Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reasoning about Minimal Belief and Negation as Failure

We investigate the problem of reasoning in the propositional fragment of MBNF, the logic of minimal belief and negation as failure introduced by Lifschitz, which can be considered as a unifying framework for several nonmonotonic formalisms, including default logic, autoepistemic logic, circumscription, epistemic queries, and logic programming. We characterize the complexity and provide algorithms for reasoning in propositional MBNF. In particular, we show that skeptical entailment in propositional MBNF is Π3p-complete, hence it is harder than reasoning in all the above mentioned propositional formalisms for nonmonotonic reasoning. We also prove the exact correspondence between negation as failure in MBNF and negative introspection in Moore's autoepistemic logic.
Accuracy verification and enhancement in 3D modeling: application to Donatello's Maddalena

The three-dimensional acquisition and modeling of Donatello's Maddalena was started in order to create a methodology that aims at monitoring fragile wooden sculptures over the years. Hence a set of new approaches in 3D modeling was needed for obtaining the necessary metric reliability. The main focus of the work is modeling accuracy, therefore quality control procedures based both of the self check of 3D data and the use of complementary 3D sensors were developed for testing the model. Sensor fusion was also extensively used in order to correct a few alignment errors after the ICP phase leading to a not negligible overall metric discrepancy. All the steps of the acquisition procedure, from the project planning to the solution of the various technical and logistical problems are reported. Although few commercial systems claim to use a similar approach, for the first time, the noninvasive integration of photogrammetry and 3D scanning, specifically designed for applications in cultural heritage, is extensively documented here.
Identifying Outlier Arms in Multi-Armed Bandit

We study a novel problem lying at the intersection of two areas: multi-armed bandit and outlier detection. Multi-armed bandit is a useful tool to model the process of incrementally collecting data for multiple objects in a decision space. Outlier detection is a powerful method to narrow down the attention to a few objects after the data for them are collected. However, no one has studied how to detect outlier objects while incrementally collecting data for them, which is necessary when data collection is expensive. We formalize this problem as identifying outlier arms in a multi-armed bandit. We propose two sampling strategies with theoretical guarantee, and analyze their sampling efficiency. Our experimental results on both synthetic and real data show that our solution saves 70-99% of data collection cost from baseline while having nearly perfect accuracy.
FDI and Trade - Two Way Linkages?

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the intertemporal linkages between FDI and disaggregated measures of international trade. We outline a model exemplifying some of these linkages, describe several methods for investigating two-way feedbacks between various categories of trade, and apply them to the recent experience of developing countries. After controlling for other macroeconomic and institutional effects, we find that the strongest feedback between the sub-accounts is between FDI and manufacturing trade. More precisely, applying Geweke (1982)'s decomposition method, we find that most of the linear feedback between trade and FDI (81%) can be accounted for by Granger-causality from FDI gross flows to trade openness (50%) and from trade to FDI (31%). The rest of the total linear feedback is attributable to simultaneous correlation between the two annual series.
Increase of Capacity and Quality of Frequency Based Image Steganography Using Particle Swarm Optimization

This paper proposes a steganography technique to enhance the capacity and quality of the stego object. The method is proposed for frequency domain grayscale images. It is assumed that hiding varied number of secret bits in the original image blocks depending upon the DCT coefficients remaining after quantizing the blocks might increase the capacity of the stego image. To enhance the quality PSO can be used to find the appropriate DCT coefficients to conceal the secret data. The secret message is to be encrypted using AES before embedding in the original image blocks to ensure security.
GPS free coordinate assignment and routing in wireless sensor networks

In this paper we consider the problem of constructing a coordinate system in a sensor network where location information is not available. To this purpose we introduce the virtual coordinate assignment protocol (VCap) which defines a virtual coordinate system based on hop distances. As compared to other approaches, VCap is simple and have very little requirements in terms of communication and memory overheads. We compare by simulations the performances of greedy routing using our virtual coordinate system with the one using the physical coordinates. Results show that the virtual coordinate system can be used to efficiently support geographic routing.
Synaptic vesicle exocytosis captured by quick freezing and correlated with quantal transmitter release

