Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Joint Block Structure Sparse Representation for Multi-Input–Multi-Output (MIMO) T–S Fuzzy System Identification

Takagi-Sugeno (T-S) fuzzy system identification provides a reasonable framework for modeling and approximation by decomposition of a nonlinear system into a collection of local linear models. In this paper, we extend the multidimensional output fuzzy rule from the corresponding single-output fuzzy rule with the important difference in the variable definition of output, namely the output of each fuzzy rule is represented by a multidimensional vector instead of a scalar value. In this case, the consequent of the fuzzy rule with the multidimensional output variable share a common antecedent part. Different from the traditional methods that separate the multi-input-multi-output fuzzy system into a group of multi-input-single-output fuzzy models, in this paper, we take into account the block structure information in the T-S fuzzy system and cast the problem of multidimensional output fuzzy model identification as a joint structure sparse optimization problem, where the consequent parameters are estimated with a common block structured sparsity pattern over all dimensions of the output variable. Furthermore, we exploit a joint block sparse orthogonal-match-pursuit algorithm to reduce the number of fuzzy rules in terms of all dimensions of the output variable and prove the sufficient conditions in consideration of the multidimensional output together with the block structure in the T-S fuzzy model. This method is efficient and shows good performance in well-known benchmark datasets and real-world problems.
Autonomic reactivity of children to separation and reunion with foster parents.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether foster children showed different autonomic nervous system activity on separation and reunion than control children. Autonomic nervous system activity in foster children was examined in relation to time in placement and disinhibited attachment. METHOD The sample included 60 foster and 50 control children between 2 and 7 years of age who participated with their caregivers in a modified Strange Situation. Heart rate, respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), and pre-ejection period were monitored continuously. Foster caregivers reported disinhibited symptoms on the Disturbances of Attachment Interview. RESULTS The Strange Situation elicited less RSA reactivity in foster children. Differences in RSA, heart rate, and pre-ejection period responses on the specific separation and reunion episodes were not significant. RSA responses on separation from the stranger and on reunion with the foster caregiver were partly explained by time in placement and disinhibited attachment. CONCLUSIONS Early experiences of relationship disruptions in foster children as well as short placements may have an impact on children's adaptation to environmental and relational challenges. Stable placement may facilitate adaptive affect regulation, except for children with disinhibited symptoms.
White Matter Lesions and Glial Activation in a Novel Mouse Model of Chronic Cerebral Hypoperfusion

Background and Purpose— Cerebrovascular white matter (WM) lesions are closely associated with cognitive impairment and gait disorders in the elderly. We have successfully established a mouse model of chronic cerebral hypoperfusion that may provide new strategies for the molecular analysis of cerebrovascular WM lesions. Methods— Adult C57Bl/6 male mice were subjected to bilateral common carotid artery stenosis (BCAS) using external microcoils with varying inner diameters from 0.16 to 0.22 mm. Cerebral blood flow (CBF) in the frontal cortices was measured by laser-Doppler flowmetry at 2 hours and at 1, 3, 7, 14, and 30 days after BCAS. The brains were then removed and examined at 30 days with histological stains and immunohistochemistry for markers of microglia and astroglia. Results— At 2 hours, the CBF values (ratio to the preoperative value) did not change in the 0.22 mm group but decreased significantly to 77.3±13.4% in the 0.20 mm group, 67.3±18.5% in the 0.18 mm group, and 51.4±11.5% in the 0.16 mm group. At day 1, the CBF began to recover in all groups but remained significantly lower until 14 days in comparison to the control group. In the 0.20 mm and 0.18 mm groups, WM lesions occurred after 14 days without any gray matter involvement. These lesions were the most intense in the corpus callosum adjacent to the lateral ventricle but were mild in the anterior commissure and optic tract. In contrast, 4 of 5 mice developed some gray matter changes in the 0.16 mm group. The proliferation of activated microglia and astroglia was observed in the WM beyond 3 days after BCAS. Conclusions— WM lesions were successfully induced after chronic cerebral hypoperfusion with relative preservation of the visual pathway. These features in this mouse model are appropriate for cognitive assessment and genetic analysis, and it may provide a powerful tool to understand the pathophysiology of WM lesions.
A Novel Approach to Improving the Efficiency of Storing and Accessing Small Files on Hadoop: A Case Study by PowerPoint Files

