Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Integration of lifetime-balancing schemes in wireless sensor networks

The wireless sensor network (WSN), once deployed, is usually expected to operate for months even years. In the WSN, each individual sensor node is typically equipped with small batteries which offer only a limited amount of energy. Hence, numerous energy-efficiency schemes have been developed for the WSN, aiming to help the WSN to achieve long lifetime under the stringent constraint of energy supply. These energyefficiency schemes can reduce energy consumption, but they cannot address the issue of unbalanced energy consumption and energy replenishment in the WSN. In practice, different sensor nodes could have different initial energy supplies and/or play different roles in the network; consequently, some nodes may deplete their energy faster than the others. In such cases, the lifetime of the network becomes determined by the energybottleneck nodes who deplete their energy the fastest. To address this issue, the ideas of energy-balancing and lifetime-balancing have been proposed and energy-balancing and lifetime-balancing schemes have been developed for the MAC and routing layers of the WSN. However, there have been very few efforts on studying how to apply the idea to multiple layers of the WSN simultaneously and the effectiveness of such an integrated solution. To fill this gap, this thesis presents an integrated design, which includes lifetimebalancing schemes for the application, routing and MAC layers. Specifically, in the application layer where the sensing duty should be assigned to sensor nodes, we present a scheme in which leader nodes coordinate the sensing duty schedule among the sensor nodes based on their estimated nodal lifetime. In the routing layer, the routing metric is calculated based on both nodal lifetime and required end-to-end delay. In the MAC layer, we adopts the LB-MAC protocol, which balances nodal lifetime by adjusting the MAC
Expression, Localization, and Protein Interactions of the Partitioning Proteins in the Gonococcal Type IV Secretion System

Partitioning proteins are well studied as molecular organizers of chromosome and plasmid segregation during division, however little is known about the roles partitioning proteins can play within type IV secretion systems. The single-stranded DNA (ssDNA)-secreting gonococcal T4SS has two partitioning proteins, ParA and ParB. These proteins work in collaboration with the relaxase TraI as essential facilitators of type IV secretion. Bacterial two-hybrid experiments identified interactions between each partitioning protein and the relaxase. Subcellular fractionation demonstrated that ParA is found in the cellular membrane, whereas ParB is primarily in the membrane, but some of the protein is in the soluble fraction. Since TraI is known to be membrane-associated, these data suggest that the gonococcal relaxosome is a membrane-associated complex. In addition, we found that translation of ParA and ParB is controlled by an RNA switch. Different mutations within the stem-loop sequence predicted to alter folding of this RNA structure greatly increased or decreased levels of the partitioning proteins.
Building Consensual Institutions: Networks and the National Estuary Program

Currently, many approaches to solving policy problems seek to create community-based, less coercive solutions that are creating the conditions for the birth of new regional governmental institutions. We argue that networks form the core of these emergent structures and that federal programs can play a positive role in developing local networks. Our empirical work compares networks in estuaries included in National Estuary Program with networks in comparable estuaries that were not. We find that the networks in NEP areas span more levels of government, integrate more experts into policy discussions, nurture stronger interpersonal ties between stakeholders, and create greater faith in the procedural fairness of local policy, thus laying the foundation for a new form of cooperative governance. A wide range of policy domains are characterized by political and administrative jurisdictions that are poorly suited for solving many emerging problems. This is particularly true in the area of environmental policy, where the physical boundaries of watersheds, airsheds, fishing grounds, and other natural systems typically cross local political and administrative boundaries. The need to deal with problems that transcend established governmental structures has intensified at the same time that the zeitgeist of American politics has increasingly spurned anything that smacks of “big government. ” In turn, approaches that rely on hierarchical commandand-control are being replaced by policies that seek to create more community-based and less coercive solutions to policy problems. This has created the conditions for the birth of new regional governmental institutions that differ dramatically from traditional large-scale governmental organizations.
Occlusal loading of EBA and MTA root-end fillings in a computer-controlled masticator: a scanning electron microscopic study.

AIM The aim of this investigation was to assess the marginal adaptation of Super-EBA (EBA) and Pro Root MTA (MTA) root-end fillings and the occurrence of microcracks in resected root-ends of extracted teeth before and after occlusal loading for a five-year equivalent period in a computer-controlled masticator. METHODOLOGY Twenty-four molar teeth were root-filled using lateral condensation and their root-ends resected. Root-end cavities were prepared and either EBA or MTA root-end fillings were placed. All surgical procedures were completed in vitro under an operating microscope. Replicas taken of the root-end fillings and resected root-ends were examined using an SEM before and after they were subjected to in vitro chewing cycles in a computer-controlled chewing simulator for the equivalent of 5 years. Marginal adaptation and integrity of the two root-end filling materials were evaluated and the presence of microcracks recorded. RESULTS Before loading, a continuous margin was observed with 99.4 +/- 2.4% of EBA and 99.2 +/- 1.6% of MTA root-end fillings. After loading, the percentage of continuous margin decreased to 93.1 +/- 6.6% and 98.9 +/- 3.2% for EBA and MTA, respectively. After occlusal loading, 39.5% of the EBA root-end fillings were overfilled, whilst 52.6% of the MTA root-end fillings were underfilled. In total, 12.5% of the resected root-end surfaces showed microcracking before loading and 25% after occlusal loading. CONCLUSIONS Both EBA and MTA displayed excellent marginal adaptation before masticatory loading. After loading, the amount of continuous margin for both root-end filling materials decreased slightly but was still high.
Co‐treatment with retinyl retinoate and a PPARα agonist reduces retinoid dermatitis

