Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prise de décision et apathie dans la maladie d'Alzheimer débutante et le Trouble léger de la cognition Decision-making and apathy in early stage of Alzheimer's disease and in mild cognitive impairment

Decision-making and apathy have common neuropsychological processes and neuroanatomical substrates. However, their links in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) remain unclear. Objective and methods: in order to evaluate these links, we compared 3 groups of 20 control subjects to 20 patients with MCI and 20 patients with mild AD. All participants completed the mini mental state examination (MMSE), the Lille apathy rating scale (LARS, a multidimensional scale of apathy), the game of dice task (GDT, assessing decision under risk) and the Iowa gambling task (IGT, assessing decision under ambiguity). Results: 60% of patients in both clinical groups were apathetic versus 5% of control subjects. In both clinical groups the IGT and GDT net scores were comparable (respectively: p = 0.76 and p = 0.84), while the control group had higher scores than MCI and AD's groups (respectively, GDT p 0.05), but on the LARS, the "intellectual curiosity" (cognitive dimension) was a predictor for the performances on GDT's (OR = 1.73, p = 0.05), while the "action initiation" (behavioral dimension) was a predictor of those on IGT (OR = 1.57, p = 0.05). Discussion: these results highlight the behavioral and the cognitive sensitivity of the IGT and the GDT, and are analyzed according to Levy and Dubois's model of apathy, and to the three steps of the decision-making process of Gleichgerrcht et al. (2010). However, more researches are necessary to explain the causality links between action initiation and decision under ambiguity.
Removing Edge Defect in Color-based Image Retrieval

growth ofdigital image archive is increasing rapidly and the demand for effective and efficient tools for searching through large amounts ofvisual data is great. One ofthe contributingfactors toward an efficient tool is the quality of images being handle. Due to this we have identified that many images in the database have black boundaries at . the edge of the image in which significantly affects the values for extraction and similarity process. In this paper we devised an algorithm to remove this edge defect and yet make a good similarity measurement between two images. We use edge histograms to detect the edge defect and then remove it from color histogram for histogram intersection in similarity measurement. We show in our preliminary prototype experiment that free edge defect can produce better results.
Soccer-Swarm : A Visualization Framework for the Development of Robot Soccer Players

This paper proposes a framework for the rapid development of high-level, domain-independent AI strategies targeted at the RoboCup competition. This framework, developed within the Swarm simulation system, provides a layer of abstraction that allows strategies to be easily ported from one domain to another. Additionally, the framework provides a powerful and extendable visualization tool that should significantly decrease development and debugging time of high-level strategies.
Dynamic updates of succinct triangulations

In a recent article, we presented a succinct representation of triangulations that supports efficient navigation operations. Here this representation is improved to allow for efficient local updates of the triangulations. Precisely, we show how a succinct representation of a triangulation with $m$ triangles can be maintained under vertex insertions in $O(1)$ amortized time and under vertex deletions/edge flips in $O(\lg^{2} m)$ amortized time. Our structure achieves the information theory bound for the storage for the class of triangulations with a boundary, requiring asymptotically $2.17m+o(m)$ bits, and supports adjacency queries between triangles in $O(1)$ time (an extra amount of $O(g\lg m)$ bits are needed for representing triangulations of genus $g$ surfaces).
Development and Characterization of a Collagen-Based Matrix for Vascularization and Cell Delivery

