Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An information theory-based approach to assessing the sustainability and stability of an island system

It is well documented that a sustainable system is based on environmental stewardship, economic viability, and social equity. What is often overlooked is the need for continuity such that desirable system behavior is maintained with mechanisms in place that facilitate the ability of core system functions to endure or adapt (in the face of perturbations), and ensure that future generations are able to meet their needs. Assessing regional systems poses unique challenges in that they are interlinked with larger- and smaller-scale dynamics that may dramatically affect trends in key system variables. From 1970–2009, Puerto Rico experienced a 140% increase in urban population which may have amplified impacts related to resource demands, waste production, and natural habitats. Because such changes can have strong implications for sustainability, the dynamics of Puerto Rico provide a great opportunity to explore methods for assessing the sustainability of a complex geographic region. In this work, we employ Fisher information, an information theory-based approach, to evaluate changes in system dynamics and examine the effect of regionalization impacts on trends in variables characterizing social, environmental, and economic aspects of the system. Results indicate dramatic change from 1981–1999, after which the system dynamics remained steady until 2005. While there was no indication that a regime shift occurred, system trends corresponded with variations in non-yield economic variables. To determine whether Fisher information provides warning signals of critical change, consecutive declines in the index were explored and demonstrated as a possible leading indicator of impending regime shifts.
The Hippocampal/Parahippocampal Regions and Recognition Memory: Insights from Visual Paired Comparison versus Object-Delayed Nonmatching in Monkeys

Recognition memory was assessed by submitting the same adult monkeys to visual paired comparison (VPC) with mixed delays (10-120 sec), followed by three consecutive versions of object-delayed nonmatching-to-sample (DNMS): increasing delays (10-600 sec), lengthened lists (3-10 objects), and intervening distractors in the delays (light at 10 sec, motor task at 30-600 sec, or context change at 600 sec). Four groups were tested: normal controls, monkeys with ibotenic acid lesions of the hippocampal formation (H), and monkeys with aspiration lesions of either the perirhinal (PRh) or parahippocampal (areas TH/TF) cortex. Group H was impaired on VPC at delays ≥60 sec but had difficulty on DNMS only at 600 sec delays with distraction. In group TH/TF, the VPC impairment emerged earlier (30 sec); yet, once the nonmatching rule was mastered, no significant change occurred on any DNMS condition. Only group PRh behaved congruently on VPC and DNMS, exhibiting a deficit at the easiest condition that worsened with increasing delays as well as in DNMS lengthened list and distraction conditions. These results led us to postulate that VPC and DNMS, as previously administered to monkeys, were not equivalent visual recognition memory probes. Specifically, we propose that, for VPC, because of passive (incidental) encoding, the animal's performance rests on both item familiarity and event recollection, whereas, for DNMS, because of active (purposeful) encoding, performance relies more on item familiarity. This proposal converges with current models postulating distinct, but interactive, mnemonic roles for the hippocampal and adjacent TH/TF regions.
Situated design for creative, reflective, collaborative, technology-mediated learning

STEM subjects are typically seen as boring, geeky, difficult to learn and with low relevance to real life. To counter this opinion, we aim to foster engagement with and curiosity about STEM subjects, through an approach to learning that facilitates the construction of understanding of key, threshold concepts (TCs). To achieve this, we engender creativity by using performance as a means of expression. We demonstrate how the process of collaboratively crafting a video to explain a TC students have been introduced to helps them to break down the concept, and through reflection on each piece of knowledge about it, build understanding about its different aspects, and further develop their knowledge. We aim through this approach to encourage students to work together to discover, explore, engage in lateral, visual thinking, and therefore develop deep, shared understanding of TCs in STEM subjects.
Long-term survival of stage I multiple myeloma given chemotherapy just after diagnosis or at progression of the disease: a multicentre randomized study

We conducted a randomized trial to evaluate whether melphalan-prednisone (MPH-P) treatment administered just after diagnosis improves survival of stage I multiple myeloma (MM). Between January 1987 and March 1993, 145 consecutive previously untreated patients with stage I MM were randomized between treatment with MPH-P (administered for 4 days every 6 weeks) just after diagnosis and treatment only at disease progression. Survival was not influenced by MPH-P treatment either administered just after diagnosis or at disease progression (64 vs 71 months respectively). Comparing the first with the second group the odds ratio of death is 1.17 (95% confidence interval 0.57–2.42;P = 0.64). Disease progression occurred within a year in about 50% of patients who were initially untreated. Response rate was similar in both groups, but duration of response was shorter in patients who were treated at disease progression (48 vs 79 months, P = 0.044). Patients actually treated at disease progression (34/70) survived shorter than those who had neither disease progression nor treatment (56 vs > 92 months;P = 0.005). Starting MPH-P just after diagnosis does not improve survival and response rate in stage I MM, with respect to deferring therapy until disease progression. However, patients with stage I MM randomized to have treatment delayed and who actually progressed and were treated had shorter survival than those with stable disease and no treatment. Biologic or other disease features could identify these subgroups of patients. © 2000 Cancer Research Campaign
Replication in Economics

