Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On the Limiting Behaviour of the Fundamental Geodesics of Information Geometry

The Information Geometry of extended exponential families has received much recent attention in a variety of important applications, notably categorical data analysis, graphical modelling and, more specifically, log-linear modelling. The essential geometry here comes from the closure of an exponential family in a high-dimensional simplex. In parallel, there has been a great deal of interest in the purely Fisher Riemannian structure of (extended) exponential families, most especially in the Markov chain Monte Carlo literature. These parallel developments raise challenges, addressed here, at a variety of levels: both theoretical and practical—relatedly, conceptual and methodological. Centrally to this endeavour, this paper makes explicit the underlying geometry of these two areas via an analysis of the limiting behaviour of the fundamental geodesics of Information Geometry, these being Amari’s (+1) and (0)-geodesics, respectively. Overall, a substantially more complete account of the Information Geometry of extended exponential families is provided than has hitherto been the case. We illustrate the importance and benefits of this novel formulation through applications.
Different functions of monocyte subsets in familial hypercholesterolemia: potential function of CD14+CD16+ monocytes in detoxification of oxidized LDL

The study was undertaken to investigate whether the two major monocyte subsets defined by the surface markers CD14+CD16+ and CD14++CD16− show differences in their responses to hypercholesterolemia. Monocytes were rapidly isolated from the blood of hypercholesterolemic, low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor‐defective familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) patients and from control persons. Using flow cytometry and uptake, adhesion, and phagocytosis assays as well as laser scanning microscopy, we found significant differences between the monocyte subsets. FH‐CD14+CD16+ monocytes exhibit an increased uptake of oxidized LDL (oxLDL) via CD36, whereas FH‐CD14++CD16− monocytes preferentially take up native LDL (nLDL). FH‐CD14+CD16+ monocytes have an increased expression of surface proteins CD68, stabilin‐1, and CD11c and a higher adherence to activated endothelial cells in response to oxLDL and nLDL stimulation. In addition, all CD14+CD16+ monocytes have an increased ability for phagocytosis and a higher resistance to phagocytosis impairment by oxLDL compared with CD14++CD16− monocytes. We conclude that FH‐CD14+CD16+ monocytes have specialized functions in the uptake of oxLDL at activated endothelial cell surfaces, and we hypothesize that these functions are critical for the clearance of oxLDL deposits and apoptotic cells from the vessel wall under hyperlipidemic conditions. — Mosig, S. , Rennert, K. , Krause, S. , Kzhyshkowska, J., Neunubel, K. , Heller, R. , Funke, H. Different functions of monocyte subsets in familial hypercholesterolemia: potential function of CD14+CD16+ monocytes in detoxification of oxidized LDL. FASEB J. 23, 866–874 (2009)
Nucleosomal Structure of Active and Inactive c-myc Genes*

The nucleosomal structure of active and inactive c-myc genes has been analyzed in detail in undifferentiated and differentiated cells of the promyelocytic leukemia cell line HL60. The c-myc P2 promoter was never found in nucleosomal configuration, no matter whether c-myc was expressed or not. Differences in the nucleosomal structure, however, were found in the promoter upstream region proximal to a previously described DNase I-hypersensitive site I, at the P0 promoter, and at the P1 promoter and upstream thereof. In these regions nucleosomes were detected in differentiated but not undifferentiated HL60 cells. Similar patterns of nucleosomes as found for active and inactive c-myc genes in HL60 cells were found for active and inactive episomal c-myc genes in stably transfected B cell lines. In these cell lines three activation stages could be described for episomal c-myc constructs: (i) uninducible, (ii) inducible, and (iii) induced. Significant differences in the nucleosomal structure of c-myc were observed for the uninducible and inducible stages, but not for the inducible and induced stages.
Novel Ultrasonic Dispersion of Carbon Nanotubes

