Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Output Synchronization of Networked Passive Systems With Event-Driven Communication

In this note, we study the output synchronization problem of networked passive systems with event-driven communication, in which the information exchange among the coupled agents are event-based rather than pre-scheduled periodically. We propose a setup for the interconnected agents to achieve output synchronization with event-driven communication in the presence of constant communication delays. The results presented here are important extensions of applying event-driven communication to control of multi-agent systems, especially when it is difficult to derive a common upper bound on the admissible network induced delays, or when the network induced delays between coupled agents are larger than the inter-event time implicitly determined by the event-triggering condition.
Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children 4th edition‐Chinese version index scores in Taiwanese children with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder

The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children 4th edition‐Chinese version (WISC‐IV‐Chinese) has been in clinical use in Taiwan since 2007. Research is needed to determine how the WISC‐IV, modified from its earlier version, will affect its interpretation in clinical practice in a Mandarin‐speaking context.
Cardiorespiratory effects on default‐mode network activity as measured with fMRI

The default‐mode network (DMN) consists of areas showing more activation during rest than during a task. Several authors propose some form of cognitive processing to underlie BOLD signal changes in the DMN as activity within the network is modulated by the level of effort required by the task and is positively correlated with self‐referential processing. Alternatively, BOLD signal changes within the DMN may be caused by cardiorespiratory processes (CR) affecting BOLD signal measurements independent of neuronal activity. The goal of this study is to investigate whether BOLD signal changes within the DMN can be explained by CR effects. To this aim, brain activity, heartbeat, and respiration are measured during resting‐state and while subjects perform a cognitive task with a high‐ and low‐demand condition. To correct for CR effects we used RETROICOR (Glover et al., [ 2000 ]: Magn Reson Med 44:162–167) in combination with additive linear modeling of changes due to respiration volume, heart rate and heart rate variability. CR effects were present within the frequency‐range of the DMN and were located in areas of the DMN, but equally so in other areas. After removal of CR effects, deactivation and resting‐state connectivity between the areas of the DMN remained significant. In addition, DMN deactivation was still modulated by task demand. The same CR correction method did remove activation in task‐related areas. We take these results to indicate that the BOLD signal within the DMN cannot be explained by CR effects alone and is possibly related to some form of cognitive neuronal processing. Hum Brain Mapp, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The effect of damaged skin barrier induced by subclinical irritation on the sequential irritant contact dermatitis

Skin damage caused by a single specific stimulus has been extensively studied. However, many additional mild skin irritants are experienced every day before obvious irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) appears. The effect that these previously experienced mild irritations have on the incidence and severity of sequential ICD remains undefined. The purpose of this work was to explore whether the effects of skin barrier damage induced by either the open patch test with 1% sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), tape stripping test (TAP) (10×), or irradiation with 0.75 median erythemal dose UVB (MED) will affect the severity of sequential irritant dermatitis induced by a 0.5% SLS occlusive patch test (PT). Nine treatments were applied to nine different locations of the ventral forearm of each subject at random. The nine treatment types were as follows: open patch test with 1% SLS; 10× TAP; UVB irradiation with 0.75 MED; open patch test with 1% SLS + PT with 0.5% SLS (SLSPT); 10× TAP + PT with 0.5% SLS (TAPPT); UVB irradiation with 0.75 MED + PT with 0.5% SLS (UVPT); PT with distilled water (DISPT); PT with 0.5% SLS (PT); and the CONTROL (no treatment). After 5 days of subclinical irritation, the PT was applied on day 6. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL), capacitance (CAP), and skin color (a*) were measured at baseline and on days 6, 7, and 8. After the PT, indices of irritancy of PT, UVPT, SLSPT, and TAPPT were 60, 80, 87 and 100%, respectively. The index of irritancy of TAPPT and SLSPT were significantly higher than that of PT (p < 0.05). Clinical scores of SLSPT and TAPPT were also significantly higher than PT (p < 0.05). After 5 days of irritation, TEWL of SLS, TAP, SLSPT, and TAPPT were increased significantly compared to that of baseline. After the PT, D-value of TEWL between day 8 and day 6 (≥6–8TEWL) of SLSPT and TAPPT were greater than that of PT, and D-value of TEWL between day 8 and day 7 (≥7–8TEWL) of SLSPT and TAPPT were less than that of PT values. After the PT, a* values of SLSPT, TAPPT and PT all increased. The D-value of a* between day 8 and day 6 (≥6–8a*) of SLSPT and TAPPT were significantly greater than that of PT. After the PT, D-value of CAP between day 8 and day 6 (≥6–8CAP) of SLSPT was significantly different as compared to PT. The open patch test with 1% SLS and 10× TAP destroys the skin barrier and is able to significantly increase the irritancy and severity of sequential ICD by 0.5% SLS PT, and therefore influences the recovery speed of inflammation. The open patch test with 1% SLS, 10× TAP, and UVB irradiation with 0.75 MED affects the skin barrier to different degrees. TEWL is a sensitive biophysical parameter that can reflect mild damage to the skin barrier induced by subclinical irritation.
Spectral efficiency and cutoff rate of random spreading BICM-based CDMA signals with MMSE multiuser receivers

