Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
COMBINING AGGREGATION AND DECOMPOSITION METHODS FOR PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF COMPLEX SYSTEMS

To reduce the complexity of computation of performance indices of parallel systems, we present a new exact method combining the aggregation and decomposition methods of the state space. Aggregation is performed by the use of the Stochastic Well-Formed Net (SWN) Petri Net model and decomposition follows tensor meth-ods initiated by Plateau. We generalize our previous work to provide results for asynchronous as well as synchronous composition of submodels. We highlight the problems of such an approach and we derive necessary conditions on the modelled systems that allow for the two methods to be combined. For parallel systems satisfying these necessary conditions, we develop models with corresponding algorithms.
Constraining the evolution of red supergiants with the integrated light of star clusters.

The integrated properties of young star clusters are subject to large cluster-to-cluster variations because they depend directly on small num- bers of bright stars. At ages at which red supergiants are expected to exist, these luminous but rare stars can be blamed for most of the variations. If un- resolved clusters are to be used to constrain red supergiant models, methods must be developed that take these stochastic fluctuations into account. We dis- cuss prospects and open issues in this field, based on recent work on high mass clusters in M82, and on first experiments towards a Bayesian study of cluster populations.
The Importance of the Prenyl Group in the Activities of Osthole in Enhancing Bone Formation and Inhibiting Bone Resorption In Vitro

Osteoporosis treatment always aimed at keeping the balance of bone formation and bone resorption. Recently, prenyl group in natural products has been proposed as an active group to enhance the osteogenesis process. Osthole has both the prenyl group and bone-protective activities, but the relationship is still unknown. In this study we found that osthole exerted a potent ability to promote proliferation and osteogenic function of rat bone marrow stromal cells and osteoblasts, including improved cell viability, alkaline phosphatase activity, enhanced secretion of collagen-I, bone morphogenetic protein-2, osteocalcin and osteopontin, stimulated mRNA expression of insulin-like growth factor-1, runt-related transcription factor-2, osterix, OPG (osteoprotegerin), RANKL (receptor activator for nuclear factor-κB ligand), and the ratio of OPG/RANKL, as well as increasing the formation of mineralized nodules. However, 7-methoxycoumarin had no obvious effects. Osthole also inhibited osteoclastic bone resorption to a greater extent than 7-methoxycoumarin, as shown by a lower tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase activity and lower number and smaller area of resorption pits. Our findings demonstrate that osthole could be a potential agent to stimulate bone formation and inhibit bone resorption, and the prenyl group plays an important role in these bone-protective effects.
Don't Touch!: The Educational Story of a Panic

This is the first book in the UK to explore the problems involved in ‘touching’ children in an educational environment. The book uses real-life examples taken from groundbreaking research into the mentality of today’s risk culture, and highlights a maddening state of affairs in which ordinary well-meaning professionals feel they cannot offer even very young children basic levels of comforting or affection. This book also examines and explains where the law stands on these issues, and keeps its key focus on practice throughout.
Milky Way potentials in CDM and MOND. Is the Large Magellanic Cloud on a bound orbit

We compute the Milky Way potential in different cold dark matter (CDM) based models, and compare these with the modified Newtonian dynamics (MOND) framework. We calculate the axis ratio of the potential in various models, and find that isopotentials are less spherical in MOND than in CDM potentials. As an application of these models, we predict the escape velocity as a function of the position in the Galaxy. This could be useful in comparing with future data from planned or already-underway kinematic surveys (RAVE, SDSS, SEGUE, SIM, GAIA or the hypervelocity stars survey). In addition, the predicted escape velocity is compared with the recently measured high proper motion velocity of the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC). To bind the LMC to the Galaxy in a MOND model, while still being compatible with the RAVE-measured local escape speed at the Sun's position, we show that an external field modulus of less than $0.03 a_0$ is needed.
XMM-NEWTON X-RAY DETECTION OF THE HIGH-MAGNETIC-FIELD RADIO PULSAR PSR B1916+14

