Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Locally Optimally Emitting Clouds and the Narrow Emission Lines in Seyfert Galaxies

The narrow emission line spectra of active galactic nuclei are not accurately described by simple photoionization models of single clouds. Recent Hubble Space Telescope images of Seyfert 2 galaxies show that these objects are rich with ionization cones, knots, filaments, and strands of ionized gas. Here we extend to the narrow-line region the “locally optimally emitting cloud” (LOC) model, in which the observed spectra are predominantly determined by powerful selection effects. We present a large grid of photoionization models covering a wide range of physical conditions and show the optimal conditions for producing many of the strongest emission lines. We show that the integrated narrow-line spectrum can be predicted by an integration of an ensemble of clouds, and we present these results in the form of diagnostic line ratio diagrams making comparisons with observations. We also predict key diagnostic line ratios as a function of distance from the ionizing source and compare these with observations. The predicted radial dependence of the [O III]/[O II] ratio may be matched to the observed one in NGC 4151, if the narrow-line clouds see a more intense continuum than we see. The LOC scenario when coupled with a simple Keplerian gravitational velocity field will quite naturally predict the observed line width versus critical density relationship. The influence of dust within the ionized portion of the clouds is discussed, and we show that the more neutral gas is likely to be dusty, although a high-ionization dust-free region is most likely present too. This argues for a variety of narrow-line region cloud origins.
Dual therapy strategies for COPD: the scientific rationale for LAMA + LABA

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of morbidity, mortality, and health care expenditure worldwide. Relaxation of airway smooth muscle with inhaled bronchodilators is the cornerstone of treatment for stable COPD, with inhaled corticosteroids reserved for those with a history of exacerbations. Tiotropium has occupied center stage in COPD treatment for over 10 years and improves lung function, quality of life, exercise endurance, and reduces the risk of COPD exacerbation. Long-acting β2-agonists (LABAs) improve lung function, reduce dynamic hyperinflation, increase exercise tolerance, health-related quality of life, and reduce acute exacerbation of COPD. The combination of long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMAs) and LABAs is thought to leverage different pathways to induce bronchodilation using submaximal drug doses, increasing the benefits and minimizing receptor-specific side effects. Umeclidinium/vilanterol is the first combination of LAMA/LABA to be approved for use in stable COPD in USA and Europe. Additionally, indacaterol/glycopyrronium and aclidinium/formoterol have been approved in Europe and in numerous locations outside USA. Several other agents are in the late stages of development, most of which offer once-daily dosing. The benefits of new LAMA/LABA combinations include improved pulmonary function, dyspnea, and health-related quality of life, and in some cases, reduced exacerbations. These evolving treatments will provide new opportunities and challenges in the management of COPD.
Modeling Differential Through-Silicon-Vias (TSVs) with Voltage Dependent and Nonlinear Capacitance

This paper proposes an equivalent lumped element model for the differential Through Silicon Vias (TSVs) with considering the effect of voltage dependent and nonlinear capacitance. The modeling and analysis of the differential signaling with TSVs play a critical role in designing the high performance TSV channel in the three dimensional integrated circuit (3D IC). TSVs have been mostly modeled assuming that the TSV metal insulator semiconductor (MIS) interface is not biased and the silicon substrate is a lossy, low conductive medium. Ignoring the semiconductor properties of the substrate and the resulting MOS capacitance introduce significant inaccuracies in the TSV modeling. In this paper, we investigate the complementary nature of differential signals which introduces a virtual ground and automatically biases the TSV MIS interface, causing carrier accumulation and depletion. Furthermore, the large digital signal swing makes the depletion region change the depletion width dynamically, which introduces a nonlinear and large signal TSV capacitance. The capacitance is modeled analytically and a new equivalent circuit model for the differential TSVs is proposed accordingly. The impact of the voltage dependent and nonlinear capacitance on the performance of high speed differential signals is analyzed through channel simulations with eye diagram approach.
Novel antiviral properties of azithromycin in cystic fibrosis airway epithelial cells

