Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Feasibility study of IEEE 802.11ad for Vehicle-to-X communication

This thesis studies the Physical Layer (PHY) of the new IEEE 802.11ad Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) standard and its feasibility for Vehicle-to-X (V2X) communication, which refers to vehicle-to-device communication and vehicle-to-infrastructure communication in this report. The current version of this standard was completed in 2012, and promises multi-gigabit throughput communication at short communication distances. It works in the unlicensed 60 GHz frequency band with much wider bandwidth. It employs higher order modulation schemes and supports Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) beamforming to improve the communication performance. To understand the feasibility as well as the practical limitation of this standard for V2X communication, the standard for certain applications is evaluated in terms of link range, data throughput, packet error rate and coverage capability. The link range and the performance of MIMO beamforming are investigated by the use of mathematical models and Matlab simulations. The practical communication performance on physical (PHY) layer and MAC layer is measured in a real vehicle with the help of 802.11ad evaluation kits (EVKs). The results show the possibility of the implementation of this standard for the V2X communication. Meanwhile, the test outcomes also reflect some practical challenges on the implementation of this standard, such as large path loss, effects of human body, weak reflection gain and so on. As a result, many further investigations are still required.
A multi-agent approach for scheduling jobs and maintenance operations in the flowshop sequencing problem

Many works refer to the scheduling problem of both preventive maintenance and production activities. Few works concern the dynamic scheduling problem of these two activities. This aspect is mainly concerned by corrective maintenance activities equipment failure and by condition-based maintenance degradation. Decision-making tools are very helpful to schedule these activities. In this regard, the proposed multi-agent system provides a cooperation medium for scheduling independent jobs and maintenance operations in the flowshop sequencing problem based on the sequential and integrated strategies. The objective is then to optimise an objective function which takes into account both maintenance and production criterion. It also provides a framework in order to react to the disturbances occurring in the workshop. Moreover, it introduces a dialogue between two communities of agents production and maintenance leading to a high level of cooperation. A comparison of the solutions yielded by the strategies developed in this paper with the heuristic solutions given by Taillard 1993 is undertaken with respect to the minimisation of performance loss after maintenance insertion. The main point is to show how the proposed multi-agent system is used to generate a joint production and maintenance schedule that provides a better compromise between the satisfactions of respective objectives of these two functions.
The use of psychotropic medication in patients with emotionally unstable personality disorder under the care of UK mental health services.

BACKGROUND Guideline recommendations for the pharmacologic treatment of personality disorder lack consensus, particularly for emotionally unstable personality disorder (EUPD), and there is limited information on current prescribing practice in the United Kingdom. OBJECTIVE To characterize the nature and quality of current prescribing practice for personality disorder across the United Kingdom, as part of a quality improvement program. METHOD A cross-sectional survey of self-selected psychiatric services providing care for adults with personality disorder (ICD-10 criteria) was conducted. Data were collected during May 2012. RESULTS Of 2,600 patients with a diagnosis of personality disorder, more than two-thirds (68%) had a diagnosis of EUPD. Almost all (92%) patients in the EUPD subgroup were prescribed psychotropic medication, most commonly an antidepressant or antipsychotic, principally for symptoms and behaviors that characterize EUPD, particularly affective dysregulation. Prescribing patterns were similar between those who had a diagnosed comorbid mental illness and those who had EUPD alone, but the latter group was less likely to have had their medication reviewed over the previous year, particularly with respect to tolerability (53% vs 43%). CONCLUSIONS The use of psychotropic medication in EUPD in the United Kingdom is largely outside the licensed indications. Whether the treatment target is identified as intrinsic symptoms of EUPD or comorbid mental illness may depend on the diagnostic threshold of individual clinicians. Compared with prescribing for EUPD where there is judged to be a comorbid mental illness, the use of off-label medication for EUPD alone is less systematically reviewed and monitored, so opportunities for learning may be lost. Treatment may be continued long term by default.
HLA Class I Allelic Sequence and Conformation Regulate Leukocyte Ig-Like Receptor Binding

