Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Energy Consumption Using Network Stability And Multi-hop Protocol For Link Efficiency in Wireless Body Area Networks

In this paper, we propose a minimum, power efficient and max throughput routing protocol for Wireless Body Area Networks (WBANs). We use multi-hop topology to achieve minimum energy consumption and longer network lifetime. We propose a cost function to select forwarder node. Proposed cost function selects a forwarder node which has high residual energy and minimum distance to sink. Residual energy parameter balances the energy consumption among the sensor nodes while distance parameter ensures successful packet delivery to sink. Simulation results show that our proposed protocols maximize the network stability period and nodes stay alive for longer period. Longer stability period contributes high packet delivery to sink which is major interest for continuous patient monitoring.
OPTIMIZATION OF RAYLEIGH WAVE DATA INVERSION BY A TRIAL AND ERROR METHOD

ABSTRACT. This paper examines Rayleigh waves dispersion curves inversion using local search procedures but carrying out the last step after data inversion through global search procedures. The data inversion was carried out using the least squares method (Levenberg-Marquardt procedure) implemented in Matlab. During inversion, control procedures and corrections were implemented to improve the fit between the real and inverted dispersion curves. In addition, a new post-inversion program was implemented whose methodology, directed by trial and error and aided by modeling information, refines the previously inverted data. The results, obtained to synthetic data, show that the implemented boundary conditions help to accelerate data convergence during the inversion and avoid anomalies caused in a free data inversion. In addition, the post-inversion stage developed contributes to the refinement of the data with a significant improvement in its fit, particularly in complex dispersion curves with abrupt changes in phase velocity or inversions in the S-wave velocities of the layers models. Keywords: local search procedures, dispersion curve, MASW, seismic inversion, least squares method. RESUMO. Este artigo analisa a inversao de curvas de dispersao das ondas Rayleigh atraves de procedimentos de busca local, mas sua ultima etapa pode ser realizada posteriormente a procedimentos de busca global. A inversao de dados foi realizada por meio do metodo de minimos quadrados (procedimento de Levenberg- Marquardt) implementado em Matlab. Durante a inversao de dados, procedimentos de controle e correcoes foram implementados para melhorar o ajuste entre as curvas de dispersao real e invertida. Alem disso, foi implementado um novo programa de pos-inversao com metodologia baseada em um procedimento de tentativa e erro e auxiliada por informacoes de modelagem, que refina os dados invertidos previamente. Os resultados, obtidos para dados sinteticos, mostram que as condicoes de contorno implementadas ajudam a acelerar a convergencia dos dados durante a inversao e evitam anomalias provocadas em uma inversao de dados livre. Alem disso, o estagio de pos-inversao desenvolvido contribui para o refinamento dos dados com uma significante melhora em seus ajustes, principalmente em curvas de dispersao complexas com mudancas bruscas de velocidade de fase ou inversoes nas velocidades de onda S dos modelos de camadas. Palavras-chave: procedimentos de busca local, curva de dispersao, MASW, inversao sismica, metodo dos minimos quadrados.
A Novel Quantum-Inspired Genetic Algorithm with Expanded Solution Space

In this paper, we present a novel quantum-inspired genetic algorithm with expanded solution space. Based on the double chains quantum genetic algorithm (DCQGA), we have expanded the solution space by increasing the number of solution space transformation functions. And we propose a novel method for quantum rotation gate's update by using the sign function and the gradient of objective function. With this method we can automatically determine the direction of quantum rotation gate and adaptively adjust the magnitude of quantum rotation gate. Through experimenting on 2 benchmark problem in the optimization literature: Rosenbrock function and Schaffer's F6 function, we demonstrate that our expanded solution space quantum genentic algorithm (ESSQGA) has achieved more satisfactory results than DCQGA and common genetic algorithm.
Influence of Hamstring Muscles Extensibility on Spinal Curvatures and Pelvic Tilt in Highly Trained Cyclists