Virus-associated pulmonary exacerbations, often associated with rhinoviruses (RVs), contribute to cystic fibrosis (CF) morbidity. Currently, there are only a few therapeutic options to treat virus-induced CF pulmonary exacerbations. The macrolide antibiotic azithromycin has antiviral properties in human bronchial epithelial cells. We investigated the potential of azithromycin to induce antiviral mechanisms in CF bronchial epithelial cells. Primary bronchial epithelial cells from CF and control children were infected with RV after azithromycin pre-treatment. Viral RNA, interferon (IFN), IFN-stimulated gene and pattern recognition receptor expression were measured by real-time quantitative PCR. Live virus shedding was assessed by assaying the 50% tissue culture infective dose. Pro-inflammatory cytokine and IFN-β production were evaluated by ELISA. Cell death was investigated by flow cytometry. RV replication was increased in CF compared with control cells. Azithromycin reduced RV replication seven-fold in CF cells without inducing cell death. Furthermore, azithromycin increased RV-induced pattern recognition receptor, IFN and IFN-stimulated gene mRNA levels. While stimulating antiviral responses, azithromycin did not prevent virus-induced pro-inflammatory responses. Azithromycin pre-treatment reduces RV replication in CF bronchial epithelial cells, possibly through the amplification of the antiviral response mediated by the IFN pathway. Clinical studies are needed to elucidate the potential of azithromycin in the management and prevention of RV-induced CF pulmonary exacerbations. Azithromycin reduces rhinovirus load in CF bronchial cells, possibly through the induction of the interferon pathway http://ow.ly/BVw2U
Dynamic Internet overlay deployment and management using the X-Bone

The X-Bone dynamically deploys and manages Internet overlays to reduce their configuration effort and increase network component sharing. The X-Bone discovers, configures, and monitors network resources to create overlays over existing IP networks. Overlays are useful for deploying overlapping virtual networks on a shared infrastructure and for simplifying topology. The X-Bone extends current overlay management by adding dynamic resource discovery, deployment, and monitoring and allows simultaneous participation in multiple overlays. Its two-layer IP in IP tunneled overlays support existing applications and unmodified routing, multicast, and DNS services in unmodified operating systems. This two-layer scheme uniquely supports recursive overlays, useful for fault tolerance and dynamic relocation. The X-Bone uses multicast to simplify resource discovery, and provides secure deployment as well as secure overlays. This paper presents the X-Bone architecture, and discusses its components and features, and their performance impact.
Entropy production and multiple equilibria: the case of the ice-albedo feedback

Nonlinear feedbacks in the Earth System provide mechanisms that can prove very useful in understanding complex dynamics with relatively simple concepts. For example, the temperature and the ice cover of the planet are linked in a positive feedback which gives birth to multiple equilibria for some values of the solar constant: fully ice-covered Earth, ice-free Earth and an intermediate unstable solution. In this study, we show an analogy between a classical dynamical system approach to this problem and a Maximum Entropy Production (MEP) principle view, and we suggest a glimpse on how to reconcile MEP with the time evolution of a variable. It enables us in particular to resolve the question of the stability of the entropy production maxima. We also compare the surface heat flux obtained with MEP and with the bulk-aerodynamic formula.
Parametric Pivoting Algorithm for Parametric Quadratic Programming Problem

There are many applications related to parametric quadratic programming. The parametric quadratic programming problem causes much more computation than the common quadratic programming problem. We employ the parametric pivoting algorithm to improve the computing efficiency of the parametric quadratic programming problem. The algorithm can decrease calculation to obtain solution of quadratic programming problem by solving a small linear inequality system which is the linear part of the Karush-Kuhn-Tucker (KKT) conditions for the quadratic programming problem and is equivalent to the KKT conditions while maintaining complementarity conditions of the KKT conditions to hold. The key of the algorithm is the deduction of the parametric formula which can obtain the optimal solution of the problem under new value of the parameter more efficiently by making full use of the information of the obtained optimal solution to the problem under former value of the parameter. The parametric formula further decreases the computation of the optimal solutions under different value of parameter.
Characterizing Self-Healing Software Systems

The introduction of self-healing capabilities to software systems could offer a way to alter the current, unfavorable imbalance in the software security arms race. Consequently, self-healing software systems have emerged as a research area of particular interest in recent years. Motivated by the inability of traditional techniques to guarantee software integrity and availability, especially against motivated human adversaries, self-healing approaches are meant to complement existing approaches to security. In this paper, we provide a first attempt to characterize self-healing software systems by surveying some of the existing work in the field. We focus on systems that effect structural changes to the software under protection, as opposed to blocklevel system reconfiguration. Our goal is to begin mapping the space of software self-healing capabilities. We believe this to be a necessary first step in exploring the boundaries of the research space and understanding the possibilities that such systems enable, as well as determining the risks and limitations inherent in automatic-reaction schemes.
Fast mode decision algorithm for H.264/AVC using edge characteristics of residue images

Video compression algorithms require decision making regarding the selection of different coding modes. Of all the encoding elements in H.264, inter prediction is computationally most intensive and thus adds to the computational burden for the encoder. In this paper, we propose a fast inter prediction algorithm for JVT video coding standard H.264/AVC. The fast prediction algorithm is based on the edge information obtained by calculating the edge histogram parameters of the frame difference residual image. The inclusion of different modes for motion estimation is based on the direction information obtained from the edge histogram parameters. The proposed method reduces the computational complexity and time considerably by upto 63% compared to the JVT benchmark JM12.4 while maintaining similar PSNR and bit rate. Experimental results for various test sequences at different resolutions are presented to show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Leader-member exchange and the transfer of knowledge from Taiwanese managers to their Chinese subordinates: The mediating effect of social interaction

