Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Late outgrowth endothelial progenitor cells in patients with age-related macular degeneration.

PURPOSE To evaluate the feasibility of isolating and expanding endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), in the form of late outgrowth endothelial progenitor cells (OECs), from the peripheral blood of an aged population, particularly patients affected by different forms of AMD. METHODS Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were collected from young control subjects (n = 18) and from elderly subjects with non-AMD/low-risk dry AMD (n = 15), high-risk dry AMD (n = 6), or neovascular AMD (nvAMD; n = 32); cultured in established conditions; and observed for appearance of OEC clusters and growth characteristics on expansion. Expression of VEGF receptor-2 (KDR) in OECs after expansion was determined by Western blot. Plasma samples of study subjects were analyzed for CRP and VEGF levels. RESULTS OEC cultures were successfully generated from a similar number of subjects in each group. After adjustment for all other variables, subjects with high-risk dry AMD had a 5.6-fold higher number of OEC clusters per 20 mL blood, and subjects with nvAMD had a 5.1-fold high number than did subjects with non-AMD/low-risk dry AMD (P < 0.05). High-risk dry AMD generated 63 times more (NS) and nvAMD 32-times more (P < 0.05) OECs on expansion of clusters than did non-AMD/low-risk dry AMD. Population doubling occurred significantly faster in cultures from nvAMD eyes compared to non-AMD/low-risk dry AMD eyes. In addition, a significant correlation between the number of OEC clusters, expanded OECs and levels of KDR was demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS An OEC population was isolated and expanded from the blood of elderly control and AMD-affected patients and demonstrated significantly higher number of initial OEC clusters and expansion potential of OECs in patients at risk for or already affected by nvAMD. OECs may be used for further phenotypic, genetic, and functional analyses in patients with nvAMD.
A collaborative filtering recommender system with randomized learning rate and regularized parameter

Recommender systems with the approach of collaborative filtering by using the algorithms of machine learning gives better optimized results. But selecting the appropriate learning rate and regularized parameter is not an easy task. RMSE changes from one set of these values to others. The best set of these parameters has to be selected so that the RMSE must be optimized. In this paper we proposed a method to resolve this problem. Our proposed system selects appropriate learning rate and regularized parameter for given data.
The Adaptive Control of Nonlinear Systems Using the TSK Fuzzy Logic

Fuzzy adaptive tracking controllers for a class of uncertain nonlinear dynamical systems are proposed and analyzed. The controller consists of adaptive and robustifying components whose role is to nullify the effect of uncertainties and achieve a desired tracking performance. The interactions between the two components have been investigated. We use the Takagi-Sugeno-Kang type of the fuzzy logic system to approximate the controller. It is proved that the closed-loop system using this adaptive fuzzy controller is globally stable in the sense that all signals involved are bounded. Finally, we apply the method of direct adaptive fuzzy controllers to control an inverted pendulum and the simulation results are included.
Design Optimisation and Optimal Control for Hybrid Vehicles

1. Abstract Growing environmental and global crude oil supplies concerns are stimulating research on new vehicle technologies. Hybrid-electric vehicles appear to be one of the most promising technologies for reducing fuel consumption and pollutant emissions. Different types of hybrid-electric powertrains exist: from the mild-hybrid vehicle, equipped with a small electric motor, to the combined hybrid like the Toyota prius. This paper presents a parametric study focused on variations of the size of the powertrain components, and optimization of the power split between the engine and electric motor with respect to fuel consumption. To perform this optimization on a prescribed driving cycle (for instance, the New European Driving Cycle), a dynamic programming algorithm based on a reduced model is implemented. This simplified model allows a fast optimization with a fine parameterization of the controller: it furnishes the optimal power repartition at each time step regarding fuel consumption under constraints on the battery state of charge. The obtained results may be used to determine the best components of a given powertrain, for a prescribed vehicle cycle. The optimal split obtained thanks to dynamic programming algorithm can not be used directly on a vehicle as a real time control law, as the future can not be known in advance in normal driving conditions. To overcome this difficulty, we implement, as a real-time strategy, the Equivalent Consumption Minimization Strategy (ECMS): the battery being considered as an auxiliary reversible fuel reservoir, an instantaneous minimization of ECMS is performed. This control law is inferred from Pontryagin’s Minimum Principle, where the Lagrange multiplier can be deduced from previous optimization results on given driving cycles. Offline optimization results and real-time control laws are compared for a realistic hybrid vehicle application.
The Diverse Biological Functions of Phosphatidylinositol Transfer Proteins in Eukaryotes

