Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
3D spatial point patterns of bioluminescent plankton: a map of the ‘minefield’

As the open ocean environment lacks points of refuge from visual predators, it has favored the evolution of extraordinary adaptations for optical concealment, such as vertical migration, trans- parency and counterillumination. Bioluminescent plankton, which respond to a mechanical disturb- ance with a flash of light, are ubiquitous in the ocean and potentially a threat to any organism seeking darkness as a means to evade detection. Estimating encounter probabilities for organisms maneu- vering through luminescent 'minefields' requires characterization of the three-dimensional distri- bution patterns of the potential light emitters. In order to measure nearest neighbor distances (NNDs) of bioluminescent biota, we have developed a spatial plankton analysis technique (SPLAT) for 3D reconstruction and statistical analysis of the spatial point patterns of identified bioluminescent displays. Analysis of aggregations of bioluminescent biota in the Gulf of Maine (Wilkinson Basin) revealed that encounter probabilities were highest in the temperature minimum zone (temperature <5°C) where dinoflagellates (Protoperidineum depressum) exhibited NNDs of 3.5-3.8 cm in a regular distribution pattern. This technique was also used to examine the internal organization of thin layers of the bioluminescent copepod, Metridia lucens. Comparison of night-time surface (migrating) and deep (non-migrating) layers indicated complete spatial randomness in both populations and no significant difference in spacing (NNDs: 9.5-13 cm).
Prevention of stress-corrosion cracking in nuclear waste storage tanks

Stress corrosion cracking (SCC) has occurred in the early versions of carbon steel primaries of nuclear waste tanks at the Savannah River Plant. (Secondary containment was provided by a vessel surrounding the lower portion of the primary tank.) Evaporated alkaline nitrate wastes in the form of crystallized salts are being dissolved from some of these tanks for transfer to new tanks of a different design. To prevent the SCC sequence from occurring during salt dissolution, the levels of inhibitors required to prevent cracking at yield stresses were determined. Special statistically designed experiments were performed to evaluate the probability of cracking under the combined influences of nitrate, nitrite, hydroxide, and temperature. Experimentlly, samples were tested by a potentially controlled constant extension rate test and by wedge opening loaded samples. Two equations were derived by multivariable regression analyses that correlated probability of cracking as the dependent variable to nitrate, nitrite, and hydroxide concentrations and temperature as the independent variables. From these equations, simple operating standards were developed by setting the probability of cracking equal to zero and solving for the four independent variables. 15 references, 15 figures, 8 tables.
Consensus on transaction commit

The distributed transaction commit problem requires reaching agreement on whether a transaction is committed or aborted. The classic Two-Phase Commit protocol blocks if the coordinator fails. Fault-tolerant consensus algorithms also reach agreement, but do not block whenever any majority of the processes are working. The Paxos Commit algorithm runs a Paxos consensus algorithm on the commit/abort decision of each participant to obtain a transaction commit protocol that uses 2F + 1 coordinators and makes progress if at least F + 1 of them are working properly. Paxos Commit has the same stable-storage write delay, and can be implemented to have the same message delay in the fault-free case as Two-Phase Commit, but it uses more messages. The classic Two-Phase Commit algorithm is obtained as the special F = 0 case of the Paxos Commit algorithm.
Approximately optimal mechanism design via differential privacy

We study the implementation challenge in an abstract interdependent values model and an arbitrary objective function. We design a generic mechanism that allows for approximate optimal implementation of insensitive objective functions in ex-post Nash equilibrium. If, furthermore, values are private then the same mechanism is strategy proof. We cast our results onto two specific models: pricing and facility location. The mechanism we design is optimal up to an additive factor of the order of magnitude of one over the square root of the number of agents and involves no utility transfers. Underlying our mechanism is a lottery between two auxiliary mechanisms --- with high probability we actuate a mechanism that reduces players influence on the choice of the social alternative, while choosing the optimal outcome with high probability. This is where differential privacy is employed. With the complementary probability we actuate a mechanism that may be typically far from optimal but is incentive compatible. The joint mechanism inherits the desired properties from both.
Evidence for a bimodal distribution of hybrid indices in a hybrid zone with high admixture

