Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Velocity Gradients in the Intracluster Gas of the Perseus Cluster

We report the results of spatially resolved X-ray spectroscopy of eight different ASCA pointings distributed symmetrically around the center of the Perseus Cluster. The outer region of the intracluster gas is roughly isothermal, with temperature ~6-7 keV and metal abundance ~0.3 solar. Spectral analysis of the central pointing is consistent with the presence of a cooling flow and a central metal abundance gradient. A significant velocity gradient is found along an axis at a position angle of ~135°, which is ~45° discrepant with the major axis of the X-ray elongation. The radial velocity difference is found to be greater than 1000 km s-1 Mpc-1 at the 90% confidence level. Simultaneous fittings of GIS 2 and 3 indicate that the velocity gradient is significant at the 95% confidence level, and the F-test rules out constant velocities at the 99% level. Intrinsic short- and long-term variations of gain are unlikely (P < 0.03) to explain the velocity discrepancies.
Towards more Realistic Component Protocol Modelling with Finite State Machines

In this paper we discuss the shortcomings of current approaches to software component protocol specification. While protocol specifications with a finite state space allow powerful analysis, the expressiveness of such descriptions is rather limited in several ways. In this paper, we discuss in particular the role of parameter values and return values of method names in provides and requires protocols of software components. We present a novel state-based approach where we handle explicitly (a) different outcomes of functions (returned values or exceptions thrown) and (b) different parameter values. We discuss this model in terms of practical specification possibilities, interoperability and substitutability checks and apply our model to specify as an example the FileStream class from Microsoft’s . NET framework class library.
Applied Materials Uses Operations Research to Design Its Service and Parts Network

Applied Materials Inc. is the global leader in nanomanufacturing technology solutions. It has a broad portfolio of innovative equipment, service, and software products and supports its customers worldwide with an extensive service and parts network with more than 100 locations. At the end of 2006, Applied Materials decided to evaluate and rationalize the design of its North American network. It set up a detailed optimization model (including 50,000 parts) to develop a network and distribution strategy. To our knowledge, this is the first large-scale multiechelon network-design model that incorporates safety stock inventory costs while considering the effects of lead time and risk pooling. The company used the model's recommendations to reduce costs while maintaining or improving its service to customers. The recommendations included simplifying the distribution network by consolidating depot locations for specific customers and skipping an echelon for others, thus leading to a projected inventory reduction of $10 million. The company is currently implementing these recommendations and has already eliminated five depots. Applied Materials estimates that during the first year of implementation, inventory reductions of $5.24 million and total savings of $1.1 million can be attributed to these network changes.
A New Role for TIMP-1 in Modulating Neurite Outgrowth and Morphology of Cortical Neurons

Background Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) displays pleiotropic activities, both dependent and independent of its inhibitory activity on matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). In the central nervous system (CNS), TIMP-1 is strongly upregulated in reactive astrocytes and cortical neurons following excitotoxic/inflammatory stimuli, but no information exists on its effects on growth and morphology of cortical neurons. Principal Findings We found that 24 h incubation with recombinant TIMP-1 induced a 35% reduction in neurite length and significantly increased growth cones size and the number of F-actin rich microprocesses. TIMP-1 mediated reduction in neurite length affected both dendrites and axons after 48 h treatment. The effects on neurite length and morphology were not elicited by a mutated form of TIMP-1 inactive against MMP-1, -2 and -3, and still inhibitory for MMP-9, but were mimicked by a broad spectrum MMP inhibitor. MMP-9 was poorly expressed in developing cortical neurons, unlike MMP-2 which was present in growth cones and whose selective inhibition caused neurite length reductions similar to those induced by TIMP-1. Moreover, TIMP-1 mediated changes in cytoskeleton reorganisation were not accompanied by modifications in the expression levels of actin, βIII-tubulin, or microtubule assembly regulatory protein MAP2c. Transfection-mediated overexpression of TIMP-1 dramatically reduced neuritic arbour extension in the absence of detectable levels of released extracellular TIMP-1. Conclusions Altogether, TIMP-1 emerges as a modulator of neuronal outgrowth and morphology in a paracrine and autrocrine manner through the inhibition, at least in part, of MMP-2 and not MMP-9. These findings may help us understand the role of the MMP/TIMP system in post-lesion pre-scarring conditions.
DHT Network with Link Access Control Using a Social Network

