Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Estimating recurrence times and seismic hazard of large earthquakes on an individual fault

SUMMARY We present a strategy for estimating the recurrence times between large earthquakes and associated seismic hazard on a given fault section. The goal of the analysis is to address two fundamental problems. (1) The lack of sufficient direct earthquake data and (2) the existence of ‘subgrid’ processes that can not be accounted for in any model. We deal with the first problem by using long simulations (some 10 000 yr) of a physically motivated ‘coarsegrain’ model that reproduces the main statistical properties of seismicity on individual faults. We address the second problem by adding stochasticity to the macroscopic model parameters. A small number N of observational earthquake times (2 ≤ N ≤ 10) can be used to determine the values of model parameters which are most representative for the fault. As an application of the method, we consider a model set-up that produces the characteristic earthquake distribution, and where the stress drops are associated with some uncertainty. Using several model realizations with different values of stress drops, we generate a set of corresponding synthetic earthquake catalogues. The recurrence time distributions in the simulated catalogues are fitted approximately by a gamma distribution. A superposition of appropriately scaled gamma distributions is then used to construct a distribution of recurrence intervals that incorporates the assumed uncertainty of the stress drops. Combining such synthetic data with observed recurrence times between the observational ∼M6 earthquakes on the Parkfield segment of the San Andreas fault, allows us to constrain the distribution of recurrence intervals and to estimate the average stress drop of the events. Based on this procedure, we calculate for the Parkfield region the expected recurrence time distribution, the hazard function, and the mean waiting time to the next ∼M6 earthquake. Using five observational recurrence times from 1857 to 1966, the recurrence time distribution has a maximum at 22.2 yr and decays rapidly for higher intervals. The probability for the post 1966 large event to occur on or before 2004 September 28 is 94 per cent. The average stress drop of ∼M6 Parkfield earthquakes is in the range �τ = (3.04 ± 0.27) MPa.
Prebiotic effects of inulin and oligofructose

Prebiotics are non-digestible food ingredients that target certain components within the microbiota of the human large intestine. Efficient prebiotics need to have a specific fermentation therein and thereby have the ability to alter the faecal microflora composition towards a more ‘beneficial’ community structure. This should occur by the stimulation of benign or potentially health promoting genera but not the harmful groups. Because of their positive attributes bifidobacteria and lactobacilli are the most frequent target organisms. Both inulin and oligofructose have been demonstrated to be effective prebiotics. This has been shown through both in vitro and in vivo assessments in different laboratories. Because of their recognised prebiotic properties, principally the selective stimulation of colonic bifidobacteria, both inulin and oligofructose are increasingly used in new food product developments. Examples include drinks, yoghurts, biscuits and table spreads. Because of the recognised inhibitory effects that bifidobacteria can exert against gut pathogens, one of the most important aspects of prebiotic ingestion is fortification of the gut flora to resist acute infections.
Amorphous Placement and Retrieval of Sensory Data in Sparse Mobile Ad-Hoc Networks

Personal communication devices are increasingly being equipped with sensors that are able to passively collect information from their surroundings - information that could be stored in fairly small local caches. We envision a system in which users of such devices use their collective sensing, storage, and communication resources to query the state of (possibly remote) neighborhoods. The goal of such a system is to achieve the highest query success ratio using the least communication overhead (power). We show that the use of Data Centric Storage (DCS), or directed placement, is a viable approach for achieving this goal, but only when the underlying network is well connected. Alternatively, we propose, amorphous placement, in which sensory samples are cached locally and informed exchanges of cached samples is used to diffuse the sensory data throughout the whole network. In handling queries, the local cache is searched first for potential answers. If unsuccessful, the query is forwarded to one or more direct neighbors for answers. This technique leverages node mobility and caching capabilities to avoid the multi-hop communication overhead of directed placement. Using a simplified mobility model, we provide analytical lower and upper bounds on the ability of amorphous placement to achieve uniform field coverage in one and two dimensions. We show that combining informed shuffling of cached samples upon an encounter between two nodes, with the querying of direct neighbors could lead to significant performance improvements. For instance, under realistic mobility models, our simulation experiments show that amorphous placement achieves 10% to 40% better query answering ratio at a 25% to 35% savings in consumed power over directed placement.
Climate Change and Armed Conflicts African Observatory (CACAO): a georeferenced map of Africa

