Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Room-Temperature Quantum Bit Memory Exceeding One Second

Extending Quantum Memory Practical applications in quantum communication and quantum computation require the building blocks—quantum bits and quantum memory—to be sufficiently robust and long-lived to allow for manipulation and storage (see the Perspective by Boehme and McCarney). Steger et al. (p. 1280) demonstrate that the nuclear spins of 31P impurities in an almost isotopically pure sample of 28Si can have a coherence time of as long as 192 seconds at a temperature of ∼1.7 K. In diamond at room temperature, Maurer et al. (p. 1283) show that a spin-based qubit system comprised of an isotopic impurity (13C) in the vicinity of a color defect (a nitrogen-vacancy center) could be manipulated to have a coherence time exceeding one second. Such lifetimes promise to make spin-based architectures feasible building blocks for quantum information science. Defects in diamond can be operated as quantum memories at room temperature. Stable quantum bits, capable both of storing quantum information for macroscopic time scales and of integration inside small portable devices, are an essential building block for an array of potential applications. We demonstrate high-fidelity control of a solid-state qubit, which preserves its polarization for several minutes and features coherence lifetimes exceeding 1 second at room temperature. The qubit consists of a single 13C nuclear spin in the vicinity of a nitrogen-vacancy color center within an isotopically purified diamond crystal. The long qubit memory time was achieved via a technique involving dissipative decoupling of the single nuclear spin from its local environment. The versatility, robustness, and potential scalability of this system may allow for new applications in quantum information science.
Enabling the Extended Compact Genetic Algorithm for Real-Parameter Optimization by Using Adaptive Discretization

An adaptive discretization method, called split-on-demand (SoD), enables estimation of distribution algorithms (EDAs) for discrete variables to solve continuous optimization problems. SoD randomly splits a continuous interval if the number of search points within the interval exceeds a threshold, which is decreased at every iteration. After the split operation, the nonempty intervals are assigned integer codes, and the search points are discretized accordingly. As an example of using SoD with EDAs, the integration of SoD and the extended compact genetic algorithm (ECGA) is presented and numerically examined. In this integration, we adopt a local search mechanism as an optional component of our back end optimization engine. As a result, the proposed framework can be considered as a memetic algorithm, and SoD can potentially be applied to other memetic algorithms. The numerical experiments consist of two parts: (1) a set of benchmark functions on which ECGA with SoD and ECGA with two well-known discretization methods: the fixed-height histogram (FHH) and the fixed-width histogram (FWH) are compared; (2) a real-world application, the economic dispatch problem, on which ECGA with SoD is compared to other methods. The experimental results indicate that SoD is a better discretization method to work with ECGA. Moreover, ECGA with SoD works quite well on the economic dispatch problem and delivers solutions better than the best known results obtained by other methods in existence.
Cerebral Representation of One’s Own Past: Neural Networks Involved in Autobiographical Memory

We studied the functional anatomy of affect-laden autobiographical memory in normal volunteers. Using H215O positron emission tomography (PET), we measured changes in relative regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF). Four rCBF measurements were obtained during three conditions: REST, i.e., subjects lay at rest (for control); IMPERSONAL, i.e., subjects listened to sentences containing episodic information taken from an autobiography of a person they did not know, but which had been presented to them before PET scanning (nonautobiographical episodic memory ecphory); and PERSONAL, i.e., subjects listened to sentences containing information taken from their own past (autobiographical episodic memory ecphory). Comparing IMPERSONAL with REST (nonautobiographical episodic memory ecphory) resulted in relative rCBF increases symmetrically in both temporal lobes including the temporal poles and medial and superior temporal gyri. The same loci, however, with a stronger lateralization to the right hemisphere were activated in the comparison PERSONAL to REST (autobiographical episodic memory ecphory). In addition, the right temporomesial, right dorsal prefrontal, right posterior cingulate areas, and the left cerebellum were activated. A comparison of PERSONAL and IMPERSONAL (autobiographical vs nonautobiographical episodic memory ecphory) demonstrated a preponderantly right hemispheric activation including primarily right temporomesial and temporolateral cortex, right posterior cingulate areas, right insula, and right prefrontal areas. The right temporomesial activation included hippocampus, parahippocampus, and amygdala. These results suggest that a right hemispheric network of temporal, together with posterior, cingulate, and prefrontal, areas is engaged in the ecphory of affect-laden autobiographical information.
Efficient Realization of Sigma-Delta (-) Kalman Lowpass Filter in Hardware Using FPGA

