Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of core-continuity-constrained ROADMs for flex-grid/MCF optical networks

To effectively keep pace with the global IP traffic growth forecasted in the years to come, flex-grid over multi-core fiber (MCF) networks can bring superior spectrum utilization flexibility, as well as bandwidth scalability far beyond the non-linear Shannon's limit. In such a network scenario, however, full node switching re-configurability will require enormous node complexity, pushing the limits of current optical device technologies with prohibitive capital expenditures. Therefore, cost-effective node solutions will most probably be the key enablers of flex-grid/MCF networks, at least in the short- and mid-term future. In this context, this paper proposes a cost-effective reconfigurable optical add/drop multiplexer (ROADM) architecture for flex-grid/MCF networks, called CCC-ROADM, which reduces technological requirements (and associated costs) in exchange for demanding core continuity along the end-to-end communication. To assess the performance of the proposed CCC-ROADM in comparison with a fully flexible ROADM (i.e., a fully non-blocking ROADM, called FNB-ROADM in this work) in large-scale network scenarios, a novel lightweight heuristic to solve the route, modulation, core, and spectrum assignment problem in flex-grid/MCF networks is presented in this work, whose goodness is successfully validated against optimal ILP formulations previously proposed for the same goal. The obtained numerical results in a significant number of representative network topologies with different MCF configurations of 7, 12, and 19 cores show almost identical network performance in terms of maximum network throughput when deploying CCC-ROADMs versus FNB-ROADMs, while decreasing network capital expenditures to a large extent.
Formation and Properties of Laser-Induced Periodic Surface Structures on Different Glasses

The formation and properties of laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) was investigated on different technically relevant glasses including fused silica, borosilicate glass, and soda-lime-silicate glass under irradiation of fs-laser pulses characterized by a pulse duration τ = 300 fs and a laser wavelength λ = 1025 nm. For this purpose, LIPSS were fabricated in an air environment at normal incidence with different laser peak fluence, pulse number, and repetition frequency. The generated structures were characterized by using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, focused ion beam preparation and Fast-Fourier transformation. The results reveal the formation of LIPSS on all investigated glasses. LIPSS formation on soda-lime-silicate glass is determined by remarkable melt-formation as an intra-pulse effect. Differences between the different glasses concerning the appearing structures, their spatial period and their morphology were discussed based on the non-linear absorption behavior and the temperature-dependent viscosity. The findings facilitate the fabrication of tailored LIPSS-based surface structures on different technically relevant glasses that could be of particular interest for various applications.
Chaos synchronization between two identical restricted three body problem via active control and adaptive control method

This article presents the chaos synchronization problem of the restricted three body problem (RTBP) when the massive primary is supposed to be oblate spheroid and the smaller one is a uniform circular ring. The feedback controller for the stability of the closed-loop system are designed using the active control and adaptive control strategy. It is shown that the two methods have excellent performance, with the active control marginally outperforming the adaptive control in terms of transient analysis. Simulation results satisfy the theoretical findings. For validation of results by numerical simulations, the Mathematica 10 is used when the primaries are Saturn and Jupiter.
The Validity and Repeatability of the New Aniseikonia Test

Purpose. Aniseikonia has been traditionally measured using the New Aniseikonia Test (NAT) based on red/green anaglyphs. This study was designed to establish whether the NAT is a valid and reliable test. Methods. The NAT was tested on three groups of subjects: a control group (n = 45) and two groups of participants at risk of experiencing aniseikonia, those with anisometropia greater than or equal to 1.00 D (n = 29) and those with bilateral pseudophakia (n = 26). The validity of the test was established by comparing the measured aniseikonia with that simulated with size lenses in a double-blind study. Repeatability was evaluated by comparing the results obtained at two different time points. Results. Our results indicate that the NAT underestimates aniseikonia and more so in the horizontal than in the vertical direction. Repeatability was poor, although biases were clinically insignificant. However, the 95% limits of agreement were around ±2%. The behavior of the test was similar in the three groups of subjects. Conclusions. We conclude that the repeatability of the NAT is not very high and recommend that clinicians be cautious when interpreting the results of this test.
Heart rate detection: Fractional approach and empirical mode decomposition

