Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Adaptive local search parameters for real-coded memetic algorithms

This paper presents a real-coded memetic algorithm that combines a high diversity global exploration with an adaptive local search method to the most promising individuals that adjusts the local search probability and the local search depth. In our proposal we use the individual fitness to decide when local search will be applied (local search probability) and how many effort should be applied (the local search depth), focusing the local search effort on the most promising regions. We divide the individuals of the population into three different categories and we assign different values of the above local search parameters to the individual in function of the category to which that individual belongs. In this study, we analyze the performance of our proposal when tackling the test problems proposed for the Special Session of the IEEE Congress on Evolutionary Computation 2005
SNP500Cancer: a public resource for sequence validation, assay development, and frequency analysis for genetic variation in candidate genes

The SNP500Cancer database provides sequence and genotype assay information for candidate SNPs useful in mapping complex diseases, such as cancer. The database is an integral component of the NCI Cancer Genome Anatomy Project (). SNP500Cancer reports sequence analysis of anonymized control DNA samples (n = 102 Coriell samples representing four self-described ethnic groups: African/African-American, Caucasian, Hispanic and Pacific Rim). The website is searchable by gene, chromosome, gene ontology pathway, dbSNP ID and SNP500Cancer SNP ID. As of October 2005, the database contains >13 400 SNPs, 9124 of which have been sequenced in the SNP500Cancer population. For each analysed SNP, gene location and >200 bp of surrounding annotated sequence (including nearby SNPs) are provided, with frequency information in total and per subpopulation as well as calculation of Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium for each subpopulation. The website provides the conditions for validated sequencing and genotyping assays, as well as genotype results for the 102 samples, in both viewable and downloadable formats. A subset of sequence validated SNPs with minor allele frequency >5% are entered into a high-throughput pipeline for genotyping analysis to determine concordance for the same 102 samples. In addition, the results of genotype analysis for select validated SNP assays (defined as 100% concordance between sequence analysis and genotype results) are posted for an additional 280 samples drawn from the Human Diversity Panel (HDP). SNP500Cancer provides an invaluable resource for investigators to select SNPs for analysis, design genotyping assays using validated sequence data, choose selected assays already validated on one or more genotyping platforms, and select reference standards for genotyping assays. The SNP500Cancer database is freely accessible via the web page at .
Undersampled projection‐reconstruction imaging for time‐resolved contrast‐enhanced imaging

In time‐resolved contrast‐enhanced 3D MR angiography, spatial resolution is traded for high temporal resolution. A hybrid method is presented that attempts to reduce this tradeoff in two of the spatial dimensions. It combines an undersampled projection acquisition in two dimensions with variable rate k‐space sampling in the third. Spatial resolution in the projection plane is determined by readout resolution and is limited primarily by signal‐to‐noise ratio. Oversampling the center of k‐space combined with temporal k‐space interpolation provides time frames with minimal venous contamination. Results demonstrating improved resolution in phantoms and volunteers are presented using angular undersampling factors up to eight with acceptable projection reconstruction artifacts. Magn Reson Med 43:170–176, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Geochemical and Pb-Sr-Nd Isotopic Constraints Indicating an Enriched-Mantle Source for Late Cretaceous to Early Tertiary Volcanism, Central Anatolia, Turkey

Bulk-rock major, trace, and REE geochemistry and Pb-Sr-Nd isotopic compositions identify mantle sources involved in the genesis of volcanic rocks of the Upper Cretaceous-Lower Tertiary Ulukişla Formation, Çamard-Ulukişla Basin, Nigde Province, central Anatolia. Incompatible trace-element patterns exhibit a large Nb-Ta trough and strong enrichment of LILE such as Ba, Th and U, and LREE, which indicate a subduction-zone signature. Trace-element ratios are compatible with a subcontinental lithospheric source. Isotopic data demonstrate the presence of an EMII-like protolith (87Sr/86Sr = 0.707242-0.707582, 143Nd/144Nd = 0.512336-0.512390, 206Pb/204Pb = 18.70-18.917, 207Pb/204Pb = 15.716-15.796, 208Pb/204Pb = 39.157-39.45). These geochemical and isotopic data indicate the derivation of the studied volcanic rocks from an enriched subcontinental mantle source, modified by earlier subduction events. This petrogenetic conclusion is compatible with a geodynamic setting of post-collisional extension for the Çamard-Ulukişla Basin.
Thermal Analysis of Cable Sealing Ends

