Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Findings and Implications of a Descriptive Approach to Thinking.

ABSTRACT In this paper the theory that human thinking proceeds according to the computer model, or symbol manipulation, is reviewed and challenged. The research used as subjects five highly rated tournament chess players who "thought aloud" during A chess game to provide tape recorded protocols of decisions made whale playing. These protocols were then analyzed phenomenologically in three steps. Results are presented for nine specific issues in which the phenomenological approach differs from computer simulation programs: the look ahead function, purposiveness, goal seeking, memory, overall sense of the task, level of knowing, role of experience, expectations, and opponent's style. The most significant general divergence between the two methods is noted as the computer's ability to thematize millions of possible subsequent combinations of moves while a person can thematize only a few dozen possibilities. The paper concludes that, given the divergence between the two models, a descriptive method can be useful for the psychology of thinking. Results are followed by a list of references. (ABB)
Example : Discovery and Integration of Geo-Information

Increasing numbers of natural disasters and man-made disasters, such as earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, air crashes, etc., have posed a challenge to the public and demonstrated the importance of disaster management. The success of disaster management, amongst all, largely depends on finding and successfully integrating related information to make decisions during the response phase. This information ranges from existing data to operational data. Most of this information is geographically related and therefore when discussing integration of information for disaster management response, we often refer to the integration of geo-information. Current efforts to integrate geo-information have been restricted to keyword-basedmatching Spatial Information Infrastructure (SII, may also known as Spatial Data Infrastructure). However, the semantic interoperability challenge is still underestimated. One possible way to deal with the problem is the use of ontology to reveal the implicit and hidden knowledge. This paper presents an approach for ontology development and ontology architecture, which can be used for emergency response.
GRACE Gravity Data Constrain Ancient Ice Geometries and Continental Dynamics over Laurentia

The free-air gravity trend over Canada, derived from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellite mission, robustly isolates the gravity signal associated with glacial isostatic adjustment (GIA) from the longer–time scale mantle convection process. This trend proves that the ancient Laurentian ice complex was composed of two large domes to the west and east of Hudson Bay, in accord with one of two classes of earlier reconstructions. Moreover, GIA models that reconcile the peak rates contribute ∼25 to ∼45% to the observed static gravity field, which represents an important boundary condition on the buoyancy of the continental tectosphere.
Unbiased stereological estimation of the total number of neurons in the subdivisions of the rat hippocampus using the optical fractionator

A stereological method for obtaining estimates of the total number of neurons in five major subdivisions of the rat hippocampus is described. The new method, the optical fractionator, combines two recent developments in stereology: a three‐dimensional probe for counting neuronal nuclei, the optical disector, and a systematic uniform sampling scheme, the fractionator. The optical disector results in unbiased estimates of neuron number, i.e., estimates that are free of assumptions about neuron size and shape, are unaffected by lost caps and over‐projection, and approach the true number of neurons in an unlimited manner as the number of samples is increased. The fractionator involves sampling a known fraction of a structural component. In the case of neuron number, a zero dimensional quantity, it provides estimates that are unaffected by shrinkage before, during, and after processing of the tissue. Because the fractionator involves systematic sampling, it also results in highly efficient estimates. Typically only 100–200 neurons must be counted in an animal to obtain a precision that is compatible with experimental studies. The methodology is compared with those used in earlier works involving estimates of neuron number in the rat hippocampus and a number of new stereological methods that have particular relevance to the quantitative study of the structure of the nervous system are briefly described in an appendix.
Can a sense of entitlement increase stealing

Are people more likely to steal when the payoff they deserve is determined randomly or when it depends on their performance in a difficult task? In this paper I investigate how the probability of stealing is affected by the way in which payoff is earned. After answering a short survey one group was asked to roll a die to determine their payoff, while the other group had three minutes to find matching numbers in a matrix task. Participants then paid themselves unobserved by the experimenter. I find that the participants who earned their payoff according to performance were three times more likely to take the (undeserved) maximum payoff than the participants in the random payment scheme. In contrast to previous findings in the cheating literature, stealing is an all-or-nothing decision rather than a trade-off between a slightly higher payoff and the desire to keep ones moral values intact. The results support the theory that unethical behavior is increased by a sense of entitlement, which is more pronounced when wealth depends on performance than on the roll of a die.
Network Services for the Support of Very-Low-Resource Devices