Using observations made with the XMM-Newton Observatory, we report the first X-ray detection of the high-magnetic-field radio pulsar PSR B1916+14. We show that the X-ray spectrum of the pulsar can be well fitted with an absorbed blackbody with temperature in the range of 0.08–0.23 keV, or a neutron-star hydrogen atmosphere model with best-fit effective temperature of ∼0.10 keV, higher than expected from fast cooling models. The origin of the likely thermal emission is not well constrained by our short observation and is consistent with initial cooling or return-current heating. We found no pulsations in these data and set a 1σ upper limit on the pulsed fraction in the 0.1–2 keV band of ∼0.7. Implications of these results for our understanding of the different observational properties of isolated neutron stars are discussed.
Timely Error Detection for Effective Recovery in Light-Lockstep Automotive Systems

Safety-relevant systems in the automotive domain often implement features such as lockstep execution for error detection, and reset and re-execution for error correction. Light-lockstep has already been adopted in some such systems due to its relatively low-implementation cost given that it does not require deep changes into nonlockstep hardware. Instead, as only off-core activities (i.e., data/addresses sent) need to be compared across different cores, light-lockstep designs are lowly intrusive. This approach has been proven sufficient to guarantee functional correctness of the system in the presence of errors in the cores, in particular in relation with certification against safety standards such as ISO26262 in the automotive domain. However, error detection in light-lockstep systems may occur long after the error actually occurs, thus jeopardizing timing guarantees, which are as critical as functional ones in hard real-time systems. In this paper, we analyze the timing behavior of errors due to transient and permanent faults in light-lockstep systems. Our results show that the time elapsed until an error is detected can be inordinately large, especially for permanent faults. Based on this observation and building upon the specific characteristics of light-lockstep systems, we propose lightly verbose (LiVe), a new mechanism to enforce the early detection of errors, due to both transient and permanent faults, thus enabling the computation of tight error detection timing bounds. We also analyze how existing mechanisms for error recovery in multicore systems increase their effectiveness when light-lockstep operates in LiVe mode in the context of mixed-criticality workloads.
NMR Study Reveals the Receiver Domain of Arabidopsis ETHYLENE RESPONSE1 Ethylene Receptor as an Atypical Type Response Regulator

The gaseous plant hormone ethylene, recognized by plant ethylene receptors, plays a pivotal role in various aspects of plant growth and development. ETHYLENE RESPONSE1 (ETR1) is an ethylene receptor isolated from Arabidopsis and has a structure characteristic of prokaryotic two-component histidine kinase (HK) and receiver domain (RD), where the RD structurally resembles bacteria response regulators (RRs). The ETR1 HK domain has autophosphorylation activity, and little is known if the HK can transfer the phosphoryl group to the RD for receptor signaling. Unveiling the correlation of the receptor structure and phosphorylation status would advance the studies towards the underlying mechanisms of ETR1 receptor signaling. In this study, using the nuclear magnetic resonance technique, our data suggested that the ETR1-RD is monomeric in solution and the rigid structure of the RD prevents the conserved aspartate residue phosphorylation. Comparing the backbone dynamics with other RRs, we propose that backbone flexibility is critical to the RR phosphorylation. Besides the limited flexibility, ETR1-RD has a unique γ loop conformation of opposite orientation, which makes ETR1-RD unfavorable for phosphorylation. These two features explain why ETR1-RD cannot be phosphorylated and is classified as an atypical type RR. As a control, phosphorylation of the ETR1-RD was also impaired when the sequence was swapped to the fragment of the bacterial typical type RR, CheY. Here, we suggest a molecule insight that the ETR1-RD already exists as an active formation and executes its function through binding with the downstream factors without phosphorylation.
New candidates for multivariate trapdoor functions