ABSTRACT Phosphatidylinositol/phosphatidylcholine transfer proteins (PITPs) remain largely functionally uncharacterized, despite the fact that they are highly conserved and are found in all eukaryotic cells thus far examined by biochemical or sequence analysis approaches. The available data indicate a role for PITPs in regulating specific interfaces between lipid-signaling and cellular function. In this regard, a role for PITPs in controlling specific membrane trafficking events is emerging as a common functional theme. However, the mechanisms by which PITPs regulate lipid-signaling and membrane-trafficking functions remain unresolved. Specific PITP dysfunctions are now linked to neurodegenerative and intestinal malabsorbtion diseases in mammals, to stress response and developmental regulation in higher plants, and to previously uncharacterized pathways for regulating membrane trafficking in yeast and higher eukaryotes, making it clear that PITPs are integral parts of a highly conserved signal transduction strategy in eukaryotes. Herein, we review recent progress in deciphering the biological functions of PITPs, and discuss some of the open questions that remain.
Evaluation of a Navigation Radio Using the Think-Aloud Method

In this experiment, 13 licensed drivers performed 20 tasks with a prototype navigation radio. Subjects completed such tasks as entering a street address, selecting a preset radio station, and tuning to an XM station while “thinking aloud” to identify problems with operating the prototype interface. Overall, subjects identified 64 unique problems with the interface; 17 specific problems were encountered by more than half of the subjects. Problems are related to inconsistent music interfaces, limitations to destination entry methods, icons that were not understood, the lack of functional grouping, and similar looking buttons and displays, among others. An important project focus was getting the findings to the developers quickly. Having a scribe to code interactions in real time helped as well as directed observations of test sessions by representatives of the developers. Other researchers are encouraged to use this method to examine automotive interfaces as a complement to traditional usability testing.
Comparing Aboveground Biomass Predictions for an Uneven-Aged Pine-Dominated Stand Using Local, Regional, and National Models

Sequestration by Arkansas forests removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, storing this carbon in biomass that fills a number of critical ecological and socioeconomic functions. We need a better understanding of the contribution of forests to the carbon cycle, including the accurate quantification of tree biomass. Models have long been developed to predict aboveground live tree biomass, but few of these have been derived from Arkansas forests. Since there is geographic variability in the growth and yield of pine as a function of genetics, site conditions, growth rate, stand stocking, and other factors, we decided to compare aboveground tree biomass estimates for a naturally regenerated, uneven-aged loblolly pine (Pinus taeda)-dominated stand on the Crossett Experimental Forest (CEF) in southeastern Arkansas. These predictions were made using a new locally derived biomass equation, five regional biomass equations, and the pine model from the National Biomass Estimators. With the local model as the baseline, considerable biomass variation appeared across a range of diameters—at the greatest diameter considered, the minimum value was only 69% of the maximum. Using a recent inventory from the CEF’s Good Farm Forty to compare each model, stand-level biomass estimates ranged from a low of 76.9 Mg/ha (a different Arkansas model) to as much as 96.1 Mg/ha (an Alabama model); the local CEF equation predicted 82.5 Mg/ha. A number of different factors contributed to this variability, including differences in model form and derivation procedures, geographic origins, and utilization standards. Regardless of the source of the departures, their magnitude suggests that care be used when making large-scale biomass estimates.
Topical Generalization for Presentation of User Profiles

Fine-grained user profile generation approaches have made it increasingly feasible to display on a profile page in which topics a user has expertise or interest. Earlier work on topical user profiling has been directed at enhancing search and personalization functionality, but making such profiles useful for human consumption presents new challenges. With this work, we have taken a first step toward a semantic layout mode for topical user profiles. We have developed a topical generalization approach which finds coherent groups of topics and adds labels to them, based on their association with broader topics in the Wikipedia category graph. A nested layout mode, employing topical generalization, is compared with a simpler flat layout mode in our user study. The results indicate that users favor the nested structure over flat profiles, but tend to overlook the specific topics on the lower level. We propose a third layout mode to address this issue.
Cellular and Molecular Targets of Estrogen in Normal Human Breast Tissue 1

To gain insight into the in vivo role of estrogen, we isolated estrogen receptor-positive cells from normal human breast tissue using a recombinant adenovirus that expresses green fluorescence protein in response to estrogen. We compared the global gene expression profile of these estrogen receptor-positive cells with that of various normal and cancerous mammary epithelial cells and identified several genes not implicated previously in estrogen signaling. One of these genes, lipocalin 2, is a putative in vivo estrogen target gene and paracrine factor that mediates the growth regulatory effects of estrogen in normal breast epithelium. These results demonstrate that normal and cancerous estrogen receptorpositive cells are distinct at the molecular level and suggest that lipocalin 2 is a new therapeutic target for breast cancer prevention and treatment.
A 15 mW, 70 kHz 1/f corner direct conversion CMOS receiver

