Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Transient increases in cytosolic free calcium appear to be required for the migration of adherent human neutrophils [published erratum appears in J Cell Biol 1990 Mar;110(3):861]

Human neutrophils exhibit multiple increases in cytosolic free calcium concentration [( Ca2+]i) spontaneously and in response to the chemoattractant N-formyl-L-methionyl-L-leucyl-L-phenylalanine (Jaconi, M. E. E., R. W. Rivest, W. Schlegel, C. B. Wollheim, D. Pittet, and P. D. Lew. 1988. J. Biol. Chem. 263:10557-10560). The function of these repetitive increases in [Ca2+]i, as well as the role of Ca2+ in human neutrophil migration, remain unresolved. We have used microspectrofluorometry to measure [Ca2+]i in single fura-2-loaded human neutrophils as they moved on poly-D-lysine-coated glass in the presence of serum. To investigate the role of Ca2+ in human neutrophil migration, we examined cells in the presence and absence of extracellular Ca2+, as well as intracellular Ca2(+)-buffered and Ca2(+)- depleted cells. In the presence of extracellular Ca2+, multiple increases and decreases in [Ca2+]i were frequently observed, and at least one such transient increase in [Ca2+]i occurred in every moving cell during chemokinesis, chemotaxis, and phagocytosis. In addition, neutrophils that extended pseudopodia and assumed a polarized morphology after plating onto a surface were always observed to exhibit [Ca2+]i transients even in the absence of chemoattractant. In contrast, a [Ca2+]i transient was observed in only one of the nonpolarized stationary cells that were examined (n = 15). Although some cells exhibited relatively periodic increases and decreases in [Ca2+]i, resembling the regular oscillations that have been observed in some cell types, many others exhibited increases and decreases in [Ca2+]i that varied in their timing, magnitude, and duration. Buffering of [Ca2+]i or removal of extracellular Ca2+ damped out or blocked transient increases in [Ca2+]i and reduced or inhibited the migration of neutrophils. Under these conditions, polarized cells were often observed to make repeated attempts at migration, but they remained anchored at their rear. These data suggest that transient increases in [Ca2+]i may be required for the migration of human neutrophils on poly- D-lysine-coated glass in the presence of serum by allowing them to release from previous sites of attachment.
Fragment Grammars: Exploring Computation and Reuse in Language

Language relies on a division of labor between stored units and structure building operations which combine the stored units into larger structures. This division of labor leads to a tradeoff: more structure-building means less need to store while more storage means less need to compute structure. We develop a hierarchical Bayesian model called fragment grammar to explore the optimum balance between structure-building and reuse. The model is developed in the context of stochastic functional programming (SFP), and in particular, using a probabilistic variant of Lisp known as the Church programming language [17]. We show how to formalize several probabilistic models of language structure using Church, and how fragment grammar generalizes one of them— adaptor grammars [21]. We conclude with experimental data with adults and preliminary evaluations of the model on natural language corpus data.
Lagrein: Visualizing User Requirements and Development Effort

The development of a software project often requires more time and effort than originally expected. However, at end of a project, it is hard to determine which components required more time or were more complex than what was originally planned. In addition, project managers are interested to know what could have happened if some requirements were dropped or if they were implemented in different time sequencing. Lagrein is a tool that supports managers and developers in answering such kind of questions.
Mapping virtual object manipulation to sound variation

We are studying the use of dexterous manipulation in a virtual environment to create, edit and perform sounds. In our Max/FTS-based experimental environment, a virtual object functions as input device for the editing of sound - the sound artist literally \sculpts" sounds by changing virtual object attributes (shape, position and orientation). We identied three sculpting methods and discuss one for use in physical and abstract mapping strategies. In pilot mapping experiments, the main problems we encountered were the search for interaction metaphors that can quickly be understood, incorporation of manipulation pragmatics in mappings, \touching" the virtual object and real-time computability.
Simple method for simultaneous improvement of passband and folding bands of comb filter

This paper presents a novel two-stage comb decimation filter along with the multiplierless second order compensation filter, which works at low rate, and does not depends either on the decimation factor or the number of the cascaded comb filters. Additionally, the second comb stage has a fixed number of the cascaded filters, which is equal to sixth for any value of the decimation factor and the number of the cascaded filters in the first stage. As a result, the proposed decimation filter has an improved magnitude characteristic in the passband, as well as in the aliasing rejection bands, as shown by comparison with the some recent methods proposed in the literature.
Data center task scheduling through Biogeography-Based Optimization model with the aim of reducing makespan

