Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A molecular study of Abdominal‐A in the ant Myrmica rubra reveals lineage dependant evolutionary rates for a developmental gene

We have characterized the abdominal‐A locus in a Hymenopteran, the ant Myrmica rubra. The sequence of the homeotic domain of the Abdominal‐A family of orthologous genes is known for a fairly large number of insects but the complete sequence of the Abdominal‐A protein, is known only for a few. The two proteins of Drosophila melanogaster and Tribolium castaneum differ markedly outside the homeodomain. A comparison of the ant Abdominal‐A protein sequences with those of these two insects shows that the ant and beetle sequences are very similar all along the length of the protein. The fruit fly has diverged considerably and equally from the other two insects. This divergence reflects different rates of evolution of the protein in different lineages.
Differential pricing with inequity aversion in social networks

We introduce and study the algorithmic problem of maximizing revenue in a network using differential pricing, where the prices offered to neighboring vertices cannot be substantially different. Our most surprising result is that the optimal pricing can be computed efficiently, even for arbitrary revenue functions. In contrast, we show that if one is allowed to introduce discontinuities (by deleting vertices) the optimization problem becomes computationally hard, and we exhibit algorithms for special classes of graphs. We also study a stochastic model, and show that a similar contrast exists there: For pricing without discontinuities the benefit of differential pricing over a single price is negligible, while for differential pricing with discontinuities the difference is substantial.
Aspects of Polar-Coded Modulation

We consider the joint design of polar coding and higher-order modulation schemes for ever increased spectral efficiency. The close connection between the polar code construction and the multi-level coding approach is described in detail. Relations between different modulation schemes such as bit-interleaved coded modulation (BICM) and multi-level coding (MLC) in case of polar-coded modulation as well as the influence of the applied labeling rule and the selection of frozen channels are demonstrated.
Report on a working session on security in wireless ad hoc networks

The emergence of the Mobile Ad Hoc Networking (MANET) technology advocates self-organized wireless interconnection of communication devices that would either extend or operate in concert with the wired networking infrastructure or, possibly, evolve to autonomous networks. In either case, the proliferation of MANET-based applications depends on a multitude of factors, with trustworthiness being one of the primary challenges to be met. Despite the existence of well-known security mechanisms, additional vulnerabilities and features pertinent to this new networking paradigm might render such traditional solutions inapplicable. In particular, the absence of a central authorization facility in an open and distributed communication environment is a major challenge, especially due to the need for cooperative network operation. In particular, in MANET, any node may compromise the routing protocol functionality by disrupting the route discovery process. In this paper, we present a route discovery protocol that mitigates the detrimental effects of such malicious behavior, as to provide correct connectivity information. Our protocol guarantees that fabricated, compromised, or replayed route replies would either be rejected or never reach back the querying node. Furthermore, the protocol responsiveness is safeguarded under different types of attacks that exploit the routing protocol itself. The sole requirement of the proposed scheme is the existence of a security association between the node initiating the query and the sought destination. Specifically, no assumption is made regarding the intermediate nodes, which may exhibit arbitrary and malicious behavior. The scheme is robust in the presence of a number of non-colluding nodes, and provides accurate routing information in a timely manner.
Observer design for systems with unknown inputs and missing measurements

In this paper, the observer design problem is considered for a class of systems with unknown inputs and missing measurements. A Bernoulli distributed sequence taking values on 0 or 1 is employed to govern possible missing measurements. It is worth mentioning that the effects of the unknown inputs cannot be fully eliminated from the estimation error due to the stochastic nature of the addressed system. In such a case, an observer is established which can decouple the estimation error from the unknown inputs in the mathematical expectation sense. Moreover, the uniform ultimate boundedness of the estimation error is discussed. A simulation example is presented to show the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Conformational changes of fibrinogen in dispersed carbon nanotubes

The conformational changes of plasma protein structures in response to carbon nanotubes are critical for determining the nanotoxicity and blood coagulation effects of carbon nanotubes. In this study, we identified that the functional intensity of carboxyl groups on carbon nanotubes, which correspond to the water dispersity or hydrophilicity of carbon nanotubes, can induce conformational changes in the fibrinogen domains. Also, elevation of carbon nanotube density can alter the secondary structures (ie, helices and beta sheets) of fibrinogen. Furthermore, fibrinogen that had been in contact with the nanoparticle material demonstrated a different pattern of heat denaturation compared with free fibrinogen as a result of a variation in hydrophilicity and concentration of carbon nanotubes. Considering the importance of interactions between carbon nanotubes and plasma proteins in the drug delivery system, this study elucidated the correlation between nanoscale physiochemical material properties of carbon nanotubes and associated structural changes in fibrinogen.
H∞ co-design for discrete-time dual switching linear systems

