Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Joint optimization for autonomous intersection management and trajectory smoothing design with connected automated vehicles

Trajectory smoothing design (TSD) may significantly reduce fuel consumption and improve driving comfort at intersections. In this paper, a mixed integer linear programming (MILP) model with discrete time is formulated to jointly optimize autonomous intersection management and TSD, aiming to improve traffic efficiency, fuel economy and driving comfort simultaneously. Driving safety of car-following and collision avoidance at conflict points, diverge points and converge points, as well as constraints of acceleration and jerk are considered. To reasonably describe vehicle movement within intersection areas, the vehicle trajectory within the intersection is treated as a channel considering the vehicle width. A rolling horizon framework is used to solve the model. We have compared the traffic efficiency, fuel economy, monetary cost and driving comfort of the joint optimization model with that of the state-of-the-art two-stage strategy. Finally, sensitivity analysis with respect to left-turn ratio, weighted coefficient of TSD and control zone length is conducted.
Thalidomide Attenuates Epileptogenesis and Seizures by Decreasing Brain Inflammation in Lithium Pilocarpine Rat Model

Thalidomide (TAL) has shown potential therapeutic effects in neurological diseases like epilepsy. Both clinical and preclinical studies show that TAL may act as an antiepileptic drug and as a possible treatment against disease development. However, the evidence for these effects is limited. Therefore, the antiepileptogenic and anti-inflammatory effects of TAL were evaluated herein. Sprague Dawley male rats were randomly allocated to one of five groups (n = 18 per group): control (C); status epilepticus (SE); SE-TAL (25 mg/kg); SE-TAL (50 mg/kg); and SE-topiramate (TOP; 60mg/kg). The lithium-pilocarpine model was used, and one day after SE induction the rats received pharmacological treatment for one week. The brain was obtained, and the hippocampus was micro-dissected 8, 18, and 28 days after SE. TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β concentrations were quantified. TOP and TAL (50 mg/kg) increased the latency to the first of many spontaneous recurrent seizures (SRS) and decreased SRS frequency, as well as decreasing TNF-α and IL-1β concentrations in the hippocampus. In conclusion, the results showed that both TAL (50 mg/kg) and TOP have anti-ictogenic and antiepileptogenic effects, possibly by decreasing neuroinflammation.
Obtaining emergent behaviors for swarm robotics singling with deep reinforcement learning

ABSTRACT Isolating (singling) an individual from a group can be essential for protection, rescue or capture tasks. In this paper a system with multiple shepherds who must coordinate the sheep to achieve a specific singleness is proposed. We present a realistically modeled system that will be finally tested in a real robotic system. We want to encourage the adaptability of the system and provide different solutions by promoting the emergence of the swarm. In this line we will focus on the use of reinforcement learning, avoiding a manual design of the behavior in order to not restrict the resulting behaviors and to facilitate their adaptation. A detailed MDP model will be specified as well as the keys to reduce its dimensionality and facilitate its training. We will check the results of the obtained singling policy with respect to a greedy policy and focus on evaluating different behavioral strategies that can solve the problem in different ways. In addition, one of the obtained policies will be analyzed in detail to check both its robustness and its scalability with respect to the number of shepherds and sheep. This policy will be finally tested on a physical robotic swarm. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
State‐feedback stabilization for stochastic high‐order nonlinear systems with SISS inverse dynamics

This paper investigates the problem of state‐feedback control for a class of stochastic high‐order nonlinear systems with stochastic inverse dynamics. Under the assumption that the inverse dynamics of the subsystem are stochastic input‐to‐state stable (SISS), by extending through adding a power integrator technique, choosing an appropriate Lyapunov function and using the idea of changing supply function, a smooth state‐feedback controller is explicitly constructed to render the system globally asymptotically stable in probability and the states can be regulated to the origin. A simulation example is provided to show the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
A subgrid-scale model for large-eddy simulation based on the physics of interscale energy transfer in turbulence

