Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Electrical-resistance-based Sensing of Impact Damage in Carbon Fiber Reinforced Cement-based Materials

Damage monitoring of the civil infrastructure is critically needed. This article provides the first report of impact damage self-sensing in cement-based materials. Cement mortar reinforced with short (5—7 mm) carbon fiber and in bulk or coating (5—10 mm thick) form is effective for sensing its own impact damage through DC/AC electrical resistance measurement, provided that the region of resistance measurement contains the point of impact. The mortar resistivity needs to be 104—105 Ω cm, as provided by pitch-based fiber (15 µm diameter, unsized) at 0.5% or 1.0% by mass of cement, or type A PAN-based fiber (7 µm diameter, desized) at 0.5%. Due to the low mortar resistivity of 103 Ω cm, pitch-based fiber at 1.5% and type B PAN-based fiber (7 µm diameter, unsized) at 0.5% are less effective. Without fiber, there is no sensing ability. The surface resistance of the surface receiving the impact is an effective indicator of the damage, even for minor damage without cracking, inflicted by impact at 880 J. The oblique or longitudinal volume resistance is much less effective. The surface resistance increases abruptly upon impact, but it decreases abruptly upon impact after 5—40 impacts (number decreasing with increasing impact energy) have been inflicted.
A behavior based algorithm to detect Spam bots

One of the main and serious threats on the Internet is Spam. Spam refers to the abuse of electronic messaging system by sending unrequested bulk messages randomly. Botnets are considered one of the main contributors to the sources of spam. Botnet refers to a group of software called bots. The function of these bots is to run on several compromised computers autonomously and automatically. Spamming causes illegal consuming of network resources in general and mail system in particular. The objective of this research is to detect the source of spam on the network by detecting the abnormal behaviors that reflect spamming activities. Behavioral-based Spam Detector (BSD) combines several behaviors of the spam bots at different stages including the behavior of spam preparation before the spam session when the spammers search for an open relay SMTP service to send e-mails through, and the behavior of spammers while connecting to the mail server. The proposed method monitors the network traffic for group malicious activities. The relationship between the host behaviors that trigger suspicion is used to find out if there are any Spam bots or Botnet members within the network. Detecting the abnormal behavior produced by the spam activities gives a high rate of suspicion on the existence of bots.
Backfilling with guarantees made as jobs arrive

In this paper, we present scheduling algorithms that simultaneously support guaranteed starting times and favor jobs with system‐desired traits. To achieve the first of these goals, our algorithms keep a profile with potential starting times for every unfinished job and never move these starting times later, just as in Conservative Backfilling. To achieve the second, they exploit previously unrecognized flexibility in the handling of holes opened in this profile when jobs finish early. We find that, with one choice of job selection function, our algorithms can consistently reduce average waiting time and average bounded slowdown relative to Conservative Backfilling while still providing a guaranteed start time to each job as it arrives. In fact, in most cases, the algorithms give better performance than the more aggressive Extensible Argonne Scheduling System (EASY) backfilling algorithm, which does not provide guaranteed start times. Alternately, with a different choice of job selection function, our algorithms can focus the benefit on the widest submitted jobs, the reason for the existence of parallel systems. In this case, these jobs experience significantly lower waiting times than Conservative Backfilling with minimal impact on other jobs. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Review of Alprazolam Withdrawal

