Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A review of traffic simulation software

Computer simulation of traffic is a widely used method in research of traffic modelling, planning and development of traffic networks and systems. Vehicular traffic systems are of growing concern and interest globally and modelling arbitrarily complex traffic systems is a hard problem. In this article we review some of the traffic simulation software applications, their features and characteristics as well as the issues these applications face. Additionally, we introduce some algorithmic ideas, underpinning data structural approaches and quantifiable metrics that can be applied to simulated model systems.
An En/Decryption Machine Based on Statistical Physics

Physical systems containing randomness appear to follow no definite rules, and to be governed merely by probabilities. Moreover, there are systems that can also generate apparent randomness internally, without an external random input. For instance, a cellular automaton (Bagnoli & Francescato, 1990; Sarkar, 2000; Vichniac, 1984; Wolfram, 1983) evolving from a simple initial state can produce a pattern so complicated that many features of it seem random.
Modified Interleaved Current Sensorless Control for Three-Level Boost PFC Converter With Considering Voltage Imbalance and Zero-Crossing Current Distortion

The three-level boost power factor correction (PFC) converter has advantages of lower inductor current ripple and lower switch withstanding voltage compared with the boost PFC converter. Interleaved pulsewidth modulation had been used in the multiphase boost PFC converter. In the literature, interleaved current sensorless control (ICSC) for the multiphase boost PFC converters had been proposed. In this paper, the behavior of the three-level boost PFC converter is first analyzed. The results show that three-level converter has the same average equation as the interleaved boost PFC converter. Then, ICSC is modified for the three-level boost PFC converter with considering the voltage imbalance and the zero-crossing current distortion. The proposed modified ICSC (MICSC) is implemented in a field-programmable gate array board. Simulation results and experimental results are also provided to validate the proposed MICSC.
Dopamine transporter mutant animals: a translational perspective

Abstract The dopamine transporter (DAT) plays an important homeostatic role in the control of both the extracellular and intraneuronal concentrations of dopamine, thereby providing effective control over activity of dopaminergic transmission. Since brain dopamine is known to be involved in numerous neuropsychiatric disorders, investigations using mice with genetically altered DAT function and thus intensity of dopamine-mediated signaling have provided numerous insights into the pathology of these disorders and novel pathological mechanisms that could be targeted to provide new therapeutic approaches for these disorders. In this brief overview, we discuss recent investigations involving animals with genetically altered DAT function, particularly focusing on translational studies providing new insights into pathology and pharmacology of dopamine-related disorders. Perspective applications of these and newly developed models of DAT dysfunction are also discussed.
Reliance on Veterans Affairs Outpatient Care by Medicare-eligible Veterans

ObjectiveTo examine longitudinal changes in Medicare-eligible veterans' reliance on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare system for primary and specialty care over 4 years. MethodsWe merged VA administrative and Medicare claims data to examine outpatient use during fiscal years (FY) 2001 to 2004 by 15,520 Medicare-eligible veterans who used VA primary care in FY2000. Reliance on VA outpatient care was defined as the proportion of total (VA/Medicare) visits received in VA for primary or specialty care. ResultsOf 869,000 primary and specialty care visits in the study period, 39% occurred within VA and 77% were specialty care. Reliance on VA primary care was substantially higher than specialty care (66% vs. 50% in FY2001; P<0.001). Reliance on VA primary and specialty care decreased over time (57% vs. 31% in FY2004; P<0.001). Significant shifts occurred at both extremes of VA reliance. From FY2001 to FY2004, the proportion of patients in the top decile of reliance on VA primary care decreased from 39% to 31%, whereas the proportion in the bottom decile doubled from 8% to 18%. Similarly, the proportion of patients in the top decile of reliance on VA specialty care decreased from 24% to 13%, whereas the proportion in the bottom decile doubled from 22% to 47%. ConclusionsReliance on VA primary and specialty care among VA primary care patients decreased substantially over time, particularly for specialty care. Increasing use of non-VA services may complicate VA's implementation of patient-centered medical home models and performance measurement.
Nonlinear Robust Adaptive Tracking Control of a Quadrotor UAV Via Immersion and Invariance Methodology

This paper presents a novel asymptotic tracking controller for an underactuated quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicle using the robust integral of the signum of the error (RISE) method and an immersion and invariance (I&I)-based adaptive control methodology. The control system is decoupled into two parts: the inner loop for attitude control and the outer loop for position control. The RISE approach is applied in the inner loop for disturbance rejection, whereas the I&I approach is chosen for the outer loop to compensate for the parametric uncertainties. The asymptotic tracking of the time-varying 3-D position and the yaw motion reference trajectories is proven via the Lyapunov-based stability analysis and LaSalle's invariance theorem. Real-time experiment results, which are performed on a hardware-in-the-loop simulation testbed, are presented to illustrate the performance of the proposed control scheme.
An achievable rate region of cooperative multiple-access channels with hybrid CF and DF cooperation

