Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fuzzy logic control for active ankle foot orthosis

This paper presents the control design of an ankle foot orthosis for the drop foot gait. In this project a fuzzy controller is developed to control the symmetry in gait. The gait patterns are monitored through National Instrument's data acquisition system which is interfaced with a gyro sensor. A self-adaptive fuzzy logic controller along with a fuzzy rule base is developed to provide corrective actuation to the defective foot. The sensor data is then fed as an input to the fuzzy logic controller which generates the control signal for the actuator in real time.
Long term bed rest with and without vibration exercise countermeasures: Effects on human muscle protein dysregulation

The present investigation, the first in the field, was aimed at analyzing differentially, on individual samples, the effects of 55 days of horizontal bed rest, a model for microgravity, on myosin heavy and myosin light chain isoforms distribution (by SDS) and on the proteome (by 2‐D DIGE and MS) in the vastus lateralis (VL), a mixed type II/I (∼50:50%) head of the quadriceps and in the calf soleus (SOL), a predominantly slow (∼35:65%) twitch muscle. Two separate studies were performed on six subjects without (BR) and six with resistive vibration exercise (RVE) countermeasures, respectively. Both VL and SOL underwent in BR decrements of ∼15% in cross‐sectional area and of ∼22% in maximal torque that were prevented by RVE. Myosin heavy chain distribution showed increased type I and decreased type IIA in BR both in VL and in SOL, the opposite with RVE. A substantial downregulation of proteins involved in aerobic metabolism characterized both in SOL and VL in BR. RVE reversed the pattern more in VL than in SOL, whereas proteins involved in anaerobic glycolysis were upregulated. Proteins from the Z‐disk region and from costamers were differently dysregulated during bed rest (both BR and RVE), particularly in VL.
Papillation in Bacillus anthracis colonies: a tool for finding new mutators

Colonies of Bacillus anthracis Sterne allow the growth of papillation after 6 days of incubation at 30°C on Luria–Bertani medium. The papillae are due to mutations that allow the cells to overcome the barriers to continued growth. Cells isolated from papillae display two distinct gross phenotypes (group A and group B). We determined that group A mutants have mutations in the nprR gene including frameshifts, deletions, duplications and base substitutions. We used papillation as a tool for finding new mutators as the mutators generate elevated levels of papillation. We discovered that disruption of yycJ or recJ leads to a spontaneous mutator phenotype. We defined the nprR/papillation system as a new mutational analysis system for B. anthracis. The mutational specificity of the new mutator yycJ is similar to that of mismatch repair‐deficient strains (MMR‐) such as those with mutations in mutL or mutS. Deficiency in recJ results in a unique specificity, generating only tandem duplications.
Statistical Clustering of Internet Communication Patterns

We describe a new methodology for analyzing Internet traffic based on an abstract model of application-level communication and statistical cluster analysis, and argue that this method of analysis can serve as a foundation for building flexible traffic generation tools. We present the details of two case studies in which the new analysis tools are applied to data from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Internet2.
LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR E-COMMERCE IN NIGERIA

Since the law of every society ought to be a veritable tool for social engineering, this paper will attempt to give an overview of international ecommerce and its guiding principles as well as examine Nigerian legislation on the subject, the institutional framework and the legal issues and challenges encountered by the Nigerian legal system in the regulation of e-Commerce in Nigeria. The paper would end with a few recommendations. This paper is intended merely to provoke discussion so nothing is cast in stone notwithstanding the conclusions and recommendations so that at the end we look forward to a lively discussion.
Peptide-Regulated Gene Depletion System Developed for Use in Streptococcus pneumoniae

