Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Transformation Optics Using Graphene

Simulations show that control of the conductivity of a region within a graphene sheet could guide optical waves. Metamaterials and transformation optics play substantial roles in various branches of optical science and engineering by providing schemes to tailor electromagnetic fields into desired spatial patterns. We report a theoretical study showing that by designing and manipulating spatially inhomogeneous, nonuniform conductivity patterns across a flake of graphene, one can have this material as a one-atom-thick platform for infrared metamaterials and transformation optical devices. Varying the graphene chemical potential by using static electric field yields a way to tune the graphene conductivity in the terahertz and infrared frequencies. Such degree of freedom provides the prospect of having different “patches” with different conductivities on a single flake of graphene. Numerous photonic functions and metamaterial concepts can be expected to follow from such a platform.
High-performance HOG feature extractor circuit for driver assistance system

In this paper, we propose the architecture of high-performance HOG feature extractor circuit for the driver assistance system. We have proposed the simplified hardwired methods for the square root of the gradient calculation and the division operation of the block normalization. Our HOG feature extractor circuit can process 37 frames per seconds for 640×480 VGA images in real-time.
A single amino acid substitution makes ERK2 susceptible to pyridinyl imidazole inhibitors of p38 MAP kinase

Mitogen‐activated protein (MAP) kinases are serine/threonine kinases that mediate intracellular signal transduction pathways.Pyridinyl imidazole compounds block pro‐inflammatory cytokine production and are specific p38 kinase inhibitors. ERK2 is related to p38 in sequence and structure, but is not inhibited by pyridinyl imidazole inhibitors. Crystal structures of two pyridinyl imidazoles complexed with p38 revealed these compounds bind in the ATP site. Mutagenesis data suggested a single residue difference at threonine 106 between p38 and other MAP kinases is sufficient to confer selectivity of pyridinyl imidazoles. We have changed the equivalent residue in human ERK2, Q105, into threonine and alanine, and substituted four additional ATP binding site residues. The single residue change Q105A in ERK2 enhances the binding of SB202190 at least 25,000‐fold compared to wild‐type ERK2. We report enzymatic analyses of wild‐type ERK2 and the mutant proteins, and the crystal structure of a pyridinyl imidazole, SB203580, bound to an ERK2 pentamutant, I103L, Q105T, D106H, E109G, T110A. These ATP binding site substitutions induce low nanomolar sensitivity to pyridinyl imidazoles. Furthermore, we identified 5‐iodotubercidin as a potent ERK2 inhibitor, which may help reveal the role of ERK2 in cell proliferation.
Fault tolerant queries in computer networks

In computer networks with decentralized control, it is necessary to provide a distributed query mechanism, whereby a node can dynamically discover the location of a remote resource. The authors propose a query mechanism based on flooding with feedback, which uses no more than two messages over any link. They examine the fault tolerant aspects of this distributed query mechanism, operating in a network where links and nodes may fail and show that, under certain conditions, the resource is indeed found. They then construct enhancements to this mechanism, where the conditions under which the resource is found are substantially relaxed, at the cost of some increase in message complexity. >
Improvement of exhaustive search based maximum-likelihood DOA estimation

Direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation by maximum likelihood (ML) algorithm is essentially an optimization of nonlinear function. In nonlinear optimization, since the final estimate is highly dependent on the initial estimate, an initialization is critical. Alternating Projection (AP) initialization has been proposed as a computationally efficient method for the initialization of the ML DOA cost function. In this paper, we propose a multidimensional (M-D) search scheme of uniform exhaustive search and improved exhaustive search. In the improved exhaustive search algorithm, the two-step procedure is applied to reduce the computational load of the uniform exhaustive search initialization scheme. It is shown in numerical results that the performance of improved exhaustive search is as good as that of the uniform exhaustive search and that improved exhaustive search is computationally much less intensive than uniform exhaustive search.
Space time coding for data transmission over power line channel

Power line channel for data transmission using digital modulation is considered to be used for sub station automation. Because of time-varying nonwhite noise being present on power line, power line channel can be modeled as multipath channel. Middleton Class-A noise model is used to simulate impulse noise on power line. The concept of space and time diversity given by Almouti, known as space time coding is used for data transmission over power line channel. Space time coding requires channel estimation, which is performed using pilot symbol data. Combination of BCH code concatenated with Convolution Turbo code employed as error correcting code ensures proper data recovery under severe channel disturbances.
Combining spatial and scale-space techniques for edge detection to provide a spatially adaptive wavelet-based noise filtering algorithm