Influence of Hamstring Muscles Extensibility on Spinal Curvatures and Pelvic Tilt in Highly Trained Cyclists The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of hamstring muscles extensibility in standing, maximal trunk flexion with knees extended and on the bicycle in lower handlebar-hands position of highly trained cyclists. Ninety-six cyclists were recruited for the study (mean ± SD, age: 30.36 ± 5.98 years). Sagittal spinal curvatures and pelvic tilt were measured in the standing position, maximal trunk flexion with knees extended (sit-and-reach test) and while sitting on a bicycle in lower handlebar-hand position using a Spinal Mouse system. Hamstring muscles extensibility was determined in both legs by passive straight leg raise test (PSLR). The sample was divided into three groups according to PSLR angle: (1) reduced extensibility (PSLR < 80º; n = 30), (2) moderate hamstring extensibility group (PSLR = 80º; - 90º; n = 35), and (3) high hamstring extensibility (PSLR = > 90º; n = 31). ANOVA analysis showed significant differences among groups for thoracic (p < 0.001) and pelvic tilt (p < 0.001) angles in the sit-andreach test. No differences were found between groups for standing and on the bicycle position. Post hoc analysis showed significant differences in all pairwise comparisons for thoracic angle (p < 0.01) and pelvic angle (p < 0.001) in the sit-and-reach test. No differences were found in lumbar angle in any posture. In conclusion, the hamstring muscles extensibility influence the thoracic and pelvic postures when maximal trunk flexion with knees extended is performed, but not when cyclists are seated on their bicycles
A DEFINED AGAR MEDIUM FOR GENETIC TRANSFORMATION OF NEISSERIA MENINGITIDIS

Catlin, B. Wesley (Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wis.) and Gertrude M. Schloer. A defined agar medium for genetic transformation of Neisseria meningitidis. J. Bacteriol. 83:470–474. 1962. —An agar medium was developed for use in quantitative genetic studies of Neisseria meningitidis strain 15. It contains eight inorganic salts, sodium citrate, sodium lactate, arginine, cysteine, glycine, sodium glutamate, and purified agar. Abundant surface growth in the absence of supplemental carbon dioxide was obtained during 50 serial subcultures. A close correspondence was found between numbers of parental type colonies developing on the defined medium and on a complex medium. Cells subcultured serially three or four times on defined agar medium and placed directly into a solution of transforming deoxyribonucleic acid in defined liquid medium were susceptible to transformation without additional supplements. Of the treated population, 0.1 to 0.3% of the cells were transformed to streptomycin resistance.
Comparison of the Effect of Repeated-Sprint Training Combined With Two Different Methods of Strength Training on Young Soccer Players

Abstract Campos-Vazquez, MA, Boza, SR, Toscano-Bendala, FJ, Leon-Prados, JA, Suarez-Arrones, L, and Gonzalez-Jurado, JA. Comparison of the effect of repeated-sprint training combined with two different methods of strength training on young soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 29(3): 744–751, 2015—The aim of this study was to assess the effect of combining repeated-sprint training with 2 different methods of muscle strength training on physical performance variables in young players. Twenty-one soccer players with mean (±SD) age of 18.1 (±0.8) years, weight 69.9 (±6.5) kg, and height 177.1 (±5.7) cm, and competing in U-19 category, were randomly assigned to 2 experimental groups: squat group (SG: n = 10) and take-off group (TG: n = 11). Intervention in both groups consisted of the combination of a weekly session of repeated-sprint training (the same for both groups), with 2 weekly sessions of strength training (different for each group), for 8 weeks in the final period of the season. The strength sessions for the SG consisted of conducting a series of full squats executed at maximum velocity in the concentric phase. Intervention in the TG was the performance of 2 specific strength exercises (take-offs and change of direction), with measurements taken before and after consideration of the following variables: repeated-sprint ability (RSA), yo-yo intermittent recovery test level 1 (YYIRT1), countermovement jump (CMJ), and average velocity in full squat progressive loads test. The SG improved CMJ height in 5.28% (p ⩽ 0.05) and FS37.5-47.5-67.5 (p ⩽ 0.05), whereas the TG improved FS17.5-27.5-37.5-47.5-67.5 (p ⩽ 0.05). There were no significant changes in the values of RSA or YYIRT1 in either group. The results seem to show that the combination of a weekly session of repeated-sprint training with 2 weekly sessions of strength training could be an insufficient stimulus to improve RSA in the final period of the season.
Performance of multihop latency aware scheduling in delay constrained ad hoc networks

