Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Zeus Problem: Why Representational Content Biases Cannot Explain Faith in Gods

In a recent article, Barrett (2008) argued that a collection of five representational content features can explain both why people believe in God and why people do not believe in Santa Claus or Mickey Mouse. In this model – and within the cognitive science of religion as a whole – it is argued that representational content biases are central to belief. In the present paper, we challenge the notion that representational content biases can explain the epidemiology of belief. Instead, we propose that representational content biases might explain why some concepts become widespread, but that context biases in cultural transmission are necessary to explain why people come to believe in some counterintuitive agents rather than others. Many supernatural agents, including those worshipped by other cultural groups, meet Barrett’s criteria. Nevertheless, people do not come to believe in the gods of their neighbors. This raises a new challenge for the cognitive science of religion: the Zeus Problem. Zeus contains all of the features of successful gods, and was once a target for widespread belief, worship, and commitment. But Zeus is no longer a target for widespread belief and commitment, despite having the requisite content to fulfill Barrett’s criteria. We analyze Santa Claus, God, and Zeus with both content and context biases, finding that context – not content – explains belief. We argue that a successful cognitive science of religious belief needs to move beyond simplistic notions of cultural evolution that only include representational content biases.
Scheduling in and out forests in the presence of communication delays

The authors consider the problem of scheduling tasks on multiprocessor architectures in the presence of communication delays. Given a set of dependent tasks, the scheduling problem is to allocate the tasks to processors such that the pre-specified precedence constraints among the tasks are obeyed and certain cost-measures (such as computation time) are minimized. Several cases of the scheduling problem have been proven to be NP-complete. Nevertheless, there are polynomial time algorithms for several interesting special cases of the general scheduling problem. Most of these results, however, do not take into consideration the delays due to message passing among processors. The authors study the increase in time complexity of the scheduling problem due to the introduction of communication delays. In particular, they address the open problem of scheduling out-forests (in-forests) in a multiprocessor system of m identical processors when communication delays are considered. They present first known polynomial time algorithms for the computation of the optimal schedule when the number of available processors is given and bounded and both computation and communication delays are assumed to take one unit of time. <<ETX>>
Contributions to image-based object reconstruction : geometric and photometric aspects

This thesis treats one fundamental problem in computer vision which is image-based object reconstruction. It concentrates on the problem of improving the geometric accuracy of the reconstructed three-dimensional (3D) models. We define two principal lines of research which are: i) improving camera calibration accuracy, and ii) improving reconstruction accuracy based on Helmholtz Stereopsis (HS). Starting by improving the accuracy of camera calibration is a natural idea, because it is a preliminary stage to most reconstruction techniques. HS is a relatively recent reconstruction technique (2002), based on the principle of Helmholtz reciprocity, and which is remarkable for its ability to reconstruct a wide range of surfaces, regardless of their surface properties. In camera calibration, we present a collection of methods based on invariants, which can be used to improve calibration accuracy of the camera. Two main classes of methods are presented. The first one is based on Points at Infinity (PI), and applies to a translating camera. The second one is based on a novel entity called the Normalised Image of the Absolute Conic (NIAC). The NIAC generalises the invariance properties of the Image of the Absolute Conic (IAC), and we demonstrate its application for zooming camera calibration. In both situations, experiments with synthetic and real data showed some improvement over standard camera calibration methods which do not consider such invariance properties. In object reconstruction using HS, we present two main contributions. Firstly, we improve the intrinsic accuracy of the standard HS technique, by formulating an optimum normal reconstruction method, which gives a Maximum Likelihood (ML) estimate under standard Gaussian noise assumption. Secondly, we look at HS in a broader perspective, and observe that the standard pixel based implementation is biased in the case of rough and/or strongly textured surfaces. We propose a novel formulation, supported by recent research in the field of Physics, which does not suffer from such limitations. Results are given with a variety of objects presenting diverse surface properties and whose reconstruction with conventional reconstruction techniques is challenging. We show that HS is able to produce realistic and visually accurate 3D models.
ASIC-based Implementation of Synchronous Section-Carry Based Carry Lookahead Adders

