Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mechanical field fluctuations in polycrystals estimated by homogenization techniques

The fluctuation of mechanical fields arising in polycrystals is investigated. These materials are viewed as composites of the Hashin–Shtrikman type with a large number of anisotropic phases and a ‘granular’ topology. We show that the estimation of the intra–phase stress and strain (rate) second moments comes down to the resolution of a linear system of equations. Applied to a linear viscous face–centred cubic (FCC) polycrystal, it is observed that significant local slip rates are estimated even when the corresponding Schmid factor vanishes, due to the intergranular interactions. For the application to viscoplastic polycrystals, the secant and affine nonlinear extensions of the self–consistent scheme are compared. At large stress sensitivity (n = 30), it is observed that the secant linearization leads to almost uniform slip rates for all slip systems in every phase, whereas the affine approach predicts a much larger spread. Furthermore, there is no one–to–one relation between the phase–average stress (or strain rate) and the corresponding second moment. It is emphasized that intra–phase strain–rate heterogeneities should be accounted for when dealing with microstructure evolution.
Confinement effects and tunability of quantum dots within strong confinement regime

In this age of miniaturization and nanotechnology, nano sized zero dimensional particles called quantum dots are finding wide range applications. The reasons behind their growing popularity are their controllable electrical and optical properties. This control is achieved by tuning their bandgaps by changing their shape and size. But quantum effects are most prominent only within strong confinement regime. That is, the radius of the quantum dots are much less than the exciton Bohr radius of the bulk material of which the quantum dots are made. In this paper, we have studied the confinement effects on Indium Gallium Nitride, Gallium Arsenide and Cadmium Selenide quantum dots under strong confinement. We have calculated the possible range of tunable bandgap for each of them. We also calculated the range of wavelengths that can be captured by each of these quantum dots and compared them.
Consumption of Whole Grain and Legume Powder Reduces Insulin Demand, Lipid Peroxidation, and Plasma Homocysteine Concentrations in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease: Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Our objective was to evaluate whether isocaloric replacement of refined rice with whole grains and other plant products as a form of powder reduces coronary artery disease (CAD) risk factors, such as insulin demand and lipid peroxidation in CAD patients. Seventy-six male patients with CAD were randomly assigned to either a group ingesting a whole-grain meal daily or a control group for 16 weeks. In the whole-grain group, serum concentrations of glucose and insulin decreased by 24% and 14%, respectively, without altering body weight and energy intake, whereas daily intakes of fiber and vitamin E increased by 25% and 41%, respectively. Consumption of whole grains and legume powder in CAD patients without diabetes decreased fasting levels of glucose and insulin. The areas under the curve for insulin and glucose during the oral glucose tolerance test were also decreased. CAD patients with diabetes in the whole-grain group also showed reductions in fasting glucose and in the area under the curve for glucose. In the whole-grain group, plasma malondialdehyde and homocysteine and urinary 8-epi-prostaglandin F2&agr; concentrations decreased by ≈28%. Also, lipid-corrected concentrations of &agr;-carotene, retinol, tocopherols, and lycopene increased by 11% to 40%, and the percentage composition of n-6 fatty acids of serum phospholipid increased by 14% in the whole-grain group. The replacement of refined rice with whole grain and legume powder as a source of carbohydrate in a meal showed significant beneficial effects on glucose, insulin, and homocysteine concentrations and lipid peroxidation in CAD patients. These effects are likely to substantially reduce the risk factors for CAD and diabetes.
The Club of The Future: Participatory Clubbing Experiences

This article showcases our effort to explore the music club of the future. We present the development and results of an end-to-end system which enhances the club-going experience through the use of wearable technology. Each party guest wearing one of the wristbands actively contributes to the overall experience with their movement and location patterns. The system collects acceleration data from each of the attendees in real-time and feeds it into a pluggable network infrastructure, which processes the data, affecting the environment via data visualization or controlling of the light and sound system of a curated space within the club. Finally, we describe the results of a two night, 450 person per night.
Beyond connecting the dots: A polynomial-time algorithm for segmentation and boundary estimation with imprecise user input

