Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Joint Low-Rank and Sparse Principal Feature Coding for Enhanced Robust Representation and Visual Classification

Recovering low-rank and sparse subspaces jointly for enhanced robust representation and classification is discussed. Technically, we first propose a transductive low-rank and sparse principal feature coding (LSPFC) formulation that decomposes given data into a component part that encodes low-rank sparse principal features and a noise-fitting error part. To well handle the outside data, we then present an inductive LSPFC (I-LSPFC). I-LSPFC incorporates embedded low-rank and sparse principal features by a projection into one problem for direct minimization, so that the projection can effectively map both inside and outside data into the underlying subspaces to learn more powerful and informative features for representation. To ensure that the learned features by I-LSPFC are optimal for classification, we further combine the classification error with the feature coding error to form a unified model, discriminative LSPFC (D-LSPFC), to boost performance. The model of D-LSPFC seamlessly integrates feature coding and discriminative classification, so the representation and classification powers can be enhanced. The proposed approaches are more general, and several recent existing low-rank or sparse coding algorithms can be embedded into our problems as special cases. Visual and numerical results demonstrate the effectiveness of our methods for representation and classification.
Hot Carriers in Graphene

When energy relaxation between electrons and the lattice is slow, an elevated electronic temperature different from that of the lattice persists. In this regime, hot charge carriers control the energy transport in a material. In this thesis, I show how hot carriers can dominate graphene’s response enabling it to exhibit novel properties. First, I examine how light is converted to electrical currents in graphene and show that hot carriers play an integral role in this multi-stage process. I show that photocurrent in graphene p-n junctions is dominated by a Photo-thermoelectric effect in which a lightinduced elevated hot carrier temperature drives a thermoelectric current. Furthermore, I show that the generation and cooling of hot carriers in graphene during photoexcitation proceeds in an unusual way. In the former, carrier-carrier scattering dominates the initial photoexcitation cascade enabling efficient hot carrier generation. In the latter, a new cooling mechanism – disorder-assisted scattering (supercollisions) – dominates electron-lattice cooling over a wide range of temperatures (including room temperature). Second, I examine the transport characteristics of double layer graphene heterostructures (specifically, G/h-BN/G heterostructures). I show that Coulomb coupling results in vertical (out-of-plane) energy transfer between electrons in proximal (but electrically insulated) graphene layers. This couples lateral (in-plane) charge and energy transport of electrons in the two layers to give rise to a new energy-driven Coulomb drag (inter-layer transresistance) that dominates when the two layers are at charge neutrality.
Redesign Distributed PLC Control Systems Using IEC 61499 Function Blocks

The IEC 61499 Function Block architecture is considered as the next generation of programmable control technology promoting distributed control in automation. In this paper, the redesign methodologies from the PLC control to the event-driven architecture of IEC 61499 function blocks are proposed. A general set of translation steps and mapping rules for redesigning applications from IEC 61131-3 PLC to IEC 61499 Function Blocks is provided. Three different redesign approaches are proposed: object-oriented conversion approach, object-oriented reuse approach, and class-oriented approach. These approaches are to be applied for different design styles of the source PLC code. The data handling efficiency of all approaches is investigated. An airport baggage handling system is chosen as the case study for the redesign process. The rules and limitations are summarized and guidelines for the redesign process are provided.
Real-time ASR from meetings

The AMI(DA) system is a meeting room speech recognition system that has been developed and evaluated in the context of the NIST Rich Text (RT) evaluations. Recently, the ``Distant Access'' requirements of the AMIDA project have necessitated that the system operate in real-time. Another more difficult requirement is that the system fit into a live meeting transcription scenario. We describe an infrastructure that has allowed the AMI(DA) system to evolve into one that fulfils these extra requirements. We emphasise the components that address the live and real-time aspects.
Distribution of altered hippocampal neurons and axons immunoreactive with antisera against neuropeptide Y in Alzheimer's‐type dementia

