Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Infrastructuring for the long-term: ecological information management

This paper foregrounds the long-term perspective and the role of information management in creating infrastructure to support collaborative ecological research. The case study of the long-term ecological research network is an ongoing research collaboration that integrates ethnographic and action research approaches. We describe three interdependent elements of science, data and technology for which information management provides support, and the articulation work needed for balancing their inherent tensions and the requirements generated by short and long term timeframes. We further describe information managers' learning community and collaboration-in-design, two mechanisms created within the LTER for continuing technology development over the long-term. The notion of infrastructuring is related to ecological information management as an ongoing design process that highlights participation and co-construction, as well as the complex relationships between the long-term, data, participants, collaborations, information systems, and infrastructure. The understudied area that entails issues of long-term, care/maintenance, and infrastructure presents challenges for the design of large-scale collaborative information systems.
Carbon Beam Therapy Overcomes the Radiation Resistance of Uterine Cervical Cancer Originating from Hypoxia

Purpose: High linear energy transfer (LET) particles are believed to decrease tumor radiation resistance originating from hypoxia. However, no proof of this effect has been provided by clinical trials and related clinical research. Hence, we investigated the radiation biological aspects of high LET carbon beam therapy on cervical cancer. Experimental Design: This study involved 49 patients with stage IIIb bulky and stage IVa cervical cancer treated with high LET carbon beams between October 1995 and June 2000. Oxygen partial pressure (pO2) was measured by using a needle-type polarographic oxygen electrode. Results: The 4-year disease-free survival rates of patients with pO2 ≤ 20 mm Hg (hypoxic tumor) and pO2 > 20 mm Hg (oxygenated tumor) before treatment were 37% and 21%, respectively. The local control rates of hypoxic and oxygenated tumors before treatment were 58% and 54%, respectively. The disease-free survival rates of hypoxic and oxygenated tumors assessed by oxygen status at the 5th day of irradiation were 33% and 32%, respectively. The local control rates of hypoxic and oxygenated tumors at the 5th day were 60% and 58%, respectively. There was no significant prognostic difference between hypoxic and oxygenated tumors. Conclusion: The similar disease-free survival and local control rates between hypoxic and oxygenated tumors before and during treatment indicated that the role of the tumor oxygenation status was not so important in local control in carbon beam therapy. These results indicated that high LET carbon beam irradiation might reduce the radiation-resistant nature stemming from tumor hypoxia.
Efficient Distribution of Key Chain Commitments for Broadcast Authentication in Distributed Sensor Networks

Broadcast authentication is a fundamental security service in distributed sensor networks. A scheme named $\mu$TESLA has been proposed for efficient broadcast authentication in such networks. However, $\mu$TESLA requires initial distribution of certain information based on unicast between the base station and each sensor node before the actual authentication of broadcast messages. Due to the limited bandwidth in wireless sensor networks, this initial unicast-based distribution severely limits the application of $\mu$TESLA in large sensor networks. This paper presents a novel technique to replace the unicast-based initialization with a broadcast-based one. As a result, $\mu$TESLA can be used in a sensor network with a large amount of sensors, as long as the message from the base station can reach these sensor nodes. This paper further explores several techniques that improve the performance, the robustness, as well as the security of the proposed method. The resulting protocol satisfies several nice properties, including low overhead, tolerance of message loss, scalability to large networks, and resistance to replay attacks as well as some known Denial of Service (DOS) attacks.
A Bag-of-Features approach to acoustic event detection

The classification of acoustic events in indoor environments is an important task for many practical applications in smart environments. In this paper a novel approach for classifying acoustic events that is based on a Bag-of-Features approach is proposed. Mel and gammatone frequency cepstral coefficients that originate from psychoacoustic models are used as input features for the Bag-of representation. Rather than using a prior classification or segmentation step to eliminate silence and background noise, Bag-of-Features representations are learned for a background class. Supervised learning of codebooks and temporal coding are shown to improve the recognition rates. Three different databases are used for the experiments: the CLEAR sound event dataset, the D-CASE event dataset and a new set of smart room recordings.
An Error-Driven Word-Character Hybrid Model for Joint Chinese Word Segmentation and POS Tagging