Services on peer-to-peer (P2P) networks tend to be spread throughout the world. However, there are several problems with peer-to-peer networks, such as illegal file sharing or information leaks. These problems are caused by the ability to freely connect many anonymous nodes. The present paper proposes a method of access control applying a social network to a P2P network. We can achieve access control (for example, node A can connect to node B, which is friend of node A, but node A cannot connect to node C, which is friend of node B). We also propose dynamic movement of a node on the DHT circle in order to resolve the problem of increasing path length. This increase is caused by applying a social network to a P2P network. We implemented the proposed method on a pure P2P network using DHT with a circular network structure. In addition, we evaluated the proposed method using a newly developed software simulator. Finally, we demonstrated that expected access control is achieved and that the average number of connections is sufficiently small.
A RhoC Biosensor Reveals Differences in the Activation Kinetics of RhoA and RhoC in Migrating Cells

RhoA and RhoC GTPases share 92% amino acid sequence identity, yet play different roles in regulating cell motility and morphology. To understand these differences, we developed and validated a biosensor of RhoC activation (RhoC FLARE). This was used together with a RhoA biosensor to compare the spatio-temporal dynamics of RhoA and RhoC activity during cell protrusion/retraction and macropinocytosis. Both GTPases were activated similarly at the cell edge, but in regions more distal from the edge RhoC showed higher activation during protrusion. The two isoforms differed markedly in the kinetics of activation. RhoC was activated concomitantly with RhoA at the cell edge, but distally, RhoC activation preceded RhoA activation, occurring before edge protrusion. During macropinocytosis, differences were observed during vesicle closure and in the area surrounding vesicle formation.
A Randomized Incremental Subgradient Method for Distributed Optimization in Networked Systems

We present an algorithm that generalizes the randomized incremental subgradient method with fixed stepsize due to Nedic and Bertsekas [SIAM J. Optim. , 12 (2001), pp. 109-138]. Our novel algorithm is particularly suitable for distributed implementation and execution, and possible applications include distributed optimization, e.g., parameter estimation in networks of tiny wireless sensors. The stochastic component in the algorithm is described by a Markov chain, which can be constructed in a distributed fashion using only local information. We provide a detailed convergence analysis of the proposed algorithm and compare it with existing, both deterministic and randomized, incremental subgradient methods.
Planning and control of a teleoperation system for research in minimally invasive robotic surgery

This paper introduces the planning and control software of a teleoperation system for research in minimally invasive robotic surgery. It addresses the problem of how to organize a complex system with 41 degrees of freedom as a flexible configurable platform. Robot setup planning, force feedback control and nullspace handling with three robotic arms are considered. The planning software is separated into sequentially executed planning and registration procedures. An optimal setup is first planned in virtual reality and then adapted to variations in the operating room. The real time control system is structured in hierarchical layers. Functions are arranged in the layers with respect to their domain and maximum response time. The design is flexible and expandable while performance is maintained. Structure, functionality and implementation of planning and control are described. The prototypic robotic system provides intuitive bimanual bilateral teleoperation within the planned working space.
Statistical Modeling with Stochastic Processes Winter 2011 Part 3 : Applications of Dirichlet processes

In these notes, we will see examples of how the Dirichlet process can be used as a prior in classical statistical estimation problems. We will see two examples: density estimation (and its cousin, cluster analysis), and nonparametric Bayesian GLMs (which include nonparametric regression and classification as special cases). We will introduce along the way two MCMC techniques that can be used to approximate the posterior. We will also look at the question of how to use the posterior to answer the task at hand.
A refined empirical line approach for reflectance factor retrieval from Landsat-5 TM and Landsat-7 ETM +

The recent launch of Landsat-7 ETM+ extends the uninterrupted stream of TM and ETM+ images to a potential span of 32 years. This exceptional image set will allow long-term studies of natural resources, but will require an operational method for converting image digital number (dn) to the temporally comparable surface reflectance factor (rsl). A refinement to the empirical line (EL) approach for reflectance factor retrieval (RFR) from the Landsat-5 and -7 TM and ETM+ has been proposed. The refined empirical line (REL) approach requires only one within-scene calibration target, minimal field measurements of that target, and a reasonable estimate of dn for rsl = 0 using a radiative transfer model or values provided by this analysis. This study showed that the REL approach worked well for a 10-year Landsat5 TM and Landsat-7 ETM+ image set in Arizona and rsl was retrieved with an estimated accuracy of 0.01. A quantitative approach was proposed to determine the suitability of a within-scene target for the REL approach, and based on historical measurements, a variety of targets met the size and brightness requirements for the REL approach. This operational approach for RFR should encourage long-term investigations of natural resources to answer critical questions regarding resource management and effects of climate changes. D Published by Elsevier Science Inc.
On the Sample Size Requirement in Genetic Association Tests When the Proportion of False Positives Is Controlled