A cumulative review of case reports in the literature describing withdrawal reactions secondary to alprazolam is presented. In four of eight reports, the primary withdrawal manifestations were grand mal seizures. One case was characterized by painful myoclonus. In the remaining three cases, the major complications consisted of rebound anxiety with psychotic features. Despite tapering of the daily dosage according to manufacturer guidelines, a withdrawal syndrome was precipitated in three of the cases. As a result of alprazolam's atypical pharmacodynamic profile, the issue is raised as to whether alprazolam is pharmacologically cross-tolerant with other benzodiazepines.
Beat-to-beat QT interval variability: novel evidence for repolarization lability in ischemic and nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is associated with a high incidence of malignant ventricular arrhythmias and sudden death. Abnormalities in repolarization of ventricular myocardium have been implicated in the development of these arrhythmias. Spatial heterogeneity in repolarization has been studied in DCM, but temporal fluctuations in repolarization in this setting have been largely ignored. We sought to test the hypothesis that beat-to-beat QT interval variability is increased in DCM patients compared with control subjects. METHODS AND RESULTS Eighty-three patients with ischemic and nonischemic DCM and 60 control subjects served as the study population. Beat-to-beat QT interval variability was measured by automated analysis on the basis of 256-second records of the surface ECG. A QT variability index (QTVI) was calculated for each subject as the logarithm of the ratio of normalized QT variance to heart rate variance. The coherence between heart rate and QT interval fluctuations was determined by spectral analysis. In patients, ejection fractions were assessed by echocardiography or ventriculography, and spatial QT dispersion was determined from the standard 12-lead ECG. DCM patients had greater QT variance than control subjects (60.4+/-63.1 versus 25.7+/-24.8 ms2, P<.0001) despite reduced heart rate variance (6.7+/-7.8 versus 10.5+/-10.4 bpm2, P=.01). The QTVI was higher in DCM patients than in control subjects, with a high degree of significance (-0.43+/-0.71 versus -1.29+/-0.51, P<10[-12]). QTVI did not correlate with ejection fraction or spatial QT dispersion but did depend on New York Heart Association functional class. QTVI did not differ between DCM patients with ischemic and those with nonischemic origin. Coherence between heart rate and QT interval fluctuations at physiological frequencies was lower in DCM patients compared with control subjects (0.28+/-0.14 versus 0.39+/-0.18, P<.0001). CONCLUSIONS DCM is associated with beat-to-beat fluctuations in QT interval that are larger than normal and uncoupled from variations in heart rate. QT interval variability increases with worsening functional class but is independent of ejection fraction. These data indicate that DCM leads to temporal lability in ventricular repolarization.
Probabilistic methods for point tracking and biological image analysis. (Méthodes probabiliste pour le suivi de points et l'analyse d'images biologiques)

The subject of this thesis is the problem of object tracking, that we approached using statistical methods. The first contribution of this work is the conception of a tracking algorithm of bacterial cells in a sequence of image, to recover their lineage; this work has led to the implementation of a software suite that is currently in use in a research laboratory. The second contribution is a theoretical study of the detection of trajectories in a cloud of points. We define a trajectory detector using the a-contrario statistical framework, which requires essentially no parameter to run. This detector yields remarkable results, and is in particular able to detect trajectories in sequences containing a large number of noise points, while keeping a very low number of false detections. We then study more specifically the correspondence problem between two point clouds, a problem often encountered for the detection of trajectories or the matching of stereographic images. We first introduce a theoretically optimal model for the point correspondence problem that makes it possible to study the performances of several classical algorithms in a variety of conditions. We then formulate a parameterless point correspondence algorithm using the a-contrario framework, that enables us to define a new trajectory tracking algorithm.
An equi‐model matheuristic for the multi‐depot ring star problem

In the multi‐depot ring star problem (MDRSP), a set of customers has to be connected to a set of given depots by ring stars. Such a ring star is a cycle graph, also called a ring, with some additional nodes assigned to its nodes by single star edges. Optional Steiner nodes can be used in the network as intermediate nodes on the rings. Depot dependent capacity limits apply to both, the number of customers in each ring star and the number of ring stars connected to a depot. The MDRSP asks for a network such that the sum of the edge costs is minimized. In this article, we present a matheuristic that iteratively refines a solution network in a locally exact fashion. In contrast to existing approaches, we define an equi‐model matheuristic. That is a refinement method in which the subproblems are modeled as smaller instances of the global problem. Hence the optimization model that is used to explore the various structural multi‐exchange neighborhoods in our algorithm is the MDRSP itself. A first class of neighborhoods considers local subnetworks for optimal improvements. Through an advanced modeling technique, we are able to refine arbitrary subnetworks of suitable size induced by simple node sets. A second class aims at globally restructuring the current network after the application of different contraction techniques. For both purposes, we develop an exact branch & cut algorithm for the MDRSP that efficiently solves the local optimization problems to optimality, if they are chosen reasonably in terms of size and complexity. The efficiency of the approach is shown by computational results improving known upper bounds for instance classes from the literature containing up to 1000 nodes. Ninety‐one percent of the known best objective values are improved up to 13% in competitive computational time. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 67(3), 222–237 2016
Skeletal and dental effects of Class III orthopaedic treatment: a systematic review and meta‐analysis

To summarise the skeletal, dental and soft tissue effects of orthopaedic treatment on growing skeletal class III patients compared with a concurrent untreated similar control group and to evaluate whether the design of the primary studies may affect the results. A literature search was performed up to the end of February 2016. No restrictions were applied concerning language and appliances. Once the quality score was assessed, a meta-analysis was performed for the appliances used in more than three studies. A moderator analysis for study design was performed. The level of evidence was evaluated by means of the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) tool. The search resulted in 21 papers. The quality of most of the studies was medium. Each study reported skeletal sagittal improvement and overjet correction. Fourteen studies reported a significant increase in lower facial height. Follow-up data showed slight relapses in about 15% of patients. Meta-analyses were performed for the facemask and chin cup. The two appliances were efficient for correcting the sagittal discrepancy, increasing the divergence. In the analysis for study design, the retrospective studies showed a more efficient appliance than RCTs for 6 of 13 variables. The level of evidence was between very low and moderate. There is very low to low evidence that orthopaedic treatment is effective in the correction of Class III skeletal discrepancies and moderate evidence for the correction of the overjet. A common side effect is mandibular clockwise rotation in older subjects.
Nationwide outcome registrations to improve quality of care in rectal surgery. An initiative of the European society of surgical oncology

