Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Localization of 3d and 4d Electrons in Small Clusters: The "Roots" of Magnetism.

According to Hund’s rule all open shell atoms are magnetic in their ground state since the lowest energy corresponds to maximum alignment of the spins. Delocalization of the electronic states in solids quenches the magnetism such that only Fe, Co, and Ni remain as elemental solids displaying ferromagnetism. In systems with reduced dimensionality, e.g., thin film [1,2] or small particles [3–7], the magnetic moment per atom is expected to be larger than in the corresponding bulk metal. This effect is caused by the reduced coordination number, i.e., the lower number of nearest neighbors, which results in a higher degree of localization and a correspondingly reduced valence band width. Within the approximations of the Stoner model the enhanced density of states at the Fermi energy corresponds to an increased magnetic moment per atom (MyA). Localization additionally results in an enhanced exchange interaction of the d electrons and the moments of each atom are aligned by a (weak) interaction. The strength of this interaction determines the temperature dependence of the total magnetic moment and the Curie temperature. For total localization (separated atoms) MyA is maximized but the Curie temperature is zero. This general idea has been confirme for small clusters of Fe, Co, and Ni in a Stern-Gerlach experiment [4], which shows an enhancement of MyA approximately up to the value of isolated atoms. Spin and angle-integrated photoemission experiments [8–12] have been conducted to investigate the electronic structure of Nin 2 , Con 2 , and Fen 2 clusters. Because of the improved energy resolution in our experiment [13] we are able to resolve fin structures in the photoelectron spectra of Nin 2 and Pdn 2 clusters, which reflec sensitively upon the degree of localization of the d valence electrons.
Modeling a Semiotic Process in the Immune System: Signal Transduction in B-cells Activation

Here, we present a semiotic model of signaling pathways in B-cells in order to substantiate the view that semiotic modeling is required for the referential aspect of signaling processes to be grasped. We discuss how a process of asymmetry-formation through membrane closing puts living systems under selection pressure to develop semiotic competence, and, thus, signaling becomes a key process in the interface between system and environment. We introduce a number of notions in Peirce’s theory of signs, giving emphasis to the explanation of semiosis as a dynamic process in which chains of triads are instantiated, and develop a semiotic model of signaling pathways in B-cells based on those notions. We offer new, semiotic tools to model signaling in living systems, explaining how the relation to the same external object is maintained throughout several changes in the material bases of signaling (i.e., signs) in such systems.
Construction of multivariate distributions: a review of some recent results

The construction of multivariate distributions is an active field of research in theoretical and applied statistics. In this paper some recent developments in this field are reviewed. Specifically, we study and review the following set of methods: (a) Construction of multivariate distributions based on order statistics, (b) Methods based on mixtures, (c) Conditionally specified distributions, (d) Multivariate skew distributions, (e) Distributions based on the method of the variables in common and (f) Other methods, which include multivariate weighted distributions, vines and multivariate Zipf distributions.
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences Neuroendocrine Mechanisms Underlying Behavioral Stability: Implications for the Evolutionary Origin of Personality

Personality traits are behaviors that show limited flexibility over time and across contexts, and thus understanding their origin requires an understanding of what limits behavioral flexibility. Here, I suggest that insight into the evolutionary origin of personality traits requires determining the relative importance of selection and constraint in producing limits to behavioral flexibility. Natural selection as the primary cause of limits to behavioral flexibility assumes that the default state of behavior is one of high flexibility and predicts that personality variation arises through evolution of buffering mechanisms to stabilize behavioral expression, whereas the constraint hypothesis assumes that the default state is one of limited flexibility and predicts that the neuroendocrine components that underlie personality variation are those most constrained in flexibility. Using recent work on the neurobiology of sensitive periods and maternal programming of offspring behavior, I show that some of the most stable aspects of the neuroendocrine system are structural components and maternally induced epigenetic effects. Evidence of numerous constraints to changes in structural features of the neuroendocrine system and far fewer constraints to flexibility of epigenetic systems suggests that structural constraints play a primary role in the origin of behavioral stability and that epigenetic programming may be more important in generating adaptive variation among individuals.
Differential flat control for rotorcraft trajectory tracking

The purpose of this communication is to investigate the usefulness of the differential flatness control approach to solve the trajectory tracking problem for a four rotor aircraft. After introducing simplifying assumptions, the flight dynamics equations for the four rotor aircraft are considered. A trajectory tracking control structure based on a two layer non linear approach is then proposed. A supervision level is introduced to take into account the actuators limitations.
Insect Detection of Small Targets Moving in Visual Clutter