This paper provides detailed information on the distribution of neuropeptide tyrosine (neuropeptide Y; NPY) immunoreactive neurons and fibers in the hippocampal region of eight neuropathologically confirmed cases of Alzheimer's‐type dementia (ATD) at postmortem. These neuronal networks are detected by a polyclonal antibody raised against the unconjugated peptide and controls were obtained by using liquid phase absorption immunocytochemistry. The description covers the subfields area dentata, CA3 and CA1, the subicular complex, and the entorhinal area. The hippocampal regions in which the NPY‐i neuron networks are most severely affected are the hilus, CA1, the parasubiculum, and the entorhinal cortex. Less obvious reductions occurred in CA3, subiculum, and the presubiculum. Parallel semiquantitative estimates were made of the numbers of neuritic plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the other hippocampus of the brains in every ATD case. The areas of heaviest pathological changes by these indices are CA1 and the entorhinal cortex. The subicular complex CA3 and the area dentata are less affected. These findings show that the areas with the most severe loss of NPY‐i neurons and axons, CA1 and the entorhinal cortex, are the same as those areas most severely affected by the other indices of ATD. Thus NPY‐i networks are involved in the ATD disease process. However, other NPY‐i networks survive, in some subfields better than in others. The cumulative evidence suggests a population of hippocampal peptide neurons that are remarkably resistant in terminal neurological disease. These neurons have the capability to participate in the maintenance of minimal functioning circuits in target areas of the disease and as such hold significant links for our understanding of synaptic plasticity in disease.
Multispectroscopic studies on the interaction of a copper(ii) complex of ibuprofen drug with calf thymus DNA

ABSTRACT The interaction of copper(II)–ibuprofenato complex with calf thymus DNA (ct-DNA) has been explored following, UV-visible spectrophotometry, fluorescence measurement, dynamic viscosity measurements, and circular dichroism spectroscopy. In spectrophotometric studies of ct-DNA it was found that [Cu(ibp)2]2 can form a complex with double-helical DNA. The association constant of [Cu(ibp)2]2 with DNA from UV-Vis study was found to be 6.19 × 104 L mol−1. The values of Kf from fluorescence measurement clearly underscore the high affinity of [Cu(ibp)2]2 to DNA. The experimental results showed that the conformational changes in DNA helix induced by [Cu(ibp)2]2 are the reason for the fluorescence quenching of the DNA-Hoechst system. In addition, the fluorescence emission spectra of intercalated methylene blue (MB) with increasing concentrations of [Cu(ibp)2]2 represented a significant increase of MB intensity as to release MB from MB-DNA system. The results of circular dichroism (CD) suggested that copper(II)–ibuprofenato complex can change the conformation of DNA. In addition, the results of viscosity measurements suggest that copper(II)–ibuprofenato complex may bind with non-classical intercalative mode. From spectroscopic and hydrodynamic studies, it has been found that [Cu(ibp)2]2 interacts with DNA by partial intercalation mode which contains intercalation and groove properties. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Ufd2, a Novel Autoantigen in Scleroderma, Regulates Sister Chromatid Separation

The characterization of molecules recognized by patients with autoimmune diseases has provided significant insights into important biological pathways. In these studies, we define Ufd2 (a novel E4 polyubiquitylating enzyme) as a new autoantigen in scleroderma, and show that it regulates chromosome condensation and separation during mitosis in human cells. Ufd2 is regulated by phosphorylation in mitosis. Inhibition of Ufd2 expression results in mitotic arrest at the metaphase-anaphase transition, where cells manifest abnormal chromosome morphology, missegregated chromosomes, irregular spindles, and premature separation of sister chromatids. This is accompanied by premature separase activation, and accumulation of securin in a novel modified form. We further demonstrate that Ufd2 directly and efficiently ubiquitylates securin in vitro and is required for securin polyubiquitylation in vivo. This is the first description of a physiologic substrate for Ufd2, establishing this E4 enzyme as an important regulator of chromosome condensation and separation during mitosis in human cells. Its targeting in scleroderma, together with many other components of the mitotic machinery, reinforces the concept that mitotic cells may be an important focus of the autoimmune response in this disease.
Health information exchange usage in emergency departments and clinics: the who, what, and why