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationships among leader-member exchange (LMX) quality, social interaction, and the effectiveness of knowledge transfer. Design/methodology/approach This study used a paired questionnaire to collect 209 valid sets of paired data, consisting of responses from 37 Taiwanese supervisors and their 209 Chinese subordinates at 35 Taiwanese manufacturing firms located in Mainland China. The proposed hypotheses were tested with the application of a two-step approach of PLS-SEM analysis. Findings The results of this study showed that LMX quality and social interaction are positively associated with effective knowledge transfer, and most importantly, it found that social interaction between Taiwanese managers and their subordinates has a full mediating effect on this relationship. Research limitations/implications The data were collected from a dyad supervisor-subordinate relationship; thus, future research is encouraged to collect data from peer co-worker relationships. The findings, however, suggested that organizations should provide a supportive environment where a good supervisor-subordinate relationship can be created for the enhancement of knowledge transfer. Practical implications The study suggested that managers should work to develop high-quality LMX relationships with their subordinates, as this can enhance social interaction among employees and facilitate more effective knowledge transfer. Originality/value The paper applied a four-level training evaluation model to assess the effectiveness of knowledge transfer which has never been done before, and found that both LMX quality and social interaction affect how well individuals can acquire knowledge.
What Are the Invariant Occlusive Components of Image Patches? A Probabilistic Generative Approach

We study optimal image encoding based on a generative approach with non-linear feature combinations and explicit position encoding. By far most approaches to unsupervised learning of visual features, such as sparse coding or ICA, account for translations by representing the same features at different positions. Some earlier models used a separate encoding of features and their positions to facilitate invariant data encoding and recognition. All probabilistic generative models with explicit position encoding have so far assumed a linear superposition of components to encode image patches. Here, we for the first time apply a model with non-linear feature superposition and explicit position encoding for patches. By avoiding linear superpositions, the studied model represents a closer match to component occlusions which are ubiquitous in natural images. In order to account for occlusions, the non-linear model encodes patches qualitatively very different from linear models by using component representations separated into mask and feature parameters. We first investigated encodings learned by the model using artificial data with mutually occluding components. We find that the model extracts the components, and that it can correctly identify the occlusive components with the hidden variables of the model. On natural image patches, the model learns component masks and features for typical image components. By using reverse correlation, we estimate the receptive fields associated with the model's hidden units. We find many Gabor-like or globular receptive fields as well as fields sensitive to more complex structures. Our results show that probabilistic models that capture occlusions and invariances can be trained efficiently on image patches, and that the resulting encoding represents an alternative model for the neural encoding of images in the primary visual cortex.
Improved Bounds for Discrete Diffusive Load Balancing

In this paper we consider load balancing in a static and discrete setting where a fixed number of indivisible tasks have to be allocated to processors. We assume uniform tasks but the processors may have different speeds. The load of a processor is the number of tasks assigned to it divided by its speed. We consider diffusion load balancing which works in rounds. In every round the processors are allowed to compare their own load with the load of their neighbors and to balance the load with the neighbors, using their local information only. The question is how many rounds does it take until the whole processor network is balanced, meaning the load discrepancy (difference between maximum load and m/n) is minimized. Our balancing algorithm is deterministic and extends the algorithm studied in [1] from the case of uniform speeds to non-uniform speeds. We use a potential function argument to show that a better load balance can be obtained when the algorithm is allowed to run longer compared to the algorithm of [1].
Bond Graph Modeling of Mechanical Dynamics of an Excavator for Hydraulic System Analysis and Design

This paper focuses on the development of bond graph dynamic model of the mechanical dynamics of an excavating mech- anism previously designed to be used with small tractors, which are fabricated in the Engineering Workshops of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. To develop a mechanical dynamics model of the manipulator, forward recursive equations similar to those applied in iterative Newton-Euler method were used to obtain kinematic relationships between the time rates of joint variables and the generalized cartesian velocities for the centroids of the links. Representing the obtained kinematic relationships in bond- graphic form, while considering the link weights and momenta as the elements led to a detailed bond graph model of the manipulator. The bond graph method was found to reduce significantly the number of recursive computations performed on a 3 DOF manipulator for a mechanical dynamic model to result, hence indicating that bond graph method is more computationally efficient than the Newton-Euler method in developing dynamic models of 3 DOF planar manipulators. The model was verified by comparing the joint torque expressions of a two link planar manipulator to those obtained using Newton- Euler and Lagrangian methods as analyzed in robotic textbooks. The expressions were found to agree indicating that the model captures the aspects of rigid body dynamics of the manipulator. Based on the model developed, actuator sizing and valve sizing methodologies were developed and used to obtain the optimal sizes of the pistons and spool valve ports respectively. It was found that using the pump with the sized flow rate capacity, the engine of the tractor is able to power the excavating mechanism in digging a sandy-loom soil.
Automatic temporal event recognition from Thai news

