Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Widely Linear Modeling for Frequency Estimation in Unbalanced Three-Phase Power Systems

Real-time frequency estimation in three-phase power systems is revisited from the state space point of view, in order to provide a unified framework for frequency tracking in both balanced and unbalanced system conditions. This is achieved by using a novel class of widely linear complex valued Kalman filters, which provide unbiased frequency estimation and are faster converging and more robust to noise and harmonic artifacts than the existing methods. It is shown that the Clarke's transformed three-phase voltage is circular for balanced systems and noncircular for unbalanced ones, making the proposed widely linear estimation perfectly suited both to identify the fault and to provide accurate estimation in unbalanced conditions, critical issues where standard models typically fail. The analysis and simulations show that the proposed model outperforms the recently introduced widely linear stochastic gradient-based frequency estimators, based on the augmented complex least mean square. Comprehensive simulations on synthetic and real-world power system data, in both balanced and unbalanced conditions, support the approach.
SVR-based outlier detection and its application to hotel ranking

With the rapid advance in information technology, more and more information exchange platforms appear. People can freely exchange information on these platforms. However, not all information is reliable. To make correct decisions, it is necessary to detect and remove unreliable information. The main purpose of this study is to improve the reliability of hotel ranking by detecting and deleting outlier on-line reviews. For this purpose, we design a support vector regression (SVR) based outlier detector using existing on-line reviews. Intuitively, normal reviews are regular, and can be correctly labeled by the SVR detector. Outlier reviews, on the other hand, are usually not regular, and cannot be correctly labeled. Thus, a well-designed SVR-detector can help us to delete outlier reviews automatically. Results obtained in this study are useful not only for hotel ranking. In principle it can be good for recommendation of any services.
Constancy, Categories and Bayes: A New Approach to Representational Theories of Color Constancy

Philosophers have long sought to explain perceptual constancy—the fact that objects appear to remain the same color, size and shape despite changes in the illumination condition, perspective and the relative distance—in terms of a mechanism that actively categorizes variable stimuli under the same pre-formed conceptual categories. Contemporary representationalists, on the other hand, explain perceptual constancy in terms of a modular mechanism that automatically discounts variation in the visual field to represent the stable properties of objects. In this paper I argue that while the former view is unmotivated by empirical evidence, the later fails to account for inter- and intra-personal variability, the influence of expectations on constancy, and the systematic and normal failures of color constancy. A Bayesian approach that builds on the representational tradition in psychology solves both problems.
REFINED METALLICITY INDICES FOR M DWARFS USING THE SLoWPoKES CATALOG OF WIDE, LOW-MASS BINARIES

We report the results from spectroscopic observations of 113 ultra-wide, low-mass binary systems, largely composed of M0–M3 dwarfs, from the SLoWPoKES catalog of common proper motion pairs identified in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. Radial velocities of each binary member were used to confirm that they are comoving and, consequently, to further validate the high fidelity of the SLoWPoKES catalog. Ten stars appear to be spectroscopic binaries based on broad or split spectral features, supporting previous findings that wide binaries are likely to be hierarchical systems. We measured the Hα equivalent width of the stars in our sample and found that components of 81% of the observed pairs have similar Hα levels. The difference in Hα equivalent width among components with similar masses was smaller than the range of Hα variability for individual objects. We confirm that the Lépine et al. ζ-index traces iso-metallicity loci for most of our sample of M dwarfs. However, we find a small systematic bias in ζ, especially in the early-type M dwarfs. We use our sample to recalibrate the definition of ζ. While representing a small change in the definition, the new ζ is a significantly better predictor of iso-metallicity for the higher-mass M dwarfs.
Fast and noise-tolerant method of ECG beats classification using wavelet features and fractal dimension

