Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The nucleus is an intracellular propagator of tensile forces in NIH 3T3 fibroblasts

ABSTRACT Nuclear positioning is a crucial cell function, but how a migrating cell positions its nucleus is not understood. Using traction-force microscopy, we found that the position of the nucleus in migrating fibroblasts closely coincided with the center point of the traction-force balance, called the point of maximum tension (PMT). Positioning of the nucleus close to the PMT required nucleus–cytoskeleton connections through linker of nucleoskeleton-to-cytoskeleton (LINC) complexes. Although the nucleus briefly lagged behind the PMT following spontaneous detachment of the uropod during migration, the nucleus quickly repositioned to the PMT within a few minutes. Moreover, traction-generating spontaneous protrusions deformed the nearby nucleus surface to pull the nuclear centroid toward the new PMT, and subsequent retraction of these protrusions relaxed the nuclear deformation and restored the nucleus to its original position. We propose that the protruding or retracting cell boundary transmits a force to the surface of the nucleus through the intervening cytoskeletal network connected by the LINC complexes, and that these forces help to position the nucleus centrally and allow the nucleus to efficiently propagate traction forces across the length of the cell during migration.
Statistical modelling of tropical cyclone tracks: a comparison of models for the variance of trajectories

We describe results from the second stage of a project to build a statistical model for hurricane tracks. In the first stage we modelled the unconditional mean track. We now attempt to model the unconditional variance of fluctuations around the mean. The variance models we describe use a semi-parametric nearest neighbours approach in which the optimal averaging length-scale is estimated using a jack-knife out-of-sample fitting procedure. We test three different models. These models consider the variance structure of the deviations from the unconditional mean track to be isotropic, anisotropic but uncorrelated, and anisotropic and correlated, respectively. The results show that, of these models, the anisotropic correlated model gives the best predictions of the distribution of future positions of hurricanes.
Genetic Algorithm-Based Classifiers Fusion for Multisensor Activity Recognition of Elderly People

Activity recognition of an elderly person can be used to provide information and intelligent services to health care professionals, carers, elderly people, and their families so that the elderly people can remain at homes independently. This study investigates the use and contribution of wrist-worn multisensors for activity recognition. We found that accelerometers are the most important sensors and heart rate data can be used to boost classification of activities with diverse heart rates. We propose a genetic algorithm-based fusion weight selection (GAFW) approach which utilizes GA to find fusion weights. For all possible classifier combinations and fusion methods, the study shows that 98% of times GAFW can achieve equal or higher accuracy than the best classifier within the group.
The Dichotomous Effects of Caffeine on Homologous Recombination in Mammalian Cells

This study was initiated to examine the effects of caffeine on the DNA damage response (DDR) and homologous recombination (HR). An initial 2 h exposure to 5 mM caffeine slowed a fraction of the cells in G1, but thereafter, continued caffeine exposure permitted this cell fraction to progress through the cycle until they eventually stalled at G2/M and underwent apoptosis. This prolonged caffeine exposure also induced a strong DDR along with subsequent activation of wild-type p53 protein. An unexpected observation was the caffeine-induced depletion of Rad51 (and Brca2) proteins. Consequently, caffeine-treated cells were expected to be inefficient in HR. However, a dichotomy in the HR response of cells to caffeine treatment was revealed. Caffeine treatment rendered cells significantly better at performing the nascent DNA synthesis that accompanies the early strand invasion steps of HR. Conversely, the increase in nascent DNA synthesis did not translate into a higher level of gene targeting events. Levels of Rad51 appear to be irrelevant. Thus, prolonged caffeine exposure stalls the cell cycle, induces a p53-mediated apoptotic response and a down-regulation of critical HR proteins, and stimulates early steps of HR, but not the formation of complete repair products.
DISCOVERY OF A 693.5 s PERIOD IN THE X-RAY BINARY 4U 1820 − 30: A SUPERHUMP INTERPRETATION

The X-ray source 4U 1820–30 in the globular cluster NGC 6624 is known as the most compact binary among the identified X-ray binaries (XRBs). Having an orbital period of 685.0 s, the source consists of a neutron star (NS) primary and likely a 0.06–0.08 M☉ white dwarf (WD) secondary. Here, we report on far-ultraviolet (FUV) observations of this XRB, made with the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph on board the Hubble Space Telescope. From our Fourier spectral analysis of the FUV timing data, we obtain a period of 693.5 ± 1.3 s, which is significantly different from the orbital period. The light curve folded at this period can be described by a sinusoid, with a fractional semiamplitude of 6.3% and the phase zero (maximum of the sinusoid) at MJD 50886.015384 ± 0.000043 (TDB). While the discovered FUV period may be consistent with a hierarchical triple system model that was previously considered for 4U 1820–30, we suggest that it could instead be the indication of superhump modulation, which arises from an eccentric accretion disk in the binary. The X-ray and FUV periods would be the orbital and superhump periods, respectively, indicating a 1% superhump excess and a WD/NS mass ratio around 0.06. Considering 4U 1820–30 as a superhump source, we discuss the implications.
A Novel Gaussian Kernel Function for Minimax Probability Machine

