Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hypothesis testing in an errors‐in‐variables model with heteroscedastic measurement errors

In many epidemiological studies it is common to resort to regression models relating incidence of a disease and its risk factors. The main goal of this paper is to consider inference on such models with error‐prone observations and variances of the measurement errors changing across observations. We suppose that the observations follow a bivariate normal distribution and the measurement errors are normally distributed. Aggregate data allow the estimation of the error variances. Maximum likelihood estimates are computed numerically via the EM algorithm. Consistent estimation of the asymptotic variance of the maximum likelihood estimators is also discussed. Test statistics are proposed for testing hypotheses of interest. Further, we implement a simple graphical device that enables an assessment of the model's goodness of fit. Results of simulations concerning the properties of the test statistics are reported. The approach is illustrated with data from the WHO MONICA Project on cardiovascular disease. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison between Stereo Angiographic Findings and Histopathologic Findings in Endotoxin-Induced Uveitis

Purpose: To carry out a three-dimensional analysis of uveitis using stereo angiography. Materials and Methods: Endotoxin-induced uveitis was induced by injecting lipopolysaccharide into the rat footpad, and the findings of stereo angiography with a scanning laser ophthalmoscope were compared to histopathologic results. Results: On day 2, multiple hyperfluorescent spots were observed by indocyanine green stereo angiography, which appeared to be in the superficial layer of the retina. Histopathologic findings showed infiltration of leukocytes into the corresponding area, which was the retinal nerve fiber layer. Conclusions: Stereo angiography was considered useful for three-dimensional analysis of uveitis lesions in the retina and choroid.
Poly-L-Lysine compacts DNA, kills bacteria, and improves protease inhibition in cystic fibrosis sputum.

RATIONALE Neutrophil serine proteases in cystic fibrosis (CF) lung secretions partially resist inhibition by natural and exogenous inhibitors, mostly because DNA impairs their control. Cationic polypeptides display the property of condensing DNA and retain antimicrobial properties. We hypothesized that DNA condensation by cationic polypeptides in CF sputum would result in a better control of CF inflammation and infection. OBJECTIVES We examined whether poly-L-lysine would compact DNA in CF lung secretions and liquefy CF sputum, improve the control of extracellular proteases by exogenous inhibitors, and whether it displays antibacterial properties toward CF-associated bacteria. METHODS We used fluorogenic methods to measure proteolytic activities and inhibition by protease inhibitors in whole sputum homogenates from patients with CF before and after treatment with poly-L-lysine. Antibacterial properties of poly-L-lysine were measured in bacterial cultures and in whole CF sputum. Poly-L-lysine toxicity was evaluated after aerosolization by histologic analysis, flow cytometry, and quantification of proinflammatory cytokines. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Poly-L-lysine compacts CF sputum DNA, generating a liquid phase that improves ciliary beating frequency at the lung epithelial surface, and allows the control of neutrophil elastase and cathepsin G by their natural inhibitors. It retains antimicrobial properties against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus at doses that induce no inflammation in the mouse lung after aerosol administration. CONCLUSIONS Poly-L-lysine may be an alternative to dornase-α to liquefy sputum with added benefits because it helps natural inhibitors to better control the deleterious effects of extracellularly released neutrophil serine proteases and has the ability to kill bacteria in CF sputum.
Selective Excitation of Two-pulse Femtosecond Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering in a Mixture

In this paper, we experimentally study the selective excitation of two-pulse femtosecond coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) in a mixture of dibromomethane (CH2Br2) and chloroform (CHCl3) by adaptive pulse shaping based on genetic algorithm. Second harmonic generation frequency-resolved optical gating (SHG-FROG) traces indicate that the spectral amplitude and phase of the optimal pulse are both modulated. Finally, we discuss the physical mechanism for the selective excitation of femtosecond CARS based on the retrieved information from SHG-FROG traces.
Trajectory tracking for UAV with saturation of velocities

