Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Salient Features of Haptic Based Guidance of People with Limited Vision Using Hard Reins

—This paper presents salient features of human-human interaction where one person with limited auditory and visual perception of the environment (a follower) is guided by an agent with full perceptual capabilities (a guider) via a hard rein along a given path. We investigate several salient features of the interaction between the guider and the follower such as a) the order of an autoregressive control policy that maps states of the follower to actions of the guider, b) how the guider may modulate the pulling force in response to the conﬁdence level of the follower, and c) how learning may successively apportion the responsibility of control across different muscles of the guider. Based on experimental systems identiﬁcation on human demonstrations from ten pairs of naive subjects, we show that guiders tend to adopt a 3 rd order auto-regressive predictive control policy and followers tend to adopt 2 nd order reactive control policy. Moreover, the extracted guider’s control policy was implemented and validated by human-robot interaction experiments. By modeling the follower’s dynamics with a time varying virtual damped inertial system, we found that it is the coefﬁcient of virtual damping which is most sensitive to the conﬁdence level of the follower. We used these experimental insights to derive a novel controller that integrates an optimal order control policy with a push/pull force modulator in response to the conﬁdence level of the follower monitored using a time varying virtual damped inertial model.
Secretoneurin A Directly Regulates the Proteome of Goldfish Radial Glial Cells In Vitro

Radial glial cells (RGCs) are the main macroglia in the teleost brain and have established roles in neurogenesis and neurosteroidogenesis. They are the only brain cell type expressing aromatase B (cyp19a1b), the enzyme that synthesizes estrogens from androgen precursors. There are few studies on the regulation of RGC functions, but our previous investigations demonstrated that dopamine stimulates cyp19a1b expression in goldfish RGCs, while secretoneurin A (SNa) inhibits the expression of this enzyme. Here, we determine the range of proteins and cellular processes responsive to SNa treatments in these steroidogenic cells. The focus here is on SNa, because this peptide is derived from selective processing of secretogranin II in magnocellular cells embedded within the RGC-rich preoptic nucleus. Primary cultures of RGCs were treated (24 h) with 10, 100, or 1,000 nM SNa. By using isobaric tagging for relative and absolute quantitation and a Hybrid Quadrupole Obritrap Mass Spectrometry system, a total of 1,363 unique proteins were identified in RGCs, and 609 proteins were significantly regulated by SNa at one or more concentrations. Proteins that showed differential expression with all three concentrations of SNa included H1 histone, glutamyl-prolyl-tRNA synthetase, Rho GDP dissociation inhibitor γ, vimentin A2, and small nuclear ribonucleoprotein-associated protein. At 10, 100, and 1,000 nM SNa, there were 5, 195, and 489 proteins that were downregulated, respectively, whereas the number of upregulated proteins were 72, 44, and 51, respectively. Subnetwork enrichment analysis of differentially regulated proteins revealed that processes such as actin organization, cytoskeleton organization and biogenesis, apoptosis, mRNA processing, RNA splicing, translation, cell growth, and proliferation are regulated by SNa based on the proteomic response. Moreover, we observed that, at the low concentration of SNa, there was an increase in the abundance of proteins involved in cell growth, proliferation, and migration, whereas higher concentration of SNa appeared to downregulate proteins involved in these processes, indicating a dose-dependent proteome response. At the highest concentration of SNa, proteins linked to the etiology of diseases of the central nervous system (brain injuries, Alzheimer disease, Parkinson’s disease, cerebral infraction, brain ischemia) were also differentially regulated. These data implicate SNa in the control of cell proliferation and neurogenesis.
Ask1 regulates murine platelet granule secretion, thromboxane A2 generation, and thrombus formation.

Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are expressed in platelets and are activated downstream of physiological agonists. Pharmacological and genetic evidence indicate that MAPKs play a significant role in hemostasis and thrombosis, but it is not well understood how MAPKs are activated upon platelet stimulation. Here, we show that apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1), a member of the MAP3K family, is expressed in both human and murine platelets. ASK1 is rapidly and robustly activated upon platelet stimulation by physiological agonists. Disruption of Ask1 (Ask1-/- ) resulted in a marked functional defect in platelets. Ask1-/- platelets showed an impaired agonist-induced integrin αIIbβ3 activation and platelet aggregation. Although there was no difference in Ca2+ rise, platelet granule secretion and thromboxane A2 (TxA2) generation were significantly attenuated in Ask1-/- platelets. The defective granule secretion observed in Ask1-/- platelets was a consequence of impaired TxA2 generation. Biochemical studies showed that platelet agonists failed to activate p38 MAPK in Ask1-/- platelets. On the contrary, activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinases and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 MAPKs was augmented in Ask1-/- platelets. The defect in p38 MAPK results in failed phosphorylation of cPLA2 in Ask1-/- platelets and impaired platelet aggregate formation under flow. The absence of Ask1 renders mice defective in hemostasis as assessed by prolonged tail-bleeding times. Deletion of Ask1 also reduces thrombosis as assessed by delayed vessel occlusion of carotid artery after FeCl3-induced injury and protects against collagen/epinephrine-induced pulmonary thromboembolism. These results suggest that the platelet Ask1 plays an important role in regulation of hemostasis and thrombosis.
Malaysian food recognition and calorie counter application