Hadoop distributed file system (HDFS) becomes a representative cloud storage platform, benefiting from its reliable, scalable and low-cost storage capability. HDFS has been utilized in BlueSky, one of the most prevalent e-Learning resource sharing systems in China, to store and share courseware majorly in the form of PowerPoint (PPT) files and video clips. Unfortunately, HDFS does not perform well for massive small files since huge numbers of small files imposed heavy burden on NameNode of HDFS, correlations between files were not considered for data placement, and no prefetching mechanism was provided to improve I/O performance. This paper introduces a novel approach to improve the efficiency of storing and accessing small files on HDFS. Characteristics of file correlations and access locality remaining among small files in the context of courseware are well considered for storing and accessing them. Firstly, all correlated small files of a PPT courseware are merged into a larger file to reduce the metadata burden on NameNode. Secondly, a two-level prefetching mechanism is introduced to improve the efficiency of accessing small files. The experimental results indicate that the proposed approach is able to effectively mitigate the load of NameNode and to improve the efficiency of storing and accessing massive small files on HDFS.
Precise Capacity Analysis in Binary Networks with Multiple Coding Level Inputs

We compute retrieval probabilities as a function of pattern age for networks with binary neurons and synapses updated with the simple Hebbian learning model studied in Amit and Fusi (1994). The analysis depends on choosing a neural threshold that enables patterns to stabilize in the neural dynamics. In contrast to most earlier work, where selective neurons for each pattern are drawn independently with fixed probability f, here we analyze the situation where f is drawn from some distribution on a range of coding levels. In order to set a workable threshold in this setting, it is necessary to introduce a simple inhibition in the neural dynamics whose magnitude depends on the total activity of the network. Proper choice of the threshold depends on the value of the covariances between the synapses for which we provide an explicit formula. Retrieval probabilities depend on the distribution of the fields induced by a learned pattern. We show that the field induced by the first learned pattern evolves as a Markov chain during subsequent learning epochs, leading to a recursive formula for the distribution. Alternatively, the distribution can be computed using a normal approximation, which involves the value of the synaptic covariances. Capacity is computed as the sum of the retrival probabilities over all ages. We show through simulation that the chosen threshold enables retrieval with asynchronous dynamics even in the presence of significant noise in the initial state of the pattern. The computed probabilities with both methods are shown to be very close to probabilities estimated from simulation. The analysis is extended to randomly connected networks.
Matricellular Protein CCN1 Promotes Regression of Liver Fibrosis through Induction of Cellular Senescence in Hepatic Myofibroblasts

ABSTRACT Liver fibrosis occurs as a wound-healing response to chronic hepatic injuries irrespective of the underlying etiology and may progress to life-threatening cirrhosis. Here we show that CCN1, a matricellular protein of the CCN (CYR61/CTGF/NOV) family, is accumulated in hepatocytes of human cirrhotic livers. CCN1 is not required for liver development or regeneration, since these processes are normal in mice with hepatocyte-specific Ccn1 deletion. However, Ccn1 expression is upregulated upon liver injuries and functions to inhibit liver fibrogenesis induced by either carbon tetrachloride intoxication or bile duct ligation and promote fibrosis regression. CCN1 acts by triggering cellular senescence in activated hepatic stellate cells and portal fibroblasts by engaging integrin α6β1 to induce reactive oxygen species accumulation through the RAC1-NADPH oxidase 1 enzyme complex, whereupon the senescent cells express an antifibrosis genetic program. Mice with hepatocyte-specific Ccn1 deletion suffer exacerbated fibrosis with a concomitant deficit in cellular senescence, whereas overexpression of hepatic Ccn1 reduces liver fibrosis with enhanced senescence. Furthermore, tail vein delivery of purified CCN1 protein accelerates fibrosis regression in mice with established fibrosis. These findings reveal a novel integrin-dependent mechanism of fibrosis resolution in chronic liver injury and identify the CCN1 signaling pathway as a potential target for therapeutic intervention.
Safe Task Planning Integrating Uncertainties and Local Maps Federations

This paper deals with the generation of safe tasks for displacement missions of a nonholonomic mobile robot in a mapped indoor environment. The goal of this study is to plan safe actions (path-following) as well as observations (we call it local maps federation [LMF]), leading the robot to configurations where pertinent features can be sensed, thus attaining best localization relative to its environment. A path-planning method dealing with uncertainties is proposed, where both uncertainties in localization and in control of a nonholonomic mobile robot are managed. Maps uncertainties are handled using the local map concept, which is introduced as a set of the best landmarks used for planning and executing robust motion movements. The safeness of the proposed method is due to the mixing between the planning phase and the navigation phase.
Binding of dynein intermediate chain 2 to paxillin controls focal adhesion dynamics and migration

Summary In migrating NRK cells, aPKCs control the dynamics of turnover of paxillin-containing focal adhesions (FA) determining migration rate. Using a proteomic approach (two-dimensional fluorescence difference gel electrophoresis), dynein intermediate chain 2 (dynein IC2) was identified as a protein that is phosphorylated inducibly during cell migration in a PKC-regulated manner. By gene silencing and co-immunoprecipitation studies, we show that dynein IC2 regulates the speed of cell migration through its interaction with paxillin. This interaction is controlled by serine 84 phosphorylation, which lies on the aPKC pathway. The evidence presented thus links aPKC control of migration to the dynein control of FA turnover through paxillin.
Indications for bone-anchored hearing AIDS: a functional outcomes study.

