Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On Formal Analysis of IEC 61499 Applications, Part A: Modeling

IEC 61499 is a standard architecture, based on function blocks, for developing distributed control and measurement applications. However, the standard has no formal semantics and different interpretations of the standard have emerged. As a consequence, it is harder to transfer applications between different standard compliant platforms. This paper presents a formal framework for mathematical modeling and comparison of different execution semantics. The framework provides definitions that allow modeling of applications and execution semantics separately. Together, the models can be used to analyze and compare how an application would behave when executed using different execution semantics. In addition, a mathematical model made possible by the framework has been used as a basis for implementation of a runtime environment that can execute applications and a software tool that generates formal models suitable for formal verification, both assuming different execution semantics.
A Study of Variables that Predict Dropout from Distance Education.

A need exists for research to determine predictors of dropout from distance education since attrition rates in distance education far exceed attrition rates in classes taught in a traditional format. This problem is of particular importance because governmental funding to institutions of higher education is often based on attendance. Ninety-four students from three community college courses were the sample for this study. In addition to completing the human subjects paperwork, the students completed two instruments: The Rotter's Internal-External Locus of Control Scale and A Student Information Sheet. A correlation and discriminant analysis were performed to identify predictors of dropout. It was determined that locus of control and source of financial assistance, and in particular self-pay, were able to predict dropout with nearly 85 percent accuracy. The results of this study are important as counselors and faculty now have a basis on which to advise students either into traditional or distance formatted courses for best possible completion.
The Nexus : Computer Game Interfaces for the Real World

1 BACKGROUND/MOTIVATION Most non-electronic games are designed for the physical world we live in and to make effective use of 'real world' properties, such as physical objects, our sense of space and spatial relations. Our sensory engagement in the world adds texture, context, and content to the game play. Computers inarguably offer exciting possibilities to the design of games but they also transform the way we play and interact within a game context. Perhaps most notably, they in some sense turn play into activities in which players are disengaged from the physical world rather than interacting within it. Computer games, while often designed to mimic the physicality of real world spaces and objects, typically do not allow for the same richness in interaction as offered by the real world. It is sometimes argued that it is the game industry that pushes the development of new hardware technologies and software techniques (cf. Bushnell 1996). However, computer games, particularly those that are designed for personal computers, are nevertheless carried out on machines with interfaces optimized for office work, such as word processing. Despite the powerful machines that personal computers are, it is easy at hand to argue that an interface optimized for tasks such as word processing, compromises its suitability for gaming applications. Further, the PC is personal, and as such has been argued to effectively shield the user from the social and physical environment by demanding an excessive amount of foreground attention from the user. There are no reasons why this phenomenon does not apply to computer game applications, even in multi-player games where absorbing social realms can be created through the facilitation of a network. People are still primarily interacting with a computer rather than with other people, or engaging with the physical world. A compelling research task is to find alternative interfaces for computer games. This paper describes the Nexus project, in which we research the design space of computer games that employ, as well as affect properties of the real world. The ultimate ambition is to create an out-of-the-box computer game, where the points of interaction are not confined solely to a virtual game world and the personal computer interface, but also has distributed and tangible interaction aspects that support the execution of the game. In other words, we envision future computer games that are experienced in physical and social environments where players to with the real world.
Multiresolution Instance-Based Learning

Instance-based learning methods explicitly remember all the data that they receive. They usually have no training phase and only at prediction time do they perform computation Then they take a query search the database for similar datapoints and build an on-line local model (such as a local average or local regression) with which to predict an output value. In this paper we review the advantages of instance based methods for autonomous systems but we also note the ensuing cost hopelessly slow computation as the database grows large. We present and evaluate a new way of structuring a database and a new algorithm for accessing it that maintains the advantages ot instance-based learning. Earlier attempts to combat the cost of instancebased learning have sacrificed the explicit retention of all data or been applicable only to instancebased predictions based on a small number of near neighbors, or have had to reintroduce an explicit training phase in the form of an interpolative data structure. Our approach builds a multiresolution data structure to summarize the database of experiences at all resolutions of interest simultaneously. This permits us to query the database with the same flexibility as a conventional linear search but at greatly reduced computational cost.
Data Center Network Throughput Analysis Using Queueing Petri Nets

In this paper, we contribute performance modeling and analysis approach in computer networks. We present a meta-model designed for the performance modeling of network infrastructures in modern data centers. Instances of our meta-model can be automatically transformed into stochastic simulation models for performance prediction. In this paper, we present a transformation to Queueing Petri Nets (QPNs). We show that despite the high level of abstraction of the QPN models, we are able to predict the utilization of resources with good accuracy within a short time.
Role of colony stimulating factor-1 in the establishment and regulation of tissue macrophages during postnatal development of the mouse.

