Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Belief propagation and loop calculus for the permanent of a non-negative matrix

We consider computation of the permanent of a positive (N × N) non-negative matrix, P = (Pji|i, j = 1, …, N), or equivalently the problem of weighted counting of the perfect matchings over the complete bipartite graph KN, N. The problem is known to be of likely exponential complexity. Stated as the partition function Z of a graphical model, the problem allows for exact loop calculus representation (Chertkov M and Chernyak V 2006 Phys. Rev. E 72 065102) in terms of an interior minimum of the Bethe free energy functional over non-integer doubly stochastic matrix of marginal beliefs, β = (βji|i, j = 1, …, N), also correspondent to a fixed point of the iterative message-passing algorithm of the belief propagation (BP) type. Our main result is an explicit expression of the exact partition function (permanent) in terms of the matrix of BP marginals, β, as Z = Perm(P) = ZBP Perm(βji(1 − βji))/∏i, j(1 − βji), where ZBP is the BP expression for the permanent stated explicitly in terms of β. We give two derivations of the formula, a direct one based on the Bethe free energy and an alternative one combining the Ihara graph-ζ function and the loop calculus approaches. Assuming that the matrix β of the BP marginals is calculated, we provide two lower bounds and one upper bound to estimate the multiplicative term. Two complementary lower bounds are based on the Gurvits–van der Waerden theorem and on a relation between the modified permanent and determinant, respectively.
Towards an interactive framework for robot dancing applications

In this paper we present the architecture for a robotic system using a humanoid robot, based on the Lego Mindstorms NXT, which tries to simulate the human rhythmic perception from audio signals, and its reactive behavior in the form of dance. To do so we implemented lowlevel aspects of rhythm perception based on Marsyas, an open source software framework for audio processing. The model’s output is sent to the robot control application in real-time, via sockets, shaped in three rhythmic events, representing soft, medium and strong onsets in the music. The dance movements can be dynamically defined trough an interactive interface and are performed by the robot in a reactive manner to these rhythmic events’ occurrence. These movements also depend on two kinds of sensorial events, namely the color stepped on the floor or the proximity to some kind of obstacle. This interactive robot control keeps the dynamism manifested by the human behavior, granting spontaneous and dynamic dance movements in synchronism to music, without any previous knowledge of it. Index Terms — Acoustic applications, Acoustic signal analysis, Interactive systems, Multimedia systems, Music, Robot dynamics, Robots
Merit Pay and the Evaluation Problem: Why Most Merit Pay Plans Fail and a Few Survive

Richard J. Murnane and David K. Cohen use the framework of microeconomics to account for the short lives of most merit pay plans. They demonstrate that teaching is not an activity that satisfies the conditions under which performance-based pay is an efficient method of compensating workers. They then show that merit pay plans survive in a few school districts, in part because the districts are special and in part because the merit pay plans are quite different from conventional notions of performance-based pay.
Tumor Necrosis Factor-Dependent Adhesions as a Major Protective Mechanism Early in Septic Peritonitis in Mice

ABSTRACT The occurrence of peritoneal adhesions in surgical patients is positively correlated with tumor necrosis factor (TNF) levels. In a model of septic peritonitis—cecal ligation and puncture—TNF neutralization prevented formation of peritoneal adhesions and increased mortality, most likely because localization of the septic focus was prevented. To discriminate between the coagulation-independent protective TNF effect and a potential protective procoagulant TNF effect, formation of peritoneal adhesions after CLP was inhibited with heparin, hirudin, or urokinase. Each treatment increased mortality and increased the number of bacteria in the peritoneal lavage fluid, kidney, and liver to various degrees. Under these experimental conditions, antibiotics prevented death. In coagulation-compromised mice, lethality was further enhanced by additional TNF neutralization. These findings demonstrate that peritoneal adhesions early in septic peritonitis are an important mechanism of innate immunity that prevents increased spread of bacteria and reduces mortality.
Biogeography Based Groundwater Exploration

In this paper, we have proposed the implementation of Groundwater Possibility Retrieval System to detect the groundwater possibility using the burgeoning technique of Biogeography Based Optimization and Case based reasoning retrieval. In the case base used in this study, Geology, Land form, Soil, Land use, Slope and Lineament play a decisive role in determining ground water possibilities. These attributes are integrated and analyzed by the experts to predict the groundwater possibility. A stored case in case base is a preselected combination of these attributes having solution class. The cases reveal three solutions: high groundwater possibility, moderate possibility and low possibility. It is assumed that initially there are three habitats: High, Moderate and Low habitat. This is because according to BBO, solutions are analogous to the habitats. The cases are assumed to be the species that are residing in these habitats and their attributes are assumed to be the features of species. High, moderate and low habitats consist of species revealing high, moderate and low groundwater possibility respectively. Assume an input case (case without solution class) as an input species that is to be placed into an isolated habitat. Based on HSI, emigration takes place from other habitats to an isolated habitat. Isolated habitat is now consisted of species that are more similar to an input species. Case retrieval method is applied to find out the best match from the emigrated species to an input species. Thus solution class of a best matched species is transferred to an input species as its solution class.
Neurally Controlled Steering for Collision-Free Behavior of a Snake Robot

