Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Koala: Ultra-Low Power Data Retrieval in Wireless Sensor Networks

We present Koala, a reliable data retrieval system designed to operate at permille (.1%) duty cycles, essential for long term environmental monitoring networks. Koala achieves these low duty cycles by letting the network's nodes sleep most of the time and reviving them through an efficient wake-up strategy whenever the gateway performs a bulk data download. Unlike other systems which consume energy to maintain consistent network state (e.g. routes, sleep schedules, etc.) across the network's nodes, Koala maintains no persistent routing state on the motes. Instead, a basestation calculates the network paths using reachability information collected by the motes. The flexible control protocol (FCP), a protocol we developed, is then used to install this routing information on the network's nodes. This paradigm of operation not only eliminates the overhead of maintaining routing state, but also significantly reduces the complexity of the networking code running on the motes. Results from simulation and an actual implementation on TinyOS 2 indicate that Koala can achieve very low duty cycles under a wide range of download and network sizes.
One-dimensional periodic structures with complete spectral gap

Artificial structures with periodically modulated index of refraction such as photonic crystals offer novel ways of controlling light propagation due to the existence of a range of forbidden frequencies corresponding to a photonic bandgap. We discuss physical phenomena which do not allow for the existence of complete electromagnetic band gaps in dielectric structures with variation of the refractive index in one spatial dimension. We also demonstrate that the limitations imposed on one-dimensional dielectric structures can be removed by using the so-called left-handed materials, and that such a structure can posses a full photonic band gap.
Effect of a novel non-thiazolidinedione peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha/gamma agonist on glucose uptake.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS The effect of the benzopyran derivative T33, a novel non-thiazolidinedione agent, was studied on peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), insulin signalling and glucose uptake in adipocytes and skeletal muscle. We hypothesised that T33 could activate PPARgamma and exert a beneficial effect on insulin action on glucose uptake and lipid metabolism. MATERIALS AND METHODS Using a cell-based reporter gene assay, T33 was identified as a PPARalpha/gamma dual agonist, which activated human PPARgamma and PPARalpha with EC50 values of 19 and 148 nmol/l, respectively. The effect of T33 on glucose metabolism was studied in cultured 3T3-L1 adipocytes and L6 myotubes. In vivo effects of T33 on skeletal muscle were determined in ob/ob mice treated with 8 mg/kg T33. The effect of T33 on metabolic abnormalities was observed in diet-induced obese mice. RESULTS Exposure of 3T3-L1 adipocytes to T33 for 4 days increased basal and insulin-stimulated glucose uptake, with no effect noted in L6 myotubes. Treatment of ob/ob mice for 20 days with T33 normalised basal and insulin-stimulated glucose uptake and increased phosphorylation of Akt and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase in skeletal muscle. In contrast, phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase was unaltered. Moreover, T33 improved insulin sensitivity and lipid metabolism in diet-induced obese mice. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION T33 is non-thiazolidinedione PPARalpha/gamma dual agonist which directly increases basal and insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in adipocytes and secondarily improves insulin action on insulin signalling and glucose metabolism in skeletal muscle from diabetic ob/ob mice.
End-Notched Flexure Testing and Analysis of Mode II Interlaminar Fracture Behavior of Glass-Cloth/Epoxy Laminates at Cryogenic Temperatures

This paper presents results from an analytical and experimental study of the effect of temperature and geometrical variations on the Mode II interlaminar fracture toughness in glass-cloth/epoxy laminates. The end-notched flexure (ENF) test geometry was used for Mode II experiments, which were performed at room temperature (R.T.), liquid nitrogen temperature (77 K), and liquid helium temperature (4 K). The fracture surfaces were also examined by scanning electron microscopy to verify the fracture mechanisms. A finite element model was further used to perform the delamination crack analysis. Critical load levels, and the geometric and material properties of the test specimens were input data for the analysis, which evaluated the Mode II energy release rate at onset of delamination crack propagation. The results of the finite element analysis are used to supplement the experimental data.
Interviewer variability in anthropometric measurements and estimates of body composition.