This paper addresses the problem of optimizing packet transmission schedule at the medium access control layer of an ad hoc network, in order to minimize the probability of packet loss due to excessive end-to-end delay. We study a family of multihop latency aware (MLA) schedules, where the scheduling of each packet takes into account its remaining hop count and remaining lifetime. We propose a numerical analysis framework to evaluate the performance of MLA scheduling. Using the proposed analysis framework, we study the optimization of MLA parameters to minimize packet loss probability. We show that the MLA scheme significantly out performs other scheduling schemes such as first-in-first-out, earliest-deadline-first, and largest-distance-first.
Loss of life due to floods

This article gives an overview of the research on loss of life due to floods. The limited information regarding this topic is presented and evaluated. Analysis of global data for different flood types shows that the magnitude of mortality is related to the severity of the flood effects and the possibilities for warning and evacuation. Information from historical flood events gives a more detailed insight into the factors that determine mortality for an event, such as flood characteristics and the effectiveness of warning and evacuation. At the individual level, the occurrence of fatalities will be influenced by behaviour and individual vulnerability factors. Existing methods for the estimation of loss of life that have been developed for different types of floods in different regions are briefly discussed. A new method is presented for the estimation of loss of life due to floods of low‐lying areas protected by flood defences. It can be used to analyse the consequences and risks of flooding and thereby provide a basis for risk evaluation and decision‐making. The results of this research can contribute to the development of strategies to prevent and mitigate the loss of life due to floods.
Spur-Free Multirate All-Digital PLL for Mobile Phones in 65 nm CMOS

We propose a new multirate architecture of an all-digital PLL (ADPLL) featuring phase/frequency modulation capability. While the ADPLL approach has already proven its benefits of power dissipation and cost reduction through the discrete-time operation and full RF-SoC integration in nanoscale CMOS, the coarse discretization of the phase detector function tends to keep it from reaching the ultimate of the RF performance potential. The proposed ADPLL features an arbitrarily high data rate modulation that is independent from the reference frequency. It is also made substantially free from injection pulling and ill-shaped quantization noise of the TDC by means of dithering with dynamic adjustment of differential pair mismatches as well as frequency translation of the feedback clock. Low power techniques, such as speculative clock retiming and asynchronous counter are used. The presented ADPLL is implemented in 65 nm CMOS as part of a single-chip GSM/EDGE RF-SoC. It occupies 0.35 mm2 and consumes 32 mA of current at 1.2 V supply in the low frequency band. The measured results show a virtually spur-free operation.
The Swipe Card Model of Odorant Recognition

Just how we discriminate between the different odours we encounter is not completely understood yet. While obviously a matter involving biology, the core issue is a matter for physics: what microscopic interactions enable the receptors in our noses-small protein switches—to distinguish scent molecules? We survey what is and is not known about the physical processes that take place when we smell things, highlighting the difficulties in developing a full understanding of the mechanics of odorant recognition. The main current theories, discussed here, fall into two major groups. One class emphasises the scent molecule's shape, and is described informally as a “lock and key” mechanism. But there is another category, which we focus on and which we call “swipe card” theories: the molecular shape must be good enough, but the information that identifies the smell involves other factors. One clearly-defined “swipe card” mechanism that we discuss here is Turin's theory, in which inelastic electron tunnelling is used to discern olfactant vibration frequencies. This theory is explicitly quantal, since it requires the molecular vibrations to take in or give out energy only in discrete quanta. These ideas lead to obvious experimental tests and challenges. We describe the current theory in a form that takes into account molecular shape as well as olfactant vibrations. It emerges that this theory can explain many observations hard to reconcile in other ways. There are still some important gaps in a comprehensive physics-based description of the central steps in odorant recognition. We also discuss how far these ideas carry over to analogous processes involving other small biomolecules, like hormones, steroids and neurotransmitters. We conclude with a discussion of possible quantum behaviours in biology more generally, the case of olfaction being just one example. This paper is presented in honour of Prof. Marshall Stoneham who passed away unexpectedly during its writing.
Adaptive robust synchronous control with dynamic thrust allocation of dual drive gantry stage

