Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dependable multi-touch interactions in safety critical industrial contexts: Application to aeronautics

Over the last few years multi-touch interfaces have made their ways in most environments including mobile technologies, flight entertainment systems, consumer electronics. Such interfaces and associated interaction techniques have demonstrated benefits partly due to the fact that the output device integrates input management thus bridging the (classical) gap between input and output in user interfaces. They have also demonstrated benefits in terms of performance for triggering commands by exploiting multi-fingers interactions thus reducing the number of unnecessary modes. Together with these benefits, multi-touch interfaces bring a set of issues that are still to be solved prior to make them “acceptable” for command and control of (safety) critical interactive systems. Such issues include usability and reliability in a way that is even more salient than in “classical” Windows, Icons, Menus, Pointing device (WIMP) interfaces that have been around for more than 30 years. This paper proposes a notation and its associated tool for describing in a complete and unambiguous way multi-touch interactions thus mainly targeting at reliability. We present from a case study (in the application domain of interactive cockpits of aircrafts) how the notation makes it possible to describe such interactions from the hardware level and how this notation can be integrated into an industrial development process.
Familial Intracranial Aneurysms: Recurrence Risk and Accidental Aggregation Study

ABSTRACT: Background: The Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean (SLSJ) region is a geographically isolated area (population 285,955) located in the Northeastern part of the Province of Quebec, Canada. Using a population-based register, the genealogical reconstruction of 502 individuals with ruptured intracranial aneurysm (RIA) showed a familial aggregation (the presence of aneurysm in two or more first- to third-degree relatives) for 144 (28.7%) of them; this proportion is much higher than reported elsewhere. Objective: In order to assess the genetic predisposition to RIA in the SLSJ population, the objective of the present study is to compare familial and non-familial cases and to provide an estimate of the recurrence risk ratio for siblings. Results: The age at the time of rupture, the number of intracranial aneurysms for each patient and the location of RIAs were not statistically different in the familial versus the non-familial group. Of the 3449 siblings, 20 (0.58%) had suffered a RIA. The recurrence risk ratio calculated for siblings (defined as the risk of disease among siblings divided by the estimated population prevalence) is 1.6 (CI 95% 1.0 - 2.4). In other respects, we observed very large kinships in the SLSJ population, with an average number of siblings of 7.2 (SD ± 3.4), ranging from 0 to 17 individuals. With such large families and on the basis of chance alone, we expected 31.3% of the patients to have at least one first- to third-degree relative with RIA. Conclusion: These data show that siblings of patients with RIA in the SLSJ population have a greater risk of RIA than the general population. Nevertheless, the largest part of the familial occurrence observed in the SLSJ region can be explained by accidental aggregation, due to large kinships. We propose that, in this population, an underlying genetic predisposition must be suspected only when three or more cases of RIA are identified among first- to third-degree relatives.
Thinking about Flexibility: A Response to Gertler

In a recent article in this journal, Gertler criticizes the notion of flexibility, focusing on the issues of the empirical pervasiveness of flexible production methods and the social, economic and technical barriers to their spread. Emphasizing the labour control advantages of an extensive spatial division of labour, he criticizes geographers who have linked flexible production with spatial reconcentration. This paper takes issue with Gertler's criteria for evaluating the significance of flexibility, his assessment of the origins of technological and organizational change in production, and the relationship between labour control and the spatial allocation of production. It presents an alternative interpretation of the meaning of flexibility in industrial history.
TESTING GRAVITY WITH MOTION OF SATELLITES AROUND GALAXIES: NEWTONIAN GRAVITY AGAINST MODIFIED NEWTONIAN DYNAMICS

The motion of satellite galaxies around normal galaxies at distances 50–500 kpc provides a sensitive test for theories. We study the surface density and velocities of satellites around isolated red galaxies in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. We find that the surface number density of satellites declines with the projected distance as a power law with the slope −1.5 to 2. The rms velocities gradually decline: observations exclude constant velocities at a ∼10σ level. We show that observational data strongly favor the standard model; all three major statistics of satellites—the number-density profile, the line-of-sight velocity dispersion, and the distribution function of the velocities—agree remarkably well with the predictions of the standard cosmological model. Thus, the success of the standard model extends to scales (50–500) kpc, much lower than what was previously considered. Modified Newtonian dynamics (MOND) fails on these scales for models which assume any single power-law number-density profile of satellites and any constant velocity anisotropy by predicting nearly constant rms velocities of satellites. Satellite data can be fit by fine-tuned models, which require (1) specific non-power-law density profile, (2) very radial orbits at large distances (velocity anisotropy β = 0.60.7 at R = 200–300 kpc), and (3) 2–2.5 times more stellar mass than what is found in the galaxies. The external gravity force—a necessary component for MOND—makes the situation even worse. We argue that a combination of satellite data and observational constraints on stellar masses make these models very problematic.
Competition between Memory Systems: Acetylcholine Release in the Hippocampus Correlates Negatively with Good Performance on an Amygdala-Dependent Task

