Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
RETRIAL QUEUES IN THE PERFORMANCE MODELING OF CELLULAR MOBILE NETWORKS

This paper investigates a multiserver infinite-source retrial queueing system for the performance mod- eling of cellular mobile communication networks. The objective is to demonstrate how performance tool MOSEL (Modeling, Specification and Evaluation Language) can be efficiently used in the modeling of cell based networks. In our analysis the blocked and dropped users are treated separately, that is they redial with different probabilities and different rates, with reducing the state space by maximizing the number of redialing customers with appropriately large values (i. e. when the ignored probability mass can be neglected). The guard channel scheme is included in the model, too. The novelty of our analysis is that not only the active but also both types of redialing customers are allowed to depart to other cells, which was not the case in the previous works. The model description is translated step by step into the description language of MOSEL, and then it is automati- cally converted into the other tool-specific system descriptions and analyzed by the appropriate tools. As the benefit of the tool the effects of various system parameters on the fresh call blocking probability, on the handoff call dropping probability and on the grade of service are displayed and analyzed graphically.
Evaluation of dentoalveolar compensation in skeletal class II malocclusion in a Pakistani University Hospital setting.

OBJECTIVE To quantitatively evaluate the pattern of dentoalveolar compensation in skeletal class II patients and to find which dentoalveolar parameter compensates the most for this sagittal jaw discrepancy. STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY Dental Section, the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from January 2005 to March 2006. METHODOLOGY Cephalometric analyses were performed on pretreatment lateral cephalographs of 87 orthodontic patients who met the selection criteria. Various linear and angular measurements were taken. For a quantitative evaluation of dentoalveolar compensation, association was found between various dental and skeletal parameters by correlation analyses. To evaluate which parameter compensates the most, regression and scatters were performed keeping ANB angle as a measure of sagittal jaw discrepancy versus some parameters (SN-OP, A-NP, UI-NA, IIA, LI-OP, LI-SN, LI-FH, LI-MP). RESULTS Statistically significant associations were seen between some skeletal and dental parameters. Correlation and regression analyses indicated SN-OP, LI-OP and LI-FH to be the most likely parameters to compensate for underlying sagittal jaw discrepancies. CONCLUSION Lower incisor position and occlusal plane inclination in relation to the craniofacial structures are the most likely parameters for compensation in class II sagittal jaw discrepancy, evaluation of which may be helpful in treatment planning and treatment success.
Revisiting the CLBlood Model : Formulation Enhancements and Online Deployment

CLBlood is a cell-based light interaction model for human blood previously developed by the Natural Phenomena Simulation Group (NPSG) at the University of Waterloo. In this report, we revisit several elements of its formulation and describe appropriate enhancements. Furthermore, we compare our current and previous results to demonstrate that the predictive capabilities of our model have been fully preserved in its revised version. We also showcase the online deployment of CLBlood.
Upright Perception and Ocular Torsion Change Independently during Head Tilt

We maintain a stable perception of the visual world despite continuous movements of our eyes, head and body. Perception of upright is a key aspect of such orientation constancy. Here we investigated whether changes in upright perception during sustained head tilt were related to simultaneous changes in torsional position of the eyes. We used a subjective visual vertical (SVV) task, modified to track changes in upright perception over time, and a custom video method to measure ocular torsion simultaneously. We tested 12 subjects in upright position, during prolonged (~15 min) lateral head tilts of 20 degrees, and also after the head returned to upright position. While the head was tilted, SVV drifted in the same direction as the head tilt (left tilt: −5.4 ± 1.4° and right tilt: +2.2 ± 2.1°). After the head returned to upright position, there was an SVV aftereffect with respect to the pre-tilt baseline, which was also in the same direction as the head tilt (left tilt: −3.9 ± 0.6° and right tilt: +2.55 ± 1.0°). Neither the SVV drift nor the SVV aftereffect were correlated with the changes in ocular torsion. Using the Bayesian spatial-perception model we show that the pattern of SVV drift and aftereffect in our results could be explained by a drift and an adaptation in sensory inputs that encode head orientation. The fact that ocular torsion (mainly driven by the otoliths) could not account for the perceptual changes suggests that neck proprioception could be the primary source of drift in upright perception during head tilt, and subsequently the aftereffect in upright position.
Can we resist another person’s gaze?

