Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An improved visual force algorithm for node deployment strategy in wireless sensor network

The effectiveness of cluster-based distributed sensor networks depends to a large extent on the coverage provided by the sensor deployment. In this paper, an improved visual forces based sensor deployment algorithm, namely URE-VFA (Uncovered Region Exploration and Visual Force Algorithm), is proposed to enhance the coverage after an initial random deployment of sensors. The new algorithm decides a new location on not only the combination of attractive and repulsive forces but the uncovered region around sensors. Once the effective sensor positions are identified, a onetime movement with energy consideration incorporated is carried out, i.e., the sensors are redeployed to these positions. Compared with the performance of VFA, the new algorithm provides better coverage than that by VFA in less number of iterations with the same number of sensor nodes. Compared with that of UREA, new algorithm reduces the average mobile distance of nodes so as to save energy consumption. The simulation shows this algorithm provides better coverage than that by VFA, and it reduces power consumption.
Low Side-Lobe Circularly-Polarized Phased Arrays Using a Random Sequential Rotation Technique

A novel technique is presented for sidelobe and axial ratio control of circularly-polarized phased array antennas. Although our new random sequential rotation (RSR) concept uses a regular periodic array grid, it provides similar properties as randomly-spaced array antennas. In this way, a wideband behavior is provided, without the appearance of grating lobes. In addition, the gain is maximized, since a uniform amplitude distribution is used. A 4 GHz prototype consisting of 16 aperture-coupled microstrip antennas with a beamformer was developed to demonstrate the basic properties of RSR array antennas. Although the element spacing is much larger than half a wavelength, well-controlled sidelobes are provided, even in the worst-case diagonal plane. The measured cross-polarization level at 4 GHz is below -20 dB at a 20-degree scan angle in the diagonal-plane.
Live substance in cyberspace — Biodriver system

The internet of bio-nanothings has become an important research topic last years, because of the broad opportunities for the new applications that it provides. The key problem which should be solved is a creation of its-bio interface for integration of the living substance into the cyberspace. This paper formulates the general conjugation principle of a living substance with an info-communication system, and develops an integrated system enabling quantitative and qualitative measurements of the certain processes occurring in living organism with a feedback. The study reveals the design of an integrated system and the way of interaction between components can be organized. Further, the paper reviews the medical health status indicators that can be used in an integrated system for analyzing the processes occurring in the body. Then, the possible applications as well as the open research problems are presented.
[The factors related to the prognosis of solitary hepatocellular carcinoma after radiofrequency ablation].

BACKGROUND/AIMS Several risk factors, such as size and location, are related to local recurrence after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The objectives of this study were to clarify factors related to prognosis. METHODS From October 1999 to December 2002, we performed RFA for 107 consecutive patients with solitary HCC. We evaluated spiral computed tomography and serum alpha-fetoprotein level every 3 months after RFA. Seven possible factors for prognosis were analyzed using the Cox proportional hazards regression model: tumor size, tumor location, age, sex, etiology, platelet count, and Child-Pugh classification. Overall survival and disease free survival rate were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and differences between two groups were compared using the log rank test. RESULTS The Kaplan-Meier estimates of overall survival after radiofrequency ablation were 90.5% at 12 months, 67.4% at 24 months and 46.4% at 36 months and disease free survival were 71.4%, 46.7% and 20.9%, respectively. Using the Cox proportional hazards regression model, it was shown that with regard to overall survival and disease free survival, Child-Pugh classification (P=0.001, P=0.026) and platelet count (P<0.001, P=0.002) were statistically significant factors. The other factors did not have a statistically significant relationship to overall survival and disease free survival. CONCLUSIONS The size and location known as local recurrence factors were not statistically significant with regard to survival and disease free survival. The Child-Pugh classification and platelet count, that reflect the liver function at the time of RFA, were significant factors for prognosis.
Time-course induction of apoptosis by wild-type and attenuated strains of rubella virus.

The time-course of rubella virus (RV)-induced apoptosis was studied in RK13 cells. DEVD-specific caspase activity assay and Western blotting for caspase-3 were used to determine the time-course of caspase activation and demonstrated that RV-induced apoptotic changes occur as early as 12 h post-infection (p.i.). Caspase activity followed a cyclic pattern, as seen with apoptotic-inducing drugs, with maximum activity detected at 72 h p.i. Apoptosis caused by wild-type (RN) and attenuated vaccine (Cendehill) strains of RV was compared by TUNEL staining, counting dead floating cells and DNA fragmentation analysis. Although the amount of apoptosis due to the wild-type strain was marginally greater, this was probably due to its faster growth rate.
Calculation of a pencil beam kernel from measured photon beam data.