We describe the design and operation of a machine that freezes biological tissues by contact with a cold metal block, which incorporates a timing circuit that stimulates frog neuromuscular junctions in the last few milliseconds before thay are frozen. We show freeze-fracture replicas of nerve terminals frozen during transmitter discharge, which display synpatic vesicles caught in the act of exocytosis. We use 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) to increase the number of transmitter quanta discharged with each nerve impulse, and show that the number of exocytotic vesicles caught by quick-freezing increases commensurately, indicating that one vesicle undergoes exocytosis for each quantum that is discharged. We perform statistical analyses on the spatial distribution of synaptic vesicle discharge sites along the "active zones" that mark the secretory regions of these nerves, and show that individual vesicles fuse with the plasma membrane independent of one another, as expected from physiological demonstrations that quanta are discharged independently. Thus, the utility of quick- freezing as a technique to capture biological processes as evanescent as synaptic transmission has been established. An appendix describes a new capacitance method to measure freezing rates, which shows that the "temporal resolution" of our quick-freezing technique is 2 ms or better.
High-resolution Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Moyamoya Disease

Objective:To introduce the imaging characteristics of moyamoya disease (MMD) using high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HR-MRI) and to discuss the role of HR-MRI in differentiating MMD from other intracranial artery diseases, especially intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD). Data Sources:This review was based on the data in articles published between 2005 and 2015, which were obtained from PubMed. The keywords included HR-MRI, MMD, ICAD, and intracranial artery diseases. Study Selection:Articles related to HR-MRI for MMD or other intracranial artery diseases were selected for review. Results:There are differences between the characteristic patterns of HR-MRI in MMD and ICAD. MMD is associated with inward remodeling, smaller outer diameters, concentric occlusive lesions and homogeneous signal intensity, while ICAD is more likely to be associated with outward remodeling, normal outer diameters, eccentric occlusive lesions, and heterogeneous signal intensity. Other intracranial artery diseases, such as dissection and vasculitis, also have distinctive characteristics in HR-MRI. HR-MRI may become a useful tool for the differential diagnosis of MMD in the future. Conclusions:HR-MRI of MMD provides a more in-depth understanding of MMD, and it is helpful in evaluating pathological changes in the vessel wall and in differentiating MMD from other intracranial artery steno-occlusive diseases, particularly ICAD.
Risky Curves: From Unobservable Utility to Observable Opportunity Sets

Most theories of risky choice postulate that a decision maker maximizes the expectation of a Bernoulli (or utility or similar) function. We tour 60 years of empirical search and conclude that no such functions have yet been found that are useful for out-of-sample prediction. Nor do we find practical applications of Bernoulli functions in major risk-based industries such as finance, insurance and gambling. We sketch an alternative approach to modeling risky choice that focuses on potentially observable opportunities rather than on unobservable Bernoulli functions.
The impact of human-like and device-like signals on people’s mental models of robots

People use mental models to guide their expectations of how interaction with a robot will unfold. We note that in the literature on Human-Robot Interaction, interaction with robots is described with terms that treat robots as devices, but in other work robots are anthropomorphized. Communicative actions by robots are also designed in more human-like or more device-like ways. We need to account for both types of signals when designing interactions with robots. We propose directions for future research into how different types of signals as well as combinations of signals influence people’s mental models of robots.
Phylogenetic analysis of the env gene of HIV‐1 isolates taking into account individual nucleotide substitution rates

