Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evolutionary and coevolutionary approaches to time series prediction using generalized multi-layer perceptrons

The prediction of future values of a time series generated by a chaotic dynamical system is an extremely challenging task. Amongst several nonlinear models employed for the prediction of chaotic time series, artificial neural networks (ANNs) have gained major attention in the past decade. One widely recognized aspect of ANN design in order to achieve sufficient prediction performance is the structure of the network. We automatize this procedure by evolving ANN topologies of low complexity, guiding the evolutionary process towards ANNs of increased generalization ability. Specifically, a genetic algorithm (GA) is utilized to construct the architecture of generalized multi-layer perceptrons (GMPs) trained by error backpropagation. Another less investigated but important factor of ANN prediction quality is the size and composition of the training data set (TDS). Henceforth, we subject the selection of training data to artificial evolution in the environment of an ANN with fixed structure. A natural way to exploit the mutual dependencies of ANN structures and TDSs is symbiotic (cooperative) coevolution, where the fitness of an ANN is equally credited to the TDS it has been trained with. We compare these methods (ANN evolution, TDS evolution, and coevolution) with a standard ANN architecture given in the literature by predicting the Mackey-Glass time series.
Effect of LOS/NLOS Propagation on Ultra-Dense Networks

This paper aims at investigating the achievable performance and the issues that arise in ultra-dense networks (UDNs), when the signal propagation includes both the Line-of-Sight (LOS) and Non-Line-Of-Sight (NLOS) components. Backed by an analytical stochastic geometry-based model, we study the coverage, the Area Spectral Efficiency (ASE) and the energy efficiency of UDNs with LOS/NLOS propagation. We show that when LOS/NLOS propagation components are accounted for, the network suffers from low coverage and the ASE gain is lower than linear at high base station densities. However, this performance drop can partially be attenuated by means of frequency reuse, which is shown to improve the ASE vs coverage trade-off of cell densification, provided that we have a degree of freedom on the density of cells. In addition, from an energy efficiency standpoint, cell densification is shown to be inefficient when both LOS and NLOS components are taken into account. Overall, based on the findings of our work that assumes a more advanced system model compared to the current state-of-the-art, we claim that highly crowded environments of users represent the worst case scenario for ultra-dense networks. Namely, these are likely to face serious issues in terms of limited coverage.
Transarterial chemoembolization of unresectable systemic chemotherapy‐refractory liver metastases from colorectal cancer: Long‐term results over a 10‐year period

The aims of the study were to evaluate therapeutic efficacy and to determine the prognostic factors for treatment success in patients with liver metastases from colorectal cancer (CRC) treated with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). A total of 564 patients (mean age, 60.3 years) with liver metastases of CRC were repeatedly treated with TACE. In total, 3,384 TACE procedures were performed (mean, six sessions per patient). The local chemotherapy protocol consisted of mitomycin C alone (43.1%), mitomycin C with gemcitabine (27.1%), mitomycin C with irinotecan (15.6%) or mitomycin C with irinotecan and cisplatin (15.6%). Embolization was performed with lipiodol and starch microspheres. Tumor response was evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography. The change in tumor size was calculated and the response was evaluated according to the RECIST‐Criteria. Survival rates were calculated according to the Kaplan–Meier method. Prognostic factors for patient's survival were evaluated using log‐rank test. Evaluation of local tumor control showed partial response in 16.7%, stable disease in 48.2% and progressive disease in 16.7%. The 1‐year survival rate after chemoembolization was 62%, the 2‐year survival rate was 28% and the 3‐year survival rate was 7%. Median survival from the start of chemoembolization treatment was 14.3 months. The indication (p = 0.001) and initial tumor response (p = 0.015) were statistically significant factors for patient's survival. TACE is a minimally invasive therapy option for controlling local metastases and improving survival time in patients with hepatic metastases from CRC. TN stage, extrahepatic metastases, number of lesions, tumor location within the liver and choice of chemotherapy protocol of TACE are none significant factors for patient's survival.
Molecular characterisation of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) from keratitis patients: a microbiological analysis

