Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Controller failure time analysis for symmetric control systems

In this paper, we consider a controller failure time analysis problem for a class of symmetric linear time-invariant (LTI) systems controlled by a pre-designed symmetric static output feedback controller. We assume that the controller fails from time to time due to a physical or purposeful reason, and we analyse stability and disturbance attenuation properties of the entire system. Our aim is to find conditions concerning controller failure time, under which the system's stability and disturbance attenuation properties are preserved to a desired level. For both stability and disturbance attenuation analysis, we show that if the unavailability rate of the controller is smaller than a specified constant, then global exponential stability of the entire system and a reasonable disturbance attenuation level is achieved. The key point is to establish a common quadratic Lyapunov-like function for the entire system in two different situations.
Autophagy is an immediate macrophage response to Legionella pneumophila

After ingestion by macrophages, Legionella pneumophila enter spacious vacuoles that are quickly enveloped by endoplasmic reticulum (ER), then slowly transferred to lysosomes. Here we demonstrate that the macrophage autophagy machinery recognizes the pathogen phagosome as cargo for lysosome delivery. The autophagy conjugation enzyme Atg7 immediately translocated to phagosomes harbouring virulent Legionella. Subsequently, Atg8, a second autophagy enzyme, and monodansyl‐cadaverine (MDC), a dye that accumulates in acidic autophagosomes, decorated the pathogen vacuoles. The autophagy machinery responded to 10–30 kDa species released into culture supernatants by Type IV secretion‐competent Legionella, as judged by the macrophages’ processing of Atg8 and formation of vacuoles that sequentially acquired Atg7, Atg8 and MDC. When compared with autophagosomes stimulated by rapamycin, Legionella vacuoles acquired Atg7, Atg8 and MDC more slowly, and Atg8 processing was also delayed. Moreover, compared with autophagosomes of Legionella‐permissive naip5 mutant A/J macrophages, those of resistant C57BL/6 J macrophages matured quickly, preventing efficient Legionella replication. Accordingly, we discuss a model in which macrophages elevate autophagy as a barrier to infection, a decision influenced by regulatory interactions between Naip proteins and caspases.
Matching Database Access Patterns to Storage Characteristics

Today’s storage interfaces hide device-specific details, simplifying system development and device interoperability. However, they prevent database systems from exploiting devices’ unique performance characteristics. Abstract and device-independent annotations to existing storage interfaces can cleanly expose key device characteristics that improve performance and simplify manual tuning. By automatically matching access patterns to device strengths, a database storage manager can achieve robust performance even with workloads competing for the same storage resource. For example, disk-optimized accesses result in simultaneous improvement of up to 3x for DSS workloads and 7% for a competing OLTP workload. As another example, accesses to relational tables can take advantage of MEMS-based storage parallelism to achieve order of magnitude improvements in selective scans.
The estimation of the model order in exponential families

Estimators are sought that achieve high exponential rate of decrease in the underestimation probability while keeping the overestimation probability exponent at a certain prescribed level. It is assumed that a given integer is known to upper-bound the true order. Some examples are given of possible applications of the proposed method in specific order estimation and hypothesis testing problems. >
The free-flight response of Drosophila to motion of the visual environment

SUMMARY In the present study we investigated the behavioural strategies with which freely flying fruit flies (Drosophila) control their flight trajectories during active optomotor stimulation in a free-flight arena. We measured forward, turning and climbing velocities of single flies using high-speed video analysis and estimated the output of a `Hassenstein–Reichardt' elementary motion detector (EMD) array and the fly's gaze to evaluate flight behaviour in response to a rotating visual panorama. In a stationary visual environment, flight is characterized by flight saccades during which the animals turn on average 120° within 130 ms. In a rotating environment, the fly's behaviour typically changes towards distinct, concentric circular flight paths where the radius of the paths increases with increasing arena velocity. The EMD simulation suggests that this behaviour is driven by a rotation-sensitive EMD detector system that minimizes retinal slip on each compound eye, whereas an expansion-sensitive EMD system with a laterally centred visual focus potentially helps to achieve centring response on the circular flight path. We developed a numerical model based on force balance between horizontal, vertical and lateral forces that allows predictions of flight path curvature at a given locomotor capacity of the fly. The model suggests that turning flight in Drosophila is constrained by the production of centripetal forces needed to avoid side-slip movements. At maximum horizontal velocity this force may account for up to 70% of the fly's body weight during yaw turning. Altogether, our analyses are widely consistent with previous studies on Drosophila free flight and those on the optomotor response under tethered flight conditions.
Improving fingerprint minutiae matching using local and global structures

