Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analysis and application of modified methods of wavelet threshold functions

The signal of wind turbine in vibration and noise testing is often very weak, and it subject to a variety of noise interference in the course of its transmission. The signal with the acceleration sensor caught is often manifested as the signal with weak characteristics in the context of strong noise. In signal analysis, signal de-noising is an indispensable key link. This paper adopting the Donoho's de-noising idea of wavelet threshold function {[1]}, improve and deeply research the Wavelet Threshold Function on the basis of the classical soft and hard threshold de-noising function. The improved threshold function is applied to the diagnosis of the vibration noise of the wind turbine. The signal is analyzed and the product is improved accordingly. The result indicates that the improved threshold function has obvious de-noising effects in comparing with the traditional soft and hard threshold function.
Painterly Effects Rendering with Focus Based Level of Detail

We present a novel method for automatically creating scalable and portable 2D non-photorealistically rendered (NPR) images with painterly effects, with level of detail control. The novelty of the approach lies both in using optical image analysis for automatic focus region extraction, and in producing the painterly rendered images as vector graphics. The approach is also novel in that we automatically extract the regions of higher interest without the need of any tools, devices, or a priori image information. The method is a combination of automatic relative focus map estimation and simple digital strokes for the foreground, and color image segmentation for the background. The images are rendered into scalable vector graphics (SVG) for easy viewing and editing with a variety of existing applications and use in other designs/graphics.
Computing stable poses of piecewise smooth objects

When a three dimensional object is known to be lying on a planar surface, its pose is restricted from six to three degrees of freedom. Computer vision algorithms can exploit the few stable poses of modelled objects to simplify scene interpretation and more accurately determine object location. The paper presents necessary and sufficient conditions for the pose of a piecewise smooth curved three dimensional object to be stable. For objects whose surfaces are represented by implicit algebraic equations, these conditions can be expressed as systems of polynomial equations that are readily solved by homotopy continuation. Examples from the implemented algorithm are presented. <<ETX>>
Saliva cortisol levels and depression in individuals with temporomandibular disorder: preliminary study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:Temporomandibular disorders are common in general population and their etiology is also linked to psychological factors. Cortisol is a hormone the secretion of which may be increased during emotional changes. This study aimed at evaluating the presence of depression and saliva cortisol levels in patients with temporomandibular disorders.METHODS:Participated in the research 48 students, being 36 females and 12 males, aged between 19 and 32 years. Participants were previously evaluated by means of the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders questionnaire and were classified in two groups: with temporomandibular disorders and without temporomandibular disorders. To establish the presence of depression the Symptom Checklist 90 - Revised test was applied. Saliva was collected between 9:00 a.m. and 9:25 a.m. and saliva cortisol levels were analyzed by spectrophotometry.RESULTS:The Symptom Checklist 90 - Revised has suggested that 64% of patients with temporomandibular disorder were depressed as compared to 43% of individuals without temporomandibular disorder. Saliva cortisol level was 0. 272µg/dL for the temporomandibular disorder group and of 0,395µg/dL for the group without temporomandibular disorder, with no statistical difference.CONCLUSION:Within the limits of the study, it was possible to conclude that there is no association among saliva cortisol levels, depression and the presence of temporomandibular disorders.
Impact de choix d'implantation sur les performances d'une application de contrôle-commande

RESUME. Nous etudions l’evaluation de l’impact des choix d’implantation d’un systeme informatise de controle-commande sur la qualite du systeme controle. Nous placons cette etude dans le cadre des systemes echantillonnes. Nous presentons d’abord comment modeliser l’implantation d’une application de controle-commande sur une architecture informatique et comment construire un modele du systeme controle et de son systeme de commande. Les techniques d’evaluation ciblees reposent sur la simulation de ces modeles. Nous appliquons nos principes sur une etude de cas et identifions les resultats qui peuvent etre obtenus et les renseignements fournis pour concevoir une implantation du systeme de controle-commande assurant des proprietes de stabilite. Nous montrons que dans le cas ou plusieurs algorithmes de regulation partagent le meme processeur, une politique a priorites fixes degrade la qualite des regulations par rapport a une politique ou les priorites seraient alternees.
Unity for all

This article describes the evolution of energy policy in the European Union (EU). It is divided into three sections, which provide answers to the following questions: 1. ) What was the evolution of energy-related initiatives in the construction of the EU? 2. ) What are the obstacles to the existence of a truly pan-European energy policy? 3. ) What should be the roles of markets and government regulation in achieving the objectives of an EU energy policy?
Load swing suppression in the 3-dimensional overhead crane via second-order sliding-modes

