Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
SGsim: A simulation framework for smart grid applications

Simulation tools are an essential component of any emerging technology. In this paper we present SGsim, a framework to simulate different applications in the context of smart grid. The framework supports real time simulation. Therefore it is possible to evaluate time-critical applications such as real time monitoring and control. The framework combines two main simulators (1) OMNeT++, a discrete event simulator that is used mainly to simulate data communication systems and (2) OpenDSS, a tool to calculate the power flow in power grids. Moreover, the framework supports smart grid related standards such as IEEE C37.118. This way it is possible to integrate standard smart grid tools such as openPDC. Furthermore, an optimization toolbox is integrated in the simulator in addition to the capability to communicate with other tools such as MATLAB and R. We performed a set of case studies to show the capabilities of the simulator.
Définition d'une force d'attraction aux LPE pour la segmentation par contours actifs

Dans cet article, nous traitons du probleme de la segmentation video. Nous proposons une nouvelle methode qui combine les contours actifs et une pre-segmentation par les LPE (lignes de partage des eaux). Les methodes LPE traitent efficacement les images couleurs par une sursegmentation en regions de couleurs homogenes. D'autre part, les contours actifs permettent d'obtenir des resultats reguliers. L'algorithme de segmentation propose se compose de deux etapes. Dans un premier temps, les contours actifs evoluent sous un critere permettant de detecter un object en mouvement dans une sequence video a camera fixe. Une incertitude sur le mouvement peut induire une imprecision sur la position du contour final ainsi que des artefacts. Aussi, nous affinons les resultats en introduisant une force d'attraction aux LPE. La methode proposee ameliore la segmentation en augmentant la precision et la regularite des resultats retournes par les contours actifs bases mouvement et les LPE.
Personal informatics and HCI: design, theory, and social implications

Personal informatics is a class of systems that help people collect personal information to improve self-knowledge. The development of personal informatics applications poses new challenges in human-computer interaction and creates opportunities for collaboration between diverse disciplines, including design, ubiquitous computing, persuasive technology and information visualization. This workshop will continue the conversation from the CHI 2010 workshop and extend the discussion of personal informatics to include behavioral theories that can guide the development of such systems, as well as the social implications of self-tracking.
Differential responses to parathyroid hormone‐related protein (PTHrP) deficiency in the various craniofacial cartilages

PTHrP null mutant mice exhibit skeletal abnormalities both in the craniofacial region and limbs. In the growth plate cartilage of the null mutant, a diminished number of proliferating chondrocytes and accelerated chondrocytic differentiation are observed. In order to examine the effect of PTHrP deficiency on the craniofacial morphology and highlight the differential feature of the composing cartilages, we examined the various cartilages in the craniofacial region of neonatal PTHrP deficient mice. The major part of the cartilaginous anterior cranial base appeared to be normal in the homozygous PTHrP deficient mice. However, acceleration of chondrocytic differentiation and endochondral bone formation was observed in the posterior part of the anterior cranial base and in the cranial base synchondroses. Ectopic bone formation was observed in the soft tissue‐running mid‐portion of the Meckel's cartilage, where the cartilage degenerates and converts to ligament in the course of normal development. The zonal structure of the mandibular condylar cartilage was scarcely affected, but the whole condyle was reduced in size. These results suggest the effect of PTHrP deficiency varies widely between the craniofacial cartilages, according to the differential features of each cartilage. Anat Rec 255:452–457, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Estimation de paramètres de modèles de neurones biologiques sur une plate-forme de SNN (Spiking Neural Network) implantés "in silico"

