Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of a major canopy disturbance on the coexistence of Acer saccharum and Fagus grandifolia in the understorey of an old‐growth forest

1 In forest communities, species coexistence can be favoured by disturbance‐related variations in light regime coupled with rank reversal in species performance. The objective of this study was to determine if a major canopy disturbance, resulting from an ice storm, would favour the coexistence of sugar maple (Acer saccharum) and beech (Fagus grandifolia) in an old‐growth forest located near the northern limit of the species’ range. 2 The growth, density and frequency of occurrence of understorey stems were evaluated 7 years after the ice storm and compared with pre‐disturbance values to determine if sugar maple, a slightly less shade‐tolerant species, would be favoured over beech. 3 Although height and radial growth increased three‐ to five‐fold, and > 70% of the 5–10 cm d.b. h. stems showed a release, sugar maple did not benefit more from the opening of the canopy than beech. 4 The inability of sugar maple to outgrow beech might be related to the high proportion of beech root sprouts at our site, suggesting that the potential for the disturbance‐mediated mechanism to slow the competitive exclusion of maple might decrease as the importance of vegetative reproduction increases in beech. 5 Prior to the disturbance, sugar maple was more abundant and occurred in a larger proportion of the plots among small size classes, while beech dominated in the larger size classes. Although some increases in the density of both species were detected after the disturbance, the general trends of relative abundance and distribution of the species were not modified significantly. 6 Our results do not indicate that a single canopy disturbance such as the major 1998 ice storm significantly favoured sugar maple over beech. When a disturbance opens the canopy, competition for light in gaps may tend to maintain or reinforce a pre‐existing hierarchy instead of reversing it, especially when interspecific differences in post‐disturbance growth are small or absent, as in this study. 7 This study shows that the dynamics of sugar maple – beech communities are more complex than previously envisaged and that revised models should incorporate additional factors (e.g. vegetative reproduction) that might also play an important role in regulating community dynamics.
Ergodic Capacity Region of Fading Gaussian Multiple Access Channels with Common Data ∗

A Gaussian multiple access channel with common data is considered. Capacity region when there is no fading is known [1]. We give a characterization of the ergodic capacity region when there is fading, and both the transmitters and the receiver know the channel perfectly. Then, we provide an iterative method for the numerical computation of the ergodic capacity region.
Training by Using an Adaptive Foot Switch and Video Games to Improve Balance and Mobility Following Stroke: A Randomised Controlled Trial

In this study, an altered switch for rehabilitation was invented to make home training accessible for the stroke patients, by modifying a computer mouse into a foot switch. This study examined the effects of training with an adaptive foot switch and video games (VG) on walking performance and balance abilities (Centre of Pressure (CoP) sway) in people after stroke. The intervention was evaluated through a randomised controlled trial. The intervention group received 10 weeks of VG rehabilitation, for approximately 3.5 hours/week, using a pressure-activated electronic foot switch, in addition to standard rehabilitation. The control group received regular rehabilitation only. The experiment included a force platform (measuring CoP sway kinematics) and a 10-Metre Test of Walking (10MWT) to measure the standing balance and walking performance of 56 stroke patients. There were no differences between the two groups (intervention and control) at baseline in terms of the demographic or dependent variables. Multivariate tests indicated a significant interaction between the Patient Group and the Time-type variables. Subsequent analysis of the main effects revealed significant between-group differences over time in all dependent variables (10MWT, sway area, CoP sway in anterior–posterior direction (AP sway) and CoP sway in medial–lateral direction (ML sway)). Patients in the intervention group demonstrated better performance than those in the control group after the VG rehabilitation according to the post-test. This study suggests that ankle muscle training using an adaptive foot switch and VG may improve exercise compliance and enhance recovery of balance and mobility following stroke.
Motivational strategy for a cognitive endurance mHealth application

Dementia has become a prevalent problem with our aging population. Dementia is threat to our independence because our independence relies on our cognitive performance. Cognitive performance declines as the years advance but it can and should be nurtured to keep it at sufficient functional level. Even though mobile technology has potential to be the desired low-cost and effective means to healthy living, it requires the driving force, motivation, to actually get the person to the destination. In this paper we present a motivational strategy for mHealth (mobile health) application for cognitive endurance.
On the nonlinear observability and the information form of the SLAM problem

The theory of nonlinear observability is an important tool available for the assessment of highly nonlinear estimation problems such as Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM). It is shown that all the estimated landmarks must be observed and at least two a priori known landmarks be observed for the nonlinear observability of single vehicle SLAM when estimating any number of unknown landmark locations. The relationship between the information form of SLAM and the nonlinear observability is established. It is shown that when the nonlinear observability conditions are satisfied the single vehicle SLAM problem can in theory be initialized with infinitely large initial uncertainties. Simulations and experiments are also provided to substantiate the theoretical results.
Some Polynomial Inequalities on Real Normed Spaces

We consider various inequalities for polynomials, with an emphasis on the most fundamental inequalities of approximation theory. In the sequel a key role is played by the generalized Minkowski functional α(K, x), already being used by Minkowski and contemporaries and having occurred in approximation theory in the work of Rivlin and Shapiro in the early sixties. We try to compare real, geometric methods and complex, pluripotential theoretical approaches, where possible, and formulate a number of questions to be decided in the future. An extensive bibliography is given to direct the reader even in topics we do not have space to cover in more detail.
Analysis of Payload Based Application level Network Anomaly Detection

Most network anomaly detection research is based on packet header fields, while the payload is usually discarded. Preventing unknown attacks and Internet worms has led to a need for application level network anomaly detection. Payload based detection schemes in experiments are often misleading. In this paper, we discuss the problems associated with the experimental results. In the first section, a brief review would be given for application level anomaly detection research. Introduction to several major payload based approaches would be given in section 2. Then we use the DARPA '99 dataset to evaluate the ALAD mechanism, and discuss the problems by using original DARPA '99 datasets for evaluation. In the fourth section, an improved method would be proposed with a focus on detecting payload related attacks. In section 5, we demonstrate how to justify the payload based detection mechanism using the DARPA '99 dataset, and compare with ALAD to demonstrate its advantages
A Model-Driven Approach to Generate Mobile Applications for Multiple Platforms

Mobile application development has emerged as one of the most focused areas in software industry due to exponential growth of mobile users and applications. The focus of the current mobile industry is on direct implementation, rather than analysis and design. Model-driven engineering practices are ignored, which results in low reusability and lack of portability along with other challenges. In addition, mobile applications also have to support multiple platforms, as an application written for one platform (e.g., Android) cannot run on another platform (e.g., Windows Phone). Each of the platforms in turn suffers from fragmentation. This results in multiple versions of an application that need to be simultaneously maintained. This is a huge burden on the development team, both in terms of cost and effort, due to various platforms that an application supports. This paper proposes a model-driven approach to generate mobile applications for multiple platforms. We carefully identify a subset of UML and propose a modeling methodology for this purpose. We use real use-cases for requirement gathering, class diagram for structural modeling, while state machine are used for behavioral modeling. We focus on modeling business logic layer for the mobile application. We also propose a UML profile for modeling mobile domain specific concepts. Our approach uses Action Language for Foundational Subset of UML (ALF) to specify actions in the state machines. Our approach allows the modeler to automatically generate business logic code for multiple platforms. The approach is supported by an automated tool MAG (Mobile Application Generator). We apply our model-driven approach on an industrial case study 'Scramble' app developed by 'Next In' to demonstrate its viability.
Statin use and the risk of incident dementia: the Cardiovascular Health Study.

BACKGROUND Statins (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors) reduce cardiovascular risk through mechanisms that might affect the development of dementia. OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether statin use is associated with a lower risk of dementia compared with never use of lipid-lowering agents (LLAs). DESIGN Cohort study of community-dwelling adults 65 years and older. The analysis included 2798 participants free of dementia at baseline. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Using Cox proportional hazards regression analysis, we estimated the risk of incident all-cause and type-specific dementia associated with time-dependent statin therapy compared with never use of LLAs. The primary analyses incorporated a 1-year lag between exposure and outcome. Secondary analyses included the final year of exposure and modeled statin use as current use vs nonuse to simulate a case-control approach. RESULTS Compared with never use of LLAs, ever use of statins was not associated with the risk of all-cause dementia (multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.08; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.77-1.52), Alzheimer disease alone (HR, 1.21; 95% CI, 0.76-1.91), mixed Alzheimer disease and vascular dementia (HR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.44-1.72), or vascular dementia alone (HR, 1.36; 95% CI, 0.61-3.06). In contrast, in secondary analyses, current use of statins compared with nonuse of LLAs was associated with HRs of 0.69 (95% CI, 0.46-1.02) for all-cause dementia and 0.56 (95% CI, 0.35-0.92) for any Alzheimer disease. CONCLUSIONS In this cohort study, statin therapy was not associated with a decreased risk of dementia. Methodological differences may explain why results of this cohort investigation differ from those of prior case-control studies. Additional investigation is needed to determine whether and for whom statin use may affect dementia risk.
Cooperation between Reverse Transcriptase and Integrase during Reverse Transcription and Formation of the Preintegrative Complex of Ty1