In recent years there is a growing interest around minimax probability machine (MPM) whose performance depends on its kernel function. Considering that the Euclidean distance has a natural generalization in form of the Minkovsky’s distance, we replace the Euclidean distance in the Gaussian kernel with a more generalized Minkovsky’s distance. This paper presents an empirical study for MPM prediction on Minkovsky’s norm. The performance of this method is evaluated with the prediction of network traffic data for MPEG4, at the same timescale. Experimental results demonstrate that the best prediction accuracy is provided by kernels with Minkovsky’s distance and . the MPM using Gaussian kernels with Minkovsky’s distance can achieve better prediction accuracy than the Euclidean distance.
Course Learning Outcome Performance Improvement: A Remedial Action Classification Based Approach

Continuous Improvement is an essential element in any quality or accreditation process within academia or even industry. To address shortcomings in the attainment of Course Learning Outcomes (CLO's), it is often necessary to suggest Remedial Actions that vary depending on the domain of the CLO. In fact, taking a non-effective action can result in a waste of time for instructors and students missing an opportunity to overcome weaknesses related to the assessed learning outcome. In this paper, we adopt a supervised classification approach to model this problem by learning from previously applied remedial actions that showed positive results in the improvement of students' attainment of a given CLO. Firstly, a Remedial Actions dataset has been created from different sources and multiple semesters. Then several well-known classification techniques were applied to the dataset showing positive classification accuracy. One of the most accurate classifiers was used to support faculties in predicting the appropriate remedial action for new poorly attained CLOs.
FILTER BANKS AND PERFECT RECONSTRUCTION IN FINITEDIMENSIONAL

In this paper we consider the problem of developing lter banks with the perfect reconstruction property for nite dimensional signals. We are motivated by the discrete, nite dimensional character of digital signals and images, which naturally leads to the study of the discrete counterpart of multiresolution analysis and wavelet series expansions in innnite dimensional spaces such as L 2 and`2. In nite dimensional spaces, all computations can be performed using nite matrix operations. The discrete Fourier transform (DFT) is the natural tool for the harmonic analysis in such spaces, in which the circular convolution operation plays a vital role. Recently, there has been interest in this problem which has lead to interesting and important works such as 1,2]. However, our approach is distinct: in a sense, it is simpler and more independent of the well-known theory in L 2 .
Control of an ultra-supercritical boiler system using affine nonlinear control methods

Ultra-supercritical units are complicated nonlinear systems, which have the characteristics of strong coupling, multi disturbance, large time delay and multi variable. In order to ensure the safe operation of the systems, we study the control of ultra-supercritical boiler units. First of all, ultra-supercritical units are used as the research object, and a high accuracy model is selected. Then the linear model of the system is obtained by the method of deviation. After the linear model is decoupled, linear control is carried out under different loads. Meantime, based on the theory of affine nonlinear system, the model is solved by the method of coordinate mapping and state feedback. In the end, the simulation experiments are conducted to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the two control strategies based on the linear control and nonlinear control law. Results illustrate that compared with the linear control strategy, the performance index of the nonlinear control strategy is better, and it is more advantageous.
Efficacy of Research Curriculum in Educator Preparation Programs.

Responses were gathered from master’s candidates in initial and advanced licensure teacher preparation programs. They were asked to discuss how completing a capstone research project contributed to their effectiveness as a teacher. Advanced candidates reported themes of improving practice, evaluating new school initiatives, and increasing collaboration with colleagues. Initial licensure candidates reported themes of using research to investigate specific topics, using research as part of assessment practices, and the importance of teachers as researchers. Conclusions suggested capstone research projects and the associated research experiences add value to teacher preparation programs and improve teacher
ISPD 2015 Benchmarks with Fence Regions and Routing Blockages for Detailed-Routing-Driven Placement

The ISPD~2015 placement-contest benchmarks include all the detailed pin, cell, and wire geometry constraints from the 2014 release, plus (a) added fence regions and placement blockages, (b) altered netlists including fixed macro blocks, (c) reduced standard cell area utilization via larger floorplan outlines, and (d)] specified upper limits on local cell-area density. Compared to the 2014 release, these new constraints add realism and increase the difficulty of producing detail-routable wirelength-driven placements.
Dado: Enhancing middleware to support cross-cutting features in distributed

