Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
University of Birmingham Dynamical systems as temporal feature spaces

Parametrised state space models in the form of recurrent networks are often used in machine learning to learn from data streams exhibiting temporal dependencies. To break the black box nature of such models it is important to understand the dynamical features of the input-driving time series that are formed in the state space. We propose a framework for rigorous analysis of such state representations in vanishing memory state space models such as echo state networks (ESN). In particular, we consider the state space a temporal feature space and the readout mapping from the state space a kernel machine operating in that feature space. We show that: (1) The usual ESN strategy of randomly generating input-to-state, as well as state coupling leads to shallow memory time series representations, corresponding to cross-correlation operator with fast exponentially decaying coeﬃcients; (2) Imposing symmetry on dynamic coupling yields a constrained dynamic kernel matching the input time series with straightforward exponentially decaying motifs or exponentially decaying motifs of the highest frequency; (3) Simple ring (cycle) high-dimensional reservoir topology speciﬁed only through two free parameters can implement deep memory dynamic kernels with a rich variety of matching motifs. We quantify richness of feature representations imposed by dynamic kernels and demonstrate that for dynamic kernel associated with cycle reservoir topology, the kernel richness undergoes a phase transition close to the edge of stability.
More , Less :) The Competition for Paralinguistic Function in Microblog Writing

Many non-standard elements of 'netspeak' writing can be viewed as efforts to replicate the linguistic role played by nonverbal modalities in speech, conveying contextual information such as affect and interpersonal stance. Recently, a new non-standard communicative tool has emerged in online writing: emojis. These unicode characters contain a standardized set of pictographs, some of which are visually similar to well-known emoticons. Do emojis play the same linguistic role as emoticons and other ASCII-based writing innovations? If so, might the introduction of emojis eventually displace the earlier, user-created forms of contextual expression? Using a matching approach to causal statistical inference, we show that as social media users adopt emojis, they dramatically reduce their use of emoticons, suggesting that these linguistic resources compete for the same communicative function. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the adoption of emojis leads to a corresponding increase in the use of standard spellings, suggesting that all forms of non-standard writing are losing out in a competition with emojis. Finally, we identify specific textual features that make some emoticons especially likely to be replaced by emojis.
Impact of induced systemic resistance on the bacterial microbiome of Arabidopsis thaliana

Induced systemic resistance (ISR) has been described for several strains of fluorescent pseudomonads in a variety of crop plants and is effective against a wide range of pathogens. Using the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, progress has been made in understanding signal transduction pathways involved in induced resistance. Perception of ethylene and jasmonic acid is important for ISR. The traits of Pseudomonas spp. that can trigger ISR appear to be diverse, and include iron regulated metabolites, antibiotics, and lipopolysaccharides. Since pathogen growth is restricted on plants that are in the state of ISR, we hypothesized that the indigenous microflora could also be affected by ISR. Using cultivation dependent techniques, effects of plant defense signaling on the total bacterial and the Pseudomonas spp. microflora of Arabidopsis were studied and related to susceptibility of Arabidopsis genotypes to bacterial speck caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato.
Effects of algal diets and starvation on growth, survival and fatty acid composition of Solen marginatus (Bivalvia: Solenidae) larvae

The aim of this study was to investigate whether it is necessary to feed Solen marginatus (Pennant, 1777) larvae externally and the evolution of fatty acids in the neutral and polar lipids during larval development in starved larvae and larvae fed on two different microalgal diets. Larvae were subjected to three different treatments: 1. 10 equivalent cells ( Isochrysis galbana, Pavlova lutheri and Chaetoceros calcitrans ) plus 20 equivalent cells of Tetraselmis suecica ; 2. 80 equivalent cells of I. galbana and 3. starvation during eight days, and then individuals were re-fed on diet 1. The best results for growth were observed in larvae fed on diet 1. Starved larvae reached the best survival rate at day 8 (66%). However, three days after re-feeding all larvae died, suggesting that the “point of no return” was exceeded. In spite of the large size of S. marginatus eggs and the great amount of stored reserves, the larvae need to feed on microalgae to undergo metamorphosis. Non-methyle-interrupted dienoic fatty acids and their precursors 16:1n-7 and 18:1n-9 are of great importance in starved larvae. Saturated fatty acids, especially 16:0, fuel larval development. A certain degree of bioconversion of 18:2n-6 to 20:4n-6 was observed in S. marginatus larvae.
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR<inf>γ</inf>) regulates thrombospondin-1 and Nox4 expression in hypoxia-induced human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell proliferation

Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGFβ1) and thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) are hypoxia-responsive mitogens that promote vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation, a critical event in the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension (PH). We previously demonstrated that hypoxia-induced human pulmonary artery smooth muscle (HPASMC) cell proliferation and expression of the NADPH oxidase subunit, Nox4, were attenuated by the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor g (PPARg) agonist, rosiglitazone. The current study examines the hypothesis that rosiglitazone regulates Nox4 expression and HPASMC proliferation by attenuating TSP-1 signaling. Selected HPASMC were exposed to normoxic or hypoxic (1% O2) environments or TSP-1 (0-1 μg/ ml) for 72 hours ± administration of rosiglitazone (10 μM). Cellular proliferation, Nox4, TSP-1, and TGF-β1 expression and reactive oxygen species generation were measured. Mice exposed to hypoxia (10% O2) for three weeks were treated with rosiglitazone (10 mg/kg/day) for the final 10 days, and lung TSP-1 expression was examined. Hypoxia increased TSP-1 and TGF-β1 expression and HPASMC proliferation, and neutralizing antibodies to TSP-1 or TGF-β1 attenuated proliferation. Rosiglitazone attenuated hypoxia-induced HPASMC proliferation and increases in mouse lung and HPASMC TSP-1 expression, but failed to reduce increases in TGF-β1 expression or Nox4 expression and activity caused by direct TSP-1 stimulation. Transfecting HPASMC with siRNA to Nox4 attenuated hypoxiaor TSP-1-stimulated HPASMC proliferation. These findings provide novel evidence that TSP-1-mediated Nox4 expression plays a critical role in hypoxia-induced HPASMC proliferation. PPARg activation with exogenous ligands attenuates TSP-1 expression to reduce Nox4 expression. These results clarify mechanisms of hypoxia-induced SMC proliferation and suggest additional pathways by which PPARg agonists may regulate critical steps in the pathobiology of PH.
Heavy metal accumulation and changes in phenylpropanoid metabolism induced by mining activities in leaves of Pinus nigra and Pinus eldarica

Plants can absorb pollutants produced through industrial activities. In this research, biochemistry and lignin biosynthesis processes are studied in Pinus nigra and P. eldarica trees, that were exposed to pollutants from Sarcheshmeh copper complex and from the Kentuiyeh ascontrol area (both Iran). Needles were collected in areas adjacent to mining factory, where heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb) are accumulated in higher concentrations than in plants from control areas. Comparison of the two studied pine species reveals that P. eldarica needles amass heavy metals 27% more than P. nigra. There was a higher content of total phenolic compounds and flavonoids in needles growing in close vicinities of the mining activity. Lignin content was similar in both species of pine and remained unchanged regardless of the pollution level. Higher activities of enzymes in phenylpropanoid pathway in needles from polluted areas were measured for both pine species. Findings of this study suggest involvement of general phenylpropanoid pathway in heavy metal resistance of pine trees. It seems that P. eldarica can accumulate more heavy metals in its needles and it has greater resistance to pollutants.
Perfmon2: a ﬂexible performance monitoring interface for Linux

Monitoring program execution is becoming more than ever key to achieving world-class performance. A generic, ﬂexible, and yet powerful monitoring interface to access the performance counters of modern processors has been designed. This interface allows performance tools to collect simple counts or proﬁles on a per kernel thread or system-wide basis. It introduces several innovations such as customizable sampling buffer formats, time or overﬂow-based multiplexing of event sets. The current implementation for the 2.6 kernel supports all the major processor architectures. Several open-source and commercial tools based on interface are available. We are currently working on getting the interface accepted into the main-line kernel. This paper presents an overview of the interface.
Optimal selection and environmental sustainability of innovative storage conditions and packaging technologies in cheesecake production