With respect to the multiple-tests problem, recently an increasing amount of attention has been paid to control the false discovery rate (FDR), the positive false discovery rate (pFDR), and the proportion of false positives (PFP). The new approaches are generally believed to be more powerful than the classical Bonferroni one. This article focuses on the PFP approach. It demonstrates via examples in genetic association studies that the Bonferroni procedure can be more powerful than the PFP-control one and also shows the intrinsic connection between controlling the PFP and controlling the overall type I error rate. Since controlling the PFP does not necessarily lead to a desired power level, this article addresses the design issue and recommends the sample sizes that can attain the desired power levels when the PFP is controlled. The results in this article also provide rough guidance for the sample sizes to achieve the desired power levels when the FDR and especially the pFDR are controlled.
Atrial Tachycardias Following Atrial Fibrillation Ablation

One of the most important proarrhythmic complications after left atrial (LA) ablation is regular atrial tachycardia (AT) or flutter. Those tachycardias that occur after atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation can cause even more severe symptoms than those from the original arrhythmia prior to the index ablation procedure since they are often incessant and associated with rapid ventricular response. Depending on the method and extent of LA ablation and on the electrophysiological properties of underlying LA substrate, the reported incidence of late ATs is variable. To establish the exact mechanism of these tachycardias can be difficult and controversial but correlates with the ablation technique and in the vast majority of cases the mechanism is reentry related to gaps in prior ablation lines. When tachycardias occur, conservative therapy usually is not effective, radiofrequency ablation procedure is mostly successful, but can be challenging, and requires a complex approach.
SyncStream: Synchronized Media Streaming System in a Peer-to-Peer Environment

With recent advances in video encoding and network technology, media streaming services are getting popular. Media streaming system based on the traditional server/client or CDN architecture has a scalability problem, and peer-to-peer media streaming system using resources of peers in the system can provide better scalability. Previous media streaming services are suited to play stored contents such as dramas or movies, which are not live or real-time. However, if these services are used to provide live streaming such as broadcasting sports events, variation among play positions of peers in the service will be a problem. The users will demand simultaneity between viewers watching the same sports game through a real-time streaming service. To solve this problem, it is necessary to coordinate the behavior of peers participating in the service. In this paper, we propose SyncStream, a peer-to- peer media streaming system that synchronizes play positions of peers in the service. SyncStream provides synchronization in the same channel to help concurrent interaction among users. In our experiment, the difference in play positions of SyncStream nodes is 1 second at the maximum. This small gap among viewers will encourage group interaction and enrich user experience.
Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial biopsy and brushing: a comparative evaluation for the diagnosis of peripheral pulmonary lesions.

OBJECTIVES The diagnosis of peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs) often involves endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)-guided transbronchial biopsy (TBB), washing and brushing. Certain echoic features of PPL have been associated with biopsy yield. This study compared yields of TBB and bronchial washing (TBBW) with those of TBBW plus bronchial brushing and analysed the associations between clinical and echoic features and yield. METHODS We performed a retrospective review of 271 patients undergoing TBB for PPL. TBBW was performed in 139 patients and 132 underwent TBBW plus brushing. RESULTS The diagnostic yield of TBBW plus brushing was superior to that of TBBW (80.3 vs 66.2%, P < 0.01). In TBBW patients, lesions <3 cm (57.1 vs 73.7%, P < 0.05), EBUS probe adjacent to the lesion (47.6 vs 74.2%, P < 0.01), continuous margin (56.5 vs 75.7%, P < 0.01) and homogeneous echogenicity (51.0 vs 75.0%, P < 0.01) predicted lower yields, but adding bronchial brushing rendered the diagnostic yields similar, irrespective of EBUS echoic features, leaving lesion size of <3 cm (odds ratio 2.81; 95% confidence interval 1.08-7.31, P < 0.05) as the single independent predictor of lower yield by multivariate regression analysis. TBB plus brushing was not inferior to TBBW plus brushing (78.8 vs 80.3%, P = 0.88). CONCLUSIONS Bronchial brushing boosted diagnostic yields, particularly for PPLs with echoic features previously associated with a reduced biopsy yield.
A model for crack growth with branching and kinking

We study an evolution model for fractured elastic materials in the 2-dimen-sional case, for which the crack path is not assumed to be known a priori. We introduce some general assumptions on the structure of the fracture sets suitable to remove the restrictions on the regularity of the crack sets and to allow for kinking and branching to develop. In addition we define the front of the fracture and its velocity. By means of a time-discretization approach, we prove the existence of a continuous-time evolution that satisfies an energy inequality and a stability criterion. The energy balance also takes into account the energy dissipated at the front of the fracture. The stability criterion is stated in the framework of Grith's theory, in terms of the energy release rate, when the crack grows at least at one point of its front.
A Game Theoretic Approach on Addressing Collusion among Human Adversaries