Some “non-’ or “extra-functional” features, such as reliability, security, and tracing, defy modularization mechanisms in programming languages. This makes such features hard to design, implement, and maintain. Implementing such features within a single platform, using a single language, is hard enough. With distributed, heterogeneous ( DH) systems, these features induce complex implementations which cross-cut different languages, OSs, and hardware platforms, while still needing to share data and events. Worse still, the precise requirements for such features are often locality-dependent and discovered late (e.g., security policies). The DADO 1 approach helps program cross-cutting features by improving DH middleware. A DADO servicecomprises pairs of adapletswhich are explicitly modeled in IDL. Adaplets may be implemented in any language compatible with the target application, and attached to stubs and skeletons of application objects in a variety of ways. DADO supports flexible and type-checked interactions (using generated stubs and skeletons) between adaplets and between adaplets and objects. Adaplets can be attached at run-time to an application object. We describe the approach and illustrate its use for several cross-cutting features, including performance monitoring, caching, and security. We also discuss software engineering process, as well as run-time performance implications.
Enhancing performance of keyword query over structured data

Keyword query applies to the database which accommodate structured data provide a search option over text attributes that uses a probability based ranking technique but query facing the issue of poor quality results. The keyword matches with multiple entities because the user does not provide exact data from which we can get better query results. Previous work analyze reasons behind the multiple answer and estimate the degree of difficulty for such tough query by using a ranking stability technique, but not addressed the problem of absent values under the attributes and it also imposes effectiveness problem of the query results. In this paper, we recognize and handle the issue of absent values by using both the inferring and retrieving based approaches. We evaluated our technique using real world data set and present performance advantages of our approach which improves the user satisfaction.
CHANDRA OBSERVATIONS OF THE CL1604 SUPERCLUSTER AT z = 0.9: EVIDENCE FOR AN OVERDENSITY OF ACTIVE GALACTIC NUCLEI

We present the results of Chandra observations of the Cl1604 supercluster at z ∼ 0.9. The system is the largest structure mapped at redshifts approaching unity, containing at least eight spectroscopically confirmed galaxy clusters and groups. Using two 50 ks ACIS-I pointings we examine both the X-ray point-source population and the diffuse emission from individual clusters in the system. Over an area encompassing the entire supercluster (∼0.154 deg2), we find a 2. 5σ excess of point sources detected in the hard band (2–10 keV) relative to the number of sources found in blank fields observed by Chandra. No such excess is observed in the soft band (0.5–2 keV). The hard-band source density is 1.47 times greater than that of a blank field, in agreement with the previously reported correlation between overdensity amplitude and cluster redshift. Using a maximum likelihood technique, we have matched 112 of the 161 detected X-ray point sources to optical counterparts and found 15 sources that are associated with the supercluster. All 15 sources have rest-frame luminosities consistent with emission from active galactic nuclei (AGNs). We find that the supercluster AGNs largely avoid the densest regions of the system and are instead distributed on the outskirts of massive clusters or within poorer clusters and groups. We have also detected diffuse emission from two of the eight clusters and groups in the system, clusters Cl1604 + 4304 and Cl1604 + 4314. The systems have bolometric luminosities of 1.43 × 1044 and 8.20 × 1043 h−270 erg s−1 and gas temperatures of 3.50+1.82−1.08 and 1.64+0.65−0.45 keV, respectively. Using updated velocity dispersions, we compare the properties of these systems with the cluster scaling relations followed by other X-rays and optically selected galaxy clusters at high redshift.
Competition , Uncertainty ( ies ) , and Corporate Cash Holdings

This work investigates the e¤ects of competition on rmscash holdings. We build a di¤erentiated Cournot model where the intensity of competition depends on the degree of product substitutability. Firms are subject either to shocks (called common) that move their pro tability in the same direction or shocks (called idisyncratic) that move pro tabilities in opposite direction. Access to nancial markets is imperfect and rms hold cash reserves to avoid ine¢ cient liquidation. We nd that the nature of uncertainty plays a key role to determine the cash policies. When shocks are common, the level of cash reserves either decreases or remains una¤ected with respect to the degree of product substitutability. On the contrary, cash holdings increase with the intensity of competition when shocks are idiosyncratic. This happens because, if uncertainty is driven by idiosyncratic shocks, competition increases rm-level volatility and reinforces the precautionary motive for holding cash.
A tangible interface for 3D character animation using augmented reality technology

Nowadays, several systems have been proposed to reduce the difficulty of computer animation authoring. The 3D motion capture system could be used to record the motion data from real actors. The recorded motion could be used to drive an animation. Although this technique reduces the difficulty of computer animation, a user still needs to interact with 3D environment through mouse and keyboard which are 2D interface devices. This paper presents a novel interaction technique for 3D character animation control. A user does not need to interact with typical mouse and keyboard to control an animation, but interacts with a tangible object attached with several visible markers. Our system exploits a benefit of the Augmented Reality technology. The user could see the character movement on the screen of his/her tablet that records the tangible objects by its camera. The user could also move that tangible object to move the 3D character. We also use the Augmented Reality to assist the use for animation scene decoration. Our use study confirms that the proposed interaction technique could reduces the difficulty of 3D character animation, and our system could be by everyone.
A Bibliography of a Portion of the Semantic Web

