Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fractional Network-Based Control for Vehicle Speed Adaptation via Vehicle-to-Infrastructure Communications

This paper addresses the problem of e-safety driving in urban areas, where the principal limiting factor is vehicle-to-vehicle or vehicle-to-infrastructure communications. Time-varying network-induced delays constitute the main concern of networked control systems since they may negatively affect the velocity control of a vehicle at low speeds and consequently cause an accident. A system to adapt the vehicle's speed to avoid or mitigate possible accidents has been developed. In particular, gain scheduling is used in a local fractional-order proportional integral controller to compensate the effects of delay. Experimental results on a prototype Citroën vehicle in a real environment are presented, which demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed system.
Design of an Integrated Web Services Brokering System

This article describes an Integrated Web Services Brokering System (IWB) to support the automated discovery and application integration of Web Services. In contrast to more static broker approaches that deal with specific data servers, our approach creates a dynamic knowledge base from Web Service interface specifications. This assists with brokering of requests to multiple data providers even when those providers have not implemented a community standard interface or have implemented different versions of a community standard interface. A specific context we illustrate here is the domain of meteorological and oceanographic (MetOc) Web Services. Our approach includes the use of specific domain ontologies and has evaluated the use of case-based classification in the IWB to support automated Web Services discovery. It was also demonstrated that the mediation approach could be extended to OGC Web Coverage Services.
THE EFFECTS OF ACHIEVEMENT MOTIVATION ON RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN DEPRESSION AND SOCIAL SUPPORT

Two surveys were carried out on university students (study 1 : 116 males and 120 females ; study 2 : 140 males and 105 females) in order to verify 1 ; achievement motive stand concerning relationship between depression and social support ; 2 : the two aspects of achievement motive (self-fulfilmentive achievement motive and competitive achievement motive) effects differently on the relationship between depression , and 3 : the two factors ('depression' and '`ochikomi'****) in depression . As results, the following findings were obtained : 1. A person with a high self-fulfilmentive achieve ment motive may experience 'ochikomi' in everyday life , but when he / she makes use of social support, the fact that he / she has a high self-fulfilmentive achievement motive acts effectively, showing a significant negative correlation with depression . 2. A person with a high competitive achievement motive has a significant positive correlation with 'ochikomi'****, and may depend on social support as a result of ' ochikomi'****. However, no correlation with depression are seen , and the competitive achievement motive is proved ineffective in the utilization of social support .
Knowledge-Based Interpretation of Toxoplasmosis Serology Test Results Including Fuzzy Temporal Concepts - The ToxoNet System

Transplacental transmission of Toxoplasma gondii from an infected, pregnant woman to the unborn that occurs with a probability of about 60 percent [1] results in fetal damage to a degree depending on the gestational age. The computer system ToxoNet processes the results of serological antibody tests having been performed during pregnancy by means of a knowledge base containing medical knowledge on the interpretation of Toxoplasmosis serology tests. By applying this knowledge ToxoNet generates interpretive reports consisting of a diagnostic interpretation and recommendations for therapy and further testing. For that purpose it matches the results of all serological investigations of maternal blood with the content of the knowledge base returning complete textual interpretations for all given findings. The interpretation algorithm derives the stage of maternal infection from these that is used to infer the degree of fetal threat. To consider varying immune responses of particular patients, certain time intervals have to be kept between two subsequent tests in order to guarantee a correct interpretation of the test results. These time intervals are modelled as fuzzy sets, since they allow the formal description of the temporal uncertainties. ToxoNet comprises the knowledge base, an interpretation system, and a program for the creation and modification of the knowledge base. It is available from the World Wide Web by starting a standard browser like the Internet Explorer or the Netscape Navigator. Thus ToxoNet supports the physician in Toxoplasmosis diagnostics and in addition allows to adopt the way of making decisions to the characteristics of the particular laboratory by modifying the underlying knowledge base.
R2-TSV: A Repairable and Reliable TSV Set Structure Reutilizing Redundancies

Recently, three-dimensional integrated circuit (3-D IC) design has attracted much attention, and the reliability of these systems has become increasingly important. In this paper, a new repairable and reliable through-silicon via (TSV) set structure is proposed. This proposed TSV set structure can be applied to the previous TSV repair structures which require TSV redundancies, and detects a defect or error reutilizing residual TSV redundancies for high reliability of 3-D ICs. Both online test and soft error detection/analysis are supported by the proposed approach. Furthermore, a redundancy-sharing structure is introduced to guarantee a balanced detection rate among TSV sets and a reasonable full detection rate. The experimental results prove that the new approach guarantees high redundancy utilization efficiency and reliability of TSV. Also, they show that defect or error detection is achieved by the proposed TSV set structure.
Influence of spring and autumn phenological transitions on forest ecosystem productivity