Colony stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1) regulates the survival, proliferation and differentiation of mononuclear phagocytes. The osteopetrotic (op/op) mutant mouse is devoid of CSF-1 due to an inactivating mutation in the CSF-1 gene and is deficient in several mononuclear phagocyte subpopulations. To analyze more fully the requirement for CSF-1 in the establishment and maintenance of mononuclear phagocytes, the postnatal development of cells bearing the macrophage marker antigens F4/80 and MOMA-1, in op/op mice and their normal (+/op or +/+) littermates, were studied during the first three months of life. In normal mice, maximum expression of tissue F4/80+ cells was generally correlated with the period of maximum organogenesis and/or cell turnover. Depending on the tissue, the F4/80+ cell density either decreased, transiently increased or gradually increased with age. In op/op mice, tissues that normally contain F4/80+ cells could be classified into those in which F4/80+ cells were absent and those in which the F4/80+ cell densities were either reduced, normal or initially normal then subsequently reduced. To assess which F4/80+ populations were regulated by circulating CSF-1 in normal mice, op/op mice in which the circulating CSF-1 concentration was restored to above normal levels by daily subcutaneous injection of human recombinant CSF-1 from day 3 were analyzed. These studies suggest that circulating CSF-1 exclusively regulates both the F4/80+ cells in the liver, spleen and kidney and the MOMA-1+ metallophilic macrophages in the spleen. Macrophages of the dermis, bladder, bone marrow and salivary gland, together with a subpopulation in the gut, were partially restored by circulating CSF-1, whereas macrophages of the muscle, tendon, periosteum, synovial membrane, adrenals and the macrophages intimately associated with the epithelia of the digestive tract, were not corrected by restoration of circulating CSF-1, suggesting that they are exclusively locally regulated by this growth factor. Langerhans cells, bone marrow monocytes and macrophages of the thymus and lymph nodes were not significantly affected by circulating CSF-1 nor decreased in op/op mice, consistent with their regulation by other growth factors. These results indicate that important differences exist among mononuclear phagocytes in their dependency on CSF-1 and the way in which CSF-1 is presented to them. They also suggest that the prevalent role of CSF-1 is to influence organogenesis and tissue turnover by stimulating the production of tissue macrophages with local trophic and/or scavenger (physiological) functions. Macrophages involved in inflammatory and immune (pathological) responses appear to be dependent on other factors for their ontogenesis and function. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
iProbe: A lightweight user-level dynamic instrumentation tool

We introduce a new hybrid instrumentation tool for dynamic application instrumentation called iProbe, which is flexible and has low overhead. iProbe takes a novel 2-stage design, and offloads much of the dynamic instrumentation complexity to an offline compilation stage. It leverages standard compiler flags to introduce “place-holders” for hooks in the program executable. Then it utilizes an efficient user-space “HotPatching” mechanism which modifies the functions to be traced and enables execution of instrumented code in a safe and secure manner. In its evaluation on a micro-benchmark and SPEC CPU2006 benchmark applications, the iProbe prototype achieved the instrumentation overhead an order of magnitude lower than existing state-of-the-art dynamic instrumentation tools like SystemTap and DynInst.
Observer Based Controller Design for Linear Systems with Input Constraints

Abstract A systematic design method for observer based linear control of LTI systems with input constraints is introduced. The method allows to optimize the observer parameters with respect to the system's performance while at the same time the compliance with the constraints is guaranteed. To improve the results we further propose a method to design both the controller and the observer simultaneously. Since the presented methods are based on LMI techniques they are computationally very efficient. The proposed methods are demonstrated by means of an example.
Trisyllabic Tone Sandhi in Tianjin Mandarin

Tianjin Mandarin is known for its complex tone sandhi patterns over bisyllabic constituents and the conflicting directionality as well as the possible iterative application of sandhi rules over trisyllabic constituents. Previous studies on Tianjin tone sandhi, especially those on sandhi in trisyllabic sequences, have been mainly based on impressionistic descriptions. In this paper, we argue that tone sandhi in Tianjin Mandarin is much simpler than what the literature suggests. First, only three bisyllabic tonal combinations in Tianjin introduce sandhi changes: T1+T1, T4+T1, and T3+T3. Furthermore, tone sandhi in Tianjin Mandarin does not involve the change of one lexical tone into another. Second, in trisyllabic sequences, these bisyllabic sandhi rules do not apply consistently, as claimed in the literature. Specifically, T1+T1 and T4+T1 only introduce sandhi changes when they are right-aligned. Iterative sandhi application was only observed over T3+T3+T3 sequence where sandhi must have been applied from the left edge. Conjointly, we argue that there is no experimental evidence to support the so-called “paradox” in Tianjin tone sandhi (Chen, 2000).
Latent variable modelling of personality-health associations : measures, models and extensions

