Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
High-level information fusion and mission planning in highly anisotropic threat spaces

This paper presents a command and control (C2) agents approach to supporting tactical decision making by operational commanders. The work addresses two C2 issues: the use of networked information sharing and high-level information fusion to allow for the visualisation of highly anisotropic threat spaces, and associated route planning for a variety of effects based tasks taking into account a commanderpsilas immediate task needs, personal experience, and command preferences. We adopt wave propagation techniques used in seismology and present illustrations from a software suite we have developed that reflects commander preferences in effects routing, facilitates cooperative command planning, and analysis of opponent options.
An intramolecular t-SNARE complex functions in vivo without the syntaxin NH2-terminal regulatory domain

Membrane fusion in the secretory pathway is mediated by SNAREs (located on the vesicle membrane [v-SNARE] and the target membrane [t-SNARE]). In all cases examined, t-SNARE function is provided as a three-helix bundle complex containing three ∼70–amino acid SNARE motifs. One SNARE motif is provided by a syntaxin family member (the t-SNARE heavy chain), and the other two helices are contributed by additional t-SNARE light chains. The syntaxin family is the most conformationally dynamic group of SNAREs and appears to be the major focus of SNARE regulation. An NH2-terminal region of plasma membrane syntaxins has been assigned as a negative regulatory element in vitro. This region is absolutely required for syntaxin function in vivo. We now show that the required function of the NH2-terminal regulatory domain (NRD) of the yeast plasma membrane syntaxin, Sso1p, can be circumvented when t-SNARE complex formation is made intramolecular. Our results suggest that the NRD is required for efficient t-SNARE complex formation and does not recruit necessary scaffolding factors.
An efficient Non-Linear Chirp Scaling method of focusing bistatic SAR images

Bistatic SAR data processing parameters, unlike monostatic SAR data, are generally azimuth-variant. The Non-Linear Chirp Scaling (NLCS) algorithm introduced in this paper is able to handle the azimuth variance. It focuses a bistatic image by first introducing a bulk linear range cell migration correction followed by a chirp scaling process to equalize the azimuth chirp rates for all targets in the same range gate. Efficiency is achieved by applying matched filtering in the azimuth frequency domain. A technique to perform image registration from the focused image to the ground plane is also discussed. This algorithm is verified with a simulation experiment.
Activation and variation of the United Nation’s cluster coordination model: a comparative analysis of the Haiti and Japan disasters

The coordinated response to extreme events is critical as illustrated by recent disasters in Haiti and Japan. As a way for coordinated provision of international humanitarian assistance to disaster-hit countries, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) developed cluster coordination model (CCM). With content analysis and network analysis of OCHA situation reports, this study checked four premises regarding activation of CCM, interaction between national and international actors, roles of proximity country, and level of cluster coordination. This study found that there were meaningful variations in implementing the CCM for 2010 Haiti and 2011 Japan disasters. From the analyses, we found that the current CCM may be vulnerable to black swan disasters; thus, extensive and active estimation of national disaster management capacities should be conducted to prevent collapse of national disaster management system. However, the reconciliation of state sovereignty and international humanitarian assistance also should be considered.
Safe and Efficient Intersection Control of Connected and Autonomous Intersection Traffic

In this dissertation, we address a problem of safe and efficient intersection crossing traffic management of autonomous and connected ground traffic. Toward this objective, an algorithm that is called the Discrete-time occupancies trajectory based Intersection traffic Coordination Algorithm (DICA) is proposed. All vehicles in the system are Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CAVs) and capable of wireless Vehicle-to-Intersection communication. In the proposed framework, an intersection coordinates the motions of CAVs based on their proposed DTOTs to let them cross the intersection efficiently while avoiding collisions. In case when there is a collision between vehicles' DTOTs, the intersection modifies conflicting DTOTs to avoid the collision and requests CAVs to approach and cross the intersection according to the modified DTOTs. We then prove that the basic DICA is deadlock free and also starvation free. We also show that the basic DICA is conservative in computational complexity and improve it by several computational approaches. Next, we addressed the problem of evacuating emergency vehicles as quickly as possible through autonomous and connected intersection traffic in this dissertation. The proposed intersection control algorithm Reactive DICA aims to determine an efficient vehicle-passing sequence which allows the emergency vehicle to cross an intersection as soon as possible while the travel times of other vehicles are minimally affected. When there are no emergency vehicles within the intersection area, the vehicles are controlled by DICA. When there are emergency vehicles entering communication range, we prioritize emergency vehicles through optimal ordering of vehicles. A genetic algorithm is proposed to solve the optimization problem which finds the optimal vehicle sequence that gives the emergency vehicles the highest priority.
Product Awareness , Industry Life Cycles , and Aggregate Profits ∗