Background Retinoids have been used for the treatment of skin disorders such as acne, psoriasis, and photoaging. However, despite their beneficial effects, topical retinoids often cause severe local irritation called retinoid dermatitis. We previously developed a novel vitamin A derivative, retinyl retinoate, which induces less irritation and affords excellent tolerance. In this study, we examined whether co‐treatment with topical peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐α (PPARα) agonists (e.g. WY14643) reduce retinoid dermatitis in hairless mouse skin.
Changes in serum levels of hepatitis C virus genotype 1b monitored by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction as a predictor of long term response to interferon-α treatment

OBJECTIVE:The aim of this study was to find whether there is a relationship between the changes in the amounts of hepatitis C virus (HCV) at the start of interferon treatment and the long term response to therapy.METHODS:In 20 patients with HCV genotype 1b each given 880 MU of interferon-α, the changes in serum HCV RNA during the first 2 wk of therapy were monitored by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS:Real-time quantitative PCR detected HCV RNA at 101–108 copies/ml. Serum HCV RNA decreased rapidly between 8 and 24 h after the first administration (first phase) and more slowly thereafter (second phase), with median exponential decays of 2.14 and 0.11 log10/day, respectively. Four patients had sustained virological responses, nine patients had transient responses, and seven patients had no responses. The differences in the rate of first-phase viral decline among the three groups were not significant (p = 0.34), but the differences in the rate of second-phase viral decline were significant (p = 0.0004); the median viral decline (interquartile range) in the second phase was 0.48 (0.42–0.50) log10/day in patients with sustained responses, 0.16 (0.10–0.19) log10/day in patients with transient responses, and 0.026 (0.017–0.040) log10/day in patients with no responses.CONCLUSIONS:Changes in serum levels of HCV genotype 1b in the first 2 wk of interferon-α treatment, monitored by real-time quantitative PCR, can be used for prediction of the long term therapeutic response.
Tetracysteine Genetic Tags Complexed with Biarsenical Ligands as a Tool for Investigating Gap Junction Structure and Dynamics

Gap junctions (GJ) are defined as contact regions between two adjacent cells containing tens to thousands of closely packed membrane channels. Cells dynamically modulate communication through GJ by regulating the synthesis, transport and turnover of these channels. Previously, we engineered a recombinant connexin43 (Cx43) by genetically appending a small tetracysteine peptide motif containing the sequence -Cys-Cys-Xaa-Xaa-Cys-Cys- to the carboxy terminus of Cx43 (Cx43-TC) (3). Cx43-TC was stably expressed in HeLa cells and was specifically labeled by exposing the cells to membrane-permeant non-fluorescent ligands, such as FlAsH (a fluorescein derivative) and ReAsH (a resorufin derivative). Direct correlation of live cell images with high resolution EM detection was possible because bound ReAsH not only becomes fluorescent, but can also be used to initiate the photoconversion of diaminobenzidine (DAB) that causes the localized polymerization of an insoluble osmiophilic precipitate then visible by EM. Cx43-TC GJ's could be labeled with ReAsH and photooxidized to give selectively stained channels. Here, how the development of these tetracysteine tags complexed with appropriate ligands are useful for experiments spanning resolution ranges from light microscopy to electron tomography to molecular purification and detection is described.
Image-Driven Haptic Rendering in Virtual Environments

Haptic interaction significantly augments our experience with a computer and in cyber worlds in particular. However, haptic interaction requires the content creators to make physical or haptic models of the virtual objects while it is not always possible or feasible, especially when it comes to using real images or videos as elements of interaction. We, therefore, propose to use image-driven haptic rendering where a displayed image, real or simulated, is used as a source of the force-feedback calculations at any pixel touched by the haptic device. We introduce the main idea and describe how it is implemented as a core algorithm for image-driven haptic rendering, as well as for a few particular cases of haptic rendering of different dominant colors, textures and contours of the objects displayed in the images. Implementations of the proposed method to desktop tangible image application and haptic video communication on the web are presented as a proof of concept.
Changes in morphine reward in a model of neuropathic pain