We present a new method for building pairs of HFE polynomials of high degree, such that the map constructed with one of these pairs is easy to invert. The inversion is accomplished using a low degree polynomial of Hamming weight three, which is derived from a special reduction via Hamming weight three polynomials produced by these two HFE polynomials. This allows us to build new candidates for multivariate trapdoor functions in which we use the pair of HFE polynomials to fabricate the core map. We performed the security analysis for the case where the base eld is GF(2) and showed that these new trapdoor functions have high degrees of regularity, and therefore they are secure against the direct algebraic attack. We also give theoretical arguments to show that these new trapdoor functions over GF(2) are secure against the MinRank attack as well.
An evolutionary multi-objective modeling and solution approach for fuzzy vehicle routing problem

In this paper an evolutionary multi-objective optimization approach is applied to extend fuzzy multi objective problem considered by Jeng-Jong Lin [1] and Gupta et al [2, 3]. In our extended work, the concept of fuzzy [6, 8] due time is applied to increase satisfaction grade of customers and to meet their demands much better as well as to decrease the delay times of vehicles, which service customers during their desired period of times, so the objectives are as follows: maximize the loading capacity of vehicles, minimize the distance travelled by vehicles, minimize the waiting time of customers, maximize the satisfaction grade of customers, minimize the delay times of vehicles.
HOW DO FIELD-DEPENDENT AND FIELD-INDEPENDENT LEARNERS' INTERACT WITH A COMPUTER MODELING TOOL TO SOLVE A PROBLEM? IMPLICATIONS FOR THE DESIGN OF JOINT COGNITIVE SYSTEMS

Research accounts on examining only the performance of a system are not sufficient, because they cannot establish principles about how technology affordances work with learners, and how one should go about improving the performance of the system. Therefore, in the current study, a mixed-method research methodology was undertaken in order to understand how 119 learners with different cognitive styles interacted with a computer-modeling tool to solve a problem. Implications for the design of effective joint cognitive systems are also discussed.
Visualizing Time-Dependent Data in Multivariate Hierarchic Plots - Design and Evaluation of an Economic Application

For successfully competing in a modern economy, large amounts of hierarchic time-dependent data need to be analyzed. As an example, one could consider the geographic composition of inflation in the European Union, or the revenue by product (sub) categories of a firm in the last month. Analysts wish to interpret the structure of the data not only at a single point in time, but examine the changes in the data categories through time. The analysts may need to consider additional dimensions to composition and time, such as the growth rate or profit rate. To reflect such analytic requirements, we have developed an interactive visualization of multi-dimensional, structured data taking the time dimension into account. The data are displayed in a three dimensional hierarchic circular or column plot. The time dimension of the data is represented by animation. Our system provides interactive tools for the visual data analysis and variable set-up of the data display. For better orientation in the data space, we have enhanced the visualization with smooth transitions between different data selections in case of 3D hierarchic plots. The techniques presented can be applied to various data domains. A user study using European inflation data has shown the usefulness for effective economic analysis.
Spectrum sharing among multiple secondary users in cognitive radio networks

In a cognitive radio network (CRN), secondary (or unlicensed) users intend to share unoccupied frequency spectra of primary (or licensed) users in order to improve the efficiency of spectrum usage. In this paper, we address the problem of dynamic spectrum sharing in a CRN consisting of multiple SUs that compete non-cooperatively and independently with each other to demand spectrum access to a single PU. This situation is formulated as an oligopoly market. For SUs, a new revenue function is proposed in terms of their spectrum demands. Furthermore, the Cournot game model (the same as [4]) is used to define SUs' spectrum demands such that maximize their payoffs. Nash equilibrium is considered as the solution of this game. We consider two different cases: Static Game and Dynamic Game; the stability condition of the proposed dynamic game is investigated. We also compare our results with those of [4]. Simulation results show that our proposed model provides larger shared spectrum sizes, revenues and payoffs for SUs, higher offered prices for the PU, and larger stability region.
Genetic differentiation in red‐bellied piranha populations (Pygocentrus nattereri, Kner, 1858) from the Solimões‐Amazonas River

Abstract Red‐bellied piranhas (Pygocentrus nattereri) are widely caught with different intensities throughout the region of Solimões‐Amazonas River by local fishermen. Thus, the management of this resource is performed in the absence of any information on its genetic stock. P. nattereri is a voracious predator and widely distributed in the Neotropical region, and it is found in other regions of American continent. However, information about genetic variability and structure of wild populations of red‐bellied piranha is unavailable. Here, we describe the levels of genetic diversity and genetic structure of red‐bellied piranha populations collected at different locations of Solimões‐Amazonas River system. We collected 234 red‐bellied piranhas and analyzed throughout eight microsatellite markers. We identified high genetic diversity within populations, although the populations of lakes ANA, ARA, and MAR have shown some decrease in their genetic variability, indicating overfishing at these communities. Was identified the existence of two biological populations when the analysis was taken altogether at the lakes of Solimões‐Amazonas River system, with significant genetic differentiation between them. The red‐bellied piranha populations presented limited gene flow between two groups of populations, which were explained by geographical distance between these lakes. However, high level of gene flow was observed between the lakes within of the biological populations. We have identified high divergence between the Catalão subpopulation and all other subpopulations. We suggest the creation of sustainable reserve for lakes near the city of Manaus to better manage and protect this species, whose populations suffer from both extractive and sport fishing.
Differences between Manufacturers of Computed Tomography–Based Computer-Assisted Surgery Systems Do Exist

Study Design Literature review. Objective Several studies have shown that the accuracy of pedicle screw placement significantly improves with use of computed tomography (CT)-based navigation systems. Yet, there has been no systematic review directly comparing accuracy of pedicle screw placement between different CT-based navigation systems. The objective of this study is to review the results presented in the literature and compare CT-based navigation systems relative only to screw placement accuracy. Methods Data sources included CENTRAL, Medline, PubMed, and Embase databases. Studies included were randomized clinical trials, case series, and case–control trials reporting the accuracy of pedicle screws placement using CT-based navigation. Two independent reviewers extracted the data from the selected studies that met our inclusion criteria. Publications were grouped based on the CT-based navigation system used for pedicle screw placement. Results Of the 997 articles we screened, only 26 met all of our inclusion criteria and were included in the final analysis, which showed a significant statistical difference (p < 0.0001, 95% confidence interval 0.92 to 1.23) in accuracy of pedicle screw placement between three different CT-based navigation systems. The mean (weighted) accuracy of pedicle screws placement based on the CT-based navigation system was found to be 97.20 ± 2.1% in StealthStation (Medtronic, United States) and 96.1 ± 3.9% in VectorVision (BrainLab, Germany). Conclusion This review summarizes results presented in the literature and compares screw placement accuracy using different CT-based navigation systems. Although certain factors such as the extent of the procedure and the experience and skills of the surgeon were not accounted for, the differences in accuracy demonstrated should be considered by spine surgeons and should be validated for effects on patients’ outcome.
Use of an Activated Beta-Catenin to Identify Wnt Pathway Target Genes in Caenorhabditis elegans, Including a Subset of Collagen Genes Expressed in Late Larval Development

The Wnt signaling pathway plays a fundamental role during metazoan development, where it regulates diverse processes, including cell fate specification, cell migration, and stem cell renewal. Activation of the beta-catenin−dependent/canonical Wnt pathway up-regulates expression of Wnt target genes to mediate a cellular response. In the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, a canonical Wnt signaling pathway regulates several processes during larval development; however, few target genes of this pathway have been identified. To address this deficit, we used a novel approach of conditionally activated Wnt signaling during a defined stage of larval life by overexpressing an activated beta-catenin protein, then used microarray analysis to identify genes showing altered expression compared with control animals. We identified 166 differentially expressed genes, of which 104 were up-regulated. A subset of the up-regulated genes was shown to have altered expression in mutants with decreased or increased Wnt signaling; we consider these genes to be bona fide C. elegans Wnt pathway targets. Among these was a group of six genes, including the cuticular collagen genes, bli-1 col-38, col-49, and col-71. These genes show a peak of expression in the mid L4 stage during normal development, suggesting a role in adult cuticle formation. Consistent with this finding, reduction of function for several of the genes causes phenotypes suggestive of defects in cuticle function or integrity. Therefore, this work has identified a large number of putative Wnt pathway target genes during larval life, including a small subset of Wnt-regulated collagen genes that may function in synthesis of the adult cuticle.
A PSO multi-robot exploration approach over unreliable MANETs

This paper proposes two extensions of Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and Darwinian Particle Swarm Optimization (DPSO), respectively denoted as RPSO (Robotic PSO) and RDPSO (Robotic DPSO), so as to adapt these promising biologically inspired techniques to the multi-robot systems domain, by considering obstacle avoidance and communication constraints. The concepts of social exclusion and social inclusion are used in the RDPSO algorithm as a ‘punish–reward’ mechanism, thus enhancing the ability to escape from local optima. Experimental results obtained in a simulated environment shows the superiority of the RDPSO evidencing that sociobiological inspiration can be useful to meet the challenges of robotic applications that can be described as optimization problems (e.g. search and rescue). Moreover, the performance of the RDPSO is further evaluated within a population of up to 12 physical robots under communication constraints. Experimental results with real platforms show that only 4 robots are needed to accomplish the herein proposed mission and, independently on the number of robots and maximum communication distance, the global optimum is achieved in approximately 90% of the experiments.
Enabling context-aware and privacy-conscious user data sharing

This paper provides detail on two key components of the Houdini framework under development at Bell Labs, that enable context-aware and privacy-conscious user data sharing appropriate for mobile and/or ubiquitous computing. The framework includes an approach for integrating data from diverse sources, for gathering user preferences for what data to share and when to share it, and a policy management infrastructure in the network for enforcing those preferences. The current paper focuses on two components of this infrastructure that are essential for mobile and ubiquitous computing, namely the framework to support self-provisioning of preferences, and the performance of the underlying rules engine.
Research Paper: Facilitating Clinical Outcomes Assessment through the Automated Identification of Quality Measures for Prostate Cancer Surgery

OBJECTIVES The College of American Pathologists (CAP) Category 1 quality measures, tumor stage, Gleason score, and surgical margin status, are used by physicians and cancer registrars to categorize patients into groups for clinical trials and treatment planning. This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of an application designed to automatically extract these quality measures from the postoperative pathology reports of patients having undergone prostatectomies for treatment of prostate cancer. DESIGN An application was developed with the Clinical Outcomes Assessment Toolkit that uses an information pipeline of regular expressions and support vector machines to extract CAP Category 1 quality measures. System performance was evaluated against a gold standard of 676 pathology reports from the University of California at Los Angeles Medical Center and Brigham and Women's Hospital. To evaluate the feasibility of clinical implementation, all pathology reports were gathered using administrative codes with no manual preprocessing of the data performed. MEASUREMENTS The sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy of system performance were measured for all three quality measures. Performance at both hospitals was compared, and a detailed failure analysis was conducted to identify errors caused by poor data quality versus system shortcomings. RESULTS Accuracies for Gleason score were 99.7%, tumor stage 99.1%, and margin status 97.2%, for an overall accuracy of 98.67%. System performance on data from both hospitals was comparable. Poor clinical data quality led to a decrease in overall accuracy of only 0.3% but accounted for 25.9% of the total errors. CONCLUSION Despite differences in document format and pathologists' reporting styles, strong system performance indicates the potential of using a combination of regular expressions and support vector machines to automatically extract CAP Category 1 quality measures from postoperative prostate cancer pathology reports.