OBJECTIVE The extent of intra- and inter-interviewer variability both in anthropometric measurements and in estimates of body composition was assessed and the possibility of systematic variation due to interviewer differences investigated. DESIGN AND SUBJECTS Seventeen interviewers trained in the anthropometric measurement technique and 10 healthy volunteers (4 men, 6 women) participated in the study on measurement variability. To ensure participation of all interviewers the study was carried out on three different days. On each of these days interviewers got randomly allocated to the subjects being present. Each interviewer took 12 measurements--body weight, body height, sitting height, circumferences of waist, hip, and midarm, skinfolds (biceps, triceps, subscapular, and suprailiac), chest breath and depth--per subject on two occasions. From these measurements, body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, percentage of body fat, fat mass, fat free mass and metric index were determined. For all anthropometric variables variance components, reliability coefficients (R) and coefficients of variation (CV) were estimated and systematic differences of measurements between interviewers were assessed. RESULTS Measurement reliability in basic anthropometric measures expressed as variance components, reliability coefficients and coefficients of variation was influenced to a greater extent by inter-interviewer variability (R: 0.858-0.999; CV: 0.1-20.9) than intra-interviewer variability (R: 0.979-0.999; CV: 0.0-6.4). The respective estimates of body composition exhibited comparatively higher reliability (Rinter: 0.975-0.999; Rintra: 0.995-0.999). Measurements more prone to subjectivity, e.g. skinfolds showed lower reliability (CVinter: 9.3-20.9; CVintra: 3.6-6.4). Although the absolute variation in measures due to interviewers was small, systematic differences among interviewers were clearly evident in all measurements and estimates except sitting height in this group of subjects. CONCLUSION Anthropometric measures and estimates of body composition obtained in the current study show the feasibility of detailed anthropometric data collection by multiple interviewers in large-scale epidemiological studies.
Exposure to Rumen Protozoa Leads to Enhancement of Pathogenicity of and Invasion by Multiple-Antibiotic-Resistant Salmonella enterica Bearing SGI1

ABSTRACT Multiple-antibiotic-resistant Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium is a food-borne pathogen that has been purported to be more virulent than antibiotic-sensitive counterparts. The paradigm for this multiresistant/hyperpathogenic phenotype is Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium phage type DT104 (DT104). The basis for the multiresistance in DT104 is related to an integron structure designated SGI1, but factors underlying hyperpathogenicity have not been completely identified. Since protozoa have been implicated in the alteration of virulence in Legionella and Mycobacterium spp. , we attempted to assess the possibility that protozoa may contribute to the putative hypervirulence of DT104. Our study reveals that DT104 can be more invasive, as determined by a tissue culture invasion assay, after surviving within protozoa originating from the bovine rumen. The enhancement of invasion was correlated with hypervirulence in a bovine infection model in which we observed a more rapid progression of disease and a greater recovery rate for the pathogen. Fewer DT104 cells were recovered from tissues of infected animals when protozoa were lysed by preinfection chemical defaunation of the bovine or ovine rumen. The protozoan-mediated hypervirulence phenotype was observed only in DT104 and other Salmonella strains, including serovars Agona and Infantis, possessing SGI1.
Correlations between reaction rates and evolution of corrosion pits in bacterial leaching of pyrite

Abstract In order to understand the influence of crystallographic orientation on the mechanism of pyrite bioleaching, single crystals of pyrite cut to expose plane orientations of {100}, {111} and {110} were studied. Differences in the reaction rates of the pyrite surfaces in the presence of Thiobacillus ferrooxidans have been observed. The microbial corrosion patterns generated on the surfaces were further used to study the leaching process. Surfaces with high sulphur/iron atomic ratios were observed to develop surface films and to generate elongated pits similar in shape to bacteria, but much larger than the bacteria cell dimensions. The dissimilarity of corrosion patterns observed on the surfaces of samples indicates a variation in cell–surface interaction from one crystal plane to the other. Subsequent correlation between the surface corrosion patterns associated with the dissolution process and the changes occuring in the leaching solution indicated that the most signficant aspect in the early stages of leaching is the recognition and subsequent attachment of the bacteria to active sites on the immediate surfaces. This initial process consequently controls the leaching progression and defines the type and evolution of pits occurring on the surfaces. The overall analysis indicates that the surface properties of pyrite may control the initial oxidation kinetics and the evolution of corrosion patterns in acid bacterial leaching.
Towards Developing Mobile Game-Based Learning Engineering Model