In addition to sensory disturbances, neuropathic pain is associated with an ongoing and persistent negative affective state. This condition may be reflected as altered sensitivity to rewarding stimuli. We examined this hypothesis by testing whether the rewarding properties of morphine are altered in a rat model of neuropathic pain. Neuropathic pain was induced by chronic constriction of the common sciatic nerve. Drug reward was assessed using an unbiased, three-compartment conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm. The rats underwent two habituation sessions beginning 6 days after surgery. Over the next 8 days, they were injected with drug or vehicle and were confined to one CPP compartment for 30 min. On the following test day, the rats had access to all three compartments for 30 min. Consistent with the literature, systemic administration of morphine dose-dependently increased the CPP in pain-naive animals. In rats with neuropathic pain, however, the dose-dependent effects of morphine were in a bell-shaped curve, with a low dose of morphine (2 mg/kg) producing a greater CPP than a higher dose of morphine (8 mg/kg). In a separate group of animals, acute administration of morphine reversed mechanical allodynia in animals with neuropathic pain at the same doses that produced a CPP. The increased potency of systemic morphine to produce a CPP in animals with neuropathic pain suggests that the motivation for opioid-induced reward is different in the two states.
Adenosine A1 antagonism increases specific synaptic forms of glutamate release during anoxia, revealing a unique source of excitation

The role of the adenosine A1 receptor in the modulation of anoxia‐induced synaptic glutamate release was examined in CA1 pyramidal neurons by whole‐cell voltage‐clamp recording in the rat hippocampal slice preparation. Anoxia leads to an increased action potential‐independent synaptic glutamate release in the form of a higher frequency of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs). This increase is not significantly affected when slices are preincubated in the adenosine A1 receptor antagonist, 8‐cyclopentyl‐1, 3‐dipropylxanthine (DPCPX). A second population of spontaneous inward currents, however, occurs in DPCPX‐treated slices during a well‐defined period following the onset of anoxia. Their suppression by glutamate antagonists, tetrodotoxin, or by the cutting of the Schaffer collateral pathway indicates that they represent action potential‐dependent, glutamatergic excitatory postsynaptic currents (ap‐EPSCs) originating from CA3 pyramidal neurons. CA3 neurons were examined in current‐clamp whole‐cell patch mode to determine the origin of this increased orthodromic excitation. After the onset of anoxia, CA3 cells initially exhibit a small depolarization or hyperpolarization associated with a decrease in input resistance. This is followed by transient depolarization (the depolarizing “nub”), which is associated with an increase in input resistance. The nub evoked single as well as bursts of action potentials in CA3 neurons. The occurrence of these CA3 nub‐elicited action potentials coincides with that of ap‐EPSCs recorded in the CA1 cells. Recording with cesium‐ rather than standard potassium‐containing electrodes results in the suppression of the nub and its associated increase in input resistance. In conclusion we have shown that adenosine tone plays an important role in suppressing anoxia‐induced spontaneous ap‐EPSCs but not action potential‐independent mEPSCs in CA1 neurons. These EPSCs originate from a depolarization in CA3 pyramidal neurons, which is associated with an increase in resistance. This previously undescribed phenomenon likely results from a decrease in the conductance of an unidentified potassium channel. © 1996 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Increased presence of capillaries next to remodeling sites in adult human cancellous bone

Vascularization is a prerequisite for osteogenesis in a number of situations, including bone development, fracture healing, and cortical bone remodeling. It is unknown whether a similar link exists between cancellous bone remodeling and vascularization. Here, we show an association between remodeling sites, capillaries, proliferative cells, and putative osteoblast progenitors. Iliac crest biopsies from normal human individuals were subjected to histomorphometry and immunohistochemistry to identify the respective positions of bone remodeling sites, CD34‐positive capillaries, smooth muscle actin (SMA)‐positive putative osteoblast progenitors, including pericytes, Ki67‐positive proliferative cells, and bone remodeling compartment (BRC) canopies. The BRC canopy is a recently described structure separating remodeling sites from the bone marrow, consisting of CD56‐positive osteoblasts at an early differentiation stage. We found that bone remodeling sites were associated with a significantly increased presence of capillaries, putative osteoblast progenitors, and proliferative cells in a region within 50 µm of the bone or the canopy surface. The increases were the highest above eroded surfaces and at the level of the light‐microscopically assessed contact of these three entities with the bone or canopy surfaces. Between 51 and 100 µm, their densities leveled to that found above quiescent surfaces. Electron microscopy asserted the close proximity between BRC canopies and capillaries lined by pericytes. Furthermore, the BRC canopy cells were found to express SMA. These ordered distributions support the existence of an osteogenic‐vascular interface in adult human cancellous bone. The organization of this interface fits the current knowledge on the mode of action of vasculature on osteogenesis, and points to the BRC canopy as a central player in this mechanism. We propose a model where initiation of bone remodeling coincides with the induction of proximity of the vasculature to endosteal surfaces, thereby allowing capillary‐BRC canopy interactions that activate marrow events, including recruitment of osteoblast progenitors to bone remodeling sites. © 2013 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Perceptions of Successful Aging