ABSTRACT Reverse transcriptase (RT) and integrase (IN) play a central role in the replication and transposition of retroelements. Increasing evidence suggests that the interaction between these two enzymes is functional and plays an important role in replication. In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae retrotransposon Ty1, the interaction of IN with RT is critical for the formation of an active conformation of RT. We show here that the RT associated with VLPs is active only if it is in close interaction with IN. To probe the IN-RT cis-trans relationship, we have used a complementation assay based on coexpressing two transposons. We show that IN acts in cis to activate RT and that a functional integrase provided in trans is not able to complement replication and transposition defects of IN deletion or IN active-site mutant elements. Our data support a model in which IN not only interacts closely with RT during reverse transcription but also remains associated with RT during the formation of the preintegrative complex.
A Duality Method for Micromagnetics

We present a new method for micromagnetics based on replacing the nonlocal total energy of magnetizations by a new local energy for divergence-free fields and then studying the dual Legendre functional of this new energy restricted on gradient fields. We establish a Fenchel-type duality principle relevant to the minimization for these problems. The dual functional may be written as a convex integral functional of gradients, and its minimization problem will be solved by standard minimization procedures in the calculus of variations. Special emphasis is placed on the analysis of existence/nonexistence, depending on the applied field and the physical domain. In particular, we describe a precise procedure to check the existence of magnetization of minimal energy for ellipsoid domains.
The link between separation and political party preference: selectivity or causal influence?

ABSTRACT This paper studies the impact of separation from marital and cohabiting relationships on political party preferences. Relying on longitudinal data (1999–2017) from the Swiss Household Panel, it examines to what extent differences in party preferences between partnered and separated individuals are the result of a selection effect (with individuals who separate having different party preferences prior to their separation compared with partnered individuals) or of a causal effect (with individuals changing their party preferences following separation). The analyses show that partnered individuals are significantly more likely to support a party with Christian values (the CVP) compared with separated individuals, and indicate that this is due to a selection effect. For populist right (SVP) voting, we find a causal effect of separation. Interestingly, the event of separation increases the likelihood of supporting the populist right SVP. While separated individuals are more likely to support the social democratic party (PSS) than married individuals, we do not find a significant selection or causal effect of separation on support for the PSS. Overall, our results confirm the relevance of taking a dynamic approach distinguishing selection and causal effects and reveal that the effect of separation on voters’ party choice is modest but significant.
Protecting Receivers ’ Identities in Secure Data Distribution

In the standard setting of broadcast encryption, information about the receivers is transmitted as part of the ciphertext. In several broadcast scenarios, however, the identities of the users authorized to access the content are often as sensitive as the content itself. In this paper, we propose the first broadcast encryption scheme to attain meaningful guarantees of receiver anonymity with ciphertexts that are sublinear in the number of authorized users. We formalize the notion of outsider-anonymous broadcast encryption(oABE), and describe generic constructions in the standard model that achieve outsideranonymity under adaptive corruptions in the chosen-plaintext and chosen-ciphertext settings. We also describe two constructions with enhanced decryption, one under the gap Diffie-Hellman assumption, in the random oracle model, and the other under the decisional Diffie-Hellman assumption, in the standard model.
Pharmacokinetics and metabolism of benzene in Zymbal gland and other key target tissues after oral administration in rats.

Solid tumors have been reported in the Zymbal gland, oral and nasal cavities, and mammary gland of Sprague-Dawley rats following chronic oral administration of benzene. The cause for the specificity of such lesions remains unclear, but it is possible that tissue-specific metabolism or pharmacokinetics of benzene is responsible. Metabolism and pharmacokinetic studies were carried out in our laboratory with 14C-benzene at oral doses of 0.15 to 500 mg/kg to ascertain tissue retention, metabolite profile, and elimination kinetics in target and nontarget organs and in blood. Findings from those studies indicate the following: a) the Zymbal gland is not a sink or a site of accumulation for benzene or its metabolites even after a single high dose (500 mg/kg) or after repeated oral administration; b) the metabolite profile is quantitatively different in target tissues (e.g., Zymbal gland, nasal cavity), nontarget tissues and blood; and (c) pharmacokinetic studies show that the elimination of radioactivity from the Zymbal gland is biphasic.
Sparse Matrix Computations Using the Quadtree Storage Format

Computations with sparse matrices are widespread in scientific projects. Used data format affects strongly the performance. Efficient formats for storing sparse matrices are still under development, since the computation using widely-used formats (like XY or CSR) is slow and specialized formats (like SPARSITY or CARB) have a large transformation overhead.In this paper, we represent some improvements to the quadtree storage format. We also compare the performance during the execution of some basic routines from the linear algebra using widely-used formats and the quadtree storage format.
Quantitative proteomic analysis reveals potential diagnostic markers and pathways involved in pathogenesis of renal cell carcinoma

