Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the INRIM and PTB lattice-spacing standards

To base the kilogram definition on the atomic mass of the 28Si atom, the present relative uncertainty of the 28Si lattice parameter must be lowered to 3 × 10−9. A new experimental apparatus capable of a centimetre measurement-baseline has been used to remeasure the lattice parameter of crystals MO*4 of INRIM and WASO 4.2a of PTB. The comparison between these determinations is intended to verify the measurement capabilities and to assess the limits of this experiment.
Measuring attention using the Posner cuing paradigm: the role of across and within trial target probabilities

Numerous studies conducted within the recent decades have utilized the Posner cuing paradigm for eliciting, measuring, and theoretically characterizing attentional orienting. However, the data from recent studies suggest that the Posner cuing task might not provide an unambiguous measure of attention, as reflexive spatial orienting has been found to interact with extraneous processes engaged by the task's typical structure, i.e., the probability of target presence across trials, which affects tonic alertness, and the probability of target presence within trials, which affects voluntary temporal preparation. To understand the contribution of each of these two processes to the measurement of attentional orienting we assessed their individual and combined effects on reflexive attention elicited by a spatially nonpredictive peripheral cue. Our results revealed that the magnitude of spatial orienting was modulated by joint changes in the global probability of target presence across trials and the local probability of target presence within trials, while the time course of spatial orienting was susceptible to changes in the probability of target presence across trials. These data thus raise important questions about the choice of task parameters within the Posner cuing paradigm and their role in both the measurement and theoretical attributions of the observed attentional effects.
QE Auctions of Treasury Bonds

The Federal Reserve (Fed) uses a unique auction mechanism to purchase U.S. Treasury securities in implementing its quantitative easing (QE) policy. In this paper, we study the outcomes of QE auctions and participating dealers' bidding behaviors from November 2010 to September 2011, during which the Fed purchased $780 billion Treasury securities. Our data include the transaction prices and quantities of each traded bond in each auction, as well as dealers' identities. We find that: (1) In QE auctions the Fed tends to exclude bonds that are liquid and on special, but among included bonds, purchase volumes gravitate toward more liquid bonds; (2) The auction costs are low on average: the Fed pays around 0.7 cents per $100 par value above the secondary market ask price on auction dates; (3) The heterogeneity of Fed's costs across bonds relates to their liquidity and specialness, suggesting that dealers respond to both valuation and information uncertainties; (4) Dealers exhibit strong heterogeneity in their participation, trading volumes, and profits in QE auctions; (5) Auction bidding variables forecast bond returns only one day after the auction, suggesting that dealers have price-relevant information but the information decays quickly.
Relevance and Impact of Tabbed Browsing Behavior on Web Usage Mining

The rapid growth of the Internet has pushed the research and development of Web usage mining ever more into focus. Web usage mining and its applications have become critical to the business world. These analyses rest in turn on the ability to develop a clear understanding of the actions a user has taken. So far, the temporal order of clicks has been taken to be equal to the structural order of a session. With the advent of the newest browser generation where the use of multiple tabs has become a common feature, the above assumption does not necessarily hold any more. It is crucial to understand how the use of multiple tabs impacts on Web usage mining, especially on the understanding of a session and its reconstruction. In order to analyze this new browsing behavior, we introduce a generic browsing model extending the traditional serial or single window model to cover the use of multiple tabs. Based on this model, we present and analyze an approach to detect use of multiple tabs within sessions. The existence and increasing prominence of the use of multiple tabs is shown by this approach to be of relevance to business analysis as well as research results
Learning science with an interactive simulator: negotiating the practice-theory barrier

ABSTRACT This article investigates how interactive representations can be used to enhance conceptual learning. It is a naturalistic study of 14 students in four groups aged 16–17 years working with an interactive simulator. The article is based on qualitative data to enable analyses of the students’ processes of conceptual learning as interactive sense-making, as discussions, verbalisation and use. The activities of the learners are studied in detail from a socio-constructive perspective with regard to how they relate previous knowledge and experiences to theory, investigating the progress of conceptual learning inspired by the notion of a coordination class (diSessa, A. A., & Sherin, B. L. [1998]. What changes in conceptual change? International Journal of Science Education, 20(10), 1155–1191. doi:10.1080/0950069980201002). This process brings design issues related to conceptual learning to the fore. The study points towards a revised inquiry approach in which a digital representation can be used to negotiate a meeting point between theory, previous experience and knowledge, and be instrumental in conceptual sense-making.
Characterization of blond and Star Ruby (red) Jaffa grapefruits using antioxidant and electrophoretic methods

Summary Antioxidant and electrophoretic methods were used to characterize the quality differences between blond and Star Ruby (red) grapefruits. Dietary fibre, minerals and trace elements, total polyphenols, anthocyanins, flavonoids, phenolic and ascorbic acids were also determined. The antioxidant potential of red grapefruit was significantly higher than that of the blond fruit (P < 0.05) and correlated well with the total polyphenols (R2 from 0.8456 to 0.9711). In both the cultivars studied, thirty-two electrophoretic bands were detected [sodium dodecyl-polyacrylamide gel eletrophoresis (SDS-PAGE)]. The main electrophoretic bands occurred between 20 and 43 kDa in both grapefruits with few minor differences between the varieties. Our findings indicate the following (i) red grapefruit is preferable: it has a higher concentration of bioactive compounds and antioxidant potential than the blond; (ii) 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) test is a more sensitive method for the determination of antioxidant potential; (iii) there are some minor differences in electrophoretic patterns; (iv) antioxidant and electrophoretic methods are a good combination for characterization of differences of the same citrus fruits.
HOS-based mode classification for infomobility framework

The growing number of new emerging wireless standards is creating regulatory problems in allocating the unlicensed frequencies. A possible solution for increasing the frequency reusage within the framework of info-mobility cellular systems is the joint exploitation of Smart Antennas and Cognitive Radio. Inside this framework a key-role is played by Mode Identification and Spectrum monitoring algorithms, useful to provide awareness about the channel conditions. In the paper a Mode Identification algorithm, based on the extraction of higher order statistics from frequency distribution of the involved communication modalities and multiple support vector machine classifiers, for a Cognitive Base Transceiver Station is presented. Simulated results, obtained in a simplified framework, will prove the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Multistage and coordinated planning of the expansion of transmission systems

In this paper, an efficient genetic algorithm (GA) is presented to solve the problem of multistage and coordinated transmission expansion planning. This is a mixed integer nonlinear programming problem, difficult for systems of medium and large size and high complexity. The GA presented has a set of specialized genetic operators and an efficient form of generation of the initial population that finds high quality suboptimal topologies for large size and high complexity systems. In these systems, multistage and coordinated planning present a lower investment than static planning. Tests results are shown in one medium complexity system and one large size high complexity system.
Middle and inferior temporal gyrus gray matter volume abnormalities in chronic schizophrenia: an MRI study.

OBJECTIVE The middle temporal gyrus and inferior temporal gyrus subserve language and semantic memory processing, visual perception, and multimodal sensory integration. Functional deficits in these cognitive processes have been well documented in patients with schizophrenia. However, there have been few in vivo structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies of the middle temporal gyrus and inferior temporal gyrus in schizophrenia. METHOD Middle temporal gyrus and inferior temporal gyrus gray matter volumes were measured in 23 male patients diagnosed with chronic schizophrenia and 28 healthy male subjects by using high-spatial-resolution MRI. For comparison, superior temporal gyrus and fusiform gyrus gray matter volumes were also measured. Correlations between these four regions and clinical symptoms were also investigated. RESULTS Relative to healthy subjects, the patients with chronic schizophrenia showed gray matter volume reductions in the left middle temporal gyrus (13% difference) and bilateral inferior temporal gyrus (10% difference in both hemispheres). In addition, the patients showed gray matter volume reductions in the left superior temporal gyrus (13% difference) and bilateral fusiform gyrus (10% difference in both hemispheres). More severe hallucinations were significantly correlated with smaller left hemisphere volumes in the superior temporal gyrus and middle temporal gyrus. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that patients with schizophrenia evince reduced gray matter volume in the left middle temporal gyrus and bilateral reductions in the inferior temporal gyrus. In conjunction with findings of left superior temporal gyrus reduction and bilateral fusiform gyrus reductions, these data suggest that schizophrenia may be characterized by left hemisphere-selective dorsal pathophysiology and bilateral ventral pathophysiology in temporal lobe gray matter.
Automatic License Plate Localization Using Intrinsic Rules Saliency

This paper addresses an intrinsic rule-based license plate localization (LPL) algorithm. It first selects candidate regions, and then filters negative regions with statistical constraints. Key contribution is assigning image inferred weights to the rules leading to adaptability in selecting saliency feature, which then overrules other features and the collective measure, decides the estimation. Saliency of rules is inherent to the frame under consideration hence all inevitable negative effects present in the frame are nullified, incorporating great deal of flexibility and more generalization. Situations considered for simulation, to claim that the algorithm is better generalized are, variations in illumination, skewness, aspect ratio and hence the LP font size, vehicle size, pose, partial occlusion of vehicles and presence of multiple plates. Proposed method allows parallel computation of rules, hence suitable for real time application. The mixed data set has 697 images of almost all varieties. We achieve a Miss Rate (MR) = 4% and False Detection Rate (FDR) = 5.95% in average. Also we have implemented skew correction of the above detected LPs necessary for efficient character detection.This paper addresses an intrinsic rule-based license plate localization (LPL) algorithm. It first selects candidate regions, and then filters negative regions with statistical constraints. Key contribution is assigning image inferred weights to the rules leading to adaptability in selecting saliency feature, which then overrules other features and the collective measure, decides the estimation. Saliency of rules is inherent to the frame under consideration hence all inevitable negative effects present in the frame are nullified, incorporating great deal of flexibility and more generalization. Situations considered for simulation, to claim that the algorithm is better generalized are, variations in illumination, skewness, aspect ratio and hence the LP font size, vehicle size, pose, partial occlusion of vehicles and presence of multiple plates. Proposed method allows parallel computation of rules, hence suitable for real time application. The mixed data set has 697 images of almost all varieties. We achieve a Miss Rate (MR) = 4% and False Detection Rate (FDR) = 5.95% in average. Also we have implemented skew correction of the above detected LPs necessary for efficient character detection.
Real-time leak detection and isolation in plastic pipelines with equivalent control based observers

This paper focus on an approach based on sliding mode observers to estimate the position and pressure of a leak in a water plastic pipeline. Two observers are designed, the first one is based on First Order Sliding Mode (FOSM) and the second one is based on Super-Twisting algorithm. Convergence proofs are presented. The two derived observers are implemented in real-time with the purpose of evaluating the performance of such diagnosis systems in a pipeline prototype. These systems only use measures of flow and pressure coming from sensors placed at the ends of a pipeline. Satisfactory results are shown through some experiments.
X-Ray Properties of Protostars in the Orion Nebula

The origin and evolution of the X-ray emission in very young stellar objects (YSOs) are not yet well understood because it is very hard to observe YSOs in the protostellar phase. Using COUP data, we study the X-ray properties of stars in the ONC in different evolutionary classes: luminosities, hydrogen column densities NH, effective plasma temperatures, and time variability are compared to understand if the interaction between the circumstellar material and the central object can influence the X-ray emission. We have assembled the deepest and most complete photometric catalog of objects in the ONC region from the UV to 8 μm using data from the HST Treasury Program; deep and almost simultaneous UBVI and JHK images taken, respectively, with WFI at ESO 2.2 m and ISPI at CTIO 4 m telescopes; and Spitzer IRAC imaging. We select high-probability candidate Class 0-I protostars, a sample of “bona fide” Class II stars, and a set of Class III stars with IR emission consistent with normal photospheres. Our principal result is that Class 0-Ia objects are significantly less luminous in X-rays, in both the total and hard bands, than the more evolved Class II stars with mass larger than 0.5 M☉; the latter show X-ray luminosities similar to those of Class 0-Ib stars. This result supports the hypothesis that the onset of X-ray emission occurs at a very early stage of star formation. Spectral properties of Class 0-I stars are similar to those of the more evolved Class II and III objects, except for a larger absorption likely due to gas in the envelope or disk of the protostellar objects. Our data suggest that the three different classes have similar X-ray temporal variability.
Subsampling-Based Image Tamper Detection and Recovery Using Quick Response Code

Quick response (QR) code is the prevalent trademark for a type of matrix barcode symbol. That code is always scanned to efficiently acquire data, especially for mobile device users. It involves the capabilities of data storage, reliable readability and strong error correction. This paper utilizes these properties of a QR code to propose an image tamper detection and recovery scheme for grayscale images. The image to be protected is first subsampled and decomposed the principal energy compaction for image blocks. These are regarded as the image authentication and recovery data and then are encoded into the pattern of a QR code. The QR code is subsequently embedded into the original image. Experimental results showed that the authentication and recovery data in a QR code is able to sustain certain perceptible distortions such that the proposed scheme can detect tampered regions clearly and recover them roughly. Moreover, the proposed scheme also provides a better embedded image quality in comparison with the previous method.
Potential therapeutic applications of hyaluronan in the lung

Hyaluronan (HA), a long-chain polysaccharide, is currently being evaluated as a potential therapeutic agent for a number of inflammatory disorders. The effect of HA on inflammation appears to be related to its molecular size, with larger polysaccharide chains having anti-inflammatory activity and smaller ones having proinflammatory properties. This dichotomous behavior is particularly relevant to the work of our laboratory on an aerosolized preparation of HA to treat pulmonary emphysema. The breakdown of inhaled HA into smaller fragments could possibly induce an inflammatory reaction in the lung that counteracts any beneficial effect. Consequently, the proposed therapeutic use of HA will require development of treatment strategies aimed at minimizing its proinflammatory activity.
Commuting Time and Labour Supply in the Netherlands A Time Use Study

We examine whether commuting time has any effect on worker labour supply, using the Dutch Time Use Surveys of 2000 and 2005. Our results show an inverted U-shaped relationship between commuting time and labour market supply of men and women, with a maximum reached at 3.22 hours of commuting per day. We use Propensity Score Matching to deal with potential endogeneity between labour supply and commuting time. Our results indicate that commuting is positively related to work duration within certain time-space constraints, but later, physical capability constraints come into play. © 2013 LSE and the University of Bath
A network information service for quality-driven mobility

Fast growing data traffic over mobile networks pose many challenges for both end systems and networks to satisfy the required service levels of different applications. For end-users, the quality of experience (QoE), and consequently the underlying quality of service (QoS) are the most meaningful criteria for triggering handovers and selecting target base stations. However, difficulties in reliably measuring quality real-time have resulted in many QoS/QoE based mobility solutions being impractical. We propose a network information service that allows mobile devices to find suitable nearby base stations by indicating their capability to satisfy the required service level. Information services allow end systems to discover heterogeneous networks at or near their location. However, the current solutions do not enable assessing base station availability and their quality of service in different locations reliably enough. In our solution, end system performed QoS measurement (and possibly QoE estimation) results are stored in a spatial database within the information service as polygon geometries. Through a single query to the information service end systems can find a sufficient amount of information about base stations in range to make handover target decisions on quality of service basis. We observe that the solution can achieve quality improvements of up to 50% in dense heterogeneous networks.
Infrastructure-dependent wireless multicast over 802.11n WLAN

In this paper the concept of infrastructure-dependent wireless multicasting (IDWM) is presented. IDWM aims to enhance the reliability of multicasting by modifying the infrastructure without requiring any modifications to the receiver's transceiver chain or its network layer stack. This paper presents packet error rate (PER) results measured from a testbed equipped with 802.11n nodes, when multicasting video through (i) one AP equipped with one antenna (ii) one AP equipped with two antennas which are co-sited, and (iii) one AP with two antennas located 23.4m apart. Empirical results are presented highlighting the improvement achieved in the PER when two transmitting sources, in this case two antennas are used to share the burden of multicasting data packets by halving the coverage area.
Growth and Metastasis of Intraocular Tumors in Aged Mice

Purpose Since deterioration of the immune apparatus is closely associated with cancer, we examined the effect of aging on the growth and metastasis of intraocular melanomas in mice. Methods Murine B16LS9 melanoma cells were transplanted into the posterior compartment of the eye (vitreous chamber) and intraocular tumor growth and development of liver metastases were evaluated in young (8–10 weeks of age) and old (>18 months of age) mice. Liver metastases were also induced by intrasplenic injection of melanoma cells. Natural killer (NK) cells from the livers of mice harboring liver metastases were evaluated in vitro for their cytolytic activity. Results Tumors grew more rapidly in the eyes of young mice than old mice, yet old mice developed significantly more liver metastases. Increased liver metastasis in old mice was evident even when melanoma cells were injected intrasplenically as a means of bypassing the influence of the ocular immunosuppressive environment. Increased liver metastases in old mice correlated with reduced cytolytic activity of liver NK cells. Lethally irradiated young mice reconstituted with bone marrow from old donors developed significantly more liver metastases than young mice reconstituted with bone marrow from young donors, indicating that bone marrow–derived cells were the root cause of the heightened development of metastases in old mice. Conclusions Aging affects the growth and metastasis of intraocular melanomas. Even though intraocular melanomas grow slower in old mice, the development of liver metastases is exacerbated and correlates with a reduction in liver NK cell activity in the old mouse.
Conservative arrays: multidimensional modulation codes for holographic recording

In holographic storage, two-dimensional arrays of binary data is optically recorded in a medium via an interference process. To ensure optimum operation of a holographic recording system, it is desirable that the patterns of 1s (light) and 0s (no light) in the recorded array satisfy the following modulation constraint: in each row and column of the array there are at least t transitions of the type 1/spl rarr/0 or 0/spl rarr/1, for a prescribed integer t. A two-dimensional array with this property is said to be a conservative array of strength t. In general, an n-dimensional conservative array of strength t is a binary array having at least t transitions in each column, extending in any of the n dimensions of the array. We present an algorithm for encoding unconstrained binary data into an n-dimensional conservative array of strength t. The algorithm employs differential coding and error-correcting codes. Using n binary codes-one per dimension-with minimum Hamming distance d/spl ges/2t-3, we apply a certain transformation to an arbitrary information array which ensures that the number of transitions in each dimension is determined by the minimum distance of the corresponding code.