A double ultrasonic source has been shown to dramatically increase dispersion efficiency of carbon nanotubes. Thermal measurements of dispersing fluid only show temperature rises commensurate with the power levels of the two ultrasonic sources; which is validated by predictions of statistical energy analysis (SEA) based on wave superposition principles. In this paper, nonlinear wave resonance concepts have been proposed to contain explanations for the dramatic increase in dispersion performance, and more specifically, the effect of intermittency chaos. Such a hypothesis was made because of the similarity between the pressure wave pattern in the double sonication system and sliding charge density wave with an A.C. electric field, which was cited to exhibit intermittency behavior.
Whither Hotelling: Tests of the Theory of Exhaustible Resources

We review the empirical literature that extends and tests the Hotelling model of the optimal depletion of an exhaustible resource. The theory is briefly described to set the stage for the review of empirical tests and applications. Those tests can be roughly divided into two broad categories—descriptive and structural—and we discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each before presenting the empirical studies of optimal extraction under conditions of exhaustibility. We also discuss some econometric pitfalls that applied researchers face when attempting to test the model.
Comments on Singh and Zeng: "Approximation theory of fuzzy systems-SISO case" [and reply]

The author comments on the paper by Singh and Zeng (see ibid., vol.2, no.2, p.162-76, 1994). He states that every bounded function f: R/spl rarr/R has an exact representation as an additive fuzzy system. If f is not constant, one fuzzy set and two rules define the system. Otherwise, a single rule suffices. This result shows that the approximation properties of one-input fuzzy systems derive solely from interpolation between output extrema. The basis for the interpolation at any point is the value of the input fuzzy sets at that point. In reply Singh and Zeng state that in the comments by Watkins, it is proven that every SISO function can be exactly represented by a fuzzy system, which implies that fuzzy approximation (i.e., to approximate functions by fuzzy systems) is unnecessary or moot. However, they state that this conclusion is invalid because his presented representation scheme does not meet the basic requirements in the applications of fuzzy systems and is impractical.
Secure and distributed data in wireless sensor network

A data discovery and dissemination protocol for wireless sensor networks (WSNs) is answerable for updating configuration parameters of, and distributing management instructions to, the sensor nodes. All existing data discovery and dissemination protocols undergo from two drawbacks. First, they are based on the centralized approach; only the base station can distribute data item. Such an approach is not suitable for emergent multi-owner-multi-user WSNs. Second, those protocols were not designed with security in mind and hence adversaries can easily launch attacks to harm the network. This paper proposes the first secure and distributed data discovery and dissemination protocol named SDD. It allows the network owners to authorize numerous network users with different privileges to simultaneously and directly disseminate data items to the sensor nodes. Moreover, as demonstrated by our theoretical analysis, it addresses a number of probable security vulnerabilities that we have identified. Extensive security analysis show SDD is provably secure. We also implement SDD in an experimental network of resource-limited sensor nodes to show its high efficiency in practice.
Repeatability of Peripheral Aberrations in Young Emmetropes

Purpose. The purpose of this study is to assess the intrasession repeatability of ocular aberration measurements in the peripheral visual field with a commercially available Shack-Hartmann aberrometer (complete ophthalmic analysis system-high definition-vision research). The higher-order off-axis aberrations data in young healthy emmetropic eyes are also reported. Methods. The aberrations of the right eye of 18 emmetropes were measured using an aberrometer with an open field of view that allows peripheral measurements. Five repeated measures of ocular aberrations were obtained and assessed in steps of 10° out to ±40° in the horizontal visual field (nasal + and temporal −) and −20° in the inferior visual field. The coefficient of repeatability, coefficient of variation, and the intraclass correlation coefficient were calculated as a measure of intrasession repeatability. Results. In all eccentric angles, the repeatability of the third- and fourth-order aberrations was better than the fifth and sixth order aberrations. The coefficient of variation was <30% and the intraclass correlation coefficient was >0.90 for the third and fourth order but reduced gradually for higher orders. There was no statistical significant difference in variance of total higher-order root mean square between on- and off-axis measurements (p > 0.05). The aberration data in this group of young emmetropes showed that the horizontal coma (C31) was most positive at 40° in the temporal field, decreasing linearly toward negative values with increasing off-axis angle into the nasal field, whereas all other higher-order aberrations showed little or no change. Conclusions. The complete ophthalmic analysis system-high definition-vision research provides fast, repeatable, and valid peripheral aberration measurements and can be used efficiently to measure off-axis aberrations in the peripheral visual field.
Multi-criteria selection of the computer configuration for engineering design