Adaptive adjustments of strategies are needed to optimize behavior in a dynamic and uncertain world. A key function in implementing flexible behavior and exerting self-control is represented by the ability to stop the execution of an action when it is no longer appropriate for the environmental requests. Importantly, stimuli in our environment are not equally relevant and some are more valuable than others. One example is the gaze of other people, which is known to convey important social information about their direction of attention and their emotional and mental states. Indeed, gaze direction has a significant impact on the execution of voluntary saccades of an observer since it is capable of inducing in the observer an automatic gaze-following behavior: a phenomenon named social or joint attention. Nevertheless, people can exert volitional inhibitory control on saccadic eye movements during their planning. Little is known about the interaction between gaze direction signals and volitional inhibition of saccades. To fill this gap, we administered a countermanding task to 15 healthy participants in which they were asked to observe the eye region of a face with the eyes shut appearing at central fixation. In one condition, participants were required to suppress a saccade, that was previously instructed by a gaze shift toward one of two peripheral targets, when the eyes were suddenly shut down (social condition, SC). In a second condition, participants were asked to inhibit a saccade, that was previously instructed by a change in color of one of the two same targets, when a change of color of a central picture occurred (non-social condition, N-SC). We found that inhibitory control was more impaired in the SC, suggesting that actions initiated and stopped by social cues conveyed by the eyes are more difficult to withhold. This is probably due to the social value intrinsically linked to these cues and the many uses we make of them.
Inflammation increases plasma angiopoietin-like protein 4 in patients with the metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes

Background Angiopoietin-like protein 4 (ANGPTL4) inhibits lipoprotein lipase and associates with dyslipidemia. The expression of ANGPTL4 is regulated by free fatty acids (FFA) that activate lipid-sensing peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), but FFA can also activate pattern recognition receptors including Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in macrophages. Objective To assess whether systemic low-grade inflammation is a determinant for plasma ANGPTL4 levels in patients with the metabolic syndrome (MetS) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Design We studied 335 male participants: healthy controls (Controls), patients with the MetS without inflammation (MetS−I) and with low-grade inflammation (MetS+I), and patients with T2DM. All patients without diabetes included in the present study were initially matched for waist circumference. In plasma, ANGPTL4, C reactive protein (CRP) and metabolic parameters were determined. Underlying mechanisms were examined using human macrophages in vitro. Results As compared with Controls, plasma ANGPTL4 levels were increased in patients with MetS−I, MetS+I, and T2DM. Furthermore, ANGPTL4 was increased in T2DM compared with MetS−I. In fact, plasma CRP correlated positively with plasma ANGPTL4. In vitro studies showed that TLR 3/4 activation largely increased the expression and release of ANGPTL4 by macrophages. Conclusions Plasma ANGPTL4 levels in humans are predicted by CRP, a marker of inflammation, and ANGPTL4 expression by macrophages is increased by inflammatory stimuli.
Constrained Overcomplete Analysis Operator Learning for Cosparse Signal Modelling

We consider the problem of learning a low-dimensional signal model from a collection of training samples. The mainstream approach would be to learn an overcomplete dictionary to provide good approximations of the training samples using sparse synthesis coefficients. This famous sparse model has a less well known counterpart, in analysis form, called the cosparse analysis model. In this new model, signals are characterized by their parsimony in a transformed domain using an overcomplete (linear) analysis operator. We propose to learn an analysis operator from a training corpus using a constrained optimization framework based on L1 optimization. The reason for introducing a constraint in the optimization framework is to exclude trivial solutions. Although there is no final answer here for which constraint is the most relevant constraint, we investigate some conventional constraints in the model adaptation field and use the uniformly normalized tight frame (UNTF) for this purpose. We then derive a practical learning algorithm, based on projected subgradients and Douglas-Rachford splitting technique, and demonstrate its ability to robustly recover a ground truth analysis operator, when provided with a clean training set, of sufficient size. We also find an analysis operator for images, using some noisy cosparse signals, which is indeed a more realistic experiment. As the derived optimization problem is not a convex program, we often find a local minimum using such variational methods. For two different settings, we provide preliminary theoretical support for the well-posedness of the learning problem, which can be practically used to test the local identifiability conditions of learnt operators.
Effects of acute administration of corticosteroids during mechanical ventilation on rat diaphragm.

RATIONALE Mechanical ventilation is known to induce ventilator-induced diaphragm dysfunction. Patients submitted to mechanical ventilation often receive massive doses of corticosteroids that may cause further deterioration of diaphragm function. OBJECTIVES To examine whether the combination of 24 hours of controlled mechanical ventilation with corticosteroid administration would exacerbate ventilator-induced diaphragm dysfunction. METHODS Rats were randomly assigned to a group submitted to 24 hours of controlled mechanical ventilation receiving an intramuscular injection of saline or 80 mg/kg methylprednisolone, a group submitted to 24 hours of spontaneous breathing receiving saline, or methylprednisolone and a control group. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS The diaphragm force-frequency curve was shifted downward in the mechanical ventilation group, but this deleterious effect was prevented when corticosteroids were administered. Diaphragm cross-sectional area of type I fibers was similarly decreased in both mechanical ventilation groups while atrophy of type IIx/b fibers was attenuated after corticosteroid administration. The mechanical ventilation-induced reduction in diaphragm MyoD and myogenin protein expression was attenuated after corticosteroids. Plasma cytokine levels were unchanged while diaphragm lipid hydroperoxides were similarly increased in both mechanical ventilation groups. Diaphragmatic calpain activity was significantly increased in the mechanical ventilation group, but calpain activation was abated with corticosteroid administration. Inverse correlations were found between calpain activity and diaphragm force. CONCLUSIONS A single high dose of methylprednisolone combined with controlled mechanical ventilation protected diaphragm function from the deleterious effects of controlled mechanical ventilation. Inhibition of the calpain system is most likely the mechanism by which corticosteroids induce this protective effect.
Information Spectrum Approach to Second-Order Coding Rate in Channel Coding

