Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multiple Ant Colony Optimization Based on Pearson Correlation Coefficient

Ant Colony Optimization algorithms have been successfully applied to solve the Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP). However, they still have a tendency to fall into local optima, mainly resulting from poor diversity, especially in those TSPs with a lot of cities. To address this problem, and further obtain a better result in big-scale TSPs, we propose an algorithm called Multiple Colonies Ant Colony Optimization Based on Pearson Correlation Coefficient (PCCACO). To improve the diversity, first, we introduce a novel single colony termed Unit Distance-Pheromone Operator, which along with two other classic ant populations: Ant Colony System and Max-Min Ant System, make the final whole algorithm. A Pearson correlation coefficient is further employed to erect multi-colony communication with an adaptive frequency. Besides that, an initialization is applied when the algorithm is stagnant, which helps it to jump out of the local optima. Finally, we render a dropout approach to reduce the running time. The extensive simulations in TSP demonstrate that our algorithm can get a better solution with a reasonable variation.
Group 1996 guidelines Working - Lymphocytic Leukemia updating the National Cancer Institute leukemia: a report from the International Workshop on Chronic Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of chronic lymphocytic

Kipps Hartmut Döhner, Peter Hillmen, Michael J. Keating, Emili Montserrat, Kanti R. Rai and Thomas J. Michael Hallek, Bruce D. Cheson, Daniel Catovsky, Federico Caligaris-Cappio, Guillaume Dighiero, Group 1996 guidelines Working − Lymphocytic Leukemia updating the National Cancer Institute leukemia: a report from the International Workshop on Chronic Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of chronic lymphocytic
Nonviral gene delivery.

Modern cell biology increasingly relies on molecular tools to facilitate the study of cellular processes. With the advent of recombinant DNA technology, reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to amplify almost any gene, and fluorescent proteins that can be fused to any desired target protein, the number and scope of functional studies designed to determine the roles of proteins within cells have exploded. Creating the appropriate fusion protein plasmid is a key step, but the DNA must also be delivered to the cell for expression and function studies. There are several common approaches for delivering DNA, including liposome- and polymer-mediated transfection, electroporation, and direct DNA delivery by microinjection. This article provides an overview of several of these nonviral gene delivery methods, with an emphasis on direct injection of plasmids into cells.
Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and the definition of threshold levels to diagnose coronary artery disease on electrocardiographic stress testing. Part I: The use of ROC curves in diagnostic medicine and electrocardiographic markers of ischaemia

A common problem in diagnostic medicine, when performing a diagnostic test, is to obtain an accurate discrimination between ‘normal’ cases and cases with disease, owing to the overlapping distributions of these populations. In clinical practice, it is exceedingly rare that a chosen cut point will achieve perfect discrimination between normal cases and those with disease, and one has to select the best compromise between sensitivity and specificity by comparing the diagnostic performance of different tests or diagnostic criteria available. Receiver operating characteristic (or receiver operator characteristic, ROC) curves allow systematic and intuitively appealing descriptions of the diagnostic performance of a test and a comparison of the performance of different tests or diagnostic criteria. This review will analyse the basic principles underlying ROC curves and their specific application to the choice of optimal parameters on exercise electrocardiographic (ECG) stress testing. Part I will focus on theoretical description and analysis along with reviewing the common problems related to the diagnosis of myocardial ischaemia by means of exercise ECG stress testing. Part II will be devoted to applying ROC curves to available diagnostic criteria through the analysis of ECG stress test parameters.
Virtual democratic dialogue? Bringing together citizens and politicians

How to realize the potential of the Internet for creating virtual public spheres for democratic dialogue has been widely discussed. It has been argued that government should play a more active role in that process. This paper examines a Danish case sponsored by a local government where citizens and politicians were invited to debate via the Internet. It is concluded that the project was quite a success. The overall tone of the debate was respectful and the levels of argumentation, information and deliberation were generally high. Further, the presence of politicians created a debate space consisting of two dimensions and five relations. Two main processes took place within that space: general debates and consultation processes between citizens and politicians. As such, the project achieved a double purpose. Problematically, the project did not succeed in mobilising new groups for political debate. Further, it was a tendency that the politicians tended to dominate the debate leaving less space for debates among citizens.
A Novel Coupling Method of Power Supplies With High Power Density, Efficiency, and Fast Dynamic Response for Spacecraft Hollow Cathode Power Supply Applications