The scale-similarity model in large-eddy simulation (LES) leads to an attractive, functionally simple expression for the subgrid-scale (SGS) stress tensor. It is well known, however, that the similarity model fails to accurately predict some of the most fundamental quantities in turbulent flows, perhaps the most important being the global energy transfer and the associated subgrid-scale dissipation. To address this, additional dissipative terms are usually added to the similarity model to improve its performance. In the present paper, considerations of interscale energy transfer have been used to identify sources of the observed deficiencies of the similarity model, specifically its inadequate balancing of terms contributing energy to the smallest scales and its duplication of terms producing effects in the largest scales. These considerations provide guidance in the development of a new model, which shows more favorable characteristics of energy transfer while preserving the functional simplicity of the .
Trajectory optimization of a hypersonic plane s.t. heat limits

Extreme thermal loads appear during ascent and reentry of future hypersonic planes. Besides of the availability of a hypersonic propulsion system also an efficient lightweight thermal protection system is mandatory for the feasibility of the entire mission. We consider a trajectory optimization problem enhanced with a PDE modelling the heat load at the stagnation point of the plane. The thermal protection system heats up depending on the flight path. A maximal thermal load is prescribed, which is mathematically modeled as state constraints. These state constraints couple the PDE to the ODE resulting in a fully coupled system. The thermal protection system is discretized in space into several layers using a finite volume scheme. Considering the problem after semidiscretization as a classical ODE constrained optimal control problem, the orders of the state constraints of the different layers are investigated. It turns out that the order is rising with the number of layers starting from two (for the outer layer). The influence of the state constraints is analyzed in numerical experiments. The numerical results are obtained by a direct solution method.
Comparison of random and deterministic characteristics of chaotic signals issued from a one-dimensional piecewise linear map

This paper presents the characteristics of the power spectral density (PSD) of chaotic signals generated by a one-dimensional piecewise linear map. The majority of previous research on chaos show that chaotic signals are rather broadband with impulsive auto-correlation sequence (ACS). However, recent studies of the skew tent map [4, 5] have shown that the PSD and ACS are modi ed according to certain values of the bifurcations. We propose to extend this work to other maps and to study relations between bandwidth and Lyapunov exponents.
Toward Hybrid CAA with Ground Effects

CAA based on the Linearised Euler Equations (LEE) is applied to propagate aerodynamic sound over an extended distance including ground effects. The LEE are coupled to data from an LES via an acoustic analogy to follow-up the sound from the source to the extended far field: the complete chain is illustrated on the sound generated by a cylinder in a M ∼ 0.2 and Re ∼ 48000 flow. A very good agreement is found in free field between the approach based on the Ffowcs-Williams & Hawkings (FWH) analogy only and the combined FWH-LEE approach. The ability of the combined approach to handle complex boundary conditions is illustrated on the same data set with a rigid and a grassy ground.
Transitioning From Studying Examples to Solving Problems: Effects of Self-Explanation Prompts and Fading Worked-Out Steps.

Although research has demonstrated that successively fading or successively removing more and more worked-out solution steps as learners transition from relying on examples to independent problem solving reliably fosters performance on near-transfer tasks—relative to example–problem pairs—this effect is not reliable on far-transfer tasks. To address this, the authors combined fading with the introduction of prompts designed to encourage learners to identify the underlying principle illustrated in each worked-out solution step. Across 2 experiments, this combination produced medium to large effects on near and far transfer without requiring additional time on task. Thus, the instructional procedure is highly recommendable because it (a) is relatively straightforward to implement, (b) does not prolong learning time, and (c) fosters both near- and far-transfer performance. Worked-out examples typically consist of a problem formulation, solution steps, and the final answer itself. Research indicates that exposure to worked-out examples is critical when learners are in the initial stages of learning a new cognitive skill in wellstructured domains such as mathematics, physics, and computer programming (Anderson, Fincham, & Douglass, 1997). Moreover, studies performed by Sweller and his colleagues (e.g., Sweller &
Higher-order Bessel like beams with z-dependent cone angles

