Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Solution of load-flow problem using fuzzy linear regression approach

This paper presents a new approach to solve the load-flow problem using Tanaka's Fuzzy Linear Regression formulation (FLR). The load-flow model is formulated as a fuzzy linear optimization problem, where the objective is to minimize the sum of the spread of the states, subject to double inequality constraints on each pre-specified active and reactive power to guarantee that the original membership is included in the state membership. Linear programming is employed to obtain the middle and the symmetric spread for every state variable. The estimated middle corresponds to the value of the state. While the symmetric spreads in the membership functions of the state variables represents the uncertainty (vagueness) around the state. The proposed formulation has been applied to various test systems. The outcome is very encouraging and proves that proposed (FLR) is very applicable and shows reliability, accuracy in solving the power-flow problem.
Characterization of modulated time-of-flight range image sensors

A number of full field image sensors have been developed that are capable of simultaneously measuring intensity and distance (range) for every pixel in a given scene using an indirect time-of-flight measurement technique. A light source is intensity modulated at a frequency between 10-100 MHz, and an image sensor is modulated at the same frequency, synchronously sampling light reflected from objects in the scene (homodyne detection). The time of flight is manifested as a phase shift in the illumination modulation envelope, which can be determined from the sampled data simultaneously for each pixel in the scene. This paper presents a method of characterizing the high frequency modulation response of these image sensors, using a pico-second laser pulser. The characterization results allow the optimal operating parameters, such as the modulation frequency, to be identified in order to maximize the range measurement precision for a given sensor. A number of potential sources of error exist when using these sensors, including deficiencies in the modulation waveform shape, duty cycle, or phase, resulting in contamination of the resultant range data. From the characterization data these parameters can be identified and compensated for by modifying the sensor hardware or through post processing of the acquired range measurements.
A review of renal disease in children with HIV infection

Abstract Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection continues to be a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. HIV-infected individuals are now surviving for a relatively longer period and this is because of easy accessibility to antiretroviral therapy these days. As a result, chronic disease-related complications are now being recognized more often. Kidney disease in HIV-infected children can vary from glomerular to tubular-interstitial involvement. We searched the database to identify various kidney diseases seen in HIV-infected children. We describe the epidemiology, pathogenesis, pathology, clinical and laboratory manifestations, management and outcome of commonly seen kidney disease in HIV-infected children. We also provide a brief overview of toxicity of antiretroviral drugs seen in HIV-infected children. Kidney involvement in HIV-infected children may arise because of HIV infection per se, opportunistic infections, immune mediated injury and drug toxicity. HIV-associated nephropathy is perhaps the most common and most severe form of kidney disease. Proteinuria may be a cost-effective screening test in the long-term management of HIV-infected children, however, there are no definite recommendations for the same. Other important renal diseases are HIV immune complex kidney disease, thrombotic microangiopathy, interstitial nephritis and vasculitis.
4‐Nitrotryptophan is a substrate for the non‐ribosomal peptide synthetase TxtB in the thaxtomin A biosynthetic pathway

Thaxtomin A, a cyclic dipeptide with a nitrated tryptophan moiety, is a phytotoxic pathogenicity determinant in scab‐causing Streptomyces species that inhibits cellulose synthesis by an unknown mechanism. Thaxtomin A is produced by the action of two non‐ribosomal peptide synthetase modules (TxtA and TxtB) and a complement of modifying enzymes, although the order of biosynthesis has not yet been determined. Analysis of a thaxtomin dual module knockout mutant and single module knockout mutants revealed that 4‐nitrotryptophan is an intermediate in thaxtomin A biosynthesis prior to backbone assembly. The 4‐nitrotryptophan represents a novel substrate for non‐ribosomal peptide synthetases. Through identification of N‐methyl‐4‐nitrotryptophan in a single module knockout and the use of adenylation domain specificity prediction software, TxtB was identified as the non‐ribosomal peptide synthetase module specific for 4‐nitrotryptophan.
Reinforcement learning with classifier systems: Adaptive default hierarchy formation

