Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Scheduling Optimization of Arrived Flights

Aiming at the application of ant colony algorithm (ACA) to the problem of airport surface scheduling, firstly, a part of one domestic hub airport is abstracted as network-topology graph with nodes. Then the ACA is combined with the mathematical model of airport surface taxiing, and the updating regulation of pheromone of colony algorithm is improved to optimize the scheduling route. Finally, the experiment simulations are made by two different algorithms Compared the results to the actual data, it can come to the conclusion that the scheduling information is optimized with ACA and improved ACA, meanwhile, the taxiing distance and time is declined with improved ACA compared to ACA.
Toward making robots invisible-in-use

A major challenge facing human-robot interaction is understanding how people will interact and cope with increasingly agentic objects in their everyday lives. As more robotic technologies enter human environments, it is critical to consider other models of human-robot interaction that do not always demand focused attention. Drawing from the ubiquitous computing perspective and its theoretical foundations in phenomenology, we present the analysis and results from interviews (N = 19) and surveys (N = 46) regarding personal experiences with tools that became invisible-in-use, shedding light upon ways that robots might do the same, and regarding equestrian (N = 6) perspectives on working with animal agents. This chapter presents lessons learned from these studies and recommendations for designing robots to be more invisible-in-use.
WiMax Capacity Enhancements introducing MIMO 2×2 Diversity and Spatial Multiplexing

The IEEE802.16d/e standardization initiative for wireless metropolitan area networking (MAN) aims at portable and mobile broadband wireless access (BWA) in cellular deployments offering high data rate and high capacity scenarios for both mobile and fixed wireless access. The OFDM based WiMax air interface covers a state-of-the-art feature package including e.g subchanneling, turbo coding as well as multiple antenna systems (MIMO) promising huge capacity gain. This paper focuses on the mobile IEEE802.16e performance presenting capacity and spectrum efficiency figures for both the basic SISO and advanced 2x2 MIMO scenarios. Detailed link level simulation results have been presented for SISO, MIMO diversity and MIMO spatial multiplexing assuming a pedestrian Ped B 3 channel model characterizing slow moving subscriber scenarios. The evaluation of the channel capacity and spectrum efficiency is based on a semi-analytical approach for rapid performance estimation in cellular packet data networks. In this paper two generic traffic models are used to evaluate the spectrum efficiency for the upcoming new broadband OFDM IEEE 802.16 WiMax system. The first traffic model assumes an equal mean packet data call duration (EMPC-D) whereas the second one assumes an equal mean packet call data volume (EMPC-V) per subscriber. The study of mobile WiMax performance in 1x3 frequency reuse shows a considerable difference of roughly 40% in terms of spectrum efficiency between both traffic models. The comparison of mobile WiMax with SISO and MIMO reveals a considerable performance advantage for advanced MIMO antenna systems in the order of 120% for EMPC-D and up to 270% for EMPC-V. It will be shown that MIMO requires a dynamic switching between the diversity and spatial multiplexing modes to realize the full capacity gain. Finally the achievable benefits of spatial multiplexing massively depend on the applied traffic model and are rather negligible for EMPC-V but really significant for the EMPC-D traffic model.
Neurocognitive functioning and cerebrovascular reactivity after carotid endarterectomy