OBJECTIVE Health information exchange (HIE) systems are being developed across the nation. Understanding approaches taken by existing successful exchanges can help new exchange efforts determine goals and plan implementations. The goal of this study was to explore characteristics of use and users of a successful regional HIE. DESIGN We used a mixed-method analysis, consisting of cross-sectional audit log data, semi-structured interviews, and direct observation in a sample of emergency departments and ambulatory safety net clinics actively using HIE. For each site, we measured overall usage trends, user logon statistics, and data types accessed by users. We also assessed reasons for use and outcomes of use. RESULTS Overall, users accessed HIE for 6.8% of all encounters, with higher rates of access for repeat visits, for patients with comorbidities, for patients known to have data in the exchange, and at sites providing HIE access to both nurses and physicians. Discharge summaries and test reports were the most frequently accessed data in the exchange. Providers consistently noted retrieving additional history, preventing repeat tests, comparing new results to retrieved results, and avoiding hospitalizations as a consequence of HIE access. CONCLUSION HIE use in emergency departments and ambulatory clinics was focused on patients where missing information was believed to be present in the exchange and was related to factors including the roles of people with access, the setting, and other site-specific issues that impacted the overall breadth of routine system use. These data should form an important foundation as other sites embark upon HIE implementation.
Cadmium reduces 11-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 activity and expression in human placental trophoblast cells

Yang, Kaiping, Laura Julan, Fran Rubio, Anju Sharma, and Haiyan Guan. Cadmium reduces 11 -hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 activity and expression in human placental trophoblast cells. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 290: E135–E142, 2006. First published September 6, 2005; doi:10.1152/ajpendo.00356. 2005. —Cadmium, a common environmental pollutant and a major constituent of tobacco smoke, has been identified as a new class of endocrine disruptors with a wide range of detrimental effects on mammalian reproduction. During human pregnancy, maternal cadmium exposure, via the environment and/or cigarette smoking, leads to fetal growth restriction (FGR), but the underlying mechanisms are unknown. Although a substantial amount of evidence suggests that cadmium may affect fetal growth indirectly via the placenta, the molecular targets remain to be identified. Given that reduced placental 11 hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11 -HSD2, encoded by HSD11B2 gene) is causally linked to FGR, the present study was undertaken to examine the hypothesis that cadmium induces FGR in part by targeting placental HSD11B2. Using cultured human trophoblast cells as a model system, we showed that cadmium exposure resulted in a timeand concentration-dependent decrease in 11 HSD2 activity, such that an 80% reduction was observed after 24-h treatment at 1 M. It also led to a similar decrease in levels of 11 -HSD2 protein and mRNA, suggesting that cadmium reduced 11 -HSD2 expression. Furthermore, cadmium diminished HSD11B2 promoter activity, indicative of repression of HSD11B2 gene transcription. In addition, the effect of cadmium was highly specific, in that other divalent metals (Zn , Mg , and Mn ) as well as nicotine and cotinine (a major metabolite of nicotine) did not alter 11 -HSD2 activity. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that cadmium reduces human placental 11 -HSD2 expression and activity by suppressing HSD11B2 gene transcription. Thus the present study identifies placental 11 -HSD2 as a novel molecular target of cadmium. It also reveals a molecular mechanism by which this endocrine disruptor may affect human placental function and, consequently, fetal growth and development.
Autophagosome-Mediated EGFR Down-Regulation Induced by the CK2 Inhibitor Enhances the Efficacy of EGFR-TKI on EGFR-Mutant Lung Cancer Cells with Resistance by T790M

