Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Extraction of rotation invariant signature based on fractal geometry

A new method of feature extraction with a rotation invariant property is presented. One of the main contributions of this study is that a rotation invariant signature of 2D contours is selected based on fractal theory. The rotation invariant signature is a measure of the fractal dimensions, which is rotation invariant based on a series of central projection transform (CPT) groups. As the CPT is applied to a 2D object, a unique contour is obtained. In the unfolding process, this contour is further spread into a central projection unfolded curve, which can be viewed as a periodic function due to the different orientations of the pattern. We consider the unfolded curves to be non-empty and bounded sets in IR/sup n/, and the central projection unfolded curves with respect to the box computing dimension are rotation invariant. Some experiments with positive results have been conducted. This approach is applicable to a wide range of areas such as image analysis, pattern recognition etc.
Phononic and phoxonic crystal slabs sensors

We study theoretically the potentiality of phononic and dual phononic-photonic (the so-called phoxonic) crystals for liquid sensing applications. We investigate the existence of well-defined features (peaks or dips) in the transmission spectra of acoustic and optical waves and evaluate their sensitivity to the sound velocity or refractive index of the liquid environment. Several geometries are considered that can be divided into two sets depending on the direction of propagation of the incident waves with respect to the phononic/photonic crystal, namely in-plane and out-of-plane propagation configurations. In the first configuration, we study the in-plane transmission through a two-dimensional (2D) crystal made of cylindrical holes in a Si substrate where one row of holes is filled with a liquid; possibly, the infiltrated holes may have a different radius than the normal holes. Another geometry we have studied consists of a periodic array of ridges on top of a thin Si membrane with incident waves parallel to the slab. In the out-of-plane configuration, we calculate the transmission between two solid substrates connected by a periodic array of pillars as well as the normally incident transmission upon a phoxonic crystal constituted by a periodic array of holes in a slab.
A Systematic Relationship Analysis for Modeling Information Domains

Many conceptual modeling and system design methodologies provide tools to help system designers to model the real world. No guidelines exist, however, for determining the relationships within conceptual domains or implementations. RNA (Relationship Navigation Analysis), based on a generic relationship taxonomy, provides a systematic way of identifying useful relationships in application domains. Developers can then implement each relationship as a link. Viewing an application domain from the relationship management point of view and modeling from a philosophy of maximum access provides a unique vantage point for application design. We present RNA and its generic relationship taxonomy, describing their use for system analysis. 1. Motivation When reengineering a legacy system for the World Wide Web or developing a new Web application, how does a systems developer determine what to link? A vital aspect of hypermedia system design is identifying relationships and implementing them as links [Fielding et al., 1998]. Yet, many relationships in applications—including analytic applications—are poorly identified or ignored in current hypermedia design methodologies [Isakowitz et al., 1995, Koufaris, 1998, Lange, 1994, Schwabe et al., 1996]. Furthermore, many Web applications do not take advantage of the major hypermedia features of the Web—linking, structural and navigational features. Few designers explicitly think about their applications' interrelationships and whether users should access and navigate them directly. This occurs for several reasons [Bieber and Vitali, 1997]. In part, existing applications demonstrate a rich link structure that could serve as examples for system developers. In part, few tools exist that help system developers to think of an application in terms of its relationships [Bieber, 1998a, Bieber, 1998b]. RNA (Relationship Navigation Analysis) was developed to solve these problems. RNA can be used as part of a systems analysis, either to thoroughly describe an existing system (or information domain) in terms of its relationships, or to understand a system being designed. RNA provides systems analysts with a systematic technique for determining the relationship structure of an application, helping them to discover all potentially useful relationships in application domains. These later may be implemented as links. RNA also helps determine appropriate navigational structures on top of these links. RNA enhances system developers' understanding of application domains by broadening and deepening their conceptual model of the domain. Developers can then
Eliciting the implicit: Metacognition in Alzheimer’s disease