In recent years there have been significant improvements in rectal cancer treatment. New surgical techniques as well as effective neoadjuvant treatment regimens have contributed to these improvements. Key is to spread these advances towards every rectal cancer patient and to ensure that not only patients who are treated within the framework of clinical trials may benefit from these advancements. Throughout Europe there have been interesting quality programmes that have proved to facilitate the spread of up to date knowledge and skills among medical professionals resulting in improved treatment outcome. Despite these laudable efforts there is still a wide variation in treatment outcome between countries, regions and institutions, which calls for a European audit on cancer treatment outcome. J. Surg. Oncol. 2009;99:491–496. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Analysis of the Protective Capacity of Three Streptococcus suis Proteins Induced under Divalent-Cation-Limited Conditions

ABSTRACT Streptococcus suis is a gram-positive pathogen that causes serious diseases in pigs and, in some cases, humans. Three genes of the virulent S. suis 89/1591 strain, encoding putative divalent-cation-binding lipoproteins, were isolated based on information obtained from the draft annotation files of this organism's genome. The products of these genes, which are inducible by divalent-cation deprivation, were subsequently purified, and their immunogenic and protective abilities were analyzed. All three proteins (SsuiDRAFT 0103, SsuiDRAFT 0174, and SsuiDRAFT 1237) were found to be immunogenic, but only one of them (SsuiDRAFT 0103) induced a significant protective response (87.5%, P = 0.01) against the same S. suis strain. Furthermore, the S. suis ssuiDRAFT 1240 gene (adcR), which encodes a predicted regulator of Zn2+ and/or Mn2+ uptake in streptococci, was cloned, and its protein product was purified. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays with purified S. suis AdcR protein showed experimentally, for the first time, that the AdcR DNA-binding sequence corresponds to the TTAACNRGTTAA motif. In addition, a requirement for either Zn2+ or Mn2+, but not Fe2+, to establish in vitro binding of AdcR to its target sequence and the ability of AdcR to bind the ssuiDRAFT 0103 and ssuiDRAFT 1237 gene promoters but not the promoter of the ssuiDRAFT 0174 gene were demonstrated. Taken together, these data suggest that SsuiDRAFT 0103 is a good candidate for vaccines against S. suis and support preliminary results indicating that bacterial envelope proteins involved in the uptake of divalent cations other than iron may be useful for protective purposes.
MIMO antennas with U-shaped ground and three protrued strips for WLAN applications

This paper proposes a monopole type MIMO antenna at WLAN band for dongle application. The MIMO antenna consists of two identical monopole antennas on both ends of an FR4 substrate and operates a frequency band at 2.45 GHz. The antenna is fabricated on an FR4 substrate of permittivity of 4.4, thickness of 1.6 mm, and loss tangent of 0.0245. The isolation mechanism is by cutting U-slot and introducing three isolation elements, which are extended from the ground plane; one is located on the center part of the antenna portion and two strips are located symmetrically at the edges of the U-shaped ground. The overall dimensions (25 × 50 mm2) of the proposed MIMO antenna including an antenna portion (14 × 25 mm2) and a system ground (25 × 36 mm2). The prototype is constructed and investigated. Form the design results, the measured S21 within WLAN 2.4GHz band is below -15 dB; the radiation patterns are with an omni-directional characteristic. In addition, the antenna with the simple structure and good performances is suitable for applying in WLAN system of small size.
A ripple control buck regulator with fixed output frequency

This paper presents a ripple control buck regulator for stepping down high-voltage adaptor or battery supplies to low-voltage CPU core supply in notebook computers. Methods and circuits are proposed to achieve fixed switching frequency operation. The control loop adjusts delay of the controller and thus controls the output frequency. This is done by using a phase-frequency detector (PFD) to lock the frequency of switching signal with the input clock. The delay value is determined automatically according to operating conditions. Simulation results showed fast load and line transient responses and fixed frequency operations in steady states. In addition, stability of the regulator is shown under a very low output-to-input voltage ratio condition that is difficult for conventional PWM controllers.
Exploring gravitational theories beyond Horndeski