New methods for detecting edges in an image using spatial and scale-space domains are proposed. A priori knowledge about geometrical characteristics of edges is used to assign a probability factor to the chance of any pixel being on an edge. An improved double thresholding technique is introduced for spatial domain filtering. Probabilities that pixels belong to a given edge are assigned based on pixel similarity across gradient amplitudes, gradient phases and edge connectivity. The scale-space approach uses dynamic range compression to allow wavelet correlation over a wider range of scales. A probabilistic formulation is used to combine the results obtained from filtering in each domain to provide a final edge probability image which has the advantages of both spatial and scale-space domain methods. Decomposing this edge probability image with the same wavelet as the original image permits the generation of adaptive filters that can recognize the characteristics of the edges in all wavelet detail and approximation images regardless of scale. These matched filters permit significant reduction in image noise without contributing to edge distortion. The spatially adaptive wavelet noise-filtering algorithm is qualitatively and quantitatively compared to a frequency domain and two wavelet based noise suppression algorithms using both natural and computer generated noisy images.
Truncation Mutations in the Transactivation Region of PAX6 Result in Dominant-Negative Mutants*

PAX6 is a transcription factor with two DNA-binding domains (paired box and homeobox) and a proline-serine-threonine (PST)-rich transactivation domain. PAX6 regulates eye development in animals ranging from jellyfish toDrosophila to humans. Heterozygous mutations in the humanPAX6 gene result in various phenotypes, including aniridia, Peter’s anomaly, autosomal dominant keratitis, and familial foveal dysplasia. It is believed that the mutated allele ofPAX6 produces an inactive protein and aniridia is caused due to genetic haploinsufficiency. However, several truncation mutations have been found to occur in the C-terminal half ofPAX6 in patients with Aniridia resulting in mutant proteins that retain the DNA-binding domains but have lost most of the transactivation domain. It is not clear whether such mutants really behave as loss-of-function mutants as predicted by haploinsufficiency. Contrary to this theory, our data showed that these mutants are dominant-negative in transient transfection assays when they are coexpressed with wild-type PAX6. We found that the dominant-negative effects result from the enhanced DNA binding ability of these mutants. Kinetic studies of binding and dissociation revealed that various truncation mutants have 3–5-fold higher affinity to various DNA-binding sites when compared with the wild-type PAX6. These results provide a new insight into the role of mutant PAX6 in causing aniridia.
The Miskito Kings and the Line of Succession

The Miskito Indians dominated eastern Nicaragua during the colonial and republican eras until 1894, when the region came under the control of the Nicaraguan nation. The major native figures of the Miskito Kingdom were the individuals who filled the position of "king. " These Miskito kings have been portrayed in the literature as puppets of the English, put into and out of office at their whim. During historical research on the Miskito, a different picture of the kings emerged. A single line of succession has been pieced together, from 1655 to 1894, in which most kings were succeeded by the eldest son of their primary wife. In the few exceptional cases, the succession passed from older to younger brother. For at least the last 239 years of the kingdom, the kingship was controlled by a single family group.
GABAmimetic intravenous anaesthetics inhibit spontaneous Ca2+‐oscillations in cultured hippocampal neurons

Background: Spontaneous Ca2+‐oscillations are a possible mechanism of Ca2+‐mediated signal transduction in neurons. They develop by a periodical interplay of Ca2+, which enters the neuron from the extracellular medium and triggers Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Ca2+‐oscillations are terminated by reuptake into the ER or plasmalemmal extrusion. Spontaneous Ca2+‐oscillations are glutamate dependent and appear to be responsible for neuronal plasticity and integration of information. Here, we examined the role of the gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABAA) receptor on spontaneous Ca2+‐oscillations and studied the effects of the anaesthetics midazolam, thiopental and the non‐anesthetic barbituric acid on spontaneous Ca2+‐oscillations.
Supporting Distributed Conceptual Modelling through Naming Conventions - A Tool-based Linguistic Approach

Empirical studies attest that conceptual models created in distributed modelling environments often vary heavily in the way their respective model elements are labelled. Although the same issues are being modelled, different names are chosen by the involved persons. By this, the analysis and comparison of the models, which is required for their subsequent integration, is extremely challenging and time consuming. Literature analysis reveals several approaches addressing this problem by either manually or semi-automatically integrating existing models after their construction. However, this proves to be an exhaustive and error prone task. In this article we propose a domain and modelling language independent approach that prevents the emergence of naming conflicts already during the modelling process. This is done by formalising naming conventions consisting of context specific thesauri and customised phrase structures, which are both derived from natural language grammars and supplemented by domain-specific terms. These conventions serve as basis for a fully automated guidance of the modeller during the model creation process, resulting in semantically comparable conceptual models. For this, we present a research prototype that integrates our approach into a modelling tool.
Fabrication using a rapid prototyping system and in vitro characterization of PEG-PCL-PLA scaffolds for tissue engineering

