Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characterizing the Instantaneous Connectivity of Large-Scale Urban Vehicular Networks

Understanding of the network topology is a basic building block towards the design of efficient networking solutions. In the context of vehicular networks, such a step is especially crucial due to the highly dynamic nature of vehicles that can lead to strong instantaneous variations in the structure of the network. This notwithstanding, and despite the soon-to-come real-world deployment of vehicle-to-vehicle communication technologies, we still lack a clear understanding of vehicular network topological properties. In this paper, we present a complex network analysis of the instantaneous topology of a realistic vehicular network in Cologne, Germany. Our study unveils a poorly connected topology, with very limited availability, reliability, and navigability. We also examine the vehicular network topology in a second scenario, i.e., Zurich, Switzerland. The comparative analysis shows how simplistic mobility models can lead to unrealistic overly connected topologies.
Ribonuclease E Modulation of the Bacterial SOS Response

Plants, animals, bacteria, and Archaea all have evolved mechanisms to cope with environmental or cellular stress. Bacterial cells respond to the stress of DNA damage by activation of the SOS response, the canonical RecA/LexA-dependent signal transduction pathway that transcriptionally derepresses a multiplicity of genes–leading to transient arrest of cell division and initiation of DNA repair. Here we report the previously unsuspected role of E. coli endoribonuclease RNase E in regulation of the SOS response. We show that RNase E deletion or inactivation of temperature-sensitive RNase E protein precludes normal initiation of SOS. The ability of RNase E to regulate SOS is dynamic, as down regulation of RNase E following DNA damage by mitomycin C resulted in SOS termination and restoration of RNase E function leads to resumption of a previously aborted response. Overexpression of the RraA protein, which binds to the C-terminal region of RNase E and modulates the actions of degradosomes, recapitulated the effects of RNase E deficiency. Possible mechanisms for RNase E effects on SOS are discussed.
Genome-wide siRNA screen for mediators of NF-κB activation

Although canonical NFκB is frequently critical for cell proliferation, survival, or differentiation, NFκB hyperactivation can cause malignant, inflammatory, or autoimmune disorders. Despite intensive study, mammalian NFκB pathway loss-of-function RNAi analyses have been limited to specific protein classes. We therefore undertook a human genome-wide siRNA screen for novel NFκB activation pathway components. Using an Epstein Barr virus latent membrane protein (LMP1) mutant, the transcriptional effects of which are canonical NFκB-dependent, we identified 155 proteins significantly and substantially important for NFκB activation in HEK293 cells. These proteins included many kinases, phosphatases, ubiquitin ligases, and deubiquinating enzymes not previously known to be important for NFκB activation. Relevance to other canonical NFκB pathways was extended by finding that 118 of the 155 LMP1 NF-κB activation pathway components were similarly important for IL-1β–, and 79 for TNFα–mediated NFκB activation in the same cells. MAP3K8, PIM3, and six other enzymes were uniquely relevant to LMP1-mediated NFκB activation. Most novel pathway components functioned upstream of IκB kinase complex (IKK) activation. Robust siRNA knockdown effects were confirmed for all mRNAs or proteins tested. Although multiple ZC3H-family proteins negatively regulate NFκB, ZC3H13 and ZC3H18 were activation pathway components. ZC3H13 was critical for LMP1, TNFα, and IL-1β NFκB-dependent transcription, but not for IKK activation, whereas ZC3H18 was critical for IKK activation. Down-modulators of LMP1 mediated NFκB activation were also identified. These experiments identify multiple targets to inhibit or stimulate LMP1-, IL-1β–, or TNFα–mediated canonical NFκB activation.
FLOW RATE AND CAPTURE EFFICIENCY OF DOMESTIC KITCHEN EXHAUST HOODS FOR CHINESE HOUSEHOLDS

