Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
0 M ay 2 00 9 Relativistic tidal properties of neutron stars

We study the various linear responses of neutron stars to external relativistic tidal fields. We focus on three different tidal responses, associated to three different tidal coefficients: (i) a gravito-electrictype coefficient Gμl = [length] 2l+1 measuring the l-order mass multipolar moment GMa1.al induced in a star by an external l-order gravito-electric tidal field Ga1.al ; (ii) a gravito-magnetictype coefficient Gσl = [length] 2l+1 measuring the l spin multipole moment GSa1.al induced in a star by an external l-order gravito-magnetic tidal field Ha1.al ; and (iii) a dimensionless “shape” Love number hl measuring the distorsion of the shape of the surface of a star by an external l-order gravito-electric tidal field. All the dimensionless tidal coefficients Gμl/R , Gσl/R 2l+1 and hl (where R is the radius of the star) are found to have a strong sensitivity to the value of the star’s “compactness” c ≡ GM/(c20R) (where we indicate by c0 the speed of light). In particular, Gμl/R 2l+1 ∼ kl is found to strongly decrease, as c increases, down to a zero value as c is formally extended to the “black-hole limit” c = 1/2. The shape Love number hl is also found to significantly decrease as c increases, though it does not vanish in the formal limit c → c, but is rather found to agree with the recently determined shape Love numbers of black holes. The formal vanishing of μl and σl as c → c BH is a consequence of the no-hair properties of black holes. This vanishing suggests, but in no way proves, that the effective action describing the gravitational interactions of black holes may not need to be augmented by nonminimal worldline couplings.
Homographic line generation and transformation technique for dynamic object association

Object association among multiple cameras is an important capability for maintaining consistent view of surroundings. This is necessary in many applications such as tracking and surveillance. In this paper, we present a dynamic homographic line generation technique supporting the camera movement for object association in the multiple visual sensors network. The conventional method uses the globally defined homographic lines or the feature based methods for the object association. However, these methods restrict the camera movement (i.e., panning, tilting and zooming) required for efficient and effective association in the autonomous surveillance system. The proposed method uses the table based compensation for non-ideal camera parameters to support the camera movement. Lastly, two possible application models are simulated with the proposed technique.
Quasi-normal modes and black-hole quantum mechanics in 2 + 1 dimensions

We explore the relationship between classical quasi-normal mode frequencies and black-hole quantum mechanics in 2 + 1 dimensions. Following a suggestion of Hod, we identify the real part of the quasi-normal frequencies with the fundamental quanta of black-hole mass and angular momentum. We find that this identification leads to the correct quantum behaviour of the asymptotic symmetry algebra, and thus of the dual conformal field theory. Finally, we suggest a further connection between quasi-normal mode frequencies and the spectrum of a set of nearly degenerate ground states whose multiplicity may be responsible for the Bekenstein–Hawking entropy.
In situ treatment of metals in contaminated soils with phytate.