In this paper, we present a discriminative word-character hybrid model for joint Chinese word segmentation and POS tagging. Our word-character hybrid model offers high performance since it can handle both known and unknown words. We describe our strategies that yield good balance for learning the characteristics of known and unknown words and propose an error-driven policy that delivers such balance by acquiring examples of unknown words from particular errors in a training corpus. We describe an efficient framework for training our model based on the Margin Infused Relaxed Algorithm (MIRA), evaluate our approach on the Penn Chinese Treebank, and show that it achieves superior performance compared to the state-of-the-art approaches reported in the literature.
A STAT3-NFkB/DDIT3/CEBPβ axis modulates ALDH1A3 expression in chemoresistant cell subpopulations

Here we studied the relevance and modulation of aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) expression in malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) chemoresistant cell subpopulations (ALDHbright cells), which survive pemetrexed + cisplatin treatment in vitro and in vivo. Expression of the ALDH1A3 isoform was invariably enriched in purified ALDHbright cells from multiple MPM cell lines and accounted for the enzymatic activity of those cells. RNAi mediated downregulation of ALDH1A3 reduced the survival of the ALDHbright cells at steady state and, much more, after pemetrexed + cisplatin treatment. We demonstrated, for the first time, that a pSTAT3(tyr705)-NFkB(p65) complex is required for the repression of DDIT3 mRNA and this ensures high levels of CEBPβ-dependent ALDH1A3 promoter activity. Inhibition of STAT3-NFkB activity allowed high levels of DDIT3 expression with increased formation of a DDIT3-CEBPβ complex. This reduced the occupancy of the ALDH1A3 promoter by CEBPβ, thus largely reducing the ALDH1A3 expression. Consequently, survival of ALDHbright cells in pemetrexed + cisplatin-treated cultures was impaired, following increased apoptosis. We show that such a mechanism is relevant in vivo and underlies the action of butein, a dual STAT3-NFkB inhibitor capable of abating the chemoresistance of mesothelioma cells in vivo. The possible broad translational relevance of the described mechanism is discussed.
Further Results on Exponential Stability of Autonomous Discrete Systems

We prove some new characterizations for exponential stability of a periodic semigroup of bounded linear operators acting on a Banach space in terms of boundedness of solutions of periodic discrete Cauchy problems. The approach we use is based on the theory of discrete evolution semigroups acting on a space of almost periodic sequences. AMS Subject Classifications: 35B35.
Semantic kernel updating for content-based image retrieval

A lot of relevance feedback methods have been proposed to deal with content-based image retrieval (CBIR) problems. Their goal is to interactively learn the semantic queries that users have in mind. Interaction is used to fill the gap between the semantic meaning and the low-level image representations. The purpose of this article is to analyze how to merge all the semantic information that users provided to the system during past retrieval sessions. We propose an approach to exploit the knowledge provided by user interaction based on binary annotations (relevant or irrelevant images). Such semantic annotations may be integrated in the similarity matrix of the database images. This similarity matrix is analyzed in the kernel matrix framework. In this context, a kernel adaptation method is proposed, but taking care of preserving the properties of kernels. Using this approach, a semantic kernel is incrementally learnt. To deal with practical constraint implementations, an eigendecomposition of the whole matrix is considered, and a efficient scheme is proposed to compute a low-rank approximated kernel matrix. It allows a strict control of the required memory space and of the algorithm complexity, which is linear to the database size. Experiments have been carried out on a large generalist database in order to validate the approach.
Preoperative Intra‐Aortic Balloon Pump in Patients Undergoing Coronary Bypass Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis

Abstract Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of preoperative intra‐aortic balloon pump (IABP) placement in high‐risk patients undergoing coronary bypass surgery (CABG). The primary outcome was hospital mortality and secondary outcomes were IABP‐related complications (bleeding, leg ischemia, aortic dissection). Methods: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane registry of Controlled Trials, and reference lists of relevant articles were searched. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and cohort studies that fulfilled our a priori inclusion criteria. Eligibility decisions, relevance, study validity, and data extraction were performed in duplicate using pre‐specified criteria. Meta‐analysis was conducted using a random effects model. Results: Ten publications fulfilled our eligibility criteria, of which four were RCTs and six were cohort studies with controls. There were statistical as well as clinical heterogeneity among included studies. A total of 1034 patients received preoperative IABP and 1329 did not receive preoperative IABP. The pooled odds ratio (OR) for hospital mortality in patients treated with preoperative IABP was 0.41 (95% CI, 0.21–0.82, p = 0.01). The number needed to treat was 17. The pooled OR for hospital mortality from randomized trials was 0.18 (95% CI, 0.06–0.57, p = 0.003) and from cohort studies was 0.54 (95% CI, 0.24–1.2, p = 0.13). Overall, 3.7% (13 of 349) of patients who received preoperative IABP developed either limb ischemia or haematoma at the IABP insertion site, and most of these complications improved after discontinuation of IABP. Conclusion: Evidence from this meta‐analysis support the use of preoperative IABP in high‐risk patients to reduce hospital mortality.
The Power of (Near) Simultaneous Multi-Frequency Observations for mm-VLBI and Astrometry

Simultaneous or near-simultaneous observations at multiple frequency bands have the potential to overcome the fundamental limitation imposed by the atmospheric propagation in mm-VLBI observations. The propagation effects place a severe limit in the sensitivity achievable in mm-VLBI, reducing the time over which the signals can be coherently combined, and preventing the use of phase referencing and astrometric measurements. We present two demonstrations of the power of (near) simultaneous multi-frequency observations with the KVN and VLBA, and our recently developed analysis strategies to enable new measurements at mm-VLBI. The first case comprises simultaneous observations at 22, 43, 87 and 130 GHz of a group of five AGNs, the weakest of which is ∼200 mJy at 130 GHz, with angular separations ranging from 3.6 to 11 degrees, using the KVN. We analysed this data using the Frequency Phase Transfer (FPT) and the Source Frequency Phase Referencing (SFPR) techniques, which use the observations at a lower frequency to correct those at a higher frequency. The results of the analysis provide an empirical demonstration of the increase in the coherence times at 130 GHz from a few tens of seconds to about twenty minutes, with FPT, and up to many hours with SFPR. Moreover the astrometric analysis provides high precision relative position measurements between two frequencies, including, for the first time, astrometry at 130 GHz. The second case is a variation of the above, whereby adding dedicated wide-band cm-wavelength observations to measure the ionosphere eliminates the need for a second, calibrator, source. This addresses the scarcity of calibrators at mm-VLBI. We dubbed this technique Multi Frequency Phase Referencing (MFPR). We present bona fide astrometrically aligned VLBA images of BL Lacertae at 22 and 43 GHz using MFPR, which, combined with results from conventional phase referencing at cm-wavelengths, suggests the VLBI core has a recollimation shock that is revealed at mm-wavelengths. These shocks could be responsible for the γ-ray emission in blazar jets.
Effective video content distribution by combining TCP with adaptive FEC coding

This paper will look at the benefits and limitations of content distribution using Forward Error Correction (FEC) in conjunction with the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP). FEC can be used to reduce the number of retransmissions which would usually result from a lost packet. The requirement for TCP to deal with any losses is then greatly reduced. There are however side-effects to using FEC as a countermeasure to packet loss: an additional requirement for bandwidth. When applications such as real-time video conferencing are needed, delay must be kept to a minimum, and retransmissions are certainly not desirable. A balance, therefore, between additional bandwidth and delay due to retransmissions must be struck. Our results show that the throughput of data can be significantly improved when packet loss occurs using a combination of FEC and TCP, compared to relying solely on TCP for retransmissions. Furthermore, a case study applies the result to demonstrate the achievable improvements in the quality of streaming video perceived by end users.
Cubature information filter and its applications