Leukocyte Ig-like receptors (LILRs) are a family of innate immune receptors predominantly expressed by myeloid cells that can alter the Ag presentation properties of macrophages and dendritic cells. Several LILRs bind HLA class I. Altered LILR recognition due to HLA allelic variation could be a contributing factor in disease. We comprehensively assessed LILR binding to >90 HLA class I alleles. The inhibitory receptors LILRB1 and LILRB2 varied in their level of binding to different HLA alleles, correlating in some cases with specific amino acid motifs. LILRB2 displayed the weakest binding to HLA-B*2705, an allele genetically associated with several autoimmune conditions and delayed progression of HIV infection. We also assessed the effect of HLA class I conformation on LILR binding. LILRB1 exclusively bound folded β2-microglobulin–associated class I, whereas LILRB2 bound both folded and free H chain forms. In contrast, the activating receptor LILRA1 and the soluble LILRA3 protein displayed a preference for binding to HLA-C free H chain. To our knowledge, this is the first study to identify the ligand of LILRA3. These findings support the hypothesis that LILR-mediated detection of unfolded versus folded MHC modulates immune responses during infection or inflammation.
Physical models for predicting plasma nitrided Si-O-N gate dielectric properties from physical metrology

Using simple physical models, specific relationships between parameters measured by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and those measured on MOS transistors are described for silicon oxynitride gate dielectrics prepared by plasma nitridation. Correlations are established between the equivalent oxide thickness (EOT) and gate leakage current and the nitrogen anneal dose and physical thickness as measured by XPS. These correlations, from devices in the 10 to 13 /spl Aring/ EOT range, allow accurate estimates of electrical thickness and leakage without device fabrication, enabling both development and process monitoring for sub-130-nm node gate dielectrics.
Thyristor-Controlled Reactors Nonlinear and Linear Dynamic Analytical Models

This work presents the development of analytical models for thyristor-controlled reactors (TDRSS). A nonlinear model for the TCR was developed based on the use of generalized switching functions and from this model, a detailed linear model was derived. The linear model allows for the analysis and precise understanding of the behavior of the TCR under small disturbances both in the time and frequency domains, for frequency ranges up to some tens of Hertz. This model clearly shows that the TCR dynamics are operating point dependent. System parameter variations are also correctly considered in the model. With the proposed model, it is possible to design static var compensators (SVC) controllers in an integrated form, avoiding risks of instabilities and guaranteeing a good overall dynamic performance for the system. Validation of the models was done by comparing simulated results obtained with the proposed model with those obtained with a traditional electromagnetic transients program (EMTP).
Therapeutic potential of Takeda‐G‐protein‐receptor‐5 (TGR5) agonists. Hope or hype?

The gastrointestinal tract regulates glucose and energy metabolism, and there is increasing recognition that bile acids function as key signalling molecules in these processes. For example, bile acid changes that occur after bariatric surgery have been implicated in the effects on satiety, lipid and cholesterol regulation, glucose and energy metabolism, and the gut microbiome. In recent years, Takeda‐G‐protein‐receptor‐5 (TGR5), a bile acid receptor found in widely dispersed tissues, has been the target of significant drug discovery efforts in the hope of identifying effective treatments for metabolic diseases including type 2 diabetes, obesity, atherosclerosis, fatty liver disease and cancer. Although the benefits of targeting the TGR5 receptor are potentially great, drug development work to date has identified risks that include histopathological changes, tumorigenesis, gender differences, and questions about the translation of animal data to humans. The present article reviews the noteworthy challenges that must be addressed along the path of development of a safe and effective TGR5 agonist therapy.
Adenovirus type 40 and 41 growth in vitro: host range diversity reflected by differences in patterns of DNA replication