Visions of future computing scenarios envisage a multitude of very-low-resource devices linked by power-efficient wireless communication means. This paper presents our vision of such a scenario. From this vision requirements are derived for an infrastructure that is able to satisfy the largely differing needs of these devices. The paper also shows how innovative, collaborating applications between distributed sensors and actuators can arise from such an infrastructure. The realization of such innovative applications is illustrated with two examples of straightforward services that have been implemented with the AMnet infrastructure that is currently being developed in the FlexiNet project. Additionally, first performance measurements for one of these services are given. Index terms — Bluetooth, Programmable networks, Sensoractuator networks
minifly, A Drosophila Gene Required for Ribosome Biogenesis

We report here the genetic, molecular, and functional characterization of the Drosophila melanogaster minifly (mfl) gene. Genetic analysis shows that mfl is essential for Drosophila viability and fertility. While P-element induced total loss-of-function mutations cause lethality, mfl partial loss-of-function mutations cause pleiotropic defects, such as extreme reduction of body size, developmental delay, hatched abdominal cuticle, and reduced female fertility. Morphological abnormalities characteristic of apoptosis are found in the ovaries, and a proportion of eggs laid by mfl mutant females degenerates during embryogenesis. We show that mfl encodes an ubiquitous nucleolar protein that plays a central role in ribosomal RNA processing and pseudouridylation, whose known eukaryotic homologues are yeast Cfb5p, rat NAP57 and human dyskerin, encoded by the gene responsible for the X-linked dyskeratosis congenita disease. mfl genetic analysis represents the first in vivo functional characterization of a member of this highly conserved gene family from higher eukaryotes. In addition, we report that mfl hosts an intron encoded box H/ACA snoRNA gene, the first member of this class of snoRNAs identified so far from Drosophila.
A Middleware Infrastructure for Utility-Based Provisioning of IoT Cloud Systems

Recently, we have witnessed numerous benefits of exploiting Cloud Computing models and technologies in the context of the Internet of Things and Edge Computing. However, utility-based provisioning paradigm, one of the most important properties of Cloud Computing, is yet to be realized in emerging IoT Cloud systems. In this paper, we introduce a novel middleware, which provides comprehensive support for multi-level provisioning of IoT Cloud systems. The main features of our middleware include: i) A generic, light-weight resource abstraction mechanism, which enables application-specific customization of Edge devices; ii) Support for automated provisioning of Edge resources and application components in a logically centralized manner, via dynamically managed APIs; and iii) Flexible provisioning models that enable self-service, on-demand consumption of the Edge resources. We evaluate our middleware using real-life applications in the domain of building management systems.
OpenCL implementation of Cholesky matrix decomposition

This paper presents some OpenCL implementations for Cholesky decomposition, a very popular algorithm used in linear algebra and signal processing applications. The Cholesky algorithm represents a very interesting candidate for OpenCL implementation since it contains sequential parts besides parallel ones. Furthermore, one step involves just a small amount of calculations. These characteristics pose challenges which call for suitable techniques to overcome the limitations of the language. We propose several versions of the implementation of the Cholesky algorithm, then provide an analysis of the trade off between complexity and performance offered by each of them. We also analyze the differences between execution of the program on GPU and on multicore CPU.
Gene Expression Signature–Based Prognostic Risk Score in Patients with Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma

Purpose: Better understanding of the underlying biology of primary central nervous system lymphomas (PCNSL) is critical for the development of early detection strategies, molecular markers, and new therapeutics. This study aimed to define genes associated with survival of patients with PCNSL. Experimental Design: Expression profiling was conducted on 32 PCNSLs. A gene classifier was developed using the random survival forests model. On the basis of this, prognosis prediction score (PPS) using immunohistochemical analysis is also developed and validated in another data set with 43 PCNSLs. Results: We identified 23 genes in which expressions were strongly and consistently related to patient survival. A PPS was developed for overall survival (OS) using a univariate Cox model. Survival analyses using the selected 23-gene classifiers revealed a prognostic value for high-dose methotrexate (HD-MTX) and HD-MTX–containing polychemotherapy regimen–treated patients. Patients predicted to have good outcomes by the PPS showed significantly longer survival than those with poor predicted outcomes (P < 0.0001). PPS using immunohistochemical analysis is also significant in test (P = 0.0004) and validation data set (P = 0.0281). The gene-based predictor was an independent prognostic factor in a multivariate model that included clinical risk stratification (P < 0.0001). Among the genes, BRCA1 protein expressions were most strongly associated with patient survival. Conclusion: We have identified gene expression signatures that can accurately predict survival in patients with PCNSL. These predictive genes should be useful as molecular biomarkers and they could provide novel targets for therapeutic interventions. Clin Cancer Res; 18(20); 5672–81. ©2012 AACR.
βAR Signaling Required for Diet-Induced Thermogenesis and Obesity Resistance

