Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Synthesis, Characterization and Microwave-Promoted Catalytic Activity of Novel N-phenylbenzimidazolium Salts in Heck-Mizoroki and Suzuki-Miyaura Cross-Coupling Reactions under Mild Conditions

A number of novel benzimidazolium salts having aryl substituents such as N-phenyl, 4-chlorophenyl and various alkyl substituents were synthesized. Their microwave-assisted catalytic activities were evaluated in Heck-Mizoroki and Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reactions using a catalytic system consisting of Pd(OAc)2/K2CO3 in DMF/H2O under mild reaction conditions with consistent high yields, except those of 2-bromopyridine.
Effective Energy-efficient Classroom Ventilation for Temperate Zones

The aim of the present study was to extend the knowledge on the suitability and performance of different ventilation retrofit solutions for school buildings located in a temperate climate. A unique approach was used, where four similar and adjacent classrooms in the same school unit located north of Copenhagen, Denmark, were retrofitted either with a decentralized, balanced supply and exhaust mechanical ventilation unit with heat recovery; automatically operable windows with an exhaust fan; automatically operable windows with alternating counter-flow heat recovery through slots in the outside wall; or were equipped with a visual feedback display of the current classroom CO2 concentration advising when the windows should be opened. For reference, one classroom retained the original approach for achieving ventilation by manual opening of windows. One year after retrofitting, the classrooms’ carbon dioxide concentrations, temperatures, energy use, and window and door opening behaviour were recorded during a four week period in the heating season in January. The percentage of occupied time in which the CO2 concentration was below 1000 ppm was: 82% with mechanical ventilation, 70% with automatic window opening and an exhaust fan, 54% with automatic window opening and heat recovery, and 36% with visual CO2 feedback, and 48% in the classroom where windows were opened manually. The automatically controlled windows were open for up to 71% of all school days (including breaks between lessons) with an exhaust fan and for 49% with heat recovery. The façade windows were open between 3% and 14% of the occupied time in the classrooms with manual window opening (with or without visual feedback). The present results show that in temperate climates, mechanical ventilation and automatic window opening systems were able to maintain average CO2 concentrations below 1000 ppm during the major part of the school day, as required by many codes and guidelines, while simply providing visual feedback on the current CO2 concentration, as a motivation for window opening was not.
Fast semi-automatic segmentation algorithm for Self-Organizing Maps

Ecole des Mines de Paris, 60 bd Saint-Michel, F-752 72 Paris Cedex 06, France. Abstract. Self-Organizing Maps (SOM) are very powerful to ols for data mining, in particular for visualizing the distribut ion of the data in very high-dimensional data sets. Moreover, the 2D map produce d by SOM can be used for unsupervised partitioning of the original data set into categories, provided that this map is somehow adequately segmented in cluster s. This is usually done either manually by visual inspection, or by applyin g a classical clustering technique (such as agglomerative clustering) to the set of prototypes corresponding to the map. In this paper, we present a new approach for the se gmentation of Self-Organizing Maps after training, which is both very simple and efficient. Our algorithm is based on a post-processing of the U-ma trix (the matrix of distances between adjacent map units), which is directly deri ved from an elementary image-processing technique. It is shown on some sim ulated data sets that our partitioning algorithm appears to give very good re sults in terms of segmentation quality. Preliminary results on a real data set also seem to indicate that our algorithm can produce meaningful clusters on real data.
Utilization of Support Vector Machine based on Neural Network to Suppress Ocean Clutter and Zero Frequency Disturbances

The paper proposes a new multi-classifier for pattern recognition by combining neural network with SVM (support vector machine). The multi-classifier has the advantages of SVM and NN (neural network). According to the properties of Bragg peak, zero frequency disturbance and the target of moving with time-varying velocity among the echo signal of HFSWR (high frequency surface wave radar), the multi-classifier is utilized to process the result of decomposing radar echo with chirplet atom and separate them. Then the ocean clutter and zero frequency disturbances can be suppressed according the result of classifying. A new means by utilizing HFSWR to detect the target moving with time-varying velocity is provided in the paper.
Prosody cues for classification of the discourse particle "hã" in hindi