Subgroup F adenoviruses adapt poorly to cell culture, but the reasons for their fastidious nature are as yet ill defined. In an attempt to gain an overview of the differences in replication between adenovirus type 2 (Ad2) and representative strains of Ad40 and Ad41, cell lines which show different degrees of permissiveness to Ad40 and Ad41 were infected and examined with respect to three key functions in the Ad2 life cycle: host protein shutoff, DNA synthesis, and late antigen synthesis. The complexity of growth patterns exhibited by the subgroup F adenoviruses suggests that defectiveness is a multifactorial phenomenon not easily explainable by a single aberrant function. Furthermore, results suggest that there may be replicative defects in subgroup F adenoviruses which are not shared by both serotypes or by all strains.
An Integer Linear Programming Approach for the Analysis of DTM Strategies

As the number of cores in multicore processors and their operating frequency continue to grow, processor power consumption increases and leads to an escalation in chip temperatures. This escalation causes today’s multicore processors’ performance to be limited by chip thermal constraints rather than process technology or circuit design. As a result, Dynamic Thermal Management (DTM) has an increasingly significant role in the design of new microprocessors. We propose a new way to design and quantitatively analyze DTM strategies. Using Integer Linear Programming, we compute optimal offline DTM strategies that achieve maximal performance and meet thermal constraints. By analyzing the optimal strategies, we are able to calculate the upper bound on DTM performance, to identify optimal strategy patterns and to compare the thermal limitations of several microprocessor layout designs. We employ offline Optimal DTM analysis on the case of Multicore Task Scheduling DTM. We find that this analysis suggests that a layout of many small cores is more thermally efficient than a layout of several large cores. The analysis further suggests specific task scheduling algorithm guidelines that maximize performance under thermal constraints. In addition, we compute and analyze the optimal multicore task scheduling strategies for DVS/DFS-based mechanism and Stop&Go DTMs —————————— ——————————
Costs and cost-effectiveness of four treatment regimens for latent tuberculosis infection.

RATIONALE Isoniazid given daily for 9 months is the standard treatment for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI), but its effectiveness is limited by poor completion rates. Shorter course regimens and regimens using directly observed therapy result in improved adherence but have higher upfront costs. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the costs and cost-effectiveness of regimens for the treatment of LTBI. METHODS We used a computerized Markov model to estimate total societal costs and benefits associated with four regimens for the treatment of LTBI: self-administered isoniazid daily for 9 months, directly observed isoniazid twice-weekly for 9 months, directly observed isoniazid plus rifapentine once weekly for 3 months, and self-administered rifampin daily for 4 months. In the base-case analysis, subjects were assumed to have newly positive tuberculin skin tests after recent exposure to infectious tuberculosis. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS We determined the costs of treatment, quality-adjusted life-years gained, and cases of active tuberculosis prevented. In the base-case analysis, rifampin dominated (less costly with increased benefits) all other regimens except isoniazid plus rifapentine, which was more effective at a cost $48,997 per quality-adjusted life year gained. Isoniazid plus rifapentine dominated all regimens at a relative risk of disease 5.2 times the baseline estimate, or with completion rates less than 34% for isoniazid or 37% for rifampin. Rifampin could be 17% less efficacious than self-administered isoniazid and still be cost-saving compared with this regimen. CONCLUSIONS In our model, rifampin is cost-saving compared with the standard therapy of self-administered isoniazid. Isoniazid plus rifapentine is cost-saving for extremely high-risk patients and is cost-effective for lower-risk patients.
The Role of Desmin and N-Cadherin in Effusion Cytology: A Comparative Study Using Established Markers of Mesothelial and Epithelial Cells

The objective of the present study was to analyze the role of the mesothelial markers desmin and N-cadherin in the diagnostic panel of serous effusions. A total of 181 pleural and peritoneal effusions consisted of 101 cases cytologically diagnosed as malignant (89 carcinomas, 12 mesotheliomas), 78 benign, and 2 inconclusive specimens. All specimens were immunostained using 11 antibodies, against epithelial membrane antigen, Ber-EP4, carcinoembryonic antigen, E-cadherin, CA 125, N-cadherin, desmin, calretinin, p53, vimentin, and CD45. After evaluation of immunocytochemistry results, 110 specimens were diagnosed as malignant (98 carcinomas, 12 mesotheliomas) and 71 as benign (56 cellular, 15 paucicellular). The presence of desmin was detected in benign mesothelial cells in 47 of 56 (84%) reactive cellular specimens compared with 1 of 12 (8%) malignant mesotheliomas and 2 of 98 (2%) carcinomas. N-cadherin was expressed in 48 of 56 (86%) reactive cases, 12 of 12 (100%) mesotheliomas, and 47 of 98 (48%) carcinomas. In carcinomas, N-cadherin expression was most often seen in ovarian carcinoma but was also found in other carcinomas. Calretinin, an established marker of mesothelial cells, was detected in 52 of 56 (93%) reactive specimens, 11 of 12 (93%) mesotheliomas, and 3 of 98 (3%) carcinomas. Evaluation of staining results led to reclassification of six malignant specimens as benign, whereas 17 cases diagnosed as benign and the two diagnosed as inconclusive were classified as malignant. In conclusion, desmin appears to be a promising marker for the distinction between reactive mesothelium and malignant epithelial cells in terms of both specificity and sensitivity, and its complementary use with calretinin is recommended. Unlike calretinin, it may also prove valuable for the distinction between benign and malignant mesothelial cells. N-cadherin does not have a role in the distinction between mesothelial and epithelial cells. However, it may prove useful in the characterization of carcinomas of unknown origin. As has previously been shown, a significant number of diagnoses that are based on morphologic examination alone are modified after the use of a broad antibody panel.
Identification of an Aminothiazole with Antifungal Activity against Intracellular Histoplasma capsulatum

ABSTRACT As eukaryotes, fungi possess relatively few molecules sufficiently unique from mammalian cell components to be used as drug targets. Consequently, most current antifungals have significant host cell toxicity. Primary fungal pathogens (e.g., Histoplasma) are of particular concern, as few antifungals are effective in treating them. To identify additional antifungal candidates for the treatment of histoplasmosis, we developed a high-throughput platform for monitoring Histoplasma growth and employed it in a phenotypic screen of 3,600 commercially available compounds. Seven hit compounds that inhibited Histoplasma yeast growth were identified. Compound 41F5 has fungistatic activity against Histoplasma yeast at micromolar concentrations, with a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 0.87 μM, and has the greatest selectivity for yeast (at least 62-fold) relative to host cells. Structurally, 41F5 consists of an aminothiazole core with an alicyclic substituent at the 2-position and an aromatic substituent at the 5-position. 41F5 inhibits Histoplasma growth in liquid culture and similarly inhibits yeast cells within macrophages, the actual host environment of this fungal pathogen during infection. Importantly, 41F5 protects infected host cells from Histoplasma-induced macrophage death, making this aminothiazole hit compound an excellent candidate for development as an antifungal for Histoplasma infections.
Prognostic value of non-invasive stress testing for coronary artery disease in obese patients

Detecting coronary artery disease (CAD) in obese patients remains a challenge but can have substantial prognostic implications for this patient group. Until now, sufficient data was not available on which to base the selection of the imaging modality in obese patients. The decision on which imaging modality to use should therefore follow the general guidelines. In this article, the authors discuss the prognostic value of the different non-invasive stress testing methods for CAD in obese patients.
Synchronization of first-order time-delay systems generating n-scroll chaotic attractors

In this paper, synchronization of two n-scroll chaotic attractor systems, which are obtained from first-order time-delay differential equations, is presented. Synchronization between different state variables is observed with different types of coupling configuration. Among them there is also one special kind of synchronization, which is called "anticipating synchronization". Experimental results are included.
Model for the formation of a microscopic Turing structure: The facetting of Pt(110) during catalytic oxidation of CO.

