Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Using spreadsheets for finite state modelling

State based modelling is a widely used practice in the software industry. There are two methods of building state based models: either using graphical modelling tools, or using formal languages like SMV or SAL. The former method often suffers from the problem of cost, in particular, when the modelling requirements are lightweight, purchase of an elaborate modelling tool does not turn out to be cost effective. The latter method suffers from learning complexity problem. Software engineers, who write the specifications, are usually not familiar with formal languages On the other hand, a large number of software engineers find it convenient to write their specifications semi-formally using tools such as spreadsheets. We formalise the spreadsheet finite modelling language and demonstrate that it is expressive enough to capture most important notions of finite state modelling. We show that this language is sufficiently usable in terms of readability and maintainability. We also present SAL-gen, a tool that takes as an input a finite state model written in our language, and generates corresponding SAL code. This can form the basis for analysis tools such as property checkers and test generators using the existing SAL tool set.
The ETS Transcription Factor Spi-B Is Required for Human Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Development

A number of transcription factors that act as molecular switches for hematopoietic lineage decisions have been identified. We recently described the ETS transcription factor Spi-B to be exclusively expressed in plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs), but not in myeloid DCs. To assess whether Spi-B is required for pDC development we used an RNA interference knock down approach to specifically silence Spi-B protein synthesis in CD34+ precursor cells. We observed that a knock down of Spi-B mRNA strongly inhibited the ability of CD34+ precursor cells to develop into pDCs in both in vitro assays as well as in vivo upon injection into recombination activating gene 2−/− γ common−/− mice. The observed effects were restricted to the pDC lineage as the differentiation of pro–B cells and CD14+ myeloid cells was not inhibited but slightly elevated by Spi-B knock down. Knock down of the related ETS factor PU.1 also inhibited in vitro development of CD34+ cells into pDCs. However, in contrast to Spi-B, PU.1 knock down inhibited B cell and myeloid cell development as well. These results identify Spi-B as a key regulator of human pDC development.
Pullulan as a Promising Biomaterial for Biomedical Applications: A Perspective

Pullulan is a non-ionic exopolysaccharide of fungal origin and is currently exploited in the food industry due to its many unique characteristics. Due to its non-toxic, non-immunogenic, non-mutagenic and non-carcinogenic nature recently there is an attempt to explore this polysaccharide for various biomedical applications including targeted drug and gene delivery and tissue engineering. This review focuses on the more recent developments in the extent of application of pullulan and its derivatives in the biomedical field and how this polysaccharide can be of use as a promising biomaterial in future.
New Active-Set Frank-Wolfe Variants for Minimization over the Simplex and the $\ell_1$-Ball

In this paper, we describe a new active-set algorithmic framework for minimizing a function over the simplex. The method is quite general and encompasses different active-set Frank-Wolfe variants. In particular, we analyze convergence (when using Armijo line search in the calculation of the stepsize) for the active-set versions of standard Frank-Wolfe, away-step Frank-Wolfe and pairwise Frank-Wolfe. Then, we focus on convex optimization problems, and prove that all active-set variants converge at a linear rate under weaker assumptions than the classical counterparts. We further explain how to adapt our framework in order to handle the problem of minimizing a function over the $\ell_1$-ball. Finally, we report numerical experiments showing the efficiency of the various active-set Frank-Wolfe variants.
Improving the Estimation of Meal-Time Insulin Dose Based On the Glycaemic Load of a Meal in Children with Type 1 Diabetes on Insulin Pump Therapy: A Randomized Study