This work proposes an efficient method of Electrocardiogram (ECG) beats classification. ECG is an important biological signal indicating muscular activities of heart. Abnormalities in ECG beats reflect heart malfunctions. Four types of ECG beats including normal (N), left bundle branch block (LBBB), right bundle branch block (RBBB), and premature ventricular contractions (PVC) are intended to be classified. We take two-level wavelet decomposition to decompose ECG beats and extract appropriate features from sub bands of the decomposed signals. According to previous studies, wavelet coefficients seem to be sufficient features for solving the classification problems. However, they do not have suitable performance in high White Gaussian noise (WGN) added to ECG signals. Therefore, we compute fractal dimension using Katz' algorithm besides wavelet coefficients to complement our feature sets. Feature sets are classified by employing probabilistic neural network (PNN) which shows satisfactory results. Final results are indication of highly stable accuracy and high efficiency in different values of added WGN.
Better cardiorespiratory fitness associated with favourable metabolic control and health-related quality of life in youths with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE to explore the relationship among health-related quality of life (HRQoL), clinical variables, anthropometric measures, physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes.Furthermore, we aimed to find predictors of HRQoL and metabolic control. METHODS A total of 106 patients (sex ratio: 1:1) with mean HbA1c of 8.55 (± 1.44) % and diabetes duration of 5.15 (± 3.24) years were assessed. The average age was 13.22 (± 3.08) years. RESULTS We observed statistically significant negative medium correlation between HbA1c and VO2max (r = – 0.343; p = 0.000). There was statistically significant small positive correlation between the HRQoL and the maximal oxygen consumption (r = 0.208; p = 0.032). We found no significant correlation between the HbA1c and the patients' HRQoL. In the multiple linear regression analysis both the better metabolic control and the HRQoL was predicted by the VO2max, other variables had no effect. Physical activity level did not explain the HRQoL. Boys had significantly better HRQoL and less skinfold thickness than girls. CONCLUSION Better cardiorespiratory fitness associated with both favourable metabolic control and better HRQoL of diabetic youths.Regular aerobic exercise improves the young patients' physical fitness and overall health status, and perception of health-related quality of life, respectively.
Slow frequency-hopping multicarrier DS-CDMA for transmission over Nakagami multipath fading channels

A novel multiple access scheme based on slow frequency hopping multicarrier direct-sequence code division multiple access (SFH/MC DS-CDMA) is proposed and investigated, which can be rendered compatible with the existing second-generation narrowband CDMA and third-generation wideband CDMA systems. The frequency hopping patterns are controlled by a set of constant-weight codes. Consequently, multirate communications can be implemented by selecting the corresponding sets of constant-weight codes having the required weights controlling the SFH patterns invoked. Two FH schemes, namely random and uniform FH, are considered and their advantages as well as disadvantages are investigated. We assume that the system operates in a multipath fading environment and a RAKE receiver structure with maximum ratio combining (MRC) is used for demodulation. The system's performance is evaluated over the range of multipath Nakagami (1960) fading channels, under the assumption that the receiver has all explicit knowledge of the associated frequency-hopping (FH) patterns invoked. Furthermore, the performance of the SFH/MC DS-CDMA system is compared to that of the conventional single-carrier (SC) DS-CDMA system and that of the conventional MC DS-CDMA system, under the assumptions of constant system bandwidth and of constant transmitted signal power.
Frame-aware layering scheme for DCT-based video communications

A large number of studies have been conducted to evaluate the benefits of using layered video coding schemes as a means to improve the robustness of video communications systems. In this article, we study a frame-aware layering scheme for the transport of DCT-based video over packet switched networks. Under this scheme, the relevance of the different elements of the video sequence is taken into account in order to compose the encoded video sequence. We conduct a detailed study over a large set of video streams encoded using the MPEG-2 video standard. Our results show that it is possible to reduce the video traffic while maintaining an acceptable video quality.
Autonomic Request Management Algorithms for Geographically Distributed Internet-Based Systems