We use eddy covariance measurements of net ecosystem productivity (NEP) from 21 FLUXNET sites (153 site-years of data) to investigate relationships between phenology and productivity (in terms of both NEP and gross ecosystem photosynthesis, GEP) in temperate and boreal forests. Results are used to evaluate the plausibility of four different conceptual models. Phenological indicators were derived from the eddy covariance time series, and from remote sensing and models. We examine spatial patterns (across sites) and temporal patterns (across years); an important conclusion is that it is likely that neither of these accurately represents how productivity will respond to future phenological shifts resulting from ongoing climate change. In spring and autumn, increased GEP resulting from an ‘extra’ day tends to be offset by concurrent, but smaller, increases in ecosystem respiration, and thus the effect on NEP is still positive. Spring productivity anomalies appear to have carry-over effects that translate to productivity anomalies in the following autumn, but it is not clear that these result directly from phenological anomalies. Finally, the productivity of evergreen needleleaf forests is less sensitive to phenology than is productivity of deciduous broadleaf forests. This has implications for how climate change may drive shifts in competition within mixed-species stands.
Phylogenetic Relationships ofCryptosporidium Parasites Based on the 70-Kilodalton Heat Shock Protein (HSP70) Gene

ABSTRACT We have characterized the nucleotide sequences of the 70-kDa heat shock protein (HSP70) genes of Cryptosporidium baileyi,C. felis, C. meleagridis, C. muris,C. serpentis, C. wrairi, and C. parvum from various animals. Results of the phylogenetic analysis revealed the presence of several genetically distinct species in the genus Cryptosporidium and eight distinct genotypes within the species C. parvum. Some of the latter may represent cryptic species. The phylogenetic tree constructed from these sequences is in agreement with our previous results based on the small-subunit rRNA genes of Cryptosporidium parasites. TheCryptosporidium species formed two major clades: isolates of C. muris and C. serpentis formed the first major group, while isolates of C. felis, C. meleagridis, C. wrairi, and eight genotypes ofC. parvum formed the second major group. Sequence variations were also observed between C. muris isolates from ruminants and rodents. The HSP70 gene provides another useful locus for phylogenetic analysis of the genusCryptosporidium.
Can Teachers “Lean in”? Family Responsibilities Discrimination

This qualitative study uses grounded theory to explore family responsibilities discrimination (FRD) as it relates to school teacher discretion at work and at home, and career advancement within the context of leaning in. The results of the analysis of the data from semi-structured interviews and exit surveys provide preliminary evidence that teachers’ discretion is affected by their family responsibilities and perception of FRD, and that career advancement is directly and indirectly affected by FRD. Impediments to school teachers’ willingness and ability to lean in are identified as themes, and suggestions are offered to improve workplace rights for teachers with family responsibilities.
Graph matching with subdivision surfaces for texture synthesis on surfaces

Existing texture synthesis-from example strategies for polygon meshes typically make use of three components: a multi-resolution mesh hierarchy that allows the overall nature of the pattern to be reproduced before filling in detail; a matching strategy that extends the synthesized texture using the best fit from a texture sample; and a transfer mechanism that copies the selected portion of the texture sample to the target surface. We introduce novel alternatives for each of these components. Use of √2-subdivision surfaces provides the mesh hierarchy and allows fine control over the surface complexity. Adaptive subdivision is used to create an even vertex distribution over the surface. Use of the graph defined by a surface region for matching, rather than a regular texture neighbourhood, provides for flexible control over the scale of the texture and allows simultaneous matching against multiple levels of an image pyramid created from the texture sample. We use graph cuts for texture transfer, adapting this scheme to the context of surface synthesis. The resulting surface textures are realistic, tolerant of local mesh detail and are comparable to results produced by texture neighbourhood sampling approaches.
Flavin-Induced Oligomerization in Escherichia coli Adaptive Response Protein AidB

