pinecone/core-2020-05-10-deduplication huggingface dataset:
A continuum model for the dynamics of the phase transition from slow-wave sleep to REM sleep

Previous studies have shown that activated cortical states (awake and rapid eye-movement (REM) sleep), are associated with increased cholinergic input into the cerebral cortex. However, the mechanisms that underlie the detailed dynamics of the cortical transition from slow-wave to REM sleep have not been quantitatively modeled. How does the sequence of abrupt changes in the cortical dynamics (as detected in the electrocorticogram) result from the more gradual change in subcortical cholinergic input? We compare the output from a continuum model of cortical neuronal dynamics with experimentally-derived rat electrocorticogram data. The output from the computer model was consistent with experimental observations. In slow-wave sleep, 0.5–2-Hz oscillations arise from the cortex jumping between “up” and “down” states on the stationary-state manifold. As cholinergic input increases, the upper state undergoes a bifurcation to an 8-Hz oscillation. The coexistence of both oscillations is similar to that found in the intermediate stage of sleep of the rat. Further cholinergic input moves the trajectory to a point where the lower part of the manifold in not available, and thus the slow oscillation abruptly ceases (REM sleep). The model provides a natural basis to explain neuromodulator-induced changes in cortical activity, and indicates that a cortical phase change, rather than a brainstem “flip-flop”, may describe the transition from slow-wave sleep to REM
Exergy analysis of food drying processes

It is well known that micro-level system parameters may have some great impact on macro-level energy aspects, the environment, and sustainability. Of course, if one wants to approach these thermodynamically, there are two ways: energy analysis through the first law of thermodynamics and exergy analysis through the second law of thermodynamics. Exergy analysis is an essential tool to expose the impacts of a power generating device on exergy-based sustainability; sustainability is necessary to overcome current ecological, economic, and developmental problems (Dincer and Rosen, 2005). In this regard, some new exergy-based sustainability parameters for a PEM fuel cell have been developed and studied parametrically to investigate how they will help measure the level of environmental impact and sustainable development (Midilli and Dincer, 2009). These types of parameters may also be applied to other energy-related systems.TÜBİTAK Project No. 106M48
Entry, Exit, and Productivity in Tunisian Manufacturing Industries

Almost all countries in the MENA region entered the new millennium with large unemployment rates. In this context, decision makers emphasize the role of efficient markets which could lead to higher firm creation rates and thereby, to lower unemployment rates. Aside to direct employment effects, high firm creation rates are supposed to have a positive impact on the technical and organizational change of economies because new firms are on average, better equipped with the latest technical and organizational knowledge. Indeed, in addition to expanding the range of products, entry can first create more competition, lower prices for consumers, and may lead to better technology adoption. Changes in the status of existing firms from informal to formal may also have important effects on GDP growth. This chapter presents some stylized facts about firms' entry and exit and economic performance in Tunisian manufacturing industries. The first section deals with regulations, upgrading program and business environment in Tunisia. Data used to analyze patterns of entry and exit in Tunisian manufacturing industries and their impact on firm’s performance are presented in Sect. 4.2. The determinants of entry and exit process are discussed in Sect. 4.3. This section focuses on the implications that the interdependence between aggregate entry and exit has for the analysis of manufacturing industry dynamics in Tunisia. The purpose of the forth section is to investigate whether entry and exit of firms affect performance and labor productivity.
Age-related changes in the trachea in healthy adults.