We propose a polynomial-time algorithm for segmentation and (open) boundary estimation which takes into account a series of user-specified attraction points. In contrast to existing algorithms which impose that the segmenting boundary passes through these points, our algorithm allows an imprecision in the user input. An energy minimization approach imposes that the segmenting boundary optimally passes along high-contrast edges in such a way that at least one point along the computed boundary is as close as possible to any given attraction point. In this sense, the user input can be seen as a soft constraint. We prove that the resulting optimization problem is NP-hard. We prove that in the case that the user attraction points are ordered, then optimal solutions can be computed in polynomial time using a shortest path formulation in an appropriately constructed four-dimensional graph spanned by the image pixels, a set of tangent angles and the user attraction points. Experimental results on a variety of images demonstrate that good quality segmentations can be obtained with a few imprecise user clicks.
A Channel Estimation Method for MIMO-OFDM Systems

This paper proposes a simple and efficient method for MIMO-OFDM channel estimation using parameters similar to HIPERLAN/2. Both preamble and pilot structures are compared in a 2 transmit-2 receive Space Frequency Trellis Coded system and the Mean Squared Error is used as a metric for comparing the results. It is shown, via simulation, that the proposed methods incur a maximum loss of approximately 1 to 1.5dB as compared to perfect channel knowledge.
Blends of carbon blacks and multiwall carbon nanotubes as reinforcing fillers for hydrocarbon rubbers

The reinforcement of a styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) by single fillers—carbon black (CB) or multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs)—or by mixtures of CB and MWNTs, is investigated. The morphologies, mechanical and electrical properties of the composites, are analyzed. A significant improvement in the tensile properties is observed for samples containing a dual phase. Using atomic force (AFM) and transmission electron (TEM) microscopies, we demonstrate that the double loading improves the dispersion of the nanotubes in SBR. Electrical measurements show lower resistivity and a lower percolation threshhold for composites containing blends of fillers, which provides further evidence of better dispersion. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 46: 1939–1951, 2008
A New Privacy Preserving Approach Used in Cloud Computing

Cloud computing seems to offer some incredible benefits for communicators: the availability of an incredible array of software applications, access to lightning-quick processing power, unlimited storage, and the ability to easily share and process information. All of this is available through your browser any time you can access the Internet. While this might all appear enticing, there remain issues of reliability, portability, privacy, and security. When our private data are out-sourced in cloud computing, we should guarantee the confidentiality and searchability of the private data. Our paper provides a new approach to avoid the disclosure of the sensitive attributes of users when user ask for service from the Service Provider (SP) in cloud computing.
Biodegradation of Di-n-Butyl Phthalate by a Newly Isolated Halotolerant Sphingobium sp.

A Gram-negative strain (TJ) capable of growing aerobically on mixed phthalate esters (PAEs) as the sole carbon and energy source was isolated from the Haihe estuary, Tianjin, China. It was identified as belonging to the Sphingobium genus on the basis of morphological and physiological characteristics and 16S rRNA and gyrb gene sequencing. The batch tests for biodegradation of di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) by the Sphingobium sp. TJ showed that the optimum conditions were 30 °C, pH 7.0, and the absence of NaCl. Stain TJ could tolerate up to 4% NaCl in minimal salt medium supplemented with DBP, although the DBP degradation rates slowed as NaCl concentration increased. In addition, substrate tests showed that strain TJ could utilize shorter side-chained PAEs, such as dimethyl phthalate and diethyl phthalate, but could not metabolize long-chained PAEs, such as di-n-octyl phthalate, diisooctyl phthalate, and di-(2-ethyl-hexyl) phthalate. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the biodegradation characteristics of DBP by a member of the Sphingobium genus.
Controlling occupational allergies in the workplace.

