Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Calibrations for Millimeter-Wave Silicon Transistor Characterization

This paper compares on-wafer thru-reflect-line (TRL) and off-wafer short-open-load-thru (SOLT) and line-reflect-reflect-match (LRRM) vector-network-analyzer probe-tip calibrations for amplifier characterization and parasitic-extraction calibrations for transistor characterization on silicon integrated circuits at millimeter-wave frequencies. We show that on-wafer calibrations generally outperform off-wafer and LRRM probe-tip calibrations at millimeter-wave frequencies. However, certain parasitic-extraction algorithms designed specifically to remove contact pads, transmission-lines, and access vias correct for much of the error in off-wafer calibrations.
A control theoretic model of driver steering behavior

Following well-established feedback control design principles, a control theoretic model of driver steering behavior is presented. While accounting for the inherent manual control limitations of the human, the compensation dynamics of the driver are chosen to produce a stable, robust, closed-loop driver-vehicle system with a bandwidth commensurate with the demands of the driving task being analyzed. A technique for selecting driver model parameters is a natural by-product of the control theoretic modeling approach. Experimental verification shows the ability of the model to produce driver-vehicle responses similar to those obtained in a simulated lane-keeping driving task on a curving road. <<ETX>>
Analysis of the backpropagation algorithm using linear algebra

Multilayer perceptrons (MLPs) are feed-forward artificial neural networks with high theoretical basis. The most popular algorithm to train MLPs is the backpropagation algorithm, which can be seen as a consistent nonparametric least squares regression estimator. This algorithm is reformulated in this paper using linear algebra, providing theoretical basis for further studies.
The condensation phase transition in the regular k-SAT model

Much of the recent work on random constraint satisfaction problems has been inspired by ingenious but non-rigorous approaches from physics. The physics predictions typically come in the form of distributional fixed point problems that are intended to mimic Belief Propagation, a message passing algorithm, applied to the random CSP. In this paper we propose a novel method for harnessing Belief Propagation directly to obtain a rigorous proof of such a prediction, namely the existence and location of a condensation phase transition in the random regular $k$-SAT model.
High-speed and Large-range scanning control of a piezoelectric stack actuated platform *

In this paper, high-speed, large-range scanning control of piezoelectric stack actuated platform is discussed. In order to obtain preferable tracking control, an inverse Modified Prandtl-Ishlinskii model (MPI) is first established to reduce hysteresis nonlinearity. Then, a second order linear model is identified and a polynomial-based damping controller is designed to damp the first resonant frequency of system. Finally, the design strategy is applied to the motion control of a nanopositioning platform, and simulate results are presented to verify the usefulness of this method.
Investigating the demographic and attitudinal predictors of rape myth acceptance in U.K. Police officers: developing an evidence-base for training and professional development

ABSTRACT Efforts to understand rape myth acceptance (RMA) as a cognitive framework in police, unifying key cognitive/attitudinal and demographic factors into one coherent model, are lacking. Using a cross-sectional survey design, predictors of RMA were assessed by linear hierarchical regression, including demographic (age, length of service, gender, experience of specialist rape investigation training) and attitudinal factors (hostility towards women, sexist attitudes, and explicit power/sex beliefs) among officers from a large U.K. police force (N = 912). The final model explained 44% of variance in RMA. Gender and previous specialist training significantly predicted RMA, but to a much lesser extent than attitudinal variables, which explain 42% of RMA variance. Only specialist rape investigation training remained significant when attitudinal variables were added. The greater contribution from attitudinal variables suggests that efforts to address RMA in officers must consider the broader attitudinal structures underpinning RMA. Findings highlight implications for evidence-based training for rape investigators.
Score-Informed Analysis of Tuning, Intonation, Pitch Modulation, and Dynamics in Jazz Solos

Both the collection and analysis of large music repertoires constitute major challenges within musicological disciplines such as jazz research. Automatic methods of music analysis based on audio signal processing have the potential to assist researchers and to accelerate the transcription and analysis of music recordings significantly. In this paper, we propose a framework for analyzing improvised monophonic solos in multi-instrumental jazz recordings with special focus on reed and brass instruments. The analysis algorithms rely on prior score-information, which is taken from high quality manual solo transcriptions. Following an initial solo and accompaniment source separation, we propose algorithms for tone-wise extraction of fundamental frequency and intensity contours. Based on this fine-grained representation of recorded jazz solos, we perform several exploratory experiments motivated by questions relating to jazz research in order to analyze the use of expressive stylistic devices such as intonation, pitch modulation, and dynamics in jazz solos. The results show that a score-informed audio analysis of jazz recordings can provide valuable insights into the individual stylistic characteristics of jazz musicians.
Loss of AP-3 function affects spontaneous and evoked release at hippocampal mossy fiber synapses