We analyze the spectral efficiency and cutoff rate of random spreading bit-interleaved coded-modulation based synchronous code-division multiple-access signals with minimum mean-square error multiuser receivers. Both additive white Gaussian noise and frequency nonselective Rayleigh fading channels are considered. The spectral efficiency and cutoff rate are characterized as functions of the system load, modulation schemes, and signal-to-noise ratio.
The search for local native-like nucleation centers in the unfolded state of β-sheet proteins

An approach involving the systematic computational conformational analysis of all overlapping hexapeptide segments in the protein sequence has found fragments with the higher than average propensity to adopt the native-like three-dimensional structure and other regular nonrandom structures in the unfolded states of four β-sheet proteins, namely IFABP (intestinal fatty acid-binding protein), ILBP (ileal fatty acid-binding protein), CRABP I (cellular retinoic acid-binding protein), and CRBP II (cellular retinal binding protein). The native three-dimensional structures of these four proteins are very similar even though they possess as little as ≈30% sequence similarity. The computational results were validated by comparison with the experimental data of the heteronuclear sequential quantum correlation NMR spectroscopy obtained earlier for IFABP at high urea concentrations. On this basis, a molecular model of the unfolded state of IFABP has been developed. The model presumes a dynamic equilibrium between various nonrandom structures (including the native-like structure) and random coil in the local segments of the protein sequence. The model explains experimental observations obtained earlier for folding of several mutants of IFABP, as well as the observed differences in molecular mechanisms of folding for the four β-sheet proteins. Because the computational approach itself does not employ any experimentally derived information in advance, it is not necessarily limited to the β-sheet proteins.
Improving Bioavailability and Minimizing Ulcerogenic Activity of Dexibuprofen by Using Pectin and Rutin

Dexibuprofen ((S)-(+)-ibuprofen), which has better antiinflammatory effects than ibuprofen and less gastric damage belongs to class II of the Biopharmaceutical classification system (BCS) having low water solubility which is the rate limiting step in absorption of drugs [1,2]. In a series of reports by the authors, the bioavailability, as well as gastric ulcerogenic activity, in rats of some NSAIDs has been evaluated after coating the drug particles with certain types of polymers: cationic and anionic Eudragit [3] as well as cellulose derivatives with acidic, basic and neutral groups [4].
Activity Tolerance After Periacetabular Osteotomy