This examination of the role and potential for replication in economics points out the paucity of both pure replication -- checking on others' published papers using their data -- and scientific replication -- using data representing different populations in one's own work or in a Comment. Several controversies in empirical economics illustrate how and how not to behave when replicating others' work. The incentives for replication facing editors, authors and potential replicators are examined. Recognising these incentives, I advance proposals aimed at journal editors that will increase the supply of replication studies, and I propose a way of generating more scientific replication that will make empirical economic research more credible.
THE GEOMETRIZATION CONJECTURE AFTER

Personal protective clothing of the present invention is formed into a vest, a skirt, a cap, a coat or the like by using a surface-metallized fiber woven or knitted fabric. A conductive discharging yarn or fabric is electrically connected to the clothing, and a face cover or both a face cover and a backing are attached thereto. The operators of personal computers, word processors and the like can easily wear the clothing for the purpose of protecting their bodies from the electromagnetic waves generated.
Network performance evaluation of VPN protocols (SSTP and IKEv2)

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a technology that is used to securely connect private network passing through a public network such as the Internet. Using a VPN, a computer, tablet, or smartphone is able to securely connect with others in the Internet as if they were part of a private network. Using this technology may also bring security threats like spoofing, snipping, and hacking as the data travels using the Internet connection. In order to avoid any security attacks, a VPN uses encryption and authentication to secure the data that is travelling in the Internet. A tunnel connection will be established among partners, connected by using a VPN that the attackers cannot infiltrate. This research focuses on the performance evaluation of VPN protocols, mainly the Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol (SSTP) and Internet Key Exchange Version 2 (IKEv2). Throughput, jitter, and delay were measured when the packets were sent from the VPN clients to other client in a test-bed environment. After the test-bed environment research, it was found that IKEv2 had significantly better performance than SSTP in relation to throughput, jitter, and delay.
Cardiovascular risk factors in young Czech females with polycystic ovary syndrome.

BACKGROUND Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) could be associated with a variety of signs of metabolic syndrome. The aim of our study was to compare the cardiovascular risk factors in PCOS women and in a control group selected from a random population sample. METHODS AND RESULTS 50 PCOS women with a mean (+/-SD) age of 30.7 +/- 4.2 years, and 335 controls with a mean age of 29.9 +/- 3.1 years selected from a random population sample of nine districts of the Czech Republic were compared for basic anthropometric characteristics, blood pressure, plasma lipids and fasting glucose. PCOS women had a significantly higher body mass index (BMI). After adjusting for BMI, PCOS women had higher blood pressure and LDL-cholesterol, and lower HDL and HDL-cholesterol/total ratio. Arterial hypertension was more prevalent in PCOS women than in controls. There was no difference in the prevalence of impaired fasting glucose between both groups. Impaired glucose tolerance was found in 11.8% of PCOS women. Diabetes mellitus was more frequent in PCOS families. CONCLUSIONS Czech PCOS women, even in their thirties, show a significantly worse cardiovascular risk profile than a control group selected from a random population sample. The differences cannot be explained by obesity.
Riemann-problem and level-set approaches for homentropic two-fluid flow computations

A finite-volume method is presented for the computation of compressible flows of two immiscible fluids at very different densities. A novel ingredient in the method is a linearized, two-fluid Osher scheme, allowing for flux computations in the case of different fluids (e.g., water and air) left and right of a cell face. A level-set technique is employed to distinguish between the two fluids. The level-set equation is incorporated into the system of hyperbolic conservation laws. Fixes are presented for the solution errors (pressure oscillations) that may occur near two-fluid interfaces when applying a capturing method. The fixes are analyzed and tested. For two-fluid flows with arbitrarily large density ratios, a simple variant of the ghost-fluid method appears to be a perfect remedy. Computations for compressible water-air flows yield perfectly sharp, pressure-oscillation-free interfaces. The masses of the separate fluids appear to be conserved up to first-order accuracy.
Neural Mechanisms Determining the Performance on Visuospatial Working Memory Tasks Biophysical Modeling , Functional