This paper presents a coupling method of power supplies to improve power density, efficiency, and dynamic response by taking the case of heater supply, ignitor supply, and keeper supply for hollow cathode of an all electric propulsion (AEP) Hall thruster. The working principle and timing characteristic of the coupled supply, as well as the three-loop control, current sampling and chopping switch control are also illustrated. With the proposed coupling method, the power density is improved since three supplies are coupled into one supply. Additionally, the test on the coupled supply prototype with 200 W maximum output power shows that the efficiency of the coupled supply could reach up to 89.7%, increasing by 3.9%–14.2% as being compared with that of traditional three supplies with heater current between 4 and 10 A, and the joint test of the coupled supply with an AEP hall thruster proves the achievement of fast dynamic response and the ability to extend useful life of hollow cathode. Hence, the coupling method proposed in this paper could achieve the power supply system with high power density, efficiency, and fast dynamic response.
Physiological Factors Influencing Vitamin E Biokinetics

Abstract: Limited information is available on factors that can influence vitamin E bioavailability. In several studies we have investigated the influence of dietary, biochemical, and genetic factors on vitamin E biokinetics. In these studies, subjects ingested a capsule containing 150 mg deuterated RRR‐α‐tocopheryl acetate, blood was taken up to 48 hr, and tocopherols were analyzed by liquid chromatography and mass spectroscopy. There was significantly greater plasma‐labeled α‐tocopherol concentrations when the capsule was consumed with a high‐fat meal (17.5 g) versus a low‐fat meal (2.7 g), and there was also a difference between a high‐fat toast and butter and a cereal with full‐fat milk meal (both 17.5 g fat), indicating that both the amount of fat and food matrix is important for vitamin E absorption. Dyslipidemic subjects displayed a reduced plasma uptake of newly absorbed α‐tocopherol, and differences were also apparent in individual lipoproteins. A decreased uptake of labeled α‐tocopherol was also observed in erythrocytes, platelets, and lymphocytes of dyslipidemics. Following vitamin E supplementation (400 mg/day, 4 weeks), the uptake of newly absorbed α‐tocopherol was decreased, presumably because of saturation of α‐tocopherol transfer protein. We also found that apoE3 subjects displayed a considerably reduced uptake of newly absorbed labeled α‐tocopherol compared to apoE4 subjects, which may be a consequence of the reduced low‐density lipoprotein catabolic rate in these subjects. Taken together, these data show that several physiological factors influence the uptake of newly absorbed α‐tocopherol, and that this is an important consideration in the design of future vitamin E supplementation studies.
Clustering and Constraints for Real-time Multicast

Real-time multicast is widely applied on Internet. Unfortunately, current systems share the same problem that they are not able to maintain high and stable performance when the scale grows unexpectedly large or the nodes' performance fluctuation drastically. This paper attempts to solve the problem by means of network structure clustering and constraints. We show that the multicast network can achieve much higher optimizing speed through dynamically clustering nodes with similar performance records. We propose a cluster-based multicast model and constraints on it. We further provide Regular-Balanced constraint as the recommended constraint, which is related to higher ability of scale and failure tolerance. We also test our model by contrast experiments with CoolStreaming and NICE.
Qui accouche qui ? Etude de 134 récits d’accouchement à domicile