The section-carry based carry lookahead adder (SCBCLA) topology was proposed as an improved high-speed alternative to the conventional carry lookahead adder (CCLA) topology in previous works. Selftimed and FPGA-based implementations of SCBCLAs and CCLAs were considered earlier, and it was found that SCBCLAs could help in delay reduction i.e. pave the way for improved speed compared to CCLAs at the expense of some increase in area and/or power parameters. In this work, we consider semi-custom ASIC-based implementations of different variants of SCBCLAs and CCLAs to perform 32-bit dual-operand addition. Based on the simulation results for 32-bit dual-operand addition obtained by targeting a high-end 32/28nm CMOS process, it is found that an optimized SCBCLA architecture reports a 9.8% improvement in figure-of-merit (FOM) compared to an optimized CCLA architecture, where the FOM is defined as the inverse of the product of power, delay, and area. It is generally inferred from the simulations that the SCBCLA architecture could be more beneficial compared to the CCLA architecture in terms of the design metrics whilst benefitting a variety of computer arithmetic operations involving dual-operand and/or multi-operand additions. Also, it is observed that heterogeneous CLA architectures tend to fare well compared to homogeneous CLA architectures, as substantiated by the simulation results.
Seizure exacerbation and status epileptics related to carbamazepine‐10,11‐epoxide

Over a 3‐year period, we encountered 6 adults whose seizure control unexpectedly deteriorated with the occurrence of partial status epilepticus and daily multiple seizures. Analysis of the case histories and subsequent clinical follow‐up for 1 1/2 to 3 years disclosed the following evidence that demonstrates the role of carbamazepine‐epoxide in the development of the seizure exacerbation: (1) There were high serum carbamazepine‐epoxide concentrations while serum carbamazepine concentrations were lower than or the same as baseline levels; (2) all patients were taking drugs that are known to increase serum carbamazepine‐epoxide concentrations; (3) status epilepticus failed to respond to intravenous phenytoin loading; (4) seizure exacerbation in all patients was corrected by withholding carbamazepine dose; (5) seizure exacerbation recurred in 1 patient who resumed the same dose of carbamazepine; and (6) there were no prior status epilepticus or daily multiple seizures despite previous toxicities with other antiepileptic drugs in 3 patients. Our experience shows that inconspicuous elevation of carbamazepine‐epoxide levels during polytherapy may precipitate a distinct state of drug toxicity characterized by severe exacerbation of seizures. Mental retardation may be a predisposition to this condition.
Using batteries to reduce the power costs of internet-scale distributed networks

Modern Internet-scale distributed networks have hundreds of thousands of servers deployed in hundreds of locations and networks around the world. Canonical examples of such networks are content delivery networks (called CDNs) that we study in this paper. The operating expenses of large distributed networks are increasingly driven by the cost of supplying power to their servers. Typically, CDNs procure power through long-term contracts from co-location providers and pay on the basis of the power (KWs) provisioned for them, rather than on the basis of the energy (KWHs) actually consumed. We propose the use of batteries to reduce both the required power supply and the incurred power cost of a CDN. We provide a theoretical model and an algorithmic framework for provisioning batteries to minimize the total power supply and the total power costs of a CDN. We evaluate our battery provisioning algorithms using extensive load traces derived from Akamai's CDN to empirically study the achievable benefits. We show that batteries can provide up to 14% power savings, that would increase to 22% for more power-proportional next-generation servers, and would increase even more to 35.3% for perfectly power-proportional servers. Likewise, the cost savings, inclusive of the additional battery costs, range from 13.26% to 33.8% as servers become more power-proportional. Further, much of these savings can be achieved with a small cycle rate of one full discharge/charge cycle every three days that is conducive to satisfactory battery lifetimes. In summary, we show that a CDN can utilize batteries to significantly reduce both the total supplied power and the total power costs, thereby establishing batteries as a key element in future distributed network architecture. While we use the canonical example of a CDN, our results also apply to other similar Internet-scale distributed networks.
Polyhydroxyalkanoate Inclusion Body-Associated Proteins and Coding Region in Bacillus megaterium