Do frictions in the expansion of consumer choice sets for new products explain firm growth, the industry life cycle, and aggregate profits? To explain industry and aggregate patterns, I introduce a mechanism by which consumers slowly become “aware” of differentiated products, expanding their choice sets. When aggregated, this information friction creates a wedge in an otherwise standard neoclassical growth model, which can help explain secular changes in factor shares in the calibrated model. New empirical evidence is shown to be consistent with this model: product creation and obsolescence rates are high, and markups tend to decrease as industries age.
Towards Safe Semi-Supervised Learning for Multivariate Performance Measures

Semi-supervised learning (SSL) is an important research problem in machine learning. While it is usually expected that the use of unlabeled data can improve performance, in many cases SSL is outperformed by supervised learning using only labeled data. To this end, the construction of a performance-safe SSL method has become a key issue of SSL study. To alleviate this problem, we propose in this paper the UMVP (safe semi-sUpervised learning for MultiVariate Performance measure) method, because of the need of various performance measures in practical tasks. The proposed method integrates multiple semi-supervised learners, and maximizes the worst-case performance gain to derive the final prediction. The overall problem is formulated as a maximin optimization. In oder to solve the resultant difficult maximin optimization, this paper shows that when the performance measure is the Top-k Precision, Fβ score or AUC, a minimax convex relaxation of the maximin optimization can be solved efficiently. Experimental results show that the proposed method can effectively improve the safeness of SSL under multiple multivariate performance measures.
Can Serum Levels of Alkaline Phosphatase and Phosphate Predict Cardiovascular Diseases and Total Mortality in Individuals with Preserved Renal Function? A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background It is demonstrated that elevated serum levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and phosphate indicate a higher risks of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and total mortality in population with chronic kidney disease (CKD), but it remains unclear whether this association exists in people with normal or preserved renal function. Method Clinical trials were searched from Embase and PubMed from inception to 2013 December using the keywords “ALP”, “phosphate”, “CVD”, “mortality” and so on, and finally 24 trials with a total of 147634 patients were included in this study. Dose-response and semi-parametric meta-analyses were performed. Results A linear association of serum levels of ALP and phosphate with risks of coronary heart disease (CHD) events, CVD events and deaths was identified. The relative risk(RR)of ALP for CVD deaths was 1.02 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01–1.04). The RR of phosphate for CVD deaths and events was 1.05 (95% CI, 1.02–1.09) and 1.04 (95% CI: 1.03–1.06), respectively. A non-linear association of ALP and phosphate with total mortality was identified. Compared with the reference category of ALP and phosphate, the pooled RR of ALP for total mortality was 1.57 (95% CI, 1.27–1.95) for the high ALP group, while the RR of phosphate for total mortality was 1.33 (95% CI, 1.21–1.46) for the high phosphate group. It was observed in subgroup analysis that higher levels of serum ALP and phosphate seemed to indicate a higher mortality rate in diabetic patients and those having previous CVD. The higher total mortality rate was more obvious in the men and Asians with high ALP. Conclusion A non-linear relationship exists between serum levels of ALP and phosphate and risk of total mortality. There appears to be a positive association of serum levels of ALP/phosphate with total mortality in people with normal or preserved renal function, while the relationship between ALP and CVD is still ambiguous.
Visual representations as carriers and symbols of organizational knowledge

In this paper, we conceptualize visual representations (e.g., sketches, CAD drawings, and prototypes) as 'artifacts of knowing' serving the purposes to share, transform, and symbolize organizational knowledge. First, we propose a comprehensive definition of visual representations by integrating insights from the literature domains of knowledge management and organizational culture. Building on the reviewed literature, we then develop a conceptual framework that articulates the visualization process in terms of a cyclical pathway between the formats (e.g., from sketches to prototypes) and the functions (e.g., from knowledge sharing to knowledge symbolization) of visual representations. After suggesting managerial recommendations for the use of visual representations in organizational knowledge management, we conclude our paper by pointing out the limitations of the current literature, and by suggesting directions for future research on visual knowledge management.
A multi-clustering fusion scheme for data partitioning

A multi-clustering fusion method is presented based on combining several runs of a clustering algorithm resulting in a common partition. More specifically, the results of several independent runs of the same clustering algorithm are appropriately combined to obtain a distinct partition of the data which is not affected by initialization and overcomes the instabilities of clustering methods. Subsequently, a fusion procedure is applied to the clusters generated during the previous phase to determine the optimal number of clusters in the data set according to some predefined criteria.
Fenofibrate and Warfarin Interaction

