Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous Evaluation of Three-Dimensional Lip Kinetics and Tongue Pressure during Swallowing

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the amount of lip movement and simultaneous tongue pressure changes on an artificial palatal plate during swallowing. Methods: Subjects were 9 healthy males (25.4 ± 2.1 years of age). Three-dimensional lip movement was measured by a wireless optoelectronic system, and tongue pressure was simultaneously recorded by a sensor sheet attached to the incisive papilla of an artificial palatal plate. Reflective markers were attached to the right and left corners of the mouth to measure the distance between them. All subjects were instructed to swallow 5 mL and 20 mL samples of water at will. The maximum change of distance between the corners of mouth, the maximum tongue pressure, and the time interval between the two maxima (lip-tongue interval) were calculated. Wilcoxon’s test was used to detect significant differences in these measurements between the two volumes. Results: Maximum tongue pressure did not differ significantly between swallowed volumes. The maximum change of distance between the corners of mouth was larger and the lip-tongue interval was significantly shorter with the larger volume. Conclusions: We suggest that swallowing a larger volume is accomplished by larger lip movement rather than larger tongue movement. These results indicate that lip movement during swallowing can be evaluated objectively.
Why the Publication of Socially Harmful Information May Be Socially Desirable

We propose a signaling model in which the central bank and firms receive information on cost-push shocks independently from each other. If the firms’ signals are rather unlikely to be informative, central banks should remain silent about their own private signals. If, however, firms are sufficiently likely to be informed, it is socially desirable for the central bank to reveal its private information. By doing so, the central bank eliminates the distortions stemming from the signaling incentives under opacity. Our model may also explain the recent trend towards more transparency in monetary policy.
Understanding the potential for resistance evolution to the new herbicide pyroxasulfone: Field selection at high doses versus recurrent selection at low doses

Summary Pyroxasulfone is a new pre-emergence herbicide that provides effective control of Lolium rigidum, including populations with evolved resistance to multiple herbicide modes of action. Prior to its commercialisation, the potential of resistance evolution was examined with two separate studies: (i) a field screening with a high pyroxasulfone dose causing mortality >99.999% of 100 million L. rigidum herbicide-susceptible individuals to establish the frequency of major gene resistance mechanisms and (ii) a 3-year low-dose recurrent selection experiment of a herbicide-susceptible (S) and a multiple herbicide-resistant (MR) L. rigidum population. The field screening indicated that no major-effect resistance genes were present in 100 million L. rigidum individuals. By contrast, pyroxasulfone resistance was obtained by recurrent low-dose pyroxasulfone selection of multiple herbicide-resistant L. rigidum. The multiple-resistant MR population showed a clear capacity to evolve pyroxasulfone resistance with >30% plant survival at 240 g ha )1 (2.4-fold the recommended rate) after three generations of recurrent pyroxasulfone selection. For the first time, information regarding the potential for resistance evolution is available prior to herbicide commercialisation. Persistent pyroxasulfone use at low dose has the potential to rapidly lead to herbicide resistance evolution in L. rigidum field populations. Effective stewardship programmes should be developed to encourage pyroxasulfone use at the full label rate to minimise the possibility of rapid low-doseinduced resistance evolution and to ensure pyroxasulfone sustainability.
Unconventional quantum optics in topological waveguide QED

Topological one-dimensional photons induce exotic and tunable quantum emitter dynamics and interactions. The discovery of topological materials has motivated recent developments to export topological concepts into photonics to make light behave in exotic ways. Here, we predict several unconventional quantum optical phenomena that occur when quantum emitters interact with a topological waveguide quantum electrodynamics bath, namely, the photonic analog of the Su-Schrieffer-Heeger model. When the emitters’ frequency lies within the topological bandgap, a chiral bound state emerges, which is located on just one side (right or left) of the emitter. In the presence of several emitters, this bound state mediates topological, tunable interactions between them, which can give rise to exotic many-body phases such as double Néel ordered states. Furthermore, when the emitters’ optical transition is resonant with the bands, we find unconventional scattering properties and different super/subradiant states depending on the band topology. Last, we propose several implementations where these phenomena can be observed with state-of-the-art technology.
1 Innovation 1 : Utilizing the Principle of Most Astonishment

The increasing complexity of integrated circuits pushes for more aggressive design optimizations, such as resetting only part of design registers, that can leave some registers in nondeterministic (X) states. Such Xs may invalidate the correctness of logic simulation due to X-optimism and X-pessimism, producing simulation waveforms that cannot be trusted. Although formal methods can resolve the nondeterminism problem, they are not scalable enough to handle today’s multi-million gate designs. To address this problem, we developed a scalable X-analysis methodology and successfully applied it to solve three real industrial problems — one identifies missing Xs in RTL designs while the other two remove incorrect Xs to repair gate-level simulation.
Evaluation of custom-designed lateral power transistors in a silicon-on-insulator process in a synchronous buck converter

