Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A new optimization method for solving electromagnetic inverse scattering problems

In this talk, we will propose a new optimization scheme for solving electromagnetic inverse scattering problems. As known, they mean to retrieve the physical properties of hidden targets, i.e., the permittivity and/or permeability, from the measured scattering data excited by several incidences. By considering only the physical properties of the targets as unknowns, one usually resorts to the more traditional optimization searching scheme to find the solution, by which one needs to solve the corresponding forward problems for all the incidences at each iteration of the optimization, such as the well-known distorted Born iterative method (DBIM) [1]. This is often time-consuming even given the fast forward solvers. Later, a different optimization scheme, the modified gradient method, was proposed in [2], where not only the physical properties of the targets are considered as unknowns but also the electric fields, which are simultaneously updated at each iteration of the optimization. From such a pioneering work, the same authors proposed the well-known contrast source inversion (CSI) method in [3], considering the unknown to be the induced contrast sources instead of fields in order to form a new type of formulation. Compared to the original modified gradient method in [2], the CSI method uses alternative optimization scheme so as to reduce the complexity of the nonlinear calculations. Considering the electric fields or the induced current as unknowns together with the permittivity/permeability, the inversion solver does not need to repetitively solve the forward problems as in the traditional inversion solvers mentioned above. In this talk, we further stretch the idea in the CSI to consider only the contrast sources as the unknowns by introducing a new type of formulations. While also avoiding to solve the forward problems at each iteration, the merits of doing so is to obtain different optimization paths in every inversion, each of which is different from the one by the CSI method. Having such a new optimization scheme, one is able to justify the obtained reconstructed results by comparing them to each other and to the one obtained by the original CSI. Numerical test results will be given in the talk to verify the proposed method.
Cholesterol-Induced Hepatic Inflammation Does Not Underlie the Predisposition to Insulin Resistance in Dyslipidemic Female LDL Receptor Knockout Mice

Chronic inflammation is considered a causal risk factor predisposing to insulin resistance. However, evidence is accumulating that inflammation confined to the liver may not be causal to metabolic dysfunction. To investigate this, we assessed if hepatic inflammation explains the predisposition towards insulin resistance in low-density lipoprotein receptor knock-out (Ldlr −/−) mice. For this, wild type (WT) and Ldlr −/− mice were fed a chow diet, a high fat (HF) diet, or a high fat, high cholesterol (HFC) diet for 2 weeks. Plasma lipid levels were elevated in chow-fed Ldlr −/− mice compared to WT mice. Although short-term HF or HFC feeding did not result in body weight gain and adipose tissue inflammation, dyslipidemia was worsened in Ldlr −/− mice compared to WT mice. In addition, dyslipidemic HF-fed Ldlr −/− mice had a higher hepatic glucose production rate than HF-fed WT mice, while peripheral insulin resistance was unaffected. This suggests that HF-fed Ldlr −/− mice suffered from hepatic insulin resistance. While HFC-fed Ldlr −/− mice displayed the anticipated increased hepatic inflammation, this did neither exacerbate systemic nor hepatic insulin resistance. Therefore, our results show that hepatic insulin resistance is unrelated to cholesterol-induced hepatic inflammation in Ldlr −/− mice, indicating that hepatic inflammation may not contribute to metabolic dysfunction per se.
Genes of Different Catabolic Pathways Are Coordinately Regulated by Dal81 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Yeast can use a wide variety of nitrogen compounds. However, the ability to synthesize enzymes and permeases for catabolism of poor nitrogen sources is limited in the presence of a rich one. This general mechanism of transcriptional control is called nitrogen catabolite repression. Poor nitrogen sources, such as leucine, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and allantoin, enable growth after the synthesis of pathway-specific catabolic enzymes and permeases. This synthesis occurs only under conditions of nitrogen limitation and in the presence of a pathway-specific signal. In this work we studied the temporal order in the induction of AGP1, BAP2, UGA4, and DAL7, genes that are involved in the catabolism and use of leucine, GABA, and allantoin, three poor nitrogen sources. We found that when these amino acids are available, cells will express AGP1 and BAP2 in the first place, then DAL7, and at last UGA4. Dal81, a general positive regulator of genes involved in nitrogen utilization related to the metabolisms of GABA, leucine, and allantoin, plays a central role in this coordinated regulation.
Intentions in Communication

