Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
STAR CLUSTERS IN PSEUDOBULGES OF SPIRAL GALAXIES

We present a study of the properties of the star-cluster systems around pseudobulges of late-type spiral galaxies using a sample of 11 galaxies with distances from 17 Mpc to 37 Mpc. Star clusters are identified from multiband Hubble Space Telescope ACS and WFPC2 imaging data by combining detections in three bands (F435W and F814W with ACS and F606W with WFPC2). The photometric data are then compared to population synthesis models to infer the masses and ages of the star clusters. Photometric errors and completeness are estimated by means of artificial source Monte Carlo simulations. Dust extinction is estimated by considering F160W NICMOS observations of the central regions of the galaxies, augmenting our wavelength coverage. In all galaxies we identify star clusters with a wide range of ages, from young (age ≲ 8 Myr) blue clusters, with typical mass of 103 M☉ to older (age >100–250 Myr), more massive, red clusters. Some of the latter might likely evolve into objects similar to the Milky Way's globular clusters. We compute the specific frequencies for the older clusters with respect to the galaxy and bulge luminosities. Specific frequencies relative to the galaxy light appear consistent with the globular cluster specific frequencies of early-type spirals. We compare the specific frequencies relative to the bulge light with the globular cluster specific frequencies of dwarf galaxies, which have a surface brightness profile that is similar to that of the pseudobulges in our sample. The specific frequencies we derive for our sample galaxies are higher than those of the dwarf galaxies, supporting an evolutionary scenario in which some of the dwarf galaxies might be the remnants of harassed late-type spiral galaxies that hosted a pseudobulge.
The Influence of Individual Differences on Eco-Driving Training Transfer and Spillover: a Correlational Study of Proactive Personality and Motivation

Eco-driving is an environmentally-conscious way of operating a vehicle that decreases fuel emissions and increases safety. The present study analyzed the relationship of proactive personality with 1) eco-driving training transfer and 2) spillover to home driving behaviors, along with the moderating effects of motivation. After an eco-driving information campaign was implemented at three public sector organizations, web-based surveys were administered to lightduty fleet drivers at three time points over the span of 6 months. Results based on hierarchical multiple regression models demonstrated the effect of proactive personality on Time 3 ecodriving behaviors was moderated by Time 1 motivation, such that those high in both factors demonstrated the highest levels of training transfer. Conversely, the findings revealed a negative relationship between proactive personality and Time 3 spillover. Additional analysis revealed that the effect of proactive personality on Time 3 spillover was moderated by Time 3 motivation; however, the lowest levels of spillover were reported by those with low motivation and high proactive personality. Together, these findings provide important insight for the promotion and development of eco-driving behaviors within organizations.
Radiation therapy with chemotherapy for patients with cervical cancer and supraclavicular lymph node involvement

Objective We wanted to evaluate the outcomes of cervical cancer patients with supraclavicular lymph node (SCLN) involvement and who received radiation therapy (RT) combined with chemotherapy. Methods From August 2001 to April 2009, nine cervical cancer patients with SCLN involvement were treated by RT and cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Most of the patients (8/9, 88.9%) also had a positive para-aortic lymph node (PALN). The RT field was designed to include the whole pelvis, the involved PALNs and the SCLN area. The median SCLN RT dose was 66.6 Gy (range, 60 to 70 Gy). Results The median follow-up period was 61 months (range, 13 to 98 months). The 3- and 5-year overall survival rates were 66.7% and 55.6%, respectively and the 3- and 5-year progression-free survival rates were 66.7% and 44.4%, respectively. The acute hematologic toxicities according to the criteria of Radiation Therapy of Oncology Group (RTOG) were G1/2 leucopenia in 3 (33.3%), G3/4 leukopenia in 6 (66.7%), G1/2 anemia in 7 (77.8%), G3 anemia in 1 (11.1%), G2 thrombocytopenia in 2 (22.2%), and G3/4 thrombocytopenia in 2 (22.2%). Within 6 months after RT, most of the patients (5/6, 83.3%) recovered from the G3/4 leukopenia, except for 1 patient who received chemotherapy after completing RT due to subsequent bone metastasis. Conclusion For patients with advanced cervix cancer and SCLN involvement, RT with chemotherapy as active therapy can be expected to provide favorable results, although there is an increased risk of G3/4 hematologic toxicity.
Abnormal nitric oxide metabolism in systemic sclerosis: increased levels of nitrated proteins and asymmetric dimethylarginine.