Objective To evaluate in patients with TIA and ipsilateral high-grade internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis whether changes in cognitive performance and cerebral hemodynamics occurred after carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and to explore their relationship. Methods Participants were patients who underwent CEA, had TIA within the last 6 months, and had an ipsilateral severe ICA stenosis. Coloured Progressive Matrices (CPM) plus Complex Figure Copy Test (CFCT) and phonemic (ph) plus categorical (ca) Verbal Fluency (VF) tests were performed to assess right and left hemisphere cognitive functions, respectively. Hemodynamics was assessed with transcranial Doppler ultrasonography by means of the cerebral vasomotor reactivity (CVR) to hypercapnia. Results A total of 137 patients were included. Before CEA, patients with right ICA obtained lower scores on the CPM and CFCT; patients with left ICA stenosis performed worse on the phonemic and categorical VF tests. The CVR was decreased on the side of the stenosis. At 6 months from CEA, CVR and cognitive performance were significantly improved. The performance change in cognitive tests exploring the revascularized hemisphere was positively associated with the ipsilateral CVR variation (CPM: R2 for linear regression = 0.759, adjR2 = 0.737; CFCT: R2 = 0.734, adjR2 = 0.710; (ph)VF: R2 = 0.774, adjR2 = 0.749; (ca)VF: R2 = 0.732, adjR2 = 0.703). Conclusion Cognitive performance was enhanced at 6 months since CEA, and the improvement was related to the CVR increase. Cerebral hemodynamics may be an independent and potentially reversible determinant of cognitive dysfunction in severe carotid artery disease.
The surgical technique of autologous chondrocyte transplantation of the talus with use of a periosteal graft. Surgical technique.

BACKGROUND Despite its highly specialized nature, articular cartilage has a poor reparative capability. Treatment of symptomatic osteochondral defects of the talus has been especially difficult until now. METHODS We performed autologous chondrocyte transplantation in twelve patients with a focal deep cartilage lesion of the talus. There were seven female and five male patients with a mean age of 29.7 years. The mean size of the lesion was 2.3 cm(2). All patients were studied prospectively. Evaluation was performed with use of the Hannover ankle rating score, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score, a visual analog scale for pain, and magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS All patients were available for follow-up at a mean of sixty-three months. There was a significant improvement in the Hannover score, from 40.4 points preoperatively to 85.5 points at the follow-up examination, with seven excellent results, four good results, and one satisfactory result. The AOFAS mean score was 88.4 points compared with 43.5 points preoperatively. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a nearly congruent joint surface in seven patients, discrete irregularities in four, and an incongruent surface in one. The patients who had been involved in competitive sports were able to return to their full activity level. CONCLUSIONS The promising clinical results of this study suggest that autologous chondrocyte transplantation is an effective and safe way to treat symptomatic osteochondral defects of the talus in appropriately selected patients.
Most Mutant OccR Proteins That Are Defective in Positive Control Hold Operator DNA in a Locked High-Angle Bend

ABSTRACT OccR is a LysR-type transcriptional regulator of Agrobacterium tumefaciens that positively regulates the octopine catabolism operon of the Ti plasmid. Positive control of the occ genes occurs in response to octopine, a nutrient released from crown gall tumors. OccR also functions as an autorepressor in the presence or absence of octopine. OccR binds to a site between occQ and occR in the presence or absence of octopine, although octopine triggers a conformational change that shortens the DNA footprint and relaxes a DNA bend. In order to determine the roles of this conformational change in transcriptional activation, we isolated 11 OccR mutants that were defective in activation of the occQ promoter but were still capable of autorepression. The mutations in these mutants spanned most of the length of the protein. Two additional positive-control mutants were isolated using site-directed mutagenesis. Twelve mutant proteins displayed a high-angle DNA bend in the presence or absence of octopine. One mutant, the L26A mutant, showed ligand-responsive DNA binding similar to that of wild-type OccR and therefore must be impaired in a subsequent step in activation.
Spatial Autocorrelation in Farmland Grasshopper Assemblages (Orthoptera: Acrididae) in Western France

ABSTRACT Agricultural intensification in western Europe has caused a dramatic loss of grassland surfaces in farmlands, which have resulted in strong declines in grassland invertebrates, leading to cascade effects at higher trophic levels among consumers of invertebrates. Grasshoppers are important components of grassland invertebrate assemblages in European agricultural ecosystems, particularly as prey for bird species. Understanding how grasshopper populations are distributed in fragmented landscapes with low grassland availability is critical for both studies in biodiversity conservation and insect management. We assessed the range and strength of spatial autocorrelation for two grasshopper taxa (Gomphocerinae subfamily and Calliptamus italicus L.) across an intensive farmland in western France. Data from surveys carried out over 8 yr in 1,715 grassland fields were analyzed using geostatistics. Weak spatial patterns were observed at small spatial scales, suggesting important local effects of management practices on grasshopper densities. Spatial autocorrelation patterns for both grasshopper taxa were only detected at intermediate scales. For Gomphocerinae, the range of spatial autocorrelation varied from 802 to 2,613 m according to the year, depending both on grasshopper density and on grassland surfaces in the study site, whereas spatial patterns for the Italian locust were more variable and not related to grasshopper density or grassland surfaces. Spatial patterns in the distribution of Gomphocerinae supported our hypothesis that habitat availability was a major driver of grasshopper distribution in the landscape, and suggested it was related to density-dependent processes such as dispersal.
SoNIC over 1 G