Autonomous systems are likely to be required to face situations that cannot be foreseen by their designers. The potential for perpetually novel situations places a premium on mechanisms that allow for automatic adaptation in a general setting. The term reinforcement learning problems (Mendel and McLaren, 1970) generally describes problems where a control system must adapt based on performance-only feedback. This paper considers the learning classifier system (LCS) as an approach to reinforcement learning problems. An LCS is a type of adaptive expert system that uses a knowledge base of production rules in a low-level syntax that can be manipulated by a genetic algorithm (GA) (Holland. 1975; Goldberg, 1989) Genetic algorithms comprise a class of computerized search procedures that are based on the mechanics of natural genetics (Goldberg, 1989; Holland. 1975). An important feature of the LCS paradigm is the possible adaptive formation of default hierarchies (layered sets of default and exception rules) )Hol.
Impact of chronic conditions on quality of life in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Background: Although studies suggest that inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has a significant impact on an individual's health‐related quality of life, the added weight of other health conditions and comorbidities has not been investigated. The purpose of this study was to expand on prior research by taking into account the impact of other chronic health conditions on the health‐related quality of life of individuals with IBD, and to develop a model to help clinicians understand the relative impact of various predictors of their patients' physical and mental health‐related quality of life. Methods: 615 patients from the gastroenterology outpatient practice of a large, urban university hospital received a self‐administered survey including questions about their health conditions, the severity of their bowel symptoms, and their health‐related quality of life (measured using the SF‐36 instrument). Results: 314 completed surveys were returned, resulting in a response rate of 51.1%. Two regression analyses were conducted to identify the role of patient demographic variables and other chronic conditions on the 2 primary outcomes of interest: the SF‐36 Physical Component and Mental Component Summary scores. Statistically significant predictors of physical quality of life included IBD disease severity, arthritis, heart disease, age, anemia, back/shoulder pain, and hypertension; statistically significant predictors of mental health‐related quality of life were IBD disease severity, depression/anxiety, age, and headaches. Conclusions: IBD disease severity is the most important predictor of both physical and mental health‐related quality of life in patients with this condition despite the presence of other chronic conditions.
Relationships between dry land strength, power variables and short sprint performance in young competitive swimmers

The aim of this study was to identify the dry land strength and power tests that can better relate with sprint swimming performance in young competitive swimmers. Twenty-eight (16 boys and 12 girls) young competitive swimmers of national level (12.01 ± 0.56 years-old, Tanner stage 1-2) volunteered to participate in this study. Swimming performance (25 m and 50 m freestyle sprint tests), muscle strength (bench press and leg extension) and muscle power (throwing medicine ball and countermovement jump) performances were tested. Spearman ranking correlation coefficient were computed to verify the association between strength and power variables with sprint swimming performance. Regarding strength tests, the bench press and leg extension exercises were moderate but significantly associated with 25 m and 50 m tests (-0.69 ≤ ρ ≤ -0.58). The sprint tests were only associated with throwing power tests (-0.74 ≤ ρ ≤ -0.54) and not with vertical jump height. The main results suggested that, simple dry land strength and power tests although moderate are significantly associated with sprint swimming performance in young competitive swimmers.
Saliva cotinine levels in users of electronic cigarettes

