes the horizontal filtering of vertical edge and vertical filtering of horizontal edge. As a result, the memory performance of proposed architecture is improved by 4 times when compared to software implementation. Moreover, the system performance of our proposal significantly outperforms the previous designs as shown in result section
Benzodiazepine-related aggression: consideration of intrapersonal factors

The thesis aimed to enhance understanding of the association between benzodiazepine use and subsequent aggression or violence. A systematic review and two original cross-sectional studies highlighted the role of alprazolam, poor impulse control and maladaptive coping strategies in this response. Implications relate to medical, social, and legal arenas.
On Lorentz geometry in algebras of generalized functions

We introduce the concept of causality into the framework of generalized pseudo-Riemannian geometry in the sense of Colombeau and establish the inverse Cauchy–Schwarz inequality in this context. As an application, we prove a dominant energy condition for some energy tensors as put forward by Hawking and Ellis. Our work is based on a new characterization of free elements in finite-dimensional modules over the ring of generalized numbers.
The Blazhko behaviour of RR Geminorum I - CCD photometric results in 2004

Extended CCD monitoring of RR Gem revealed that it is a Blazhko type RRab star with the shortest Blazhko period (7.23d) and smallest modulation amplitude (Delta Mmax<0.1 mag) currently known. The short period of the modulation cycle enabled us to obtain complete phase coverage of the pulsation at each phase of the modulation. This is the first multicolour observation of a Blazhko star which is extended enough to define accurate mean magnitudes and colours of the variable at different Blazhko phases. Small, but real, changes in the intensity mean colours at different Blazhko phases have been detected. The Fourier analysis of the light curves shows that, in spite of the mmag and smaller order of the amplitudes, the triplet structure is noticeable up to about the 14th harmonic. The modulation is concentrated to a very narrow, 0.2 phase range of the pulsation, centred on the supposed onset of the H emission during rising light. These observational results raise further complications for theoretical explanation of the long known but poorly understood Blazhko phenomenon.
Well-being process and conversion factors: an estimation of the micro-side of the well-being process

This paper is focuses on the micro-side of the well-being production process that is conceptually and analytically identified by a so-called “functioning production function”. The purpose of this paper is to estimate the parameters of this function, i.e. conversion rates, in order to assess the extent to which individuals are able to convert their set of private and public resources into achieved functionings controlling for exogenous personal characteristics. We estimate functioning production functions for “being healthy”, “being educated”, and “living in a healthy and safe environment” by employing both macro-data for public service provision generated in the previous paper (see the 2 paper by Luciano Canova et al) as well as micro-data taken from household surveys. Coherently with the basic assumption of the IQuaL model, this empirical analysis is performed for six subgroups of population clustered by gender and age. The importance of identifying subgroups is highlighted by the elaboration on the obtained findings as it allows us to understand which population subgroups are more efficient in converting resources into functionings. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.5 License.
Pre-Emptive Horizontal Mergers: Theory and Evidence

This paper proposes and tests an explanation as to why rational managers seeking to maximize shareholder value can pursue value-decreasing mergers. It can be optimal to overpay for a target firm and decrease shareholder value if the loss is less than in an alternative where the merger is undertaken by a product market rival. This paper presents a model based on synergies, market power and competition for merger targets. Consistent with the model the empirical results obtained here show a strong correlation between the returns of acquiring firms and close rivals around merger events.
External Validation of the Garvan Nomograms for Predicting Absolute Fracture Risk: The Tromsø Study

Background Absolute risk estimation is a preferred approach for assessing fracture risk and treatment decision making. This study aimed to evaluate and validate the predictive performance of the Garvan Fracture Risk Calculator in a Norwegian cohort. Methods The analysis included 1637 women and 1355 aged 60+ years from the Tromsø study. All incident fragility fractures between 2001 and 2009 were registered. The predicted probabilities of non-vertebral osteoporotic and hip fractures were determined using models with and without BMD. The discrimination and calibration of the models were assessed. Reclassification analysis was used to compare the models performance. Results The incidence of osteoporotic and hip fracture was 31.5 and 8.6 per 1000 population in women, respectively; in men the corresponding incidence was 12.2 and 5.1. The predicted 5-year and 10-year probability of fractures was consistently higher in the fracture group than the non-fracture group for all models. The 10-year predicted probabilities of hip fracture in those with fracture was 2.8 (women) to 3.1 times (men) higher than those without fracture. There was a close agreement between predicted and observed risk in both sexes and up to the fifth quintile. Among those in the highest quintile of risk, the models over-estimated the risk of fracture. Models with BMD performed better than models with body weight in correct classification of risk in individuals with and without fracture. The overall net decrease in reclassification of the model with weight compared to the model with BMD was 10.6% (p = 0.008) in women and 17.2% (p = 0.001) in men for osteoporotic fractures, and 13.3% (p = 0.07) in women and 17.5% (p = 0.09) in men for hip fracture. Conclusions The Garvan Fracture Risk Calculator is valid and clinically useful in identifying individuals at high risk of fracture. The models with BMD performed better than those with body weight in fracture risk prediction.
Memory controls time perception and intertemporal choices

