Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Model-checking robuste des automates temporisés via les machines à canaux

Les automates temporisés (AT) constituent un modèle largement utilisé dans la vérification des systèmes temporisés. Cependant, la sémantique classique de ce modèle n’est pas conservée à l’implémentation. Pour contourner ce problème, des algorithmes de model-checking robuste des propriétés linéaires ont été proposé pour une certaine classe d’automates temporisés. Le model-checking robuste consiste à déterminer si l’implémentation d’un modèle donné vérifie sa spécification. Notre résultat principal est que pour les propriétés de co-Büchi, le problème du modelchecking robuste se réduit au problème du model-checking classique, tout en conservant la complexité du cas classique (PSPACE). Comme un deuxième résultat, on propose un algorithme de model-checking robuste basé sur l’automate des régions. Nos deux résultats sont établis pour les ATs généraux. Pour motiver le traitement du cas général, on donne une classe de systèmes temporisés qui ne peuvent pas être modélisés par des ATs sous la restriction des travaux précédents. Nos techniques de preuves sont exclusivement basées sur les machines à canaux, introduites récemment dans ce contexte.
RIPPLY3 is a retinoic acid-inducible repressor required for setting the borders of the pre-placodal ectoderm

Retinoic acid signaling is a major component of the neural posteriorizing process in vertebrate development. Here, we identify a new role for the retinoic acid receptor (RAR) in the anterior of the embryo, where RAR regulates Fgf8 expression and formation of the pre-placodal ectoderm (PPE). RARα2 signaling induces key pre-placodal genes and establishes the posterolateral borders of the PPE. RAR signaling upregulates two important genes, Tbx1 and Ripply3, during early PPE development. In the absence of RIPPLY3, TBX1 is required for the expression of Fgf8 and hence, PPE formation. In the presence of RIPPLY3, TBX1 acts as a transcriptional repressor, and functions to restrict the positional expression of Fgf8, a key regulator of PPE gene expression. These results establish a novel role for RAR as a regulator of spatial patterning of the PPE through Tbx1 and RIPPLY3. Moreover, we demonstrate that Ripply3, acting downstream of RAR signaling, is a key player in establishing boundaries in the PPE.
Changes in the metaphase transit times and the pattern of sister chromatid separation in stamen hair cells of Tradescantia after treatment with protein phosphatase inhibitors.

Stamen hair cells from the spiderwort plant, Tradescantia virginiana, exhibit remarkably predictable metaphase transit times, making them uniquely suitable for temporal studies on mitotic regulation. In this study, we describe two kinds of experiments that test whether protein phosphatase activity is a necessary prerequisite for entry into anaphase in living, mitotic cells. We treated cells at specific points during prophase, prometaphase and metaphase with the broad-spectrum protein phosphatase inhibitor, alpha-naphthyl phosphate (administered by microinjection), or with the naturally occurring, potent phosphatase inhibitors okadaic acid, microcystin-LR or microcystin-RR (administered by perfusion), and we have observed changes in the metaphase transit time that are primarily dependent on the time of initial exposure to the inhibitor. Maximal extensions of the metaphase transit time result from alpha-naphthyl phosphate microinjections initiated in mid-metaphase, 10-20 min after nuclear envelope breakdown. Perfusions with okadaic acid started during a specific interval in mid-metaphase, 15-20 min after nuclear envelope breakdown, resulted in a statistically significant extension of the metaphase transit time. Perfusions with either microcystin-LR or microcystin-RR initiated 15-26 min after nuclear envelope breakdown extended the metaphase transit times significantly. Treatments of cells with okadaic acid or with either of the microcystins initiated outside this mid-metaphase interval either were without effect or, alternatively, resulted in a significant shortening of the metaphase transit time. In addition to their effects on the timing of anaphase onset, treatments with these protein phosphatase inhibitors also resulted in a remarkable change in the way in which these cells enter anaphase. Sister chromatid separation in stamen hair cells typically requires only 5 seconds, but after treatment with any of these inhibitors some, but not all, of the chromatids split apart at anaphase onset. Those that split begin to migrate toward the spindle pole regions, while those that fail to split remain at the metaphase plate. Later, more of the paired chromatids split apart and begin moving toward the spindle pole regions. Those that fail to separate remain at the metaphase plate. This process can be repeated several times before all of the chromatids have separated. Thus, entry into anaphase becomes extremely asynchronous, and as much as 30 min can transpire between the centromeric separation of the first and last chromosomes. Some of the chromosomes complete their anaphase movements before others have even split apart at the metaphase plate. Asynchronous separation did not result in a permanent segregation anomaly. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Source Apportionment and Secondary Transformation of Atmospheric Nonmethane Hydrocarbons in Chengdu, Southwest China