This paper describes a fully integrated low noise amplifier (LNA) + mixer + first filtering stage, suitable for direct conversion receivers. Its key feature is a current driven passive mixer loaded by a low impedance. Measurements performed on a 0.18 /spl mu/m CMOS prototype, confirm that this architecture, when compared to a classic one, gives a much smaller flicker noise (70 kHz 1/f corner), together with an excellent noise figure (4.4 dB integrated from 10 kHz to 1.92 MHz), while requiring only 15 mW of power. Moreover, a very good linearity is simultaneously achieved (IIP3=-1 dBm). The main limitation of the present implementation is the bandwidth of the opamp that implements the mixer load. Due to this, IIP3 degrades at higher frequencies (IIP3 about -12 dBm at 10 MHz). This is however not a fundamental limitation.
A pr 2 00 8 Euler Allocation : Theory and Practice

Despite the fact that the Euler allocation principle has been adopted by many financial institutions for their internal capital allocation process, a comprehensive description of Euler allocation seems still to be missing. We try to fill this gap by presenting the theoretical background as well as practical aspects. In particular, we discuss how Euler risk contributions can be estimated for some important risk measures. We furthermore investigate the analysis of CDO tranche expected losses by means of Euler's theorem and suggest an approach to measure the impact of risk factors on non-linear portfolios.
A new loss minimization approach with flux and torque ripples reduction of Direct torque controlled permanent magnet synchronous motors

The main purpose of this paper is to minimize the loss while reducing the flux and torque ripples in permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs) under direct torque control (DTC). Offline method is used to minimize the loss and obtain the optimal flux. To reduce the amount of computation, the optimal flux table is produced according to the conditions in which the machine works. To reduce the flux and torque ripples and to control the switching frequency, SVM-DTC method is applied. Simulation results depict a noticeable increase in efficiency of the motor and a reduction in flux and torque ripples.
Photon quantum mechanics and beam splitters

We are developing materials for classroom teaching about the quantum behavior of photons in beam splitters as part of a project to create five experiments that use correlated photons to exhibit nonclassical quantum effects vividly and directly. Pedagogical support of student understanding of these experiments requires modification of the usual quantum mechanics course in ways that are illustrated by the treatment of the beam splitter presented here.
Incorporating contextual information in pedestrian recognition

Local classifiers are often used in automotive pedestrian detection systems. The disadvantage of such systems is that they only regard local image cutouts to discriminate pedestrian class from its background. In those cases where false alarms bear a great resemblance to true positives it is difficult to solve the classification task in that way. As a possible solution this paper presents a general and mathematically founded model which incorporates the pedestrian contextual information in the classification task. Our approach allows the use of any relevant contextual information to improve the detection results. This contribution shows how to define possible contextual hints and how to combine them into a contextual classifier.
Integrating Form and Meaning: A Distributed Model of Speech Perception.

We present a new distributed connectionist model of the perception of spoken words. The model employs a representation of speech that combines lexical information with abstract phonological information, with lexical access modelled as a direct mapping onto this single distributed representation. We first examine the integration of partial cues to phonological identity, showing that the model provides a sound basis for simulating phonetic and lexical decision data from Marslen-Wilson and Warren (1994). We then investigate the time course of lexical access, and argue that the process of competition between word candidates during lexical access can be interpreted in terms of interference between distributed lexical representations. The relation between our model and other models of spoken word recognition is discussed.
The moving target function problem in multi-agent learning

We describe a framework that can be used to model and predict the behavior of MASs with learning agents. It uses a difference equation for calculating the progression of an agent's error in its decision function, thereby telling us how the agent is expected to fare in the MAS. The equation relies on parameters which capture the agents' learning abilities (such as its change rate, learning rate and retention rate) as well as relevant aspects of the MAS (such as the impact that agents have on each other). We validate the framework with experimental results using reinforcement learning agents in a market system, as well as by other experimental results gathered from the AI literature.
Physical and biochemical energy balance during an isometric tetanus and steady state recovery in frog sartorius at 0 degree C