In this paper, an anti-swing control law, previously proposed for the 2-dimensional (2D, or planar) model of an overhead crane [2], is generalized to the 3-dimensional (3-D) case. The multi-input controller is based on the second-order sliding-mode approach. Thanks to specially designed sliding surfaces, explicitly depending on the load swing angles, zero steady position error and active load swing damping during the load transfer are attained by the proposed controller. The effectiveness of the proposed control method is validated by experimental results on a 3-dimensional laboratory crane prototype.
A matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight based method for screening the 1691G → A mutation in the factor V gene

A point mutation, 1691 G → A in the coagulation factor V gene results in an Arg506 → Gln amino acid substitution in the factor V molecule. This mutation, defined as factor VLEIDEN, results in activated protein C (APC) resistance and is the most common genetic risk factor for familial thrombophilia. A new mini-sequencing method using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry was developed for the screening of the 1691G → A substitution in factor V. In this method, a fragment of genomic DNA containing the 1691st base is first amplified, followed by mini-sequencing in the presence of dGTP and ddATP, ddCTP, and ddTTP. In this manner, the primer is extended by one base from one allele and two bases from the other allele. The extended products are analyzed using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. The base at position 1691 is identified based on the number of nucleotides added. We have used this method to genotype 16 APC-resistant patients previously identified by conventional methods and 11 normal control samples. The genotypes of all samples were correctly identified. This method is accurate, fast, and potentially allows for simultaneous multiplex genotyping of a number of mutation sites associated with thrombophilia and clot formation.
Topological Hochschild homology and cohomology of A∞ ring spectra

Let A be an A_\infty ring spectrum. We use the description from [2] of the cyclic bar and cobar construction to give a direct definition of topological Hochschild homology and cohomology of A using the Stasheff associahedra and another family of polyhedra called cyclohedra. This construction builds the maps making up the A_\infty structure into THH(A), and allows us to study how THH(A) varies over the moduli space of A_\infty structures on A. As an example, we study how topological Hochschild cohomology of Morava K-theory varies over the moduli space of A_\infty structures and show that in the generic case, when a certain matrix describing the noncommutativity of the multiplication is invertible, topological Hochschild cohomology of 2-periodic Morava K-theory is the corresponding Morava E-theory. If the A_\infty structure is ``more commutative'', topological Hochschild cohomology of Morava K-theory is some extension of Morava E-theory.
Truncated Human Leptin (Δ133) Associated with Extreme Obesity Undergoes Proteasomal Degradation after Defective Intracellular Transport.

We recently described a homozygous frameshift mutation in the human leptin (ob) gene associated with undetectable serum leptin and extreme obesity in two individuals (1). This represented the first identified genetic cause of morbid obesity in humans. Preliminary data suggested a defect in the secretion of this truncated (Δ133) mutant leptin. In the present investigation, we have examined the mechanisms underlying the defective secretion of theΔ 133 leptin in transient transfection studies in Chinese hamster ovary and monkey kidney epithelium cells. Consistent with our previous observations, only immunoreactive wild-type (wt) leptin was secreted. In pulse chase experiments, intracellular wt leptin levels decreased, concomitant with secretion into the medium. In contrast, though immunoreactive Δ133 leptin disappeared from cell lysates with kinetics similar to those of wt leptin (half-life, 45 min), it was not detected in the medium. Inhibition of the proteasome, using the inhibitor clastolactacystin β-lact.
Paired Regions for Shadow Detection and Removal.

In this paper, we address the problem of shadow detection and removal from single images of natural scenes. Different from traditional methods that explore pixel or edge information, we employ a region based approach. In addition to considering individual regions separately, we predict relative illumination conditions between segmented regions from their appearances and perform pairwise classification based on such information. Classification results are used to build a graph of segments and graph-cut is used to solve the labeling of shadow and non-shadow regions. Detection results are later refined by image matting, and the shadow free image is recovered by relighting each pixel based on our lighting model. We evaluate our method on the shadow detection dataset in [1]. In addition, we created a new dataset with shadow-free ground truth images, which provides a quantitative basis for evaluating shadow removal. We study the effectiveness of features for both unary and pairwise classification.
Generalized H∞ observers design for systems with unknown inputs

A generalized H∞ observers design is proposed for linear systems with unknown inputs. It generalizes the existing results concerning the proportional observer (PO) design and the proportional integral observer (PIO) design. The approach is based on the solutions of the algebraic constraints obtained from the unbiasedness conditions of the estimation error. The observer design is obtained from the solutions of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). A numerical example is given to illustrate our approach.
Personalising learning with dynamic prediction and adaptation to learning styles in a conversational intelligent tutoring system