Nonmethane hydrocarbons (NMHCs) have an important influence on the formation of photochemical smog and secondary organic aerosols in the atmosphere. We investigated 55 NMHCs in Chengdu from 27 October 2016 to 30 September 2017 to identify their sources, pollution levels, and secondary transformation potential. The average concentration of NMHCs in Chengdu was 41.8 ± 20.8 ppbv. Meteorological conditions play a vital role in the formation and dispersion of NMHCs, PM2.5, and O3. The photochemical conversion of NMHCs was inhibited by lower solar radiation, leading to low O3 concentrations and high NMHC concentrations. Aromatics and alkenes played a leading role in the secondary transformation, accounting for 60 ± 16% and 29 ± 11% of the total secondary formation potential, respectively. The southwest air mass trajectory was the most significant transportation path affecting the NMHC concentration in Chengdu. The results of the positive matrix factorization model indicated that there were seasonal differences in the sources of NMHCs in Chengdu. Four major emission sources were identified, namely, vehicle exhaust, industrial, paint solvents, and biogenic sources. Vehicle exhaust emissions were the greatest contributor to NMHCs in Chengdu, accounting for approximately 45% of the NMHCs. Overall, toluene, m/p‐xylene and ethylbenzene constitute a large fraction of the calculated ozone and secondary aerosol formation potential. Future studies should consider targeting these compounds when evaluating ozone and aerosol reduction strategies. However, in terms of total control of NMHC pollution, Chengdu should focus on effective control measures for traffic emissions.
Scalable Live Streaming Service Based on Interoverlay Optimization

In order to provide scalable live-streaming services, we propose an Inter-Overlay Optimization scheme, IOO. Instead of selecting better paths in the same overlay, IOO constructs efficient paths using peers in different overlays, so as to (i) improve global resource utilization of P2P streaming networks; (ii) assign resources based on their locality and delay; (iii) guarantee streaming service quality by using the nearest peers, even when such peers might belong to different overlays; and (iv) balance the load among the group (streaming overlay) members. We compare the performance of IOO with existing approaches through trace driven simulations. Results show that IOO outperforms previous schemes in terms of resource utilization and the QoS of streaming services. IOO scheme has been implemented in an Internet based live streaming system, called AnySee. AnySee was successfully released in the summer of 2004 in CERNET of China. Over 60,000 users enjoy massive entertainment programs, including TV programs, movies, and academic conferences videos.
Design of A 2 GHz Low Phase Noise LC VCO

A design of a integrated LC-VCO which is used in the phase-locked loop frequency synthesizer is presented. We reduce the phase noise effectively presupposes the tuning range. The VCO is realized by using the technology of tsmc CMOS 0.18um. The whole circuit is completed under the environment of CANDENCE, the result shows that the phase noise is 108dbc/Hz @100KHz and -131.9dbc/Hz@1MHz. The working voltage is 3V, and the working current is 5mA. Key Word: Low Phase Noise, LC, VCO, Design
Visualizing brain images in an undergraduate signal processing course