Objective: To estimate the relative substitution rate of the individual positions in an alignment of HIV‐1 env sequences coding for areas V3, V4, V5, and the beginning of gp41, and to study phylogenetic relationships between HIV‐1 strains taking into account these substitution rate estimates. Design: Phylogenetic comparison of 145 HIV‐1 strains classified in HIV‐1 group M, subtypes A‐H and isolated from patients of 24 different geographical origins. Methods: A new method recently developed for measuring the substitution rates of the individual nucleotides in a sequence alignment was applied to an alignment of env gene sequences. From the resulting substitution rate distribution, an equation was derived that describes the relationship between dissimilarity and evolutionary distance better than equations previously available. Phylogenetic trees were then constructed from matrices of distances computed using this new equation. Results: ‘Substitution rate calibration’ offers detailed information on the relative substitution rate or variability of the nucleotides in the env gene. A large phylogenetic tree of 145 env gene sequences constructed by neighbour‐joining and taking into account the substitution rate spectrum for this gene, clearly shows the existence of the eight subtypes A‐H, all supported at a bootstrap level of 90% or higher. Intersubtype distances were between 0.25 and 0.38, which is considerably higher than those found in trees not considering differences in substitution rates among different alignment positions. Conclusions: Evolutionary distances are seriously underestimated when individual substitution rates are not considered in the estimation of evolutionary distances. Furthermore, due to the more accurate estimation of evolutionary distances, naturally occurring HIV‐1 intersubtype recombinants could be recognized more easily.
Comparison of Classic and Molecular Approaches for the Identification of Untypeable Enteroviruses

ABSTRACT Members of the family Picornaviridae are the most common viruses infecting humans, and species in several genera also infect a wide variety of other mammals. Picornaviruses have traditionally been classified by antigenic type, based on a serum neutralization assay. However, this method is time-consuming and labor-intensive, is sensitive to virus aggregation and antigenic variation, and requires a large number of antisera to identify all serotypes, even when antiserum pools are used. We developed generic reverse transcription (RT)-PCR primers that will amplify all human enterovirus serotypes, as well as many rhinoviruses and other picornaviruses, and used RT-PCR amplification of the VP1 gene and amplicon sequencing to identify enteroviruses that were refractory to typing by neutralization with pooled antisera. Enterovirus serotypes determined by sequencing were confirmed by neutralization with monospecific antisera. Of 55 isolates tested, 49 were of known enterovirus serotypes, two were rhinoviruses, and four were clearly picornaviruses but did not match any known picornavirus sequence. All four untyped picornaviruses were closely related to one another in sequence, suggesting that they are of the same serotype. RT-PCR, coupled with amplicon sequencing, is a simple and rapid method for the typing and classification of picornaviruses and may lead to the identification of many new picornavirus serotypes.
A Review on Leaf Area Index of Horticulture Crops and Its Importance

Leaves are the most important structure for photosynthesis and a process which was described by Kozlowski and Pallardy (1997) in which light energy is apprehended by green plants (mainly by the chlorophyll in leaves) and used to produced reduced carbon compounds from carbon dioxide and water and also, leaf is an important plant organ and is associated with photosynthesis and evapotranspiration; therefore, leaf area capacities are required in most physiological and agronomic studies concerning plant growth (Guo and Sun, 2001). Dejong and Ryugo (1998) and Friedrich and Fischer (2000) showed the influence of various factors on photosynthesis in fruit species. Photosynthesis yields carbohydrates for growth and dynamism (Lakso and Flore, 2003) and photo synthates constitute up to 90% of a plant‟s dry matter (DM) (Daie, 1985) and both growth and cropping depend on a ready source of carbohydrates and International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 7 Number 04 (2018) Journal homepage: http://www.ijcmas. com
Nanotechnology at Work: Hydrogel Drug Delivery Architectures

