Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optimal placement of multi-type FACTS devices by hybrid TS/SA approach

In this paper, a hybrid tabu search and simulated annealing (TS/SA) approach is proposed to find the optimal placement of multi-type FACTS devices to minimize the total generator fuel cost of all loading levels. The problem is decomposed into an optimal placement of multi-type FACTS devices subproblem that is searched by the hybrid TS/SA approach and an OPF with multitype FACTS devices subproblem that is also solved by the hybrid TS/SA approach and quadratic programming (QP). Four types of FACTS devices are used: thyristor-controlled series capacitor (TCSC), thyristor-controlled phase shifter (TCPS), unified power flow controller (UPFC), and static var compensator (SVC). Test results on the 6 bus system with multi-type FACTS devices indicate that the proposed hybrid TS/SA approach can obtain better solutions than the sensitivity index approach.
Converging evidence on the autonomy and abstractness of the representation of lexical stress

The experiments reported in the thesis investigate the nature of word stress and its lexical representation. Focusing on Italian, I considered two research questions: How is lexical stress represented? How does this representation intervene in perceiving or producing a word? Italian is a polysyllabic language with free-stress position: Stress may appear on one of the last three-syllables (e.g., TAvolo, ‘table’, paROla, ‘word’, coliBRI, ‘hummingbird’, capitals indicate stress) and its position is not predictable by rules. Moreover, there is a large asymmetry in the distribution of the stress patterns, with about 80% of words bearing stress on the penultimate syllable (e.g., paROla, ‘word’). On the assumption that stress is a lexical feature and that the stress pattern of a word is part of the knowledge stored in the lexicon, three studies were designed in which a priming paradigm and a visual word paradigm were used. Specifically, we investigated lexical stress in two domains, i.e., spoken-word recognition (Chapter 2) and reading aloud (Chapters 4 and 5). The results shed new light on the nature of the stored prosodic knowledge about lexical stress and on what extent processing of lexical stress is similar in spoken-word recognition and reading aloud. In synthesis, the empirical evidence indicates that lexical stress is part of the abstract prosodic knowledge stored in the lexicon: It pertains to the suprasegmental level of word representation and it is dissociable from the information pertaining to the segmental level.
Word sense disambiguation using multi-engine collaborative boostrapping

In this paper we proposed a new word sense disambiguation method, called multi-engine collaborative bootstrapping (MCB) that combines different types of corpora and also uses two languages to bootstrapping. MCB contains the bilingual bootstrapping as its kernel algorithm that leads to incremental knowledge acquisition. EM model is performed to train parameters in base learner. Feature translation model is improved by semantic correlation estimation. In addition we use multi-engine to produce qualified starting seeds from parallel corpora and monolingual corpora. Those seeds that are generated through unsupervised machine learning approaches can also ensure bootstrapping effectiveness in contrast with manual selected seeds in spite of their different selection mechanisms. Experimental results prove the effectiveness of MCB. Some factors including feature space and starting seed number are concerned in our experiments because EM algorithm is sensible to starting values. Limitation of resources is also concerned.
Enabling Monolingual Translators: Post-Editing vs. Options

We carried out a study on monolingual translators with no knowledge of the source language, but aided by post-editing and the display of translation options. On Arabic-English and Chinese-English, using standard test data and current statistical machine translation systems, 10 monolingual translators were able to translate 35% of Arabic and 28% of Chinese sentences correctly on average, with some of the participants coming close to professional bilingual performance on some of the documents.
Subglacial hydrology and ice stream margin locations

Fast‐flowing ice streams in West Antarctica are separated from the nearly stagnant ice in the adjacent ridge by zones of highly localized deformation known as shear margins. It is presently uncertain what mechanisms control the location of shear margins and possibly allow them to migrate. In this paper we show how subglacial hydrological processes can select the shear margin location, leading to a smooth transition from a slipping to a locked bed at the base of an ice stream. Our study uses a two‐dimensional thermomechanical model in a cross section perpendicular to the direction of flow. We confirm that the intense straining at the shear margins can generate large temperate regions within the deforming ice. Assuming that the melt generated in the temperate ice collects in a drainage channel at the base of the margin, we show that a channel locally decreases the pore pressure in the subglacial till. Therefore, the basal shear strength just outside the channel, assuming a Coulomb‐plastic rheology, can be substantially higher than that inferred under the majority of the stream. Results show that the additional basal resistance produced by the channel lowers the stress concentrated on the locked portion of the bed. Matching the model to surface velocity data, we find that shear margins are stable when the slipping‐to‐locked bed transition occurs less than 500 m away from a channel operating at an effective pressure of 200 kPa and for a hydraulic transmissivity equivalent to a basal water film of order 0.2 mm thickness.
Standardization of serum ceruloplasmin concentrations in international enzyme units with o-dianisidine dihydrochloride as substrate.

