Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
802.11 over coax - a hybrid coax-wireless home network using 802.11 technology

We address the challenge of a ubiquitous home network for new high-bandwidth applications and services such as video. We present a new concept of a hybrid coax-wireless home network using IEEE 802.11 technology. We further analyze this solution from a technical as well as other aspects and show its superiority by comparing it to alternative solutions. With data rates of up to 54 Mbps, guaranteed QoS, security, and robust whole-home coverage, operators and service providers can deliver and distribute new bandwidth intensive services throughout the home. The usage of the popular 802.11 standard ensures many advantages, such as availability and interoperability of components, low cost, and abundance of complimentary products.
Inferring large gene networks from microarray data: a constraint-based approach

We apply a constraint-based Bayesian network inference algorithm to the problem of discovering the network of genes involved in four types of lung carcinoma using microarray gene expression data. The large number of variables (892), the small sample size (73 – typical for current mi-croarray technology), as well as the noisy data require the ability to reconcile possibly unreliable conditional independence tests producing mutually inconsistent results. Our improved constraint-based algorithm QFCI is especially suited for inferring the global gene network structure (even in the presence of unknown hidden variables) rather than just fragmentary high-scoring substructures. Moreover, QFCI was able to reconstruct a plausible substructure of the 'small cell' subtype involving an expression profile typical for neuroendo-crine differentiation.
An Autonomy Support Motivation Intervention with Pre-Service Teachers: Do the Strategies that They Intend to Use Change?

Self-Determination Theory posits that autonomy is one of three psychological needs whose fulfillment leads to an optimally motivating learning environment. A quasi-experimental design was used to see if the motivational strategies that preservice teachers intended to use in their classrooms changed after they were presented with an evidence-based autonomy-support motivation intervention. A mixed randomized-repeated measures ANOVA revealed that the strategies change significantly in comparison to a control group, with both a main effect of time (F (1,60) = 13.84, p > . 001) and a significant interaction effect (F (1,60) = 8.07, p = . 01). Analysis revealed that preservice teachers in both groups endorsed autonomy-supportive motivational strategies at similar levels before the intervention; those who took part in the intervention endorsed significantly more autonomy-supportive strategies after the intervention than the control group. The effects of novelty and usefulness of content were explored. Implications, suggestions for further research and future applications are discussed.
A Generate and Rank Approach to Sentence Paraphrasing

We present a method that paraphrases a given sentence by first generating candidate paraphrases and then ranking (or classifying) them. The candidates are generated by applying existing paraphrasing rules extracted from parallel corpora. The ranking component considers not only the overall quality of the rules that produced each candidate, but also the extent to which they preserve grammaticality and meaning in the particular context of the input sentence, as well as the degree to which the candidate differs from the input. We experimented with both a Maximum Entropy classifier and an SVR ranker. Experimental results show that incorporating features from an existing paraphrase recognizer in the ranking component improves performance, and that our overall method compares well against a state of the art paraphrase generator, when paraphrasing rules apply to the input sentences. We also propose a new methodology to evaluate the ranking components of generate-and-rank paraphrase generators, which evaluates them across different combinations of weights for grammaticality, meaning preservation, and diversity. The paper is accompanied by a paraphrasing dataset we constructed for evaluations of this kind.
Unique Mechanism of the Interaction between Honey Bee Toxin TPNQ and rKir1.1 Potassium Channel Explored by Computational Simulations: Insights into the Relative Insensitivity of Channel towards Animal Toxins

Background The 21-residue compact tertiapin-Q (TPNQ) toxin, a derivative of honey bee toxin tertiapin (TPN), is a potent blocker of inward-rectifier K+ channel subtype, rat Kir1.1 (rKir1.1) channel, and their interaction mechanism remains unclear. Principal Findings Based on the flexible feature of potassium channel turrets, a good starting rKir1.1 channel structure was modeled for the accessibility of rKir1.1 channel turrets to TPNQ toxin. In combination with experimental alanine scanning mutagenesis data, computational approaches were further used to obtain a reasonable TPNQ toxin-rKir1.1 channel complex structure, which was completely different from the known binding modes between animal toxins and potassium channels. TPNQ toxin mainly adopted its helical domain as the channel-interacting surface together with His12 as the pore-blocking residue. The important Gln13 residue mainly contacted channel residues near the selectivity filter, and Lys20 residue was surrounded by a polar “groove” formed by Arg118, Thr119, Glu123, and Asn124 in the channel turret. On the other hand, four turrets of rKir1.1 channel gathered to form a narrow pore entryway for TPNQ toxin recognition. The Phe146 and Phe148 residues in the channel pore region formed strong hydrophobic protrusions, and produced dominant nonpolar interactions with toxin residues. These specific structure features of rKir1.1 channel vestibule well matched the binding of potent TPNQ toxin, and likely restricted the binding of the classical animal toxins. Conclusions/Significance The TPNQ toxin-rKir1.1 channel complex structure not only revealed their unique interaction mechanism, but also would highlight the diverse animal toxin-potassium channel interactions, and elucidate the relative insensitivity of rKir1.1 channel towards animal toxins.
Characterizing soft error vulnerability of cache coherence protocols for chip-multiprocessors