The paper develops a methodological approach to gather information on the role played by climate change in influencing armed conflicts in Africa. It builds a database to comprehensively map and analyse African countries through a geo-referenced representation of the climate, conflicts and socio- economic characteristics in a local rather than a country level analysis (110×110 km grid cells) over almost three decades, from 1990 to 2016. During this period, the African continent has been characterized by a high number of conflicts. The paper analyses the role played by climate change in affecting the conflicts dynamics, the risk of onset and magnitude, both in terms of number of registered events and fatalities. At the same time, as largely recognised in literature there are several other aspects that could aggravate (or offset) the local conditions, eventually degenerating in armed conflicts. Hence, the analysis also explores factors such as GDP, population, land use, water stress, natural resources, infrastructure availability and quality of institutions. Conflicts seem to mainly erupt in populated areas that are also rich of natural resources, but further analysis is needed in order to disentangle the role of the different drivers and to account for the spatial and temporal dependence.
Phagocytosis genes nonautonomously promote developmental cell death in the Drosophila ovary

Significance Programmed cell death is usually considered a cell-autonomous suicide program, synonymous with apoptosis. Here we demonstrate that a specific example of large-scale nonapoptotic developmental programmed cell death in the Drosophila ovary occurs by an alternative cell death program where surrounding epithelial cells nonautonomously promote the death of the germ line. We find that genes normally required for engulfment of dying cells act to promote the death of the germ line. Developmental programmed cell death in the Drosophila ovary is an intriguing example of nonapoptotic, nonautonomous cell death, providing insight on the diversity of cell death mechanisms. Programmed cell death (PCD) is usually considered a cell-autonomous suicide program, synonymous with apoptosis. Recent research has revealed that PCD is complex, with at least a dozen cell death modalities. Here, we demonstrate that the large-scale nonapoptotic developmental PCD in the Drosophila ovary occurs by an alternative cell death program where the surrounding follicle cells nonautonomously promote death of the germ line. The phagocytic machinery of the follicle cells, including Draper, cell death abnormality (Ced)-12, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), is essential for the death and removal of germ-line–derived nurse cells during late oogenesis. Cell death events including acidification, nuclear envelope permeabilization, and DNA fragmentation of the nurse cells are impaired when phagocytosis is inhibited. Moreover, elimination of a small subset of follicle cells prevents nurse cell death and cytoplasmic dumping. Developmental PCD in the Drosophila ovary is an intriguing example of nonapoptotic, nonautonomous PCD, providing insight on the diversity of cell death mechanisms.
Dysfunctional Metacognitive Beliefs Are Associated with Decreased Executive Control

Dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs (“metacognitions”) and executive control are important factors in mental disorders such as depression and anxiety, but the relationship between these concepts has not been studied systematically. We examined whether there is an association between metacognitions and executive control and hypothesized that decreased executive control statistically predicts increased levels of metacognitions. Two hundred and ninety-nine individuals recruited from the general population and outpatient psychiatric clinics completed the Metacognitions Questionnaire-30 and three subtests from the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery corresponding to the three-component model of executive functions. Controlling for current depression and anxiety symptoms, decreased ability to shift between mental sets was associated with increased negative beliefs about the uncontrollability and danger of worry and beliefs about the need to control thoughts. The results suggest a basic association between metacognitions and executive control. Individual differences in executive control could prove important in the personalization of metacognitive therapy.
DESERVE: A Framework for Detecting Program Security Vulnerability Exploitations