This paper focus on the use of local and global structures for fingerprint minutiae matching, we propose a set of modifications and improvements that increase the speed and accuracy. Reducing the number of minutiae pairs and descriptors are the principal amelioration in the local matching step, in the global matching step, we add more minutiae pairs to align the input fingerprint with the template fingerprint for more accuracy. A series of experiments conducted over the four databases of FVC2004 using a fingerprint verification framework, the results show that our improvements makes the novel algorithm more efficient compared to the original algorithm and other algorithms proposed in the literature.
Adaptive wavelet estimation : A block thresholding and oracle inequality approach

We study wavelet function estimation via the approach of block thresh- olding and ideal adaptation with oracle. Oracle inequalities are derived and serve as guides for the selection of smoothing parameters. Based on an oracle inequality and motivated by the data compression and localization properties of wavelets, an adaptive wavelet estimator for nonparametric re- gression is proposed and the optimality of the procedure is investigated. We show that the estimator achieves simultaneously three objectives: adaptiv- ity, spatial adaptivity and computational efficiency. Specifically, it is proved that the estimator attains the exact optimal rates of convergence over a range of Besov classes and the estimator achieves adaptive local minimax rate for estimating functions at a point. The estimator is easy to imple- ment, at the computational cost of On� . Simulation shows that the es- timator has excellent numerical performance relative to more traditional wavelet estimators. 1. Introduction. Wavelet methods have demonstrated considerable suc- cess in nonparametric function estimation in terms of spatial adaptivity, com- putational efficiency and asymptotic optimality. In contrast to the traditional linear procedures, wavelet methods achieve (near) optimal convergence rates over large function classes such as Besov classes and enjoy excellent mean squared error properties when used to estimate functions that are spatially inhomogeneous. For example, as shown by Donoho and Johnstone (1998), wavelet methods can outperform optimal linear methods, even at the level of convergence rate, over certain Besov classes. Standard wavelet methods achieve adaptivity through term-by-term thresholding of the empirical wavelet coefficients. There, each individual empirical wavelet coefficient is compared with a predetermined threshold. A wavelet coefficient is retained if its magnitude is above the threshold level and is discarded otherwise. A well-known example of term-by-term thresholding is Donoho and Johnstone's VisuShrink (Donoho and Johnstone (1994)). VisuShrink is spatially adaptive and the estimator is within a log- arithmic factor of the optimal convergence rate over a wide range of Besov classes. VisuShrink achieves a degree of tradeoff between variance and bias contributions to the mean squared error. However, the tradeoff is not optimal. VisuShrink reconstruction is often over-smoothed. Hall, Kerkyacharian and Picard (1999) considered block thresholding for wavelet function estimation which thresholds empirical wavelet coefficients in
A Surprising Reversal of Temperatures in the Brown Dwarf Eclipsing Binary 2MASS J05352184–0546085