The building regulations of most countries require every kitchen to be provided with a window that opens into the external air. This alone is not an effective means for avoiding the contaminants generated during cooking from spreading into other parts of a residential flat. Many households equipped their kitchens with a range exhaust hood, with make up air drawn into the kitchen through an open window. Compared to other ventilation requirements in dwellings, the ventilation rate required for this purpose would be the highest, but would only need to be maintained for a relatively short time. The regulatory requirements pertaining to kitchen windows impose severe constraints on the layout design of buildings and increase the construction cost whilst the functions of the window can alternatively be fulfilled by the provision of artificial lighting and mechanical air supply and extraction systems. This paper reports the results of an experimental study on the capture efficiency of domestic kitchen exhaust hoods. The required parameters in a model for predicting the capture efficiency of such exhaust hoods were determined for application to typical Chinese cooking using a wok over a gas stove. The ventilation rate required for achieving satisfactory fume capture efficiency can then be determined, which is crucial to the design of the ventilation systems for the next generation of residential buildings with windowless kitchens.
T-Equivalent Circuit Parameters of a Variable-Length Cylindrical Post in a Rectangular Waveguide

A simple expression for the series reactance of a solid variable-length cylindrical post in a rectangular waveguide is determined from an approximate field analysis. Results are shown to be in excellent agreement with experimental measurements. When used in conjunction with an existing analysis for determining the shunt reactance, it is shown that accurate results can be calculated for the complete T-equivalent circuit.
Modification of fresh‐frozen plasma transfusion practices through educational intervention

The effect of an educational program designed to address misconceptions about the perioperative transfusion of fresh‐frozen plasma (FFP) was examined. Results of a baseline audit of FFP use were compared to those of a study subsequent to the educational process. Statistical analysis of the data revealed that the decrease in the number of patients transfused with FFP, from 32 of 2077 operative cases in Group A (baseline) to 18 of 2540 operative cases in Group B (after education), was significant (p<0.01). Analysis of the justifications given for transfusion of FFP revealed that the increase in acceptable indications from 47 percent in Group A to 78 percent in Group B was also significant (p<0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups in units of FFP transfused per patient (Group A, 3.66 ± 3.2, vs. Group B, 2.47 ± 1.7) or red cells (Group A, 2.84 ± 5.2, vs. Group B, 5.22 ± 4.4), and the patterns of platelet transfusion were similar in the two groups. There was a significant difference in the postoperative partial thromboplastin time (Group A, 38.2 ± 8.7 vs. Group B, 56.3 ± 24 seconds, p<0.01) but no significant difference in postoperative prothrombin time (Group A, 14.1 ± 2.6 vs. Group B, 15.4 ± 3.3 seconds). It can be concluded that an educational program designed to address misconceptions in transfusion practice can alter physician performance and thereby reduce the inappropriate use of FFP.
The effects of skill on the eye–hand span during musical sight–reading

The eye–hand span (EHS) is the separation between eye position and hand position when sight‐reading music. It can be measured in two ways: in notes (the number of notes between hand and eye; the ‘note index’), or in time (the length of time between fixation and performance; the ‘time index’). The EHSs of amateur and professional pianists were compared while they sight‐read music. The professionals showed significantly larger note indexes than the amateurs (approximately four notes, compared to two notes), and all subjects showed similar variability in the note index. Surprisingly, the different groups of pianists showed almost identical mean time indexes (ca. 1 s), with no significant differences between any of the skill levels. However, professionals did show significantly less variation than the amateurs. The time index was significantly affected by the performance tempo: when fast tempos were imposed on performance, all subjects showed a reduction in the time index (to ca. 0.7 s), and slow tempos increased the time index (to ca. 1.3 s). This means that the length of time that information is stored in the buffer is related to performance tempo rather than ability, but that professionals can fit more information into their buffers.
User clustering for high-speed small cell backhaul over coaxial cable

Growing demand for fast Internet services has led to evolution of new industry standards for data services over coaxial cables. New coaxial cable standards, in addition to promising high speed residential broadband services, also present a viable low cost solution for small cell backhaul. The standards allow flexible resource management by allowing the customization of data transmission according to user channel characteristics. Users can be grouped together according to similarity in channel conditions and bit-loading profiles can be assigned independently to each group. This paper presents a joint grouping and profile assignment algorithm that gives strong data rate results with low implementation complexity. These high data rates make it possible for coaxial cable services to meet the demand of high capacity backhaul for small cells.
Postcopulatory inbreeding avoidance in guppies