ABSTRACT Polyhydroxyalkanoic acids (PHA) are carbon and energy storage polymers that accumulate in inclusion bodies in many bacteria and archaea in response to environmental conditions. This work presents the results of a study of PHA inclusion body-associated proteins and an analysis of their coding region in Bacillus megaterium 11561. A 7,917-bp fragment of DNA was cloned and shown to carry a 4,104-bp cluster of 5 pha genes,phaP, -Q, -R, -B, and -C. The phaP and -Q genes were shown to be transcribed in one orientation, each from a separate promoter, while immediately upstream, phaR, -B, and -C were divergently transcribed as a tricistronic operon. Transfer of this gene cluster to Escherichia coliand to a PhaC− mutant of Pseudomonas putidagave a Pha+ phenotype in both strains. Translational fusions to the green fluorescent protein localized PhaP and PhaC to the PHA inclusion bodies in living cells. The data presented are consistent with the hypothesis that the extremely hydrophilic protein PhaP is a storage protein and suggests that PHA inclusion bodies are not only a source of carbon, energy, and reducing equivalents but are also a source of amino acids.
Test Automation Strategies in a Continuous Delivery Ecosystem

To keep pace in the digital era, enterprises must modernize how they build applications in order to meet users’ ever-rising business requirements and manage ever-faster releases of new features and functionalities. To make this happen, continuous integration (CI) techniques can be applied to ensure hoped-for results are delivered by rapid development models such as Agile and extreme programming (XP).
Web tools for introductory computational linguistics

We introduce a notion of training methodology space (TM space) for specifying training methodologies in the different disciplines and teaching traditions associated with computational linguistics and the human language technologies, and pin our approach to the concept of operational model; we also discuss different general levels of interactivity. A number of operational models are introduced, with web interfaces for lexical databases, DFSA matrices, finite---state phonotactics development, and DATR lexica.
Employment status and work-related problems of gastrointestinal cancer patients at diagnosis: a cross-sectional study

Objective To assess the employment status of patients with gastrointestinal cancer at diagnosis and to examine work-related problems of employed patients. Design New, consecutive patients were included at the Gastrointestinal Oncology Center Amsterdam, a one-stop, rapid access diagnostic assessment centre. Patients were interviewed on their employment status by a nurse. If (self-) employed, patients were asked to self-report on work-related problems, perceived distress (0–10), cancer-related problems, fatigue (MFI-20, range 4–20) and work ability (three WAI questions, range 0–10). Results Of all 333 included new consecutive patients (age range 32–89 years), 95 patients (28%) were (self-) employed at time of diagnosis, 179 (54%) were pensioners, and 59 were not working (18%). For the assessment of work-related problems, 45 (47%) of these 95 employed patients with cancer participated. Their mean age was 56 years, and patients had oesophageal/stomach (49%), colorectal (18%) or hepatic/pancreatic/biliary cancer (33%). Half of the employed patients (49%) were still at work, while 51% were on sick leave. The main reasons for sick leave were stress (35%), (scheduled) operation (26%), fatigue (17%) and pain (13%). Most patients on sick leave (70%) had no contact with their own occupational physician, although the majority (67%) would like to continue to work. Work-related problems were experienced by 73% of working patients. The mean work ability was 5.4, the mean general fatigue score was 11.5, and the mean distress score was 4.7. Employed patients on sick leave reported a lower work ability, more fatigue and higher distress but no more cancer-related problems compared with those still working. Conclusion A quarter of all patients with gastrointestinal cancer seen at an oncological centre are employed at time of diagnosis, and of these employed patients, 73% experience work-related problems. During diagnosis and treatment, information and support on work-related issues should be offered to patients with cancer as an essential part of high-quality oncological care.
An Atp-Dependent, Ran-Independent Mechanism for Nuclear Import of the U1a and U2b′′ Spliceosome Proteins