In standard environments, both Data Link and the Physical (PHY) layers are defined in the Network Interface Cards (NIC) and they cannot be accessed in real-time via software. However, these lower layers contain valuable information that can be used to measure and to improve the performance of the network. Recently, SoNIC [1] was proposed to provide realtime access to the Physical Layer and it was used to accurately measure the performance of a high-speed wired complex network [2]. Current SoNIC design and implementation only operates in 10 GbE (Gigabit Ethernet) devices. In this project, we present a SoNIC design for 1GbE devices as an effort to extend the SoNIC ecosystem.
Adaptive zone routing protocol for ad hoc network nodes with non‐uniform mobilities

In recent years, a variety of new routing protocols for mobile ad hoc wireless NETworks (MANETs) have been developed. Performance evaluation and comparison of many of these routing protocols have been performed using detailed simulation models. Zone routing protocol (ZRP) is one of these routing protocols, which is a hybrid routing protocol that proactively maintains routing information for a local neighbourhood (routing zone), while reactively acquiring routes to destinations beyond the routing zone. The studies on ZRP have assumed homogeneous scenarios where all mobile nodes have uniform mobility and are statistically identical, lacking the studies on heterogeneous scenarios where mobile nodes move with non‐uniform mobilities in the same network. In this paper, we study the performance of ZRP in such scenarios. We propose an efficient scheme for ZRP to adapt to the non‐uniform mobilities scenario and study its performance for different mobility scenarios, network loads and network sizes. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Activation of Atg1 kinase in autophagy by regulated phosphorylation

Autophagy is a highly regulated trafficking pathway that leads to selective degradation of cellular constituents such as protein aggregates and excessive and damaged organelles. Atg1 is an essential part of the core autophagic machinery, which triggers induction of autophagy and the Cvt pathway. Although changes in Atg1 phosphorylation and complex formation are thought to regulate its function, the mechanism of Atg1 kinase activation remains unclear. Using a quantitative mass spectrometry approach, we identified 29 phosphorylation sites, of which five are either upregulated or downregulated by rapamycin treatment. Two phosphorylation sites, threonine 226 and serine 230, are evolutionarily conserved and located in the activation loop of the amino terminal kinase domain of Atg1. These phosphorylation events are not required for Atg1 localization to the phagosome assembly site (PAS), or the proper assembly of the multisubunit Atg1 kinase complex and binding to its activator Atg13. However, mutation of either one of these sites results in a loss of Atg1 kinase activity and its function in autophagy and the Cvt pathway. Taken together, our data suggest that phosphorylation of Atg1 on multiple sites provides critical mechanisms to regulate Atg1 function in autophagy and the Cvt pathway.
The Impact of ICT on the Professional Role of the Teacher from the Viewpoint of the Principal and Administrative Staff

﻿The purpose of this study is to investigate whether changes have occurred in the teacher's professional pedagogical role as a result of the implementation of ICT in the schools, from the point of view of the principal and administrative staff of the school. The study was conducted in Israel, using the qualitative method and included eight semi-structured in-depth interviews with the administrative staff of elementary schools: the principal, the assistant principal, the computer coordinator, the grade coordinator and the teacher. The research findings suggest that the program does influence the teacher in a number of aspects: the teacher is required to rethink his teaching methods and increase his team work with his work staff and colleagues. In addition, the results highlight the need for the teacher's continued professional development in the field of computerization.
Self-monitoring of reexperiencing symptoms: a randomized trial.