In many species, the negative fitness effects of inbreeding have facilitated the evolution of a wide range of inbreeding avoidance mechanisms. Although avoidance mechanisms operating prior to mating are well documented, evidence for postcopulatory mechanisms of inbreeding avoidance remain scarce. Here, we examine the potential for paternity biases to favour unrelated males when their sperm compete for fertilizations though postcopulatory inbreeding avoidance mechanisms in the guppy, Poecilia reticulata. To test this possibility, we used a series of artificial inseminations to deliver an equal number of sperm from a related (either full sibling or half sibling) and unrelated male to a female while statistically controlling for differences in sperm quality between rival ejaculates. In this way, we were able to focus exclusively on postcopulatory mechanisms of inbreeding avoidance and account for differences in sperm competitiveness between rival males. Under these carefully controlled conditions, we report a significant bias in paternity towards unrelated males, although this effect was only apparent when the related male was a full sibling. We also show that sperm competition generally favours males with highly viable sperm and thus that some variance in sperm competitiveness can be attributed to difference in sperm quality. Our findings for postcopulatory inbreeding avoidance are consistent with prior work on guppies, revealing that sperm competition success declines linearly with the level of relatedness, but also that such effects are only apparent at relatedness levels of full siblings or higher. These findings reveal that postcopulatory processes alone can facilitate inbreeding avoidance.
An Optimal Policy for Target Localization with Application to Electron Microscopy

This paper considers the task of finding a target location by making a limited number of sequential observations. Each observation results from evaluating an imperfect classifier of a chosen cost and accuracy on an interval of chosen length and position. Within a Bayesian framework, we study the problem of minimizing an objective that combines the entropy of the posterior distribution with the cost of the questions asked. In this problem, we show that the one-step lookahead policy is Bayes-optimal for any arbitrary time horizon. Moreover, this one-step lookahead policy is easy to compute and implement. We then use this policy in the context of localizing mitochondria in electron microscope images, and experimentally show that significant speed ups in acquisition can be gained, while maintaining near equal image quality at target locations, when compared to current policies.
Match Intensity and Pacing Strategies in Rugby League: An Examination of Whole-Game and Interchanged Players, and Winning and Losing Teams

Abstract Black, GM and Gabbett, TJ. Match intensity and pacing strategies in rugby league: An examination of whole-game and interchanged players, and winning and losing teams. J Strength Cond Res 28(6): 1507–1516, 2014—There is currently limited information on whether pacing occurs during rugby league match play. In addition, to date no research has investigated whether pacing strategies differ between winning and losing teams. This study investigated the pacing strategies of whole-game and interchanged rugby league players. Furthermore, we investigated the pacing strategies of winning and losing teams. Fifty-two rugby league players, from a sample of 11 teams competing in a semi-elite competition, underwent global positioning system analysis. Performances were divided into match quartiles for whole-game and interchanged players. Total distance, including low- and high-speed distances, and repeated high-intensity effort bouts were recorded. The total distance and low-speed distance covered across all quartiles of the match, but specifically quartiles 1 and 8, were greater for interchanged players than whole-game players. The match outcome differentially affected the pacing strategies of whole-game and interchanged players. Whole-game players from winning teams set a higher pacing strategy than whole-game players from losing teams (effect size [ES] = 1.03 ± 0.77, 96%, very likely), whereas interchanged players from losing teams demonstrated a greater “end-spurt” than interchanged players from winning teams (ES = 0.60 ± 0.52, 96%, very likely). The pacing strategies of interchanged players were higher than whole-game players, irrespective of playing position. The results of this study suggest that pacing strategies differ between interchanged and whole-game rugby league players. Furthermore, our results demonstrate a different pacing strategy between winning and losing teams. These findings suggest that physical preparation for rugby league matches, and recovery from these matches, should be individualized for whole-game and interchanged players. Finally, performing physically intense training on a regular basis is likely to develop the physical and mental qualities required to regularly compete at higher playing intensities.
Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamps Driven by Piezoelectric Transformers: Stability Conditions and Thermal Effect