Batch experiments were conducted to evaluate the ability of various forms of phytate, the hexaphosphoric form of myo-inositol (IP6), to immobilize U, Ni, and other inorganic contaminants in soils and sediments. A Ca-phytate precipitate (Ca(n)-IP6), dodeca sodium-phytate (Na12-IP6), and hydroxyapatite (HA) were added to contaminated soil at rates of 0, 10, 25, and 50 g kg(-1) and equilibrated in 0.001 M CaCl2. The samples were then centrifuged, the solution pH was measured, and the supernatants were filtered prior to analysis for dissolved organic carbon (DOC), U, Ni, P, and other inorganic contaminants, such as As, Cr, Se, and Pb. The residual sediments were air-dried prior to characterization by analytical electron microscopy and extraction with the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP). The solubility of several metals (e.g., U, Pb, Cu) increased with increasing Na12-IP6 when compared with the nonamended control. In some cases immobilization was observed at the lowest Na12-IP6 application rate (10 g kg(-1)) with an increase in solubility observed at the higher rates, demonstrating the importance of metal to ligand ratio. In contrast, Ca(n)-IP6 and HA decreased the solubility of U, Ni, Al, Pb, Ba, Co, Mn, and Zn. For example, soluble U decreased from 2242 to 76 microg kg(-1) and Ni from 58 to 9.6 mg kg with the Ca(n)-IP6 addition, similar to the results observed for HA. Arsenic and Se solubility increased for HA and both forms of IP6, but to a much greater degree for Na12-IP6, suggesting that the increase in pH observed for HA and Na12-IP6, combined with added competition from PO4 and IP6 for sorption sites, resulted in the release of sorbed oxyanion contaminants. The analytical electron microscopy results indicated that metals such as U and Ni were closely associated with secondary Al-rich precipitates in the HA-treated soils, rather than unreacted HA. The analytical electron microscopy results were less definitive for the Ca(n)-IP6-treated soil, although the residual P-containing material was enriched in Al, with lesser amounts of U and Ni.
Detection of Pathways Affected by Positive Selection in Primate Lineages Ancestral to Humans

Gene set enrichment approaches have been increasingly successful in finding signals of recent polygenic selection in the human genome. In this study, we aim at detecting biological pathways affected by positive selection in more ancient human evolutionary history. Focusing on four branches of the primate tree that lead to modern humans, we tested all available protein coding gene trees of the Primates clade for signals of adaptation in these branches, using the likelihood-based branch site test of positive selection. The results of these locus-specific tests were then used as input for a gene set enrichment test, where whole pathways are globally scored for a signal of positive selection, instead of focusing only on outlier “significant” genes. We identified signals of positive selection in several pathways that are mainly involved in immune response, sensory perception, metabolism, and energy production. These pathway-level results are highly significant, even though there is no functional enrichment when only focusing on top scoring genes. Interestingly, several gene sets are found significant at multiple levels in the phylogeny, but different genes are responsible for the selection signal in the different branches. This suggests that the same function has been optimized in different ways at different times in primate evolution.
Essays on matching, marriage and human capital accumulation

This thesis explores the link between human capital accumulation and the functioning of marriage markets. The first chapter studies the effect of marriage market conditions on pre-marital investment. After showing how a change in the sex ratio can alter incentives for investments, I test this prediction using exogenous variation in the marriage market sex ratio, brought about by immigration, exploiting the preference of second generation Americans for endogamous matches. I find that a worsening of marriage market conditions spurs higher pre-marital investments, measured by years of education, literacy and occupational choice. Overall, the results suggest that there are substantial returns to education in the marriage market, and that both men and women take these returns into account when making education decisions. The second chapter studies the role played by caste and other attributes in arranged marriages among middle class Indians. Using interview data from a sample of parents who placed matrimonial ads in a popular Bengali newspaper, we estimate preferences for each attribute. We then compute a set of stable matches and find it quite similar to the actual matches observed in the data, suggesting a relatively frictionless marriage market. There is a very strong preference for in-caste marriage but, because this preference is horizontal rather than vertical and because the groups are fairly balanced, in equilibrium, the cost of insisting on marrying within one's caste is small which allows castes to remain a persistent feature of this marriage market. Finally, the third chapter estimates the effect of marriage delay on fertility by exploiting state laws that restricted age of marriage in the first half of the 20th century. These state laws strongly predict the age at first marriage for both males and females. Moreover, they also influence the age of one's spouse. Using these laws to instrument the age at first marriage for both spouses, I find that delaying marriage of a female by one year reduces fertility by 0.35. The effect of male's timing on fertility outcomes is smaller. Ignoring the effect that these laws have on one spouse's age would lead to an overestimate of the effect. Thesis Supervisor: Esther Duflo Title: Abdul Latif Jameel Professor of Poverty Alleviation and Development Economics Thesis Supervisor: David Autor Title: Associate Professor, Labor Economics
In Vitro Effects of Tire Debris Organic Extracts on Human Spermatozoa

Background & objectives: Environmental pollutants have detrimental effects on the reproductive function of human being and of animals. This study was aimed at evaluating the effects of tire debris, a fraction of particulate matter derived from tire wear, on motility and morphology of human spermatozoa. Methods: spermatozoa from ten healthy men were incubated for 4 hours with 10, 50 and 75 μg/ml of tire debris organic extract (TDOE). Sperm motility and morphology were evaluated according to WHO guidelines; the presence of apoptosis and necrosis was assessed by the AnnexinV/Propidium iodide assay. Ultrastructure of sperm organelles was observed by transmission electron microscopy. Results: incubation with 10 � g/ml of TDOE did not affect sperm quality, except for the value of apoptosis (median: 8% vs. 6%; P<0.01). Sperm motility and sperm morphology percentages (P<0.01)decreased when sperm were treated with 50 and 75 μg/ml TDOE and the percentage of apoptotic and necrotic sperm (P<0.01) increased concomitantly. At the same concentrations TEM analysis showed an increased percentage of reacted and swollen acrosomes, disrupted chromatin and altered axonemes. Interpretation & conclusions: the organic part of tire debris is potentially harmful to spermatozoa, particularly at a concentration of 50-75 μg/ml, inhibiting motility and compromising morphological integrity. Nevertheless, these results cannot yet be extrapolated to the in vivo outcome due to the lack of studies focused on this issue.
SPEM 2 XPDL : Towards SPEM Model Enactment

In recent years, enactment is being an important topic in the domain of software process. While SPEM, a standard metamodel put forward by OMG, gains increasing acceptance in industry, its model enactment is still at the early stage. In this paper, the SPEM2XPDL approach is proposed to support SPEM model enactment in the workflow paradigm. Based on a set of well-defined mapping rules, the transformation algorithm and engine are developed. This approach has been implemented in SoftPM project. After transformed to XPDL format, the SPEM models are successfully enacted by Shark, a famous XPDL-compliant engine. Finally, an example of the enactment of a review process is provided in this paper.
Fat supplementation and reproduction in beef females 1 , 2

Inadequate dietary energy intake and poor body condition can negatively affect reproductive function. Supplemental lipids have been used to increase energy density of the diet and may also have direct positive effects on reproduction in beef cattle. Several fatty acid sources have been studied as they relate to reproductive function. Common sources include sunflower, safflower, cottonseed, rice bran, soybeans, fishmeal, animal tallow, and calcium salts of fatty acids. Fats have been fed before and after calving, during the breeding season, and during heifer development. Response to fat has been investigated through measuring body weight and body condition score, age at puberty, postpartum interval, first-service conception rates, pregnancy rates, calving interval, calving diffi
Cardinality Analysis of Prolog Cardinality Analysis of Prolog

This paper proposes a novel analysis, called cardinality analysis, to approximate the number of solutions to a goal. The analysis is an instantiation of a new abstract interpretation framework for full Prolog (without dynamic predicates) based on sequences of substitutions. The abstract domain captures not only modes and types but also lower and upper bounds on the number of solutions and information about arithmetic and meta predicates, the cut, and termination. Experimental results show that the approach has a number of desirable properties wrt eeciency, accuracy, and simplicity not available in previous work. In particular, all aspects of the analysis are captured in a single framework, the mode/type analysis and the cardinality analysis are performed simultaneously and improve each other's accuracy, input/output patterns, cut, termination, and abstractions of arithmetic and meta-predicates are used to achieve great precision, and the overhead of the approach is small compared to traditional mode/type analyses.
Pricing and Hedging in Stochastic Volatility Regime Switching Models

We consider general regime switching stochastic volatility models where both the asset and the volatility dynamics depend on the values of a Markov jump process. Due to the stochastic volatility and the Markov regime switching, this financial market is thus incomplete and perfect pricing and hedging of options are not possible. Thus, we are interested in finding formulae to solve the problem of pricing and hedging options in this framework. For this, we use the local risk minimization approach to obtain pricing and hedging formulae based on solving a system of partial differential equations. Then we get also formulae to price volatility and variance swap options on these general regime switching stochastic volatility models.
Distributed Relay Selection in OFDM-Based Cooperative Wireless Networks

In this paper, we investigate distributed relay selection in OFDM-based cooperative wireless networks. A selective Decode-and-Forward relaying strategy is adopted, in which one relay is selected to forward the entire OFDM symbol. Theoretical outage performance is analyzed and evaluated first. Then six relay selection schemes based on different selection criteria are given. The outage performance of one of the schemes coincides with the theoretical value and all the schemes need only local CSI and can thus be implemented in a distributed way. Monte Carlo simulations validate our analysis and show that significant performance gain can be obtained compared to that of direct transmission.
Low‐Density Parity‐Check Codes: Design and Decoding

In this chapter, we treat code design and decoding for a family of error correction codes known as low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes. The chapter begins with an introduction to error correction in telecommunications with the focus on parity-check equations and codes defined by their parity-check matrices. To introduce the concepts behind iterative decoding, a hard-decision iterative algorithm is discussed before the soft-decision sum-product decoding algorithm is presented. Following sections focus on the relationship of graph-based representations of codes to the development of both the theoretical understanding and implementation of iterative decoders, and current methods for design of LDPC codes. The chapter concludes with the connections of LDPC codes and their decoding to other topics and likely future directions in the area. Keywords: low-density parity-check codes; error correction; iterative decoding; sum-product algorithm; min-sum algorithm; a posteriori decoding; Tanner graph; factor graph; graphical models; soft-decision decoding; message-passing decoders
Gastric Motility Following Ingestion of a Solid Meal in a Cohort of Adult Asthmatics

Background/Aims Asthmatics have abnormal esophageal motility and increased prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The contribution of gastric motility is less studied. We studied gastric myoelectrical activity, gastric emptying (GE) and their association with GERD symptoms and vagal function in adult asthmatics. Methods Thirty mild, stable asthmatics and 30 healthy controls underwent real-time ultrasonography and 1 hour pre- and post-prandial cutaneous electrogastrography, following a test meal (480 kcal, 60% carbohydrate, 20% protein, 20% fat and 200 mL water). The percentage of normal slow waves and arrhythmias, dominant frequency and power, frequency of antral contractions, gastric emptying rate (GER) and antral motility index (MI) was calculated. Twenty-seven asthmatics underwent gastroscopy and in all subjects GERD symptoms were assessed by a validated questionnaire. Vagal function parameters were correlated with gastric motility parameters. Results The asthmatics (37% male; 34.8 ± 8.4 years) and controls (50% male; 30.9 ± 7.7 years) were comparable. None had endoscopic gastric pathological changes. Twenty asthmatics described GERD symptoms. Twenty-two (73.3%) asthmatics showed a hypervagal response. Compared to controls, asthmatics had delayed GER and lower MI, lower percentage of normal gastric slow waves, more gastric dysrythmias and failed to increase the post-prandial dominant power. There was no correlation of GE and cutaneous electrogastrography parameters with presence of GERD symptoms or with vagal function. Conclusions Asthmatics showed abnormal gastric myoelectrical activity, delayed GE and antral hypomotility in response to a solid meal compared to controls. There was no association with vagal function or GERD symptom status.
Human naive and memory CD4+ T cell repertoires specific for naturally processed antigens analyzed using libraries of amplified T cells