Visuospatial working memory (vsWM) is the ability to temporarily retain goalrelevant visuospatial information in memory. It is a key cognitive function related to general intelligence, and it improves throughout childhood and through WM training. Information is maintained in vsWM through persistent neuronal activity in a frontoparietal network that consists of the intraparietal sulcus (IPS) and the frontal eye field (FEF). This network is regulated by the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC). The features of brain structure and activity that regulate the access to and storage capacity of visuospatial WM (vsWM) are still unknown. The aim of my doctoral work has been to find such features by combining a biophysically based model of vsWM activity with functional MRI (fMRI) and EEG experiments. In study I, we combined modeling and fMRI and showed that stronger frontoparietal synaptic connections result in developmental increases in brain activity and in improved vsWM during development. This causal relationship was established by ruling out other previously suggested mechanisms, such as myelination or synaptic pruning, In study II, we combined modeling and EEG to further explore the connectivity of the network. We showed that FEF→IPS connections are stronger than IPS→FEF connections, and that stimuli enter IPS. This arrangement of connections prevents distracting stimuli from being stored. Study III was a theoretical study showing that errors in measurements of the amplitude of brain activity affect the estimation of effective connection strength. In study IV, we analyzed EEG data from WM training in children with epilepsy. Improvements on the trained task were accompanied by increased frontal and parietal signal power, but not fronto-parietal coherence. This indicates that local changes in FEF and IPS could underlie improvements on the trained task. dlPFC is important for the performance on a large variety of cognitive tasks. In study V, we combined modeling with fMRI to test the hypothesis that dlPFC improves vsWM capacity by providing stabilizing excitatory inputs to IPS, and that dlPFC filters distracters by specifically lowering the capacity of neurons storing distracters. fMRI data confirmed the model hypothesis. We further showed that a dysfunctional dlPFC could explain the link between vsWM capacity and distractibility, as is found in ADHD. The model suggests that dlPFC carries out its multifaceted behavior not by performing advanced calculations itself, but by providing bias signals that control operations performed in the regions it connects to. A specific aim of this thesis has been to describe the mechanistic model in a way that is accessible to people without a modeling background.
Crystal Structure of Rhodopsin: A G‐Protein‐Coupled Receptor

G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) provide a molecular link between extracellular signals and intracellular processes. In the visual system, GPCRs such as rhodopsin and cone visual pigments absorb photons and initiate G-protein signal transduction processes that result in electrical signals processed by the brain. Rod cells, containing rhodopsin in their outer segments, respond to dim levels of light. Cone receptors contain cone opsins and respond to photons of different wavelengths, thus providing a basis for color vision. All of these receptors contain a retinylidene chromophore that undergoes a cis ± trans isomerization upon photon absorption. This conformational change leads to an altered structure at the protein's surface capable of binding transducin. This activates the G protein (transducin) which in turn activates a phosphodiesterase. The phosphodiesterase converts cyclic guanosine monophosphate (c-GMP) into GMP subsequently causing c-GMP-gated ion channels to close. The cell then hyperpolarizes and generates a signal that is processed by the retinal secondary neurons. Ultimately, the signal is transmitted to the brain. 7, 8] The fundamental importance and natural abundance of rhodopsin has made it a prime candidate for biophysical studies. Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) of two-dimensional rhodopsin crystals provided the first views of the seven transmembrane helices forming the core of the protein's structure. 10] Other biophysical techniques, including NMR spectroscopy, have been applied to characterize the structure and function of the chromophore or the peptide fragments. 4, 11±21]
Influence of Age and Hemodynamics on Myocardial Blood Flow and Flow Reserve

BackgroundAging is associated with changes of the systolic blood pressure that may increase cardiac work and myocardial blood flow at rest and reduce the myocardial flow reserve. This might be misinterpreted as age-related impairment of the coronary vasodilator capacity. Methods and ResultsMyocardial blood flow was quantified at rest and after administration of intravenous dipyridamole in 40 healthy volunteers (12 women and 28 men) with 13N-ammonia and positron emission tomography. Eighteen of the normal subjects were less than and 22 were older than 50 years (31G $ 9 versus 64 $ 9 years). The resting rate-pressure product was lower in the younger than in the older subjects (6895 $ 1070 versus 8634+1890; p<0.01). Myocardial blood flow at rest averaged 0.76 $ 0.17 mL min1 g1 in the younger volunteers and 0.92 $ 0.25 mL. min1 g1 in the older volunteers (p< 0.05). Hyperemic blood flows did not differ between younger and older subjects (3.0+0.8 versus 2.7 $ 0.6 mL* min1 g-1 p=NS); however, minimal coronary resistance was higher in the older subjects. Corrected for indexes of coronary driving pressure, hyperemic flow was lower in older than in younger normal subjects. The higher resting blood flows combined with similar hyperemic flows resulted in a lower myocardial flow reserve in the older than in the younger normal subjects (4.1 $ 0.9 versus 3.0+0.70; p< 0.0001). The flow reserve was more closely correlated with resting than with hyperemic blood flows. ConclusionsAging does not alter significantly dipyridamole-induced hyperemic flows; although coronary vascular resistance after dipyridamole was somewhat increased in older subjects. The gradual decline of the myocardial blood flow reserve correlates with an age-related increase of baseline myocardial work and blood flow. These findings suggest that the reduced flow reserve with age is primarily due to increased cardiac work and blood flow at rest rather than to an abnormal vasodilator capacity.
Output Feedback Stabilization of Networked Control Systems with Random Delays

