Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Size Evolution of the Most Massive Galaxies at 1.7 < z < 3 from GOODS NICMOS Survey Imaging

We measure the sizes of 82 massive (M ⩾ 1011 M☉) galaxies at 1.7 ⩽ z ⩽ 3 utilizing deep HST NICMOS data taken in the GOODS North and South fields. Our sample is almost an order of magnitude larger than previous studies at these redshifts, providing the first statistical study of massive galaxy sizes at z > 2, confirming the extreme compactness of these systems. We split our sample into disk-like (n ⩽ 2) and spheroid-like (n > 2) galaxies based on their Sérsic indices, and find that at a given stellar mass disk-like galaxies at z ∼ 2.3 are a factor of 2.6 ± 0.3 smaller than present-day equal-mass systems, and spheroid-like galaxies at the same redshifts are 4.3 ± 0.7 smaller than comparatively massive elliptical galaxies today. At z > 2 our results are compatible with both a leveling off, or a mild evolution in size. Furthermore, the high density (~2 × 1010 M☉ kpc−3) of massive galaxies at these redshifts, which are similar to present-day globular clusters, possibly makes any further evolution in sizes beyond z = 3 unlikely.
Does Evaluation Competence of Extension Educators Differ by Their Program Area of Responsibility?

Raising evaluation capacity is not an easy task unless the evaluation competence of Extension professionals in each program area is identified. The study reported here identified whether level of knowledge and skills and needs for further training in program evaluation vary for Extension educators based on their program area. A total of 752 Extension educators participated in the study through an online survey. Differences were observed for evaluation competence and further training needs between Extension educators among program areas. Therefore, offering training for Extension educators based on evaluation competence and the area of responsibility is recommended for optimum training outcomes.
Dendritic Calcium Signaling Triggered by Spontaneous and Sensory-Evoked Climbing Fiber Input to Cerebellar Purkinje Cells In Vivo

Cerebellar Purkinje cells have one of the most elaborate dendritic trees in the mammalian CNS, receiving excitatory synaptic input from a single climbing fiber (CF) and from ∼200,000 parallel fibers. The dendritic Ca2+ signals triggered by activation of these inputs are crucial for the induction of synaptic plasticity at both of these synaptic connections. We have investigated Ca2+ signaling in Purkinje cell dendrites in vivo by combining targeted somatic or dendritic patch-clamp recording with simultaneous two-photon microscopy. Both spontaneous and sensory-evoked CF inputs triggered widespread Ca2+ signals throughout the dendritic tree that were detectable even in individual spines of the most distal spiny branchlets receiving parallel fiber input. The amplitude of these Ca2+ signals depended on dendritic location and could be modulated by membrane potential, reflecting modulation of dendritic spikes triggered by the CF input. Furthermore, the variability of CF-triggered Ca2+ signals was regulated by GABAergic synaptic input. These results indicate that dendritic Ca2+ signals triggered by sensory-evoked CF input can act as associative signals for synaptic plasticity in Purkinje cells in vivo and may differentially modulate plasticity at parallel fiber synapses depending on the location of synapses, firing state of the Purkinje cell, and ongoing GABAergic synaptic input.
Design of power-controlled Class1 Bluetooth CMOS power amplifier

In this paper, an RF power amplifier intended for Class 1 Bluetooth application is designed using 0.35mum CMOS technology. A layout-aware macromodel for the BSIM3v3 MOSFET transistor for RF applications including substrate effect is investigated and used in this design. The model is validated for a 0.35mum CMOS process using a transistor with total width of 90mum and 18 fingers and it shows an excellent agreement with the ft, and S-parameter measurement data up to 6GHz. Effect of pads and bond wires are also taken into consideration during the design process of the PA. After post-layout simulations, the amplifier delivers an output power of 19dBm with 33.7% PAE under 3.3V supply. This amplifier has a power control feature. Its two stage circuit utilizes a cascode configuration in its first stage in order to use its bias pin as a power control input for the amplifier. Using this method, the power control range can be decreased down to 1.4 dBm which satisfies the Bluetooth standard. The chip is fabricated and is currently under testing
A decade of changes: Within-group analysis of LGBTQ individuals' perceptions of their community context and the relevance for social service providers

ABSTRACT The previous decade has seen a drastic shift in the social environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people. It is not surprising then to find that the perceived “best” and “worst” aspects of life for nonmetropolitan LGBTQ individuals have also changed. We use data from two cohorts of the Rainbow Illinois survey to examine differences between responses in 2000 and 2011. Furthermore, we examine demographic differences in the perception of what is “best” and “worst” among the 2011 cohort. Results suggest that although the general social climate has improved for some, it remains problematic for others. Implications for social service providers are thoroughly discussed.
A Rapid Optical Clearing Protocol Using 2,2′-Thiodiethanol for Microscopic Observation of Fixed Mouse Brain

