Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A pattern recognition program that generates, evaluates, and adjusts its own operators

This paper describes an attempt to make use of machine learning or self-organizing processes in the design of a pattern-recognition program. The program starts not only without any knowledge of specific patterns to be input, but also without any operators for processing inputs. Operators are generated and refined by the program itself as a function of the problem space and of its own successes and failures in dealing with the problem space. Not only does the program learn information about different patterns, it also learns or constructs, in part at least, a secondary code appropriate for the analysis of the particular set of patterns input to it.
The Significance of G Protein-Coupled Receptor Crystallography for Drug Discovery

Crucial as molecular sensors for many vital physiological processes, seven-transmembrane domain G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) comprise the largest family of proteins targeted by drug discovery. Together with structures of the prototypical GPCR rhodopsin, solved structures of other liganded GPCRs promise to provide insights into the structural basis of the superfamily's biochemical functions and assist in the development of new therapeutic modalities and drugs. One of the greatest technical and theoretical challenges to elucidating and exploiting structure-function relationships in these systems is the emerging concept of GPCR conformational flexibility and its cause-effect relationship for receptor-receptor and receptor-effector interactions. Such conformational changes can be subtle and triggered by relatively small binding energy effects, leading to full or partial efficacy in the activation or inactivation of the receptor system at large. Pharmacological dogma generally dictates that these changes manifest themselves through kinetic modulation of the receptor's G protein partners. Atomic resolution information derived from increasingly available receptor structures provides an entrée to the understanding of these events and practically applying it to drug design. Supported by structure-activity relationship information arising from empirical screening, a unified structural model of GPCR activation/inactivation promises to both accelerate drug discovery in this field and improve our fundamental understanding of structure-based drug design in general. This review discusses fundamental problems that persist in drug design and GPCR structural determination.
P300 spatial filtering and coherence-based channel selection

Spatial filtering is an important technique used in electroencephalography to enhance signal-to-noise ratio and to reduce the data dimensionality. In the context of Brain-Computer Interfaces, the Common Spatial Patterns method is widely used for classification of motor imagery events, however it is not very often used for classification of event related potentials such as P300. In this paper we show that Common Spatial Patterns is an effective approach to improve P300 classification rates. It is proposed a Bayesian methodology for feature combination that overcomes the limitations of the feature method used in motor imagery. Also, a method for channel selection based on interchannel coherence is proposed, reducing the number of channels and improving the classification results.
Improving Multi-agent Evolutionary Techniques with Local Search for Job Shop Scheduling Problem

Scheduling is the allocation of shared resources over time in order to perform a number of tasks. Job Shop Scheduling Problem (JSSP) is the most commonly encountered scheduling problem. A wide range of approaches have been proposed to solve it. In this paper two multi-agent based evolutionary models are proposed to tackle JSSP. The first one is Multi-Agent based Genetic Algorithm (MAGA) and the second model is a Multi-Agent Particle Swarm Optimization (MAPSO). A proposed local search technique as self-learning procedure for agents is hybridized with both of the multi-agent models to enhance their efficiency. The proposed models have been implemented using REPAST toolkit. Encouraging results from both models have been obtained for standard benchmarks from OR library.
Design and implementation of enterprise financing decision model based on data mining

Based on the data warehouse, data mining techniques, using the method of system, The paper analyzed the use of data mining strategy in enterprise financing decisions, Studied the financing decision system design goal, the function and the logic structure model, explored the data warehouse model and data mining model structure and realization method. It is found that heterogeneous data integration is the basis for financing decision system design, Key lies in the multi-dimensional data warehouse model building, data mining algorithm design and expression. These results are important significance on promoting the construction of enterprise financing decision system, realizing enterprise financing decision automation and intelligent.
Discovering queries based on example tuples

An enterprise information worker is often aware of a few example tuples (but not the entire result) that should be present in the output of the query. We study the problem of discovering the minimal project join query that contains the given example tuples in its output. Efficient discovery of such queries is challenging. We propose novel algorithms to solve this problem. Our experiments on real-life datasets show that the proposed solution is significantly more efficient compared with na\"{i}ve adaptations of known techniques.
Changes in physical properties of young and old volcanic surface soils in Costa Rica after clearing of tropical rain forest