Biologically inspired snake robots have been widely studied for their various motion patterns. Most research has focused on the design of a controller for a given motion pattern. However, relatively limited work appears to have been done on the design of a controller for self-adaptive locomotion. In this brief, we add sensory inputs to a control system in order to investigate collision avoidance in a snake robot using a neural controller based on central pattern generator. From an analysis of the steering mechanism during serpentine locomotion, we derive a mathematical model of the joint configuration and the steering angle. In a neural oscillator network, steering control can be achieved via the proposed amplitude modulation method by modulating the neural oscillation parameters. A head-navigated motion pattern is employed to allow the range sensors to accurately detect obstacles for collision avoidance. Through the head-navigated locomotion, the head of the snake robot can be controlled to keep the orientation the same as the motion direction. The proposed control method is experimentally verified by application to the SR-I snake robot.
KTU System for NTCIR-11 RITE-VAL Task

This paper describes KTU system for NTCIR-11 RITE-VAL Japanese Tasks. The proposed method regards predicate-argument structure as a basic unit of handling the meaning of text/hypothesis, and performs the matching between text and hypothesis. The system (cid:12)rst performs predicate-argument structure analysis to both a text and a hypothesis. Then, we perform the matching between text and hypothesis. In matching text and hypothesis, wide-coverage relations between words/phrases such as synonym and is-a are utilized, which are automatically acquired from a dictionary, Web corpus and Wikipedia.
Verifying Preemptive Kernel Code with Preemption Control Support

Kernel preemption is an important feature among mainstream OS kernels. It allows that a kernel thread can be preempted by another kernel thread by performing context switch. A kernel thread can access shared data by disabling kernel preemption temporarily without turning off interruption. Kernel preemption and preemption control reduce kernel response time, but at the same time make kernels more difficult to develop or verify. It is difficult to define their clear semantics and reason about preemptive kernel code. In this paper, we propose a verification framework to verify preemptive kernel code with kernel preemption control. In the framework, we cannot only verify the implementation of preemption control, but also verify the preemptive kernel code which may turn-on/off kernel preemption. The basic idea of the framework is that we build an intermediate abstract layer, where kernel threads, preemption status and interrupt context are made into abstract resources such that we can easily specify the global invariant of the kernel and reason about code with the help of abstract knowledge.
Eye and Nose Fields Detection from Gray Scale Facial Images

Detection of facial features such as eye, nose, and mouth is an important step for many subsequent facial image analysis tasks such as face recognition. In this paper, we introduce a method to detect eye and nose fields from gray scale facial images. The Independent Components Analysis (ICA) is utilized to learn the appearance and shape of the facial feature. The regions with high response to the ICA basis vectors are chosen as the target facial features. For improving the performance further, the local characteristics of eye and nose are adapted besides ICA. Experiments on different databases show the promising results of the proposed method.
Optimal Location of Multi-Type FACTS Devices in a Power System by Means of Genetic Algorithms

This paper presents a genetic algorithm to seek the optimal location of multi-type FACTS devices in a power system. The optimizations are performed on three parameters: the location of the devices, their types, and their values. The system loadability is applied as a measure of power system performance. Four different kinds of FACTS controllers are used and modeled for steady-state studies: TCSC, TCPST, TCVR, and SVC. Simulations are done on a 118-bus power system for several numbers of devices. Results show the difference of efficiency of the devices used in this context. They also show that the simultaneous use of several kinds of controllers is the most efficient solution to increase the loadability of the system. In all the cases (single-and multi-type FACTS devices), we observe a maximum number of devices beyond which this loadability cannot be improved.
Prediction with local patterns using cross-entropy

Sets of local patterns in the forms of rules and co-occurrence counts are produced by many data mining methods such as association rule algorithms. While such patterns can yield useful insights it is not obvious how to synthesize local sparse information into a coherent global predictive model. We study the use of a cross-entropy approach to combining local patterns. Each local pattern is viewed as a constraint on an appropriate high-order joint distribution of interest. Typically, a set of patterns returned by a data mining algorithm under-constrains the high-order model. The cross-entropy criterion is used to select a specific distribution in this constrained family relative to a prior. We review the iterative-scaling algorithm which is an iterative technique for hiding a joint distribution given constraints. We then illustrate the application of this method to two specific problems. The first problem is combining information about frequent itemsets. We show that the cross-entropy approach can be used for query selectivity estimation for O/l data sets. The results show that we can accurately answer a large class of queries using just a small set of aggregate information. The second problem involves sequence modeling using historical rules, with an application to protejn sequences. We conclude that viewing local patterns as constraints on a high-order probability model is a useful and principled framework for prediction based on large sets of mined patterns.
The influence of the CYP3A4*22 polymorphism on serum concentration of quetiapine in psychiatric patients.