ABSTRACT To facilitate the study of pneumococcal genes that are essential for viability or normal cell growth, we sought to develop a tightly regulated, titratable gene depletion system that interferes minimally with normal cellular functions. A possible candidate for such a system is the recently discovered signal transduction pathway regulating competence for natural transformation in Streptococcus thermophilus. This pathway, which is unrelated to the ComCDE pathway used for competence regulation in Streptococcus pneumoniae, has not been fully elucidated, but it is known to include a short unmodified signaling peptide, ComS*, an oligopeptide transport system, Ami, and a transcriptional activator, ComR. The transcriptional activator is thought to bind to an inverted repeat sequence termed the ECom box. We introduced the ComR protein and the ECom box into the genome of S. pneumoniae R6 and demonstrated that addition of synthetic ComS* peptide induced the transcription of a luciferase gene inserted downstream of the ECom box. To determine whether the ComRS system could be used for gene depletion studies, the licD1 gene was inserted behind the chromosomally located ECom box promoter by using the Janus cassette. Then, the native versions of licD1 and licD2 were deleted, and the resulting mutant was recovered in the presence of ComS*. Cultivation of the licD1 licD2 double mutant in the absence of ComS* gradually affected its ability to grow and propagate, demonstrating that the ComRS system functions as intended. In the present study, the ComRS system was developed for use in S. pneumoniae. In principle, however, it should work equally well in many other Gram-positive species.
Adaptive rectangular cuboids for 3D mapping

This paper presents an extension of the standard occupancy grid for 3D environment mapping. The presented approach adds a fusion process after the occupancy update which modifies the resolution of the grid cells in an incremental manner. Consequently, the proposed approach requires fewer grid cells for 3D representation in comparison to a standard occupancy grid. The resolution adaptation process is based on the occupancy probabilities of the grid cells and leads to the relaxation of the cubic grid cell assumption common to most 3D occupancy grids. The aim of this paper is to show the advantage of the proposed incremental fusion process which leads to the approximation of the 3D environment using rectangular cuboids. Evaluation on a large scale dataset and comparison to the state of the art shows that the proposed approach has faster access time for all occupied grid cells and requires a smaller number of cells for 3D environment representation.
White space prediction technique for cognitive radio applications

This paper investigates spectrum occupancy trends of voice services in the band of 450 MHz. An occupancy model of channel occupancy in the frequency and time domain was developed. A robust algorithm is proposed to allocate white spaces within a channel group with by primary users. The algorithm statistically identifies which channels can be used with a higher probability of having a white space, so minimizing the possible collisions. The simulation results indicate clearly the good potential for cognitive radio secondary use in this band.
Spatially Structured Activity in Synaptically Coupled Neuronal Networks: II. Lateral Inhibition and Standing Pulses

We consider the existence and stability of standing pulse solutions to a system of integro-differential equations used to describe the activity of synaptically coupled networks of excitatory and inhibitory neurons in a single spatial domain. Assuming an arrangement of synaptic connections described by "lateral inhibition," previous formal arguments have demonstrated the existence of both stable and unstable standing pulses [S. Amari, Biol. Cybern. , 27 (1977), pp. 77--87]. These results have formed the basis for several recent hypotheses regarding the generation of sustained activity patterns in prefrontal cortex and other brain regions. Implicit in the lateral inhibition arrangement, however, is the assumption that the dynamics of inhibition are instantaneous. Here we present two arguments demonstrating the loss of stability of standing pulse solutions through a Hopf bifurcation when more realistic inhibitory dynamics are considered. The first argument parallels Amari's formal presentation, while the seco.
Dynamically Updating the Knowledge Regular Library for BBS Public Opinion Analysis System with Apriori Algorithm

An important element of BBS public opinion analysis system is to update the contents of knowledge regular library dynamically adding sensitive words constantly to knowledge regular library. Apriori algorithm is classical algorithm of mining association rules. This paper presents a new method of adding the contents of knowledge regular automatically using association rule models. Experimental results show that the system obviously improves the accuracy of monitoring BBS public opinion by means of this algorithm.
Cross-Layer Optimization of Adaptive Modulation and Coding Preserving Packet Average Delay Time