Background: Periacetabular osteotomy is a well-described surgical intervention for symptomatic acetabular deformities in skeletally mature patients. Data regarding return to athletic activity or sport after this procedure are still limited. Purpose: To evaluate the ability of patients to return to preoperative levels of activity after periacetabular osteotomy. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: This is a retrospective review of active patients treated with periacetabular osteotomy for acetabular deformity correction. Patients were identified as those with preoperative University of California–Los Angeles activity levels ≥7. Patient demographics, operative data, radiographic measures, and clinical outcomes were documented prospectively. The University of California–Los Angeles activity score, Harris Hip Score, Hip Dysfunction and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index were used to measure clinical outcomes, and details regarding activity and satisfaction were analyzed. Results: This study included 36 patients (39 hips; 15 males and 21 females) whose average age was 25 years (range, 15-45 years) and whose average body mass index was 24 ± 3.5 kg/m2. Mean follow-up was 33 months (range, 18-59 months). Preoperatively, the average lateral center edge angle, anterior center edge angle, and acetabular index were 10°, 14°, and 21°, respectively; 92% of patients had a Tönnis osteoarthritis grade of 0 or 1. One patient failed hip preservation surgery and went on to total hip arthroplasty 27 months after periacetabular osteotomy. Of the remaining patients, 71% reported an increase or no change in activity level postoperatively. The University of California–Los Angeles score was also unchanged (9.2 vs 8.8, P = .157), and the Harris Hip Score (63 vs 87, P < .001), Hip Dysfunction and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score–Quality of Life (38 vs 71, P < .001), and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (71 vs 92, P < .001) results improved from preoperative levels. There was a 97% rate of satisfaction with the surgery. Four patients (11%) reported hip pain as the primary factor limiting postoperative activity. Conclusion: The majority (71%) of active patients with hip dysplasia return to presurgical or higher activity levels after open hip preservation surgery with the periacetabular osteotomy.
Using the method of triads in the validation of a food frequency questionnaire to assess the consumption of fatty acids in adults

BACKGROUND It is of great value to develop valid instruments to estimate food consumption; for this purpose, the triads method has been applied in validation studies of dietary intake to evaluate the correlation between three measurements [food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), reference method and biomarker]. The main aim of the present study was to validate a FFQ for Brazilian adults by means of the method of triads by estimating the ingestion of total fatty acids based on the level of saturation. METHODS The present study enrolled 152 Brazilian adults of both sexes, who were residents in the city of Viçosa, Brazil. The ingestion of total saturated, monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, trans, linoleic and linolenic fatty acids was assessed by means of a FFQ, two food records, and biomarkers, which were detected by gas chromatography. The validation coefficients were calculated using the method of triads and concordance was determined by Kappa statistics. RESULTS The FFQ was considered an adequate dietary method, because, based on the validation coefficients, it estimates the intake of total fat (0.84), as well as linolenic (0.90) and linoleic acids (0.31). A high concordance rate was confirmed for all nutrients assessed by the FFQ and food records. Regarding the biomarkers, linolenic acid and linoleic acid presented greater concordance. CONCLUSIONS According to the validation coefficients, the FFQ precisely estimated total fat, linolenic acid and linoleic acid contents.
Approaches to Large-Scale Urban Modeling

Large-scale urban modeling technologies use a variety of sensors and data acquisition techniques. The authors categorize current approaches and describe their advantages and disadvantages. Their survey examines current research with respect to several performance criteria including data acquisition sources, user interaction level, geometric fidelity, model completeness, and intended applications. Although modeling systems vary with respect to these criteria, data acquisition strongly influences model characteristics and usefulness. We therefore cluster the methods into those based on photogrammetry, active sensors, and hybrid sensor systems.
Fusarium species, chemotype characterisation and trichothecene contamination of durum and soft wheat in an area of central Italy.