Soft-error induced reliability problems have become a major challenge in designing new generation microprocessors. Due to the on-chip caches' dominant share in die area and transistor budget, protecting them against soft errors is of paramount importance. Recent research has focused on the characterization and optimization for the reliability of data caches in single-core processors. As the mainstream processors enter the multi-/many-core era, the area share of the on-chip caches keeps increasing, which makes them more vulnerable to soft errors. However, few research work has studied the vulnerability of the on-chip caches in the context of the cache coherence protocols. In this work, we propose to characterize the soft error vulnerability of the L1 data cache in chip-multiprocessors (CMPs) under the influence of different cache coherence protocols. This study aims to provide insights into cache vulnerability behaviors in CMPs as well as guidance in designing reliable cache coherence protocols. Furthermore, an early-invalidation scheme is proposed to reduce the overall vulnerability factor of the data caches in CMPs. Benchmarking is carried out to showcase the effectiveness of our approach.
Design of smart home control system by Internet of Things based on ZigBee

Smart home is an important applicable field of Internet of Things. In line with the applicable demands and features of smart home, a design of smart home control system by Internet of Things based on ZigBee has been advanced in this paper. In the proposed system, LM3S8962 32-bit processor is used as the main controller to complete the design of embedded WEB server. Meanwhile, a number of things have adopted in the program design, such as RTX operating system in RL-ARM real time database, Common Gateway Interface function and Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol. A variety of tasks of the system function module can be completed by RTX operating system. The information exchange between the client side and the server side can be realized by Common Gateway Interface technology. Ethernet communication can be implemented by Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol. What's more, ZigBee wireless communication module is applied for the local communication, and it can send and receive the transmission information between the main controller and the various home appliances. The experimental results show that remote monitoring appliance can be realized. And the proposed smart home control system is simple and feasible, which can be widely used in smart home remote monitoring.
Soft-decision list decoding of Reed-Muller codes with linear complexity

Let a binary Reed-Muller code RM(s;m) of length n be used on a memoryless channel with an input alphabet ±1 and a real-valued output ℝ. Given a received vector y in ℝ<inf>n</inf>; we define its generalized distance T to any codeword c as the sum ∑|y<inf>j|</inf> taken over all positions j, in which vectors y, c have opposite signs. We then consider the list ℒ<inf>T</inf> of codewords located within distance T from the received vector y and estimate the size L<inf>T</inf> of this list using the generalized Johnson bound. For any RM code RM(s;m) of fixed order s, the algorithm is proposed that performs list decoding beyond the error-correcting radius with linear complexity in length n and retrieves the code list ℒ<inf>T</inf> with complexity of order nsL<inf>T</inf> for any decoding radius T within the generalized Johnson bound.
Spatial layout and surface reconstruction from omnidirectional images

This paper presents a spatial layout recovery approach from single omnidirectional images. Vertical structures in the scene are extracted via classification from heterogeneous features computed at the superpixel level. Vertical surfaces are further classified according to their main orientation by fusing oriented line features, floor-wall boundary features and histogram of oriented gradients (HOG) with a Random Forest classifier. Oriented line features are used to build an orientation map that considers the main vanishing points. The floor-wall boundary feature attempts to reconstruct the scene shape as if it were observed from a bird's-eye view. Finally, the HOG descriptors are aggregated per superpixel and summarize the gradient distribution at homogeneous appearance regions. Compared to existing methods in the literature which rely only on corners or lines, our method gains statistical support from multiple cues aggregated per superpixel which provide more robustness against noise, occlusion, and clutter.
The Development of Hand-Centered Visual Representations in the Primate Brain: A Computer Modeling Study Using Natural Visual Scenes

