Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Transmission Capacities on Interference-Free Scheduling in Wireless Networks

In this paper, we introduce a new approach to schedule interference-free transmissions in wireless networks. We consider a joint scheduling and network coding problem in wireless multicast networks to maximize the throughput. The new approach for scheduling is based on bundling together the interference-free links with similar capacities in the same network realization. For the tested networks, the proposed scheduling results in 14% improvement in average throughput compared to the existing schedules, where the realizations are selected only to prevent interference without taking into account the difference in link capacities. The throughput improvement for some networks is as large as 23%.
Synergistic neurotoxicity by human immunodeficiency virus proteins Tat and gp120: Protection by memantine

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1) proteins Tat and gp120 have been implicated in the pathogenesis of dementia associated with HIV infection. Recently, we showed the presence of Tat protein in brains of patients with HIV‐1 encephalitis as well as macaques with encephalitis caused by a chimeric strain of HIV and simian immunodeficiency virus, and that even transient exposure of cells to Tat leads to release of cytopathic cytokines. Now, we report the first demonstration of gp120 protein in brain of patients with HIV encephalitis. We tested the hypothesis that Tat and gp120 would act synergistically to potentiate each protein's neurotoxic effects and determined the extent to which pharmacological antagonists against processes implicated in HIV‐1 neuropathogenesis could block HIV‐1 protein‐induced neurotoxicity. Subtoxic concentrations of Tat and gp120, when incubated together, caused neuronal cell death and prolonged increases in levels of intracellular calcium. A transient exposure of neurons to Tat and gp120 for seconds initiated neuronal cell death, but maximal levels of neuronal cell death were observed with exposures lasting 30 minutes. The neurotoxicity caused by Tat and gp120 applied in combination was blocked completely by memantine, partially by amiloride, and not at all by dipyridamole or vigabatrin. Ann Neurol 2000;47:186–194.
Asymmetrical Dimethylarginine in Idiopathic Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Objective—We explored the potential role of the endogenous NO synthase inhibitor asymmetrical dimethylarginine (ADMA) in patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH). Method and Results—We correlated plasma ADMA levels and cardiovascular indices from right heart catheterization in 57 patients with IPAH. Predictors of survival in patients with IPAH were studied. Furthermore, the effect of systemic ADMA infusion on pulmonary ventricular resistance and stroke volume was investigated in healthy volunteers using right heart catheterization. Mean plasma ADMA concentrations were significantly higher in patients with IPAH than in control subjects (0.53±0.15 versus 0.36±0.05 &mgr;mol/L; P<0.001). ADMA plasma concentrations correlated significantly with indices of right ventricular function, such as mixed-venous oxygen saturation (r=−0.49; P<0.0001), right atrial pressure (r=0.39; P<0.003), cardiac index (r=−0.35; P<0.008), as well as survival (r=−0.47; P<0.0001). Multiple regression analysis revealed that right atrial pressure (r=0.31; P<0.026) and ADMA (r=0.29; P<0.039) were independent predictors of mortality. Moreover, patients with supra-median plasma ADMA levels had significantly (P<0.021) worse survival than patients with infra-median ADMA values. ADMA infusion in healthy volunteers increased pulmonary vascular resistance (68.9±7.6 versus 95.6±6.3 dyne · s · cm−5; P<0.05) and decreased stroke volume (101.1±6.7 mL versus 95.6±6.3 mL; P<0.05). Conclusion—Increased ADMA plasma levels are associated with unfavorable pulmonary hemodynamics and worse outcome in patients with IPAH.
Utilizing Dictionary Learning and Machine Learning for Blind Quality Assessment of 3-D Images