The enormous diversity of the naive T cell repertoire is instrumental in generating an immune response to virtually any foreign antigen that can be processed into peptides that bind to MHC molecules. The low frequency of antigen-specific naive T cells, their high activation threshold, and the constrains of antigen-processing and presentation have hampered analysis of naive repertoires to complex protein antigens. In this study, libraries of polyclonally expanded naive T cells were used to determine frequency and antigen dose–response of human naive CD4+ T cells specific for a variety of antigens and to isolate antigen-specific T cell clones. In the naive repertoire, T cells specific for primary antigens, such as KLH and Bacillus anthracis protective antigen, and for recall antigens, such as tetanus toxoid, cytomegalovirus, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis purified protein derivative, were detected at frequencies ranging from 5 to 170 cells per 106 naive T cells. Antigen concentrations required for half-maximal response (EC50) varied over several orders of magnitude for different naive T cells. In contrast, in the memory repertoire, T cells specific for primary antigens were not detected, whereas T cells specific for recall antigens were detected at high frequencies and displayed EC50 values in the low range of antigen concentrations. The method described may find applications for evaluation of vaccine candidates, for testing antigenicity of therapeutic proteins, drugs, and chemicals, and for generation of antigen-specific T cell clones for adoptive cellular immunotherapy.
Replacing Sources with Sinks: When Do Populations Go Down the Drain?

We investigate the scenario in which some amount of higher quality habitat is destroyed and is then replaced by some undetermined amount of lower quality habitat. We examined how much low‐quality habitat would need to be created to maintain the equilibrium population abundance in the entire geographic area. Using a source–sink model, we find that (1) the number of hectares of created habitat per hectare of destroyed habitat must equal the ratio of the high‐quality habitat's productivity to the low‐quality habitat's productivity, however, (2) if the created habitat is a sink, then there is a threshold fraction of destroyed high‐quality habitat below which the initial population abundance cannot be maintained through the creation of habitat. We illustrate these results using data on Red‐winged Blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) in two different regions where high‐quality habitat is being replaced by or converted into lower quality habitat.
Computer-generated holography enhances voltage dye fluorescence discrimination in adjacent neuronal structures

Abstract. Voltage-sensitive fluorescence indicators enable tracking neuronal electrical signals simultaneously in multiple neurons or neuronal subcompartments difficult to access with patch electrodes. However, efficient widefield epifluorescence detection of rapid voltage fluorescence transients necessitates that imaged cells and structures lie sufficiently far from other labeled structures to avoid contamination from out of focal plane and scattered light. We overcame this limitation by exciting dye fluorescence with one-photon computer-generated holography shapes contoured to axons or dendrites of interest, enabling widefield detection of voltage fluorescence with high spatial specificity. By shaping light onto neighboring axons and dendrites, we observed that dendritic back-propagating action potentials were broader and slowly rising compared with axonal action potentials, differences not measured in the same structures illuminated with a large “pseudowidefield” (pWF) spot of the same excitation density. Shaped illumination trials showed reduced baseline fluorescence, higher baseline noise, and fractional fluorescence transient amplitudes two times greater than trials acquired with pWF illumination of the same regions.
Understanding notification stress of smartphone messenger app

Today, many smartphone users experience stress from receiving notifications all the time. In this work-in-progress paper, we explore the relationships between users' stress levels from receiving smartphone notifications and notification setting activeness from messenger app, and we also identify the implications to reduce stress. In order to understand the user, we selected the messenger application KakaoTalk, which is the most frequently used smartphone messenger application in Korea, and conducted an online survey of 95 smartphone user participants. We investigated how users actively set their smartphone notifications in their daily lives and how users become stressed from receiving these notifications. From this understanding, we propose design implications for notification interfaces in smartphones, in which the user can still be effectively aware of his or her notifications but can also reduce stress in his or her life.
Online feature selection for contextual time series data ( Extended abstract )

We propose a simple and efficient method for online feature selection from time series data. Our method is based on calculating characteristics of the different features and calculating similarity values for feature pairs using Gaussian kernels. Our motivation has been to design a method that can be used to select the most relevant context features for activity recognition. Namely, traditional feature selection methods have been designed for offline use and thus are not applicable in our setting. The efficiency of our method is evaluated using toy data and real context data, gathered using a 3D accelerometer.