The comparison of two methods used to separate electrocardiography and electromyography signals: Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD) and Fractional Order Calculus (FC) is presented. For quantitative evaluation, crest factor (CF) and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) values were calculated, where higher CF and SNR values were preferable. Results suggest that FC and EMD performance can be partially assessed by CF indicating better artifact cancellation with EMD approach by 9.72%. For FC and EMD, automatic fractional order application and intrinsic mode function selection were suggested and discussed, respectively. In summary, the results suggested that proposed filtering assessment should be enhanced for more appropriate FC and EMD method's assessment.
Fusion de systèmes pour la recherche de passages dans des textes

RÉSUMÉ Les systèmes de recherche d’information (RI) présentent une grande variabilité dans la liste des documents qu’ils retrouvent en réponse à une même requête. Dans cet article nous étudions l’apport de la fusion des résultats des systèmes pour la RI. Ainsi, nous utilisons les résultats obtenus sur un ensemble de 50 requêtes par différents systèmes qui ont participé à la tâche TREC de sélection de phrases pertinentes. Nous étudions la fusion par union et par intersection des résultats des systèmes, et nous montrons que la fusion aveugle apporte des améliorations peu sensibles. Nous étudions également une fusion plus “ intelligente ” des systèmes qui prend en considération la difficulté des requêtes et la variabilité des réponses des systèmes. ABSTRACT In this paper, we study different way of merging information retrieval system responses. Different methods are applied: while “blind” union and intersection does not improve the final results, we show that merging system responses according to query difficulty is a promising approach. We evaluate the methods on TREC Novelty track. MOTS-CLÉS : recherche d’information, fusion de systèmes, recherche de passages, information textuelle
DEK overexpression in uterine cervical cancers

The purpose of the present paper was to investigate the significance of DEK protein expression in uterine cervical lesions and its relationship with HPV infection status. DEK protein expression was studied in 253 cervical lesions, including 30 non‐neoplastic cervix with or without squamous metaplasia, 64 cervical intra‐epithelial neoplasias (CIN; CIN‐1, n = 28; CIN‐2, n = 17; CIN‐3, n = 19), 102 squamous cell carcinomas (SCC), 51 adenocarcinomas, and six adenosquamous cell carcinomas (adenoSCC) on immunohistochemistry. For comparison, HPV‐positive and ‐negative cervical cancer cell lines were also included. The HPV screening was performed using TaKaRa polymerase chain reaction. On immunohistochemistry DEK was found to be negative in all 30 non‐neoplastic cervical epithelia, but it was positive in 96.1% of SCC (98/102), 92.2% of adenocarcinomas (47/51), 100% of adenoSCC (6/6), 85.7% of CIN‐1 (24/28), 94.1% of CIN‐2 (16/17), and 89.5% of CIN‐3 (17/19). There was no significant difference between HPV‐positive and ‐negative cervical lesions. Also, strongly positive staining was observed in all aforementioned cervical cancer cell lines regardless of HPV infection, according to immunocytochemistry. In summary, DEK plays an important role in the carcinogenesis of cervical cancers, and can be helpful for early diagnosis, and is a potential therapeutic target.
Investigation of Temperature-Dependent High-Frequency Noise Characteristics for Deep-Submicrometer Bulk and SOI MOSFETs

The temperature dependence of high-frequency noise characteristics for deep-submicrometer bulk and silicon-on-insulator (SOI) MOSFETs has been experimentally examined in this paper. With the downscaling of the channel length, our paper indicates that the power spectral density of the channel noise (Sid) of the bulk MOSFET becomes less sensitive to temperature due to the smaller degradation of the channel conductance at zero drain bias gd0 as temperature rises. We also show that the SOI-specific floating-body and self-heating effects would result in higher white-noise gamma factor. Finally, for both the bulk and SOI MOSFETs, since transconductance gm significantly decreases as temperature increases, their minimum noise figure NFmin and equivalent noise resistance Rn would degrade with increasing temperature.
Dynamic 3D models with local and global deformations: deformable superquadrics