This paper deals with dual switching linear systems in discrete-time. Such systems have piecewise linear dynamics, with switches dictated by two different sources. One is a stochastic switching signal modeled by a Markov chain. The other is a control discrete variable to be used for stabilization and disturbance attenuation. A first main result concerns the design of switching laws guaranteeing stability and H∞ performance. We then proceed to tackle the more challenging co-design problem, namely the joint synthesis of a linear state-feedback controller and a stabilizing switching strategy.
Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) as Part of the Oncological Treatment: Survey about Patients’ Attitude towards CAM in a University-Based Oncology Center in Germany

Introduction To understand if and which patients would be open-minded to Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) use parallel to their oncological treatment. Moreover, we sought to determine which methods are most accepted and which are the primary motivators to use CAM. Methods We developed and anonymously conducted a questionnaire for patients in the oncology center (TU Munich). Questions focus on different CAM methods, previous experiences, and willingness to apply or use CAM when offered in a university-based setting. Results A total of 171 of 376 patients (37.4% women, 62.0% men, 0.6% unknown) participated. This corresponds to a return rate of 45%. Median age was 64 years (17–87 years). Of all participants, 15.2% used CAM during their oncological therapy; 32.7% have used it in the past. The majority (81.9%) was not using CAM during therapy; 55.5% have not used CAM in the past respectively. The analysis revealed a significant correlation between education and CAM use during therapy (r = 0.18; p = 0.02), and CAM use in the past (r = 0.17; p = 0.04). Of all patients using CAM during therapy, favored methods were food supplements (42.3%), vitamins/minerals (42.3%), massage (34.6%). Motivations are especially the reduction of side effect and stress, the positive effect of certain CAM-treatments on the immune system and tumor therapy. Results showed no difference between women and men. Most patients not having had any experience with CAM complain about the deficiency of information by their treating oncologist (31.4%) as well as missing treatment possibilities (54.3%). Conclusion Since many patients believe in study results demonstrating the efficacy of CAM, it stresses our task to develop innovative study protocols to investigate the outcomes of certain CAM on symptom reduction or other endpoints. Thus, prospective trials and innovative evidence-based treatment concepts to include CAM into high-end oncology is what patients demand and what a modern oncology center should offer.
Regional analysis using the Geomorphoclimatic Instantaneous Unit

The construction of design flood hydrographs for ungauged drainage areas has traditionally been approached by regionalisation, i.e. the transfer of information from the gauged to the ungauged catchments in a region. Such approaches invariably depend upon the use of multiple linear regression analysis to relate unit hydrograph parameters to catchment characteristics and generalised rainfall statistic s. The con ept of the geomorphological instantaneous unit hydrograph (GIUH), in relating the shape and scale of the catchment transfer function t o stream network topology and channel characteristics, offers an alternative methodology. GIUH derivation depends upon a series of assum pti ns, including that of estimating a “characteristic velocity”; these continue to attract attention and debate. However, if this velo city is xpressed in terms of the kinematic wave approximation, the peak and time-to-peak of the IUH may be expressed in terms of a group of catc hment and channel characteristics and the intensity of rainfall excess, giving the so-called geomorphoclimatic IUH (GCIUH). Previous stud ies involving the GCIUH have developed a single IUH relating to the total duration of rainfall excess. In this study, the rainfall excess dur ation was divided into several (equal) time increments, with separate IUHs being generated for each interval. This quasi-linear approach was appl ied to 105 storm events from nine catchments in the south-west of England, ranging in size from 6 to 420 (km) . The results showed that, providing the time interval chosen is fine enough to capture the shape of the runoff hydrographs, a comparable level of goodness-of-fit can b e ob ained for catchments covering a range of about 1:75 in area. The modified GCIUH approach as described is therefore recommended for furthe r investigation and intercomparison with regression-based regionalisation methods.
A Position-Based Force Control Approach to a Quad-rotor System

This paper presents the novel contact force control approach of a quad-rotor system to interact with the environment in the constrained space. Although the quad-rotor system is not rigid, a contact force in the altitude can be regulated by the position-based impedance force control scheme that adjusts the reference trajectory with respect to the applied force through an admittance filter. This simplifies the force control application. Simulation studies of force tracking control tasks are performed to evaluate the feasibility of the proposed force control schemes.
Degenerative Mitral Valve Regurgitation: Understanding Basic Concepts and New Developments