Most of todays power converters are based on power semiconductors, which are built in vertical power semiconductor processes. These devices result in limited packaging possibilities, which lead to physically long galvanic connections and therefore high external electromagnetic fields. These fields compromise power quality significantly. Therefore this paper examines the possibility to use lateral silicon-on-insulator power MOSFETs and uses the custom-made devices in a 48 V to 12 V synchronous buck converter in continuous conduction mode. The converter is designed based on custom made power transistors, implemented and verified by experimental results. The resulting efficiency of the 1 W converter is around 93 % across a wide load range and its temperature rise is less the 10 ◦C. This leads to the conclusion, that modern lateral silicon-on-insulator power processes allow high integration of power stages and therefore promise lower emissions, leading to higher power quality.
Community Detection in Social Media Performance and application considerations

The proposed survey discusses the topic of community detection in the context of Social Media. Community detection constitutes a significant tool for the analysis of complex networks by enabling the study of mesoscopic structures that are often associated with organizational and functional characteristics of the underlying networks. Community detection has proven to be valuable in a series of domains, e.g. biology, social sciences, bibliometrics. However, despite the unprecedented scale, complexity and the dynamic nature of the networks derived from Social Media data, there has only been limited discussion of community detection in this context. More specifically, there is hardly any discussion on the performance characteristics of community detection methods as well as the exploitation of their results in the context of real-world web mining and information retrieval scenarios. To this end, this survey first frames the concept of community and the problem of community detection in the context of Social Media, and provides a compact classification of existing algorithms based on their methodological principles. The survey places special emphasis on the performance of existing methods in terms of computational complexity and memory requirements. It presents both a theoretical and an experimental comparative discussion of several popular methods. In addition, it discusses the possibility for incremental application of the methods and proposes five strategies for scaling community detection to real-world networks of huge scales. Finally, the survey deals with the interpretation and exploitation of community detection results in the context of intelligent web applications and services.
NUMA Implications for Storage I / O Throughput in Modern Servers

Current server architectures have started to move away from traditional memory buses that do not scale and towards point to-point interconnects for communication among processor s, memories, and I/O devices. As a result, memory modules are not equidistant from all cores leading to significant differ ences in memory access performance from different cores. Similar to memory modules, I/O devices are connected today to processor sockets in a NUMA manner. This results in NUMA effects for transfers between I/O devices and memory banks, s well as processor I/O (PIO) accesses to I/O devices. This tre nd towards NUMA architectures increases complexity for buffe r placement, device data transfers, and code execution, crea ting a complex affinity space. In this paper, we discuss problems that arise when performing I/O and present a preliminary evaluation of the impact of different types of affinity. We use a server-type system with two Intel Xeon processors, four storage controllers, and 24 solid-state-disks (SSDs). Our experiments with various machine configurations show that compared to local transfers between devices and memory, remote transfers have the potential to reduce maximum achie vable throughput from8% up to40%. Further, for I/O-intensive applications, remote transfers can potentially increase I /Ocompletion time up to130%.
Two sides of the same coin: extinctions and originations across the Atlantic/Indian Ocean boundary as consequences of the same climate oscillation

Global climate change is correlated not only with variation in extinction rates, but also with speciation rates. However, few mechanisms have been proposed to explain how climate change may have driven the emergence of new evolutionary lineages that eventually became distinct species. Here, we discuss a model of range extension followed by divergence, in which the same climate oscillations that resulted in the extinction of coastal species across the Atlantic/Indian
Diver ecotourism and disturbance to reef fish spawning aggregations: it is better to be disturbed than to be dead.

Dive tourism, with proper diver training, is often suggested as an environmentally benign and economically viable alternative to commercial fishing of coral reef fishes, affording, for example, unique opportunities to see large schools of spawning fish or encounter whale sharks Rhin- codon typus. Yet, the ancillary effects of groups of divers disrupting fish spawning aggregations (FSAs) must be assessed. We examined over 9 h of video footage (extracted from over 100 h of under- water video) filmed at FSA sites in Belize. The footage captured divers interacting with schools of snappers and groupers as they aggregated to spawn, as well as showing the arrival of whale sharks. Diver behaviors included both video recording and flash still photography of fish schools and tagging of whale sharks. We filmed 746 unique diver-school interactions that included total observations of approximately 200 000 snappers, 4700 Nassau groupers Epinephelus striatus and 200 whale sharks. We recorded 180 spawning events, only 105 of which showed divers disturbing aggregating schools, which affected an estimated 2100 snappers and 90 groupers. We conclude that small groups of expe- rienced divers, following a code of responsible diving centered upon the precautionary principle and sensitivity to fish schooling behaviors, do not negatively affect schooling or spawning behaviors. Though further research is needed to assess the effects of boat traffic and larger groups of less expe- rienced divers, dive ecotourism at fish spawning areas represents an economically attractive and less exploitative alternative to commercial fishing.
Computer Aided Design of a Luciferase Like Haloalkane Dehalogenase Enzyme by Homology Based Rational Protein Design (HRPD) Method