Hydrogels represent three-dimensional, interconnected networks known to absorb substantial amounts of H2O but at the same time, being insoluble in the aforementioned solvent. Their exceptional hydrophilic nature, biocompatibility and diverse therapeutic potential position them as highly promising biomaterials within biological and biomedical fields. These materials, on account of their innoxious innate characteristics and safe utilization, have garnered widespread acceptance across tremendous and diverse biomedical applications ranging from traditional therapies to state-of-the-art advancements. This extensive review incorporates a spectrum of varied types of hydrogels, elaborating on both their chemical, physical aspects and also throws light on the rheological, analytical and spectroscopic tools employed for their characterization. It also continues to elaborate on the various mechanisms of gelation for facilitating a better understanding of the topic under discussion. The review also discusses the different strategies which are substantiated in recent times to expand the utilisation of hydrogels. The primary intent of this review is to render a comprehensive understanding of hydrogels as an ideal drug delivery system to undergraduates, graduates, biomedical students and researchers across the globe. It also targets to unravel the fundamental, applied and general aspects of hydrogels, offering valuable insights to help individuals associated with multidisciplinary research and application spheres. Keywords: Gelation, Biocompatibility, Cross-linking, Smart hydrogels, Polymerization, Architecture, Polymer network
Threshold concepts in computer science: do they exist and are they useful?

Yes, and Yes.We are currently undertaking an pirical investigation of "Threshold Concepts" in Computer Science, with input from both instructors and students. We have found good pirical evidence that at least two concepts---Object-oriented programming and pointers--are Threshold Concepts, and that there are potentially many more others.In this paper, we present results gathered using various experimental techniques, and discuss how Threshold Concepts can affect the learning process.
N-(6-Amino-3,4-dihydro-3-methyl-5-nitroso-4-oxopyrimidin-2-yl)leucine: a three-dimensional hydrogen-bonded framework structure.

In the title compound, C11H17N5O4, the bond distances show evidence of a highly polarized molecular-electronic structure. The molecules are linked into a three-dimensional framework by a combination of O-H.O and N-H.O hydrogen bonds, including a very short O-H.O hydrogen bond [H.O=1.67 A, O.O=2.494 (2) A and O-H.O=166 degrees].
Impact of the PPAR-γ2 Pro12Ala Polymorphism and ACE Inhibitor Therapy on New-Onset Microalbuminuria in Type 2 Diabetes: Evidence From BENEDICT

OBJECTIVE Cross-sectional studies found less microalbuminuria in type 2 diabetic patients with the Ala12 allele of the peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor-γ2 (PPAR-γ2) Pro12Ala polymorphism. We prospectively evaluated the association between Pro12Ala polymorphism (rs1801282) and new-onset microalbuminuria. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Pro12Ala polymorphism was genotyped by TaqMan-based assay in genomic DNA of 1,119 consenting patients from BErgamo NEphrologic DIabetic Complications Trial (BENEDICT)—a prospective, randomized trial evaluating ACE inhibition effect on new-onset microalbuminuria (albuminuria 20–200 μg/min in at least two of three consecutive overnight urine collections in two consecutive visits) in hypertensive type 2 diabetes with albuminuria <20 μg/min at inclusion. RESULTS Baseline characteristics of Ala (Ala/Ala or Ala/Pro) carriers and Pro/Pro homozygotes were similar, with a nonsignificant trend to lower albuminuria (P = 0.1107) in the 177 Ala carriers. Over a median (interquartile range) of 44.0 (17.1–51.9) months, 7 (4%) Ala carriers and 86 (9.1%) Pro/Pro homozygotes developed microalbuminuria (hazard ratio [HR] 0.45 [95% CI 0.21–0.97]; P = 0.042). Final albuminuria was significantly lower in Ala carriers than Pro/Pro homozygotes (7.3 ± 9.1 vs. 10.5 ± 24.9 μg/min, respectively), even after adjustment for baseline albuminuria (P = 0.048). Baseline and follow-up blood pressure and metabolic control were similar in both groups. Incidence of microalbuminuria was significantly decreased by ACE versus non-ACE inhibitor therapy in Pro/Pro homozygotes (6.3 vs. 11.9%, respectively, HR 0.46 [0.29–0.72]; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS In type 2 diabetes, the Ala allele protects from worsening albuminuria and new-onset microalbuminuria, and ACE inhibition blunts the excess risk of microalbuminuria associated with the Pro/Pro genotype. Evaluating Pro12Ala polymorphism may help identifying patients at risk who may benefit the most from early renoprotective therapy.
Java Finalize Method, Orthogonal Persistence and Transactions