This paper describes a MRI brain image visualization approach for an undergraduate signal processing course in a liberal art college environment. Owing to the highly mathematical nature of signal processing theory, using visualized biomedical images may increase students' curiosity in both the course itself and the biomedical science in general. The visualization tool is constructed with incremental level of difficulty, making it approachable by undergraduate students in a liberal art college environment. The students learn the basic elements of processing 2D and 3D signals by multi-dimensional visual tools. The proposed approach could effectively integrate biomedical knowledge (brain imaging, brain degeneration) into an undergraduate engineering course. It also provides an efficient approach to attract engineering students to interdisciplinary areas in biomedical science.
Introductory Chapter: Mangrove Ecosystem Research Trends - Where has the Focus been So Far

Mangroves are trees and shrubs grow in intertidal zone or brackish water of tropical and subtropical coastal areas between 5°N and 5°S latitude spanning over 118 countries. Mangroves grow in harsh environmental conditions such as high saline conditions and are therefore also called halophytes. They can grow in extreme environment due to their morphological and physiological adaptations, including complex root and salt filtration abilities to cope with inundation of salt water and wave action. Mangroves are well adapted to grow in anoxic conditions as they experience regular inundation and saturated soil conditions. There are around 70 known species of mangroves around the globe, out of which 11 are threatened species and are listed in IUCN Red List [1]. Mangrove species have its own ecosystem services; therefore, mangrove loss can impact surrounding coastal ecosystem and associated ecosystems. Mangrove ecosystem has several faunal species because they create characteristics and productive habitat for them. The biodiversity of fauna in mangrove ecosystem is high due to the availability of food resources and their detritus food cycle.
Dynamic sectored random projection for cancelable iris template

Biometrics is an indispensable tool which is being used widely in sensitive authentication applications. The increase in usage of the biometrics has also raised several issues related to the security of the biometrics. Several template protection schemes have been introduced to secure the biometrics from being compromised. Cancelable biometrics is a template protection scheme which enables the biometrics to be revoked like a token or password. The enrolment and matching of the biometrics are performed in a transformed domain. A dynamic sectored random projection for cancelable iris template has been proposed. The technique projects the sectored iris features on a dynamic random projection matrix to generate a transformed template. The dynamic random projection matrix is derived with respect to the iris feature itself and no external key is required. The samples from IIT-Delhi iris and CASIA Iris image version 1.0 databases were used in the experiments. The matching performance, non-invertibility and distinctiveness of the transformed templates generated with the proposed technique, have been analyzed. The transformed templates generated using the proposed approach, have proved to be promising and satisfying the characteristics of cancelable biometrics.
Recognition Memory Impairments After Subcortical White Matter Stroke in Mice

Background and Purpose— Small subcortical white matter infarcts are a common stroke subtype often associated with cognitive deficits. The lack of relevant models confined to white matter has limited the investigation of its pathophysiology. Here, we examine tissue and functional outcome after an ischemic lesion within corpus callosum in wild-type (WT) mice and in mice null for a gene, NOTCH3, linked to white matter ischemic injury in patients. Methods— WT and NOTCH3 knockout mice were subjected to stereotactic microinjections of the potent vasoconstrictor endothelin-1 at the level of periventricular white matter to induce a focal ischemic lesion. Infarct location was confirmed by MRI, and brains were examined for lesion size and histology; behavioral deficits were assessed ⩽1 month in WT mice. Results— Ischemic damage featured an early cerebral blood flow deficit, blood–brain barrier opening, and a lesion largely confined to white matter. At later stages, myelin and axonal degeneration and microglial/macrophage infiltration were found. WT mice displayed prolonged cognitive deficit when tested using a novel object recognition task. NOTCH3 mutants showed larger infarcts and greater cognitive deficit at 7 days post stroke. Conclusions— Taken together, these data show the usefulness of microinjections of endothelin-1 into periventricular white matter to study focal infarcts and cognitive deficit in WT mice. In short-term studies, stroke outcome was worse in NOTCH3 null mice, consistent with the notion that the lack of the NOTCH3 receptor affects white matter stroke susceptibility.
A brief review of actuation at the micro-scale using electrostatics, electromagnetics and piezoelectric ultrasonics

