Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Logics and Games for True Concurrency

We study the underlying mathematical properties of various partial order models of concurrency based on transition systems, Petri nets, and event structures, and show that the concurrent behaviour of these systems can be captured in a uniform way by two simple and general dualities of local behaviour. Such dualities are used to define new mu-calculi and logic games for the analysis of concurrent systems with partial order semantics. Some results of this work are: the definition of a number of mu-calculi which, in some classes of systems, induce the same identifications as some of the best known bisimulation equivalences for concurrency; and the definition of (infinite) higher-order logic games for bisimulation and model-checking, where the players of the games are given (local) monadic second-order power on the sets of elements they are allowed to play. More specifically, we show that our games are sound and complete, and therefore, determined; moreover, they are decidable in the finite case and underpin novel decision procedures for bisimulation and model-checking. Since these mu-calculi and logic games generalise well-known fixpoint logics and game-theoretic decision procedures for concurrent systems with interleaving semantics, the results herein give some of the groundwork for the design of a logic-based, game-theoretic framework for studying, in a uniform way, several concurrent systems regardless of whether they have an interleaving or a partial order semantics.
Synemin acts as a regulator of signalling molecules during skeletal muscle hypertrophy

ABSTRACT Synemin, a type IV intermediate filament (IF) protein, forms a bridge between IFs and cellular membranes. As an A-kinase-anchoring protein, it also provides temporal and spatial targeting of protein kinase A (PKA). However, little is known about its functional roles in either process. To better understand its functions in muscle tissue, we generated synemin-deficient (Synm−/−) mice. Synm−/− mice displayed normal development and fertility but showed a mild degeneration and regeneration phenotype in myofibres and defects in sarcolemma membranes. Following mechanical overload, Synm−/− mice muscles showed a higher hypertrophic capacity with increased maximal force and fatigue resistance compared with control mice. At the molecular level, increased remodelling capacity was accompanied by decreased myostatin (also known as GDF8) and atrogin (also known as FBXO32) expression, and increased follistatin expression. Furthermore, the activity of muscle-mass control molecules (the PKA RII&agr; subunit, p70S6K and CREB1) was increased in mutant mice. Finally, analysis of muscle satellite cell behaviour suggested that the absence of synemin could affect the balance between self-renewal and differentiation of these cells. Taken together, our results show that synemin is necessary to maintain membrane integrity and regulates signalling molecules during muscle hypertrophy.
Modify LEACH Algorithm for Wireless Sensor Network

Research on wireless sensor networks has recently received much attention as they offer an advantage of monitoring various kinds of environment by sensing physical phenomenon. Prolonged network lifetime, scalability, and load balancing are important requirement for many sensor network applications. Clustering sensor nodes is an effective technique for achieving these goals. In this work, we introduce an energy efficient clustering algorithm for sensor networks based on the LEACH protocol. LEACH (Low Energy Adaptive Clustering Hierarchy) is one of popular cluster-based structures, which has been widely proposed in wireless sensor networks. LEACH uses a TDMA based MAC protocol, and In order to maintain a balanced energy consumption. The proposed protocol adds feature to LEACH to reduce the consumption of the network resource in each round. The proposed protocol is simulated and the results show a significant reduction in network energy consumption
Remote patients monitoring: Challenges

Current advances in communications technologies and wearable monitoring sensors technology have enabled the ubiquitous monitoring of patients in a way that promises to reshape the future of healthcare services. Remote patients monitoring (RPM) is increasingly seen as an integral and essential component of the perceived solutions for the challenging problems facing the healthcare sector in the developing word including the spiraling cost of healthcare delivery. Furthermore, monitoring patients remotely in a patient-centered environment away from the confinement of hospitals leads to a better and improved quality of life for the patients and their families. In this paper, we provide an overview of the different challenges facing RPM that prevent us from fully realizing its potential, and discuss some of the viable solutions that are being explored to reduce the effect of these challenges.
Use of Pattern Recognition Analysis to Identify Underlying Relationships of Doxorubicin Derivatives Optimized for Breast Cancer Treatment