The newly discovered brown dwarf eclipsing binary 2MASS J05352184-0546085 provides a unique laboratory for testing the predictions of theoretical models of brown dwarf formation and evolution. The finding that the lower mass brown dwarf in this system is hotter than its higher mass companion represents a challenge to brown dwarf evolutionary models, none of which predict this behavior. Here we present updated determinations of the basic physical properties of 2M0535-05, bolstering the surprising reversal of temperatures with mass in this system. We compare these measurements with widely used brown dwarf evolutionary tracks, and find that the temperature reversal can be explained by some models if the components of 2M0535-05 are mildly non-coeval, possibly consistent with dynamical simulations of brown dwarf formation. Alternatively, a strong magnetic field on the higher mass brown dwarf might explain its anomalously low surface temperature, consistent with emerging evidence that convection is suppressed in magnetically active, low-mass stars. Finally, we discuss future observational and theoretical work needed to further characterize and understand this benchmark system.
A New Clustering Based Algorithm for Feature Subset Selection

The major idea of feature selection is to choose a subset of key variables by eliminating features with modest or no predictive information. Feature selection can drastically improve the clarity of the consequential classifier models and often construct a model that simplifies better to hidden points. A feature Extraction algorithm may be estimated from efficiency as well as usefulness points of view. In the proposed work, a fast clustering-based feature selection algorithm is proposed based on these criteria. The algorithm has different steps. In the first step, features are separated into clusters by means of graph-theoretic clustering methods. In the next step, the most delegate feature that is robustly related to target classes is preferred from every cluster to make a subset of Features. Also, we use Prim’s as well as Kruskal's algorithm for handling large data set with efficient time complexity. The proposed system also deals with the Feature interaction which is crucial for effective feature extraction. Most of the present algorithms only focus on handling irrelevant and redundant features. Keywords— Clustering-Based, Feature selection, Feature Interaction
Transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS) in dentistry- A review

Transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS) is a non-pharmacological method which is widely used by medical and paramedical professionals for the management of acute and chronic pain in a variety of conditions. Similarly, it can be utilized for the management of pain during various dental procedures as well as pain due to various conditions affecting maxillofacial region. This review aims to provide an insight into clinical research evidence available for the analgesic and non analgesic uses of TENS in pediatric as well as adult patients related to the field of dentistry. Also, an attempt is made to briefly discuss history of therapeutic electricity, mechanism of action of TENS, components of TENs equipment, types, techniques of administration, advantages and contradictions of TENS. With this we hope to raise awareness among dental fraternity regarding its dental applications thereby increasing its use in dentistry. Key words:Dentistry, pain, TENS.
Centering Transborder Students: Perspectives on Identity, Languaging and Schooling Between the U.S. and Mexico

Undocumented families' rates of repatriation to Mexico from the United States have risen throughout the Obama administration, and this trend will likely increase under Donald Trump. This study describes the experiences of Mexican-born youth who grew up in the United States and are back in Mexico. While these children are participants in their families' migration, their input is rarely sought in decisions to leave or return to a country. This article shares transborder students' voices on their struggles to find their identities as Mexican, American, or some combination of the two. They reflect on their schooling experiences across countries, and how these challenges are compounded when they are new to learning in Spanish or indigenous languages in Mexico.
Multiple-Micronutrient Fortified Non-Dairy Beverage Interventions Reduce the Risk of Anemia and Iron Deficiency in School-Aged Children in Low-Middle Income Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (i–iv)

Multiple-micronutrient (MMN) fortification of beverages may be an effective option to deliver micronutrients to vulnerable populations. The aim of the present systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate the nutritional impacts of MMN fortified beverages in the context of low-middle income countries. A systematic search of published literature yielded 1022 citations, of which 10 randomized controlled trials (nine in school-aged children and one in pregnant women) met inclusion criteria. Results of school-aged children were included in the meta-analysis. Compared to iso-caloric controls, children who received MMN fortified beverages for 8 weeks to 6 months showed significant improvements in hemoglobin (+2.76 g/L, 95% CI [1.19, 4.33], p = 0.004; 8 studies) and serum ferritin (+15.42 pmol/L, [5.73, 25.12], p = 0.007; 8 studies); and reduced risk of anemia (RR 0.58 [0.29, 0.88], p = 0.005; 6 studies), iron deficiency (RR 0.34 [0.21, 0.55], p = 0.002; 7 studies), and iron deficiency anemia (RR 0.17 [0.06, 0.53], p = 0.02; 3 studies). MMN fortified beverage interventions could have major programmatic implications for reducing the burden of anemia and iron deficiency in school-aged children in low-middle income countries. Additional research is needed to investigate effects on other biochemical outcomes and population subgroups.
Image Correlation From Local Frequency Information