Supporting Web-based services through geographical distributed clusters of servers is a common solution to the increasing volume and variability of modern traffic. These architectures pose interesting challenges to request management strategies where the most important goal is not to achieve maximum performance, but to guarantee stable and robust results. In this paper, we propose novel request management algorithms that are based on autonomic principles that is, on loose collaboration among the closest nodes and no knowledge about the global system state. Experimental evaluation shows that our autonomic-enhanced algorithms can guarantee robust performance in a variety of settings and reduce standard deviations of the response times with respect to existing request management algorithms.
Melatonin inhibits insulin secretion and decreases PKA levels without interfering with glucose metabolism in rat pancreatic islets

Abstract: The effect of melatonin (0.1 μM) on freshly isolated islets from adult rats was investigated. Melatonin caused a marked decrease of insulin secretion by islets in response to glucose. The mechanism involved was then examined. Melatonin did not interfere with glucose metabolism as indicated by the measurement of glucose oxidation. However, the content of the protein kinase A (PKA) catalytic α‐subunit was significantly decreased in islets exposed to melatonin for 1 hr in the presence of 8.3 mM glucose, whereas that of the protein kinase C (PKC) α‐subunit remained unchanged. Melatonin also inhibited forskolin‐induced insulin secretion, a well known activator of adenylate cyclase (AC) activity. This may explain the low content of insulin found in islets incubated in the presence of melatonin for 3 hr. In fact, 3′,5′ ‐cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), a product of AC activity, stimulates insulin synthesis. These findings led us to postulate that a down‐regulation of the PKA signaling pathway may be the mechanism involved in the melatonin inhibition of the process of glucose‐induced insulin secretion.
Review: CMV escapes!

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is an opportunistic pathogen that establishes life-long latent infection without clinical disease in immunocompetent individuals, but can cause severe illness in newborns, transplant recipients, and patients with HIV. CMV has evolved complex molecular mechanisms to avoid host immune detection and destruction. Collectively these mechanisms have been termed "immunoevasion" or "escapology. " Perhaps the most essential mechanism of virus survival within the host is latency, a form of reversible nonproductive infection of host cells by replication-competent virus. During periods of active virus replication, however, there are multiple strategies by which CMV evades host defenses. These include methods referred to as camouflage, which aid the virus in hiding from immune defenses, and those referred to as sabotage, whereby the virus disrupts or manipulates host inflammatory or immune responses. The ultimate pathogen survival strategy, host cell transformation, has been demonstrated in vitro for CMV, but to date has not been demonstrated in vivo. This review surveys the current literature on CMV immunoevasion and suggests a paradigm whereby CMV survives host defenses and contributes to atherogenesis.
Influence of PEEK surface modification on surface properties and bond strength to veneering resin composites.

PURPOSE To test the impact of mechanical and chemical treatments of PEEK on surface roughness (SR), surface free energy (SFE), and tensile bond strength (TBS) to veneering resin composites. MATERIALS AND METHODS PEEK specimens (N = 680) were fabricated and divided into treatment groups (n = 170/group): 1. air abrasion (AIA); 2. etching with piranha solution (PIS); 3. air abrasion + piranha acid etching (AIP); and 4. no treatment (NO). Ten specimens of each treatment group were assessed with a contact angle measuring device and profilometer to determine SFE and SR, respectively. The remaining 160 specimens of each group were divided into subgroups according to coupling method (n = 32/subgroup): 1. Monobond Plus/ Heliobond (MH); 2. Visio.link (VL); 3. Clearfil Ceramic Primer (CCP); 4. Signum PEEK Bond (SPB); and 5. control, no coupling (CG). Specimens were veneered using Signum Composite/SiCo or Signum Ceramis/SiCe (both: n = 16), incubated in water (60 days at 37°C) and thermocycled (5000 cycles of 5°C/55°C). TBS was measured and data analyzed by three- and one-way ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests (p < 0.05). RESULTS A significant effect of surface treatment (p < 0.001) and coupling agent application (p < 0.001) on TBS was observed. AIA specimens with/without PIS showed the highest SFE, SR, and TBS. No differences were measured between PIS and NO, and between AIA and AIP. When no coupling agent was used, no adhesion was obtained. CCP resulted in low adhesion values, whereas MH, SPB, and VL exhibited increased TBS. No significant impact of the veneering resin composite on TBS was found (p = 0.424). CONCLUSION AIA and AIP combined with VL, SPB, and MH can be recommended for clinical use.
An Evolving Philosophy of Teaching