Background In order to diagnose and characterise a major corneal infection, ‘keratitis,’ which can lead to blindness, molecular studies were conducted to assess the prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains in patients suffering from keratitis Methods The selected culture positive for strains of S aureus were subjected to 18 antimicrobial drugs for their sensitivity behaviour, and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of oxacillin was determined by the microdilution method as recommended by the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards. Further, S strains were characterised using molecular tools. Results Among the 202 cases included in the present study, 64 (31.2%) cases were found to be S aureus-positive, of which only six strains were MRSA. The highest resistance was observed for penicillin (65.6%) which was followed by a significant number of bacterial isolates showing resistance to methicillin (9.3%), while all organisms were susceptible to vancomycin. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of oxacillin for MRSA strains ranged between 16 and 128 μg/ml. A multiplex PCR assay for Staphylococcal Cassette Chromosome mec complex (SCCmec) of MRSA strains (N=6) showed that five MRSA strains had a Type III cassette, and one had a Type II cassette. The pulsed field gel electrophoresis of three MRSA strains showed closely related band patterns. Conclusion The close relatedness among bacterial strains as observed by employing different typing techniques suggests that the clonal characteristics of multiresistant MRSA isolates could be deciphered. The presence of Type II SCCmec in keratitis subjects is probably the first report from India, as it has not been reported earlier.
Design and testing of a novel XY micropositioning stage with dual ranges and resolutions

This paper presents the design, analysis, and testing of a novel dual-range, dual-resolution XY micropositioning stage driven by a single actuator in each axis. As compared with dual-servo stages, it allows the reduction on the cost of both hardware and control design workload. The compliant stage is devised using leaf springs to achieve a large stroke. Strain sensors are employed to provide coarse and fine resolutions in the larger and smaller motion ranges, respectively. Analytical models are developed to facilitate the quantitative design of the motion ranges and coarse/fine resolution ratio. The motor selection criteria in terms of driving force and stroke are addressed as well. The models are verified through simulations with finite element analysis. A proof-of-concept prototype is fabricated for experimental investigations. The feasibility of the proposed idea is validated by a collection of experimental studies.
A Low Complexity Algorithm for Azimuth/Elevation Angle Estimation by Using Alternate Subspace Projections

A one dimensional (1-D) based tree structure algorithm is proposed for estimating the 2D-DOAs of the signals impinging on a uniform rectangular array. The key idea of the proposed algorithm is to successively utilize the 1-D MUSIC algorithm several times, in tree structure, to estimate the azimuth and the elevation angles independently. Subspace projectors are exploited in conjunction with the 1-D MUSIC algorithms to decompose the received signal into several signals each coordinated by its own 2D-DOA. The pairing of the azimuth estimates and the associated elevation estimates is naturally determined due to the tree structure of the algorithm. key words: 2-D DOA estimation, MUSIC, rectangular antenna array
Indirect actions of bradykinin on neonatal rat dorsal root ganglion neurones: a role for non‐neuronal cells as nociceptors

1 In this study we have investigated the action of bradykinin (Bk) on cultured neonatal rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) cells, with the aim of elucidating whether the neuronal response to Bk is influenced by association with non‐neuronal satellite cells. 2 Bradykinin (100 nm) evoked an inward current (IBk) in 51 of 58 voltage clamped DRG neurones (holding potential (Vh) =−80 mV) that were in contact with non‐neuronal satellite cells. 3 Bradykinin failed to evoke an inward current in isolated DRG neurones (Vh=−80 mV) that were not in contact with non‐neuronal satellite cells (n= 41). 4 The lack of neuronal response to Bk was not influenced by time in culture. Bradykinin failed to evoke a response in isolated neurones through 1–5 days in culture. By contrast neurones in contact with satellite cells responded to Bk throughout the same time period. 5 Failure of isolated neurones to respond to Bk was not due to the replating procedure or to selective subcellular distribution of receptors/ion channels to the processes rather than the somata of neurones. 6 Using Indo‐1 AM microfluorimetry Bk (100 nm) was demonstrated to evoke an intracellular Ca2+ increase (CaBk) in DRG neurones in contact with non‐neuronal satellite cells and in isolated neurones. 7 These data suggest that the inward current response to Bk requires contact between DRG neurones and non‐neuronal satellite cells. This implies an indirect mechanism of action for Bk via the non‐neuronal cells, which may perform a nociceptive role. However, Bk can also act directly on the neurones, since it evokes CaBk in isolated neurones. The relationship between CaBk and the Bk‐induced inward current is unknown at present.
A putative mobile genetic element carrying a novel type IIF restriction-modification system (PluTI)