To investigate age-related changes in the shape of trachea, normal male volunteers (n = 83, mean +/- SD: 47.7 +/- 20.2 years old) underwent inspiratory CT scans at full inspiration and lung function tests. Subjects who showed VC < 80% predicted or FEV1 < 80% predicted on lung function tests were excluded. The CT data, which is located at 2.0 cm above the aortic arch, were transferred to a personal computer. The tracheal area (St) and two parameters, Tracheal index (Ti) and Circularity (Ci) indicating the shape of the trachea, were automatically calculated. Ti was defined the ratio of the coronal to the sagittal diameter of the trachea, and the Ci (Ci = 4piS/L2, S: tracheal area, L: tracheal perimeter) was used to indicate the roundness of the trachea. A Ci value of less than 1 indicated the distortion of the roundness. Both St and St/BSA (body surface area) showed a significant correlation with age (r = 0.37, r = 0.52; p = 0.0006, p < 0.0001). Ti was not correlated with age (r = -0.20; p = 0.0697), whereas Ci was significantly correlated with age (r = -0.32; p = 0.00364). There were measurable age related changes of the trachea both in the area and the shape. Aging results in the increased tracheal area and a distortion of the roundness
Privacy-Preserving Random Kernel Classification of Checkerboard Partitioned Data

We propose a privacy-preserving support vector machine (SVM) classifier for a data matrix A whose input
feature columns as well as individual data point rows are divided into groups belonging to different entities.
Each entity is unwilling to make public its group of columns and rows. Our classifier utilizes the entire data
matrix A while maintaining the privacy of each block. This classifier is based on the concept of a random
kernel K(A,B?) where B? is the transpose of a random matrix B, as well as the reduction of a possibly complex
pattern of data held by each entity into a checkerboard pattern. The proposed nonlinear SVM classifier, which
is public but does not reveal any of the privately-held data, has accuracy comparable to that of an ordinary
SVM classifier based on the entire set of input features and data points all made public
Self-similar perturbation near a corner: matching versus multiscale expansions for a model problem

In this paper we consider the Laplace-Dirichlet equation in a polygonal domain perturbed at the small scale $\varepsilon$ near a vertex. We assume that this perturbation is self-similar, that is, derives from the same pattern for all relevant values of $\varepsilon$. We construct and validate asymptotic expansions of the solution in powers of $\varepsilon$ via two different techniques, namely the method of multiscale expansions and the method of matched asymptotic expansions. Then we show how the terms of each expansion can be split into a finite number of sub-terms in order to reconstruct the other expansion. Compared with the fairly general approach of Maz'ya, Nazarov and Plamenevskii relying on multiscale expansions, the novelty of our paper is the rigorous validation of the method of matched asymptotic expansions, and its comparison with the multiscale method. The consideration of a model problem allows to simplify the exposition of these rather complicated two techniques
Comparisons of Limb Structural Properties in Free-Ranging Chimpanzees From Kibale, Gombe, Mahale and Taï Communities

Structural characteristics of limbs bones provide insight into how an animal dynamically loads its limbs during life. Cause-and-effect relationships between loading and the osteogenic response it elicits are complex. In spite of such complexities, cross-sectional geometric properties can be useful indicators of locomotor repertoires. Typical comparisons use primates that are distinguished by broad habitual locomotor differences, usually with samples garnered from several museum collections. Intraspecific variability is difficult to investigate in such samples because behavior or life histories, which are tools for interpreting intraspecific variability, are limited. Clearly intraspecific variation both in morphology and behavior/life history exists. Here we expand an ongoing effort towards understanding intraspecific variation in limb structural properties by comparing free-ranging chimpanzees that have associated behavioral and life history data. Humeral and femoral data from eleven adult chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) of Kibale National Park (Uganda) are compared to 29 adult habituated chimpanzees from Gombe (Tanzania), Mahale Mountains (Tanzania), and Taï Forest (Côte d’Ivoire) National Park communities. Overall, limb structural morphology of Kibale chimpanzees most resembles limb structural morphology of Mahale chimpanzees. Shape ratios and percentage cortical areas of Kibale chimpanzees are most similar to non-Gombe chimpanzees, while Kibale structural properties (e.g., maximum rigidity) are most similar to non-Taï structural properties. Even after adding Kibale females, Taï females continue to stand out from females in other communities. This research was supported in part by the L.S.B. Leakey Foundation and the National Science Foundation (DDIG, BCS-0002686).Human Evolutionary Biolog
A 2-categories companion