There are no serum biomarkers for the accurate diagnosis of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Diagnosis and decision of nephrectomy rely on imaging which is not always accurate. Non-invasive diagnostic biomarkers are urgently required. In this study, we preformed quantitative proteomics analysis on a total of 199 patients including 30 matched pairs of normal kidney and ccRCC using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) labeling and LC-MS/MS analysis to identify differentially expressed proteins. We found 55 proteins significantly dysregulated in ccRCC compared to normal kidney tissue. 54 were previously reported to play a role in carcinogenesis, and 39 are secreted proteins. Dysregulation of alpha-enolase (ENO1), L-lactate dehydrogenase A chain (LDHA), heat shock protein beta-1 (HSPB1/Hsp27), and 10 kDa heat shock protein, mitochondrial (HSPE1) was confirmed in two independent sets of patients by western blot and immunohistochemistry. Pathway analysis, validated by PCR, showed glucose metabolism is altered in ccRCC compared to normal kidney tissue. In addition, we examined the utility of Hsp27 as biomarker in serum and urine. In ccRCC patients, Hsp27 was elevated in the urine and serum and high serum Hsp27 was associated with high grade (Grade 3–4) tumors. These data together identify potential diagnostic biomarkers for ccRCC and shed new light on the molecular mechanisms that are dysregulated and contribute to the pathogenesis of ccRCC. Hsp27 is a promising diagnostic marker for ccRCC although further large-scale studies are required. Also, molecular profiling may help pave the road to the discovery of new therapies.
Cultural Cognition in the Thinking-Aloud Method for Usability Evaluation

We discuss the impact of cultural differences on usability evaluations that are based on the thinking-aloud method (TA). The term ‘cultural differences’ helps distinguish differences in the perception and thinking of Westerners (people from Western Europe and US citizens with European origins) and Easterners (people from China and the countries heavily influenced by its culture). We illustrate the impact of cultural cognition on four central elements of TA: (1) instructions and tasks, (2) the user’s verbalizations, (3) the evaluator’s reading of the user, and (4) the overall relationship between user and evaluator. In conclusion, we point to the importance of matching the task presentation to users’ cultural background, the different effects of thinking aloud on task performance between Easterners and Westerners, the differences in nonverbal behaviour that affect usability problem detection, and, finally, the complexity of the overall relationship between user and evaluator when they have different cultural backgrounds.
Blind System Identiication in an Impulsive Environment

1 A method is presented for blind system identii-cation in an impulsive environment, where the system output is described by a symmetric-stable(SS) law. The method employs either the phase or the magnitude of the recently proposed-Spectrum 1] of the system output. It is much simpler than the method proposed in 1] that also relies on the phase or magnitude of the-Spectrum, and provides the system cepstrum via closed form expressions.
Dietary carbohydrate (amount and type) in the prevention and management of diabetes: a statement by the american diabetes association.

Diabetes has long been viewed as a disorder of carbohydrate metabolism due to its hallmark feature of hyperglycemia. Indeed, hyperglycemia is the cause of the acute symptoms associated with diabetes such as polydypsia, polyuria, and polyphagia (1). The long-term complications (retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy) associated with diabetes are also believed to result from chronically elevated blood glucose levels (2–6). In addition, hyperglycemia may contribute to the development of macrovascular disease, which is associated with the development of coronary artery disease, the leading cause of death in individuals with diabetes (7–9). Thus, a primary goal in the management of diabetes is the regulation of blood glucose to achieve near-normal blood glucose. Blood glucose concentration following a meal is determined by the rate of appearance of glucose into the blood stream (absorption) and its clearance/disappearance from the circulation (10). The rate of disappearance of glucose is largely influenced by insulin secretion and its action on target tissues (11). The component of the diet that has the greatest influence on blood glucose is carbohydrate. Other macronutrients in the diet, i.e., fat and protein, can influence the postprandial blood glucose level, however. For example, dietary fat slows glucose absorption, delaying the peak glycemic response to the ingestion of a food that contains glucose (12–14). In addition, although glucose is the primary stimulus for insulin release, protein/amino acids augment insulin release when ingested with carbohydrate, thereby increasing the clearance of glucose from the blood (15–17). Both the quantity and the type or source of carbohydrate found in foods influence postprandial glucose level (18,19). Although most experts agree that the total carbohydrate intake from a meal or snack is a relatively reliable predictor of postprandial blood glucose (18,20–22), the impact …