A simple strategy to saturate the reference velocities when guiding an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) to accomplish trajectory-tracking tasks is proposed. Such a controller has two parts: a kinematic controller to generate reference velocities for the vehicle and a state-variables change with a PD controller to guarantee the tracking of such velocities. This characterizes a cascade controller and guarantees bounded UAV velocities along the trajectory. Simulations involving UAVs with different characteristics were carried out to check the effectiveness of the designed controller, whose results validate the proposed method.
Functional engineered channels and pores (Review)

Significant progress has been made in membrane protein engineering over the last 5 years, based largely on the re-design of existing scaffolds. Engineering techniques that have been employed include direct genetic engineering, both covalent and non-covalent modification, unnatural amino acid mutagenesis and total synthesis aided by chemical ligation of unprotected fragments. Combinatorial mutagenesis and directed evolution remain, by contrast, underemployed. Techniques for assembling and purifying heteromeric multisubunit pores have been improved. Progress in the de novo design of channels and pores has been slower. But, we are at the beginning of a new era in membrane protein engineering based on the accelerating acquisition of structural information, a better understanding of molecular motion in membrane proteins, technical improvements in membrane protein refolding and the application of computational approaches developed for soluble proteins. In addition, the next 5 years should see further advances in the applications of engineered channels and pores, notably in therapeutics and sensor technology.
The No Free Lunch Theorems for Optimisation : An Overview

Many algorithms have been devised for tackling combinatorial optimisation problems (COPs). Traditional Operations Research (OR) techniques such as Branch and Bound and Cutting Planes Algorithms can, given enough time, guarantee an optimal solution as they explicitly exploit features of the optimisation function they are solving. Specialised heuristics exist for most COPs that also exploit features of the optimisation function to arrive at a good, but probably not optimal, solution. There also exist a number of metaheuristics, algorithms that describe how to search the solution space without being tied to any one problem type. Some of these may be tailored to make them suit a particular problem better. However, there are a number of so-called “black-box” optimisation algorithms, which use little or no problem-specific information. Key examples of the black-box approach are Evolutionary Algorithms (EAs) and Simulated Annealing (SA). Random search is also a black-box optimisation algorithm, and so represents an important benchmark against which the performance of other search algorithms may be measured. Given an optimisation problem (i.e. objective function) f and an algorithm a, it is important to have some measure of how well a performs on f . Moreover, given empirical evidence of a’s performance on f , is it possible to make generalisations about a’s performance on other functions, either of the same or different type as f? Intuition would have one believe that there are some algorithms that will perform better than others on average. However, the No Free Lunch (NFL) Theorems state that such an assertion cannot be made. That is, across all optimisation functions, the average performance of all algorithms is the same. This means that if an algorithm performs well on one set of problems then it will perform poorly (worse than random search) on all others. To put the NFL theorems in their proper context, it is important to understand what they are and are not saying. From [2], p.69:
Robust H∞ tracking control of networked control systems with random delays and data dropouts

This paper discusses the trajectory tracking problem of discrete-time networked control systems with time-varying interval-bounded uncertainties, random network-induced delays, and data dropouts. A dynamic predictive feedback linearization controller is proposed to compensate for the delays and data dropouts. The augmented system is analyzed for closed-loop stability and tracking performance is guaranteed in the H∞ sense.
A 240W Monolithic Class-D Audio Amplifier Output Stage

A single-channel class-D audio amplifier output stage outputs 240W undipped into 4Omega 0.1% open-loop THD+N allows using the device in a fully-digital audio signal path with no feedback. The output current capability is plusmn18A and the part is fabricated in a 0.4mum/1.8mum high-voltage BiCMOS process. Over-current sensing protects the output from short circuits
Analysis of partially depleted absorber waveguide photodiodes