Usually, pencil beam kernels for photon beam calculations are obtained by Monte Carlo calculations. In this paper, we present a method to derive a pencil beam kernel from measured beam data, i.e. central axis depth doses, phantom scatter factors and off-axis ratios. These data are usually available in a radiotherapy planning system. The differences from other similar works are: (a) the central part of the pencil beam is derived from the measured penumbra of large fields and (b) the dependence of the primary photon fluence on the depth caused by beam hardening in the phantom is taken into account. The calculated pencil beam will evidently be influenced by the methods and instruments used for measurement of the basic data set. This is of particular importance for an accurate prediction of the absorbed dose delivered by small fields. Comparisons with measurements show that the accuracy of the calculated dose distributions fits well in a 2% error interval in the open part of the field, and in a 2 mm isodose shift in the penumbra region.
Calculation of neutron cross sections and thermalization parameters for molecular gases using a synthetic scattering function. II. Applications to H2O, D2O, and C6H6.

The formulas derived from the synthetic model which were presented in the preceding paper are here applied to the evaluation of partial and total cross sections at thermal neutron energies for the commonly used moderators ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$O, ${\mathrm{D}}_{2}$O, and ${\mathrm{C}}_{6}$${\mathrm{H}}_{6}$. The results of our analytical expressions for the scattering kernels ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{0}$(${E}_{0}$,E) and ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{1}$(${E}_{0}$,E) are compared with standard code calculations for well-separated incident neutron energies ${E}_{0}$. The related integral quantities, total cross section \ensuremath{\sigma}(${E}_{0}$), and average cosine of the scattering angle 〈cos\ensuremath{\theta}(${E}_{0}$)〉, respectively, are also compared with experimental data and results from other theories. Within the framework of neutron diffusion theory, transport coefficients are readily evaluated using the model expressions and they are compared with available information over a wide range of temperatures.
Management of end hole in placement of port-catheter system for continuous hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy using the fixed catheter tip method.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of our study was to compare persistent hepatofugal blood flow in the gastroduodenal artery after implanting a port-catheter system for repeated hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy using either the original or the modified fixed catheter tip method. With the original method the lumen of the catheter tip is closed with a microcoil; with the modified method it is left open. Persistent hepatofugal blood flow can induce reactive gastric or duodenal mucosal lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS A port-catheter system with the catheter tip fixed to the gastroduodenal artery by embolic agents was percutaneously implanted in 156 patients (102 men, 54 women; mean age, 63.2 years) with unresectable liver cancer. In 98 patients the original method was used, and in 58 patients the modified method was used. Existence of persistent blood flow beyond the indwelling catheter tip as shown on arteriography via the port performed immediately and 2-10 days after port-catheter placement was compared between these two groups. RESULTS In all cases, percutaneous port-catheter placement was successfully performed. In one (1.0%) of 98 procedures involving the original method, the gastroduodenal artery was detected on arteriography just after implantation, compared with 23 (39.7%) of 58 procedures using the modified method. However, arteriography performed 2-10 days (mean, 5.02 days) after implantation detected the gastroduodenal artery in only one case. CONCLUSION This retrospective study indicates that closure of the end hole appears to occur spontaneously shortly after implantation. Thus, such closure is not always necessary to avoid persistent hepatofugal blood flow in the gastroduodenal artery.
CCN2 Is Necessary for Adhesive Responses to Transforming Growth Factor-β1 in Embryonic Fibroblasts*

CCN2 is induced by transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) in fibroblasts and is overexpressed in connective tissue disease. CCN2 has been proposed to be a downstream mediator of TGFβ action in fibroblasts; however, the role of CCN2 in regulating this process unclear. By using embryonic fibroblasts isolated from ccn2–/–mice, we showed that CCN2 is required for a subset of responses to TGFβ. Affymetrix genome-wide expression profiling revealed that 942 transcripts were induced by TGFβ greater than 2-fold in ccn2+/+ fibroblasts, of which 345 were not induced in ccn2–/–fibroblasts, including pro-adhesive and matrix remodeling genes. Whereas TGFβ properly induced a generic Smad3-responsive promoter in ccn2–/–fibroblasts, TGFβ-induced activation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and Akt was reduced in ccn2–/–fibroblasts. Emphasizing the importance of FAK and Akt activation in CCN2-dependent transcriptional responses to TGFβ in fibroblasts, CCN2-dependent transcripts were not induced by TGFβ in fak–/–fibroblasts and were reduced by wortmannin in wild-type fibroblasts. Akt1 overexpression in ccn2–/–fibroblasts rescued the TGFβ-induced transcription of CCN2-dependent mRNA. Finally, induction of TGFβ-induced fibroblast adhesion to fibronectin and type I collagen was significantly diminished in ccn2–/–fibroblasts. Thus in embryonic fibroblasts, CCN2 is a necessary cofactor required for TGFβ to activate the adhesive FAK/Akt/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase cascade, FAK/Akt-dependent genes, and adhesion to matrix.
Echelon Reorder Points, Installation Reorder Points, and the Value of Centralized Demand Information