OBJECTIVES Endothelial dysfunction is a primary event in systemic sclerosis; however, the aetiology of events and the role of nitric oxide (NO) is still unclear. The aim of the present study is to investigate whether there are abnormalities in NO metabolism in plasma from patients with primary Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) and in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc): limited SSc (lSSc) and diffuse (dSSc). We also wanted to investigate the effect of factors within patients' SSc serum on NO metabolism in human microvascular endothelial cells (HMECs). METHODS Plasma (n=89) or serum (n=80) was assayed for total nitrate and nitrite (NOx), nitration of proteins and the NO inhibitor asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA). HMECs were treated with patients' SSc serum and assayed for indicators of NO metabolism. RESULTS Plasma NOx was elevated in patients with RP or lSSc (P<0.002), but not in patients with dSSc, compared with controls. Nitrated proteins in plasma, however, were found to be very high in dSSc patients (P<0.03), compared with RP, lSSc or controls. Patients with dSSc also showed increased levels of serum ADMA (P<0.05). The high level of nitrated proteins in dSSc was strongly associated with the severity and duration of dSSc disease. Skin biopsy sections from dSSc patients also showed enhanced nitrotyrosine staining compared with controls. In HMECs, pre-incubation with SSc serum impaired the activity of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) but not the expression of inducible or endothelial NOS. SSc serum also induced a reduction in intracellular cGMP synthesis, and NOx production in the cell culture medium, but was not associated with increased cell cytotoxicity. CONCLUSIONS NO formation is increased in patients with primary RP or lSSc, but nitration of proteins and elevated ADMA is a particular feature of dSSc and may reflect abnormal NO regulation and/or contribute to endothelial dysfunction in SSc.
Combining wire swapping and spacing for low-power deep-submicron buses

We propose an approach for reducing the energy consumption of address buses that targets both the switching and the crosstalk components of power dissipation.The method is based on the combined application of two techniques. First, selective wire swapping is applied in such a way that bus wires with high coupling activity are kept far away from each other. Then, the slack available in the floorplanning for the routing of the bus wire is exploited to realize a bus with non-uniform inter-wire spacing. Both swapping and placement are driven by the switching data obtained from the analysis of typical address bus traces, and can be successfully applied to any address bus.Results on a set of profiled address streams show the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Primordial non-Gaussianities of general multiple-field inflation

We perform a general study of the primordial scalar non-Gaussianities in multi-field inflationary models in Einstein gravity. We consider models governed by a Lagrangian which is a general function of the scalar fields and their first-order spacetime derivatives. We use δN formalism to relate scalar fields and the curvature perturbations. We calculate the explicit cubic order perturbative action and the three-point function of curvature perturbation evaluated at the horizon crossing. Under reasonable assumptions, in the small slowly varying parameters limit and with a sound speed cs close to one, we find that the non-Gaussianity is completely determined by these slowly varying parameters and some other parameters which are determined by the structure of the inflationary model. Our work generalizes previous results, and implies the possibility of the existence of large non-Gaussianity in model constructing, and it would be also useful to study the non-Gaussianity in multi-field inflationary models which will be constructed in the future.
Fault tolerant fuzzy IMC control in a PH process

This paper proposes a new fault tolerant control methodology using Fuzzy Internal Model Control (IMC) for nonlinear systems. The models (direct and inverse plant models) used in the IMC controller are generated by an adaptive neural network called ANFIS, which implements a fuzzy inference system of Takagi-Sugeno type. The inverse model of the IMC controller is reconfigured by exploiting information estimated from a fault diagnosis unit and a qualitative model of the system, in terms of a fuzzy logic system. Simulation examples for a fault tolerant sulfitation control problem are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Identification of Mutations in Caenorhabditis elegans That Cause Resistance to High Levels of Dietary Zinc and Analysis Using a Genomewide Map of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms Scored by Pyrosequencing

Zinc plays many critical roles in biological systems: zinc bound to proteins has structural and catalytic functions, and zinc is proposed to act as a signaling molecule. Because zinc deficiency and excess result in toxicity, animals have evolved sophisticated mechanisms for zinc metabolism and homeostasis. However, these mechanisms remain poorly defined. To identify genes involved in zinc metabolism, we conducted a forward genetic screen for chemically induced mutations that cause Caenorhabditis elegans to be resistant to high levels of dietary zinc. Nineteen mutations that confer significant resistance to supplemental dietary zinc were identified. To determine the map positions of these mutations, we developed a genomewide map of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that can be scored by the high-throughput method of DNA pyrosequencing. This map was used to determine the approximate chromosomal position of each mutation, and the accuracy of this approach was verified by conducting three-factor mapping experiments with mutations that cause visible phenotypes. This is a generally applicable mapping approach that can be used to position a wide variety of C. elegans mutations. The mapping experiments demonstrate that the 19 mutations identify at least three genes that, when mutated, confer resistance to toxicity caused by supplemental dietary zinc. These genes are likely to be involved in zinc metabolism, and the analysis of these genes will provide insights into mechanisms of excess zinc toxicity.
Theseus: Tool Support for Managers of Distributed Software Development Projects

In this paper we present a tool to facilitate the work of managers of global software development projects. This tool explores the relationship between software dependencies and coordination of work and uses social networks to suggest potential coordination problems for managers. The theoretical and empirical motivations for the tool focusing on the relationship between software dependencies and the coordination of software development work.
Modeling a reciprocating compressor using a two-way coupled fluid and solid solver with automatic grid generation and adaptive mesh refinement.