In this letter, we derive an achievable rate region of a two-user cooperative multiple-access (CMA) channel where one user performs decode-and-forward (DF) cooperation and the other user performs Wyner-Ziv-type compress-and-forward (CF) cooperation. The proposed rate region is achieved using a communication scheme that applies block Markov coding at each user and backward decoding at destination. Numerical results show that for some channel scenarios, the proposed hybrid CF and DF cooperation scheme enlarges the rate region achieved by the pure DF-based cooperation scheme.
Provisional chapter Gauge Theory , Combinatorics , and Matrix Models

Quantum field theory is the most universal method in physics, applied to all the area from condensed-matter physics to high-energy physics. The standard tool to deal with quantum field theory is the perturbation method, which is quite useful if we know the vacuum of the system, namely the starting point of our analysis. On the other hand, sometimes the vacuum itself is not obvious due to the quantum nature of the system. In that case, since the pertur‐ bative method is not available any longer, we have to treat the theory in a non-perturbative way.
Analysis of Coaching Science Research Published from 1970–2001

Abstract The study followed a four-phase design. In Phase I an exhaustive search was conducted for all English language coaching research published in journals from 1970 to 2001. In Phase II, copies of the research were obtained. An expert panel conducted a manual search and a review in Phase III to address validity. Analysis of the research was completed in Phase IV (Culver, Gilbert, & Trudel, 2003; Silverman & Skonie, 1997). Over 1,100 articles were reviewed, and 610 met the inclusion criteria. Selected findings include: (a) a relatively low mean spread across many journals, (b) a focus on coaching behavior using quantitative methodologies, and (c) a primary emphasis on team sports in school contexts.
Imprints of the large-scale structure on AGN formation and evolution

Black hole masses are found to correlate with several global properties of their host galaxies, suggesting that black holes and galaxies have an intertwined evolution and that active galactic nuclei (AGN) have a significant impact on galaxy evolution. Since the large-scale environment can also affect AGN, this work studies how their formation and properties depend on the environment. We have used a reconstructed three-dimensional high-resolution density field obtained from a Bayesian large-scale structure reconstruction method applied to the 2M++ galaxy sample. A web-type classification relying on the shear tensor is used to identify different structures on the cosmic web, defining voids, sheets, filaments, and clusters. We confirm that the environmental density affects the AGN formation and their properties. We found that the AGN abundance is equivalent to the galaxy abundance, indicating that active and inactive galaxies reside in similar dark matter halos. However, occurrence rates are different for each spectral type and accretion rate. These differences are consistent with the AGN evolutionary sequence suggested by previous authors, Seyferts and Transition objects transforming into LINERs (Low-Ionization Nuclear Emission Line Regions), the weaker counterpart of Seyferts. We conclud that AGN properties depend on the environmental density more than on the web-type. More powerful starbursts and younger stellar populations are found in high densities, where interactions and mergers are more likely. AGN hosts show smaller masses in clusters for Seyferts and Transition objects, which might be due to gas stripping. In voids, the AGN population is dominated by the most massive galaxy hosts.
Declarative Solver Development: Case Studies

The formalisms for knowledge representation and reasoning (KR&R) typically have a variety of semantics, each one having its particular application scenarios. However, the KR&R community cannot readily benefit from such a variety due to a lack of efficient solver technology. This is partly caused by the fact that solver development is laborious and even accomplishing a working prototype can form a major effort. In this paper, we introduce a new framework that enables us to declaratively specify a given semantics in second-order logic and to automatically generate a solver from that specification. Hence, KR&R researchers can rapidly develop a solver prototype for their new/existing semantics with a minimal effort. Technically, our framework builds on a recent approach for nesting SAT solvers based on lazy clause generation. We evaluate our framework in the context of Dung's argumentation frameworks, logic programming, and propositional logic subject to standard and non-standard semantics. We show for each of those formalisms that one can easily specify its semantics using a few second-order sentences and that one can effectively obtain a solver for that semantics using our automated solver generation procedure. For instance, in the case of argumentation frameworks, we obtain 16 different solvers, each solving one of four inference tasks for one of four major argumentation semantics and show that our solvers (slightly) outperform the best solver from the last system competition despite not being tuned for argumentation instances.
Immunity to experimental infection with Leishmania major: generation of protective L3T4+ T cell clones recognizing antigen(s) associated with live parasites