In this paper we introduce a novel cross layer design between MAC and physical layers. Our novel design is based on controlling the adaptive modulation and coding (AMC) transmission mode at the physical layer according to the queue length of finite buffer at the data link layer and each transmission mode of AMC. The aim is optimizing system performance over a wireless link, preserving the important quality of service (QoS) parameter, packet average delay time. Analytical expressions such as packet drop probability, channel packet error rate, packet loss rate and packet average delay time are derived both analytically and through simulations according to the system and channel parameters. Using these expressions, a constrained optimization problem is solved numerically to maximize the overall system throughput, preserving packet average delay time.
Focus on Smoke Inhalation—The Most Common Cause of Acute Cyanide Poisoning

Abstract The contribution of smoke inhalation to cyanide-attributed morbidity and mortality arguably surpasses all other sources of acute cyanide poisoning. Research establishes that cyanide exposure is: (1) to be expected in those exposed to smoke in closed-space fires; (2) cyanide poisoning is an important cause of incapacitation and death in smoke-inhalation victims; and (3) that cyanide can act independently of, and perhaps synergistically with, carbon monoxide to cause morbidity and mortality. Effective prehospital management of smoke inhalation-associated cyanide poisoning is inhibited by: (1) a lack of awareness of fire smoke as an important cause of cyanide toxicity; (2) the absence of a rapidly returnable diagnostic test to facilitate its recognition; and (3) in the United States, the current unavailability of a cyanide antidote that can be used empirically with confidence outside of hospitals. Addressing the challenges of the prehospital management of smoke inhalation-associated cyanide poisoning entails: (1) enhancing the awareness of the problem among prehospital responders; (2) improving the ability to recognize cyanide poisoning on the basis of signs and symptoms; and (3) expanding the treatment options that are useful in the prehospital setting.
TORC2, a Coactivator of cAMP-response Element-binding Protein, Promotes Epstein-Barr Virus Reactivation from Latency through Interaction with Viral BZLF1 Protein*

Reactivation of the Epstein-Barr virus from latency is dependent on expression of the viral BZLF1 protein. The BZLF1 promoter (Zp) normally exhibits only low basal activity but is activated in response to chemical inducers such as 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate and calcium ionophore. We found here that Transducer of Regulated cAMP-response Element-binding Protein (CREB) (TORC) 2 enhances Zp activity 10-fold and more than 100-fold with co-expression of the BZLF1 protein. Mutational analysis of Zp revealed that the activation by TORC is dependent on ZII and ZIII cis elements, binding sites for CREB family transcriptional factors and the BZLF1 protein, respectively. Immunoprecipitation, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and reporter assay using Gal4-luc and Gal4BD-BZLF1 fusion protein indicate that TORC2 interacts with BZLF1, and that the complex is efficiently recruited onto Zp. These observations clearly indicate that TORC2 activates the promoter through interaction with the BZLF1 protein as well as CREB family transcriptional factors. Induction of the lytic replication resulted in the translocation of TORC2 from cytoplasm to viral replication compartments in nuclei, and furthermore, activation of Zp by TORC2 was augmented by calcium-regulated phosphatase, calcineurin. Silencing of endogenous TORC2 gene expression by RNA interference decreased the levels of the BZLF1 protein in response to 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate/ionophore. Based on these results, we conclude that Epstein-Barr virus exploits the calcineurin-TORC signaling pathway through interactions between TORC and the BZLF1 protein in reactivation from latency.
Waveguide quantum electrodynamics with superconducting qubits

Experiments in quantum optics have long been implemented with atoms in 3D free space or with atoms interacting with cavities. Over the past decade, the field of microwave quantum optics using superconducting circuits has gained a tremendous amount of attention. In particular, the confinement of photonic modes to 1D enables a new parameter regime of strong interactions between qubits and open waveguides. In these setups, known as waveguide quantum electrodynamics (WQED), superconducting qubits interact with a continuum of propagating photonic modes. In this thesis, we will explore the physics of WQED devices that consist of multiple qubits and their potential application to quantum information and simulation. Thesis Supervisor: William D. Oliver Title: Professor of the Practice, Department of Physics Thesis Supervisor: Simon Gustavsson Title: Principal Research Scientist, Research Laboratory of Electronics
A fully distributed 10G-EPON-based converged fixed-mobile networking transport infrastructure for next generation broadband access

