Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Code Generation for VML Based on Tree Pattern Matching and Dynamic Programming

VML is an object-oriented database programming language. In this paper the code generation phase of the VML compiler (VC) is presented. VC is based on the front-end approach and the generated target code is C++ code. The code generation in compilers based on the back-end approach, where the target code consists of hardware-oriented instructions, is usually based on conventional dynamic programming. This paper makes two significant contributions by extending this approach. One is the introduction of a new model of tree-rewriting rules as well as corresponding algorithms for tree-pattern matching. The algorithms control the evaluation order among sub-expressions. Termination and correctness of the algorithms is formally proved. The second contribution is that the concepts and algorithms presented here may be used in translating other object-oriented database languages to C++-like languages in general, provided that the target code is a series of function calls. The approach can be adapted to different situations by assigning appropriate cost functions.
Biometric system based in the feature of hand palm

In this paper, we are going to use the drawings that form the characteristics of the hand palm, as are fold (commonly called lines of the hand), cracks, scars, and even fold of the fingers to verify and identify the persons. We propose a biometric system based on the hand palm image. On this way, a database of 500 hands belonging to 50 users has been built (10 hands by user). It has been studied two different methods for obtaining the parameters of the hand, by measures of textures and by measures of phalanges. The classifier system is a neural network, with back-propagation training algorithm on the Multilayer Perceptron. The found results are over 99% in verification system, and over 98% in identification system.
Cadmium-induced Apoptosis in Murine Macrophages is Antagonized by Antioxidants and Caspase Inhibitors

Cadmium is a toxic heavy metal that accumulates in the environment and is commonly found in cigarette smoke and industrial effluents. This study was designed to determine the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and its antagonism by antioxidants, in cadmium-mediated cell signaling and apoptosis in murine macrophage cultures. Cadmium-generated ROS production was observed in J774A.1 cells at 6 h, reverting to control levels at 16 and 24 h. The ROS production was concentration related between 20 and 500 μM cadmium. Activation of caspase-3 was observed at 8 h and DNA fragmentation at 16 h in the presence of 20 μM cadmium, suggesting that caspase-3 activation is a prior step to DNA fragmentation in cadmium-induced apoptosis. Inhibitors of caspase-3, -8, -9, and a general caspase inhibitor suppressed cadmium-induced caspase-3 activation and apoptosis indicating the importance of caspase-3 in cadmium-induced toxicity in these cells. Protection against the oxidative stress with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and silymarin (an antioxidant flavonoid) blocked cadmium-induced apoptosis. Pretreatment of cells with NAC and silymarin prevented cadmium-induced cell injury, including growth arrest, mitochondrial impairment, and necrosis, and reduced the cadmium-elevated intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i), suggesting that the oxidative stress is a source of increased [Ca2+]i. NAC inhibited cadmium-induced activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases, the c-Jun NH2-terminal protein kinase (JNK) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). However, silymarin provided only a partial protection for JNK activation, and only at the low concentration did it inhibit cadmium-induced ERK activation. Inhibition of caspase-3 protected oxidative stress produced by cadmium, suggesting that the activation of caspase-3 also contributes to generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Results emphasized the role of ROS, Ca2+ and mitogen-activated protein kinases in cadmium-induced cytotoxicity in murine macrophages. Partial support of this work by the Center for Academic Excellence in Toxicology at the University of Georgia and the Fred C. Davison Endowment is gratefully acknowledged.
Intuitive representation of gain schedulers to facilitate their design and tuning

A method of intuitive continuous gain scheduler design has been developed with a visual representation of the schedulers. Inspection of the unscheduled response allows for development of an initial gain scheduler. Comparison between the gain scheduler plot and the resulting system response enhances insight into the closed-loop system behavior, and one can adjust the gain scheduler to modify the system response. Several iterations of each gain scheduler design are given, along with the resulting system responses to a step command. Using this method, gain schedulers were developed for the precision control of a linear motor with distinct preexisting controllers in two dissimilar operational environments. In each operational environment, the addition of gain scheduling substantially improved the closed-loop transient response. In the first case, the dead-band region was reduced by 90%. In the second, the rise time of the system was reduced by a factor of 7/spl sim/14. The successful application of this design methodology to these distinct operational environments suggests that it would also be applicable to the development of gain schedulers for many other precision-motion-control applications where dead band is prevalent in the system response.
Combined performance and stability optimisation via central transfer case active control in four-wheeled vehicles