Detection of targets that move within visual clutter is a common task for animals searching for prey or conspecifics, a task made even more difficult when a moving pursuer needs to analyze targets against the motion of background texture (clutter). Despite the limited optical acuity of the compound eye of insects, this challenging task seems to have been solved by their tiny visual system. Here we describe neurons found in the male hoverfly,Eristalis tenax, that respond selectively to small moving targets. Although many of these target neurons are inhibited by the motion of a background pattern, others respond to target motion within the receptive field under a surprisingly large range of background motion stimuli. Some neurons respond whether or not there is a speed differential between target and background. Analysis of responses to very small targets (smaller than the size of the visual field of single photoreceptors) or those targets with reduced contrast shows that these neurons have extraordinarily high contrast sensitivity. Our data suggest that rejection of background motion may result from extreme selectivity for small targets contrasting against local patches of the background, combined with this high sensitivity, such that background patterns rarely contain features that satisfactorily drive the neuron.
FlexColLab: A Tool for the Flexible Design of Online Collaborative Learning Activities Based on the Adaptation Patterns

This work presents FlexColLab, a prototype tool that implements adaptation patterns. An adaptation pattern is described as a pedagogically useful and well-targeted adjustment process that can be initiated by the teacher or the CSCL system, in order to foster an improved learning setting when specific conditions occur during the collaborative learning activity. FlexColLab helps teachers in the process of creating their own potentially effective dynamic collaborative activities by reusing and customizing adaptation patterns, according to the requirements of a particular learning situation. “Advance the advanced” and “Support group of novices” are two adaptation patterns implemented by FlexColLab, and they are presented also in the paper. Additionally the theoretical background of adaptation patterns is also discussed.
Dynamics of cytotoxic T–lymphocyte exhaustion

We examine simple mathematical models to investigate the circumstances under which the dynamics of cytotoxic T–lymphocyte (CTL) activation and differentiation may result in the loss of virus specific CD8+ cells, a process known as CTL exhaustion. We distinguish between two general classes of viruses: (i) viruses infecting cells that are not involved in the immune response; and (ii) viruses infecting antigen presenting cells (APCs) and helper cells. The models specify host and viral properties that lead to CTL exhaustion and indicate that this phenomenon is only likely to be observed with viruses infecting APCs and helper cells. Moreover, it is found that for such viruses, a high rate of replication and a low degree of cytopathogenicity promote the exhaustion of the CTL response. In addition, a high initial virus load and a low CD4+ cell count promote the occurrence of CTL exhaustion. These conclusions are discussed with reference to empirical data on lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus and on human immunodeficiency virus.
Ecological consequences of rapid urban expansion: Shanghai, China

Since China's economic reform in the late 1970s, Shanghai, the country's largest and most modern city, has experienced rapid expansion and urbanization. Here, we explore its land‐use and land‐cover changes, focusing on the impacts of the urbanization process on air and water quality, local climate, and biodiversity. Over the past 30 years, Shanghai's urban area and green land (eg urban parks, street trees, lawns) have increased dramatically, at the expense of cropland. Concentrations of major air pollutants (eg SO₂, NOₓ, and total suspended particles) were higher in urban areas than in suburban and rural areas. Overall, however, concentrations have decreased (with the exception of NOₓ), due primarily to a decline in coal consumption by industry and in private households. Increased NOₓ pollution was mainly attributed to the huge increase in the number of vehicles on the roads. Water quality changes showed a pattern similar to that of air quality, with the most severe pollution occurring in urban areas. Differences in mean air temperatures between urban and rural areas also increased, in line with the rapid pace of urban expansion, indicating an accelerating “urban heat island” effect. Urban expansion also led to a decrease in native plant species. Despite its severe environmental problems, Shanghai has also seen major economic development. Managing the tradeoffs between urbanization and environmental protection will be a major challenge for Chinese policy makers. [Formula: see text]
Glycemic characteristics in continuously monitored patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes: normative values.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to generate normative values for periods of euglycemia as well as for daily patterns of glycemic excursions in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes monitored continuously for a maximum period of 21 days and blinded to glucose levels. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS This was a multicenter, prospective observational study in which 101 consecutive patients with type 1 (n = 60) or type 2 (n = 41) diabetes underwent blinded continuous glucose monitoring. Serial glucose measurements were divided into periods of euglycemia (70-180 mg/dl), hyperglycemia (>180 mg/dl), and hypoglycemia (<70 mg/dl). The proportions of time patients were hypoglycemic, euglycemic, and hyperglycemic and the total areas under the curves (AUCs) were determined. RESULTS During the observation period the 101 subjects contributed an average 287 +/- 132 h of continuous glucose values. Subjects remained in the euglycemic range for approximately 63% of the total day, were hypoglycemic 8%, and were hyperglycemic 29%. Hypoglycemia was more prevalent nocturnally (11 vs. 7%) and hyperglycemia diurnally (31 vs. 25%). Compared with subjects with type 2 diabetes, type 1 diabetic subjects had more frequent hypoglycemic episodes per day (2.1 vs. 1.0; P < 0.001) that were of longer duration (1.1 vs. 0.7 h; P < 0.0001), reflecting a greater number of hours per day in the hypoglycemic range (2.3 vs. 1.0 h; P < 0.0001). The mean hypoglycemic AUC values were >150% higher for type 1 compared with type 2 diabetic subjects (41 vs. 16, respectively; P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS These normative data will assist in study and sample size planning for future investigations of continuous glucose monitoring and allow for qualitative comparisons with trials of therapeutic interventions aimed at reducing the occurrence of glycemic excursions.
Solovia Revisited - An Extension of the Solowian Growth Model