Excessive caloric intake is thought to be sensed by the brain, which then activates thermogenesis as a means of preventing obesity. The sympathetic nervous system, through β-adrenergic receptor (βAR) action on target tissues, is likely the efferent arm of this homeostatic mechanism. To test this hypothesis, we created mice that lack the three known βARs (β-less mice). β-less mice on a Chow diet had a reduced metabolic rate and were slightly obese. On a high-fat diet, β-less mice, in contrast to wild-type mice, developed massive obesity that was due entirely to a failure of diet-induced thermogenesis. These findings establish that βARs are necessary for diet-induced thermogenesis and that this efferent pathway plays a critical role in the body's defense against diet-induced obesity.
Adaptive Memory and Social Influences

Recently, cognitive psychologists have focused their research on the survival aspects of human memory, showing advantages for remembering information encoded for adaptive qualities. When participants rated words related to survival relevance (stranded in grasslands), Nairne et al. (2007) and others found survival processing’s retention superior to many semantic encoding techniques, however, we questioned the global application of survival processing. In the present adaptive memory experiment we used the thematic word list paradigm pioneered by Deese, Rodeiger and McDermott, allowing us to measure false recall of critical items from sets of word lists. To investigate recall differences based on the material type encoded, we separated recalled material into two categories: survival and non-survival. Because arousal can influence memory performance, we extended research on adaptive memory to include social arousal induced by videotaping participants during study and recall tasks. Videotaping subjects has been shown to induce arousal levels similar to those when being observed, and may parallel arousal experienced in survival scenarios. Overall, recall was lower for survival processing. Survival-relevant information was more accurately remembered, and was not hindered by camera presence, unlike non-survival information. Additionally, false memories were higher under videotaped conditions. While our results did not support Nairne and colleagues, our findings may support the development of evolved brain mechanisms. The current findings are discussed with an emphasis on contemporary high arousal situations that may influence the activation of adaptive memories. We join a growing set of literature that questions the overall benefits of survival
A probabilistic model for generating realistic lip movements from speech

The present work aims to model the correspondence between facial motion and speech. The face and sound are modelled separately, with phonemes being the link between both. We propose a sequential model and evaluate its suitability for the generation of the facial animation from a sequence of phonemes, which we obtain from speech. We evaluate the results both by computing the error between generated sequences and real video, as well as with a rigorous double-blind test with human subjects. Experiments show that our model compares favourably to other existing methods and that the sequences generated are comparable to real video sequences.
Enhancing the validity and utility of randomized clinical trials in addictions treatment research: II. Participant samples and assessment.

PURPOSE This paper is the second in a series that describes strategies for optimizing the validity and utility of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) in addictions treatment research. Whereas the first paper focused on treatment implementation and research design, here we address issues pertaining to participant samples and assessment methods. SCOPE With respect to participant samples, sections focus on the definition of study populations; informed consent; sample size and statistical power; recruitment and enrollment; sample retention; and participant tracking systems. Assessment topics include eligibility screening and baseline assessment; treatment-related variables; outcome measures; the frequency of follow-up evaluation; and assessment process. A final section highlights the importance of pilot testing. CONCLUSIONS Sample recruitment and retention strategies are needed that safeguard both internal and external validity. Daily estimation assessment procedures are recommended because of their versatility for creating a range of outcome measures. Assessment batteries should include measures that permit the investigation of treatment processes and mechanisms of action.
Knowledge Levels Regarding Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Among Emergency Healthcare Workers in an Endemic Region

Background In this study, we aimed to determine knowledge levels regarding Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) among emergency healthcare workers (HCWs) in an endemic region. Methods A questionnaire form consisting of questions about CCHF was applied to the participants. Results The mean age was 29.6 ± 6.5 years (range 19 - 45). Fifty-four (49.5%) participants were physicians, 39 (35.8%) were nurses and 16 (14.7%) were paramedics. All of the participants were aware of CCHF, and 48 (44%) of them had previously followed CCHF patients. Rates of the use of protective equipment (masks and gloves) during interventions for patients who were admitted to the emergency service with active hemorrhage were 100% among paramedics, 76.9% among nurses and 61.1% among physicians (P = 0.003). Among 86 (78.9%) HCWs who believed that their knowledge regarding CCHF was adequate, 62 (56.9%) declared that they would prefer not to care for patients with CCHF (P = 0.608). Conclusions The use of techniques to prevent transmission of this disease, including gloves, face masks, face visors and box coats, should be explained to emergency room HCWs, and encouragement should be provided for using these techniques.
Validation de la version réduite de l'inventaire neuropsychiatrique (NPI-R).