This paper presents the analysis and characterization of partially depleted absorber (PDA) photodiodes. Coupling to these photodiodes is achieved through a planar short multimode waveguide (PSMW) structure. Electric transport in the PDA structure has been investigated and an equivalent electric circuit was developed. Measurements on 5/spl times/20 /spl mu/m/sup 2/ PSMW PDA photodiodes have shown 0.80 A/W responsivity with a fiber mode diameter as high as 6 /spl mu/m. The transverse electric/transverse magnetic polarization dependence was <0.5/spl plusmn/0.3 dB with -1-dB input coupling tolerances as high as /spl plusmn/2.0 and /spl plusmn/1.3 /spl mu/m for horizontal and vertical directions. The -3-dB bandwidth was 50 GHz, and the -1-dB compression current at 40 GHz was 17 mA corresponding to +4.5 dBm radio frequency (RF) power. Compared to similar evanescently coupled p-i-n photodiodes, the saturation current has been significantly improved while maintaining comparable bandwidth and high responsivity.
A crucial role for Fgfr2-IIIb signalling in epidermal development and hair follicle patterning

To understand the role Fgf signalling in skin and hair follicle development, we analysed the phenotype of mice deficient for Fgfr2-IIIb and its main ligand Fgf10. These studies showed that the severe epidermal hypoplasia found in mice null for Fgfr2-IIIb is caused by a lack of the basal cell proliferation that normally results in a stratified epidermis. Although at term the epidermis of Fgfr2-IIIb null mice is only two to three cells thick, it expresses the classical markers of epidermal differentiation and establishes a functional barrier. Mice deficient for Fgf10 display a similar but less severe epidermal hypoplasia. By contrast, Fgfr2-IIIb–/–, but not Fgf10–/–, mice produced significantly fewer hair follicles, and their follicles were developmentally retarded. Following transplantation onto nude mice, grafts of Fgfr2-IIIb–/– skin showed impaired hair formation, with a decrease in hair density and the production of abnormal pelage hairs. Expression of Lef1, Shh and Bmp4 in the developing hair follicles of Fgfr2-IIIb–/– mice was similar to wild type. These results suggest that Fgf signalling positively regulates the number of keratinocytes needed to form a normal stratified epidermis and to initiate hair placode formation. In addition, Fgf signals are required for the growth and patterning of pelage hairs.
Quaternion-based EKF-SLAM from relative pose measurements: observability analysis and applications

SUMMARY In this work, we investigate a quaternion-based formulation of 3D Simultaneous Localization and Mapping with Extended Kalman Filter (EKF-SLAM) using relative pose measurements. We introduce a discrete-time derivation that avoids the normalization problem that often arises when using unit quaternions in Kalman filter and we study its observability properties. The consistency of the estimation errors with the corresponding covariance matrices is also evaluated. The approach is further tested on real data from the Rawseeds dataset and it is applied within a delayed-state EKF architecture for estimating a dense 3D map of an unknown environment. The contribution is motivated by the possibility of abstracting multi-sensorial information in terms of relative pose measurements and for its straightforward extensions to the multi robot case.
Applications of an advanced peer-to-peer platform

We describe actual and trial applications on the SIONet (semantic information-oriented network) peer-to-peer (P2P) platform developed by NTT Labs. SIONet is a logical overlay network. Peers record semantic information on SIONet routers (SI switches), which use the information to guide the routing of packets. We have already developed on-line community systems, a storage system, integrated database systems, components for a software development environment, and a simple game. We look at some of these applications.
High efficiency and high density rectifier with GaN HEMT

Efficiency and power density are the two most important index of the telecom rectifier development. During recent years, the efficiency of the telecom rectifier is pushed from 92% to 96% and now 98%, this paper however explores the design considerations of super high density telecom rectifiers in concert with high efficiency requirements (96%). Specifically, the design considerations of a high switching frequency (1MHz) and high efficiency interleaving totem pole PFC stage with DCM boundary control. A high resonant frequency (1MHz), PCB winding based LLC DCDC stage is explained. The different type wide band device 650V GaN HEMT is used for PFC stage and D2D stage. Experimental results are presented to validate the design concept
Understanding coverbal iconic gestures in shape descriptions