Exacerbation and resolution of lesions induced by Leishmania major promastigotes are, at least in part, the result of the activity of distinct parasite‐specific L3T4+ T lymphocytes. The present report describes L. major‐specific cloned L3T4+ T lymphocytes capable of transferring substantial protective immunity to normal highly susceptible BALB/c mice. The two protective T cell clones analyzed appear to recognize antigen associated only with live L. major parasites. Therefore, the pattern of antigen reactivity of these protective T cell clones is different from that of the previously described parasite‐specific L3T4+ T cells which contribute to exacerbation of disease. The results presented in this report indicate that the two opposite effects of parasite‐specific L3T4+ T cells on the disease process could be mediated by functionally similar L3T4+ T cells differing in their antigen specificity.
HLA Class-II Associated HIV Polymorphisms Predict Escape from CD4+ T Cell Responses

Antiretroviral therapy, antibody and CD8+ T cell-mediated responses targeting human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) exert selection pressure on the virus necessitating escape; however, the ability of CD4+ T cells to exert selective pressure remains unclear. Using a computational approach on HIV gag/pol/nef sequences and HLA-II allelic data, we identified 29 HLA-II associated HIV sequence polymorphisms or adaptations (HLA-AP) in an African cohort of chronically HIV-infected individuals. Epitopes encompassing the predicted adaptation (AE) or its non-adapted (NAE) version were evaluated for immunogenicity. Using a CD8-depleted IFN-γ ELISpot assay, we determined that the magnitude of CD4+ T cell responses to the predicted epitopes in controllers was higher compared to non-controllers (p<0.0001). However, regardless of the group, the magnitude of responses to AE was lower as compared to NAE (p<0.0001). CD4+ T cell responses in patients with acute HIV infection (AHI) demonstrated poor immunogenicity towards AE as compared to NAE encoded by their transmitted founder virus. Longitudinal data in AHI off antiretroviral therapy demonstrated sequence changes that were biologically confirmed to represent CD4+ escape mutations. These data demonstrate an innovative application of HLA-associated polymorphisms to identify biologically relevant CD4+ epitopes and suggests CD4+ T cells are active participants in driving HIV evolution.
Two cysteine residues in the DNA-binding domain of CREB control binding to CRE and CREB-mediated gene expression.

The cAMP-responsive element-binding protein (CREB) has been implicated in the regulation of numerous physiological functions including those of several hypoxia-responding genes. All CREB transcription-regulated genes harbor the eight base-pair cAMP-responsive element (CRE) or the seven base-pair AP-1 sequence. Utilizing mutational analysis and biochemical assays, we found that reduction of two cysteine residues located in the DNA-binding basic domain of CREB, enhances the binding efficiency of CREB to DNA and regulates CRE-mediated gene expression. Substitution of these residues to serine renders insensitivity to reduction, hypoxia and to the sulfhydryl-specific modifying agent, N-ethylmaleimide. These substitutions enhance the binding of CREB to its cognate DNA sites under oxidative conditions, and of the CREB-dependent gene expression during normoxia. These findings are supported by results of molecular modeling of the CREB-CRE interactions. We also found that HTLV-1 Tax enhancement of CREB binding to the cellular and the viral DNA sites and activation of the CRE-dependent gene expression are independent of CREB activation exerted by redox conditions. The genetic biochemical and molecular modeling presented in this work indicate that the two cysteine residues in the bZIP domain of CREB regulate the binding efficiency of CREB to its cognate DNA sites and as a consequence the activation of CREB-mediated gene expression.
Does mode of interaction impact emotional labour? A mixed method study among service employees in India

The emergence of service sectors has signaled way to employment to greater extent across the various countries (Lee and Wolpin, 2006). Service sectors has catered way to many service jobs which require interpersonal contacts with customers and employees are often required to engage in emotional labour (EL). Emotions are integral part of employees and customer interactions and understanding of emotional labour will benefit the service sectors to manage employee-customer relationships better. The objective of this study is to find whether emotional labour in hotels and call centres differs based on mode of interaction. To begin with, 12 in-depth Interviews were conducted from service employees. Then, standardized questionnaires were distributed to the employees to collect data through Survey method. Statistical analysis was done on 452 responses from hotels and call centres. As hypothesized, mode of interaction has an impact on emotional labour. The study also discusses managerial and theoretical implications along with limitations and areas of future research.
Metabolic syndrome leading to chronic kidney disease: An emerging threat

Kidney has always exerted an important role in the field of endocrinology, and “renal endocrinology” still proves to be an area of active research with new dimensions coming forth. Cardio-renal metabolic syndrome (MS), a relatively new entity, has been recognized often, which constitutes the presence of a group of interactive maladaptive factors including MS leading to kidney and heart disease, and is on a rise.
An Efficient Parallel Algorithm for Ultrametric Tree Construction Based on 3 PR *