Background: The aim of the study was to assess whether an Insulin-Carbohydrate Ratio (ICR) increased by 30% per meal with a high glycaemic load allows postprandial glucose excursion to be maintained in control in children with type 1 diabetes. Methods: A total of 70 children on insulin pump therapy participated in the study. They were stratified into age groups: 4-7 years of age, 8-12 years of age and above 12 years of age. The experimental Group (A) received an insulin dose based on individualised ICR increased by 30% for breakfast containing cornflakes with milk. The control group (B) received an insulin dose based on standard individualised ICR. The glycaemic load of the meal was adjusted to the age group (24,3; 32,4; 40,5). We assessed metabolic effects such as the area under the glucose curve (AUC), glucose increment, risk of hyperglycaemia and hypoglycaemia using two methods: blood glucose concentration (at 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90 and 120 minutes) and a continuous subcutaneous glucose measurement system (for 3 hours postprandially). Results: A significant glucose rise was noted in the control group B (p=0.03). Over the postprandial 180 minutes, AUC was significantly lower (p=0.02) in the experimental group but only in children aged 8-12. The frequency of hypoglycaemic events was not statistically significant during postprandial observation (p=0.75). Conclusion: Increasing the ICR by 30% for a meal with high GL can reduce the glucose excursion without increasing the risk of hypoglycaemia in children with type 1 diabetes treated with insulin pump therapy.
Mobile robot coordination and navigation with directional antennas in positionless wireless sensor networks

In this paper, we propose a suite of three schemes for mobile robot coordination and navigation in positionless wireless sensor networks with the help of directional antennas. When a specific node, called waiting-for-rescue (WFR) node, detects the occurrence of an event, it broadcasts an event notification packet to the entire network for asking a mobile robot to come to help. In many existent schemes, the broadcast is achieved by the flooding scheme and thus incurs redundant forwarding packets. We propose an energy efficient broadcast scheme called farthest node forwarding (FNF), which utilizes received signal strength for a node to determine the backoff time to forward the broadcast packet. Thus, farther nodes have shorter backoff times and higher probabilities to forwarding. As we will show, this can reduce a lot of redundant forwarding packets to save energy, while achieving high reachability. The FNF scheme can also help construct a navigation tree which is rooted at the WFR node and contains only packet forwarding nodes. Under the consideration of multiple WFR nodes and multiple mobile robots, we also develop energy- and time-efficient mobile robot coordination and navigation schemes based on the navigation tree for the mobile robot equipped with a directional antenna. The effectiveness of the proposed schemes is verified in simulations by the ns-2 simulator.
Thioflavin T as a fluorescence probe for monitoring RNA metabolism at molecular and cellular levels

The intrinsically stochastic dynamics of mRNA metabolism have important consequences on gene regulation and non-genetic cell-to-cell variability; however, no generally applicable methods exist for studying such stochastic processes quantitatively. Here, we describe the use of the amyloid-binding probe Thioflavin T (ThT) for monitoring RNA metabolism in vitro and in vivo. ThT fluoresced strongly in complex with bacterial total RNA than with genomic DNA. ThT bound purine oligoribonucleotides preferentially over pyrimidine oligoribonucleotides and oligodeoxyribonucleotides. This property enabled quantitative real-time monitoring of poly(A) synthesis and phosphorolysis by polyribonucleotide phosphorylase in vitro. Cellular analyses, in combination with genetic approaches and the transcription-inhibitor rifampicin treatment, demonstrated that ThT mainly stained mRNA in actively dividing Escherichia coli cells. ThT also facilitated mRNA metabolism profiling at the single-cell level in diverse bacteria. Furthermore, ThT can also be used to visualise transitions between non-persister and persister cell states, a phenomenon of isogenic subpopulations of antibiotic-sensitive bacteria that acquire tolerance to multiple antibiotics due to stochastically induced dormant states. Collectively, these results suggest that probing mRNA dynamics with ThT is a broadly applicable approach ranging from the molecular level to the single-cell level.
Fabrication and characterization of a persimmon leaves (PL)/poly(acrylonitrile) (PAN) blend bio‐fiber

Adopting persimmon leaves, PL, as a biomaterial to blend with poly(acrylonitrile) (PAN) via the wet spinning method, a PL/PAN blend biofiber was fabricated. On the basis of mechanical measurements, X-ray diffraction, and DSC characterization, it was found that this biofiber has acceptable mechanical properties for further applying to different cases. Results also showed that though the crystal structure, especially the crystal size, is changed indeed for blend fiber, it seems to be of less influence on the thermal properties, especially the crystallization temperature, Tc. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 101: 2810–2813, 2006
Temporal Limits of Selection and Memory Encoding

People often fail to recall the second of two visual targets presented within 500 ms in rapid serial visual presentation (RSVP). This effect is called the attentional blink. One explanation of the attentional blink is that processes involved in encoding the first target into memory are slow and capacity limited. Here, however, we show that the attentional blink should be ascribed to attentional selection, not consolidation of the first target. Rapid sequences of six letters were presented, and observers had to report either all the letters (whole-report condition) or a subset of the letters (partial-report condition). Selection in partial report was based on color (e.g., report the two red letters) or identity (i.e., report all letters from a particular letter onward). In both cases, recall of letters presented shortly after the first selected letter was impaired, whereas recall of the corresponding letters was relatively accurate with whole report.
Variation in the toll-like receptor 4 gene and susceptibility to myocardial infarction

Variation in the gene encoding toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), a transmembrane receptor that mediates inflammatory responses to bacterial endotoxin, has been associated with susceptibility to atherosclerosis and its complications, such as myocardial infarction (MI), the pathogenesis of which involves inflammation. A recent study has also indicated that TLR4 gene variation influences the effect of statin treatment on reducing atherosclerosis complications. We studied the TLR4 gene Asp299Gly polymorphism in relation to susceptibility to myocardial infarction in a cohort of patients with angiographically documented coronary artery disease, and performed a meta-analysis using data sets from three independent studies. The meta-analysis showed that overall, odds ratio (OR) for MI was 0.73 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.55–0.96, P=0.024] in 299Gly carriers compared to non-carriers, and there was no evidence of heterogeneity among the sample sets (P=0.679). In our patient cohort, a significant association of 299Gly bearing genotypes with lower susceptibility to myocardial infarction was observed only in patients receiving statin treatment, with 299Gly carriers having an OR of 0.49 (95% CI 0.27–0.78, P=0.015) for MI compared to non-carriers. These results are consistent with the notion that variation in the TLR4 gene contributes to inter-individual variability in susceptibility to coronary ischaemic events, and that TLR4 genotype and statin treatment may have a synergistic effect.
Black Cohosh and Breast Cancer