Abstract The literature on metacognition in Alzheimer’s disease points to there being implicit and explicit routes to the control and monitoring of memory. For instance, despite not being able to make predictions of performance which reflect future behavior, people with Alzheimer’s disease can regulate effectively the amount of time they spend studying an item. Thus, empirical tasks from the metacognition literature shed some light on the idea of implicit awareness. But the complex pattern of preservation and impairment in metacognitive knowledge also points to other dimensions on which we need to consider patient awareness.
The Effect of Donor Leukocyte Infusion on Refractory Pure Red Blood Cell Aplasia after Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation in a Patient with Myelodysplastic Syndrome Developing from Kostmann Syndrome

We describe the clinical course of a patient who experienced refractory pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) after undergoing HLA-matched allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (allo-PBSCT) for refractory anemia with an excess of blasts in transformation that had evolved from Kostmann syndrome.The treatment for patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) or acute myeloid leukemia (AML) developing from Kostmann syndrome has not been standardized.We treated this patient with allo-PBSCT using a regimen combining high-dose cytosine arabinoside with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, in addition to total body irradiation and cyclophosphamide without preceding intensive chemotherapy. The donor was ABO incompatible. Myeloid and platelet recoveries were achieved rapidly. Erythroid engraftment was not evident, however, and the patient was given a diagnosis of PRCA. Regimen-related toxicity and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) were limited. The PRCA did not respond to various therapies, including the discontinuation of immunosuppressants for the induction of chronic GVHD, human recombinant erythropoietin, immunosuppressive treatment with steroids, cyclosporin A, and human anti-CD20 antibody (rituximab). The patient received transfusions 48 times until the resolution of his anemia by donor leukocyte infusion (DLI) at 25 months after PBSCT. He is now clinically well (performance status, 100%) with normal blood cell counts at 5 years after SCT. An in vitro study demonstrated that serum from the recipient blocked the differentiation of erythroid cells in the bone marrow. The results indicate that the conditioning regimen we describe seems safe and effective for those who have MDS/AML and that DLI might be a valuable approach for refractory PRCA after ABO-incompatible SCT. Int J Hematol. 2007;86:446-450. doi: 10.1532/IJH97.07111 © 2007 The Japanese Society of Hematology
Testing juntas [combinatorial property testing]

We show that a Boolean function over n Boolean variables can be tested for the property of depending on only k of them, using a number of queries that depends only on k and the approximation parameter /spl epsi/. We present two tests, both non-adaptive, that require a number of queries that is polynomial k and linear in /spl epsi//sup -1/. The first test is stronger in that it has a 1-sided error, while the second test has a more compact analysis. We also present an adaptive version and a 2-sided error version of the first test, that have a somewhat better query complexity than the other algorithms. We then provide a lower bound of /spl Omega//spl tilde/(/spl radic/ k) on the number of queries required for the non-adaptive testing of the above property; a lower bound of /spl Omega/(log(k + 1)) for adaptive algorithms naturally follows from this. In providing this we also prove a result about random walks on the group Z/sub 2//sup q/ that may be interesting in its own right. We show that for some t(q) = O/spl tilde/(q/sup 2/), the distributions of the random walk at times t and t + 2 are close to each other, independently of the step distribution of the walk. We also discuss related questions. In particular, when given in advance a known k junta function h, we show how to test a function f for the property of being identical to h up to a permutation of the variables, in a number of queries that is polynomial in k and /spl epsi/.
Enumerating Contingency Tables via Random Permanents

