Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Data-Based Feedback Relearning Control for Uncertain Nonlinear Systems With Actuator Faults

In this article, a data-based feedback relearning (FR) algorithm is developed for the uncertain nonlinear systems with control channel disturbances and actuator faults. Uncertain problems will influence the accuracy of collected data episodes, and in turn affect the convergence and optimality of the data-based reinforcement learning (RL) algorithm. The proposed FR algorithm can update the strategy online by relearning from the empirical data. The strategy can continuously approach the optimal solution, which improves the convergence and optimality of the algorithm. Moreover, based on the experience replay technology, a data processing method is designed to further improve the data utilization efficiency and the algorithm convergence. A neural network (NN)-based fault observer is used to achieve the model-free fault compensation. The polynomial activation function is redesigned by using the sigmoid function/hyperbolic tangent activation function, to reduce the difficulty of NNs design for an unknown nonlinear system and improve the generalization. In the face of disturbances and actuator faults, the control performance, algorithm convergence, and optimality of the proposed strategy can be well guaranteed through comparative simulation.
GPR83 Engages Endogenous Peptides from Two Distinct Precursors to Elicit Differential Signaling

PEN is an abundant neuropeptide that activates G protein-coupled receptor 83 (GPR83), which is considered a novel therapeutic target due to its roles in regulation of feeding-, reward-, and anxiety-related behaviors. The major form of PEN in the brain is 22 residues in length. Previous studies have identified shorter forms of PEN in mouse brain and neuroendocrine cells; these shorter forms were named PEN18, PEN19, and PEN20, with the number reflecting the length of the peptide. The C-terminal five residues of PEN20 are identical to the C-terminus of a procholecystokinin (proCCK)-derived peptide, named proCCK56-62, that is present in mouse brain. ProCCK56-62 is highly conserved across species, although it has no homology to the bioactive cholecystokinin domain. ProCCK56-62 and a longer form, proCCK56-63, were tested for their ability to engage GPR83. Both peptides bind GPR83 with high affinity, activate second messenger pathways, and induce ligand-mediated receptor endocytosis. Interestingly, the shorter PEN peptides, ProCC56-62 and ProCCK56-63, differentially activate signal transduction pathways. Whereas PEN22 and PEN20 facilitate receptor coupling to Gαi, PEN18, PEN19, and ProCCK peptides facilitate coupling to Gαs. Furthermore, the ProCCK peptides exhibit dose-dependent Gα subtype selectivity in that they facilitate coupling to Gαs at low concentrations and Gαi at high concentrations. These data demonstrate that peptides derived from two distinct peptide precursors can differentially activate GPR83 and that GPR83 exhibits Gα subtype preference depending on the nature and concentration of the peptide. These results are consistent with the emerging idea that endogenous neuropeptides function as biased ligands. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT We found that peptides derived from procholecystokinin (proCCK) bind and activate G protein-coupled receptor 83, which is known to bind peptides derived from proSAAS. Different forms of the proCCK- and proSAAS-derived peptides show biased agonism, activating Gαs or Gαi depending on the length of the peptide and/or its concentration.
Daily Written Care Summaries for Families of Critically Ill Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial*

OBJECTIVES: To determine the effect of daily written updates on the satisfaction and psychologic symptoms of families of ICU patients. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Single, urban academic medical center. SUBJECTS: Surrogates of nondecisional, critically ill adults with high risk of mortality (n = 252) enrolled from June 2019 to January 2021. INTERVENTIONS: Usual communication with the medical team with or without written communication detailing the suspected cause and management approach of each ICU problem, updated each day. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Participants completed surveys at three time points during the ICU stay: enrollment (n = 252), 1 week (n = 229), and 2 weeks (n = 109) after enrollment. Satisfaction with care was measured using the Critical Care Family Needs Inventory (CCFNI). The presence of anxiety, depression, and acute stress were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Impact of Events Scale Revised (IES-R). CCFNI, HADS, and IES-R scores were similar among participants assigned to the intervention group and control group upon enrollment and during the first week after enrollment (p > 0.05). From enrollment to the second week after enrollment, there was an improvement in CCFNI and HADS scores among participants assigned to the intervention group versus the control group. At week 2, CCFNI scores were significantly lower among participants in the intervention group versus the control group, indicating greater satisfaction with care: 15.1 (95% CI, 14.2–16.0) versus 16.4, (95% CI, 15.5–17.3); p = 0.04. In addition, 2 weeks after enrollment, the odds of symptoms of anxiety, depression, and acute stress among participants assigned to the intervention versus control group were 0.16 (95% CI, 0.03–0.82; p = 0.03); 0.15 (95% CI, 0.01–1.87; p = 0.14); and 0.27 (95% CI, 0.06–1.27; p = 0.10), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Written communication improved satisfaction and the emotional well-being of families of critically ill patients, supporting its use as a supplement to traditional communication approaches.
Calcium Ion Binding to the Mutants of Calmodulin: A Structure-Based Computational Predictive Model of Binding Affinity Using a Charge Scaling Approach in Molecular Dynamics Simulation