It is difficult to develop a program that is completely free from vulnerabilities. Despite the application of many approaches to secure programs, vulnerability exploitations occur in real-world in large numbers. Exploitations of vulnerabilities may corrupt memory spaces and program states, lead to denial of services and authorization bypassing, and leak sensitive information. Monitoring at the program code level can be a way of vulnerability exploitation detection at runtime. In this work, we propose a monitor embedding framework DESERVE (a framework for Detecting program Security Vulnerability Exploitations). DESERVE identifies exploitable statements from source code based on static backward slicing and embeds necessary code to detect attacks. During the deployment stage, the enhanced programs execute exploitable statements in a separate test environment. Unlike traditional monitors that extract and store program state information to compare with vulnerable free program states to detect exploitation, our approach does not need to save state information. Moreover, the slicing technique allows us avoid the tracking of fine grained level of information about runtime program environments such as input flow and memory state. We implement DESERVE for detecting buffer overflow, SQL injection, and cross-site scripting attacks. We evaluate our approach for real-world programs implemented in C and PHP languages. The results show that the approach can detect some of the well-known attacks. Moreover, the approach imposes negligible runtime overhead.
Color image compressive sensing reconstruction by using inter-channel correlation

This paper proposes a novel algorithm for compressive sensing (CS) reconstruction of color images. First of all, to better describe color image characteristics, we take inter-channel correlation into consideration and present two types of regularization, including inter-channel correlation-based nonlocal low-rank (ICNL) regularization and inter-channel correlation-based total variation (ICTV) regularization. Afterwards, both regularization terms are incorporated into the minimization problem, and an efficient algorithm is proposed to solve the joint formulation, by using a split-Bregman-based technique. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach, four benchmark methods are compared, and the experiments are carried out on several color images with different subrates.
Integrating Hardware/Firmware Verification Efforts Using SystemC High-Level Models

Starting Electronic System Level (ESL) design flows with executable High-Level Models (HLMs) has the potential to sustainably improve productivity. One significant use case for HLMs are virtual hardware prototypes used for driver development. However, current industry practice does not fully exploit HLMs by neglecting to use them as a common executable specification for the whole design process. In this paper, we present an approach to use HLMs for enabling an early integration of hardware verification and firmware development. Via coverage measures of the HLM the approach ensures that the specification has been used consistently across the development of the hardware verification environment and the firmware under development. The hardware verification environment finally ensures that all specification requirements used by the firmware are provided by the hardware. We will show the benefits of our integrated verification approach to real-world system designs by presenting first results from modeling and simulating a network controller for the Parallel Sysplex∗ architecture used in IBM System z mainframes∗.
Available mineral contents and anti-oxidant contents of sag incorporating 20 percent fresh chickpea leaves at 45 days after sowing on dry matter basis

In this experiment data related that available mineral in sag containing 20 percent fresh leaves at 45 days after sowing of desi and kabuli chickpea varieties. The highest available iron content was observed in sag containing the 20 percent fresh leaves of kabuli chickpea variety HK-2 (20.98%) and in desi variety lowest from C-235 (18.66%), calcium content (30.75%) was observed of HK-2 and lowest was observed in variety HC-1 was (30.14%). The highest zinc content in sag containing 20 percent fresh leaves of kabuli chickpea variety HK-2 (49.44%), while lowest from variety HK-1 (48.11%). The phenolic compounds ranged from 0.87 to 0.95 mg GAE/100 g and DPPH free radical scavenging activity were (31.9 to 32.85%) present in the sags incorporating 20 percent fresh chickpea leaves at 45 days after sowing of desi and kabuli chickpea varieties i.e. HC-1, C-235, HK-1 and HK-2. The flavonoid contents in sag ranged from 7.2 to 8.3 mg/g.
A Computational Model of View Degeneracy