Abstract Since the development of the Edmonton protocol, islet transplantation is increasingly encouraging as a treatment for type 1 diabetes. Strategies to ameliorate problems with the intraportal site include macroencapsulating the islets in diverse biomaterials. Characterization of these biomaterials is important to optimally tune the properties to support islets and promote vascularization. In this study, we characterize the cross-linker-dependent properties of collagen-based matrices containing chondroitin-6-sulfate, chitosan, and laminin, cross-linked with 7.5, 30, or 120 mM of 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide and N-hydroxysuccinimide. The swelling ratio was found to be significantly negatively correlated with increasing cross-linker concentrations (p<0.0001; R2=0.718). The matrix released insulin in a reproducible logarithmic manner (R2 of 0.99 for all concentrations), demonstrating cross-linker-dependent control of drug release. The matrices with the highest cross-linker concentrations resisted degradation by collagenase for longer than the lowest concentrations (58.13%±2.22% vs. 13.69%±7.67%; p<0.05). Scanning electron microscopy images of the matrices revealed that the matrices had uniform topography and porosity, indicating efficient cross-linking and incorporation of the polymer components. Matrices were transplanted subcutaneously in naive BALB/c mice, and the number and size of vessels were quantified using von Willebrand factor staining; matrices with higher cross-linking concentrations had significantly larger capillaries at every time point up to 4 weeks after transplantation compared to the lowest cross-linker concentration group. CD31 staining visualized the capillaries at each time point. Taken together, these data show that this collagen-based matrix is reproducible with cross-linking-dependent properties that can be optimized to support vascularization and islet function.
Factors Influencing E-district Adoption: An Empirical Assessment in Indian Context

The purpose of this confirmatory study is to explore the factors influencing the acceptance of e-District services by the citizens in Assam, a north-east state of India. Taking Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Technology Acceptance Model 3 (TAM3) as the basis, a conceptual framework is developed. The study uses semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and a questionnaire based survey through 166 valid data points to validate the conceptual framework. Moreover, the internal consistency of the scale items is checked with Cronbach’s alpha coefficient while the convergent and discriminant validities are checked with multitrait-multimethod matrix. This study confirms the positive relationship of ‘Perceived Usefulness’ and ‘Facilitating Conditions’ with ‘Behavioral Intention’ while the expected positive relationship of ‘Effort Expectancy’ and ‘Social Influence’ with ‘Behavioral Intention’ are found to be insignificant. Also, the study cannot find a significant negative relationship between ‘Computer Anxiety’ and ‘Behavioral Intention’. Keywords : E-governance, Adoption, Technology Acceptance Model, Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology, E-District. JEL Classifications : M00, M15, M38
Generalized supercodes decoding

Decoding random linear codes is one of the central problems in coding theory and code-based cryptography. In this paper a generalized supercodes decoding algorithm is proposed. The idea of the new algorithm is to keep a list of candidate vectors having an exponential size instead of tending to zero size as it was organized in the original algorithm proposed by Barg, Krouk and van Tilborg.
OBJECTIVE MEASUREMENT OF PAIN AND INFLAMMATION IN DAIRY COWS WITH CLINICAL MASTITIS

Departments of Preclinical and Clinical Veterinary Studies, University of Glasgow Veterinary School, Bearsden Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, Scotland, UK Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Centre, Omaha, NE 68198-6495, USA. Centre for Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Easter Bush Veterinary Centre, nr. Roslin, Midlothian, EH25 42G, Scotland, UK.
Research on Worms Spread and Control Strategy in Complex Networks

Computer viruses and worms spreading in the network depends on the proliferation of network structure. Network structure will affect the virus and worms' infection rate and scope of computer. This paper take the worm as the targeted, against the network transmission characteristics of real world, discusses the spread of computer viruses and control strategies of different network structures. Papers firstly make clearly what is the complex network and its features, and study what is network worms and the emergence of worms and its development process, understand the current status of the worm, studying focus on the spread of the worm models(simple transmission model, Kermack-Mckendrick Model, SIS model, two-factor model, BCM model-network worm confrontation model). Contact the characteristics of complex network and the worm's principle, make a little understanding of the worm detection and defense and the network-based control strategies of an important node. Give out effective proposals on the current developments in the worms, in addition to network worm suppression on each host, and by the entire network, we should comprehensivly using the important immune target and contain the virus as the virus control strategy. Strive to create a high reliability of the network.
Broadscale postseismic gravity change following the 2011 Tohoku-Oki earthquake and implication for deformation by viscoelastic relaxation and afterslip