In the computational biology and taxonomy, to construct phylogenetic tree is an important problem. A phylogenetic tree can represent the relationship and histories for a set of species and helpful for biologists to observe existent species. One of popular model is ultrametric tree, and it assumed the evolution rate is constant. UPGMA is one of well-known ultrametric tree algorithm. However, UPGMA is a heuristic algorithm, and it can not guarantee the constructed tree is minimum size. To construct minimum ultrametric tree (MUT) has been shown to be an NP-hard problem. In this paper, we propose an efficient parallel branch-and-bound algorithm with 3-Point Relationship (3PR) to reduce the construction time dramatically. 3PR is a relationship between a distance matrix and the constructed phylogenetic tree. The main concept is for any two species closed to each other in a distance matrix should be also closed to each other in the constructed phylogenetic tree. We use this property to mark the branching path with lower priority or higher, then we move the lower ranked branching path to delay bound pool instead of remove it to ensure the optimal solution can be found. The experimental results show that our parallel algorithm can save the computing time and it also shows that parallel algorithm with 3PR can save about 25% of computing time in average.
Corneodesmosin gene ablation induces lethal skin-barrier disruption and hair-follicle degeneration related to desmosome dysfunction

Corneodesmosin (CDSN) is specific to desmosomes of epithelia undergoing cornification, mainly the epidermis and the inner root sheath of the hair follicles. CDSN nonsense mutations are associated with hypotrichosis simplex of the scalp, a rare disease that leads to complete baldness in young adults. CDSN displays adhesive properties, mostly attributable to its N-terminal glycine-rich domain, and is sequentially proteolyzed as corneocytes migrate towards the skin surface. K14-promoter driven Cre-mediated deletion of Cdsn in mice resulted in neonatal death as a result of epidermal tearing upon minor mechanical stress. Ultrastructural analyses revealed a desmosomal break at the interface between the living and cornified layers. After grafting onto nude mice, knockout skin showed a chronic defect in the epidermal permeability barrier. The epidermis was first hyperproliferative with a thick cornified layer, then, both the epidermis and the hair follicles degenerated. In adults, Cdsn deletion resulted in similar histological abnormalities and in a lethal barrier defect. We demonstrate that Cdsn is not essential for skin-barrier formation in utero, but is vital throughout life to preserve this barrier by maintaining desmosome integrity. The strong adhesive function that the protein confers on corneodesmosomes also seems necessary for maintaining the architecture of the hair follicle.
Delayed BMP 4 exposure increases germ cell differentiation in mouse embryonic stem cells

Fate mapping studies have revealed that bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) signaling has a key role in segregation of primordial germ cells from proximal epiblast. Adding BMP4 to the culture media of embryonic stem (ES) cells could induce expression of germ cell markers; however, to provide a desired number of germ cells has remained a challenge. In the current study, we intended to establish an in vitro system to obtain reliable germ cells derived from ES cells. Differentiation was induced in ES cells via embryoid body (EB) and monolayer culture system. Cells were cultured with BMP4 from the beginning (++BMP4) or after 48 hours (+BMP4) of culturing for five days. The cultures were assessed for alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, expression of Oct4, Mvh and c-kit. In EB culture protocol, the expression of Mvh, Oct4 and ALP activity significantly increased in +BMP4 culture condition, but a significant down-regulation in the expression of germ cell markers was shown in ++BMP4 condition compared with the control group. Parallel differentiation experiments using monolayer culture system indicated the number of putative germ cells did not change. In the current study, we compared two differentiation methods (EB and monolayer) to achieve an optimal germ cell production. The EBs with a short exposure time period to BMP4, showing typical characteristics of germ cells. Therefore, our approach provides a strategy for the production of germline cells from ES cells.
Astrocytic signaling supports hippocampal–prefrontal theta synchronization and cognitive function

Astrocytes interact with neurons at the cellular level through modulation of synaptic formation, maturation, and function, but the impact of such interaction into behavior remains unclear. Here, we studied the dominant negative SNARE (dnSNARE) mouse model to dissect the role of astrocyte‐derived signaling in corticolimbic circuits, with implications for cognitive processing. We found that the blockade of gliotransmitter release in astrocytes triggers a critical desynchronization of neural theta oscillations between dorsal hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. Moreover, we found a strong cognitive impairment in tasks depending on this network. Importantly, the supplementation with d‐serine completely restores hippocampal–prefrontal theta synchronization and rescues the spatial memory and long‐term memory of dnSNARE mice. We provide here novel evidence of long distance network modulation by astrocytes, with direct implications to cognitive function.