L'Inventaire Neuropsychiatrique (NPI) est un instrument valide pour l'evaluation des symptomes psychologiques et comportementaux dans les pathologies dementielles. Cet instrument a fait l'objet de plusieurs versions. L'objectif de cet article est de presenter la version breve du NPI, intitulee NPI-Reduit (NPI-R). Le NPI-R est un auto-questionnaire directement donne a l'accompagnant. Il n'evalue que la gravite des symptomes et leur retentissement sur l'accompagnant, et non plus leur frequence d'apparition. La validite concurrente avec la version standard du NPI a ete testee chez 73 patients (51 presentant une pathologie dementielle, 7 patients presentant un trouble cognitif leger et 15 patients presentant une plainte mnesique). Il existe une correlation significative entre les 2 instruments pour le score total et pour chacun des troubles du comportement explores. La prevalence des symptomes evalues par les 2 instruments differe en moyenne de 7 % ; elle est superieure avec le NPI-R. Une telle difference suggere en pratique de revoir avec l'accompagnant les questions auxquelles il a repondu d'une maniere positive durant la passation du NPI-R. Meme avec cette procedure, l'utilisation du NPI-R s'effectue d'une maniere plus rapide, facilite son utilisation en pratique clinique et joue un role non negligeable dans la formation des accompagnants.
Inhibition of focal adhesion kinase decreases tumor growth in human neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial solid tumor of childhood. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is an intracellular kinase that regulates both cellular adhesion and apoptosis. FAK is overexpressed in a number of human tumors including neuroblastoma. Previously, we have shown that the MYCN oncogene, the primary adverse prognostic indicator in neuroblastoma, regulates the expression of FAK in neuroblastoma. In this study, we have examined the effects of FAK inhibition upon neuroblastoma using a small molecule [1,2,4,5-benzenetetraamine tetrahydrochloride (Y15)] to inhibit FAK expression and the phosphorylation of FAK at the Y397 site. Utilizing both non-isogenic and isogenic MYCN+/MYCN- neuroblastoma cell lines, we found that Y15 effectively diminished phosphorylation of the Y397 site of FAK. Treatment with Y15 resulted in increased detachment, decreased cell viability and increased apoptosis in the neuroblastoma cell lines. We also found that the cell lines with higher MYCN are more sensitive to Y15 treatment than their MYCN negative counterparts. In addition, we have shown that treatment with Y15 in vivo leads to less tumor growth in nude mouse xenograft models, again with the greatest effects seen in MYCN+ tumor xenografts. The results of the current study suggest that FAK and phosphorylation at the Y397 site plays a role in neuroblastoma cell survival, and that the FAK Y397 phosphorylation site is a potential therapeutic target for this childhood tumor.
An Optimization Technique for Positioning Multiple Maps for Self-Driving Car's Autonomous Navigation

Self-driving car's navigation requires a very precise localization covering wide areas and long distances. Moreover, they have to do it at faster speeds than conventional mobile robots. This paper reports on an efficient technique to optimize the position of a sequence of maps along a journey. We take advantage of the short-term precision and reduced space on disk of the localization using 2D occupancy grid maps, from now on called sub-maps, as well as, the long-term global consistency of a Kalman filter that fuses odometry and GPS measurements. In our approach, horizontal planar LiDARs and odometry measurements are used to perform 2D-SLAM generating the sub-maps, and the EKF to generate the trajectory followed by the car in global coordinates. During the trip, after finishing each sub-map, a relaxation process is applied to a set of the last sub-maps to position them globally using both, global and map's local path. The importance of this method lies on its performance, expending low computing resources, so it can work in real time on a computer with conventional characteristics and on its robustness which makes it suitable for being used on a self-driving car as it doesn't depend excessively on the availability of GPS signal or the eventual appearance of moving objects around the car. Extensive testing has been performed in the suburbs and in the down-town of Nantes (France) covering a distance of 25 kilometers with different traffic conditions obtaining satisfactory results for autonomous driving.