There is a remarkable consensus that human and non-human subjects experience temporal distortions in many stages of their perceptual and decision-making systems. Similarly, intertemporal choice research has shown that decision-makers undervalue future outcomes relative to immediate ones. Here we combine techniques from information theory and artificial intelligence to show how both temporal distortions and intertemporal choice preferences can be explained as a consequence of the coding efficiency of sensorimotor representation. In particular, the model implies that interactions that constrain future behavior are perceived as being both longer in duration and more valuable. Furthermore, using simulations of artificial agents, we investigate how memory constraints enforce a renormalization of the perceived timescales. Our results show that qualitatively different discount functions, such as exponential and hyperbolic discounting, arise as a consequence of an agent's probabilistic model of the world.
A numerical technique based estimation and correction of frequency offset for MC-CDMA systems over AWGN channels

Multi-Carrier Code Division Multiple Access (MC-CDMA) has been proposed as one of the air interface candidates for the fourth generation wireless communication systems. However, MC-CDMA systems suffer a lot of performance degradation due to carrier frequency offsets. In this paper proposes a Numerical Technique based on the secant method for blind Maximum-Likelihood (ML) estimation of carrier frequency offset in MC-CDMA Systems over Additive White Gaussian Noise channels (AWGN). The proposed technique is characterized by low complexity and fast convergence while maintaining the estimation accuracy.
DIVISION OF THE HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

There are several solutions to the Nash bargaining problem in the literature. Since various authors have expressed preferences for one solution over another, we find it useful to study preferences over solutions in their own right. We identify two sets of appealing axioms on such preferences that lead to unanimity in the choice of solution. Thus bar­ gainers may be able to reach agreement on which solution to employ. Under the first set of axioms, the Nash solution is preferred to any other solution, while under the second set, a new solution, which we call the weighted linear solution, is best. Preferences over Solutions to the Bargaining Problem* Kim C. Bordert Uzi Segalt
A Compressible Two-Phase Model with Pressure-Dependent Well-Reservoir Interaction

This paper deals with a two-phase compressible gas-liquid model relevant for modeling of gas-kick flow scenarios in oil wells. To make the model more realistic we include a natural pressure-dependent well-formation interaction term allowing for modeling of dynamic gas influx/efflux. More precisely, the interaction between well and surrounding formation is controlled by a term of the form $A=q_w(P_w-P)$ which appears in the gas continuity equation where $q_w$ is a rate constant, and $P_w$ is a critical pressure, whereas $P$ is pressure in the well. Consequently, an additional coupling mechanism is added to the mass and momentum equations. We obtain a global existence result for the new model. One consequence of the existence result is that as long as the well initially is filled with a mixture of gas and liquid, the system will regulate itself (in finite time) in such a way that there does not exist any point along the well where all the gas vanishes, e.g., by escaping into the formation. Similarly, the re.
An Optimal Regional Averaging Method with Error Estimates and a Test Using Tropical Pacific SST Data

Abstract This paper provides a systematic procedure for computing the regional average of climate data in a subregion of the earth surface using the covariance function written in terms of empirical orthogonal functions (EOFs). The method is optimal in the sense of minimum mean square error (mse) and gives an mse estimate of the averaging results. The random measurement error is also included in the total mse. Since the EOFs can account for spatial inhomogeneities, the method can be more accurate than those that assume a homogeneous covariance matrix. This study shows how to further improve the accuracy of optimal averaging (OA) by improving the accuracy of the eigenvalues of the covariance function through an extrapolation method. The accuracy of the authors’ procedure is tested using cross-validation techniques, which simulate past sampling conditions on the recent, well-sampled tropical Pacific SST and use the EOFs independent to the month being tested. The true sampling error of the cross-validated te.
The projection factor of δ Cephei A calibration of the Baade-Wesselink method using the CHARA Array