In the field of tissue engineering new polymers are needed to fabricate scaffolds with specific properties depending on the targeted tissue. This work aimed at designing and developing a 3D scaffold with variable mechanical strength, fully interconnected porous network, controllable hydrophilicity and degradability. For this, a desktop-robot-based melt-extrusion rapid prototyping technique was applied to a novel tri-block co-polymer, namely poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(ε-caprolactone)-block-poly(DL-lactide), PEG-PCL-P(DL)LA. This co-polymer was melted by electrical heating and directly extruded out using computer-controlled rapid prototyping by means of compressed purified air to build porous scaffolds. Various lay-down patterns (0/30/60/90/120/150°, 0/45/90/135°, 0/60/120° and 0/90°) were produced by using appropriate positioning of the robotic control system. Scanning electron microscopy and micro-computed tomography were used to show that 3D scaffold architectures were honeycomb-like with completely interconnected and controlled channel characteristics. Compression tests were performed and the data obtained agreed well with the typical behavior of a porous material undergoing deformation. Preliminary cell response to the as-fabricated scaffolds has been studied with primary human fibroblasts. The results demonstrated the suitability of the process and the cell biocompatibility of the polymer, two important properties among the many required for effective clinical use and efficient tissue-engineering scaffolding.
Realistic Evaluation of Early Warning Systems and the Acute Life-threatening Events--Recognition and Treatment training course for early recognition and management of deteriorating ward-based patients: research protocol.

AIM This paper is a description of a study protocol designed to evaluate the factors that enable or constrain the delivery and sustainability of Early Warning Systems and the Acute Life-threatening Events--Recognition and Treatment training course in practice. BACKGROUND Rapid response system initiatives have been introduced to try to improve early detection and treatment of patients who deteriorate on general hospital wards. However, recent systematic reviews of the effectiveness of these initiatives show no effect on patient outcomes. Systematic reviews and professional consensus recommend that future research should focus on a broader range of process and outcome measures which consider the social, behavioural and organizational factors that had an impact on the delivery of these initiatives. DESIGN The design is a multiple case study on four wards in two hospitals in Northern Ireland that have implemented Early Warning Systems and Acute Life-threatening Events--Recognition and Treatment training. Data will be collected from key stakeholders using individual and focus group interviews, non-participant observation, Acute Life-threatening Events--Recognition and Treatment training records and audit of patients' observation charts and medical notes. Realistic Evaluation of the data will enable the development and refinement of theories to explain which mechanisms work in a particular context to achieve desired outcomes. DISCUSSION This study will produce important information that will contribute to knowledge of the organizational processes that have an impact on the delivery of initiatives to identify, respond and manage acutely ill patients in hospital.
Comments on the reliability and validity of UMUX and UMUX-LITE short scales

Recent work on usability and user experience shows several concerns on the validity of evaluation instruments. There is a debate on the use of standardized scales versus short scales, such as UMUX and UMUX-LITE or even a single-item measure of usability. Nevertheless, there are relatively few papers reporting the testing of these scales together for reliability and validity. This paper aims at discussing the UMUX and UMUX-LITE scales that have been tested in the context of Facebook use by university students. From a theoretical point of view, both scales are questionable. From an empirical point of view, the testing results confirmed a lack of unidimensionality as well as a poor reliability and convergent validity of these scales. Author
Three-Component O-Demethylase System Essential for Catabolism of a Lignin-Derived Biphenyl Compound in Sphingobium sp. Strain SYK-6

ABSTRACT Sphingobium sp. strain SYK-6 is able to assimilate lignin-derived biaryls, including a biphenyl compound, 5,5′-dehydrodivanillate (DDVA). Previously, ligXa (SLG_07770), which is similar to the gene encoding oxygenase components of Rieske-type nonheme iron aromatic-ring-hydroxylating oxygenases, was identified to be essential for the conversion of DDVA; however, the genes encoding electron transfer components remained unknown. Disruption of putative electron transfer component genes scattered through the SYK-6 genome indicated that SLG_08500 and SLG_21200, which showed approximately 60% amino acid sequence identities with ferredoxin and ferredoxin reductase of dicamba O-demethylase, were essential for the normal growth of SYK-6 on DDVA. LigXa and the gene products of SLG_08500 (LigXc) and SLG_21200 (LigXd) were purified and were estimated to be a trimer, a monomer, and a monomer, respectively. LigXd contains FAD as the prosthetic group and showed much higher reductase activity toward 2,6-dichlorophenolindophenol with NADH than with NADPH. A mixture of purified LigXa, LigXc, and LigXd converted DDVA into 2,2′,3-trihydroxy-3′-methoxy-5,5′-dicarboxybiphenyl in the presence of NADH, indicating that DDVA O-demethylase is a three-component monooxygenase. This enzyme requires Fe(II) for its activity and is highly specific for DDVA, with a Km value of 63.5 μM and k cat of 6.1 s−1. Genome searches in six other sphingomonads revealed genes similar to ligXc and ligXd (>58% amino acid sequence identities) with a limited number of electron transfer component genes, yet a number of diverse oxygenase component genes were found. This fact implies that these few electron transfer components are able to interact with numerous oxygenase components and the conserved LigXc and LigXd orthologs are important in sphingomonads.
Massive MIMO Networks: Spectral, Energy, and Hardware Efficiency