This paper is a rather informal guide to some of the basic theory of
2-categories and bicategories, including notions of limit and colimit,
2-dimensional universal algebra, formal category theory, and nerves of
bicategories. As is the way of these things, the choice of topics is somewhat
personal. No attempt is made at either rigour or completeness. Nor is it
completely introductory: you will not find a definition of bicategory; but then
nor will you really need one to read it. In keeping with the philosophy of
category theory, the morphisms between bicategories play more of a role than
the bicategories themselves.Comment: 73 pages; published in Towards Higher Categories, eds. John C. Baez
  and J. Peter May, Springer, 200
Communities of Practice and Virtual Learning Communities: Benefits, barriers and success factors

A virtual Community of Practice (CoP) is a network of individuals who share a domain of interest about which they communicate online. The practitioners share resources (for example experiences, problems and solutions, tools, methodologies). Such communication results in the improvement of the knowledge of each participant in the community and contributes to the development of the knowledge within the domain. A virtual learning community may involve the conduct of original research but it is more likely that its main purpose is to increase the knowledge of participants, via formal education or professional development. Virtual learning communities could have learning as their main goal or the elearning could be generated as a side effect. Virtual communities of practice (CoPs) and virtual learning communities are becoming widespread within higher education institutions (HEIs) thanks to technological developments which enable increased communication, interactivity among participants and incorporation of collaborative pedagogical models, specifically through information communications technologies (ICTs) They afford the potential for the combination of synchronous and asynchronous communication, access to -and from- geographically isolated communities and international information sharing. Clearly there are benefits to be derived from sharing and learning within and out with HEIs. There is a sense of connectedness, of shared passion and a deepening of knowledge to be derived from ongoing interaction. Knowledge development can be continuous, cyclical and fluid. However, barriers exist in virtual CoPs and these are defined by the authors and illustrated with quotes from academic staff who have been involved in CoPs.Critical success factors (CSFs) for a virtual CoP are discussed. These include usability of technology; trust in, and acceptance of, ICTs in communication; a sense of belonging among members; paying attention to cross-national and cross-cultural dimensions of the CoP; shared understandings; a common sense of purpose; use of netiquette and user-friendly language and longevity. The authors recognise the enormous potential for the development of CoPs through e-mail discussion lists and discussion boards but have themselves experienced the difficulties inherent in initiating such a community. These are corroborated and illustrated with text from interviews with academic staff. Much of the literature on CoPs emanates from outside Europe, despite the fact that e-learning articles have a large diffusion around Europe. The authors suggest further exploration of this topic by identifying and studying CoPs and virtual learning communities across EU countries.
Video Coding with Motion Estimation at the Decoder

Predictive video coding is based on motion estimation. In such systems, the temporal correlation is exploited at the encoder, whereas at the decoder, the correlation between the previously decoded frames and the current frame is never exploited. In this chapter, we propose a method for motion estimation at the decoder. Based on the prediction residue and on the already decoded frames, the decoder is able to partially reconstruct the motion field, which therefore can be skipped in the encoded stream. The proposed approach is based on Least Square Estimation (LSE) prediction, and is suitable for low bit-rate video coding, in which the transmission of the motion field has a significant impact on the overall bit-rate. The same technique could also be useful in case of high definition video coding, where a detailed and accurate motion field is required. Preliminary results seem to be very promising
Adjustment of interaural-time-difference analysis to sound level