A calorie counter application is being widely used by people around the world. However, the options for Malaysian food items are limited in those applications. This paper explores the idea to add auto recognition feature into a calorie counter application while identifying the challenges faced to perform recognition on Malaysian traditional food. The prototype described in this paper is able to recognize five different types of Malaysian ‘kueh’ or dessert. The main method of feature extraction is by generating the color histogram and an artificial neural network is used to classify the food.
A Decision Level Fusion Method for Object Recognition Using Multi-Angular Imagery

Spectral similarity and spatial adjacency between various kinds of objects, shadow and occluded areas behind high rise objects as well as complex relationships lead to object recognition difficulties and ambiguities in complex urban areas. Using new multi-angular satellite imagery, higher levels of analysis and developing a context aware system may improve object recognition results in these situations. In this paper, the capability of multi-angular satellite imagery is used in order to solve object recognition difficulties in complex urban areas based on decision level fusion of Object Based Image Analysis (OBIA). The proposed methodology has two main stages. In the first stage, object based image analysis is performed independently on each of the multi-angular images. Then, in the second stage, the initial classified regions of each individual multi-angular image are fused through a decision level fusion based on the definition of scene context. Evaluation of the capabilities of the proposed methodology is performed on multi-angular WorldView-2 satellite imagery over Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). The obtained results represent several advantages of multi-angular imagery with respect to a single shot dataset. Together with the capabilities of the proposed decision level fusion method, most of the object recognition difficulties and ambiguities are decreased and the overall accuracy and the kappa values are improved.
A 64 kB Approximate SRAM Architecture for Low-Power Video Applications

A voltage-scalable SRAM architecture suitable for video applications where energy can be traded with output signal quality is presented. The proposed 6T SRAM architecture uses three supply voltages to improve the static noise margin during read and write modes and also reduces leakage current in retention mode, hence, it allows aggressive supply voltage scaling for low power multimedia applications. Simulation results in IBM/Global Foundries cmos32soi 32-nm CMOS technology show a 69% power saving and a 63% improvement in image quality for the proposed array compared to a conventional single-supply 64-kB 6T SRAM at 0.70 V, 20 MHz. The proposed design also allows a dynamic power-quality tradeoff at run time and makes the 6T SRAM array a suitable power efficient memory for different video/image applications.
Diet quality and cognitive function in an urban sample: findings from the Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity across the Life Span (HANDLS) study

Abstract Objective Poor diet quality contributes to morbidity, including poor brain health outcomes such as cognitive decline and dementia. African Americans and individuals living in poverty may be at greater risk for cognitive decrements from poor diet quality. Design Cross-sectional. Setting Baltimore, MD, USA. Subjects Participants were 2090 African Americans and Whites (57 % female, mean age=47·9 years) who completed two 24 h dietary recalls. We examined cognitive performance and potential interactions of diet quality with race and poverty status using baseline data from the Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity across the Life Span (HANDLS) study. Healthy Eating Index-2010 (HEI-2010) scores were calculated and interpreted using federal guidelines. A neurocognitive test battery was administered to evaluate cognitive function over several domains. Results Linear regression analyses showed that lower HEI-2010 scores were associated with poorer verbal learning and memory (P<0·05) after adjustment for covariates. Diet quality within the sample was poor. Significant interactions of HEI-2010 and poverty status (all P<0·05) indicated that higher diet quality was associated with higher performance on tests of attention and cognitive flexibility, visuospatial ability and perceptual speed among those below the poverty line. No significant race interactions emerged. Higher diet quality was associated with better performance on two measures of verbal learning and memory, irrespective of race and poverty status. Conclusions Findings suggest that diet quality and cognitive function are likely related at the population level. Future research is needed to determine whether the association is clinically significant.
Extended cox proportional hazard model to analyze and predict conversion from mild cognitive impairment to alzheimer's disease