Java is a popular, object oriented language that is runtime type safe. As such, it has been seen as an attractive basis for the implementation of orthogonally persistent systems by several research groups. Transactions are widely used as a means of enforcing consistency of the stable image in the face of concurrency, and have been adopted by most groups developing persistent Java systems. However, Java has a user definable finalize method which provides an asynchronous cleanup mechanism. The strict temporal semantics of transactions and the asynchrony of the finalize method seem at odds. This paper describes this conflict and provides a strategy for resolving the problem.
Relationship between neurometabolite derangement and neurocognitive dysfunction in systemic lupus erythematosus.

OBJECTIVE To determine the relationship between neurochemical markers of brain injury and brain dysfunction associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS Patients with SLE (n = 12) were studied using magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging at 1.5 Tesla to determine neurochemistry and a neurocognitive testing battery to determine brain dysfunction. N-acetylaspartate (NAA), creatine (Cre), and choline (Cho) concentrations were measured in white (WM) and gray (GM) matter and expressed as the ratios NAA/Cho, NAA/Cre, and Cho/Cre. Neurocognitive testing results were expressed as a composite z score. Disease activity was quantified by SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) and disease injury by Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC)/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index. RESULTS Neurochemical measures of brain injury were correlated with neurocognitive testing z scores: NAA/Cho in WM (r = 0.77, p = 0.003) and GM (r = 0.67, p = 0.017); WM Cho/Cre also correlated with total z score (r = -0.74, p = 0.006). Neurometabolite ratios and SLICC were correlated: GM NAA/Cho (r = -0.70, p = 0.011 ) and NAA/Cre (r = -0.71, p = 0.01) and WM Cho/Cre (r = 0.66, p = 0.02). Correlations between neurometabolite ratios and SLEDAI did not reach significance. CONCLUSION Brain function is closely correlated with brain injury assessed noninvasively by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. This important finding further supports the use of magnetic resonance spectroscopy to evaluate brain injury in SLE.
National trends in the use of postcardiac arrest therapeutic hypothermia and hospital factors influencing its use.

BACKGROUND Therapeutic hypothermia (TH) in cardiac arrest continues to be underused in the United States. A better understanding of its utilization could inform future efforts and policies to improve utilization. This study investigates trends in TH use for in and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, and hospital factors associated with its use. METHODS We performed a cross-sectional analysis using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS), 2007-2010, of US adult hospitalizations with cardiac arrest. Annual rates of TH use and proportions of hospitals using TH were calculated using NIS weighting. Potential hospital factors associated with increased likelihood of TH utilization were assessed using logistic regression. RESULTS Across 2007-2010, 1.35% of cardiac arrest patients received TH; increasing from 0.34% (2007) to 2.49% (2010). The proportion of hospitals using TH was 13.63%, increasing from 4.63% (2007) to 22.16% (2010). Significant hospital factors associated with TH utilization were: large hospitals, urban location, Northeast or West regions, teaching hospitals, non-safety net hospitals, increasing year, and hospitals with higher annual cardiac arrest volume. CONCLUSION Utilization of TH in cardiac arrest remains low, but increased sevenfold from 2007 to 2010. The significant variability in implementation of TH, argues for nationwide best practices or regionalization of postcardiac arrest care hospitals.
Roles of Pro- and Anti-Inflammatory Cytokines in the Pathogenesis of SLE

SLE is an autoimmune inflammatory disease in which various pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, including TGF-β, IL-10, BAFF, IL-6, IFN-α, IFN-γ, IL-17, and IL-23, play crucial pathogenic roles. Virtually, all these cytokines can be generated by both innate and adaptive immune cells and exert different effects depending on specific local microenvironment. They can also interact with each other, forming a complex network to maintain delicate immune homeostasis. In this paper, we elaborate on the abnormal secretion and functions of these cytokines in SLE, analyze their potential pathogenic roles, and probe into the possibility of them being utilized as targets for therapy.