To the Editors: Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS or electronic cigarettes) look like cigarettes but do not contain or burn tobacco. Instead, they comprise a battery-powered atomiser that produces a vapour for inhalation from cartridges containing humectants (propylene glycol or glycerol), flavours ( e.g. tobacco, mint or fruit) and nicotine. Many smokers report using ENDS to quit smoking or to substitute for tobacco in smoke-free places [1, 2]. ENDS do attenuate craving for tobacco, but appear to deliver little nicotine to the blood [3, 4]. Two studies have evaluated nicotine administration with different ENDS brands in ENDS-naive smokers [3, 4]. In one study, 32 smokers completed two 10-puff “vaping” bouts or smoked a cigarette [3]. In contrast to tobacco cigarettes, ENDS did not increase plasma nicotine reliably (plasma nicotine: 1.4 ng·mL−1 and 0.5 ng·mL−1, respectively, for two ENDS brands). In the other study, smokers used ENDS with a 16-mg nicotine cartridge for 5 min, a nicotine inhaler for 20 min or their usual cigarette for 5 min [4]. Nicotine concentration in plasma, measured after 60 min, was 1.3 ng·mL−1 for ENDS, 2.1 ng·mL−1 for inhalers and 13.4 ng·mL−1 for tobacco cigarettes, but one-third of participants showed no increase in blood nicotine while using the ENDS [4]. The time to maximum concentration of serum nicotine was shorter for ENDS (19.6 min) than for the nicotine inhaler (32.0 min), suggesting some absorption via the respiratory tract [4]. It is possible that serum nicotine levels would have been similar in ENDS and inhaler users, had ENDS users been allowed to use the devices for 20 min as for the inhaler. However, regular ENDS users may draw 120–175 puffs·day−1 on …
Fast Motion Estimation With Interpolation-Free Sub-Sample Accuracy

In this letter, a new fast motion estimation (FME) algorithm capable of producing sub-sample motion vectors at low computational-complexity is proposed. Unlike existing FME algorithms, the proposed algorithm considers the low complexity sub-sample accuracy in designing the search pattern for FME. The proposed FME algorithm is designed in such a way that the block distortion measure is modeled as a parametric surface in the vicinity of the integer-sample motion vector; this modeling enables low computational-complexity sub-sample motion estimation (ME) without pixel interpolation. Experimental results on video test sequences show that the proposed FME algorithm reduces computational complexity of integer and sub-sample ME considerably compared with traditional methods at the cost of negligible performance degradation.
X‐linked nonprogressive congenital cerebellar hypoplasia: Clinical description and mapping to chromosome Xq

We examined a large family in which an X‐linked recessive congenital ataxia manifested in 7 males from three generations. The affected boys first exhibited a marked delay of early developmental motor milestones. A neurological syndrome became evident by 5 to 7 years of age and included cerebellar ataxia, dysarthria, and external ophthalmoplegia; there were no symptoms of mental retardation, spastic paraparesis, or sensory loss. Neuroimaging studies revealed hypoplasia of cerebellar hemispheres and vermis. The disease showed no progression beyond early childhood. The unique heredity and clinical features clearly distinguish this new entity from a variety of previously described familial ataxias. Pairwise linkage analysis and haplotype reconstruction allowed us to map the gene responsible for this disorder to a 38‐cM interval on chromosome Xp11.21‐q24 flanked by the loci DXS991 and DXS1001. Upon multipoint linkage analysis, the disease gene was determined to be located most likely in the proximal part of chromosome Xq, with the maximal lod score of 4.66 at the locus DXS1059 (Xq23). This is the first example of the genetic mapping of a pure congenital cerebellar hypoplasia syndrome.
[Electroacupuncture intervention combined with general anesthesia for 80 cases of heart valve replacement surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass].