The genetic structure of a hybrid zone can provide insights into the relative roles of the various factors that maintain the zone. Here, we use a multilocus approach to characterize a hybrid zone between two subspecies of killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus, Walbaum 1792) found along the Atlantic coast of North America. We first analysed clinal variation along the Atlantic coast using a single-nucleotide polymorphism in the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) displacement loop (D-loop) and a panel of nine nuclear microsatellite markers. A model constraining all clines to the same width and centre was not significantly different from a model in which the clines were allowed to vary independently. Locus-by-locus analysis indicated that the majority of nuclear clines shared the same centre as the mtDNA cline, and the widths of these clines were also narrower than that predicted by a neutral model, suggesting that selection is operating to maintain the hybrid zone. However, two of the nuclear clines had widths greater than the neutral prediction and had centres that were displaced relative to the mtDNA cline centre. We also found that a marsh located near the centre of the mtDNA cline demonstrated a bimodal distribution of nuclear hybrid index values, suggesting a deficit of first-generation hybrids and backcrossed genotypes. Thus, selection against hybrid genotypes may be playing a role in maintaining this hybrid zone and the associated steep nuclear and mtDNA clines.
Streaming graph partitioning for large distributed graphs

Extracting knowledge by performing computations on graphs is becoming increasingly challenging as graphs grow in size. A standard approach distributes the graph over a cluster of nodes, but performing computations on a distributed graph is expensive if large amount of data have to be moved. Without partitioning the graph, communication quickly becomes a limiting factor in scaling the system up. Existing graph partitioning heuristics incur high computation and communication cost on large graphs, sometimes as high as the future computation itself. Observing that the graph has to be loaded into the cluster, we ask if the partitioning can be done at the same time with a lightweight streaming algorithm. We propose natural, simple heuristics and compare their performance to hashing and METIS, a fast, offline heuristic. We show on a large collection of graph datasets that our heuristics are a significant improvement, with the best obtaining an average gain of 76%. The heuristics are scalable in the size of the graphs and the number of partitions. Using our streaming partitioning methods, we are able to speed up PageRank computations on Spark, a distributed computation system, by 18% to 39% for large social networks.
Is reciprocity always beneficial? Age differences in the association between support balance and life satisfaction

Objectives: Reciprocity in support exchanges is believed to be beneficial to psychological well-being. This study examined perceived emotional and instrumental support balance from either family or friends, and the relationship between each support balance and life satisfaction among young and older adults. Method: The sample included 107 older adults and 96 young adults. They rated their life satisfaction, as well as the emotional and instrumental support they provided to and received from family members and friends. Results: Consistent with the socioemotional selectivity theory, age differences were found in perceived emotional support balance with friends. Older adults reported more emotionally reciprocal friendships than did young adults. Moreover, contrary to the equity rule, emotionally over-benefited friendships were associated with higher life satisfaction for older adults than were reciprocal friendships. Conclusion: Age, type of support, and source of support should be considered when studying the relationships between support balance and psychological well-being.
Semantic Focusing Allows Fully Automated Single-Layer Slide Scanning of Cervical Cytology Slides