Due to the rapid growth in the number of cloud users and the increment of data center users as the basis of clouds thereof, an optimal task scheduling problem would emerge as a vital issue in near future. Since, the complexity of optimal task scheduling nature, which is NP-Complete, the evolutionary algorithms render better performance than simple gradient-based algorithms. In the proposed approach, an evolutionary algorithm based on Biogeography-Based Optimization is applied to achieve optimal task scheduling in data centers. Workloads are distributed over virtual machines in a manner that total execution time (makespan) is minimized. An Information Base Repository (IBR) is considered and applied in order to store the online Virtual Machines load status. The IBR and the workloads information submitted to the data center are applied first to draw decisions for choosing which one of the VMs will be the receptive of the submitted workload; next, forwards the workload to the specified VM. The VM available resources of Memory, Bandwidth, storage and VM CPU Million Instruction Per Second are considered to find the optimal dispatching solution. Simulation results indicate that an increase in the number of VMs, would not change the time of getting optimal solution in a drastic manner and the covergence time increases in a slow graduation compared with task scheduling approaches, which is based on Genetic Optimization and Particle Swarm Optimization. So the total workload will be distributed in an optimal manner.
The Contribution of Coping-Related Variables and Cardiac Vagal Activity on Prone Rifle Shooting Performance Under Pressure

Abstract. The aims of this study were to assess the predictive role of coping-related variables (CRV) on cardiac vagal activity (derived from heart rate variability), and to investigate the influence of CRV (and cardiac vagal activity) on prone rifle shooting performance under low pressure (LP) and high pressure (HP) conditions. Participants ( n = 38) competed in a shooting task under LP and HP. Cardiac vagal activity measurements were taken at baseline, task, and recovery for 5 min, alongside ratings of stress via a visual analogue scale. Upon task conclusion, self-report measures of motivation, stress appraisal, attention, perceived pressure, and trait CRV questionnaires (Decision-Specific Reinvestment Scale [DSRS], Movement-Specific Reinvestment Scale [MSRS], and Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire [TEIQue]) were completed. Results indicated that task cardiac vagal activity was predicted by resting cardiac vagal activity and self-control in HP and LP. Post-task cardiac vagal activity was predicted by resting cardiac vagal activity in both conditions with the addition of a trait and state CRV in HP. Cardiac vagal reactivity, the change from resting to task, was predicted by resting cardiac vagal activity and self-control in LP and HP. Cardiac vagal recovery, the change from task to post-task, was predicted by a trait CRV in HP. Shooting performance was predicted by experience and cardiac vagal activity in LP and cardiac vagal activity and a trait in HP. Findings suggest both CRV and cardiac vagal activity influence cardiac vagal activity throughout a pressure task. Additionally, shooting performance directly influences cardiac vagal recovery.
Roads, Population Pressures, and Deforestation in Thailand, 1976-89

Tropical deforestation is considered one of the major environmental disasters of the 20th century, although there have been few careful studies of its causes. This paper examines the causes of deforestation in Thailand between 1976 and 1989, a period when the country lost 28% of its forest cover. This paper takes the perspective that, in the long run, the determinants of deforestation are the determinants of land use change. While logging and fuelwood gathering may remove forest cover, regrowth will occur, at least in moist tropical forests. For an area to remain deforested, it must be profitable to convert the land to another use, and this use is usually agricultural. In Thailand, for example, agricultural land increased between 1961 and 1988; during the same period, forest land decreased. This paper focuses on what, in equilibrium, determines the amount of land cleared for agriculture. The authors emphasize the quantitative impact of two forces--roads and population pressures--that increase the profitability of converting forest land to agriculture. As aerial maps show, development follows road networks. The magnitude of the impact of roads on commercial and subsistence agriculture depends on soil quality along the road. In this case the Thailand government undertook a road-building program in the Northeast section in the 1970's to encourage settlement of that region as a bulwark against Communist encroachment from Laos. Road building very likely spurred deforestation in the Northeast during the 1970's and 1980's, although the magnitude of its impact is not known. Thailand also experienced rapid population growth during this same period, which may have contributed to deforestation in two ways: the growing population demanding more food, increased the demand for agricultural land; and more importantly, in rural areas where other economic opportunities are limited and squatters are permitted on forest lands, a growing population increased the demand for land for subsistence agriculture. The authors conclude that population pressures play less of a role in deforestation than was found in earlier studies on Thailand. Affecting the amount of deforestation are other factors, such as the profitability of converting the land to another use, natural protection for forests like poor soil and steep slopes, and agricultural price variations.
Resveratrol, a polyphenol phytoalexin, protects cardiomyocytes against anoxia/reoxygenation injury via the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway

Previous studies indicate resveratrol pretreatment can protect cardiomyocytes. However, it is largely unknown whether resveratrol protects cardiomyocytes when applied at reperfusion. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether resveratrol given at reoxygenation could protect cardiomyocytes under the anoxia/reoxygenation (A/R) condition and to examine the underlying mechanism. In this study, primary cultures of neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were randomly distributed into three groups: control group, A/R group (cultured cardiomyocytes were subjected to 3 h anoxia followed by 2 h reoxygenation), and the resveratrol group (cardiomyocytes were subjected to 3 h anoxia/2 h reoxygenation, and 5, 10 or 20 μM resveratrol was applied 5 min after reoxygenation). In order to evaluate cardiomyocyte damage, cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, caspase-3 activity, and apoptosis were analyzed by the cell counting kit (CCK)-8 assay, colorimetric method and flow cytometry, respectively. The mRNA and protein expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) were detected by quantitative real-time PCR and western blot analysis. Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65 protein and I-κBα protein levels were also examined by western blot analysis. The levels of proinflammatory cytokines in the culture medium were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We found that resveratrol prevented a reduction in cell viability, decreased the amount of LDH release, attenuated apoptotic cells and decreased caspase-3 activity induced by A/R in cardiomyocytes. Furthermore, resveratrol treatment significantly attenuated the TLR4 expression, inhibited NF-κB activation and reduced the levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-1β caused by A/R injury in the culture medium. Treatment with resveratrol shortly after the onset of reoxygenation improves cell survival and attenuates A/R-induced inflammatory response. This protection mechanism is possibly related to the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.
Social Class, Gender, and Contemporary Parenting Standards in the United States: Evidence from a National Survey Experiment

Social scientists have documented a substantial increase in both mothers’ and fathers’ time spent with children since the 1960s in the United States. Yet parenting behaviors remain deeply divided by social class and gender, with important implications for the reproduction of inequality. To understand rising parental investments in children and persistent class and gender differences in parenting, popular accounts and academic studies have pointed to an apparent cultural shift toward norms of time-intensive, child-centered parenting, particularly for mothers and among middle-class parents. However, prior research has produced inconclusive evidence relating to social class, gender, and contemporary parenting norms. Using data from an original vignette survey experiment conducted with a nationally representative sample of more than 3,600 parents, this study examines cultural norms related to parenting elementary school-aged children, considering how both social class and gender shape views about good parenting. Results indicate that parents of different social classes express remarkably similar support for intensive mothering and fathering across a range of situations, whether sons or daughters are involved. These findings suggest that cultural norms of child-centered, time-intensive mothering and fathering are now pervasive, pointing to high contemporary standards for parental investments in children.
Lung cancer metastases and non-metastases tumid lymph nodes classification in CT image with multi-resolution histogram

Objective: In order to find effective CT image features of lymph nodes for improving the diagnosis accuracy of metastases and non-metastases tumid lymph nodes in the lung cancer N stage. Method: First, tumid lymph nodes are extracted from chest CT images using interactive segmentation. Second, the multi-resolution histograms of tumid lymph nodes are directly calculated to receive a high-dimensional features sample set with spatial information. Then the classifier for differentiating metastases and non-metastases tumid lymph nodes is constructed with making full use the advantage of SVM. Finally, the performance of classification is evaluated by testing the trained SVM with the test sample set. Result: The test results by 96 cases show that it takes 1.91s for computing 200 dimensional features of 100 lymph nodes, 1.36s for training and testing the SVM classifier. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis of the classification performance shows that the sensitivity is 76%, specificity is 64%, accuracy is 70%, and the Area Under Curve (AUC) is nearly 0.6525. Conclusion: Image spatial information can effectively express the characteristics of lymph nodes; the classification accuracy of metastases and non-metastases tumid lymph nodes is up to 70% without medical signs. It provides a feasible, simple method for improving the accuracy of the lung cancer N stage.
Art of Feelings [感情艺术]

生活中人们有着各种各样的体验,有的体验并不是所有人都要经历,而有的体验却是所有人都必须经历的。 爱,就是所有人都必须经历的体验。 我对爱的理解很简单就是无私地给予奉献,爱自己,爱别人,被人爱,爱是伟大的,但爱到底是什么? 弗洛姆说:>不成熟的爱是我爱你,因为我需要你。 而成熟的爱是我需要你,因为我爱你。 如果爱是一门艺术,那就要求想要掌握这门艺术的人有这方面的知识并付出努力<。 通过这本书我懂得了爱不是简单地接受和遇到,爱是需要通过学习、领悟和实践才能获得。
Isolating cause-effect chains in computer systems

: One of the major tasks in maintaining software systems is understanding how speciﬁc effects came to be. This is especially true for effects that cause major harm, and especially challenging for causes that actively prevent discovery. We introduce Malfor, a system that, for any reliably reproducible and observable effect, isolates the processes that cause the effect. We apply Malfor to intrusion analysis —that is, understanding how an intruder gained access to a system—and come up with cause-effect chains that describe how an attack came to be: “An attacker sent a malicious request to the Web server, which gave him a local shell, by which he gained administrator provileges via a security hole in Perl, and thus installed a new adminis-trator account”. Malforworks by experiments. First, we record the interaction of the system being diagnosed. After the effect (the intrusion) has been detected, we replay the recorded events in slightly different conﬁgurations to isolate the processes which were relevant for the effect. While intrusion analysis is among the more spectacular uses of Malfor, the underlying techniques can easily be generalized to arbitrary system behaviors.
PeerMonitor: A P2P-based architecture for video monitoring

With rapidly growing demand for real-time video monitoring, providing a robust large-scale video monitoring service is a both challenging and crucial task. This paper proposes a P2P-based video monitoring architecture called PeerMonitor which can implement large-scale network video monitoring application using a relatively small number of server. By fully taking different use interests in different monitoring scene into account, PeerMonitor provides a more efficient scene switch operation. The proposed architecture also decreases video delivering delay by improving Pure-Pull strategy and data-flow-based push-pull strategy between nodes in DONet. The simulation result demonstrates the efficiency of the proposal.
Languages of the semantic web ( M 2 R SWXO lecture notes

So far we have considered expressing information within the XML language. XML is not a very expressive language: it basically provides a structure which stores information and this information has to be extracted in order to be accessed and exploited. It does not allows to express knowledge in terms of descriptions which will be used for guiding this interpretation. XML provides a database point of view about knowledge representation in which the power of what can be done with the language depends on the power of the query language (Xpath, Xquery, etc.) and the representation is a store. In the context of the semantic web, this structure is provided with a semantics specifying how to interpret the structure. This allows the definition of general statements which will apply to the relevant data whatever its syntactic form. Doing so, requires the definition of a logic, specifying the semantics of statements (or formulas) and identifying the possible models of a document or a set of documents. Answering queries then will have to be performed through inference sanctioned by their correctness and completeness with regard to the semantics. There is anyway a continuity between these manipulation of the data on the web. It starts with extracting data from documents through navigation:
Molecular Docking Study of Conformational Polymorph: Building Block of Crystal Chemistry

Two conformational polymorphs of novel 2-[2-(3-cyano-4,6-dimethyl-2-oxo-2H-pyridin-1-yl)-ethoxy]-4,6-dimethyl nicotinonitrile have been developed. The crystal structure of both polymorphs (1a and 1b) seems to be stabilized by weak interactions. A difference was observed in the packing of both polymorphs. Polymorph 1b has a better binding affinity with the cyclooxygenase (COX-2) receptor than the standard (Nimesulide).
Multi-Image 2D-PAGE Feature Detection

Although there have been many reports on computerised methods of spot detection for 2D-PAGE gel images, these methods examine one gel image at a time. Different spot detection methods are negatively affected by the multitude of different blemishes that may occur in gel images in different ways. We present a method for utilising pairs of gel images which allows improvements in initial spot detection in both images. Testing of our algorithms on 188 pairings of gel images demonstrates automatic improvements on single-image spot-detection with robustness to initial errors and a 97.5% accuracy.
Locality-aware Partitioning in Parallel Database Systems

Parallel database systems horizontally partition large amounts of structured data in order to provide parallel data processing capabilities for analytical workloads in shared-nothing clusters. One major challenge when horizontally partitioning large amounts of data is to reduce the network costs for a given workload and a database schema. A common technique to reduce the network costs in parallel database systems is to co-partition tables on their join key in order to avoid expensive remote join operations. However, existing partitioning schemes are limited in that respect since only subsets of tables in complex schemata sharing the same join key can be co-partitioned unless tables are fully replicated. In this paper we present a novel partitioning scheme called predicate-based reference partition (or PREF for short) that allows to co-partition sets of tables based on given join predicates. Moreover, based on PREF, we present two automatic partitioning design algorithms to maximize data-locality. One algorithm only needs the schema and data whereas the other algorithm additionally takes the workload as input. In our experiments we show that our automated design algorithms can partition database schemata of different complexity and thus help to effectively reduce the runtime of queries under a given workload when compared to existing partitioning approaches.
European Conference on Information Systems ( ECIS ) 2007 Explaining and Predicting Information Systems Acceptance and Success : An Integrative Model

This paper proposes a new model – the Information Systems Acceptance (ISA) model to explain and predict IS acceptance. Drawing on previous literature, and the results of a series of case studies, the ISA model integrates four sets of factors influencing IS acceptance: (i) technology characteristics; (ii) management actions; (iii) service quality; and (iv) system use, user satisfaction and system outcomes. These sets of factors are drawn from well-established frameworks. Building on established theories, the model incorporates previous research, overcomes some of the limitations associated with these individual theories, and assembles IS acceptance factors into a comprehensive and useable conceptual framework.