The binding of calcium ions (Ca2+) to the calcium-binding proteins (CBPs) controls a plethora of regulatory processes. Among the roles played by CBPs in several diseases, the onset and progress of some cardiovascular diseases are caused by mutations in calmodulin (CaM), an important member of CBPs. Rationalization and prediction of the binding affinity of Ca2+ ions to the CaM can play important roles in understanding the origin of cardiovascular diseases. However, there is no robust structure-based computational method for predicting the binding affinity of Ca2+ ions to the different forms of CBPs in general and CaM in particular. In the current work, we have devised a fast yet accurate computational technique to accurately calculate the binding affinity of Ca2+ to the different forms of CaM. This method combines the well-known molecular mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann surface area (MM-PBSA) method and a charge scaling approach developed by previous authors that takes care of the polarization of CaM and Ca2+ ions. Our detailed analysis of the different components of binding free energy shows that subtle changes in electrostatics and van der Waals contribute to the difference in the binding affinity of mutants from that of the wild type (WT), and the charge scaling approach is superior in calculating these subtle changes in electrostatics as compared to the nonpolarizable force field used in this work. A statistically significant regression model made from our binding free energy calculations gives a correlation coefficient close to 0.8 to the experimental results. This structure-based predictive model can open up a new strategy to understand and predict the binding of Ca2+ to the mutants of CBPs, in general.
Antagonism of G protein-coupled receptor 55 prevents lipopolysaccharide-induced damages in human dental pulp cells

Pulpitis is a common oral inflammatory disease in dental pulp commonly associated with bacterial infection. G protein-coupled receptor 55 (GPR55) is a member of the G protein‐coupled receptors family that has been found to regulate inflammatory response. However, its roles in dental pulp inflammation have not been investigated. In this study, we used lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce inflammation in human dental pulp cells (hDPCs) to simulate an in vitro model of pulpitis. We found that LPS markedly induced the GPR55 expression in hDPCs. Treatment with the GPR55 antagonist ML-193 ameliorated the LPS-caused decrease in cell viability and increase in lactate dehydrogenase release. The upregulated inflammatory cytokines, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor α, in LPS-challenged hDPCs were also attenuated by ML-193. Treatment with ML-193 ameliorated LPS-induced production of the inflammatory mediators cyclooxygenase-2/prostaglandin E2 (COX-2/PGE2), and inducible nitric oxide synthase/nitric oxide (iNOS/NO) in hDPCs. ML-193 also inhibited the activation of Toll-like receptor 4-myeloid differentiation primary response 88-nuclear factor-κB (TLR4-Myd88-NF-κB) signaling in LPS-induced hDPCs via decreased expressions of TLR4, Myd88, and p-NF-κB 65. Our study provides evidence that the GPR55 antagonist ML-193 exhibited anti-inflammatory activity in LPS-stimulated hDPCs through inhibiting TLR4-Myd88-NF-κB signaling. The results imply that ML-193 might be a novel agent for pulpitis.
Lack of standardization in dry needling dosage and adverse event documentation limits outcome and safety reports: a scoping review of randomized clinical trials