Liquid-based cytology (LBC) in conjunction with Whole-Slide Imaging (WSI) enables the objective and sensitive and quantitative evaluation of biomarkers in cytology. However, the complex three-dimensional distribution of cells on LBC slides requires manual focusing, long scanning-times, and multi-layer scanning. Here, we present a solution that overcomes these limitations in two steps: first, we make sure that focus points are only set on cells. Secondly, we check the total slide focus quality. From a first analysis we detected that superficial dust can be separated from the cell layer (thin layer of cells on the glass slide) itself. Then we analyzed 2,295 individual focus points from 51 LBC slides stained for p16 and Ki67. Using the number of edges in a focus point image, specific color values and size-inclusion filters, focus points detecting cells could be distinguished from focus points on artifacts (accuracy 98.6%). Sharpness as total focus quality of a virtual LBC slide is computed from 5 sharpness features. We trained a multi-parameter SVM classifier on 1,600 images. On an independent validation set of 3,232 cell images we achieved an accuracy of 94.8% for classifying images as focused. Our results show that single-layer scanning of LBC slides is possible and how it can be achieved. We assembled focus point analysis and sharpness classification into a fully automatic, iterative workflow, free of user intervention, which performs repetitive slide scanning as necessary. On 400 LBC slides we achieved a scanning-time of 13.9±10.1 min with 29.1±15.5 focus points. In summary, the integration of semantic focus information into whole-slide imaging allows automatic high-quality imaging of LBC slides and subsequent biomarker analysis.
Technology for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education Contexts: Activity Theory and Actor Network Theory Analytical Perspectives

There is a growing body of literature which argues that technology enhances teaching and learning processes in higher education. The adoption of teaching and learning technology such as elearning and the learning management systems (LMSs) is also on the rise among higher education institutions. The patterns of this growing trend are also incoherent and inconsistent. In addition, there is no general agreement on the meaning of concepts of adoption and use within academia. In the midst of the existing conceptual stampede it remains difficult to adequately explain emerging patterns. This paper explores a possible framework for the analysis of objective (goal)-directed applications of technology in a teaching and learning environments, and implications thereof. The work of Miettinen, of Rajkumar, and as well as Miettinen and Hasu encourages the use of Activity Theory (AT) for this purpose. The paper draws on three case studies from technology usability studies to explore a possible AT analytical framework. AT is found to be helpful for analysis of practical applications of technology, but not without shortcomings. AT tends to advocate an instrumentalist view of technology as a neutral tool. Both AT and Actor Network Theory (ANT) subscribe to the contextual embedded nature of technology but differ on implications and the status of technology in a socio-technical process. ANT supports the critical view of technology as value-laden, thus encouraging the critical engagement with a technology in social environments. Its symmetrical assumptions however, limit its scope in accounting for differences between human cognitive capabilities and the non-cognitive nature of artefacts. Additional studies towards an AT and ANT framework of contextualising e-learning and LMSs are recommended.
Feasibility and repeatability of localized 31P‐MRS four‐angle saturation transfer (FAST) of the human gastrocnemius muscle using a surface coil at 7 T

Phosphorus (31P) MRS, combined with saturation transfer (ST), provides non‐invasive insight into muscle energy metabolism. However, even at 7 T, the standard ST method with T1app measured by inversion recovery takes about 10 min, making it impractical for dynamic examinations. An alternative method, i.e. four‐angle saturation transfer (FAST), can shorten the examination time. The aim of this study was to test the feasibility, repeatability, and possible time resolution of the localized FAST technique measurement on an ultra‐high‐field MR system, to accelerate the measurement of both Pi‐to‐ATP and PCr‐to‐ATP reaction rates in the human gastrocnemius muscle and to test the feasibility of using the FAST method for dynamic measurements.
Cardiovascular morbidity and mortality related to orthostatic hypotension: a meta-analysis of prospective observational studies.