The analysis of GRACE gravity data revealed postseismic gravity increase by 6 μGal over a 500 km scale within a couple of years after the 2011 Tohoku‐Oki earthquake, which is nearly 40–50% of the coseismic gravity change. It originates mostly from changes in the isotropic component corresponding to the Mrr moment tensor element. The exponential decay with rapid change in a year and gradual change afterward is a characteristic temporal pattern. Both viscoelastic relaxation and afterslip models produce reasonable agreement with the GRACE free‐air gravity observation, while their Bouguer gravity patterns and seafloor vertical deformations are distinctly different. The postseismic gravity variation is best modeled by the biviscous relaxation with a transient and steady state viscosity of 1018 and 1019 Pa s, respectively, for the asthenosphere. Our calculated higher‐resolution viscoelastic relaxation model, underlying the partially ruptured elastic lithosphere, yields the localized postseismic subsidence above the hypocenter reported from the GPS‐acoustic seafloor surveying.
Assessment of endothelial function by non-invasive peripheral arterial tonometry predicts late cardiovascular adverse events.

AIMS There is growing need for the identification of novel non-invasive methodologies for the identification of individuals at risk for adverse cardiovascular (CV) events. We examined whether endothelial dysfunction, as detected by non-invasive peripheral arterial tonometry (EndoPAT), can predict late CV events. METHODS AND RESULTS Reactive hyperaemia (RH) was induced following upper arm occlusion of systolic blood pressure in 270 outpatients (54 +/- 12 years, 48% female). The natural logarithmic scaled RH index (L_RHI) was calculated from the ratio between the digital pulse volume during RH and at baseline. The patients were followed for CV adverse events (AE: cardiac death, myocardial infarction, revascularization or cardiac hospitalization) during a 7-year follow-up (inter-quartile range = 4.4-8). Cox models were used to estimate the association of EndoPAT results with AE adjusted for age. During the follow-up, AE occurred in 86 patients (31%). Seven-year AE rate was 48% in patients with L_RHI < 0.4 vs. 28% in those with L_RHI >or= 0.4 (P = 0.03). Additional univariate predictors of AE were advancing age (P = 0.02) and prior coronary bypass surgery (P = 0.01). The traditional Framingham risk score was not higher in patients with AE. Multivariate analysis identified L_RHI < 0.4 as an independent predictor of AE (P = 0.03). CONCLUSION A low RH signal detected by EndoPAT, consistent with endothelial dysfunction, was associated with higher AE rate during follow-up. L_RHI was an independent predictor of AE. Non-invasive assessment of peripheral vascular function may be useful for the identification of patients at risk for cardiac AEs.
Towards Emotion and Affect Detection in the Multimodal LAST MINUTE Corpus

The LAST MINUTE corpus comprises multimodal recordings (e.g. video, audio, transcripts) from WOZ interactions in a mundane planning task (Rösner et al., 2011). It is one of the largest corpora with naturalistic data currently available. In this paper we report about first results from attempts to automatically and manually analyze the different modes with respect to emotions and affects exhibited by the subjects. We describe and discuss difficulties encountered due to the strong contrast between the naturalistic recordings and traditional databases with acted emotions.
Distributed stochastic approximation for constrained and unconstrained optimization

In this paper, we analyze the convergence of a distributed Robbins-Monro algorithm for both constrained and unconstrained optimization in multi-agent systems. The algorithm searches local minima of a (nonconvex) objective function which is supposed to coincide with a sum of local utility functions of the agents. The algorithm under study consists of two steps: a local stochastic gradient descent at each agent and a gossip step that drives the network of agents to a consensus. It is proved that i) an agreement is achieved between agents on the value of the estimate, ii) the algorithm converges to the set of Kuhn-Tucker points of the optimization problem. The proof relies on recent results about differential inclusions. In the context of unconstrained optimization, intelligible sufficient conditions are provided in order to ensure the stability of the algorithm. In the latter case, we also provide a central limit theorem which governs the asymptotic fluctuations of the estimate. We illustrate our results in the case of distributed power allocation for ad-hoc wireless networks.
Turbulent Bipolar Outflows in Young Stellar Objects: Multifractal Universality Classes and Generalized Scaling

We present a study of the scaling properties of bipolar outflows, generic to the circumstellar environment of young stellar objects, and which are generally believed to be magnetohydrodynamically driven. Our work consists of a multifractal analysis of near-infrared light scattered by dust grains in the lobes of seven bipolar nebulae, namely GGD 18, V380 Orionis, LkH\alpha 101/NGC 1579, LkH\alpha 233, PV Cephei, V645 Cygni (GL 2789), and V633 Cassiopeiae (LkH\alpha 198). We argue that these objects pertain to a multifractal universality class, with the corresponding universal parameters averaged over the ensemble yielding alpha= 1.96 +/- 0.02, C_1=0.04 +/- 0.02, and H=0.7 +/- 0.2; these results might suggest that the dynamics of the observed objects are similar. We then proceed to investigate the existence of anisotropy in the scaling of GGD 18 using the Generalized Scale Invariance (GSI) formalism. It is found that differential rotation and stratification are involved in the outflow mechanism. The stratification is believed to be dynamical in nature i.e., gravity is apparently not the dominant stratifying force.
A Disk Census for Young Brown Dwarfs

Recent surveys have identified substellar objects down to planetary masses in nearby star-forming regions. Reliable determination of the disk frequency in young brown dwarfs is of paramount importance to understanding their origin. Here we report the results of a systematic study of infrared L-band (3.8 μm) disk excess in ∼50 spectroscopically confirmed objects near and below the substellar boundary in several young clusters. Our observations, using the ESO Very Large Telescope, Keck I, and the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility, reveal that a significant fraction of brown dwarfs harbor disks at a very young age. Their inner disk lifetimes do not appear to be vastly different from those of disks around T Tauri stars. Our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that substellar objects form via a mechanism similar to solar-mass stars.
Journal of Theoretical and Applied Information Technology Effect of Fuzzy Resource Allocation Method on Airs Classifier Accuracy

Artificial Immune Recognition System (AIRS) is an immune inspired classifier that is comparable to many popular classifiers. Many researches have been conducted to improve the accuracy of AIRS and to identify the significant components of AIRS that could empower it for better performance. Some of these researches have focused on the resource allocation component of AIRS. This study investigates the difference between the accuracy of AIRS using a fuzzy resource allocation approach with the accuracy of the current resource allocation technique by using statistical methods. The combination of tenfold cross validation and t-test was used as evaluation method and algorithms tested on benchmark datasets of UCI machine learning repository. Based on the results of experiments, using the fuzzy resource allocation technique increases the accuracy of AIRS in majority of the datasets. However, the increase is significant in minority of datasets.
Adaptor protein XB130 is a Rac-controlled component of lamellipodia that regulates cell motility and invasion

XB130 is a newly described cytosolic adaptor protein and tyrosine kinase substrate, involved in Src- and RET/PTC-dependent signaling. Although XB130 has been cloned as a homologue of actin-filament-associated protein (AFAP-110), its potential regulation by the actin skeleton and its putative roles in cytoskeleton regulation have not been addressed. Here, we show that XB130 (in contrast to AFAP-110) exhibited robust translocation to the cell periphery in response to various stimuli (including epidermal growth factor, wounding and expression of constitutively active Rac) that elicit lamellipodium formation. In stimulated cells, XB130 localized to the lamellipodial F-actin meshwork. Genetic and pharmacological data suggest that the key trigger for XB130 recruitment is the formation of the branched F-actin itself. Structure-function analysis revealed that both the XB130 N-terminus (167 amino acids) and C-terminus (63 amino acids) harbor crucial regions for its translocation to lamellipodia, whereas the PH domains and Src-targeted tyrosines are dispensable. Importantly, in TPC1 thyroid papillary carcinoma cells, silencing endogenous XB130 decreased the rate of wound closure, inhibited matrigel invasion, reduced lamellipodial persistence and slowed down spreading. Thus, XB130 is a novel Rac- and cytoskeleton-regulated and cytoskeleton-regulating adaptor protein that exhibits high affinity to lamellipodial (branched) F-actin and impacts motility and invasiveness of tumor cells.
Extendible Chained Bucket Hashing for Main Memory Databases