ABSTRACT Objectives Examine: (1) whether variability in dry needling (DN) dosage affects pain outcomes, (2) if effect sizes are clinically important, and (3) how adverse events (AE) were documented and whether DN safety was determined. Methods Nine databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating DN in symptomatic musculoskeletal disorders. Methodological quality was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. Included RCTs met PEDro criteria #1 and scored > 7/10. Data extraction included DN dosage, pain outcome measures, dichotomous AE reporting (yes/no), and AE categorization. Clinically meaningful differences were determined using the minimum clinically important difference (MCID) for pain outcomes . Results Out of 22 identified RCTs, 11 demonstrated significant between-group differences exceeding the MCID, suggesting a clinically meaningful change in pain outcomes. Nine documented whether AE occurred. Only five provided AEs details and four cited a standard means to report AE. Discussion There was inconsistency in reporting DN dosing parameters and AE. We could not determine if DN dosing affects outcomes, whether DN consistently produces clinically meaningful changes, or establish optimal dosage. Without more detailed reporting, replication of methods in future investigations is severely limited. A standardized method is lacking to report, classify, and provide context to AE from DN. Without more detailed AE reporting in clinical trials investigating DN efficacy, a more thorough appraisal of relative risk, severity, and frequency was not possible. Based on these inconsistencies, adopting a standardized checklist for reporting DN dosage and AE may improve internal and external validity and the generalizability of results.
Functional map of the macroglomerular complex of male Helicoverpa armigera

The mechanism of sex pheromone reception in the male cotton bollworm Helicoverpa armigera has been extensively studied because it has become an important model system for understanding insect olfaction. However, the pathways of pheromone processing from the antenna to the primary olfactory center in H. armigera have not yet been clarified. Here, the physiology and morphology of male H. armigera olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) were studied using single sensillum recording along with anterograde filling and intracellular recording with retrograde filling. OSNs localized in type A sensilla responded to the major pheromone component cis‐11‐hexadecenal, and the axonal terminals projected to the cumulus (Cu) of the macroglomerular complex (MGC). The OSNs in type B sensilla responded to the behavioral antagonist cis‐9‐tetradecenal, and the axonal terminals projected to the dorsomedial anterior (DMA) unit of the MGC. In type C sensilla, there were 2 OSNs: one that responded to cis‐9‐tetradecenal and cis‐11‐hexadecenol with the axonal terminals projecting to the DMA, and another that responded to the secondary pheromone components cis‐9‐hexadecenal and cis‐9‐tetradecenal with the axonal terminals projecting to the dorsomedial posterior (DMP) unit of the MGC. Type A and type B sensilla also housed the secondary OSNs, which were silent neurons with axonal terminals projected to the glomerulus G49 and DMP. Overall, the neural pathways that carry information on attractiveness and aversiveness in response to female pheromone components in H. armigera exhibit distinct projections to the MGC units.
The Timing Effect of Childhood Maltreatment in Depression: A Systematic Review and meta-Analysis

Although empirical evidence has confirmed the causal relationship between childhood maltreatment and depression, findings are inconsistent on the magnitude of the effect of age of exposure to childhood maltreatment on psychological development. This systematic review with meta-analysis aims to comprehensively synthesize the literature on the relationship between exposure age of maltreatment and depression and to quantitatively compare the magnitude of effect sizes across exposure age groups. Electronic databases and grey literature up to April 6th, 2022, were searched for English-language studies. Studies were included if they: 1) provided the information on exposure age; and 2) provided statistical indicators to examine the relationship between childhood maltreatment and depression. Fifty-eight articles met eligibility criteria and were included in meta-analyses. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on subtypes of maltreatment and measurements of depression. Any kind of maltreatment (correlation coefficient [r] = 0.17, 95% CI = 0.15–0.18), physical abuse (r =0.13, 95% CI = 0.10–0.15), sexual abuse (r = 0.18, 95% CI = 0.15–0.21), emotional abuse (r = 0.17, 95% CI=0.11–0.23), and neglect (r = 0.08, 95% CI=0.06–0.11) were associated with an increased risk of depression. Significant differential effects of maltreatment in depression were found across age groups of exposure to maltreatment (Q = 34.81, p < 0.001). Age of exposure in middle childhood (6–13 years) had the highest risk of depression, followed by late childhood (12–19 years) and early childhood (0–6 years). Implications of the findings provide robust evidence to support targeting victimized children of all ages and paying closer attention to those in middle childhood to effectively reduce the risk of depression.
Ergebnisse und Lebensqualität nach Implantation aktiver Mittelohrimplantate