Elucidation of neural circuit functions requires visualization of the fine structure of neurons in the inner regions of thick brain specimens. However, the tissue penetration depth of laser scanning microscopy is limited by light scattering and/or absorption by the tissue. Recently, several optical clearing reagents have been proposed for visualization in fixed specimens. However, they require complicated protocols or long treatment times. Here we report the effects of 2,2′-thiodiethanol (TDE) solutions as an optical clearing reagent for fixed mouse brains expressing a yellow fluorescent protein. Immersion of fixed brains in TDE solutions rapidly (within 30 min in the case of 400-µm-thick fixed brain slices) increased their transparency and enhanced the penetration depth in both confocal and two-photon microscopy. In addition, we succeeded in visualizing dendritic spines along single dendrites at deep positions in fixed thick brain slices. These results suggest that our proposed protocol using TDE solution is a rapid and useful method for optical clearing of fixed specimens expressing fluorescent proteins.
Segmentation by Level Sets and Symmetry

Shape symmetry is an important cue for image understanding. In the absence of more detailed prior shape information, segmentation can be significantly facilitated by symmetry. However, when symmetry is distorted by perspectivity, the detection of symmetry becomes non-trivial, thus complicating symmetry-aided segmentation. We present an original approach for segmentation of symmetrical objects accommodating perspective distortion. The key idea is the use of the replicative form induced by the symmetry for challenging segmentation tasks. This is accomplished by dynamic extraction of the object boundaries, based on the image gradients, gray levels or colors, concurrently with registration of the image symmetrical counterpart (e.g. reflection) to itself. The symmetrical counterpart of the evolving object contour supports the segmentation by resolving possible ambiguities due to noise, clutter, distortion, shadows, occlusions and assimilation with the background. The symmetry constraint is integrated in a comprehensive level-set functional for segmentation that determines the evolution of the delineating contour. The proposed framework is exemplified on various images of skewsymmetrical objects and its superiority over state of the art variational segmentation techniques is demonstrated.
Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, breast cancer subtypes and therapeutic efficacy

By analyzing over 2000 samples from a randomized clinical trial, we have recently associated high levels of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes with an excellent prognosis among triple negative breast cancer patients as well with improved clinical responses to immunogenic chemotherapy among patients bearing HER2 over-expression. These findings suggest that immunomodulation could represent a new approach to treat these aggressive breast cancer subtypes.
A Discussion About Some of the Principles/Practices of Wireless Communication Under a Maxwellian Framework

There has been a plethora of papers dealing with wireless communication that use techniques, which when viewed from the perspective of a Maxwellian framework raise more questions than they answer. By Maxwellian framework we imply not only the relevance of electromagnetics in studying communication systems but also the proper interpretation of an ensemble processing in mathematical physics which was first introduced by Maxwell to study the behavior of an aggregate of molecules rather than the property of individuals. Initially, most of the modern signal processing techniques was developed for scalar acoustic problems. However, with the advent of wireless, these same techniques are being applied to the vector electromagnetics problem, which is fundamentally different in concept with respect to the scalar acoustic problem. The objective is to discuss some of these concerns associated with some of the current modeling methodologies particularly related to propagation modeling and antenna diversity. A goal is to initiate a dialog about the scientific merits of these new applications. One of the points to be made is that an incorrect use of probability theory can often lead to erroneous conclusions that directly contradict the principles of physics. A few examples are presented to initiate this dialog, mainly the applicability of scalar techniques to the vector wireless problem, including a proper interpretation of the Shannon channel capacity theorem. A methodology is also presented to illustrate how a simple multiple-input-multiple-output system can be based on the principles of reciprocity. Integration of the electromagnetic principles in some of the current methodologies of signal processing and communications theory may lead to a better system
The First Measurements of Galaxy Clustering from Infrared Array Camera (IRAC) Data of the Spitzer First Look Survey

We present the first results of the angular autocorrelation function of the galaxies detected by the Infrared Array Camera (IRAC) instrument in the First Look Survey (FLS) of the Spitzer Space Telescope. We detect significant signals of galaxy clustering within the survey area. The angular autocorrelation function of the galaxies detected in each of the four IRAC instrument channels is consistent with a power-law form w(θ) = Aθ1-γ out to θ = 0. °2, with the slope ranging from γ = 1.5 to 1.8. We estimate the correlation amplitude A to be 2.95 × 10-3, 2.03 × 10-3, 4.53 × 10-3, and 2.34 × 10-3 at θ = 1° for galaxies detected in the IRAC 3.6, 4.5, 5.8, and 8.0 μm instrument channels, respectively. We compare our measurements at 3.6 μm with the previous K-band measurements and discuss the implications of these results.
Vocabulary acquisition through cloze exercises, sentence-writing and composition-writing: Extending the evaluation component of the involvement load hypothesis