Au croisement de la sociologie du travail, des professions et du genre, cet article s’appuie sur le depouillement systematique de 134 recits d’accouchement a domicile : dans quelle mesure a domicile, les parturientes prennent-elles le controle de leur propre accouchement ? Apres avoir circonscrit le contexte d’enonciation des recits etudies et le profil sociodemographique des narratrices, on s’interessera au processus d’inversion des hierarchies professionnelles et familiales au profit des parturientes, subtilement « encapacitees » dans le deroulement meme de l’accouchement, en montrant que cette encapacitation ne conduit pas pour autant a une magnification unilaterale du pouvoir feminin. Les recits erigent l’accouchement au rang de labeur et d’œuvre collective, potentiellement fondateurs de relations d’un nouveau type.
A unique feeding strategy of the extinct marine mammal Kolponomos: convergence on sabretooths and sea otters

Mammalian molluscivores feed mainly by shell-crushing or suction-feeding. The extinct marine arctoid, Kolponomos, has been interpreted as an otter-like shell-crusher based on similar dentitions. However, neither the masticatory biomechanics of the shell-crushing adaptation nor the way Kolponomos may have captured hard-shelled prey have been tested. Based on mandibular symphyseal morphology shared by Kolponomos and sabre-toothed carnivores, we hypothesize a sabretooth-like mechanism for Kolponomos prey-capture, whereby the mandible functioned as an anchor. Torque generated from jaw closure and head flexion was used to dislodge prey by prying, with prey then crushed using cheek teeth. We test this hypothesized feeding sequence using phylogenetically informed biomechanical simulations and shape analyses, and find a strongly supported, shared high mandibular stiffness in simulated prey-capture bites and mandibular shape in Kolponomos and the sabre-toothed cat Smilodon. These two distantly related taxa converged on using mandibles to anchor cranial torqueing forces when prying substrate-bound prey in the former and sabre-driving forces during prey-killing in the latter. Simulated prey-crushing bites indicate that Kolponomos and sea otters exhibit alternative structural stiffness-bite efficiency combinations in mandibular biomechanical adaptation for shell-crushing. This unique feeding system of Kolponomos exemplifies a mosaic of form-function convergence relative to other Carnivora.
Tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) attenuates pressure overload-induced cardiac remodeling by reducing endoplasmic reticulum stress

Pressure overload in the heart induces pathological hypertrophy and is associated with cardiac dysfunction. Apoptosis and fibrosis signaling initiated by the endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) is known to contribute to these maladaptive effects. The aim of this study was to investigate whether reduction of ERS by a known chemical chaperone, tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) can attenuate pressure overload-induced cardiac remodeling in a mouse model of transverse aortic constriction (TAC). Oral administration of TUDCA at a dose of 300 mg/kg body weight (BW) in the TUDCA-TAC group reduced ERS markers (GRP78, p-PERK, and p-eIf2α), compared to the Vehicle (Veh)-TAC group. TUDCA administration, for 4 weeks after TAC significantly reduced cardiac hypertrophy as shown by the reduced heart weight (HW) to BW ratio, and expression of hypertrophic marker genes (ANF, BNP, and α-SKA). Masson's trichrome staining showed that myocardial fibrosis and collagen deposition were also significantly reduced in the TUDCA-TAC group. We also found that TUDCA significantly decreased expression of TGF-β signaling proteins and collagen isoforms. TUDCA administration also reduced cardiac apoptosis and the related proteins in the TUDCA-TAC group. Microarray analysis followed by gene ontology (GO) and pathway analysis demonstrated that extracellular matrix genes responsible for hypertrophy and fibrosis, and mitochondrial genes responsible for apoptosis and fatty acid metabolism were significantly altered in the Veh-TAC group, but the alterations were normalized in the TUDCA-TAC group, suggesting potential of TUDCA in treatment of heart diseases related to pressure-overload.
A new positioning technique for RSS-Based localization based on a weighted least squares estimator

In this paper we propose the use of a weighted least squares estimator to calculate the position of a mobile node in RSS-based localization systems for ad hoc networks. This technique outperforms the traditional positioning algorithms in terms of localization accuracy and robustness to inaccuracy in the channel model. The performance of the method is shown both through numerical simulations and through some experiments with real data for a wireless sensor network and a WiFi network.
Identification and modeling for non-linear dynamic system using neural networks type MLP

In control systems, the model dynamics of linear systems is the principal and most important phase of a project, but when working with dynamic of non-linear systems obtain the model becomes a very complex task can be used techniques of system identification. This article show the use of one technique for identification and modeling of dynamic linear systems and nonlinear systems using dynamics neural networks type multilayer perceptron, obtaining approximate results in the identification of non-linear system.
Parallel Scalability of a Fine-Grain Prestack Reverse Time Migration Algorithm

Seismic imaging has evolved significantly due to the high demand from the oil/gas industry for hardware technological advancements, boosting the development of more sophisticated algorithms. In order to deliver the quality and accuracy required, the execution of these algorithms may lead to time infeasible solutions. Aiming at performance improvement, this work conducted the parallelization of the core of a reverse time migration (RTM) algorithm. Furthermore, analysis such as speedup and efficiency was performed in order to assess the scalability of the proposed method. While the many parallelization efforts so far deal with coarse-grain approaches, this letter tackles the intrashot fine-grain parallelization of prestack RTM, which increases the overall concurrency degree of the algorithm. Results using 2-D synthetic data show that the proposed approach is scalable, which means that an increase in hardware resources and/or in problem size will lead to a proportional increase in speed and/or accuracy.
Stone Age landscape use in the Olifants River Valley, Clanwilliam, Western Cape, South Africa

ABSTRACT Stone Age surface assemblages are all too often neglected in favour of stratified, datable cave sequences, thus overlooking important insights into changing behavioural patterns at a broader scale. The Olifants River Valley (Clanwilliam, Western Cape Province, South Africa) presents a rich surface lithic record alongside excavated rockshelter occupations from the early Middle Stone Age (MSA) to the Later Stone Age (LSA). Surface surveys in the Olifants River Valley mapped temporally diagnostic artefacts and their association with different topographic features in order to investigate past landscape use. Our approach refers to a hypothesis proposed by Hilary Deacon, framing the MSA within the context of earlier and later patterns of behaviour. Based on observations from sites across South Africa, Deacon described Earlier Stone Age (ESA) landscape use as ‘stenotopic’, with a narrow focus on permanent water sources, and LSA landscape use as ‘eurytopic’, using a much broader range of habitats but specifically occupying rockshelters as domestic sites. Deacon suggested that the intervening MSA, in its later stages, shows a pattern that anticipated LSA landscape use. We apply Deacon's model to the study area, observing distinctive preferences for certain locations and raw materials and approaching changing patterns of artefact discard from a technological perspective.
2,4-Dibromo-6-[(quinolin-8-ylamino)methylidene]cyclohexa-2,4-dien-1-one monohydrate

In the title compound, C16H10Br2N2O·H2O, bifurcated intramolecular N—H⋯(N,O) hydrogen bonding defines the essential planarity of the main molecule: the dihedral angle between the quinoline and benzene rings is 7.53 (8)°. Intermolecular O—H⋯O and weak C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds consolidate the crystal packing, which exhibits π–π interactions with a distance of 3.588 (1) Å between the centroids of the aromatic rings and short Br⋯Br contacts of 3.5757 (6) Å.
The association between oral hygiene and periodontitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective: Dental plaque accumulation and inadequate personal oral hygiene (OH) are known major risk factors of periodontitis. Nevertheless, the magnitude of their effects has not yet been the subject of a meta-analysis. Material and methods: The Medline and Scopus databases were searched up to May 2016. Observational studies were eligible if they assessed associations between OH and periodontitis in adult subjects. A multivariate random-effects meta-analysis was used to pool the effects of fair/poor OH versus good OH on periodontitis across studies. The associations between oral care habits and periodontitis were also assessed. Results: A total of 50 studies were eligible; 15 were used for pooling the effect of fair OH versus good OH and poor OH versus good OH on periodontitis, with pooled odds ratios (ORs) of 2.04 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.65–2.53] and 5.01 (95% CI: 3.40–7.39), respectively. Eleven studies examined oral care habits measured according to toothbrushing regularity and dental visit frequency; pooled ORs of 0.66 (95% CI: 0.47–0.94) and 0.68 (95% CI: 0.47–0.98) were obtained, respectively. Conclusions: Fair to poor OH increases the risk of periodontitis by two- to five-fold. This risk can be reduced by regular toothbrushing and dental visits.
Tube-Based Robust Model Predictive Control of Nonlinear Systems via Collective Neurodynamic Optimization

