Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Composable Execution Environments

Many problems in developing and maintaining systems software stem from inappropriate choices of execution environments: sets of rules and conventions for structuring code. We have developed composable execution environments (CEE), a new way to compose systems software that is based on two main capabilities: the hierarchical composition of execution environments, and the late binding of design requirements to implementation constructs. Our contributions include a number of techniques to support CEE: first, an environment description language in which compositions of environments are specified; second, the task / scheduler logic for checking safety properties of compositions, which exploits the low-level hierarchical scheduling relationships that are present in systems software; and third, integrated support for realtime schedulability analysis. Together, the CEE model and these techniques enable developers to create systems software out of multiple restricted, domain-specific execution environments and to more easily retarget code to new environments.
Interactive instant replay: sharing sports experience using 360-degrees spherical images and haptic sensation based on the coupled body motion

We propose "Interactive Instant Replay" system that the user can experience previously recorded sports play with 360-degrees spherical images and haptic sensation. The user wears a HMD, holds a Haptic Racket and experience the first person sports play scene with his own coupled body motion. The system proposed in this paper could be integrated with existing television broadcasting data that can be used in large sports events such as 2020 Olympic, to experience the same sports play experience at home.
Abundant Tau Filaments and Nonapoptotic Neurodegeneration in Transgenic Mice Expressing Human P301S Tau Protein

The identification of mutations in the Tau gene in frontotemporal dementia and parkinsonism linked to chromosome 17 (FTDP-17) has made it possible to express human tau protein with pathogenic mutations in transgenic animals. Here we report on the production and characterization of a line of mice transgenic for the 383 aa isoform of human tau with the P301S mutation. At 5–6 months of age, homozygous animals from this line developed a neurological phenotype dominated by a severe paraparesis. According to light microscopy, many nerve cells in brain and spinal cord were strongly immunoreactive for hyperphosphorylated tau. According to electron microscopy, abundant filaments made of hyperphosphorylated tau protein were present. The majority of filaments resembled the half-twisted ribbons described previously in cases of FTDP-17, with a minority of filaments resembling the paired helical filaments of Alzheimer's disease. Sarkosyl-insoluble tau from brains and spinal cords of transgenic mice ran as a hyperphosphorylated 64 kDa band, the same apparent molecular mass as that of the 383 aa tau isoform in the human tauopathies. Perchloric acid-soluble tau was also phosphorylated at many sites, with the notable exception of serine 214. In the spinal cord, neurodegeneration was present, as indicated by a 49% reduction in the number of motor neurons. No evidence for apoptosis was obtained, despite the extensive colocalization of hyperphosphorylated tau protein with activated MAP kinase family members. The latter may be involved in the hyperphosphorylation of tau.
Demographic Determinants of Savings: Estimating and Interpreting the Aggregate Association in Asia

Life cycle savings is proposed as one explanation for much of the increase in savings and economic growth in Asia. The association between the age composition of a nation's population and its savings rate, observed within 16 Asian countries from 1952 to 1992, is reestimated here to be less than a quarter the size reported in a seminal study, which assumed lagged savings is exogenous. Specification tests as well as common sense imply, moreover, that lagged savings is likely to be endogenous, and when estimated accordingly there remains no significant dependence of savings on the age composition, measured in several ways. Research should consider lifetime savings as a substitute for children, and model the causes for the decline in fertility which changes the age compositions and could thereby account for savings and growth in Asia.
QoS-aware heterogeneous networking using distributed multiagent schemes

This study achieves Quality-of-Service (QoS) management in heterogeneous networking using a distributed multi-agent scheme (DMAS) based on the concept of cooperation and the awareness algorithm. The proposed scheme is developed for supporting QoS management in a user-accepted and cost-effective fashion, which consists of a collection of problem-solving agents with three modules: the knowledge source, the in-cloud blackboard system, and the control engine built into the scheme. A set of problem-solving agents autonomously process local tasks and cooperatively interoperate via an in-cloud blackboard system to guarantee QoS. An awareness algorithm, called the Q-learning algorithm, calculates the exceptive rewards of a handoff to all access networks. These rewards are then used by these problem-solving agents to determine what to do. Through operations and cooperation among the active agents, a policy is selected and a user-accepted schedule that meets the specified QoS is generated. Compared with traditional QoS management mechanisms, the proposed DMAS scheme has a 36% lower packet loss ratio in video streaming applications and a 34% lower average delay in VoIP applications with only a minor sacrifice in system computational complexity.
Efficient Algorithms for Ptychographic Phase Retrieval