The problems of choosing the PC configuration are Multi Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) problems. The paper presents an integrated approach to interdependent PC configuration selection problems using multiple criteria decision making methods and Delphi technique. Research has been based on the implementation of the concept of expert groups, extended approach to the Delphi method concept and appropriate statistical procedures and tools with software support. This provides the conditions for a decision maker, the manager, to connect all data and relations in one rational whole through multicriteria rating of alternative solutions; subsequently, by using appropriate methods of multicriteria decision making supported by software, the decision maker can find the solution for the optimisation problem-by the selection of the most favourable alternative with regard to the established criteria and appropriate preferences. The application of the proposed approach has been illustrated through an example of the selection of the best configuration of a computer system for simulation in engineering design in Serbian companies. The main contribution of the paper is presented methodological multicriteria approach that integrates the adequate methods and processes. The presented methodology opens the possibility for wide application in solving the problem of selecting computer configuration for different applications.
Physical mechanism and temperature acceleration of relaxation effects in phase-change memory cells

The main reliability issues of phase change memory (PCM) cells are related to the metastable nature of the amorphous phase in the chalcogenide material. The amorphous phase spontaneously evolves during time by crystallization and structural relaxation, that is the short range ordering in the amorphous phase to minimize the defect concentration and free energy. Crystallization physics has been studied by almost 60 years, and application of the standard nucleation theory has been successfully applied to provide extrapolation methodologies for PCM reliability estimation. On the other hand, structural relaxation and its impact on carrier transport in the amorphous chalcogenide are not completely understood yet. The purpose of this paper is to study structural relaxation effects in PCM cells, focusing on a) the physical interpretation of the relaxation and b) the temperature acceleration of the phenomenon, which is essential to provide extrapolation techniques and analytical compact models for prediction of PCM reliability.
CMOS Gate Arrays - Status, trends, design aids

The industry has begun wide introduction of CMOS Gate Array because of its excellent adaptability for electronic equipment. A new market segment is opened by utilization of CMOS Gate Array. CMOS Gate Array can handle the task where (l) high speed, (2) low power and/or (3) lower rate of production compared with conventional type of custom integrated circuit are essential requirements. Double layer metal wiring to CMOS IC has been a key technology for gaining such wide introduction. This technology easily allows CMOS circuit to have a switching speed performance as good as that of highly established TTL circuit in addition to much lower power consumption than that of TTL. This paper describes the status of CMOS Gate Array for its performance, typical design implementation procedure, examples of application in the market place, etc.
Reconsidering Risk: Adapting Public Policies to Intergenerational Determinants and Biosocial Interactions in Health-Related Needs

According to recent research, interactions between infant health and environment can play crucial roles in clustering health and economic disadvantage among certain families. Researchers have provided a clear example of such intergenerational biosocial cycles when they document that interactions between parental low birth weight status and prenatal environment are associated with the risk of a low birth weight, and that interactions between a child's birth weight status and early childhood environment are associated with adult socioeconomic outcomes. In this article, we consider how existing policies may be revised to more effectively address such interactions between social and biological risk categories. We are particularly concerned in this discussion with revising risk categories so they can encompass biological risk, social risk, and developmental frameworks. A framework of biosocial risk is quite flexible and may be applied to a variety of issues and programs; however, in this article we focus on the single case of low birth weight to illustrate our argument. In considering specific applications, we further explore how attention to biosocial interactions may reshape Medicaid, special education, the Earned Income Tax Credit, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.
Activity of neurons in putamen during active and passive movements of wrist.