In this report, we describe a procedure for in-silico design of a novel haloalkane dehalogenase protein that exhibits luciferase property which can be potentially used in biosensor applications. From a PDB BLAST search, the selected haloalkane dehalogenase (PDB code: 1EDE) had a close structural homology with a lucifearse (PDB code: 2PSJ chain A) sharing an identity of 33%. Initially, the amino acids in luciferase interacting with chromophore colentrizine were analyzed by a 3 ns molecular dynamics simulation. Later, Colentrizine was docked to the haloalkane dehalogenase followed by 5 ns molecular dynamics simulation to find out the frequently interacting residues with the ligand and amino acid Asp170, Lys192, Arg193, Lys259, Lys261 were selected in haloalkane dehalogenase structure for substitution purpose. Four mutants were generated by substituting these positions with Phe, Tyr, Trp respectively as they have comparable molecular weight. Following several selection strategies based on energy minimization, structural accuracy, ligand binding score, % of hydrophobicity and aromaticity it was observed that the protein substituted with Phe in all the positions is the best one which was further validated by a 10 ns molecular dynamics simulation by Gromacs 4.5. 0 software. The selected designed protein is further analysed for their substrate specificity towards 10 selected haloalkane ligands in comparison to the unmutated counterpart by Autodock 4.2 tool. The result shows, that the designed protein has also improved the substrate specificity towards four toxic pollutants.
Multivariate High-Frequency-Based Volatility (HEAVY) Models

This paper introduces a new class of multivariate volatility models that utilizes high-frequency data. We discuss the models dynamics and highlight their di¤erences from multivariate GARCH models. We also discuss their covariance targeting specification and provide closed-form formulas for multi-step forecasts. Estimation and inference strategies are outlined. Empirical results suggest that the HEAVY model outperforms the multivariate GARCH model out-of-sample, with the gains being particularly significant at short forecast horizons. Forecast gains are ob- tained for both forecast variances and correlations.
An Unmanned Rotorcraft System with Embedded Design

In this paper, we present the systematic design and implementation of quick prototype design and hardware-in-the-loop real-time test of the embedded control system of Unmanned Rotorcraft. The control law is of backstepping type, the sensory system consists of a marker-based vision system outside the helicopter in radio connection with the embedded controller and a 3D inertial measurement unit (IMU) on the helicopter. Extended Kalman filters solve the state estimation problem. Brushless DC motors serve as actuators. For quick prototype design of the embedded controller MATLAB, Simulink, Real-Time Workshop and the MPC555 Target Compiler were used. More specifically, the onboard hardware system is designed to fulfill the image processing requirements by using the commercial off-the-shelf products. Real-time vision software is developed, which is running on the real-time operating system QNX.
Dynamic simulation of serial robots under force control

The advantages of using force control in industrial robots are well known. Study of such systems in virtual environments in the form of simulation is of great help as most of the force controlled task works in close contact with the environment. In this paper, we show how to simulate different force control algorithms of a typical serial robot used in industries before deciding to choose a suitable one for real implementation. Hence, a proper dynamic model of the robot is essential which should be able to emulate the real robot, particularly if the robot moves at relatively higher speeds. This is done here using the concept of the decoupled natural orthogonal complement (DeNOC) matrices which is known to provide a recursive forward dynamic algorithm that is not only efficient but also numerically stable. Such simulation of robots under force control will allow users to tune the control gains without stopping the real robot on the production floor. Besides, such simulation can be used as an education tool as well to help beginners to explore various types of control algorithms and their performances. In addition, the framework for simulation proposed in this paper can work as a good test bench to test the performances of either a new control law or a different dynamic algorithm. As an illustration, the DeNOC based dynamics was substituted with MATLAB's SimMechanics which can also perform dynamic simulation. The comparison of the results validated the concept and correctness of the numerical simulations.
Molecular Markers Reveal Reduced Genetic Diversity in Romanian Populations of Brown Trout , Salmo trutta L . , 1758 ( Salmonidae )

