Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Integral sliding mode fault tolerant control schemes with control allocation

Integral Sliding Mode Fault Tolerant Control Schemes with Control Allocation Mirza Tariq Hamayun The key attribute of a Fault Tolerant Control (FTC) system is to maintain overall system stability and acceptable performance in the face of faults and failures within the system. In this thesis new integral sliding mode (ISM) control allocation schemes for FTC are proposed, which have the potential to maintain the nominal fault free performance for the entire system response, in the face of actuator faults and even complete failures of certain actuators. The incorporation of ISM within a control allocation framework uses the measured or estimated values of the actuator effectiveness levels to redistribute the control effort among the healthy actuators to maintain closed-loop stability. This combination allows one controller to be used in both fault free as well as in fault or failure situations. A fault tolerant control allocation scheme which relies on an a posteri approach, building on an existing state feedback controller designed using only the primary actuators, is also proposed. Retro-fitting of an ISM scheme to an existing feedback controller is advantageous from an industrial perspective, because fault tolerance can be introduced without changing the existing control loops. To deal with a wider range of operating conditions, the fault tolerant features of ISM are also extended to linear parameter varying systems. A FTC scheme considering only the availability of measured system outputs is also proposed, where now the feedback controller design is based on the estimated states. In each of the ISM fault tolerant schemes proposed, a rigorous closed-loop analysis is carried out to ensure the stability of the sliding motion in the face of faults or failures. A high fidelity benchmark model of a large transport aircraft is used to demonstrate the efficacy of the new FTC schemes.
Involvement of urokinase‐type plasminogen activator in sphingosylphosphorylcholine‐induced angiogenesis

Abstract: Sphingosylphosphorylcholine (SPC) has been shown to accelerate wound healing. As angiogenesis is fundamental to proper wound healing, we examined the effect of SPC on angiogenesis using a well‐established rat aortic ring assay. SPC significantly stimulated the sprouting of endothelial cells from rat aortic ring. Recognizing its potential effect on angiogenesis, we further investigated the action of SPC using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) cultured in vitro. SPC significantly accelerated the closure of in vitro wound. In addition, SPC markedly enhanced the chemotactic migration and capillary‐like tube formation. Subsequently, we examined whether SPC affected the production of urokinase‐type plasminogen activator (uPA), an important regulator of angiogenesis, and found that SPC stimulated the expression of uPA at both the transcriptional and translational levels. Consistent with these results, SPC increased the activity of cell‐surface‐associated plasminogen activator. Pretreatment with antiuPA antibody significantly diminished both the chemotactic migration and capillary‐like tube formation, indicating the potential importance of uPA in SPC‐induced angiogenesis. Together, these results suggest that SPC may affect angiogenesis in the wound‐healing process via regulation of uPA production.
More Eyes on the Prize: Variability in White Americans' Perceptions of Progress Toward Racial Equality

Much recent research suggests that Whites and non-Whites think differently about issues of race in contemporary America. For example, Eibach and Ehrlinger (2006) recently demonstrated that Whites perceive that more progress toward racial equality has been made as compared to non-Whites. The authors of this article sought to extend Eibach and Ehrlinger's analysis. To this end, they found that differences in Whites' and non-Whites' perceptions of racial progress can be explained by the reference points they use for understanding progress toward racial equality (Study 1). Furthermore, they demonstrated that there is variability in White people's perceptions of racial progress that can be explained by self-reported racial prejudice (Studies 1 and 2). Finally, they demonstrated that White people's perceptions of racial progress predict reactions to affirmative action (Study 2). Implications for better understanding intergroup relations and reactions to social policies are discussed.
Systematic evaluation of FRAP experiments performed in a confocal laser scanning microscope – Part II: Multiple diffusion processes

A procedure for a systematic evaluation of fluorescence recovery after photo‐bleaching (FRAP) data is presented that allows one to determine distributions of diffusion coefficients. The method provides a straightforward and calibration‐free way to quantify multiple diffusion processes when FRAP is measured as a function of time and space by means of confocal laser scanning microscopy. It is verified utilizing FRAP experiments on mixtures of differently sized fluorescent micro‐spheres as realizations of discrete D distributions.
Effect of tissue factor on invasion inhibition and apoptosis inducing effect of oxaliplatin in human gastric cancer cell.