A general analytical method for thermal analysis of high-voltate oil-filled cable sealing ends is presented. Oil flow within the conductor oil duct, longitudinal heat flow through the conductor and conductor losses variation with temperature are taken into consideration. The method is successfully applied for a sealing end of a 300 kV, 2000 mm2 integral sheath cooled oil-filled cable. A companion paper where cable joints are analyzed, is referenced.
Angiotensin Peptides in Brain and Pituitary of Rat and Sheep

Several lines of evidence indicate that angiotensin peptides may be formed in the brain, where angiotensin II (Ang II) and angiotensin‐(1–7) (Ang‐(1–7)) may function as neurotransmitters. However, there is considerable controversy concerning the identity and levels of angiotensin peptides in the brain. We have used a novel high performance liquid chromatography‐based radioimmunoassay to measure Ang‐(1–7), Ang II, Ang‐(1–9) and Ang I in various brain regions and in the pituitary of the rat and sheep. We also studied the effect of different methods of tissue extraction, and the effect of the converting enzyme inhibitor ramipril, on angiotensin peptide levels in the rat hypothalamus. The levels of Ang‐(1–7), Ang II, Ang‐(1–9) and Ang I were low (<25 fmol/g) in all brain regions examined, except for the sheep median eminence and cerebellar cortex where Ang II levels were 385±116 and 193±37 fmol/g (mean ± SEM, n = 6), respectively. Pituitary Ang II levels were 103±13 fmol/g in the rat and 63±18 fmol/g in the sheep. The levels of Ang‐(1–7), Ang‐(1–9) and Ang I were much lower than those of Ang II in brain and pituitary. Ang‐(1–7) levels in the rat hypothalamus were low (<6 fmol/g) but methods of extraction which involved freezing and thawing of the tissue resulted in substantially higher levels of this peptide. Ang II levels in the rat hypothalamus (18±3 fmol/g) were reduced to undetectable levels (<6 fmol/g) by ramipril administration. The low levels of angiotensin peptides in the hypothalamus and brainstem indicate that if these peptides function as neurotransmitters in these regions, then they are of particularly low abundance. Moreover, our results indicate that the high levels of Ang‐(1–7) reported previously for rat hypothalamus may be artefactual, due to the method of tissue extraction.
MEAT AND FISH DEMAND IN TUNISIA : ECONOMIC AND SOCIO- DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS EFFECTS

The aim of the paper is to analyze the impact of socio-economic and demographic variables on the demand for meat and fish for Tunisian consumers. This study is one of the first applications in Tunisia with respect to the demand for meat and fish that simultaneously covers two important aspects: the non-imposition of, a priori, a functional form and the use of cross-section data including demographic and socioeconomic variables. The main results show that meat and fish consumption patterns by age, level of income and level of education are relatively different as regards to the economic factors (food expenditure and price). The changes in demographic and economic characteristics are influencing the changes in meat and fish demand.
Local adaptation of microbial communities along geochemical spatial gradients in sediments of the Lake Erie region

Juan L. Bouzat, Advisor Lake Erie demonstrates the greatest productivity of the Laurentian Great Lakes, yet has been critically impacted by anthropogenic activities throughout the Lake Erie watershed. Lake Erie is comprised of three major basins, with east-to-west gradients of increasing drainage areas, increasing riverine inputs of nutrients and xenobiotics, as well as decreasing depth. These largescale geochemical gradients may be expected to result in spatial patterns of microbial community composition, nutrient cycling, and xenobiotic transformation. As such, Lake Erie provides an excellent system to examine the local adaptation of microbial communities throughout a large freshwater ecosystem. Spatial patterns of microbial community composition, as well as functional diversity, across the three basins of Lake Erie were assessed to examine the potential adaptation of microbial communities to local selective pressures. Community composition was investigated through the generation of 16S rDNA libraries, while functional diversity was evaluated with substrate-induced respiration (SIR) and extracellular enzyme activities (EEA) profiles. EEA profiles were subsequently measured to examine microbial community resilience to metal inoculations in sediments contaminated with heavy metals compared to relatively pristine sediments. Bioinformatic studies of bacterial genes involved in the efflux of heavy metals from the cell were performed to provide a conceptual framework of how horizontal gene transfer may expedite the adaptation of bacterial communities to heavy metal stress. Finally, the local adaptation of bacterial communities to PCBs and PAHs was assessed by comparing the diversity of bphA, a gene that initiates PCB metabolism, in polluted and relatively unpolluted sediments within the Lake Erie watershed. Collectively, results suggested large-scale spatial patterns of microbial community composition, functional diversity, and metabolic resilience
Antioxidant and Synergistic Antidiabetic Activities of a Three-Plant Preparation Used in Cameroon Folk Medicine

Introduction. Several plant preparations like a mixture of aqueous extracts of Spilanthes africana; Portulaca oleracea; and Sida rhombifolia are currently utilized in Foumban (West Cameroon) to manage diabetes. The aim of this study is to investigate the antidiabetic property of the aqueous mixture of three plant extracts (1 : 1 : 1) on streptozotocin induced diabetes rats. Methods. Diabetes was induced to rats by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of streptozotocin (STZ) at a dose of 50 mg/kg b.w. The diabetic rats received different dosages of the mixture of extracts for 21 days and glibenclamide 6.5 mg/kg b.w. as positive control. Results. The results showed that the mixture of extracts significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the level of the glycaemia, the total cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL-cholesterol as well as MDA, AST, ALT, and creatinine levels. It also increased significantly the concentration of HDL-cholesterol, glutathione, and TAOS. A great reduction of the atherogenic indexes CT/HDL and LDL/HDL of the treated groups was observed. Each extract and the mixture demonstrated significant scavenging property on DPPH and OH radicals and present a good antioxidant property. Conclusion. The mixture of plant extracts has hypoglycemic, antioxidant, and hypolipidemic properties and can be used for the management of diabetes mellitus.
The Cytokine Network in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Definition of TNFα as a Therapeutic Target

mechanism or 'pathogenesis' of these diseases is becoming understood [1-6]. In this article I will review progress in elucidating important molecular events in the pathogenesis of RA. The work spans over a decade; during this time my group has investigated which of the local protein molecular mediator molecules, now generically termed 'cytokines' were highly expressed in the rheumatoid joints. We found a large collection of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in all samples (recently reviewed [7,8]). We then studied the dysregulation of cytokine expression in cultures of RA
A preliminary mutation analysis of phenylketonuria in southwest Iran.

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a heterogeneous and autosomal recessive metabolic disorder that is mainly caused by mutations in the hepatic phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) gene. This study was designed to identify PAH mutations within exons 6, 7, and 10-12 in PKU patients from southwest Iran. Forty Iranian patients with clinical and biochemically confirmed PKU were enrolled. The exons were sequenced directly and 13 different mutations were identified including I224T, S231P, R176X, c. 592_613del22, R243X, R252W, R261Q, Y356X, V388M, IVS10-11G>A, IVS11+1G>C, IVS11-2A>G, and Q375R, which were associated with 23 genotypes. A novel sequence variant, Q375R (c.1124A>G), was detected in exon 11. In one patient, a typical genotype with more than two mutations (R243X/S231P/S231P) was found. Seven different polymorphisms and three new variants were also detected in intron regions of PAH. A high mutation spectrum was predicted in the southwestern region of Iran due to its ethnic heterogeneity, especially the Khuzestan Province. The detection of 13 different mutations, corresponding to a mutation detection rate of 53.75%, confirmed this phenomenon.
Brachiopod biostratigraphy of the middle Ordovician Cow Head and Table Head groups, western Newfoundland