The envelope impedance (EI) concept was used to develop a systematic and simple approach for studying the conditions for stability of piezoelectric transformers (PT) based ballasts for cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFL) systems and the implications of the thermal operating conditions on such systems. The envelope analysis of the CCFL, which was verified experimentally, revealed that the magnitude of the negative EI decreases with temperature. This might cause the system to become unstable at low temperatures due to the fact that the loop gain of the PT-CCFL system encircled the (-1, 0) point in the Nyquist plane. In such cases, the PT-CCFL system may enter a quasi-stable oscillatory operation mode in which the current is AM modulated by a low frequency parasitic signal. This phenomenon is analyzed and explained by considering the temperature effect on the EI of the CCFL. The results of this work provide an insight into the stability issue of the PT-CCFL system, and could help in finding remedies to the instability
Predicted and observed shear on preexisting faults during hydraulic fracture stimulation

Multi-stage hydraulic fracturing increases production from extremely low-permeability unconventional reservoirs by simultaneously inducing slip on pre-existing fracture planes. Here we illustrate how the high pore pressure generated during hydraulic fracturing operations induces slip on preexisting fractures and faults with a wide range of orientations, thus creating an interconnected permeable fracture network. We demonstrate the basic principles of stimulating slip on poorly oriented faults using the stress state for a horizontal well in the Barnett Shale where fracture orientation data are also available from an image log. We compare this analysis with independent fracture orientation data obtained from earthquake focal plane mechanisms. Using the stress data, we are able to determine which nodal plane slipped in each microseismic event. As the two analyses yield essentially identical results, they show the basic processes by which slip on planes of varied orientations occurs during hydraulic stimulation. We extend this analysis to address some misconceptions about the likelihood of slip on horizontal bedding planes and planes parallel and perpendicular to horizontal principal stress directions. Notably, we show that inducing slip on horizontal or sub-horizontal bedding planes is nearly impossible except in compressive (reverse to strike-slip/reverse) stress states (SHmax ≥ Shmin ≈ SV) or when ambient pore pressure is extremely high. The latter case results in very small differences in the magnitudes of the three principal stresses, regardless of the regional stress state.
Toward independent L 2 readers : Effects of text adjuncts , subject knowledge , L 1 reading , and L 2 proficiency

With 97 learners in an advanced Spanish course, the study examines the effects of textual enhancement adjuncts, prior subject knowledge, first language (L1) reading ability, and second language (L2) Spanish proficiency on L2 comprehension of scientific passages. Readings included two texts with two types of embedded questions: a pause or written answer. MANOVA was used to examine the main effects and interaction of textual enhancement adjuncts on three types of comprehension tasks. Findings revealed that embedded questions did not assist L2 readers to comprehend better. The effect of embedded questions on comprehension was not moderated by L1 reading ability, L2 overall proficiency nor by prior subject knowledge. Although prior subject knowledge and L1 reading comprehension were positively related to comprehension, the use of textual enhancements did not compensate for weaknesses. This study provided evidence that, with advanced L2 learners, embedded questions do not aid L2 reading comprehension.
Discovery of six families of fungal defensin-like peptides provides insights into origin and evolution of the CSalphabeta defensins.