H-type dual drive gantry structure is usually set up with dual mechanically coupled linear motors to provide higher power density. It has the potential to yield high speed motion and positioning accuracy at the same time. This paper addresses the dynamics and synchronous control of a H-type gantry stage. The mechanical coupling between the dual drives is analyzed. Adaptive robust control (ARC) algorithm is developed to deal with the effect of parametric uncertainties and uncertain nonlinearities of the linear motor system. A synchronous control scheme with thrust allocation is proposed to regulate the internal force at the same time. The proposed dynamic thrust allocation is also able to handle the significant change of load distribution due to the head motion. Experiments are carried out on a dual drive industrial gantry stage. The results suggest that, with the proposed control scheme, the motion performance is guaranteed and the two drives are appropriately coordinated and synchronized as well, validating the effectiveness and the performance improvement of the proposed dynamic thrust allocation approach.
Active Clustering of Biological Sequences

Given a point set S and an unknown metric d on S, we study the problem of efficiently partitioning S into k clusters while querying few distances between the points. In our model we assume that we have access to one versus all queries that given a point s ∈ S return the distances between s and all other points. We show that given a natural assumption about the structure of the instance, we can efficiently find an accurate clustering using only O(k) distance queries. Our algorithm uses an active selection strategy to choose a small set of points that we call landmarks, and considers only the distances between landmarks and other points to produce a clustering. We use our procedure to cluster proteins by sequence similarity. This setting nicely fits our model because we can use a fast sequence database search program to query a sequence against an entire data set. We conduct an empirical study that shows that even though we query a small fraction of the distances between the points, we produce clusterings that are close to a desired clustering given by manual classification.
Effects of pregnancy and progesterone metabolites on arterial baroreflex in conscious rats.

Previous experiments in anesthetized rats suggested that sympathoexcitatory responses were attenuated in pregnant (P) rats. The major progesterone metabolite, 3alpha-hydroxy-dihydroprogesterone (3alpha-OH-DHP), is elevated in pregnancy and reportedly potentiates central gamma-aminobutyric acidergic mechanisms, whereas the 3beta-isomer (3beta-OH-DHP) is inactive. This study obtained baroreflex curves in conscious rats by recording reflex changes in renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) and heart rate (HR) due to perturbations in mean arterial pressure (MAP) [i.v. phenylephrine (PE) and nitroprusside (NTP)] in P rats and in virgin (V) rats before (control) and 15 min after infusion (i.v.) of 3alpha-OH-DHP or 3beta-OH-DHP. Baseline MAP was lower in P rats (P = 102 +/- 2 vs. V = 124 +/- 3 mmHg). Compared with V rats, P rats exhibited less "sympathetic reserve" to respond to a hypotensive challenge, as evidenced by decreased maximum NA and decreased slope of RSNA baroreflex responses to NTP. However, HR baroreflex curves were similar in P and V rats. Acute intravenous administration of 3alpha-OH-DHP to conscious V rats mimicked the effects of pregnancy. Baroreflex sympathoexcitatory responses were decreased, whereas baroreflex control of HR was unaffected. The 3beta-isomer of DHP had no effect on NA or HR baroreflex responses. These results suggest that pregnancy may have differential effects on baroreflex control of sympathetic outflow and HR, and the major metabolite of progesterone, 3alpha-OH-DHP, may contribute to this adaptation of pregnancy.
Burden of Illness in Prostate Cancer Patients with a Low-to-Moderate Risk of Progression: A One-Year, Pan-European Observational Study