This paper presents a collective neurodynamic approach to robust model predictive control (MPC) of discrete-time nonlinear systems affected by bounded uncertainties. The proposed control law is a combination of an MPC within an invariant tube for a nominal system and an ancillary state feedback control. The nominal system is first transformed to a linear parameter-varying (LPV) system, and then its MPC signal is computed by solving a convex optimization problem sequentially in real time using a two-layer recurrent neural network (RNN). The ancillary state feedback control is obtained by means of gain scheduling via robust pole assignment using two RNNs. While the nominal MPC generates an optimal state trajectory in the absence of uncertainties, the ancillary state feedback control confines the actual states within an invariant tube in the presence of uncertainties. Simulation results on stabilization control of three mechatronic systems are provided to substantiate the effectiveness and characteristics of the neurodynamics-based robust MPC approach.
Distributed Execution Plans for Multiway Spatial Join Queries using Multidimensional Histograms

Multiway spatial join is a common and heavyweight type of query for spatial data processing on relational database management systems. This article presents a complete solution to process this type of query in distributed systems. We proposed a cost-based optimizer for multiway spatial join queries, based on a novel use of multidimensional histograms, which are used to represent two metrics that describe a dataset: cardinality and size of the spatial objects, together with one feature that represents the location of the dataset partitions in the cluster. A new method for histogram construction is proposed, together with a formula to estimate the cost of multiway spatial join queries and to select good executions plans. A greedy algorithm is proposed to schedule query execution while minimizing both the makespan and the communication cost. We adapted the Clone Join algorithm to improve its execution time and to process multiway spatial join queries. The evaluation demonstrated that the new method for histogram construction performs better than a well-know method, and provides a better estimate for the cost of execution plans in 75% of the queries evaluated. The cost estimated by the proposed method is shown to be sufficiently close to real execution times, and our complete methodology was able to use the estimated costs to select the best execution plan for all queries used in the experiments. It also provided a nearly exact ordering of the query execution plans with respect to execution time.
Intelligent context handover mechanism for Wi-Fi/Wi-Max HetNet environment

In a Heterogeneous Networks (HetNet) various network exists. The entire network operates with different parameters and specifications. Different operating frequency has to made compatible under one HetNet environment. Various Wireless Technologies can exist Wi-Fi and Wi-Max are the basic primary technologies to support Internet connection. High data rate wireless communication can be achieved by integrating Wi-Fi and Wi-Max. The most challenging work is of designing W-imax and Wi-Fi control protocols and to design compatible links and Medium Access Control (MAC) layer protocols to improve the Quality of service between Wi-Max and Wi-Fi. However, the existing handover schemes are not dynamically adaptive to various real time system parameters and network characteristics. The severe load imbalance in the environment affects the performance utilization in terms of QoS and QoE. To address these problems, we propose machine learning based context aware handover decision mechanism which dynamically optimize the decision making and improve the overall network performance.
Depression as a Predictor of Length of Stay in Patients Admitted to the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit at a University Medical Center

Depression is a predictor of length of stay (LOS) and adverse outcomes in patients with cardiac disease. Our objective was to assess the impact of depression on LOS in a Hispanic population admitted to a cardiovascular intensive care unit (CVICU). This was a prospective study of 151 consecutive patients admitted to the CVICU. Patients were administered the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) scale survey within 24 hours of admission. Patients were followed until discharge to determine LOS and adverse outcomes. Depression was more prevalent in Hispanic patients than in nonHispanic patients based on the CES-D scores (41% vs 14%). Using multivariate analysis, the presence of depression was a significant predictor of increased LOS (P = .001). Depression has a significant impact on LOS in a Hispanic population. Appropriate treatment of depression may decrease LOS and has the potential to be cost effective in the current health care environment.