BACKGROUND Whether orthostatic hypotension (OH) is a risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and death is uncertain. Currently available evidence derives from non-homogeneous and partly ambiguous studies. OBJECTIVE We aimed at assessing the relationship between OH and death or major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs) by integrating results of previous studies. METHODS We performed a meta-analysis of prospective observational studies reporting on the association between prevalent OH, mortality, and incident MACCE, published from 1966 through 2013. Mantel-Haenszel pooled estimates of relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for all-cause death were assessed as the primary endpoint at the longest follow-up; incident coronary heart disease (CHD), heart failure (HF), and stroke were assessed as secondary endpoints. We also performed post hoc subgroup analyses stratified by age and a meta-regression analysis. RESULTS We identified a total of 13 studies, including an overall population of 121 913 patients, with a median follow-up of 6 years. Compared with the absence of OH, the occurrence of OH was associated with a significantly increased risk of all-cause death (RR 1.50; 95% CI 1.24-1.81), incident CHD (RR 1.41; 95% CI 1.22-1.63), HF (RR 2.25; 95% CI 1.52-3.33), and stroke (RR 1.64; 95% CI 1.13-2.37). When analysed according to age, pooled estimates of RR (95% CI) for all-cause death were 1.78 (1.25-2.52) for patients <65 years old, and 1.26 (0.99-1.62) in the older subgroup. CONCLUSION Orthostatic hypotension is associated with a significantly increased risk of all-cause death, incident CHD, HF, and stroke.
The Provenance of Ancient Glass through Compositional Analysis

Recent developments in the understanding of the low-magnesia soda-lime-silica or “natron” glasses of the first millennium A.D. are reviewed. It appears that glass production was divided between a small number of primary glass making centres, situated mainly in the Near East, and a large number of secondary fabrication workshops that remelted and shaped the lumps of raw, premelted glass. Glass may be related to its primary production group by elemental analysis and, where there are data from workshops, to the production centre or region. The recycling of old glass is revealed by trace element analysis, due to the contamination of primary glass compositions by small quantities of coloured glass incorporated in the recycled material. The analysis of isotopes of Sr and Pb allows the geological environment of the raw materials to be inferred and in some cases, provenance to be predicted.
QASI, an international quality management system for CD4 T‐cell enumeration focused to make a global difference

A significant worldwide mobilization effort to treat people with HIV disease began in 2003. Most guidelines for initiating antiretroviral therapy require reliable and reproducible CD4 T‐cell counting. Therefore, any effort that improves global availability of quality managed assessment schemes for CD4 T‐cell enumeration is a positive achievement for the clinical management of AIDS on a worldwide scale.
Music Content Analysis through Models of Audition

The direct application of ideas from music theory and music signal processing has not yet led to successful musical multimedia systems. We present a research framework that addresses the limitations of conventional approaches by questioning their (often tacit) underlying principles. We discuss several case studies from our own research on the extraction of musical rhythm, timbre, harmony, and structure from complex audio signals; these projects have demonstrated the power of an approach based on a realistic view of human listening abilities. Continuing research in this direction is necessary for the construction of robust systems for music content analysis.
A Sequential Topic Model for Mining Recurrent Activities from Video and Audio Data Logs

This paper introduces a novel probabilistic activity modeling approach that mines recurrent sequential patterns called motifs from documents given as word×time count matrices. In this model, documents are represented as a mixture of sequential activity patterns (our motifs) where the mixing weights are defined by the motif starting time occurrences. The novelties are multifold. First, unlike previous approaches where topics modeled only the co-occurrence of words at a given time instant, our topics model the co-occurrence and temporal order in which the words occur within a temporal window. Second, unlike with traditional Dynamic Bayesian Networks (DBN), our model accounts for the important case where activities occur concurrently in the document (but not necessarily in synchrony), i.e. the advent of activity motifs can overlap. The learning of the motifs in these difficult situations is made possible thanks to the introduction of latent variables representing the activity starting times, enabling us to implicitly align the occurrences of the same pattern during the joint inference of the motifs and their starting times. As a third novelty, we propose a general method that favors the recovery of sparse distributions, a highly desirable property in many topic model This work was supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation (Project: FNS-198,HAI) and from the 7th framework program of the European Union (Integrated project VANAHEIM(248907) and Network of Excellence PASCAL2). The authors gratefully thank the EU and Swiss NSF for their financial support, and all project partners for a fruitful collaboration. More information about the projects are available at the web sites www.vanaheim-project.eu and www.snf. ch. Jagannadan Varadarajan Idiap Research Insititute, Martigny, Switzerland École Polytechnique Fédéral de Lausanne, Switzerland E-mail: vjagann@idiap.ch Rémi Emonet Idiap Research Insititute, Martigny, Switzerland E-mail: remonet@idiap.ch Jean-Marc Odobez Idiap Research Insititute, Martigny, Switzerland École Polytechnique Fédéral de Lausanne, Switzerland E-mail: vjagann@idiap.ch 2 Jagannadan Varadarajan, et al. (a) MIT data (b) Far field (c) Traffic Junction Fig. 1: Surveillance scenes applications, by adding simple regularization constraints on the searched distributions to the data likelihood optimization criteria. We substantiate our claims with experiments on synthetic data to demonstrate the algorithm behavior, and on three video and one audio real life datasets. We observe that using low-level motion features in the video case or Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA) features in the audio case, our algorithm is able to capture sequential patterns that implicitly represent typical trajectories of scene objects.
Quantitative analysis of sphingolipids for lipidomics using triple quadrupole and quadrupole linear ion trap mass spectrometers[S]