Nuclear import of the two uracil-rich small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (U snRNP) components U1A and U2B′′ is mediated by unusually long and complex nuclear localization signals (NLSs). Here we investigate nuclear import of U1A and U2B′′ in vitro and demonstrate that it occurs by an active, saturable process. Several lines of evidence suggest that import of the two proteins occurs by an import mechanism different to those characterized previously. No cross competition is seen with a variety of previously studied NLSs. In contrast to import mediated by members of the importin-β family of nucleocytoplasmic transport receptors, U1A/U2B′′ import is not inhibited by either nonhydrolyzable guanosine triphosphate (GTP) analogues or by a mutant of the GTPase Ran that is incapable of GTP hydrolysis. Adenosine triphosphate is capable of supporting U1A and U2B′′ import, whereas neither nonhydrolyzable adenosine triphosphate analogues nor GTP can do so. U1A and U2B′′ import in vitro does not require the addition of soluble cytosolic proteins, but a factor or factors required for U1A and U2B′′ import remains tightly associated with the nuclear fraction of conventionally permeabilized cells. This activity can be solubilized in the presence of elevated MgCl2. These data suggest that U1A and U2B′′ import into the nucleus occurs by a hitherto uncharacterized mechanism.
A Block-Free Hidden Markov Model for Genotypes and Its Application to Disease Association

We present a new stochastic model for genotype generation. The model offers a compromise between rigid block structure and no structure altogether: It reflects a general blocky structure of haplotypes, but also allows for "exchange" of haplotypes at nonboundary SNP sites; it also accommodates rare haplotypes and mutations. We use a hidden Markov model and infer its parameters by an expectation-maximization algorithm. The algorithm was implemented in a software package called HINT (haplotype inference tool) and tested on 58 datasets of genotypes. To evaluate the utility of the model in association studies, we used biological human data to create a simple disease association search scenario. When comparing HINT to three other models, HINT predicted association most accurately.
Molecular Epidemiology of Antimicrobial-Resistant Commensal Escherichia coli Strains in a Cohort of Newborn Calves

ABSTRACT Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) was used to investigate the dissemination and diversity of ampicillin-resistant (Ampr) and nalidixic acid-resistant (Nalr) commensal Escherichia coli strains in a cohort of 48 newborn calves. Calves were sampled weekly from birth for up to 21 weeks and a single resistant isolate selected from positive samples for genotyping and further phenotypic characterization. The Ampr population showed the greatest diversity, with a total of 56 different genotype patterns identified, of which 5 predominated, while the Nalr population appeared to be largely clonal, with over 97% of isolates belonging to just two different PFGE patterns. Distinct temporal trends were identified in the distribution of several Ampr genotypes across the cohort, with certain patterns predominating at different points in the study. Cumulative recognition of new Ampr genotypes within the cohort was biphasic, with a turning point coinciding with the housing of the cohort midway through the study, suggesting that colonizing strains were from an environmental source on the farm. Multiply resistant isolates dominated the collection, with >95% of isolates showing resistance to at least two additional antimicrobials. Carriage of resistance to streptomycin, sulfamethoxazole, and tetracycline was the most common combination, found across several different genotypes, suggesting the possible spread of a common resistance element across multiple strains. The proportion of Ampr isolates carrying sulfamethoxazole resistance increased significantly over the study period (P < 0.05), coinciding with a decline in the most common genotype pattern. These data indicate that calves were colonized by a succession of multiply resistant strains, with a probable environmental source, that disseminated through the cohort over time.
Creatine Supplementation: Its Effect on Human Muscular Performance and Body Composition

The use of creatine (Cr) in its supplemental form, Cr monohydrate, has become rather widespread. The discovery that the Cr and phosphocreatine (PCr) content in human muscle can be increased by oral ingestion of supplemental Cr has led to numerous studies examining its benefits on exercise performance. Cr monohydrate supplementation appears to result in an increased ability to maintain power output during high-intensity exercise and increase the rate of PCr resynthesis during the recovery phase of intermittent high-intensity exercise. Subjects supplemented with Cr monohydrate demonstrate a reduction in the accumulation of plasma lactate, ammonia, and hypoxanthine, indicating an alteration in energy metabolism and an attenuation of ATP degradation. Thus, higher concentrations of Cr seem to enhance the muscle's ability to sustain the high ATP turnover rates encountered during strenuous exercise. Another potential benefit is an increase in body mass which results from the ingestion of Cr monohydrate; however, the composition of the weight gain remains undetermined. This article discusses the theoretical basis for Cr supplementation and reviews what is known about its effects on performance.
Cooperative Brains: Psychological Constraints on the Evolution of Altruism

Imagine an individual called “hunter” that expends a good deal of energy to capture a gazelle. As the hunter is consuming his small prey, a second individual called “recipient” approaches and begins feeding peacefully alongside the hunter. A few weeks later the roles reverse, such that the previous recipient has now captured a gazelle, and the previous hunter is taking advantage of the recipient’s hard work. Could the hunter and recipient be Maasai warriors? Is it equally likely that they are common chimpanzees, African lions, or Nile crocodiles? All of these species hunt gazelle and live in groups, so why would this scenario apply to some species more appropriately than to others? The answer lies in the costs and benefits associated with sharing food with non-kin. Assuming that one individual can consume the entire gazelle, sharing food with the recipient constitutes an altruistic act—the hunter accepts a fitness cost (reduction in food intake) while increasing the fitness of another (increasing the intake of the recipient).
Coronary heart disease prevention: insights from modelling incremental cost effectiveness

Abstract Objective To determine which treatments for preventing coronary heart disease should be offered to which patients by assessing their incremental cost effectiveness. Design Modelling study Data sources Cost estimates (for NHS) and estimates of effectiveness obtained for aspirin, antihypertensive drugs, statins and clopidogrel. Data synthesis Treatment effects were assumed to be independent, and cost per coronary event prevented was calculated for treatments individually and in combination across patients at a range of coronary risks. Results The most cost effective preventive treatments are aspirin, initial antihypertensive treatment (bendrofluazide and atenolol), and intensive antihypertensive treatment (bendrofluazide, atenolol and enalapril), whereas simvastatin and clopidogrel are the least cost effective (cost per coronary event prevented in a patient at 10% coronary risk over five years is £3500 for aspirin, £12 500 for initial antihypertensives, £18 300 for intensive antihypertensives, £60 000 for clopidogrel, and £61 400 for simvastatin). Aspirin in a patient at 5% five year coronary risk costs less than a fifth as much per event prevented (£7900) as simvastatin in a patient at 30% five year risk (£40 800). Discussion A cost effective prevention strategy would offer aspirin and initial antihypertensive treatment to all patients at greater than 7.5% five year coronary risk before offering statins or clopidogrel to patients at greater than 15% five year coronary risk. Incremental cost effectiveness analysis of treatments produces robust, practical cost effectiveness rankings that can be used to inform treatment guidelines.
The geography of language shift: distance from the Mexican border and Spanish language claiming in the Southwestern U.S.

L'A. examine des donnees provenant d'un recensement de 1980 aux Etats Unis concernant les 22 plus grandes villes et les 421 comtes des etats d'Arizona, de Californie, du Colorado, du Nouveau Mexique et du Texas. Il analyse la relation entre la distance de la frontiere mexicaine et trois indices de changement dans la langue espagnole, ainsi que la relation entre la distance et des mesures de l'integration socioeconomique, de l'immigration, et du milieu rural vs. urbain