As in the case of zero-order Bessel beam being produced by illuminating an axicon with a Gaussian beam, higher-order Bessel beams are generated by substituting the Gaussian beam with a Laguerre Gaussian (LG) beam. These beams hold similar properties to zero-order Bessel beams except they carry orbital angular momentum (OAM). They also undergo an abrupt spatial transformation at the boundary of their non-diffracting regime whereby the near-field intensity distribution is a Bessel function which transforms into an annular ring (far-field profile). This can be considered a disadvantage to such beams in comparison to a Gaussian beam that is propagation invariant. By using a double axicon lens system this Bessel beams with z-dependent cone angles can be produced however at the expense of its non-diffracting nature. Here we outline an optical design to produce higher-order Bessel-like beams with z-dependent cone angles that will retains its spatial distribution as z→∞.
Seasonal to decadal prediction of the winter North Atlantic Oscillation: emerging capability and future prospects

European and North American winter weather is dominated by year‐to‐year variations in the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) which controls the direction and speed of the prevailing winds. An ability to forecast the time‐averaged NAO months to years ahead would be of great societal benefit, but current operational seasonal forecasts show little skill. However, there are several elements of the climate system that potentially influence the NAO and may therefore provide predictability for the NAO. We review these potential sources of skill, present emerging evidence that the NAO may be usefully predictable (with correlations exceeding 0.6) on seasonal time‐scales, and discuss prospects for improving skill and extending predictions to multi‐year time‐scales.
Morphometric Study of the Initial Ventricular Indices to Predict the Complications and Outcome of Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Objective: Acute hydrocephalus is a common complication in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Several ventricular indices have been introduced to enable measurements of ventricular morphology. Previously, researchers have showed their diagnostic value for various neurological disorders. In this study, we evaluated the association between ventricular indices and the clinical course, occurrence of complications and outcome of SAH. Methods: A total of 745 SAH patients with available early admission computed tomography scans were included in the analyses. Six ventricular indices (bifrontal, bicaudate, ventricular and third ventricle ratios and Evans’ and Huckman’s indices) were measured. Primary endpoints included the occurrence of cerebral infarctions, in-hospital mortality and a poor outcome at 6 months. Secondary endpoints included different adverse events in the course of SAH. Clinically relevant cut-offs for the indices were determined using receiver operating curves. Univariate analyses were performed. Multivariate analyses were conducted on significant findings in a stepwise backward regression model. Results: The higher the values of the ventricular indices were and the older the patient was, the higher the WFNS and Fisher’s scores were, and the lower the SEBES score was at admission. Patients with larger ventricles showed a shorter duration of intracranial pressure increase > 20 mmHg and required decompressive craniectomy less frequently. Ventricular indices were independently associated with the parameters of inflammatory response after SAH (C-reactive protein in serum and interleukin-6 in cerebrospinal fluid and fever). Finally, there were independent correlations between larger ventricles and all the primary endpoints. Conclusions: The lower risk of intracranial pressure increase and absence of an association with vasospasm or systemic infections during SAH, and the poorer outcome in individuals with larger ventricles might be related to a more pronounced neuroinflammatory response after aneurysmal bleeding. These observations might be helpful in the development of specific medical and surgical treatment strategies for SAH patients depending on the initial ventricle measurements.
Network Error Correction, I: Basic Concepts and Upper Bounds

Error correction in existing point-to-point communication networks is done on a link-by-link basis, which is referred to in this paper as classical error correction. Inspired by network coding, we introduce in this two-part paper a new paradigm called network error correction . T he theory thus developed subsumes classical algebraic coding theory as a special case. In Part I, we discuss the basic concepts and prove the network generalizations of the Hamming bound and the Singleton bound in classical algebraic coding theory. By studying a few elementary examples, the relation between network error correction and classical error correction is investigated.
CD142 Identifies Neoplastic Desmoid Tumor Cells, Uncovering Interactions Between Neoplastic and Stromal Cells That Drive Proliferation