We describe a method for calculating the absorptivity (in terms of substrate consumed) of the colored solution obtained when o -dianisidine dihydrochloride is oxidized by ceruloplasmin. By oxidizing o -dianisidine dihydrochloride with known amounts of hydrogen peroxide we could determine that the molar reacting ratio of o -dianisidine to hydrogen peroxide is 2:1. So calculated, absorptivity is 9.6 ml µmol -1 cm -1 , the figure used to estimate ceruloplasmin oxidase activity in terms of International Units.
The Relationship between Mental Health and Self-rated Health in Older Adults

In this study, the relationship between mental health measured by the CES-D scale and self-rated health (SRH) in older Japanese adults was examined using longitudinal micro datasets from the National Survey of the Japanese Elderly (NLSG). Two equations for the relationship between mental health and SRH are estimated simultaneously, and the results showed that SRH had an effect on mental health, and mental health had an effect on SRH. Thus, the mind and body are connected and influence each other. We also determine other important factors that influence health. Age, gender, physical activity, functional abilities such as ADL and IADL, and economic status are associated with both mental and perceived health; having a chronic illness is strongly associated with perceived health; and interpersonal relationships have an effect on mental health. he results suggest that older adults should work on both mind and body to live healthy lives.
Parallel and Fault-Tolerant Routing in Nanoscale Spin-Wave Architectures

1 Authors are listed in alphabetical order 2 Mary M. Eshaghian-Wilner is a Patent Agent at the Electronics Practice Group of Foley & Lardner, LLP. She is also an Adjunct Professor of Electrical Engineering at the University of California, Los Angeles. Abstract In this paper, we present a number of parallel and fault-tolerant routing schemes for a set of nanoscale spin-wave architectures. The architectures considered here have several features, including the ability to simultaneously transmit multiple data on the same spinwave bus using different frequencies, as well as the capability to perform concurrent writes. These parallel features result in several parallel and fault-tolerant routing schemes that are investigated here. By alternating paths to transmit data, the spin-wave architectures can be reconfigured to avoid various faults present in the underlying switches, hence rendering a set of fault-tolerant architectures.
On model architecture for a children's speech recognition interactive dialog system

This report presents a general model of the architecture of information systems for the speech recognition of children. It presents a model of the speech data stream and how it works. The result of these studies and presented veins architectural model shows that research needs to be focused on acoustic-phonetic modeling in order to improve the quality of children's speech recognition and the sustainability of the systems to noise and changes in transmission environment. Another important aspect is the development of more accurate algorithms for modeling of spontaneous child speech.
Simulation, MMSE estimation, and interpolation of sampled continuous-time signals using factor graphs

The paper proposes a factor graph representation of finite-dimensional continuous-time linear systems /filters driven by white Gaussian noise. Applications of such factor graphs include (i) simulation of the output signal at arbitrary discrete instants and (ii) MAP /MMSE /LMMSE estimation of the input signal, or of the state, or of the output signal at arbitrary discrete instants from noisy observations of the output signal at arbitrary discrete instants. Moreover, it is suggested that the MMSE estimate of the input signal from the output signal may be viewed as a generalization of a bandlimited estimate that is suited for real filters.
Determination of metabolic equivalents during low- and high-intensity resistance exercise in healthy young subjects and patients with type 2 diabetes

The purpose of this study was to quantify the metabolic equivalents (METs) of resistance exercise in obese patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and healthy young subjects and to evaluate whether there were differences between sessions executed at low- versus high-intensity resistance exercise. Twenty obese patients with T2DM (62.9±6.1 years) and 22 young subjects (22.6±1.9 years) performed two training sessions: one at vigorous intensity (80% of 1-repetition maximum (1RM)) and one at moderate intensity (60% of 1RM). Both groups carried out three strength exercises with a 2-day recovery between sessions. Oxygen consumption was continuously measured 15 min before, during and after each training session. Obese T2DM patients showed lower METs values compared with young healthy participants at the baseline phase (F= 2043.86; P<0.01), during training (F=1140.59; P<0.01) and in the post-exercise phase (F=1012.71; P<0.01). No effects were detected in the group x intensity analysis of covariance. In this study, at both light-moderate and vigorous resistance exercise intensities, the METs value that best represented both sessions was 3 METs for the obese elderly T2DM patients and 5 METs for young subjects.
Towards a Wireless Building Management System Requiring no Change to Upper-layer Protocols