In this article, which was a writing assignment for the Integrated Skills Practicum, a course at Teachers College, Columbia University in Tokyo, the author reflects on how the course has helped shape her teaching philosophy since its start in January 2011. Here, she focuses on how she works with students, her observations of her classes as a language teacher, and her development as a teaching professional.
Transintestinal Cholesterol Excretion Is an Active Metabolic Process Modulated by PCSK9 and Statin Involving ABCB1

Objective—Transintestinal cholesterol excretion (TICE) is an alternate pathway to hepatobiliary secretion. Our study aimed at identifying molecular mechanisms of TICE. Approach and Results—We studied TICE ex vivo in mouse and human intestinal explants, and in vivo after bile diversion and intestinal cannulation in mice. We provide the first evidence that both low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein deliver cholesterol for TICE in human and mouse jejunal explants at the basolateral side. Proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 (PCSK9)−/− mice and intestinal explants show increased LDL-TICE, and acute injection of PCSK9 decreases TICE in vivo, suggesting that PCSK9 is a repressor of TICE. The acute repression was dependent on the LDL receptor (LDLR). Further, TICE was increased when mice were treated with Lovastatin. These data point to an important role for LDLR in TICE. However, LDLR−/− mice showed increased intestinal LDL uptake, contrary to what is observed in the liver, and tended to have higher TICE. We interpret these data to suggest that there might be at least 2 mechanisms contributing to TICE; 1 involving LDL receptors and other unidentified mechanisms. Acute modulation of LDLR affects TICE, but chronic deficiency is compensated for most likely by the upregulation of the unknown mechanisms. Using mice deficient for apical multidrug active transporter ATP-binding cassette transporter B1 a and b, and its inhibitor, we show that these apical transporters contribute significantly to TICE. Conclusions—TICE is operative in human jejunal explants. It is a metabolically active process that can be acutely regulated, inversely related to cholesterolemia, and pharmacologically activated by statins.
Evidence for Widespread Positive and Negative Selection in Coding and Conserved Noncoding Regions of Capsella grandiflora

The extent that both positive and negative selection vary across different portions of plant genomes remains poorly understood. Here, we sequence whole genomes of 13 Capsella grandiflora individuals and quantify the amount of selection across the genome. Using an estimate of the distribution of fitness effects, we show that selection is strong in coding regions, but weak in most noncoding regions, with the exception of 5’ and 3’ untranslated regions (UTRs). However, estimates of selection in noncoding regions conserved across the Brassicaceae family show strong signals of selection. Additionally, we see reductions in neutral diversity around functional substitutions in both coding and conserved noncoding regions, indicating recent selective sweeps at these sites. Finally, using expression data from leaf tissue we show that genes that are more highly expressed experience stronger negative selection but comparable levels of positive selection to lowly expressed genes. Overall, we observe widespread positive and negative selection in coding and regulatory regions, but our results also suggest that both positive and negative selection in plant noncoding sequence are considerably rarer than in animal genomes. Author Summary Selection affects patterns of genomic variation, but it is unclear how much the genomic effects of selection vary across plant genomes, particularly in noncoding regions. To determine the strength and extent of selective signatures across the genome, we sequenced and analyzed genomes from 13 Capsella grandiflora individuals. C. grandiflora is well-suited for this task because it has experienced a large, stable effective population size, so we expect that selection signatures will not be overly distorted by demographic effects. Our analysis shows that positive and negative selection acting on new mutations have broadly shaped patterns of genomic diversity in coding regions but not in most noncoding regions. However, when we focus only on noncoding regions that show evidence of constraint across species, we see evidence for strong positive and negative selection. In addition, we find that genes with high expression experience stronger negative selection than genes with low expression, but the extent of positive selection appears to be equivalent across expression categories.
Balanced Gene Losses, Duplications and Intensive Rearrangements Led to an Unusual Regularly Sized Genome in Arbutus unedo Chloroplasts