A 79‐year‐old man with atrial fibrillation and coronary heart disease who was taking warfarin (Coumadin) was converted to fenofibrate from gemfibrozil therapy for persistently elevated triglyceride levels. The patient took fenofibrate for 1 month and subsequently experienced rectal bleeding that required a visit to the emergency room. Before starting fenofibrate therapy, his coagulation values were within therapeutic range, but when measured in the emergency room the international normalized ratio (INR) was grossly elevated. The patient denied any changes in diet, alcohol ingestion, compliance with therapy, or use of other new drugs except for fenofibrate. His drug therapy profile consisted of digoxin, fosinopril, and furosemide for chronic heart failure, allopurinol for gout, and potassium supplementation. To minimize the risk of supratherapeutic INR values and/or hemorrhagic events, clinicians should perform serial monitoring of INR when initiating fenofibrate therapy in a patient previously stabilized on a coumarin anticoagulant.
Computed prediction in binary multistep problems

Computed prediction was originally devised to tackle problems defined over real-valued domains. Recent experiments on Boolean functions showed that the concept of computed prediction extends beyond real values and it can also be applied to solve more typical classifier system benchmarks such as Boolean multiplexer and parity functions. So far however, no result has been presented for other well known classifier system benchmarks, i.e., binary multistep problems such as the woods environments. In this paper, we apply XCS with computed prediction to woods environments and show that computed prediction can also tackle this class of problems. Our results demonstrate that (i) XCS with computed prediction converges to optimality faster than XCS, (ii) it solves problems that may be too difficult for XCS and (iii) it evolves solutions that are more compact than those evolved by XCS.
Latent Structure Models of Mobility

This paper proposes several latent structure models for the analysis of mobility tables and examines the relationship of these to some earlier mobility models (e.g., the "perfect" and the "quasi-perfect" mobility models). Data from the classic Danish (5 X 5) and British (5 X 5 and 8 X 8) mobility tables are used to illustrate the utility of these methods in comparative analysis. A model designated as a quasi-latent structure is suggested as a plausible rendering of the structure of mobility for each set of data, and this model is used to derive various kinds of substantive inferences.
The origins of southern and western Eurasian populations: an mtDNA study

The current dissertation is based on the following publications referred to in the text by their Roman numbers: I. Abbreviations bp base pair COII cytochrome oxydase subunit II CRS Cambridge Reference Sequence (Anderson et al. 1981) D-loop displacement loop (=control region) of mtDNA HVS-I the first hypervariable segment of the control region LGM the Last Glacial Maximum LHON Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy MP maximum parsimony MRCA the most recent common ancestor mtDNA mitochondrial DNA np nucleotide position PNG Papua New Guinea RFLP Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism tRNA Lys lysyl transfer RNA Definition of basic terms used in the thesis haplotype a sequence type that comprises all identical sequences haplogroup a group of haplotypes that share a common ancestor defined by an array of synapomorphic substitutions lineage any array of characters/mutations shared by more than one haplotype star-like tree a set of sequences is said to have a pattern of star-like phylogeny if most (ideally all of them) coalesce to one and the same haplotype (that has not necessarily been observed in the sample) founder haplotype haplotype to which all sequences under concern coalesce to time depth = age time calculated to the MRCA of a group of sequences expansion time time calculated to the founder that displays star-like phylogeny Caucasoids = western Eurasians, including populations from Near East, West Asia, Europe and northern Africa Mongoloids = eastern Eurasians, including populations east of India and Central Asia. 5 Introduction A general intellectual curiosity, inherent for our species, has made humans now and then in quest of answers related to our origins. While there is little doubt that the main driving force behind the search for human genetic variation is associated with an attempt to understand the genetics of diseases, it has also a much wider aspect: this variation reflects the past of mankind, the origin and spread of anatomically modern humans, their demographic history. It is increasingly more evident that knowledge about these processes is equally indispensable for a proper understanding of the genetics of complex diseases.
Acclimation of C4 metabolism to low light in mature maize leaves could limit energetic losses during progressive shading in a crop canopy

