Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Integrated photovoltaic maximum power point tracking converter

A low-power low-cost highly efficient maximum power point tracker (MPPT) to be integrated into a photovoltaic (PV) panel is proposed. This can result in a 25% energy enhancement compared to a standard photovoltaic panel, while performing functions like battery voltage regulation and matching of the PV array with the load. Instead of using an externally connected MPPT, it is proposed to use an integrated MPPT converter as part of the PV panel. It is proposed that this integrated MPPT uses a simple controller in order to be cost effective. Furthermore, the power converter has to be very efficient, in order to transfer more energy to the load than a directly-coupled system. This is achieved by using a simple soft-switched topology. A much higher conversion efficiency at lower cost will then result, making the MPPT an affordable solution for small PV energy systems.
Medial Displacement Calcaneal Osteotomy With Flexor Digitorum Longus Tendon Substitution for Stage II Posterior Tibial Tendon Insufficiency

Dysfunction of the posterior tibial tendon is now a commonly recognized yet underdiagnosed etiologic factor in the development of the adult acquired flatfoot deformity. Treatment of this disorder is dependent upon the stage of posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. The medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy, in combination with transfer of the flexor digitorum longus tendon to reconstruct/substitute for the dysfunctional posterior tibial tendon, is used for patients exhibiting dysfunction of the posterior tibial tendon combined with a supple hindfoot.
Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Tolerability Following Multiple Oral Doses of Varenicline Under Various Titration Schedules in Elderly Nonsmokers

This study was designed to investigate the multiple‐dose pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability of the selective α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine partial agonist, varenicline, in elderly (65–85 years old) nonsmokers. Fifty male and female subjects with normal renal function for their age were randomized to receive varenicline or placebo once or twice daily for 3 weeks in an investigator‐ and subject‐blinded parallel‐group design. Treatment regimens included weekly titration (n = 14; days 1–7, 0.5 mg once daily; days 8–14, 0.5 mg twice daily; days 15–21, 1 mg twice daily); 2‐week twice‐daily titration (n = 13; days 1–14, 0.5 mg once daily; days 15–21, 0.5 mg twice daily); 2‐week once‐daily titration (n = 13; days 1–14, 0.5 mg once daily; days 15–21, 1 mg once daily); and placebo (n = 10). Approximate dose‐proportional increases in systemic exposure of varenicline at steady state, based on maximum concentration and area under the plasma concentration‐time curve over the 24‐hour period at steady state, were observed across the dose range of 0.5 to 2 mg/d. Median time to maximum concentration was 3 hours. Mean elimination half‐life was estimated to be approximately 24 to 32 hours and independent of dose. Varenicline was considered to be safe and well tolerated in this elderly nonsmoking population.
Semiblind identification of nonminimum-phase ARMA models via order recursion with higher order cumulants

This paper develops a novel identification methodology for nonminimum-phase autoregressive moving average (ARMA) models of which the models' orders are not given. It is based on the third-order statistics of the given noisy output observations and assumed input random sequences. The semiblind identification approach is thereby named. By the order-recursive technique, the model orders and parameters can be determined simultaneously by minimizing well-defined cost functions. At each updated order, the AR and MA parameters are estimated without computing the residual time series (RTS), with the result of decreasing the computational complexity and memory consumption. Effects of the AR estimation error on the MA parameters estimation are also reduced. Theoretical statements and simulations results, together with practical application to the train vibration signals' modeling, illustrate that the method provides accurate estimates of unknown linear models, despite the output measurements being corrupted by arbitrary Gaussian noises of unknown pdf.
A sensitivity analysis of an integrated model for joint determination of economic design of $\overline{x}$‐control charts, economic production quantity and production run length for a deteriorating production system

This study presents an integrated model for the joint economic design of $\overline{x}$‐control charts and maintenance schedules and, simultaneously, determines the economic production quantity and production run length for a deteriorating production system. The operating state of the production process is classified as either in control or out of control. In the latter state, the process produces some defective items. An $\overline{x}$‐control chart is used to monitor the process mean. Both uniform and non‐uniform inspection schemes are adopted. Inspection and maintenance are performed simultaneously. Replacement cost is assumed to be very high. The process failure mechanism is assumed to follow a general probability distribution with an increasing failure rate. The concept of a truncated production cycle is introduced. The production cycle begins when a new component is installed and ends with a repair after the detection of a failure or after a specified number of inspection intervals, $m$, whichever occurs first. The effects of preventive maintenance on quality control are discussed. Numerical examples are provided to evaluate the performance of the model. Sensitivity analyses are conducted to study the effects of various model parameters. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Depth-enhanced fluorescence imaging using masked detection of structured illumination

Abstract. There is a growing interest in imaging fluorescence contrast at depth within living tissues over wide fields of view and in real time. Most methods used to date to improve depth detection of fluorescence information involve acquisition of multiple images, postprocessing of the data using a light propagation model, and are capable of providing either depth-sectioned or tomographic fluorescence information. We introduce a method, termed masked detection of structured illumination, that allows the enhancement of fluorescence imaging at depth without postprocessing. This method relies on the scanning of a collimated beam onto a turbid medium and the physical masking of the point spread function on the detection arm before acquisition on a CCD camera. By preferentially collecting diffuse photons at a chosen source-detector range, this method enhances fluorescence information at depth and has the potential to form images without postprocessing and in real time.
Polarization gating enables sarcomere length measurements by laser diffraction in fibrotic muscle

Abstract. Sarcomere length is a key parameter commonly measured in muscle physiology since it dictates striated muscle active force. Laser diffraction (LD)–based measurements of sarcomere length are time-efficient and sample a greater number of sarcomeres compared with traditional microscopy–based techniques. However, a limitation to LD techniques is that signal quality is severely degraded by scattering events as photons propagate through tissue. Consequently, sarcomere length measurements are unattainable when the number of scattering events is sufficiently large in muscle tissue with a high scattering probability. This occurs in fibrotic skeletal muscle seen in muscular dystrophies and secondary to tissue trauma, thus eliminating the use of LD to study these skeletal muscle ailments. Here, we utilize polarization gating to extract diffracted signals that are buried in noise created by scattering. Importantly, we demonstrate that polarization-gated laser diffraction (PGLD) enables sarcomere length measurements in muscles from chronically immobilized mice hind limbs; these muscles have a substantial increase of intramuscular connective tissue that scatter light and disable sarcomere length measurements by traditional LD. Further, we compare PGLD sarcomere lengths to those measured by bright field (BF) and confocal microscopy as positive controls and reveal a significant bias of BF but not of confocal microscopy.
Further Examination of a Structured Adherence Interview of Diabetes for Children, Adolescents, and Parents

This study evaluated the factor structure of the Diabetes Self-Management Profile (DSMP), a structured interview for diabetes regimen adherence for children with type 1 diabetes. Study aims included a detailed examination of parent-child agreement in ratings of adherence. The DSMP was administered to 121 children and their parents during routine visits to a tertiary care diabetes clinic. Confirmatory factor analysis of the rationally derived five subscales yielded poor fit indexes. Subsequent exploratory factor analysis supported a two-factor solution for both the parent and child DSMP adherence ratings with factors named Food and Insulin Schedule Adherence and Adherence to Blood Sugar Testing and Adjustments. The internal consistency of the factors was acceptable, and predictive validity was supported vis-a-vis positive correlations with metabolic control (HbA1c). This factor structure appears to provide a brief yet reliable and valid framework for assessing adherence and predicting metabolic control in children. In addition, parent-child agreement varied as a function of age. However, poor metabolic control did not relate to higher parent-child disagreement.
Electrochemical Behavior of Malachite Green in Aqueous Solutions of Ionic Surfactants

Electrochemical behavior of malachite green (MG) oxalate in aqueous solution was studied in the presence of a cationic surfactant, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), and an anionic surfactant, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) at a glassy carbon electrode using cyclic voltammetry. The electrochemical oxidation of MG has been characterized as an electrochemically irreversible diffusion-controlled process. Oxidative peak current sharply decreased with increasing SDS concentration, while a slight increase with increasing [CTAB] was apparent. The apparent diffusion coefficient, the surface reaction rate constant, and the electron transfer coefficient of MG clearly show correlation of the electrochemical behavior with the dissolved states of the surfactants. Electrochemical observations together with spectrophotometric results at varying surfactant concentrations provide evidence of interaction of MG with the surfactants to varying extent depending on the type of the surfactant and the concentration.
Molecular components of the signal sequence that function in the initiation of protein export

We are studying the mechanism by which the LamB protein is exported to the outer membrane of Escherichia coli. Using two selection procedures based on gene fusions, we have identified a number of mutations that cause alterations in the LamB signal sequence. Characterization of the mutant strains revealed that although many such mutations block LamB export to greater than 95%, others have essentially no effect. These results allow an analysis of the functions performed by the various molecular components of the signal sequence. Our results suggest that a critical subset of four amino acids is contained within the central hydrophobic core of the LamB signal sequence. If this core can assume an alpha-helical conformation, these four amino acids comprise a recognition site that interacts with a component of the cellular export machinery. Since mechanisms of protein localization appear to have been conserved during evolution, the principles established by these results should be applicable to similar studies in eukaryotic cells.
Interactive data mining informs designed experiments