OBJECTIVE To determine whether electroacupuncture (EA) intervention combined with general anesthesia (GA) strategy can reduce early post-operative morbidity and medical costs in patients undergoing heart valve replacement operation under cardiopulmonary bypass. METHODS A total of 160 heart valve replacement surgery patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass were randomly divided into GA and EA + GA groups (n = 80 in each group). Patients of the GA group were given with intravenous injection of Fentanyl, Midazolam, Vecuronium Bromide, etc. and routine tracheal intubation. EA (3-4 Hz, 2.0-2.2 mA) was applied to bilateral Zhongfu (LU 1), Chize (LU 5) and Ximen (PC 4) beginning about 20 mm before the surgery in the EA + GA group. Endotracheal intubation was not employed but only prepared as a standby for patients of the EA + GA group. The dosage of narcotic drugs, duration of surgery, duration of aertic blockage, rate of cardiac re-beating, volumes of post-operative blood transfusion, discharge volume, cases of post-operative pulmonary infection, vocal cord injury, and the time of first bed-off, first eating and duration in intensive care unit (IOU) residence. etc. were recorded. RESULTS The successful rates of heart valve replacement surgery were similar in both GA and EA + GA groups. Compared with the GA group, the dosages of Fentanyl, Midazolam and Vecuronium of the EA + GA group were significantly lower (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), the numbers of patients needing blood-transfusion, antibiotics treatment, and suffering from pulmonary infection were fewer, the time of first bed-off and duration of hospitalizetion and IOU residence were considerably shorter (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) and the total medical cost was obviously lower (P < 0.05) in the EA + GA group. CONCLUSION EA combined with general anesthesia strategy for heart valve replacement surgery without endotracheal intubation is safe and can reduce post-operative morbidity and medical costs in patients undergoing heart valve replacement surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass.
The dream and the reality: rural-urban migration to Shanghai (1927–1937) /

Desde finales del siglo XIX, la masiva emigracion desde las zonas rurales convirtio a la ciudad de Shanghai en la mayor metropoli de China y una de las mayores del mundo. Utilizando como fuentes las estadisticas oficiales publicadas por el Gobierno de Nanjing y numerosos archivos historicos e informes contemporaneos, esta tesis es una de las primeras investigaciones que se propone cuantificar la poblacion de Shanghai y la migracion interna durante la Republica China, y analizar las caracteristicas de los inmigrantes. El resultado muestra que cerca de 4 millones de inmigrantes entraron en Shanghai entre 1850 y 1949, constituyendo casi el 80 por ciento de la poblacion de la epoca. Tanto el volumen como la duracion de esta masiva migracion son excepcionales en la historia. La mayoria de los inmigrantes eran jovenes, hombres y mujeres, que llegaron de las zonas rurales cercanas, principalmente de dos zonas: Subei y Jiangnan. Esta migracion a Shanghai se explica por factores de expulsion del campo y factores de atraccion en la ciudad. En las zonas rurales la productividad agricola se habia estancado, la tierra estaba distribuida de manera muy desigual, y la produccion agricola y no agricola estaba cada vez mas integrada en el mercado internacional despues de la apertura forzada por la Guerra de Opio. Cuando surgieron ‘factores de expulsion', como desastres naturales o crisis economicas, los campesinos tuvieron que abandonar el campo para buscar oportunidades en otros lugares. En cuanto a los factores de atraccion, el rapido desarrollo del comercio, la industria y los negocios en Shanghai despues de la apertura trajeron una gran prosperidad a Shanghai, y crearon gran cantidad de oportunidades de empleo. La acelerada industrializacion de Shanghai despues de 1920 creo una gran demanda de mano de obra en las industrias manufactureras, intensivas en trabajo, que producian especialmente para la exportacion. La importancia de las redes sociales, formadas por las conexiones personales y las asociaciones de origen, explica la fuerte segmentacion de inmigrantes de diferentes origenes en el mercado de trabajo de Shangai. A partir de las estadisticas de salarios industriales (1930-1936), la tesis analiza la desigualdad del ingreso mediante el analisis de regresion, para verificar esta segmentacion de lugares de origen, que se suma a las segmentaciones tradicionales de genero, sector ocupacional y tipo de remuneracion. La Gran Depresion tuvo un impacto diferente en la economia de China que en los paises occidentales. Debido al patron monetario de plata y a la oferta de dinero suficiente, no se produjo la devastadora crisis bancaria que existio en Occidente, y la industria siguio mostrando crecimientos positivos gracias a la inversion. La crisis provoco desempleo en algunos sectores, pero la demanda de trabajo agregada siguio creciendo y el salario real incluso aumento ligeramente. Esta es la razon fundamental que explica la aparente paradaja de que los inmigrantes siguieran llegando a Shanghai durante la Depresion.
Fluorescence thiol modification assay: oxidatively modified proteins in Bacillus subtilis