Sigma-delta (-) modulation techniques have moved into mainstream applications in signal processing and have found many practical uses in areas such as high-resolution A/D, D/A conversions, voice communication, and software radio. - modulators produce a single, or few bits output resulting in hardware saving and thus making them suitable for implementation in very large scale integration (VLSI) circuits. To reduce quantization noise produced, higher-order modulators such as multiloop and multistage architectures are commonly used. The quantization noise behavior of higher-order- modulators is well understood. Based on these quantization noise characteristics, various demodulator architectures, such as filter, optimal FIR filter, and Laguerre filter are reported in literature. In this paper, theory and design of an efficient Kalman recursive demodulator filter is shown. Hardware implementation of Kalman lowpass filter, using field programmable gate array (FPGA), is explained. The FPGA synthesis results from Kalman filter design are compared with previous designs for sinc filter, optimum FIR filter, and Laguerre filter.
Participation after acquired brain injury: clinical and psychometric considerations of the Sydney Psychosocial Reintegration Scale (SPRS).

OBJECTIVE To examine the psychometric qualities and develop the clinical utility of the Sydney Psychosocial Reintegration Scale (SPRS) as a measure of participation in people with traumatic brain injury. DESIGN Data generated from previous prospective studies. SUBJECTS/PATIENTS Convenience samples of healthy community-based volunteers (n=105) and people with severe brain injury (n=510). METHODS (i) The equivalence of a new 5-point version of the SPRS was determined vs the original 7-point version; (ii) construct validity was tested using Rasch analyses; (iii) normative and comparative data tables were produced, and data examined for floor/ceiling effects; (iv) a reliable change index score was generated. RESULTS Patterns of psychometric properties for the 5- and 7-point versions were almost identical (e.g. total scores rs=0.98). Rasch analyses on Forms A and B found good fit to the model, for person (3.36 and 3.03, respectively) and item (7.78 and 7.25, respectively) separation; reliability coefficients were high (all ≥ 0.90). Mean infit statistics met standard criteria (between 0.7 and 1.3). No floor/ceiling effects were detected. The reliable change index value was calculated for the total score for Form A using logit scores, and a conversion table provided. CONCLUSION The 5-point version of the SPRS demonstrates strong psychometric qualities as a measure of participation after traumatic brain injury.
Polychlorinated Biphenyl Exposure and Neuropsychological Status among Older Residents of Upper Hudson River Communities

Background Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) may accelerate the cognitive and motor dysfunction found in normal aging, but few studies have examined these outcomes and PCB exposure among older adults. Objective We evaluated neuropsychological status and low-level PCB exposure among older adults living along contaminated portions of the upper Hudson River in New York. Methods A total of 253 persons between 55 and 74 years of age were recruited and interviewed, and provided blood samples for congener-specific PCB analysis. Participants also underwent a neuropsychological battery consisting of 34 tests capable of detecting subtle deficits in cognition, motor function, affective state, and olfactory function. Results After adjustment for potential confounders, the results indicated that an increase in serum total PCB concentration from 250 to 500 ppb (lipid basis) was associated with a 6.2% decrease in verbal learning, as measured by California Verbal Learning Test trial 1 score (p = 0.035), and with a 19.2% increase in depressive symptoms, as measured by the Beck Depression Inventory (p = 0.007). Conclusions The results suggest that exposure to PCBs may be associated with some measures of memory and learning and depression among adults 55–74 years of age whose current body burdens are similar to those of the general population. Although the results are useful in delineating the neuropsychological effects of low-level exposure to PCBs, further studies of whether older men and women are a sensitive subpopulation are needed.
Influence of Drying and Wetting Cycles on SWCCs of Fine-Grained Soils