This paper presents a new estimation algorithm called cubature information filtering for nonlinear systems. The proposed algorithm is developed from an extended information filter and a recently developed cubature Kalman filter. Unlike the extended Kalman filter, the proposed filter does not require the evaluation of Jacobians during state estimation. The efficacy of the proposed algorithm is demonstrated by simulation examples on frequency demodulation and localization problem and is compared with unscented information filtering.
DBToaster: Agile Views for a Dynamic Data Management System

This paper calls for a new breed of lightweight systems { dynamic data management systems (DDMS). In a nutshell, a DDMS manages large dynamic data structures with agile, frequently fresh views, and provides a facility for monitoring these views and triggering application-level events. We motivate DDMS with applications in large-scale data analytics, database monitoring, and high-frequency algorithmic trading. We compare DDMS to more traditional data management systems architectures. We present the DBToaster project, which is an ongoing eort to develop a prototype DDMS system. We describe its architecture design, techniques for high-frequency incremental view maintenance, storage, scaling up by parallelization, and the various key challenges to overcome to make DDMS a reality.
REP1, a Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Protein, Is Required for a Branch Pathway of Phytochrome A Signaling in Arabidopsis

Phytochromes are primary photoreceptors mediating diverse responses ranging from induction of germination to floral induction in higher plants. We have isolated novel recessive rep1 (reduced phytochrome signaling 1) mutants, which exhibit a long-hypocotyl phenotype only under far-red light but not under red light. Physiological characterization showed that rep1 mutations greatly reduced a subset of phytochrome A–regulated responses, including the inhibition of hypocotyl elongation, cotyledon expansion, modulation of gravitropic growth of hypocotyl, and induction of the CAB (encoding chlorophyll a/b binding protein) gene, without affecting the accumulation of anthocyanin, far-red-preconditioned blocking of greening, induction of germination, and induction of CHS (encoding chalcone synthase) and FNR (encoding ferredoxin-NADP+ oxidoreductase) genes. These results suggest that REP1 is a positive signaling component, functioning in a branch of the phytochrome A signaling pathway. Molecular cloning and characterization of the REP1 gene revealed that it encodes a light-inducible, putative transcription factor containing the basic helix-loop-helix motif.
Accounting Discretion, Loan Loss Provisioning and Discipline of Banks' Risk-Taking

Examining banks across 27 countries, we estimate two measures of the forward-looking orientation reflected in discretionary loan provisioning practices within a country. We document that forward-looking provisioning designed to smooth earnings dampens discipline over risk-taking, consistent with diminished transparency inhibiting outside monitoring. In contrast, forward-looking provisioning reflecting timely recognition of expected future loan losses is associated with enhanced risk-taking discipline. Thus, proposals to change loan loss accounting embed significant risks of unintended consequences, as gains from reducing pro-cyclicality may be swamped by losses in transparency that dampen market discipline and increase the scope for less prudent risk-taking by banks.
What is the most sensitive non-invasive imaging strategy for the diagnosis of intracranial aneurysms?

