Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pro-Energy: A novel energy prediction model for solar and wind energy-harvesting wireless sensor networks

Energy harvesting is one of the most promising technologies towards the goal of perpetual operation of wireless sensor networks (WSNs). Environmentally-powered systems, however, have to deal with the variable behavior of ambient energy sources, which results in different amounts and rates of energy available over time. To alleviate the problem of the harvested power being neither constant nor continuous, energy prediction methods can be employed. Such models forecast the source availability and estimate the expected energy intake, allowing the system to take critical decisions about the utilization of the available energy. In this work, we present a novel energy prediction model, named Pro-Energy (PROfile energy prediction model), for multi-source energy harvesting WSNs, which is able to leverage past energy observations to provide accurate estimations of future energy availability. To assess the performance of our proposed solution, we use real-life solar and wind traces that we collected by interfacing TelosB nodes with solar cells and wind micro-turbines, as well as public available traces of solar and wind obtained from weather monitoring stations in the US. A comparative performance evaluation between Pro-Energy and energy predictors previously proposed in the literature, such as EWMA and WCMA, has shown that our solution significantly outperforms existing algorithms for both short and medium term prediction horizons, improving the prediction accuracy up to 60%.
Direct identification of optimal filters for LPV systems

Direct identification of filters for linear parameter varying (LPV) systems is considered. In the literature on filter design, the system whose state has to be estimated is usually assumed known. However, in most applications, this assumption does not hold, and a two-step procedure is adopted: 1) an LPV model is identified from a set of noise-corrupted data; 2) on the basis of the identified model, an LPV Kalman filter is designed. In this paper, the idea of directly identifying the LPV filter from data is investigated. In previous works by the authors, it has been shown that the direct identification may be more convenient than the two-step design. In some of these works, optimal filter design techniques for time invariant systems have been developed. In the present paper, an approach for the direct identification of optimal filters for LPV systems is proposed. The approach is developed within a Set Membership framework and optimality refers to minimizing the worst-case estimation error.
Evaluating the human likeness of an android by comparing gaze behaviors elicited by the android and a person

Our research goal is to discover the principles underlying natural communication among individuals and to establish a methodology for the development of expressive humanoid robots. For this purpose we have developed androids that closely resemble human beings. The androids enable us to investigate a number of phenomena related to human interaction that could not otherwise be investigated with mechanical-looking robots. This is because more human-like devices are in a better position to elicit the kinds of responses that people direct toward each other. Moreover, we cannot ignore the role of appearance in giving us a subjective impression of human presence or intelligence. However, this impression is influenced by behavior and the complex relationship between appearance and behavior. This paper proposes a hypothesis about how appearance and behavior are related, and maps out a plan for android research to investigate this hypothesis. We then examine a study that evaluates the human likeness of androids according to the gaze behavior they elicit. Studies such as these, which integrate the development of androids with the investigation of human behavior, constitute a new research area that fuses engineering and science.
Average rate updating mechanism in proportional fair scheduler for HDR

The average rate updating mechanism was first promoted for the starvation problem emerging when some user experiences a sudden drop in channel quality or just keeps on moving backward from the base station under the proportional fair scheduler in the HDR system. Although proportional fair scheduling has received much theoretic research attention recently for its attractive capability on the tradeoff between system utility and fairness, the influence of average rate updating mechanism to the performance of scheduler has been neglected. We point out here that the previous rate update mechanism based on fixed time window is insufficient in keeping the users from starvation. Furthermore, updating the average rate to users with no data to send may not get the overall maximized system utility. We also promote a new average update mechanism as the basis of the proportional fair scheduling algorithm. Simulation and analysis show that this novel design with starvation supervision has better performance over the traditional design.
Multiple Kernel Learning for Sparse Representation-Based Classification

In this paper, we propose a multiple kernel learning (MKL) algorithm that is based on the sparse representation-based classification (SRC) method. Taking advantage of the nonlinear kernel SRC in efficiently representing the nonlinearities in the high-dimensional feature space, we propose an MKL method based on the kernel alignment criteria. Our method uses a two step training method to learn the kernel weights and sparse codes. At each iteration, the sparse codes are updated first while fixing the kernel mixing coefficients, and then the kernel mixing coefficients are updated while fixing the sparse codes. These two steps are repeated until a stopping criteria is met. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated using several publicly available image classification databases and it is shown that this method can perform significantly better than many competitive image classification algorithms.
FENE Dumbbell Model and Its Several Linear and Nonlinear Closure Approximations