New driveline architectures endowed with torque biasing devices, such as active differentials and active transfer cases, have made available a new generation of on-demand four-wheel-drive vehicles which allow designing control systems capable of altering the car behaviour dictated from its mechanical layout, e.g., under- and over-steering characteristic. This work proposes an active transfer case controller aimed at optmising vehicle performance in terms of amount of traction torque transmitted to the ground while guaranteeing vehicle stability and driveability by keeping the vehicle side-slip angle within safety bounds.
The Interaction of Fire, Fuels, and Climate across Rocky Mountain Forests

Abstract Understanding the relative influence of fuels and climate on wildfires across the Rocky Mountains is necessary to predict how fires may respond to a changing climate and to define effective fuel management approaches to controlling wildfire in this increasingly populated region. The idea that decades of fire suppression have promoted unnatural fuel accumulation and subsequent unprecedentedly large, severe wildfires across western forests has been developed primarily from studies of dry ponderosa pine forests. However, this model is being applied uncritically across Rocky Mountain forests (e.g., in the Healthy Forests Restoration Act). We synthesize current research and summarize lessons learned from recent large wildfires (the Yellowstone, Rodeo-Chediski, and Hayman fires), which represent case studies of the potential effectiveness of fuel reduction across a range of major forest types. A “one size fits all” approach to reducing wildfire hazards in the Rocky Mountain region is unlikely to be effective and may produce collateral damage in some places.
Continuous spatial queries via wireless data broadcast

This paper proposes a generic framework for continuous range queries via wireless data broadcast. This framework distinguishes itself from existing work by being the first to address the continuous spatial query issue, without an index, making effective use of the low wireless bandwidth, and therefore being ideal for achieving maximal scalability with the fastest access time. The task of the query processor is to selectively monitor the wireless broadcast channel, as the data items are disseminated according to their location by the server.
The concurrent validity of learning potential and psychomotor ability measures for the selection of haul truck operators in an open-pit mine

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the concurrent validity of learning potential and psychomotor ability measures for the prediction of haul truck operator performance in an open-pit mine. Additional goals were to determine the nature of the relationship between learning potential and psychomotor abilities and to assess the relative contributions of these variables as predictors. The predictors were the TRAM 1 Learning Potential test and Vienna Test System subtests that were administered to 128 experienced haul truck operators. The job performance criteria used were spotting in time, corrected tons hauled and supervisor ranking. The concurrent validity of the learning potential and psychomotor ability measures was partially supported. An exploratory factor analysis provided relatively convincing evidence for a general cognitive ability factor (g) underlying performance on the learning potential and several psychomotor measures. The existence of a general psychomotor factor was not substantiated in the current study. Suggestions were made for improving design and criterion shortcomings. OPSOMMING Die doel van die ondersoek was om die saamvallende geldigheid van leerpotensiaal en psigomotoriese metings vir die voorspelling van die werkprestasie van sleepvragwabestuurders in ’n oopgroefmyn te beoordeel. Addisionele doelwitte was om die aard van die verwantskap tussen leerpotensiaal en psigomotoriese vermoens te gepaal en om die relatiewe bydraes van hierdie veranderlikes as voorspellers te bepaal. Die voorspellers was die TRAM 1 Leerpotensiaaltoets en die Vienna Test System subtoetse wat toegepas is op 128 ervare sleepvragwabestuurders. Die werkprestasiekriteria was inteikentyd, gekorrigeerde tonmaat gesleep en toesighouerbeoordeling. Die saamvallende geldigheid van die leerpotensiaal en psigomotoriese metings is gedeeltelik ondersteun. ’n Ondersoekende faktorontleding het die bestaan van ’n algemene kognitiewe vermoefaktor (g), wat onderliggend aan die leerpotensiaal en verskeie psigomotoriese metings is, redelik oortuigend gestaaf. ’n Algemene psigomotoriese faktor is nie in die huidige ondersoek gevind nie. Voorstelle is gemaak om die ontwerp- en kriteriumtekortkominge te verbeter.
On linear analog coding of sources with memory over fading and broadcast channels with correlated noise