According to Alzheimer's Association, 70% of dementia cases are caused by Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Typically, AD progresses in three stages: mild (early stage), moderate (middle stage), and severe (late stage). Recently, predicting the conversion of mild to moderate and to severe is essential. Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) is a multi-domain cognitive test that is used by physicians to evaluate patients with cognitive impairment. Number of researchers pointed out that MMSE is a poor predictor to identify AD. In this work, we propose to improve MMSE predictability by using a combination of predictors with MMSE. Cox proportional Hazard model (CPHM) used to analyze the clinical NACC Uniform Data Set (UDS). Two extensions of CPHM were used; Anderson-Gill (AG) and frailty. Explanatory predictors’ effects on time to failure were assessed at 5% level of significance using CPHM. Suggested models assessed using Akaike's Information Criterion (AIC) and Bayesian information criterion (BIC), and Cox-Snell residuals. Results showed that AG model more appropriate to model the NACC dataset. According to AG model the predication accuracy improved when MMSE combined with other predictors. Moreover, some predictors effect of the power of MMSE as a predictor.
Utilizing Standing Ultrasonic Waves to Harvest Microalgae from a Fluid Suspension

Utilizing Standing Ultrasonic Waves to Harvest Microalgae from a Fluid Suspension. (April 2010) Kolin J. Loveless Department of Mechanical Engineering Texas A&M University Research Advisor: Dr. Ronald Lacey Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering As a result of dwindling supplies of fossil fuels and increasing environmental concerns significant research is being conducted in the United States and throughout the world in search of a new, abundant source of transportation fuel. One such source is biodiesel derived from microalgae; however, separating microalgal particles from the fluid medium where they are cultivated on an economically feasible scale presents a substantial challenge. Methods like sedimentation and flocculation are highly timeconsuming, and centrifugation requires significant energy input and frequent repairs. Here, the ultrasonic cell separation techniques employed by Jeremy J. Hawkes and others are applied to the specific case of separating microalgae from a fluid medium. Further, the design and fabrication of a filtration apparatus using this technology is documented along with a recommended test procedure.
The effects of novel amphipathic block copolymers on stabilization of the rat tear film.

PURPOSE To determine whether various novel amphipathic polymers could be used to stabilize the tear film of the rat. The rheologic properties of these polymers were examined to investigate whether particular structural or physical characteristics improve the stability of the tear film. METHODS Amphipathic polymers or particular phospholipids were mixed with a test solution of tears and saline and applied to the clean, dry corneal surface of a rat. The specular reflection of the tear film was observed at high magnification and recorded. For each of the polymers or lipids, the effects on surface regularity and tear break-up time were compared. After the experiments, histologic sections of the tested eyes were prepared and examined for acute cytotoxic effects on the cornea and ocular conjunctiva. RESULTS Tear film break-up time was markedly affected by differences in polymer structure. Copolymers consisting of separate hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions appeared to be the best stabilizers. No acute cytotoxic effects were observed in histologic sections of corneas to which the polymers had been applied. CONCLUSIONS Amphipathic polymers can be designed to increase tear film stability. Increased tear film stability occurred more readily with copolymers, possibly through their interaction with both lipid and aqueous tear components.
A hybrid affective lexicon for Brazilian Portuguese

Studies in human-computer interaction literature concentrate on the problem of extracting affective states from text. However, there is a lack of affective lexicons for Brazilian Portuguese. This study presents an algorithm to create a hybrid affective lexicon for Brazilian Portuguese. The result is based on LIWC and ANEW-Br, which are available in the literature. The experimental results in this work indicate the potential of the produced lexicon.
Matching material and cellular timescales maximizes cell spreading on viscoelastic substrates

Significance It is well known that cell proliferation, differentiation, and migration depend strongly on the mechanical stiffness of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Natural ECMs also exhibit dissipative (i.e., plastic, viscoelastic) properties, which can modulate cellular behavior. However, to fully utilize this information in bioengineering applications, a systematic understanding of the role of substrate viscosity on cell function is needed. Using combined theoretical and experimental approaches, we demonstrated that viscous dissipation can be as important as elasticity in determining cell response. Specifically, we found that intermediate viscosity maximizes cell spreading on soft substrates, while cell spreading is independent of viscosity on stiff substrates. This information can now be used to design dissipative biomaterials for optimal control of cell behavior. Recent evidence has shown that, in addition to rigidity, the viscous response of the extracellular matrix (ECM) significantly affects the behavior and function of cells. However, the mechanism behind such mechanosensitivity toward viscoelasticity remains unclear. In this study, we systematically examined the dynamics of motor clutches (i.e., focal adhesions) formed between the cell and a viscoelastic substrate using analytical methods and direct Monte Carlo simulation. Interestingly, we observe that, for low ECM rigidity, maximum cell spreading is achieved at an optimal level of viscosity in which the substrate relaxation time falls between the timescale for clutch binding and its characteristic binding lifetime. That is, viscosity serves to stiffen soft substrates on a timescale faster than the clutch off-rate, which enhances cell−ECM adhesion and cell spreading. On the other hand, for substrates that are stiff, our model predicts that viscosity will not influence cell spreading, since the bound clutches are saturated by the elevated stiffness. The model was tested and validated using experimental measurements on three different material systems and explained the different observed effects of viscosity on each substrate. By capturing the mechanism by which substrate viscoelasticity affects cell spreading across a wide range of material parameters, our analytical model provides a useful tool for designing biomaterials that optimize cellular adhesion and mechanosensing.
Robustness of the approximate likelihood of the protracted speciation model