Mobile game-based learning (mGBL) is a game purposely employed for learning which is played on mobile devices such as mobile phones. The development of mGBL is indeed a crucial task in ensuring the player to be motivated enough to keep playing until the game goal has been achieved. Various game development methodologies have been introduced for different types of games (genre, platform), which are available in their own specifications. Although there are many introduced methodologies which are currently practiced, studies show that customized phases and steps to develop mGBL applications are necessary. Henceforth, this paper proposes phases and main steps to be included in mGBL engineering model. This model is proposed intentionally for developing mGBL applications. A review on available mobile game development methodologies and an expert consultation to mobile game developers are conducted to identify the phases that are presently applied by developers to develop mobile games. Through this study, we analyzed and compared the diversity of the phases and steps involved in the current practiced methodologies.
Implementation of Green IT: Implications for a Dynamic Resource

The objective of the present study is to empirically explore the implementation of Green IT measures from the perspective of the dynamic resources in organizations. To this end, the paper integrates two streams of research1) the dynamic resources or capabilities of a firm and, 2) the adoption of Green IT measures. The findings suggest that two organizations in our sample have been successful in mobilizing their dynamic resources while implementing Green IT. As a result, these organizations have leveraged Green IT implementation for strategic purposes. Organizational awareness about Green IT is critical to initiating strategic actions in this area.
Electrical Properties and Dielectric Characteristics CCT-doped Zn/Pr- based Varistors with Sintering Temperature

The microstructure, voltage-current, capacitance-voltage, and dielectric characteristics of CCT doped Zn/Pr-based varistors were investigated at different sintering temperatures. As the sintering temperature increased, the average grain size increased from 4.3 to 5.1 and the sintered density was saturated at 5.81 g . As the sintering temperature increased, the breakdown field decreased from 7,532 to 5,882 V and the nonlinear coefficient decreased from 46 to 34. As the sintering temperature increased, the donor density, density of interface states, and barrier height decreased in the range of (9.06-7.24), (3.05-2.56), and 1.1-0.95 eV, respectively. The dielectric constant exhibited relatively low value in the range of 529.1-610.3, whereas the exhibited a high value in the range of 0.0910-0.1053.
Bacteriophage T4 nrdA and nrdB genes, encoding ribonucleotide reductase, are expressed both separately and coordinately: characterization of the nrdB promoter

We examined the expression of the bacteriophage T4 nrdA and nrdB genes, which encode the alpha 2 and beta 2 subunits, respectively, of ribonucleoside diphosphate reductase, the first committed enzyme in the pathway of synthesis of the deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates. T4 nrdA, located 700 bp upstream from nrdB, has been shown previously to be transcribed by two major transcripts: a prereplicative, polycistronic message, TU, orginating at an immediate-early promoter, PE, that is 3.5 kb upstream from nrdA, and a postreplicative message commencing from a late promoter in its 5' flank. We have found a third promoter initiating a transcript at 159 nucleotides upstream from the reading frame of nrdB. PnrdB functions only in the presence of the T4 motA gene product, which is required for middle (time) promoters, and therefore the onset of nrdB transcription is delayed more than 2 min after infection. Because of the distance of nrdA from PE, the inception of nrdA transcription (delayed early) coincides closely with that of nrdB. An apparent termination site, tA, occurs about 80 bp downstream from nrdA. Some of the polycistronic mRNA reading through the site after 5 min contributes to nrdB transcription. nrdA and nrdB genes in an uninfected host have been reported to be transcribed only coordinately. In contrast, T4 nrdA and nrdB are initially transcribed separately onto the PE and PnrdB transcripts, respectively, but at about 5 min after infection are transcribed both coordinately and on separate transcripts. Evidence is presented that TU coordinately transcribes a deoxyribonucleotide operon in the order: frd, td, gene 'Y,' nrdA, nrdB. Since the beta 2 subunit is known to be formed after the alpha 2 subunit, the expression of the nrdB gene determines the onset of deoxyribonucleoside triphosphate synthesis and thus of T4 DNA replication.
LOW-COMPLEXITY BLOCK TURBO EQUALIZATION FOR OFDM SYSTEMS I TIME- AND FREQUENCY-SELECTIVE CHANNELS