OBJECTIVES In recent years, the prevalence of work-related asthma has increased. Therefore, more attention needs to be paid to occupational allergens and their avoidance and control in workplaces. However, risk assessment of occupational allergen exposure is difficult because the relationship between exposure concentration, sensitization, and symptoms has not been fully established. This paper introduces a systematic and comprehensive approach to assessing and managing allergen risks at workplaces. MATERIALS AND METHODS This approach relies on the cooperation and active communication during the whole process between management, employees, and health care personnel, with the assistance of experts when needed. In addition to gathering background information, including allergic symptoms, through questionnaires addressed to the management and employees, hazard identification is also processed in the workplace through observations and measurements. The methods generally recommended to reduce allergen exposure are compared with those used in the workplace. The process is to be carefully planned and documented to allow later follow-up and re-evaluation. RESULTS The multi-faceted approach encompasses several risk assessment techniques, and reveals the prevalence of work-related allergic symptoms. The process effectively focuses on the potential means for controlling allergen exposure. CONCLUSION Based on this approach, the synopsis on the critical points that require implementation of effective control measures can be presented.
Genetic Algorithms with Randomized Migration Rate

This paper discusses the effect of randomization of migration rate in distributed genetic algorithms (DGAs). DGAs are extended algorithms of GAS that can be performed in parallel. In DGAs, the total population of genes is divided into subpopulations called islands. In each island, a simple GA is performed and some of the individuals in each island are moved to another island after a certain migration interval. The number of genes in the DGA is determined by the migration rate. Although DGAs can find optimum solutions even when there are several peaks in objective functions, they require more parameters than simple GAS and are therefore more time intensive. In this study, we describe a new DGA in which the migration rate is randomized (DGA/rmr). This algorithm is evaluated using two numerical simulations: the Rastrigin function and the Rosenbrock function. We show that optimal parameters exist in these systems and obtain solutions with the proposed approach. The solutions are not optimal, but are better than those obtained using a DGA with fixed migration rate. DGA/rmr may therefore be a less time intensive alternative to conventional DGAs.
“Prince Charming Syndrome?” Gender gap in preferences for defined contribution pensions in Japan

ABSTRACT Using survey data collected by the Japan Institute of Life Insurance in 2002, this study finds that a significant gender gap existed in defined contribution (DC) pension knowledge among workers employed at small- to medium-sized private firms in Japan. Even with similar DC knowledge, however, men and women reveal different preferences for DC pensions, indicating that their perceptional responses may widely differ from actual behaviors. Apart from the knowledge gap, the result shows evidence of the Prince Charming Syndrome among female employees as a significant source of the gender gap in DC participation rates. Among corporate pension-covered employees, the gender difference in the efficacy of DC portability is a more significant gap-generating factor. DC tax advantage is particularly favored by pension-covered female employees over male counterparts, reducing the DC preference gap. No similar evidence is found for employees with no corporate pension coverage.
Broadcast on demand: efficient and timely dissemination of data in mobile environments

The demand for efficient scalable and cost effective mobile information access systems is rapidly growing. Radiofrequency broadcast plays a major role in mobile computing, and there is a need to provide service models for broadcasting information according to mobile users' needs. The authors present a model called broadcast on demand (BoD), which provides timely broadcasts according to requests from users. Compared to static broadcast, this approach has a different emphasis: it is based on a demand driven framework, aimed at satisfying the temporal constraints of the requests, and uses scheduling techniques at the server side to utilize the limited bandwidth dynamically and efficiently. Several broadcast transmission scheduling policies for BoD are examined. The study indicates that EDF-based policies combined with batching of requests achieve good performance. The results show that BoD is successful in satisfying the temporal constraints of the requests and is a viable service model for wireless broadcast stations.
Stability of Dilute Colloidal Silica Suspensions in the Vicinity of the Binodal Curve of the System 2-Butoxyethanol/Water