Protein kinase CK2 has diverse functions promoting and maintaining cancer phenotypes. We investigated the effect of CK2 inhibition in lung cancer cells with T790M-mediated resistance to the EGFR-TK inhibitor. Resistant sublines of PC-9 to gefitinib (PC-9/GR) and erlotinib (PC-9/ER) were established by previous study, and T790M secondary mutation was found in both resistant sublines. A decrease of EGFR by siRNA treatment effectively controlled the growth of resistant cells, thus suggesting that they still have EGFR-dependency. CX-4945, a potent and selective CK2 inhibitor, induced autophagy in PC-9/GR and PC-9/ER, and which was supported by the induction of autophagic vacuoles and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) expression, and the increase of punctate fluorescent signals in resistant cells pre-transfected with green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged LC3. However, the withdrawal of CX-4945 led to the recovery of cancer cells with autophagy. We found that the induction of autophagy by CX-4945 in both resistant cells was CK2 dependent by using small interfering RNA against CK2. The treatment with CX-4945 alone induced a minimal growth inhibition in resistant cells. However, combined treatment of CX-4945 and EGFR-TKI effectively inhibited cancer-cell proliferation and induced apoptosis. CX-4945 increased the translocation of EGFR from the cell surface into the autophagosome, subsequently leading to the decrease of EGFR while inhibition of autophagy by 3MA or Atg7-targeted siRNA pretreatment reduced the decrease of EGFR by CX-4945. Accordingly, apoptosis by a combination of CX-4945 and EGFR-TKI was suppressed by 3MA or Atg7-targeted siRNA pretreatment, thus suggesting that autophagosome-mediated EGFR down-regulation would have an important role regarding apoptotic cell death by EGFR-TKI. Combined treatment of the CK2 inhibitor and EGFR-TKI may be a promising strategy for overcoming T790M-mediated resistance.
Chronic Respiratory Aeroallergen Exposure in Mice Induces Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in the Large Airways

Chronic allergic asthma is characterized by Th2-polarized inflammation and leads to airway remodeling and fibrosis but the mechanisms involved are not clear. To determine whether epithelial-mesenchymal transition contributes to airway remodeling in asthma, we induced allergic airway inflammation in mice by intranasal administration of house dust mite (HDM) extract for up to 15 consecutive weeks. We report that respiratory exposure to HDM led to significant airway inflammation and thickening of the smooth muscle layer in the wall of the large airways. Transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1) levels increased in mouse airways while epithelial cells lost expression of E-cadherin and occludin and gained expression of the mesenchymal proteins vimentin, alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and pro-collagen I. We also observed increased expression and nuclear translocation of Snail1, a transcriptional repressor of E-cadherin and a potent inducer of EMT, in the airway epithelial cells of HDM-exposed mice. Furthermore, fate-mapping studies revealed migration of airway epithelial cells into the sub-epithelial regions of the airway wall. These results show the contribution of EMT to airway remodeling in chronic asthma-like inflammation and suggest that Th2-polarized airway inflammation can trigger invasion of epithelial cells into the subepithelial regions of the airway wall where they contribute to fibrosis, demonstrating a previously unknown plasticity of the airway epithelium in allergic airway disease.
Suitability of edible bean and potato starches for starch noodles.

Starch noodles were prepared from two types of bean (navy and pinto) starch and three sources of potato starch (ND651-9, Mainechip, and commercial potato starch). Physicochemical properties of those starches, and cooking quality parameters and sensory characteristics of the noodles were investigated. Potato starches contained significantly less amylose and more phosphorus when compared to bean starches. Amylograph pasting properties showed lower pasting temperature and higher peak viscosity for potato starches than for bean starches, but more shear stability for bean starches. Swelling and solubility of potato starches was significantly higher than for bean starches. Noodles made from bean starches exhibited cooking quality similar to that of commercial starch noodles with respect to cooking loss and cooked weight. Texture profile analysis (TPA) results showed starch noodles made from bean starches had higher hardness values, but lower cohesiveness values when compared to those from potato starches. Sensory panelists scored noodles made from potato starches higher in transparency than those made from bean starches. Both transparency and overall acceptability by sensory evaluation were significantly correlated with cohesiveness by TPA. With respect to texture characteristics of starch noodles, starch noodles made from potato starches were more suitable than navy and pinto bean starch noodles.
Design of a deployable ring mechanism using V-fold bars and scissor mechanisms