The protracted speciation model presents a realistic and parsimonious explanation for the observed slowdown in lineage accumulation through time, by accounting for the fact that speciation takes time. A method to compute the likelihood for this model given a phylogeny is available and allows estimation of its parameters (rate of initiation of speciation, rate of completion of speciation and extinction rate) and statistical comparison of this model to other proposed models of diversification. However, this likelihood computation method makes an approximation of the protracted speciation model to be mathematically tractable: it sometimes counts fewer species than one would do from a biological perspective. This approximation may have large consequences for likelihood‐based inferences: it may render any conclusions based on this method completely irrelevant. Here, we study to what extent this approximation affects parameter estimations. We simulated phylogenies from which we reconstructed the tree of extant species according to the original, biologically meaningful protracted speciation model and according to the approximation. We then compared the resulting parameter estimates. We found that the differences were larger for high values of extinction rates and small values of speciation‐completion rates. Indeed, a long speciation‐completion time and a high extinction rate promote the appearance of cases to which the approximation applies. However, surprisingly, the deviation introduced is largely negligible over the parameter space explored, suggesting that this approximate likelihood can be applied reliably in practice to estimate biologically relevant parameters under the original protracted speciation model.
Stroke Thrombolysis in a Centralized and a Decentralized System (Helsinki and Telemedical Project for Integrative Stroke Care Network)

Background and Purpose— Intravenous thrombolysis with tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) for acute ischemic stroke is more effective when delivered early. Timely delivery is challenging particularly in rural areas with long distances. We compared delays and treatment rates of a large, decentralized telemedicine-based system and a well-organized, large, centralized single-hospital system. Methods— We analyzed the centralized system of the Helsinki University Central Hospital (Helsinki and Province of Uusimaa, Finland, 1.56 million inhabitants, 9096 km2) and the decentralized TeleStroke Unit network in a predominantly rural area (Telemedical Project for Integrative Stroke Care [TEMPiS], South-East Bavaria, Germany, 1.94 million inhabitants, 14 992 km2). All consecutive tPA treatments were prospectively registered. We compared tPA rates per total ischemic stroke admissions in the Helsinki and TEMPiS catchment areas. For delay comparisons, we excluded patients with basilar artery occlusions, in-hospital strokes, and those being treated after 270 minutes. Results— From January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2013, 912 patients received tPA in Helsinki University Central Hospital and 1779 in TEMPiS hospitals. Area-based tPA rates were equal (13.0% of 7017 ischemic strokes in the Helsinki University Central Hospital area versus 13.3% of 14 637 ischemic strokes in the TEMPiS area; P=0.078). Median prehospital delays were longer (88; interquartile range, 60–135 versus 65; 48–101 minutes; P<0.001) but in-hospital delays were shorter (18; interquartile range, 13–30 versus 39; 26–56 minutes; P<0.001) in Helsinki University Central Hospital compared with TEMPiS with no difference in overall delays (117; interquartile range, 81–168 versus 115; 87–155 minutes; P=0.45). Conclusions— A decentralized telestroke thrombolysis service can achieve similar treatment rates and time delays for a rural population as a centralized system can achieve for an urban population.
The frequency effect on transient impedance of horizontal grounding electrode

This paper presents the frequency effect on transient impedance of horizontal grounding electrode, when it hits by fast front current pulses that have very high frequency content. This study takes into account frequency dependence of soil electrical parameters. Two models based on experimental and measurements data by Messier (M) and Visacor-Alipio (VA) are presented. Transmission line (TL) approach is used within this study. The effect of soil electrical parameters, length of grounding electrode, and type of lightning stroke are taken into account in this study.
Toward Robust Indoor Localization Based on Bayesian Filter Using Chirp-Spread-Spectrum Ranging

It is a challenging problem to realize robust localization in complex indoor environments where non-line-of-sight (NLOS) occurs due to reflection and diffraction. To solve this problem, a localization algorithm under the Bayesian framework is proposed in this paper. We adopt the 802.15. 4a chirp-spread-spectrum ranging hardware to measure the distances between the mobile node and the anchor nodes, and realize the location estimation by incorporating the range measurements into the localization algorithm. We propose a novel joint-state estimation localization algorithm which adopts a Markov model for NLOS state estimation and a particle filter for location state estimation. For utilizing the positive effect of the NLOS measurements while restraining their negative effect, we present a scheme to build the feasible region of the particles based on the NLOS and line-of-sight (LOS) measurements and calculate the particle weight based only on the LOS measurements. The results of the indoor experiment demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach.