Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Connectivity properties of random interlacement and intersection of random walks

We consider the interlacement Poisson point process on the space of doubly-infinite Z d -valued trajectories modulo time shift, tending to infinity at pos- itive and negative infinite times. The set of vertices and edges visited by at least one of these trajectories is the random interlacement at level u of Sznitman (2010). We prove that for any u > 0, almost surely, (1) any two vertices in the random interlacement at level u are connected via at most dd/2e trajectories of the point process, and (2) there are vertices in the random interlacement at level u which can only be connected via at least dd/2e trajectories of the point process. In par- ticular, this implies the already known result of Sznitman (2010) that the random interlacement at level u is connected.
Structural basis for oligosaccharide recognition by Pyrococcus furiosus maltodextrin-binding protein.

A maltodextrin-binding protein from Pyrococcus furiosus (PfuMBP) has been overproduced in Escherichia coli, purified, and crystallized. The crystal structure of the protein bound to an oligosaccharide ligand was determined to 1.85 A resolution. The fold of PfuMBP is very similar to that of the orthologous MBP from E. coli (EcoMBP), despite the moderate level of sequence identity between the two proteins (27 % identity, 46 % similarity). PfuMBP is extremely resistant to heat and chemical denaturation, which may be attributed to a number of factors, such as a tightly packed hydrophobic core, clusters of isoleucine residues, salt-bridges, and the presence of proline residues in key positions. Surprisingly, an attempt to crystallize the complex of PfuMBP with maltose resulted in a structure that contained maltotriose in the ligand-binding site. The structure of the complex suggests that there is a considerable energy gain upon binding of maltotriose in comparison to maltose. Moreover, isothermal titration calorimetry experiments demonstrated that the binding of maltotriose to the protein is exothermic and tight, whereas no thermal effect was observed upon addition of maltose at three temperatures. Therefore, PfuMBP evidently is designed to bind oligosaccharides composed of three or more glucopyranose units.
Effects of water color on predation regimes and zooplankton assemblages in freshwater lakes

Northern temperate lakes often have high water color because of high concentrations of dissolved organic carbon (DOC). Altered light, temperature, and oxygen profiles in these brown‐water lakes should reduce the foraging abilities of planktivorous fish and reduce predation on zooplankton and invertebrate predators such as Chaoborus. Additionally, reduced diurnal vertical migration should limit exposure to cold temperatures and increase zooplankton growth rates. We hypothesized that, with increasing water color, Chaoborus would become more important, and this change would be followed by a shift in the zooplankton assemblage toward larger species. To test this hypothesis, we carried out a 2 x 2 x 2 factorial enclosure study to examine the effects of high and low color and the presence and absence of both fish and Chaoborus on zooplankton assemblages. We also analyzed the zooplankton community structure of two lakes with similar morphometry and fish composition but very different water color. Both studies showed that, in highly colored water, Chaoborus was more abundant and the zooplankton community shifted from small species, such as Bosmina and small copepods, to large species, such as Daphnia and Holopedium. Concurrently, the food web structure changed from top‐down control to intraguild predation. Because not only the physical habitat differs between clear‐ and brown‐water lakes, but also the predation regimes and food web structure, we conclude that brown‐water lakes are a distinct lake type.
Constraints on the Cardassian Scenario from the Expansion Turnaround Redshift and the Sunyaev-Zeldovich/X-Ray Data

Cosmic acceleration is one of the most remarkable cosmological findings of recent years. Although a dark energy component has usually been invoked as the mechanism for the acceleration, a modification of the Friedmann equation from various higher dimensional models provides a feasible alternative. Cardassian expansion is one of these scenarios, in which the universe is flat, matter (and radiation) dominated, and accelerating but contains no dark energy component. This scenario is fully characterized by n, the power index of the so-called Cardassian term in the modified Friedmann equation, and Ωm, the matter density parameter of the universe. In this work, we first consider the constraints on the parameter space from the turnaround redshift, zq=0, at which the universe switches from deceleration to acceleration. We show that for every Ωm there exists a unique npeak(Ωm) that makes zq=0 reach its maximum value, (zq=0)max = exp [1/(2-3npeak)] - 1, which is nonlinearly inverse to Ωm. If the acceleration happens earlier than zq=0 = 0.6, as suggested by Type Ia supernovae measurements, we have Ωm < 0.328 no matter what the power index is, and moreover, for reasonable matter density, Ωm ~ 0.3, it is found that n ~ (-0.45, 0.25). We next test this scenario using the Sunyaev-Zeldovich/X-ray data of a sample of 18 galaxy clusters with 0.14 < z < 0.83 compiled by Reese et al. We determine n and Ωm, as well as the Hubble constant H0, using the χ2 minimization method. The best fit to the data gives H0 = 59.2 km s-1 Mpc-1, n = 0.5, and Ωm = Ωb (Ωb is the baryonic matter density parameter). However, the constraints from the current Sunyaev-Zeldovich/X-ray data are weak, although a model with lower matter density is preferred. A certain range of the model parameters is also consistent with the data.
Remote ischaemic preconditioning by brief hind limb ischaemia protects against renal ischaemia-reperfusion injury: the role of adenosine.

BACKGROUND Remote ischaemic preconditioning (RIPC) is a strategy to protect a target organ against ischaemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) by inducing short-term ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) in a remote organ. RIPC of the kidney by temporary limb occlusion would be a safe, inexpensive and noninvasive method to prevent renal damage in, e.g., transplantation and aortic surgery. We investigated whether brief hind limb occlusion can protect against renal IRI and whether this protection is adenosine dependent. METHODS Rats underwent either no RIPC, unilateral RIPC or bilateral RIPC. The preconditioning stimulus was either continuous (12'/12' I/R) or fractionated (three times 4'/4' I/R). After the last reperfusion period, we induced 25' ischaemia in the right kidney. RESULTS After 24 h of reperfusion, renal function was improved by 30-60% in both bilateral RIPC groups and in the fractionated unilateral group. Renal tubule damage and kidney injury molecule-1 expression were reduced in three of four RIPC groups. Treatment with the adenosine receptor blocker 8-(p-sulfophenyl)theophylline had no effect on fractionated or continuous RIPC. CONCLUSIONS Brief hind limb ischaemia induces protection against renal IRI, which makes this a promising strategy to prevent renal IRI in a clinical setting. Bilateral RIPC was more effective than unilateral RIPC, and this protection occurs via an adenosine-independent mechanism.
Estimation and Modeling Problems in Parametric Audio Coding

The topic of this thesis is parametric coding of speech and audio. A number of estimation and modeling problems in this field of research are addressed. First, a major problem in audio coding, namely efficient coding of transients, is considered. Amplitude modulated sinusoidal models and associated estimators are proposed, and we develop and compare a number of coders. The amplitude modulated sinusoidal models are found to lead to improved coding in listening tests. Then we move on to the problem of estimating the parameters of sinusoids. We relate a number of practical sinusoidal frequency estimators that are commonly used in audio coding in a framework based on a perceptual distortion measure. These can be related to maximum likelihood estimation under the assumption of Gaussian noise and can be seen as relaxations of the optimal nonlinear least-squares frequency estimator. The next part concerns a modeling and estimation problem in rate-distortion optimized audio coding. Based on rate-distortion optimization, an optimal segmentation and allocation of bits can be found, but this requires that distortions are calculated for all allocations and segments. We instead propose a method for estimating the distortions based only on a number of simple signal features. Specifically, the relationship between these features and distortions are modeled using a Gaussian mixture, and, for a particular segment, the distortions are estimated using a Bayesian estimator. Listening tests reveal that this can be done without much loss in perceived quality. Finally, we consider the application of the harmonic sinusoidal model, where all sinusoids are integer multiples of a fundamental frequency, to parametric coding of speech and packet loss concealment based on the sinusoidal parameters. Also, a highresolution fundamental frequency estimation method is proposed. The applications of the methods and models presented in this thesis extend beyond the scope of audio coding. The amplitude modulated sinusoidal models and the methods for sinusoidal frequency estimation have applications also in signal and spectral analysis, musical analysis and synthesis, and signal modification.
Improved method for detecting poliovirus negative strands used to demonstrate specificity of positive-strand encapsidation and the ratio of positive to negative strands in infected cells

We have developed a ribonuclease protection method suitable for sensitive detection of an RNA species in the presence of a large excess of its complementary strand, as for the detection of negative strands of positive-strand RNA viruses. By using this method to probe for poliovirus negative strands in virions, we found that positive strands are present in at least 40,000-fold excess over negative strands. Thus, we have confirmed that poliovirus encapsidation is highly specific for positive strands and have demonstrated that the genome-linked protein VPg, which is covalently attached to the 5' ends of both positive and negative strands, cannot be the sole determinant of RNA packaging. We tested the ratios of viral positive strands to negative strands in cells at different times during infection; this value ranged from approximately 40/1 to 70/1, being highest at 4 h and lower at 2 and 6 h postinfection.
A Document Recommendation System Blending Retrieval and Categorization Technologies

The task of recommending documents to knowledge workers differs from the task of recommending products to consumers. Variations in search context can undermine the effectiveness of collaborative approaches, while many knowledge workers function in an environment in which the open sharing of information may be impossible or undesirable. There is also the ‘cold start’ problem of how to bootstrap a recommendation system in the absence of any usage statistics. We describe a system called ResultsPlus, which uses a blend of information retrieval and machine learning technologies to recommend secondary materials to attorneys engaged in primary law research. Rankings of recommended material are subsequently enhanced by incorporating historical user behavior and document usage data.
Kernel-based Fuzzy Feature Extraction Method and Its Application to Face Image Classification

The Hughes phenomenon (or the curse of dimensionality) shows two essential directions for improving the classification performance on high-dimensional and small sample size (SSS) problems. One is to reduce the dimensionality of applied data by feature extraction or feature selection methods. The other is to increase the training sample size. In recent years some kernel-based feature extraction algorithms such as kernel principal component analysis (KPCA) have shown some appealing performances for various problems. These algorithms have the capabilities of handling extremely high-dimensional data and extracting nonlinear features. In this paper, an efficient nonparametric kernel-based feature extraction algorithm, namely kernel fuzzy feature extraction (KFFE), is proposed. In addition, two techniques, eigen-decomposition and regularization, are applied to the KFFE for mitigating the SSS problem. Two face databases are employed to confirm the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed KFFE obtains more satisfactory results as compared with some other kernelbased algorithms. Keywords—curse of dimensionality, feature extraction, dimension reduction, small sample size problem, face recognition, kernel method
A Genetic Algorithm Tutorial Colorado State University a Genetic Algorithm Tutorial

This tutorial covers the canonical genetic algorithm as well as more experimental forms of genetic algorithms, including parallel island models and parallel cellular genetic algorithms. The tutorial also illustrates genetic search by hyperplane sampling. The theoretical foundations of genetic algorithms are reviewed, include the schema theorem as well as recently developed exact models of the canonical genetic algorithm.
Species-level view of population structure and gene flow for a critically endangered primate (Varecia variegata)

Lemurs are among the world's most threatened mammals. The critically endangered black-and-white ruffed lemur (Varecia variegata), in particular, has recently experienced rapid population declines due to habitat loss, ecological sensitivities to habitat degradation, and extensive human hunting pressure. Despite this, a recent study indicates that ruffed lemurs retain among the highest levels of genetic diversity for primates. Identifying how this diversity is apportioned and whether gene flow is maintained among remnant populations will help to diagnose and target conservation priorities. We sampled 209 individuals from 19 sites throughout the remaining V. variegata range. We used 10 polymorphic microsatellite loci and ∼550 bp of mtDNA sequence data to evaluate genetic structure and population dynamics, including dispersal patterns and recent population declines. Bayesian cluster analyses identified two distinct genetic clusters, which optimally partitioned data into populations occurring on either side of the Mangoro River. Localities north of the Mangoro were characterized by greater genetic diversity, greater gene flow (lower genetic differentiation) and higher mtDNA haplotype and nucleotide diversity than those in the south. Despite this, genetic differentiation across all sites was high, as indicated by high average FST (0.247) and ΦST (0.544), and followed a pattern of isolation-by-distance. We use these results to suggest future conservation strategies that include an effort to maintain genetic diversity in the north and restore connectivity in the south. We also note the discordance between patterns of genetic differentiation and current subspecies taxonomy, and encourage a re-evaluation of conservation management units moving forward.
An area and power efficient frame synchronizer for 480Mb/s OFDM-based UWB system

A frame synchronizer is proposed for OFDM-based UWB system. Integrating the improved matched filters and dynamic threshold design, the proposed design can reduce 65% area and 58% power with an acceptable performance loss. It can achieve 528MS/s throughput for 480Mb/s UWB system in 0.18/spl mu/m CMOS process.
The Inter-Dependent Reductions of Lead Time and Ordering Cost in Periodic Review Inventory Model with Backorder Price Discount

This paper investigates the lead time and ordering cost reductions are inter-dependent in the periodic review inventory model with backorder price discount. The objective is to minimize the total related cost by simultaneously optimizing the review period, lead time and backorder price discount. The protection interval demand is assumed to be normally distributed. A procedure of finding the optimal solution is developed, and two numerical examples are given to illustrate the results.
GENETIC ALGORITHMS : WHAT FITNESS SCALING IS OPTIMAL ?

Genetic algorithms are now among the most promising optimization techniques. They are based on the following reasonable idea. Suppose that we want to maximize an objective function J(x). We somehow choose the rst generation of \individuals" x 1 ; x 2 ; :::; x n (i.e., possible values of x) and compute the \\tness" J(x i) of all these individuals. To each individual x i , we assign a survival probability p i that is proportional to its tness. In order to get the next generation we then repeat the following procedure k times: take two individuals at random (i.e., x i with probability p i) and \combine" them according to some rule. For each individual of this new generation, we also compute its tness (and survival probability), \combine" them to get the third generation, etc. Under certain reasonable conditions, the value of the objective function increases from generation to generation and converges to a maximal value. The performance of genetic algorithms can be essentially improved if we use tness scaling, i.e., use f(J(x i)) instead of J(x i) as a tness value, where f(x) is some xed function that is called a scaling function. The eeciency of tness scaling essentially depends on the choice of f. So what f should we choose? In the present paper we formulate the problem of choosing f as a mathematical optimization problem and solve it under diierent optimality criteria. As a result, we get a list of functions f that are optimal under these criteria. This list includes both the functions that were empirically proved to be the best for some problems, and some new functions that may be worth trying.
Convexity of multi-valued momentum map

We extend the famous convexity theorem of Atiyah, Guillemin and Sternberg to the case of non-Hamiltonian actions. We show that the image of a generalized momentum map is a bounded polytope times a vector space. We prove that this picture is stable for small perturbations of the symplectic form. We also observe that an n-dimensional torus symplectic action on a 2n-dimensional symplectic manifold, with fixed point, is Hamiltonian. We finally prove that an extension of Kirwan's convexity theorem (for compact group actions) is also true.
Location-aware projection with robust 3-D viewing point detection and fast image deformation

This paper describes a novel approach to the construction of a projector-based augmented reality environment. The approach is based on capturing the dynamic changes of surfaces and projecting the images within a large real environment using a system that includes a laser range finder and a projector, whose optical axes are integrated by mirrors. The proposed method offers two distinct advances: (1) robust 3-D viewing point detection from consecutive range images, and (2) fast view-driven image generation and presentation with view frustum clipping to measured surfaces. A prototype system is shown to confirm the feasibility of the method; it generates view-driven images to suit the user's viewing position that are then projected within dynamic real environment, in real-time.
Linear Versus Non-Linear Learning in the Context of Othello

Acquiring more knowledge renders the need for deep searching. However, knowledge is hard to measure. In this paper, Linearity is proposed to measure the quality of knowledge. A comparison has been made among three learning techniques, namely: linear regression, neural network and support vector machine. These techniques were applied in the domain of Othello.
Leadership and leadership development in education

[About the book]: Leadership has proved a tricky beast to pin down and the subject has been approached from a variety of perspectives over the years. The beauty of this textbook lies in its role as an illustrative guide though the wilds of an elusive discipline. This second edition of Leadership in Organizations: Current Issues and Key Trends offers a balanced combination of theory and practice to provide an up-to-date account of this multi-faceted topic. Looking at the international and comparative aspects of leadership, Storey also discusses new modes of leadership that will be required to steer organizations to success in a recessive environment. Topics include: changing theories of leadership; strategy and leadership; ethics and leadership; leadership development in public sector organizations; followership and distributed leadership; leadership development in multi-national firms. With improved pedagogical features, this new edition is the ideal text for students of leadership studies, as well as practitioners looking to enhance their leadership skills.
Influence of Flickering Light on the Retinal Vessels in Diabetic Patients

We read with interest the article by Mandecka et al. (1) describing reduced retinal vessel reactivity, as measured by the response to flicker light, in people with diabetes and diabetic retinopathy. Findings from this study provide further insights into the early retinal vessel diameter changes involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic microvascular complications. Previous population-based studies have …
Sensor Node Deployment Strategy for Maintaining Wireless Sensor Network Communication Connectivity

We propose a rescue robot sensor network system in which a teleoperated rescue robot sets up a wireless sensor network (WSN) to gather disaster information in post-disaster underground spaces. In this system, the rescue robot carries wireless sensor nodes (SNs) and deploys them between gateways in an underground space on demand by the operator’s command to establish a safe approach path before rescue workers enter. However, a single communication path only is setup, because the rescue robot linearly deploys SNs between gateways. Hence, the rescue robot cannot be operated remotely if the communication path is disconnected by, for example, SN failure or changes in the environmental conditions. Therefore, SNs must be adaptively deployed so as to maintain WSN communication connectivity and negate such situations. This paper describes an SN deployment strategy for construction of a WSN robust to communication disconnection, caused by SN failure or deterioration of communications quality, in order to maintain communication connectivity between SNs. We thus propose an SN deployment strategy that uses redundant communication connection and ensures communication conditions between end-to-end communications of the WSN. The proposed strategy maintained communication conditions such that throughput between end-to-end communications in the WSN. Experimental results verifying the efficacy of the proposed method are also described.