OBJECTIVE To assess the functional outcomes of patients previously fitted with a bone-anchored hearing aid (BAHA) for unilateral conductive (UC), unilateral mixed (UM), or sensorineural (single-sided deafness [SSD]) hearing loss and compare them with those of patients with bilateral conductive hearing loss (BCHL). STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional cohort study. SETTING The Institute for Reconstructive Sciences in Medicine (iRSM) at the Misercordia Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta. METHODS Fifty patients with multiple types of hearing loss participated in this study. Postoperative subjective evaluation was completed with the Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ) and the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit questionnaire (APHAB). Objective evaluation was completed with the Hearing in Noise Test (HINT). RESULTS The APHAB indicates that patients in all four groups find significant subjective improvement with their BAHA. SSQ data indicate that patients with BCHL and UCHL show a significantly higher preference for the sound quality of aided speech than patients with UMHL. Additionally, provision of a BAHA to patients with SSD does not allow them to subjectively localize sounds as well as it does the other groups. Significant improvements were found on the HINT in patients with BCHL, UCHL, and UMHL. There is no improvement in patients with SSD. CONCLUSION BCHL, UCHL, and UMHL patients, both subjectively and objectively, do well with unilateral BAHA placement. Patients with SSD note subjective improvement but cannot localize sounds. More patients with UMHL and UCHL should be considered viable BAHA candidates. Patients with SSD should be cautioned that they may not experience similar objective benefits.
Assessment Practices of Professional Psychologists: Results of a National Survey

Psychological assessment has been a defining area of practice, training, and research for professional psychologists since the field’s inception. We conducted the present survey of professional psychologists as a follow-up to surveys conducted by the American Psychological Association in the 1990s to describe (a) current psychological assessment practices and trends; (b) demographic factors and beliefs associated with assessment use; (c) barriers discouraging assessment use; and (d) factors that may encourage psychologists to make assessments a larger part of their practices. Our survey supports the common perception that, in general, assessment represents a smaller part of the practices of professional psychologists than before managed care; however, for psychologists in some specialty areas and settings (e.g., forensic psychology, inpatient settings), assessment represents a significant portion of their work. Moreover, the large majority of psychologists believe psychological assessment is a valuable aid in making diagnostic decisions and treatment recommendations. Many psychologists identify that greater coverage by third-party payers, as well as having access to less costly assessment instruments, would enable greater use of assessment.
Quantum capacitance and electrolyte screening effects in graphene biosensors

Ultra-sensitive detection of bio-chemical molecules is a topic of immense recent research interest. Accordingly, there has been several reports of detection of DNA and proteins using Graphene field effect transistors (GFET). In spite of these exciting results, surprisingly, the theoretical understanding of GFET biosensors is still not fully developed to the extent that new experiments could be designed and optimized. In this regard, here we provide an analytical model for the response of GFET biosensors by considering relevant aspects like kinetics of bio-molecule conjugation, the quantum capacitance of graphene and the electrolyte screening effects. Through this, we identify the functional dependence of the charge neutrality point or Dirac point of GFET on the various parameters like target molecule concentration, ionic charge density, etc. Our modeling results compare well with experimental data and are aimed towards providing a much needed predictive capability to the research on GFET biosensors.
Inhibition of HIV-1 Infection by Human α-Defensin-5, a Natural Antimicrobial Peptide Expressed in the Genital and Intestinal Mucosae

Background α-defensin-5 (HD5) is a key effector of the innate immune system with broad anti-bacterial and anti-viral activities. Specialized epithelial cells secrete HD5 in the genital and gastrointestinal mucosae, two anatomical sites that are critically involved in HIV-1 transmission and pathogenesis. We previously found that human neutrophil defensins (HNP)-1 and -2 inhibit HIV-1 entry by specific bilateral interaction both with the viral envelope and with its primary cellular receptor, CD4. Despite low amino acid identity, human defensin-5 (HD5) shares with HNPs a high degree of structural homology. Methodology/Principal Findings Here, we demonstrate that HD5 inhibits HIV-1 infection of primary CD4+ T lymphocytes at low micromolar concentration under serum-free and low-ionic-strength conditions similar to those occurring in mucosal fluids. Blockade of HIV-1 infection was observed with both primary and laboratory-adapted strains and was independent of the viral coreceptor-usage phenotype. Similar to HNPs, HD5 inhibits HIV-1 entry into the target cell by interfering with the reciprocal interaction between the external envelope glycoprotein, gp120, and CD4. At high concentrations, HD5 was also found to downmodulate expression of the CXCR4 coreceptor, but not of CCR5. Consistent with its broad spectrum of activity, antibody competition studies showed that HD5 binds to a region overlapping with the CD4- and coreceptor-binding sites of gp120, but not to the V3 loop region, which contains the major determinants of coreceptor-usage specificity. Conclusion/Significance These findings provide new insights into the first line of immune defense against HIV-1 at the mucosal level and open new perspectives for the development of preventive and therapeutic strategies.
Targeting of Beta Adrenergic Receptors Results in Therapeutic Efficacy against Models of Hemangioendothelioma and Angiosarcoma