Lesions of the amygdala impair acquisition of a food conditioned place preference (CPP) task. In contrast, lesions of the fornix facilitate acquisition on this task, showing that an intact hippocampal system can interfere with learning an amygdala-dependent task. Our recent findings indicate that acetylcholine (ACh) release in the hippocampus increases while rats perform a hippocampus-dependent spontaneous alternation task. To the extent that ACh output in the hippocampus reflects activation of that brain area in learning and memory, the results obtained with fornix lesions suggest that ACh release in the hippocampus might be negatively correlated with learning on a CPP task. Using in vivo microdialysis, release of ACh was measured in the hippocampus while rats learned and were tested on an amygdala-dependent CPP task and a hippocampus-dependent spontaneous alternation task. Release of ACh in the hippocampus increased when rats were tested on either task. The magnitude of the increase in release of hippocampal ACh was negatively correlated with good performance on the amygdala-dependent CPP task. These findings suggest that ACh release may reflect activation and participation of the hippocampus in learning and memory, but in a manner that can be detrimental to performance on a task dependent on another brain area.
The efficacy of two vaccination schemes against experimental infection with a virulent amyxomatous or a virulent nodular myxoma virus strain.

Two types of myxomatosis vaccine are available commercially, namely, vaccine prepared from the Shope fibroma virus (SFV) and that prepared from an attenuated myxoma virus (MV) strain, e.gSG33. An experiment was designed to compare two vaccination schemes for their ability to protect rabbits against challenge with either a virulent amyxomatous MV strain or a virulent nodular MV strain. Apart from a difference in the cutaneous expression of the disease, the two challenge strains resembled each other in respect of mortality rate, naso-conjunctival shedding of virus, and tissue infection. Vaccination with SFV alone failed to prevent clinical signs, naso-conjunctival shedding or tissue infection. Vaccination with SFV followed by a booster inoculation with SG33 protected rabbits against the development of clinical signs and significantly reduced both viral shedding in naso-conjunctival exudates and viral infection of eyelids, lungs and testes; virus was, however, isolated from testes of some surviving animals.
Cytokine levels in whole blood cell cultures as parameters of the cellular immunologic activity in patients with malignant melanoma and basal cell carcinoma

For the determination of cellular immunity status, mitogen‐induced lymphocyte proliferation tests are used, along with measurements of cytokine secretion. The authors have established a test system with whole blood cell cultures in which they measured the following cytokines: alpha‐interleukin‐1 (α‐IL‐1), interleukin‐2 (IL‐2), gamma‐interferon (τ‐IFN), and alpha‐tumor necrosis factor (α‐TNF) in the supernatants by enzymoimmunologic methods. With this system, the authors tested blood samples of 72 patients with malignant melanoma, 38 patients with basal cell carcinoma, and 315 healthy control subjects. In the blood cell cultures of the patients with melanoma, significantly lower values of the lymphokines τ‐IFN and IL‐2 were found, compared with those of the control subjects, and the levels of the monokines α‐IL‐1 and α‐TNF were reduced. τ‐IFN values correlated with different clinical stages. In contrast, the patients with basal cell carcinoma had equal values for all four cytokines as an age‐matched control group. Cancer 1993; 71:231‐6.
Fibrosis in immune control of mammary‐tumor growth

In malignancies, an interruption of growth (dormancy) is sometimes observed. In the immunogenic mammary carcinoma MC2, dormancy followed by regression after a period of growth was observed in 18% of s.c. implants in normal mice. Dormant implants removed for histologic examination were invariably found to be completely surrounded by a highly fibrous stroma. Fibrosis was enhanced in immunized mice, and reduced in immuno‐deficient mice. Surgical disruption of the fibrous capsule around dormant tumors early (19 ± 3 days) in the immune response led more frequently to resumed growth, while later (32 ± 3 days) disruption of the capsule led more frequently to complete regressions. This showed that fibrous capsules that could destroy tumors could also shield them against well‐developed systemic immune mechanisms.
Cytotaxonomy of two species of genus Chrysolaena H. Robinson, 1988 (Vernonieae, Asteraceae) from Northeast Paraguay

