Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Continual retiming of traffic signals using big travel time data

With the advances of new sensor technologies and the prospect of crowd-sourced big location data, it has become feasible to obtain vehicle travel times on a large temporal and spatial scale. This study presents a novel method to make use of this new rich travel time data source to re-optimize traffic signals on a continual basis without requiring turning movement counts. In this method, the traffic state — degree of saturation is first estimated for each movement based on the observed travel time distribution and the signal control parameters are then optimized accordingly. This signal retiming method is evaluated under a wide range of simulated scenarios varying by penetration rates, measurement errors, vehicle arrival patterns, and traffic demand, showing comparable results to the typical traffic count-based approach.
Modeling and design of a micro wind energy system with a variable-speed wind turbine connected to a permanent magnet synchronous generator and a PWM rectifier

This work proposes a methodology to design a micro wind energy conversion system (μWECS) based on the steady state characteristics of the wind turbine, permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) and PWM rectifier. The aerodynamic control behavior is analyzed and included in the modeling procedure since it influences the system operation modes. The aerodynamic control limits the power at the generator axis in order to properly operate the system. This type of power limitation poses constraints to an optimized design of the WECS and is considered in the proposed methodology. The steady state and dynamic models of the employed wind turbine, PMSG and power converter are presented with a detailed systematic procedure to analyze the system. A complete WECS simulation model is presented and the obtained simulation results are used to validate the results.
How a Firm's Domestic Footprint and Domestic Environmental Uncertainties Jointly Shape Added Cultural Distances: The Roles of Resource Dependence and Headquarters Attention

Even though many firms conduct most of their business domestically, international management research has remained remarkably silent on the role of a firm's domestic footprint in its internationalization strategy. We shed light on that role by exploring how the size of a firm's domestic footprint influences the cultural distance that the firm adds to its country portfolio when expanding internationally. Integrating resource dependence theory and the attention‐based view, we hypothesize that a firm's domestic footprint has a negative relationship with added cultural distance (ACD), and that domestic policy uncertainty strengthens this relationship whereas domestic demand uncertainty weakens it. We find robust support for our hypotheses in a sample of the world's largest retailers covering the period 2000–07, indicating that a firm's domestic footprint and domestic environmental uncertainties jointly shape cross‐cultural expansion strategies. Our findings suggest that ACDs reflect headquarters executives' desire to avoid ineffective foreign expansions, hinting at possible biases in studies of the performance effects of distance.
Modeling early sexual initiation among young adolescents using quantum and continuous behavior change methods: implications for HIV prevention.

Behavioral research and prevention intervention science efforts have largely been based on hypotheses of linear or rational behavior change. Additional advances in the field may result from the integration of quantum behavior change and catastrophe models. Longitudinal data from a randomized trial for 1241 pre-adolescents 9-12 years old who self-described as virgin were analyzed. Data for 469 virgins in the control group were included for linear and cusp catastrophe models to describe sexual initiation; data for the rest in the intervention group were added for program effect assessment. Self-reported likelihood to have sex was positively associated with actual initiation of sex (OR = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.43-2.06, R² = 0.13). Receipt of a behavioral prevention intervention based on a cognitive model prevented 15.6% (33.0% vs. 48.6%, OR = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.24-1.11) of the participants from initiating sex among only those who reported 'very likely to have sex. ' The beta coefficients for the cubic term of the usp assessing three bifurcating variables (planning to have sex, intrinsic rewards from sex and self-efficacy for abstinence) were 0.0726, 0.1116 and 0.1069 respectively; R² varied from 0.49 to 0.54 (p < 0.001 for all). Although an intervention based on a model of continuous behavior change did produce a modest impact on sexual initiation, quantum change has contributed more than continuous change in describing sexual initiation among young adolescents, suggesting the need for quantum change and chaotic models to advance behavioral prevention of HIV/AIDS.
Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping-Based Microscopy of Magnetic Resonance Venography (QSM-mMRV) for In Vivo Morphologically and Functionally Assessing Cerebromicrovasculature in Rat Stroke Model