We present some analytical and numerical studies on the finite extendible nonlinear elasticity (FENE) model of polymeric fluids and its several moment-closure approximations. The well-posedness of the FENE model is established under the influence of a steady flow field. We further infer existence of long-time and steady-state solutions for purely symmetric or antisymmetric velocity gradients. The stability of the steady-state solution for a general velocity gradient is illuminated by the analysis of the FENE-P closure approximation. We also propose a new linear closure approximation utilizing higher moments, which is shown to generate more accurate approximations than other existing closure models for moderate shear or extension rates. An instability phenomenon under a large strain is also investigated. This paper is a sequel to our earlier work [P. Yu, Q. Du, and C. Liu, Multiscale Model. Simul. , 3 (2005), pp. 895--917].
Designing Optimal and Resilient Intrusion Detection Architectures for Smart Grids

We formulate two intrusion detection system (IDS) design problems for smart grids. The first one optimally places IDS devices on communication paths, while the second one addresses the resilient communications requirement and enhances the first problem with the provisioning of ${K}$ distinct back-up paths and additional IDS devices. The developed problems harmonize real-time communication requirements with the infrastructure’s resource limitations (e.g., bandwidth), detection requirements, and the available budget. A heuristic approach is developed based on the column-generation model to reduce the computation time. Experimental results comprising the Romanian 440 kV and 220 kV power transmission networks, the Romanian Educational Communication Network, alongside synthetic topologies demonstrate the effectiveness and applicability of the heuristic methodology on large problem instances.
Membrane-Bound TNF Induces Protective Immune Responses to M. bovis BCG Infection: Regulation of memTNF and TNF Receptors Comparing Two memTNF Molecules

Background Several activities of the transmembrane form of TNF (memTNF) in immune responses to intracellular bacterial infection have been shown to be different from those exerted by soluble TNF. Evidence is based largely on studies in transgenic mice expressing memTNF, but precise cellular mechanisms are not well defined and the importance of TNF receptor regulation is unknown. In addition, memTNF activities are defined for a particular modification of the extracellular domain of TNF but a direct comparison of different mutant memTNF molecules has not been done in vivo. Methodology To understand the activities of memTNF we compared two commonly used mouse strains lacking soluble TNF but possessing functional and normally regulated membrane-bound TNF knockin (memTNF KI) for their capacity to generate cell-mediated immune responses and resistance to M. bovis BCG infection, and to regulate TNF receptors. Principal Findings M. bovis BCG infection resulted in similar bacterial loads in one strain of memTNF KI (memTNFΔ1–9,K11E) and in wild-type mice, in contrast, the other strain of memTNF KI mice (memTNFΔ1–12) showed higher sensitivity to infection with high mortality (75%), greater bacterial load and massive lung pathology. The pattern of cytokines/chemokines, inflammatory cells, pulmonary NF-κB phosphorylation, antigen-dependent IFN-γ response, and splenic iNOS was impaired in M. bovis BCG-infected memTNFΔ1–12 KI mice. Macrophages expressing TNFR2 were reduced but soluble TNFRs were higher in memTNFΔ1–12 KI mice during the infection. In vitro, M. bovis BCG-induced NF-κB activation and cytokines were also decreased in memTNFΔ1–12 KI bone marrow-derived macrophages. Conclusion Our data show that two memTNF molecules exerted very different activities upon M. bovis BCG infection resulting in protection or not to bacterial infection. These results suggest a regulatory mechanism of memTNF and TNF receptors being critical in the outcome of the infection and highlight the role of cell-bound and soluble TNFR2 in memTNF-mediated anti-microbial mechanisms.
Difference in Tissue Temperature After Therapeutic Ultrasound Using Biofreeze Mixture and Ultrasound Gel as Coupling Media

Biofreeze, a topical analgesic, is commonly used as a coupling medium during therapeutic ultrasound to add greater relief of pain, although it may block transmission of ultrasound energy. Our objective was to compare a mixture of 1-part Biofreeze and 3-parts ultrasound gel to 100% ultrasound gel to assess intramuscular heating and perceived sensation of heat. Fifteen participants received a continuous 3-MHz ultrasound treatment with the Biofreeze mixture or 100% ultrasound gel on 2 diff erent days. We measured intramuscular tissue temperature and visual analog scale scores for heat sensation. The Biofreeze mixture produced a tissue temperature increase similar to the 100% ultrasound gel (P = .32), while producing a greater perceived sensation of heat (P � .0001). However, due to Biofreeze’s viscosity, more of the mixture (12.9 � 2.6 mL) was needed than the ultrasound gel (10 � 0 mL) to prevent overheating of superfi cial tissues. [Athletic Training & Sports Health Care. 2013;5(x):xxx-xxx. ]
p16Ink4a Interferes with Abelson Virus Transformation by Enhancing Apoptosis