Background. Many women use black cohosh as a natural treatment for menopausal symptoms. However, controversy exists around safety in breast cancer, because of its purported estrogenic activity. We conducted a systematic review of black cohosh use in women with or at risk of breast cancer.Methods. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and AMED from inception to July 2012 and October 2012 for human interventional or observational data pertaining to the safety and efficacy of black cohosh in patients with or at risk of breast cancer, including an assessment of the effect of black cohosh on estrogen responsive tissues. Results. Of 450 records, we included 26 articles: 14 randomized controlled trials, 7 uncontrolled trials, and 5 observational studies.The evidence on efficacy for ho t flashes is divided, with some benefits seen when compared with baseline, but not when compared with placebo. Two observational studies found no association between black cohosh and risk of breast cancer, whereas 2 studies reported significant reductions in risk of primary breast cancer among postmenopausal women (adjusted odds ratio = 0.47, 95% confidence interval = 0.27-0.82), and risk of recurrence (adjusted hazard ratio = 0.75, 95% confidence interval = 0.63-0.89). Seventeen trials showed no significant impact on circulating hormone levels or proliferation in estrogen responsive tissues. Conclusions. Current evidence does not support an association between black cohosh and increased risk of breast cancer. There is a lack of evidence supporting the efficacy of black cohosh for reduction of hot flashes in breast cancer patients. Given conflicting but promising results, and apparent safety, further research is warranted.
Clarifying the role of fire heat and daily temperature fluctuations as germination cues for Mediterranean Basin obligate seeders.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS This study aims to determine the role that both direct effects of fire and subsequent daily temperature fluctuations play in the seed bank dynamics of obligate seeders from the Mediterranean Basin. The short yet high soil temperatures experienced due to passage of fire are conflated with the lower, but longer, temperatures experienced by daily fluctuations which occur after removing vegetation. These germination cues are able to break seed dormancy, but it is difficult to assess their specific level of influence because they occur consecutively after summer fires, just before the flush of germination in the wet season (autumn). METHODS By applying experimental fires, seed treatments were imposed that combined fire exposure/non-fire exposure with exposure to microhabitats under a gradient of disturbance (i.e. gaps opened by fire, mechanical brushing and intact vegetation). The seeds used were representative of the main families of obligate seeders (Ulex parviflorus, Cistus albidus and Rosmarinus officinalis). Specifically, an assessment was made of (1) the proportion of seeds killed by fire, (2) seedling emergence under field conditions and (3) seeds which remained ungerminated in soil. KEY RESULTS For the three species studied, the factors that most influenced seedling emergence and seeds remaining ungerminated were microhabitats with higher temperature fluctuations after fire (gaps opened by fire and brushing treatments). The direct effect of fire decreased the seedling emergence of U. parviflorus and reduced the proportion of seeds of R. officinalis remaining ungerminated. CONCLUSIONS The relevance of depleting vegetation (and subsequent daily temperature fluctuation in summer) suggests that studies focusing on lower temperature thresholds for breaking seed dormancy are required. This fact also supports the hypothesis that the seeding capacity in Mediterranean Basin obligate seeders may have evolved as a response to a wide range of disturbances, and not exclusively to fire.
Recognition of Mycobacterial Antigens Delivered by Genetically Detoxified Bordetella pertussis Adenylate Cyclase by T Cells from Cattle with Bovine Tuberculosis

ABSTRACT The exponential increase in the incidence of tuberculosis in cattle over the last two decades in the British national herd constitutes a significant economic problem. Therefore, research efforts are under way to develop cattle tuberculosis vaccines and specific diagnostic reagents to allow the distinction of vaccinated from infected animals. Mycobacterial antigens like ESAT-6 and CFP10 allow this distinction. This study investigates whether fusion protein of ESAT-6 or CFP10 with genetically detoxified Bordetella pertussis adenylate cyclase (CyaA) are recognized by Mycobacterium bovis-infected cattle more effectively than conventional recombinant proteins are, thus enhancing sensitivity or reducing the amount of antigens required. By measuring the frequencies of gamma interferon (IFN-γ)-producing cells, we were able to show that the presentation of CFP10 as a CyaA fusion protein enhanced the molecular efficiency of its recognition 20-fold, while the recognition of ESAT-6 was not improved by CyaA delivery. Furthermore, in the whole-blood IFN-γ test currently used in the field, the delivery of CFP10 and ESAT-6 by fusion to CyaA increased the amount of IFN-γ produced and hence the proportion of infected animals responding to CFP10. The improved T-cell recognition of CyaA336/CFP10 was found to be dependent upon interaction with CD11b. In addition, presentation of CyaA336/CFP10 to CD4+ T cells was chloroquine sensitive, and CFP10 delivery by CyaA resulted in its accelerated presentation to T cells. In conclusion, the use of CyaA fusion proteins with ESAT-6 and CFP10 has the potential to improve the sensitivity of immunodiagnostic tests detecting bovine tuberculosis in cattle.
A Stress Singularity Approach for the Prediction of Fatigue Crack Initiation in Adhesive Bonds. Part 2: Experimental