Zusammenfassung Die Versorgung mit implantierbaren Hörgeräten stellt einen Bereich mit hohem Entwicklungs- und Innovationspotenzial dar. Der vorliegende Übersichtsartikel gibt einerseits einen Überblick über derzeitige Indikationskriterien für die Versorgung mit aktiven Mittelohrimplantaten. Andererseits werden Zielparameter sowie Ergebnisse nach der Versorgung mit aktiven Mittelohrimplantaten beleuchtet. Hierbei liegt der Fokus auf audiologischen Ergebnissen sowie dem vom Patienten bewerteten Gesundheitszustand. Sogenannte „Patient Reported Outcome Measures“ (PROMs) nehmen mittlerweile auch in der Hörimplantatversorgung einen festen Stellenwert in der Evaluierung des Versorgungserfolges ein. Bisher ist die Studienlage sowohl hinsichtlich audiologischer als auch subjektiver Erfolgsparameter gemessen an den Evidenz-Level-Kriterien nicht befriedigend. Ein bislang fehlender internationaler Konsens über akzeptierte Outcomeparameter erschwert eine metaanalytische Aufarbeitung der Ergebnisse immens. In den bislang publizierten Untersuchungen konnte sowohl für Patienten mit einer Schallempfindungsschwerhörigkeit als auch für Patienten mit einer Schallleitungs- oder kombinierten Schwerhörigkeit ein besseres Sprachverstehen mit dem aktiven Mittelohrimplantat im Vergleich zur konventionellen Hörsystemversorgung ermittelt werden. Aktuelle Analysen zeigen eine signifikante Verbesserung der allgemeinen sowie der hörspezifischen Lebensqualität nach Versorgung mit einem aktiven Mittelohrimplantat. Zur Beurteilung des Versorgungserfolges bei Kindern existieren bislang keine validierten, hörspezifischen Lebensqualitätsmessinstrumente. Insbesondere bei Kindern mit komplexen Fehlbildungen des äußeren Ohres sowie des Mittelohres zeigen sich audiologisch zufriedenstellende Ergebnisse, welche zukünftig jedoch durch Lebensqualitätsmessungen untermauert werden müssen.
Taxonomy and ecology of Physisporinus forming synnema-like structures in freshwater environments

ABSTRACT Since 2011, we have collected fungi that form synnema-like structures (SSs) bearing many acanthophyses at the apex on water-splashed wood in streams in various regions of Japan. A provisional phylogenetic analysis of strains isolated from SSs based on their nrDNA sequences implied affinity with Physisporinus (Polyporales, Basidiomycota). However, it has not been reported that this genus forms SSs in freshwater habitats. We found a fungus forming not only SSs on the water-boundary part of wood but also resupinate basidiocarps with poroid hymenophores on nonsubmerged parts, and the morphological characteristics of the basidiocarps matched those of Physisporinus. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between SS-forming fungi and their sexual states by taxonomic approaches. Phylogenetic analyses based on nrDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and large subunit (LSU) sequences indicated that SS-forming fungi diverged into five clades in Physisporinus. Each clade was discriminated by the color of SSs, morphology of acanthophyses, and cultural characteristics. Of the five clades, Clade 1, which consisted only of sequences of strains isolated from SSs and basidiocarps produced on rhizomorphs, was closely related to P. eminens and P. undatus, but the morphology of basidiocarps and the manner of basidiocarp development differed. Clade 5 was closely related to P. castanopsidis, P. crocatus, P. pouzarii, P. sanguinolentus, P. subcrocatus, P. tibeticus, and P. vitreus, but the basidiocarp morphology differed. Therefore, Clades 1 and 5 were described as two new species. Regarding Clades 2, 3, and 4, further taxonomic studies with additional specimens are required. SS and acanthophysis formation in wet habitats in streams and in culture could be recognized as new taxonomic and ecological characters of Physisporinus. Graphical abstract
Teaching Practices Inventory for Engineering Education