Frog sartorius muscle stimulated isometrically for 3 s every 256 s to attain a steady state in which initial heat (QI), recovery heat (QR), rate of O2 consumption (JO2), and isometric force (PO) generated are constant for each cycle. For a 3-s tetanus given every 256 s, JO2 was 0.106 mumol/(min . g blotted weight), approximately 71% of the maximum rate observed, whereas lactate production was negligible under these conditions. QI, QT(= QI + QR), and QT/QI were 88.2, 181.5, 2.06 mJ/g blotted weight, respectively. The high-energy phosphate breakdown (delta approximately P) breakdown during the first 3-s tetanus was not different from that during a contraction in the steady state and averaged 1.1 mumol/g blotted weight. Less than half of the initial heat could be accounted for in terms of the extent of the known chemical reactions occurring during contraction. From the stoichiometry of the theoretical biochemical pathways, the amount of ATP synthesized in the steady state exceeds delta approximately P during contraction by more than twofold, corresponding to an apparent ADP:O ratio of 1.5. If it is assumed that carbohydrate oxidation is the only net chemical reaction in the steady state, the total heat production can be explained on the basis of the measured JO2. Under this assumption, heat production during recovery was less than that expected on the basis of the oxygen consumption and delta approximately P during contraction. These observations support the hypothesis that the unexplained enthalpy production and low apparent ADP:O ratio are causally related, i.e., that the reaction(s) producing the unexplained heat during contraction is reversed during the recovery period.
Delayed Wound Healing in Heat Stable Antigen (HSA/CD24)-Deficient Mice

Background Healthy individuals rarely have problems with wound healing. Most skin lesions heal rapidly and efficiently within one to two weeks. However, many medical and surgical complications can be attributed to deficiencies in wound repair. Open wounds have lost the barrier that protects tissues from bacterial invasion and allows the escape of vital fluids. Without expeditious healing, infections become more frequent. The CD24 gene encodes a heavily-glycosylated cell surface protein anchored to the membrane by phosphatidylinositol. CD24 plays an important role in the adaptive immune response and controls an important genetic checkpoint for homeostasis and autoimmune diseases in both mice and humans. We have previously shown that overexpression of CD24 results in increased proliferation and migration rates. Aim To examine the role of CD24 in the wound healing process. Methods An excisional model of wound healing was used and delayed wound healing was studied in genetically modified heat stable antigen (HSA/CD24)-deficient mice (HSA -/-) compared to wild-type (WT) mice. Results Large full-thickness skin wounds, excised on the back of mice, exhibited a significant delay in the formation of granulation tissue, and in wound closure when compared to their WTHSA +/+ littermates. Wounds were histologically analyzed and scored, based on the degree of cellular invasion, granulation tissue formation, vascularity, and re-epithelialization. Additionally, in stitched wounds, the HSA -/- mice failed to maintain their stitches; they did not hold and fell already 24 hours, revealing erythematous wound fields. Re-expression of HSA, delivered by lentivirus, restored the normal healing phenotype, within 24 hours post-injury, and even improved the healing in WT, and in BalbC mice. Conclusions Delayed wound-healing in the absence of HSA/CD24 suggests that CD24 plays an important role in this process. Increased expression of CD24, even in the normal state, may be used to enhance wound repair.
From dials to facial coding: Automated detection of spontaneous facial expressions for media research

Typical consumer media research requires the recruitment and coordination of hundreds of panelists and the use of relatively expensive equipment. In this work, we compare results from a legacy hardware dial mechanism for measuring media preference to those from automated facial analysis on two television programs, a sitcom and a drama series. We present an automated system for facial action detection as well as a continuous measure of valence. The results demonstrate that automated facial analysis provides similar as well as additional insights on moment-to-moment affective response in a way that is unobtrusive, scalable and practical. Specifically, highly significant correlations are found between the dial and facial expression data. For specific moments where the two methods disagree, facial expression data provides additional traceable insights that cannot be obtained from dial data. Furthermore, this data can be obtained at a fraction of the cost; in this work, the facial expression data panel size is only about 5% of the sample size needed to obtain reliable dial data. Results have substantial implications for the future of media research and audience measurement.
Unconscious persuasion needs goal-striving: the effect of goal activation on the persuasive power of subliminal feedback

A fundamental characteristic of ambient persuasive technology is the ability to persuade users outside of conscious attention. One method of influencing people outside of their conscious awareness is subliminal priming: Presenting a stimulus for less than 50 milliseconds so people can not consciously perceive it but they are able to process the information unconsciously. Earlier research has shown that subliminal feedback on energy consumption leads to more optimal choices in an energy-related choice task compared with no feedback. Would subliminal feedback always be effective in influencing people's choices, or do people need to be motivated to reach a specific goal for it to work? In the current research, we investigate if persuasion by subliminal feedback comprises a goal-striving related process in which people strive for a goal and use the subliminal information to reach that goal. In an experimental study, half of the participants were primed with the goal to perform well, and the other half was not primed with this goal. Next, half of the participants received subliminal feedback in a learning task, whereas the other half received no feedback. Results indicated that participants primed with a performance goal made more correct choices in the task when given the subliminal feedback compared with given no feedback. Participants who were not primed with a goal were not influenced by this feedback. This finding indicates the need for a behavior-relevant goal to make subliminal information effective, which in turn has important implications for research and design of ambient persuasive technology.