Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Numerical simulations and analysis for airborne ground penetrating radar

We conduct numerical simulations for an airborne ground penetrating radar (GPR) to investigate its performance in different situations such as antenna configuration and ground surface roughness with 3-dimensional (3D) finite-difference timedomain (FDTD) method. The bow-tie antennas are used in the simulations. Gaussian random rough surface is used to simulate ground surface and underground interfaces. We have investigated four antenna configurations (FBx, FBy, LRx, and LRy) in line with the configuration of airborne GPR survey, and analyzed correspondent simulated profiling results. It is concluded that LRx is the most optimal way for 3D experiments. Antenna height is an important factor in airborne GPR survey. As the antenna height increases, the reflected energies from both underground interfaces and the ground surface decrease, but the ratio between them increases. The roughness of the ground surface affects the duration of the coda waves resulted from surface reflection. The detection of underground features heavily depends on the separation of the signature of rough surface and the targets in radar profile. It is concluded that airborne GPR is a potential and optimistic tool from the numerical experiments.
Workspace analysis and singularity representation of three-legged parallel manipulators

This paper presents a numerical algorithm for the analysis of reachable workspace and singularity representation of three-legged parallel manipulators. After finding out the approximate maximum workspace, a radial and equal area discretization is done. Then, a multitasking search is performed to determine the exact workspace boundary. The volume of the workspace is determined easily by a numerical integration method. Any void inside the workspace is found out. information about its position and stretch is determined and singularity curves inside the workspace is also drawn. A three-legged modular parallel manipulator is considered to demonstrate the effectiveness of the algorithm and found to work quite satisfactorily. The model is based on Product-of-Exponential scheme of formulation and, hence, the algorithm is uniformly applicable to any combinations of revolute and prismatic joints in the configuration of the leg.
Is intent-to-treat analysis always (ever) enough?

In a commentary written several years ago [1], Professor D. Rubin and I pointed out that one is usually advised to analyse clinical trials – the preferred modern strategy for empirical evaluation of medical therapies [2, 3] – for significance levels and estimates using only, or at least primarily, the intention-to-treat principle (see, e.g. [4]). We noted, however, that the intention-to-treat estimator (see below) estimates so-called ‘use-effectiveness’, the causal effect on outcome of prescribing the drug, rather than the medically more important ‘method-effectiveness’, the causal effect on outcome of actually taking the drug. We argued that studies should be designed so that they can yield valid estimates of method-effectiveness, although so long as protocols are not followed exactly, such estimates may depend heavily on additional assumptions (scientific models – see section on longitudinal data with dropout, below); ones that go beyond the data at hand. In this paper, I present a conceptual framework for thinking about causal estimands and estimators for both use and method effectiveness, with emphasis on the latter, focusing on the problems posed by deviations from protocol, notably noncompliance and dropout. The paper is a review and exposition, rather than a presentation of original material. Section 2 presents a conceptual framework, setting context, defining causal estimands (population quantities describing causal effects of treatments) for use effectiveness and method effectiveness, how these change in the face of noncompliance, and the problem created by dropout; section 3 discusses estimators of the causal estimands defined in section 2; section 4 considers the effect of dropout on the estimators; and section 5 discusses implications for study design. Although different in some details, the ideas, point of view, and notation presented here are essentially those presented in the statistical literature by D. Rubin and colleagues, based on the Rubin Causal Model. Rather than provide extensive references throughout this work, I limit further citations to important additional works which discuss specific points or present examples, and offer here a minimal set of references which provide background and an entree to the relevant literature [5, 6], and a more complete and technical discussion of noncompliance [1, 7–9], dropout [10, 11], and scientific modelling of drug dose-concentration-response [12, 13].
A Review of the Cardiovascular Effects and Toxicity of Tricyclic Antidepressants