The soil-water characteristics curve (SWCC) is greatly influenced by the path that is followed for suction measurement (i.e., drying or wetting path) and the number of cycles of these paths to which the soil is exposed. To evaluate the influence of these parameters, drying- and wetting-path SWCCs of three fine-grained soils were developed for single and multiple cycles by employing the Aquasorp V R Isotherm generator. This device has been primarily employed for food products, powders, and amorphous materials for determination of their moisture sorption isotherm, which relates moisture content to water activity. As water activity can be mathematically related to soil suction, the Aquasorp V R can be used for developing the SWCC. Hence, demonstrating the potential of the Aquasorp V R for characterizing fine-grained soils becomes essential. The present study has been focused at highlighting the possible uncertainties associated with establishment of the SWCCs (both during drying and wetting paths) and the benefits and limitations of the Aquasorp V R in achieving these objectives. Furthermore, by employing mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), the significance of capillarity on soil suction, which in turn governs the SWCC, has been demonstrated.
Cerebral microbleeds and the risk of intracerebral haemorrhage after thrombolysis for acute ischaemic stroke: systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) remains the most devastating yet unpredictable complication of intravenous thrombolysis for acute ischaemic stroke. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis, to assess whether the presence of cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) on prethrombolysis MRI scans is associated with an increased risk of ICH. Methods We searched PubMed for studies assessing ICH risk in patients with acute ischaemic stroke treated with thrombolysis, in relation to the presence of pre-treatment CMBs. Results We identified five studies including 790 patients and pooled data in a meta-analysis. The CMB (+) versus CMB (−) groups were not significantly different in age, gender or stroke severity. The overall prevalence of CMBs was 135/790 (17.1%). Amongst patients with CMBs, 10/135 (7.4%) experienced a symptomatic ICH after thrombolysis, compared to 29/655 (4.4%) patients without CMBs. The pooled relative risk of ICH was 1.90 (95% CI 0.92 to 3.93; p=0.082). Conclusions The available evidence does not demonstrate a statistically significant increased risk of symptomatic ICH after thrombolysis for ischaemic stroke in patients with CMBs. However, in view of the methodological limitations of the studies included, the clinical relevance of any potential hazard associated with CMBs remains uncertain. Further studies are warranted to evaluate whether the risk of ICH might outweigh the benefit of thrombolysis, especially in patients with multiple lobar CMBs suggestive of cerebral amyloid angiopathy.
Differential expression of VH gene families in peripheral B cell repertoires of newborn or adult immunoglobulin H chain congenic mice

The pattern of VH gene family expression in the primary B cell repertoire of the mouse is strain dependent. In C57Bl/6 mice, the VH J558 family is expressed by more than 45% of the cells, while the expression of VH 7183, VH Q52, and VH 36-60 families together does not exceed 20%. In BALB/c mice, relative expression of VH J558 is lower than 35%, while the sum of the other three families reaches 25%. To assess which genetic loci control strain-specific VH gene family expression, we studied VH gene family usage in splenic B cell repertoires of different congenic strains of mice. Changes in major histocompatibility complex or immunoglobulin (Ig) K light chain genes did not modify VH gene family expression in adult mice. Differences at the IgH locus, however, modified VH gene family usage. In 1-d-old mice, the strain-specific VH gene family expression pattern is determined by the IgH haplotype. In adult mice, the VH gene family expression pattern of resting B cells is independent of the IgH locus and follows the genetic background of the congenic strain, while it is determined by the IgH haplotype among Ig-secreting spleen cells. In F1(B6 x BALB/c) mice, each of the two spleen B cell populations, sorted on the basis of mu heavy chain allotype expression, shows an independent VH gene family expression pattern, determined by the IgH locus. The implications of these results in the control of VH gene family expression, and in the selection of peripheral B cell repertoires are discussed.
Divisions of Research & Statistics and Monetary Affairs Federal Reserve Board , Washington , D . C . Debt Deflation Effects of Monetary Policy