In Hindi, affirmative particle "ha" carries out a variety of discourse functions. Preliminary investigation has shown that though it is difficult to disambiguate these different functions, there seems to be a distinct prosodic pattern associated with each of these. In this paper, we present a corpus study of spoken utterances of the Hindi word "ha". We identify these prosodic patterns and capture the specific pitch variations associated with each of the various functions. We also examine the use of prosodic cues in classification of the utterances into different functions using k-means clustering. While certain amount of speaker dependency, as well as lack of contextual and lexical information resulted in high classification entropy, however, the results were consistent with comparable studies in other languages.
A caution on the use of the MMPI K‐correction in research on psychosomatic medicine.

&NA; The MMPI K scale is widely used to screen for invalid responses and to adjust substantive scale scores for defensiveness. In a normal volunteer sample, correlations of MMPI clinical scales and the Cook‐Medley Hostility (HO) scale with self‐reports and peer ratings on the NEO Personality Inventory (NEO‐PI) were decreased rather than increased by K‐correction. Similarly, in a medical sample, structured interview‐based ratings of Potential for Hostility were better predicted by uncorrected HO scores than by K‐corrected HO scores. Finally, in a prospective study of mortality among lawyers, uncorrected HO scores were a significant predictor of all‐cause mortality; K‐corrected scores were not. The data suggest that, under some circumstances, the K scale may measure substantive traits rather than defensiveness, and should be used and interpreted with caution. Its use is probably contraindicated for most research on psychiatrically normal subjects.
Dynamic adaptation of geo-replicated CRDTs

Conflict-free Replicated Data Types (CRDTs) are high-level data types that can be replicated with minimal coordination among replicas due to its confluent semantics. This property makes CRDTs specially appealing for geo-replicated settings. Different approaches, such as state transfer and operation forwarding, have been proposed to propagate updates among replicas, with different tradeoffs among the amount of network traffic generated and the staleness of local information. This paper proposes and evaluates techniques to automatically adapt a CRDT implementation, such that the best approach is used, based on the application needs (captured by a SLA) and the observed system configuration. Our techniques have been integrated in SwiftCloud, a state of the art geo-replicated store based on CRDTs.
Electron Flux Enhancements at L = 4.2 Observed by Global Positioning System Satellites: Relationship With Solar Wind and Geomagnetic Activity

Determining solar wind and geomagnetic activity parameters most favorable to strong electron flux enhancements is an important step toward forecasting radiation belt dynamics. Using electron flux measurements from Global Positioning System satellites at L = 4.2 in 2009–2016, we seek statistical relationships between flux enhancements at different energies and solar wind dynamic pressure Pdyn, AE, and Kp, from hundreds of events inside and outside the plasmasphere. Most ≥1‐MeV electron flux enhancements occur during nonstorm (or weak storm) times. Flux enhancements of 4‐MeV electrons outside the plasmasphere occur during periods of low Pdyn and high AE. We perform superposed epoch analyses of Global Positioning System electron fluxes, along with solar wind and geomagnetic indices, 40‐keV electron flux, ultralow frequency (ULF) wave index from Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite, and chorus wave intensity from the Van Allen Probes and Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms mission. We demonstrate that 4‐MeV electron flux enhancements outside the plasmasphere start when the interplanetary magnetic field (Bz) reaches a minimum and develop during periods of low Pdyn, high AE, low but increasing Dst, moderate ULF wave index, and intense chorus waves. Flux enhancements at 100 keV occur under conditions with higher Pdyn, higher ULF wave index, and elevated 40‐keV electron flux at L = 6.6. Moreover, electron flux enhancements take much more time to develop at higher energies. This suggests that 100‐keV flux enhancements are dominated by injections, while MeV electron energization is predominantly induced by chorus waves with further amplification by inward transport.
Evidence for an Additive Neurorestorative Effect of Simultaneously Administered CDNF and GDNF in Hemiparkinsonian Rats: Implications for Different Mechanism of Action