A low-complexity block turbo equalizer is proposed for orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) systems in timeand frequency-selective channels. The complexity of the proposed algorithm is linear in the number of subcarriers by exploiting the band structure of the frequency-domain channel matrix. The presented block turbo equalizer is based on a soft minimum mean squared error (MMSE) block linear equalizer (BLE).
Tension due to interaction between the sliding filaments in resting striated muscle. the effect of stimulation

1. A resting sartorius muscle of the frog or toad possesses a special kind of elasticity which is shown to be due to a component lying between the two sets of filaments. The elastic effect is seen only for very small length changes, up to about 0·2% of the muscle length, and the ‘elastic limit’ is then reached. If the length change then continues at a constant velocity the tension developed is maintained at a fixed level, producing a sort of frictional resistance. The component responsible is called the ‘short‐range elastic component’, or SREC.
New Algorithms for Blind Equalization: The Constant Norm Algorithm Family

In this paper, a new, efficient class of blind equalization algorithms is proposed for use in high-order, two-dimensional digital communication systems. We have called this family: the Constant Norm Algorithms (CNA). This family is derived in the context of Bussgang techniques. Therefore, the resulting algorithms are very simple. We show that some well-known blind algorithms such as "Sato's algorithm" or the Constant Modulus Algorithm (CMA) are particular cases in our CNA family. In addition, from this class, a new cost function, named Constant sQuare Algorithm (CQA), is derived, which is well designed for QAM. It results in a lower algorithm noise without increasing the complexity. Another advantage of this class lies in the possibility of creating new norms by combining several existing norms in order to benefit from the advantages of each original norm. For example, we present the norm resulting from the combination of the two algorithms, CMA and CQA. Moreover, we highlight that, with regard to the excess mean-square error performance, there is an optimal norm for each constellation, i.e., each modulation, in order to equalize it blindly
Homology and Robustness of Level and Interlevel Sets

Given a function $f: \Xspace \to \Rspace$ on a topological space, we consider the preimages of intervals and their homology groups and show how to read the ranks of these groups from the extended persistence diagram of $f$. In addition, we quantify the robustness of the homology classes under perturbations of $f$ using well groups, and we show how to read the ranks of these groups from the same extended persistence diagram. The special case $\Xspace = \Rspace^3$ has ramifications in the fields of medical imaging and scientific visualization.
Producing a unified graph representation from multiple social network views

In many social networks, several different link relations will exist between the same set of users. Additionally, attribute or textual information will be associated with those users, such as demographic details or user-generated content. For many data analysis tasks, such as community finding and data visualisation, the provision of multiple heterogeneous types of user data makes the analysis process more complex. We propose an unsupervised method for integrating multiple data views to produce a single unified graph representation, based on the combination of the k-nearest neighbour sets for users derived from each view. These views can be either relation-based or feature-based. The proposed method is evaluated on a number of annotated multi-view Twitter datasets, where it is shown to support the discovery of the underlying community structure in the data.
A transfer learning approach for multi-cue semantic place recognition