Sphingolipids are a highly diverse category of bioactive compounds. This article describes methods that have been validated for the extraction, liquid chromatographic (LC) separation, identification and quantitation of sphingolipids by electrospray ionization, tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS) using triple quadrupole (QQQ, API 3000) and quadrupole-linear-ion trap (API 4000 QTrap, operating in QQQ mode) mass spectrometers. Advantages of the QTrap included: greater sensitivity, similar ionization efficiencies for sphingolipids with ceramide versus dihydroceramide backbones, and the ability to identify the ceramide backbone of sphingomyelins using a pseudo-MS3 protocol. Compounds that can be readily quantified using an internal standard cocktail developed by the LIPID MAPS Consortium are: sphingoid bases and sphingoid base 1-phosphates, more complex species such as ceramides, ceramide 1-phosphates, sphingomyelins, mono- and di-hexosylceramides, and these complex sphingolipids with dihydroceramide backbones. With minor modifications, glucosylceramides and galactosylceramides can be distinguished, and more complex species such as sulfatides can also be quantified, when the internal standards are available. JLR LC ESI-MS/MS can be utilized to quantify a large number of structural and signaling sphingolipids using commercially available internal standards. The application of these methods is illustrated with RAW264.7 cells, a mouse macrophage cell line. These methods should be useful for a wide range of focused (sphingo)lipidomic investigations.
Perturbed Turing machines and hybrid systems

Investigates the computational power of several models of dynamical systems under infinitesimal perturbations of their dynamics. We consider models for both discrete- and continuous-time dynamical systems: Turing machines, piecewise affine maps, linear hybrid automata and piecewise-constant derivative systems (a simple model of hybrid systems). We associate with each of these models a notion of perturbed dynamics by a small /spl epsi/ (w.r.t. to a suitable metric), and define the perturbed reachability relation as the intersection of all reachability relations obtained by /spl epsi/-perturbations, for all possible values of /spl epsi/. We show that, for the four kinds of models we consider, the perturbed reachability relation is co-recursively enumerable (co-r.e.), and that any co-r.e. relation can be defined as the perturbed reachability relation of such models. A corollary of this result is that systems that are robust (i.e. whose reachability relation is stable under infinitesimal perturbation) are decidable.
Chocolate craving when depressed: a personality marker

Summary We examined links between chocolate craving in people who are depressed and both personality style and atypical depressive symptoms, with a web-based questionnaire completed by nearly 3000 individuals reporting clinical depression. Chocolate was craved by half of the respondents (more so by women), judged as beneficial for depression, anxiety and irritability, and associated specifically with personality facets encompassed by the higher-order construct of neuroticism. The simple question of depression-associated chocolate craving appeared an efficient discriminator of DSM – IV atypical depression symptoms.