Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Lipid Bilayers Are Long-Lived on Solvent Cleaned Plasma-Oxidized poly(dimethyl)siloxane (ox-PDMS)

Although it is well known that phospholipids self-assemble on hydrophilic plasma-oxidized PMDS surfaces (ox-PDMS) to form cell membrane mimetic bilayers, the temporal stability of phospholipid membranes on these surfaces is unknown. Here we report that phospholipid bilayers remain stable on solvent-cleaned ox-PDMS for at least 132 hours after preparation. Absent solvent cleaning, the bilayers were stable for only 36 hours. We characterized the phospholipid bilayers, i) through quantitative comparative analysis of the fluorescence intensity of phospholipid bilayers on ox-PDMS and phospholipid monolayers on native PDMS and, ii) through measurements of the diffusive mobility of the lipids through fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP). The fluorescence intensity of the phospholipid layer remained consistent with that of a bilayer for 132 hours. The evolution of the diffusive mobility of the phospholipids in the bilayer on ox-PDMS over time was similar to lipids in control bilayers prepared on glass surfaces. Solvent cleaning was essential for the long-term stability of the bilayers on ox-PDMS. Without cleaning in acetone and isopropanol, phospholipid bilayers prepared on ox-PDMS surfaces peeled off in large patches within 36 hours. Importantly, we find that phospholipid bilayers supported on solvent-cleaned ox-PDMS were indistinguishable from phospholipid bilayers supported on glass for at least 36 hours after preparation. Our results provide a link between the two common surfaces used to prepare in vitro biomimetic phospholipid membranes—i) glass surfaces used predominantly in fundamental biophysical experiments, for which there is abundant physicochemical information, with ii) ox-PDMS, the dominant material used in practical, applications-oriented systems to build micro-devices, topographically-patterned surfaces, and biosensors where there is a dearth of information.
The TREK experiment to search for T violation in kaon decays at J-PARC

The transverse muon polarization (PT ) in K → πμν (Kμ3) decays is a very sensitive probe of T violation. One may look for sources of CP violation beyond the Standard Model. The TREK experiment is a planned J-PARC experiment to search for PT with a sensitivity of 10−4 with an improvement of factor more than 20 from the previous KEK-PS E246 experiment. Currently, detector elements are developed in order to upgrade the E246 detector for higher beam intensity at J-PARC.
Constraint-based Models for Qualitative Reasoning onContinuous Dynamic

In this paper we concentrate on practical aspects of qualitative modeling and reasoning about continuous dynamic systems using constraints, reporting our experience in simulation and diagnosis of real-life systems using constraint-based models and heuristics. We brieey introduce an high level declarative language L QDE (Qualitative Deviations Equations language) suitable for modeling the (correct and faulty) behavior of dynamic physical systems. Then we address the task of implementing L QDE into a constraint programming framework, more suitable for model solving. We rst evaluate the applicability of constraint programming heuristics (e.g. cycle cutset decomposition and variable ordering) in order to exploit the structure of the high level model (more compact and user oriented) to improve reasoning on the lower level model (more machine oriented). Then, we propose a causal semantics for our models, and develop and evaluate a causal-directed qualitative simulation algorithm based on eecient constraint propagation. The methodology and algorithms proposed here have been applied, with signii-cant eeciency results, to model-based diagnosis of a real-life automotive subsystem, developing a constraint-based diagnostic engine.
Hardening soft information sources

The web contains a large quantity of unstructured information. In many cases, it is possible to heuristically extract structured information, but the resulting databases are \soft": they contain inconsistencies and duplication, and lack unique, consistently-used object identi ers. Examples include large bibliographic databases harvested from raw scienti c papers or databases constructed by merging heterogeneous \hard" databases. Here we formally model a soft database as a noisy version of some unknown hard database. We then consider the hardening problem, i.e., the problem of inferring the most likely underlying hard database given a particular soft database. A key feature of our approach is that hardening is global | many sources of evidence for a given hard fact are taken into account. We formulate hardening as an optimization problem and give a nontrivial nearly linear time algorithm for nding a local optimum.
Full Interference Cancellation for Two-Path Cooperative Communications