Large areas of tropical rain forests are being cleared and used for agricultural purposes. As a result, fragile soil structure degrades which alters soil hydraulic properties. Soil physical methods and micromorphometrical analysis were used to analyse effects of changes in vegetation on soils of different ages. Measurements were made in topsoils of a relatively old Humoxic Tropohumult and of a relatively young Oxic Humitropept, both under forest and under pasture. The crust test was used to measure hydraulic conductivities (K) in relation to pressure head (h). Moisture retention data were obtained by measuring outflow from undisturbed core samples placed in porous cups at certain negative pressure heads. Micromorphometric analysis of thin sections supplied quantitative descriptions of macroporosity patterns and pore types. Ksal of the Humult decreased from 1000 cm day−1 under forest to 50 cm day−1 under pasture. Macroporosity of the forest topsoil consisted mainly of compound packing voids. In the pasture topsoil predominantly vughs and more planar voids were present and macroporosity was significantly lower. Ksat was equal at 70 cm day−1 under both types of vegetation of the Tropept. Compound packing voids as well as vughs were present under both forest and pasture. Under pasture more planar voids appeared and macroporosity decreased significantly. Both total porosity and bulk density, before and after clearing of forest, were not significantly different in the two soil types. Obviously, puddling occurred in both soil types. Structure degradation in the relatively old Humu't was, however, more severe in shorter time than in the relatively young Tropept over a longer time span.
On Sampling from Massive Graph Streams

We propose Graph Priority Sampling (gps), a new paradigm for order-based reservoir sampling from massive graph streams. gps provides a general way to weight edge sampling according to auxiliary and/or size variables so as to accomplish various estimation goals of graph properties. In the context of subgraph counting, we show how edge sampling weights can be chosen so as to minimize the estimation variance of counts of specified sets of subgraphs. In distinction with many prior graph sampling schemes, gps separates the functions of edge sampling and subgraph estimation. We propose two estimation frameworks: (1) Post-Stream estimation, to allow gps to construct a reference sample of edges to support retrospective graph queries, and (2) In-Stream estimation, to allow gps to obtain lower variance estimates by incrementally updating the subgraph count estimates during stream processing. Unbiasedness of subgraph estimators is established through a new Martingale formulation of graph stream order sampling, in which subgraph estimators, written as a product of constituent edge estimators, are unbiased, even when computed at different points in the stream. The separation of estimation and sampling enables significant resource savings relative to previous work. We illustrate our framework with applications to triangle and wedge counting. We perform a large-scale experimental study on real-world graphs from various domains and types. gps achieves high accuracy with < 1% error for triangle and wedge counting, while storing a small fraction of the graph with average update times of a few microseconds per edge. Notably, for billion-scale graphs, gps accurately estimates triangle and wedge counts with < 1% error, while storing a small fraction of < 0.01% of the total edges in the graph.
Real-time target detection against strong background under daytime conditions

Real-time target detection against strong (bright) background under daytime is a challenging and leading edge subject, and also is a key technique for imaging tracking system. Strong background makes CCD image sensor work in critical saturation state, and imaging target contrast is very low. It's very difficult to accurately and stably track due to the complex characteristics of imaging target, such as strong clutter background, low contrast, and low signal to noise radio (SNR). So the key techniques for detecting and tracking target are eliminating the disturbance of diffuse reflection and beacon, synchronous detection, improving the performance of real-time image processing with high frame rate and high sampling rate. A robust strategy for detecting and tracking day-time target was proposed in this paper. A series of efficient approaches ware presented to improve performance of detection and tracking in precision and stability, including strong background and noise suppression, image enhancement, adaptive thresholding, region merging based on morphology, recognition and tracking algorithm and so on. In the end, we summarized and built the effictive flow for detecting and tracking target against strong background under daytime. The results of combining computer simulation with practical detection experiments show that the above-mentioned approaches are feasible and significant for real-time tracking system.
Atypical modes of bacterial histidine kinase signaling

The environment of a cell has a profound influence on its physiology, development and evolution. Accordingly, the capacity to sense and respond to physical and chemical signals in the environment is an important feature of cellular biology. In bacteria, environmental sensory perception is often regulated by two‐component signal transduction systems (TCSTs). Canonical TCST entails signal‐induced autophosphorylation of a sensor histidine kinase (HK) followed by phosphoryl transfer to a cognate response regulator (RR) protein, which may affect gene expression at multiple levels. Recent studies provide evidence for systems that do not adhere to this archetypal TCST signaling model. We present selected examples of atypical modes of signal transduction including inactivation of HK activity via homo‐ and hetero oligomerization, and cross‐phosphorylation between HKs. These examples highlight mechanisms bacteria use to integrate environmental signals to control complex adaptive processes.
Factores que afectan el éxito reproductivo y la calidad de la nidada del Pingüino Patagónico (Spheniscus magellanicus) en el Canal Beagle, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina

En este estudio se estimó la duración de los viajes de alimentación y el tamaño corporal de machos y hembras del Pingüino Patagónico durante el período reproductivo en una colonia del Canal Beagle, Tierra del Fuego, y se determinaron las implicancias de estos parámetros sobre el éxito reproductivo y la calidad de la nidada. La duración de los viajes difirió significativamente entre sexos y entre las distintas etapas reproductivas. Las hembras realizaron viajes más extensos que los machos durante la etapa de incubación. Esto podría deberse a diferencias en las reservas corporales y en capacidades de alimentación relacionadas con su condición corporal. En ambos sexos, los viajes realizados durante la etapa de incubación fueron más prolongados, mientras que los realizados durante el cuidado temprano de pichones fueron más cortos. Los viajes de alimentación tuvieron menor duración cuando los pichones eran más pequeños y necesitaban de un mayor cuidado parental. Se registró un alto valor de éxito reproductivo (1.51 pichones por nido) comparado con el de colonias de las Islas Malvinas y Punta Tombo. Estos resultados podrían explicarse por diferencias en la disponibilidad de alimento en aguas cercanas a la colonia. El tamaño corporal de los padres no se relacionó con el éxito reproductivo. No obstante, las hembras con mayor tamaño corporal produjeron pichones de mayor tamaño al comienzo de la muda y nidadas de mayor calidad. La correlación positiva entre el tamaño de la hembra y el tamaño de los pichones al comienzo de la muda sugiere un aporte importante de las hembras en el desarrollo del pichón.
Uso de metilfenidato en niños y adolescentes usuarios de servicios de asistencia pública de Montevideo

Resumen Introduccion: el metilfenidato es el psicofarmacorecomendado para el tratamiento del trastorno pordeficit atencional e hiperactividad (TDAH), la alteraciondel comportamiento mas frecuente en ninos. En lasfarmacias del Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell(CHPR) y del Hospital Vilardebo (HV), responsables dela dispensacion de metilfenidato a los beneficiarios delos servicios dependientes de la Administracion deServicios de Salud del Estado (ASSE), esta se duplicoentre 2001 y 2006. A nivel internacional, recientementese ha advertido sobre la aparicion de reaccionesadversas graves. Objetivo: describir el uso de metilfenidato en unapoblacion de ninos beneficiarios del sector publico desalud de Montevideo. Metodologia : se identificaron los ninos de6a14anosque retiraron metilfenidato de las farmacias del CHPRy del HV, entre setiembre y diciembre de 2006. Enbase al numero de ninos potenciales usuarios deASSE de Montevideo y la frecuencia estimada de laenfermedad (5%) se determino el tamano muestral en114 (IC95%; imprecision 3%). Se realizo una encuestatelefonica a los padres y/o tutores del nino en la quese analizo
One-round secure comparison of integers

Abstract We consider the problem of securely evaluating the Greater Than (GT) predicate and its extension – transferring one of two secrets, depending on the result of comparison. We generalize our solutions and show how to securely decide membership in the union of a set of intervals. We then consider the related problem of comparing two encrypted numbers. We show how to efficiently apply our solutions to practical settings, such as auctions with the semi-honest auctioneer, proxy selling, etc. All of our protocols are one round. We propose new primitives, Strong Conditional Oblivious Transfer (SCOT) and Conditional Encrypted Mapping (CEM), which capture common security properties of one round protocols in a variety of settings, which may be of independent interest.
A linear and compact charge-coupled charge packet differencer/replicator

A new charge-coupled circuit for creating a charge packet equal to the difference of two input charge packets is analyzed. The circuit features inherent linearity through the use of quasi-three-dimensional charge-coupling, and can be implemented in a compact way. Depending upon the areal ratio of the circuit's primary electrodes, various fixed gains in the transfer characteristic may be obtained. The signal charges are transferred to the circuit through remote and possibly multiple floating diffusion collectors which may also function as summing nodes. Multiple copies of the output charge packet may be regenerated without refreshing the circuit input. A large geometry prototype device has been fabricated and characterized. The device demonstrates the operation of the circuit and features less than -40-dB linearity distortion over a dynamic range which exceeds 70 dB. Improved performance is expected in smaller geometry devices.
Irma3D - an Intelligent Robot for Mapping Applications

Abstract Motivated by the increasing need of rapid characterization of environments in 3D, we designed a robot system that automates the work of an operator of terrestrial laser scanners. The built system enables to work without using special targets or markers and thus enables the surveyors to save more than 75% of the time spent in the field. Another impulse for developing the platform is the demand for a remote multi-sensor inspection tool. The robot is capable of surveying remote sites or danger areas, such as plants, underground mines, tunnels, caves, or channels. The results are precise, multi-modal digital 3D maps. This paper presents the recently developed robot Irma3D, its hardware, the developed interconnected software modules, the associated sensor calibration methods and a few applications.
Green Synthesis of Gold , Platinum and Palladium Nanoparticles by Lignin and Hemicellulose