Recent studies have shown that many neurons in the basal ganglia have patterns of activity that are closely related to various parameters of active movements of the arm. The topographical distribution of these cells suggests that they are influenced by afferents from primary motor and sensory areas of the cerebral cortex. Although there is abundant evidence that information from peripheral receptors is relayed to the basal ganglia, relatively little information is available on whether neurons related to active movement are influenced by peripheral inputs. The present study was undertaken to provide information on this problem by comparing responses of putamen neurons to active and passive movements of the wrist. Two monkeys were trained to place their hand in a manipulandum and actively extend and flex their wrist against opposing torque loads. Additionally, they were trained to accept 1) passive step displacements of the wrist by the experimenter, which were comparable in amplitude, duration, and velocity to active movements, and 2) brief rapid displacements generated by a pulse of torque applied to the manipulandum by a motor. An extensive electromyographic (EMG) study was made prior to unit recording to characterize patterns of muscle activity during active and passive movements. A sample of 82 neurons was isolated in the putamen on the basis of a phasic burst of spikes associated with active movement of the wrist. Most (80%) of these cells showed directionally specific responses. The onset latency of unit firing in 91% of the cells lagged behind the onset of EMG activity in forearm agonist muscles. Phasic unit discharge during active movement increased with increasing opposing torque loads in 59% of the sample. The rate-torque curves for most of these cells were curvilinear (plateau occurred at heavy torque loads), although some cells showed a linear relationship. A comparison of these neuronal activity patterns with EMG activity-torque curves suggests that most of the cells were related to activity in forearm muscles and not to activity in proximal or axial muscles. The functional significance of these findings is interpreted in light of recent physiological and anatomic studies of the basal ganglia. A substantial proportion (44%) of the units that were related to active wrist movements showed an excitatory response during passive step displacements of the wrist in the absence of phasic EMG activity. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Recent Advances in Microwave Planar Filter Technology

This invited paper aims to present an overview of our recent research and development (R&D) of advanced microwave planar filters, in particular with miniaturization and/or electronically tunable/ reconfigurable functionalities, which are in demand for future communication/radar systems as well as emerging wireless applications. key words: microwave filters, planar filters, multilayer filters, tunable filters, reconfigurable filters
Assessment of pain in cervical dentinal sensitivity studies. A review.

Traditionally cervical dentinal sensitivity (CDS) has been evaluated mainly subjectively on the basis of the individual patient's subjective response, e.g., in the form of verbal rating and visual analogue scales and questionnaires. The stimuli used for evaluating this response can be grouped into 4 main categories: mechanical, chemical, electrical and thermal. This review of the literature, however, indicates that there are problems in evaluating patient subjective response to these various test stimuli used in the assessment and treatment of CDS. Opinions also vary as to the reliability of some of these methods of assessment, although recently, efforts have been made to develop controlled reproducible stimuli more suited to the evaluation of CDS. Currently no single method of eliciting and assessing CDS may be considered ideal. Further research is required to evaluate suitable methodology for the quantification of realistic test stimuli under controlled clinical conditions, whereby the subjective response may be objectively measured by the investigator.
Pectinolytic enzymes of large rumen treponemes

Large spiral organisms isolated from the rumen of cattle produced and released into the external environment a complex of pectinolytic enzymes, consisting mainly of poly(1,4-alpha-D-galacturonide) lyase (EC 4.2.2.2, formerly EC 4.2.99.3), most active at pH 8.0 to 9.0, and another enzyme acting at pH below 7.0, probably a poly(1,4-alpha-D-galacturonide) glycanohydrolase (EC 3.2.1.15). The mixture of enzymes degraded polygalacturonate to saturated and unsaturated monogalacturonates as the end products. A pectin pectylhydrolase (pectinesterase) (EC 3.1.1.11) was also present in the clarified cultures.
Mapping of a Novel Race Specific Resistance Gene to Phytophthora Root Rot of Pepper (Capsicum annuum) Using Bulked Segregant Analysis Combined with Specific Length Amplified Fragment Sequencing Strategy