Functional health status, morbidity and mortality are determined partly by health behaviours (World Health Organization, 2002), which have determinants of their own. Personality traits, such as Conscientiousness, have a strong association with health behaviours (Bogg & Roberts, 2004). There is a less consistent and generally weaker association between traits and health outcomes (e.g. Neuroticism and mortality). The central problem in this thesis is how to measure, model, maximize, and extend trait-health associations. Conceptual issues associated with modelling traits and health are discussed in chapter one. The next three chapters concern such measurement issues about: personality traits (chapter two), health behaviours (chapter three) and health outcomes, with particular reference to functional health status (chapter four). These chapters are followed by a move to modelling (chapter five), with particular reference to the generalized latent variable modelling (LVM) framework (Muthén & Muthén, 1998–2007). The HAPPLE study is introduced (chapter six) which is used to model associations between Conscientiousness and health criteria within the LVM framework (chapter seven). Moving beyond self-reported outcomes, which are a mono-method approach, the role of multiple health behaviours in predicting cardiovascular mortality is considered (chapter eight). In a third section, cortisol is introduced, which is a biomarker of stress reactivity. The diurnal profile of cortisol output is described (chapter nine). Latent growth curve modelling is used to illustrate its association with Neuroticism, in a sample of student volunteers (chapter 10). Taken together, the results highlight the need for a general
Surface Modification of Carbon Nanotube Networked Films with Au Nanoclusters for Enhanced NO2 Gas Sensing Applications

Multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) films have been deposited by using plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) system onto alumina substrates, provided with 6 nm thick cobalt (Co) growth catalyst for remarkably improved NO2 gas sensing, at working temperature in the range of 100–250∘C. Functionalization of the MWCNTs with nanoclusters of gold (Au) sputtering has been performed to modify the surface of carbon nanotube networked films for enhanced and specific NO2 gas detection up to sub-ppm level. It is demonstrated that the NO2 gas sensitivity of the MWCNT-based sensors depends on Au-loading used as surface-catalyst. The gas response of MWCNT-based chemiresistor is attributed to p-type conductivity in the Au-modified semiconducting MWCNTs with a very good short-term repeatability and faster recovery. The sensor temperature of maximum NO2 sensitivity of the Au-functionalized MWCNTs is found to decrease with increasing Au-loading on their surface, and continuous gas monitoring at ppb level of NO2 is effectively performed with Au-modified MWCNT chemiresistors.
How to deal with parameters for whole-cell modelling

Dynamical systems describing whole cells are on the verge of becoming a reality. But as models of reality, they are only useful if we have realistic parameters for the molecular reaction rates and cell physiological processes. There is currently no suitable framework to reliably estimate hundreds, let alone thousands, of reaction rate parameters. Here, we map out the relative weaknesses and promises of different approaches aimed at redressing this issue. While suitable procedures for estimation or inference of the whole (vast) set of parameters will, in all likelihood, remain elusive, some hope can be drawn from the fact that much of the cellular behaviour may be explained in terms of smaller sets of parameters. Identifying such parameter sets and assessing their behaviour is now becoming possible even for very large systems of equations, and we expect such methods to become central tools in the development and analysis of whole-cell models.
Interactonia Balloon

The purpose of this study is the realization of the method to evoke emotion in engineering. In the field of cognitive science, as in the example of "We cry because we feel sad, or we feel sad because we cry," can be recognized as changes in the specific reaction by the body by which the phenomenon made to evoke feeling and action unconsciously is known [James 1950; Cannon 1927; Schachter 1964; Tomkins1962]. We propose a system named "Interactonia Balloon" to arouse a feeling of tension and release by changing respiratory status consciously.
Late-onset pericardial tamponade, bilateral pleural effusions and recurrent immune monoarthritis induced by ipilimumab use for metastatic melanoma

While an important agent in the contemporary anti-melanoma armamentarium, ipilimumab is associated with serious immune reactions including late immune-mediated side effects. Recently, a case of late-onset acute pericarditis with tamponade was reported at 12 weeks after the last dose of ipilimumab. While polyarthralgia rheumatica has been previously documented with ipilimumab, we were not able to find any reports of recurrent monoarthritis with the use of this agent. Therefore, we present herein a unique case featuring a patient with late-onset autoimmune pleuropericarditis leading to cardiac tamponade at 24 weeks post-ipilimumab and recurrent late immune knee arthritis at 8 and 32 weeks, respectively. Furthermore, this late-onset toxicity seen with ipilimumab might also be expected with the PD1 inhibitors currently in clinical use. Timely diagnosis and prompt steroid use are crucial to ensure favorable clinical outcomes in these patients.
Gametocytocidal Activity and Synergistic Interactions of Riboflavin with Standard Antimalarial Drugs against Growth of Plasmodium falciparum In Vitro