Abstract Chronic degenerative mitral regurgitation is the most common valvular disease in the United States. The objective of this review article is to impart a balanced understanding of the basic concepts and new developments in assessment and management of patients with severe degenerative mitral regurgitation. Etiologic, epidemiologic, pathologic, and physiopathologic concepts are discussed, as well as the importance of surgical mitral valve repair as the current gold standard treatment. Research efforts in “decoding” the natural history and prognosis of patients with severe degenerative mitral regurgitation have produced important insights into the surgical timing of patients with asymptomatic mitral regurgitation, and the concept of early restorative surgery has emerged.
Evaluation of the aphrodisiac activity of Tribulus terrestris Linn. in sexually sluggish male albino rats

Objectives: To study the effect of acute and repeated dose administration of lyophilized aqueous extract of the dried fruits of Tribulus terrestris (LAET) on sexual function in sexually sluggish male albino rats. Materials and Methods: Aphrodisiac activity of the test drug was evaluated in terms of exhibited sexual behavior. In order to assess the effect of chronic T. terrestris exposure on the hypothalamus--pituitary--gonadal axis, testosterone level estimation and sperm count were carried out. Twenty-eight-day oral toxicity studies were carried out to evaluate the long-term effects of the LAET administration on different body systems. Results: A dose-dependent improvement in sexual behavior was observed with the LAET treatment as characterized by an increase in mount frequency, intromission frequency, and penile erection index, as well as a decrease in mount latency, intromission latency, and ejaculatory latency. The enhancement of sexual behavior was more prominent on chronic administration of LAET. Chronic administration of LAET produced a significant increase in serum testosterone levels with no significant effect on the sperm count. No overt body system dysfunctions were observed in 28-day oral toxicity study. Conclusions: Findings of the present study validate the traditional use of T. terrestris as a sexual enhancer in the management of sexual dysfunction in males.
Ontology Revisited: Concepts, Languages, and the World(s)

In this paper the role of ontology is considered in the context of information systems and conceptual modelling. Firstly we describe information systems and conceptual modelling without using the word “ontology”. Then two senses of ontology are presented: philosophical and knowledge representation views. In this connection both Gruber’s and Guarino’s definitions of “ontology” are scrutinized. It is proposed that the kind of terminological shifts concerning the word “ontology”, and practiced e.g. by Gruber and Guarino, have caused more confusion than clarification in the field of information systems and conceptual modelling. Instead of given a new or a better definition of our own, our view is that the word “ontology” should be used in its traditional philosophical sense only, whereas our aim in the field of information systems and conceptual modelling is to reach conceptual clarity.
HaptiVec: Presenting Haptic Feedback Vectors in Handheld Controllers using Embedded Tactile Pin Arrays

HaptiVec is a new haptic feedback paradigm for handheld controllers which allows users to feel directional haptic pressure vectors on their fingers and hands while interacting with virtual environments. We embed a 3 by 5 tactile pin array (with an average pin spacing of 25 mm) into the handles of two custom VR type controllers. By presenting directional pressure vectors in eight cardinal directions (N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW) to users without prior training, they were able to distinguish the correct direction with an accuracy of at least 79%. We illustrate two applications where our device enhances virtual experiences over traditional vibrotactile feedback. In the first application, through the classic first-person shooter Doom, we demonstrate that users can receive directional pressure feedback corresponding to the direction of incident enemy projectiles. In the second application, we demonstrate how our controller can create a more immersive experience by allowing the user to feel their virtual climate by randomizing the directional vectors and presenting the user with "haptic rain" which adapts with the intensity of the rainfall.
La construcción equipada del vínculo amoroso: las páginas Web de encuentros y las "experiencias de confianza"

El articulo pretende abordar la manera en que la confianza se instala progresivamente entre dos desconocidos puestos en relacion en una pagina web de encuentros amorosos. Estudiando en detalle la progresion de las "trayectorias de confianza", podemos comprender como los usuarios identifican las propiedades especificas de los distintos dispositivos de comunicacion para ir franqueando las etapas de la confianza. El dispositivo que permite iniciar la relacion es completado gracias a nuevas mediaciones que dan acceso a informacion nueva. Esta gestion prudente de la relacion y de su progresion se apoya en la complementariedad de las herramientas que permiten saber mas y mas sobre el Otro. Si el proceso es exitoso, se producira el encuentro fisico y la confrontacion de los cuerpos.
Antiangiogenic Therapy for Glioblastoma

AbstractGlioblastomas are among the most vascular tumors due to the expression of a variety of proangiogenic factors. New drug regimens are being developed to target angiogenesis in an attempt to arrest tumor growth. In particular, the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway has been a prime drug target. Preliminary results with anti-VEGF agents have been promising with prolonged progression-free survival reported. In addition, the antipermeability effects of anti-VEGF agents have important consequences for tumor imaging and for patient quality of life by decreasing corticosteroid dependence. Unfortunately, the response to anti-VEGF therapy is transient, and the majority of patients eventually relapsed, so more work is needed to understand the mechanisms of tumor escape.
A Subspace Error Estimate for Linear Systems