Various technologies along Romanian mountain rivers are destructive and affect aquatic habitats and communities. The salmonids are one of the affected fish families and a decrease in their populations is being reported throughout Europe. In order to mitigate the reduction of numbers and even loss of populations as a result of human impact, frequent restocking activities are being applied. Often these activities are not preceded by any genetic analysis aiding the selection of the needed biological material. Our study aimed to evaluate the genetic diversity of four brown trout populations from stream habitats, which are heavily modified owing to micro-hydropower plants, small dams on the riverbed and permanent water extractions. Based on nine microsatellite loci, the mean values of the Inbreeding Coefficient Index (Fis) showed heterozygote deficit for two populations. The mean number of migrants suggested the existance of a gene flow between three pairs of the analysed brown trout populations, while the factorial correspondence analysis grouped the individuals in three clusters. In conclusion, the genetic diversity of the four brown trout populations, assessed by using nuclear markers, was high for only two of them, with a degree of overlapping between the other two. Keyords: salmonids, Carpathians, nuclear markers, genetic diversity *Corresponding author: georgescu_se@yahoo.com
Former dynamic behaviour of a cold-based valley glacier on Svalbard revealed by basal ice and structural glaciology investigations

Large numbers of small valley glaciers on Svalbard were thicker and more extensive during the Little Ice Age (LIA), demonstrated by prominent ice-cored moraines up to several kilometres beyond present-day margins. The majority of these glaciers have since experienced a long period of strongly negative mass balance during the 20th century and are now largely frozen to their beds, indicating they are likely to have undergone a thermal transition from a polythermal to a cold-based regime. We present evidence for such a switch by reconstructing the former flow dynamics and thermal regime of Tellbreen, a small cold-based valley glacier in central Spitsbergen, based on its basal sequence and glaciological structures. Within the basal sequence, the underlying matrix-supported diamict is interpreted as saturated subglacial traction till which has frozen at the bed, indicating that the thermal switch has resulted in a cessation of subglacial sediment deformation due to freezing of the former deforming layer. This is overlain by debris-poor dispersed facies ice, interpreted to have formed through strain-induced metamorphism of englacial ice. The sequential development of structures includes arcuate fracture traces, interpreted as shear planes formed in a compressive/transpressive stress regime; and fracture traces, interpreted as healed extensional crevasses. The formation of these sediment/ice facies and structures is indicative of dynamic, warm-based flow, most likely during the LIA when the glacier was significantly thicker.
Di V erential IL-4 / Stat 6 activities correlate with di V erential expression of regulatory genes SOCS-1 , SHP-1 , and PP 2 A in colon cancer cells

Purpose To investigate potential diVerences in the expression of Stat6 regulatory genes that may inXuence IL4/Stat6 activities (phenotypes) in colon cancer cells. Methods RT-PCR method was employed to examine the constitutive mRNA expression of Stat6 negative regulators SOCS-1 and SHP-1, and positive regulator PP2A in colon cancer cell lines HT-29 and Caco-2. Stat6 protein expression and nuclear phosphorylation were detected using Western blotting. Results Caco-2 cells carrying inactive Stat6 phenotype showed normal constitutive expression of Stat6 but decreased phosphorylation of nuclear Stat6 compared with HT-29 cells carrying active Stat6 phenotype. Stat6 Caco-2 cells expressed increased levels of mRNA and protein of SOCS-1 and SHP-1, and decreased mRNA expression of PPP2CA and PPP2CB, encoding two critical subunits of PP2A. Conclusions Constitutively increased expression of Stat6 negative regulators SOCS-1 and SHP-1, together with decreased expression of positive regulator PP2A, may play a role in forming the inactive Stat6 phenotype in colon
A Comparison of Habitat Use and Demography of Red Squirrels at the Southern Edge of Their Range

Abstract Populations at the edge of their geographic range may demonstrate different population dynamics from central populations. Endangered Mt. Graham red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus grahamensis), endemic to southeastern Arizona, represent the southernmost red squirrel population and are found at lower densities than conspecifics in the center of the range. To determine if differences are due to conditions at the southern periphery of the range, we compared habitat characteristics, demography, body mass, space use and nesting behavior with another subspecies located at the southern edge of the range, the Mogollon red squirrel (T. h. mogollonensis). We found that mean and minimum daily temperatures were higher at Mt. Graham whereas maximum temperatures were higher in the White Mountains, male Mogollon red squirrels were heavier than male Mt. Graham red squirrels in all seasons and female Mogollon red squirrels were slightly heavier than female Mt. Graham red squirrels in spring, proportion of squirrels in reproductive condition was lower in female Mogollon red squirrels, Mogollon red squirrels had smaller home ranges, used different types of nests and traveled less distance to nest than Mt. Graham red squirrels. There were no differences in annual rainfall, seedfall, habitat characteristics or survival between mountain ranges. Localized conditions appear to account for the disparity between populations. These differences demonstrate the importance of evaluating attributes of peripheral populations for maximizing persistence and intraspecific diversity.