In this paper, we propose a technique about Automatic temporal extraction of chronological information in natural language processing (NLP). Temporal information extraction has value in question-answering, human decision-making and summarization. Time-revealing vocabularies are investigated and grouped into a lexical pattern of temporal expression. Events and temporal expression time were extracted and temporal expression time transform into calendar time. Then, simple calendar time is used to order temporal time and their events. To convert time expression into absolute time we used a rule-based approach. The effectiveness of our approach was evaluated and the correctness was around 68%.
Teaching Hypertext and Hypermedia through the Web

Since early 1994 the introductory course 2L670, "Hyp ermedia Structures and Sys- tems", has been available on World Wide Web, and is an optional part of the curriculum in computing science at the Eindhoven University of Technology. The course has since been com- pleted by more than 200 students from three different universities, two in the Netherlands and one in Belgium. Since January 1st 1996 the course is also offered at two more Dutch universities and at the Dutch Open University. In order to participate in this course the student only needs a World Wide Web browser. There is no need for separate e-mail, netnews, bulletin boards or ftp software. In this paper we present the technical environment for the latest edition of the course, which features automatic evaluation of small assignments, a repository for assignment work, a discussion system, and complete monitoring of each student's progress. We also reflect on the pre vious architecture, used for the first 200 students, and draw lessons from that experience.
The effects of intraocular injection of interleukin-13 on endotoxin-induced uveitis in rats.

PURPOSE Interleukin (IL)-13 is a strong immunomodulatory cytokine that inhibits macrophages from secreting proinflammatory mediators. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of intraocular injection of IL-13 on the development of endotoxin-induced uveitis (EIU) in the Lewis rat. METHODS One injection into the anterior chamber of recombinant human IL-13 (6 ng in 10 microl saline) was performed either simultaneously with a single injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Salmonella typhimurium into the footpad or 6 hours before the IL-13 injection. EIU was evaluated by slit lamp examination at 6, 16, and 24 hours after LPS injection. Counts of inflammatory cells were performed on cryostat sections after specific immunostaining. Anterior chamber paracentesis was performed, and kinetic analysis of the IL-13 injected in the anterior chamber was performed by ELISA. Cytokine and chemokine gene expression in the iris-ciliary body and the retina was evaluated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS A significant inhibition of ocular inflammation was observed in IL-13-treated rats at 16 and 24 hours after LPS injection. Unilateral injection of IL-13 inhibited EIU only in the injected eye. High levels of IL-13 were detected in the aqueous humor at 2 hours after local IL-13 injection to remain high up to 18 hours. In contrast, IL-13 was not detected in the corresponding sera. Quantitative analysis of inflammatory cells in ocular tissues showed a significant decrease in OX-42(+) cells (microglia, activated macrophages, dendritic cells, and polymorphonuclear leukocytes) and ED1(+) cells (monocytes-macrophages and dendritic cells) in treated rats. A decreased expression of TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-6, monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, and macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-2 mRNAs was observed in the iris-ciliary body and the retina from IL-13-treated rats, whereas IFN-gamma was upregulated in the iris-ciliary body. CONCLUSIONS Injection of IL-13 into the anterior chamber may inhibit the ocular inflammation induced by LPS injection by reducing intraocular cytokine and chemokine mRNA expression in ocular tissues.
Dealing with changes in service orchestrations

Service Oriented Computing (SOC) allows programmers to build distributed applications by putting together (i.e., orchestrating) existing services exported by remote providers. The main source of complexity in building such kind of orchestrations is the need for anticipating and explicitly handling (i.e., programming ad-hoc countermeasures) possible changes in the external environment that may affect them, like faults invoking services removed by their providers. To ease the job of programmers we developed DSOL, an innovative infrastructure supporting design and execution of service orchestrations. It combines a declarative approach to model the orchestration with planning mechanisms to actually run it. In this paper we focus on the mechanisms provided by DSOL and its associated execution engine to deal with changes that may happen at runtime. In particular, we show how the declarative nature, the modularity, and the dynamism inherent in the DSOL approach allows changes to be easily managed, both those that were forecasted at design time and those that require the workflow to be changed while the orchestration is running.