Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Computational Model of Language Performance: Data Oriented Parsing

Data Oriented Parsing (DOP) is a model where no abstract rules, but language experiences in the form of an analyzed corpus, constitute the basis for language processing. Analyzing a new input means that the system attempts to find the most probable way to reconstruct the input out of fragments that already exist in the corpus. Disambiguation occurs as a side-effect DOP can be implemented by using conventional parsing strategies.
Piezoelectric Shells: Distributed Sensing and Control of Continua

Piezoelectric shell vibration theory common piezoelectric continua and active piezoelectric structures distributed sensing and control of elastic shells multi-layered shell actuators boundary control of beams distributed control of plates with segmented sensors and actuators convolving shell sensors and actuators applied to rings sensing and control of cylindrical shells finite element formulation and analyses. Appendix: linear piezoelectricity theory.
VBASE2, an integrative V gene database

The database VBASE2 provides germ-line sequences of human and mouse immunoglobulin variable (V) genes. It acts as an interconnecting platform between several existing self-contained data systems: VBASE2 integrates genome sequence data and links to the V genes in the Ensembl Genome Browser. For a single V gene sequence, all references to the EMBL nucleotide sequence database are provided, including references for V(D)J rearrangements. Furthermore, cross-references to the VBASE database, the IMGT database and the Kabat database are available. A DAS server allows the display of VBASE2 V genes within the Ensembl Genome Browser. VBASE2 can be accessed either by a web-based text query or by a sequence similarity search with the DNAPLOT software. VBASE2 is available at http://www.vbase2. org, and the DAS server is located at http://www.dnaplot. com/das.
Variational Bayes and Localized Feature Selection for Student's T-Mixture Models

In this paper, we propose a novel algorithm for feature selection and model detection using Student's t-distribution based on the variational Bayesian (VB) approach. First, our method is based on the Student's t-mixture model (SMM) which has heavier tail than the Gaussian distribution and is therefore less sensitive to small numbers of data points and consequent precision-estimates of the components number. Second, the number of components, the local feature saliency and the parameters of the mixture model are simultaneously estimated by Bayesian variational learning. Experimental results using synthetic and real data demonstrate the improved robustness of our approach.
Effect of regional precursor emission controls on long-range ozone transport – Part 2: Steady-state changes in ozone air quality and impacts on human mortality

Large-scale changes in ozone precursor emis- sions affect ozone directly in the short term, and also affect methane, which in turn causes long-term changes in ozone that affect surface ozone air quality. Here we assess the ef- fects of changes in ozone precursor emissions on the long- term change in surface ozone via methane, as a function of the emission region, by modeling 10% reductions in an- thropogenic nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from each of nine world regions. Reductions in NOx emissions from all world regions increase methane and long-term surface ozone. While this long-term increase is small compared to the intra- regional short-term ozone decrease, it is comparable to or larger than the short-term inter-continental ozone decrease for some source-receptor pairs. The increase in methane and long-term surface ozone per ton of NOx reduced is greatest in tropical and Southern Hemisphere regions, exceeding that from temperate Northern Hemisphere regions by roughly a factor of ten. We also assess changes in premature ozone- related human mortality associated with regional precursor reductions and long-range transport, showing that for 10% regional NOx reductions, the strongest inter-regional influ- ence is for emissions from Europe affecting mortalities in Africa. Reductions of NOx in North America, Europe, the Former Soviet Union, and Australia are shown to reduce more mortalities outside of the source regions than within. Among world regions, NOx reductions in India cause the greatest number of avoided mortalities per ton, mainly in In- dia itself. Finally, by increasing global methane, NO x reduc- tions in one hemisphere tend to cause long-term increases in ozone concentration and mortalities in the opposite hemi-
Implications for the self determine benevolence and self-protection in intergroup relations

Abstract People often favor groups they belong to over those beyond the in-group boundary. Yet, in-group favoritism does not always occur, and people will sometimes favor an out-group over the in-group. We delineate theoretically when in-group favoritism (i.e., self-protection) and out-group favoritism (i.e., benevolence) should occur. In two experiments, groups’ relative status and competence stereotypes were manipulated; groups’ outcomes were non-contingent in Experiment 1 and contingent in Experiment 2. When allocating reward, members of a low-status group were self-protective, favoring the in-group over the out-group under both non-contingent and contingent outcomes. Those with high status benevolently favored the out-group when outcomes were non-contingent, but were self-protective with contingent outcomes. People were willing to engage in social activities with an out-group member regardless of competence. However, when task collaboration had implications for the self, those with low status preferred competent over less competent out-group members. Traits of high status targets were differentiated by those with low status in both experiments, whereas those with high status differentiated low-status members’ traits only when outcomes were contingent. A general principle fits the data: The implications of intergroup responses for the self determine benevolence and self-protection.
Nano‐Scale Design of TiAl Alloys Based on β‐Phase Decomposition

Phase decomposition and ordering reactions in β/B2‐phase containing TiAl alloys were utilized to establish a novel, previously unreported, type of laminate microstructure. The characteristic constituent of this microstructure are laths with a nanometer‐scale substructure that are comprised of several stable and metastable phases. Microstructural control can be achieved by conventional thermomechanical processing and leads to a structurally and chemically very homogeneous material with excellent mechanical properties. The physical metallurgy of this novel type of alloy has been assessed by transmission electron microscope investigations and mechanical testing.
Seronegative naturally acquired West Nile virus encephalitis in a renal and pancreas transplant recipient

S.A. Koepsell, A.G. Freifeld, A.R. Sambol, R.D. McComb, S.A. Kazmi. Seronegative naturally acquired West Nile virus encephalitis in a renal and pancreas transplant recipient Transpl Infect Dis 2010: 12: 459–464. All rights reserved
A focus on polarity: Investigating the role of orientation cues in mediating student performance on mRNA synthesis tasks in an introductory cell and molecular biology course

The central dogma has served as a foundational model for information flow, exchange, and storage in the biological sciences for several decades. Despite its continued importance, however, recent research suggests that novices in the domain possess several misconceptions regarding the aforementioned processes, including those pertaining specifically to the formation of messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) transcripts. In the present study, we sought to expand upon these observations through exploration of the influence of orientation cues on students' aptitude at synthesizing mRNAs from provided deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) template strands. Data indicated that participants (n = 45) were proficient at solving tasks of this nature when the DNA template strand and the mRNA molecule were represented in an antiparallel orientation. In contrast, participants' performance decreased significantly on items in which the mRNA was depicted in a parallel orientation relative to the DNA template strand. Furthermore, participants' Grade Point Average, self‐reported confidence in understanding the transcriptional process, and spatial ability were found to mediate their performance on the mRNA synthesis tasks. Collectively, these data reaffirm the need for future research and pedagogical interventions designed to enhance students' comprehension of the central dogma in a manner that makes transparent its relevance to real‐world scientific phenomena. © 2017 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 45(6):501–508, 2017.
Connecting Brains and Bodies: Applying Physiological Computing to Support Social Interaction

Physiological and affective computing propose methods to improve human–machine interactions by adapting machines to the users’ states. Recently, social signal processing (SSP) has proposed to apply similar methods to human–human interactions with the hope of better understanding and modeling social interactions. Most of the social signals employed are facial expressions, body movements and speech, but studies using physiological signals remain scarce. In this paper, we motivate the use of physiological signals in the context of social interactions. Specifically, we review studies which have investigated the relationship between various physiological indices and social interactions. We then propose two main directions to apply physiological SSP: using physiological signals of individual users as new social cues displayed in the group and using inter-user physiology to measure properties of the interactions such as conflict and social presence. We conclude that physiological measures have the potential to enhance social interactions and to connect people.
Analysis of Negativity and Relative Entropy of Entanglement measures for qubit-qutrit Quantum Communication systems

Quantum Computers are provisioned as very high performance computers using quantum mechanical aspects for information processing. Quantum Information Theory and Quantum Computing topics are really popular topics in academia aiming the construction of theoretical background of Quantum Computers. The information processing units for Quantum Computers are defined as qubits but for some problems three level (trinary) systems may be applied as well. We call these three level systems as qutrits. The scope of this work is the analysis of well-defined entanglement measures Negativity and Relative Entropy of Entanglement (REE) [1-5] for qubit-qutrit quantum systems. In this manner, for randomly generated 1000 qubit-qutrit and 1000 two qubit states the mentioned measures are calculated and these values are compared. These comparisons are analyzed and for quantum state ordering problem, very interesting results are reported.
Characterization of maturation-dependent extrinsic proteins of the rat sperm surface

Mammalian spermatozoa must mature in the epididymis before they can fertilize an egg. It is known that modification of the protein composition of the sperm surface is an important part of the maturation process. In this paper, we present data on two related glycoproteins that can be extracted from mature but not immature spermatozoa. Cell surface radioiodination has shown that these proteins are on the sperm surface, and immunofluorescence microscopy, by use of monospecific antibodies to the proteins, has indicated that their localization is restricted to the periacrosomal region of the sperm head. We have also shown that in vitro, these proteins will bind to the identical region of immature sperm. Immunohistochemical localization of the proteins in the epididymis shows that they are produced and secreted by the cauda region. The significance of the addition of these proteins to the sperm surface in both maturation and fertilization is discussed.
Histidylated Lipid-modified Sendai Viral Envelopes Mediate Enhanced Membrane Fusion and Potentiate Targeted Gene Delivery*

Recent studies have demonstrated that covalent grafting of a single histidine residue into a twin-chain aliphatic hydrocarbon compound enhances its endosome-disrupting properties and thereby generates an excellent DNA transfection system. Significant increase in gene delivery efficiencies has thus been obtained by using endosome-disrupting multiple histidine functionalities in the molecular architecture of various cationic polymers. To take advantage of this unique feature, we have incorporated L-histidine (N,N-di-n-hexadecylamine) ethylamide (LH) in the membrane of hepatocyte-specific Sendai virosomes containing only the fusion protein (F-virosomes (Process for Producing a Targeted Gene (Sarkar, D. P., Ramani, K., Bora, R. S., Kumar, M., and Tyagi, S. K. (November 4, 1997) U. S. Patent 5,683,866))). Such LH-modified virosomal envelopes were four times more (p < 0.001) active in terms of fusion with its target cell membrane. On the other hand, the presence of LH in reconstituted influenza and vesicular stomatitis virus envelopes failed to enhance spike glycoprotein-induced membrane fusion with host cell membrane. Circular dichroism and limited proteolysis experiments with F-virosomes indicated that the presence of LH leads to conformational changes in the F protein. The molecular mechanism associated with the increased membrane fusion induced by LH has been addressed in the light of fusion-competent conformational change in F protein. Such enhancement of fusion resulted in a highly efficient gene delivery system specific for liver cells in culture and in whole animals.
Iranocichla persa, a new cichlid species from southern Iran (Teleostei, Cichlidae)

Abstract Iranocichla persa sp. n. is described from the Shur, Hasanlangi and Minab River drainages flowing into the Persian Gulf at the Strait of Hormuz in southern Iran. It is distinguished from Iranocichla hormuzensis, from the Mehran River drainage, by nuptial males having a bright orange breast and lower part of the head (vs. black), a poorly developed or invisible (vs. distinctive) “Tilapia-mark” in the dorsal fin and very clear white spots making almost wavy bars or stripes on the caudal fin (vs. without or with very few white spots). Mitochondrial DNA sequence characters suggest that both Iranocichla species are closely related but form two distinct clades, diagnosable by several fixed mutations in ND2, D-loop and partially by COI sequences. Populations from Kol River drainage, which is situated in-between the Mehran and the Shur River drainages, are more similar to Iranocichla hormuzensis in terms of their male nuptial coloration but to Iranocichla persa sp. n. in their mitochondrial sequence characters. Their status requires further investigation.
Application of capacitive displacement sensor on Joule Balance

This paper gives a high precision capacitive displacement sensor design which is applied in the Joule Balance proposed by NIM, China. The plate of sensor is made by non-magnetic material, and is for the Joule Balance special use. The distance of the capacitive displacement sensor reaches to 1mm. And the resolution is less than 0. 019µm full scale, in part range of the full scale, this data will be far less.
Single Tube, High Throughput Cloning of Inverted Repeat Constructs for Double-Stranded RNA Expression

Background RNA interference (RNAi) has emerged as a powerful tool for the targeted knockout of genes for functional genomics, system biology studies and drug discovery applications. To meet the requirements for high throughput screening in plants we have developed a new method for the rapid assembly of inverted repeat-containing constructs for the in vivo production of dsRNAs. Methodology/Principal Findings The procedure that we describe is based on tagging the sense and antisense fragments with unique single-stranded (ss) tails which are then assembled in a single tube Ligase Independent Cloning (LIC) reaction. Since the assembly reaction is based on the annealing of unique complementary single stranded tails which can only assemble in one orientation, greater than ninety percent of the resultant clones contain the desired insert. Conclusion/Significance Our single-tube reaction provides a highly efficient method for the assembly of inverted repeat constructs for gene suppression applications. The single tube assembly is directional, highly efficient and readily adapted for high throughput applications.
IT spending.

Most nations spend a considerable part of their gross domestic product (GDP) on defense. However, no previous study has addressed the productivity and efficiency of the core area of the armed forces, operational units, using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). Introducing a model for the production process of an operational unit, productivity and efficiency are estimated by DEA for units of one branch of the Norwegian armed forces. Small samples are a characteristic of DEA studies in the military, and the public sector in general, resulting in a lion’s share of the units being estimated as fully efficient. We find that, by using the bootstrap technique to estimate confidence intervals, we can point at the uncertainty of the estimates and reduce the number of candidates for best practice.
Representing Preferences Among Sets

We study methods to specify preferences among subsets of a set (auniverse). The methods we focus on are of two types. The first one assumes the universe comes with a preference relation on its elements and attempts to lift that relation to subsets of the universe. That approach has limited expressivity but results in orderings that capture interesting general preference principles. The second method consists of developing formalisms allowing the user to specify "atomic" improvements, and generating from them preferences on the powerset of the universe. We show that the particular formalism we propose is expressive enough to capture the lifted preference relations of the first approach, and generalizes propositional CP-nets. We discuss the importance of domain-independent methods for specifying preferences on sets for knowledge representation formalisms, selecting the formalism of argumentation frameworks as an illustrative example.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome in Company Workers: Development of a Two-Step Screening Strategy with a New Questionnaire.

STUDY OBJECTIVES To develop and evaluate a screening questionnaire and a two-step screening strategy for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in healthy workers. METHODS This is a cross-sectional study of 1,861 employees comprising healthy blue- and white-collar workers in two representative plants in the Netherlands from a worldwide consumer electronic company who were approached to participate. Employees were invited to complete various sleep questionnaires, and undergo separate single nasal flow recording and home polysomnography on two separate nights. RESULTS Of the 1,861 employees, 249 provided informed consent and all nasal flow and polysomnography data were available from 176 (70.7%). OSAS was diagnosed in 65 (36.9%). A combination of age, absence of insomnia, witnessed breathing stops, and three-way scoring of the Berlin and STOPBANG questionnaires best predicted OSAS. Factor analysis identified a six-factor structure of the resulting new questionnaire: snoring, snoring severity, tiredness, witnessed apneas, sleep quality, and daytime well-being. Subsequently, some questions were removed, and the remaining questions were used to construct a new questionnaire. A scoring algorithm, computing individual probabilities of OSAS as high, intermediate, or low risk, was developed. Subsequently, the intermediate risk group was split into low and high probability for OSAS, based on nasal flow recording. This two-step approach showed a sensitivity of 63.1%, and a specificity of 90.1%. Specificity is important for low prevalence populations. CONCLUSION A two-step screening strategy with a new questionnaire and subsequent nasal flow recording is a promising way to screen for OSAS in a healthy worker population. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION Development and validation of a screening instrument for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in healthy workers. Netherlands Trial Register (www.trailregister.nl), number: NTR2675.
Bis(4,7-dichloro-1,10-phenanthroline-κ2 N,N′)bis(dicyanamido-κN)copper(II)

In the title compound, [Cu(C2N3)2(C12H6Cl2N2)2], the CuII atom is coordinated by two chelating 4,7-dichloro-1,10-phenanthroline (4,7-Cl-phen) ligands and two dicyanamide (dca) ligands in a cis arrangement, forming a distorted octahedral geometry. The equatorial plane is occupied by three N atoms from two 4,7-Cl-phen ligands and one N atom from a dca ligand at shorter Cu—N distances. Due to the Jahn–Teller effect, the axial positions are occupied by a 4,7-Cl-phen N atom and a dca N atom at longer Cu—N distances. The dca ligands are nearly planar, with a maximum deviations of 0.006 (1) Å. The crystal structure is stabilized by weak C—H⋯N hydrogen bonds, with cyanide N atoms as acceptors, and π–π interactions between adjacent phenyl rings [centroid–centroid distance = 3.725 (3) Å].
Software write detection for a distributed shared memory

Most software-based distributed shared memory (DSM) systems rely on the operating system's virtual memory interface to detect writes to shared data. Strategies based on virtual memory page protection create two problems for a DSM system. First, writes can have high overhead since they are detected with a page fault. As a result, a page must be written many times to amortize the cost of that fault. Second, the size of a virtual memory page is too big to serve as a unit of coherency, inducing false sharing. Mechanisms to handle false sharing can increase runtime overhead and may cause data to be unnecessarily communicated between processors. In this paper, we present a new method for write detection that solves these problems. Our method relies on the compiler and runtime system to detect writes to shared data without invoking the operating system. We measure and compare implementations of a distributed shared memory system using both strategies, virtual memory and compiler/runtime, running a range of applications on a small scale distributed memory multicomputer. We show that the new method has low average write latency and supports fine-grained sharing with low overhead. Further, we show that the dominant cost of write detection with either strategy is due to the mechanism used to handle fine-grain sharing.
Blind Adaptive Sampling of Images

Adaptive sampling schemes choose different sampling masks for different images. Blind adaptive sampling schemes use the measurements that they obtain (without any additional or direct knowledge about the image) to wisely choose the next sample mask. In this paper, we present and discuss two blind adaptive sampling schemes. The first is a general scheme not restricted to a specific class of sampling functions. It is based on an underlying statistical model for the image, which is updated according to the available measurements. A second less general but more practical method uses the wavelet decomposition of an image. It estimates the magnitude of the unsampled wavelet coefficients and samples those with larger estimated magnitude first. Experimental results show the benefits of the proposed blind sampling schemes.