Abstract Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder associated with a progressive loss of dopaminergic (DAergic) neurons of the substantia nigra (SN) and the accumulation of intracellular inclusions containing α-synuclein. Current therapies do not stop the progression of the disease, and the efficacy of these treatments wanes over time. Neurotrophic factors (NTFs) are naturally occurring proteins promoting the survival and differentiation of neurons and the maintenance of neuronal contacts. CDNF (cerebral dopamine NTF) and GDNF (glial cell line-derived NTF) are able to protect DAergic neurons against toxin-induced degeneration in experimental models of PD. Here, we report an additive neurorestorative effect of coadministration of CDNF and GDNF in the unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesion model of PD in rats. NTFs were given into the striatum four weeks after unilateral intrastriatal injection of 6-OHDA (20 µg). Amphetamine-induced (2.5 mg/kg, i.p.) rotational behavior was measured every two weeks. Number of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive cells from SN pars compacta (SNpc) and density of TH-positive fibers in the striatum were analyzed at 12 weeks after lesion. CDNF and GDNF alone restored the DAergic function, and one specific dose combination had an additive effect: CDNF (2.5µg) and GDNF (1µg) coadministration led to a stronger trophic effect relative to either of the single treatments alone. The additive effect may indicate different mechanism of action for the NTFs. Indeed, both NTFs activated the survival promoting PI3 kinase (PI3K)-Akt signaling pathway, but only CDNF decreased the expression level of tested endoplasmatic reticulum (ER) stress markers ATF6, glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), and phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor 2α subunit (eIF2α).
Design and assessment of a 30 kW/75 kHz DC-DC, two-phase dual interleaved buck — Boost converter

This paper presents the design and assessment of a 30 kW/75 kHz DC-DC, Two-phase Dual-Interleaved Buck — Boost converter for automotive applications. New generation components are used to implement a 350 V, 6 kW/kg prototype for interphasing a battery bank with a motor drive. The design and selection of the power devices and a performance evaluation of the magnetic components are presented along the paper, together with a description of steady-state experimental results obtained with an initial prototype operating at 15 kW and 30 kW. The experimental results are analysed bearing in mind losses, weight and temperatures of the prototype, highlighting the topology simplicity, few components employed for assembly and its feasibility of use in automotive applications since a power density of 6 kW/kg.
Quantifying Significance of MHC II Residues

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC), a cell-surface protein mediating immune recognition, plays important roles in the immune response system of all higher vertebrates. MHC molecules are highly polymorphic and they are grouped into serotypes according to the specificity of the response. It is a common belief that a protein sequence determines its three dimensional structure and function. Hence, the protein sequence determines the serotype. Residues play different levels of importance. In this paper, we quantify the residue significance with the available serotype information. Knowing the significance of the residues will deepen our understanding of the MHC molecules and yield us a concise representation of the molecules. In this paper we propose a linear programming-based approach to find significant residue positions as well as quantifying their significance in MHC II DR molecules. Among all the residues in MHC II DR molecules, 18 positions are of particular significance, which is consistent with the literature on MHC binding sites, and succinct pseudo-sequences appear to be adequate to capture the whole sequence features. When the result is used for classification of MHC molecules with serotype assigned by WHO, a 98.4 percent prediction performance is achieved. The methods have been implemented in java (http://code.google.com/p/quassi/).
A cavity-backed broadband circularly polarized slot/strip loop antenna with a simple feeding structure