Ces travaux de these, realises dans une equipe concevant des circuits analogiques neuromimetiques suivant le modele d’Hodgkin-Huxley, concernent la modelisation de neurones biologiques, plus precisement, l’estimation des parametres de modeles de neurones. Une premiere partie de ce manuscrit s’attache a faire le lien entre la modelisation neuronale et l’optimisation. L’accent est mis sur le modele d’Hodgkin- Huxley pour lequel il existait deja une methode d’extraction des parametres associee a une technique de mesures electrophysiologiques (le voltage-clamp) mais dont les approximations successives rendaient impossible la determination precise de certains parametres. Nous proposons dans une seconde partie une methode alternative d’estimation des parametres du modele d’Hodgkin-Huxley s’appuyant sur l’algorithme d’evolution differentielle et qui pallie les limitations de la methode classique. Cette alternative permet d’estimer conjointement tous les parametres d’un meme canal ionique. Le troisieme chapitre est divise en trois sections. Dans les deux premieres, nous appliquons notre nouvelle technique a l’estimation des parametres du meme modele a partir de donnees biologiques, puis developpons un protocole automatise de reglage de circuits neuromimetiques, canal ionique par canal ionique. La troisieme section presente une methode d’estimation des parametres a partir d’enregistrements de la tension de membrane d’un neurone, donnees dont l’acquisition est plus aisee que celle des courants ioniques. Le quatrieme et dernier chapitre, quant a lui, est une ouverture vers l’utilisation de petits reseaux d’une centaine de neurones electroniques : nous realisons une etude logicielle de l’influence des proprietes intrinseques de la cellule sur le comportement global du reseau dans le cadre des oscillations gamma.
A post‐natal decrease in acetylcholine channel open time at rat end‐plates.

1. The mean channel open time (tau) of ACh receptors in adult developing rat skeletal muscle was estimated by analysis of ACh current fluctuations. 2. At adult end‐plates, tau was 1.4 msec at 21 degrees C. Time constants of miniature end‐plate current decays (taus) were equally brief. 3. On the other hand, tau and taus were long (4.5 msec, 21 degrees C) at neonatal rat end‐plates. These estimates are comparable to values obtained at extrajunctional sites on embryonic rat myotubes grown in culture and on adult denervated muscle fibres. 4. Both tau and taus decreased to values characteristic of adult end‐plates during the first 2 weeks after birth. 5. Complex ACh power spectra were obtained at most end‐plates during the transition period and at some, miniature synaptic current decays were doubly exponential. End‐plates in transition might contain a mixture of slow, neonatal channels and fast, adult channels.
Mitogen‐Activated Protein Kinase‐Dependent and Protein Kinase C‐Dependent Pathways Link the m1 Muscarinic Receptor to β‐Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretion

Abstract: Full and functionally selective M1 muscarinic agonists (carbachol and AF102B, respectively) activate secretion of the soluble form of amyloid precursor protein (APPs) in PC12 cells expressing the m1 muscarinic receptor (PC12M1 cells). This activation is further augmented by neurotrophins such as nerve growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor. Muscarinic stimulation activates two transduction pathways that lead to APPs secretion: protein kinase C (PKC)‐dependent and mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK)‐dependent pathways. These pathways operate in parallel and converge with transduction pathways of neurotrophins, resulting in enhancement of APPs secretion when both muscarinic agonist and neurotrophins stimulate PC12M1 cells. These conclusions are supported by the following findings: (a) Only partial blockade of APPs secretion is observed when PKC, p21ras, or MAPK is fully inhibited by their respective specific inhibitors, GF109203X, S‐trans,trans‐farnesylthiosalicylic acid, and PD98059. (b) K252a, which blocks PKC and phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate‐induced APPs secretion, enhances both muscarinic‐stimulated MAPK activation and APPs secretion. (c) Activation of MAPK in PC12M1 cells by muscarinic agonists is Ras‐dependent but PKC‐independent and is enhanced synergistically by neurotrophins. These results suggest that muscarinic stimulation of APPs secretion is mediated by at least two independent pathways that converge and enhance the signal for APPs secretion at the convergence point.
A Hierarchical Palmprint Identification Method Using Hand Geometry and Grayscale Distribution Features