In recent years, perceptual objective quality assessment of 3-D images has become an intense focus of research. In this paper, we propose an efficient blind 3-D image quality assessment (IQA) metric that utilizes binocular vision-based dictionary learning (DL) and ${k}$ -nearest-neighbors (KNN)-based machine learning (ML) to more accurately align with human subjective judgments. More specifically, in the DL stage, histogram representations from the local patterns of simple and complex cells are concatenated to form basic feature vectors. Then, by using a collaborative representation algorithm, the learned binocular quality-aware features of the distorted 3-D image can be efficiently represented by a linear combination of only a few of these basic feature vectors. In the ML stage, we intuitively simulate the complex high-level behaviors of human perceptual activity with KNN-based ML, which transfers the weighted human subjective quality scores from the annotated 3-D images to the query 3-D image. Our results using three standard subject-rated 3-D-IQA databases confirm that the proposed metric consistently aligns with the subjective ratings and outperforms many representative blind metrics.
Activities of hydrocarbon-utilizing and diazotrophic bacteria in crude oil impacted mangrove sediments of the Qua Iboe Estuary, Nigeria

Analysis of the total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) and the activities of hydrocarbon-utilizing bacteria (HUB) and diazotrophic bacteria (DB) in mangrove sediments of the Qua Iboe Estuary revealed that the organic-laden sediments have high hydrocarbon repository status. The epipelic sediment was relatively richer in total organic nitrogen (TON) content. Correlation analysis revealed positive relationship between TPH and HUB (r = 0.60) in the epipelic sediment, while no definite relationship (r = − 0.30) was established between the variables in benthic sediment. A strong negative relationship was observed between TPH and TON in the intertidal (r = − 0.746) and benthic (r = − 0.838) sediments. However, weak positive (r = 0.451) relations were established between TPH and log-transformed densities of DB in both the epipelic and benthic sediment. These indicate that although hydrocarbons contamination may have a direct negative effect on nitrogen availability in mangrove sediment, it has variable influence on the activities of nitrogen fixers. The effect on nitrogenase activity was much stronger in the “oxic” epipelic than the “hypoxic” benthic sediments. Of the 21 bacterial species isolated, only 7 – Azotobacter, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus sp, Chromatium sp, Klebsiella sp, Moraxella sp, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa – have been implicated in nitrogen fixation. Chromatium sp, a microaerophilic nitrogen-fixing bacterium failed to utilize hydrocarbons while Bacillus megaterium, Micrococcus sp, Acetobacterium sp, Flavobacterium, Nocardia, and Alcaligenes species with no nitrogenase activity demonstrated oil-degrading capabilities. Among the free-living, facultative anaerobic nitrogen fixers encountered Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus sp, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were prevalent, less affected, and exhibited strong ability to degrade hydrocarbons. These species of free-living nitrogen fixers are recommended for the remediation of oil-contaminated ecosystems in the Niger Delta of Nigeria.
Joint estimation of Carrier and Sampling Frequency Offset, phase noise, IQ Offset and MIMO channel for LTE Advanced UL MIMO

In LTE Advanced Uplink MIMO the pilot symbols on a subcarrier and OFDM symbol are not transmitted exclusively by one layer. If the pilots are transmitted exclusively, like in LTE Advanced Downlink or Mobile WiMAX, the estimation of Carrier Frequency Offset (CFO) and Sampling Frequency Offset (SFO) can be based on correlating two pilot symbols at different OFDM symbols. In addition the estimation of CFO / SFO can be performed separately from IQ Offset and channel estimation. In LTE Advanced Uplink (UL) the pilot symbols on a subcarrier and OFDM symbol are transmitted by all layers simultaneously. As the received symbol consists of the sum of all transmitted pilot symbols, the CFO / SFO estimation approaches used for SISO seem not applicable anymore. This paper introduces a joint estimation of carrier and sampling frequency offset, phase noise, IQ offset and MIMO channel for LTE Advanced UL MIMO.
Energy-efficient dynamic spectrum access in wireless heterogeneous networks

The heterogeneous network (HetNet) which consists of several small cell base stations (BSs) and an overlaid macro cell BS is a promising solution to accomplish very high data rate and energy-efficient communication. The design of energy-efficient mechanisms and radio resource allocation among BSs is an important issue in HetNet. There are a variety of ON/OFF switching algorithms for BSs in the literature. However, none of these algorithms jointly consider the resource allocation problem. In this paper, we propose a hybrid interference-aware channel segregation based dynamic channel assignment (IACS-DCA) and BS sleep mode algorithm. This algorithm helps to mitigate the co-channel interference (CCI), experienced by user equipments (UEs). Simulation results show that by applying the proposed IACS-DCA approach along with a game-theory based algorithm for ON/OFF switching, higher energy- and spectral-efficiency can be achieved compared to the conventional approaches.
Infinite mode networks for bilateral motion control

In this paper, a novel multi input multi output network model entitled as rdquoinfinite mode networksrdquo is explained. The model proposes a challenging novel design concept. It has mathematically clear input output relationship compared to neural networks. This new model has a desired embedded internal function which roughly determines a route for the whole system to follow as DNA does for biological systems. By this model, infinitely many error dimensions can be defined and each error converges to zero in a stable manner. Additional to the network theory, an application on a haptic bilateral teleoperation system is shown.
Melanoma and Pancreatic Carcinoma : From a Clinical Observation to a Brief Review of the Literature

1Dermatologic Clinic, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy; 2Hematology, Department of Cellular Biotechnologies and Hematology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy; 3 Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy; 4 Department of Immunology and Allergology, University of Bari, Bari, Italy; 5 First Division of Dermatology, Istituto Dermopatico dell’Immacolata-IRCCS, Rome, Italy Acta Dermatovenerol Croat 2017;25(2):112-119 CliniCAl ArtiCle
A transactional approach to preventing early childhood neglect: The Family Check-Up as a public health strategy

Abstract This study examined the hypothesis that a brief, strengths-based home visiting strategy can promote positive engagement between caregiver and child and thereby reduce various forms of early childhood neglect. A total of 731 low-income families receiving services through the Women, Infants, and Children nutritional supplement program were randomized to the Women, Infants, and Children as usual or the Family Check-Up intervention. Assessments and intervention services were delivered in the home environment at ages 2, 3, 4, and 5. During the assessments, staff videotaped caregiver–child interactions and rated various features of the home environment, including the physical appropriateness of the home setting for children. Trained observers later coded the videotapes, unaware of the family's intervention condition. Specific caregiver–child interaction patterns were coded and macroratings were made of the caregiver's affection, monitoring, and involvement with the child. An intention to treat design revealed that randomization to the Family Check-Up increased duration of positive engagement between caregivers and children by age 3, which in turn was prognostic of less neglect of the child at age 4, controlling for family adversity. It was also found that family adversity moderated the impact of the intervention, such that the families with the most adverse circumstances were highly responsive to the intervention. Families with the highest levels of adversity exhibited the strongest mediation between positive engagement and reduction of neglect. Findings are discussed with respect to developmental theory and their potential implications for a public health approach to the prevention of early childhood maltreatment.
Robot open structure link interconnection (ROSLI)

This paper reviews various types of robotic architectures based on their advantages, disadvantages and its relevance for science and engineering. The main concern would be the 'openness' of the architecture as a whole to the public. A new architecture called ROSLI which is based on the well known 7 layer OSI protocol is suggested and presented. ROSLI integrates useful components from previous robotic architectures while maintaining openness and modularity to its design. Multiple layers that exist in ROSLI is illustrated and described on their functions and necessity. Examples of robot that would fit into the criterion of ROSLI are also depicted.
A NEW PARADIGM FOR SOUND DESIGN

A sound scene can be defined as any “environmental” sound that has a consistent background texture, with one or more potentially recurring foreground events. We describe a data-driven framework for analyzing, transforming, and synthesizing high-quality sound scenes, with flexible control over the components of the synthesized sound. Given one or more sound scenes, we provide welldefined means to: (1) identify points of interest in the sound and extract them into reusable templates, (2) transform sound components independently of the background or other events, (3) continually re-synthesize the background texture in a perceptually convincing manner, and (4) controllably place event templates over the background, varying key parameters such as density, periodicity, relative loudness, and spatial positioning. Contributions include: techniques and paradigms for template selection and extraction, independent sound transformation and flexible re-synthesis; extensions to a wavelet-based background analysis/synthesis; and user interfaces to facilitate the various phases. Given this framework, it is possible to completely transform an existing sound scene, dynamically generate sound scenes of unlimited length, and construct new sound scenes by combining elements from different sound scenes. URL: http://taps.cs. princeton.edu/
Interpretation of Source Code Clusters in Terms of the ISO/IEC-9126 Maintainability Characteristics

Clustering is a data mining technique that allows the grouping of data points on the basis of their similarity with respect to multiple dimensions of measurement. It has also been applied in the software engineering domain, in particular to support software quality assessment based on source code metrics. Unfortunately, since clusters emerge from metrics at the source code level, it is difficult to interpret the significance of clusters at the level of the quality of the entire system. In this paper, we propose a method for interpreting source code clusters using the ISO/IEC 9126 software product quality model. Several methods have been proposed to perform quantitative assessment of software systems in terms of the quality characteristics defined by ISO/IEC 9126. These methods perform mappings of low-level source code metrics to high-level quality characteristics by various aggregation and weighting procedures. We applied such a method to obtain quality profiles at various abstraction levels for each generated source code cluster. Subsequently, the plethora of quality profiles obtained is visualized such that conclusions about different quality problems in various clusters can be obtained at a glance.
Description of littoral, alongshore sediment movement from empirical eigen‐function analysis

Abstract Measurements of 18 closely spaced beach profiles spanning Warilla Beach, N.S. W. , over a 5‐year period have been examined for alongshore exchanges in beachface configuration. Horizontal slices of beach corresponding with berm, upper swash, upper and lower intertidal zones were examined by empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis. The first four EOF's for each of the four slices contain over 90% of the total variance for each slice. In each instance the first eigen‐function mode represents the onshore‐offshore component of beach response, and accounts for 50 to 60% of the variance. Subsequent modes describe alongshore exchange of sediment associated with large, standing, cellular water circulations of the embayment. Sediment shunts along each horizontal slice are determined by identification of nodal points in the eigen‐functions. These represent pivotal points through which sediment is transferred. The patterns of exchange vary considerably from slice to slice, reflecting change in the dominan.
Strain competition restricts colonization of an enteric pathogen and prevents colitis

The microbiota is a major source of protection against intestinal pathogens; however, the specific bacteria and underlying mechanisms involved are not well understood. As a model of this interaction, we sought to determine whether colonization of the murine host with symbiotic non‐toxigenic Bacteroides fragilis could limit acquisition of pathogenic enterotoxigenic B. fragilis. We observed strain‐specific competition with toxigenic B. fragilis, dependent upon type VI secretion, identifying an effector–immunity pair that confers pathogen exclusion. Resistance against host acquisition of a second non‐toxigenic strain was also uncovered, revealing a broader function of type VI secretion systems in determining microbiota composition. The competitive exclusion of enterotoxigenic B. fragilis by a non‐toxigenic strain limited toxin exposure and protected the host against intestinal inflammatory disease. Our studies demonstrate a novel role of type VI secretion systems in colonization resistance against a pathogen. This understanding of bacterial competition may be utilized to define a molecularly targeted probiotic strategy.
Properties of follicle-stimulating-hormone receptor in cell membranes of bovine testis.