Therapeutic targeting of the beta-adrenergic receptors has recently shown remarkable efficacy in the treatment of benign vascular tumors such as infantile hemangiomas. As infantile hemangiomas are reported to express high levels of beta adrenergic receptors, we examined the expression of these receptors on more aggressive vascular tumors such as hemangioendotheliomas and angiosarcomas, revealing beta 1, 2, and 3 receptors were indeed present and therefore aggressive vascular tumors may similarly show increased susceptibility to the inhibitory effects of beta blockade. Using a panel of hemangioendothelioma and angiosarcoma cell lines, we demonstrate that beta adrenergic inhibition blocks cell proliferation and induces apoptosis in a dose dependent manner. Beta blockade is selective for vascular tumor cells over normal endothelial cells and synergistically effective when combined with standard chemotherapeutic or cytotoxic agents. We demonstrate that inhibition of beta adrenergic signaling induces large scale changes in the global gene expression patterns of vascular tumors, including alterations in the expression of established cell cycle and apoptotic regulators. Using in vivo tumor models we demonstrate that beta blockade shows remarkable efficacy as a single agent in reducing the growth of angiosarcoma tumors. In summary, these experiments demonstrate the selective cytotoxicity and tumor suppressive ability of beta adrenergic inhibition on malignant vascular tumors and have laid the groundwork for a promising treatment of angiosarcomas in humans.
Safety of trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine in children aged 24 to 59 months in the vaccine safety datalink.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the safety of trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (TIV) in children aged 24 to 59 months and to evaluate the risk of medically attended events (MAEs) in a subcohort of children who had multiple annual doses of TIV over their lifetimes. DESIGN Self-controlled screening study. SETTING Seven US managed care organizations from October 1, 2002, to March 31, 2006. PARTICIPANTS Children aged 24 to 59 months who received at least 1 TIV dose (66 283 children and 91 692 TIV doses). EXPOSURE Vaccination with TIV. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Medically attended events in inpatient and emergency department settings in one of the following risk windows: 0 to 2, 1 to 14, or 1 to 42 days after vaccination. All MAEs that met the screening criteria of incidence rate ratios (IRRs) exceeding 1.0 and P ≤ . 05 or IRRs exceeding 2.0 and P < . 20 underwent medical record review. A secondary analysis examined the risk of MAEs in children who had multiple annual lifetime TIV doses. RESULTS Nine diagnoses met the screening criteria. After medical record review, gastrointestinal tract symptoms (IRR, 1.18; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10-1.25), gastrointestinal tract disorders (7.70; 1.11-53.52), and fever (1.71; 1.64-1.80) remained significantly associated with vaccination. None of the events seemed to be serious, and none had complications. In the secondary analysis, there was an apparent dose response for vaccine and allergic reactions in the 1- to 3-day risk window. CONCLUSIONS There was no evidence of serious MAEs following vaccination with TIV among children aged 24 to 59 months. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the risk of MAEs in children with multiple lifetime TIV doses.
University of Birmingham The understanding and interpretation of innovative technology-enabled multidimensional physical activity feedback in patients at risk of future chronic disease

Background Innovative physical activity monitoring technology can be used to depict rich visual feed-back that encompasses the various aspects of physical activity known to be important for health. However, it is unknown whether patients who are at risk of chronic disease would understand such sophisticated personalised feedback or whether they would find it useful and motivating. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether technology-enabled multidimensional physical activity graphics and visualisations are comprehensible and usable for patients at risk of chronic disease
Lay Theories of Networking: How Laypeople’s Beliefs About Networks Affect Their Attitudes Toward and Engagement in Instrumental Networking

There is growing evidence of a “knowing-doing gap” in networking: many people feel conflicted or ambivalent about engaging in instrumental networking, even while recognizing the importance of being well-connected. Here we turn to an important piece of the puzzle that has been undertheorized: laypeople’s beliefs about the nature of networks. Borrowing from the literature on lay theories in motivational psychology, we examine the effects of how laypeople construe different components of networks—individuals and their social intelligence, social relations, and social capital—as relatively fixed or malleable. We explain how each belief affects people’s attitudes toward both the utility and morality of networking, with consequences for their engagement in different forms of networking (searching for new ties, maintaining existing ties, and leveraging social capital). We also consider these beliefs’ downstream consequences for the size, diversity, and cohesiveness of networks people build. Overall, by examining.