Abstract Chromosome counts and karyotypes of two species of Chrysolaena H. Robinson 1988 are presented in this paper. Mitotic analysis revealed that both taxa have x=10, a basic chromosome number considered characteristic of the genus. The chromosome number and the karyotype of Chrysolaena cristobaliana are reported for the first time, as well as a new cytotype and the karyotype of Chrysolaena sceptrum. Chrysolaena cristobaliana showed heptaploid cytotype with 2n=7x=70 and a karyotype composed of 46 m + 24 sm chromosomes. On the other hand, Chrysolaena sceptrum presented tetraploid cytotype with 2n=4x=40 and a karyotype with 30 m + 10 sm chromosomes. Accessory chromosomes were observed in cells of both species. The chromosome analysis showed that these species differ in the chromosome number and the total chromosome length, although they showed similar chromosome morphology and asymmetry indexes. The results support the use of chromosome data in taxonomic treatments of the American members of the tribe Vernonieae.
THE EFFECTS OF CHRONIC SMOKING ON THE FIBRINOLYTIC POTENTIAL OF PLASMA AND PLATELETS

We studied tissue‐type plasminogen activator (t‐PA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI‐1) in healthy individuals divided by smoking habit into current smokers, former smokers and non‐smokers (who had never smoked). Plasma PAI‐1 antigen was significantly higher in smokers than in non‐smokers with intermediate levels in former smokers. A similar trend was observed for plasma PAI activity but this did not reach statistical significance. Platelet PAI‐1 and plasma t‐PA were not significantly different when comparing the three groups. After venous occlusion t‐PA rose significantly in all groups; no significant change in plasma PAI‐1 was observed. The ratio of t‐PA to PAI‐1 in plasma was similar in non‐smokers and former smokers but lower in smokers, suggesting that there is at least partial restoration of plasma fibrinolytic potential after smoking cessation. Plasma PAI‐1 antigen and PAI activity correlated with estimated pack‐years of cigarettes smoked among smokers and former smokers. When all subjects were studied collectively, plasma PAI‐1 correlated strongly with plasma t‐PA and triglycerides; plasma t‐PA also correlated strongly with triglycerdes.
Public Service Motivation and Decisions to Report Wrongdoing in U.S. Federal Agencies: Is This Relationship Mediated by the Seriousness of the Wrongdoing

Scholars have argued that whistle-blowing is consistent with public service motivation (PSM), given that whistle-blowing is a form of self-sacrifice and concern for the public interest. Such a connection is also consistent with the Prosocial Organizational Behavior (POB) Model. However, only one article was found that examined the direct association between PSM and whether or not employees reported unlawful acts. Furthermore, no article was found to explore the relationship between PSM, whistle-blowing, and seriousness of wrongdoing—an important intervening factor that influences decisions to report. This is surprising because whistle-blowers can prevent detrimental harm to individuals and society and yet we still know little about the internal motives that cause them to come forward. Consequently, the connection between PSM and whistle-blowing was investigated further in this article. Consistent with the POB Model, PSM was positively associated with whistle-blowing generally, as well as internal and external whistle-blowing. Seriousness of wrongdoing was also found to have a positive effect on whistle-blowing. Furthermore, seriousness of wrongdoing was found to moderate the relationship between PSM and only internal whistle-blowing. The implications of the findings are discussed in the article.
Huntingtin gene CAG repeat numbers in Chinese patients with Huntington's disease and controls

Huntington's disease is due to a CAG triplet repeat elongation in the huntingtin gene. Boundaries in CAG numbers have been found between healthy people with and without risk to pass the disorder to the next generation, and between people without, with a mild, or with a fully penetrant phenotype. These data have been generated in western populations and it is not clear whether they are also valid amongst Chinese.
The intracellular functions of alpha6beta4 integrin are regulated by EGF

Upon ligand binding, the alpha6beta4 integrin becomes phosphorylated on tyrosine residues and combines sequentially with the adaptor molecules Shc and Grb2, linking to the ras pathway, and with cytoskeletal elements of hemidesmosomes. Since alpha6beta4 is expressed in a variety of tissues regulated by the EGF receptor (EGFR), we have examined the effect of EGF on the cytoskeletal and signaling functions of alpha6beta4. Experiments of immunoblotting with anti-phosphotyrosine antibodies and immunoprecipitation followed by phosphoamino acid analysis and phosphopeptide mapping showed that activation of the EGFR causes phosphorylation of the beta4 subunit at multiple tyrosine residues, and this event requires ligation of the integrin by laminins or specific antibodies. Immunoprecipitation experiments indicated that stimulation with EGF does not result in association of alpha6beta4 with Shc. In contrast, EGF can partially suppress the recruitment of Shc to ligated alpha6beta4. Immunofluorescent analysis revealed that EGF treatment does not induce increased assembly of hemidesmosomes, but instead causes a deterioration of these adhesive structures. Finally, Boyden chamber assays indicated that exposure to EGF results in upregulation of alpha6beta4-mediated cell migration toward laminins. We conclude that EGF-dependent signals suppress the association of activated alpha6beta4 with both signaling and cytoskeletal molecules, but upregulate alpha6beta4-dependent cell migration. The changes in alpha6beta4 function induced by EGF may play a role during wound healing and tumorigenesis.
The Comparative Impacts of Social Justice Educational Methods on Political Participation, Civic Engagement, and Multicultural Activism