In this paper, second-order coding rate of channel coding is discussed for general sequence of channels. The optimum second-order transmission rate with a constant error constraint epsiv is obtained by using the information spectrum method. We apply this result to the discrete memoryless case, the discrete memoryless case with a cost constraint, the additive Markovian case, and the Gaussian channel case with an energy constraint. We also clarify that the Gallager bound does not give the optimum evaluation in the second-order coding rate.
Global Production Networks, Knowledge Diffusion and Local Capability Formation

This paper develops a conceptual framework that links knowledge about global production networks (GPNs), international knowledge diffusion and local capability formation. The authors analyze the forces behind the rise of GPNs, such as liberalization, information and communication technologies as well as global competition. They then discuss the network flagship model and examine through which mechanism knowledge diffuses. The authors conclude that the major determinant for successful knowledge conversion by local suppliers is their absorptive capacity. The authors advise such firms to invest in highly skilled labor and train also their own suppliers.
A Computational Model of the Development of Separate Representations of Facial Identity and Expression in the Primate Visual System

Experimental studies have provided evidence that the visual processing areas of the primate brain represent facial identity and facial expression within different subpopulations of neurons. For example, in non-human primates there is evidence that cells within the inferior temporal gyrus (TE) respond primarily to facial identity, while cells within the superior temporal sulcus (STS) respond to facial expression. More recently, it has been found that the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) of non-human primates contains some cells that respond exclusively to changes in facial identity, while other cells respond exclusively to facial expression. How might the primate visual system develop physically separate representations of facial identity and expression given that the visual system is always exposed to simultaneous combinations of facial identity and expression during learning? In this paper, a biologically plausible neural network model, VisNet, of the ventral visual pathway is trained on a set of carefully-designed cartoon faces with different identities and expressions. The VisNet model architecture is composed of a hierarchical series of four Self-Organising Maps (SOMs), with associative learning in the feedforward synaptic connections between successive layers. During learning, the network develops separate clusters of cells that respond exclusively to either facial identity or facial expression. We interpret the performance of the network in terms of the learning properties of SOMs, which are able to exploit the statistical indendependence between facial identity and expression.
Role of protein kinase C and μ-opioid receptor (MOPr) desensitization in tolerance to morphine in rat locus coeruleus neurons

In morphine tolerance a key question that remains to be answered is whether μ‐opioid receptor (MOPr) desensitization contributes to morphine tolerance, and if so by what cellular mechanisms. Here we demonstrate that MOPr desensitization can be observed in single rat brainstem locus coeruleus (LC) neurons following either prolonged (> 4 h) exposure to morphine in vitro or following treatment of animals with morphine in vivo for 3 days. Analysis of receptor function by an operational model indicated that with either treatment morphine could induce a profound degree (70–80%) of loss of receptor function. Ongoing PKC activity in the MOPr‐expressing neurons themselves, primarily by PKCα, was required to maintain morphine‐induced MOPr desensitization, because exposure to PKC inhibitors for only the last 30–50 min of exposure to morphine reduced the MOPr desensitization that was induced both in vitro and in vivo. The presence of morphine was also required for maintenance of desensitization, as washout of morphine for > 2 h reversed MOPr desensitization. MOPr desensitization was homologous, as there was no change in α2‐adrenoceptor or ORL1 receptor function. These results demonstrate that prolonged morphine treatment induces extensive homologous desensitization of MOPrs in mature neurons, that this desensitization has a significant PKC‐dependent component and that this desensitization underlies the maintenance of morphine tolerance.
A Blackboard System for Automatic Transcription of Simple Polyphonic Music

A novel computational system has been constructed which is capable of transcribing piano performances of four-voice Bach chorales written in the style of 18th century counterpoint. The system is based on the blackboard architecture, which combines top-down and bottom-up processing with a representation that is natural for the stated musical domain. Knowledge about auditory physiology, physical sound production, and musical practice has been successfully integrated in the current implementation. This report describes the system and its performance, highlighting its current limitations and describing some avenues of future work.
A Serological Survey of Akabane Virus Infection in Cattle in Sudan