Abstract This paper is concerned with the output feedback stabilization problem of networked control systems (NCSs) with random communication delays. Mean-square stability is derived for the closed-loop NCSs. Based on this, the one-mode-dependent output feedback controller is designed, and the explicit expressions of the controller gains are obtained in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). A numerical example is provided to show the effectiveness and applicability of the proposed results.
Temporal logics on strings with prefix relation

We show that linear-time temporal logic over concrete domains made of finite strings and the prefix relation admits a PSpace-complete satisfiability problem. Actually, we extend a known result with the concrete domain made of the set of natural numbers and the greater than relation (corresponding to the singleton alphabet case) and we solve an open problem mentioned in several publications. Since the prefix relation is not a total ordering, it is not possible to take advantage of existing techniques dedicated to temporal logics with concrete domains that are essentially linearly ordered structures. Instead, we introduce an adequate encoding of string constraints into length constraints that allows us to reduce the problem on strings to the problem on natural numbers. To do so, we also propose an extended version of the logic on strings that is able to compare lengths of longest common prefixes and for which the satisfiability problem is shown in PSpace. Finally, we show how to lift the result for the branching-time case in order to get decidability when the underlying temporal logic is CTL.
On deterministic abortable objects

We define deterministic abortable (DA) objects, which guarantee that operations complete normally if executed solo, but may abort if executed concurrently with other operations. An operation that aborts has no effect on the object. This simple and attractive behavior is reminiscent of transactional memory, database transactions, and abortable mutual exclusion --- techniques in which a process can, under contention, ``bail out'' of the computation without leaving a trace. It is well-known that ordinary objects can be placed in a consensus hierarchy, based on their ability to implement n-Consensus (an object that allows up to n processes to agree on a value): an object is at level n if, together with registers, it can implement n-Consensus} but not (n+1)-Consensus. We show that DA objects can be placed in an analogous hierarchy, called the DAC hierarchy, based on their ability to implement n-DAC, the DA counterpart of n-Consensus. We explore the similarities and differences between these two hierarchies. It was previously known that 2-DAC is just as powerful as 2-Consensus, so the two hierarchies coincide at level 2. We show, however, that they diverge at higher levels. First, we show that ∞-DAC} (which is at level ∞ of the DAC hierarchy) can not implement even 3-Consensus (which is at level 3 of the consensus hierarchy). Then we show that, for each n, n-Consensus cannot implement (n+1)-DAC. Finally, we show that, in general, there is no simple correspondence between the level of an object in one hierarchy and its counterpart in the other: We exhibit an ordinary object at level ∞ of the consensus hierarchy, whose DA counterpart is at level 1 in the DAC hierarchy.
ANALYSIS OF HIGHLY NON-LINEAR DEFORMATIONS DUE TO MINING ACTIVITY W ITH DINSAR: PSIC4 TEST SITE

DInSAR techniques with multiple images are aimed to extract the deformation series from a selected scene using a set of interferograms acquired in different temporal instants. The detection of highly non-linear deformation patterns is a demanding issue for these techniques. In order to get a high quality and reduced set of interferograms, a new selection method is proposed based on a Minimum Spanning Treealgorithm. Furthermore, two developments on the multiple image DInSAR algorithm Coherent Pixels Technique (CPT) are presented in order to improve non-linear component extraction: a multilayer processing which iteratively adds quality layers of selected points and a temporal block processing. Results on the Gardanne test site (France) are presented.
A Modified Consumer Inkjet for Spatiotemporal Control of Gene Expression

This paper presents a low-cost inkjet dosing system capable of continuous, two-dimensional spatiotemporal regulation of gene expression via delivery of diffusible regulators to a custom-mounted gel culture of E. coli. A consumer-grade, inkjet printer was adapted for chemical printing; E. coli cultures were grown on 750 µm thick agar embedded in micro-wells machined into commercial compact discs. Spatio-temporal regulation of the lac operon was demonstrated via the printing of patterns of lactose and glucose directly into the cultures; X-Gal blue patterns were used for visual feedback. We demonstrate how the bistable nature of the lac operon's feedback, when perturbed by patterning lactose (inducer) and glucose (inhibitor), can lead to coordination of cell expression patterns across a field in ways that mimic motifs seen in developmental biology. Examples of this include sharp boundaries and the generation of traveling waves of mRNA expression. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of reaction-diffusion effects in the well-studied lac operon. A finite element reaction-diffusion model of the lac operon is also presented which predicts pattern formation with good fidelity.