There are many recent efforts in developing wireless or partially wireless Building Management Systems (BMS). A key difference from developing a brand new wireless sensor application, where one can design the system from scratch, is that there exist wired building management systems and there is a full set of upper layer protocols developed and standardized. On-going studies on wireless BMS usually develop smart sensor hardware and re-design protocols from bottom up. Such approach requires a long time for standardization and adoption. In this paper, we study from a new direction by proposing a general framework that converts existing wired sensor network into wireless without changing upper layer protocols and the existing hardware. The key ideas are an asynchronous-response framework to maintain the control plane of the upper layer protocol intact, and a modular design to prioritize and schedule data flows in case of link quality and throughput variation. Our design can become a supplement for existing studies towards developing wireless building management systems. We evaluate our system using both comprehensive simulations and experiments with real BMS hardware, software and protocols running on top. We made a field deployment by integrating our system into the BMS of the FG-building of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. The system operated smoothly during our five-hour deployment.
Fate mapping analysis of lymphoid cells expressing the NKp46 cell surface receptor

NKp46 is a cell surface receptor expressed on natural killer (NK) cells, on a minute subset of T cells, and on a population of innate lymphoid cells that produce IL-22 and express the transcription factor retinoid-related orphan receptor (ROR)-γt, referred to as NK cell receptor (NKR)+ROR-γt+ cells. Here we describe Nkp46iCre knock-in mice in which the gene encoding the improved Cre (iCre) recombinase was inserted into the Nkp46 locus. This mouse was used to noninvasively trace cells expressing NKp46 in vivo. Fate mapping experiments demonstrated the stable expression of NKp46 on NK cells and allowed a reappraisal of the sequential steps of NK cell maturation. NKp46 genetic tracing also showed that gut NKR+ROR-γt+ and NK cells represent two distinct lineages. In addition, the genetic heterogeneity of liver NK cells was evidenced. Finally, Nkp46iCre mice also represent a unique mouse model of conditional mutagenesis specifically in NKp46+ cells, paving the way for further developments in the biology of NKp46+ NK, T, and NKR+ROR-γt+ cells.
Surface‐enhanced Raman spectral biomarkers correlate with Ankle Brachial Index and characterize leg muscle biochemical composition of patients with peripheral arterial disease

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is characterized by atherosclerotic blockages of the arteries supplying the lower extremities, which cause a progressive accumulation of ischemic injury to the skeletal muscles of the lower limbs. This injury includes altered metabolic processes, damaged organelles, and compromised bioenergetics in the affected muscles. The objective of this study was to explore the association of Raman spectral signatures of muscle biochemistry with the severity of atherosclerosis in the legs as determined by the Ankle Brachial Index (ABI) and clinical presentation. We collected muscle biopsies from the gastrocnemius (calf muscle) of five patients with clinically diagnosed claudication, five patients with clinically diagnosed critical limb ischemia (CLI), and five control patients who did not have PAD. A partial least squares regression (PLSR) model was able to predict patient ABI with a correlation coefficient of 0.99 during training and a correlation coefficient of 0.85 using a full cross‐validation. When using the first three PLS factor scores in combination with linear discriminant analysis, the discriminant model was able to correctly classify the control, claudicating, and CLI patients with 100% accuracy, using a full cross‐validation procedure. Raman spectroscopy is capable of detecting and measuring unique biochemical signatures of skeletal muscle. These signatures can discriminate control muscles from PAD muscles and correlate with the ABI and clinical presentation of the PAD patient. Raman spectroscopy provides novel spectral biomarkers that may complement existing methods for diagnosis and monitoring treatment of PAD patients.
A work study of the CAD/CAM method and conventional manual method in the fabrication of spinal orthoses for patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

A study was conducted to compare the CAD/CAM method with the conventional manual method in fabrication of spinal orthoses for patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Ten subjects were recruited for this study. Efficiency analyses of the two methods were performed from cast filling/digitization process to completion of cast/image rectification. The dimensional changes of the casts/models rectified by the two cast rectification methods were also investigated. The results demonstrated that the CAD/CAM method was faster than the conventional manual method in the studied processes. The mean rectification time of the CAD/CAM method was shorter than that of the conventional manual method by 108.3 min (63.5%). This indicated that the CAD/CAM method took about 1/3 of the time of the conventional manual to finish cast rectification. In the comparison of cast/image dimensional differences between the conventional manual method and the CAD/CAM method, five major dimensions in each of the five rectified regions namely the axilla, thoracic, lumbar, abdominal and pelvic regions were involved. There were no significant dimensional differences (p < 0.05) in 19 out of the 25 studied dimensions. This study demonstrated that the CAD/CAM system could save the time in the rectification process and offer a relatively high resemblance in cast rectification as compared with the conventional manual method.
The relationship between brain development and spoken narrative in typical developing children and in children with high functioning autism