Synaptic vesicle (SV) exocytosis mediating neurotransmitter release occurs spontaneously at low intraterminal calcium concentrations and is stimulated by a rise in intracellular calcium. Exocytosis is compensated for by the reformation of vesicles at plasma membrane and endosomes. Although the adaptor complex AP-3 was proposed to be involved in the formation of SVs from endosomes, whether its function has an indirect effect on exocytosis remains unknown. Using mocha mice, which are deficient in functional AP-3, we identify an AP-3-dependent tetanus neurotoxin-resistant asynchronous release that can be evoked at hippocampal mossy fiber (MF) synapses. Presynaptic targeting of the tetanus neurotoxin-resistant vesicle soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) tetanus neurotoxin-insensitive vesicle-associated membrane protein (TI-VAMP) is lost in mocha hippocampal MF terminals, whereas the localization of synaptobrevin 2 is unaffected. In addition, quantal release in mocha cultures is more frequent and more sensitive to sucrose. We conclude that lack of AP-3 results in more constitutive secretion and loss of an asynchronous evoked release component, suggesting an important function of AP-3 in regulating SV exocytosis at MF terminals.
Extended-DDF modeling embedded system design: adapting to IP technology

This paper extends DDF (dynamic date flow graph) to a large-grain model which can guide system design in function level. The adoption of a novel algorithm, as well as a formal definition for cDDF, strengthens the capacity of DDF as a formal specification model. Starting from a lower level of abstraction, it merges sub-modules into a larger one by extracting the input/output relations. The extracted I/O relations, together with the new module's functional description, could serve as IP core selection criteria in design space exploration. Normal DDF merely decomposes compound node into simpler ones. The algorithm presented in this paper provides a reverse process which exploits the hierarchical characteristic of DDF by capturing both data and control flow in different level of abstraction. The important steps in design work, such as function partition, scheduling, optimization, etc., are also reconsidered synthetically to adapt the introduction of the new idea.
Graphical History List with Multi-window Support on a Mobile Web Browser

Rolling back to previously visited Web pages and opening multiple browser windows or tabs at the same time are common activities in a Web browsing session on a PC. When using a mobile device for Web browsing, these usage patterns have to be supported seamlessly in the mobile environment under the additional constraint of limited screen real estate. In this paper, we introduce a solution called rolling history, a user interface targeted for mobile devices with 4-way navigation control and graphics acceleration hardware. We tested the usefulness of a rolling history prototype in two small-scale user studies and the results indicate that rolling history is a useful feature for Web history navigation and browser windows management. The rolling history case demonstrates how to design a unique user interface for a mobile device without displacing the deep-seated use patterns that people have found useful on a PC.
Recursive Fisher Linear Discriminant for BCI Applications

A novel recursive procedure for extracting discriminant features, termed Recursive Fisher Linear Discriminant (RFLD), is applied to brain-computer interface (BCI) problems. Compared to traditional Fisher Linear Discriminant (FLD), RFLD relaxes the constraint on the total number of features that can be extracted. The new RFLD has been tested on motor imagery classification with the electrocorticography (ECoG) signals. The resulting improvement of performance by the new feature extraction scheme suggests the effectiveness of our method.
Interconnect and noise immunity design for the Pentium 4 processor

This paper describes the key challenges, design methods, CAD and learnings in the area of interconnect and noise immunity design for the Intel Pentium 4 processor.This high frequency (currently at 3 Ghz with 6 Ghz execution core) design required aggressive domino, pulsed and other novel high speed circuit families that are very noise sensitive. Controlling interconnect delay, capacitive and inductive coupling is of paramount importance at such high frequencies and edge rates, made more difficult by die cost pressures of a high volume chip.We first describe our wire/ repeater design methods and silicon results. We then describe a proprietary noise simulator (NoisePad) and our noise robust cell library, both of which were critical to noise robustness. Finally,our test chip results and use of a distributed power grid to manage inductance is described.
Teaching Method Practicing on Embedded Software Engineering Curriculum

Serving as a part of the engineering education, curriculum reform plays an important role in higher education reforms. This paper presents the reform practice on curriculum of "Intel Atom Platform Embedded Application and Practice" and "Software Test Techniques". It deeply discussed specific measures in the Embedded Software Engineering Curriculum by referencing a variety of teaching reform methods. On summarizing the feedback information from undergraduates of grade 2008 and 2009, the outcome is well meet the expectation, therefore, the approach can be considered as a new attempt for the teaching reform on practical curriculum of software engineering.
Using adaptive operator scheduling on problem domains with an operator manifold: applications to the travelling salesman problem