Abstract Using the epoxy-aluminum wedge specimens defined and analyzed in Part 1, we measure the number of cycles required to initiate an interfacial fatigue crack near the apex, where the stress field is predicted to be singular. The eigenvalue, λ, and the generalized stress intensity factor, Q, are varied via the wedge angle, and via the beam deflection, respectively. Crack initiation is detected using a strain gage bonded near the tip of the wedge. Following the methodology developed in Part 1, the fatigue data are then used to construct a fatigue initiation criterion characteristic of the bimaterial interface. This criterion is a 3-D surface, with the ordinate representing the generalized stress intensity factor and the two horizontal axes representing the number of cycles to initiation and the eigenvalue, respectively. Three key assumptions of the model are found to be satisfied in the specimens tested herein: (1) geometric imperfections at the apex are smaller than the singular region, (2) the plast.
The fate of the zero mode of the five-dimensional kink in the presence of gravity

We investigate what becomes of the translational zero-mode of a five-dimensional domain wall in the presence of gravity, studying the scalar perturbations of a thick gravitating domain wall with AdS asymptotics and a well-defined zero-gravity limit. Our analysis reveals the presence of a wide resonance which can be seen as a remnant of the translational zero-mode present in the domain wall in the absence of gravity and which ensures a continuous change of the physical quantities (such as e.g. static potential between sources) when the Planck mass is sent to infinity. Provided that the thickness of the wall is much smaller than the AdS radius of the space-time, the parameters of this resonance do not depend on details of the domain wall's structure, but solely on the geometry of the space-time.
Children's Mental Health Visits to the Emergency Department: Factors Affecting Wait Times and Length of Stay

Objective. This study explores the association of patient and emergency department (ED) mental health visit characteristics with wait time and length of stay (LOS). Methods. We examined data from 580 ED mental health visits made to two urban EDs by children aged ≤18 years from April 1, 2004, to March 31, 2006. Logistic regressions identified characteristics associated with wait time and LOS using hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results. Sex (male: HR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.20–1.84), ED type (pediatric ED: HR = 5.91, 95% CI = 4.16–8.39), and triage level (Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS) 2: HR = 3.62, 95% CI = 2.24–5.85) were statistically significant predictors of wait time. ED type (pediatric ED: HR = 1.71, 95% CI = 1.18–2.46), triage level (CTAS 5: HR = 2.00, 95% CI = 1.15–3.48), number of consultations (HR = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.31–0.69), and number of laboratory investigations (HR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.66–0.85) predicted LOS. Conclusions. Based on our results, quality improvement initiatives to reduce ED waits and LOS for pediatric mental health visits may consider monitoring triage processes and the availability, access, and/or time to receipt of specialty consultations.
Open-Circuit Fault Diagnosis in Interleaved DC–DC Converters

Interleaved dc-dc converters have been widely applied, because of their benefits related to efficiency, size, thermal management, modularity, and output current ripple cancellation. These converters present an enhanced fault tolerance capability, but an open-circuit fault can leads to ripple beyond load requirements. This paper presents a fault-diagnostic method for interleaved dc-dc converters using only the dc-link current derivative sign features. The dc-link current derivative is thoroughly studied for both healthy and faulty modes. Its sign variation during different time intervals defined by the number of switches in conduction mode contains important information for open-circuit fault detection. The presented method is robust to transients and current imbalance between phases and no additional sensors are required. A photovoltaic system application is presented to validate this method.
HIGH HUNTING PRESSURE SELECTS FOR EARLIER BIRTH DATE: WILD BOAR AS A CASE STUDY

Exploitation by humans affects the size and structure of populations. This has evolutionary and demographic consequences that have typically being studied independent of one another. We here applied a framework recently developed applying quantitative tools from population ecology and selection gradient analysis to quantify the selection on a quantitative trait—birth date—through its association with multiple fitness components. From the long‐term monitoring (22 years) of a wild boar (Sus scrofa scrofa) population subject to markedly increasing hunting pressure, we found that birth dates have advanced by up to 12 days throughout the study period. During the period of low hunting pressure, there was no detectable selection. However, during the period of high hunting pressure, the selection gradient linking breeding probability in the first year of life to birth date was negative, supporting current life‐history theory predicting selection for early births to reproduce within the first year of life with increasing adult mortality.