An improved container featuring an aluminum end or panel having a tear open portion defined by score lines provided in an aluminum composite having a core composed of an aluminum alloy consisting essentially of 1 to 7% of one or more elements selected of the group of up to 3% copper, up to 4% magnesium and up to 1.5% manganese, the balance essentially aluminum and an aluminum cladding layer consisting of aluminum and, optionally, some amount of zinc but less than 1% with the cladding facing the contents of the container. The solution potential of the core and cladding are controlled in order to achieve the desired protection. A thermal treatment can be employed to control the electrochemical performance of certain composites.
Genetic diversity and population history of two related seabird species based on mitochondrial DNA control region sequences

Geographical variation in two related seabird species, the razorbill (Alca torda) and common guillemot (Uria aalge), was investigated using sequence analysis of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control regions. We determined the nucleotide sequence of the variable 5′ segment of the control region in razorbills and common guillemots from breeding colonies across the Atlantic Ocean. The ecology and life history characteristics of razorbill and common guillemot are in many respects similar. They are both considered highly philopatric and have largely overlapping distributions in temperate and subarctic regions of the North Atlantic, yet the species were found to differ widely in the extent and spatial distribution of mtDNA variation. Moreover, the differences in genetic differentiation and diversity were in the opposite direction to that expected from a consideration of traditional classifications and current population sizes. Indices of genetic diversity were highest in razorbill and varied among colonies, as did genotype frequencies, suggestive of restrictions to gene flow. The distribution of genetic variation suggests that razorbills originated from a refugial population in the south‐western Atlantic Ocean through sequential founder events and subsequent expansion in the east and north. In common guillemots, genetic diversity was low and there was a lack of geographical structure, consistent with a recent population bottleneck, expansion and gene flow. We suggest that the reduced level of genetic diversity and differentiation in the common guillemot is caused by an inherent propensity for repeated population bottlenecks and concomitantly unstable population structure related to their specialized feeding ecology.
Third-order passive load identification under non-sinusoidal conditions

This paper presents an extension of the well known load identification method, valid under non-sinusoidal conditions, which makes use of a 2 nd -order passive circuit and an auxiliary voltage or current generator. The proposed solution is similar, but uses a 3 rd -order passive circuit. This allows to identify the passive circuit components with positive or negative parameters, according to the aim of the identification (load modeling or compensation). Moreover, the proposed approach keeps the orthogonality between current/voltage components and removes the indetermination which occurs, with the 2 nd -order approach, in the case of sinusoidal operation. As an application example, the proposed approach is applied to the design of a hybrid compensation system including active and passive filtering.
The Cauchy-Dirichlet Problem for a Class of Linear Parabolic Differential Equations with Unbounded Coefficients in an Unbounded Domain

We consider the Cauchy-Dirichlet problem in for a class of linear parabolic partial differential equations. We assume that is an unbounded, open, connected set with regular boundary. Our hypotheses are unbounded and locally Lipschitz coefficients, not necessarily differentiable, with continuous data and local uniform ellipticity. We construct a classical solution to the nonhomogeneous Cauchy-Dirichlet problem using stochastic differential equations and parabolic differential equations in bounded domains.
Practical Verification of Untrusted Terminals using Remote Attestation

We present a technique based on Trusted Computing’s remote attestation to enable the user of a public terminal to determine whether its configuration can be considered trustworthy or not. In particular, we show how the user can verify the software status of an untrusted terminal and be securely informed about the outcome of the verification. We present two flavors of this technique. In the first, the user makes use of a personal digital device with limited computing capabilities and a remote trusted server that performs the actual verification. In the second, the personal device is assumed to have enough computing power (as in the case of smart-phones and PDAs) to autonomously perform the verification procedure.
EGF or PDGF receptors activate atypical PKClambda through phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase.