Genome comparison and genome context analysis were used to find a putative mobile element in the genome of Photorhabdus luminescens, an entomopathogenic bacterium. The element is composed of 16-bp direct repeats in the terminal regions, which are identical to a part of insertion sequences (ISs), a DNA methyltransferase gene homolog, two genes of unknown functions and an open reading frame (ORF) (plu0599) encoding a protein with no detectable sequence similarity to any known protein. The ORF (plu0599) product showed DNA endonuclease activity, when expressed in a cell-free expression system. Subsequently, the protein, named R.PluTI, was expressed in vivo, purified and found to be a novel type IIF restriction enzyme that recognizes 5′-GGCGC/C-3′ (/ indicates position of cleavage). R.PluTI cleaves a two-site supercoiled substrate at both the sites faster than a one-site supercoiled substrate. The modification enzyme homolog encoded by plu0600, named M.PluTI, was expressed in Escherichia coli and shown to protect DNA from R.PluTI cleavage in vitro, and to suppress the lethal effects of R.PluTI expression in vivo. These results suggested that they constitute a restriction–modification system, present on the putative mobile element. Our approach thus allowed detection of a previously uncharacterized family of DNA-interacting proteins.
Energy-saving control of an unstable valve with a MR brake

In fluid power systems, excessive heat often causes solenoid failure. Heat, as well as useful power of a solenoid, is associated with the current. In this paper, we attempt to alleviate the requirement for the solenoid power, thus reducing the heat generation accordingly. The method we utilize to change the solenoid power requirement is based on unstable valves, which take advantage of fluid induced forces to achieve open loop instability. Previous studies have shown that for unstable valves, the electromagnetic actuator needs to absorb the power generated by the flow forces. Using the dual-solenoid actuator alone as a brake does not imply heat reduction. In this paper, we propose a new type of actuator in which a dual-solenoid actuator is mounted in series with a magneto-rheological (MR) brake. A nonlinear sliding mode optimal controller is then developed to achieve position tracking and energy-saving. Simulation verities that using the proposed actuator and control law, heat generated in the unstable valves can be reduced significantly.
Technology-Mediated Experience of Space while Playing Digital Sports Games

The general aim of the research project presented in this paper is to analyze the different interactions between human, technology and space within existing theoretical frameworks from different disciplines and to apply these approaches to digital sports games. One particular aim is to investigate the impact of playing expertise or a manipulation of game situations, as well as the use of different technical devices on game experience and how game experiences in the ‘virtual’ world transfer to the ’real‘ world. The core assumption is that the interposition of technology brings up specific transformations in the coupling of perception and action that do not exist in real sports situations. The project is based on a generic framework relating theory and empirical results. In the exploratory phase guideline-based qualitative interviews were applied after playing a dance game. Results confirm the feasibility of the theoretical approach. There is, e.g., a correlation between high scores and the feeling of spatial presence. Participants with previous dancing experience felt more involved in the game. Further studies in the experimental phase are planned to reveal more details.
Augmenting imagination for children with autism

Evidence shows that children with autism suffer a deficit in spontaneous pretend play, which is believed to have developmental links to key competences of their future lives such as creativity and social interaction. In my PhD thesis, I would like to examine the use of Augmented Reality (AR), which superimposes imaginary objects on the real scene, as a novel therapeutic approach that may encourage children with autism to be involved in pretend play. In this paper, we present the design of an interactive AR system as an entry point to explore the main research questions of the thesis.
Lipid Profiles Alter from Pro-Atherogenic into Less Atherogenic and Proinflammatory in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Patients Responding to Anti TNF-α Treatment