This study explored the perceptions of successful aging from intergenerational perspectives. A total of 66 participants were interviewed from three different generations including college students, parents, and grandparents. After qualitative data collection and analyses were used, five conceptual categories emerged from the data that related to perceptions of successful aging. The five concepts include wisdom, health, financial stability, staying active, and well-being. Conceptual categories emerged from the participants of different generations, and some were interconnected across generations. Each category is representative of major thematic patterns. Well-being was the primary concept which emerged because all three generations perceived and explicitly discussed well-being as the most valued aspect of successful aging. Previous successful aging research informed the use of a bio-psycho-social theoretical lens to frame the study findings and discussion.
Understanding Body Image in African American and Caucasian First-Graders: A Partnership with the YMCA

Background: Research suggests that body dissatisfaction can develop by first grade or 6 years of age. Few studies have examined the relationship between parental body image factors on child body image among this population using a CBPR approach. Objective: We sought to examine parental influence on body image in African American and Caucasian first-graders through a community-based participatory research (CBPR) partnership with the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington, DC. Methods: Quantitative data were collected by after-school teachers and academic researchers. Children were administered a silhouette measure to assess body image. Body image and eating behavior measures were given to parents. Correlational and descriptive analyses were employed to examine the association and characteristics of child body image factors. Results: Participants were 58 child–parent dyads attending YMCA after-school programs in the Washington, DC, area. Descriptive analyses found significant body dissatisfaction among first graders. Only 12.1% of first graders were satisfied with their bodies, and among the 38 children of normal weight, 89.5% were dissatisfied with their current body size. No significant correlations emerged between child body image and parental eating factors. However, correlations did emerge between child and parent body image indices. Conclusion: Findings from this study were used to develop programming focused on promoting positive body image and self-esteem for young children in YMCA sites in the DC metro area. Additionally, future studies should further delineate body image among young children and the clinical and educational implications of early onset of body dissatisfaction in this population using a CBPR approach.
EEG Analysis for Cognitive Failure Detection in Driving Using Type-2 Fuzzy Classifiers

This paper aims at detecting online cognitive failures in driving by decoding the electroencephalography (EEG) signals acquired during visual alertness, motor planning and motor-execution phases of the driver. Visual alertness of the driver is detected by classifying the preprocessed EEG signals obtained from his prefrontal and frontal lobes into two classes: alert and nonalert. Motor planning performed by the driver using the preprocessed parietal signals is classified into four classes: braking, acceleration, steering control, and no operation. Cognitive failures in motor planning are determined by comparing the classified motor-planning class of the driver with the ground truth class obtained from the copilot through a hand-held rotary switch. Lastly, failure in motor execution is detected, when the time delay between the onset of motor imagination and the electromyogram response exceeds a predefined duration. The most important aspect of the present research lies in cognitive failure classification during the planning phase. The complexity in subjective plan classification arises due to possible overlap of signal features involved in braking, acceleration, and steering control. A specialized interval/general type-2 fuzzy set induced neural classifier is employed to eliminate the uncertainty in classification of motor planning. Experiments undertaken reveal that the proposed neuro-fuzzy classifier outperforms traditional techniques in presence of external disturbances to the driver. Decoding of visual alertness and motor execution are performed with kernelized support vector machine classifiers. An analysis reveals that at a driving speed of 64 km/h, the lead time is more than 600 ms, which offer a safe distance of 10.66 m.
Distance measurement in air with a femtosecond frequency comb

A femtosecond frequency comb is a powerful tool in a wide range of metrological applications, one of them being in the field of distance measurement. Due to the locking of the repetition rate of the laser to a time standard, the distance between successive pulses is accurately known, providing direct traceability to the SI definition of the meter. Since the interpulse distance is typically of the order of 1 m, the range of non-ambiguity is large. Such accuracy is easily obtained with other methods like time-of-flight measurements. Several schemes for distance measurement have been proposed and demonstrated [1–4]. In this paper we report on measurement of distances up to 20 m in air, that have been acquired using a scheme based on a Michelson interferometer. The interferometer consists of a long measurement arm and a short reference arm that can be adjusted such that the path length difference between both arms is a multiple of the interpulse distance. Once this is the case, a cross-correlation function can be measured by scanning the reflector of the reference arm with a piezo element. The path-length difference between both arms is then determined from the the center of the cross-correlation function and the interpulse distance, taking into account the refractive index of air.