Overexpression of a TPA‐insensitive PKC member, an atypical protein kinase C (aPKClambda), results in an enhancement of the transcriptional activation of TPA response element (TRE) in cells stimulated with epidermal growth factor (EGF) or platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF). EGF or PDGF also caused a transient increase in the in vivo phosphorylation level and a change in the intracellular localization of aPKClambda from the nucleus to the cytosol, indicating the activation of aPKClambda in response to this growth factor stimulation. These immediate signal‐dependent changes in aKPClambda were observed for a PDGF receptor add‐back mutant (Y40/51) that possesses only two of the five major autophosphorylation sites and binds PI3‐kinase, and were inhibited by wortmannin, an inhibitor of PI3‐kinase. Furthermore, an N‐terminal fragment of the catalytic subunit of PI3‐kinase, p110alpha, inhibited aPKClambda‐dependent activation of TRE in Y40/51 cells stimulated with PDGF. Overexpression of p110alpha resulted in an enhancement of TRE expression in response to PDGF and the regulatory domain of aPKClambda inhibited this TRE activation in Y40/51 cells. These results provide the first in vivo evidence supporting the presence of a novel signalling pathway from receptor tyrosine kinases to aPKClambda through PI3‐kinase.
Response Variability of Somatosensory Evoked Potentials during Scoliosis Surgery

Somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEP) were recorded from the scalp for intraoperative monitoring of patients undergoing surgical correction of spine deformities or spine fractures. Alterations in the SSEP with distraction, spine manipulation, anesthesia, hypotension, and other intraoperative variables are described. When loss of the SSEP occurred and a waiting period was undertaken until it returned, all patients with an SSEP present upon closing, which was within ±2 SD of their anesthetized control values, had no neurologic complications. Alterations in SSEP consisting of increases in latency of 15% and decreases in amplitude of 50% were not associated with any postoperative neurologic deficits.
DYNAlMIC PROPERTIES OF HUMAN MOTONEUBRONS

For limb muscles, a-motoneurons in the spinal cord are the last elements to integrate and modulate signals from other parts of the central nervous system. Animal research on the dynamic properties of a-motoneurons shows that a-motoneurons behave as differentiators or high pass filters to injected currents. In behaving animals or human subjects, one cannot control the input currents to a-motoneurons. Therefore, human studies have controlled the force output and examined the associated firing patterns of motoneurons or the population electromyography (EMG) activity of the muscle. A monotonic or linear relationship has been shown between the EMG activity and the force output. No studies have related the fiiing patterns of underlying single motor units to EMC and force output. The foEowing study examined the relationship between simultaneously recorded population E,MG and single motor units to the dynamic and the steady state phases of ramp-and-hold force trajectories. The subjects traced ramp-and-hold isometric force trajectories using wrist flexion. The contraction speeds and amplitudes of force output were controlled. Surface EMG from wrist flexors and single motor unit (SMU) action potentials from flexor carpi radialis muscle were recorded. The background firing rate of SMU activity was controlled. Averaged responses of recfrfied surface EMG and single motor unit activities were constructed for each condition. EMG and SMU responses were quantified during the dynamic and the steady state phases. The dynamic activity of EMG was linearly related to the contraction speed while the steady state activity of EMG was linearly related to the contraction amplitude. The dynamic activity of a SMU increased nonlineady with the speed of contraction. An increase in the background firing rate of a SMU resulted in a decrease in its dynamic activity. The steady state activity of a SMU was affected by contraction amplitude but not by contraction speed. The steady stare activity increased nodinear! y with contraction amplitude. An increase in backpund firing rae decreased the magnitude of the steady state response. The linear responses of EMG during the dynamic and the steady state phases cannot be completely explained by the nonlinear responses of tonically firing SMUs. The linearity of EMG is suggested to result from recruitment of additional SrvlUs contributing phasically during the ramp-and-hold contraction.