Though miniaturization and mass production via integrated circuit fabrication techniques have transformed our society, the methods have yet to be successfully applied to the generation of motion, and as a consequence the many potential benefits of microrobotics has yet to be realized. The characteristics of electrostatic, electromagnetic and piezoelectric transduction for generating motion at the micro scale is considered, employing scaling laws and a reasoned consideration of the di! culties in motor fabrication and design using each method. The scaling analyses show that electrostatic, electromagnetic and piezoelectric actuators all have comparable force scaling characteristics of F / L 2 ; if one employs permanent magnets, electromagnetic forces do not scale as F / L 4 . Though the torque, ! , of piezoelectric ultrasonic motors scale rather poorly with ! / L 4 , they have the clear advantage of possessing torque amplitudes some two orders of magnitude larger than motors employing the other transduction schemes at the micro scale.
2015 Ieee International Conference on Big Data (big Data) Visual Analysis of Bi-directional Movement Behavior

—The availability of massive volumes of trajectory data has made it convenient for the study of different types of movement behaviors. Among them, bi-directional movement behaviors exist ubiquitously in our daily life, from urban traffic to animal migration, and from sports to wars. To analyze bi-directional movement behaviors, people need to compare movements in two directions simultaneously for detecting similarities or differences in the movement patterns. If the movement involves tens of thousands items like vehicles or bird migration during a ten-year time span, the comparisons need to be done at both macro level and micro level. Due to the complexities of data and the challenges of analytical tasks, visual analytics is often used to take full advantage of machines' computational power as well as human's domain knowledge and cognitive abilities. In this paper, we present a comprehensive visual analytics system with three major visualization modules, including Global View, OD-pair Flow View and Isotime Storyline View, to depict bi-directional movement behaviors in a novel way, which enables a three-level exploration to help users gain insights into both macro and micro patterns. Quantitative analyses (e.g. movement model construction, modular DoI specification and key node extraction) and intuitive visualizations (e.g. parallelized flow map, bidirectional storyline chart with contour map and multi-layer heat map) are integrated into our system to provide an efficient and intuitive solution to the analysis of bi-directional movement behaviors based on big movement data. Case studies with two real-world datasets and expert interviews are carried out to demonstrate the effectiveness and usefulness of our system.
Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

Background: Few questionnaires on outpatients' satisfaction with hospital exist. All have been constructed without giving enough room for the patient's point of view in the validation procedure. The main objective was to develop, according to psychometric standards, a self-administered generic outpatient questionnaire exploring opinion on quality of hospital care. Method: First, a qualitative phase was conducted to generate items and identify domains using critical analysis incident technique and literature review. A list of easily comprehensible nonredundant items was defined using Delphi technique and a pilot study on outpatients. This phase involved outpatients, patient association representatives and experts. The second step was a quantitative validation phase comprised a multicenter study in 3 hospitals, 10 departments and 1007 outpatients. It was designed to select items, identify dimensions, measure reliability, internal and concurrent validity. Patients were randomized according to the place of questionnaire completion (hospital v. home) (participation rate = 65%). Third, a mail-back study on 2 departments and 248 outpatients was conducted to replicate the validation (participation rate = 57%). Results: A 27-item questionnaire comprising 4 subscales (appointment making, reception facilities, waiting time and consultation with the doctor). The factorial structure was satisfactory (loading >0.50 on each subscale for all items, except one item). Interscale correlations ranged from 0.42 to 0.59, Cronbach α coefficients ranged from 0.79 to 0.94. All Item-scale correlations were higher than 0.40. Test-retest intraclass coefficients ranged from 0.69 to 0.85. A unidimensional 9-item version was produced by selection of one third of the items within each subscale with the strongest loading on the principal component and the best item-scale correlation corrected for overlap. Factors related to satisfaction level independent from departments were age, previous consultations in the department and satisfaction with life. Completion at hospital immediately after Published: 04 August 2004 Health and Quality of Life Outcomes 2004, 2:43 doi:10.1186/1477-7525-2-43 Received: 21 May 2004 Accepted: 04 August 2004 This article is available from: http://www.hqlo. com/content/2/1/43 © 2004 Gasquet et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
On Superimposed Training for MIMO Channel Estimation and Symbol Detection