Objective. To assess the impact of low-to-moderate risk prostate cancer on patients' quality of life (QoL) at diagnosis and within the first year of treatment. Subjects and Methods. Men (n = 672) aged 50–75 years with prostate cancer (Gleason score ≤7, PSA ≤20 ng/mL and clinical staging T1c–T2b) were enrolled in five European countries. Patients completed five questionnaires, including EORTC Quality of Life Questionnaire—Prostate Cancer 25 (QLQ-PR25) and EORTC Quality of Life Questionnaire—Cancer 30 (QLQ-C30). Questionnaires were completed at baseline, at 3 months and 12 months after starting treatment. The primary endpoint was the change in QLQ-PR25 urinary symptoms subscale score from baseline to the assessment at 3 months. Results. Mean (SD) age was 65.0 (5.7) years and 400 (66%) men had Gleason score ≤6 prostate cancer. The most frequently used initial treatment was radical prostatectomy (71% of patients). QLQ-PR25 urinary symptoms subscale score was significantly increased at 3 months (P < 0.001), indicating that urinary symptoms worsened after treatment. The score was lower at 12 months than at 3 months, but it was still significantly higher than at baseline (P < 0.001). Hormonal treatment-related symptoms, sexual functioning, and sexual activity scores significantly worsened at 3 and 12 months (all P < 0.001). For the QLQ-C30 questionnaire, global health status/QoL score significantly decreased at month 3 but was not different from baseline by month 12. Scales for physical, role, and social functioning, and fatigue, showed significant deterioration at 3 and 12 months. Conclusions. Low-to-moderate risk prostate cancer may have a substantial effect on patients' QoL within one year following treatment.
MR imaging in comatose survivors of cardiac resuscitation.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The prognosis of comatose survivors is determined by clinical examination. Early laboratory indicators of poor prognosis (such as evoked potentials) have low sensitivity. The role of MR imaging as a confirmatory study was investigated. METHODS We studied fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) and diffusion-weighted (DW) imaging in 10 patients comatose after cardiac arrest. RESULTS None of the 10 comatose patients had myoclonus status epilepticus or fixed, dilated pupils on neurologic examination, and none had abnormal somatosensory-evoked potentials. Eight patients showed diffuse signal abnormalities, predominantly in the cerebellum (n = 5), the thalamus (n = 8), the frontal and parietal cortices (n = 8), and the hippocampus (n = 9). One patient showed normal MR imaging results, and one patient had abnormalities in the thalamus and cerebellum and minimal abnormality on DW images; both later awakened. None of the patients with abnormal cortical structures on FLAIR MR images recovered beyond a severely disabled state. CONCLUSION MR imaging in comatose survivors may parallel the pathologic findings in severe anoxic-ischemic injury, and extensive abnormalities may indicate little to no prospects for recovery. If confirmed, MR imaging may have a role as a prognosticating test in anoxic-ischemic coma.
Hemin Binding, Functional Expression, and Complementation Analysis of Pap 31 from Bartonella henselae

ABSTRACT Growth of Bartonella henselae is strongly heme dependent, and B. henselae is unable to synthesize heme itself. At least five outer membrane-associated proteins from B. henselae bind hemin, including the 31-kDa protein designated Pap31. The gene of this protein was heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli M15(pREP4) and detected with monoclonal antibodies in the outer membrane fraction. Complementation of the hemA-deficient mutant E. coli K-12 EB53 (aroB tsx malT hemA) with pap31 demonstrated that this protein is involved in heme acquisition and may be an important virulence factor in the pathogenesis of B. henselae.
Corporate Social Responsibility Communication by Australian SMEs A Framework for Website Analysis

There has been almost no IS related corporate social responsibility (CSR) research on small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and most non-IS research does not examine how SMEs use websites to communicate their CSR initiatives. This paper develops and applies a framework to report on the results of an exploratory content analysis of 33 Australian SME websites in the Information Media/Telecommunications and Accommodation/ Food Services sectors which communicate CSR initiatives online.