In this study an Extended Version of the Solowian growth model is presented and its properties are compared with those of the original model. In the Solowian model the forces behind the growth process are exogenous and disembodied. In the Extended Model technological change is divided into two parts. One disembodied component related to the input of labor, measured in efficiency units, and one embodied component related to technical change. The disembodied labor component is endogenously determined by the real wage rate, while the embodied technical component is exogenous. The principal result of the study is that in the short and medium term a change in the savings ratio has a larger effect on the rate of growth in the Extended Model than in the original Solowian model. Also, while the equilibrium growth rate of production and that of the capital stock are the same in the original model, this is not the case in the Extended Model. In the Extended Model the equilibrium growth rate of production is smaller than that of the capital stock, measured in efficiency units.
A Performance Comparison of Algebraic Multigrid Preconditioners on CPUs, GPUs, and Xeon Phis

Algebraic multigrid preconditioners for accelerating iterative solvers are a popular choice for a broad range of applications, because they are able to obtain asymptotic optimality, yet can be applied in a black-box manner. However, only a few variants of algebraic multigrid preconditioners can fully benefit from finegrained parallelization available on multiand many-core architectures. Previous approaches were focused on graphics processing units from NVIDIA without a focus on fair comparisons in terms of power or price. We extend these earlier approaches to current high-end hardware from INTEL, NVIDIA, and AMD. Our results show that GPUs from NVIDIA and AMD are equally well suited for problems which are large enough to hide latencies across the PCI-Express bus, yet small enough to fit into GPU RAM. Purely CPUbased systems offer good performance across a much broader range of problem sizes and are even on par with GPUs in the regime where GPUs yield best performance. While we also demonstrate good performance on Xeon Phis, they were identified as the slowest platform overall in our benchmarks. Copyright c © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Is there a role for routine preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for suspected choledocholithiasis in children?

HYPOTHESIS Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is frequently used preoperatively in adult patients with suspected choledocholithiasis. Cholelithiasis occurs much less often in children, and the indications for ERCP are not established. We hypothesized that the natural history of choledocholithiasis in children is spontaneous passage of stones through the papilla and that these children can be managed without routine preoperative ERCP. DESIGN Retrospective analysis of patients treated over a 10-year period. SETTING Tertiary care children's hospital. PATIENTS All patients with cholecystectomy for biliary disease. INTERVENTIONS Cholecystectomy; intraoperative cholangiography for suspected choledocholithiasis: hyperbilirubinemia, gallstone pancreatitis, and ultrasonographic evidence of common bile duct dilation or common bile duct stones; and postoperative ERCP for symptomatic choledocholithiasis: pain and jaundice. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Incidence and complications of choledocholithiasis and frequency of ERCP. RESULTS One hundred patients (63 females) were studied. Indications included acute cholecystitis (10%), chronic cholecystitis (59%), gallstone pancreatitis (26%), and choledocholithiasis (5%). An intraoperative cholangiography was performed in 45 patients, and common bile duct stones were identified in 13. Expectant management of asymptomatic common bile duct stones was associated with sonographic resolution within 1 week. One patient with intraoperative cholangiography-proven choledocholithiasis required ERCP for symptoms 24 hours after operation. One additional patient, who did not undergo intraoperative cholangiography, developed symptomatic choledocholithiasis and required ERCP. There were no choledocholithiasis- or ERCP-related complications. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that choledocholithiasis occurs frequently in children and that spontaneous passage of common bile duct stones is common. This could explain the relatively high incidence of gallstone pancreatitis. Conservative management of choledocholithiasis is successful in the majority of patients. Routine preoperative or postoperative ERCP is usually not indicated.
Portfolio Performance Evaluation of Mutual Funds in India â€“ A Study of Hybrid Growth Funds