BACKGROUND: Besides dietary, hormonal, or pathological factors, mutations in cytochrome P450 enzymes are thought to be responsible for the interindividual differences in serum concentrations of cytochrome P450 (CYP450)-dependent drugs. Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) is involved in the metabolism of greater than 50% of the prescribed drugs. Recently, a new single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) was found (CYP3A4*22), which results in a decreased enzyme activity, in contrast to the other known SNPs in CYP3A4. We investigated to which degree the CYP3A4*22 SNP affects serum concentrations of patients receiving quetiapine, a drug exclusively metabolized by CYP3A4. METHODS: Two hundred thirty-eight adult patients receiving quetiapine were included in this study, based on availability of DNA, serum quetiapine levels, and information on dose. Patients were genotyped for CYP3A4*22 using allele-specific polymerase chain reaction, and, as a control, restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. RESULTS: Carriers of the CYP3A4*22 allele (*1/*22 and *22/*22, n = 31) had 2.5-fold higher serum levels of quetiapine than did wild-type patients (n = 207; P = 0.03) when using a comparable dose (median, 300 mg/d for both wild-type and carriers; P = 0.67). The dose-corrected serum concentration (C/D) was 67% higher in carriers than in wild-type patients (P = 0.01). The number of patients who achieved serum levels above the therapeutic range (>500 µg/L) was also higher in *22-allele carriers (16.1% vs 2.9%; P = 0.007). CONCLUSION: Being a carrier of the CYP3A4*22 allele increases the serum concentration of quetiapine at comparable doses.
Mutanome Engineered RNA Immunotherapy: Towards Patient-Centered Tumor Vaccination

Advances in nucleic acid sequencing technologies have revolutionized the field of genomics, allowing the efficient targeting of mutated neoantigens for personalized cancer vaccination. Due to their absence during negative selection of T cells and their lack of expression in healthy tissue, tumor mutations are considered as optimal targets for cancer immunotherapy. Preclinical and early clinical data suggest that synthetic mRNA can serve as potent drug format allowing the cost efficient production of highly efficient vaccines in a timely manner. In this review, we describe a process, which integrates next generation sequencing based cancer mutanome mapping, in silico target selection and prioritization approaches, and mRNA vaccine manufacturing and delivery into a process we refer to as MERIT (mutanome engineered RNA immunotherapy).
Contribution of ExsFA and ExsFB Proteins to the Localization of BclA on the Spore Surface and to the Stability of the Bacillus anthracis Exosporium

ABSTRACT Spores of Bacillus anthracis, the etiological agent of anthrax, and the closely related species Bacillus cereus and Bacillus thuringiensis, possess an exosporium, which is the outermost structure surrounding the mature spore. It consists of a paracrystalline basal layer and a hair-like outer layer. To date, the structural contribution of only one exosporium component, the collagen-like glycoprotein BclA, has been described. It is the structural component of the hair-like filaments. Here, we describe two other proteins, ExsFA and ExsFB, which are probably organized in multimeric complexes with other exosporium components, including BclA. Single and double exsF deletion mutants were constructed and analyzed. We found that inactivation of exsF genes affects the BclA content of spores. BclA is produced by all mutants. However, it is partially and totally released after mother cell lysis of the ΔexsFA and ΔexsFA ΔexsFB mutant strains, respectively. Electron microscopy revealed that the exsF mutant spores have defective exosporia. The ΔexsFA and ΔexsFA ΔexsFB spore surfaces are partially and totally devoid of filaments, respectively. Moreover, for all mutants, the crystalline basal layer appeared unstable. This instability revealed the presence of two distinct crystalline arrays that are sloughed off from the spore surface. These results indicate that ExsF proteins are required for the proper localization of BclA on the spore surface and for the stability of the exosporium crystalline layers.
The current and future impact of human papillomavirus on treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