Objective Dyslipidemia with higher inflammatory states, disease activity, and longer disease duration in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) patients seemed to increase the risks of atherosclerosis. Tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF-α) receptor blocking agent etanercept has been proven to be effective in JIA. However, data about the correlation of anti-inflammatory treatment on lipid profiles and atherogenic index in JIA patients remains limited. This study aimed to investigate the longitudinal changes on lipid profiles and atherogenic index in JIA patients after etanercept treatment. Methods Twenty-three patients diagnosed with JIA (polyarticular type n = 7; oligoarticular type, n = 2; systemic type, n = 10, Enthesitis-related arthritis = 4) received treatment with etanercept during the period 2004–012 in a medical center. We measured their serum lipid profiles at baseline and 2, 4, 6, 12 months later, and determined whether there were differences in complete blood counts, inflammatory mediators, lipid levels and atherogenic indices between patients who had inactive disease (responders) and those who were poor responders (non-responders) to etanercept treatment. Results Analysis of dynamic change in total JIA patients before and after TNF inhibitor therapy showed modest increases in hemoglobin levels (P = 0.02) and decreases in WBC counts, Platelet and CRP levels progressively (p = 0.002, p = 0.006 and p = 0.006, respectively). Twelve of the 23 patients achieved inactive disease status (responders) after 12-months of treatment. In responders, compared to non-responders, total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) increased significantly (P = 0.007,P = 0.044,P<0.001), whereas triglyceride and atherogenic index (TC/HDL-C ratio) significantly decreased (P = 0.04, P = 0.01, respectively) after etanercept treatment. Conclusion Disease severity was associated with triglyceride level, atherogenic index and was inversely associated with total cholesterol, HDL-C, and LDL-C levels and can be improved substantially by using anti TNF-α treatment. Such treatment may have a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular risk in patients with JIA.
Acute and Cumulative Effects of Different Times of Recovery From Whole Body Vibration Exposure on Muscle Performance

Da Silva-Grigoletto, ME, Vaamonde, DM, Castillo, E, Poblador, MS, García-Manso, JM, and Lancho, JL. Acute and cumulative effects of different times of recovery from whole body vibration exposure on muscle performance. J Strength Cond Res 23(7): 2073-2082, 2009-This experiment was designed to assess the acute (Study I) and cumulative response (Study II) of muscle performance to differing recovery times after exposure to whole body vibration (WBV). All subjects (mean age 19.7 ± 1.9) were healthy and physically active. In both studies, subjects were exposed to a WBV bout of 6 exposures of 60 seconds each, with frequency of 30 Hz and amplitude of 4 mm. In Study I, subjects (n = 30) underwent 3 trials (1 per day) on different days with a 2-day wash-out period between trials; each trial included either a 1, 2, or 3 minutes of recovery between exposures to WBV. All subjects underwent all trials, which were randomly assigned. Jump ability and muscle power were measured before and after each bout. In Study II, subjects (n = 45) underwent 12 sessions of WBV training in 4 weeks (3 bouts/wk). The subjects were randomly assigned to 1 of the following 3 groups: WBV with 1-minute recovery periods between exposures, WBV with 2-minute recovery periods between exposures, or control group. Jump ability, muscle power, and strength were measured before and after each bout. In the acute study (I), recovery times of 1 and 2 minutes enhanced all measured parameters (p < 0.05), with the 2-minute recovery being more effective. In the long-term study (II), however, although both periods also enhanced the measured parameters (p < 0.05), the 1-minute recovery proved more effective because the response was modified by systematic stimulation. In conclusion, 2-minute recovery periods provided the most effective acute enhancement of muscle activation, whereas the 1-minute recovery provided a more effective cumulative enhancement of muscle power and jump ability.
A new micromechanics approach for predicting the elastic response of polymer nanocomposites reinforced with randomly oriented and distributed wavy carbon nanotubes