Introduction. Treatment of breast cancer includes surgery, drugs (hormone therapy and chemotherapy), and radiation. A discussion of eight drug constructs for the treatment of breast cancer, derived through application of in silico optimized molecular properties and substituent substitution, are analyzed using pattern recognition techniques. Methods and Materials. Determined properties of these eight compounds (inclusive of doxorubicin) showed a Log P varying from 0.567 to 4.137, rotatable bonds from 5 to 12, polar surface area from 195.1 A2 to 206.1 A2, and water solubility from 0.00873 mg/L to 390 mg/L. Analysis of similarity (ANOSIM), hierarchical cluster analysis, and neighbor-joining cluster analysis elucidated relationships among the drugs that are useful for pharmaceutical consideration. Results and Discussion. Although the new derivatives share the same parent scaffold (doxorubicin), elucidation by analysis of similarity (ANOSIM) indicates that these assorted compounds are substantially distinct. The number of oxygen and nitrogen atoms (hydrogen bond acceptors) remained constant at 12 for compounds. Although violations of the Rule of five remained constant at three for all compounds, the variation of Log P and water solubility offers potentially beneficial medicinal activity for this group of anticancer agents that may enhance the antitumor activity of these anthracycline antibiotics. Hierarchical cluster analysis results clearly differentiated the parent doxorubicin from all higher molecular weight analogs. This outcome is confirmed with the use of neighbor-joining cluster analysis. Conclusion. By utilizing in silico optimization with pattern recognition analysis, potentially advantageous analogs can be elucidated from known effective pharmaceuticals.
Selective Inhibition of Protein Kinase C β2 Attenuates Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase–Mediated Cardiovascular Abnormalities in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

OBJECTIVE Impaired cardiovascular function in diabetes is partially attributed to pathological overexpression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in cardiovascular tissues. We examined whether the hyperglycemia-induced increased expression of iNOS is protein kinase C-β2 (PKCβ2) dependent and whether selective inhibition of PKCβ reduces iNOS expression and corrects abnormal hemodynamic function in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Cardiomyocytes and aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) from nondiabetic rats were cultured in low (5.5 mmol/l) or high (25 mmol/l) glucose or mannitol (19.5 mmol/l mannitol + 5.5 mmol/l glucose) conditions in the presence of a selective PKCβ inhibitor, LY333531 (20 nmol/l). Further, the in vivo effects of PKCβ inhibition on iNOS-mediated cardiovascular abnormalities were tested in STZ-induced diabetic rats. RESULTS Exposure of cardiomyocytes to high glucose activated PKCβ2 and increased iNOS expression that was prevented by LY333531. Similarly, treatment of VSMC with LY333531 prevented high glucose–induced activation of nuclear factor κB, extracellular signal–related kinase, and iNOS overexpression. Suppression of PKCβ2 expression by small interference RNA decreased high-glucose–induced nuclear factor κB and extracellular signal–related kinase activation and iNOS expression in VSMC. Administration of LY333531 (1 mg/kg/day) decreased iNOS expression and formation of peroxynitrite in the heart and superior mesenteric arteries and corrected the cardiovascular abnormalities in STZ-induced diabetic rats, an action that was also observed with a selective iNOS inhibitor, L-NIL. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, these results suggest that inhibition of PKCβ2 may be a useful approach for correcting abnormal hemodynamics in diabetes by preventing iNOS mediated nitrosative stress.
Dual damascene BEOL processing using multilevel step and flash imprint lithography

Step and Flash Imprint Lithography (S-FIL®) in conjunction with Sacrificial Imprint Materials (SIM) shows promise as a cost effective solution to patterning sub 45nm features and is capable of simultaneously patterning two levels of interconnect structures, which provides a high throughput and low cost BEOL process. This paper describes the integration of S-FIL into an industry standard Cu/low-k dual damascene process that is being practiced in the ATDF at Sematech in Austin. The pattern transferring reactive ion etching (RIE) process is the most critical step and was extensively explored in this study. In addition to successful process development, the results provide useful insight into the optimal design of multilevel templates which must take into account the characteristics of both the imaging material and the dielectric layer. The template used in this study incorporates both the via and trench levels of an M2 (Metal 2) test vehicle that incorporates via chains with varying via dimensions, Kelvin test structures, serpentines, etc. The smallest vias on the template are 120nm vias with an aspect ratio of 2.0 and the smallest dense lines are 125nm/175nm with an aspect ratio of 2.9. Two inter-level dielectrics (ILD), Coral® and Black Diamond® were studied. No trench etch stop was incorporated in the ILD film stack. A multi-step, in-situ etching scheme was developed that achieves faithful pattern transfer from the sacrificial imprint material (SIM) into the underlying low k ILD with surprisingly wide process latitude. This multi-step scheme includes the following etch steps: a residual layer open, a via etch, a trench descum, a trench etch, and an SIM removal ash. Among these steps, the trench etch was found to be the most challenging to develop and it holds the key to producing high aspect ratio dual damascene features. An etching chemistry based on two fluorocarbon gases, CF4 and C4F8, was found to be very effective in delivering the desired etch profiles with optimal sidewall angle, minimal facet formation. The optimized etch process can be exploited to provide substantial size reduction and/or increased aspect ratio relative to the template. In this way structures with final critical dimensions of 95nm in vias with aspect ratio of 3.0 and 67nm/233nm in dense lines with aspect ratio of 3.6 were demonstrated with wide process latitude. This enables manufacturing of the template at larger dimensions, which simplifies both fabrication and inspection. The successful development of the dual damascene RIE process at the second metal (M2) level was demonstrated in a mixed and matched build with an ATDF standard first layer metal (M1) process. The M1 dielectric was TEOS and was patterned by 248nm lithography. The M2 and Via levels used Coral as ILD and both levels were patterned simultaneously by S-FIL using Molecular Imprint Imprio 55 and Imprio 100 imprint tools. This electrical test vehicle provided solid evidence that S-FIL is fully compatible with industry standard dual damascene process.
Electoral Rules and Public Spending