ABSTRACT Pre-B-cell transformation by Abelson virus (Ab-MLV) is a multistep process in which primary transformants are stimulated to proliferate but subsequently undergo crisis, a period of erratic growth marked by high levels of apoptosis. Inactivation of the p53 tumor suppressor pathway is an important step in this process and can be accomplished by mutation of p53 or down-modulation of p19Arf, a p53 regulatory protein. Consistent with these data, pre-B cells from either p53 or Ink4a/Arf null mice bypass crisis. However, the Ink4a/Arf locus encodes both p19Arf and a second tumor suppressor, p16Ink4a, that blocks cell cycle progression by inhibiting Cdk4/6. To determine if p16Ink4a plays a role in Ab-MLV transformation, primary transformants derived from Arf−/− and p16Ink4a−/− mice were compared. A fraction of those derived from Arf−/− animals underwent crisis, and even though all p16Ink4a−/− primary transformants experienced crisis, these cells became established more readily than cells derived from +/+ mice. Analyses of Ink4a/Arf−/− cells infected with a virus that expresses both v-Abl and p16Ink4a revealed that p16Ink4a expression does not alter cell cycle profiles but does increase the level of apoptosis in primary transformants. These results indicate that both products of the Ink4a/Arf locus influence Ab-MLV transformation and reveal that in addition to its well-recognized effects on the cell cycle, p16Ink4a can suppress transformation by inducing apoptosis.
The effect of accentuation on vowel recognition

This study focuses on the implementation of the phonetic effects of vowel accentuation in automatic speech recognition (ASR). The durational and spectral effects of accentuation are investigated separately by manipulating the transition and observation probabilities in hidden Markov models. We also attempt to implement the undershoot hypothesis [1], which describes spectral reduction as a direct consequence of shortening. Our findings support the widespread belief that the transition probabilities, which indirectly model durational effects, are negligible, and that the distinction between accented and unaccented vowels is determined by the observation probabilities.
A new reference preparation of human chorionic gonadotrophin and its subunits.

The establishment of CR119 human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), CR119 HCGalpha, and CR119 HCGbeta(3) as reference preparations for the immunoassay of HCG and its subunits by the WHO Expert Committee on Biological Standardization is reported. The interstitial cell stimulating activity of CR119 HCG is 13,450 IU/mg and has proportional in vivo stimulatory activities for thyroid stimulating and follicle stimulating activities. The potencies of these activities for subunit preparations are uniformly less than . 02 in relation to the undissociated hormone, and are recoverable in amounts approximately 75% of the total upon recombination. Each preparation has chemical, physical, and antigenic properties which are consistent with those reported for equally pure preparations.
Multifinger MOSFETs’ Optimization Considering Stress and INWE in Static CMOS Circuits

Strain engineering and inverse narrow width effect (INWE) are among the main causes of layout-dependent variations in narrow width devices. Transistor sizing and layout without considering these effects at a prelayout stage may result in suboptimal design and design/layout iterations. In this paper, we model the channel stress variations in multifinger gate structure (MFGS) empirically using 3-D technology computer aided design simulations. Thereafter, we use these stress models along with a model for INWE to establish a physics-based relationship between effective drive current and number of fingers in MFGS. We also design single-stage combinational standard cells and predict the values of their logical effort using our approach. The performance of the standard cells using our approach improves significantly compared with the conventional approach. Inverter chains (buffers) are representative and extensively used multistage circuits. Using our model of effective drive current, we propose a methodology to optimize the buffer designed and layout to maximize performance in stress-enabled technologies. We observe that the proposed methodology results in a significant reduction in power dissipation up to 35% and reduction in silicon area up to 43% as compared with the existing methodologies.
In-silico Studies Show Potent Inhibition of HIV-1 Reverse Transcriptase Activity by a Herbal Drug

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a life threatening disease of the human immune system caused by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Effective inhibition of reverse transcriptase activity is a prominent, clinically viable approach for the treatment of AIDS. Few non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) have been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) as drugs for AIDS. In order to enhance therapeutic options against AIDS we examined novel herbal compounds of 4-thiazolidinone and its derivatives that are known to have remarkable antiviral potency. Our molecular docking and simulation experiments have identified one such herbal molecule known as (5E)-3-(2-aminoethyl)-5-benzylidene-1, 3-thiazolidine-2,4-dione that may bind HIV-1RT with high affinity to cause noncompetitive inhibition. Results are also compared with other US FDA approved drugs. Long de novo simulations and docking study suggest that the ligand (5E)-3-(2-aminoethyl)-5-benzylidene-1, 3-thiazolidine-2,4-dione (CID: 1656714) has strong binding interactions with Asp113, Asp110, Asp185 and Asp186 amino acids, all of which belong to one or the other catalytic pockets of HIV-1RT. It is expected that these interactions could be critical in the inhibitory activity of the HIV-1RT. Therefore, this study provides an evidence for consideration of (5E)-3-(2-aminoethyl)-5-benzylidene-1, 3-thiazolidine-2,4-dione as a valuable natural molecule in the treatment and prevention of HIVassociated disorders.
Phenotypic changes during 100-year rice breeding programs in Hokkaido