The process known as “adaptive response” allows Escherichia coli to respond to small doses of DNA-methylating agents by upregulating the expression of four proteins. While the role of three of these proteins in mitigating DNA damage is well understood, the function of AidB is less clear. Although AidB is a flavoprotein, no catalytic role has been established for the bound cofactor. Here we investigate the possibility that flavin plays a structural role in the assembly of the AidB tetramer. We report the generation and biophysical characterization of deflavinated AidB and of an AidB mutant that has greatly reduced affinity for flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD). Using fluorescence quenching and analytical ultracentrifugation, we find that apo AidB has a high affinity for FAD, as indicated by an apparent dissociation constant of 402.1 ± 35.1 nM, and that binding of substoichiometric amounts of FAD triggers a transition in the AidB oligomeric state. In particular, deflavinated AidB is dimeric, whereas the addition of FAD yields a tetramer. We further investigate the dimerization and tetramerization interfaces of AidB by determining a 2.8 Å resolution crystal structure in space group P32 that contains three intact tetramers in the asymmetric unit. Taken together, our findings provide strong evidence that FAD plays a structural role in the formation of tetrameric AidB.
Guidelines for the Management of Intravascular Catheter-Related Infections

These guidelines from the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), the American College of Critical Care Medicine (for the Society of Critical Care Medicine), and the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America contain recommendations for the management of adults and children with, and diagnosis of infections related to, peripheral and nontunneled central venous catheters (CVCs), pulmonary artery catheters, tunneled central catheters, and implantable devices. The guidelines, written for clinicians, contain IDSA evidence-based recommendations for assessment of the quality and strength of the data. Recommendations are presented according to the type of catheter, the infecting organism, and the associated complications. Intravascular catheter-related infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Coagulase-negative staphylococci, Staphylococcus aureus, aerobic gram-negative bacilli, and Candida albicans most commonly cause catheter-related bloodstream infection. Management of catheter-related infection varies according to the type of catheter involved. After appropriate cultures of blood and catheter samples are done, empirical iv antimicrobial therapy should be initiated on the basis of clinical clues, the severity of the patient's acute illness, underlying disease, and the potential pathogen (s) involved. In most cases of nontunneled CVC-related bacteremia and fungemia, the CVC should be removed.
Integral Theory

Abstract In light of the recent symposium, this paper analyses integral theory through original and dialectical critical realism. This paper maintains that integral theory is unable to sustain its critique against modernity and postmodernity as a result of the adoption of Kantian, Hegelian and Heideggerian ontology. The resulting actualism and structure perpetrates ontological violence, as it attempts to resolve the problems of modernity and postmodernity. An adoption of critical realism as underlabourer would call into question many of the theoretical underpinnings of integral theory resulting in a serious re-evaluation of its core features.
Distinct patterns of expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, and endothelial-leukocyte adhesion molecule-1 in renal disease.

BACKGROUND We have conducted an immunohistochemical analysis to investigate the presence of cellular adhesion molecules in normal and diseased human kidneys. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN A total of 44 renal biopsies were classified in eight groups according to pathologic diagnosis. Using immunohistochemistry, microscopical evaluation by two observers in a blinded fashion, and statistical analysis (p < 0.01), significant changes in the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, and endothelial-leukocyte adhesion molecule-1 were evaluated in diseased versus normal kidneys. RESULTS Small caliber vessels, such as peritubular and interstitial capillaries remained negative or showed decreased expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1. Upregulation of this molecule was seen only on the endothelium of interstitial arterioles and venules of diseased kidneys. Expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 was significantly increased on parietal epithelium of glomeruli in membranous nephropathy and Henoch-Schönlein purpura, on mesangium in Henoch-Schönlein purpura, membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis and IgA nephropathy, and in small interstitial vessels in membranous nephropathy and membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis. Interstitial infiltrates contained only few intercellular adhesion molecule-1-positive cells in Henoch-Schönlein purpura and IgA nephropathy. Kidneys with lupus nephritis and Henoch-Schönlein purpura demonstrated an increase of endothelial-leukocyte adhesion molecule-1 on parietal epithelium of glomeruli and on tubular epithelium. In membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, this increase was seen only on parietal epithelium of glomeruli. CONCLUSIONS These results show for the first time (a) endothelial vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 induction in various glomerulonephritides and (b) endothelial-leukocyte adhesion molecule-1 induction in the kidney. Complementary to earlier in vitro work, our findings indicate that these molecules play distinct roles in the pathogenesis of immune-mediated renal disease.
Game Theoretic Research on the Design of International Environmental Agreements: Insights, Critical Remarks, and Future Challenges

In recent years, the number of publications that analyze the formation and stability of international environmental agreements (IEAs) using the method of game theory has sharply increased. This paper reports on some recent results that shall demonstrate the usefulness but also the limitation of game theory for the analysis of IEAs. It restricts attention to the class of non-cooperative membership models and focuses on the relation between different designs and the success of IEAs. Results are illustrated for the climate change problem with the empirical Stability of Coalitions (STACO) model developed by Dellink et al. (2004). Subsequently, some features of actual treaty-making not considered with this model are discussed with reference to the literature and their importance for future research is highlighted.
Width and Serialization of Classical Planning Problems