We study the effects of electoral institutions on the size and composition of public expenditure in OECD and Latin American countries. We emphasize the distinction between purchases of goods and services, which are easier to target geographically, and transfers, which are easier to target across social groups. We present a theoretical model in which voters anticipating government policymaking under different electoral systems have an incentive to elect representatives more prone to transfer (public good) spending in proportional (majoritarian) systems. The model also predicts higher total primary spending in proportional (majoritarian) systems when the share of transfer spending is high (low). After defining rigorous measures of proportionality to be used in the empirical investigation, we find considerable support for our predictions.
Coupling Outlier Detection with Particle Filter for GPS-Based Localization

In constrained environment such as urban areas, vehicle localization, using Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) data, is impaired by multipaths and Non Line Of Sight effects. These latter induce erroneous measurements that prevent the accurate estimation of the receiver position. In this paper, we propose to detect and discard these outliers in order to improve the localization. We propose a new algorithm to detect the outliers either in the pseudo-range observations and/or in the Doppler observations. Based on a model representing the distribution of inconsistent data, a criterion is proposed to partition the data between inliers and outliers. This criterion is coupled with a particle filter used for localization. Coupling is carried out in terms of selection of the data (pseudo-range and/or Doppler measurements) used in the particle filter. Besides, considering only GNSS data, the estimation of the instantaneous velocity (required for position prediction) is derived from Doppler measurements. An experiment with a GPS receiver on board a vehicle has been carried out on constrained environments, forest and urban canyon. Results prove that the proposed algorithm is both robust to the presence of 'outliers' in the raw data (thanks to the a-contrario detection step) and robust to non Gaussian noise and satellite blockage (thanks to the particle filter prediction step). Specifically, localization errors decrease of about 1/3 relative to the GPS receiver solution (also using pseudo-range and Doppler measurements).
A multi-model lane detector that handles road singularities

Road detection through the use of an onboard camera is an essential task required for the development of advanced driving assistance systems. Although many solutions have been proposed in literature, most existing algorithms are not designed to handle road singularities such as freeway exits, double painted lines, zebra road markings, etc. Such conditions can be confusing for vision-based algorithms although they are often met in real driving situations. In order to tackle this issue, we propose the use of various instances of a road model at the same time. We first describe the generic road model used and then explain how the different instances of this model are updated. The extracted models can be used either to detect the correct vehicle lane or to obtain a more complete description of the road configuration. Experiments are presented to demonstrate the validity of the approach. An application to multi-lane detection is also presented
Motion coordination between a human and a robotic wheelchair

We describe an approach to coordinating the motion of a human with a mobile robot moving in a populated, continuously changing, natural environment. Our test application is a wheelchair accompanying a person through the concourse of a railway station moving side by side with the person. In healthcare and rehabilitation scenarios this addresses a rather important issue. Pushing and maneuvering a carriage such as a wheelchair or a hospital bed, exposes the back of the pushing person to extreme significant often resulting in severe long-term back problems. Our approach is based on a method for motion planning amongst moving obstacles known as velocity obstacle approach. We extend this method by a method for tracking a virtual target which allows us to vary the robot's heading and velocity with the locomotion of the accompanied person and the state of the surrounding environment.
How much does hyperkalemia lengthen inpatient stays? About methodological issues in analyzing time-dependant events

Adverse events may increase the hospital length of stay (LOS). As a consequence, computing the mean difference of LOS between two inpatient groups, with or without event, is a convenient way to evaluate their severity. Conversely, some adverse events are time-dependent: this leads to overestimate the consequences of the adverse event when statistical tests are performed. In this paper, we interest on hyperkalemia in the inpatient database of a community hospital (2% of the inpatient stays). The cumulated risk of hyperkalemia appears to be a linear function of the LOS. We compute the LOS difference associated with hyperkalemia by using 17 statistical methods. The raw LOS difference is 8.8 days, but the simulation finds a difference of 2.3 days, while the regressions (with linear or log link, with or without pairing, with or without propensity score) find a difference of 4.4 to 4.6 days. The characteristics of the methods are discussed, but it is not possible to know which one is true. However the raw difference seems to overestimate the truth. This methodological bias is quite frequent and is a challenge in public health, as it participates in false knowledge discovery, which could lead decision makers to focus on wrong issues and make wrong decisions.
Finding an unknown number of multivariate outliers