OBJECTIVE Tissue factor (TF) is expressed abnormally in certain types of tumor cells, closely related to invasion and metastasis. The aim of this study was to construct a human gastric cancer cell line SGC7901 stably-transfected with human TF, and observe effects on oxaliplatin-dependent inhibition of invasion and the apoptosis induction. METHODS The target gene TF was obtained from human placenta by nested PCR and introduced into the human gastric cell line SGC7901 through transfection mediated by lipofectamine. Stably-transfected cells were screened using G418. Examples successfully transfected with TF-pcDNA3 recombinant (experimental group), and empty vector pcDNA3 (control group) were incubated with oxaliplatin. Transwell chambers were used to show change in invasive ability. Caspase-3 activity was detected using a colorimetric method and annexin-V/PI double- staining was applied to detect apoptosis. RESULTS We generated the human gastric cancer cell line SGC7901/TF successfully, expressing TF stably and efficiently. Compared with the control group, invasion increased, whereas caspase-3 activity and apoptosis rate were decreased in the experimental group. CONCLUSION TF can enhance the invasive capacity of gastric cancer cells in vitro. Its increased expression may reduce invasion inhibition and apoptosis-inducing effects of oxaliplatin and therefore may warrant targeting for improved chemotherapy.
Surface energy balance of the western and central Canadian subarctic : Variations in the energy balance among five major terrain types

Abstract In this study, the surface energy balance of 10 sites in the western and central Canadian subarctic is examined. Each research site is classified into one of five terrain types (lake, wetland, shrub tundra, upland tundra, and coniferous forest) using dominant vegetation type as an indicator of surface cover. Variations in the mean summertime values (15 June–25 August) of the energy balance partitioning, Bowen ratio (β), Priestley–Taylor alpha (α), and surface saturation deficit (Do) are compared within and among terrain types. A clear correspondence between the energy balance characteristics and terrain type is found. In addition, an evaporative continuum from relatively wet to relatively dry is observed among terrain types. The shallow lake and wetland sites are relatively wet with high QE/Q* (latent heat flux/net radiation), high α, low β, and low Do values. In contrast, the upland tundra and forest sites are relatively dry with low QE/Q*, low α, high β, and high Do values.
The Spectrum of Recovery From Fracture‐Induced Vertebral Deformity in Pediatric Leukemia

Vertebral fractures (VF) are a frequent complication of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Some children with VF undergo vertebral body reshaping to the point of complete restoration of normal vertebral dimensions. Others are left with permanent vertebral deformity if the degree of reshaping has been incomplete by the time of final adult height attainment. In this report, we describe three children with painful VF at leukemia diagnosis or during chemotherapy. Each patient highlights different clinical trajectories in their recovery from VF and underscores the need for osteoporosis intervention trials with the goal to prevent permanent vertebral deformity in selected patients.
Severity and justness do not moderate the relation between corporal punishment and negative child outcomes

There is strong evidence of a positive association between corporal punishment and negative child outcomes, but previous studies have suggested that the manner in which parents implement corporal punishment moderates the effects of its use. This study investigated whether severity and justness in the use of corporal punishment moderate the associations between frequency of corporal punishment and child externalizing and internalizing behaviors. This question was examined using a multicultural sample from eight countries and two waves of data collected one year apart. Interviews were conducted with 998 children aged 7–10 years, and their mothers and fathers, from China, Colombia, Italy, Jordan, Kenya, Philippines, Thailand, and the United States. Mothers and fathers responded to questions on the frequency, severity, and justness of their use of corporal punishment; they also reported on the externalizing and internalizing behavior of their child. Children reported on their aggression. Multigroup path models revealed that across cultural groups, and as reported by mothers and fathers, there is a positive relation between the frequency of corporal punishment and externalizing child behaviors. Mother-reported severity and father-reported justness were associated with child-reported aggression. Neither severity nor justness moderated the relation between frequency of corporal punishment and child problem behavior. The null result suggests that more use of corporal punishment is harmful to children regardless of how it is implemented, but requires further substantiation as the study is unable to definitively conclude that there is no true interaction effect.
The midline posterior hypothalamic region comprises a critical part of the ascending brainstem hippocampal synchronizing pathway

Electrical stimulation and microinfusion techniques were utilized in acute experiments on urethane‐anesthetized rats in order to evaluate the hypothesis that the posterior hypothalamic and supramammillary nuclei comprise a critical part of the ascending brainstem pathway for producing synchronous hippocampal formation (HPC) field activity (theta). Given confirmation of this hypothesis a second objective was to determine the nature of the contribution made by this midline posterior hypothalamic region (PH) to the frequency and amplitude components of HPC theta field activity. The cholinergic nature of the ascending pathway was also examined. Reversible inactivation of the PH was achieved by microinfusion of the local anesthetic procaine hydrochloride. The efficacy of and recovery from procaine inactivation of the PH was quantitatively analyzed either by electrical stimulation of the nucleus pontis oralis (PO) (two experiments) or the PH (four experiments). The results are summarized under the following three headings: (1) The first is the effect of procaine inactivation of the PH on HPC theta elicited caudal to, at the level of, or rostral to the PH. All HPC theta induced caudal to the PH (spontaneous theta, tail pinch‐induced theta, and theta produced by electrical stimulation of the PO) was totally abolished for a minimum 10‐min period. HPC theta induced rostral to the PH by the intrahippocampal infusion of carbachol was unaffected, while HPC theta induced by infusions of carbachol into either the medial septum (MS) or PH was reduced in amplitude with no effect on frequency. (2) Next are comparisons of pre‐ and post‐PH procaine trials of electrical stimulation of the PO and PH. In all experiments, regardless of the anatomical locus or technique used to induce HPC theta, pre‐and post‐PH procaine comparisons of the PO and PH stimulation trials revealed that frequency modulation of HPC theta recovered significantly more slowly than amplitude. (3) Last is the effect of electrical stimulation of the PO and PH on HPC theta induced by carbachol infusions at the level of the HPC, MS, or PH. In all experiments, electrical stimulation of both the PO and PH, at appropriate intensities, resulted in increasing HPC theta frequencies above the frequency induced by the infusion of carbachol into the HPC, MS, and PH. In addition, the post‐carbachol HPC theta frequencies induced by electrical stimulation were significantly higher than those produced in the pre‐carbachol conditions. The data supported the following conclusions: (1) The PH region (posterior hypothalamic and supramammillary nuclei) comprises a critical part of the ascending brainstem pathway for producing HPC theta field activity. Inputs ascending from the brainstem caudal to the PH contribute primarily to the frequency of HPC theta and secondarily to the amplitude of HPC theta; (2) a portion of the neural components of the ascending brainstem pathway, up to and including the HPC, are cholinergic, cholinoceptive, or both. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Demand Estimation and Consumer Welfare in the Banking Industry

This paper estimates a structural demand model for commercial bank deposit services in order to measure the effects on consumers given dramatic changes in bank services throughout US branching deregulation in the 1990s. Following the discrete choice literature, consumer decisions are based on prices and bank characteristics. Consumers are found to respond to deposit rates, and to a lesser extent, to account fees, in choosing a depository institution. Moreover, consumers respond favorably to the branch staffing and geographic density, as well as to the bank's age, size, and geographic diversification. Consumers in most markets experience a slight increase in welfare throughout the period.
Insider Threat: User Identification Via Process Profiling

MCKINNEY, STEVEN J. Insider Threat: User Identification Via Process Profiling. (Under the direction of Professor D. S. Reeves). The issue of insider threat is one that organizations have dealt with for many years. Insider threat research began in the early 80’s, but has yet to provide satisfactory results despite the fact that insiders pose a greater threat to organizations than external attackers. One of the key issues relating to this problem is that the amount of collectable data is enormous and it is currently impossible to analyze all of it, for each insider, in a timely manner. The purpose of this research is to analyze a portion of this collectable data, process usage, and determine if this data is useful in identifying insiders. Identification of the person controlling the workstation is useful in environments where workstations are left unattended, even for a short amount of time. To do this, we developed an insider threat detection system based on the Näıve Bayes method which examines process usage data and creates individual profiles for users. By comparing collected data to these profiles we are able to determine who is controlling the workstation with high accuracy. We are able to achieve true positive rates of 96% while maintaining fewer than 0.5% false positives. Insider Threat: User Identification Via Process Profiling by Steven J. McKinney A thesis submitted to the Graduate Faculty of North Carolina State University in partial fullfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science
Successes and Barriers for a Youth Weight-Management Program

A patient recruiting process was developed for a youth weight-management program in a metropolitan area, and the clinical effects of the program on overweight and obese children aged 7 to 17 years old were assessed. During the 12-month effort, 68 overweight children were enrolled. The program included exercise, nutrition coaching, and behavior change counseling. Clinical outcomes were measured. Patient recruiting methods were monitored and included working with physicians and schools and marketing to consumers. Program adherence was 71% attendance, 5% noncompliance, and 5% drop out rates. Clinical outcomes were excellent: 68% of participants lowered their body mass index by an average of 2.5% (mean, 24 weeks). The program was clinically successful, but patient recruitment initiatives were unsuccessful and the program was discontinued. Parents were the largest obstacle to patient recruiting efforts. For children's weight-management programs to be commercially viable, new models of patient recruiting and promotion of parental acceptance are needed.
Quantum Mechanical Modeling of Electron-Photon Interactions in Nanoscale Devices (Invited Paper)

An efficient quantum mechanical approach is formulated to model electron-photon interactions in nanoscale devices. Based on nonequilibrium Green's function formalism, electron-photon interactions and open boundaries in the nanoscale systems are taken into account in terms of self- energies. By separating different components in the electron-photon interactions, optical absorption and emission processes in the devices can be analyzed, and the method allows studies of different optoelectronic devices. In conjunction with density-functional tight-binding method, photo-induced current and other optical properties of nanoscale devices can be simulated without relying on empirical parameters. To demonstrate our approach, numerical studies of gallium nitride nanowire solar cells of realistic sizes are presented.
Chemical evidence that proteolytic cleavage causes the heterogeneity present in human ceruloplasmin preparations.

Nine samples of human ceruloplasmin [iron(II):oxygen oxidoreductase; EC 1.16. 3.1] prepared by different procedures have been examined for heterogeneity; gel electrophoresis showed that seven contained a number of components with molecular weights ranging from 20,000 to 130,000, and two contained largely a single component of molecular weight 130,000. Digestion of a single-component preparation with plasmin produced fragments with molecular weights similar to those found in the multicomponent preparations. Amino-terminal analysis, peptide mapping, and amino acid analysis showed that plasmin digestion generated a fragment of 20,000 molecular weight, which corresponded to a component present in a multicomponent ceruloplasmin preparation. The 20,000 molecular weight fragment appears to correspond to the so-called alpha-subunit or L-chain of human ceruloplasmin. Chemical evidence is thus provided that ceruloplasmin is a single-chain protein and that the so-called subunits are fragments. The 20,000 molecular weight fragment contains a single cysteine; amino acid sequence studies have shown that the sequence in the vicinity of this residue is similar to that around the single cysteine residue in plant plastocyanins and bacterial azurins, which are small, blue, copper-containing proteins.
Design of a Neural Network Chip for the Burst ID Model with Ability of Burst Firing

In order to introduce the burst firing, a nerve-cell dynamic feature, we extend the Inverse Function Delayed model (ID model), which is the neuron model with ability to oscillate and has powerful ability on the information processing. This dynamics is discussed for the relation with the functional role of the brain and is characterized by repeated patterns of closely spaced action potentials. It is expected that the additional new characteristics add extra functions to neural networks. Using the relation between the ID and reduced Hodgkin-Huxley model, we propose the neuron model with ability of burst. The proposed model excelled the ID model in solving the N-Queen problem. Additionally, the prototype chip for the burst ID model is implemented and measured.
Absorption, distribution, and excretion of penicillin and dihydrostreptomycin in dairy cows following intramammary infusion.

Abstract Six dairy cows were given intramammary infusions of penicillin and dihydrostreptomycin in a 3 replicate experiment with 3 treatments in 1, 2 and 4 quarters. Blood, milk and urine were collected after each test and muscle, fat, liver and kidney were assayed from each treatment after the third test. Both antibiotics were detected in the milk beyond the recommended withdrawal time and also in the milk from untreated quarters. Peaks in sera were reached within 2 to 4 hours post-treatment and were directly related to the number of quarters treated. Some penicillin persisted in urine for 14 days and some dihydrostreptomycin persisted for 15 days. Both antibiotics were detected in the liver and kidney. There was more penicillin in the kidney medulla and more dihydrostreptomycin in the kidney cortex.
A Comparative Overview of International Trends and Types, 1950–80

This article provides a general overview of international migration trends and types during the postwar period. Its thesis is that international migration consists of a set of spatial networks which share many of the processes that create them, but that the networks are characterized by factors which vary geographically and distinguish one from another. Fuller analysis of these requires a systems approach to provide a framework within which to study the processes that produce flow patterns. It concludes that our ability to forecast future world patterns of international migration must be based on an assessment of the likely behavior of the component macro-regional systems we can recognize.
Designing search engine retrieval effectiveness tests with RAT

We introduce the Relevance Assessment Tool RAT, which allows researchers to design complex search engine retrieval effectiveness studies. This Web-based tool consists of different modules that researchers can use to design tests, to collect results from different search engines using a screen-scraping approach, and to collect judgments from a multitude of jurors using a crowdsourcing approach. We designed the software as a Web-based application, which allows for a distributed collection of relevance judgments, and the like. Using the Relevance Assessment Tool allows for much larger search engine studies than previously conducted. To our knowledge, there is no comparable tool that was developed in the academic context. Therefore, no information regarding the design of such software was available to-date.
On the role of low-energy electrons in the radiosensitization of DNA by gold nanoparticles

Four different gold nanoparticle (GNP) preparations, including naked GNPs and GNPs coated either with thiolated undecane (S-C11H23), or with dithiolated diethylenetriaminepentaacetic (DTDTPA) or gadolinium (Gd) DTDTPA chelating agents, were synthesized. The average diameters, for each type of nanoparticle, are 5 nm, 10 and 13 nm, respectively. Dry films of plasmid DNA pGEM-3Zf(−), DNA with bound GNPs and DNA with coated GNPs were bombarded with 60 keV electrons. The yields of single and double strand breaks were measured as a function of exposure by electrophoresis. The binding of just one GNP without coating to DNA containing 3197 base pairs increases single and double strand breaks by a factor of 2.3 while for GNPs coated with S-C11H23 this factor is reduced to 1.6. The GNPs coated with DTDTPA and DTDTPA:Gd in the same ratio with the DNA, produce essentially no increment in damage. These results could be explained by the attenuation by the coatings of the intensity of the low-energy photoelectrons emitted from the GNPs. Thus, coatings of GNPs may considerably attenuate the short-range low-energy electrons emitted from gold, leading to a considerable decrease of radiosensitization. According to our results, the highest radiosensitization should be obtained with GNPs having the shortest possible ligand, directed to the DNA of cancer cells.