This cross-sectional, repeated measures, quasi-experimental study evaluates changes in college students’ commitment toward, and confidence in, political participation, civic engagement, and multicultural activism. Our sample (n = 653) consisted of college students in a Midwestern university who participated in one of three social justice education course types (service learning, intergroup dialogue, or lecture-based diversity classes) or in an “introduction to psychology” course (the non-intervention group). After completion of a social justice education course, students reported an increase in political participation and multicultural activism, whereas students enrolled in the non-intervention group reported no changes in these measures. Service learning course participants started and ended their course with the highest reported levels of political participation, civic engagement, and multicultural activism but did not demonstrate an increase in any of the three outcomes. Intergroup dialogue participants demonstrated increases in all three outcomes, while participants of lecture-based classes focusing on social justice issues demonstrated increases in political participation and multicultural activism, but not civic engagement. Our findings suggest that participation in social justice education courses is associated with increases in political participation and multicultural activism.
INCREASED CONCENTRATIONS OF HAEMOLYMPH Mg 2 + PROTECT INTRACELLULAR pH AND ATP LEVELS DURING TEMPERATURE STRESS AND ANOXIA IN THE COMMON SHRIMP CRANGON CRANGON

The effects of temperature (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 °C) and of anoxia (at 5 °C) on extracellular Mg2+ concentration ([Mg2+]e), intracellular pH (pHi) and ATP and lactate levels were investigated in intermoult adults of the common shrimp Crangon crangon. All animals caught in summer (summer animals) showed a slight but significant increase in [Mg2+]e at low temperatures. In contrast, at every temperature tested, a few of the animals caught in winter (winter animals) showed elevated [Mg2+]e during shortterm (4 h) but not during long-term (6 days) incubations. The reasons for the overshoot in Mg2+ concentrations in individual animals remain unexplained, but a protective effect of extracellular Mg2+ on intracellular pH and on ATP concentrations was visible at haemolymph Mg2+ concentrations above 15 mmol l−1. The influence of high extracellular [Mg2+] on pHi and intracellular ATP and lactate levels under normoxic and anoxic conditions was tested using an incubation medium containing 150–250 mmol l−1 Mg2+. When haemolymph Mg2+ levels were manipulated by exposure of the animal to high levels of Mg2+ in the external medium, animals with a haemolymph [Mg2+] below the threshold concentration of 15 mmol l−1 had significantly lower values of intracellular pH than animals with haemolymph [Mg2+] above 15 mmol l−1. In addition, the elevation of haemolymph [Mg2+] by incubation in high-[Mg2+] water prevented the drop in pHi and the rise in lactate levels induced by anoxia. The protective effect of high levels of extracellular Mg2+ did not depend upon the [Ca2+]/[Mg2+] ratio but only on [Mg2+]e. However, experiments with isolated muscle tissues showed no dependence of muscle intracellular pH on [Mg2+]e under both normoxic and anoxic conditions, leading to the conclusion that the protective effect is evoked via a central, possibly anaesthetising, effect of high [Mg2+]e. The dependence of pHi and muscle [ATP] on extracellular [Mg2+] resembles the protective effect of high Mg2+ levels on the post-ischaemic mammalian heart.
Anticonvulsant effect of diphenylhydantoin relative to plasma levels. A prospective three-year study in ambulant patients with generalized epileptic seizures.

In 32 ambulant epileptic patients, the plasma levels of diphenylhydantoin were measured gas chromatographically monthly to bimonthly for three years. The mean diphenylhydantoin plasma levels were increased from 6.1 ± 2. 9μg/ml during the first year to 11.7 ± 3. 3μg/ml during the second and 15.0 ± 2. 5μg/ml during the third year. The annual mean number of grand mal seizures per patient decreased from 5.8 to 4.1 and 1.6, respectively. The optimal diphenylhydantoin plasma levels varied between patients and depended on the severity of the epilepsy. In some cases it was close to or above 20μg/ml. Acute cerebellar side effects were rare and reversible. The overall data strongly suggest that monitoring of the diphenylhydantoin plasma levels is a valuable aid in the management of patients with generalized epileptic seizures.
Perspectives in Statistical Mechanics

Without attempting to summarize the vast field of statistical mechanics, we briefly mention some of the progress that was made in areas which have enjoyed Barry Simon's interests. In particular, we focus on rigorous non-perturbative results which provide insight on the spread of correlations in Gibbs equilibrium states and yield information on phase transitions and critical phenomena. Briefly mentioned also are certain spinoffs, where ideas which have been fruitful within the context of statistical mechanics proved to be of use in other areas, and some recent results which relate to previously open questions and conjectures.