This work proposes and devises a self-healing hybrid tree/ring-based 10G-EPON architecture that enables the support of a converged PON-4G LTE access networking transport infrastructure to seamlessly backhaul both mobile and wireline business and residential services. The salient feature of the proposed architecture is that it supports a fully distributed control plane that enables intercommunication among the access nodes (optical network units - ONUs) as well as signaling, scheduling algorithms, and fault detection and recovery mechanisms. The distributed control plane enables each and every ONU to independently detect, manage, and recover most of the networking failure scenarios. This paper outlines and addresses the key technical requirements and differences between a PON-based converged architecture that utilizes a typically centralized architecture as the wireless segment of the hybrid architecture (e.g., Wi-Fi) versus one which utilizes a fully distributed architecture (e.g., 4G LTE). Physical layer performance simulations for the proposed architecture are also presented that show error free performance for the scalable architecture.
The Role of veA on Aspergillus flavus Infection of Peanuts, Corn and Cotton

The aflatoxin-producing fungus Aspergillus flavus is a causal agent of preharvest contamination of food commodities such as oil seed crops worldwide. Peanut, corn and cottonseed are among the oil seeds that are susceptible to aflatoxin contamination during invasion of these crops by A. flavus. Contamination of agricultural commodities with aflatoxins can result in serious economic hardships to producers and adverse health impacts in both humans and domestic animals. It is therefore of great importance to determine ways to control A. flavus dissemination, survival and toxin formation. In this study we demonstrate the role of the veA regulatory gene in the contamination of peanut, corn and cotton by A. flavus. Virulence of A. flavus on peanut and corn seeds was reduced in the absence of the veA gene product. Generation of air-borne asexual spores was reduced and production of aflatoxin and sclerotia in peanut seeds, viable or non-viable, or in viable corn seed was completely blocked when infected with the A. flavus veA mutant (� veA). In planta inoculation of cotton bolls also showed that conidiation was decreased in bolls inoculated with theveA strain and spread of theveA strain to seed in locules adjacent to the inoculated locule was less than observed with the wild-type veA strain. As observed in peanut and corn, no aflatoxin was produced in seed harvested from cotton bolls inoculated with theveA strain while aflatoxin was present in seed from wild-type veA inoculated bolls.
Hip Fracture Prevention in Postmenopausal Women

Hip fracture is a devastating outcome associated with postmenopausal osteoporosis. This fracture causes considerable pain, disability, diminished quality of life, and mortality. Although bone loss is an important factor associated with hip fracture, there are other demographic and clinical factors such as those that increase the risk of falling (e.g., unsteady gait, medications) that contribute to the likelihood of experiencing a hip fracture. Nonpharmacological interventions to reduce hip fracture risk include regular weight-bearing exercise, fall intervention programs, and external hip protectors. Patients should receive calcium and/or vitamin D supplementation as necessary. Among available pharmacologic options, the bisphosphonates, risedronate (Actonel) and alendronate (Fosamax), have reduced the risk of hip fracture in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. Raloxifene (Evista), salmon calcitonin nasal spray (Miacalcin), and teriparatide (Forteo) have not demonstrated hip fracture risk reduction in controlled clinical trials. Hormone therapy (HT) reduced hip fracture risk in a recent large placebo-controlled trial; however, the risk/benefit profile of HT has resulted in recommendations to consider alternatives for the management of osteoporosis. Postmenopausal women with osteoporosis should receive adequate calcium/vitamin D supplementation, be encouraged to exercise, and institute risk factor interventions. Treatment with a bisphosphonate should be considered for those who are also at increased risk for hip fracture. Target Audience: Obstetricians & Gynecologyists, Family Physicians Learning Objectives: After completion of this article the reader should be able to list the demographic risk factors for osteoporosis and related fractures, to outline the cost and consequences of hip fractures, and to summarize the various pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions used to reduce the risk of hip fracture.
Muscle Weakness Predicts Pharyngeal Dysfunction and Symptomatic Aspiration in Long-term Ventilated Patients