Brachiopods from shallow-water limestone boulders in beds 12, 13, and 14 of the allochthonous Cow Head Group belong in the earliest Whiterockian Orthidiella Zone. Brachiopods of the autochthonous intertidal to deep-water Table Head Group are equivalent to those of the younger Whiterockian Anomalorthis Zone. The Cow Head is older than the Table Head.Integration of the brachiopod data from western Newfoundland with those from the type Whiterockian in Nevada, combined with the evidence of graptolites from both areas, indicates that the Orthidiella Zone spans the Australian Castlemainian, Yapeenian, and lower Darriwilian Dal zones.
The Rodney L. White Center for Financial Research What’s Vol Got to Do With It

Uncertainty plays a key role in economics, finance, and decision sciences. Financial markets, in particular derivative markets, provide fertile ground for understanding how perceptions of economic uncertainty and cashflow risk manifest themselves in asset prices. We demonstrate that the variance premium, defined as the difference between the squared VIX index and expected realized variance, captures attitudes toward uncertainty. We show conditions under which the variance premium displays significant time variation and return predictability. A calibrated, generalized Long-Run Risks model generates a variance premium with time variation and return predictability that is consistent with the data, while simultaneously matching the levels and volatilities of the market return and risk free rate. Our evidence indicates an important role for transient non-Gaussian shocks to fundamentals that affect agents’ views of economic uncertainty and prices. ∗We thank seminar participants at Imperial College, Michigan, USC, Wharton, Wisconsin, the CREATES workshop ‘New Hope for the C-CAPM? ’, the 2008 Econometric Society Summer Meeting, the 2008 Meeting of the Society for Economic Dynamics, the 2008 NBER Summer Institute’s Capital Markets and the Economy Workshop, the Bank of France ‘Financial Markets and Real Activity’, the NBER Fall Asset Pricing meeting, the AFA, the Utah Winter Finance Conference, WFA, our discussants Luca Benzoni, Imen Ghattassi, Lars Hansen, Jun Pan, George Tauchen, Victor Todorov, and Lu Zhang, an anonymous referee and the editor, Raman Uppal. The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Rodney White Center at the Wharton School. †NYU Stern, Finance Department, Itamar.Drechsler@stern.nyu. edu. ‡The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania and NBER, yaron@wharton.upenn. edu.
Epistasis as a Determinant of the HIV-1 Protease's Robustness to Mutation

The robustness of phenotypes to mutation is critical to protein evolution; robustness may be an adaptive trait if it promotes evolution. We hypothesised that native proteins subjected to natural selection in vivo should be more robust than proteins generated in vitro in the absence of natural selection. We compared the mutational robustness of two human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) proteases with comparable catalytic efficiencies, one isolated from an infected individual and the second generated in vitro via random mutagenesis. Single mutations in the protease (82 and 60 in the wild-type and mutant backgrounds, respectively) were randomly generated in vitro and the catalytic efficiency of each mutant was determined. No differences were observed between these two protease variants when lethal, neutral, and deleterious mutations were compared (P = 0.8025, chi-squared test). Similarly, average catalytic efficiency (−72.6% and −64.5%, respectively) did not significantly differ between protease mutant libraries (P = 0.3414, Mann Whitney test). Overall, the two parental proteins displayed similar mutational robustness. Importantly, strong and widespread epistatic interactions were observed when the effect of the same mutation was compared in both proteases, suggesting that epistasis can be a key determinant of the robustness displayed by the in vitro generated protease.
Using Mostly Native Data to Correct Errors in Learners’ Writing

We present results from a range of experiments on article and preposition error correction for non-native speakers of English. We first compare a language model and errorspecific classifiers (all trained on large English corpora) with respect to their performance in error detection and correction. We then combine the language model and the classifiers in a meta-classification approach by combining evidence from the classifiers and the language model as input features to the metaclassifier. The meta-classifier in turn is trained on error-annotated learner data, optimizing the error detection and correction performance on this domain. The meta-classification approach results in substantial gains over the classifieronly and language-model-only scenario. Since the meta-classifier requires error-annotated data for training, we investigate how much training data is needed to improve results over the baseline of not using a meta-classifier. All evaluations are conducted on a large errorannotated corpus of learner English.
Reduction of leakage-power in CNTFET SRAM cell using stacked sleep technique at 32nm technology

As technology scales down both VDD and Vt has to decrease to maintain historical delay reduction, while restraining active power dissipation. Scaling of Vt however leads to substantial increase in the sub-threshold leakage power and it became a considerable constituent of the total dissipated power. Nowadays leakage power is the dominant component of the total power so it's become important issue in processor hardware and software design. Carbon nanotubes with their superior properties have proved to be a potential alternative device to CMOS. Leakage power of caches, implemented using SRAM cells is a major source of power consumption in high performance microprocessors. In this paper, a new circuit-level state-saving ultra low-leakage technique is proposed and applied to CNTFET based SRAM Cell. This proposed CNTFET SRAM cell reduces leakage power by 96% compared to conventional CNTFET SRAM cell with minimal possible area and delay trade-off.
Strain history dependence of the nonlinear stress response of fibrin and collagen networks

We show that the nonlinear mechanical response of networks formed from un–cross-linked fibrin or collagen type I continually changes in response to repeated large-strain loading. We demonstrate that this dynamic evolution of the mechanical response arises from a shift of a characteristic nonlinear stress–strain relationship to higher strains. Therefore, the imposed loading does not weaken the underlying matrices but instead delays the occurrence of the strain stiffening. Using confocal microscopy, we present direct evidence that this behavior results from persistent lengthening of individual fibers caused by an interplay between fiber stretching and fiber buckling when the networks are repeatedly strained. Moreover, we show that covalent cross-linking of fibrin or collagen inhibits the shift of the nonlinear material response, suggesting that the molecular origin of individual fiber lengthening may be slip of monomers within the fibers. Thus, a fibrous architecture in combination with constituents that exhibit internal plasticity creates a material whose mechanical response adapts to external loading conditions. This design principle may be useful to engineer novel materials with this capability.
A new biomechanical hand prosthesis controlled by surface electromyographic signals

This paper describes the development of a low-cost hand prosthesis for use in patients with an amputated hand due to congenital problems or to trauma wound, who possess a part or the forearm endowed with muscular activity. The paper covers the constructive aspects of both mechanical and electronic designs. The prototype is controlled by electromyographic signals measured at the remaining part of the injured limb of the patient. The EMG signals are measured at the surface of the skin, at a point that is close to a working muscle of the amputated arm. The prosthesis allows the patient to hold objects by means of a three finger clamp. The prosthesis presented an excellent performance in preliminary tests with an amputated patient. These tests showed that the prosthesis had a very good performance regarding force and speed.
Taxim: A Toolchain for Automated and Configurable Simulation for Embedded Multiprocessor Design

Multicore embedded systems have been constantly researched to improve the efficiency by changing certain metrics, such as processor, memory, cache hierarchies and their cache configurations. Using Multi2Sim and McPAT simulators in combination allows the user to design various multiprocessing architectures and estimate performance, power, area and timing metrics. However, the design time required to simulate these systems is daunting and prone to human error. In this paper, we introduce Taxim, a toolchain that can automatically create requested multicore on-chip topologies along with minimizing the simulation time due to repetitive tasks between architectural power, energy and timing simulations. Taxim's decision-tree-based topology synthesis tool creates processor configuration files that can be highly erroneous when generated manually. The toolchain also automates the steps from design entry to output report extraction by running automation scripts, and listing the results. Our experiments show that multiprocessing architectures with 32 cores and irregular cache hierarchies are more than 1k lines of code in Multi2Sim's processor configuration format and Taxim can create such a file in less than 10 milliseconds. The source code is freely available at this https URL