We introduce a width parameter that bounds the complexity of classical planning problems and domains, along with a simple but effective blind-search procedure that runs in time that is exponential in the problem width. We show that many benchmark domains have a bounded and small width provided that goals are restricted to single atoms, and hence that such problems are provably solvable in low polynomial time. We then focus on the practical value of these ideas over the existing benchmarks which feature conjunctive goals. We show that the blind-search procedure can be used for both serializing the goal into subgoals and for solving the resulting problems, resulting in a 'blind' planner that competes well with a best-first search planner guided by state-of-the-art heuristics. In addition, ideas like helpful actions and landmarks can be integrated as well, producing a planner with state-of-the-art performance.
High-Density Lipoprotein Stimulates Myocardial Perfusion In Vivo

Background—Several clinical studies have demonstrated a close association between plasma HDL cholesterol levels and endothelium-dependent vasodilation in peripheral arteries. In isolated arteries, HDL has been shown to mediate vasodilation via NO release. In vivo, administration of reconstituted HDL restored abnormal endothelial function of the brachial artery in hypercholesterolemic patients. However, no data are currently available on the effect of HDL on myocardial perfusion. Methods and Results—In this study, administration of human HDL enhanced incorporation of the perfusion tracer 99mTc-methoxyisobutylisonitrile (99mTc-MIBI) into the murine heart in vivo by ≈18%. This increase was completely abolished in mice deficient for endothelial NO synthase. Because we have recently identified sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) as an important vasoactive component contained in HDL, we measured myocardial perfusion after administration of S1P in vivo. We observed an ≈25% decrease in myocardial MIBI uptake, which was abolished in mice deficient for the S1P receptor S1P3. In S1P3−/− mice, the stimulatory effect of HDL on myocardial perfusion was preserved. Conclusions—HDL increased myocardial perfusion under basal conditions in vivo via NO-dependent mechanisms, whereas S1P inhibited myocardial perfusion through the S1P3 receptor. Thus, HDL may reduce coronary risk via direct NO-mediated vasodilatory effects on the coronary circulation.
The role of extracellular matrix in vascular branching morphogenesis

Angiogenesis requires the development of a hierarchically branched network of vessels, which undergoes radial expansion and anastomosis to form a close circuit. Branching is achieved by coordinated behavior of endothelial cells that organize into leading “tip” cells and trailing “stalk” cells. Such organization is under control of the Dll4-Notch signaling pathway, which sets a hierarchy in receptiveness of cells to VEGF-A. Recent studies have shed light on a control of the Notch pathway by basement membrane proteins and integrin signaling, disclosing that extracellular matrix exerts active control on vascular branching morphogenesis. We will survey in the present review how extracellular matrix is a multifaceted substrate, which behind a classical structural role hides a powerful conductor function to shape the branching pattern of vessels.
Age at sexual debut in South Africa

It is important to understand the age at which sexual relations start in designing HIV prevention strategies. Most studies on age of sexual activity of young people provide estimated percentages of those that are sexually active in specific age groups, and tend either to not provide data for age at sexual debut, or to overlook the complexities of analysing data concerning sexual debut. This study considers the rate of entry into sexual relations in South Africa by providing the median age of women at time of first sexual relations as well as other percentiles, and analyses the hypothesis that age at sexual debut has been falling. The analysis uses data from the 1998 South African Demographic and Health Survey, including a nationally representative sample of 11 735 women, aged 15 to 49, interviewed in 1998. The analysis uses life-table techniques and multivariate analysis. About 8% of the respondents had had sex by age 15. The median age at time of first sex was approximately 18 years, and virtually all the women had had sex by age 23. There is evidence that the peak of the rate of entry into sexual relations occurs at age 18 and that younger cohorts of women are entering sexual relations at a younger age. The rate of entry into sexual relations is 14% to 20% faster for the younger cohorts, based on information given by the older respondents concerning their own behaviour at the same age. Age of entry into sexual relations of the women who participated in this study is compared to findings of demographic and health surveys in Tanzania and Zimbabwe, and rates of entry into marriage are also presented. The lag between entry into sexual relations and rate of entry into marriage is compared across countries. It appears that, whereas South Africans tend to enter into sexual relations later than Tanzanian counterparts and more or less at the same stage as Zimbabweans, their rates of entry into marriage are hugely delayed. The consequences for HIV infection control are discussed.