We illustrate how a Six Sigma project team can apply recursive partitioning to a historical data set to narrow down a list of potential experimental factors and then construct an experimental design using information from the partition analysis. The paper illustrates the value of analyzing historical manufacturing data to inform the choice of factors and levels for statistically designed experiments. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Speckle Simulation Based on B-Mode Echographic Image Acquisition Model

This paper introduces a novel method to simulate B-mode medical ultrasound speckle in synthetic images. Our approach takes into account both the ultrasound image formation model and the speckle formation model. The algorithm first modifies the geometry of an ideal noiseless image to match that of a sectoral B-mode ultrasonogram, by subsampling a grid of pixels to simulate the acquisition and quantization steps of image formation. Then, speckle is added by simulating a random walk in the plane of the complex amplitude, according to the Burckhardt speckle formation model. We finally interpolate the noisy subsampled pixels in order to fill the space introduced by the sampling step and recover a complete image, as would a real ultrasonograph. Synthetic speckle images generated by this method are visually and theoretically very close to real ultrasonograms.
Site-directed immobilization of antibody using EDC-NHS-activated protein A on a bimetallic-based surface plasmon resonance chip

Abstract. The characteristics of a waveguide-coupled bimetallic surface plasmon resonance (WcBiM SPR) sensor using (3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethylcarbodiimide(EDC)-N-hydroxysuccinimide(NHS)-activated protein A was investigated, and the detection of IgG using the EDC-NHS-activated protein A was studied in comparison with protein A and a self-assembled monolayer (SAM). The WcBiM sensor, which has a narrower full width at half maximum (FWHM) and a steeper slope, was selected since it leads to a larger change in the reflectance in the intensity detection mode. A preparation of the EDC-NHS-activated protein A for site-directed immobilization of antibodies was relative easily compared to the engineered protein G and A. In antigen–antibody interactions, the response to IgG at the concentrations of 50, 100, and 150 ng/ml was investigated. The results showed that the sensitivity of the WcBiM sensor using the EDC-NHS-activated protein A, protein A, and SAM was 0.0185 [%/(ng/ml)], 0.0065 [%/(ng/ml)], and 0.0101 [%/(ng/ml)], respectively. The lowest detectable concentrations of IgG with the EDC-NHS-activated protein A, protein A, and SAM were 4.27, 12.83, and 8.24 ng/ml, respectively. Therefore, the increased sensitivity and lower detection capability of the WcBiM SPR chip with the EDC-NHS-activated protein A suggests that it could be used in early diagnosis where the trace level concentrations of biomolecules should be detected.
Assessment of microcirculation dynamics during cutaneous wound healing phases in vivo using optical microangiography

Abstract. Cutaneous wound healing consists of multiple overlapping phases starting with blood coagulation following incision of blood vessels. We utilized label-free optical coherence tomography and optical microangiography (OMAG) to noninvasively monitor healing process and dynamics of microcirculation system in a mouse ear pinna wound model. Mouse ear pinna is composed of two layers of skin separated by a layer of cartilage and because its total thickness is around 500 μm, it can be utilized as an ideal model for optical imaging techniques. These skin layers are identical to human skin structure except for sweat ducts and glands. Microcirculatory system responds to the wound injury by recruiting collateral vessels to supply blood flow to hypoxic region. During the inflammatory phase, lymphatic vessels play an important role in the immune response of the tissue and clearing waste from interstitial fluid. In the final phase of wound healing, tissue maturation, and remodeling, the wound area is fully closed while blood vessels mature to support the tissue cells. We show that using OMAG technology allows noninvasive and label-free monitoring and imaging each phase of wound healing that can be used to replace invasive tissue sample histology and immunochemistry technologies.
A Longitudinal Study of Work After Retirement

Older employees are increasingly accepting bridge employment, which occurs when older workers take employment for pay after they retire from their main career. This study examined predictors of workers’ decisions to engage in bridge employment versus full retirement and career employment. A national sample of 482 older people in the United States was surveyed regarding various work-related and nonwork related predictors of retirement decisions, and their retirement status was measured 5 years later. In bivariate analyses, both work-related variables (career goal achievement and experienced pressure to retire) and nonwork-related variables (psychological distress and traditional gender role orientation) predicted taking bridge employment, but in multinomial logistic regression, only nonwork variables had unique effects. Few predictors differentiated the bridge employed and fully retired groups. Nonwork variables were salient in making the decision to retire, and bridge employment may be conceptually more similar to full retirement than to career employment.
Hyperspectral Image Classification Using Fast and Adaptive Bidimensional Empirical Mode Decomposition With Minimum Noise Fraction