A growing problem in the field of evolutionary computation is the large amount of genetic operators available for certain problem domains. This tendency is especially pronounced in areas where heuristics are used to create highly specialised operators. Even within the same problem domain, the performance of such operators often depends on the specific problem instance at hand. This results in a tedious and time-consuming process of comparing individual operator performances every time a new problem is to be solved. We investigate the use of adaptive operator scheduling to automate the operator selection process. The approach is tested on instances of the travelling salesman problem - a problem for which a long list of operators exists. Results show that benefits are twofold: Operator selection is achieved automatically and an overall performance improvement is observed.
Fault Diagnosis of Bearing Damage by Means of the Linear Discriminant Analysis of Stator Current Features From the Frequency Selection

Bearing damage is the most common failure in electrical machines. It can be detected by vibration analysis. However, this diagnosis method is costly or not always accessible due to the location of the equipment and the choice of the implemented sensors. An alternative method is provided with the electrical monitoring using the stator current of the electrical machine. This study aims at developing a diagnostic system based on the current feature generated by a frequency selection in the stator current spectrum. The features are evaluated by means of the linear discriminant analysis and the fault diagnosis is performed with the Bayes classifier. The proposed method is evaluated by two types of damages at different load cases. The results show that the damaged bearings can be distinguished from the healthy bearing depending on the considered load cases.
Role of Biologics and Other Therapies in Stricturing Crohn’s Disease: What Have We Learnt So Far?

Background: Therapy of strictures, one of the most common complications of Crohn’s disease (CD), remains a challenging task in gastroenterology. While infliximab is widely recognized as being very effective in active CD, it has been reported to cause strictures in some patients. As a consequence, essentially by inference, many clinicians have chosen not to use it in the presence of strictures. Aims: To find evidence in the available data that infliximab does not cause strictures and that there is no rational basis to avoid its a priori use when a stricture is already present. In addition, to review what is currently known on the general management of strictures in CD. Methods: Discussion of the data that led to the hypothesis of a causal association between infliximab and strictures. Review of the mechanisms and the risk factors for stricture development in CD; of the different types of CD-related strictures; of the available means to distinguish them, and of the literature related to the efficacy and safety of infliximab as well as other biologics and other therapies in different stricturing scenarios. Results and Conclusions: Although larger controlled studies are due in the near future, current evidence indicates that infliximab does not cause strictures in CD. The drug appears safe and effective in the presence of an inflammatory stenosis while being predictably ineffective, but not harmful, in the presence of fibrosis. Different stricturing scenarios in CD must be clearly distinguished for proper management of this complication.
Operation and characteristics of self-excited reluctance generator

The authors deal with the performance and characteristics of reluctance machines used as self-excited generators. This mode of operation is ideal for utilizing renewable energy sources where the prime mover is a variable-speed prime mover, such as windmill or microhydel. The generator system results in a cheap, robust and reliable supply system for remote and isolated communities. <<ETX>>
COMPARISON OF SOME SOLUTION CONCEPTS FOR LINEAR FIRST-ORDER HYPERBOLIC DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS WITH NON-SMOOTH COEFFICIENTS

We discuss solution concepts for linear hyperbolic equations with coefficients of regularity below Lipschitz continuity. Thereby our focus is on theories which are based either on a generalization of the method of charac- teristics or on refined techniques concerning energy estimates. We provide a series of examples both as simple illustrations of the notions and conditions involved but also to show logical independence among the concepts.
Quantitative LVEF and qualitative regional function from gated thallium-201 perfusion SPECT.

UNLABELLED This study investigates the feasibility of routine clinical 201Tl gated perfusion SPECT (gated Tl), and compares quantitative left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and visually-assessed regional wall motion and thickening to analogous values obtained from 99mTc-sestamibi gated perfusion SPECT (gated MIBI). METHODS We studied 121 patients with a rest gated Tl (3-3.5 mCi, 35 sec/ projection/poststress gated MIBI (25-30 mCi, 25 sec/projection) separate dual-isotope protocol on a 90 degrees dual-detector camera. Automatic quantitation of LVEFs was accomplished using previously developed and validated software, while visual scoring of motion and thickening was performed using four-point scales. RESULTS Average myocardial counts were lower in gated Tl images (306 +/- 81 counts/pixel) compared to gated MIBI images (789 +/- 237 counts/pixel). The quality of gated Tl images was ranked as excellent, good, fair and poor in 24.0%, 42.1%, 24.8% and 9.1%, respectively, of the patients, compared to 43.0%, 43.8%, 9.1% and 4.1%, respectively, for gated MIBI images. Quantitative-gated Tl and gated MIBI LVEFs correlated well (y = 0.11 + 1.05x, r = 0.918, SEE = 6.35). Possible poststress myocardial stunning may have caused gated Tl LVEFs to overestimate gated MIBI LVEFs by a larger (p = 0.03) amount in ischemic patients (n = 47, y = -0.69 + 1.09x, r = 0.914, s.e.e. = 6.44) compared to nonischemic patients (n = 64, y = -1.58 + 1.05x, r = 0.919, s.e.e. = 5.93), the residual difference in LVEFs for this latter group being likely due to different isotope resolution in conjunction with small left ventricles. Exact agreement between gated Tl and gated MIBI segmental myocardial function in 41 nonischemic patients was 92.2% (kappa = 0.619) and 95.4% (kappa = 0.586) for motion and thickening scores, respectively. CONCLUSION Thallium-201 gated SPECT imaging can be effectively performed on the majority of patients in our clinical environment and offers the opportunity to assess both myocardial perfusion and function using one injection and one imaging sequence, similarly to what is done with 99mTc-based agents.
Features extraction based on wavelet packet transform for B-mode ultrasound liver images