Background:Prolonged mechanical ventilation is associated with muscle weakness, pharyngeal dysfunction, and symptomatic aspiration. The authors hypothesized that muscle strength measurements can be used to predict pharyngeal dysfunction (endoscopic evaluation–primary hypothesis), as well as symptomatic aspiration occurring during a 3-month follow-up period. Methods:Thirty long-term ventilated patients admitted in two intensive care units at Massachusetts General Hospital were included. The authors conducted a fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing and measured muscle strength using medical research council score within 24 h of each fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing. A medical research council score less than 48 was considered clinically meaningful muscle weakness. A retrospective chart review was conducted to identify symptomatic aspiration events. Results:Muscle weakness predicted pharyngeal dysfunction, defined as either valleculae and pyriform sinus residue scale of more than 1, or penetration aspiration scale of more than 1. Area under the curve of the receiver-operating curves for muscle strength (medical research council score) to predict pharyngeal, valleculae, and pyriform sinus residue scale of more than 1, penetration aspiration scale of more than 1, and symptomatic aspiration were 0.77 (95% CI, 0.63–0.97; P = 0.012), 0.79 (95% CI, 0.56–1; P = 0.02), and 0.74 (95% CI, 0.56–0.93; P = 0.02), respectively. Seventy percent of patients with muscle weakness showed symptomatic aspiration events. Muscle weakness was associated with an almost 10-fold increase in the symptomatic aspiration risk (odds ratio = 9.8; 95% CI, 1.6–60; P = 0.009). Conclusion:In critically ill patients, muscle weakness is an independent predictor of pharyngeal dysfunction and symptomatic aspiration. Manual muscle strength testing may help identify patients at risk of symptomatic aspiration.
Humidity Sensitivity of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube Networks Deposited by Dielectrophoresis

This paper presents an investigation on the humidity sensitivity of deposited multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) networks using ac dielectrophoresis (DEP) between interdigitated electrodes (IDEs). MWCNTs dispersed in ethanol were trapped and enriched between IDEs on a Si/SiO2 substrate under a positive DEP force. After the DEP process, the ethanol was evaporated and the MWCNT network on a substrate with IDEs was put into a furnace for repeated thermal annealing. It was found that the resistance stability of the network was effectively improved through thermal annealing. The humidity sensitivity was obtained by measuring the resistance of the MWCNT network with different relative humidity at room temperature. The experimental results show the resistance increases linearly with increasing the relative humidity from 25% to 95% RH with a sensitivity of 0.5%/%RH. The MWCNT networks have a reversible humidity sensing capacity with response time and recovery time of about 3 s and 25 s, respectively. The resistance is dependent on temperature with a negative coefficient of about −0.33%/K in a temperature range from 293 K to 393 K.
Reference tracking control of hypersonic vehicles using switched linear parameter-varying approach

This paper is concerned with the control problem of the air-breathing hypersonic vehicle using switched linear parameter-varying (LPV) systems approach. By linearizing the nonlinear model of the hypersonic vehicle at trim points and dividing the velocity scope into several partitions, a switched LPV model for the underlying systems is derived. With aid of multiple Lyapunov-like functions technique, the controllers ensuring the tracking of given commands of the closed-loop system are designed under the mode-independent and mode-dependent switching logics, respectively. Simulation results for the hypersonic vehicle show the effectiveness of the proposed method and the advantages of the mode-dependent switching logic.