Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On the Benefits of Populations for Noisy Optimization

It is known that, in the absence of noise, no improvement in local performance can be gained from retaining candidate solutions other than the best one. Yet, it has been shown experimentally that, in the presence of noise, operating with a non-singular population of candidate solutions can have a marked and positive effect on the local performance of evolution strategies. So as to determine the reasons for the improved performance, we have studied the evolutionary dynamics of the (, )-ES in the presence of noise. Considering a simple, idealized environment, we have developed a moment-based approach that uses recent results involving concomitants of selected order statistics. This approach yields an intuitive explanation for the performance advantage of multi-parent strategies in the presence of noise. It is then shown that the idealized dynamic process considered does bear relevance to optimization problems in high-dimensional search spaces.
Face Recognition using Local Quantized Patterns

This paper proposes a novel face representation based on Local Quantized Patterns (LQP). LQP is a generalization of local pattern features that makes use of vector quantization and lookup table to let local pattern features have many more pixels and/or quantization levels without sacrificing simplicity and computational efficiency. Our new LQP face representation not only outperforms any other representation on challenging face datasets but performs equally well in the intensity space and orientation space (obtained by applying gradient or Gabor Filters) and hence is intrinsically robust to illumination variations. Extensive experiments on several challenging face recognition datasets (such as FERET and LFW) show that this representation gives state-of-the-art performance (improving the earlier state-of-the-art by around 3%) without requiring neither a metric learning stage nor a costly labelled training dataset, having the comparison of two faces being made by simply computing the Cosine similarity between their LQP representations in a projected space.
Interference suppression in MIMO systems for throughput enhancement and error reduction

This contribution analyzes the problem of multi-user interference suppression via estimation and subtraction. In particular it is shown that spatial diversity helps the suppression capability of a Base Station and this has an important impact on performance. By fact, we show that the best solution does not consist in transmit at maximum energy level but, in order to allow interference estimation and cancellation, a trade off has to be solved. So, interference suppression can give arise to performance improvements both for achieved throughput (that can be "enhanced") and for error probability (that can be reduced).
Rat model of perinatal hypoxic‐ischemic brain damage

To gain insights into the pathogenesis and management of perinatal hypoxic‐ischemic brain damage, the authors have used an immature rat model which they developed many years ago. The model entails ligation of one common carotid artery followed thereafter by systemic hypoxia. The insult produces permanent hypoxic‐ischemic brain damage limited to the cerebral hemisphere ipsilateral to the carotid artery occlusion. The mini‐review describes recently accomplished research pertaining to the use of the immature rat model, specifically, investigations involving energy metabolism, glucose transporter proteins, free radical injury, and seizures superimposed upon cerebral hypoxia‐ischemia. Future research will focus on molecular mechanisms of neuronal injury with a continuing focus on therapeutic strategies to prevent or minimize hypoxic‐ischemic brain damage. J. Neurosci. Res. 55:158–163, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
On c-supplemented maximal and minimal subgroups of Sylow subgroups of finite groups

This paper proves: Let F be a saturated formation containing U. Suppose that G is a group with a normal subgroup H such that G/H E F. (1) If all maximal subgroups of any Sylow subgroup of F*(H) are c-supplemented in G, then G E F: (2) If all minimal subgroups and all cyclic subgroups with order 4 of F*(H) are c-supplemented in G, then G E F.
Immunoproteomic Analysis of Proteins Expressed by Two Related Pathogens, Burkholderia multivorans and Burkholderia cenocepacia, during Human Infection

Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) is an opportunistic bacterial pathogen that causes chronic infections in people with cystic fibrosis (CF). It is a highly antibiotic resistant organism and Bcc infections are rarely cleared from patients, once they are colonized. The two most clinically relevant species within Bcc are Burkholderia cenocepacia and Burkholderia multivorans. The virulence of these pathogens has not been fully elucidated and the virulence proteins expressed during human infection have not been identified to date. Furthermore, given its antibiotic resistance, prevention of infection with a prophylactic vaccine may represent a better alternative than eradication of an existing infection. We have compared the immunoproteome of two strains each from these two species of Bcc, with the aim of identifying immunogenic proteins which are common to both species. Fourteen immunoreactive proteins were exclusive to both B. cenocepacia strains, while 15 were exclusive to B. multivorans. A total of 15 proteins were immunogenic across both species. DNA-directed RNA polymerase, GroEL, 38kDa porin and elongation factor-Tu were immunoreactive proteins expressed by all four strains examined. Many proteins which were immunoreactive in both species, warrant further investigations in order to aid in the elucidation of the mechanisms of pathogenesis of this difficult organism. In addition, identification of some of these could also allow the development of protective vaccines which may prevent colonisation.
Effect of Oxygen Limitation and Medium Composition on Escherichia coli Fermentation in Shake‐Flask Cultures