&NA; The tricyclic antidepressants have potent and complex effects on the cardiovascular system, both directly and through interactions with other drugs. Through a combination of anticholinergic activity, direct myocardial depressant activity and an effect on the adrenergic neuron, they can cause a combination of arrhythmias, blood pressure abnormalities and congestive heart failure. These changes, although most common with overdose, can occur at therapeutic levels. In addition a number of drug‐drug interactions can occur between the tricyclics and agents used in the treatment of cardiovascular disease, as exemplified by tricyclic antagonism of the antihypertensive effect of guanethidine. Awareness of these factors is necessary to insure proper therapeutic utilization of the tricyclics as well as to treat effectively their toxicity.
A new NDA timing error detector for BPSK and QPSK with an efficient hardware implementation for ASIC-based and FPGA-based wireless receivers

This paper introduces and characterizes a new Non Data Aided (NDA) Timing Error Detector (TED) for symbol timing recovery PLLs in BPSK and QPSK receivers operating in AWGN channels. The detector necessitates only two samples per symbol, and a simple hardware structure is found for its computation process, which allows for an exceptionally compact implementation in an FPGA or ASIC. The detector will further be shown to be signal-level independent and hence extremely resistant to fading and to imperfections in the operation of the AGC circuit. In terms of tracking performance, that of the proposed detector will be shown to be better or comparable vs. that of the Gardner NDA TED and the Gardner Decision Directed TED.
A survey of internet of things, enabling technologies and protocols

One of the popular concepts nowadays is the Internet of Things (IoT). IoT will convert our daily life objects into smart objects. In order to become a part of the IoT network, these smart devices will require some technologies and protocols. In this paper, we will study the different te chnologies that enable the smart objects to be come a part of the IoT network. Furthermore, we will have a look at the architecture of the IoT and discuss the different protocols that have been proposed from time to time.
Intimate Partner Violence Among Patients With Dissociative Disorders

Childhood trauma is common among survivors and perpetrators of intimate partner violence (IPV). Although symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and dissociative disorders (DDs) are predictors of IPV victimization and perpetration, few studies explore IPV among those with DDs. The present study examined IPV and symptoms as predictors among participants in the Treatment of Patients With Dissociative Disorders (TOP DD) Network study, an educational intervention for individuals with DDs and their clinicians. Both clinicians and patients reported on patients’ history of physical, emotional, and sexual IPV as both victims and perpetrators. Patients self-reported dissociative, posttraumatic (PTSD), and emotion dysregulation symptoms, as well as IPV-specific dissociative symptoms. According to patients and clinicians, patients were frequently victims of IPV, most commonly emotional IPV. Dissociative symptoms predicted IPV exposure, whereas dissociative and emotion dysregulation symptoms predicted IPV-specific dissociative symptoms.
LVDC microgrid perspective for a high efficiency distribution system

A direct current distribution microgrid represents a practical solution to efficiency problems of existing AC electrical grid. It can integrate more effectively different forms of renewable energy sources such as photovoltaic cells, wind generators and fuel cells. This scheme has specific issues given its DC nature in regard to efficient operation and protection systems. Additionally, control methods commonly used to integrate distributed generation and loads into a microgrid with energy storage elements must be adapted accordingly to the DC own requirements. Main topics of this scheme are currently being developed and researched, whereby a survey on principal research projects and prospective on DC distribution microgrids is presented.
Terrain backscatter and oil sand exploration: Average reflectivity analysis

A barefaced terrain scattering model for oil sand exploration will enable the discrimination of different terrain types using incoherent polarimetric decomposition. We use computer electromagnetic modeling with finite integration techniques and a network analyzer based indoor polarimetric scatterometer to determine and analyze terrain backscatter. The terrain targets vary in dielectric, physical and chemical properties so we investigated their intrinsic material effects on electromagnetic reflectivity prior to obtaining the average normalized radar cross section. We obtain a strong correlation between the models and empirical measurement for co-polar (HH and VV) polarizations at different incident geometry and frequency L-, C- and X-band.
Hidden Patterns in Learner Feedback - Generalizing from Noisy Self-assessment during Self-directed Learning