Channel estimation for multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) time-invariant channels using superimposed training is considered. A user-specific periodic (nonrandom) training sequence is arithmetically added (superimposed) at a low power to each user's information sequence at the transmitter before modulation and transmission. Two versions of a two-step approach are adopted where in the first step we estimate the channel using only the first-order statistics of the data. Using the estimated channel from the first step, a linear minimum mean-square error (MMSE) equalizer and hard decisions, or a Viterbi detector, are used to estimate the information sequence. In the second step of the two-step approach a deterministic maximum-likelihood (DML) approach based on a Viterbi detector or a linear MMSE equalizer-based approach is used to iteratively estimate the MIMO channel and the information sequences sequentially. We also present a performance analysis of the first-order statistics-based approach to obtain a closed-form expression for the channel estimation variance. We then address the issue of superimposed training power allocation for complex Gaussian random (Rayleigh) channels for MIMO systems arising from spatial multiplexing of a single-user signal. Illustrative simulation examples are provided
Bio-linguistic transition and Baldwin effect in an evolutionary naming-game model

We examine an evolutionary naming-game model where communicating agents are equipped with an evolutionary selected learning ability. Such a coupling of biological and linguistic ingredients results in an abrupt transition: upon a small change of a model control parameter a poorly communicating group of linguistically unskilled agents transforms into almost perfectly communicating group with large learning abilities. When learning ability is kept fixed, the transition appears to be continuous. Genetic imprinting of the learning abilities proceeds via Baldwin effect: initially unskilled communicating agents learn a language and that creates a niche in which there is an evolutionary pressure for the increase of learning ability. Our model suggests that when linguistic (or cultural) processes became intensive enough, a transition took place where both linguistic performance and biological endowment of our species experienced an abrupt change that perhaps triggered the rapid expansion of human civilization.
Restoration of Pulsatile Flow Reduces Sympathetic Nerve Activity Among Individuals With Continuous-Flow Left Ventricular Assist Devices

Background— Current-generation left ventricular assist devices provide circulatory support that is minimally or entirely nonpulsatile and are associated with marked increases in muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA), likely through a baroreceptor-mediated pathway. We sought to determine whether the restoration of pulsatile flow through modulations in pump speed would reduce MSNA through the arterial baroreceptor reflex. Methods and Results— Ten men and 3 women (54±14 years) with Heartmate II continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices underwent hemodynamic and sympathetic neural assessment. Beat-to-beat blood pressure, carotid ultrasonography at the level of the arterial baroreceptors, and MSNA via microneurography were continuously recorded to determine steady-state responses to step changes (200–400 revolutions per minute) in continuous-flow left ventricular assist device pump speed from a maximum of 10 480±315 revolutions per minute to a minimum of 8500±380 revolutions per minute. Reductions in pump speed led to increases in pulse pressure (high versus low speed: 17±7 versus 26±12 mm Hg; P<0.01), distension of the carotid artery, and carotid arterial wall tension (P<0.05 for all measures). In addition, MSNA was reduced (high versus low speed: 41±15 versus 33±16 bursts per minute; P<0.01) despite a reduction in mean arterial pressure and was inversely related to pulse pressure (P=0.037). Conclusions— Among subjects with continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices, the restoration of pulsatile flow through modulations in pump speed leads to increased distortion of the arterial baroreceptors with a subsequent decline in MSNA. Additional study is needed to determine whether reduction of MSNA in this setting leads to improved outcomes.