Massive multiple-input multiple-output MIMO is one of themost promising technologies for the next generation of wirelesscommunication networks because it has the potential to providegame-changing improvements in spectral efficiency SE and energyefficiency EE. This monograph summarizes many years ofresearch insights in a clear and self-contained way and providesthe reader with the necessary knowledge and mathematical toolsto carry out independent research in this area. Starting froma rigorous definition of Massive MIMO, the monograph coversthe important aspects of channel estimation, SE, EE, hardwareefficiency HE, and various practical deployment considerations.From the beginning, a very general, yet tractable, canonical systemmodel with spatial channel correlation is introduced. This modelis used to realistically assess the SE and EE, and is later extendedto also include the impact of hardware impairments. Owing tothis rigorous modeling approach, a lot of classic "wisdom" aboutMassive MIMO, based on too simplistic system models, is shownto be questionable.
Implementing Of CIOP Protocol for Communication Using CORBA Environment

Distributed computer control in complex embedded systems oversees diverse electronic control units connecting hundreds or thousands of analogue and digital sensors and actuators. These systems are also called today sensors networks. Nodes in sensor networks can sense, compute, build links and communicate (Including relaying, setup and discovery) without a central control. The application possibilities can be wildly imaginative leading to use highly intelligent real-time distributed systems. The publish/discover/subscribe/distribute paradigm matches well with these possibilities. The main objective of this paper is to demonstrate that our definition of the new protocol labeled "control area network inter-ORB protocol - CIOP' is bound closely to the features of the RT-CORBA, to the information models of the OMG's DAIS specification and to the CAN bus, well known as a real-time underlying network. So, the first section gives the reasons in favour of the use of CAN bus conjointly with the OMG's DAIS specification. The second section describes a ClOP specification. The third section describes the implementation of CIOP in CORBA environment. In the fifth section we give our actual and future works in this field.
Analysis of a Simplified Liquid Crystal Shear-Flow Model

This paper is concerned with the analysis of the nonlinear two-point boundary value problem $\varphi '' = \lambda x\cos ^2 \varphi $, $\varphi ( -1/2) = 0$, $\varphi (1/2) = m\pi $. This system models the preferred direction of orientation of liquid crystal molecules flowing in a channel. It is derived by simplification of a formulation in terms of the Ericksen–Leslie equations. The problem has interesting bifurcation and singular-perturbation phenomena. There are infinitely many distinct solution branches, the number growing roughly quadratically with the parameter $\lambda $, and individual solutions typically possess $O( 1/\sqrt \lambda)$ boundary layers at each endpoint and an $O( 1/\sqrt[3]{\lambda })$ interior layer at $x = 0$. Analytical techniques (involving differential inequalities of Nagumo type) can be used to rigorously prove the existence of the infinite family of stable solutions; while numerical investigations (using the COLSYS/COLNEW and AUTO86 packages) are used to explore the unstable s.
Research on image compression and transmission mechanism for wireless multimedia sensor networks

A image compression and adaptive smoothing transmission mechanism for wireless multimedia sensor networks. Goal of our work is to minimize image distortion with the multimedia sensor network conditions varying constantly. Method which uses Set Partitioning in Hierarchical Trees (SPIHT) algorithm based on lifting wavelets for real-time images compression is first presented, and then a framework for realtime image delivery self-adapting over a TCP-friendly connection is depicted. In the context of this scheme, an adaptive smoothing algorithm is also developed based on the predicted available bandwidth to stream real-time image over the TCP-friendly rate control (TFRC) Protocol. Through simulation experiments, it has been shown that this adaptive algorithm performs for a wide-range of the bandwidth scenarios, and a smooth TCP-friendly real-time image transfer for wireless multimedia sensor networks can be accomplished by this proposed scheme.