Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Implementation of a Barotropic Operator for Ocean Model Simulation using a Reconfigurable Machine

This paper presents and discusses implementation of a baro-tropic operator used in ocean model simulation called Parallel Ocean Program (POP) using SRC-6 MAP. While a lot of high-end reconfigurable machines on which users can implement applications with a programming language are now available, enough implementation experience has not been accumulated for practical applications. In this paper, several implementation techniques accompanied by modification on original application source code are empirically evaluated and analyzed. The results show that appropriate use of internal memory and streaming DMA make 100 MHz FPGAs achieve comparative performance with GHz processors by using 100 MHz FPGAs.
A Complete Epistemic Planner without the Epistemic Closed World Assumption

Planning with epistemic goals has received attention from both the dynamic logic and planning communities. In the single-agent case, under the epistemic closed-world assumption (ECWA), epistemic planning can be reduced to contingent planning. However, it is inappropriate to make the ECWA in some epistemic planning scenarios, for example, when the agent is not fully introspective, or when the agent wants to devise a generic plan that applies to a wide range of situations. In this paper, we propose a complete single-agent epistemic planner without the ECWA. We identify two normal forms of epistemic formulas: weak minimal epistemic DNF and weak minimal epistemic CNF, and present the progression and entailment algorithms based on these normal forms. We adapt the PrAO algorithm for contingent planning from the literature as the main planning algorithm and develop a complete epistemic planner called EPK. Our experimental results show that EPK can generate solutions effectively for most of the epistemic planning problems we have considered including those without the ECWA.
Evidence in chronic fatigue syndrome for severity-dependent upregulation of prefrontal myelination that is independent of anxiety and depression

White matter (WM) involvement in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) was assessed using voxel‐based regressions of brain MRI against CFS severity scores and CFS duration in 25 subjects with CFS and 25 normal controls (NCs). As well as voxel‐based morphometry, a novel voxel‐based quantitative analysis of T1‐ and T2‐weighted spin‐echo (T1w and T2w) MRI signal level was performed. Severity scores included the Bell CFS disability scale and scores based on the 10 most common CFS symptoms. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) depression and anxiety scores were included as nuisance covariates. By relaxing the threshold for cluster formation, we showed that the T1w signal is elevated with increasing CFS severity in the ventrolateral thalamus, internal capsule and prefrontal WM. Earlier reports of WM volume losses and neuroinflammation in the midbrain, together with the upregulated prefrontal myelination suggested here, are consistent with the midbrain changes being associated with impaired nerve conduction which stimulates a plastic response on the cortical side of the thalamic relay in the same circuits. The T2w signal versus CFS duration and comparison of T2w signal in the CFS group with the NC group revealed changes in the right middle temporal lobe WM, where impaired communication can affect cognitive function. Adjustment for depression markedly strengthened cluster statistics and increased cluster size in both T1w severity regressions, but adjustment for anxiety less so. Thus, depression and anxiety are statistical confounders here, meaning that they contribute variance to the T1w signal in prefrontal WM but this does not correlate with the co‐located variance from CFS severity. MRI regressions with depression itself only detected associations with WM volume, also located in prefrontal WM. We propose that impaired reciprocal brain–body and brain–brain communication through the midbrain provokes peripheral and central responses which contribute to CFS symptoms. Although anxiety, depression and CFS may share biological features, the present evidence indicates that CFS is a distinct disorder. © 2015 The Authors. NMR in Biomedicine published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The impact of induction generator and PWM inverter with energy storage on weak grids