This paper presents a novel planar single-mobility deployable mechanism using V-fold bars and scissor-shape mechanisms. The basic deployable units of the proposed mechanism is first described, then the kinematic model of the mechanism is set up, based on which we can analysis the kinematic performance of the mechanism. After that, the singularity configuration of the basic deployable unit is analyzed and mobile assembly of the proposed deployable units into large deployable mechanism is also studied. This work provides technical basis for future deployable satellite antenna applications.
Supplemental Figure 3

Does the total span of Rpn10-GFP-extension proteins rather than length of the terminal extension determine stability? We tested this directly by altering the length of the linker connecting Rpn10 and GFP. Our paradigmatic fusion proteins include a 21 residue linker connecting Rpn10 to GFP. Using this linker, Rpn10-GFP with no C-terminal extension was stable, a 15 residue extension did not destabilize, but a 22 residue extension was destabilizing and longer extensions destabilized further. If the 22-mer was marginally functional because it could barely reach a proteasome site needed for degradation and the 15-mer just falls short, then shrinking the linker from 21 to 8 residues should have changed this outcome, causing the 22-mer to now fall short. But this was not the outcome observed: stability was determined by the length of the C terminal extension of GFP and not influenced by whether 8 or 21 residues were positioned between Rpn10 and GFP. We conclude that it is the length of the GFP extension, not its reach, which determines whether the extension is functional.
Effect of body size and exercise on mood state

Exercising in the presence of nature (i.e., “green exercise”), has been shown to heighten the physiological and mental benefits of traditional exercise on non-obese individuals. The effects of green exercise on obese individuals are unknown. It is hypothesized that green exercise is more beneficial for obese (greater positive improvements in mental health scores), compared to nonobese individuals. For example, the benefits of green exercise could help lower feelings of depression, improve mood and self-esteem to increase the propensity of obese individuals to meet exercise recommendations. Accordingly, this study investigated the physiological and psychological effects of green exercise on 12 obese (body mass: 90.0 ± 15.4 kg, body fat: 29.0 ± 8.6 %) and 10 non-obese (body mass: 76.6 ± 8.1 kg, body fat: 12.7 ± 2.5 %,) males. Subjects viewed either 30 previously-validated pleasant images of a rural setting (green exercise) or a blank screen (control) while walking for 30-minutes at a moderate intensity (50% of heart rate reserve). Mental health questionnaires (Adult Mental Health Continuum Short Form, Satisfaction with Life, Profile of Mood States, Exercise Self Efficacy, and Beck’s Inventory) were completed preand post-exercise. Independent of subject groups, the control trial, versus green exercise, resulted in greater rating of perceived exertion (RPE; Control: 11 ± 0 vs Green Exercise: 10 ± 0; P = 0.006) and heart rate (Control: 126 ± 1 bpm, Green Exercise: 124 ± 2 bpm; P = 0.042). Independent of condition, obese individuals had significantly lower pre-exercise self-efficacy than non-obese (Non-obese: 46 ± 4; Obese: 33 ± 3, P = 0.017). Non-obese versus obese individuals had significantly greater improvements in overall mental health scores, as indicated by the MHC-SF Continuous category scores, regardless of condition (change from preto postexercise in Non-obese: 6 ± 2; Obese: 0 ± 2; P = 0.041). Non-obese individuals had significantly greater improvements in the confusion-bewilderment mood state, independent of condition (postpre Obese: 0 ± 1; Non-obese: -2 ± 1; P = 0.019). Independent of body size, control exercise also significantly improved emotional health scores (MHC-SF Emotional category) more than the green exercise (Control: 1 ± 2; Green: 0 ± 2; P = 0.049). In conclusion, this data shows differences between obese and non-obese individuals when they exercise. Green exercise can lower RPE and HR in obese and non-obese individuals, and there is evidence to suggest that green exercise has important mental health benefits. However, improvements observed with green exercise were independent of body size, suggesting that green exercise is beneficial for non-obese and obese individuals. This thesis is approved for recommendation to the Graduate Council. Thesis Director: ____________________________ Dr. Mathew S. Ganio