This paper proposes a full interference cancellation (FIC) approach for two-path cooperative communications. Unlike the single relay schemes, the two-path cooperative scheme involves two relay nodes, so that the source can continuously transmit data to the two relays alternatively and the full bandwidth efficiency with respect to the direct transmission can be retained. The two-path relay scheme may however suffer from inter-relay interference which is caused by the simultaneous transmission of the source and one of the relays at any time. In this paper, first the inter-relay interference is expressed as a single recursive term in the received signal, and then the FIC approach is proposed to fully remove the inter-relay interference. The FIC has not only better performance but also less complexity than existing approaches. Numerical examples are also given to verify the proposed approach.
Efeito da língua, estilo de elocução e sexo do falante sobre medidas globais da frequência fundamental

Analisamos o efeito do sexo, do estilo de elocucao e da lingua (alemao, estoniano, frances, ingles, italiano, portugues e sueco) sobre estimadores de tendencia central e dispersao da frequencia fundamental da fala. Os estilos sao entrevista, leitura de frases e de palavras. As linguas diferem entre si em termos do valor tipico de F0 usado por seus falantes. O estilo leitura de frases apresenta valores maiores do que a entrevista, mas o efeito nao e uniforme entre as linguas. Diferencas significativas entre o estilo leitura de palavras e entrevista sao mais raros. Todos os estimadores de tendencia central estudados sofreram efeitos dos tres fatores testados. Os homens apresentaram variabilidade de F0 ligeiramente maior do que as mulheres de forma significativa em tres de cinco estimadores. O estilo entrevista tem maior variabilidade em dois. As linguas nao diferem em termos de variabilidade de F0.
MODELING USING A STATISTICAL DEPENDENCY GRAMMAR PARSER

Constraint Dependency Grammar (CDG) uses constraints to determine a sentence’s grammatical structure that is represented as assignments of dependency relations to functional variables associated with each word in the sentence. This paper presents the evaluation of a statistical CDG parserbased language model (LM). This LM, when used to rescore lattices from the Wall Street Journal continuous speech recognition task, obtains a significant reduction in word error rate (WER) compared to a CDG-based almost-parsing LM and obtains a WER comparable to or lower than several stateof-the-art parser-based LMs.
Alzheimer Disease Cerebrospinal Fluid Biomarkers Moderate Baseline Differences and Predict Longitudinal Change in Attentional Control and Episodic Memory Composites in the Adult Children Study

Abstract Cognitive measures that are sensitive to biological markers of Alzheimer disease (AD) pathology are needed to (a) facilitate preclinical staging, (b) identify individuals who are at the highest risk for developing clinical symptoms, and (c) serve as endpoints for evaluating the efficacy of interventions. The present study assesses the utility of two cognitive composite scores of attentional control and episodic memory as markers for preclinical AD pathology in a group of cognitively normal older adults (N=238), as part of the Adult Children Study. All participants were given a baseline cognitive assessment and follow-up assessments every 3 years over an 8-year period, as well as a lumbar puncture within 2 years of the initial assessment to collect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and amyloid tracer Pittsburgh compound-B scan for amyloid imaging. Results indicated that attentional control was correlated with levels of Aβ42 at the initial assessment whereas episodic memory was not. Longitudinally, individuals with high CSF tau exhibited a decline in both attention and episodic memory over the course of the study. These results indicate that measures of attentional control and episodic memory can be used to evaluate cognitive decline in preclinical AD and provide support that CSF tau may be a key mechanism driving longitudinal cognitive change. (JINS, 2015, 21, 573–583)
A fast and accurate face detector for indexation of face images