WINTER 1991 93 ing primarily through the work of Philip Cohen, C. Raymond Perrault, and James Allen (Cohen and Perrault 1979; Allen and Perrault 1980; Perrault and Allen 1980). In their work, plan recognition was applied to the processing of dialogues (particularly those between a customer and a ticket clerk at a railway station). Programs were developed that reasoned from the explicit utterances of the customer and from facts about the situation to the goals of the customer and then to the formulation of an appropriate response. This reasoning could lead to better responses, as in the following case: Patron: When does the Montreal train leave? Clerk: 3:15 at gate 7. Here, the clerk adds the information about the gate number to the response explicitly requested (Allen and Perrault 1980). This review is organized around three of the themes that are sounded in Intentions in Communication: (1) foundational work on intention and its relation to speech act theory, (2) the problems of group intentions, and (3) intentions and plan recognition. The last theme is the topic closest to my heart. My biases and the constraints of space dictate some omissions in this review. One theme sounded by the collection that is skirted is the relationship of truth-conditional semantics to speech act theories that rely on notions of intention. Two other papers that have to go without critical comment are Janet Pierrehumbert and Julia Hirschberg’s paper on intonation and Herbert Clark and Deanna Wilkes-Gibbs’s paper on reference. I am not qualified to evaluate either of these papers.
Distributed TOA-Based Positioning in Wireless Sensor Networks: A Potential Game Approach

In this letter, we solve the problem of positioning based on the time-of-arrival technique in wireless sensor networks. Different from the traditional estimation methods, the position of a target node is considered as a strategy of anchor nodes, and the cognition information is introduced to enrich positional information. After proposing the concept of consensus of cognition and consensus of measurements, we re-investigate the positioning problem from a game-theoretic perspective. It is proved that the proposed game is an exact potential game, which exhibits attractive properties about the Nash equilibrium (NE). Then, the best response algorithm is used to achieve the NE point. The simulation results indicate that the performance of positioning with a suitable tradeoff parameter is better than the performance of recursive least-squares algorithm in terms of positional accuracy and convergence rate.
Statistical text-to-speech synthesis with improved dynamics

In statistical TTS systems (STTS), speech features dynamics is modeled by firstand second-order feature frame differences, which, typically, do not satisfactorily represent frame to frame feature dynamics present in natural speech. The reduced dynamics results in over smoothing of speech features, often sounding as muffled synthesized speech. To improve feature dynamics a Global Variance approach has been suggested. However, it is computationally complex. We propose a different approach for modeling feature dynamics based on applying the DFT to the whole set of feature frames representing a phoneme. In the transform domain the inter-frame feature dynamics is then expressed in terms of inter-harmonic content, which can be modified to statistically match the dynamics of natural speech. To synthesize a whole utterance we propose a method for smoothly combining the enhanced-dynamics phonemes, which improves synthesized speech quality of STTS with similar complexity to conventional STTS.
Mind wandering during attention performance: Effects of ADHD-inattention symptomatology, negative mood, ruminative response style and working memory capacity

Objective In adulthood, depressive mood is often comorbid with ADHD, but its role in ADHD-inattentiveness and especially relations with mind wandering remains to be elucidated. This study investigated the effects of laboratory-induced dysphoric mood on task-unrelated mind wandering and its consequences on cognitive task performance in college students with high (n = 46) or low (n = 44) ADHD-Inattention symptomatology and Hyperactivity/Impulsivity symptoms in the normal range. Methods These non-clinical high/low ADHD-Inattention symptom groups underwent negative or positive mood induction after which mind wandering frequency was measured in a sustained attention (SART), and a reading task. Effects of ruminative response style and working memory capacity on mind wandering frequency were also investigated. Results Significantly higher frequencies of self -reported mind wandering in daily life, in the SART and reading task were reported in the ADHD-Inattention symptom group, with detrimental effects on text comprehension in the reading task. Induced dysphoric mood did specifically enhance the frequency of mind wandering in the ADHD-Inattention symptom group only during the SART, and was related to their higher self-reported intrusive ruminative response styles. Working memory capacity did not differ between high/low attention groups and did not influence any of the reported effects. Conclusions These combined results suggest that in a non-clinical sample with high ADHD-inattention symptoms, dysphoric mood and a ruminative response style seem to be more important determinants of dysfunctional mind wandering than a failure in working memory capacity/executive control, and perhaps need other ways of remediation, like cognitive behavioral therapy or mindfulness training.
Meeting recipients’ needs in dyadic cross-group helping: When the nature of the helper’s motivation matters

This report introduces a series of hypotheses on how intergroup (dis)similarities between the helper’s and the recipient’s group may affect the recipient’s perceptions of the helper’s need-responsiveness. Hypotheses were tested in a real world context of helping (intercultural volunteerism) by using data from two discrete samples of interacting participants. As hypothesized, among culturally similar helper-recipient dyads (but not among dissimilar dyads) feelings of other-focused empathy increased the helper’s perceived responsiveness to the recipient’s needs, whereas among culturally dissimilar dyads (but not among similar dyads) ego-focused concerns decreased the helper’s need-responsiveness. In addition, among culturally dissimilar dyads helper’s need-responsiveness was more strongly contingent upon whether he or she found the recipient attractive or not than among culturally similar dyads. These findings suggest that members of out-groups who may require need-sensitive help most (members of dissimilar out-groups perceived as unattractive) may have a significantly reduced chance to receive it.
Trichostatin A Affects Breast Cancer Cell Viability by Modulating Fhit and Survivin Expression

Objective: Investigate the effects of TSA on MCF-7 cell growth in vitro and the expressions of fragile HiT (Fhit) and Survivin gene in human breast cancer cell strain MCF-7. Methods: Cultured cells were divided into control group and TSA groups, and treated with DMSO and different concentration of TSA (50, 100, 200, 500nmol/L) respectively. Then the cell activity was observed by trypan blue stain assay and the transcription level of Fhit and Survivin were analyzed by using real-time PCR. The change of Fhit protein was analyzed by western bolt. Results: The proliferation of breast cancer cell MCF-7 was inhibited significantly after culture with TSA. TSA inhibited the breast cancer cell growth in dosedependent and time-dependent manners. The expression of Fhit mRNA and protein were all increased significantly (3.12 vs 1, P<;0.05 ) and the transcription of Survivin mRNA decreased under the treatment of TSA Conclusion: TSA can restrain the growth of MCF-7,which may be associated with up-regulating the expression of Fhit gene and down-regulating the expression of Survivin gene.
Internet Addicts’ Behavior Impulsivity: Evidence from the Iowa Gambling Task