We propose a method which uses high-level learner feedback to recommend learning materials that match the knowledge level of a specific learner. Machine learning and topic inference techniques will be applied to documents that were rated by the learner to infer information on the learner’s conceptual development. The inferred topics will be linked to a domain ontology, allowing us to offer the learner knowledge-rich feedback regarding his level of understanding. In addition, appropriate learning materials can be recommended on the basis of the learner’s computational model. The proposed method is especially useful in lifelong learning contexts, in which tutor support is often not available.
Point spread function mapping with parallel imaging techniques and high acceleration factors: Fast, robust, and flexible method for echo‐planar imaging distortion correction

Echo‐planar imaging (EPI) is an ultrafast magnetic resonance (MR) imaging technique prone to geometric distortions. Various correction techniques have been developed to remedy these distortions. Here improvements of the point spread function (PSF) mapping approach are presented, which enable reliable and fully automated distortion correction of echo‐planar images at high field strengths. The novel method is fully compatible with EPI acquisitions using parallel imaging. The applicability of parallel imaging to further accelerate PSF acquisition is shown. The possibility of collecting PSF data sets with total acceleration factors higher than the number of coil elements is demonstrated. Additionally, a new approach to visualize and interpret distortions in the context of various imaging and reconstruction methods based on the PSF is proposed. The reliable performance of the PSF mapping technique is demonstrated on phantom and volunteer scans at field strengths of up to 4 T. Magn Reson Med 52:1156–1166, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Proceedings of the High Blood Pressure Research Council of Australia TELEMETRIC MONITORING OF ADRENOCORTICOTROPHIN-INDUCED HYPERTENSION IN MICE

1. The mouse is the animal of choice for studies involving genetic manipulation and transgenic and knockout mice are valuable tools for physiological studies. We have studied adrenocorticotrophin (ACTH)and steroid-induced hypertension in both rat and humans. The aim of the present study was to develop a model of ACTH-induced hypertension in the mouse and to assess a chronically implanted telemetric device for measurement of blood pressure (BP). 2. Male Swiss Outbred and Quackenbush Swiss (QS) mice (35–45 g) were implanted with TA11PA-C20 BP devices (Data Sciences International, St Paul, MN, USA) under isoflurane anaesthesia. Seven to 10 days later, mice were monitored telemetrically for baseline BP for 4 days. Mice were then randomly allocated to: (i) sham treatment with normal saline s.c. ; or (ii) ACTH at 500 g/kg per day, s.c. Mice were monitored 24 h/day for 10 days. 3. Sham treatment (n = 7) did not affect BP (114 2/84 1 to 115 2/84 1 mmHg; P = NS). Adrenocorticotrophin treatment (n = 5) raised BP from 112 7/82 4 to 138 3/104 4 mmHg, which was significantly different from sham treatment (P = 0.0021 for systolic BP; P < 0.0001 diastolic BP). The increase in BP with ACTH was comparable with that seen in previous studies in humans, sheep and rat. Sham and ACTH-treated animals each lost 3% bodyweight. 4. Administration of ACTH (500 g/kg per day) raises BP in two strains of mice, measured using a telemetry system. This model will allow the selective use of transgenic and/or knockout mice to further elucidate the mechanism of ACTHand steroid–induced hypertension.
Power management strategies in self-sufficient sensor nodes

Wireless sensor nodes, powered from energy harvesting generators using available ambient power sources, need a sophisticated power management to optimally budget the scarcely available energy. By that, the reliability, the functionality, and availability of these nodes are increased. The decisions of the power management can either be based on a simple energy income and storage level knowledge, or it additionally has empirical information about the past power income. In case the system comprises two energy storage units with different capacities for long and short term use, the commonly used power management algorithms do not offer satisfactory functionality. This report provides an overview over different concepts of power management strategies for. These offer an improved performance by better task management, storage organization, and power routing.
Path planning algorithm for a car like robot based on voronoi diagram method