Detecting faces in images with complex backgrounds is a difficult task. Our approach, which obtains state-of-the-art results, is based on a generative neural network model: the constrained generative model (CGM). To detect side-view faces and to decrease the number of false alarms, a conditional mixture of networks is used. To decrease the computational time cost, a fast search algorithm is proposed. The level of performance reached, in terms of detection accuracy and processing time, allows us to apply this detector to a real-world application: the indexation of face images on the WWW.
Interplay between Lattice Distortions, Vibrations and Phase Stability in NbMoTaW High Entropy Alloys

Refractory high entropy alloys (HEA), such as BCC NbMoTaW, represent a promising materials class for next-generation high-temperature applications, due to their extraordinary mechanical properties. A characteristic feature of HEAs is the formation of single-phase solid solutions. For BCC NbMoTaW, recent computational studies revealed, however, a B2(Mo,W;Nb,Ta)-ordering at ambient temperature. This ordering could impact many materials properties, such as thermodynamic, mechanical, or diffusion properties, and hence be of relevance for practical applications. In this work, we theoretically address how the B2-ordering impacts thermodynamic properties of BCC NbMoTaW and how the predicted ordering temperature itself is affected by vibrations, electronic excitations, lattice distortions, and relaxation energies.
Trans*forming understanding of sexual orientation and gender variant minorities: Testing the minority stress model with a diverse sample

Over the decades, researchers and people in general have elaborated on distinctions regarding sexual orientation minorities. What was once classified as “homosexual” now distinguishes between gay men, lesbians, bisexual, and asexual individuals. Sexual orientation minorities experience unique stressors that negatively impact their psychological and physical health. Minority stressors, including perceptions that one’s sexual orientation is stigmatized, internalized prejudicial attitudes about one’s sexual orientation, and experiencing first-hand discrimination or violence as a result of one’s sexual orientation can all contribute to greater distress. While these associations have begun to be explored for sexual orientation minorities, less is known about these similar effects for transgender individuals. In more recent years, transgender has been used to describe those whose gender identity, or perception of the self as male or female, is inconsistent with their assigned sex or those whose appearance and behavior are not consistent with gender expectations. Early research defined transgender individuals with clinical samples of transsexual individuals; other studies defined transgender individuals as having a gender identity that is inconsistent with their sex assigned at birth. The current study defines transgender as a more inclusive, “umbrella” term that represents multiple subgroups, including gender incongruent individuals, such as transsexual individuals, and gender nonconforming individuals, including cross-dressers, drag queens, drag kings, genderqueer, and gender fluid individuals. Reports of shockingly high rates of distress in transgender populations—rates of suicide ideation as high as 70%—call for greater understanding of the underlying causes.
Deep multi-frequency radio imaging in the Lockman Hole using the GMRT and VLA

In the run up to routine observations with the upcoming generation of radio facilities, the nature of sub-mJy radio population has been hotly debated. In this talk, we describe multi-frequency radio data designed to probe the emission mechanism that dominates in these faint radio sources. Our analysis is based on observations of the Lockman Hole using the Giant Metre-wave Radio Telescope (GMRT) – the deepest 610-MHz imaging yet reported – together with 1.4-GHz imaging from the Very Large Array (VLA), well matched in resolution and sensitivity to the GMRT data (σ610MHz ∼ 15μJy/beam, σ1.4GHz ∼ 6μJy/beam, FWHM∼5 arcsec). The GMRT and VLA data are cross-matched to obtain the radio spectral indices for the faint radio emitters. Statistical analyses show no clear evolution for the median spectral index, α1.4GHz 610MHz (where Sν ∝ ν α ), which is found to be approximately −0.6 to −0.7 based on an almost unbiased 10-sigma criterion, down to a flux level of S1.4GHz ≥ 100μJy. The fraction of inverted spectrum sources, α1.4GHz 610MHz ≥ 0, is less than 10%. The results suggest that the most prevalent emission mechanism in the sub-mJy regime is optically-thin synchrotron, ruling out a dominant flat spectrum or an aged ultra-steep spectrum radio population. The spectral index distribution has a significant scatter, ∆α ∼ 0.4–0.5, suggesting a mixture of different populations at all flux levels. This is supported by spectroscopic classifications of radio sources with X-ray emission, which has allowed us to estimate that the fraction of radio-quiet (type 1 and 2) active galactic nuclei (AGN) at 30 μJy
ON DATA LAYOUT IN THE PARALLEL BLOCK-JACOBI SVD ALGORITHM WITH PRE-PROCESSING ∗