Internet addiction, defined as a maladaptive use of the Internet, is estimated to occur in 8–13% of college students (Chou, Condron, & Belland, 2005). It has become a serious mental health issue worldwide because addicts are impaired in various behavioral aspects including social interactions and academic performance (Morahan-Martin & Schumacher, 2000; Scherer, 1997; Young, 1998). Some researchers consider Internet addiction as a kind of behavioral addiction. However, there are few experimental studies on the cognitive functions of Internet addicts and limited data are available to compare Internet addicts with other addictive behaviors, such as drug abuse and pathological gambling. In the present study, we examined internet addicts’ function of decision making. Two groups of participants, 42 Internet addicts (18~22 years old, 32 male, M = 19.79, SD = 1.14) and 42 controls (18~22 years old, 26 male, M = 19.71, SD = 1.13), were compared on the cognitive function and impulsivity by using a Chinese computerized versions of the IGT and Sensation Seeking Scale (SSS). In the IGT, subjects had to choose between four decks of cards. Unknown to the subjects, two piles offered larger short-term gains that are offset by greater risks of heavy losses, and hence were disadvantageous in the long run. The other two piles offered smaller short-term gains and a lower risk of loss that result in long-term maximization of the monetary payoff. The results of the present study showed that (1) compared with controls, sensation seeking of internet addicts was higher significantly, and internet addicts showed significantly higher scores on subscales of thrill and adventure seeking, disinhibition and boredom susceptibility, and they selected significantly less net decks in the Iowa Gambling Task. Furthermore, Internet addicts made no progress in selecting strategy along with the time course of the decision making. (2) reaction patterns for pure win-cards were consistent between Internet addicts and controls, however, the former still preferred to choose high win-cards in spite of potential high punishment whereas the latter tended to transform the direction of card selection after getting corresponding feedback to avoid potentially high risks. (3) Net scores of the IGT were not correlated with SSS. These results showed some similarities between Internet addiction and other addictive behaviors such as drug abuse and pathological gambling. The findings from the Iowa Gambling Task indicated that Internet addicts have deficits in decision making function, which are characterized by an immediate win-priority selection pattern and tolerance to high risk.
Background Noise: The Experience of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy

Background: A substantial portion of the 1.3 million persons diagnosed annually with cancer receive neurotoxic chemotherapy that may produce distressful symptoms and changes in functional ability. However, little is known about the symptom experience and daily life effects of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). Objective: To describe the CIPN symptom experience and the influence of symptoms on everyday life. Methods: This was a qualitative, exploratory, interpretive, descriptive study with semistructured interviews. A purposive sample of 28 participants was recruited from a rural National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, and imported into Atlas.ti software. Content analysis and constant comparative method were used to analyze the data. Results: Participants represented diversity in age (46-81 years), cancer type, time since diagnosis (3-198 months), neuropathy severity, and neurotoxic chemotherapy agents received. Content analysis yielded a rich, thick description of CIPN symptoms and the influence of the symptoms on functional ability and everyday life. Further interpretive analysis provided a description of the symptom experience through an overarching metaphor, Background Noise, and four major themes: (a) Becoming Aware; (b) Learning New Lyrics; (c) Functional, Emotional, and Social Role Cacophony; and (d) Learning to Live With It. Participants described significant physical limitations, emotional distress, and social role impairments due to CIPN. Conclusions: Having CIPN results in diverse symptom patterns and degrees of physical symptom distress from mild to severe, emotional distress, alterations in functional ability, and social role impairment. Comprehensive clinical and research measures are needed to assess the full spectrum of CIPN effects on everyday life.
Once More With Feeling

We are interested in how digital games can be designed for learning in the affective domain. Our studies of how emotions are embedded in games and how games sustain affective learning involve observing gameplay and identifying recurring elements that we identify as design patterns. Design patterns help us think about the role of affect in play, what affect in games looks like, and the different ways affective learning might be achieved in educational and serious games. In this article, we describe and discuss several patterns related to understanding emotions, affective representation, and socioemotional interactions, which are essential components of affective learning. These patterns provide a language to conceptualize how affective learning might be designed into future game projects. To conclude, we discuss the development of a taxonomy of affective patterns to sustain socioemotional learning. We thus hope to stimulate the development of more human-oriented educational games in this domain.
Verification of Agent-Based Artifact Systems