Given m positive integers R = (ri), n positive integers C = (cj) such that Σri = Σcj = N, and mn non-negative weights W=(wij), we consider the total weight T=T(R, C; W) of non-negative integer matrices D=(dij) with the row sums ri, column sums cj, and the weight of D equal to $\prod w_{ij}^{d_{ij}}$. For different choices of R, C, and W, the quantity T(R,C; W) specializes to the permanent of a matrix, the number of contingency tables with prescribed margins, and the number of integer feasible flows in a network. We present a randomized algorithm whose complexity is polynomial in N and which computes a number T′=T′(R,C;W) such that T′ ≤ T ≤ α(R,C)T′ where $\alpha(R,C) = \min \bigl\{\prod r_i! r_i^{-r_i}, \ \prod c_j! c_j^{-c_j} \bigr\} N^N/N! $. In many cases, ln T′ provides an asymptotically accurate estimate of ln T. The idea of the algorithm is to express T as the expectation of the permanent of an N × N random matrix with exponentially distributed entries and approximate the expectation by the integral T′ of an efficiently computable log-concave function on ℝmn.
Effects of Anthropogenic Events and Viral Persistence on Rodent Reservoirs of Hantavirus Infection: Understanding Host-Pathogen Interactions Facilitates Novel Approaches to Intervention Strategies

Hantaviruses are primarily rodent-borne pathogens which have received considerable attention recently due to their high mortality rates in humans. In order to find the causes of rapid transmission and emergence of hantavirus-associated diseases anthropogenic changes are a priority. These include deforestation, urbanization, noise pollution, light pollution and electromagnetic fields, all of which have been shown to profoundly affect rodent physiology and immunology. Moreover, anthropogenic events promote human-rodent co-habitation and thereby provide a driver to increase rates of transmission and, by extrapolation, levels of infection in humans. Such environmental disruption acts as a chronic stressor to rodents and causes elevated concentrations of glucocorticoids, which are a major class of immunosuppressive hormone. Glucocorticoids are responsible for altering the immune tolerance of rodents, thereby rendering them susceptible to infection. Glucocorticoids induce regulatory T lymphocytes to reduce inflammatory and antiviral responses and to activate regulatory responses, principally through production of the cytokines interleukin-10 and transforming growth factor-β to support viral persistence. In order to develop a low-cost intervention strategy for hantavirus infection consideration should be given to a systemic approach to therapy. This would both aim to achieve a reduction of anthropogenic stressors and to gain a greater understanding of host-pathogen interactions.
Measurement of the setting time and strength of concrete by the impact-echo method

Tests were performed to evaluate the feasibility of using the impactecho method to determine setting time and monitor strength development of concrete. In the impact-echo method, the test object is subjected to point impact and the surface displacement adjacent to the impact point is monitored. From the measured displacement waveform and the thickness of the object, the P-wave velocity is determined. Changes in the P-wave velocity with time reveal information about the development of mechanical properties . Setting time tests ware made on concrete mixtures of two water -cement ratios and with and without set-controlling admixtures. A strong correlation was found between the time of initial setting of mortars sieved from the concrete, as determined by penetration resistance (ASTM C 403), and the time when the P-wave velocity began to increase. Two approaches for using the impactecho method to define the setting time of concrete are presented. Tests were performed to examine the relationship between P-wave velocity, as determined by the impact-echo method, and the compressive strength of concrete. At early ages (up to about 3 days at standard temperature), the relationship was independent of curing temperature and water cement ratio. It is concluded that the impact-echo method is a promising technique for nondestructively monitoring the development of mechanical properties in concrete from initial setting to ages of several days.
Nitrate‐induced ethylene biosynthesis and the control of nodulation in alfalfa