The scattered pixel problem in hyperspectral images caused by atmospheric noises and incomplete classification can lead to unsatisfactory classification; this problem remains to be solved. This letter reports the application of minimum noise fractions (MNFs) combined with fast and adaptive bidimensional empirical mode decomposition (FABEMD) as a two-step process to improve the classification accuracy of airborne visible-infrared imaging spectrometer hyperspectral image of the Indian Pine data set. With dimensional reduction by using MNF, FABEMD, considered as a low-pass filter, decomposes a hyperspectral image into several bidimensional intrinsic mode functions (BIMFs) and a residue image. The first four BIMFs are removed and the remainder BIMFs are integrated to reconstruct informative images that are subsequently classified through a support vector machine classifier (SVM). The classification results show that the proposed approach can effectively eliminate noise effects and can obtain higher accuracy than does traditional MNF SVM.
Data-driven approach to optimum wavelength selection for diffuse optical imaging

Abstract. The production of accurate and independent images of the changes in concentration of oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin by diffuse optical imaging is heavily dependent on which wavelengths of near-infrared light are chosen to interrogate the target tissue. Although wavelengths can be selected by theoretical methods, in practice the accuracy of reconstructed images will be affected by wavelength-specific and system-specific factors such as laser source power and detector sensitivity. We describe the application of a data-driven approach to optimum wavelength selection for the second generation of University College London’s multichannel, time-domain optical tomography system (MONSTIR II). By performing a functional activation experiment using 12 different wavelengths between 690 and 870 nm, we were able to identify the combinations of 2, 3, and 4 wavelengths which most accurately reproduced the results obtained using all 12 wavelengths via an imaging approach. Our results show that the set of 2, 3, and 4 wavelengths which produce the most accurate images of functional activation are [770, 810], [770, 790, 850], and [730, 770, 810, 850] respectively, but also that the system is relatively robust to wavelength selection within certain limits. Although these results are specific to MONSTIR II, the approach we developed can be applied to other multispectral near-infrared spectroscopy and optical imaging systems.
Sexual dysfunction screening: the advantages of a culturally sensitive joint assessment clinic

This paper describes the initiation and development of a culturally sensitive sexual dysfunction clinic by a urology specialist nurse and a medical social worker trained in psychosexual therapy. This development was in response to the large number of clients presenting in the urological outpatient clinics who had waited many months for an initial appointment and for whom the delay in treatment exacerbated sexual dysfunction. Factors, including gender stereotyping, religious and cultural taboos, that challenged the traditional style of this clinic (as a consequence of professional training), will be described along with how these were overcome. We conclude that a joint psychosexual/sexual dysfunction clinic provides a comprehensive assessment that clients with sexual dysfunction can participate in as partners in care if successful treatment is to be provided.
Quasi-simultaneous multimodal imaging of cutaneous tissue oxygenation and perfusion

Abstract. Simultaneous and quantitative assessment of multiple tissue parameters may facilitate more effective diagnosis and therapy in many clinical applications, such as wound healing. However, existing wound assessment methods are typically subjective and qualitative, with the need for sequential data acquisition and coregistration between modalities, and lack of reliable standards for performance evaluation or calibration. To overcome these limitations, we developed a multimodal imaging system for quasi-simultaneous assessment of cutaneous tissue oxygenation and perfusion in a quantitative and noninvasive fashion. The system integrated multispectral and laser speckle imaging technologies into one experimental setup. Tissue oxygenation and perfusion were reconstructed by advanced algorithms. The accuracy and reliability of the imaging system were quantitatively validated in calibration experiments and a tissue-simulating phantom test. The experimental results were compared with a commercial oxygenation and perfusion monitor. Dynamic detection of cutaneous tissue oxygenation and perfusion was also demonstrated in vivo by a postocclusion reactive hyperemia procedure in a human subject and a wound healing process in a wounded mouse model. Our in vivo experiments not only validated the performance of the multimodal imaging system for cutaneous tissue oxygenation and perfusion imaging but also demonstrated its technical potential for wound healing assessment in clinical practice.
America's Youth and Community Engagement

This research examines the role of the mass media in young people's disengagement from politics. In a nationally representative telephone survey (N = 1,501), young people (ages 14 to 22) reported their habits for 12 different uses of mass media as well as awareness of current national politics and time spent in civic activities. Following Putnam's hypothesis about the beneficial effects of civic ties on political involvement, the authors predict and find that civic activity is positively associated with political awareness. Contrary to Putnam, they find that media use, whether information or entertainment oriented, facilitates civic engagement, whereas news media are especially effective in promoting political awareness. Although heavy use of media interferes with both political and civic engagement, the overall effect of media use is favorable for each outcome. The results are discussed in regard to the potentially greater use of the media to build community engagement in young people.