OF THE THESIS The Relationship between Brain Development and Spoken Narrative in Typical Developing Children and in Children with High Functioning Autism by Brian D. Mills Master of Arts in Psychology San Diego State University, 2012 Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in language and communication. Previous research examining gray and white matter structure in children with autism has revealed abnormalities in regions critical for language. Studies that have related anatomical brain development to language performance often rely on standardized tests of language. These studies provide a limited portrait of language ability and do not examine language in real world contexts such as in a spoken narrative. In a recent study of narrative performance, 17 typically developing (TD) children and 11 children with high functioning autism (HFA) six to 13 years of age told a story of an instance when they had a conflict with another person. In their narratives, children with HFA had deficits in morphology and syntax. In order to understand the brain basis of spontaneous language in TD children and children with HFA, the current study investigated the relationship between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based measures of gray and white matter structure and morphosyntactic performance during their spoken narrative. In the TD group, there were systematic associations between gray matter development and children’s use of morphology and syntax. Gray matter structure was related to narrative performance in left inferior frontal gyrus (Broca’s area), the right middle frontal sulcus, and the right inferior temporal sulcus. Associations between gray matter structure and narrative performance were not found in children with HFA. These findings suggest a systematic coupling between brain structure and spontaneous language in TD children and a disruption of these relationships in children with HFA. In the analysis of white matter development, fractional anisotropy (FA), a measure of white matter coherence and organization, was assessed in major cerebral white matter tracts. In the TD group, FA correlated with morphosyntactic production in the traditional language pathway, the left arcuate fasciculus. In contrast, associations between morphosyntax and white matter in the HFA group were found with the inferior longitudinal fasciculus, a ventral pathway thought to mediate visual and perceptual stimuli, and with corticostriatal fibers responsible for motor planning and articulation. Such evidence suggests that white matter development in pathways responsible for visual processing and articulation are important for mediating spoken language in children with HFA. Conversely, it appears that TD children may rely on pathways connecting traditional language regions such as a Broca’s and Wernicke’s area. The current study is the first to demonstrate links between gray and white matter development and spontaneous real world language production.
Python: a programming language for software integration and development.

Over the last decade we have witnessed the emergence of technologies such as libraries, Object Orientation, software architecture and visual programming. The common goal of these technologies is to achieve software reuse. Even though, many signiﬁcant advances have been made in areas such as library design, domain analysis, metric of reuse and organization for reuse, there are still unresolved problems such as component inter-operability and framework design[1]. We have investigated the use of interpreted languages to create a programmable, dynamic environment in which components can be tied together at a high level. This work has demonstrated the beneﬁts of such an approach and has taught us about the features of the interpreted language that are key to a suc-cessful component integration.
Polymorphisms in lncRNA PTENP1 and the Risk of Gastric Cancer in a Chinese Population

Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) phosphatase and tensin homolog pseudogene 1 (PTENP1) is significantly downregulated in gastric cancer (GC), playing critical roles in GC progression. However, the association between PTENP1 genetic variants and GC risk has not yet been reported. Using TaqMan technology, three lncRNA PTENP1 tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (tagSNPs) (rs7853346 C>G, rs865005 C>T, and rs10971638 G>A) were genotyped in 768 GC patients and 768 cancer-free controls in a Chinese population. We found that subjects with rs7853346 G allele had a remarkably decreased risk of GC, compared with those carrying C allele (P = 0.011 in an additive model, P = 0.033 after Bonferroni's correction). The further stratified analyses showed that the link between variant genotypes of rs7853346 and decreased GC risk was more obvious in older subjects (≥60 years), nonsmokers, nondrinkers, and subjects without family history of GC. We also found that relative PTENP1 mRNA expression levels were higher in rs7853346 CG/GG genotype carriers than those with common genotype in both GC and normal tissues (P < 0.05). Besides, bioinformatics analyses revealed that rs7853346 may change the local folding structure and alter the target microRNAs (miRNAs) of PTENP1. In conclusion, our results suggested that lncRNA PTENP1 polymorphism rs7853346 may predict GC susceptibility.
Quotas for advisory committees, business and politics: Just more of the same?

Nowadays, we can distinguish gender quotas targeting the political, the social and the economic spheres of society. Taking the Belgian case as an example, this article examines to what extent these different generations or groups of gender quotas differ intrinsically from each other. To this end, it analyses five generic gender quota laws adopted in the period 1990–2011 and the rationales underlying them. The analysis shows that the rules and underlying rationales do not differ fundamentally across the different spheres of society and that existing differences can mainly be explained by a factor of time.