Summary. We use the forward search to provide robust Mahalanobis distances to detect the presence of outliers in a sample of multivariate normal data. Theoretical results on order statistics and on estimation in truncated samples provide the distribution of our test statistic. We also introduce several new robust distances with associated distributional results. Comparisons of our procedure with tests using other robust Mahalanobis distances show the good size and high power of our procedure. We also provide a unification of results on correction factors for estimation from truncated samples.
Pedestrian detection in depth images using framelet regularization

Pedestrian detection in depth images can reduce the effect of clothing in appearance and unpredictable illumination changes, and its applications include robotics and surveillance, etc. Due to the TOF depth images easily contaminated by noise, a parameter-free and framelet-based regularization approach is proposed to remove noise and preserve the object shape in depth images before feature detection and classifying. After noise removal, the histogram of depth difference (HDD) is utilized as a features descriptor and SVM with a linear kernel is adopted as a classifier. Experiments show that the framelet-based approach is adaptive and effective to denoise depth images and pedestrian detection in denoising depth images is feasible. The miss rate decreases from 9.1% of noisy images to 2.2% of denosing images at FPPW=10-4.
Labelling and packaging practices : A summary of some of the evidence

· The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is part of the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing, and is responsible for regulating medicines and medical devices. · The TGA administers the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 (the Act), applying a risk management approach designed to ensure therapeutic goods supplied in Australia meet acceptable standards of quality, safety and efficacy (performance), when necessary. · The work of the TGA is based on applying scientific and clinical expertise to decision-making, to ensure that the benefits to consumers outweigh any risks associated with the use of medicines and medical devices. · The TGA relies on the public, healthcare professionals and industry to report problems with medicines or medical devices. TGA investigates reports received by it to determine any necessary regulatory action. · To report a problem with a medicine or medical device, please see the information on the TGA website <www.tga. gov.au>.
The Technical Content of Industrial/Technology Teacher Education

What technical competencies will the next generation of industrial/ technology education teachers possess? At first, this may seem like a simple question. However because of national educational reform movements, colleges and universities which prepare industrial/technology education teachers have changed their teacher education degree requirements and curricula (Volk, 1993). Have these changes created more unified industrial/technology teacher education programs or has the field's teacher preparation become more fragmented? According to Diez (1995), the later is true. He indicated the spectrum of teacher preparation models range from traditional to innovative, both extremes. Bottrill (1991, p. 6) noted, with regard to industrial/technology teacher education, that: “unfortunately, educationalists have been bound up with education theory and have not kept pace with curriculum development in the field. The impetus has come from educational agencies. ” Have these educational change agencies taken into account all the aspects of industrial/technology teacher education? The term industrial/technology education is utilized throughout this study based on the findings of Zuga's (1991) research. Her survey results indicated that 34% of the field's teacher education programs were entitled technology education, while 62% contained the descriptor “industrial” in the program title. Therefore, the title industrial/technology teacher education is used in this study. The competencies needed by industrial/technology education teachers have been categorized into three areas by W. R. Miller (1990). Miller identified those competencies as personal, professional, and technical. Curricula in some industrial/technology teacher education programs have been configured similarly. Henak (1991) classified the three program elements of industrial/ technology teacher education as general education, professional education, and technical content. Finch, Schmidt, Oliver, and Yu (1991) termed these divisions as general studies, professional education, and technical content. The general education component, which in many cases is dictated by college and university graduation requirements, has been and continues to be discussed by all of teacher education (Diez, 1995; Grant, 1995). Numerous authors and agencies have indicated their vision of both the general education ________________________________ George E. Rogers is Assistant Professor and Program Head of the Department of Industrial Education at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska.
The Cdc37 protein kinase–binding domain is sufficient for protein kinase activity and cell viability

Cdc37 is a molecular chaperone required for folding of protein kinases. It functions in association with Hsp90, although little is known of its mechanism of action or where it fits into a folding pathway involving other Hsp90 cochaperones. Using a genetic approach with Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we show that CDC37 overexpression suppressed a defect in v-Src folding in yeast deleted for STI1, which recruits Hsp90 to misfolded clients. Expression of CDC37 truncation mutants that were deleted for the Hsp90-binding site stabilized v-Src and led to some folding in both sti1Δ and hsc82Δ strains. The protein kinase–binding domain of Cdc37 was sufficient for yeast cell viability and permitted efficient signaling through the yeast MAP kinase–signaling pathway. We propose a model in which Cdc37 can function independently of Hsp90, although its ability to do so is restricted by its normally low expression levels. This may be a form of regulation by which cells restrict access to Cdc37 until it has passed through a triage involving other chaperones such as Hsp70 and Hsp90.