We previously reported that inhibition of ethylene biosynthesis with aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG) eliminated the inhibitory effect of NO3 ‐ on nodulation of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L. cv. Aragon) plants grown aeroponically. In this work, the effect of Ag + , as an inhibitor of ethylene action, has been studied in plants growing aeroponically or in darkened tubes with vermiculite, and low-nitrate or high-nitrate solution. Vermiculite-grown plants developed up to 3 times as many nodules as did those growing aeroponically. Nodule formation was mirrored by dry-matter accumulation. High (10 mol m ‐3 ) NO3 ‐ applied from planting inhibited nodulation to an equal extent (c. 50%) in the two growth conditions. In contrast, Ag + treatment increased nodule formation at all NO3 ‐ concentrations assayed under the two growth conditions, with the stimulation being higher in plants grown aeroponically. Finally, no effect of Ag + (10 mmol m ‐3 ) on plant growth was observed in either of the growth conditions. The effectiveness of NO3 ‐ as a nodulation inhibitor and enhancer of ethylene biosynthesis in roots of alfalfa was also studied. Within 24 h after inoculation, 10 mol m ‐3 NO3 ‐ exerted most of its inhibitory effect on nodulation. At the same time, both 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) oxidase activity and ethylene evolution rates markedly increased in inoculated and uninoculated alfalfa roots treated with NO3 ‐ . Support for a role of endogenous ethylene in the control of nodule formation in legumes is discussed.
An Architecture for Content Routing Support in the Internet

The primary use of the Internet is content distribution -- the delivery of web pages, audio, and video to client applications -- yet the Internet was never architected for scalable content delivery. The result has been a proliferation of proprietary protocols and ad hoc mechanisms to meet growing content demand. In this paper, we describe a content routing design based on name-based routing as part of an explicit Internet content layer. We claim that this content routing is a natural extension of current Internet directory and routing systems, allows efficient content location, and can be implemented to scale with the Internet.
Culture Conditions Affect Expression of DUX4 in FSHD Myoblasts

Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is believed to be caused by aberrant expression of double homeobox 4 (DUX4) due to epigenetic changes of the D4Z4 region at chromosome 4q35. Detecting DUX4 is challenging due to its stochastic expression pattern and low transcription level. In this study, we examined different cDNA synthesis strategies and the sensitivity for DUX4 detection. In addition, we investigated the effects of dexamethasone and knockout serum replacement (KOSR) on DUX4 expression in culture. Our data showed that DUX4 was consistently detected in cDNA samples synthesized using Superscript III. The sensitivity of DUX4 detection was higher in the samples synthesized using oligo(dT) primers compared to random hexamers. Adding dexamethasone to the culture media significantly suppressed DUX4 expression in immortalized (1.3 fold, p < 0.01) and primary (4.7 fold, p < 0.01) FSHD myoblasts, respectively. Culture medium with KOSR increased DUX4 expression and the response is concentration dependent. The findings suggest that detection strategies and culture conditions should be carefully considered when studying DUX4 in cultured cells.
Hygrothermal effects on tensile and fracture properties of epoxy filled with inorganic fillers having different reactivity to water

Abstract The study investigated the effects of ageing on the tensile properties and fracture behaviour of an epoxy filled with inorganic fillers having different reactivity to water, such as fly ash, calcium carbonate (CaCO3), and Portland cement. CaCO3 is insoluble in water, whereas fly ash and cement are reactive to water; however, fly ash is less reactive than cement. The water absorption, tensile properties, and mode-I fracture toughness of the epoxy containing 7 wt% of filler were compared after ageing the composites in distilled water at 50 °C. Gravimetric analyses showed that compared to neat epoxy, CaCO3 slightly decreased the equilibrium water uptake of the filled epoxy, whereas fly ash and cement increased the equilibrium water uptake. Compared to the other fillers, the tensile strength of CaCO3-filled epoxy was inferior in both dry and wet conditions. However, in dry condition, the elastic modulus of CaCO3-filled epoxy was slightly higher. Overall, the fly ash-filled epoxy showed better tensile and fracture properties in both dry and wet conditions although it absorbed more water than the other fillers did. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that crack deflection played a dominant role in the toughening of filled epoxies in both dry and wet conditions.
Selecting the Transthoracic Defibrillation Shock Directional Vector Based on VF Amplitude Improves Shock Success