ABSTRACT Our previous studies have shown that riboflavin has activity against Plasmodium falciparum asexual-stage parasites in vitro. In the present study we examine the gametocytocidal activity of riboflavin and the interaction of riboflavin with some commonly used antimalarial drugs against the asexual forms of P. falciparum in vitro. The addition of riboflavin to P. falciparum cultures killed gametocytes at all stages, even those at late stages (III to V), which are not affected by many of the commonly used antimalarials. Combinations of riboflavin with mefloquine, pyrimethamine, and quinine showed a marked potentiation of the activities of these drugs against asexual-stage parasites in vitro. The combination of riboflavin with artemisinin was additive, while that with chloroquine was mildly antagonistic. High doses of riboflavin are used clinically to treat several inborn errors of metabolism with no adverse side effects. Its efficacy in combination with standard antimalarial drugs in treating and preventing the transmission ofP. falciparum malaria can therefore be evaluated in humans.
Computer-Assisted Language Intervention Using Fast ForWord®: Theoretical and Empirical Considerations for Clinical Decision-Making.

A computer-assisted language intervention program called Fast ForWord® (Scientific Learning Corporation, 1998) has received a great deal of attention at professional meetings and in the popular media. Newspaper and magazine articles about this program contain statements like, "On average, after only 6 to 7 weeks of training, language-learning impaired children ages 4 to 12 showed improvement of more than one and a half years in speech processing and language ability. " (Scientific Learning Corporation, 1997). Are the claims that are being made about this intervention approach just a matter of product promotion, or is this really a scientifically proven remedy for language-learning impairments? This article critiques the theoretical basis of Fast ForWord®, the documented treatment outcomes, and the clinical methods associated with the procedure. Fifteen cautionary statements are provided that clinicians may want to consider before they recommend Fast ForWord® intervention for the children they serve.
Nociception activates Elk‐1 and Sap 1a following expression of the ORL 1 receptor in Chinese hamster ovary cells

NOCICEPTIN stimulation of the ORL1 receptor expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells results in the activation of the extracellular signal regulated kinases ERK1 and ERK2. ERK1/ERK2 activation is inhibited by pertussis toxin, the MEK inhibitor PD 98059 and by transient expression o α-transducin, indicating that ORL1 up-regulation of these kinases occurs as a consequence of the release of the G-protei n βγ complex following the activation of pertussis-toxin sensitive Gαi-family G-proteins. Using specific reporter genes we demonstrate that the transcription factors Elk-1 and Sap1a are activated in a pertussis toxin-sensitive manner as a consequence of ORL1 upregulation of ERK1/ERK2 to induce changes in gene expression. The activation of these transcription factors is also inhibited following treatment with PD 98059 and following coexpression of α-transducin.
Cell‐based therapy for patients with vascular dementia

The homeostasis of neuronal cells is maintained by the cerebral circulation and blood–brain barrier. Circulating bone marrow‐derived immature cells, including CD34‐positive (CD34+) cells, have been implicated in homeostasis of the cerebral microvasculature. Decreased levels of circulating CD34+ cells, associated with ageing and/or cardiovascular risk factors, correlate with poor clinical outcomes in patients with cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases. Clinical trials with local transplantation of bone marrow‐derived immature cells for patients with limb ischaemia, including Buerger's disease and arteriosclerosis obliterans, have been shown to improve impaired microcirculation. In the present review, current findings about the correlation between circulating immature cells and microcirculation are reviewed, and the possibility of novel cell‐based therapy in patients with vascular dementia is discussed.
Does Sustained Participation in an Online Health Community Affect Sentiment?

A large number of patients rely on online health communities to exchange information and psychosocial support with their peers. Examining participation in a community and its impact on members' behaviors and attitudes is one of the key open research questions in the field of study of online health communities. In this paper, we focus on a large public breast cancer community and conduct sentiment analysis on all its posts. We investigate the impact of different factors on post sentiment, such as time since joining the community, posting activity, age of members, and cancer stage of members. We find that there is a significant increase in sentiment of posts through time, with different patterns of sentiment trends for initial posts in threads and reply posts. Factors each play a role; for instance stage-IV members form a particular sub-community with patterns of sentiment and usage distinct from others members.
Effective modeling of temperature effects on lithium polymer cells

The availability of an accurate model capable of simulating the dynamic behavior of a cell is important for sizing and controlling the battery for electric and hybrid vehicle. Moreover, including the thermal behavior of cell into the model is very useful when designing the battery pack layout and its cooling system. This work shows the characterization and modeling of a commercial Lithium-Polymer Cell. Particular attention has been paid to consider the thermal effects on the model parameters. The developed model has been used to predict the cell behavior in different operating conditions and the simulated data has been compared to equivalent experimental ones.