Nowadays, noble metal nanoparticles (NPs) are at a leading edge of the rapidly developing field of nanomaterials [1-3]. Preparation of noble metal NPs, such as platinum, gold and palladium, have been studied intensively based on their wide usefulness in magnetic, electronic, catalytic and mechanic technologies [4,5] Various methods have been developed for their preparation, including citrate reduction, sodium borohydride reduction, polyol process and physical radiolytic synthesis etc [69]. However, in those cases, harmful or petroleum-derived chemical reduce agents or dispersant were used to prepare stable metal NPs. Under the growing concern over the depleting of fossil fuels and the excessive emission of greenhouse gases, "green processes" in terms of eco-friendly reducing and stabilizing agents, "green" solvent and rout are attracting increasing attention to the production of metal NPs. Biomass with abundant availability and renewable nature plays an important role in the preparation of metal NPs [10]. Biomass such as vitamin B1, vitamin B2 and Honey et al. has been reported widely for the formation of noble metal NPs [11-15].
Acetate provokes mitochondrial stress and cell death in Ustilago maydis

The fungal pathogen Ustilago maydis causes disease on maize by mating to establish an infectious filamentous cell type that invades the host and induces tumours. We previously found that β‐oxidation mutants were defective in virulence and did not grow on acetate. Here, we demonstrate that acetate inhibits filamentation during mating and in response to oleic acid. We therefore examined the influence of different carbon sources by comparing the transcriptomes of cells grown on acetate, oleic acid or glucose, with expression changes for the fungus during tumour formation in planta. Guided by the transcriptional profiling, we found that acetate negatively influenced resistance to stress, promoted the formation of reactive oxygen species, triggered cell death in stationary phase and impaired virulence on maize. We also found that acetate induced mitochondrial stress by interfering with mitochondrial functions. Notably, the disruption of oxygen perception or inhibition of the electron transport chain also influenced filamentation and mating. Finally, we made use of the connections between acetate and β‐oxidation to test metabolic inhibitors for an influence on growth and virulence. These experiments identified diclofenac as a potential inhibitor of virulence. Overall, these findings support the possibility of targeting mitochondrial metabolic functions to control fungal pathogens.
DENSIDAD POBLACIONAL Y ALGUNOS ASPECTOS DE USO DE HÁBITAT DEL PEREZOSO DE TRES DEDOS (BRADYPUS VARIEGATUS) EN UN AMBIENTE INSULAR DEL CHOCÓ BIOGEOGRÁFICO COLOMBIANO

The exhuberant tropical rain forest present in the biogeographic area of Choco is one of the main diversity hot spots in the planet. In this environment, the arboreal mammals suit an important role by connecting the different forest stratums. This research was carried out in Isla Palma (Bahia Malaga, Valle del Cauca) where the unique arboreal mammal reported is Bradypus variegatus (Three toed sloths). With the purpose of widening knowledge of this species in insular areas of the biogeographic Choco, five sampling field trips were conducted during 2008, in which aspects related with the habitat use were recorded and population density was estimated using the Distance 6.0 software. Probably, the absence of natural predators, the absence of direct competitors, and the restricted access of human beings to this insular locality have favored the recordings of population density of B. variegates, in Isla Palma in 71,7 ind/Km2 (IC 95 %= 43,1- 119,3 ind/Km2),being the highest second population recorded for the especies.
Limestone percussion tools from the late Early Pleistocene sites of Barranco León and Fuente Nueva 3 (Orce, Spain)

In recent years, there is growing interest in the study of percussion scars and breakage patterns on hammerstones, cores and tools from Oldowan African and Eurasian lithic assemblages. Oldowan stone toolkits generally contain abundant small-sized flakes and their corresponding cores, and are characterized by their structural dichotomy of heavy- and light-duty tools. This paper explores the significance of the lesser known heavy-duty tool component, providing data from the late Lower Pleistocene sites of Barranco León and Fuente Nueva 3 (Orce, Spain), dated 1.4–1.2 Myr. Using quantitative and qualitative data from the large-sized limestone industries from these two major sites, we present a new methodology highlighting their morpho-technological features. In the light of the results, we discuss the shortfalls of extant classificatory methods for interpreting the role of percussive technology in early toolkits. This work is rooted in an experimental program designed to reproduce the wide range of percussion marks observed on the limestone artefacts from these two sites. A visual and descriptive reference is provided as an interpretative aid for future comparative research. Further experiments using a variety of materials and gestures are still needed before the elusive traces yield the secrets of the kinds of percussive activities carried out by hominins at these, and other, Oldowan sites.