Shake‐flask cultures are widely used for screening of high producing strains. To select suitable strains for production scale, cultivation parameters should be applied that provide optimal growth conditions. A novel method of measuring respiratory activity in shake‐flask cultures was employed to analyze Escherichia coli fermentation under laboratory conditions. Our results suggest that the length of fermentation, choice of medium, and aeration do not normally satisfy the requirements for unlimited growth in shake flasks. Using glycerol rather than glucose as a carbon source greatly reduced the accumulation of overflow and fermentative metabolites when oxygen supply was unlimited. A rich buffered medium, Terrific Broth (TB), yielded 5 times more biomass compared to LB medium but also caused oxygen limitation in standard shake‐flask cultures at shaking frequencies below 400 rpm. These results were used to optimize the production of benzoylformate decarboxylase from Pseudomonas putida in E. coli SG13009, resulting in a 10‐fold increase in volumetric enzyme production. This example demonstrates how variation of medium composition and oxygen supply can be evaluated by the measurement of the respiratory activity. This can help to efficiently optimize screening conditions for E. coli.
Modeling Behavior and Variation for Crowd Animation

Abstract : The simulation of crowds of virtual characters is needed for applications such as films, games, and virtual reality environments. These simulations are difficult due to the large number of characters to be simulated and the requirement for synthesizing realistic human-like motion efficiently. This thesis focuses on two problems: how to search through and select motion clips of behaviors so that human-like motion can be generated for multiple characters interactively, and how to model and synthesize variation in motion data. Given a collection of blendable segmented motion clips derived from motion capture or keyframed animation, this thesis explores novel ways to apply heuristic search algorithms to generate goal-driven navigation motion for virtual humanlike characters. Motion clips are organized and interconnected through a behavior graph that encodes the possible actions of a character. A planning approach is used to search over these possible actions to efficiently generate motion. This technique works well for synthesizing animations of multiple characters navigating autonomously in large dynamic environments. In addition, this thesis introduces a novel planning approach based on precomputation that is more efficient than traditional forward search methods. We present a technique for precomputing large and diverse trees, and describe a backward search method used during runtime to solve planning queries. This new approach allows us to develop an interactive animation system that supports a large number of characters simultaneously. Finally, this thesis addresses the issue of motion variation. Current state-of-the art crowd simulations often use a few specific motion clips or repeated cycles of a particular motion to continuously animate multiple characters. The idea of synthesizing the subtle variations in motion data has been largely unexplored, as previous work considers variation to be an additive noise component. This thesis instead uses a data-driven appro
Attack Probability Based Deterministic Key Predistribution Mechanism for Non-Uniform Sensor Deployment

Secure communication is a challenging problem in wireless sensor networks. In this paper, we investigate an attack probability-based deterministic key predistribution method for non-uniform sensor deployment. First, we design a reasonable model for group-based deployment to estimate the attack probability of each deployment group. Second, our proposed model further considers the location of data sink to meet the practical situation. Third, based on this attack model, a deterministic key predistribution mechanism is presented for group-based deployment. The proposed method mainly aims at preserving the integrity of network so that the functionality of each sensor node can be used. To evaluate the proposed method, the issues of memory overhead, communication overhead, and the fraction of total communications compromised after adversaries launch node capture attacks are studied analytically and numerically.
Design of terrain adaptive versatile crawler vehicle HELIOS-VI

We are developing the "HELIOS" series, platforms for off-road vehicles and powered wheelchairs that are able to ascend and descend stairs. At present, we are developing an endless rotation locomotion type terrain adaptive vehicle "HELIOS-VI" that is propelled by 2 crawler belts. This vehicle has two continuously variable transmissions to change the velocity and direction of locomotion. The vehicle also has two active arms attached to the axis of the one drive pulley of the active crawler. One of the arms has two passive tires installed at its tip, and improves the vehicle's terrain adaptability in rough terrain; the other arm carries payload and adjusts payload posture. We introduced a structure that can change the posture of this load dynamically. This paper first outlines development process of the HELIOS series, and then discusses the configuration of terrain adaptive crawler vehicle HELIOS-VI and the design of its driving mechanism.
Oral antihyperglycemic therapy for type 2 diabetes mellitus

DIABETES MELLITUS IS A CHRONIC DISEASE that is growing in prevalence worldwide. Pharmacologic therapy is often necessary to achieve optimal glycemic control in the management of diabetes. Orally administered antihyperglycemic agents (OHAs) can be used either alone or in combination with other OHAs or insulin. The number of available OHAs has increased significantly in the last decade, which translates into more therapeutic options and complex decision-making for physicians. This review article is designed to help with these decisions. We review the mechanism of action, efficacy and side effects of the different classes of OHAs (α-glucosidase inhibitors, biguanides, insulin secretagogues, insulin sensitizers and intestinal lipase inhibitor) and discuss the current recommendations for their use.
Blind channel equalization with algebraic optimal step size