Plant breeding programs in local regions may have genetic and phenotypic variations that are desirable and shape adaptability during the establishment of local populations. Despite the characterization of genetic population structures in various kinds of populations, the effects of variations in phenotype on agro-economical traits currently remain unclear. In the present study, we evaluated phenotypic changes in 26 agro-economical traits among the local population during rice breeding programs in Hokkaido. Wide variations were observed in all 26 agro-economical traits with continuous distributions. In order to elucidate improvements in these agro-economic traits during rice breeding programs in Hokkaido, values were compared between genetic population structures. Traits were classified into four patterns based on the timing of significant differences. Patterns A and B showed significant differences once and twice, respectively. Pattern C gradually showed significant differences. Pattern D showed no significant differences for the desired directions. Based on the changes in phenotype observed in the present study and the genetic population structure for the local population in Hokkaido, a model of the artificial selection for phenotypes in genetic diversity among the local population during plant breeding programs has been proposed.
Regulation of Phytosiderophore Release and Antioxidant Defense in Roots Driven by Shoot-Based Auxin Signaling Confers Tolerance to Excess Iron in Wheat

Iron (Fe) is essential but harmful for plants at toxic level. However, how wheat plants tolerate excess Fe remains vague. This study aims at elucidating the mechanisms underlying tolerance to excess Fe in wheat. Higher Fe concentration caused morpho-physiological retardation in BR 26 (sensitive) but not in BR 27 (tolerant). Phytosiderophore and 2-deoxymugineic acid showed no changes in BR 27 but significantly increased in BR 26 due to excess Fe. Further, expression of TaSAMS. TaDMAS1, and TaYSL15 significantly downregulated in BR 27 roots, while these were upregulated in BR 26 under excess Fe. It confirms that inhibition of phytosiderophore directs less Fe accumulation in BR 27. However, phytochelatin and expression of TaPCS1 and TaMT1 showed no significant induction in response to excess Fe. Furthermore, excess Fe showed increased catalase, peroxidase, and glutathione reductase activities along with glutathione, cysteine, and proline accumulation in roots in BR 27. Interestingly, BR 27 self-grafts and plants having BR 26 rootstock attached to BR 27 scion had no Fe-toxicity induced adverse effect on morphology but showed BR 27 type expressions, confirming that shoot-derived signal triggering Fe-toxicity tolerance in roots. Finally, auxin inhibitor applied with higher Fe concentration caused a significant decline in morpho-physiological parameters along with increased TaSAMS and TaDMAS1 expression in roots of BR 27, revealing the involvement of auxin signaling in response to excess Fe. These findings propose that tolerance to excess Fe in wheat is attributed to the regulation of phytosiderophore limiting Fe acquisition along with increased antioxidant defense in roots driven by shoot-derived auxin signaling.
Split variational inference

We propose a deterministic method to evaluate the integral of a positive function based on soft-binning functions that smoothly cut the integral into smaller integrals that are easier to approximate. In combination with mean-field approximations for each individual sub-part this leads to a tractable algorithm that alternates between the optimization of the bins and the approximation of the local integrals. We introduce suitable choices for the binning functions such that a standard mean field approximation can be extended to a split mean field approximation without the need for extra derivations. The method can be seen as a revival of the ideas underlying the mixture mean field approach. The latter can be obtained as a special case by taking soft-max functions for the binning.
Retransmission ≠ repeat: simple retransmission permutation can resolve overlapping channel collisions

Collisions in overlapping channels can be a major problem in the deployment of high-speed OFDM networks. In this paper, we present Remap, a simple, novel paradigm for handling collisions in overlapping OFDM channels. Remap introduces a novel concept of retransmission permutation that permutes the bit-to-subcarrier assignment after each transmission, departing from the traditional, simply-repeat paradigm. Remap is simple to implement and able to exploit collision-free subcarriers to decode frames despite successive collisions in overlapping channels. We apply Remap to 802.11g to demonstrate that the diversity created by remapped frames can substantially improve decoding efficiency and improve wireless throughput. We implement our technique in software radio and demonstrate that it has potential to be deployed with simple software and firmware updates.
Mechanism of Enzymatic Adaptation in Genetically Controlled Yeast Populations.

discs thus limiting the range over which the facet number of Bar eyes can vary and (b) a group of labilely determined cells which may form either head chitin or facets depending upon the nature of the extrinsic and intrinsic environment determine where, within the possible range of variation of facet number, the facet number of a given eye will fall. The experiments reported in this paper were designed to test the applicability of this hypothesis to the development of Lobe2, Lobe4, Lobe5 and eyeless2. The data show that the development of these mutants may be adequately described by the theory.