In the temperature-composition diagram of the system 2-butoxyethanol (abbreviated C4E1)/water, SiO2 [mass fraction of SiO2, y(SiO2) approximately 0.01; volume fraction phi(SiO2) approximately 10(-3)] there exists a flocculation temperature-composition curve running below the binodal curve for x > xc (x, mole fraction of C4E1; xc = 0.0598). The concentration of the colloidal particles is low enough to consider them an "impurity. " In the region of the phase diagram bound by the binodal and the flocculation curve the suspension of the colloidal SiO2 particles is unstable and the particles flocculate reversibly. The difference between the temperature of phase separation and the flocculation temperature increases with increasing values of x - xc up to a maximum value of x (xmax). For x > xmax the suspensions are unstable at all temperatures studied. For x < xc the suspension of the SiO2 particles is stable up to the temperature of phase separation of the C4E1/water mixture. The flocculation curve is assumed to reflect the influence of local concentration fluctuations with long range correlations on the stability of the SiO2 suspensions. For x > xc these concentration fluctuations are water rich and interact with the hydrophilic surface of the colloidal SiO2 particles by forming an adsorption layer. This layer is assumed to modify the interparticle potential energy-distance curve and to trigger flocculation. For x < xc the concentration fluctuations are C4E1 rich and no adsorption layer is formed at the hydrophilic surface of the colloidal particles. Copyright 1997Academic Press
The Time Required for Dormancy Release in Arabidopsis Is Determined by DELAY OF GERMINATION1 Protein Levels in Freshly Harvested Seeds[OA]

Seed dormancy prevents germination of freshly harvested seeds and is slowly released during seed storage by an unknown mechanism. This work shows that posttranslational modifications of the Arabidopsis thaliana protein DELAY OF GERMINATION1 occurring during seed storage can explain dormancy release. Seed dormancy controls the start of a plant’s life cycle by preventing germination of a viable seed in an unfavorable season. Freshly harvested seeds usually show a high level of dormancy, which is gradually released during dry storage (after-ripening). Abscisic acid (ABA) has been identified as an essential factor for the induction of dormancy, whereas gibberellins (GAs) are required for germination. The molecular mechanisms controlling seed dormancy are not well understood. DELAY OF GERMINATION1 (DOG1) was recently identified as a major regulator of dormancy in Arabidopsis thaliana. Here, we show that the DOG1 protein accumulates during seed maturation and remains stable throughout seed storage and imbibition. The levels of DOG1 protein in freshly harvested seeds highly correlate with dormancy. The DOG1 protein becomes modified during after-ripening, and its levels in stored seeds do not correlate with germination potential. Although ABA levels in dog1 mutants are reduced and GA levels enhanced, we show that DOG1 does not regulate dormancy primarily via changes in hormone levels. We propose that DOG1 protein abundance in freshly harvested seeds acts as a timer for seed dormancy release, which functions largely independent from ABA.
Scaling teamwork to very large teams

As a paradigm for coordinating cooperative agents in dynamic environments, teamwork has been shown to be capable of leading to flexible and robust behavior. However, when we apply teamwork to the problem of building teams with hundreds of members, fundamental limitations become apparent. We have developed a model of teamwork that addresses the limitations of existing models as they apply to very large teams. A central idea of the model is to organize team members into dynamically evolving subteams. Additionally, we present a novel approach to sharing information, leveraging the properties of small worlds networks. The algorithm provides targeted, efficient information delivery. We have developed domain independant software proxies with which we demonstrate teams at least an order of magnitude bigger than previously published. Moreover, the same proxies proved effective for teamwork in two distinct domains, illustrating the generality of the approach.
CMUQA: Multiple-Choice Question Answering at NTCIR-12 QA Lab-2 Task

The ﬁrst version of the UIMA-based modular automatic question answering (QA) system was developed for NTCIR-11 QA Lab task[5]. The system answers multiple-choice English questions for the Japanese university entrance examinations on the subject of world history. We made improvements in the current system by adding components focused towards Source Expansion and better Semantic Understanding of the question in terms of events and their time-lines
In vivo electrophysiological evidence for the regulatory role of autoreceptors on serotonergic terminals

