Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Synchronization of Delayed Memristive Neural Networks: Robust Analysis Approach

This paper considers the asymptotic and finite-time synchronization of drive-response memristive neural networks (MNNs) with time-varying delays. It is known that the parameters of MNNs are state-dependent, and hence the traditional robust control and analytical techniques cannot be directly applied. This difficulty is overcome by using the concept of Filippov solution. However, the special characteristics of MNNs may lead to unexpected parameter mismatch issue when different initial conditions are chosen. Based on a new robust control design, the mismatching issue is solved. Sufficient conditions are derived to guarantee the asymptotic synchronization of the considered MNNs with delays, which may be less conservative than synchronization criterion obtained by using existing methods. Moreover, without using the existing finite-time stability theorem, finite-time synchronization of the MNNs with delays is also investigated. Finally, numerical simulations are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the theoretical analysis.
On fast FIR filters implemented as tail-canceling IIR filters

We have developed an algorithm based on synthetic division for deriving the transfer function that cancels the tail of a given arbitrary rational (IIR) transfer function after a desired number of time steps. Our method applies to transfer functions with repeated poles, whereas previous methods of tail-subtraction cannot. We use a parallel state-variable technique with periodic refreshing to induce finite memory in order to prevent accumulation of quantization error in cases where the given transfer function has unstable modes. We present two methods for designing linear-phase truncated IIR (TIIR) filters based on antiphase filters. We explore finite-register effects for unstable modes and provide bounds on the maximum TIIR filter length. In particular, we show that for unstable systems, the available dynamic range of the registers must be three times that of the data. Considerable computational savings over conventional FIR filters are attainable for a given specification of linear-phase filter. We provide examples of filter design. We show how to generate finite-length polynomial impulse responses using TIIR filters. We list some applications of TIIR filters, including uses in digital audio and an algorithm for efficiently implementing Kay's optimal high-resolution frequency estimator.
Identification of candidate regulatory SNPs by combination of transcription-factor-binding site prediction, SNP genotyping and haploChIP

Disease-associated SNPs detected in large-scale association studies are frequently located in non-coding genomic regions, suggesting that they may be involved in transcriptional regulation. Here we describe a new strategy for detecting regulatory SNPs (rSNPs), by combining computational and experimental approaches. Whole genome ChIP-chip data for USF1 was analyzed using a novel motif finding algorithm called BCRANK. 1754 binding sites were identified and 140 candidate rSNPs were found in the predicted sites. For validating their regulatory function, seven SNPs found to be heterozygous in at least one of four human cell samples were investigated by ChIP and sequence analysis (haploChIP). In four of five cases where the SNP was predicted to affect binding, USF1 was preferentially bound to the allele containing the consensus motif. Allelic differences in binding for other proteins and histone marks further reinforced the SNPs regulatory potential. Moreover, for one of these SNPs, H3K36me3 and POLR2A levels at neighboring heterozygous SNPs indicated effects on transcription. Our strategy, which is entirely based on in vivo data for both the prediction and validation steps, can identify individual binding sites at base pair resolution and predict rSNPs. Overall, this approach can help to pinpoint the causative SNPs in complex disorders where the associated haplotypes are located in regulatory regions. Availability: BCRANK is available from Bioconductor (http://www.bioconductor.org/).
Cardanol Biocomposites Reinforced with Jute Fiber: Microstructure, Biodegradability, and Mechanical Properties

This work aims at studying the preparation and characterization of composites of phenolic resin (matrix) based on cashew nut shell liquid, reinforced by natural jute fibers. The fibers were chemically modified using alkaline treatment with solutions of NaOH (5 and 10%) and bleached with sodium hypochlorite NaClO/H20 (1:1) at 60–75°C. The microstructure was investigated by Scanning Electron Microscopy to observe the fiber surface after the treatment. As a result, there was an improvement in the thermal stability of the fiber, which was verified by Thermogravimetric Analysis. The jute fiber composites showed an improvement in their mechanical properties due to chemical treatment with 5% NaOH. Their biodegradability level depended on the employed alkali solution concentration. This study is important to evaluate the application of the fibers as renewable materials. POLYM. COMPOS. , 31:1928–1937, 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Texture analysis of CT imaging for assessment of esophageal squamous cancer aggressiveness.

Background To explore the role of texture analysis of computed tomography (CT) images in preoperative assessment of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) aggressiveness. Methods Seventy-three patients with pathologically confirmed ESCC underwent unenhanced and contrast enhanced CT imaging preoperatively. Texture analysis was performed on unenhanced and contrast enhanced CT images, respectively. Six CT texture parameters were obtained. One-way analysis of variance or independent-samples t-test (normality), independent-samples Kruskal-Wallis test or Mann-Whitney U test (non-normality), binary Logistic regression analysis (multivariable), Spearman correlation test, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were used for statistical analyses. Results Kurtosis was an independent predictor for T stages (T1-2 vs. T3-4) as well as overall stages (I-II vs. III-IV) based on unenhanced CT images, while entropy was an independent predictor for T stages (T1-2 vs. T3-4), lymph node metastasis (N- vs. N+) and overall stages (I/II vs. III/IV). Skew and kurtosis based on unenhanced CT images showed significant differences among N stages (N0, N1, N2 and N3) as well as 90th percentile based on contrast enhanced CT images. In correlation with T stage of ESCC, kurtosis and entropy significantly correlated with T stage both on unenhanced and contrast enhanced CT images. Reversely, entropy and 90th percentile based on contrast enhanced CT images showed significant correlations with N stage (r: 0.526, 0.265; both P<0.05), as well as overall stage (r: 0.562, 0.315; both P<0.05). For identifying ESCC with different T stages (T1-2 vs. T3-4), lymph node metastasis (N- vs. N+) and overall stages (I/II vs. III/IV), entropy based on contrast enhanced CT images, showed good performance with area under ROC curve area under curve (AUC) of 0.637, 0.815 and 0.778, respectively. Conclusions Texture analysis of CT images held great potential in differentiating different T, N and overall stages of ESCC preoperatively, while failed to assess the differentiation degrees.
CHANGES IN NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL FUNCTION AFTER TREATMENT WITH METACOGNITIVE THERAPY OR COGNITIVE BEHAVIOR THERAPY FOR DEPRESSION

Metacognitive therapy (MCT) is an innovative treatment model addressing patterns of negative thinking seen in emotional disorders. Unlike cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), MCT has strategies targeting dysfunctional cognitive and metacognitive processes underlying perseverative thinking patterns and attentional biases. The aim of this pilot study was to compare changes in neuropsychological functioning related to executive function and attention in outpatients with depression following treatment with MCT or CBT.
Equal gain transmission in multiple-input multiple-output wireless systems

Wireless systems with multiple-transmit and multiple-receive antennas (MIMO systems) are of interest due to their ability to provide substantial gains in capacity and quality. In this paper we propose equal gain transmission (EGT) as a technique to provide diversity advantage in MIMO systems. Using bounds on the error rate we show that EGT obtains a diversity gain on the order of the product of the number of transmit and receive antennas. Since in practice full channel knowledge at the transmitter is difficult to realize, we propose a technique using quantized phase information at the transmitter that achieves a full diversity advantage given enough bits of feedback. Monte Carlo simulation comparisons with other systems show the performance as a function of quantization.
Are You Your Friends’ Friend? Poor Perception of Friendship Ties Limits the Ability to Promote Behavioral Change

Persuasion is at the core of norm creation, emergence of collective action, and solutions to ‘tragedy of the commons’ problems. In this paper, we show that the directionality of friendship ties affect the extent to which individuals can influence the behavior of each other. Moreover, we find that people are typically poor at perceiving the directionality of their friendship ties and that this can significantly limit their ability to engage in cooperative arrangements. This could lead to failures in establishing compatible norms, acting together, finding compromise solutions, and persuading others to act. We then suggest strategies to overcome this limitation by using two topological characteristics of the perceived friendship network. The findings of this paper have significant consequences for designing interventions that seek to harness social influence for collective action.
FPGA implementation of pulsed noise interference against LFM radar

Linear Frequency Modulation Pulse Compression LFM-PC radars have high processing gain make it difficult to be jammed. Classical noise jammer needs a massive power to affect the LFM radar detection capability which is not practical in modern jammers. This paper introduces a FPGA implementation of prototype noise jammer using pulsed noise jamming techniques to jam LFM with adequate power. Furthermore a complete LFM PC radar model is introduced for jammer evolution purpose. Firstly, the designed jamming technique is simulated in SystemVue environment and secondly Xilinx ISE 14.7 Design tool. Xilinx FPGA board and 4DSP DAC card are used for hardware implantation. The selected FPGA board is Kintex-7 (xc7k325t-2ffg900) and the chosen DAC board is FMC-150. The implementation results for the model in jamming free environment and under the effect of pulsed noise interference agreed with the simulation and earlier model results.
Evolutionary Approach to Improve Wavelet Transforms for Image Compression in Embedded Systems

A bioinspired, evolutionary algorithm for optimizing wavelet transforms oriented to improve image compression in embedded systems is proposed, modelled, and validated here. A simplified version of an Evolution Strategy, using fixed point arithmetic and a hardware-friendly mutation operator, has been chosen as the search algorithm. Several cutdowns on the computing requirements have been done to the original algorithm, adapting it for an FPGA implementation. The work presented in this paper describes the algorithm as well as the test strategy developed to validate it, showing several results in the effort to find a suitable set of parameters that assure the success in the evolutionary search. The results show how high-quality transforms are evolved from scratch with limited precision arithmetic and a simplified algorithm. Since the intended deployment platform is an FPGA, HW/SW partitioning issues are also considered as well as code profiling accomplished to validate the proposal, showing some preliminary results of the proposed hardware architecture.
Gaussian mixture models of texture and colour for image database retrieval

We introduce Gaussian mixture models of 'structure' and colour features in order to classify coloured textures in images, with a view to the retrieval of textured colour images from databases. Classifications are performed separately using structure and colour and then combined using a confidence criterion. We apply the models to the VisTex database and to the classification of man-made and natural areas in aerial images. We compare these models with others in the literature, and show an overall improvement in performance.
Power allocation in compressed sensing of non-uniformly sparse signals

This paper studies the problem of power allocation in compressed sensing when different components in the unknown sparse signal have different probability to be non-zero. Given the prior information of the non-uniform sparsity and the total power budget, we are interested in how to optimally allocate the power across the columns of a Gaussian random measurement matrix so that the mean squared reconstruction error is minimized. Based on the state evolution technique originated from the work by Donoho, Maleki, and Montanari, we revise the so called approximate message passing (AMP) algorithm for the reconstruction and quantify the MSE performance in the asymptotic regime. Then the closed form of the optimal power allocation is obtained. The results show that in the presence of measurement noise, uniform power allocation, which results in the commonly used Gaussian random matrix with i.i. d. entries, is not optimal for non-uniformly sparse signals. Empirical results are presented to demonstrate the performance gain.
Photoperiodic effects on diapause‐associated gene expression trajectories in European Leptinotarsa decemlineata populations

Behavioural and physiological changes during diapause, an important strategy of insects for surviving harsh seasonal conditions, have been intensively studied. The genetic and molecular mechanisms underpinning diapause development are less well known. We took a candidate gene approach to study prediapause gene expression patterns in the Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata), an invasive insect that has rapidly spread northwards to high seasonality environments. Newly eclosed beetles originating from southern (Italy) and northern (Russia) Europe were reared under short‐ [12 h light (L):12 h dark (D)] and long‐day (18L:6D) photoperiods for 10 days. This time period includes the sensitive period for the photoperiodic induction and initiation of diapause. Gene expression trajectories of 12 diapause‐related genes (regulatory, metabolic and stress‐resistance) were analysed from 0‐, 5‐ and 10‐day‐old beetles. Gene expression differences increased with age, deviating significantly between populations and photoperiods in 10‐day‐old beetles. The gene expression profiles, particularly those related to energy metabolism and stress‐resistance, indicate that beetles originating from Russia also prepare for diapause under the long‐day photoperiod and show qualitative differences in the diapausing phenotype. Our study shows that population‐dependent differences seen in behavioural and physiological traits connected with diapause in L. decemlineata are also evident in the expression trajectories of diapause‐related genes.
A glucocorticoid‐induced Na+ conductance in human airway epithelial cells identified by perforated patch recording

The perforated patch recording technique was used to investigate the effects of dexamethasone (0.2 μm, 24–30 h), a synthetic glucocorticoid, on membrane conductance in the human airway epithelial cell line H441. Under zero current clamp conditions this hormone induced amiloride‐sensitive depolarization of the membrane potential (Vm). Lowering external Na+ to 10 mm by replacing Na+ with N‐methyl‐d‐glucammonium (NMDG+) also hyperpolarized the dexamethasome‐treated cells, whilst replacing Na+ with Li+ caused a small depolarization. Although Vm was insensitive to amiloride in control cells, NMDG+ substitution caused a small hyperpolarization and so an amiloride‐insensitive cation conductance is present. Replacing Na+ with Li+ had no effect on Vm in such cells. Voltage clamp studies of dexamethasone‐treated cells showed that the amiloride‐sensitive component of the membrane current reversed at a potential close to the Na+ equilibrium potential (ENa), and replacing Na+ with K+ caused a leftward shift in reversal potential (VRev) that correlated with the corresponding shift in ENa. Lowering [Na+]o to 10 mm, the concentration in the pipette solution, by substitution with NMDG+ shifted VRev to 0 mV, whilst replacing Na+ with Li+ caused a rightward shift. Exposing dexamethasone‐treated cells to a cocktail of cAMP‐activating compounds (20 min) caused a ∼2‐fold increase in amiloride‐sensitive conductance that was associated with no discernible change in ionic selectivity and an 18 mV depolarization. Dexamethasone thus induces the expression of a selective Na+ conductance with a substantial permeability to Li+ that is subject to acute regulation via cAMP. These data thus suggest that selective Na+ channels underlie cAMP‐regulated Na+ transport in airway epithelia.
Digital Blood Flow Response to Body Warming, Cooling, and Rewarming in Patients with Raynaud's Phenomenon

Although the diagnosis of Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) is usually made easily from a careful history, the assessment of RP severity is difficult, for the vasopastic attacks are not easily induced under experimental conditions. In this study, the laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) technique was used to quantify digital blood flow, which was standardized by body cooling and warming in patients with RP. Twenty-one healthy subjects and 56 RP patients were studied: 7 had primary RP, 22 had suspected secondary Raynaud's syndrome (susp RS), and 27 had systemic sclerosis (SSc)-associated secondary Raynaud's syndrome (SSc RS). The inherent variability in the acral cutaneous circulation was minimized by whole-body warming and cooling. Digital blood flow values at environmental temperatures of 40°C, 12°C, and after rewarming, to 40°C were recorded, as was the time taken for blood flow to reach 25%, 50%, and 75% of the full effects of whole-body cooling and rewarming. Patients with primary RP and susp RS had normal blood flow values at ambient temperatures of 40°C, 12°C, and after rewarming to 40°C when compared with controls, but they had significantly faster vasoconstrictor responses to whole-body cooling, suggesting a heightened sympathetic activity. Additionally, they had slower vasodilator responses with longer 25%max response time to whole-body rewarming. Patients with SSc RS had significantly lower blood flow values at 40°C after initial warming and following subsequent rewarming, and despite a normal vasoconstrictor response to cooling, it took longer for them to vasodilate during rewarming, suggesting that poor digital blood flow in these patients may be more related to digital vasculature abnormalities and not an increase in sympathetic activity. In conclusion, our assessment technique can be used to quantify digital blood flow in patients with RP and may be potentially useful in the investigation of the etiologic role of the sympathetic nervous system in RP.
Pseudo affine projection algorithm new solution for adaptive identication