Oxidatively modified thiol groups of cysteine residues are known to modulate the activity of a growing number of proteins. In this study, we developed a fluorescence‐based thiol modification assay and combined it with two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry to monitor the in vivo thiol state of cytoplasmic proteins. For the Gram‐positive model organism Bacillus subtilis our results show that protein thiols of growing cells are mainly present in the reduced state. Only a few proteins were found to be thiol‐modified, e.g. enzymes that include oxidized thiols in their catalytic cycle. To detect proteins that are particularly sensitive to oxidative stress we exposed growing B. subtilis cells to diamide, hydrogen peroxide or to the superoxide generating agent paraquat. Diamide mediated a significant increase of oxidized thiols in a variety of metabolic enzymes, whereas treatment with paraquat affected only a few proteins. Exposure to hydrogen peroxide forced the oxidation especially of proteins with active site cysteines, e.g. of cysteine‐based peroxidases and glutamine amidotransferase‐like proteins. Moreover, high levels of hydrogen peroxide were observed to influence the isoelectric point of proteins of this group indicating the generation of irreversibly oxidated thiols. From the overlapping set of oxidatively modified proteins, also enzymes necessary for methionine biosynthesis were identified, e.g. cobalamin‐independent methionine synthase MetE. Growth experiments revealed a methionine limitation after diamide and hydrogen peroxide stress, which suggests a thiol‐oxidation‐dependent inactivation of MetE. Finally, evidence is presented that the antibiotic nitrofurantoin mediates the formation of oxidized thiols in B. subtilis.
A study on simulator of human-robot cooperative manipulator for dental implant surgery

Implant surgery is generally accepted as the good technique to replace the teeth completely. Development of CT(Computerized Tomography) and 3D visualization technique help to make the treatment plan and the surgical navigation assists the dentist during the intra-operative procedure. Although the navigation technique facilitates the positioning, the image guided adjustment of the angle cannot be attained easily in the dental surgery. In the paper, design and simulation of assist-manipulator for implant surgery are studied. Angulation device performs a task by cooperative manipulation. The force/torque sensor is attached to the tool and specifically designed for surgeon's input. Data acquisition board, LabVIEW software and ATI force/torque sensor are used for smooth and accurate sensing. The double parallelogram mechanism can provide a fixed entry point during the surgery, enhance the safety and quality, and give facilities for surgeons. The 3D visualization program of manipulator is developed by LabVIEW.
Misconceptions mining and visualizations for Chinese-based MOOCs forum based on NLP

With the popularity of MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses), massive structured, semi-structured and unstructured data about learning is recorded for further analysis and applications. Forum is the direct way for learners to ask questions and clarify their misconceptions. Therefore, we utilize the plain text of posts and responses in MOOCs forum to extract keywords of misconceptions for instructors based on Natural Language Processing (NLP) technique. In this study, the researchers mining these misconceptions from over 120 thousands of single Chinese words and 15 thousands of English words in a course. Moreover, we visualize them by word clouds and social network graphs for quickly and better understanding of misconceptions and their correlation.
A Double-differential Actuation for an Assistive Hip Orthosis - Specificities and Implementation

The population ageing implies an increasing need for support especially in terms of mobility. Actuated orthoses offer new possibilities to assist walking by compensating the diminished muscular force which occurs with age. In order to assist efficiently the user, the orthotic device needs to provide torque without constraining the voluntary movements. Transparency is therefore a critical characteristic. A first implementation of such a device using a conventional actuation is presented and its limitations are analyzed. The walking trajectory being a cyclic movement, the actuator often needs to accelerate and decelerate. Its dynamics is therefore crucial and can be problematic at the higher cadences. Dual-differential actuation is therefore presented as a profitable alternative to overcome these weaknesses.