A cavity-backed loop antenna with a simple feeding structure is proposed for broadband circularly polarized (CP) radiation. The proposed antenna configuration consists of a slot loop and a strip loop. The slot loop radiates a CP wave at a lower frequency while the strip loop produces CP radiation at a higher frequency. A combination of the two frequencies leads to a bandwidth enhancement. The slot/strip loop antenna is fed by a single straight microstrip line. It is demonstrated that the cavity-backed slot/strip loop antenna can achieve an axial ratio (les3 dB) bandwidth of 20% with good impedance matching
PKCα and PKCδ Regulate ADAM17-Mediated Ectodomain Shedding of Heparin Binding-EGF through Separate Pathways

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signalling is initiated by the release of EGFR-ligands from membrane-anchored precursors, a process termed ectodomain shedding. This proteolytic event, mainly executed by A Disintegrin And Metalloproteases (ADAMs), is regulated by a number of signal transduction pathways, most notably those involving protein kinase C (PKC). However, the molecular mechanisms of PKC-dependent ectodomain shedding of EGFR-ligands, including the involvement of specific PKC isoforms and possible functional redundancy, are poorly understood. To address this issue, we employed a cell-based system of PMA-induced PKC activation coupled with shedding of heparin binding (HB)-EGF. In agreement with previous studies, we demonstrated that PMA triggers a rapid ADAM17-mediated release of HB-EGF. However, PMA-treatment also results in a protease-independent loss of cell surface HB-EGF. We identified PKCα as the key participant in the activation of ADAM17 and suggest that it acts in parallel with a pathway linking PKCδ and ERK activity. While PKCα specifically regulated PMA-induced shedding, PKCδ and ERK influenced both constitutive and inducible shedding by apparently affecting the level of HB-EGF on the cell surface. Together, these findings indicate the existence of multiple modes of regulation controlling EGFR-ligand availability and subsequent EGFR signal transduction.
Title A Null-space Algorithm for Overcomplete Independent Component Analysis Permalink

Independent component analysis (ICA) is an important method for blind source separation and unsupervised learning. Recently, the method has been extended to the overcomplete situation where the number of sources is greater than the number of receivers. Comparing complete ICA and overcomplete ICA in existing literature, one can notice that complete ICA does not assume noise in observations, and the sources can be explicitly solved from the receivers, whereas the overcomplete ICA in general assumes noise in observations and the sources are implicitly solved by gradient type algorithms. In this paper, we present an explicit nullspace representation for overcomplete ICA in the noiseless situation based on singular value decomposition (SVD), and develop an algorithm for estimating mixing matrix and recovering the sources. The null-space representation makes the connection between complete ICA and overcomplete ICA more apparent, and leads to a mathematical explanation of lateral inhibition in the context of overcomplete linear model. It also appears to work well on the experimental examples. Moreover, it can be extended to the situation where there is noise in observations, and may lead to more efficient algorithms in this situation.
Robust methods for using context-dependent features and models in a continuous speech recognizer

In this paper we describe the method we use to derive acoustic features that reflect some of the dynamics of frame-based parameter vectors. Models for such observations must be context dependent. Such models were outlined in an earlier paper. Here we describe a method for using these models in a recognition system. The method is more robust than using continuous parameter models in recognition. At the same time it does not suffer from the possible information loss in vector quantization based systems. <<ETX>>
Embryonic development of circadian clocks in the mammalian suprachiasmatic nuclei

In most species, self-sustained molecular clocks regulate 24-h rhythms of behavior and physiology. In mammals, a circadian pacemaker residing in the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) receives photic signals from the retina and synchronizes subordinate clocks in non-SCN tissues. The emergence of circadian rhythmicity during development has been extensively studied for many years. In mice, neuronal development in the presumptive SCN region of the embryonic hypothalamus occurs on days 12–15 of gestation. Intra-SCN circuits differentiate during the following days and retinal projections reach the SCN, and thus mediate photic entrainment, only after birth. In contrast the genetic components of the clock gene machinery are expressed much earlier and during midgestation SCN explants and isolated neurons are capable of generating molecular oscillations in culture. In vivo metabolic rhythms in the SCN, however, are observed not earlier than the 19th day of rat gestation, and rhythmic expression of clock genes is hardly detectable until after birth. Together these data indicate that cellular coupling and, thus, tissue-wide synchronization of single-cell rhythms, may only develop very late during embryogenesis. In this mini-review we describe the developmental origin of the SCN structure and summarize our current knowledge about the functional initiation and entrainment of the circadian pacemaker during embryonic development.
SHIMURA VARIETIES WITH Γ1(p)-LEVEL VIA HECKE ALGEBRA ISOMORPHISMS: THE DRINFELD CASE ʙʏ