This research inspects the allocation of involvement load to the evaluation component of the involvement load hypothesis, examining how three typical approaches to evaluation (cloze-exercises, sentence-writing, and composition-writing) promote word learning. The results of this research were partially consistent with the predictions of the hypothesis: the two writing tasks with greater involvement load led to significantly better word learning than cloze-exercises with lower load, while composition-writing was significantly more effective than sentence-writing despite the same involvement load according to the matrix of the original model. Such results are explained from the perspectives of information organization and pre-task planning, based on which evaluation induced by cloze-exercises is suggested to be allocated with ‘moderate evaluation’ as it involves no use of chunking, hierarchical organization or pre-task planning, evaluation induced by sentence-writing with ‘strong evaluation’ as it involves chunking and pre-task planning at the sentence level, and evaluation induced by composition-writing with ‘very strong evaluation’ for it involves chunking, hierarchical organization and pre-task planning at the composition level.
Indecision and Avoidant Procrastination: The Role of Morningness—Eveningness and Time Perspective in Chronic Delay Lifestyles

The authors examined how time orientation and morningness—eveningness relate to 2 forms of procrastination: indecision and avoidant forms. Participants were 509 adults (M age = 49.78 years, SD = 6.14) who completed measures of time orientation, morningness—eveningness, decisional procrastination (i.e., indecision), and avoidant procrastination. Results showed that morningness was negatively related to avoidant procrastination but not decisional procrastination. Overall, the results indicated different temporal profiles for indecision and avoidant procrastinations. Avoidant procrastination related to low future time orientation and low morningness, whereas indecision related to both (a) high negative and high positive past orientations and (b) low present-hedonistic and low future time orientations. The authors inferred that distinct forms of procrastination seem different on the basis of dimensions of time.
Blowup algebras of square-free monomial ideals and some links to combinatorial optimization problems

Let I = (x v 1 , . . . , x v q ) be a square-free monomial ideal of a polynomial ring K[x1, . , xn] over an arbitrary field K and let A be the incidence matrix with column vectors v1, . , vq. We will establish some connections between algebraic properties of certain graded algebras associated to I and combinatorial optimization properties of certain polyhedra and clutters associated to A and I respectively. Some applications to Rees algebras and combinatorial optimization are presented. We study a conjecture of Conforti and
Secure k-Connectivity Properties of Wireless Sensor Networks

A k-connected wireless sensor network (WSN) allows messages to be routed via one (or more) of at least k node-disjoint paths, so that even if some nodes along one of the paths fail, or are compromised, the other paths can still be used. This is a much desired feature in fault tolerance and security, k-connectivity in this context is largely a well-studied subject. When we apply the random key pre-distribution scheme to secure a WSN however, and only consider the paths consisting entirely of secure (encrypted and/or authenticated) links, we are concerned with the secure k-connectivity of the WSN. This notion of secure k-connectivity is relatively new and no results are yet available. The random key pre-distribution scheme has two important parameters: the key ring size and the key pool size. While it has been determined before the relation between these parameters and 1-connectivity, our work in k-connectivity is new. Using a recently introduced random graph model called kryptograph, we derive mathematical formulae to estimate the asymptotic probability of a WSN being securely k-connected, and the expected secure k-connectivity, as a function of the key ring size and the key pool size. Finally, our theoretical findings are supported by simulation results.
Lactation‐induced reduction in hippocampal neurogenesis is reversed by repeated stress exposure

The peripartum period is a time of high susceptibility for mood and anxiety disorders, some of which have recently been associated with alterations in hippocampal neurogenesis. Several factors including stress, aging, and, perhaps unexpectedly, lactation have been shown to decrease hippocampal neurogenesis. Intriguingly, lactation is also a time of reduced stress responsivity suggesting that the effect of stress on neurogenic processes may differ during this period. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to assess the effect of repeated stress during lactation [2 h restraint stress from lactation day (LD) 2 to LD13] on brain weight, hippocampal volume, cell proliferation and survival, and on neuronal and astroglial differentiation. In addition to confirming the known lactation‐associated decrease in cell proliferation and survival, we could reveal that stress reversed the lactation‐induced decrease in cell proliferation, while it did not affect survival of newly born cells, nor the number of mature neurons , nor did it alter immature neuron production or the number of astroglial cells in lactation. Stress exposure increased relative brain weight and hippocampal volume mirroring the observed changes in neurogenesis. Interestingly, hippocampal volume and relative brain weight were lower in lactation as compared to nulliparous females under nonstressed conditions. This study assessed the effect of stress during lactation on hippocampal neurogenesis and indicates that stress interferes with important peripartum adaptations at the level of the hippocampus. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Asymmetrical multilevel inverter with staircase modulation for variable frequency drives in fractional horsepower applications