The efficacy of a brief intervention to self-monitor reexperiencing symptoms was evaluated in 137 U.S. combat veterans with PTSD who were enrolled in 5-week psychoeducation groups at a large Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Groups were randomized to psychoeducation alone (Education Control, n = 50) or psychoeducation plus intrusion monitoring (Education + Monitoring, n = 87). Education + Monitoring participants were asked to make a daily record of the number and content of nightmares, flashbacks, intrusive trauma-related thoughts, and physiological and emotional reactions to triggers. Avoidance symptoms were reduced in both conditions (η(2) = . 093), with no additional benefit from intrusion monitoring (η(2) = . 001). Compliance with intrusion monitoring was markedly low, which complicated the interpretation of the study findings. Even though intrusion monitoring has a strong theoretical foundation and may be an efficient and cost-effective alternative to more structured treatments for PTSD, the effect of intrusion monitoring will not be clearly understood until higher compliance can be achieved. Future work in this area should address barriers to compliance and investigate strategies for enhancing motivation to engage in self-monitoring.
Estimating total Barthel scores from just three items: the European Stroke Database 'minimum dataset' for assessing functional status at discharge from hospital.

BACKGROUND The European Stroke Database (ESDB) Project aims to develop a 'common clinical language' for stroke care by agreeing on terminology, definitions and clinical assessments. Each area of stroke assessment has a 'minimum dataset', which can be collected routinely and more detailed information can be added for particular studies. Measurement of patients' functional status at discharge is essential for assessing the impact of hospital care, but even simple activities of daily living scales like the Barthel index may not be easy to use routinely on busy acute units. We thus aimed to further simplify the 20-point Barthel index by reducing it to a few key items. METHODS We initially analysed data on 169 consecutive stroke patients discharged from one British hospital and found that a simple formula involving the combined subscores for urinary continence (Blad), bed-chair transfers C (Trans) and indoor mobility (Mob)-(Blad + Trans + Mob) x 2.39 + 0.14-predicted the total BI score to within 1 point in 79% and to within 2 points in 95% of cases. We then tested this three-item Barthel index (BI3) in four different stroke datasets (total n = 824). RESULTS The predictions were accurate to +/-1 point in 72-81% and to +/-2 points in 88-97% of cases, and BI3 accounted for 95% of the variance in total Barthel score. It was more accurate in patients without obvious mental impairment. CONCLUSIONS For studies involving large groups of stroke patients, it is sufficient to know about each patient's continence, transfers and indoor mobility at discharge, in order to estimate the total Barthel score. These measures have therefore been incorporated, together with a simple observational measure of cognitive status, into the database minimum dataset for short-term functional outcome and are now being validated in international studies.
A BLUE OCEAN STRATEGY ANALYSIS OF IMAXs MOVE TO GO HOLLYWOOD

The IMAX Corporation is a large format film production and Distribution Company who found their niche market in the early 2000s challenged not from competitors, but from other sources of entertainment ranging from home theater, sporting events, computers and other entertainment options. Changing dynamics, demographics and technologies led to a deterioration of profitability and share price for IMAX. The resulting financial problems caused IMAX to consider dramatic changes to their core values, strategy and operations. Faced with a challenging and uncertain future, IMAX decided to go Hollywood and embarked in expansion from their niche market in predominantly educational movies and documentaries shown in museums and zoos to new partnerships with theater chains and the conversion of full-length Hollywood blockbuster movies, animations and 3-D format in the IMAX format. The present paper will examine the given situation IMAX was facing at the time and analyze whether these changes constituted a new Blue Ocean for IMAX utilizing the Blue Ocean Strategy analytic framework.
Genetically Encoded Biosensors Reveal PKA Hyperphosphorylation on the Myofilaments in Rabbit Heart Failure.