A simple method for preparing plasma membranes from bovine testes is described. Bovine testicular receptor has a high affinity and specificity for 125I-labelled human FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone). The specific binding of 125I-labelled human FSH to the plasma membranes is a saturable process with respect to the amounts of receptor protein and FSH added. The association and dissociation of 125I-labelled human FSH are time- and temperature-dependent, and the binding of labelled human FSH to bovine testicular receptor is strong and not readily reversible. Scatchard [Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci. (1949) 51, 660-672] analysis indicates a dissociation constant, Kd, of 9.8 X10(-11)M, and 5.9 X 10(-14)mol of binding sites/mg of membrane protein. The testicular membrane receptor is heat-labile. Preheating at 40 degrees C for 15 min destroyed 30% of the binding activity. Specific binding is pH-dependent, with an optimum between pH 7.0 and 7.5. Brief exposure to extremes of pH caused irreversible damage to the receptors. The ionic strength of the incubation medium markedly affects the association of 125I-labelled human FSH with its testicular receptor. Various cations at concentrations of 0.1M inhibit almost completely the binding of 125I-labelled human FSH. Nuclectides and steroid hormones at concentrations of 1mM and 5mu/ml respectively have no effect on the binding of FSH to its receptor. Incubation of membranes with and chymotrypsin resulted in an almost complete loss of binding activity, suggesting that protein moieties are essential for the binding of 125I-labelled human FSH. Binding of 125I-labelled human FSH to bovine testicular receptor does not result in destruction or degradation of the hormone.
Movement-related neuronal activity selectively coding either direction or muscle pattern in three motor areas of the monkey.

1. Movement-related neuronal activity in the supplementary motor area (SMA), primary motor cortex (MC), and putamen was studied in monkeys performing a visuomotor tracking task designed to determine 1) the extent to which neuronal activity in each of these areas represented the direction of visually guided arm movements versus the pattern of muscle activity required to achieve those movements and 2) the relative timing of different types of movement-related activity in these three motor areas. 2. A total of 455 movement-related neurons in the three motor areas were tested with a behavioral paradigm, which dissociated the direction of visually guided elbow movements from the accompanying pattern of muscular activity by the application of opposing and assisting torque loads. The movement-related activity described in this report was collected in the same animals performing the same behavioral paradigm used to study preparatory activity described in the preceding paper. Of the total sample, 87 neurons were located within the arm region of the SMA, 150 within the arm region of the MC, and 218 within the arm region of the putamen. 3. Movement-related cells were classified as "directional" if they showed an increase in discharge rate predominantly or exclusively during movements in one direction and did not have significant static or dynamic load effects. A cell was classified as "muscle-like" if its directional movement-related activity was associated with static and/or dynamic load effects whose pattern was similar to that of flexors or extensors of the forearm. Both directional and muscle-like cells were found in all three motor areas. The largest proportion of directional cells was located in the putamen (52%), with significantly smaller proportions in the SMA (38%) and MC (41%). Conversely, a smaller proportion of muscle-like cells was seen in the putamen (24%) than in the SMA (41%) or MC (36%). 4. The time of onset of movement-related discharge relative to the onset of movement ("lead time") was computed for each cell. On average, SMA neurons discharged significantly earlier (SMA lead times 47 +/- 8 ms, mean +/- SE) than those in MC (23 +/- 6 ms), which in turn were earlier than those in putamen (-33 +/- 6 ms). However, the degree of overlap of the distributions of lead times for the three areas was extensive. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Reduction, Emulation, and Emergence in Dynamical Systems † ‡ Reduction, Emulation, and Emergence in Dynamical Systems

The received view about emergence and reduction is that they are incompatible categories. I argue in this paper that, contrary to the received view, emergence and reduction can hold together. To support this thesis, I focus attention on dynamical systems and, on the basis of a general representation theorem, I argue that, as far as these systems are concerned, the emulation relationship is sufficient for reduction (intuitively, a dynamical system DS1 emulates a second dynamical system DS2 when DS1 exactly reproduces the whole dynamics of DS2). This representational view of reduction, contrary to the customary deductivist one, is compatible with the existence of structural properties of the reduced system that are not also properties of the reducing one. According to this view, reduction is better analyzed in terms of a representational relationship between models, rather than a deductive relationship between theories. Reduction and emergence may co-occur, for they are complementary manifestations of an underlying representational relationship between mathematical models, namely, the one of emulation. _________________________________________________________________________