The interaction between neoplastic and stromal cells within a tumor mass plays an important role in cancer biology. However, it is challenging to distinguish between tumor and stromal cells in mesenchymal tumors because lineage-specific cell surface markers typically used in other cancers do not distinguish between the different cell subpopulations. Desmoid tumors consist of mesenchymal fibroblast-like cells driven by mutations stabilizing beta-catenin. Here we aimed to identify surface markers that can distinguish mutant cells from stromal cells to study tumor–stroma interactions. We analyzed colonies derived from single cells from human desmoid tumors using a high-throughput surface antigen screen, to characterize the mutant and nonmutant cells. We found that CD142 is highly expressed by the mutant cell populations and correlates with beta-catenin activity. CD142-based cell sorting isolated the mutant population from heterogeneous samples, including one where no mutation was previously detected by traditional Sanger sequencing. We then studied the secretome of mutant and nonmutant fibroblastic cells. PTX3 is one stroma-derived secreted factor that increases mutant cell proliferation via STAT6 activation. These data demonstrate a sensitive method to quantify and distinguish neoplastic from stromal cells in mesenchymal tumors. It identifies proteins secreted by nonmutant cells that regulate mutant cell proliferation that could be therapeutically. Significance: Distinguishing between neoplastic (tumor) and non-neoplastic (stromal) cells within mesenchymal tumors is particularly challenging, because lineage-specific cell surface markers typically used in other cancers do not differentiate between the different cell subpopulations. Here, we developed a strategy combining clonal expansion with surface proteome profiling to identify markers for quantifying and isolating mutant and nonmutant cell subpopulations in desmoid tumors, and to study their interactions via soluble factors.
EAQ: Enabling Authenticated Complex Query Services in Sustainable-Storage Blockchain

The data query service is urgently required in sustainable-storage blockchain, where full nodes store the entire transaction data while light nodes only store block headers. Queries invariably seek data with multiple attributes. However, no existing method provides a unified authenticated data structure (ADS) to support complex query operators (e.g., range queries and data object queries) on multiattribute blockchain data. In this paper, we propose a framework EAQ that effectively supports both fast data queries on multiple attributes and authentication of the query result. We propose a new ADS, called the MR<inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$^{Bloom}$</tex-math><alternatives><mml:math><mml:msup><mml:mrow/><mml:mrow><mml:mi>B</mml:mi><mml:mi>l</mml:mi><mml:mi>o</mml:mi><mml:mi>o</mml:mi><mml:mi>m</mml:mi></mml:mrow></mml:msup></mml:math><inline-graphic xlink:href="yin-ieq1-3263232.gif"/></alternatives></inline-formula>-tree, based on the Bloom filter (BF) and Merkle R-tree. We prove the decomposability of BFs, which enables the BF to be seamlessly incorporated with the Merkle R-tree. This ADS enables range-level search using multidimensional attribute ranges and object-level search using BFs. This ADS also supports querying and proving inexistent data objects. To reduce storage overhead, we improve the MR<inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$^{Bloom}$</tex-math><alternatives><mml:math><mml:msup><mml:mrow/><mml:mrow><mml:mi>B</mml:mi><mml:mi>l</mml:mi><mml:mi>o</mml:mi><mml:mi>o</mml:mi><mml:mi>m</mml:mi></mml:mrow></mml:msup></mml:math><inline-graphic xlink:href="yin-ieq2-3263232.gif"/></alternatives></inline-formula>-tree using the suppressed BF structure, which constructs only one BF independent of the number of attributes. To manage string attributes, we transform them into discrete numerical attributes using density-based clustering to represent similar items with close numerical values. Experiments show that the proposed framework achieves promising results.
Usability analysis of advertising websites interfaces with the use of the universal design principles