Introduction: Termination of ventricular fibrillation (VF) by a defibrillating shock is more likely to occur when the VF amplitude is larger. We hypothesized that a defibrillation shock would achieve higher success if the shock vector was oriented along the largest of the VF amplitudes measured simultaneously in 3 orthogonal ECG leads, and that this axis could be determined near‐instantaneously in real time.
Hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia: current views on genetics and mechanisms of disease

Hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterised by epistaxis, telangiectases, and multiorgan vascular dysplasia. The two major types of disease, HHT1 and HHT2, are caused by mutations in the ENG (endoglin) and ACVRL1 genes, respectively. The corresponding endoglin and ALK-1 proteins are specific endothelial receptors of the transforming growth factor β superfamily essential for maintaining vascular integrity. Many mutations have been identified in ENG and ACVRL1 genes and support the haploinsufficiency model for HHT. Two more genes have recently been implicated in HHT: MADH4 mutated in a combined syndrome of juvenile polyposis and HHT (JPHT), and an unidentified HHT3 gene linked to chromosome 5. Current knowledge on the genetics of HHT is summarised, including the pathways that link the genes responsible for HHT and the potential mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of the disease.
Augmenting home and office environments

In this panel, we describe different techniques and applications of augmenting home and office environments. One application of augmented environments is to provide additional information associated with the environment via visual and / or auditory cues. Other applications assist users hi controlling aspects of their environment. Commercial opportunities in home automation allow people to more easily operate complex systems for temperature control, security, and maintenance. There are numerous research issues in designing augmented environments such as how multimodal input and output can be used effectively. Many of these systems need to assume some knowledge of the user? s intent and context. How to capture and interpret information about users in these environments is an open question. We will describe these issues during this panel as well as discuss with the ASSETS community how these efforts can be applied to the realm of assistive technology.
Physical modelling of junction fabrication processes on FDSOI substrate for the 10 nm node and below

The junction fabrication involve numerous technological challenges as the devices shrink. To alleviate issues brought by the aggressive device scaling, Fully Depleted SOI substrates as well as strained silicon-germanium (SiGe) have been introduced in advanced nodes. They however require a highly-activated abrupt junction achievable with solid phase epitaxial regrowth (SPER) and a low thermal budget (500$^circ$C-5h). In this manuscript, the SPER of silicon, germanium and SiGe alloys is investigated using Kinetic Monte Carlo (KMC) and Molecular Dynamics (MD) methods. The KMC model of SPER uses an Arrhenius equation and distinguishes local configurations at the amorphous-crystalline interface to simulate the SPER rate dependence on substrate orientations. In MD simulations, the SPER rate on {111} orientations is found to heavily depends on the cell size, anneal temperature and time.The KMC model is furthermore refined to consider the effect of boron during SPER. Boron is known to create complexes in both amorphous and crystalline phases and increase the SPER rate. This increase however saturates at high boron concentrations. A defect reaction model handling the complexes has been conjoined to the SPER model to correctly simulate the SPER rate behaviour for all boron concentrations.In relaxed (100)SiGe alloys, the SPER activation energy possesses a maximum at 40% of Ge concentration. The KMC model introduces in addition to Si-Si and Ge-Ge bonds, the Si-Ge bond to correctly simulate alloy recrystallisation. The model is also used to hypothesise the rates on other orientations. MD simulations also confirm the activation energy behaviour in SiGe alloys.Finally, X-ray diffractions following in real-time the recrystallisation of strained SiGe alloys are performed with synchrotron radiations. The strain is lost in Ge-rich alloys. The strain relaxation can be related to the anneal temperature. The interface roughness could be the link between the strain relaxation and the temperature, as MD simulations exhibit an influence of the anneal temperature on the interface roughness and strain relaxing defects are associated to a rough interface.In summary, the SPER and its several dependencies are investigated in this manuscript with atomistic approaches. The drawn conclusions increase the current understanding of SPER, allowing a better optimisation of junction fabrication.