This thesis presents research that combines the benefits of intelligent tutoring systems (ITS), conversational agents (CA) and learning styles theory by constructing a novel conversational intelligent tutoring system (CITS) called Oscar. Oscar CITS aims to imitate a human tutor by implicitly predicting individuals’ learning style preferences and adapting its tutoring style to suit them during a tutoring conversation. ITS are computerised learning systems that intelligently personalise tutoring based on learner characteristics such as existing knowledge and learning style. ITS are traditionally student-led, hyperlink-based learning systems that adapt the presentation of learning resources by reordering or hiding links. Research suggests that students learn more effectively when instruction matches their learning style, which is typically modelled explicitly using questionnaires or implicitly based on behaviour. Learning is a social process and natural language interfaces to ITS, such as CAs, allow students to construct knowledge through discussion. Existing CITS adapt tutoring according to student knowledge, emotions and mood, however no CITS adapts to learning styles. Oscar CITS models a human tutor by directing a tutoring conversation and automatically detecting and adapting to an individual’s learning styles. Original methodologies and architectures were developed for constructing an Oscar Predictive CITS and an Oscar Adaptive CITS. Oscar Predictive CITS uses knowledge captured from a learning styles model to dynamically predict learning styles from an individual’s tutoring dialogue. Oscar Adaptive CITS applies a novel adaptation algorithm to select the best tutoring style for each tutorial question. The Oscar CITS methodologies and architectures are independent of the learning styles model and subject domain. Empirical studies involving real students have validated the prediction and adaptation of learning styles in a real-world teaching/learning environment. The results show that learning styles can be successfully predicted from a natural language tutoring dialogue, and that adapting the tutoring style significantly improves learning performance.
Detection and segmentation of mitotic cell nuclei in breast histopathology images

Detection and segmentation of cells is an important step for classifying the cells as cancerous or non-cancerous. Pathologists use microscopic images for analysis and further diagnosis of cancer. These images contain the microscopic structure of tissues and are stained using some staining components to facilitate the process. Staining process varies due to different stain manufacturers, staining practices and storage times. Manual methods are still used by pathologists in the detection of cancer. Automated methods assist the pathologists in early detection and diagnosis of cancer, and increase diagnostic precision. Even though many methods have been proposed over the years, ongoing research has failed to develop a system which is both generic and trainable for a wider range of applications with sensitivity and accuracy. Hence, novel automated methods are necessary. A robust, accurate and novel method is proposed for the detection and segmentation of cell nuclei, after which the cells are further classified as mitotic or non-mitotic.
Laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy: The pediatric recipient in a dual‐site program

Abstract: Background: At our institution, laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy (LLDN) is done at a different hospital site than pediatric recipient transplantation, whereas open donor nephrectomy (OLDN) is done in the adjacent operating room. The purpose of this study was to evalute the safety of a dual‐site renal transplantation program by comparing the outcomes of pediatric recipients of LLDN vs. OLDN. Methods: This is a retrospective study of consective pediatric recipients (n = 10) of LLDN (June 2002 to June 2005) compared to the 10 most recent pediatric recipients of OLDN (March 2001 to June 2005). Renal function was assessed with calculated creatinine clearance using the Schwartz formula and the following outcomes were assessed: delayed graft function, ureteral complications, acute rejection and patient and graft survival. Results are expressed as median (IQR). Results: When comparing the laparoscopic vs. open group, there were no significant differences in recipient age, height, weight, preoperative calculated creatinine clearance and warm ischemia time. Twelve month postoperative creatinine clearance was 88 ml/min/1.73 m2 (57–99) in the laparoscopic group (n = 8) and 66 ml/min/1.73 m2 (60–86) in the open group (n = 9), p = 0.2. In the LLDN group vs. the OLDN group, delayed graft function was 0% vs. 10% (p = 1.0), ureteral complications were 20% vs. 30% (p = 1.0), and acute rejection was 20% vs. 40% (p = 0.6). In the laparoscopic group, one‐yr patient and graft survival were both 100%, as compared to 100% and 89%, respectively, in the open group. Conclusion: A dual‐site laparoscopic donor nephrectomy program is not associated with adverse pediatric recipicent outcomes when compared to a same‐site open donor approach.
Silencing of Gene Expression in Cultured Cells Using Small Interfering RNAs

The discovery of RNA interference (RNAi) and related small RNA–mediated regulatory pathways has significantly altered the understanding of gene regulation in eukaryotic cells. In the RNAi pathway, small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) ∼21 to 23 nucleotides in length serve as the regulatory molecules that guide and induce sequence‐specific gene silencing. The use of siRNA‐mediated silencing as a tool for investigating gene function is well established in cultured mammalian cells. This unit provides basic approaches to explore the field of RNAi, and hopes to address the importance of optimizing transfection conditions after empirical determinations in order to understand various degrees of silencing efficiency. Curr. Protoc. Cell Biol. 47:27.1. 1‐27.1. 28. © 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Interpretation and Classification of Microvolt T Wave Alternans Tests