Neurons that respond to visual targets in a hand-centered frame of reference have been found within various areas of the primate brain. We investigate how hand-centered visual representations may develop in a neural network model of the primate visual system called VisNet, when the model is trained on images of the hand seen against natural visual scenes. The simulations show how such neurons may develop through a biologically plausible process of unsupervised competitive learning and self-organization. In an advance on our previous work, the visual scenes consisted of multiple targets presented simultaneously with respect to the hand. Three experiments are presented. First, VisNet was trained with computerized images consisting of a realistic image of a hand and a variety of natural objects, presented in different textured backgrounds during training. The network was then tested with just one textured object near the hand in order to verify if the output cells were capable of building hand-centered representations with a single localized receptive field. We explain the underlying principles of the statistical decoupling that allows the output cells of the network to develop single localized receptive fields even when the network is trained with multiple objects. In a second simulation we examined how some of the cells with hand-centered receptive fields decreased their shape selectivity and started responding to a localized region of hand-centered space as the number of objects presented in overlapping locations during training increases. Lastly, we explored the same learning principles training the network with natural visual scenes collected by volunteers. These results provide an important step in showing how single, localized, hand-centered receptive fields could emerge under more ecologically realistic visual training conditions.
On the Structure of Edge Graphs

Every graph appearing in this note is a finite edge graph without loops and multiple edges. Denote by G(n, m) a graph with n vertices and ni edges . K r (t) denotes a graph with r groups of t vertices each, in which two vertices are connected if and only if they belong to different groups . By dividing n vertices into r-1 almost equal groups and connecting the points in different groups one obtains a graph on n vertices with ((r 2)/2(r 1) + u (1)) 11 2 edges which does not contain a Kr(l) . On the other hand, it was shown by Erdős and Stone [7] that ((r 2)/2(r 1) + s) n2 (e > 0) edges assure already the existence of a Kr(t), where t -~ oo as n -p co . This result is the inost essential part of the theorems on the structure of extremal graphs, see e . g. [3], [4], [6], [9] . Let us formulate the result of Erdős and Stone more precisely . Given n, r and e, put rn = [((r-2)/2(r-1)+e)n2] ([x] denotes the integer part of x) and define g(n, r, e) = min {t : every G(n, in) contains a K r (t)} .
Does Combined Physical and Cognitive Training Improve Dual-Task Balance and Gait Outcomes in Sedentary Older Adults?

Everyday activities like walking and talking can put an older adult at risk for a fall if they have difficulty dividing their attention between motor and cognitive tasks. Training studies have demonstrated that both cognitive and physical training regimens can improve motor and cognitive task performance. Few studies have examined the benefits of combined training (cognitive and physical) and whether or not this type of combined training would transfer to walking or balancing dual-tasks. This study examines the dual-task benefits of combined training in a sample of sedentary older adults. Seventy-two older adults (≥60 years) were randomly assigned to one of four training groups: Aerobic + Cognitive training (CT), Aerobic + Computer lessons (CL), Stretch + CT and Stretch + CL. It was expected that the Aerobic + CT group would demonstrate the largest benefits and that the active placebo control (Stretch + CL) would show the least benefits after training. Walking and standing balance were paired with an auditory n-back with two levels of difficulty (0- and 1-back). Dual-task walking and balance were assessed with: walk speed (m/s), cognitive accuracy (% correct) and several mediolateral sway measures for pre- to post-test improvements. All groups demonstrated improvements in walk speed from pre- (M = 1.33 m/s) to post-test (M = 1.42 m/s, p < 0.001) and in accuracy from pre- (M = 97.57%) to post-test (M = 98.57%, p = 0.005). They also increased their walk speed in the more difficult 1-back (M = 1.38 m/s) in comparison to the 0-back (M = 1.36 m/s, p < 0.001) but reduced their accuracy in the 1-back (M = 96.39%) in comparison to the 0-back (M = 99.92%, p < 0.001). Three out of the five mediolateral sway variables (Peak, SD, RMS) demonstrated significant reductions in sway from pre to post test (p-values < 0.05). With the exception of a group difference between Aerobic + CT and Stretch + CT in accuracy, there were no significant group differences after training. Results suggest that there can be dual-task benefits from training but that in this sedentary sample Aerobic + CT training was not more beneficial than other types of combined training.
Radio Frequency Interference

We describe the nature of the interference challenges facing radio astronomy in the next decade. These challenges will not be solved by regulation only, negotiation and mitigation will become vital. There is no silver bullet for mitigating against interference. A successful mitigation approach is most likely to be a hierarchical or progressive approach throughout the telescope and signal conditioning and processing systems. We summarise some of the approaches, including adaptive systems.
Document Processing with LinkIT

We present a linguistically-motivated technique for the recognition and grouping of simplex noun phrases (SNPs) called LinkIT. Our system has two key features: (1) we efficiently gather minimal NPs, i. e. SNPs, as precisely and linguistically defined and motivated in our paper; (2) we apply a refined set of post-processing rules to these SNPs to link them within a document. The identification of SNPs is performed using a finite state machine compiled from a regular expression grammar, and the process of ranking the candidate significant topics uses frequency information that is gathered in a single pass through the document. We evaluated the NP identification component of LinkIT and found that it outperformed other NP chunkers in precision and recall. The system is currently used in several applications which are described, such as web page characterization and multi-document summarization.
Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics New Particle Formation from the Oxidation of Direct Emissions of Pine Seedlings