This paper assesses the role that monetary policy plays in the decision to default using a General Equilibrium model with collateralized loans, trade in fiat money and production. Longterm nominal loans are backed by collateral, the value of which depends on monetary policy. The decision to default is endogenous and depends on the relative value of the collateral to face value of the loan. Default results in foreclosure, higher borrowing costs, inefficient investment and a decrease in total output. We show that pre-crisis contractionary monetary policy interacts with Fisherian debt-deflation dynamics and can increase the probability that a crisis occurs.
Autocrine Regulation of Myocyte Cx43 Expression by VEGF

Cardiac myocytes can rapidly adjust their expression of gap junction channel proteins in response to changes in load. Previously, we showed that after only 1 hour of linear pulsatile stretch (110% of resting cell length; 3 Hz), expression of connexin43 (Cx43) by cultured neonatal rat ventricular myocytes is increased by ≈2-fold and impulse propagation is significantly more rapid. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), acting downstream of transforming growth factor-&bgr; (TGF-&bgr;), mediates stretch-induced upregulation of Cx43 expression by cardiac myocytes. Incubation of nonstretched cells with exogenous VEGF (100 ng/mL) or TGF-&bgr; (10 ng/mL) for 1 hour increased Cx43 expression by ≈1.8-fold, comparable to that observed in cells subjected to pulsatile stretch for 1 hour. Stretch-induced upregulation of Cx43 expression was blocked by either anti-VEGF antibody or anti-TGF-&bgr; antibody. Stretch-induced enhancement of conduction was also blocked by anti-VEGF antibody. ELISA assay showed that VEGF was secreted into the culture medium during stretch. Furthermore, stretch-conditioned medium stimulated Cx43 expression in nonstretched cells. This effect was also blocked by anti-VEGF antibody. Upregulation of Cx43 expression stimulated by exogenous TGF-&bgr; was blocked by anti-VEGF antibody, but VEGF-stimulation of Cx43 expression was not blocked by anti-TGF-&bgr; antibody. Thus, stretch-induced upregulation of Cx43 expression is mediated, at least in part, by VEGF, which acts downstream of TGF-&bgr;. Because the cultures contained only ≈5% nonmyocytic cells, these results indicate that myocyte-derived VEGF, secreted in response to stretch, acts in an autocrine fashion to enhance intercellular coupling.
The Global Knowledge Management Framework: Towards a Theory for Knowledge Management in Globally Distributed Settings

Our paper introduces the Global Knowledge Management Framework (GKMF) which describes components and influence factors of knowledge management in globally distributed settings. The framework identifies the key aspects when designing knowledge management processes and systems and can be used for two main purposes. On the one hand, it guides development processes by providing a solution space and success factors for decision makers as well as implementers. On the other hand, it is a reference for researchers to compare research in the field by providing a common set of context descriptions as well as aspects influencing the success of knowledge management solutions. We illustrate the application of our framework first within two scenarios and describe its first evaluation as a proof-of-concept in an educational setting. By that, we give insights into further research and development of the framework trying to stimulate discussion and initiating a broad initiative working towards global knowledge management.
A Computer-Based Approach to the Classification of Nilpotent Lie Algebras

We adapt the p-group generation algorithm to classify smalldimensional nilpotent Lie algebras over small fields. Using an implementation of this algorithm, we list the nilpotent Lie algebras of dimension up to 9 over 𝔽2 and those of dimension up to 7 over 𝔽3 and 𝔽5.
Dental health status and treatment needs of transport workers of a northern Indian city: A cross-sectional study

Aim: To assess the dental health status and treatment needs of transport workers working in Chandigarh Transport Undertaking (C.T.U.) buses, Chandigarh. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on all the available C.T. U. workers at all three bus depots. The data were recorded on a modified W.H. O. format (1997). A total of 1008 subjects constituted the final sample size. Results: The mean age of the subjects was 45.3 ± 7.8 years, and 97% (978) were males. Prevalence of dental caries was 63.4% and mean DMFT was 5.02. 47.6% of subjects needed some prosthesis in the maxillary arch while 53.3% needed some prosthesis in the mandibular arch. Regarding highest CPI (Community Periodontal Index) score, 8.13% of the subjects had healthy periodontium while maximum subjects (73.2%) had a score 2 (Calculus). Conclusion: Mean DMFT (Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth) was satisfactory. Prosthetic need of the subjects was high with only a few subjects possessing prosthesis. Advanced periodontal disease (CPI score, 4) affected small number of subjects with maximum subjects (73%) having a CPI score of 2.
Representing Concurrent Actions and Solving Conflicts