In this paper, different food packaging technologies and storage conditions are investigated to obtain the optimal combination from a social, economical and environmental viewpoint. We detect evidence of explanatory or predictable behaviours (positive studies), in order to assess the impact of each alternative, we consider the judgments and reactions of specialized decision makers towards possible packaging alternatives and regulations (normative studies), and. This paper explores 246 Luca Grilli et al. the packaging selection process by linking manufacturer choices with the preferences of the food packaging demand chain. We examine the case of cheesecakes subjected to seven different combinations of storage and packaging conditions and collect and analyse the preferences of four decision makers using a multi-criteria approach. The alternatives are ranked using the Fuzzy TOPSIS technique and a sensitivity analysis of the results is presented. The application shows that packaging choices can be driven by social criteria despite the greater economic and environmental benefits of others packaging solutions. Mathematics Subject Classification: 90B50; 90C29; 91B06; 03E72
Effects of Emulsified Sausage Supplemented with Ginseng Saponin on Lipid Metabolism in Rat

The current study was designed to assess the effects of emulsified sausage supplemented with ginseng saponin on lipidmetabolism by applying a rat model. Four groups of 8 rats (5 wk old) were each allocated one of 4 treatments: basal feed(C), and basal feed with 20% sausage powder containing 0% (S0), 2% (S2) and 4% (S4) ginseng saponin. The experimentwas conducted for 4 wk. The results did not differ among the treatments with different amounts of sausage (ST), but dailyfeed intake (p<0.01) and feed conversion (p<0.001) were significantly increased in STs compared to C. Both total serumcholesterol and triglyceride concentrations were significantly ( p<0.001) reduced, by 45 and 46%, and 48 and 46%, in S2 andS4, respectively, compared to S0. In the liver, the total cholesterol level was dramatically (p<0.05) decreased according toincreasing sausage powder levels. In particular, S4 showed approximately 14% reduction compared to S0 (p<0.05). Livertriglyceride content also showed a similar tendency, where S2 and S4 resulted in 7% and 31% reduction. With regard to fattyacid composition in the liver tissues, palmitic acid (16:0), oleic acid (18:1), eicosanoic acid (20:1), and eicosatrienoic acid(20:3) did not differ among the STs, whereas both linoleic acid (18:2) (p<0.01) and linolenic acid (18:3) (p<0.001) showedsignificant increases in S2 compared to S0. The current data demonstrated that emulsified sausages supplemented with gin-seng saponin effectively reduce total cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations in the serum and liver, and increase unsat-urated and essential fatty acid in the liver. These data collectively imply that the sausage improved the overall lipid profilein a rat model, and can be further generalized to the result that emulsified sausage can improve lipid metabolism dependingon the products’ formula.Key words: emulsified sausage, ginseng, saponin, lipid metabolism, fatty acid composition
Modular Hybrid Multilevel Converter Topologies for Solar PV Farms Connected with Power Grid

This article is oriented to perform a comprehensive study on various modular multilevel converter (MMC) topologies and their properties for solar photovoltaic farms interconnected to power grid. These topologies are advantageous in terms of lower power dissipation on switching, less harmonics at the output, lower electromagnetic interference and are used in medium and high power delivery systems. The selection of particular topology depends upon the power rating and application based demand of converter. The MMC contributes to the improvement in power quality issues such as imbalance and distortions because of interconnection of systems.
Genetic relationships among taurine (Bos taurus) and zebu (Bos indicus) populations as revealed by blood groups and blood proteins