Measurements of particle formation following the gas phase oxidation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) seedlings are reported. Particle formation and condensational growth both from ozone (O 3) and hydroxyl radical (OH) initiated oxidation of pine emissions (about 20-120 ppb) were investigated in a smog chamber. During experiments, tetramethylethy-lene (TME) and 2-butanol were added to control the concentrations of O 3 and OH. Particle formation and condensa-tional growth rates were interpreted with a chemical kinetic model. Scots pine emissions mainly included α-pinene, β-pinene, 3-carene, limonene, myrcene and β-phellandrene, composing more than 95% of total emissions. Modeled OH concentrations in the O 3-and OH-induced experiments were on the order of ∼10 6 molecules cm −3. Our results demonstrate that OH-initiated oxidation of VOCs plays an important role in the nucleation process during the initial new particle formation stage. The highest average particle formation rate of 360 cm −3 s −1 was observed for the OH-dominated nucleation events and the lowest formation rate of less than 0.5 cm −3 s −1 was observed for the case with only O 3 present as an oxidant. In contrast to the particle formation process, ozonolysis of monoterpenes appears to be much more efficient to the aerosol growth process following nucleation. Higher contributions of more oxygenated products to the SOA mass loadings from OH-dominated oxidation systems were found as compared to the ozonolysis systems. Comparison of mass and volume distributions from the aerosol mass spectrometer and differential mobility analyzer yields estimated SOA effective densities of 1.34±0.06 g cm −3 for the OH+O 3 oxidation systems and 1.38±0.03 g cm −3 for the O 3 dominated chemistry.
Identifying and Quantifying Hidden Hearing Loss

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to identify and quantify a so-called ‘Hidden Hearing Loss,’ which is defined as degraded speech perception in background noise with no hearing threshold elevation. We hypothesized that 1) the loss of auditory nerve fibers, or cochlear synaptopthy, causes hidden hearing loss, and 2) the level of medial olivocochlear reflex (MOCR) reflects cochlear synaptopathy, thus predicting hidden hearing loss. Design: Eighteen subjects were recruited for this study and complained of difficulty understanding speech in environments with high noise levels. All participants completed behavioral and MOCR testing, followed by a speech-in-noise understanding test. A modified Noise Exposure Questionnaire (NEQ) was also completed by each subject in order to account for their noise exposure history. Results: The level of MOCR did account for variance in SiN accuracy. Age and pure-tone audiometry also contributed significantly to SiN accuracy, but in a redundant manner. However, noise exposure history did not seem to have any correlation to SiN understanding within this present study.
Probe-Independent and Direct Quantification of Insulin mRNA and Growth Hormone mRNA in Enriched Cell Preparations

Task division in multicellular organisms ensures that differentiated cell types produce cell-specific proteins that fulfill tasks for the whole organism. In some cases, the encoded mRNA species is so abundant that it represents a sizeable fraction of total mRNA in the cell. In this study, we have used a probe- and primer-free technique to quantify such abundant mRNA species in order to assess regulatory effects of in vitro and in vivo conditions. As a first example, we were able to quantify the regulation of proinsulin mRNA abundance in β-cells by food intake or by the glucose concentration in tissue culture. The second example of application of this technique is the effect of corticosteroids on growth hormone mRNA in enriched somatrotrophs. It is anticipated that other examples exist in which measurement of very abundant mRNAs in dedicated cells will help to understand biological processes, monitor disease states, or assist biotechnological manufacturing procedures.
A comparison of global localization algorithms for planetary exploration

Global localization of a planetary-exploration rover in the absence of a satellite-based global positioning system (GPS) is still an open problem. Although a satellite network is not available for localization around any near-term exploration targets, topographic maps derived from satellite imagery are available. This has spurred the development of several algorithms that perform global localization by matching data collected from onboard sensors to a global digital elevation map (DEM). This paper reviews two of these algorithms—Multiple-frame Odometry-compensated Global Alignment (MOGA) and VIsual Position Estimation for Rovers (VIPER)—and compares their performance on a common dataset, collected in a planetary analog environment. The comparison demonstrates the common factors limiting the performance of these algorithms, but also highlights the benefits and drawbacks of each method. Overall, the MOGA algorithm performed significantly better; however, running both algorithms is seen to be the best option as the computational cost of VIPER is low and it may succeed in some situations wherein MOGA will fail.