The purpose of this study is to develop an efficient offline path planning algorithm that is capable of finding optimal collision-free paths from a starting point to a goal point. The algorithm is based on Voronoi diagram method for the environment representation combined with Dijkstra’s algorithm to find the shortest path. Since Voronoi diagram path exhibits sharp corners and redundant turns, path tracking was applied considering the robot’s kinematic constraints. The results has shown that the Voronoi diagram path planning method recorded fast computational time as it provides simpler, faster and efficient path finding. The final path, after considering robot’s kinematic constraints, provides shorter path length and smoother compared to the original one. The final path can be tuned to the desired path by tuning the parameter setting; velocity, v and minimum turning radius, Rmin. In comparison with the Cell Decomposition method, it shows that Voronoi diagram has a faster computation time. This leads to the reduced cost in terms of time. The findings of this research have shown that Voronoi Diagram and Dijkstra’s Algorithm are a good combination in the path planning problem in terms of finding a safe and shortest path.
Image Vusion: Image and Video Fusion

It is not uncommon in many image acquisition solutions to balance a trade off between obtaining high resolution images at very low frame rates or acquiring a burst of low resolution images at higher frame rates. This paper introduces a novel image fusion framework for producing a high resolution video by augmenting analysed motion in a low resolution video to a single high resolution image. Many application domains such as remote sensing, low radiation medical imaging and battlefield automation will benefit from this novel fusion framework. The results show that a captured high resolution 30 frames per second video can be produced with 95% cost reduction while maintaining 94% structural similarity.
Phylogeny and beyond: Scientific, historical, and conceptual significance of the first tree of life

In 1977, Carl Woese and George Fox published a brief paper in PNAS that established, for the first time, that the overall phylogenetic structure of the living world is tripartite. We describe the way in which this monumental discovery was made, its context within the historical development of evolutionary thought, and how it has impacted our understanding of the emergence of life and the characterization of the evolutionary process in its most general form.
Consuming a multi-ingredient thermogenic supplement for 28 days is apparently safe in healthy adults

Background Thermogenic (TRM) supplements are often used by people seeking to decrease body weight. Many TRM supplements are formulated with multiple ingredients purported to increase energy expenditure and maximize fat loss. However, in the past some TRM ingredients have been deemed unsafe and removed from the market. Therefore, it is important to verify the safety of multi-ingredient TRM supplements with chronic consumption. Objective To assess the safety of daily consumption of a multi-ingredient TRM supplement over a 28-day period in healthy adults. Design Twenty-three recreationally active adults (11M, 12F; 27.1±5.4 years, 171.6±9.6 cm, 76.8±16.1 kg, 26±5 BMI) were randomly assigned either to consume a multi-ingredient TRM supplement (SUP; n=9) or remain unsupplemented (CRL; n=14) for 28 days. Participants maintained their habitual dietary and exercise routines for the duration of the study. Fasting blood samples, resting blood pressure, and heart rate were taken before and after the supplementation period. Samples were analyzed for complete blood counts, comprehensive metabolic, and lipid panels. Results Significant (p<0.05) group by time interactions were present for diastolic BP, creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), chloride, CO2, globulin, albumin:globulin (A/G), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Dependent t-tests conducted on significant variables revealed significant (p<0.05) within-group differences in SUP for diastolic BP (+6.2±5.3 mmHG), creatinine (+0.09±0.05 mg/dL), eGFR (−11.2±5.8 mL/min/1.73), globulin (−0.29±0.24 g/dL), A/G (+0.27±0.23), and HDL (−5.0±5.5 mg/dL), and in CRL for CO2 (−1.9±1.5 mmol/L) between time points. Each variable remained within the accepted physiological range. Conclusion Results of the present study support the clinical safety of a multi-ingredient TRM containing caffeine, green tea extract, and cayenne powder. Although there were statistically significant (p<0.05) intragroup differences in SUP from pre- to postsupplementation for diastolic BP, creatinine, eGFR, globulin, A/G, and HDL, all remained within accepted physiological ranges and were not clinically significant. In sum, it appears as though daily supplementation with a multi-ingredient TRM is safe for consumption by healthy adults for a 28-day period.
The chloroplast genome of Ephedra foeminea (Ephedraceae, Gnetales), an entomophilous gymnosperm endemic to the Mediterranean area