The impact of wind energy generation connected to a weak grid is studied with SIMULINK as simulation platform. The wind energy conversion system is modelled by a squirrel cage asynchronous induction machine (ASM). The grid is modelled as an infinite bus. In the proposed system the ASM is connected to the grid through a DC-link with incorporated battery storage. An ultracapacitor (UCap) bank in parallel to the battery reduces the current ripple which is originated by the PWM – IGBT bridges and absorbs rapid power peaks. Different degrees of grid strength for 2 disturbing events (A: 3-phase fault and B: Voltage dip) are studied. The simulation model permits a sizing of the storage system according to the desired stabilizing capabilities of the system. From the simulation results can be concluded that under weak grid conditions the DC-link need to have a voltage control to ensure the stability of the system. Special attention must be paid to the power quality at the inverter output of the DC-link if renewable generation exceeds 5 % of the short circuit power at the coupling point. The simulated ASM generator is rated at 75 kW / 400 V. The DC-link operates at 700 V nominal voltage, the battery is rated at 340 kWh (C = 500 Ah), 34 kW at discharge rate C0.1 and 170 kW at discharge rate C0.5 with a UCap of 0.5 F in parallel, rated at 600 A discharge current.
Understanding the motivations of coastal residents to voluntarily purchase federal flood insurance

Federally-backed flood insurance is the primary mechanism by which residents in the United States (US) prepare for and recover from floods. While there is a growing literature on the general uptake of flood insurance, little work has been done to address the factors motivating residents to voluntarily buy and maintain federally-based insurance policies. We address this issue by conducting a survey of coastal residents in four localities in Texas and Florida. Based on survey responses, we quantitatively examine the factors influencing whether residents located outside of the 100-year floodplain obtain insurance policies when it is not required. Using two-sample t-tests and binary logistic regression analysis to control for multiple contextual and psychological variables, we statistically isolate the factors contributing most to the decision to purchase insurance. Our findings indicate that a resident located outside the 100-year floodplain who has voluntarily purchased federal flood insurance can be characterized, on average, as more highly educated, living in relatively expensive homes, and a long-time resident who thinks about flood hazard relatively infrequently but who, nonetheless, thinks flood insurance is relatively affordable. Unexpectedly, the physical proximity of a respondent to flood hazard areas makes little or no discernible difference in the decision to obtain flood insurance.
Impaired drinking capacity in patients with functional dyspepsia: intragastric distribution and distal stomach volume

Abstract The water drink test is a good tool to evoke dyspeptic symptoms. To what extent these symptoms are related to altered gastric distribution is not clear. Therefore, we determined gastric volumes after a drink test using SPECT. After a baseline scan 20 healthy volunteers (HV) and 18 patients with functional dyspepsia (FD) underwent a drink test (100 mL min−1) followed by five scans up to 2 h. Dyspeptic symptoms were scored before every scan. A Wilcoxon signed rank test (P < 0.05) and a mixed effects model were used for statistical analyses. Fasting volumes were significantly higher in FD compared to HV for total, proximal and distal stomach (P < 0.001). Functional dyspeptic patients ingested significantly less water (P < 0.001) and had an impaired filling of the distal part of the stomach (P = 0.001) after the drink test. In FD, bloating (prox. 80%, dist. 56%), pain (prox. 87%, dist. 62%) and fullness (prox. 80%, dist. 59%) were determined more by proximal stomach volume rather than distal stomach volume. These data suggest that drinking capacity is mainly determined by antral volume, with a reduced antral filling in FD compared to HV. The persisting symptoms of bloating, pain and fullness in FD are predominantly associated with proximal stomach volume.
Algorithm Comparison of P2P Traffic Identification Based on Deep Packet Inspection

Three classic multi-string matching algorithms such as AC, Wu-Manber and SBOM are researched and implemented in P2P traffic identification system based on Deep Packet Inspection in this paper. In order to adapt to the DPI technology, the code and parameter of these matching algorithm be make suitable adjustment. Three algorithms are used in DPI scanning under the same testing environment and the pretreatment time, analysis speed, degree of accuracy from this testing were compared. Based on these experimental data, the superiority-inferiority of these three algorithms in different conditions is discussed and their relative scopes of application are summarized.
Materializing Inferred and Uncertain Knowledge in RDF Datasets