Computational fluid dynamics has been increasingly used in the design and analysis of reciprocating compressors over the last several years. One of the major challenges in the use of such tools is the creation of the numerical grid on which the modeled equations are solved. Since these compressors typically consist of many interconnected and moving parts, manual creation of the grid can be labor-intensive. Furthermore, it is necessary that the choice of grid yields a sufficiently resolved solution, so that the numerical error is significantly less than the modeling error. In this work, a small displacement refrigeration compressor is modeled using a numerical grid created with an automatic meshing approach. The grid is then automatically adapted to the flow based on the local flow field variables at each time step. This cut-cell based grid matches the supplied fluid volume exactly and permits general motion of all bounding surfaces. An explicit two-way coupled approach is used to account for the fluid-structure interaction between the deforming reed valves and the flow. The fluid is solved using a finite-volume approach, whereas the solid is solved using a finite-element model. The model is validated in comparison to measured mass flow rate, pressure, temperature, and valve lift for two different operation conditions and two different working fluids, namely R-404a and R-449a. The numerical accuracy of the calculations is demonstrated through an automated grid convergence study, and the effect of the grid and time-step resolution on the pressure pulsations and valve lift is shown. While computations on a relatively coarse grid yield power, mass flow rate, and pressure oscillation frequency comparable to measurements, a finer mesh is required inside the cylinder and in the discharge muffler to predict adequately the amplitude of the pressure fluctuations.
A New Technology for Interactive Online Mapping with Vector Markup and XML

As Internet cartography matures from static map images to interactive and animated maps, and embraces extensive GIS functionality, the limitations of presenting Web maps as image files become obvious. In this paper, a new technology for Internet cartography is demonstrated that uses direct vector rendering in a browser to create highly interactive virtual maps from distributed sources of geographic data. This technology is made possible by the advent of XML (eXtensible Markup Language) and XML applications for 2D vector rendering such as VML (Vector Markup Language) and SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics). AXIOMAP – Application of XML for Interactive Online Mapping – is a Web map publishing kit and a customizable virtual map interface that allows for the display and manipulation of multiple point, line and area layers, database query, choropleth mapping, hyperlinking, map labeling and annotation. To render maps in a Web browser (Internet Explorer 5, in the current version), AXIOMAP generates VML shapes “on the fly” from XML-encoded geographic data that can physically reside on different servers. A thin client-side solution, AXIOMAP provides for better interactivity than traditional map serverbased approaches. The paper explains the functionality of AXIOMAP, the technology behind it, and presents several applications. A free version of the software can be downloaded from www.elzaresearch. com/landv/.
The Force Controlled Propulsion And Adhesion System For A Climbing Robot

There are different types of robots for climbing on smooth or rough walls. One technique is to use driven wheels for the propulsion and a vacuum system for the adhesion. The seals for the vacuum chambers are slipping over the surface and it is not guarant that the chambers are always close. Especially over concrete walls a special construction must be found to make the adhesion more safe. On the other side the propulsion system must be able to produce enough force for carrying and accelerating the robot. Any slipping of the wheel must be avoided and this can only be realized if the exiting forces are measured and controll structures are implemented. The paper will present a climbing robot with the described technique. The vacuum system consists of controlled seven chambers for safety reasons. The chamber system was presented in earlier papers and will only be summarized concerning the force theory. The propulsion system will be discussed more detailed. It consist of three omni directional driven wheels which were build up. Additionally they are air proofed, the steering can rotate several times around and a load cell is integrated for detecting all forces. Beside the mechanical realization the prediction algorithm based on a force model will be described. This will avoid critical situations before they occur, like slipping of the wheel and tilting of the robot which will be supported by a inertial navigation system. Keywords—Climbing, Robot, Adhesion System
A DATABASE-CENTRIC APPROACH TO PRIVACY PROTECTION IN LOCATION-BASED APPLICATIONS

Privacy preserving in location based services (LBS) has been emerging as a measure for the quality of both LBS providers’ services and mobile users’ need. A lot of research already done on it can be used to assure user privacy while the quality of services (QoS) must be kept up. However, all of the conventional obfuscation techniques are geometry-based and separated from the database level. Unlike other techniques, our approach presented in this paper will dig privacy protection potential from the database level and exploit its power in an effort of balancing the quality on privacy protection and services. Addressing these problems, we propose OST-tree, an index structure that gets user privacy policy embedded into its nodes and obfuscates the spatio-temporal data; and B ob -tree, another index structure that is based on B dual -tree and contains geographic-aware information in its nodes. Our experiments also show that both of them provide a significant improvement over the algorithms separated from the database level in terms of query processing time and user privacy preserving.
A multimodal investigation of brain health: cerebral blood flow, cognitive performance and quality of life