Nowadays, the great use of small induction motors in domestic applications and other industrial applications justify the development of new servo-drives and motor designs. The main objective should be to improve the efficiency and to consume energy with a clean absorption of current harmonic from the mains. Thereby, this paper presents an application for the speed control of a small single/two phase induction motor. A new topology of cascaded multilevel inverter together with several half-bridge cells in series using a reduced number of switches and insulated gate driver circuits is proposed. Hybrid multilevel converter is controlled through a staircase modulation in order to minimize the switching losses. Waveforms generated by the system are composed in the motor windings to obtain a voltage with variable amplitude and frequency; the objective is to supply small electric power drives. The two parameters of the waveforms - amplitude and frequency - in the motor winding are easily regulated through the phase shift. The staircase modulation can be easily implemented in the multilevel inverter due to its unique structure and relatively simple control. Compared with the carrier-based PWM schemes, the staircase modulation is characterized by low switching losses since all the elements operate at the fundamental frequency. This new drive provides advantages as a straightforward control method, simplicity of the design, easily regulated starting torque and its low cost. As a whole, the design leads to a robust, compact, cheap unit, easy to manufacture. In summary, a new control type for angle phase is proposed through the staircase modulation for adjustable speed drive in fractional horsepower small single/two-phase induction motors.
Player experience and technical performance prospects for distributed 3D gaming in private and public settings

Distributed gaming enables access to interactive media from devices based on different platforms. It facilitates users to enjoy video games in various environments without the need for using a single device or operating system. Understanding the potential and limitations of such gaming-on-demand systems is key for their adoption and further growth in public places. This paper presents an in-depth, quantitative study performed with the Games@Large (GaL) distributed-gaming system and its potential users at an Internet café in Genoa, Italy. The approach of the study was multilevel, covering the player experience and user acceptance aspects as well as technical performance peculiarities. Results show that the GaL system has a high potential at Internet cafes, in particular when playing a casual genre game. Furthermore, results provide recommendations for deploying such systems in terms of social setting and technical aspects. The methodology and findings of the GaL system tests can be applied to similar game streaming systems and used as input for theories on social digital game play.
Efficient compositional approaches for real-time robust direct visual odometry from RGB-D data

In this paper we give an evaluation of different methods for computing frame-to-frame motion estimates for a moving RGB-D sensor, by means of aligning two images using photometric error minimization. These kind of algorithms have recently shown to be very accurate and robust and therefore provide an attractive solution for robot ego-motion estimation and navigation. We demonstrate three different alignment strategies, namely the Forward-Compositional, the Inverse-Compositional and the Efficient Second-Order Minimization approach, in a general robust estimation framework. We further show how estimating global affine illumination changes, in general improves the performance of the algorithms. We compare our results with recently published work, considered as state-of-the art in this field, and show that our solutions are in general more precise and can perform in real-time on standard hardware.
A proof of the weak (1,1) inequality for singular integrals with non doubling measures based on a Calderón-Zygmund decomposition

Given a doubling measure $\mu$ on ${\mathbb R}^d$, it is a classical result of harmonic analysis that Calderon-Zygmund operators which are bounded in $L^2(\mu)$ are also of weak type (1,1). Recently it has been shown that the same result holds if one substitutes the doubling condition on $\mu$ by a mild growth condition on $\mu$. In this paper another proof of this result is given. The proof is very close in spirit to the classical argument for doubling measures and it is based on a new Calderon-Zygmund decomposition adapted to the non doubling situation.
Abstract semantic differencing via speculative correlation

We address the problem of computing semantic differences between a program and a patched version of the program. Our goal is to obtain a precise characterization of the difference between program versions, or establish their equivalence. We focus on infinite-state numerical programs, and use abstract interpretation to compute an over-approximation of program differences. Computing differences and establishing equivalence under abstraction requires abstracting relationships between variables in the two programs. Towards that end, we use a correlating abstract domain to compute a sound approximation of these relationships which captures semantic difference. This approximation can be computed over any interleaving of the two programs. However, the choice of interleaving can significantly affect precision. We present a speculative search algorithm that aims to find an interleaving of the two programs with minimal abstract semantic difference. This method is unique as it allows the analysis to dynamically alternate between several interleavings. We have implemented our approach and applied it to real-world examples including patches from Git, GNU Coreutils, as well as a few handpicked patches from the Linux kernel and the Mozilla Firefox web browser. Our evaluation shows that we compute precise approximations of semantic differences, and report few false differences.