The constant modulus algorithm (CMA) is arguably the most widespread iterative method for blind equalization of digital communication channels. The present contribution studies a recently proposed technique aiming at avoiding the shortcomings of conventional gradient-descent implementations. This technique is based on the computation of the step size leading to the absolute minimum of the CM criterion along the search direction. For the CM as well as other equalization criteria, this optimal step size can be calculated algebraically at each iteration by finding the roots of a low-degree polynomial. After developing the resulting optimal step-size CMA (OS-CMA), the algorithm is compared to its conventional constant step-size counterpart and more recent alternative CM-based methods. The optimal step size seems to improve the conditioning of the equalization problem as in prewhitening (e.g., via a prior QR decomposition of the data matrix), although it becomes more costly for long equalizers. The additional exploitation of the i.i. d. assumption through prewhitening can further improve performance, an outcome that had not been clearly interpreted in former works.
Polyester "Shingosen" Fabrics Characterized by Dynamic Drape Coefficient with Swinging Motion

The static and dynamic drape behavior of polyester Shingosen fabrics is investigated using the new mechanical parameter of dynamic drapability, that is, the dynamic drape coefficient with swinging motion Dd. The Dd of the Peach Face fabric is small and that of the New Worsted fabric is large. On the other hand, there are almost no differences between each group of Shingosen fabrics in node numbers and conventional static drape coefficients. In classifying production characteristics, yam-processing fabrics show larger values of Dd than other fiber-production and fabric-finishing samples. In classifying fiber characteristics contractile fiber and ultra-fine fiber Shingosen fabrics show smaller values of Dd than irregular fiber fabrics.
Basilar Artery Diameter Is an Independent Predictor of Incident Cardiovascular Events

Objective—Basilar arterial (BA) dolichoectasia is associated with cerebral small-vessel disease and stroke. However, the association between moderate dilation of the BA and cerebral small-vessel disease or subsequent cardiovascular events remains unclear. This study aims to clarify the factors related to BA diameter and to clarify whether the BA diameter is an independent predictor of cardiovascular events. Approach and Results—The study subjects comprised 493 outpatients with atherosclerotic risk factors. BA diameter, lacunar infarct, severity of deep white matter hyperintensities, and intracranial steno-occlusive lesions were assessed with MRI and magnetic resonance angiography. Then, we prospectively evaluated the association between BA diameter and cardiovascular events. The BA diameter ranged from 1.1 to 5.2 mm, and only 0.8% of the patients had dolichoectasia. Male sex, the presence of lacunar infarcts, the severity of deep white matter hyperintensities, the fetal-type variation of the circle of Willis, and intracranial steno-occlusive lesions were independently associated with BA diameter. In the mean follow-up of 6.0 years, 91 patients developed cardiovascular events. BA diameter was independently associated with total cardiovascular events after adjusting for age, sex, and conventional risk factors (hazard ratio, 1.55 per 1 mm increase in BA diameter; P=0.009). Conclusions—Increased BA diameter within the normal range is related to both large-vessel disease and cerebral small-vessel disease, and it could be a new predictor of cardiovascular events.
Propagation of Blood Flow Pulse in the Normal Human Pulmonary Arterial System: ANALYSIS OF THE PULSATILE CAPILLARY FLOW

We studied a number of dynamic events associated with the pulsatile flow of blood in the pulmonary arterial system of six healthy men in the supine position. We used the nitrous oxide-body plethysmograph method to record the pulmonary capillary blood flow pulse and the phonocardiogram to determine the time of opening and closing of the pulmonary valve. The pattern of right ventricular ejection was modified by administration of atropine and isoproterenol and by exercise. The time of conduction of the flow pulse from the pulmonary valve to the lung capillaries averaged 120 msec. Acceleration of capillary blood during systole averaged 8.2 ml/sec/msec. The fraction of stroke volume which distended the pulmonary arterial system during systole averaged 67.2%. The peak flow rate averaged 186 ml/sec. Tachycardia resulted in a decrease in the fraction of the stroke volume stored in the arterial tree during systole. Isoproterenol and exercise resulted in an increase in average capillary blood acceleration. Conduction time is accounted for by pulmonary arterial distensibility, which also allows storage of the ejected blood during systole, which in turn helps to maintain continuity of blood flow in the capillaries. Despite these modifying effects of the pulmonary arterial system upon the flow wave, changes in the pattern of inflow pulse were detectable in the capillary flow pulse.
Erk 1 / 2 MAP kinases are required for epidermal G 2 / M progression