Background: Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) was traditionally associated with smoking and alcohol use; however, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection has recently been implicated as a novel risk factor for oropharyngeal tumors. Furthermore, HPV-associated oropharyngeal carcinoma (OPC) appears to be a distinct entity with different epidemiology, biology, and clinical outcomes. Methods: Here, we comprehensively review the existing data regarding HPV status and prognostic or predictive outcomes in both the locoregionally advanced (LA) and recurrent/metastatic (RM) disease setting and discuss ongoing trials that may eventually impact the treatment of patients with HPV-positive (HPV+) SCCHN. Results: A body of retrospective and prospective data established an association between HPV+ OPC and better survival, particularly for LA disease. Current data on RM disease are limited, but they also suggest prognostic significance for HPV. Conclusions: Better outcomes in HPV+ LA disease may allow for less aggressive treatment in the future, and several trials are evaluating deintensified regimens in patients with HPV+, LA OPC; it should be emphasized that deintensification strategies are appropriate only in a clinical research setting and only for selected subgroups of HPV+ patients. In addition, HPV-targeted strategies, such as vaccines, are currently undergoing clinical evaluation. On the other hand, the prognostic impact of HPV in RM disease requires further validation before any modifications in treatment can be made. Likewise, the predictive significance of HPV status in both disease settings remains to be defined. Clinical Trial Numbers: NCT00226239, NCT00301028, NCT00387127, NCT00410826, NCT00503997, NCT00514943, NCT00544414, NCT00768664, NCT00939627, NCT01084083, NCT01302834, NCT01687413, NCT01706939.
Real-time environment aware web service selection and evaluation

Currently, the quality of service (QoS) of web services can not to be guaranteed, because the cloud environment lacks the ability to be real-time aware of their load capacity changes. For non-trusted and trusted web service providers may make the different service description of the meta-service, where exists deceit. As consumers may simultaneously invoke the same high quality service and thus it is very likely to occur that the users' access exceeds the load capacity of service. In this paper, we propose a service selection and evaluation method based on real-time environmental-aware. The service dispatch center proposed in this paper aims to select meta-service clusters by way of bidding and tendering to guarantee the QoS of the selected service. Meanwhile, the QoS aware module of each meta-service will make real-time perception of QoS to ensure web service with high real-time and high reliability. Furthermore, a QoS prediction algorithm is proposed to evaluate the promised reputation of the service providers. Extensive simulation results show that the method can achieve evaluation and forecast of QoS efficiently and provide an optimal web service for users.
Meyer–Neldel Rule for Effective Channel Mobility in the Subthreshold Region of Poly-Si Thin-Film Transistors

It is verified that the entire subthreshold region of poly-Si thin film transistors (TFTs) is a pseudo-subthreshold region dominated by drift current, where the carrier effective channel mobility is found to follow the Meyer–Neldel rule (MNR). Characteristic MN energies extracted from both metal-induced laterally crystallized poly-Si TFTs and excimer laser annealed TFTs are all close to the optical phonon energy of Si, providing strong evidence to the MNR. Carrier thermionic emission over grain boundary barriers activated by multiphonon absorption process is the origin of the MNR.
Prenatal and Early, but Not Late, Postnatal Exposure of Mice to Sidestream Tobacco Smoke Increases Airway Hyperresponsiveness Later in Life

Background Cigarette smoke exposure in utero and during early postnatal development increases the incidence of asthma and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) later in life, suggesting that a possible critical period of developmental sensitivity exists in the prenatal and early postnatal periods. Objective We investigated mechanisms of susceptibility during critical developmental periods to sidestream smoke (SS) exposure and evaluated the possible effects of SS on neural responses. Methods We exposed three different age groups of mice to either SS or filtered air (FA) for 10 consecutive days beginning on gestation day (GD) 7 by maternal exposure or beginning on postnatal day (PND) 2 or PND21 by direct inhalation. Lung function, airway substance P (SP) innervation, and nerve growth factor (NGF) levels in broncho alveolar lavage fluid were measured after a single SS exposure on PND59. Results Methacholine (MCh) dose response for lung resistance (RL) was significantly elevated, and dynamic pulmonary compliance (Cdyn) was significantly decreased, in the GD7 and PND2 SS exposure groups compared with the FA groups after SS exposure on PND59. At the same time points, the percent area of SP nerve fibers in tracheal smooth muscle and the levels of NGF were significantly elevated. MCh dose–response curves for RL and Cdyn, SP nerve fiber density, and the level of NGF were not significantly changed in the PND21 exposure group after SS exposure on PND59. Conclusions These results suggest that a critical period of susceptibility to SS exposure exists in the prenatal and early postnatal period of development in mice that results in increased SP innervation, increased NGF levels in the airway, and enhanced MCh AHR later in life.
Real Estate War in Cyberspace: An Emerging Electronic Market?

In this paper, we explore how electronic commerce, the World-Wide Web in particular, is affecting the real estate industry. Real estate is a promising setting for studying electronic commerce because it is an information-intensive and informationdriven industry; transaction-based, with high value and asset-specificity; with many market-intermediaries (agents and brokers who connect buyers and sellers rather than buying or selling themselves); and experiencing on-going information technology (IT) related changes. We analyze a real estate transaction to suggest where IT might change the process of buying or selling a house and discuss several current ventures in this area. This analysis suggests that Web-based commerce is eroding the long-enjoyed information monopoly of real-estate agents and electronic commerce applications have the potential to drastically change current practices in the real-estate industry, including the disintermediation of agents.