Palmprint identification, as an emerging biometric technique, has been actively researched in recent years. In existing palmprint identification algorithms, ROI segmentation is always a must step. This paper presents a novel hierarchical palmprint identification method without ROI extraction, which measures hand geometry and angle values in coarse-level feature extraction, and calculates unit information entropy of each subimage to describe grayscale distribution as the fine-level feature. We utilize the grayscale distribution variance caused by particular positions of principle lines, wrinkles and minutiae in primitive hand images as the palm descriptor instead of ROI-based features. Experiments were developed on a database of 990 images from 99 individuals. Accuracy up to 99.24% has been obtained when using 6 samples per class for training. A performance comparison between the proposed method and ROI-based PCA method was made also
Nanoindentation investigation of copper bonding wire and ball

Copper is the most cost-effective alternative to gold which is used in wire bonding. Hardness of bonding wire and FAB (free air ball) is double-edged swords, wire with higher hardness and strength can build more reliable loop, but damage the bounding pad on the chip more easily. Precisely measuring hardness is meaningful for improving the performance and reliability of the bonding process. Nanoindenter is a powerful experimental technique for detecting mechanical properties of materials. In this work, the mechanism of nanoindentation and the selection of hardness test parameters were studied. Hysitron's nanoindenter with Berkovich tip was used to measure hardness of 0.8mil (20μm) 4N(99.99%wt of copper) copper ball bonding wire, FAB and bonded ball. It is confirmed that copper wires get harder mainly in ball formation and ball bond form process.
Forecasting Recidivism in Delinquency by Intelligence and Related Constructs

In a longitudinal survey of 122 healthy criminal offenders aged 18 to 37 years, the relationship between intelligence measured by the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS), neuropsychological scales and delinquency was investigated. The Benton Test correlates well with the WAIS and moderately with offence data, but not with recidivism in delinquency. The 122 men had normal intelligence test scores (average IQ=102), but bad school and working records. The 34 per cent and 60 per cent respectively of offenders, who relapsed within the time span of 1.5 and 3 years respectively, showed significantly worse results in the Verbal Scale and in the Block Design of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale. Poor performance in the Information and the Block Design sub-tests of the WAIS, a low level of formal education and the belief in external control by circumstances and powerful others are predictors of a high risk of recidivism.
Cytokine production in a whole-blood assay after Epstein-Barr virus infection in vivo

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has a marked tropism for cells of the immune system, and infection can result in profound immunomodulatory effects. In order to examine the role of cytokines during the acute phase of infectious mononucleosis, we studied the levels of different interleukins (ILs), interferons (IFNs), and the soluble IL-2 receptor (sIL-2R) in serum samples of 20 patients. We found elevated levels of IL-2, IL-6, sIL-2R, and IFN-gamma. Whereas the peak of IL-2 and IL-6 concentration occurred during the first week (P < 0.01), the largest amounts of sIL-2R were measured during the second week (P < 0.01). IFN-gamma levels were only enhanced during the first week. In addition, we investigated the ability to produce cytokines in response to mitogenic stimulation in a whole-blood assay of 11 patients compared with healthy blood donors. In the whole-blood assay of patients compared with controls after stimulation with lipopolysaccharide, we measured more than 10-fold elevated levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (P < 0.01), 3-fold elevated levels of IL-1 beta (P < 0.01), and about 2-fold increased amounts of IL-6 (P < 0.01). A significant enhancement in sIL-2R and IFN-gamma concentration was found in the assay after stimulation with phytohemagglutinin after 24 h of incubation (P < 0.01). Collectively, our data seem to indicate that monocytes are strongly activated during infectious mononucleosis. Monocytes and monocyte-derived factors may play an important role in the pathogenesis of infectious mononucleosis and, together with T lymphocytes, may be partly responsible for clinical symptoms.
Vestibular Rehabilitation: Rationale and Indications