Several models have been proposed for Stackelberg security games (SSGs) and protection against perfectly rational and bounded rational adversaries; however, none of these existing models addressed the collusion mechanism between adversaries. In a large number of studies related to SSGs, there is one leader and one follower in the game such that the leader takes action and the follower responds accordingly. These studies fail to take into account the possibility of existence of group of adversaries who can collude and cause synergistic loss to the security agents (defenders). The first contribution of this paper is formulating a new type of Stackleberg security game involving a beneficial collusion mechanism among adversaries. The second contribution of this paper is to develop a parametric human behavior model which is able to capture the bounded rationality of adversaries in this type of collusive games. This model is proposed based on human subject experiments with participants on Amazon Mechanical Turk (AMT).
Efficiency comparison of voltage source and current source drive system for medium voltage applications

This paper calculates and compares the efficiency and loss distribution in three most popular state-of-the-art types of medium voltage drive systems; current source drive with active front-end rectifier, current source drive with 18-pulse thyristor rectifier, and three-level voltage source drive with 12-pulse/24-pulse diode rectifier. Based on the proposed simple and accurate method of calculating switching losses, snubber and filter losses, three-level voltage source drive system has been found to produce the highest efficiency of 98.77% under the rated load of 1.6 MW
Perception of politics and job outcomes: moderating role of Islamic work ethic

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to expand previous theories of motivation and religious ethics by examining the moderation effect of Islamic work ethic (IWE) on the relationship between perception of politics (POP) and job satisfaction, and turnover intention and negligent behavior (NB). Design/methodology/approach The sample consisted of 260 workers employed in various sectors in an Asian country. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to test the main effect of the five hypotheses. In addition, moderated models are used to identify factors (IWE) that may change the relationship between independent and dependent variables. Findings Results revealed that POP was negatively related to job satisfaction, and positively related to turnover intention and NB. IWE was positively related to job satisfaction, and negatively related to turnover intention (confirming previous research findings), and NB (a contribution of the current study). Furthermore, when the moderator variable of IWE was introduced to the relationship between POP and job outcomes, the influence and direction of the POP were altered (a major contribution of this study). In other words, the moderator variable strengthened job satisfaction and reduced both turnover intention and NB of organizational workers. Originality/value When the moderator variable of IWE was introduced to the relationship between the POP and job outcomes, the influence and direction of the POP were altered (a major contribution of this study).
Monitoring of Visuomotor Coordination in Healthy Subjects and Patients with Stroke and Parkinson's Disease: An Application Study Using the PABLOR-Device

Background: Visuomotor performance can be improved by repetitive training on consecutive days. The aim of this study was to assess the training effect of visuomotor tracking in healthy subjects and hemiparetic patients with stroke and in moderately impaired patients with Parkinson’s disease. Methods: 39 healthy right-handed subjects, 15 patients after acute cerebral artery stroke, and 15 patients with mid-stage Parkinson’s disease were trained with the commercially available, multifunctional PABLOR-device. This handhold device is equipped with force and acceleration sensors and connected to a personal computer for on-line data display and data storage. On three consecutive days the subjects were trained to navigate a target through obstacles in a virtual reality environment. Performance was assessed by modulation of force production and rotation of the hand in a visuomotor tracking paradigm using the PABLOR-device. Results: The main findings were that training of the right dominant hand improved visuomotor coordination of hand rotation movements in both hands in the healthy subjects (p=0.0015). Training of the right affected hand improved visuomotor coordination of hand rotation movements in either patient group (p=0.026). In contrast, training improved the visuomotor coordination of force tracking of the dominant hand only in the healthy subjects (p<0.01). Conclusions: The visuomotor training scenario was effective to improve visually guided hand coordination within three days in the healthy controls and both patient groups. The improvement of hand rotation generalized to the nontrained hand in healthy subjects.
The Perception of Correlation in Scatterplots

We present a rigorous way to evaluate the visual perception of correlation in scatterplots, based on classical psychophysical methods originally developed for simple properties such as brightness. Although scatterplots are graphically complex, the quantity they convey is relatively simple. As such, it may be possible to assess the perception of correlation in a similar way.
Learning Temporal Sequences using Bags of Features

This paper presents a novel method for learning classes of temporal sequences using a bag-of-features approach. We define a temporal sequence as a bag of temporal features and show how this representation can be used for the recognition and segmentation of temporal events. A codebook of temporal descriptors, representing the local temporal texture, is automatically constructed from a set of sample sequences at multiple time scales. Temporal sequences are then encoded using accumulated histograms of parts from this codebook. This representation, though simple, proves to be surprisingly powerful and able to implicitly learn the sequence dynamics. Based on this representation, a multiclass classifier, treating the bag of features as the feature vector, is applied to estimate the corresponding class of the temporal sequence. Finally, extensive experiments are performed on multiple datasets to compare our method against state-of-the-art algorithms. The results show that our algorithm performs better and requires less training data than competing techniques.