We quantify the observation by Kender and Freudenstein (1987) that degenerate views occupy a significant fraction of the viewing sphere surrounding an object. For a perspective camera geometry, we introduce a computational model that can be used to estimate the probability that a view degeneracy will occur in a random view of a polyhedral object. For a typical recognition system parameterization, view degeneracies typically occur with probabilities of 20 percent and, depending on the parameterization, as high as 50 percent. We discuss the impact of view degeneracy on the problem of object recognition and, for a particular recognition framework, relate the cost of object disambiguation to the probability of view degeneracy. To reduce this cost, we incorporate our model of view degeneracy in an active focal length control paradigm that balances the probability of view degeneracy with the camera field of view. In order to validate both our view degeneracy model as well as our active focal length control model, a set of experiments are reported using a real recognition system operating on real images.
Analysis and design of the SVM direct torque and flux controlled IPM synchronous motor drive

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the direct torque and flux control (DTFC) scheme for interior permanent magnet synchronous motor (IPMSM) drives. Closed-loop regulation of the torque and stator flux linkage are achieved via two independent proportional-integral (PI) controllers. The reference voltage vectors are generated by a space vector modulation (SVM) unit. A mathematical analysis of the DTFC principle is investigated in this paper. Furthermore, a rigorous design of the controller gains is undertaken. The design solution follows the integral of time multiplied by the absolute of the error (ITAE) criterion. Simulation and experimental results verify the effectiveness and robustness of the design approach.
Stress-Induced C/EBP Homology Protein (CHOP) Represses MyoD Transcription to Delay Myoblast Differentiation

When mouse myoblasts or satellite cells differentiate in culture, the expression of myogenic regulatory factor, MyoD, is downregulated in a subset of cells that do not differentiate. The mechanism involved in the repression of MyoD expression remains largely unknown. Here we report that a stress-response pathway repressing MyoD transcription is transiently activated in mouse-derived C2C12 myoblasts growing under differentiation-promoting conditions. We show that phosphorylation of the α subunit of the translation initiation factor 2 (eIF2α) is followed by expression of C/EBP homology protein (CHOP) in some myoblasts. ShRNA-driven knockdown of CHOP expression caused earlier and more robust differentiation, whereas its constitutive expression delayed differentiation relative to wild type myoblasts. Cells expressing CHOP did not express the myogenic regulatory factors MyoD and myogenin. These results indicated that CHOP directly repressed the transcription of the MyoD gene. In support of this view, CHOP associated with upstream regulatory region of the MyoD gene and its activity reduced histone acetylation at the enhancer region of MyoD. CHOP interacted with histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) in cells. This protein complex may reduce histone acetylation when bound to MyoD regulatory regions. Overall, our results suggest that the activation of a stress pathway in myoblasts transiently downregulate the myogenic program.
Cytoplasmic myosin from Drosophila melanogaster

Myosin is identified and purified from three different established Drosophila melanogaster cell lines (Schneider's lines 2 and 3 and Kc). Purification entails lysis in a low salt, sucrose buffer that contains ATP, chromatography on DEAE-cellulose, precipitation with actin in the absence of ATP, gel filtration in a discontinuous KI-KCl buffer system, and hydroxylapatite chromatography. Yield of pure cytoplasmic myosin is 5-10%. This protein is identified as myosin by its cross-reactivity with two monoclonal antibodies against human platelet myosin, the molecular weight of its heavy chain, its two light chains, its behavior on gel filtration, its ATP-dependent affinity for actin, its characteristic ATPase activity, its molecular morphology as demonstrated by platinum shadowing, and its ability to form bipolar filaments. The molecular weight of the cytoplasmic myosin's light chains and peptide mapping and immunochemical analysis of its heavy chains demonstrate that this myosin, purified from Drosophila cell lines, is distinct from Drosophila muscle myosin. Two-dimensional thin layer maps of complete proteolytic digests of iodinated muscle and cytoplasmic myosin heavy chains demonstrate that, while the two myosins have some tryptic and alpha-chymotryptic peptides in common, most peptides migrate with unique mobility. One-dimensional peptide maps of SDS PAGE purified myosin heavy chain confirm these structural data. Polyclonal antiserum raised and reacted against Drosophila myosin isolated from cell lines cross-reacts only weakly with Drosophila muscle myosin isolated from the thoraces of adult Drosophila. Polyclonal antiserum raised against Drosophila muscle myosin behaves in a reciprocal fashion. Taken together our data suggest that the myosin purified from Drosophila cell lines is a bona fide cytoplasmic myosin and is very likely the product of a different myosin gene than the muscle myosin heavy chain gene that has been previously identified and characterized.
LABOR MARKET REFORMS : ISSUES , EVIDENCE AND