Abstract This study presents the chloroplast genome of Ephedra foeminea, an entomophilous gymnosperm, sister to the remaining (wind-pollinated) species of Ephedra (Ephedraceae, Gnetales). Based on the reference-guided assembly, the length of the chloroplast genome was estimated to be 109 584 bp, comprising a large single copy region of 60 027 bp, a small single copy 8079 bp, and inverted repeat regions of 20 739 bp. In total, 118 genes were detected, including 73 protein-coding genes, eight ribosomal RNA genes, and 37 transfer RNA genes. The gene density is 1.076 (genes/kb) and the GC content is 36.7%. The genomic sequence of the entomophilous, Mediterranean species E. foeminea, differs from that of the anemophilous, Asian species E. equisetina by 1018 point mutations and 1334 indels. The detected variation is useful for future development of new plastid markers for phylogenetic purposes. Our phylogenetic analysis based on 55 protein-coding chloroplast genes resolve Ephedra as monophyletic and sister to a Gnetum-Welwitschia clade. The Gnetales are sister to Cupressophytes.
Cytotoxic T‐cells elicited in cattle challenged with Theileria parva (Muguga): evidence for restriction by class I MHC determinants and parasite strain specificity

Summary The MHC restriction and parasite strain specificity of cytotoxic cells elicited in a group of Theileria parva (Muguga)‐immunized cattle following homologous challenge, were investigated. The cytotoxic cells were specific for parasitized target cells and in 9 of the 10 animals examined, they were clearly genetically restricted. Cytotoxicity could be inhibited by monoclonal antibodies (MoAb) to class I MHC molecules but not by MoAb to class II molecules, indicating that a large component of the response was restricted by class I MHC determinants. Low levels of inhibition of cytotoxicity were also obtained with a MoAb to the T‐cell subset marker BoT8, suggesting that at least part of the response was mediated by BoT8+ lymphocytes. When cytotoxic cells from individual cattle were assayed on panels of parasitized target cells, there was a close correlation between susceptibility of the target cells to lysis and sharing of BoLA‐A locus‐encoded specificities with the effectors. This observation, taken together with the knowledge that within several of the sets of BoLA‐A‐matched targets the relevant BoLA‐A specificities were on different MHC haplotypes, indicated that the responses were restricted predominantly by BoLA‐A products.
Inferring Physical Protein Contacts from Large-Scale Purification Data of Protein Complexes*

Recent large-scale data sets of protein complex purifications have provided unprecedented insights into the organization of cellular protein complexes. Several computational methods have been developed to detect co-complexed proteins in these data sets. Their common aim is the identification of biologically relevant protein complexes. However, much less is known about the network of direct physical protein contacts within the detected protein complexes. Therefore, our work investigates whether direct physical contacts can be computationally derived by combining raw data of large-scale protein complex purifications. We assess four established scoring schemes and introduce a new scoring approach that is specifically devised to infer direct physical protein contacts from protein complex purifications. The physical contacts identified by the five methods are comprehensively benchmarked against different reference sets that provide evidence for true physical contacts. Our results show that raw purification data can indeed be exploited to determine high-confidence physical protein contacts within protein complexes. In particular, our new method outperforms competing approaches at discovering physical contacts involving proteins that have been screened multiple times in purification experiments. It also excels in the analysis of recent protein purification screens of molecular chaperones and protein kinases. In contrast to previous findings, we observe that physical contacts inferred from purification experiments of protein complexes can be qualitatively comparable to binary protein interactions measured by experimental high-throughput assays such as yeast two-hybrid. This suggests that computationally derived physical contacts might complement binary protein interaction assays and guide large-scale interactome mapping projects by prioritizing putative physical contacts for further experimental screens.