Summary Genetic relationships among nine cattle populations (Bos indicus and Bos taurus) were investigated using blood group antigenic factors and biochemical loci, for a total of 46 polymorphisms. All the analysed breeds live in hot climatesof Africa (Azaouak, Adamawa-Gudali, Small East African Zebu, Surqo, Brown Atlas, N'Dama, Somba), Central America (Carora), and Italy (Modicana). The study was carried out on 891 unrelated animals. Average heterozygosity ranged between 0.25 and 0.31 and showed higher values in B. indicus (zebu) populations (Azaouak, Adamawa-Gudali, Small East African Zebu, Surqo). Genetic distances between breeds were used for dendrogram construction. Two main clusters shared B. taurus and B. indicus. Within taurine (B. taurus) breeds, European or European like taurine populations (Modicana, Brown Atlas and Carora) clustered together, most probably because of the consistent presence of Brown Swiss genes in all of them. Another cluster involved the two African taurine populations (N'Dama and Somba). Multivariate analyses (Principal Component Analysis, Correspondence Analysis) of the allelic frequencies confirmed the breed clustering obtained. Overall relationships among breeds reflected remarkable genetic affinity between some of them. Zusammenfassung Genetische Beziehungen zwischen Bos taurus und Bos indicus Populationen anhand von Blutgruppen und biochemischen Polymorphismen In 891 Proben von unverwandten Tieren wurden die genetischen Beziehungen zwischen neun Bos taurus und Bos indicus Rinderpopulationen anhand der Typisierungsergebnisse von Blutgruppenfaktoren und 46 biochemischen Polymorphismen untersucht. Die Rassen leben in heissen Klimaten von Afrika (Azaouak, Adamawa-Gudali, SEAZ, Surqo, Brown Atlas, N'Dama, Somba), Mittelamerika (Carora) und Italien (Modicana). Die mittleren Heterozygotiegrade schwankten zwischen 0,25 und 0,31 und waren hoher in den Zebupopulationen (Azaouak, Adamawa-Gudali, SEAZ, Surqo). Basierend auf den genetischen Distanzen zwischen den Rassen wurde ein Dendogramm erstellt, wobei Bos taurus und Bos indicus in zwei Hauptcluster getrennt wurden. Innerhalb der taurinen Rassen bildeten die Populationen Modicana, Brown Atlas und Carora ein Cluster, was als Zeichen fur die Verbreitung von Brown Swiss Allelen in diesen Rassen gewertet wird. Die zwei afrikanischen taurinen Populationen N'Dama und Somba bildeten ein weiteres Cluster. Die multivariaten Analysen (Principal Component Analyse, Correspondence Analyse) der Allelfrequenzen bestatigten diese Clustereinteilung. Insgesamt widerspiegeln die Beziehungen zwischen den Rassen eine bemerkenswerte genetische Verwandtschaft zwischen einigen von ihnen.
Aberrant Wnt/ (cid:1) -Catenin Pathway Activation in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

To investigate the molecular events that may under-pin dysfunctional repair processes that characterize idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis/usual interstitial pneumonia (IPF/UIP), we analyzed the expression patterns of (cid:1) -catenin on 20 IPF/UIP lung samples, together with two downstream target genes of Wnt signaling, cyclin-D1, and matrilysin. In 18 of 20 cases of IPF/UIP investigated on serial sections, nuclear (cid:1) -catenin immunoreactivity and abnormal levels of cyclin-D1 and matrilysin were demonstrated in proliferative bronchiolar lesions (basal-cell hyperplasia, squamous metaplasia, bronchiolization, honeycomb-ing). The nature of these lesions was precisely defined using specific markers ( (cid:2) N-p63, surfactant-protein-A, cytokeratin-5). Interestingly, nuclear (cid:1) -catenin accumulation
Comparison of analytical results from plant analysis laboratories

Abstract Analyses of 6 reference plant tissue samples were completed by 22 commercial and university laboratories across the U.S and compared. Cooperators were requested to analyze samples of apple leaf (Malus domestica Borkh.), grape petiole (Vitis labrusea L.), pecan leaf (Carya illinoensis (Wangenh.)K. Koch), snapbean leaf (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). eweet corn leaf (Zea mays L.), and rose leaf (Rosa hybrida) for the elements comprising a routine analysis. Each laboratory was requested to use their routine analytical procedures, with no attempt to standardize these methods. Close agreement between laboratories occurred with analyses of N, P, and Mg in which 80%, 69%, and 68% of the laboratories reported values within ± 5 % of the mean, respectively. Close agreement was also found for Mn and Zn, with 81% of laboratories reporting Mn and 73% reporting Zn values within ± 10% of the mean. Variation between laboratories was greater for K and S, in which 46% and 30% of the laboratories reported values within ± .
Identification and change in concentration of musty-odor compounds during growth in blue-green algae