We study the local factor at p of the semi-simple zeta function of a Shimura variety of Drinfeld type for a level structure given at p by the pro-unipotent radical of an Iwahori subgroup. Our method is an adaptation to this case of the Langlands-Kottwitz counting method. We explicitly determine the corresponding test functions in suitable Hecke algebras, and show their centrality by determining their images under the Hecke algebra isomorphisms of Goldstein, Morris, and Roche.
Measuring our Universe from Galaxy Redshift Surveys

Galaxy redshift surveys have achieved significant progress over the last couple of decades. Those surveys tell us in the most straightforward way what our local Universe looks like. While the galaxy distribution traces the bright side of the Universe, detailed quantitative analyses of the data have even revealed the dark side of the Universe dominated by non-baryonic dark matter as well as more mysterious dark energy (or Einstein’s cosmological constant). We describe several methodologies of using galaxy redshift surveys as cosmological probes, and then summarize the recent results from the existing surveys. Finally we present our views on the future of redshift surveys in the era of precision cosmology.
Social Norms for Online Communities

Sustaining cooperation among self-interested agents is critical for the proliferation of emerging online social communities, such as online communities formed through social networking services. Providing incentives for cooperation in social communities is particularly challenging because of their unique features: a large population of anonymous agents interacting infrequently, having asymmetric interests, and dynamically joining and leaving the community; operation errors; and low-cost reputation whitewashing. In this paper, taking these features into consideration, we propose a framework for the design and analysis of a class of incentive schemes based on a social norm, which consists of a reputation scheme and a social strategy. We first define the concept of a sustainable social norm under which every agent has an incentive to follow the social strategy given the reputation scheme. We then formulate the problem of designing an optimal social norm, which selects a social norm that maximizes overall social welfare among all sustainable social norms. Using the proposed framework, we study the structure of optimal social norms and the impacts of punishment lengths and whitewashing on optimal social norms. Our results show that optimal social norms are capable of sustaining cooperation, with the amount of cooperation varying depending on the community characteristics.
Comparison of the Roles of Optimizing Root Distribution and the Water Uptake Function in Simulating Water and Heat Fluxes within a Maize Agroecosystem

Roots are an important water transport pathway between soil and plant. Root water uptake (RWU) plays a key role in water and heat exchange between plants and the atmosphere. Inaccurate RWU schemes in land surface models are one crucial reason for decreased model performance. Despite some types of RWU functions being adopted in land surface models, none have been certified as suitable for maize farmland ecosystems. Based on 2007–2009 data observed at the maize agroecosystem field station in Jinzhou, China, the RWU function and root distribution (RD) in the Common Land Model (CoLM) were optimized and the effects of the optimizations on model performance were compared. Results showed that RD parameters calculated with root length density were more practical relative to root biomass in reflecting soil water availability, and they improved the simulation accuracy for water and heat fluxes. The modified RWU function also played a significant role in optimizing the simulation of water and heat fluxes. Similarly, the respective and integrated roles of two optimization schemes in improving CoLM performance were significant during continuous non-precipitation days, especially during the key water requirement period of maize. Notably, the improvements were restrained within a threshold of soil water content, and the optimizations were inoperative outside this threshold. Thus, the optimized RWU function and the revised RD introduced into the CoLM model are applicable for simulation of water and heat fluxes for maize farmland ecosystems in arid areas.