Ptychography is an emerging non-crystalline diffractive imaging technique that can potentially reach diffraction limited resolution without the need for high resolution lenses. To achieve high resolution one must solve a phase-retrieval inverse problem using the diffraction patterns of many partially overlapping subimage frames. We examine the mathematical formulation of the ptychographic phase retrieval problem, and analyze some of the existing methods for solving the inverse problem. We also discuss a number of practical techniques that can improve the efficiency and robustness of numerical algorithms for solving the ptychographic phase retrieval problem.
A utility-based theory of initiative in mixed-initiative systems

In this paper, we present a utility-based decision making process to be used by a system in determining when to take the initiative to interact with a user, in a mixed-initiative artificial intelligence system. The decision making is based on a calculation of the expected utility of various courses of action and the likelihood that the user will be an effective contributor of information, if an interaction were initiated. We demonstrate the model in the application of sports scheduling, but discuss its potential for other applications as well. In particular, we contrast with existing work on utility-based reasoning in environments of agent-agent interaction. Our overall conclusion is that there is value to adopting an explicit reasoning process about taking the initiative as part of the overall deliberation about problem solving in collaborative environments.
Sialic acid residues on astrocytes regulate neuritogenesis by controlling the assembly of laminin matrices

In the developing nervous system migrating neurons and growing axons are guided by diffusible and/or substrate-bound cues, such as extracellular matrix-associated laminin. In a previous work we demonstrated that laminin molecules could self-assemble in two different manners, giving rise to matrices that could favor either neuritogenesis or proliferation of cortical precursor cells. We investigated whether the ability of astrocytes to promote neuritogenesis of co-cultivated neurons was modulated by the assembling mode of the laminin matrix secreted by them. We compared the morphologies and neuritogenic potentials of laminin deposited by in vitro-differentiated astrocytes obtained from embryonic or neonatal rat brain cortices. We showed that, while permissive astrocytes derived from embryonic brain produced a flat laminin matrix that remained associated to the cell surface, astrocytes derived from newborn brain secreted a laminin matrix resembling a fibrillar web that protruded from the cell plane. The average neurite lengths obtained for E16 neurons cultured on each astrocyte layer were 198±22 and 123±13 μm, respectively. Analyses of surface-associated electrostatic potentials revealed that embryonic astrocytes presented a pI of -2.8, while in newborn cells this value was -3.8. Removal of the sialic acid groups on the embryonic monolayer by neuraminidase treatment led to the immediate release of matrix-associated laminin. Interestingly, laminin reassembled 1 hour after neuraminidase removal converted to the features of the newborn matrix. Alternatively, treatment of astrocytes with the cholesterol-solubilizing detergent methyl-β-cyclodextrin also resulted in release of the extracellular laminin. To test the hypothesis that sialic-acid-containing lipids localized at cholesterol-rich membrane domains could affect the process of laminin assembly, we devised a cell-free assay where laminin polymerization was carried out over artificial lipid films. Films of either a mixture of gangliosides or pure ganglioside GT1b induced formation of matrices of morpho-functional features similar to the matrices deposited by embryonic astrocytes. Conversely, films of phosphatidylcholine or ganglioside GM1 led to the formation of bulky laminin aggregates that lacked a defined structure. We propose that the expression of negative lipids on astrocytes can control the extracellular polymerization of laminin and, consequently, the permissivity to neuritogenesis of astrocytes during development.
Generation of user profiles for information filtering — research agenda (poster session)

In information filtering (IF) systems, user long-term needs we expressed as user profiles. The quality of a user profile has a major impact on the performance of IF systems. The focus of the proposed research is on the study of user profile generation and update. The paper introduces methods for user profile generation, and proposes a research agenda for their comparison and evaluation.
Differential Effect of Doxorubicin and Zoledronic Acid on Intraosseous versus Extraosseous Breast Tumor Growth In vivo

Purpose: Breast cancer patients with bone metastases are commonly treated with chemotherapeutic agents such as doxorubicin and zoledronic acid to control their bone disease. Sequential administration of doxorubicin followed by zoledronic acid has been shown to increase tumor cell apoptosis in vitro. We have therefore investigated the antitumor effects of clinically relevant doses of these drugs in a mouse model of breast cancer bone metastasis. Experimental Design: MDA-MB-231/BO2 cells were injected via the tail vein into athymic mice. Tumor-induced osteolytic lesions were detected in all animals following X-ray analysis 18 days after tumor cell inoculation (day 18). Mice were administered saline, 100 μg/kg zoledronic acid, 2 mg/kg doxorubicin, doxorubicin and zoledronic acid simultaneously, or doxorubicin followed 24 h later by zoledronic acid. Doxorubicin-treated animals received a second injection on day 25. Tumor growth in the marrow cavity and on the outside surface of the bone was measured as well as tumor cell apoptosis and proliferation. The effects of treatments on bone were evaluated following X-ray and μCT analysis. Results: Sequential treatment with doxorubicin followed by zoledronic acid caused decreased intraosseous tumor burden, which was accompanied by increased levels of tumor cell apoptosis and decreased levels of proliferation, whereas extraosseous parts of the same tumors were unaffected. Administration of zoledronic acid, alone or in combination with doxorubicin, resulted in significantly smaller tumor-induced osteolytic lesions compared with control or doxorubicin-treated animals. Conclusions: This is the first study to show that sequential treatment with clinically relevant doses of doxorubicin, followed 24 h later by zoledronic acid, reduces intraosseous but not extraosseous growth of BO2 breast tumors. Our results suggest that breast cancer patients with metastatic bone disease may benefit from sequential treatment using doxorubicin and zoledronic acid.
An Experimental Analysis of Auctioning Emission Allowances Under a Loose Cap