C4 plants have a biochemical carbon-concentrating mechanism that increases CO2 concentration around Rubisco in the bundle sheath. Under low light, the activity of the carbon-concentrating mechanism generally decreases, associated with an increase in leakiness (ϕ), the ratio of CO2 retrodiffusing from the bundle sheath relative to C4 carboxylation. This increase in ϕ had been theoretically associated with a decrease in biochemical operating efficiency (expressed as ATP cost of gross assimilation, ATP/GA) under low light and, because a proportion of canopy photosynthesis is carried out by shaded leaves, potential productivity losses at field scale. Maize plants were grown under light regimes representing the cycle that leaves undergo in the canopy, whereby younger leaves initially developed under high light and were then re-acclimated to low light (600 to 100 μE·m−2·s−1 photosynthetically active radiation) for 3 weeks. Following re-acclimation, leaves reduced rates of light-respiration and reached a status of lower ϕ, effectively optimizing the limited ATP resources available under low photosynthetically active radiation. Direct estimates of respiration in the light, and ATP production rate, allowed an empirical estimate of ATP production rate relative to gross assimilation to be derived. These values were compared to modelled ATP/GA which was predicted using leakiness as the sole proxy for ATP/GA, and, using a novel comprehensive biochemical model, showing that irrespective of whether leaves are acclimated to very low or high light intensity, the biochemical efficiency of the C4 cycle does not decrease at low photosynthetically active radiation.
Secondary primary malignancies during the lenalidomide–dexamethasone regimen in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma patients

Lenalidomide in combination with dexamethasone (Len‐dex) represents a highly effective treatment in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) patients. However, an increased risk of secondary primary malignancies (SPMs), including myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) has been described in patients receiving lenalidomide. In order to assess the incidence and features of this complication, we reviewed 195 patients with RRMM treated with Len‐dex at our institution. The median follow‐up time from diagnosis of MM was 73 months (10–234 months) and from initiation of Len‐dex was 19 months (1–104 months). The median duration of Len‐dex for all patients was 7.8 months (range 1–90 months). The incidence rate (IR) for all SPMs from start of Len‐dex was 2.37 per 100 patient‐years, which reflected an IR of 1.29 for MDS/AML and 1.08 for nonhematologic malignancies (NHM). MDS was the most common SPM noted. The cumulative IR of SPM at 5 years was 1.54% from the time of MM diagnosis and 5.24% from starting Len‐dex. Multivariable cumulative incidence of SPM analysis identified older age (P = 0.005) and prior number of regimens (P = 0.026) as adverse risk factors. We found more concomitant G‐CSF use (P = 0.029) in patients with MDS/AML, however, causal association is not clear. The progression‐free survival after Len‐dex was the longest for patients in MDS/AML group, and the 5‐year overall survival did not differ among groups. Although the rate of SPM was relatively low with Len‐dex, concomitant G‐CSF should be used judiciously and patients receiving this regimen should be observed for the development of this complication.
QMMAC-New QoS Model with Admission Control for Mobile Ad hoc Networks

This paper deals with quality of service in mobile ad hoc networks. It aims at admission control schemes in this kind of networks. The state of the art is summed up and open problems are identified in this paper. Then, our proposed new QoS model for MANETs called QMMAC is presented. We provide the architecture of the model, its features and parameters. The paper also describes the process of fine-tuning models parameters. Finally, we provide an evaluation of proposed QoS model based on simulation experiments.
‘Shifting the Balance’—Motivational Interviewing to Help Behaviour Change in People with Bulimia Nervosa

People with bulimia nervosa are often ambivalent about coming for help. Motivational interviewing considers ambivalence to be a normal and appropriate state for anyone considering behavioural change. By exploring ambivalence and considering the readiness of a client to change, a structure is created that builds collaboration between therapist and client, and avoids conflict: this can help in establishing change in eating behaviour and is compatible with other therapeutic models. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. and Eating Disorders Association.
Counterfactual Thinking in Tourette's Syndrome: A Study Using Three Measures

Pathophysiological evidence suggests an involvement of frontostriatal circuits in Tourette syndrome (TS) and cognitive abnormalities have been detected in tasks sensitive to cognitive deficits associated with prefrontal damage (verbal fluency, planning, attention shifting, working memory, cognitive flexibility, and social reasoning). A disorder in counterfactual thinking (CFT), a behavioural executive process linked to the prefrontal cortex functioning, has not been investigated in TS. CFT refers to the generation of a mental simulation of alternatives to past factual events, actions, and outcomes. It is a pervasive cognitive feature in everyday life and it is closely related to decision-making, planning, problem-solving, and experience-driven learning—cognitive processes that involve wide neuronal networks in which prefrontal lobes play a fundamental role. Clinical observations in patients with focal prefrontal lobe damage or with neurological and psychiatric diseases related to frontal lobe dysfunction (e.g., Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and schizophrenia) show counterfactual thinking impairments. In this work, we evaluate the performance of CFT in a group of patients with Tourette's syndrome compared with a group of healthy participants. Overall results showed no statistical differences in counterfactual thinking between TS patients and controls in the three counterfactual measures proposed. The possible explanations of this unexpected result are discussed below.