The objective of this paper is to develop a high performance hash-based access method for main memory database systems. Chained bucket hashing is known to provide the fastest random access to a static file stored in main memory. For a dynamic file, however, chained bucket hashing is inappropriate because its address space cannot be adapted to the file size without total reorganization.Extendible hashing which has been proposed in disk-based environment has the ability to accommodate its address space as the file grows or shrinks. However, extendible hashing is impractical in main memory environment because of its large directory size. In this paper, we introduce a new hash-based access method called extendible chained bucket hashing . The method is a complementary integration of chained bucket hashing and extendible hashing for dynamic files in main memory databases. We carried out an experiment to compare our hashing scheme with two existing proposals: linear hashing modified for main memory environment andcontrolled search multidirectory hashing . The experiment shows that extendible chained bucket hashing outperforms other proposals in both key loading time and search time.
Force Control Beyond the Passivity Interaction Paradigm

Several interaction control algorithms have been proposed for physical human-robot interaction (pHRI) with the aim of assisting human movements. Some example are “path control” [4], “virtual model control” [7], “clime” [9] or gravity compensation [5], [3]. This class of algorithms is often built upon a force/torque controller that is supposed to be ideally fast. However when the algorithm is implemented the force variable cannot be commanded instantaneously and its transients depend both on robot and human dynamics. In particular, using a traditional controller we can have slow force/torque responses when the human displays a low mechanical impedance and force/torque overshoots when the human has a high impedance configuration. These effects are undesirable because they can generate disturbances that interfere with the rehabilitation strategy and even potentially lead to instability and injuries.
Temporary Wholesale Gasoline Price Spikes Have Long‐Lasting Retail Effects: The Aftermath of Hurricane Rita

I study U.S. gasoline prices following Hurricane Rita to show that short‐lived geographical differences in the severity of wholesale gasoline price spikes are associated with long‐lasting geographical differences in retail prices. In most U.S. cities, wholesale prices spiked significantly for roughly 2 weeks following the hurricane. However, in cities where this spike was particularly large, retail margins remained higher than in other cities for nearly 2 months. High retail margins dissipated more quickly after the hurricane in cities where competition between stations tends to generate cyclical retail price fluctuations independent of wholesale cost movements. I discuss why prices may have fallen faster in cities exhibiting retail price cycles and present additional results identifying differences in market characteristics between cities with and without price cycles. I find that cycling cities tend to have higher population density and have independent (nonrefinery brand) stations that are more highly concentrated into large retail chains.
Ground-based multifrequency microwave radiometry for rainfall remote sensing

Inversion algorithms for ground-based microwave radiometric retrieval of surface rain-rate, integrated cloud parameters, and slant-path attenuation are proposed and tested. The estimation methods are trained by numerical simulations of a radiative transfer model applied to microphysically-consistent precipitating cloud structures, representative of stratiform and convective rainy clouds. The discrete-ordinate method is used to solve the radiative transfer equation for plane-parallel seven-layer structures, including liquid, melted, and ice spherical hydrometeors. Besides ordinary multiple regression, a variance-constrained regression algorithm is developed and applied to synthetic data in order to evaluate its robustness to noise and its potentiality. Selection of optimal frequency sets and polynomial retrieval algorithms for rainfall parameters is carried out and discussed. Ground-based radiometric measurements at 13.0, 23.8, and 31.7 GHz are used for experimentally testing the retrieval algorithms. Comparison with rain-gauge data and rain path-attenuation measurements, derived from the three ITALSAT satellite beacons at 18.7, 39.6, and 49.5 GHz acquired at Pomezia (Rome, Italy), are performed for two selected cases of moderate and intense rainfall during 1998.