This paper proposes a new method for estimating the error in the solution of linear systems. A condition number is defined for a linear function of the solution components. This definition of the condition number is quite versatile. It reduces to the component condition number proposed by Chandrasekaran and Ipsen [SIAM J. Matrix Anal. Appl. , 16 (1995), pp. 93--112] and to Skeel's definition of condition number [J. ACM, 26 (1979), pp. 494--526] in some special cases, and it can be used to estimate the error in a subspace. The estimate is based on the adjoint equation in combination with small sample statistical theory. It can be implemented simply and is inexpensive to compute. Numerical examples are presented which illustrate the power and effectiveness of this error estimate.
Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma: a review of the management of the open abdomen--part 2 "Management of the open abdomen".

During the course of the last 30 years, several authors have contributed their clinical experience to the literature in an effort to describe the various management strategies for the appropriate use of the open abdomen technique. There remains a great degree of heterogeneity in the patient population, and the surgical techniques described. The open abdomen technique has been used in both military and civilian trauma and vascular and general surgery emergencies. Given the lack of consistent practice, the Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma (EAST) Practice Management Guidelines Committee convened a study group to establish recommendations for the use of open abdomen techniques in both trauma and nontrauma surgery. This has been a major undertaking and has been divided into two parts. The EAST practice management guidelines for the open abdomen part 1 “Damage Control” have been published.1 During the development of the open abdomen part II “Management of the Open Abdomen,” the current literature remains contentious at best, current methods of treatment continue to change rapidly, and patient populations are so heterogeneous that clear recommendations could not be provided. What follows is a thorough review of the current literature for the management of the open abdomen: part 2 “Management of the Open Abdomen” and provides clinical direction regarding the following specific topics.
VibEye: Vibration-Mediated Object Recognition for Tangible Interactive Applications

We present VibEye: a vibration-mediated recognition system of objects for tangible interaction. A user holds an object between two fingers wearing VibEye. VibEye triggers a vibration from one finger, and the vibration that has propagated through the object is sensed at the other finger. This vibration includes information about the object's identity, and we represent it using a spectrogram. Collecting the spectrograms of many objects, we formulate the object recognition problem to a classical classification problem among the images. This simple method, when tested with 20 users, shows 92.5% accuracy for 16 objects of the same shape with various materials. This material-based classifier is also extended to the recognition of everyday objects. Lastly, we demonstrate several tangible applications where VibEye provides the needed functionality while enhancing user experiences. VibEye is particularly effective for recognizing objects made of different materials, which is difficult to distinguish by other means such as light and sound.
Tensor Sketching: Sparsification and Rank-One Projection

In this paper, we investigate effective sketching schemes for high dimensional multilinear arrays or tensors. More specifically, we propose a novel tensor sparsification algorithm that retains a subset of the entries of a tensor in a judicious way, and prove that it can attain a given level of approximation accuracy in terms of tensor spectral norm with a much smaller sample complexity when compared with existing approaches. In particular, we show that for a $k$th order $d\times\cdots\times d$ cubic tensor of stable rank $r_s$, the sample size requirement for achieving a relative error $\varepsilon$ is, up to a logarithmic factor, of the order $r_s^{1/2} d^{k/2} /\varepsilon$ when $\varepsilon$ is relatively large, and $r_s d /\varepsilon^2$ and essentially optimal when $\varepsilon$ is sufficiently small. It is especially noteworthy that the sample size requirement for achieving a high accuracy is of an order independent of $k$. In addition, we show that for larger $\varepsilon$, the space complexity can be improved for higher order tensors ($k\ge 5$) by another sketching method via rank-one projection. To further demonstrate the utility of our techniques, we also study how higher order singular value decomposition (HOSVD) of large tensors can be efficiently approximated based on both sketching schemes.
Association between covariates and disease occurrence in the presence of diagnostic error

SUMMARY Identification of covariates associated with disease is a key part of epidemiological research. Yet, while adjustment for imperfect diagnostic accuracy is well established when estimating disease prevalence, similar adjustment when estimating covariate effects is far less common, although of important practical relevance due to the sensitivity of such analyses to misclassification error. Case-study data exploring evidence for seasonal differences in Salmonella prevalence using serological testing is presented, in addition simulated data with known properties are analysed. It is demonstrated that: (i) adjusting for misclassification error in models comprising continuous covariates can have a very substantial impact on the resulting conclusions which can then be drawn from any analyses; and (ii) incorporating prior knowledge through Bayesian estimation can provide potentially more informative assessments of covariates while removing the assumption of perfect diagnostic accuracy. The method presented is widely applicable and easily generalized to many types of epidemiological studies.