BACKGROUND Fusarium head blight (FHB) of wheat is an important disease causing yield losses and mycotoxin contamination. The aim of the work was to detect and characterise trichothecene producing Fusarium species in durum and soft wheat cultivated in an area of central Italy in 2009 and 2010 and to determine trichothecene contamination by LC-MS/MS in the grain. RESULTS F. graminearum s. str. was the most frequent species. In 2009, the occurrence of F. avenaceum and F. poae was higher than in 2010. Among F. graminearum strains, the 15-acetyl deoxynivalenol (15-ADON) chemotype could be found more frequently, followed by nivalenol (NIV) and 3-ADON chemotypes, while all F. culmorum isolates belonged to the 3-ADON chemotype. All F. poae strains were NIV chemotypes. In vitro trichothecene production confirmed molecular characterisation. Durum wheat was characterised by a higher average DON contamination with respect to soft wheat, NIV was always detected at appreciable levels while type-A trichothecenes were mostly found in durum wheat samples in 2009 with 6% of samples exceeding the contamination level recently recommended by the European Union. CONCLUSION Climatic conditions were confirmed to be predominant factors influencing mycotoxigenic species composition and mycotoxin contaminations. However, NIV contamination was found to occur irrespective of climatic conditions, suggesting that it may often represent an under-estimated risk to be further investigated.
Wave propagation in cellular locally resonant metamaterials

Locally resonant acoustic metamaterials have recently attracted a great in-terest due to their dynamic behaviour, characterized by a band gap at relatively low frequencies. This paper provides a numerical study, by means of finite element modal analyses, of the dynamic properties of 1D mass-in-mass and 2D cellular locally resonant metamaterials. The 2D metamaterial is constituted by a cellular metallic lattice, filled by a soft light material with heavy inclusions or resonators. The influence of material parameters and cell geometry on the band gap width and frequency level are explored. In addition to the usual square lattice we also consider a hexagonal one, which proves to be more efficient for wave filtering.
Activation of apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease in human cells by reactive oxygen species and its correlation with their adaptive response to genotoxicity of free radicals.

Apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP) endonuclease (APE; EC 4.2.99.18) plays a central role in repair of DNA damage due to reactive oxygen species (ROS) because its DNA 3'-phosphoesterase activity removes 3' blocking groups in DNA that are generated by DNA glycosylase/AP-lyases during removal of oxidized bases and by direct ROS reaction with DNA. The major human APE (APE-1) gene is activated selectively by sublethal levels of a variety of ROS and ROS generators, including ionizing radiation, but not by other genotoxicants-e.g., UV light and alkylating agents. Increased expression of APE mRNA and protein was observed both in the HeLa S3 tumor line and in WI 38 primary fibroblasts, and it was accompanied by translocation of the endonuclease to the nucleus. ROS-treated cells showed a significant increase in resistance to the cytotoxicity of such ROS generators as H2O2 and bleomycin, but not to UV light. This "adaptive response" appears to result from enhanced repair of cytotoxic DNA lesions due to an increased activity of APE-1, which may be limiting in the base excision repair process for ROS-induced toxic lesions.
Cost and energy consumption analysis of advanced WDM-PONs

Next-generation access systems will have to provide bandwidths in excess of 100 Mb/s per residential customer, in conjunction with high customer count and high maximum reach. Potential systems solutions include several variants of WDM-PONs. These systems, however, differ significantly in their cost (capital expenditures) and energy consumption potential. We compare several WDM-PON concepts, including hybrid WDM-PON with integrated per-wavelength multiple access, with regard to these parameters. We also show the impact and importance of generic next-generation bandwidth and reach requirements.
Engineering the Energy Flow in Nanoparticles for Plasmonically Enhanced Catalysis

Excitation of localized surface plasmon (LSP) modes in metal nanoparticles has been shown to reduce the energy barrier for photochemical reactions, even allowing certain reactions to occur at room temperature. Recently, hybrid plasmonic-catalytic systems have been proposed as an efficient route towards channeling energy from a plasmonic nanoparticle to the catalytic metal [1-2]. However, the stochastic nature of catalyst sites on the nanoparticle surface does not allow efficient energy flow pathway from a localized plasmonic hotspot of reaction relevant energy. Moreover, a mechanism to modify the location of plasmonic hotspots to overlap with the catalytically active sites is still missing. Here we demonstrate spatially localized and selective transfer of energy into and out of a nanoparticle using a non-uniform thickness coating of dielectric layer. This approach allows modification of the local plasmonic response at nanometer scale based the location of the catalytic active sites, and can be used in nanoparticle engineering to achieve an optimal catalytic efficiency.
Automated brain volumetrics in multiple sclerosis: a step closer to clinical application