The aim of the research was to observe how the usage of the universal design principles influences on the accessibility and usability of websites. As one of the analysis’ subjects there was chosen the popular advertising website. It has been confronted with a newly implemented application offering the same functions, but improved with the requirements resulting from the universal design. In order to compare those two services there was conducted the study with the use of eye-tracking, LUT checklists and WAVE Evaluation Tool. These methods made it possible to demonstrate the differences between websites caused by the contrasting implementation methods. The results showed that an application of universal design principles has a positive impact on the websites’ accessibility and usability.
Effect of Aerosol on the Susceptibility and Efficiency of Precipitation in Warm Trade Cumulus Clouds

Abstract Large-eddy simulations of warm, trade wind cumulus clouds are conducted for a range of aerosol conditions with a focus on precipitating clouds. Individual clouds are tracked over the course of their lifetimes. Precipitation rate decreases progressively as aerosol increases. For larger, precipitating clouds, the polluted clouds have longer lifetimes because of precipitation suppression. For clean aerosol conditions, there is good agreement between the average model precipitation rate and that calculated based on observed radar reflectivity Z and precipitation rate R relationships. Precipitation rate can be expressed as a power-law function of liquid water path (LWP) and Nd, to reasonable accuracy. The respective powers for LWP and Nd are of similar magnitude compared to those based on observational studies of stratocumulus clouds. The time-integrated precipitation rate represented by a power-law function of LWP, Nd, and cloud lifetime is much more reliably predicted than is R expressed in terms of.
Tuning Parameter Estimation in Penalized Least Squares Methodology

The efficiency of the penalized methods (Fan and Li, 2001) depends strongly on a tuning parameter due to the fact that it controls the extent of penalization. Therefore, it is important to select it appropriately. In general, tuning parameters are chosen by data-driven approaches, such as the commonly used generalized cross validation. In this article, we propose an alternative method for the derivation of the tuning parameter selector in penalized least squares framework, which can lead to an ameliorated estimate. Simulation studies are presented to support theoretical findings and a comparison of the Type I and Type II error rates, considering the L 1, the hard thresholding and the Smoothly Clipped Absolute Deviation penalty functions, is performed. The results are given in tables and discussion follows.
Subwavelength Array of Planar Triangle Monopoles with Cross Slots Based on Far-Field Time Reversal

A subwavelength array of planar triangle monopole antennas is proposed and discussed in this paper. Each element of the array is etched with many cross slots which bring no efiects to the element's performances of voltage standing wave ratio and far- fleld radiation patterns. An important property of this antenna is that if multiple such planar antennas are placed face to face, the proposed array can perform time-reversal far-fleld focusing with a super-resolution as small as one twentieth of a wavelength. The proposed subwavelength array is easy to design and convenient for integration.
Acute Coronary Syndrome, Stroke, and Mortality after Community-Acquired Pneumonia: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

One-third of adult inpatients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) develop acute coronary syndrome (ACS), stroke, heart failure (HF), arrhythmias, or die. The evidence linking CAP to cardiovascular disease (CVD) events is contradictory. We aimed to systematically review the role of CAP as a CVD risk factor. We registered the protocol (CRD42022352910) and searched for six databases from inception to 31 December 2022. We included 13 observational studies, 276,109 participants, 18,298 first ACS events, 12,421 first stroke events, 119 arrhythmic events, 75 episodes of new onset or worsening HF, 3379 deaths, and 218 incident CVD events. CAP increased the odds of ACS (OR 3.02; 95% CI 1.88–4.86), stroke (OR 2.88; 95% CI 2.09–3.96), mortality (OR 3.22; 95% CI 2.42–4.27), and all CVD events (OR 3.37; 95% CI 2.51–4.53). Heterogeneity was significant (I2 = 97%, p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis found differences according to the continent of origin of the study, the follow-up length, and the sample size (I2 > 40.0%, p < 0.10). CAP is a significant risk factor for all major CVD events including ACS, stroke, and mortality. However, these findings should be taken with caution due to the substantial heterogeneity and the possible publication bias.