Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Relaxed Hilberg Conjecture: A Review and New Experimental Support

Abstract The relaxed Hilberg conjecture states that the mutual information between two adjacent blocks of text in natural language grows as a power of the block length. The present paper reviews recent results concerning this conjecture. First, the relaxed Hilberg conjecture occurs when the texts repeatedly describe a random reality and Herdan’s law for facts repeatedly described in the texts is obeyed. Second, the relaxed Hilberg conjecture implies Herdan’s law for set phrases, which can be associated with the better known Herdan law for words. Third, the relaxed Hilberg conjecture is positively tested, using the Lempel-Ziv universal code, on a selection of texts in English, German, and French. Hence the relaxed Hilberg conjecture seems to be a likely and important hypothesis concerning natural language.
Insulin resistance correlates with the arterial stiffness before glucose intolerance.

OBJECTIVE The elevated plasma glucose level and/or insulin resistance in diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance play important roles in the pathogenesis of arterial stiffness. The present study investigated whether insulin resistance correlated with arterial stiffness before the development of glucose intolerance. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional analysis in 872 young to middle-age individuals with normal glucose tolerance (aged 36.2±8.5 years, BMI 24.6±3.1 kg/m2 [mean±SD]). The homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) index was used as a quantitative assessment of the fasting insulin resistance (FIR), and the plasma insulin level after glucose loading was adopted as an index of the post-challenge insulin resistance (PIR). The Matsuda index [ISI (composite)] was used as a measurement of the insulin sensitivity. The arterial stiffness assessed by the brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) was adopted to quantify its independent associations with insulin resistance. RESULTS The univariate linear regression analysis indicated that the fasting plasma glucose level (FPG, β = 68.2; 95% CI 40.9, 95.6; p<0.001), post-challenge plasma glucose level (PPG, β = 25.3; 95% CI 15.6, 35.0; p<0.001), FIR (β = 24.5; 95% CI 14.1, 35.0; p<0.001), PIR (β=1.30; 95% CI 0.87, 1.73; p<0.001) and ISI (composite) (β = -3.55; 95% CI -5.02, -2.07; p<0.001) were all significantly correlated with the baPWV. After adjustment for sex, age, BMI, heart rate, smoking, systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and family history of diabetes, the multivariate linear regression analysis demonstrated that the PIR (model 1, β = 0.39, p=0.038; model 2, β = 0.39, p=0.035; model 3, β = 0.39, p=0.035) was an independent contributor to the baPWV, while the FIR, FPG, PPG and ISI (composite) failed to show any significant contribution. CONCLUSION The insulin resistance correlated with the arterial stiffness before glucose intolerance.
Identification and characterization of multiple novel Rab–myosin Va interactions

A systematic screen of the entire human Rab GTPase family for interactions with myosin Va identified 10 novel Rab partners for myosin Va, all of which belong to the endocytic recycling and post-Golgi secretory membrane network. However, Rab10 and Rab11 appear to be the major determinants of its recruitment to intracellular membranes.
Towards a Peer-to-Peer Object Middleware for Wide-Area Collaborative Application Development

In this paper we present DERMI, a decentralized wide-area event-based object middleware built on top of a peer-to-peer substrate. Its main building block is the underlying publish/subscribe event notification system provided by the peer-to-peer layer. By using this methodology, innovative benefits like object mobility and discovery, object replication and caching, distributed interception, high performance synchronous/asynchronous one-to-one/one-to-many notifications and decentralized object location services are provided. Moreover, new programming abstractions (anycall and manycall) are introduced, which allow the programmer to make calls to groups of objects without taking care of which of them responds until a determinate condition is met. We believe that such middleware is a solid building block for future wide-area collaborative applications.
A SIMULATOR FOR DIFFERENTIAL MSK DIRECT SEQUENCE SPREAD SPECTRUM SYSTEMS OPERATING IN A MULTIPATH AWGN ENVIRONMENT WITH APPLICATIONS TO ACOUSTIC TRAVEL-TIME MEASUREMENT

In this poster we shall present a simulator developed for complete simulation of a D-MSK DSSS (Differential Minimum Shift Keying Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum) system which operates in a multipath AWGN (Additive White Gaussian Noise) channel. The simulator is “complete” in the sense that it simulates the transmitter, the channel, and the receiver. This includes precise simulation of the various synchronization loops in the receiver, ability to simulate a virtually unlimited number of multipath interferers with arbitrary amplitudes, and complete control over the parameters of the communications link. The simulator is operated through a Matlab GUI (Graphical User Interface) which runs proprietary code written in Matlab. In addition to discussing the simulator itself, we shall also outline one of the unique applications of the simulation program, which is in the development of a novel technique for acoustic travel-time measurement in geophysical exploration.
The effect of spectral slope on pitch perception

This study aims to explore whether listeners integrate spectral cues in pitch-range perceptions. A forced-choice pitch classification experiment with four spectral conditions was conducted to investigate whether spectral cue manipulation can affect pitch-height perceptions. The participants in this experiment include tonal vs. non-tonal language speakers and musicians vs. non-musicians. The results show that the pitch classification function significantly shifted under different spectral conditions. Listeners generally hear higher pitches when the spectrum includes more high-frequency energy (i.e., tenser phonation). This study strongly supports the hypothesis that voice quality cues and F0 interact in pitch perceptions. Moreover, language experience and musical training can affect the magnitude of shifts.
How Do Coil Configuration and Packing Density Influence Intra-Aneurysmal Hemodynamics?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Endovascular coiling is a well-established therapy for treating intracranial aneurysms. Nonetheless, postoperative hemodynamic changes induced by this therapy remain not fully understood. The purpose of this work is to assess the influence of coil configuration and packing density on intra-aneurysmal hemodynamics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three 3D rotational angiography images of 3 intracranial aneurysms before and after endovascular coiling were used. For each aneurysm, a 3D representation of the vasculature was obtained after the segmentation of the images. Afterward, a virtual coiling technique was used to treat the aneurysm geometries with coil models. The aneurysms were coiled with 5 packing densities, and each was generated by using 3 coil configurations. Computational fluid dynamics analyses were carried out in both untreated and treated aneurysm geometries. Statistical tests were performed to evaluate the relative effect of coil configuration on local hemodynamics. RESULTS: The intra-aneurysmal blood flow velocity and wall shear stress were diminished as packing density increased. Aneurysmal flow velocity was reduced >50% due to the first inserted coils (packing density <12%) but with a high dependency on coil configuration. Nonsignificant differences (P > .01) were found in the hemodynamics due to coil configuration for high packing densities (near 30%). A damping effect was observed on the intra-aneurysmal blood flow waveform after coiling. CONCLUSIONS: Intra-aneurysmal hemodynamics are altered by coils. Coil configuration might reduce its influence on intra-aneurysmal hemodynamics as the packing density increases until an insignificant influence could be achieved for high packing densities.
On the Average Distribution of Inversive Pseudorandom Numbers

The inversive congruential method is an attractive alternative to the classical linear congruential method for pseudorandom number generation. The authors have recently introduced a new method for obtaining nontrivial upper bounds on the multidimensional discrepancy of inversive congruential pseudorandom numbers in parts of the period. This method has also been used to study the multidimensional distribution of several other similar families of pseudorandom numbers. Here we apply this method to show that, ''on average'' over all initial values, much stronger results than those known for ''individual'' sequences can be obtained.
AoDI: an allocation-on-demand incremental volume based on LVM

Cloud computing has become one of the hottest topics in both academia and industry. In cloud computing, virtualization is the fundamental technology, and the resource management is the key issue. Storage, an important resource, traditionally is allocated to users according to users' predictions, so may cause bad space utilization because of overprovisioning or underprovisioning. Dynamic adjusting is difficult because of the fixed address mapping used in the traditional storage systems. In this paper, we present an Allocation-On-Demand Incremental (AoDI) volume. It uses an appending rather than overwriting strategy to deal with the write requests. So we can obtain accurate storage space usage easily. Accompany with an automatic volume extension technique, AoDI can allocate storage space always matching users' real-time requirement, so avoids space waste. Based on appending strategy, we also design a Non-COW (Non Copy On Write) snapshot that is dramatically faster than traditional COW snapshots. Since snapshot is a frequent operation in cloud or virtualization systems, Non-COW snapshot can improve overall performance effectively. Another advantage of AoDI is translating random requests into sequential requests that obviously can speed up random access. We implement AoDI based on LVM (Logical Volume Manager) in Linux platform. Our experimental results show the great performance advantage of AoDI in snapshot and random access.
The effect of quality of rendering on user lighting impressions and presence in virtual environments

A between groups experiment was carried out to explore the effect of rendering quality on subjective impressions of illumination and perceived presence after exposure to a Virtual Environment (VE). The computer graphics scenes were rendered in varied levels of shadow accuracy utilising flat-shaded and radiosity rendering and were displayed on a stereo, head tracked Head Mounted Display (HMD). A total of 36 participants were exposed to each experimental visual condition and after completing a spatial task, they were given two questionnaires: A presence questionnaire and a questionnaire investigating subjective responses to lighting. Relevant results show a positive correlation between presence and subjective impressions of lighting (e.g. 'warm', 'comfortable', 'spacious', etc.) associated to the high-quality, full-shadow accuracy rendering condition. How real-world responses for both presence and lighting could be incorporated into a computer graphics simulation is still an open research question.
Adrenal adrenoceptors in heart failure

Heart failure (HF) is a chronic clinical syndrome characterized by the reduction in left ventricular (LV) function and it represents one of the most important causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite considerable advances in pharmacological treatment, HF represents a severe clinical and social burden. Sympathetic outflow, characterized by increased circulating catecholamines (CA) biosynthesis and secretion, is peculiar in HF and sympatholytic treatments (as β-blockers) are presently being used for the treatment of this disease. Adrenal gland secretes Epinephrine (80%) and Norepinephrine (20%) in response to acetylcholine stimulation of nicotinic cholinergic receptors on the chromaffin cell membranes. This process is regulated by adrenergic receptors (ARs): α2ARs inhibit CA release through coupling to inhibitory Gi-proteins, and β ARs (mainly β2ARs) stimulate CA release through coupling to stimulatory Gs-proteins. All ARs are G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and GPCR kinases (GRKs) regulate their signaling and function. Adrenal GRK2-mediated α2AR desensitization and downregulation are increased in HF and seem to be a fundamental regulator of CA secretion from the adrenal gland. Consequently, restoration of adrenal α2AR signaling through the inhibition of GRK2 is a fascinating sympatholytic therapeutic strategy for chronic HF. This strategy could have several significant advantages over existing HF pharmacotherapies minimizing side-effects on extra-cardiac tissues and reducing the chronic activation of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone and endothelin systems. The role of adrenal ARs in regulation of sympathetic hyperactivity opens interesting perspectives in understanding HF pathophysiology and in the identification of new therapeutic targets.
Assessment of Patients’ Perception of Telemedicine Services Using the Service User Technology Acceptability Questionnaire