To localize low-frequency sound sources in azimuth, the binaural system
compares the timing of sound waves at the two ears with microsecond precision.
A similarly high precision is also seen in the binaural processing of the envelopes
of high-frequency complex sounds. Both for low- and high-frequency sounds,
interaural time difference (ITD) acuity is to a large extent independent of sound
level. The mechanisms underlying this level-invariant extraction of ITDs by the
binaural system are, however, only poorly understood. We use high-frequency pip
trains with asymmetric and dichotic pip envelopes in a combined psychophysical,
electrophysiological, and modeling approach. Although the dichotic envelopes
cannot be physically matched in terms of ITD, the match produced perceptually by
humans is very reliable, and it depends systematically on the overall sound level.
These data are reflected in neural responses from the gerbil lateral superior olive
and lateral lemniscus. The results are predicted in an existing temporal-integration
model extended with a level-dependent threshold criterion. These data provide a
very sensitive quantification of how the peripheral temporal code is conditioned
for binaural analysis.
Biomedical and therapeutic applications of biosurfactants

During the last years, several applications of biosurfactants with medical purposes have been reported. Biosurfactants are considered relevant molecules for applications in combating many diseases and as therapeutic agents due to their antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral activities. Furthermore, their role as anti-adhesive agents against several pathogens illustrate their utility as suitable anti-adhesive coating agents for medical insertional materials leading to a reduction of a large number of hospital infections without the use of synthetic drugs and chemicals. Biomedical and therapeutic perspectives of biosurfactants applications are presented and discussed in this chapter
Magnetism, FeS colloids, and Origins of Life

A number of features of living systems: reversible interactions and weak
bonds underlying motor-dynamics; gel-sol transitions; cellular connected
fractal organization; asymmetry in interactions and organization; quantum
coherent phenomena; to name some, can have a natural accounting via $physical$
interactions, which we therefore seek to incorporate by expanding the horizons
of `chemistry-only' approaches to the origins of life. It is suggested that the
magnetic 'face' of the minerals from the inorganic world, recognized to have
played a pivotal role in initiating Life, may throw light on some of these
issues. A magnetic environment in the form of rocks in the Hadean Ocean could
have enabled the accretion and therefore an ordered confinement of
super-paramagnetic colloids within a structured phase. A moderate H-field can
help magnetic nano-particles to not only overcome thermal fluctuations but also
harness them. Such controlled dynamics brings in the possibility of accessing
quantum effects, which together with frustrations in magnetic ordering and
hysteresis (a natural mechanism for a primitive memory) could throw light on
the birth of biological information which, as Abel argues, requires a
combination of order and complexity. This scenario gains strength from
observations of scale-free framboidal forms of the greigite mineral, with a
magnetic basis of assembly. And greigite's metabolic potential plays a key role
in the mound scenario of Russell and coworkers-an expansion of which is
suggested for including magnetism.Comment: 42 pages, 5 figures, to be published in A.R. Memorial volume, Ed
  Krishnaswami Alladi, Springer 201
Application-Specific Accelerators for Communications

For computation-intensive digital signal processing algorithms, complexity
is exceeding the processing capabilities of general-purpose digital signal processors (DSPs). In some of these applications, DSP hardware accelerators have been widely used to off-load a variety of algorithms from the main DSP host, including FFT, FIR/IIR filters, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) detectors, and error correction codes (Viterbi, Turbo, LDPC) decoders. Given power and cost considerations, simply implementing these computationally complex parallel algorithms with high-speed general-purpose DSP processor is not very efficient. However, not all DSP algorithms are appropriate for off-loading to a hardware accelerator. First, these algorithms should have data-parallel computations and repeated operations that are amenable to hardware implementation. Second, these algorithms should have a deterministic dataflow graph that maps to parallel datapaths. The accelerators that we consider are mostly coarse grain to better deal with streaming data transfer
for achieving both high performance and low power. In this chapter, we focus on
some of the basic and advanced digital signal processing algorithms for communications and cover major examples of DSP accelerators for communications
Coarse-grained reconfigurable array architectures