There is a growing need for efficient and scalable semantic web queries that handle inference. There is also a growing interest in representing uncertainty in semantic web knowledge bases. In this paper, we present a bit vector schema specifically designed for RDF (Resource Description Framework) datasets. We propose a system for materializing and storing inferred knowledge using this schema. We show experimental results that demonstrate that our solution drastically improves the performance of inference queries. We also propose a solution for materializing uncertain information and probabilities using multiple bit vectors and thresholds.
Newton-Like Extremum-Seeking for the Control of Thermoacoustic Instability

In practice, the convergence rate and stability of perturbation based extremum-seeking schemes can be very sensitive to the curvature of the plant map. An example of this can be seen in the use of extremum-seeking to reduce the amplitude of thermoacoustic oscillations in premixed, gas-turbine combustors. This sensitivity to the plant map curvature arises from the use of a gradient descent adaptation algorithm. Such extremum-seeking schemes may need to be conservatively tuned in order to maintain stability over a wide range of operating conditions, resulting in slower optimization than could be achieved for a fixed operating condition. This can severely reduce the effectiveness of perturbation based extremum-seeking schemes in some applications. In this paper, a sinusoidally perturbed extremum-seeking scheme using a Newton-like step is developed. Non-local stability results for the scheme are formulated using a Lyapunov analysis. A local analysis of the scheme is given to investigate the influence of plant dynamics and to show that the local rate of convergence is independent of the plant map curvature. The benefit of this plant map curvature independence is then experimentally demonstrated in minimizing the thermoacoustic oscillations in a model premixed combustor.
Multi-feature vector flow for active contour tracking

In order to achieve both fast tracking and accurate object extraction, we present in this paper an original real-time active contour method, incorporating different feature maps into a common and homogeneous framework, defined by the multi-feature vector flow (MFVF). The MFVF active contour approach does not require any target prior model, and enables precise tracking of mobile deformable objects. The use of the MFVF, resulting from multiple selected features, brings robustness into the system towards complex situations, while our computationally efficient implementation of the MFVF scheme reaches the required speed range for tracking process. The proposed method has been successfully tested on real-world video sequences.
Two-Photon Imaging of Cortical Surface Microvessels Reveals a Robust Redistribution in Blood Flow after Vascular Occlusion

A highly interconnected network of arterioles overlies mammalian cortex to route blood to the cortical mantle. Here we test if this angioarchitecture can ensure that the supply of blood is redistributed after vascular occlusion. We use rodent parietal cortex as a model system and image the flow of red blood cells in individual microvessels. Changes in flow are quantified in response to photothrombotic occlusions to individual pial arterioles as well as to physical occlusions of the middle cerebral artery (MCA), the primary source of blood to this network. We observe that perfusion is rapidly reestablished at the first branch downstream from a photothrombotic occlusion through a reversal in flow in one vessel. More distal downstream arterioles also show reversals in flow. Further, occlusion of the MCA leads to reversals in flow through approximately half of the downstream but distant arterioles. Thus the cortical arteriolar network supports collateral flow that may mitigate the effects of vessel obstruction, as may occur secondary to neurovascular pathology.
Estimation of the regional technical efficiency and total factor productivity based on the agglomeration effect

Agglomeration effects become increasingly prominent factor in promoting technical efficiency. The paper used stochastic frontier analysis (SFA) to estimate the technical efficiency in considering agglomeration effects, and then used total factor productivity growth accounting formula to decomposite total factor productivity. The conclusion shows that spatial agglomeration has significant impact on technical efficiency. Take agglomeration into account, eastern regions have improved, and central and western regions have lower technical efficiency. Total factor productivity growths in three regions are quite different. The western regions have the most dramatic changes; eastern regions maintain stable after 2002; and the central region are stable in the whole period.
A MONTE CARLO MARKOV CHAIN BASED INVESTIGATION OF BLACK HOLE SPIN IN THE ACTIVE GALAXY NGC 3783