Abnormal cerebral oxygenation and vessel structure is a crucial feature of stroke. An imaging method with structural and functional information is necessary for diagnosis of stroke. This study applies QSM-mMRV (quantitative susceptibility mapping-based microscopic magnetic resonance venography) for noninvasively detecting small cerebral venous vessels in rat stroke model. First, susceptibility mapping is optimized and calculated from magnetic resonance (MR) phase images of a rat brain. Subsequently, QSM-mMRV is used to simultaneously provide information on microvascular architecture and venous oxygen saturation (SvO2), both of which can be used to evaluate the physiological and functional characteristics of microvascular changes for longitudinally monitoring and therapeutically evaluating a disease model. Morphologically, the quantification of vessel sizes using QSM-mMRV was 30% smaller than that of susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI), which eliminated the overestimation of conventional SWI. Functionally, QSM-mMRV estimated an average SvO2 ranging from 73% to 85% for healthy rats. Finally, we also applied QSM to monitor the revascularization of post-stroke vessels from 3 to 10 days after reperfusion. QSM estimations of SvO2 were comparable to those calculated using the pulse oximeter standard metric. We conclude that QSM-mMRV is useful for longitudinally monitoring blood oxygen and might become clinically useful for assessing cerebrovascular diseases.
Static blood flow autoregulation in the optic nerve head in normal and experimental glaucoma.

PURPOSE To characterize the static blood flow autoregulation in the optic nerve head (ONH), and to investigate its role in hemodynamic changes in experimental glaucoma (EG). METHODS Unilateral elevation of intraocular pressure (IOP) was induced in 15 adult rhesus macaques by laser treatment to the trabecular meshwork. Prior to and after laser treatment, retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT) was assessed, biweekly, by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. Optic nerve head static autoregulation was assessed by determining the percentage blood flow (BF) change after the IOP was acutely increased from 10 to 30, 40, or 50 mm Hg manometrically, utilizing a laser speckle flowgraphy device. RESULTS Postlaser IOP (measured during average 7.7 ± 2.6 months) was 20.2 ± 5.9 mm Hg in EG eyes and 12.3 ± 2.6 mm Hg in control eyes (P < 0.0001). Retinal nerve fiber layer thickness was reduced by 33 ± 22% of the baseline values (P < 0.001) on average in EG eyes and by 0.4 ± 2.3% in control eyes (P > 0.05). The ONH BF remained at a constant level within a range of ocular perfusion pressure (OPP), 41 mm Hg and above. The autoregulation curves, created by all 723 tests in control and 352 tests in EG, were not significantly different (P = 0.71). CONCLUSIONS Optic nerve head BF in normal nonhuman primate (NHP) eyes is effectively regulated within a range of OPP approximately 41 mm Hg and above. Chronic IOP elevation causes no remarkable change to the static autoregulation within the ONH of EG eyes.
Fast Converging ADMM-Penalized Algorithm for LDPC Decoding

The alternate direction method of multipliers (ADMM) approach has been recently considered for LDPC decoding. It has been approved to enhance the error rate performance compared with conventional message passing (MP) techniques in both the waterfall and error floor regions at the cost of a higher computation complexity. In this letter, a formulation of the ADMM decoding algorithm with modified computation scheduling is proposed. It increases the error correction performance of the decoding algorithm and reduces the average computation complexity of the decoding process thanks to a faster convergence. Simulation results show that this modified scheduling speeds up the decoding procedure with regards to the ADMM initial formulation while enhancing the error correction performance. This decoding speed-up is further improved when the proposed scheduling is teamed with a recent complexity reduction method detailed in Wei et al.IEEE Commun. Lett. , 2015.
Climate-smart land use requires local solutions, transdisciplinary research, policy coherence and transparency

ABSTRACT Successfully meeting the mitigation and adaptation targets of the Paris Climate Agreement (PA) will depend on strengthening the ties between forests and agriculture. Climate-smart land use can be achieved by integrating climate-smart agriculture (CSA) and REDD+. The focus on agriculture for food security within a changing climate, and on forests for climate change mitigation and adaptation, can be achieved simultaneously with a transformational change in the land-use sector. Striving for both independently will lead to competition for land, inefficiencies in monitoring and conflicting agendas. Practical solutions exist for specific contexts that can lead to increased agricultural output and forest protection. Landscape-level emissions accounting can be used to identify these practices. Transdisciplinary research agendas can identify and prioritize solutions and targets for integrated mitigation and adaptation interventions. Policy coherence must be achieved at a number of levels, from international to local, to avoid conflicting incentives. Transparency must lastly be integrated, through collaborative design of projects, and open data and methods. Climate-smart land use requires all these elements, and will increase the likelihood of successful REDD+ and CSA interventions. This will support the PA as well as other initiatives as part of the Sustainable Development Goals.
LC-VCO design automation tool for nanometer CMOS technology

In this paper a low-voltage LC voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) design automation tool has been presented. The tool is based on design methodology, which takes under consideration trade-offs between power consumption, phase noise and tuning range. NMOS only architecture is considered because of its capability to work with low supply voltages. One of the goals, while creating the tool, was to make it technology independent. This was achieved by creating SKILL scripts that allows fast configuration of design library for specified technology. Trade-offs between power consumption, phase noise and tuning range are analyzed and based on them design flow has been proposed. Finally two design examples in 90 and 130 nm CMOS technology have been presented.
Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) attenuates antibody binding in acute haemorrhagic immunopneumonitis in a rat model of complement‐dependent lung injury

Administration of rabbit anti‐rat lung serum (PNTS) to rats produces a fulminant haemorrhagic pneumonitis sensitive to the availability of complement. The present experiments were undertaken to assess whether a high dose of IVIG can affect the development of this kind of cytotoxic reaction. The experimental design included groups of Wistar rats pretreated intravenously with physiologic saline, IVIG or a preparation of human F(ab′)2 fragments. One hour later the animals were challenged with either saline or PNTS. At 30 min after challenge, blood was collected and the lungs were removed. Pulmonary damage was evaluated by light microscopy; C3 deposits and the binding of immunoglobulins to the alveolar septa were assayed by immunofluorescence. The serum complement activity of the classical and alternative pathways was estimated by a kinetic technique. Pretreatment with IVIG decreased binding of rabbit anti‐lung antibodies to alveolar septa and prevented the deposition of C3. These results indicate that pretreatment with IVIG inhibits the binding of the pathogenic antibody to lung tissue. Human IgG binding was not detected in any animal. The protection against lung injury afforded by pretreatment with IVIG, in contrast to the pneumotoxic effect of PNTS observed in control animals, was evident despite the administration of F(ab′)2 to the rats. Since pretreatment with F(ab′)2 failed to prevent the acute lung lesion, our results indicate that the attenuation afforded by IVIG in this model of complement‐dependent tissue injury seems to be related to the integrity of the IgG molecule.
Coarse Woody Debris as a Land Reclamation Amendment at an Oil Sands Mining Operation in Boreal Alberta, Canada

Coarse woody debris (CWD) is an important component of natural forests and is now being used in reclaiming oil sands land to control erosion, enhance diversity, and function as longer term storage of organic matter. However, the impact of woody debris on reclaimed ecosystems may vary depending on the amount applied and the soil it is applied to. We studied the impact on the plant community (including tree regeneration and understory plants) and soil properties of four levels of CWD cover (None, Low, Moderate, High) on two reclamation soils (forest floor-mineral mix and peat-mineral mix) and natural post-fire soils. Significant differences were observed among soil types in terms of the plant community and soil properties but fewer differences were attributable to CWD. However, overall native plant species’ diversity and abundance decreased with High CWD while cover of non-native species on the reclaimed soils greatly decreased with Low CWD. Natural seedling regeneration density of trembling aspen was unaffected by CWD on both reclamation soil types. The soil nutrient supply rates and soil moisture were significantly different among soil types but there were no differences among debris treatments while soil temperature decreased with CWD. Overall, a Low (up to 30% ground cover) woody debris application appears to be optimal for maintaining native plant species diversity and abundance while controlling undesirable plant species.
Speech-language pathology findings in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: a systematic literature review.

Purpose To systematically review the scientific production on the relationship between Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Speech-language Pathology and to methodologically analyze the observational studies on the theme. Research strategies Systematic review of the literature conducted at the databases Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System online (MEDLINE, USA), Literature of Latin America and the Caribbean Health Sciences (LILACS, Brazil) and Spanish Bibliographic Index of Health Sciences (IBECS, Spain) using the descriptors: "Language", "Language Development", "Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder", "ADHD" and "Auditory Perception". Selection criteria Articles published between 2008 and 2013. Inclusion criteria: full articles published in national and international journals from 2008 to 2013. Exclusion criteria: articles not focused on the speech-language pathology alterations present in the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Data analysis The articles were read in full and the data were extracted for characterization of methodology and content. Results The 23 articles found were separated according to two themes: Speech-language Pathology and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Conclusion The study of the scientific production revealed that the alterations most commonly discussed were reading disorders and that there are few reports on the relationship between auditory processing and these disorders, as well as on the role of the speech-language pathologist in the evaluation and treatment of children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
Clusters of chromosome 9 aberrations are associated with clinico‐pathologic subsets of non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma

In this study we analyzed nonrandom aberrations affecting chromosome 9 in a series of 426 consecutively ascertained, karyotypically abnormal non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) tumors derived from 407 patients. Cytogenetic abnormalities were correlated with clinical, histologic, and immunologic features. Structural abnormalities of chromosome 9 were identified in 60 specimens derived from 59 patients. The recurring abnormalities among these were associated with 4 clinico‐pathologic subsets. The first comprised 7 cases of t(9;14)(p13;q32), 6 of which had small lymphocytic lymphoma, plasmacytoid subtype, and an indolent clinical course. The second group included 12 cases with breaks at 9q11–13 and diffuse lymphomas with a large‐cell component and a typical response to combination chemotherapy. The third group was comprised of 7 cases with 9q deletions, with a common deleted region encompassing 9q31–32. These cases were characterized by diffuse B‐cell histology, young age, and poor clinical outcome. The fourth subset included 5 intermediate‐ to high‐grade T‐cell tumors with breaks at 9q34. This analysis of chromosome 9 aberrations in NHL comprises the first such effort based on a large series of tumors. We identify and report here new clinico‐pathologic subsets with shared abnormalities of chromosome 9, which should facilitate new approaches to the analysis of the etiology and clinical behavior of NHL. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Teaching Students to Apply Foundational Knowledge Through the Use of Vignettes

Abstract Students seeking degrees in recreation, park resources and leisure services (RPRLS) need to learn how to apply their foundational knowledge to address issues in professional practice. This paper describes the Vignette assignment, which is a conceptual paper that provides students the opportunity to develop complex thinking and advanced writing skills while demonstrating how they can apply theory to practice. Vignettes require students to explain what they do in their RPRLS specialization (e.g., recreation program design, program delivery, and program evaluation) and why they do it (i.e., provide a valid rationale). Theoretical bases, assignment instructions, teaching tips, a rubric, an example student paper, and learning outcomes are provided.
Can better capitalised banks be more profitable? An analysis of large French banking groups before and after the financial crisis

The article studies the effect of French banks’ capitalisation on their profitability. It contributes to the debate which has emerged, following the financial crisis, on the impact of the tightening of the regulation of capital (Basel III). Our econometric results show that over the period of 1993-2012, beyond the general trend of profitability which is weaker after the crisis, banks which increase their capital ratio more than the average improve their profitability, without it being possible to distinguish between voluntary increases and those imposed by regulation. All else being equal, a 100 basis point increase of the different capitalisation measures leads to a 3 to 10% increase in the average return on equity (ROE), depending on the measures considered, and to a 7 to 30% increase in the average return on assets (ROA). The positive impact of an increase of capitalisation on ROA is less significant when it is done by issuing shares.
Determinants of type and timing of initial permanent hemodialysis vascular access.