A physically-based approach is presented to fitting complex 3D shapes using a novel class of dynamic models. These models can deform both locally and globally. The authors formulate deformable superquadrics which incorporate the global shape parameters of a conventional superellipsoid with the local degrees of freedom of a spline. The local/global representational power of a deformable superquadric simultaneously satisfies the conflicting requirements of shape reconstruction and shape recognition. The model's six global deformational degrees of freedom capture gross shape features from visual data and provide salient part descriptors for efficient indexing into a database of stored models. Model fitting experiments involving 2D monocular image data and 3D range data are reported. <<ETX>>
Herpes Simplex Virus Glycoprotein B Associates with Target Membranes via Its Fusion Loops

ABSTRACT Herpes simplex virus (HSV) glycoproteins gB, gD, and gH/gL are necessary and sufficient for virus entry into cells. Structural features of gB are similar to those of vesicular stomatitis virus G and baculovirus gp64, and together they define the new class III group of fusion proteins. Previously, we used mutagenesis to show that three hydrophobic residues (W174, Y179, and A261) within the putative gB fusion loops are integral to gB function. Here we expanded our analysis, using site-directed mutagenesis of each residue in both gB fusion loops. Mutation of most of the nonpolar or hydrophobic amino acids (W174, F175, G176, Y179, and A261) had severe effects on gB function in cell-cell fusion and null virus complementation assays. Of the six charged amino acids, mutation of H263 or R264 also negatively affected gB function. To further analyze the mutants, we cloned the ectodomains of the W174R, Y179S, H263A, and R264A mutants into a baculovirus expression system and compared them with the wild-type (WT) form, gB730t. As shown previously, gB730t blocks virus entry into cells, suggesting that gB730t competes with virion gB for a cell receptor. All four mutant proteins retained this function, implying that fusion loop activity is separate from gB-receptor binding. However, unlike WT gB730t, the mutant proteins displayed reduced binding to cells and were either impaired or unable to bind naked, cholesterol-enriched liposomes, suggesting that it may be gB-lipid binding that is disrupted by the mutations. Furthermore, monoclonal antibodies with epitopes proximal to the fusion loops abrogated gB-liposome binding. Taken together, our data suggest that gB associates with lipid membranes via a fusion domain of key hydrophobic and hydrophilic residues and that this domain associates with lipid membranes during fusion.
Focus+context map labeling with optimized clutter reduction

ABSTRACT Zooming is a basic operation that many digital maps support for exploring them interactively. Especially for maps on small screen devices, this is a helpful operation to uncover the user's region of interest possibly hidden by labels, e.g. points of interest represented by icons. However, by scaling the map larger the user loses the context. As a consequent the user might need to repeatedly zoom in and out to explore the map step by step.We present an approach that reduces the necessity of zooming by providing the user with the possibility of displacing the labels of a circular focus region. To that end, we utilize techniques from focus+context maps implementing the displacement of the labels by fish-eye projections. The visual association between labels and their point features is established by connecting lines aggregated to bundles. Our approach particularly guarantees that labels move smoothly when the user continuously shifts the focus region, which reduces distracting flickering effects while exploring the map by panning the map view. Further, when the user stops moving the focus region, mathematical programming is applied to optimize positions of the displaced labels. In an evaluation on real-world data and synthetically generated data, we show that our approach substantially increases the legibility of both the focus region and the displaced labels.
Modelling and analysis of type 4 wind turbine generator system for utilization in frequency regulation studies

Green energy targets for coming decades advocates high penetration of wind energy in main energy matrix which also pose incendiary threat to stability and reliability of modern electric grid if their dynamic performance aspects are not assessed beforehand. Considering increasing interest in dynamic performance along with ancillary service assessment related to frequency regulation, development of suitable generic modeling has gained high priority. This paper presents modeling of type 4 full converter wind turbine generator system suitable for frequency regulation focusing on active power control. Complete model is a modification of WECC generic model with additional aerodynamic and pitch control model. Descriptions of individual sub models are presented and performance results are compared manufacturer specific GE type 4 WTG generic model by means of simulations in the MATLAB ® Power System Block set.
The Alcaligenes eutrophus protein HoxN mediates nickel transport in Escherichia coli