Coarse-Grained Reconﬁgurable Array (CGRA) architectures accelerate the same inner loops that beneﬁt from the high ILP support in VLIW architectures. By executing non-loop code on other cores, however, CGRAs can focus on such loops to execute them more efﬁciently. This chapter discusses the basic principles of CGRAs, and the wide range of design options available to a CGRA designer, covering a large number of existing CGRA designs. The impact of different options on ﬂexibility, performance, and power-efﬁciency is discussed, as well as the need for compiler support. The ADRES CGRA design template is studied in more detail as a use case to illustrate the need for design space exploration, for compiler support and for the manual ﬁne-tuning of source code
Polyhedral process networks

Reference implementations of signal processing applications
are often written in a sequential language that does
not reveal the available parallelism in the application.
However, if an application satisfies some constraints then
a parallel specification can be derived automatically. 
In particular, if the application can be represented in
the polyhedral model, then a polyhedral process network
can be constructed from the application.
After introducing the required polyhedral tools,
this chapter details the construction of
the processes and the communication channels
in such a network.
Special attention is given to various properties of
the communication channels including their buffer sizes.status: publishe
Compilation of Polychronous Data Flow Equations

Chapter 1, on the "Compilation of Polychronous Data-Flow Equations", gives a thorough presentation of the program analysis and code generation techniques present in Polychrony, a compiler for the data-flow synchronous language Signal. Introduced in the late 1980s, Signal and its polychronous model of computation stand among the most developed concepts of synchronous programming. It allows to model concurrent embedded software architectures using high-level multi-clocked synchronous data-flow equations. The chapter defines the formal methodology consisting of all required program analysis and transformation techniques to automatically generate the sequential or concurrent code suiting the targer architecture (embedded or distributed) or compilation goals (modularity or performance)
A Module Language for Typing SIGNAL Programs by Contracts

Chapter 5, on "A Module Language for Typing SIGNAL Programs by Contracts", brings up the polychronous model of computation to present a means to modularly and compositionally support assumption-guarantee reasoning in that framework. Contract-based design has become a popular reasoning concept in which contracts are used to negotiate the correctness of assumptions made on th definition of a component at the point where it is used and provides guarantees to its environment. The chapter first elaborates formal foundations by defining a Boolean algebra of contracts in a trace-theoretical framework. Based on that contracts algebra, a general-purpose module language is then specified. The algebra and module system are instantiated to the framework of the synchronous data-flow language Signal. This presentation is illustrated with the specification of a protocol for Loosely Time-Triggered Architectures (LTTA)
The role of interleukin-2 in memory CD8 cell differentiation

The current literature on the role of interleukin (IL)-2 in memory CD8+ T-cell differentiation indicates a significant contribution of IL-2 during primary and also secondary expansion of CD8+ T cells. IL-2 seems to be responsible for optimal expansion and generation of effector functions following primary antigenic challenge. As the magnitude of T-cell expansion determines the numbers of memory CD8+ T cells surviving after pathogen elimination, these event influence memory cell generation. Moreover, during the contraction phase of an immune respons where most antigen-specific CD8+ T cells disappear by apoptosis, IL-2 signals are able to rescu CD8+ T cells from cell death and provide a durable increase in memory CD8+ T-cell counts. At the memory stage, CD8+ T-cell frequencies can be boosted by administration of exogenous IL-2 Significantly, only CD8+ T cells that have received IL-2 signals during initial priming are able t mediate efficient secondary expansion following renewed antigenic challenge. Thus, IL-2 signals during different phases of an immune response are key in optimizing CD8+ T-cell functions, thereby affecting both primary and secondary responses of these T cells
Implementation and validation of a looming object detector model derived from mammalian retinal circuit

The model of a recently identified mammalian retina circuit, responsible for identifying looming or approaching objects, is implemented on mixed-signal focal-plane sensor-processor array. The free parameters of the implementation are characterized; their effects to the model are analyzed. The implemented model is calibrated with real stimuli with known kinetic and geometrical properties. As the calibration shows, the identified retina channel is responsible for last minute detection of approaching objects