As researchers are striving for developing robotic systems able to move into the `the wild', the interest towards novel learning paradigms for domain adaptation has increased. In the specific application of semantic place recognition from cameras, supervised learning algorithms are typically adopted. However, once learning has been performed, if the robot is moved to another location, the acquired knowledge may be not useful, as the novel scenario can be very different from the old one. The obvious solution would be to retrain the model updating the robot internal representation of the environment. Unfortunately this procedure involves a very time consuming data-labeling effort at the human side. To avoid these issues, in this paper we propose a novel transfer learning approach for place categorization from visual cues. With our method the robot is able to decide automatically if and how much its internal knowledge is useful in the novel scenario. Differently from previous approaches, we consider the situation where the old and the novel scenario may differ significantly (not only the visual room appearance changes but also different room categories are present). Importantly, our approach does not require labeling from a human operator. We also propose a strategy for improving the performance of the proposed method by fusing two complementary visual cues. Our extensive experimental evaluation demonstrates the advantages of our approach on several sequences from publicly available datasets.
Oxytocin-Induced Analgesia and Scratching Are Mediated by the Vasopressin-1A Receptor in the Mouse

The neuropeptides oxytocin (OXT) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) contribute to the regulation of diverse cognitive and physiological functions including nociception. Indeed, OXT has been reported to be analgesic when administered directly into the brain, the spinal cord, or systemically. Here, we characterized the phenotype of oxytocin receptor (OTR) and vasopressin-1A receptor (V1AR) null mutant mice in a battery of pain assays. Surprisingly, OTR knock-out mice displayed a pain phenotype identical to their wild-type littermates. Moreover, systemic administration of OXT dose-dependently produced analgesia in both wild-type and OTR knock-out mice in three different assays, the radiant-heat paw withdrawal test, the von Frey test of mechanical sensitivity, and the formalin test of inflammatory nociception. In contrast, OXT-induced analgesia was completely absent in V1AR knock-out mice. In wild-type mice, OXT-induced analgesia could be fully prevented by pretreatment with a V1AR but not an OTR antagonist. Receptor binding studies demonstrated that the distribution of OXT and AVP binding sites in mouse lumbar spinal cord resembles the pattern observed in rat. AVP binding sites diffusely label the lumbar spinal cord, whereas OXT binding sites cluster in the substantia gelatinosa of the dorsal horn. In contrast, quantitative real-time reverse transcription (RT)-PCR revealed that V1AR but not OTR mRNA is abundantly expressed in mouse dorsal root ganglia, where it localizes to small- and medium-diameter cells as shown by single-cell RT-PCR. Hence, V1ARs expressed in dorsal root ganglia might represent a previously unrecognized target for the analgesic action of OXT and AVP.
Exploiting Anchor Text for the Navigational Web Retrieval at NTCIR-5

In the Navigational Retrieval Subtask 2 (Navi-2) at the NTCIR-5 WEB Task, a hypothetical user knows a specific item (e.g., a product, company, and person) and requires to find one or more representative Web pages related to the item. This paper describes our system participated in the Navi-2 subtask and reports the evaluation results of our system. Our system uses three types of information obtained from the NTCIR5 Web collection: page content, anchor text, and link structure. Specifically, we exploit anchor text in two perspectives. First, we compare the effectiveness of two different methods to model anchor text. Second, we use anchor text to extract synonyms for query expansion purposes. We show the effectiveness of our system experimentally.
Positive or Negative Involvement of Heat Shock Proteins in Multiple Sclerosis Pathogenesis: An Overview

Abstract Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most diffuse chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. Both immune-mediated and neurodegenerative processes apparently play roles in the pathogenesis of this disease. Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are a family of highly evolutionarily conserved proteins; their expression in the nervous system is induced in a variety of pathologic states, including cerebral ischemia, neurodegenerative diseases, epilepsy, and trauma. To date, investigators have observed protective effects of HSPs in a variety of brain disease models (e.g. of Alzheimer disease and Parkinson disease). In contrast, unequivocal data have been obtained for their roles in MS that depend on the HSP family and particularly on their localization (i.e. intracellular or extracellular). This article reviews our current understanding of the involvement of the principal HSP families in MS.