HoxN, an integral membrane protein with seven transmembrane helices and a molecular mass of 33.1 kDa, is involved in high-affinity nickel transport in Alcaligenes eutrophus H16. From genetic analyses, it has been concluded that HoxN is a single-component ion carrier. To investigate this assumption, hoxN was introduced into Escherichia coli. The recombinant strain showed significantly enhanced nickel uptake in a short-interval assay. Likewise, growth in the presence of 63NiCl2 yielded a more than 15-fold-increased cellular nickel content. The HoxN-based nickel transport activity could also be demonstrated in a physiological assay: an E. coli strain coexpressing hoxN and the urease operon of Klebsiella aerogenes exhibited urease activity 10-fold greater than that in the strain lacking a functional hoxN. These results strongly suggest that HoxN is sufficient to operate as a nickel permease. Multiple sequence alignment of HoxN and four other bacterial membrane proteins implicated in nickel metabolism revealed two conserved signatures which may play a role in the nickel translocation process.
Deoxyribonucleic acid homologies among strains of Bacteroides melaninogenicus and related species.

Saccharolytic, black-pigmented Bacteroides strains, which at present belong to the species Bacteroides melaninogenicus were classified on the basis of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) base ratios and DNA hybridization studies. These strains were divided into several DNA homology groups, which showed no or low mutual DNA homology. A DNA homology group with a percentage guanine plus cytosine (G + C) of 42–43% was formed by three strains of Bact. melaninogenicus subsp. melaninogenicus; the type strain of this subspecies, strain ATCC 25845, had about 60% DNA homology with this group. Strain ATCC 15930, which has been assigned to this subspecies, had a percentage G + C of 47% and showed no DNA homology with the former group. All strains of Bact. melaninogenicus subsp. intermedius had a percentage G + C of 39–45%. A DNA homology group was formed by eight strains of this subspecies. The type strain of Bact. melaninogenicus subsp. intermedius, ATCC 25611, showed relatively low DNA homology with this main DNA homology group. A strain of Bact. melaninogenicus subsp. intermedius serotype C1 showed no DNA homology with the other strains tested. Furthermore two strains labelled ‘Bact. melaninogenicus subsp. levii’ were found to form a distinct DNA homology group. On the basis of the DNA homology results, the strains, which at present are classified in the species Bact. melaninogenicus, were clearly distinguished from strains of Bact. asaccharolyticus and Bact. gingivalis, and also from strains of related non-pigmented Bacteroides species.
Onset of superconductivity in the two-dimensional limit.

The onset of superconductivity in homogeneous ultrathin films is found to occur when their normal-state sheet resistance falls below a value close to h/4e/sup 2/, the quantum resistance for pairs. The data further suggest that in the T. -->. 0 limit such films are either superconducting or insulating. The existence of a threshold in systems which are not granular implies that its explanation involves more general arguments than those which follow from the modeling of films by Josephson-coupled arrays.
Evaluation of pimobendan and N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension secondary to degenerative mitral valve disease in dogs.