The direct sale of emission allowances by auction is an emerging characteristic of cap-and-trade programs. This study is motivated by the observation that all of the major implementations of cap-and-trade regulations for the control of air pollution have started with a generous allocation of allowances relative to recent emissions history, a situation we refer to as a “loose cap. ” Typically more stringent reductions are achieved in subsequent years of a program. We use an experimental setting to investigate the effects of a loose cap environment on a variety of auction types. We find that all auction formats studied are efficient in allocating emission allowances, but auction revenues tend to be lower relative to competitive benchmarks when the cap is loose. Regardless of whether the cap is tight or loose, the different auction formats tend to yield comparable revenues toward the end of a series of auctions. However, aggressive bidding behavior in initial discriminatory auctions yields higher revenues than in the other auction formats, a difference that disappears as bidders learn to adjust their bids closer to the cut-off that separates winning and losing bids.
An Approach for Stiffness Modelling of Lower Mobility Parallel Manipulators using the Generalized Jacobian

This paper presents an approach for stiffness modelling of the lower mobility parallel manipulators using the generalized Jacobian. The approach can be implemented by two steps:(1) The first order deflection analysis by decomposing twist space of the end-effector into a pair of complementary twist subspaces associated with the permitted and restricted instantaneous motions, (2) The kinestatic analysis by decomposing wrench space of the end-effector into a pair of complementary wrench subspaces associated with the actuations and constraints imposed by all the limbs, and (3) Formulation of the component stiffness matrices using the semi-analytical approach. The merits of this approach lies not only in its generality but also in its capability to explicitly decompose the stiffness matrix into two meaningful components associated with respect to respectively with actuations and constraints. A 3-PRS mechanism used as a spindle head is taken as an example to illustrate the detailed procedure to implement the stiffness analysis throughout the entire workspace.
CMOS photodiode model and HDL implementation

With CMOS image sensors scaling down due to the resolution and miniaturization demands, compact models for these devices become essential. A physically based model can be used to optimize the device performance and allow circuit designers to use these sensors in integrated circuits. Among other capacities, this analytical model can be used to predict with high accuracy the best photodiode geometry to achieve the maximum photoresponse while optimizing the total layout area cost.
Shadow reaching: a new perspective on interaction for large displays

We introduce Shadow Reaching, an interaction technique that makes use of a perspective projection applied to a shadow representation of a user. The technique was designed to facilitate manipulation over large distances and enhance understanding in collaborative settings. We describe three prototype implementations that illustrate the technique, examining the advantages of using shadows as an interaction metaphor to support single users and groups of collaborating users. Using these prototypes as a design probe, we discuss how the three components of the technique (sensing, modeling, and rendering) can be accomplished with real (physical) or computed (virtual) shadows, and the benefits and drawbacks of each approach.
Essays on Fiscal Policies in Open Economies

Investigating various scal policy issues in the context of an open economy, this dissertation consists of three essays. The rst essay addresses the question of the volatility of foreign aid and its impact on resourceconstrained developing economies. A small open-economy business cycle model is developed that accounts for the e ect of external shocks speci c to developing economies. The model produces business cycle patterns consistent with the data and key stylized facts. The model is calibrated to re ect the structural empirical regularities of an aid-dependent developing country. The parameters of the exogenous stochastic shocks are estimated using Bayesian methods and 50 years of data for Cote d'Ivoire. The results suggest that foreign aid's unpredictability helps explain business cycles' volatility in developing countries. In the second essay, a dynamic stochastic general equilibrium model (DSGE) is used to analyze the e ects of scal stimuli, such as investment tax credits (ITC) and wage subsidies, in a small open economy. Various cost-equivalent scal schemes are considered in response to an economic downturn. The baseline open-economy model's results are also contrasted with a closed economy case to highlight the role the current account plays during recession and recovery episodes. The results suggest that wage subsidies have faster but shorter e ects on production and employment while ITCs have slower but longer lasting impacts. The persistence of scal shocks appears to play a signi cant role in the initial response of investment. The third essay provides empirical evidence to address a question heavily debated among lawmakers yet hardly ever investigated in the empirical literature: Does increasing taxes on the rich hurt or help employment growth? Proponents of tax hikes on the rich reject the idea that such taxes, which some refer to as millionaire taxes, have any negative impact on jobs. Critics, on the other hand, believe taxing the rich, whom they consider job creators, hurts the economy by hampering job creation. Using newly constructed time series based on the IRS Statistics of Income, this study nds strong and statistically signi cant positive e ects in the short run and some evidence of negative e ects in the long run.
Biofuels: a contested response to climate change