This paper concentrates on the analysis of features extracted through the application of wavelet packet transform for B-mode ultrasound liver images. For years, the scientific community has been trying to figure out an effective method of feature extraction for revealing texture details and the succeeding classifications. Methods of feature extraction can be roughly classified into three categories: spatial-domain based, frequency-domain based and model based. Comparative study of typical methodologies within each category has proved that frequency-domain based algorithms, especially the wavelet transform are more effective in texture characterization and the succeeding classification. In our recent study, experiment result demonstrates wavelet packet transform is more advantageous than wavelet transform, intuitively because wavelet packet transform not only decompose the approximation of an image but also the details, thus can better describe texture surface. Single feature extracted will all go through feature selection procedure and finally the discriminative capacity of feature vector can be compared and verified by feature vector selection criteria and classification correct ratio of support vector machine.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Depression: Scientific Evidence and Biological Mechanisms

The changing of omega-6/omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in the food supply of Western societies occurred over the last 150 years is thought to promote the pathogenesis of many inflammatory-related diseases, including depressive disorders. Several epidemiological studies reported a significant inverse correlation between intake of oily fish and depression or bipolar disorders. Studies conducted specifically on the association between omega-3 intake and depression reported contrasting results, suggesting that the preventive role of omega-3 PUFA may depend also on other factors, such as overall diet quality and the social environment. Accordingly, tertiary prevention with omega-3 PUFA supplement in depressed patients has reached greater effectiveness during the last recent years, although definitive statements on their use in depression therapy cannot be yet freely asserted. Among the biological properties of omega-3 PUFA, their anti-inflammatory effects and their important role on the structural changing of the brain should be taken into account to better understand the possible pathway through which they can be effective both in preventing or treating depression. However, the problem of how to correct the inadequate supply of omega-3 PUFA in the Westernized countries' diet is a priority in order to set food and health policies and also dietary recommendations for individuals and population groups.
The effect of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on cognition in depressed patients : Multiple case studies

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is an in vivo technique that induces a series of magnetic pulses to cortical areas of the brain. An accumulation of literature reports significant cognitive impairments in patients who suffer from depression, and suggests that these cognitive deficits resolve after rTMS treatment. However, few studies have investigated the efficacy of rTMS, in terms of improving both mood and cognition, as an additional treatment to antidepressants. Using a multiple case-study approach, the present research investigated the effects on cognition of high frequency rTMS, as an adjunctive to antidepressants, in a sample of 4 depressed participants. Treatment involved the application of a handheld coil over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex for 20 minutes. Each participant received three rTMS sessions a week for 1 month. Cognitive assessment was conducted at baseline (week 0) and at 2 and 4 weeks (post-baseline). The test battery consisted of a series of computerized neuropsychological tests that assessed memory and emotional decision-making. Results indicated that rTMS concomitant with antidepressants may be a clinically effective combination in the treatment of depression since no significant adverse effects on cognition were observed. In some cases participants showed improvement on neuropsychological test scores. Nevertheless the number of participants in this study is limited and so further investigation into the efficacy of rTMS as a treatment modality for depression could benefit from using an increased number of participants.
Evaluation of performance in emergency response scenarios: a virtual environment skill retention study

The research described in this thesis investigates the longitudinal retention of skills attained by naive subjects who had completed a virtual induction training. This work is a continuation of the original induction training conducted by Smith & Veitch (2017, 2018). The original induction training introduced participants to a “virtual offshore platform” where they were taught basic safety and egress procedures. After a period of 6 to 9 months, the participants were re-exposed to the virtual environment and tested again. The researcher has hypothesized that participants will demonstrate skill fade over this period, and there will be a difference in repeated measures between exposures. Retention of key concepts were evaluated to determine where skill fade was most prominent, and the amount of retraining required to bring participants back to competency was recorded. The experimental results demonstrated that skill fade was most prominent in foundational testing scenarios where participants were first re-exposed to each learning objective. Further, the results indicated that the participants were quickly re-trained to post training competency after initial re-exposure to the environment. The findings of the experiment support the research hypothesis.