OBJECTIVES To determine whether combining non-invasive tests for intracranial aneurysms together would significantly improve aneurysm detection over individual tests. METHODS 114 patients undergoing intra-arterial digital subtraction angiography to confirm or exclude an intracranial aneurysm were also examined by CT angiography, MR angiography, and transcranial power Doppler ultrasound. The reviewers and ultrasonographers were blinded to the angiogram result, other imaging results and all clinical information. RESULTS The combination of non-invasive tests did improve diagnostic performance on a per patient basis. The combination of power Doppler and CT angiography had the greatest sensitivity for aneurysm detection (0.83; 05% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.66-0.93) and the level of agreement for this strategy with the reference angiographic standard was excellent (κ 0.84; 95% CI 0.72-0.95). The improvement in sensitivity of adding power Doppler to CT angiography was not significant (p=0.55) but the improvement in the level of agreement with the reference standard was substantial. However, even the most sensitive combination strategy performed poorly in the detection of small (3-5 mm) and very small (<3 mm) aneurysms with a sensitivity of 0.43 (95% CI 0.23-0.66) and 0.00 (95% CI 0.00-0.31) respectively. CONCLUSIONS The addition of transcranial power Doppler ultrasound to either CT angiography or MR angiography does improve diagnostic performance on a per patient basis but aneurysms of 5 mm or smaller can still not be reliably identified by current standard clinical non-invasive imaging modalities.
Hemispheric asymmetry and bilateral electrodermal recordings: a review of the evidence.

Bilateral electrodermal recordings are often used in psychophysiological research as a measure of functional hemispheric asymmetry. Although significant differences between left and right hand recordings are reported in the literature, the obtained differences are often in different directions. The purpose of the present paper was to review empirical evidence related to the issue of bilateral electrodermal recordings in research on hemispheric asymmetry. Special reference is made to the current controversy concerning contralateral inhibition vs. excitation or facilitation as the underlying mechanism for reported differences in performance of typical hemisphere-specific tasks. After reviewing the evidence, which is contradictory concerning several of the more critical parameters, the conclusion is that bilateral electrodermal recordings have not been unambiguously related to hemispheric asymmetry. However, when asymmetry between the hands is clearly demonstrated, this reflects an asymmetry in the functioning of the cerebral hemispheres.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW The field of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has seen a number of remarkable advances during recent years that will be summarized in this review. RECENT FINDINGS In particular, the progress in the molecular neuropathology with the discovery of pathogenic mutations in TAR DNA binding protein (TARDBP), fused in sarcoma (FUS), ubiquilin2 (UBQLN2) and most recently C9ORF72 (abbreviation for the open reading frame 72 on chromosome 9) has further substantiated the - clinically temporarily forgotten - relation of classic ALS to frontotemporal degeneration (FTD). Also, major progress has been made by the discovery of genes relevant for the disease, and pathogenetic concepts have been suggested which imply that not one, but multiple genetic and cell biological hits are involved in the causation of the disease. Progress in interventional therapies has remained poor; important recent examples are the failure of the interventional lithium and pioglitazone trials. However, a study of a third interventional compound - dexpramipexol - raises substantial hopes that the class of chemicals originally represented by riluzole - benzothiazoles - may provide additional therapeutic progress for ALS patients. SUMMARY Tremendous progress has been made in the field of ALS based on recent neuropathological and genetic discoveries. Moreover, the role of metabolism and nutrition in the pathogenesis of the disease is debated and may potentially serve as a future therapeutic target. For the facilitation and cost reduction of clinical trials, the development and international standardization of disease-specific 'wet' and 'dry' biomarkers is essential.
VMPlants: Providing and Managing Virtual Machine Execution Environments for Grid Computing

Virtual machines provide flexible, powerful execution environments for Grid computing, offering isolation and security mechanisms complementary to operating systems, customization and encapsulation of entire application environments, and support for legacy applications. This paper describes a Grid service — VMPlant — that provides for automated configuration and creation of flexible VMs that, once configured to meet application needs, can then subsequently be copied ("cloned") and dynamically instantiated to provide homogeneous execution environments across distributed Grid resources. In combination with complementary middleware for user, data and resource management, the functionality enabled by VMPlant allows for problem-solving environments to deliver Grid applications to users with unprecedented flexibility. VMPlant supports a graph-based model for the definition of customized VM configuration actions; partial graph matching, VM state storage and "cloning" for efficient creation. This paper presents the VMPlant architecture, describes a prototype implementation of the service, and presents an analysis of its performance.