Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Design of a nonlinear disturbance observer

This paper presents a new disturbance observer based on the variable structure system theory for minimum-phase (with respect to the relationship between the disturbance and output) dynamical systems with arbitrary relative degrees. The model uncertainties and the nonlinear parts of the system are merged into the disturbance term and are regarded as a part of the disturbances. The upper and lower bounds of the disturbance are assumed to be known as a priori information. Simulation results are presented to show the robustness and effectiveness of the new disturbance observer. Experimental results show the practicality of the new observer.
Hypophosphatemia, Hyperphosphaturia, and Bisphosphonate Treatment Are Associated With Survival Beyond Infancy in Generalized Arterial Calcification of Infancy

Background—Generalized arterial calcification of infancy has been reported to be frequently lethal, and the efficiency of any therapy, including bisphosphonates, is unknown. A phosphate-poor diet markedly increases survival of NPP1 null mice, a model of generalized arterial calcification of infancy. Methods and Results—We performed a multicenter genetic study and retrospective observational analysis of 55 subjects affected by generalized arterial calcification of infancy to identify prognostic factors. Nineteen (34%) patients survived the critical period of infancy. In all 8 surviving patients tested, hypophosphatemia due to reduced renal tubular phosphate reabsorption developed during childhood. Eleven of 17 (65%) patients treated with bisphosphonates survived. Of 26 patients who survived their first day of life and were not treated with bisphosphonates only 8 (31%) patients survived beyond infancy. Forty different homozygous or compound heterozygous mutations, including 16 novel mutations in ENPP1, were found in 41 (75%) of the 55 patients. Twenty-nine (71%) of these 41 patients died in infancy (median, 30 days). Seven of the 14 (50%) patients without ENPP1 mutations died in infancy (median, 9 days). When present on both alleles, the mutation p.P305T was associated with death in infancy in all 5 cases; otherwise, no clear genotype-phenotype correlation was seen. Conclusion—ENPP1 coding region mutations are associated with generalized arterial calcification of infancy in ≈75% of subjects. Except for the p.P305T mutation, which was universally lethal when present on both alleles, the identified ENPP1 mutations per se have no discernable effect on survival. However, survival seems to be associated with hypophosphatemia linked with hyperphosphaturia and also with bisphosphonate treatment.
IL-21-Induced Isotype Switching to IgG and IgA by Human Naive B Cells Is Differentially Regulated by IL-41

Naive B cells can alter the effector function of their Ig molecule by isotype switching, thereby allowing them to secrete not only IgM, but also the switched isotypes IgG, IgA, and IgE. Different isotypes are elicited in response to specific pathogens. Similarly, dysregulated production of switched isotypes underlies the development of various diseases, such as autoimmunity and immunodeficiency. Thus, it is important to characterize mediators controlling isotype switching, as well as their contribution to the overall B cell response. Isotype switching in human naive B cells can be induced by CD40L together with IL-4, IL-10, IL-13, and/or TGF-β. Recently, IL-21 was identified as a switch factor for IgG1 and IgG3. However, the effect of IL-21 on switching to IgA, as well as the interplay between IL-21 and other switch factors, remains unknown. We found that IL-4 and IL-21 individually induced CD40L-stimulated human naive B cells to undergo switching to IgG, with IL-4 predominantly inducing IgG1+ cells and IL-21 inducing IgG3. Culture of naive B cells with CD40L and IL-21, but not IL-4, also yielded IgA+ cells. Combining IL-4 and IL-21 had divergent effects on isotype switching. Specifically, while IL-4 and IL-21 synergistically increased the generation of IgG1+ cells from CD40L-stimulated B cells, IL-4 concomitantly abolished IL-21-induced switching to IgA. Our findings demonstrate the dynamic interplay between IL-4 and IL-21 in regulating the production of IgG subclasses and IgA, and suggest temporal roles for these cytokines in humoral immune responses to specific pathogens.
Stability analysis of an adaptive torque controller for variable speed wind turbines

Variable speed wind turbines are designed to follow wind speed variations in low winds in order to maximize aerodynamic efficiency. Unfortunately, uncertainty in the aerodynamic parameters may lead to sub-optimal power capture in variable speed turbines. Adaptive generator torque control is one method of eliminating this sub-optimality; however, before adaptive control can become widely used in the wind industry, it must be proven to be safe. This paper analyzes the stability of an adaptive torque control law and the gain adaptation law in use on the Controls Advanced Research Turbine (CART) at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's National Wind Technology Center.
Virtualization of spectrum resources for 5G networks

The next generation of mobile networks, 5G, is currently under development by the industry, academia and international standard organizations. The key drivers of 5G are to provide incomparable more capacity (1000×), extremely lower latency (sub-millisecond) and to accommodate ‘any’ type of user (e.g. machines) in the network. Software-defined networking (SDN) and network function virtualization (NFV) technologies promise to bring an unprecedented level of flexibility in resource management. This paper presents a radio frequency spectrum management framework that is suitable to programmable 5G networks, under the overarching architecture of the 5G PPP COHERENT project. It also provides description of the recent advances and up-to-date initiatives for resource management in programmable 5G networks. The core contribution consists in the design of an SDN-enabled spectrum management application (SMA), and the related abstraction models that have been developed to enable flexible spectrum management. This paper demonstrates that suitable policy and topology abstraction models are key to spectrum management and sharing process.
Preventing and treating orthostatic hypotension: As easy as A, B, C

Orthostatic hypotension is a chronic, debilitating illness that is difficult to treat. The therapeutic goal is to improve postural symptoms, standing time, and function rather than to achieve upright normotension, which can lead to supine hypertension. Drug therapy alone is never adequate. Because orthostatic stress varies with circumstances during the day, a patient-oriented approach that emphasizes education and nonpharmacologic strategies is critical. We provide easy-to-remember management recommendations, using a combination of drug and nondrug treatments that have proven efficacious. Easy-to-remember management recommendations, using a combination of effective drug and nondrug treatments.
Notice of RetractionConceptual Framework for a Heuristics Based Methodology for Interface Evaluation of Educational Games

The use of educational games in teaching and learning is an increasingly relevant trend. Games interface and usability are common elements in games development and important elements for evaluation purposes. This study is aim to develop a methodology for heuristics based formative usability evaluation that can be used to evaluate interface of educational games. The methodology includes set of evaluation questions for different types of evaluators and it is expected to optimize the use of resources based on online evaluation tool. The methodology is intended for the evaluation of educational games during its development process.
Molyneux's Question: Vision, Touch and the Philosophy of Perception

Preface Introduction 1. The background to Molyneux's question 2. Cataract operations 3. Diderot's Letter on the Blind 4. Berkeley and Condillac 5. Thomas Reid and the new nativism 6. Lotze and Kant: the theory of local signs Afterword Index.
The Promise of Open Educational Resources

Marshall Smith directs the education program at the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation. A member of the National Academy of Education, he served as a professor and dean at Stanford and as undersecretary of education at the U.S. Department of Education. Catherine Casserly is a program officer with the education program at Hewlett, where she is responsible for the Open Educational Resources Initiative. Prior to joining the Hewlett Foundation, she was the program officer for evaluation for the Walter S. Johnson Foundation and worked as a policy analyst for SRI International.
Part 12: Pediatric Advanced Life Support: 2015 American Heart Association Guidelines Update for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care.

Over the past 13 years, survival to discharge from pediatric in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) has markedly improved. From 2001 to 2013, rates of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) from IHCA increased significantly from 39% to 77%, and survival to hospital discharge improved from 24% to 36% to 43% (Girotra et al1 and personal communication with Paul Chan, MD, MSc, April 3, 2015). In a single center, implementation of an intensive care unit (ICU)–based interdisciplinary debriefing program improved survival with favorable neurologic outcome from 29% to 50%. 2 Furthermore, new data show that prolonged cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is not futile: 12% of patients receiving CPR in IHCA for more than 35 minutes survived to discharge, and 60% of the survivors had a favorable neurologic outcome.3 This improvement in survival rate from IHCA can be attributed to multiple factors, including emphasis on high-quality CPR and advances in post-resuscitation care. Over the past decade, the percent of cardiac arrests occurring in an ICU setting has increased (87% to 91% in 2000 to 2003 to 94% to 96% in 2004 to 2010). 4 While rates of survival from pulseless electrical activity and asystole have increased, there has been no change in survival rates from in-hospital ventricular fibrillation (VF) or pulseless ventricular tachycardia (pVT). Conversely, survival from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) has not improved as dramatically over the past 5 years. Data from 11 US and Canadian hospital emergency medical service systems (the Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium) during 2005 to 2007 showed age-dependent discharge survival rates of 3.3% for infants (less than 1 year), 9.1% for children (1 to 11 years), and 8.9% for adolescents (12 to 19 years). 5 More recently published data (through 2012) from this network demonstrate 8.3% survival to hospital discharge across all age groups, with 10.5% survival for children …
Coping with jet-lag: A Position Statement for the European College of Sport Science

Abstract Elite athletes and their coaches are accustomed to international travel for purposes of training or sports competition. Recreational participants are similarly, if less frequently, exposed to travel stress. Transient negative effects that constitute travel fatigue are quickly overcome, whereas longer-lasting difficulties are associated with crossing multiple time-zones. Jet-lag is linked with desynchronization of circadian rhythms, and its impact depends on the duration and direction of flight, flight schedule, and individual differences. Athletes’ performances are likely to be affected for some days until the body clock is readjusted in harmony with local time. Knowledge of the physiological characteristics of the body clock can be used to develop behavioural strategies that accelerate readjustment, in particular the timing of outdoor or bright light exposure, perhaps melatonin ingestion, meals, and exercise. Attempts to promote sleep by use of drugs that adjust the body clock, induce sleepiness or promote wakefulness are relevant but discouraged in travelling athletes. Support staff should develop appropriate education programmes for their athletes who can then make informed choices about their behaviour and minimize the transient effects of jet-lag on their well-being and performance.
CHARACTERISTICS OF A METHANOGENIC BIOFILM ON SAND PARTICLES IN A FLUIDIZED BED REACTOR

−− The typical microbiological groups reported in literature under the experienced environmental conditions are present in the biofilm structure investigated on sand particles. This is concluded based on microorganism morphology analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. Methanosarcina sp. (acetate consumers) and filamentous microorganisms with morphology similar to Methanospirillum sp. (H2-utilizing archaea) are distinguished among methanogens. Based on acetate levels and microorganism’s threshold concentration, a predominance of Methanosarcina mazei rather than Methanosarcina barkeri is concluded. Among acetogens, bacillus morphologically similar to the syntrophic acetogenic Syntrophobacter wolinii are observed together with Desulfovibrio sp. (hydrogen-utilizing, sulfatereducing). With respect to acidogens, short and long rod-shaped bacteria, diplococcus in chains (probably Streptococcus-like bacteria) and filamentous bacilli are morphologically distinguished but cannot be characterized from this study. A methanogenic biofilm fluidized bed reactor inoculated with the biofilm population investigated showed process efficiencies up to 98% of chemical oxygen demand reduction for treating an acetate-based substrate. Keywords−− methanogenic biofilm composition; SEM; reactor performance.
The Neurochemistry of Counterconditioning: Acupressure Desensitization in Psychotherapy

The Neurochemistry of Counterconditioning Energy Psychology 1:1 • Nov 2009 A growing body of literature indicates that imaginal exposure, paired with acupressure, reduces midbrain hyperarousal and counterconditions anxiety and traumatic memories. Recent research indicates that manual stimulation of acupuncture points produces opioids, serotonin, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and regulates cortisol. These neurochemical changes reduce pain, slow the heart rate, decrease anxiety, shut off the fight/ flight/freeze response, regulate the autonomic nervous system, and create a sense of calm. This relaxation response reciprocally inhibits anxiety and creates a rapid desensitization to traumatic stimuli. This paper explores the neurochemistry of the types of acupressure counterconditioning used in energy psychology and provides explanations for the mechanisms of actions of these therapies, based upon currently accepted paradigms of brain function, behavioral psychology, and biochemistry.
Model order reduction by reduced basis for optimal control and shape optimization

—Optimal control and shape optimization problems governed by partial differential equations (PDEs) arise in many applications involving computational ﬂuid dynamics; they can be seen as many-query problems since they involve repetitive evaluations of outputs expressed as functionals of ﬁeld variables. Since they usually require big computational efforts, looking for computational efﬁciency in numerical methods and algorithms becomes mandatory. We aim at reformulating optimal control and shape optimization problems as parametric optimization problems, where parameters can be either physical or geometrical quantities related to shape. In particular, we rely on suitable parametrization paradigms (such as free-form deformation techniques or radial basis functions) in order to describe shapes and deformations in a very low-dimensional but versatile way. We thus exploit the reduced basis method for parametrized problems (built upon a high-ﬁdelity “truth” ﬁnite element approximation) in order to contain computational efforts. We develop these techniques in view of haemodynamics applications, to control blood ﬂows through the shape optimization of cardiovascular geometries.
Social tolerance for human diversity in Sub‐Saharan Africa

Purpose - This paper seeks to investigate the individual-level determinants of self-declared social tolerance towards six groups/practices in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA): tolerance to linguistic differences, racial distinction, religious dissimilarity, homosexuality, acquired immuno deficiency syndrome (AIDS) victims and immigrants. Design/methodology/approach - Using individual-level data from the 2005 World Values Survey, the paper simultaneously estimates multivariate probit models for all six dimensions of social tolerance. Findings - Apart from the strong interdependency among all social tolerance indicators, the analysis reveals that individual attributes affect tolerance towards the six groups differently. For instance, education enhances social tolerance for all groups except homosexuals while access to media increase tolerance for people living with AIDS. Research/limitations/implications - Effective social tolerance policies can be enhanced through joint targeting of the indicators considered. Moreover, tolerance-enhancing policies generally benefit from improved access to education while improved access to media could increase tolerance for AIDS victims. Originality/value - The originality of the analysis lies in the joint analysis or determination of a wider spectrum of social tolerance indicators. This paper can help to inform policies that are aimed at reducing SSA's recurrent inter- and intra-group conflicts attributed primarily to the region's high levels of ethnic and cultural fragmentation.
A Novel Algorithm for Vehicle Detection and Tracking in Airborne Videos

Real time detection and tracking of multi vehicles in airborne videos is still a challenging problem due to the camera motion and low resolution. In this paper, a real time technique for simultaneously detecting, tracking and counting vehicles in airborne and stationary camera videos is proposed. First, feature points are extracted and tracked through video frames. A new strategy is used for removing the non-stationary background points by measuring the changes in the histogram of the pixels around each feature point with time. The obtained foreground features are clustered and grouped into separate trackable vehicles based on their motion properties. Experimental results performed on videos representing airborne and fixed cameras confirm the excellent properties of the proposed algorithm.
Enhancing the Input Representation: From Complexity to Simplicity

We introduce an efficient algorithm for mining informative combinations of attribute-values for a given task. We use informative attribute-values to enhance the input representation of data. We apply our approach to coreference resolution using a simple set of attributes like syntactic roles and string match. With the enhanced representation, a simple coreference model outperforms more complex state-of-the-art models by a large margin. The use of the enhanced representation results in robust improvements in both in-domain and out-of-domain evaluations.
Learning When to Reject an Importance Sample

When observations are incomplete or data are missing, approximate inference methods based on importance sampling are often used. Unfortunately, when the target and proposal distributions are dissimilar, the sampling procedure leads to biased estimates or requires a prohibitive number of samples. Our method approximates a multivariate target distribution by sampling from an existing, sequential importance sampler and accepting or rejecting the proposals. We develop the rejection-sampler framework and show we can learn the acceptance probabilities from local samples. In a continuous-time domain, we show our method improves upon previous importance samplers by transforming a sequential importance sampling problem into a machine learning one.
Studies of tyrosine phosphorylation and Src family tyrosine kinases in the lens epithelium.

PURPOSE Tyrosine phosphorylation regulates many aspects of cell function; thus, cells that have different roles often display different patterns of tyrosine phosphorylation. Because there is interest in differential function of the anterior and equatorial regions of the lens epithelium, studies were conducted to compare tyrosine phosphorylation in the two zones. METHODS Anterior and equatorial regions of the porcine lens epithelium were collected. Using Western blot analysis, tissue homogenates were probed for tyrosine kinase proteins, phospho-Src, phosphotyrosine, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). RESULTS Phosphotyrosine immunoblots revealed a marked difference between the pattern of tyrosine phosphorylation in anterior and equatorial regions of the epithelium. Many more bands were detected in the equatorial region, and band density was greater. The abundance of total and active Src family kinases was higher at the equator than at the anterior epithelium. Src kinase activity, which was measured directly by quantifying phosphorylation of a synthetic target peptide using (32)P-gamma-ATP, was detectable only at the equator. In organ-cultured lenses, PP2, a specific inhibitor of the Src kinase family, reduced the density of the phosphotyrosine protein bands. The abundance of PCNA, a protein expressed in proliferating cells, also was reduced in PP2-treated lenses. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that the higher Src family kinase activity at the equator contributes to the higher degree of protein phosphorylation observed in this region. The ability of PP2 to suppress PCNA expression suggests a possible link between the activity of Src family kinases and cell proliferation.
Query Processing for Distance Metrics

In applications such as vision and molecular biology, a common problem is to find the similar objects to a given target (according to some distance measure) in a large database. This paper presents a scheme for query processing in such situations. The basic strategy is to (partially) precompute inter-object distances, and by using the distance information and the triangle inequality, we eliminate the need to calculate certain object distances while evaluating queries. We propose several heuristics that may speed up query evaluation. A series of experiments are then performed to evaluate the effectiveness of our scheme and the relative performance of the heuristics for different queries. Finally we investigate the possibility of parallelizing our scheme through simulation. Our results show that parallelism is best applied in the later stages in evaluating a query.