Understanding brain health is crucial in diagnosing, preventing and treating neurocognitive conditions (e.g., dementia). However, the literature reveals discrepancies around the interpretation of brain health and differences between populations. This thesis investigates brain health measures from different disciplines, including: resting cerebral blood flow (CBF) and cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) (using transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)); cognition (including attention and memory); and quality of life (QoL) questionnaires. Differences between age (younger versus older) and cardiorespiratory fitness (fit versus unfit) groups were also investigated. Importantly, these multimodal brain health measures were completed in the same cohort. Declines were observed between younger and older groups in resting CBF measures (derived using TCD and MRI), and cognitive performance measures (attention-switching, learning and memory). In the older group, higher fitness offset declines in resting CBF and improved markers of cognition. In both groups, fitness significantly positively correlated with better QoL. However, no differences between age or fitness groups were observed in CVR measures. Further, CVR differed significantly depending on the imaging and analysis approach used. Future research is required to elucidate the cause of discrepancies and determine differences between groups (i.e., age/fitness/disease). Further, robust approaches to assess brain vascular health are needed.
A Process for the Detection of Design-Level Hardware Trojans Using Verification Methods

Hardware Trojans have emerged as a serious threat the past years. Several methods to detect possible hardware Trojans have been published, most of them aiming at detection during post-fabrication tests. Nevertheless, hardware Trojans are more probable to be inserted at design-level, as resources required to do so are much lower than those at fabrication. At design-level, verification methods have been shown to serve for Trojan detection. In this paper, we propose a design process to utilize verification methods in hardware Trojan detection, being able to be integrated into a state-of-the-art design flow for embedded systems. We outline the fundamental basics of verification methods and go then into the details of each step in the process. We identify assets and attackers, and outline which methods are suited to defend against which type of attack.
An Adaptive Intrusion Detection and Prevention (ID/IP) Framework for Web Services

The advance in Web technology has lead to more and more applications being deployed over the Web service (WS) platform. However, the inherent security weaknesses of the WS platform have lead to these WS-based applications being vulnerable and targets for attacks. This paper identifies and describes the various vulnerabilities and security threats pertaining to WS. After examining the various existing defending mechanisms for WS, it is found that they are not adaptive and adequate in counter-measuring the WS attacks. An adaptive intrusion detection and prevention (ID/IP) framework to protect the WS against attacks related to SOAP/XML/SQL is thus introduced. Through illustration by examples, the framework demonstrated that by making use of agents that act as sensors, data mining techniques such as clustering, association and sequential rule coupled with fuzzy logic to further analyze and identify anomalies, is able to exhibit the adaptive nature of capturing anomalies and avoiding false alarms.
Creating Informative Data Warehouses: Exploring Data and Information Quality through Data Mining

Increasingly, large organizations are engaging in data warehousing projects in order to achieve a competitive advantage through the exploration of the information as contained therein. It is therefore paramount to ensure that the data warehouse includes high quality data. However, practitioners agree that the improvement of the quality of data in an organization is a daunting task. This is especially evident in data warehousing projects, which are often initiated “after the fact”. The slightest suspicion of poor quality data often hinders managers from reaching decisions, when they waste hours in discussions to determine what portion of the data should be trusted. Augmenting data warehousing with data mining methods offers a mechanism to explore these vast repositories, enabling decision makers to assess the quality of their data and to unlock a wealth of new knowledge. These methods can be effectively used with inconsistent, noisy and incomplete data that are commonplace in data warehouses.
Moderators of the Motivational Effects of Performance Management: A Comprehensive Exploration Based on Expectancy Theory

This study explores the moderating factors determining the motivational effect of performance-based human resource management. The analysis of the data from the 2010 Merit Principle Survey (MPS) reveals that the motivational effect of performance-based human resource management was weaker for those who have (a) a strong public service motivation, (b) a low self-efficacy, (c) enjoyed a high level of job autonomy, and (d) had enough resources necessary to get the job done. The directions of the first two moderating effects were consistent with common beliefs. However, those of job autonomy effect and of organizational resource effect were incompatible with the popular beliefs that autonomy and resources are necessary conditions for successful performance management. These unexpected results shed some lights on the political dynamics around performance management, indicating that those who have enjoyed a considerable discretion are more likely to perceive the practice of performance management as a threat to their autonomy and that those who have had sufficient organizational resources may fear for future change in resource allocation as a result of regular performance re-appraisal.