Abstract Biofuels have received increased attention in recent years as renewable alternatives to fossil fuels in the steadily growing transportation sector. Simultaneously, the impact of biofuel technologies has been highly disputed in public debates, where their introduction is alternately presented as a solution to energy-supply and climate-change problems or as a source of environmental and social difficulties. Through qualitative interviews, this article analyzes the Danish public’s attitudes toward biofuels. Particular attention is given to popular perceptions of risks and uncertainties associated with biofuels and to problem-solving responsibilities in relation to climate change. The study illustrates the complexity of the concerns involved with the issue, indicating a positive attitude toward biofuels when respondents perceive them as beneficial for climate and the environment. However, when introduced to problems associated with biofuels, respondents modified their support, conditioning acceptance on the viability of solutions. They also demanded interventions with respect to the problem of climate change and asked for decision making based on factual knowledge and democratic discussions at global and local levels.
Tenascin and extracellular matrix glycoproteins: from promotion to polarization of neurite growth in vitro

The extracellular matrix molecules tenascin, laminin, and fibronectin, the cell adhesion molecule L1, and the lectin concanavalin A (ConA) were tested for their effects on neuritogenesis in cultures of hippocampal neurons. We analyzed neurite outgrowth between 3 and 21 hr after plating and found that, on polyornithine as control substrate, lengths of axon-like major neurites and dendrite-like minor neurites increased continuously with time in culture. Moreover, growth of minor neurites was faster than growth of major neurites. When the extracellular matrix molecules tenascin, laminin, and fibronectin were coated on polyornithine substrates, growth of all neurites was faster than on control substrates during the first hours of culture. After this initial phase of enhanced neurite outgrowth, elongation of major neurites continued at a higher rate than on the control substrate and growth of minor neurites ceased after 12 hr. Correspondingly, neuronal polarity was strongly increased on the extracellular matrix substrates during later phases of culture. In contrast, lengths of both major and minor neurites were increased over control values on L1 and ConA substrates at all time points investigated. Thus, neuronal polarity was similar for control, L1, and ConA substrates. Spreading of neuronal cell bodies was reduced by about 50% on tenascin, laminin, and fibronectin and by less than 20% on L1 and ConA substrates after 21 hr of culture, when compared to the control substrate. Neuron-to-substrate adhesion was reduced on all three extracellular matrix substrates but not affected on L1 or ConA substrates, after 3 and 21 hr of culture. These observations indicate that induction of neuronal polarity is not a general feature of neurite outgrowth-promoting molecules, such as L1 or ConA, but a distinctive property of the three extracellular matrix glycoproteins studied, and may suggest that enhancement of polarity is correlated with decreased strength of adhesion.
A study of partial precoders and the effect of measurement noise on UWB time-reverse communication system performance

A difficulty in the implementation of time-reverse precoders in UWB communication systems is that the channel impulse response is usually quite long and as a result, the computational complexity required in its implementation is quite high. Also the determination of all the impulse response coefficients is time consuming. Therefore ways to reduce the number of coefficients without sacrificing the performance are of interest. In this paper, two methods of reducing the number of coefficients are presented. In the first method, the first N samples of the impulse response are applied in the prefilter construction. In the second method, N largest impulse response samples are used in the precoder construction. The performance of these partial precoders is studied and the number N needed to yield an acceptable performance in terms of bit error rate for various signal to noise ratios is determined.
Principal Leadership for Social Justice: Uncovering the Content of Teacher Professional Development

Both principal leadership for professional development and leadership for social justice offer promising but underdeveloped conceptions of professional development content that school principals promote toward teaching for academic excellence and social justice. This article examines the professional learning content promoted by three school principals for social justice. Findings reveal a nuanced understanding of two content strands of professional development: subject matter expertise and social identity development. Principals should promote both strands of professional development to support teaching for social justice and differentiate this professional learning according to teacher needs. Implications for practice, theory and future research are discussed.