Dr. Sheng-Jen (”Tony”) Hsieh is a Professor in the Dwight Look College of Engineering at Texas A&M University. He holds a joint appointment with the Department of Engineering Technology and the Department of Mechanical Engineering. His research interests include engineering education, cognitive task analysis, automation, robotics and control, intelligent manufacturing system design, and micro/nano manufacturing. He is also the Director of the Rockwell Automation laboratory at Texas A&M University, a state-of-the-art facility for education and research in the areas of automation, control, and automated system integration.
An Approach for Ontology-Based Information Extraction System Selection and Evaluation

The process of Information Extraction (IE) allows us to retrieve different types of information from natural language text by processing them automatically. Ontology-based information extraction (OBIE) is a subfield of information extraction. An increasing number of existing OBIE system may cause a problem with selection the most suitable solution. The general aim of this paper is to provide an approach for OBIE system selection and evaluation. It should ensure knowledge systematization and help users to find a proper solution that meets their needs. Streszczenie. Zastosowanie ekstrakcji informacji pozwala na pozyskiwanie różnych typów informacji w języku naturalnym, jednocześnie umożliwiając automatyczne jego przetwarzanie. Systemy ekstrakcji informacji oparte na ontologiach są poddziedziną ekstrakcji informacji. Rosnąca ich liczba oraz różnorodność podkreślają ważność problemu, jednocześnie wskazując na możliwość występowania problemu związanego z ich doborem. Celem artykułu jest prezentacja podejścia wspierającego proces doboru i oceny systemów ekstrakcji informacji opartego na ontologiach. Dobór i ocena systemu ekstrakcji informacji opartego na ontologiach.
First results on biostimulation of denitrifying activated sludge using low frequency ultrasound

Reduction of nitrate to nitrogen is critical for wastewater treatment process. The present work proposed a promising approach to improve the activity of denitrifying activated sludge by using low frequency ultrasonic treatment. Batch activity assays showed that when ultrasound was applied, denitrification performance was 2.64 higher than the control. Kinetic analysis of nitrate removal rate versus ultrasonic power and duty cycle was performed to investigate the effect of operational parameters on activated sludge activities. The best stimulating effect was observed at 40 W ultrasonic power and 40% duty cycle. The above results demonstrated that ultrasonic stimulation can be used as a technique for enhancing bacterial activities for water treatment. Studies of other parameters that also affect the denitrification under ultrasound are under way.
ACOUSTIC CHARACTERISTICS OF A SOUNDPROOFING UNIT HAVING AN INLET AND OUTLET LOCATED ON THE CROSSED RIGHT ANGLE FACE

Presented here is a concept for manufacturing windows which are capable of ventilating, regulating sunlight and reducing traffic noise inside the homes of the developing countries in tropical climate zones. A previous study discussed a rectangular soundproofing ventilation unit having an inlet and an outlet located on the opposite face, which results in a reduced outlet area. As a result, the ventilation function is reduced. To improve this problem, a rectangular soundproofing ventilation unit featuring an inlet and an outlet which is located on the crossed right angle face is proposed in this work. First, the outlet sound pressure is calculated based on the wave equation. Next, to maximize the sound proofing ability, the shape and location of the inlet and the outlet are determined by an investigation of the distribution of higher order mode waves formed inside the soundproofing ventilation unit. Finally, experimental results based on the reverberation chamber method are shown to be in reasonable agreement with our theoretical predictions.
Modeling and optimizing flexible capacity allocation in semiconductor manufacturing

In this thesis, capacity allocation is modeled for a semiconductor fabrication facility (wafer fab), with measures and methods that optimize the capacity allocation of wafer fabs. The proposed approach supports effective qualification management in wafer fabs (i.e. qualifications of products on tools), such that the engineers can increase the flexibility for operators. Operators need flexibility to decide how the workload should be allocated in order to optimally use the capacity of the tools. To do that, four flexibility measures are proposed: toolset flexibility (favors qualification of tools for process with high workload), WIP flexibility (favors possibility of balancing the workload on the tools), time flexibility (favors balancing of the production times on the tools) and system flexibility (combines all the previous measures). In order to use two of the flexibility measures (WIP flexibility and time flexibility), the optimal balance of workload and production times on the tools need to be found. To do this, optimization programs need to be solved beforehand. Furthermore, the integration of dynamically changing workload, the optimization of multiple qualifications of products on tools and numerous numerical experiments are presented.