Phytophthora root rot caused by Phytophthora capsici (P. capsici) is a serious limitation to pepper production in Southern China, with high temperature and humidity. Mapping PRR resistance genes can provide linked DNA markers for breeding PRR resistant varieties by molecular marker-assisted selection (MAS). Two BC1 populations and an F2 population derived from a cross between P. capsici-resistant accession, Criollo de Morelos 334 (CM334) and P. capsici-susceptible accession, New Mexico Capsicum Accession 10399 (NMCA10399) were used to investigate the genetic characteristics of PRR resistance. PRR resistance to isolate Byl4 (race 3) was controlled by a single dominant gene, PhR10, that was mapped to an interval of 16.39Mb at the end of the long arm of chromosome 10. Integration of bulked segregant analysis (BSA) and Specific Length Amplified Fragment sequencing (SLAF-seq) provided an efficient genetic mapping strategy. Ten polymorphic Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) markers were found within this region and used to screen the genotypes of 636 BC1 plants, delimiting PhR10 to a 2.57 Mb interval between markers P52-11-21 (1.5 cM away) and P52-11-41 (1.1 cM). A total of 163 genes were annotated within this region and 31 were predicted to be associated with disease resistance. PhR10 is a novel race specific gene for PRR, and this paper describes linked SSR markers suitable for marker-assisted selection of PRR resistant varieties, also laying a foundation for cloning the resistance gene.
Gastric Trichobezoar: Abdominal Mass in a Child With Sickle Cell Disease

Abdominal pain is a frequent occurrence among the pediatric population and can be a diagnostic challenge. Trichobezoar is a differential diagnosis that is often neglected. Different from previously reported cases, we present a 3-year-old girl with sickle cell disease with complaints of acute abdominal pain, suspecting sickle cell splenic sequestration. The child presented to the emergency department with sharp epigastric pain and an associated palpable upper abdominal mass. This case illustrates a large obstructing gastric trichobezoar and summarizes both the diagnostic modalities and treatment.
Identification de marqueurs de la robustesse du porcelet au sevrage

La notion de robustesse peut se definir par le maintien des performances et de la sante quelles que soient les conditions d’environnement. Le sevrage constitue la phase ou la plus grande quantite d’antibiotiques est utilisee car il est source de perturbations multiples pour le porcelet. L’identification de porcs robustes permettrait d’envisager des soins specifiques et/ou une selection genetique sur ce caractere. Les objectifs de cette these etaient d’identifier certains marqueurs physiologiques associes a la robustesse du porcelet au sevrage et de predire cette robustesse par des variables physiologiques decrivant ces reponses mesurees avant et apres sevrage. Pour repondre a cet objectif, des variables physiologiques ont d’abord ete mesurees dans des environnements tres divers puis celles associees a la robustesse ont ete identifiees. Une premiere etude a ete conduite en installation experimentale visant a etudier les effets de l’âge, des conditions de sevrage et de la sante sur l’evoPar ailleurs, dans une deuxieme etude, des variables physiologiques ont ete mesurees dans 16 elevages commerciaux autour du sevrage. Les performances de croissance et le statut sanitaire etaient les 2 facteurs de variations d’elevages controles. L’analyse des donnees a permis de mettre en evidence une forte influence du statut sanitaire sur les variables physiologiques mesurees autour du sevrage. Des variables descriptives du statut oxydant, du statut metabolique et de l’activation du systeme immunitaire ont ete associees a la robustesse du porcelet au sevrage. Ainsi, les porcelets les plus