RATIONALE In heart failure, myofilament proteins display abnormal phosphorylation, which contributes to contractile dysfunction. The mechanisms underlying the dysregulation of protein phosphorylation on myofilaments is not clear. OBJECTIVE This study aims to understand the mechanisms underlying altered phosphorylation of myofilament proteins in heart failure. METHODS AND RESULTS We generate a novel genetically encoded protein kinase A (PKA) biosensor anchored onto the myofilaments in rabbit cardiac myocytes to examine PKA activity at the myofilaments in responses to adrenergic stimulation. We show that PKA activity is shifted from the sarcolemma to the myofilaments in hypertrophic failing rabbit myocytes. In particular, the increased PKA activity on the myofilaments is because of an enhanced β2 adrenergic receptor signal selectively directed to the myofilaments together with a reduced phosphodiesterase activity associated with the myofibrils. Mechanistically, the enhanced PKA activity on the myofilaments is associated with downregulation of caveolin-3 in the hypertrophic failing rabbit myocytes. Reintroduction of caveolin-3 in the failing myocytes is able to normalize the distribution of β2 adrenergic receptor signal by preventing PKA signal access to the myofilaments and to restore contractile response to adrenergic stimulation. CONCLUSIONS In hypertrophic rabbit myocytes, selectively enhanced β2 adrenergic receptor signaling toward the myofilaments contributes to elevated PKA activity and PKA phosphorylation of myofilament proteins. Reintroduction of caveolin-3 is able to confine β2 adrenergic receptor signaling and restore myocyte contractility in response to β adrenergic stimulation.
Idealised simulations of sting‐jet cyclones

An idealised modelling study of sting‐jet cyclones is presented. Sting jets are descending mesoscale jets that occur in some extratropical cyclones and produce localised regions of strong low‐level winds in the frontal fracture region. Moist baroclinic lifecycle (LC1) simulations are performed with modifications to produce cyclones resembling observed sting‐jet cyclones.
Acute toxicity of two Alzheimer’s disease radiopharmaceuticals: FDDNP and IMPY

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that results in memory deficits. The effect of AD is the leading cause of dementia in the United States and constitutes a burgeoning public health problem. AD is characterized by the presence of two aberrant structures, senile plaques, and neurofibrillary tangles, present in the brain of the patients. [18F]FDDNP and [123I]IMPY were developed for the early diagnosis of AD by Dr. J. Barrios and Dr. H. Kung, respectively. These two radiotracers could bind with the amyloid location site in the AD patient brain. The aim of this study was to analyze the acute single toxic effects dose of two nonradiochemical labeled compounds in rats. Animals were injected from the tail vein with nonlabeled-FDDNP (0– 5 mg/kg) and nonlabeled-IMPY (0–300 μg/kg), respectively, and observed for 2 weeks. These doses provide safety margins of 35,000- to 140-fold and 1,000- to 100-fold over the maximal recommend human dose (0.1 mg/70 kg) and (20 μg/60 kg) (by FDDNP and IMPY), respectively. With IMPY, there were no changes in mortality, clinical situation, and gross necropsy. With FDDNP, the high dose (5 mg/kg) produced mortality in 2 of 5 and 1 of 5 in male and female rats, respectively. The high dose of FDDNP showed liver damage in dying animals. No other adverse toxic effects at dose levels up to 1.0 mg/kg of FDDNP were noted. FDDNP exerted no adverse toxic effects in rats given doses up to 1 mg/kg and IMPY at the dose levels up to 300 μg/kg.
Test Scenario Generation for Web Application Based on Past Test Artifacts

SUMMARY For the past couple of decades, the usage of the Web as a platform for deploying software products has become incredibly popular. Web applications became more prevalent, as well as more complex. Countless Web applications have already been designed, developed, tested, and deployed on the Internet. However, it is noticeable that many common functionalities are present among these vast number of applications. This paper proposes an approach based on a database containing information from previous test artifacts. The information is used to generate test scenarios for Web applications under test. We have developed a tool based on our proposed approach, with the aim of reducing the e ﬀ ort required from software test engineers and professionals during the test planning and creation stage of software engineering. We evaluated our approach from three viewpoints: comparison between our approach and manual generation, qualitative evaluation by professional software engineers, and comparison between our approach and two open-source tools.