An efficient version of the parallel two-sided block-Jacobi algorithm for the singular value decomposition of an m × n matrix A includes the pre-processing step, which consists of the QR factorization of A with column pivoting followed by the optional LQ factorization of the R- factor. Then the iterative two-sided block-Jacobi algorithm is applied in parallel to the R-factor (or L-factor). Having p processors, these iterations are efficiently computed with two block-columns stored in each processor; hence the blocking factor is l = 2p and the process grid 1 × p is used. However, this process grid is not well suited for the pre-processing step due to the (block) column oriented approach in the QR (or LQ) factorization with (or without) column pivoting implemented in the ScaLAPACK. Instead, some matrix block cyclic distribution on a process grid r × c with p = r × c, r, c > 1, and block size nb × nb is required so that all processors remain busy during the whole parallel QR (or LQ) factorization. Optimal values for parameters r, c and nb are estimated experimentally using matrices of order from n = 2000 to n = 8000 and the number of processors form p = 4 to p = 16. It turns out that the optimal values are about nb = 100 and rc with both r, c near to p p. It is shown that using optimal parameters in the pre-processing step, the parallel two-sided block-Jacobi SVD algorithm becomes competitive with the ScaLAPACK routine PDGESVD for matrices with a multiple maximal/minimal singular value regardless to the condition number.
Foxp3 (−/ATT) Polymorphism Contributes to the Susceptibility of Preeclampsia

Objective To evaluate the potential influence of Foxp3 polymorphism on preeclampsia (PE) susceptibility, we conducted a case-control study in Han Chinese women. Methods Foxp3 genotyping was determined by polymerase chain reaction with sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP) in 156 PE patients and 252 age-frequency matched controls. Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the expression of Foxp3 specific transcription factor in 30 PE and 30 normal pregnant women. Results The positive rate of Foxp3 expression in PE (26.67%) was significant difference from that in normal control (63.33%, P<0.05). The frequency of Foxp3-6054 TT genotype was significantly lower in PE patient than that in control. No significant difference was found in Foxp3-3279 genotypes between PE and control, as well as for the variant allele. The frequency of Foxp3-6054A/−3279C haplotype in PE was significantly higher than that in control (P<0.01), while the frequency of Foxp3 6054T/−3279C haplotype was significantly lower in PE patient than that in control (P<0.01). Conclusion Our findings suggest that the immune suppression function in PE patients is weakened, which may result in the occurrence of PE. Foxp3 polymorphism (rs5902434) may be a potential contributor for the development of PE in Han Chinese women.
A New Mechanism for Core-Collapse Supernova Explosions

In this paper we present a new mechanism for core-collapse supernova explosions that relies on acoustic power generated in the inner core as the driver. In our simulation using an 11 M☉ progenitor, an advective-acoustic oscillation à la Foglizzo with a period of ~25-30 ms arises ~200 ms after bounce. Its growth saturates due to the generation of secondary shocks, and kinks in the resulting shock structure funnel and regulate subsequent accretion onto the inner core. However, this instability is not the primary agent of explosion. Rather, it is the acoustic power generated early on in the inner turbulent region stirred by the accretion plumes and, most importantly, but later on, by the excitation and sonic damping of core g-mode oscillations. An ℓ = 1 mode with a period of ~3 ms grows at late times to be prominent around ~500 ms after bounce. The accreting proto-neutron star is a self-excited oscillator, "tuned" to the most easily excited core g-mode. The associated acoustic power seen in our 11 M☉ simulation is sufficient to drive the explosion >550 ms after bounce. The angular distribution of the emitted sound is fundamentally aspherical. The sound pulses radiated from the core steepen into shock waves that merge as they propagate into the outer mantle and deposit their energy and momentum with high efficiency. The ultimate source of the acoustic power is the gravitational energy of infall, and the core oscillation acts like a transducer to convert this accretion energy into sound. An advantage of the acoustic mechanism is that acoustic power does not abate until accretion subsides, so that it is available as long as it may be needed to explode the star. This suggests a natural means by which the supernova is self-regulating.
Partial order diagnosability of discrete event systems using petri net unfoldings