We consider a serial inventory system with N stages. The material flows from an outside supplier to stage N, then to stage N - 1, etc., and finally to stage 1 where random customer demand arises. Each stage replenishes a stage-specific inventory position according to a stage-specific reorder point/order quantity policy. Two variations of this policy are considered. One is based on echelon stock, and the other installation stock. The former requires centralized demand information, while the latter does not. The relative cost difference between the two policies is called the value of centralized demand information. For fixed order quantities, we develop efficient algorithms for computing both the optimal echelon reorder points and the optimal installation reorder points. These algorithms enable us to conduct an extensive computational study to assess the value of centralized demand information and to understand how this value depends on several key system parameters, i.e., the number of stages, lead times, batch sizes, demand variability, and the desired level of customer service.
Calorimetry, Morphometry, Oxidative Stress, and Cardiac Metabolic Response to Growth Hormone Treatment in Obese and Aged Rats

This study investigated the effects of growth hormone therapy on energy expenditure, lipid profile, oxidative stress and cardiac energy metabolism in aging and obesity conditions. Life expectancy is increasing in world population and with it, the incidence of public health problems such as obesity and cardiac alterations. Because growth hormone (GH) concentration is referred to be decreased in aging conditions, a question must be addressed: what is the effect of GH on aging related adverse changes? To investigate the effects of GH on cardiac energy metabolism and its association with calorimetric parameters, lipid profile and oxidative stress in aged and obese rats, initially 32 male Wistar rats were divided into 2 groups (n=16), C: given standard-chow and water; H: given hypercaloric-chow and receiving 30% sucrose in its drinking water. After 45 days, both C and H groups were divided into 2 subgroups (n=8), C+PL: standard-chow, water, and receiving saline subcutaneously; C+GH: standard-chow, water, and receiving 2 mg/kg/day rhGH subcutaneously; H+PL: hypercaloric-chow, 30% sucrose, receiving saline subcutaneously; H+GH: hypercaloric-chow, 30% sucrose, receiving rhGH subcutaneously. After 30 days, C+GH and H+PL rats had higher body mass index, Lee-index, body fat content, percent-adiposity, serum triacylglycerol, cardiac lipid-hydroperoxide, and triacylglycerol than C+PL. Energy-expenditure (RMR)/body weight, oxygen consumption and fat-oxidation were higher in H+GH than in H+PL. LDL-cholesterol was highest in H+GH rats, whereas cardiac pyruvate-dehydrogenase and phosphofrutokinase were higher in H+GH and H+PL rats than in C+PL. In conclusion, the present study brought new insights on aging and obesity, demonstrating for the first time that GH therapy was harmful in aged and obesity conditions, impairing calorimetric parameters and lipid profile. GH was disadvantageous in control old rats, having undesirable effects on triacylglycerol accumulation and cardiac oxidative stress.
The research and application of the optimal operation based on improved genetic algorithm for small hydropower stations in ShaoGuan

This paper has analyzed the features about the small hydropower stations in ShaoGuan. Combines with the actual situation, the optimum mathematic model is built up. Through the research and improvement on traditional genetic algorithm, the calculating method of the model based on improved genetic algorithm is presented. At last, by calculating the example with two small hydropower stations, it proves this method which has great significance to enhance the efficiency and economy in Shaoguan power grid is practical and scientific. The model and the algorithm have been used in the ldquooptimal decision-making system in Shaoguan power gridrdquo which has been put into the real operation.
Optical Remote Sensor Calibration Using Micromachined Multiplexing Optical Focal Planes

Traditional calibration approaches for optical remote sensor are based on single-pixel illumination through collimated light using measuring angles. However, the vibration of rotating turntable and accuracy of angle measurement affect the calibration accuracy. In this paper, we propose a new geometrical calibration approach with micromachined multiplexing optical focal plane (MOFP) combined with a collimating device for optical remote sensor. A micromachined procedure is used to manufacture an MOFP using the optimized aperture size. The MOFP, which can produce only one image with multiple diffraction points to calibrate the interior parameters of optical remote senor, is applied as collimated light splitters. Experiments show that this method is sufficient and can be used particularly in ground applications, as well as, in principle, on-orbit calibration.
Identifying Environmental and Human Factors Associated With Tick Bites using Volunteered Reports and Frequent Pattern Mining

Tick populations and tick‐borne diseases like Lyme borreliosis have been steadily increasing since the mid‐1990s. Realizing the threat that ticks pose to public health, two Dutch citizen science projects have collected tick bite reports since 2006. This unique volunteered geographical dataset, which currently has nearly 35,000 reports, was used to identify environmental and other circumstantial factors associated with tick bites. For this, we first enriched the tick bite reports with temperature, precipitation, vegetation and volunteered data associated with the location of the tick bite. Using this enriched dataset, we then derived a series of features to characterize the environmental and volunteer‐related conditions in which each tick bite occurred. Next, we discretized these features using the Jenks Natural Breaks algorithm and, after that, we mined frequent environmental patterns associated with tick bites using the AprioriClose algorithm. Finally, we checked that these patterns are specifically associated with the tick bites by comparing them with the frequent patterns mined from pseudo‐random locations. The frequent patterns were visualized using heat maps and ring maps and two representative patterns associated with tick bites were projected into geographic space to study their spatio‐temporal distribution. Our results show that factors linked to human activity are more relevant to model tick bites than seasonal accumulations of temperature, vegetation or precipitation. In particular, the number of warm and dry days per season are present in a significant number of patterns and the majority of tick bites are produced within a distance of half a kilometer of a forest, recreational or built‐up area. The study of patterns in the time‐series revealed that there are several persistent patterns consistently occurring each year and the validation process showed that the volunteer tick bites collection is capturing environmental conditions associated with tick bites, suggesting that these reports have a high scientific value. These results support the creation of a Dutch tick bite risk map that, in turn, will open the door to the design of public health interventions to reduce the incidence of Lyme disease.
Design of Reversible Carry Skip Adder for Digital and Optical Circuits

In this paper, high speed carry skip adders for two different circuits were proposed. In the conventional structure of CSKA consists of a chain of ripple carry adder (RCA) block and 2:1 multiplexer. In the proposed structure, parallel prefix adder network is used to improve the speed and energy parameters. In addition to this the proposed structure called AND-OR-Invert (AOI) and OR-ANDInvert (OAI) gates are used for the skip logic and the Kogge-Stone adder is used. Kogge-stone adder is a type of parallel prefix. This design is used for digital circuits. In conventional digital circuits, a significant amount of energy is dissipated as the bits of information are lost during logical operations. Reversible logic is very important in low-power circuit design. This work proposes an optical reversible Carry-Skip Adder (CSKA) circuit. This design uses the Mach–Zehnder interferometers (MZI) due to its significant advantages such as high speed, low power, fast switching time and ease in fabrication. These CSKA designs use a minimum number of MZI switches. Finally, the comparison between these two circuits can be shown by using ModelSim software.
Signatures of Somatic Inhibition and Dendritic Excitation in Auditory Brainstem Field Potentials

Extracellular voltage recordings (Ve; field potentials) provide an accessible view of in vivo neural activity, but proper interpretation of field potentials is a long-standing challenge. Computational modeling can aid in identifying neural generators of field potentials. In the auditory brainstem of cats, spatial patterns of sound-evoked Ve can resemble, strikingly, Ve generated by current dipoles. Previously, we developed a biophysically-based model of a binaural brainstem nucleus, the medial superior olive (MSO), that accounts qualitatively for observed dipole-like Ve patterns in sustained responses to monaural tones with frequencies >∼1000 Hz (Goldwyn et al., 2014). We have observed, however, that Ve patterns in cats of both sexes appear more monopole-like for lower-frequency tones. Here, we enhance our theory to accurately reproduce dipole and non-dipole features of Ve responses to monaural tones with frequencies ranging from 600 to 1800 Hz. By applying our model to data, we estimate time courses of paired input currents to MSO neurons. We interpret these inputs as dendrite-targeting excitation and soma-targeting inhibition (the latter contributes non-dipole-like features to Ve responses). Aspects of inferred inputs are consistent with synaptic inputs to MSO neurons including the tendencies of inhibitory inputs to attenuate in response to high-frequency tones and to precede excitatory inputs. Importantly, our updated theory can be tested experimentally by blocking synaptic inputs. MSO neurons perform a critical role in sound localization and binaural hearing. By solving an inverse problem to uncover synaptic inputs from Ve patterns we provide a new perspective on MSO physiology. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Extracellular voltages (field potentials) are a common measure of brain activity. Ideally, one could infer from these data the activity of neurons and synapses that generate field potentials, but this “inverse problem” is not easily solved. We study brainstem field potentials in the region of the medial superior olive (MSO); a critical center in the auditory pathway. These field potentials exhibit distinctive spatial and temporal patterns in response to pure tone sounds. We use mathematical modeling in combination with physiological and anatomical knowledge of MSO neurons to plausibly explain how dendrite-targeting excitation and soma-targeting inhibition generate these field potentials. Inferring putative synaptic currents from field potentials advances our ability to study neural processing of sound in the MSO.