A new approach to the comparison and matching of image signals for disparity measurements is introduced. It is proposed that localized frequency data, rather than spatial data, should be used as the basis for matching signals against each other. Working in the frequency domain one can use local phase and amplitude information to construct a dimensionless measure of similarity that has high localization. Of greater interest, it is shown that phase information can be used to eeciently guide the search for a point in one signal that best matches a selected point in another signal. It is also shown that the representation of a signal in terms of phase and amplitude information on a logarithmic frequency scale provides a powerful domain for the comparison of signals.
Atmospheric and oceanic freshwater transport during weak Atlantic overturning circulation

Oceanic and atmospheric freshwater transports are analyzed in a numerical experiment where inducedfreshwater in the North Atlantic slowed the thermohaline circulation (THC). During times of weakAtlantic overturning circulation, it is found that the Intertropical Convergence Zone moves southwardand trade winds at tropical latitudes increase, resulting in enhanced water vapor export out of theAtlantic catchment area. The experiment reveals furthermore that the oceanic freshwater transportamounts to a stabilizing effect of similar magnitude to the atmospheric effect. It is argued that themodeled response can be used as a fingerprint for the detection of THC changes documented in thepaleoclimatic record or related recent climate change.
Promotion of Axon Regeneration by Myelin-Associated Glycoprotein and Nogo through Divergent Signals Downstream of Gi/G

Several myelin-derived proteins have been identified as components of the CNS myelin that prevents axonal regeneration in the adult vertebrate CNS. Activation of RhoA has been shown to be an essential part of the signaling mechanism of these proteins. Here we report an additional signal, which determines whether these proteins promote or inhibit axon outgrowth. Myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) and Nogo trigger the intracellular elevation of Ca2+ as well as the activation of PKC, presumably mediated by Gi/G. Neurite outgrowth inhibition and growth cone collapse by MAG or Nogo can be converted to neurite extension and growth cone spreading by inhibiting conventional PKC, but not by inhibiting inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate (IP3). Conversely, neurite growth of immature neurons promoted by MAG is abolished by inhibiting IP3. Activation of RhoA is independent of PKC. Thus, a balance between PKC and IP3 is important for bidirectional regulation of axon regeneration by the myelin-derived proteins.
A Novel Technique for Optimizing the Hidden Layer Architecture in Artificial Neural Networks

The architecture of an artificial neural network has a great impact on the generalization power. More precisely, by changing the number of layers and neurons in each hidden layer generalization ability can be significantly changed. Therefore, the architecture is crucial in artificial neural network and hence, determining the hidden layer architecture has become a research challenge. In this paper a pruning technique has been presented to obtain an appropriate architecture based on the backpropagation training algorithm. Pruning is done by using the delta values of hidden layers. The proposed method has been tested with several benchmark problems in artificial neural networks and machine learning. The experimental results have been shown that the modified algorithm reduces the size of the network without degrading the performance. Also it tends to the desired error faster than the backpropagation algorithm.
An efficient approach for designing nearly perfect-reconstruction low-delay cosine-modulated filter banks