A bibliography of a portion of the Semantic Web is presented in this paper. Although this is part of a collaborative effort to gain an accurate picture of the trends of Semantic research at this time, this paper focuses on four topic areas which include, Semantic Web Services, agents, Semantic Grid, and Semantic Web applications. As part of this research, a breadth-wide search has been conducted to gain an overall view of research in these topic areas. Each topic area has been quantified and described. Representative papers are selected and discussed for each of the topics: Semantic Web Services, agents, Semantic Grid, and Semantic Web applications.
Teaching High School Students About Islam in a National Context of Islamophobia

Abstract:This qualitative case study examined the instructional practice of one secondary social studies teacher to explore the following questions: What strategies and approaches does one world history teacher employ to teach about Islam and Muslims? To what extent might these strategies and approaches counter misconceptions and promote accurate and nuanced understandings of Islam and Muslims? The focus of this study is a Pakistani-Indian American Muslim who was chosen to participate because of his commitment to, interest in, and extensive experience with teaching about world religions, particularly Islam. Data for this study were collected through seventeen hours of classroom observations, semi-structured interviews, and the collection of instructional artifacts. A conceptualization of Islamophobia, provided by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (2010), guided the data analysis. The participant used four key strategies for teaching about Islam and Muslims: addressing misconceptions, humanizing Islam, exploring diversity within Islam, and highlighting similarities. Each of these approaches has potential for combatting misunderstandings and promoting more accurate knowledge and understanding. A key finding that complicates the claims of prior research (e.g. Merchant, 2015) is that comparisons can be made between Islam and other religions that promote understanding rather than ethnocentrism and Islamophobia.
Embee Performance Tests Technical Report 2003-465

We have designed and implemented a prototype tool, called Embee, which makes use of the Alloy Analyzer to automatically check the conformance of Java executions against Alloy specifications. Running time tests were conducted as part of the performance analysis of this tool. This report describes these tests and their results. Some of the results were unexpected, leading to questions about how the Alloy Analyzer functions.
Distributive Effects of the Crisis and Austerity in Seven EU Countries

European welfare states are under considerable stress. On the one hand, the recession has caused unemployment to rise and household incomes to fall, which both raise the demand for social protection. On the other hand, austerity policies and programme reforms affect the capacity of welfare states to provide social protection. This paper aims to provide an early assessment of the distributional implications of the economic developments in Greece, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Latvia, Lithuania and Romania in the period 2009-13. Using a microsimulation model, we attempt to disentangle the first-order effects of tax-benefit policies from the overall effects of the crisis. Moreover, we estimate how the burden of the crisis has been shared across income groups, and how the differential impact of the crisis may have altered the composition of the population in poverty. We conclude by discussing the methodological pitfalls and policy implications of our research.
Determination of 137Ba Isotope Abundances in Water Samples by Inductively Coupled Plasma-optical Emission Spectrometry Combined with Least-squares Support Vector Machine Regression

A simple and rapid method for the determination of 137Ba isotope abundances in water samples by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) coupled with least-squares support vector machine regression (LS-SVM) is reported. By evaluation of emission lines of barium, it was found that the emission line at 493.408 nm provides the best results for the determination of 137Ba abundances. After recording the emission spectra in the range of 493.362-493.467 nm, quantification of 137Ba abundances was performed with the aid of LS-SVM algorithm. The obtained results revealed that using LS-SVM as a nonlinear modeling approach improves the predictive quality of the developed models compared with partial least squares (PLS) method. The calculated results proved that the combination of ICP-OES and LS-SVM is a suitable and low cost technique for the determination of 137Ba abundances. Performance of the proposed method was examined through measuring 137Ba abundances in synthetic mixtures and water samples.
Use of Cognitive Work Analysis Across the System Life Cycle: From Requirements to Decommissioning

Cognitive Work Analysis (CWA) is a systems-based approach to the analysis, modelling, and design of complex sociotechnical systems that is particularly useful when working with real-time work domains in which operator adaptation and flexibility may be needed (Rasmussen, Pejtersen, & Goodstein, 1994; Vicente, 1999). In this paper we argue that CWA can be used not only for design, with which it is most commonly associated, but also throughout the system life cycle. We present a table that shows the five phases of CWA crossed with different steps and activities in the system life cycle, and in the cells of the table we indicate how a particular phase of CWA informs the system life cycle activity in question. We illustrate this discussion with material from our own work using CWA in air defence environments, such as the use of work domain analysis in the tender evaluation for Australia's AEW&C system. CWA not only leverages and coordinates some previous human engineering techniques, but it also adds important analytic products that have been absent from previous techniques.