BACKGROUND Pimobendan is a positive inotrope and vasodilator that may be useful in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension (PHT) secondary to degenerative mitral valve disease. HYPOTHESIS Pimobendan decreases the severity of PHT measured echocardiographically and improves quality-of-life scores. Changes in N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) concentrations will reflect improvement in severity of PHT. ANIMALS Ten client-owned dogs with peak tricuspid regurgitant flow velocity (TRFV) > or =3.5 m/s. METHODS Prospective short-term, double-blinded, crossover design, with a long-term, open-label component. Short term, dogs were randomly allocated to receive either placebo or pimobendan (0.18-0.3 mg/kg PO q12 h) for 14 days. After a 1-week washout, they received the alternative treatment for 14 days, followed by pimobendan open-label for 8 weeks. RESULTS Short-term comparison: peak TRFV decreased in all dogs on pimobendan compared with placebo from a median of 4.40 (range, 3.2-5.6) to 3.75 (range, 2.4-4.8) m/s (P < .0001). NT-proBNP concentration decreased after treatment with pimobendan from a median of 2,143 (range, 450-3,981) to 1,329 (range, 123-2,411) pmol/L (P= .0009). All dogs improved their quality-of-life score (P= .006). In the long-term comparisons, peak TRFV decreased in all dogs from a median of 4.28 (range, 3.5-5.7) to 3.52 (range, 2.4-5.0) m/s (P < .0001). No significant changes in NT-proBNP or quality-of-life scores were detected. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Pimobendan lowered severity of measurable PHT, improved quality-of-life scores, and decreased NT-proBNP concentrations short-term. Long term, only the reduction in TRFV was maintained.
Games of Lives in Surviving Childhood Brain Tumors

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the commonality of the lived experience of adolescent and young adult survivors (AYAS) of brain tumors in Taiwan from a sociocultural perspective. Seven AYAS aged 13 to 22 years, who had survived 5 to 10 years from the time of diagnosis, participated in this study. In consideration of their emotional duress, each participant was interviewed only once. The data revealed an essential structure: the game of life. The essential structure included six themes as follows: (a) no longer playing well, (b) wandering on the outer edges of social life, (c) helplessly struggling with role obligations, (d) rationally regulating the meaning of surviving, (e) winning a new social face, and (f) mastering the game of life. The findings suggest how nurses might help AYAS to succeed in psychosocial adjustment.
Tests of the right shift genetic model for two new samples of family handedness and for the data of McKeever (2000)

Two new family samples are described for handedness in parents and children. In the first sample, drawn from the general population, questionnaires were completed for each individual (a self-report sample). In the second sample students completed a handedness questionnaire and described the handedness of their parents (indirect report sample). The percentages of left-handed children in the various family types (R×R, R×L etc., father×mother) were tested for goodness of fit to the predictions of the right shift genetic model, along with tests for the findings of McKeever (2000). Fits for the self-report sample were good for all family types. For the indirect report sample fits were good for many family types but there were more left-handed daughters than expected in R×L families and fewer than expected in L×R families. In the McKeever sample there was a shortfall of sons in L×R families but the fit for sons in R×L families was excellent. It is concluded that differences between samples here, and in the literature, are variable and probably due to sampling errors when the assessment of parental handedness depends on indirect report. Findings for sex differences do not suggest a need for hypotheses about X-linked mechanisms.
Characterization of a Novel Avian Avulavirus 1 of Class I isolated from a Mute Swan (Cygnus Olor) in Macedonia in 2012

Abstract Avian avulavirus type 1 (AAvV-1) belongs to the family Paramyxoviridae, genus Avulavirus. Even though belonging to a single serotype, there is great genetic variability between these viruses. On the basis of the available complete fusion (F) gene and whole genome sequences and using the genotype classification system, AAvV-1 viruses are divided in two major groups: class I and class II. Class I viruses are predominantly avirulent viruses and majority of the isolations come from waterfowl and domestic poultry from live bird markets in USA and China although isolations from wild birds are reported globally. In our study we used classical, molecular and phylogenetic tools to characterize an AAvV-1 isolated from a mute swan in Macedonia. Based on the complete F gene sequence, we have concluded that the virus designated as AAvV-1/mute swan/Macedonia/546/2012 (KP123431) belongs to the class I of AAvV-1 with an avirulent cleavage site motif 112ERQER*L117. The virus could not be assigned to any of the four currently existing subgenotypes (1a, 1b, 1c or 1d) of the single genotype 1 of class I viruses. Two distant viruses, isolated from goose in Alaska in 1991 and from goose in Ohio in 1987, shared the highest nucleotide sequence identity of the complete F gene with the isolate in our study: 92.7% and 92.8%, respectively. This is the first report of isolation of class I AAvV-1 in Southeastern Europe. The asymptomatic nature and the underreporting of sequences from the class I viruses impede the understanding of the molecular epidemiology and evolution of this group of viruses.