A systematic multi-step approach is described for optimizing the stopband response of the prototype filter for low-delay critically sampled cosine-modulated filter banks in the least-mean-square sense subject to the maximum allowable aliasing and amplitude errors. In this approach, filter banks having several channels are designed by starting with a filter bank with a small number of channels. Then, the number of channels is gradually increased and a new prototype filter is optimized using the modified version of the prototype filter of the previous step as a good start-up solution. Several examples are included illustrating the flexibility of the proposed approach for making compromises between the required filter orders, the required filter bank delays, and the aliasing and amplitude errors. These examples show that by allowing very small amplitude and aliasing errors, the stopband performance of the resulting filter bank is significantly improved compared to the corresponding perfect-reconstruction filter bank. Alternatively, the filter bank delay and the order of the prototype filter can be significantly reduced while still achieving practically the same filter bank performance.
Asymptotic convergence analysis of the proximal point algorithm

The asymptotic convergence of the proximal point algorithm (PPA), for the solution of equations of type $0 \in Tz$, where T is a multivalued maximal monotone operator in a real Hilbert space, is analyzed. When $0 \in Tz$ has a nonempty solution set $\bar Z$, convergence rates are shown to depend on how rapidly $T^{ - 1} $ grows away from $\bar Z$ in a neighbourhood of 0. When this growth is bounded by a power function with exponent s, then for a sequence $\{ z^k \} $ generated by the PPA, $\{ | {z^k - \bar Z} |\} $ converges to zero, like $o(k^{ - {s / 2}} )$, linearly, superlinearly, or in a finite number of steps according to whether, $s \in (0,1)$, $s = 1$, $s \in (1, + \infty )$, or $s = + \infty $.
Concurrent Outbreaks of Cholera and Peripheral Neuropathy Associated with High Mortality among Persons Internally Displaced by a Volcanic Eruption

Background In October 2004, Manam Island volcano in Papua New Guinea erupted, causing over 10 000 villagers to flee to internally displaced person (IDP) camps, including 550 from Dugulaba village. Following violence over land access in March 2010, the IDPs fled the camps, and four months later concurrent outbreaks of acute watery diarrhea and unusual neurological complaints were reported in this population. Materials and Methods A retrospective case-control study was conducted to identify the risk factors for peripheral neuropathy. Rectal swabs were collected from cases of acute watery diarrhea. Hair and serum metals and metalloids were analyzed by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Results There were 17 deaths among the 550 village inhabitants during the outbreak period at a crude mortality rate 21-fold that of a humanitarian crisis. Vibrio cholerae O1 El Tor Ogawa was confirmed among the population. Access to community-level rehydration was crucial to mortality. Peripheral neuropathy was diagnosed among cases with neurological symptoms. A balanced diet was significantly protective against neuropathy. A dose-response relationship was seen between peripheral neuropathy and a decreasing number of micronutrient- rich foods in the diet. Deficiencies in copper, iron, selenium and zinc were identified among the cases of peripheral neuropathy. Conclusions Cholera likely caused the mostly preventable excess mortality. Peripheral neuropathy was not caused by cholera, but cholera may worsen existing nutritional deficiencies. The peripheral neuropathy was likely caused by complex micronutrient deficiencies linked to non-diversified diets that potentially increased the vulnerability of this population, however a new zinc-associated neuropathy could not be ruled out. Reoccurrence can be prevented by addressing the root cause of displacement and ensuring access to arable land and timely resettlement.
Mindfulness in the middle school classroom

Instructors of a middle school gifted language arts class implemented a 30-day unit of study on mindfulness in order to help students learn techniques to alleviate stress, perfectionistic tendencies, and anxiety. Practicing mindfulness techniques, such as meditation, provides individuals with tools to understand the mind and body and encourages individuals to not dwell on past events or fixate on future events, appreciating the here and now and living in the moment. Some gifted students struggle with social and emotional issues such as perfectionism and anxiety, and these conditions can create a cycle of stress rooted in nervousness, agitation, and compulsive thoughts. Instructors explained the components of mindfulness, provided daily guided meditations, and encouraged students to apply the techniques in their everyday lives. Results varied for each student with some able to use the mindfulness exercises to combat problems, while others struggled with understanding the purpose or potential benefits of mindfulness.