BACKGROUND We undertook a population-based study of hemodialysis (HD) patients to determine which factors are important in predicting the type of permanent access initially placed and if a functional permanent access is in place at the start of HD. METHODS Selected characteristics were abstracted from the United States Renal Data System (USRDS) Dialysis Morbidity and Mortality Study (DMMS) Wave 2. Logistic regression was used to estimate the independent contribution of specific characteristics in predicting whether the initial permanent access placed was an arteriovenous (AV) fistula compared with a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) graft, and in predicting whether permanent access (fistula or graft) was in place at the initiation of dialysis. RESULTS Sixty-seven percent of the patients had an AV graft placed as their first permanent access. Characteristics important in predicting if a fistula was initially placed included age (per decade; aOR = 0.84, P < 0.001), female gender (aOR = 0.52, P < 0.001), body mass index (per standard deviation; aOR = 0.70, P = 0.09), avoiding blood draws (aOR = 1.96, P < 0.001), ability to ambulate (aOR = 2.24, P = 0.008), underlying renal disease (glomerular compared with diabetes, aOR = 2.19, P = 0.009), college education (aOR = 1.72, P = 0.002), and sharing in decision making (aOR = 1.50, P = 0.02). Thirty-four percent of patients (34.4%) had functional permanent access at the start of HD. Characteristics important in predicting which patients had functional permanent access included serum albumin (per 1 mg/dL increase, aOR =1.55, P = 0.003), erythropoietin prior to starting HD (aOR = 1.79, P = 0.002), fewer predialysis nephrologist visits (aOR = 0.21, P < 0.001), and when the patient was told they had renal disease (aOR = 0.33, P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS PTFE grafts were the most common initial permanent access. The majority of patients did not have permanent access at the start of dialysis. Factors that are thought to compromise identification of adequate veins were important predictors of PTFE graft placement. Permanent access at the start of HD was largely a function of early patient education and early referral to a nephrologist.
Melissoidesin G, a diterpenoid purified from Isodon melissoides, induces leukemic‐cell apoptosis through induction of redox imbalance and exhibits synergy with other anticancer agents

Melissoidesin G (MOG) is a new diterpenoid purified from Isodon melissoides, a plant used in Chinese traditional medicine as antitumor and anti‐inflammatory agents. In our study, MOG was shown to specifically inhibit the growth of human leukemia cell lines and primary acute myeloid leukemia (AML) blasts via induction of apoptosis, with the evidence of mitochondrial ΔΨm loss, reactive oxygen species production, caspases activation and nuclear fragmentation. Furthermore, it was shown that thiol‐containing antioxidants completely blocked MOG‐induced mitochondrial ΔΨm loss and subsequent cell apoptosis, while the inhibition of apoptosis by benzyloxy‐carbonyl‐Val‐Ala‐Asp‐fluoromethylketone only partially attenuated mitochondrial ΔΨm loss, indicating that MOG‐induced redox imbalance is an early event upstream to mitochondrial ΔΨm loss and caspase‐3 activation. Consistently, it was found that MOG rapidly decreased the intracellular glutathione (GSH) content in a dose‐dependent manner and the significance of GSH depletion in MOG‐induced apoptosis was further supported by the protective effects of tert‐butylhydroquinone (tBHQ) and the facilitative effects of DL‐buthionine (S,R)‐sulfoximine (BSO). Furthermore, it was showed that GSH depletion induced by MOG rendered some leukemia cell lines more sensitive to arsenic trioxide (As2O3), doxorubicin or cisplatin. Additionally, the synergistic apoptotic effects of MOG with As2O3 were detected in HL‐60 and primary AML cells, but not in normal cells, suggesting the selective toxicity of their combination to the malignant cells. Together, we proposed that MOG alone or administered with other anticancer agents may provide a novel therapeutic strategy for leukemia. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.