A comprehensive investigation is carried out into the elastic behavior of carbon nanotube-reinforced polymer nanocomposites using two combined analytical micromechanical methods. A unit cell-based micromechanical method is developed to model the random distribution of carbon nanotubes within the polymer matrix. Also, the Eshelby method is used for modeling the random orientation state of carbon nanotubes within the matrix. Two fundamental aspects affecting the mechanical behavior of carbon nanotube/polymer nanocomposites, including the carbon nanotube waviness and the interphase formed due to the non-boned interaction between the carbon nanotube and the surrounding polymer, are considered in the unit cell method. Comparisons between the results of present method and experimental data reveal that for more realistic predictions, five important factors including, random orientation and random distribution of carbon nanotubes, interphase, waviness and transversely isotropic behavior of carbon nanotube should be considered in the modeling of carbon nanotube-reinforced polymer nanocomposites. The effects of volume fraction, number of waves and waviness factor of carbon nanotube as well as the type of random distribution of CNTs within the matrix on the elastic modulus of the polymer nanocomposites are studied.
Increased Cytotoxicity and Reversal of Resistance to c/f-Diamminedichloro- platinum(II) with Entrapment of c/s-Bis-neodecanoato-f raws-/?,/?-! ,2- diaminocyclohexaneplatinum(II) in Multilamellar Lipid Vesicles1

The role of liposome entrapment in modulating the cytotoxicity of a lipophilic cisplatin derivative was assessed. ctVBis-neodecanoato-fransÃ„,Ã„-l,2-diaminocyclohexaneplatinum(II) (NDDP) waÂ§tested in suspen sion (free NDDP) or entrapped in multilamellar vesicles composed of dimyristoylphosphatidyl choline and dimyristoylphosphatidyl glycerol (L-NDDP). Against LoVo colon carcinoma cells sensitive to cisplatin, I . NDDP was two times more cytotoxic in vitro than free NDDP and cisplatin (Do 7 ut* for L-NDDP, 15 uM for free NDDP, and 16 MMfor cisplatin). Against LoVo cells resistant to a concentration of 3 Mg/ml of cisplatin, L-NDDP was three times more cytotoxic than free NDDP and cisplatin (Do 14 u\t for L-NDDP, 45 u\l for free NDDP, and 48 >iMfor cisplatin). In in vivo studies, free NDDP was less potent and less active than L-NDDP against i.p. I -12111 leukemia (free NDDP, optimum %T/ C 148 at a dose of 75 mg/kg; L-NDDP, optimum %T/C 185 at a dose of 25 mg/kg) and i.p. L1210/PDD leukemia (free NDDP, optimum %T/C 128 at a dose of 50 mg/kg on Days 1, 5, and 9; L-NDDP, optimum %T/ C 200 at a dose of 12.5 mg/kg on Days 1, 5, and 9). Free NDDP administered i.v. was inactive against liver mÃ©tastasesof M5076 reticulosarcoma (%T/C 102) while L-NDDP showed significant activity (%T/ C 140). The single dose i.v. I ,! ><â€ž in mice of free NDDP and L-NDDP were similar (79.4 mg/kg for free NDDP and 64.5 mg/kg for L-NDDP). These studies show that NDDP is a liposome-dependent drug since it can only be satisfactorily formulated in the liposomal form and since the liposomal carrier plays a crucial role in determining its antitumor activity.
Treating patients with lupus with B-cell depletion

Abstract A new era in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus has dawned with the increasing introduction of monoclonal antibodies and other approaches, that target the key molecules involved in the pathogenesis of the disease. At present the ability to block the CD20 molecule on those B cells that carry this marker has proved the most effective way to treat patients resistant to conventional immunosuppressive drugs. However, these studies have all been open label and the results of double blind controlled studies are eagerly awaited.
Zentrum für Technomathematik Fachbereich 3 – Mathematik und Informatik Equivalences between necessary optimality conditions for H 2-norm optimal model reduction

In this paper the equivalences between necessary optimality conditions for H2norm optimal model reduction for linear time invariant continuous MIMO systems will be proven. Initially three main optimality conditions, namely the Interpolation conditions, Wilson conditions and Hyland-Bernstein conditions, were introduced. While the equivalence proof between Wilson and Hyland-Bernstein conditions is already published and valid for MIMO systems and multiple poles within the system matrix A, the equivalence between Wilson and Interpolation conditions still has to be proven for this most general case. This is done in the main part of this paper.