Cepheids play a key role in astronomy as standard candles for measuring intergalactic distances. Their distance is usually inferred from the period-luminosity relationship, calibrated using the semi-empirical Baade-Wesselink method. Using this method, the distance is known to a multiplicative factor, called the projection factor. Presently, this factor is computed using numerical models - it has hitherto never been measured directly. Based on our new interferometric measurements obtained with the CHARA Array and the already published parallax, we present a geometrical measurement of the projection factor of a Cepheid, δ Cep. The value we determined, p = 1.27 ± 0.06, confirms the generally adopted value of p = 1.36 within 1.5 sigmas. Our value is in line with recent theoretical predictions of Nardetto et al. (2004, A&A, 428, 131).
Design ethnography in capstone design: investigating student use and perceptions

In today’s global markets engineers need to design products for a wide variety of stakeholders and cultures. Engineering students, therefore, must learn how to design products that meet the needs of the stakeholders and are appropriate for the cultures in which they will be used. Human-centered design guides students in developing design ideas that achieve this goal. This approach has proven to support innovation, increase product uptake, reduce errors, and focus the design on the user experience in addition to product functionality. Design ethnography is an important component of human-centered design and has been shown to be effective for understanding the true, and sometimes hidden, wants and needs of stakeholders and for informing design decisions. While the utility of design ethnography has been promoted within business and product innovation literature, student learning of design ethnography techniques has lacked study. This exploratory study sought to address this gap by characterizing the ways students use design ethnography methods during a capstone design experience as well as their perceptions of these methods within their design projects. Design report documents and semi-structured interviews were used to explore student practices and perceptions. Students used various design ethnography techniques including interviews (both structured and semi-structured), informal conversations, observations, and surveys. These were used throughout the design process (from problem definition to testing and validation), however, the methods were most frequently used when defining the problem, developing user requirements, and translating these into engineering specifications. Although there were numerous instances of successful uses of design ethnography, the focus of this study was on obstacles encountered when implementing these techniques to inform their design decisions. Semi-structured interviews revealed that students perceived both benefits of and frustrations with using design ethnography. However, the benefits that students perceived were often superficial in nature and the frustrations they encountered often stemmed from the challenges associated with open-ended problem solving. The results illustrate the need for the development of effective tools and pedagogy to support students when learning and practicing design ethnography.
Spatial and Directional Variation of Growth Rates in Arabidopsis Root Apex: A Modelling Study

Growth and cellular organization of the Arabidopsis root apex are investigated in various aspects, but still little is known about spatial and directional variation of growth rates in very apical part of the apex, especially in 3D. The present paper aims to fill this gap with the aid of a computer modelling based on the growth tensor method. The root apex with a typical shape and cellular pattern is considered. Previously, on the basis of two types of empirical data: the published velocity profile along the root axis and dimensions of cell packets formed in the lateral part of the root cap, the displacement velocity field for the root apex was determined. Here this field is adopted to calculate the linear growth rate in different points and directions. The results are interpreted taking principal growth directions into account. The root apex manifests a significant anisotropy of the linear growth rate. The directional preferences depend on a position within the root apex. In the root proper the rate in the periclinal direction predominates everywhere, while in the root cap the predominating direction varies with distance from the quiescent centre. The rhizodermis is distinguished from the neighbouring tissues (cortex, root cap) by relatively high contribution of the growth rate in the anticlinal direction. The degree of growth anisotropy calculated for planes defined by principal growth directions and exemplary cell walls may be as high as 25. The changes in the growth rate variation are modelled.
Mass Imprisonment and the Life Course: Race and Class Inequality in U.S. Incarceration

Although growth in the U.S. prison population over the past twenty-five years has been widely discussed, few studies examine changes in inequality in imprisonment. We study penal inequality by estimating lifetime risks of imprisonment for black and white men at different levels of education. Combining administrative, survey, and census data, we estimate that among men born between 1965 and 1969, 3 percent of whites and 20 percent of blacks had served time in prison by their early thirties. The risks of incarceration are highly stratified by education. Among black men born during this period, 30 percent of those without college education and nearly 60 percent of high school dropouts went to prison by 1999. The novel pervasiveness of imprisonment indicates the emergence of incarceration as a new stage in the life course of young low-skill black men.