A Monte Carlo simulation of the formation of regular facet patterns during catalytic oxidation of CO on Pt(110) has been conducted. The simulation was based on the elementary stepsof the surface reaction, the CO-induced 1×1⇄1×2 phase transition, and the enhancement of O 2 adsorption at step sites. The model can reproduce the formation of sawtoothlike facet patterns with a spacing of ∼100 to 200 A. The facets represent a Turing structure caused by the coupling of kinetic instabilities with the mass transport of Pt atoms
[Characteristics and related factors of illness perception in Chinese cancer patients].

OBJECTIVE To investigate the illness perception of cancer patients as well as the difference of illness perception between cancer patients and diabetics so as to help them to derive meaning from illness experiences and facilitate posttraumatic growth. METHODS A sample of 210 Chinese cancer patients and 71 diabetics was recruited from the same hospital and CIPQ-R completed. RESULTS Cancer patients had higher consequences [F (1, 275) = 23.32, P < 0.001(2) = 0.08] and emotional representation [F (1, 275) = 25.95, P < 0.001(2) = 0.09]; as well as less perceived controls over illness as compared with diabetics. Among the cancer patients, those with a better understanding about the meaning of illness tended to report more positive changes. CONCLUSION Illness perception is one of the important cognitive components affecting posttraumatic growth of cancer patients. Helping patients to derive meaning from their illness experiences facilitates the posttraumatic growth after cancer diagnosis.
Regulation of cuticle pigmentation in drosophila by the nutrient sensing insulin and TOR signaling pathways

Background: Insect pigmentation is a phenotypically plastic trait that plays a role in thermoregulation, desiccation tolerance, mimicry, and sexual selection. The extent and pattern of pigmentation of the abdomen and thorax in Drosophila melanogaster is affected by environmental factors such a growth temperature and access to the substrates necessary for melanin biosynthesis. This study aimed to determine the effect of nutritional status during development on adult pigmentation and test whether nutrient sensing through the Insulin/IGF and target of rapamycin (TOR) pathways regulates the melanization of adult cuticle in Drosophila. Results: Flies reared on low quality food exhibit decreased pigmentation, which can be phenocopied by inhibiting expression of the Insulin receptor (InR) throughout the entire fly during mid to late pupation. The loss of Insulin signaling through PI3K/Akt and FOXO in the epidermis underlying the developing adult cuticle causes a similar decrease in adult pigmentation, suggesting that Insulin signaling acts in a cell autonomous manner to regulate cuticle melanization. In addition, TOR signaling increases pigmentation in a cell autonomous manner, most likely through increased S6K activity. Conclusion: These results suggest that nutrient sensing through the Insulin/IGF and TOR pathways couples cuticle pigmentation of both male and female Drosophila with their nutritional status during metamorphosis. Developmental Dynamics 243:393–401, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Capacity Constraints and the Opening of New Hedge Funds

In this paper we propose that hedge funds’ capacity constraints may play a significant role on the decision of fund families to open a new hedge fund. We argue that hedge fund families face diseconomies of scale because of the non-scalability of their investment strategies and, as their existing funds approach critical size, they prefer opening new hedge funds rather than allowing their existing funds to grow. Our empirical analysis shows that fund families’ propensity to open new funds increases with the degree of capacity constraints faced by the existing funds of the families. We find that fund families' strategy of starting new hedge funds is correlated with a decrease in fund flows to their existing funds, and that the introduction of new funds leads to an improvement in the performance of the existing funds within the same family.
MoVi: models visualization for mastering complexity in model driven engineering

Model Driven Engineering (MDE) is a good candidate for scaling up complex systems thanks to the principle of separation of concerns. In HCI, models describe the UI at different levels of abstraction and are matched to each other with a variety of relationships. However, MDE puts HCI designers in front of a new problem which is mastering the complexity of many and possibly huge models. Parallel to this evolution, "Big Data" is an important research trend. It brings new perspectives to deal with "Big Models". The paper presents MoVi (Model Visualization), an interactive environment that bridges the gap between these two trends by processing models as data.