A cross-sectional survey was carried out in ten states in Sudan to determine seroprevalence and to assess risk factors associated with Akabane virus (AKAV) infection in dairy herds. Serum samples were collected from a total of 361 dairy cattle and tested for antibodies against AKAV using ELISA. The prevalence rates of AKAV antibodies in cattle varied between 69.6% in Khartoum state and 3.3% in Sennar State with an overall prevalence rate of 29.4%. The prevalence rates of AKAV antibodies were significantly associated with breed being high in crossbred (39.9%; P < 0.001); female sex (33%; P < 0.001), and animals in the age group of 2-3 years old (45.3%; P < 0.001). Akabane virus antibodies prevalence was also highly associated with locality (P < 0.001); season being high in winter season (58.1%; P < 0.001); and animals raised under intensive management system (37%; P < 0.001). Among 68 cases suffering from reproductive (abortion and infertility) problems the prevalence rate of AKAV antibodies in animals with infertility problem (76.2%; P < 0.03) was significantly higher than in animals with abortion (48.9%). The study revealed that AKAV infection is highly prevalent in dairy cattle in Sudan and this calls for control strategy to be implemented.
Improving Efficiency in the Computation of Piecewise Quadratic Lyapunov Functions

In a series of papers, the authors have developed a method for analysis of piecewise linear systems. The idea is to use Lyapunov functions that are piecewise quadratic. Such Lyapunov functions can be computed via convex optimization in terms of linear matrix inequalities. This paper presents two approaches for improving the efficiency of these computations. It is shown that by splitting the analysis computations into two distinct steps, one can decrease the computations with roughly 50% essentially without introducing conservatism. By using ellipsoidal boundings rather than polyhedral descriptions of the operating regimes, it is possible to reduce the computations even further. Combined, the two approaches allow the computation times to be reduced with an order of magnitude compared to previous formulations. However, it is shown that the use of ellipsoidal cell boundings in the S-procedure introduces conservatism in comparison with analysis based on polytopic region descriptions. An explicit formula for the minimal volume ellipsoid containing a simplex is also given, together with a complete proof.
Physical activity behavior of university students: an ecological approach

Despite the health benefits associated with active lifestyles, a majority of adults do not engage in sufficient levels of physical activity (PA). Few individual-focused interventions have produced sustained changes in PA behavior. Therefore, public health officials are promoting the use of ecological approaches to examine the multidimensional factors that influence choices about PA and other health behaviors. National statistics are mirrored in college populations, with one-half of students in the US failing to meet current PA recommendations and one-third classified as either overweight or obese. In light of this, increasing PA and obesity prevention have been identified as the top two priorities in the national Healthy Campus 2010 initiative. Research suggests that reductions in PA and increases in weight that occur during the freshman year of college and are likely to continue into adulthood are related to social and physical environmental factors. The assessment of physical environmental influences, however, on PA in college populations has been narrow in scope and inherent limitations associated with selfreported height and weight, and BMI as a predictor of obesity in youth exist. The purpose of this study was to implement an ecological model to explore factors that influence PA behaviors of college students, and to examine how those factors related to risk for overweight and obesity. Using a cross-sectional design, 308 university freshmen were surveyed regarding cognitive beliefs about PA, perceptions of neighborhood features, and participation in specific types of PA. Body composition assessments were conducted on 61 volunteers from that sample to examine the reliability and validity of self-reported BMI as an indicator of weight risk. Results suggest that safe community neighborhoods and better land use mix on campus encouraged participation in PA, but were not as predictive of PA behavior as demographic and cognitive factors. Gender and race specific biases in reported height and weight were evident. Only moderate correlations existed between measured BMI and percent body fat, compromising the ability to establish
Diagnosing new faults using mutants and prior faults (NIER track)

Literature indicates that 20% of a program's code is responsible for 80% of the faults, and 50-90% of the field failures are rediscoveries of previous faults. Despite this, identification of faulty code can consume 30-40% time of error correction. Previous fault-discovery techniques focusing on field failures either require many pass-fail traces, discover only crashing failures, or identify faulty "files" (which are of large granularity) as origin of the source code. In our earlier work (the F007 approach), we identify faulty "functions" (which are of small granularity) in a field trace by using earlier resolved traces of the same release, which limits it to the known faulty functions. This paper overcomes this limitation by proposing a new "strategy" to identify new and old faulty functions using F007. This strategy uses failed traces of mutants (artificial faults) and failed traces of prior releases to identify faulty functions in the traces of succeeding release. Our results on two UNIX utilities (i.e., Flex and Gzip) show that faulty functions in the traces of the majority (60-85%) of failures of a new software release can be identified by reviewing only 20% of the code. If compared against prior techniques then this is a notable improvement in terms of contextual knowledge required and accuracy in the discovery of finer-grain fault origin.