This research paper attempts to study the portfolio performance evaluation of selected Hybrid growth schemes using Net Asset Values, Return, Beta and Standard Deviation and further used the risk adjusted evaluation methods such as Sharpe, Treynor, and Sortino Ratio. Researchers only emphasized on secondary data sources and selected 12 Mutual Fund schemes of 6 mutual fund institutions and the period of study is kept limited for 5 years i.e. from 2007-08 to2011-2012. To test the significance; F-test and Spearmanâ€™s rank correlation were used and found out that there is significant difference between NAVâ€™s of two select categories, There is significant difference between scheme returns and benchmark returns of both Hybrid Equity Oriented (HEO) schemes and Hybrid Debt Oriented (HDO) schemes, there is mismatch between ranks of Risk and return of sample funds and the unique risk was meager. On the whole, the performance of the sample Hybrid funds during the study period was average.
Social networks and subsidiary HRM capabilities

Purpose – This paper seeks to examine the internal and external social networks in which subsidiary HR and general managers discuss HRM issues, and to explain how their involvement in these networks influences subsidiary HRM capabilities.Design/methodology/approach – The data consist of qualitative interviews with 40 HR and general managers in 23 Nordic MNC subsidiaries in China.Findings – Managers view their networks with other MNCs as being more important for developing their HRM capabilities than contact with peers in local domestic companies. Within the MNC global and regional networks were perceived as being especially useful.Research limitations/implications – The interviews were conducted in Nordic MNC subsidiaries in Beijing and Shanghai. This could carry implications for the generalisability of the findings. Other limitations of the study are the sampling method and the interview language. MNCs establishing themselves in China should encourage involvement of HR and general managers in internal an.
Automated Fitness Guided Fault Localization

Software fault localization is an essential and expensive process in software correction, which motivates the design of analysis tools that automate this process as much as possible. This paper presents the Fitness Guided Fault Localization (FGFL) system, a novel approach to fault localization that employs an ensemble of software analysis techniques guided by a fitness function to perform automated fault localization. The FGFL system focuses on software for which a fitness function can be derived either from formal specifications or in some other fashion. The system currently employs an ensemble of three fault localization techniques: trace comparison, a basic execution slicebased technique; trend based line suspicion, an enhanced version of the Tarantula technique designed to exploit the fitness function; and runtime fitness monitor, a technique that tracks changes in fitness during the execution of the program. These techniques are described in detail as well as the method for combining the results from the techniques into a unified recommendation for the fault location. Experimental results are presented that demonstrate the applicability of fitness guided fault localization to automate this important phase of software correction in general, and the potential of the FGFL system in particular.
Using ecological niche modeling for quantitative biogeographic analysis: a case study of Miocene and Pliocene Equinae in the Great Plains

Abstract The subfamily Equinae in the Great Plains region of North America underwent a dramatic radiation and subsequent decline as climate changed from warm and humid in the middle Miocene to cooler and more arid conditions during the late Miocene. Here we use ecological niche modeling (ENM), specifically the GARP (Genetic Algorithm using Rule-set Prediction) modeling system, to reconstruct the geographic distribution of individual species during two time slices from the middle Miocene through early Pliocene. This method combines known species occurrence points with environmental parameters inferred from sedimentological variables to model each species' fundamental niche. The geographic range of each species is then predicted to occupy the geographic area within the study region wherever the set of environmental parameters that constrain the fundamental niche occurs. We analyze changes in the predicted distributions of individual species between time slices in relation to Miocene/Pliocene climate change. Specifically, we examine and compare distribution patterns for two time slices that span the period from the mid-Miocene (Barstovian) Climatic Optimum into the early Pliocene (Blancan) to determine whether habitat fragmentation led to speciation within the clade and whether species survival was related to geographic range size. Patchy geographic distributions were more common in the middle Miocene when speciation rates were high. During the late Miocene, when speciation rates were lower, continuous geographic ranges were more common. Equid species tracked their preferred habitat within the Great Plains region as well as regionally throughout North America. Species with larger predicted ranges preferentially survived the initial cooling event better than species with small geographic ranges. As climate continued to deteriorate in the late Miocene, however, range size became irrelevant to survival, and extinction rates increased for species of all range sizes. This is the first use of ENM and GARP in the continental fossil record. This powerful quantitative biogeographic method offers great promise for studies of other taxa and geologic intervals.
Piece of Pie Search: Confidently Exploiting Heuristics

Search is not a direct path to a solution. While searching for a solution to a problem, heuristics consult us to avoid paths with dead ends, but they are not infallible. Many popular search methodologies "disobey" them during critical points of the search. In this work, we found an efficient stochastic methods framework that smoothly combines randomness with normal heuristics. We consider a factor of disobedience to the heuristics and we fine-tune it each time, according to our estimation of heuristic-reliability. We prove mathematically that while the disobedience factor falls, the stochastic methods approximate deterministic methods. Our algebraic evidence is supported by empirical evaluations on real life problems, such as course scheduling and frequency assignment. In this context, we exploit our proposed heuristic-reliability semantics in order to produce a piece of pie search (PoPS) method that can outperform other known constructive search processes in hard optimization problems.