Abstract Treatment options of the patient with dizziness include medication, rehabilitation with physical therapy, surgery, counseling, and reassurance. Here the authors discuss vestibular rehabilitation for patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), unilateral vestibular loss or hypofunction, and bilateral vestibular loss/hypofunction. They describe the different mechanisms for recovery with vestibular rehabilitation, the exercises that are used, and which ones are best. An exhaustive literature review on clinical outcomes with the best research publications for BPPV, unilateral vestibular loss/hypofunction, and bilateral vestibular loss/hypofunction is presented. For BPPV, the authors also summarize the evidence-based review practice parameters published in Neurology by Fife et al. (2008) and review all relevant articles published since then.
Caspy, a Zebrafish Caspase, Activated by ASC Oligomerization Is Required for Pharyngeal Arch Development*

The pyrin domain was identified recently in multiple proteins that are associated with apoptosis and/or inflammation, but the physiological and molecular function of these proteins remain poorly understood. We have identified Caspy and Caspy2, two zebrafish caspases containing N-terminal pyrin domains. Expression of Caspy and Caspy2 induced apoptosis in mammalian cells that were inhibited by general caspase inhibitors. Biochemical analysis revealed that both Caspy and Caspy2 are active caspases, but they exhibit different substrate specificity. Caspy, but not Caspy2, interacted with the zebrafish orthologue of ASC (zAsc), a pyrin- and caspase recruitment domain-containing protein identified previously in mammals. The pyrin domains of both Caspy and zAsc were required for their interaction. Furthermore, zAsc and Caspy co-localized to the “speck” when co-transfected into mammalian cells. Enforced oligomerization of zAsc, but not simple interaction with zAsc, induced specific proteolytic activation of Caspy and enhanced Caspy-dependent apoptosis. Injection of zebrafish embryos with a morpholino antisense oligonucleotide corresponding tocaspy resulted in an “open mouth” phenotype associated with defective formation of the cartilaginous pharyngeal skeleton. These studies suggest that zAsc mediates the activation of Caspy, a caspase that plays an important role in the morphogenesis of the jaw and gill-bearing arches.
Effects of fault interaction on moment, stress drop, and strain energy release

Solutions for collinear shear cracks are used to examine quantitatively the effects of fault slip zone interaction on determinations of moment, stress drop, and static energy release. Two models, the barrier model and the asperity model, are considered. In the asperity model, the actual distribution of strengths on a fault plane is idealized as a combination of two limiting cases: areas which slip freely at a uniform value of a residual friction stress and unbroken ligaments or ‘asperities’ across which slip occurs only at the time of a seismic event. In the barrier model, slip zones separated by unbroken ligaments (barriers) are introduced into a uniformly stressed medium to approximate the nonuniform fault propagation proposed by Das and Aki. The strain energy change due to introducing collinear slip zones or due to breaking the asperities between them is shown to be given by the usual formula for an isolated slip zone with the stress drop replaced by the effective stress. Significant interaction between slip zones occurs only if the length of the asperity is less than half the length of the slip zones. For the case of two collinear slip zones, fracture of the asperity between them is shown to cause a large moment primarily because of the additional displacement which is induced on the adjacent slip zones. For example, if the asperity length is 0.05l, where l is the length of each adjacent slip zone, then fracture of the asperity causes a moment almost 1.8 times the moment caused by introducing a slip zone of length l. For two collinear slip zones, the local stress drop due to fracture of the separating asperity is shown to become unbounded as the asperity length goes to zero, but in the same limit the stress drop averaged over the entire fault length is approximately equal to the apparent stress drop inferred for an isolated fault of the same moment and total fault length. This apparent stress drop is approximately equal (within a factor of 2 or 3) to the effective stress and hence can be used in the usual formula to give a good estimate of the strain energy change. For the barrier model, numerical results are given for the ratio of the stress drop calculated on the assumption of an isolated slip zone to the true stress drop. For example, in the case of two collinear slip zones of length l separated by a barrier of length 0.2l, this ratio is 0.5, whereas for a barrier length equal to that of the adjacent slip zones, the ratio is 0.24. Stress drop estimates become worse with increasing number of fault segments.
Mass Spectrometry – Based Proteomics and Network Biology