Background Whole brain volume (WBV) estimates in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) correlate more robustly with clinical disability than traditional, lesion-based metrics. Numerous algorithms to measure WBV have been developed over the past two decades. We compare Structural Image Evaluation using Normalisation of Atrophy-Cross-sectional (SIENAX) to NeuroQuant and MSmetrix, for assessment of cross-sectional WBV in patients with MS. Methods MRIs from 61 patients with relapsing-remitting MS and 2 patients with clinically isolated syndrome were analysed. WBV measurements were calculated using SIENAX, NeuroQuant and MSmetrix. Statistical agreement between the methods was evaluated using linear regression and Bland-Altman plots. Precision and accuracy of WBV measurement was calculated for (1) NeuroQuant versus SIENAX and (2) MSmetrix versus SIENAX. Results Precision (Pearson's r) of WBV estimation for NeuroQuant and MSmetrix versus SIENAX was 0.983 and 0.992, respectively. Accuracy (Cb) was 0.871 and 0.994, respectively. NeuroQuant and MSmetrix showed a 5.5% and 1.0% volume difference compared with SIENAX, respectively, that was consistent across low and high values. Conclusions In the analysed population, NeuroQuant and MSmetrix both quantified cross-sectional WBV with comparable statistical agreement to SIENAX, a well-validated cross-sectional tool that has been used extensively in MS clinical studies.
Evolution of Gene Families Based on Gene Duplication, Loss, Accumulated Change, and Innovation

We introduce and analyze a simple discrete probabilistic model of genome evolution. It is based on four fundamental evolutionary events: gene duplication, loss, accumulated change and innovation. We call it the DLCI model. It is the first such model rigorously analyzed. The focus of the paper is on the size distribution of gene families. We derive formulae for the equilibrium of gene family sizes, and show that they follow a logarithmic distribution. We also consider a disjoint union of DLCI models and present empirical results for bacterial genomes.
A parametric study of DIC measurement uncertainties on cracked metals

Displacements and strains in the presence of a crack in welded steels have been studied using digital image correlation (DIC) under zero load and selected loading conditions. A parametric study has been carried out to assess the effects of some of the key parameters, including subset size, step size, and the size of the measurement window, on the measurement uncertainties for systematic and random errors. The assessments were carried out a region around the crack tip, where high strain gradients and inhomogeneous deformation present significant challenges for DIC measurements.
A cutoff rate based cross-layer metric for MIMO-HARQ transmission

This paper addresses the evaluation of cross-layer metrics for wireless access systems employing hybrid automatic retransmission request (HARQ) processing combined with multiple input multiple output (MIMO) data transmission. The proposed metrics can be utilized by resource management algorithms to control resources in next generation networks. The objective is twofold. First, we evaluate a reliable throughput performance metric encompassing MIMO as well as HARQ protocol parameters in a single expression. In particular, we perform an information theoretic consideration by employing the conditional cutoff rate for MIMO transmission while the HARQ process is described by the renewal-theory. In a second step, we illustrate the flexibility of the metric evaluation approach by its application to two transmission schemes. Both schemes employ V-BLAST transmission but differ in HARQ processing. Results given for all schemes clearly indicate the suitability of the proposed metrics. With the metrics introduced we also get hints on designing wireless transmission schemes with multi antenna technologies and HARQ processing while avoiding intensive simulation studies
Email classification with co-training

The main problems in text classification are lack of labeled data, as well as the cost of labeling the unlabeled data. We address these problems by exploring co-training - an algorithm that uses unlabeled data along with a few labeled examples to boost the performance of a classifier. We experiment with co-training on the email domain. Our results show that the performance of co-training depends on the learning algorithm it uses. In particular, Support Vector Machines significantly outperforms Naive Bayes on email classification.