Interpretation of T Wave Alternans Tests. Measurement of microvolt‐level T wave alternans (TWA) during routine exercise stress testing now is possible as a result of sophisticated noise reduction techniques and analytic methods that have become commercially available. Even though this technology is new, the available data suggest that microvolt TWA is a potent predictor of arrhythmia risk in diverse disease states. As this technology becomes more widely available, physicians will be called upon to interpret microvolt TWA tracings. This review seeks to establish uniform standards for the clinical interpretation of microvolt TWA tracings.
ZNF384-related fusion genes define a subgroup of childhood B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia with a characteristic immunotype

Fusion genes involving ZNF384 have recently been identified in B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and 7 fusion partners have been reported. We further characterized this type of fusion gene by whole transcriptome sequencing and/or polymerase chain reaction. In addition to previously reported genes, we identified BMP2K as a novel fusion partner for ZNF384. Including the EP300-ZNF384 that we reported recently, the total frequency of ZNF384-related fusion genes was 4.1% in 291 B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients enrolled in a single clinical trial, and TCF3-ZNF384 was the most recurrent, with a frequency of 2.4%. The characteristic immunophenotype of weak CD10 and aberrant CD13 and/or CD33 expression was revealed to be a common feature of the leukemic cells harboring ZNF384-related fusion genes. The signature gene expression profile in TCF3-ZNF384-positive patients was enriched in hematopoietic stem cell features and related to that of EP300-ZNF384-positive patients, but was significantly distinct from that of TCF3-PBX1-positive and ZNF384-fusion-negative patients. However, clinical features of TCF3-ZNF384-positive patients are markedly different from those of EP300-ZNF384-positive patients, exhibiting higher cell counts and a younger age at presentation. TCF3-ZNF384-positive patients revealed a significantly poorer steroid response and a higher frequency of relapse, and the additional activating mutations in RAS signaling pathway genes were detected by whole exome analysis in some of the cases. Our observations indicate that ZNF384-related fusion genes consist of a distinct subgroup of B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia with a characteristic immunophenotype, while the clinical features depend on the functional properties of individual fusion partners.
Contemporary Micro-IT Capabilities and Organizational Performance: The Role of Online Customer Engagement

We theorize that the development of two contemporary social commerce-IT capabilities (social media and e-business technology) help to online engage customers to improve organizational performance. We test this theory by employing a secondary dataset on a sample of 100 small U.S. firms. The empirical analysis suggests that social media capability and e-business technology capability positively affect organizational performance through social and conventional online customer engagement. Research and managerial implications are discussed.
Recurrence of OTT–MAL fusion in t(1;22) of infant AML‐M7

Translocation t(1;22)(p13;q13) is associated with a peculiar subtype of acute megakaryocytic leukemia (M7) occurring in infants. We have recently characterized a fusion gene, OTT–MAL, resulting from this translocation. We now report three additional cases and show that this gene fusion is present in all five t(1;22) cases studied to date. Nucleotide sequence analysis of two translocation breakpoints suggests a nonhomologous end joining mechanism in the genesis of this translocation and reveals a noncanonical topoisomerase II‐like consensus sequence within the OTT gene. FISH and PCR techniques described in this work are useful for identifying t(1;22) associated with M7.
Short Term CO2 Enrichment Increases Carbon Sequestration of Air-Exposed Intertidal Communities of a Coastal Lagoon

In-situ production responses of air-exposed intertidal communities under CO2 enrichment are reported here for the first time. We assessed the short-term effects of CO2 on the light responses of the net community production (NCP) and community respiration (CR) of intertidal Z. noltei and unvegetated sediment communities of Ria Formosa lagoon, when exposed to air. NCP and CR were measured in-situ in summer and winter, under present and CO2 enriched conditions using benthic chambers. Within chamber CO2 evolution measurements were carried out by a series of short-term incubations (30 min) using an infra-red gas analyser. Liner regression models fitted to the NCP-irradiance responses were used to estimate the seasonal budgets of air-exposed, intertidal production as determined by the daily and seasonal variation of incident photosynthetic active radiation. High CO2 resulted in higher CO2 sequestration by both communities in both summer and winter seasons. Lower respiration rates of both communities under high CO2 further contributed to a potential negative climate feedback, except in winter when the CR of sediment community was higher. The light compensation points (light intensity where production equals respiration) of Z. noltei and sediment communities also decreased under CO2 enriched conditions in both seasons. The seasonal community production of Z. noltei was 115.54 ± 7.58 g C m-2 season-1 in summer and 29.45 ± 4.04 g C m-2 season-1 in winter and of unvegetated sediment was 91.28± 6.32 g C m-2 season-1 in summer and 25.83± 4.01 g C m-2 season-1 in winter under CO2 enriched conditions. Future CO2 conditions may increase air-exposed seagrass production by about 1.5-fold and unvegetated sediments by about 1.2 fold.I