Artifact systems are a novel paradigm for specifying and implementing business processes described in terms of interacting modules called artifacts. Artifacts consist of data and lifecycles, accounting respectively for the relational structure of the artifacts' states and their possible evolutions over time. In this paper we put forward artifact-centric multi-agent systems, a novel formalisation of artifact systems in the context of multi-agent systems operating on them. Differently from the usual process-based models of services, we give a semantics that explicitly accounts for the data structures on which artifact systems are defined. We study the model checking problem for artifact-centric multi-agent systems against specifications expressed in a quantified version of temporal-epistemic logic expressing the knowledge of the agents in the exchange. We begin by noting that the problem is undecidable in general. We identify a noteworthy class of systems that admit bisimilar, finite abstractions. It follows that we can verify these systems by investigating their finite abstractions; we also show that the corresponding model checking problem is EXPSPACE-complete. We then introduce artifact-centric programs, compact and declarative representations of the programs governing both the artifact system and the agents. We show that, while these in principle generate infinite-state systems, under natural conditions their verification problem can be solved on finite abstractions that can be effectively computed from the programs. We exemplify the theoretical results here pursued through a mainstream procurement scenario from the artifact systems literature.
Disrupted Nodal and Hub Organization Account for Brain Network Abnormalities in Parkinson’s Disease

The recent application of graph theory to brain networks promises to shed light on complex diseases such as Parkinson’s disease (PD). This study aimed to investigate functional changes in sensorimotor and cognitive networks in Parkinsonian patients, with a focus on inter- and intra-connectivity organization in the disease-associated nodal and hub regions using the graph theoretical analyses. Resting-state functional MRI data of a total of 65 participants, including 23 healthy controls (HCs) and 42 patients, were investigated in 120 nodes for local efficiency, betweenness centrality, and degree. Hub regions were identified in the HC and patient groups. We found nodal and hub changes in patients compared with HCs, including the right pre-supplementary motor area (SMA), left anterior insula, bilateral mid-insula, bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), and right caudate nucleus. In general, nodal regions within the sensorimotor network (i.e., right pre-SMA and right mid-insula) displayed weakened connectivity, with the former node associated with more severe bradykinesia, and impaired integration with default mode network regions. The left mid-insula also lost its hub properties in patients. Within the executive networks, the left anterior insular cortex lost its hub properties in patients, while a new hub region was identified in the right caudate nucleus, paralleled by an increased level of inter- and intra-connectivity in the bilateral DLPFC possibly representing compensatory mechanisms. These findings highlight the diffuse changes in nodal organization and regional hub disruption accounting for the distributed abnormalities across brain networks and the clinical manifestations of PD.
The Influence of Similarity between Concepts in Evolving Biomedical Ontologies for Mapping Adaptation

Biomedical ontologies continuously evolve which demands maintain associated mappings up-to-date. This article studies whether similarity calculated between values of concept attributes issued from successive ontology versions plays a role in deciding mapping adaptation actions. We empirically analyse the evolution of official mappings established between large biomedical ontologies. The results point out the relevance of this factor for mapping adaptation.
The Seyfert Population in the Local Universe

The magnitude-limited catalog of the Southern Sky Redshift Survey (SSRS2) is used to characterize the properties of galaxies hosting active galactic nuclei (AGNs). Using emission-line ratios, we identify a total of 162 (3%) Seyfert galaxies out of the parent sample with 5399 galaxies. The sample contains 121 Seyfert 2 galaxies and 41 Seyfert 1 galaxies. The SSRS2 Seyfert galaxies are predominantly in spirals of types Sb and earlier or in galaxies with perturbed appearance as the result of strong interactions or mergers. Seyfert galaxies in this sample are twice as common in barred hosts as the non-Seyfert galaxies. By assigning galaxies to groups using a percolation algorithm, we find that the Seyfert galaxies in the SSRS2 are more likely to be found in binary systems when compared with galaxies in the SSRS2 parent sample. However, there is no statistically significant difference between the Seyfert and SSRS2 parent sample when systems with more than two galaxies are considered. The analysis of the present sample suggests that there is a stronger correlation between the presence of the AGN phenomenon with internal properties of galaxies (morphology, presence of bar, luminosity) than with environmental effects (local galaxy density, group velocity dispersion, nearest neighbor distance).