Robust linear analog block coding of a correlated Gaussian source over a Rayleigh fading channel, without encoderside channel-state information (CSI) is investigated. The encoder which minimizes the minimum mean square error, averaged over an ensemble of decoders whose channel gains are drawn from an exponential distribution is derived. This encoder does not require CSI. It is compared with a CSI-adaptive, separate sourcechannel coding system based on transform source coding, as well as, with a non-adaptive vector quantization-based hybrid digital-analog (HDA) system optimized to the decoder ensemble. Numerical results show that optimal linear analog block coding system substantially outperforms the HDA system as the source correlation and channel-noise correlation increases.
Human Tumor Cell Proliferation Evaluated Using Manganese-Enhanced MRI

Background Tumor cell proliferation can depend on calcium entry across the cell membrane. As a first step toward the development of a non-invasive test of the extent of tumor cell proliferation in vivo, we tested the hypothesis that tumor cell uptake of a calcium surrogate, Mn2+ [measured with manganese-enhanced MRI (MEMRI)], is linked to proliferation rate in vitro. Methodology/Principal Findings Proliferation rates were determined in vitro in three different human tumor cell lines: C918 and OCM-1 human uveal melanomas and PC-3 prostate carcinoma. Cells growing at different average proliferation rates were exposed to 1 mM MnCl2 for one hour and then thoroughly washed. MEMRI R1 values (longitudinal relaxation rates), which have a positive linear relationship with Mn2+ concentration, were then determined from cell pellets. Cell cycle distributions were determined using propidium iodide staining and flow cytometry. All three lines showed Mn2+-induced increases in R1 compared to cells not exposed to Mn2+. C918 and PC-3 cells each showed a significant, positive correlation between MEMRI R1 values and proliferation rate (p≤0.005), while OCM-1 cells showed no significant correlation. Preliminary, general modeling of these positive relationships suggested that pellet R1 for the PC-3 cells, but not for the C918 cells, could be adequately described by simply accounting for changes in the distribution of the cell cycle-dependent subpopulations in the pellet. Conclusions/Significance These data clearly demonstrate the tumor-cell dependent nature of the relationship between proliferation and calcium influx, and underscore the usefulness of MEMRI as a non-invasive method for investigating this link. MEMRI is applicable to study tumors in vivo, and the present results raise the possibility of evaluating proliferation parameters of some tumor types in vivo using MEMRI.
Bioelectric Impedance Analysis in the Diagnosis of Vesicoureteral Reflux

Background: Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is a common abnormality of the urinary tract in childhood. Objectives: As urine enters the ureters and renal pelvis during voiding in vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), we hypothesized that change in body water composition before and after voiding may be less different in children with VUR. Patients and Methods: Patients were grouped as those with VUR (Group 1) and without VUR (Group 2). Bioelectric impedance analysis was performed before and after voiding, and third space fluid (TSF) (L), percent of total body fluid (TBF%), extracellular fluid (ECF%), and intracellular fluid (ICF%) were recorded. After change of TSF, TBF, ECF, ICF (ΔTSF, ΔTBF%, ΔECF%, ΔICF%), urine volume (mL), and urine volume/body weight (mL/kg) were calculated. Groups 1 and 2 were compared for these parameters. In addition, pre- and post-voiding body fluid values were compared in each group. Results: TBF%, ECF%, ICF%, and TSF in both pre- and post-voiding states and ΔTBF%, ΔECF%, ΔICF%, and ΔTSF after voiding were not different between groups. However, while post-voiding TBF%, ECF% was significantly decreased in Group 1 (64.5 ± 8.1 vs 63.7 ± 7.2, P = 0.013 for TBF%), there was not post-voiding change in TSF in the same group. On the other hand, there was also a significant TSF decrease in Group 2. Conclusions: Bladder and ureter can be considered as the third space. Thus, we think that BIA has been useful in discriminating children with VUR as there was no decreased in patients with VUR, although there was decreased TSF in patients without VUR. However, further studies are needed to increase the accuracy of this hypothesis.
TARGET ARTICLE: Immersive Virtual Environment Technology as a Methodological Tool for Social Psychology