Completely sequenced plastomes provide a valuable source of information about the duplication, loss, and transfer events of chloroplast genes and phylogenetic data for resolving relationships among major groups of plants. Moreover, they can also be useful for exploiting chloroplast genetic engineering technology. Ericales account for approximately six per cent of eudicot diversity with 11,545 species from which only three complete plastome sequences are currently available. With the aim of increasing the number of ericalean complete plastome sequences, and to open new perspectives in understanding Mediterranean plant adaptations, a genomic study on the basis of the complete chloroplast genome sequencing of Arbutus unedo and an updated phylogenomic analysis of Asteridae was implemented. The chloroplast genome of A. unedo shows extensive rearrangements but a medium size (150,897 nt) in comparison to most of angiosperms. A number of remarkable distinct features characterize the plastome of A. unedo: five-fold dismissing of the SSC region in relation to most angiosperms; complete loss or pseudogenization of a number of essential genes; duplication of the ndhH-D operon and its location within the two IRs; presence of large tandem repeats located near highly re-arranged regions and pseudogenes. All these features outline the primary evolutionary split between Ericaceae and other ericalean families. The newly sequenced plastome of A. unedo with the available asterid sequences allowed the resolution of some uncertainties in previous phylogenies of Asteridae.
New perspectives regarding β2‐adrenoceptor ligands in the treatment of asthma

In the last two decades several significant changes have been proposed in the receptor theory that describes how ligands can interact with G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs). Here we briefly summarize the evolution of receptor theory and detail recent prominent advances. These include: (i) the existence of spontaneously active GPCRs that are capable of signalling even though they are unoccupied by any ligand; (ii) the discovery of ligands that can inactivate these spontaneously active receptors; (iii) the notion that a ligand may simultaneously activate more than one GPCR signalling pathway; and (iv) the notion that certain ligands may be able to preferentially direct receptor signalling to a specific pathway. Because the data supporting these receptor theory ideas are derived primarily from studies using artificial expression systems, the physiological relevance of these new paradigms remains in question. As a potential example of how these new perspectives in receptor theory relate to drug actions and clinical outcomes, we discuss their relevance to the recent controversy regarding the chronic use of β2‐adrenoceptor agonists in the treatment of asthma.
Influenza Virus Infection Augments NK Cell Inhibition through Reorganization of Major Histocompatibility Complex Class I Proteins

ABSTRACT The killing by natural killer (NK) cells is regulated by inhibitory, costimulatory, and activating receptors. The inhibitory receptors recognize mainly major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules, while the activating NK receptors recognize stress-induced ligands and viral products. Thus, changes in the expression of the various inhibitory and activating ligands will determine whether target cells will be killed or protected. Here, we demonstrate that after influenza virus infection the binding of the two NK inhibitory receptors, KIR2DL1 and the LIR1, to the infected cells is specifically increased. The increased binding occurs shortly after the influenza virus infection, prior to the increased recognition of the infected cells by the NK activating receptor, NKp46. We also elucidate the mechanism responsible for this effect and demonstrate that, after influenza virus infection, MHC class I proteins redistribute on the cell surface and accumulate in the lipid raft microdomains. Such redistribution allows better recognition by the NK inhibitory receptors and consequently increases resistance to NK cell attack. In contrast, T-cell activity was not influenced by the redistribution of MHC class I proteins. Thus, we present here a novel mechanism, developed by the influenza virus, of inhibition of NK cell cytotoxicity, through the reorganization of MHC class I proteins on the cell surface.