The Rockefeller University Press $30.00 J. Cell Biol. Vol. 185 No. 3 409–422 www.jcb. org/cgi/doi/10.1083/jcb.200804038 JCB 409 Correspondence to Paul A. Khavari: khavari@stanford.edu Abbreviations used in this paper: CA, constitutively active; Erk, extracellular signal-regulated kinase; GO, gene ontology; PI, propidium iodide; Mek, MAPK/ Erk kinase; Rsk, ribosomal S6 kinase; WT, wild type. Introduction
Clarification of the Antagonistic Effect of the Lipopeptides Produced by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens BPD1 against Pyricularia oryzae via In Situ MALDI-TOF IMS Analysis

This study tried to clarify the antagonistic effect of the lipopeptides secreted by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain BPD1 (Ba-BPD1) against Pyricularia oryzae Cavara (PO). To determine the major antifungal lipopeptides effective against PO, single and dual cultures were carried out in solid-state media. The matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization–time of flight imaging mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF IMS) was used to identify the most effective lipopeptide in situ. Meanwhile, the morphology of pathogen fungi treated with lipopeptides was observed via the SEM. Of the three lipopeptide families, surfactin, iturin, and fengycin, the last was identified as the most effective for inhibiting mycelium growth and conidial germination of PO. The conidia and hyphae of fengycin-treated PO were shown to become deformed and tumorous under exposure. This study provides insights into the antagonistic effect of Ba-BPD1 against fungal phytopathogens. Such insights are helpful in the development of reagents for biological control applications.
A Theoretical Lower Bound for Selection on the Expression Levels of Proteins

We use simple models of the costs and benefits of microbial gene expression to show that changing a protein’s expression away from its optimum by 2-fold should reduce fitness by at least 0.2·P, where P is the fraction the cell’s protein that the gene accounts for. As microbial genes are usually expressed at above 5 parts per million, and effective population sizes are likely to be above 106, this implies that 2-fold changes to gene expression levels are under strong selection, as Ne·s≫1, where Ne is the effective population size and s is the selection coefficient. Thus, most gene duplications should be selected against. On the other hand, we predict that for most genes, small changes in the expression will be effectively neutral.
Recurrent Coupling Improves Discrimination of Temporal Spike Patterns

Despite the ubiquitous presence of recurrent synaptic connections in sensory neuronal systems, their general functional purpose is not well understood. A recent conceptual advance has been achieved by theories of reservoir computing in which recurrent networks have been proposed to generate short-term memory as well as to improve neuronal representation of the sensory input for subsequent computations. Here, we present a numerical study on the distinct effects of inhibitory and excitatory recurrence in a canonical linear classification task. It is found that both types of coupling improve the ability to discriminate temporal spike patterns as compared to a purely feed-forward system, although in different ways. For a large class of inhibitory networks, the network’s performance is optimal as long as a fraction of roughly 50% of neurons per stimulus is active in the resulting population code. Thereby the contribution of inactive neurons to the neural code is found to be even more informative than that of the active neurons, generating an inherent robustness of classification performance against temporal jitter of the input spikes. Excitatory couplings are found to not only produce a short-term memory buffer but also to improve linear separability of the population patterns by evoking more irregular firing as compared to the purely inhibitory case. As the excitatory connectivity becomes more sparse, firing becomes more variable, and pattern separability improves. We argue that the proposed paradigm is particularly well-suited as a conceptual framework for processing of sensory information in the auditory pathway.
Unintended medication discrepancies at the time of hospital admission.

BACKGROUND Prior studies suggest that unintended medication discrepancies that represent errors are common at the time of hospital admission. These errors are particularly worthy of attention because they are not likely to be detected by computerized physician order entry systems. METHODS We prospectively studied patients reporting the use of at least 4 regular prescription medications who were admitted to general internal medicine clinical teaching units. The primary outcome was unintended discrepancies (errors) between the physicians' admission medication orders and a comprehensive medication history obtained through interview. We also evaluated the potential seriousness of these discrepancies. All discrepancies were reviewed with the medical team to determine if they were intentional or unintentional. All unintended discrepancies were rated for their potential to cause patient harm. RESULTS After screening 523 admissions, 151 patients were enrolled based on the inclusion criteria. Eighty-one patients (53.6%; 95% confidence interval, 45.7%-61.6%) had at least 1 unintended discrepancy. The most common error (46.4%) was omission of a regularly used medication. Most (61.4%) of the discrepancies were judged to have no potential to cause serious harm. However, 38.6% of the discrepancies had the potential to cause moderate to severe discomfort or clinical deterioration. CONCLUSIONS Medication errors at the time of hospital admission are common, and some have the potential to cause harm. Better methods of ensuring an accurate medication history at the time of hospital admission are needed.