In the life sciences, a new paradigm is emerging that places networks of interacting molecules between genotype and phenotype. These networks are dynamically modulated by a multitude of factors, and the properties emerging from the network as a whole determine observable phenotypes. This paradigm is usually referred to as systems biology, network biology, or integrative biology. Mass spectrometry (MS)–based proteomics is a central life science technology that has realized great progress toward the identification, quantification, and characterization of the proteins that constitute a proteome. Here, we review how MS-based proteomics has been applied to network biology to identify the nodes and edges of biological networks, to detect and quantify perturbation-induced network changes, and to correlate dynamic network rewiring with the cellular phenotype. We discuss future directions for MS-based proteomics within the network biology paradigm. 379 A nn u. R ev . B io ch em . 2 01 2. 81 :3 79 -4 05 . D ow nl oa de d fr om w w w . a nn ua lr ev ie w s. or g by N ew Y or k U ni ve rs ity B ob st L ib ra ry o n 01 /2 3/ 13 . F or p er so na l u se o nl y. BI81CH16-Aebersold ARI 3 May 2012 10:36 RNAi: small RNA molecules that interfere with messenger RNA and thus prevent the translation of a protein
SIMPLIFIED CULTURAL TEST FOR RUMINAL BACTERIA THAT DEGRADE TOXIC DIHYDROXYPYRIDINE DERIVATIVES OF MIMOSINE

Introduction. The toxic nonprotein amino acid mimosine present in Leucaena leucocephala is degraded by rumen bacteria to produce another toxic compound, 3-hydroxy-4(lH)-pyridone (3,4-dihydroxypyridine, or 3,4-DHP). In some, but not all, geographic areas ruminants are colonized by bacteria that degrade 3,4-DHP, and actions of these microbes protect their host animals from leucaena toxicosis (Jones 1985, Kudo et al. 1989, Dominguez-Bello and Stewart 1990). When 3,4 DHP-degrading bacteria were inoculated into previously uncolonized ruminants, they became established in the rumen, were transferred from animal to animal and provided protection from leucaena toxicosis (Jones and Megarrity 1986, Hammond et al. 1989). To help with assessment of the need for inoculation with 3,4DHP-degrading organisms, we described cultural methods that detect 3,4-DHP-degrading bacteria in rumen microbial populations (Allison et al. 1990). The present study describes a modification of those methods that should simplify and facilitate field tests for the presence of 3,4DHP-degrading bacteria in rumen microbial populations.
Proportional Delay Differentiation Service in Web Application Servers: A Feedback Control Approach

As more and more business applications become Web-enabled, service differentiation becomes an important issue for database-driven e-commerce Websites to meet different requirements of clients. This paper presents a feedback control approach to provide proportional delay differentiation (PDD) service in Web application servers handling dynamic HTTP requests. To achieve this goal, an approximate linear time-invariant model of the database connection pool (DBCP) in Web application servers is identified experimentally and used to design a proportional-integral (PI) controller. At each sampling time, the controller can dynamically calculate and adjust the probabilities for different classes of dynamic requests to get idle database connections in the next sampling period, according to the error between the measured delay ratio and the reference value. Three kinds of workloads, which follow deterministic, uniform and heavy-tailed distributions respectively, are designed to evaluate the performance of the closed-loop system. Experiment results indicate the controller is effective in handling varying workloads, and PDD can be achieved in the DBCP even if the number of concurrent dynamic requests changes abruptly under different kinds of workloads.
Multimode Reconfigurable Wireless Terminals: a First Step Toward Software Defined Radio

Multimedia applications create the need for multi-mode handsets that support many standards with different frequency, bandwidth, modulation etc. Sharing and/or switching blocks in these handsets are used to extend battery life and/or reduce cost. Furthermore adaptive circuits that can reconfigure themselves within the handover time will enable seamless interoperability over several standards with a single receiver/transmitter. This paper presents RF and analog baseband circuits that are able to support GSM (with Edge), WCDMA (UMTS), WLAN and Bluetooth using reconfigurable building blocks. They can trade power consumption for performance on the fly, depending on the standard and the required quality of service. Experimental measurements in a 0.13 mum CMOS technology are presented and discussed