In truly asynchronous, distributed systems, neither global state nor global time are available. The diagnosis approach with Petri net unfoldings, motivated by the problem of event correlation in telecommunications network management and proposed, uses only local states in combination with a partial order model of time. Here, we give a definition of weak and strong diagnosability in terms of partially ordered executions, and characterize diagnosable systems; the characterizing property can be effectively verified using a finite complete prefix of the net unfolding.
A comparative study of the effects of superbrain yoga and aerobic exercise on cognitive functions

Background: Superbrain yoga is an ancient oriental exercise which is claimed to boost overall physical and mental well-being. Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of superbrain yoga and simple squats on cognitive functions and to compare the effects of these interventions on attentional control and working memory. Materials and Methods: This is an interventional study. A total of 40 healthy, medical students from MS Ramaiah Medical College, Bengaluru, were recruited and randomly assigned to superbrain yoga and simple squats groups. Audio-visual reaction time for attentional control and n-back task for working memory was assessed over a 4-week period. Results: The reaction time and n-back scores in both groups improved over the sessions. The improvement was more pronounced for the n-back task scores in the superbrain yoga group (baseline: 83.75 ± 7.65%, week-4: 94.50 ± 6.42%) than the simple squats group (baseline: 84.80 ± 7.53%, week-4: 88.75 ± 7.60%). Conclusion: The present study demonstrates that superbrain yoga has a positive impact on both attentional control and working memory components of cognition. The effect was more pronounced on working memory than attentional control in the superbrain yoga group compared to simple squats group.
Family physicians’ attitude and practice of infertility management at primary care - Suez Canal University, Egypt

Introduction The very particular natures of infertility problem and infertility care make them different from other medical problems and services in developing countries. Even after the referral to specialists, the family physicians are expected to provide continuous support for these couples. This place the primary care service at the heart of all issues related to infertility. The aim of the work: to improve family physicians' attitude and practice about the approach to infertility management within primary care setting. Methods This study was conducted in the between June and December 2010. The study sample comprised 100 family physician trainees in the family medicine department and working in family practice centers or primary care units. They were asked to fill a questionnaire about their personal characteristics, attitude, and practice towards support, investigations, and treatment of infertile couples. Results Hundred family physicians were included in the study. They were previously received training in infertility management. Favorable attitude scores were detected among (68%) of physicians and primary care was considered a suitable place for infertility management among (77%) of participants. There was statistically significant difference regarding each of age groups, gender and years of experience with the physicians′ attitude. There was statistically significant difference regarding gender, perceiving PHC as an appropriate place to manage infertility and attitude towards processes of infertility management with the physicians′ practice. Conclusion Favorable attitude and practice were determined among the study sample. Supporting the structure of primary care and evidence-based training regarding infertility management are required to improve family physicians' attitude and practice towards infertility management.
Revisiting the Relationship between Institutional Rank and Student Engagement

Abstract:College rankings dominate the conversation regarding quality in postsecondary education. However, the criteria used to rank institutions often have nothing to do with the quality of education students receive. A decade ago, Pike (2004) demonstrated that institutional rank had little association with student involvement in educational activities. In a reprise of Pike’s research, the current study examines the relationship between three institutional ranking schemes, U.S. News, Forbes, and Washington Monthly and student engagement, as measured by the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE). Findings reveal few relationships exist between NSSE’s measures of student engagement and the three institutional ranking schemes, except for a modest negative relationship between rank and student-faculty interactions.