We have recently proposed a new class of gravitational scalar-tensor theories free from Ostrogradski instabilities, in ref. [1]. As they generalize Horndeski theories, or “generalized” galileons, we call them G3. These theories possess a simple formulation when the time hypersurfaces are chosen to coincide with the uniform scalar field hypersurfaces. We confirm that they contain only three propagating degrees of freedom by presenting the details of the Hamiltonian formulation. We examine the coupling between these theories and matter. Moreover, we investigate how they transform under a disformal redefinition of the metric. Remarkably, these theories are preserved by disformal transformations that depend on the scalar field gradient, which also allow to map subfamilies of G3 into Horndeski theories.
Towards Valid Models and Simulations of Complex Systems . A Plant Ecology Case-Study

Complexity and complex systems have been intriguing research objectives since the discovery of the well known Aristotelian paradox: the whole is more than the sum of its parts. While defining complexity remains elusive and “emergent”, studying complex systems may be the only way towards further conceptual insights. However, current day techniques of modelling and simulating are not subject to principled methods of development, while their scientific scope is often insufficiently motivated. In addition, the way computer models are presented is often distilled into verbal descriptions that do not facilitate complete reimplementation. One way of addressing these limitations is to use rigorous software engineering methods, coupled with techniques that allow the construction of structured arguments of validity. This is not an easy task, as complex systems are through their definition decentralised and emergent. Bringing together the knowledge necessary to develop such principled methods is a first step towards their refinement. Here we review first the literature relevant to the domain of complex systems, focusing on techniques for engineering emergent properties and for validating computer simulations. We then introduce plant ecology, the domain of our case-study, together with the main types of modelling techniques that have been employed so far. Two protocols that may potentially contribute to the wider field of computer modelling and simulating, are also described. Preliminary results are available in the form of a published article on developing equivalence arguments for complex systems and the development of a large-scale, process-oriented simulation. While arguing about equivalence is a first step towards formulating arguments of validity, making use of the developed simulation will enable us to address scales that are closer to reality. In conclusion, this document reviews literature from complexity science, computer and software engineering, in an effort to structure the way towards valid computer models and simulations. We are in the initial phase of our research, but addressing hard matter subjects such as arguing validity are within reach.
Varicella-Zoster Virus Retains Major Histocompatibility Complex Class I Proteins in the Golgi Compartment of Infected Cells

ABSTRACT We sought to examine the effects of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection on the expression of major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC I) molecules by human fibroblasts and T lymphocytes. By flow cytometry, VZV infection reduced the cell surface expression of MHC I molecules on fibroblasts significantly, yet the expression of transferrin receptor was not affected. Importantly, when human fetal thymus/liver implants in SCID-hu mice were inoculated with VZV, cell surface MHC I expression was downregulated specifically on VZV-infected human CD3+ T lymphocytes, a prominent target that sustains VZV viremia. The stage in the MHC I assembly process that was disrupted by VZV in fibroblasts was examined in pulse-chase and immunoprecipitation experiments in the presence of endoglycosidase H. MHC I complexes continued to be assembled in VZV-infected cells and were not retained in the endoplasmic reticulum. In contrast, immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy showed that VZV infection resulted in an accumulation of MHC I molecules which colocalized to the Golgi compartment. Inhibition of late viral gene expression by treatment of infected fibroblasts with phosphonoacetic acid did not influence the modulation of MHC I expression, nor did transfection of cells with plasmids expressing immediate early viral proteins. However, cells transfected with a plasmid carrying the early geneORF66 did result in a significant downregulation of MHC I expression, suggesting that this gene encodes a protein with an immunomodulatory function. Thus, VZV downregulates MHC I expression by impairing the transport of MHC I molecules from the Golgi compartment to the cell surface; this effect may enable the virus to evade CD8+ T-cell immune recognition during VZV pathogenesis, including the critical phase of T-lymphocyte-associated viremia.
Embedding overlay information in images on four color displays

A method to embed overlay information such as captions and annotations in images is proposed. The overlay information is mixed and hidden in one of the color components on a display having redundant color representation capabilities. Normal viewers do not see the hidden information since other color components are adjusted such that a resulting image has the same combination of primary colors as the original one. The hidden information could be extracted by simple filtering and would be overlaid in images on proprietary viewer screens. In this paper we assume that the display has yellow pixels in addition to the normal RGB colors which we exclusively use to transmit the overlay information. We derive a formula for the color components to keep the overlay image invisible taking into account the nonlinearity of the display characteristics. The dynamic range of the overlay channel is limited by the image contents. We compute the channel capacity for some test images. We have conducted fundamental experiments where the monitor has been emulated by a normal three color display and have verified that the hidden information can be made almost invisible if nonlinearity of the display is properly compensated.