In this paper, we present a new approach for adaptive echo cancellation: Pseudo Affine projection algorithm. From the original update equation of the filter coefficients of the Affine Projection algorithms, which are based on multiple dimension projection of the input signal vector, we derive a simplified solution under some realistic hypothesis. We show that our solution possesses a complexity figure close to the NLMS one but with the same convergence characteristics of the original sampleby-sample AP algorithm. Implementation details are presented in the last part of the paper.
Methods for Increasing the Intensity of Reading Instruction for Students with Intellectual Disabilities.

Current research is demonstrating the effectiveness of comprehensive reading instruction for individ uals with intellectual disabilities (ID; Allor, Mathes, Roberts, Cheatham, & Champlin, 2010; Allor, Mathes, Roberts, Jones, & Champlin, 2010; Browder, Ahlgrim-Delzell, Courtade, Gibbs, & Flowers, 2008). One overarching finding from these studies is that intense amounts of repetition and practice on critical literacy skills are needed to produce meaningful gains. Providing intensive instruction in the school setting is extremely challenging. The purpose of this article is to describe the various strategies used in one research project to intensify early literacy instruction for students with ID, including methods for providing practice outside of teacher-led instruction. Specifically, we describe (a) key factors in planning intensive instruction, (b) general strategies for increasing intensity during teacher-led lessons, and (c) selecting and designing specific activities to increase intensity.
Intravehicular, Short- and Long-Range Communication Information Fusion for Providing Safe Speed Warnings

Inappropriate speed is a relevant concurrent factor in many traffic accidents. Moreover, in recent years, traffic accidents numbers in Spain have fallen sharply, but this reduction has not been so significant on single carriageway roads. These infrastructures have less equipment than high-capacity roads, therefore measures to reduce accidents on them should be implemented in vehicles. This article describes the development and analysis of the impact on the driver of a warning system for the safe speed on each road section in terms of geometry, the presence of traffic jams, weather conditions, type of vehicle and actual driving conditions. This system is based on an application for smartphones and includes knowledge of the vehicle position via Ground Positioning System (GPS), access to intravehicular information from onboard sensors through the Controller Area Network (CAN) bus, vehicle data entry by the driver, access to roadside information (short-range communications) and access to a centralized server with information about the road in the current and following sections of the route (long-range communications). Using this information, the system calculates the safe speed, recommends the appropriate speed in advance in the following sections and provides warnings to the driver. Finally, data are sent from vehicles to a server to generate new information to disseminate to other users or to supervise drivers’ behaviour. Tests in a driving simulator have been used to define the system warnings and Human Machine Interface (HMI) and final tests have been performed on real roads in order to analyze the effect of the system on driver behavior.
Long-term optical and X-ray variability of the Seyfert galaxy Markarian 79

We present the results of concurrent X-ray and optical monitoring of the Seyfert 1 galaxy Mrk 79 over a period of more than 5 yr. We find that on short to medium time-scales (days to a few tens of days) the 2–10 keV X-ray and optical u- and V-band fluxes are significantly correlated, with a delay between the bands consistent with 0 d. We show that most of these variations may be well reproduced by a model where the short-term optical variations originate from reprocessing of X-rays by an optically thick accretion disc. The optical light curves, however, also display long time-scale variations over thousands of days, which are not present in the X-ray light curve. These optical variations must originate from an independent variability mechanism and we show that they can be produced by variations in the (geometrically) thin disc accretion rate as well as by varying reprocessed fractions through changes in the location of the X-ray corona.