The analysis of relativistically broadened X-ray spectral features from the inner accretion disk provides a powerful tool for measuring the spin of supermassive black holes in active galactic nuclei (AGNs). However, AGN spectra are often complex and careful analysis employing appropriate and self-consistent models is required if one has to obtain robust results. In this paper, we revisit the deep 2009 July Suzaku observation of the Seyfert galaxy NGC 3783 in order to study in a rigorous manner the robustness of the inferred black hole spin parameter. Using Monte Carlo Markov chain techniques, we identify a (partial) modeling degeneracy between the iron abundance of the disk and the black hole spin parameter. We show that the data for NGC 3783 strongly require both supersolar iron abundance (ZFe = 2–4 Z☉) and a rapidly spinning black hole (a > 0.89). We discuss various astrophysical considerations that can affect the measured abundance. We note that, while the abundance enhancement inferred in NGC 3783 is modest, the X-ray analysis of some other objects has found extreme iron abundances. We introduce the hypothesis that the radiative levitation of iron ions in the innermost regions of radiation-dominated AGN disks can enhance the photospheric abundance of iron. We show that radiative levitation is a plausible mechanism in the very inner regions of high accretion rate AGN disks.
Global annual volume of peer reviewed scholarly articles and the share available via different Open Access options

A key parameter in any discussions about the academic peer reviewed journal system is the number of articles annually published. Several diverging estimates of this parameter have been proposed in the past, and have also influenced calculations of the average production price per article, the total costs of the journal system and the prevalence of Open Access publishing. With journals and articles increasingly being present on the web and indexed in a number of databases it has now become possible to quite accurately estimate the number of articles. We used the databases of ISI and Ulrich’s as our primary sources and estimate that the total number of articles published in 2006 by 23 750 journals was approximately 1 350 000. Using this number as denominator it was also possible to estimate the number of articles which are openly available on the web in primary OA journals (gold OA). This share turned out to be 4.6 % for the year 2006. In addition at least a further 3.5 % was available after an embargo period of usually one year, bringing the total share of gold OA to 8.1% Using a random sample of articles, we also tried to estimate the proportion of the articles published which are available as copies deposited in e-print repositories or homepages (green OA). Based on the article title a web search engine was used to search for a freely downloadable full-text version. For 11.3 % a usable copy was found. Combining these two figures we estimate that 19.4 % of the total yearly output can be accessed freely.
Infant Swimming Practice, Pulmonary Epithelium Integrity, and the Risk of Allergic and Respiratory Diseases Later in Childhood

OBJECTIVE. Irritant gases and aerosols contaminating the air of indoor swimming pools can affect the lung epithelium and increase asthma risk in children. We evaluated the impact of infant swimming practice on allergic status and respiratory health later in childhood. METHODS. Clara cell protein, surfactant-associated protein D, and total and aeroallergen-specific immunoglobulin E were measured in the serum of 341 schoolchildren aged 10 to 13 years, among whom 43 had followed an infant swimming program. Asthma was defined as doctor-diagnosed asthma and/or positive exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (15% decrease in postexercise forced expiratory volume). RESULTS. There were no significant differences between the infant swimming group and the other children regarding the levels of exhaled nitric oxide and total or aeroallergen-specific serum immunoglobulin E. Children who swam as infants showed, by contrast, a significant decrease of serum Clara cell protein and of the serum Clara cell protein/surfactant-associated protein D ratio integrating Clara cell damage and permeability changes of the lung epithelial barrier. These effects were associated with higher risks of asthma and of recurrent bronchitis. Passive exposure to tobacco alone had no effect on these outcomes but seemed to interact with infant swimming practice to increase the risk of asthma or of recurrent bronchitis. CONCLUSIONS. Our data suggest that infant swimming practice in chlorinated indoor swimming pools is associated with airways changes that, along with other factors, seem to predispose children to the development of asthma and recurrent bronchitis.
Increased IgA production by B-cells in COPD via lung epithelial interleukin-6 and TACI pathways