As an extension of the well-known Action Description languageA introduced by M. Gelfond and V. Lifschitz [7], C. Baral and M. Gelfond recently defined the dialect A C which allows the description of concurrent actions [1]. Also, a sound but incomplete encoding of A C by means of an extended logic program was presented there. In this paper, we work on interpretations of contradictory inferences from partial action descriptions. Employing an interpretation different from the one implicitly used in A C , we present a new dialect A C + , which allows to infer non-contradictory information from contradictory descriptions and to describe nondeterminism and uncertainty. Furthermore, we give the first sound and complete encoding of A C , using equational logic programming, and extend it to A C + as well.
Consistency of international sentencing: ICTY and ICTR case study

The International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia and the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda are the first, post Cold War international criminal tribunals convicting perpetrators of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. Their sentencing practice has been largely criticized as inconsistent. This quantitative study addresses the criticism and empirically investigates the consistency of international sentencing. The extent to which the selected factors predict sentence length is tested in a multiple regression analysis. The analysis suggests that similar, legally relevant patterns have emerged in the sentencing practice of both tribunals. Sentencing in international criminal practice does not appear to be less consistent than sentencing under domestic jurisdictions.
The Putative RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase RDR6 Acts Synergistically with ASYMMETRIC LEAVES1 and 2 to Repress BREVIPEDICELLUS and MicroRNA165/166 in Arabidopsis Leaf Developmentw⃞

The Arabidopsis thaliana ASYMMETRIC LEAVES1 (AS1) and AS2 genes are important for repressing class I KNOTTED1-like homeobox (KNOX) genes and specifying leaf adaxial identity in leaf development. RNA-dependent RNA polymerases (RdRPs) are critical for posttranscriptional and transcriptional gene silencing in eukaryotes; however, very little is known about their functions in plant development. Here, we show that the Arabidopsis RDR6 gene (also called SDE1 and SGS2) that encodes a putative RdRP, together with AS1 and AS2, regulates leaf development. rdr6 single mutant plants displayed only minor phenotypes, whereas rdr6 as1 and rdr6 as2 double mutants showed dramatically enhanced as1 and as2 phenotypes, with severe defects in the leaf adaxial-abaxial polarity and vascular development. In addition, the double mutant plants produced more lobed leaves than the as1 and as2 single mutants and showed leaf-like structures associated on a proportion of leaf blades. The abnormal leaf morphology of the double mutants was accompanied by an extended ectopic expression of a class I KNOX gene BREVIPEDICELLUS (BP) and high levels of microRNA165/166 that may lead to mRNA degradation of genes in the class III HD-ZIP family. Taken together, our data suggest that the Arabidopsis RDR6-associated epigenetic pathway and the AS1-AS2 pathway synergistically repress BP and MIR165/166 for proper plant development.
Efficacy of Two Rotary NiTi Instruments in Removal of Resilon/Epiphany Obturants

Introduction The success of endodontic retreatment is related to the complete removal of the obturation material from the root canal system. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Mtwo R and ProTaper retreatment files in removing the Resilon/Epiphany system with or without chloroform during retreatment. Materials and Methods Sixty distal roots of first mandibular molars were prepared and laterally condensed with Resilon/Epiphany, then divided into four groups (15 each for retreatment): 1) Mtwo R/solvent; 2) Mtwo R; 3) ProTaper D/solvent; and 4) ProTaper D. The cleanliness of the canal walls was evaluated using radiography; a stereomicroscope and SEM. Data were subjected to ANOVA and Student’s t-test. Results Neither rotary system performed better than the other when considering the whole root canal, with or without solvent. In the apical portion, ProTaper/solvent showed the best result (P<0.05). Conclusion In Resilon/Epiphany retreatment cases, ProTaper/solvent was better in the apical portion; however when considering the whole canal, Mtwo R and the ProTaper D series had the same performance.