The present in vivo studies were undertaken to evaluate electrophysiologically the modulatory role of the terminal 5-HT autoreceptor on 5-HT neurotransmission. In a first series of experiments, the effect of the electrical activation of the ascending 5- HT pathway on the firing activity of CA3 hippocampal pyramidal neurons was measured before and after the intravenous administration of methiothepin, a terminal 5-HT autoreceptor antagonist. Methiothepin significantly increased the duration of the suppression of firing activity of these neurons by the electrical stimulation of the 5-HT pathway, without modifying their responsiveness to microiontophoretically applied 5-HT. This suggests that endogenously released 5-HT activates the 5-HT terminal autoreceptor and that methiothepin enhances the efficacy of 5-HT synaptic transmission by blocking this activation. In a second series of experiments, further evidence for the activation of terminal 5-HT autoreceptors by 5-HT released by the electrical stimulation was sought by assessing the effectiveness of 2 series of stimulations of the ascending 5-HT pathway delivered at different frequencies while recording the same postsynaptic neuron. Increasing the frequency of stimulation (from 0.8 to 5 Hz) significantly reduced the duration of suppression of firing activity of the postsynaptic neurons. This difference between the 0.8 and 5 Hz stimulations was decreased by intravenous methiothepin, suggesting that the reduced effectiveness of the stimulations delivered at the higher frequency is attributable to a greater activation of the terminal 5-HT autoreceptor. These results provide direct electrophysiological evidence for the modulatory role of the 5-HT terminal autoreceptor on 5-HT neurotransmission.
Event coreference for information extraction

We propose a general approach for performing event coreference and for constructing complex event representations, such as those required for information extraction tasks. Our approach is based on a representation which allows a tight coupling between world or conceptual modelling and discourse modelling. The representation and the coreference mechanism are fully implemented within the LaSIE information extraction system where the mechanism is used for both object (noun phrase) and event coreference resolution. Indirect evaluation of the approach shows small, but significant benefit, for information extraction tasks.
[No rebound psychosis in a case of switching from clozapine to quetiapine].

OBJECTIVE After rapid discontinuation of clozapine treatment rebound psychosis have been reported. Preexposure of D (2) receptors to clozapine may alter their affinity to endogenous dopamine. Clozapine withdrawal may also lead dysfunctional NMDA-receptors to cause dopamine release in the striatum. METHOD We report a case of a schizophrenic patient treated with clozapine 200 mg and aripiprazole 15 mg per day. After rapid clozapine discontinuation we added quetiapine up to 700 mg daily. RESULTS No rebound psychosis occurred. Even ten weeks after switching to quetiapine the patient's condition remained stable in the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale. CONCLUSIONS The combination of aripiprazole and quetiapine seemed to control supersensitivity effects at the D (2) receptor after clozapin withdrawal in this case.
Copula Analysis of Latent Dependency Structure for Collaborative Auto-Scaling of Cloud Services

In the field of cloud computing, cloud service composition integrates a group of collaborative sub-services to fulfill a specific business model. Composite cloud service is widely used and is normally implemented by distributed sub-services over the cloud, each modelled as a virtualized function (VF). It is critical that the composite cloud service maintains high Quality of Service (QoS) in the presence of highly-dynamic service requests. The challenge is that each VF has only a myopic view of the whole service process, and scaling up/down individual VF with existing cloud resource auto-scaling strategies does not necessarily lead to better QoS for end users. To solve the problem, this paper proposes an auto-scaling strategy that requires VFs to adjust their cloud resources collaboratively. For collaborative auto-scaling, it is critical to capture the dependence among multiple VFs, and to achieve this goal, we present a novel framework based on copula models to analyze the amount of service calls that may change at different rates for different VFs. We demonstrate how to orchestrate auto-scaling of VFs by predicting future service calls using the temporal dependence captured in the copula model. With real-world trace as well as synthetic data, we demonstrate the benefit of collaborative auto-scaling guided by the copula model.