The study of labor market segmentation and the estimation of the deadweight loss due to policy distortions reflected in wage structures require analyses of labor force surveys. These data are increasingly available in most countries. But evaluations of labor market reforms are uncommon. The lack of documented labor market reforms may reflect the difficulty of reducing wage distortions by direct policy measures, and the greater capacity of trade reforms and changes in industrial structure to erode wage distortions indirectly, and thereby promote efficiency and economic growth. The economic case for labor market reforms should nonetheless strengthen support for allied policies.
Evolution of irradiated circumbinary disks

We study the evolution and emission of circumbinary disks around close classical T Tauri binary systems. High resolution numerical hydrodynamical simulations are employed to model a system consisting of a central eccentric binary star within an irradiated accretion disk. A detailed energy balance including viscous heating, radiative cooling and irradiation from the central star is applied to calculate accurately the emitted spectral energy distribution. Numerical simulations using two different methods, the previously developed Dual-Grid technique with a finite difference discretization, and the Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics method are employed to compare the hydrodynamical features and strengthen our conclusions. Physical parameters of the setup are chosen to model the close systems of DQ Tau and AK Sco. Using the self-consistent models, we are able to fit the observed spectral energy distributions by constraining parameters such as disk mass, density profile and radial extension for those systems. We find that the incorporation of irradiation effects is necessary to obtain correct disk temperatures.
Increased Oxidative Damage in Vitamin C Deficiency is Accompanied by Induction of Ascorbic Acid Recycling Capacity in Young But Not Mature Guinea Pigs

Ascorbic acid (AA) recycling, i.e. the intracellular regeneration of AA from its oxidized forms semidehydroascorbyl radical and dehydroascorbic acid (DHA), presumably has a key function in maintaining redox homeostasis. Like humans, guinea pigs cannot synthesize AA. In the present paper, the effects of severe AA deficiency on the AA recycling capacity in erythrocytes (RBCs) and liver homogenates were studied in young and mature guinea pigs. Twelve animals of each age category were divided into weight-matched groups of six animals and fed either an AA deficient or sufficient diet. After 5 weeks, they were sacrificed and RBC and liver ascorbate recycling was estimated along with glutathione, tocopherols, AA, SOD, and malondialdehyde (MDA). For young animals, AA recycling capacity was significantly increased in RBCs from the deficient group as compared to the controls ( p <0.001). RBC MDA was not increased by incubation with t -butylhydroperoxide (TBH) while the initial MDA level was significantly elevated ( p <0.001). In mature animals, neither RBC recycling nor MDA levels depended on AA status. Liver recycling capacity was not affected by age or diet, while liver MDA was significantly higher in young but not in mature deficient animals compared to respective controls ( p <0.01). In young animals, incubation with TBH resulted in significant MDA formation in the deficient compared to sufficient animals in both liver and RBCs ( p <0.05). RBC glutathione was not significantly changed by age or diet indicating that the observed changes in recycling capacity are enzyme dependent. The results suggest that young guinea pigs may have a more adaptable antioxidant defense system compared to mature animals while also being more susceptible to oxidative stress.