Despite their relevance to mucosal defense, production of IgA and the function of lung B-cells remain unknown in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We assessed IgA synthesis in the lungs of COPD (n=28) and control (n=21) patients, and regulation of B-cells co-cultured with in vitro-reconstituted airway epithelium. In COPD lung tissue, synthesis of IgA1 was increased, which led to its accumulation in subepithelial areas. In vitro, the COPD bronchial epithelium imprinted normal human B-cells for increased production of IgA (mainly IgA1) and maturation into CD38+ plasma cells. These effects were associated with upregulation of TACI (transmembrane activator and CAML interactor) and were observed under resting conditions, while being partly inhibited upon stimulation with cigarette smoke extract. Interleukin (IL)-6 and BAFF (B-cell activating factor)/APRIL (a proliferation-inducing ligand) were upregulated in the COPD epithelium and lung tissue, respectively; the IgA-promoting effect of the COPD bronchial epithelium was inhibited by targeting IL-6 and, to a lower extent, by blocking TACI. These data show that in COPD, the bronchial epithelium imprints B-cells with signals promoting maturation into IgA-producing plasma cells through the action of two epithelial/B-cell axes, namely the IL-6/IL-6 receptor and BAFF-APRIL/TACI pathways, while cigarette smoke partly counteracts this IgA-promoting effect. COPD epithelium induces B-cell maturation of IgA-producing plasma cells via IL-6/IL-6R and BAFF-APRIL/TACI pathways http://ow.ly/D7bR3
Raf kinase as a target for anticancer therapeutics

The Ras-Raf-MEK-ERK (ERK) pathway is a logical therapeutic target because it represents a common downstream pathway for several key growth factor tyrosine kinase receptors which are often mutated or overexpressed in human cancers. Although considered mainly growth-promoting, in certain contexts, this pathway also seems to be apoptosis-suppressing. Several novel agents targeting this pathway have now been developed and are in clinical trials. One of the most interesting new agents is BAY 43-9006. Although initially developed as a Raf kinase inhibitor, it can also target several other important tyrosine kinases including VEGFR-2, Flt-3, and c-Kit, which contributes to its antiproliferative and antiangiogenic properties. To date, encouraging results have been seen with BAY 43-9006, particularly in renal cell cancers which are highly vascular tumors. This review will provide an overview of the ERK signaling pathway in normal and neoplastic tissue, with a specific focus on novel therapies targeting the ERK pathway at the level of Raf kinase.
Two particle states in an asymmetric box and the elastic scattering phases

The exact two-particle energy eigenstates in a generic asymmetric rectangular box with periodic boundary conditions in all three directions are studied. Their relations with the elastic scattering phases of the two particles in the continuum are obtained for both ${D}_{4}$ and ${D}_{2}$ symmetries. These results can be viewed as a generalization of the corresponding formulas in a cubic box obtained by L\"uscher before. In particular, the s-wave scattering length is related to the energy shift in the finite box. Possible applications of these formulas are also discussed.
Decreased Activation of Subcortical Brain Areas in the Motor Fatigue State: An fMRI Study

One aspect of motor fatigue is the exercise-induced reduction of neural activity to voluntarily drive the muscle or muscle group. Functional magnetic resonance imaging provides access to investigate the neural activation on the whole brain level and studies observed changes of activation intensity after exercise-induced motor fatigue in the sensorimotor cortex. However, in human, little evidence exists to demonstrate the role of subcortical brain regions in motor fatigue, which is contradict to abundant researches in rodent indicating that during simple movement, the activity of the basal ganglia is modulated by the state of motor fatigue. Thus, in present study, we explored the effect of motor fatigue on subcortical areas in human. A series of fMRI data were collected from 11 healthy subjects while they were executing simple motor tasks in two conditions: before and under the motor fatigue state. The results showed that in both conditions, movements evoked activation volumes in the sensorimotor areas, SMA, cerebellum, thalamus, and basal ganglia. Of primary importance are the results that the intensity and size of activation volumes in the subcortical areas (i.e., thalamus and basal ganglia areas) are significantly decreased during the motor fatigue state, implying that motor fatigue disturbs the motor control processing in a way that both sensorimotor areas and subcortical brain areas are less active. Further study is needed to clarify how subcortical areas contribute to the overall decreased activity of CNS during motor fatigue state.