Historically, at least 3 methodological problems have dogged experimental social psychology: the experimental control-mundane realism trade-off, lack of replication, and unrepresentative sampling. We argue that immersive virtual environment technology (IVET) can help ameliorate, if not solve, these methodological problems and, thus, holds promise as a new social psychological research tool. In this article, we first present an overview of IVET and review IVET-based research within psychology and other fields. Next, we propose a general model of social influence within immersive virtual environments and present some preliminary findings regarding its utility for social psychology. Finally, we present a new paradigm for experimental social psychology that may enable researchers to unravel the very fabric of social interaction.
An improved DC capacitor voltage balancing strategy for PWM cascaded H-bridge converter-based STATCOM

This paper presents an improved balancing strategy for the cascaded H-bridge converter-based static synchronous compensator (STATCOM), in which the pulse width modulation (PWM) technique is adopted. The control scheme consists of the direct modulation index modification (DMIM) method and a reactive voltage compensation component. Given that the imbalance occurs among the H-bridges is caused by the different accumulation of tiny losses, the vector analysis method is introduced to analyze the control scheme proposed in this paper. Moreover, the available control area of the proposed method is compared with that of the DMIM method in detail. Finally, the proposed control method is verified by a simulation model in Matlab/Simulink and a prototype experiment, respectively.
Oculometric variations during mind wandering

A significant body of literature supports the contention that pupil size varies depending on cognitive load, affective state, and level of drowsiness. Here we assessed whether oculometric measures such as gaze position, blink frequency and pupil size were correlated with the occurrence and time course of self-reported mind-wandering episodes. We recorded the pupil size of two subjects engaged in a monotonous breath counting task while keeping their eyes on a fixation cross. This task is conducive to producing mind-wandering episodes. Each subject performed ten 20-min sessions, for total duration of about 4 h. Subjects were instructed to report spontaneous mind-wandering episodes by pressing a button when they lost count of their breath. After each button press, subjects filled in a short questionnaire describing the characteristics of their mind-wandering episode. We observed larger pupil size during the breath-focusing period compared to the mind-wandering period (p < 0.01 for both subjects). Our findings contradict previous research showing a higher baseline pupil size during mind wandering episodes in visual tasks. We discuss possible explanations for this discrepancy. We also analyzed nine other oculometric measures including blink rate, blink duration and gaze position. We built a support vector machine (SVM) classifier and showed that mean pupil size was the most reliable predictor of mind wandering in both subjects. The classification accuracy of mind wandering data segments vs. breath-focusing data segments was 81% for the first subject and 77% for the second subject. Additionally, we analyzed oculometric measures in light of the phenomenological data collected in the questionnaires. We showed that how well subjects remembered their thoughts while mind wandering was positively correlated with pupil size (subject 1, p < 0.001; subject 2, p < 0.05). Feelings of well being were also positively correlated with pupil size (subject 1, p < 0.001; subject 2, p < 0.001). Our results suggest that oculometric data could be used as a neurocognitive marker of mind-wandering episodes.
The prediction of renal function 6 years after unilateral nephrectomy using preoperative risk factors.