The defensins with a conserved cysteine-stabilized alpha-helix and beta-sheet (CSalphabeta) structural motif are a group of unique antimicrobial polypeptides widely distributed in plants and animals. Recently, one defensin-like peptide (DLP) with high degree of sequence and structural similarity to defensins from ancient arthropods and molluscs has been identified in a saprophytic fungus [Mygind, P.H. , Fischer, R.L. , Schnorr, K.M. , Hansen, M.T. , Sönksen, C.P., Ludvigsen, S. , Raventós, D. , Buskov, S. , Christensen, B. , De Maria, L. , Taboureau, O. , Yaver, D. , Elvig-Jørgensen, S.G. , Sørensen, M.V. , Christensen, B.E. , Kjaerulff, S.K. , Frimodt-Moller, N. , Lehrer, R.I. , Zasloff, M. , Kristensen, H. -H. , 2005. Plectasin is a peptide antibiotic with therapeutic potential from a saprophytic fungus. Nature 437, 975-980], which poses an important question regarding the evolutionary relationships of this class of effectors of innate immunity in three eukaryotic kingdoms. Here, we report the computational identification of six families of fungal DLPs in which three known defensin types (antibacterial ancient invertebrate-type defensins (AITDs), antibacterial classical insect-type defensins (CITDs), and antifungal plant/insect-type defensins (PITDs)) can be clearly assigned. Sharing of these defensin types between animals and fungi supports their closer evolutionary relationship, consistent with the Opisthokonta Hypothesis. Conservation of the PITDs across three eukaryotic kingdoms suggests their earlier origin than the antibacterial defensins, probably preceded plants and Opisthokonta split. Finally, recognition of an early gene duplication event in the Aspergillus terreus genome allows us to establish a paralogous relationship between AITDs and CITDs, which highlights extensive lineage-specific defensin gene loss during evolution.
Reduced cardiac volumes in chronic fatigue syndrome associate with plasma volume but not length of disease: a cohort study

Objectives To explore potential mechanisms that underpin the cardiac abnormalities seen in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) using non-invasive cardiac impedance, red cell mass and plasma volume measurements. Methods Cardiac MR (MR) examinations were performed using 3 T Philips Intera Achieva scanner (Best, NL) in participants with CFS (Fukuda; n=47) and matched case-by-case controls. Total volume (TV), red cell volume (RCV) and plasma volume (PV) measurements were performed (41 CFS and 10 controls) using the indicator dilution technique using simultaneous 51-chromium labelling of red blood cells and 125-iodine labelling of serum albumin. Results The CFS group length of history (mean±SD) was 14±10 years. Patients with CFS had significantly reduced end-systolic and end-diastolic volumes together with reduced end-diastolic wall masses (all p<0.0001). Mean±SD RCV was 1565±443 mL with 26/41 (63%) having values below 95% of expected. PV was 2659±529 mL with 13/41 (32%) <95% expected. There were strong positive correlations between TV, RCV and PV and cardiac end-diastolic wall mass (all p<0.0001; r2=0.5). Increasing fatigue severity correlated negatively with lower PV (p=0.04; r2=0.2). There were no relationships between any MR or volume measurements and length of history, suggesting that deconditioning was unlikely to be the cause of these abnormalities. Conclusions This study confirms an association between reduced cardiac volumes and blood volume in CFS. Lack of relationship between length of disease, cardiac and plasma volumes suggests findings are not secondary to deconditioning. The relationship between plasma volume and severity of fatigue symptoms suggests a potential therapeutic target in CFS.
Cube-Cut: Vertebral Body Segmentation in MRI-Data through Cubic-Shaped Divergences

In this article, we present a graph-based method using a cubic template for volumetric segmentation of vertebrae in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) acquisitions. The user can define the degree of deviation from a regular cube via a smoothness value Δ. The Cube-Cut algorithm generates a directed graph with two terminal nodes (s-t-network), where the nodes of the graph correspond to a cubic-shaped subset of the image’s voxels. The weightings of the graph’s terminal edges, which connect every node with a virtual source s or a virtual sink t, represent the affinity of a voxel to the vertebra (source) and to the background (sink). Furthermore, a set of infinite weighted and non-terminal edges implements the smoothness term. After graph construction, a minimal s-t-cut is calculated within polynomial computation time, which splits the nodes into two disjoint units. Subsequently, the segmentation result is determined out of the source-set. A quantitative evaluation of a C++ implementation of the algorithm resulted in an average Dice Similarity Coefficient (DSC) of 81.33% and a running time of less than a minute.