Introduction: The purpose of this paper is to assess if similar telemedicine services integrated in the management of different chronic diseases are acceptable and well perceived by patients or if there are any negative perceptions. Theory and methods: Participants suffering from different chronic diseases were enrolled in Veneto Region and gathered into clusters. Each cluster received a similar telemedicine service equipped with different disease-specific measuring devices. Participants were patients with diabetes (n = 163), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (n = 180), congestive heart failure (n = 140) and Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices (n = 1635). The Service User Technology Acceptability Questionnaire (SUTAQ) was initially translated, culturally adapted and pretested and subsequently used to assess patients’ perception of telemedicine. Data were collected after 3 months and after 12 months from the beginning of the intervention. Data for patients with implantable devices was collected only at 12 months. Results: Results at 12 months for all clusters are similar and assessed a positive perception of telemedicine. The SUTAQ results for clusters 2 (diabetes), 5 (COPD) and 7 (CHF) after 3 months of intervention were confirmed after 12 months. Conclusions: Telemedicine was perceived as a viable addition to usual care. A positive perception for telemedicine services isn’t a transitory effect, but extends over the course of time.
Interpreting the Possible Ecological Role(s) of Cyanotoxins: Compounds for Competitive Advantage and/or Physiological Aide?

To date, most research on freshwater cyanotoxin(s) has focused on understanding the dynamics of toxin production and decomposition, as well as evaluating the environmental conditions that trigger toxin production, all with the objective of informing management strategies and options for risk reduction. Comparatively few research studies have considered how this information can be used to understand the broader ecological role of cyanotoxin(s), and the possible applications of this knowledge to the management of toxic blooms. This paper explores the ecological, toxicological, and genetic evidence for cyanotoxin production in natural environments. The possible evolutionary advantages of toxin production are grouped into two main themes: That of “competitive advantage” or “physiological aide”. The first grouping illustrates how compounds produced by cyanobacteria may have originated from the need for a cellular defence mechanism, in response to grazing pressure and/or resource competition. The second grouping considers the contribution that secondary metabolites make to improved cellular physiology, through benefits to homeostasis, photosynthetic efficiencies, and accelerated growth rates. The discussion also includes other factors in the debate about possible evolutionary roles for toxins, such as different modes of exposures and effects on non-target (i.e., non-competitive) species. The paper demonstrates that complex and multiple factors are at play in driving evolutionary processes in aquatic environments. This information may provide a fresh perspective on managing toxic blooms, including the need to use a “systems approach” to understand how physico-chemical conditions, as well biological stressors, interact to trigger toxin production.
Can domain-specific languages be implemented by service-oriented architecture?

Although there have been many benefits of Domain-Specific Languages (DSLs) reported from both academia and industry, the need to evolve a DSL definition in the presence of limited tool support results in several challenges that increase DSL development cost and constrain DSL adoption opportunities. As a new approach to address such limitations, this paper introduces a Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) technique to implement an existing imperative DSL. The approach utilizes WSDL to perform lexical analysis and assist with syntax analysis. The paper also explores how WS-BPEL can be used to define a DSL grammar. Web services have potential to define the semantics of a DSL. The advantages that SOA offers in DSL implementation are realized through SOA's characteristics of interoperability, loose coupling, and technology-neutral implementation.
Methane emissions from wetlands: biogeochemical, microbial, and modeling perspectives from local to global scales

Understanding the dynamics of methane (CH4) emissions is of paramount importance because CH4 has 25 times the global warming potential of carbon dioxide (CO2) and is currently the second most important anthropogenic greenhouse gas. Wetlands are the single largest natural CH4 source with median emissions from published studies of 164 Tg yr−1, which is about a third of total global emissions. We provide a perspective on important new frontiers in obtaining a better understanding of CH4 dynamics in natural systems, with a focus on wetlands. One of the most exciting recent developments in this field is the attempt to integrate the different methodologies and spatial scales of biogeochemistry, molecular microbiology, and modeling, and thus this is a major focus of this review. Our specific objectives are to provide an up‐to‐date synthesis of estimates of global CH4 emissions from wetlands and other freshwater aquatic ecosystems, briefly summarize major biogeophysical controls over CH4 emissions from wetlands, suggest new frontiers in CH4 biogeochemistry, examine relationships between methanogen community structure and CH4 dynamics in situ, and to review the current generation of CH4 models. We highlight throughout some of the most pressing issues concerning global change and feedbacks on CH4 emissions from natural ecosystems. Major uncertainties in estimating current and future CH4 emissions from natural ecosystems include the following: (i) A number of important controls over CH4 production, consumption, and transport have not been, or are inadequately, incorporated into existing CH4 biogeochemistry models. (ii) Significant errors in regional and global emission estimates are derived from large spatial‐scale extrapolations from highly heterogeneous and often poorly mapped wetland complexes. (iii) The limited number of observations of CH4 fluxes and their associated environmental variables loosely constrains the parameterization of process‐based biogeochemistry models.
Documenting social networks

The many social networks available on the Web offer users several facilities involving the sharing of media as a way of allow communication. This workshop will discuss the role of document engineering in social networks, targeting at issues such as: what documents can we create by analyzing the available information; what documents users manipulate/add/refer to in social networks; what are the roles of authors and readers.
Formal Fault Tree Semantics

In train control systems, more and more (electro-)mechanical devices are substituted by software based devices. To sustain the high level safety standards for these embedded systems, we propose the integration of fault tree analysis and formal methods. This combines two important safety analysis methods from the involved domains of engineering and software development. Our approach proposes to build a formal model of the system together with fault trees, which investigate the safety critical aspects by breaking them down to software and hardware requirements. The events of fault trees are formalized with respect to the model. Formal completeness and correctness conditions are given, using Interval Tempo- ral Logic with continuous semantics. They define a formal semantics of fault trees, which allows cause-consequence relations between events in addition to boolean decomposi- tion. The semantics is therefore suitable for dynamic sys- tems. We will prove, that the conditions guarantee, that the fault tree is a correct and complete analysis of the causes of the considered fault.
A Consideration of the Precision Improvement in WiFi Positioning System

Recently, WiFi Positioning System (WPS) plays important role in ubiquitous applications. The main problem of WPS is how to collect WiFi Access Point(AP) locations because the most of the APs are usually installed on grass-root basis and their locations are not published.We use Locky.jp provided by Nagoya University Research Group as a WPS for our ubiquitous applications. However the precision of the AP location data in Locky.jp is not enough for our applications. To improve the precision of the AP location database, we are going to apply statistical and heuristic methods. In this paper, we described the overview of our heuristic approach and define the quality of AP observation logs and location data. We also evaluated the quality definition by simple simulations.
Using Psychophysiological Parameters to Support Users in Setting Effective Activity Goals

Goal-setting has shown some promise in promoting physical activity behavior change among adults. In this context, adaptive goal setting has been identified as a relevant future research area. However, it is not yet addressed in research sufficiently. We present a theoretical approach for adaptively supporting users in goal-setting. We explore potentials of using heart rate variability (HRV) for tailoring goal-setting in activity tracking applications. In consideration of intrapersonal variance in HRV, we suggest strategies for adaptively supporting goal-setting. We indicate the potential of HRV as a parameter for designing supportive activity tracking applications.
Transformer: A functional-driven cycle-accurate multicore simulator

Full-system simulators are extremely useful in evaluating design alternatives for multicore. However, state-of-the-art multicore simulators either lack good extensibility due to their tightly-coupled design between functional model (FM) and timing model (TM), or cannot guarantee cycle-accuracy. This paper conducts a comprehensive study on factors affecting cycle-accuracy and uncovers several contributing factors ignored before. Based on the study, we propose a loosely-coupled functional-driven full-system simulator for multicore, namely Transformer. To ensure extensibility and cycle-accuracy, Transformer leverages an architecture-independent interface between FM and TM and uses a lightweight scheme to detect and recover from execution divergence between FM and TM. Based on Transformer, a graduate student only needs to write about 180 lines of code and takes about two months to extend an X86 functional model (QEMU) in Transformer. Moreover, the loosely-coupled design also removes the complex interaction between FM and TM and opens the opportunity to parallelize FM and TM to improve performance. Experimental results show that Transformer achieves an average of 8.4% speedup over GEMS while guaranteeing the cycle-accuracy. A further parallelization between FM and TM leads to 35.3% speedup.