PURPOSE Since middle-aged and elderly patients seem to have risk factors affecting renal function, it is important to predict postoperative renal function prior to unilateral nephrectomy (UNx). We evaluated preoperative factors for predicting postoperative renal function in middle-aged and elderly patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) treated with radical nephrectomy (RNx). MATERIALS AND METHODS In 201 patients who underwent RNx preoperative records and postoperative serum creatinine (SCR) 6 years after nephrectomy were available. Postoperative renal insufficiency was defined as serum creatinine 1.4 mg/dl or greater. The relationship of each preoperative and postoperative factor was analyzed. Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate preoperative factors for predicting postoperative SCR 1.4 mg/dl or greater after 6 years. RESULTS There was a significant difference in postoperative SCR between female and male patients, and between those with and without hypertension, diabetes and proteinuria (p <0.05). Age, hemoglobin, preoperative SCR, blood urea nitrogen, uric acid and K significantly correlated with postoperative SCR (p <0.05). The increase in SCR during 6 years after UNx was significantly higher in patients with hypertension, diabetes and proteinuria than in their respective counterparts (p <0.05). Multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis demonstrated that preoperative serum creatinine, hypertension and proteinuria were significant independent factors predicting postoperative renal function 6 years after UNx in patients with RCC (p <0.05). CONCLUSIONS Preoperative SCR, hypertension and proteinuria are useful factors for predicting postoperative renal function after RNx in patients with RCC.
Social Support, Personality, and Burnout in Nurses

This study sought to find evidence for: (a) a relationship between increased levels of work-related social support and decreased burnout, (b) a relationship between personality traits and burnout, and (c) a significant interaction of social support and extraversion in relation to burnout. Seventy-six staff nurses and their supervisors at a private medical hospital participated as subjects. Two subscales of the Work Environment Scale measured social support. Personality was measured using an instrument known as PROSCAN, and Scale H of the 16PF. Burnout was measured by the Maslach Burnout Inventory. A strong negative correlation between work-related social support and burnout was found. Also, nurses whose supervisors received positive-feedback training showed significant reductions in emotional exhaustion, compared to those whose supervisors did not receive this training. Some dimensions of personality explained a significant amount of burnout. The study also provided further evidence of the interactive effect of social support and extraversion in relation to an emotional distress variable. That is, extraverted nurses required more work-related peer support than did introverts to avoid emotional exhaustion. Suggestions for further research are given.
Relationship of Global Self-Evaluations of Activity to Psychosocial and Health-Related Aging Outcomes

The authors obtained older adults' self-rated judgments about the quality of their activity engagement considered as a whole (global activity evaluation) and, using cross-sectional survey data, tested the ability of such judgments to predict well-being. Participants were 460 community-dwelling older adults who responded to (1) global activity evaluations, (2) activity participation frequency scales, and (3) indices of life satisfaction, depression, and physical and mental health-related quality of life. Regression analyses indicated that global activity evaluations had a stronger relationship to psychosocial outcome indices than did participation frequency ratings, although both measurement approaches were associated with statistically significant predictions. However, global evaluations and participation frequency ratings were approximately equal in their ability to predict physical health-related quality of life. These relationships were fairly consistent across ethnic groups. Overall, the results suggest that ideally the two strategies for assessing activity should be incorporated in future research on activity and occupational therapy practice.
Ultrasound bone detection using patient-specific CT prior

Registration of pre-operative CT datasets to intra-operative 3D freehand ultrasound has been of high interest for computer assisted orthopedic surgery. Feature-based registration relies on an accurate detection of the bone surface in the B-mode ultrasound images. In this work we present a fully automatic bone detection approach for US. The pre-operative CT is utilized to create a patient-specific bone model for our joint detection-registration framework. The model provides a geometric constraint for accurate and robust detection. Simultaneously to the detection, our method yields a close estimate of the rigid transformation from US to CT, which can be used as an initialization for further refinement through sophisticated intensity-/feature-based registration methods. We evaluated our approach on datasets of the human femur acquired in a cadaver study and demonstrate a mean bone detection error of below 0.4mm.