The identification of musty-odor compounds and their concentration change during growth in blue-green algae were investigated in three species of Oscillatoria and six species of Phormidium.Among them,two species,P.M-71 and NIES-512,proved to be musty.In P.M-71,musty-odor substance was identified as geosmin and in P.NIES-512, 2-MIB,on purge/trap GC-MS analysis. In P.M-71,the concentrations of geosmin at 24 and 288 hours after initiation of growth were 70 and 240ng・(L culture) ,and 190 and 31 ng・(L culture) ・A ,respectively.In contrast to the result in P.M-71,2-MIB in P.NIES-512,the concentrations of 2-MIB at 50 and 312 hours were 790ng and 49μg・ (L culture) ,and 3.0 and 18pg・(10 cells) ,respectively.These results indicated that the concentration of 2-MIB in P.NIES-512 was 200 times higher than that of geosmin in P.M-71 at late exponential phase of growth and that the activity of 2-MIB synthesis increased as cells grew whereas that of geosmin synthesis decreased during growth. Effect of growth temperature on 2-MIB synthesis was studied in P.NIES-512.The cells grew between 10-35°C and the concentration of 2-MIB was highest at 25°C. It should be noted that 2-MIB was significantly synthesized even at 10°C.When the cells were incubated under phosphate-and light-limiting condition(s),the concentration of 2-MIB was considerably high at exponential growth phase,and then reduced. These results suggest that musty odor responsible for 2-MIB should occur even in wintertime and in oligotrophic reservoirs.
Superovulation in the Treatment of Unexplained Infertility

Unexplained infertility occurs commonly after a standard diagnostic assessment. Although there is no definitive diagnosis, and treatment-independent pregnancy occurs frequently, many couples wish to have treatment. One choice is superovulation treatment, which may augment normal mechanisms of conception or correct undetected ovulatory dysfunction. Superovulation is defined as the ovulation of a greater than normal number of ova, usually the result of the administration of exogenous gonadotropins. Clomiphene citrate (CC) is also associated with a dose-dependent rise in the number of recruited ovarian follicles, suggesting that the mechanism of a CC effect in the treatment of unexplained infertility could also be through a similar process. The efficacy of superovulation treatment with respect to conception can best be judged against a background on the prevalence and prognosis of unexplained infertility and a discussion of possible underlying reasons for the failure to explain infertility. This qualitative review is followed by a quantitative review of the literature on unexplained infertility and conception, and an interpretation of the implications of the published data for clinical practice. The definition of unexplained infertility is the most controversial aspect of this subject, however, and that is discussed at the outset.
Thesis Proposal Practical End-to-End Verification of Cyber-Physical Systems

Cyber-physical systems (CPSs) combining discrete control and continuous physical dynamics are pervasive in modern society: examples include driver assistance in cars, industrial robotics, airborne collision avoidance systems, and the electrical grid. Many of these systems are safety-critical because they operate in close proximity to humans. Formal safety verification of these systems is important because it is a key tool for attaining the strongest possible safety guarantees. Hybrid systems models, in particular, are a successful formalism for CPS. Hybrid systems theorem-proving in differential dynamic logic ( dL ) and its generalization differential game logic ( dGL ) are notable for strong logical foundations and successful application in case studies using the theorem provers KeYmaera and KeYmaera X. However, safety verification of models does not imply safety of implementations , which might not be faithful to the model. Further still, a formal proof means nothing if the proof-checking software is unsound . This thesis addresses implementation and soundness gaps by using constructive logic and programming languages as the foundation of an end-to-end verification toolchain. That is: Constructive Differential Game Logic ( CdGL ) enables practical, end-to-end verification of cyber-physical systems. CdGL enables synthesis of implementations with bulletproof theoretical foundations. Logic is the keystone of the end-to-end connection from high-level proofs and foundations to implementations. Our pursuit of practical proving includes innovations in the proof scripting language itself. CdGL proofs, in contrast to dGL , are suitable for synthesizing controllers which determine safe actions for a CPS and monitors which check the compliance of the external environment with model assumptions. The synthesized code is automatically proven correct down to machine-code level. The foundations are also strengthened by our formalization of dL ’s soundness in Isabelle/HOL, allowing proofs in the fragment dL to be exported and rechecked. We evaluate the toolchain on a 2D robot which follows arcs. The model and implementation cross-validate each other: