Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Flapping flight for biomimetic robotic insects: part II-flight control design

In this paper, we present the design of the flight control algorithms for flapping wing micromechanical flying insects (MFIs). Inspired by the sensory feedback and neuromotor structure of insects, we propose a similar top-down hierarchical architecture to achieve high performance despite the MFIs' limited on-board computational resources. The flight stabilization problem is formulated as high-frequency periodic control of an underactuated system. In particular, we provide a methodology to approximate the time-varying dynamics caused by the aerodynamic forces with a time-invariant model using averaging theory and a biomimetic parametrization of the wing trajectories. This approximation leads to a simpler dynamical model that can be identified using experimental data from the on-board sensors and the voltage inputs to the wing actuators. The overall control law is a periodic proportional output feedback. Simulations, including sensor and actuator models, demonstrate stable flight in hovering mode
Joint perceptually-based Intra prediction and quantization for HEVC

This paper proposes a new coding scheme which jointly applies perceptual quality metrics to prediction, quantization and rate-distortion optimization (RDO) within the High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) framework. A new prediction approach which uses template matching is introduced. The template matching uses a structural similarity metric (SSIM) and a Just-Noticeable Distortion (JND) model. The matched candidates are linearly filtered to generate a prediction. We also modify the JND model and use Supra-threshold Distortion (StD) as the distortion measurement in RDO. Experimental results showing improvements for coding textured areas are presented as well.
Impact of scheduled laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with acute cholecystitis, following percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage

Backgrounds/Aims Frequently encountered in practice, the first-line treatment for acute cholecystitis is early or urgent cholecystectomy, with laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) being the preferred method. Percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage (PTGBD) is considered as a safe alternative therapeutic option for resolving acute cholecystitis in surgically high-risk patients. We evaluated the surgical outcomes of acute cholecystitis, focusing on the differences between emergent LC without PTGBD, and scheduled LC following PTGBD. Methods Between March 2010 and December 2014, 294 patients with acute cholecystitis who had undergone LC, were retrospectively studied. Group I included 166 patients who underwent emergency LC without PTGBD. Group II included 128 patients who underwent scheduled LC after PTGBD. Clinical outcomes were analyzed according to each group. Results On admission, Group II had a higher mean level of c-reactive protein than Group I. According to the classification of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), group II had a greater number of high-risk patients than group I. There was no significant difference on perioperative outcomes between the two groups, including open conversion rate and complications. Analysis as per the ASA classes revealed no statistically remarkable finding between the groups. Conclusions There are no significant differences in the surgical outcomes of emergency LC group without PTGBD, and scheduled LC group following PTGBD. Comparison between two groups according to ASA classification reflecting the comorbidity and severity of condition of the patients also revealed no significant differences. However, scheduled LC following PTGBD is important for patients having acute cholecystitis with concurrent comorbidity.
Modelling soil erosion in Europe

The processes of soil erosion by water, wind and tillage result from the operation of the laws of physics and chemistry. Since these laws are presumed to be applicable throughout the universe (i.e. both within and outside Europe), and since all models of erosion represent an attempt to describe these erosional processes (albeit with emphases which vary from one model to another), one might expect there to be little that is unique about erosion modelling in Europe. However, this is not the case. Present-day erosion modelling in Europe differs notably from erosion modelling in the USA, for example in the much greater diversity of approaches. This European distinctiveness appears to be on the increase. This chapter gives a brief survey of European erosion modelling and its scientific origins; its secondary aim is to describe, and to explore the reasons for, the above-mentioned distinctiveness. The focus here is on erosion by water. Wind erosion is not discussed, and tillage erosion barely mentioned. Also, the emphasis is on models which are useful for the practical business of soil conservation, although some models whose primary function is a greater understanding of the processes of erosion are also considered: this is mainly because such models may well have a role to play in the development of the next generation of models for soil conservation. Geomorphological models for long-term landscape evolution are, however, not discussed. The first section of the chapter gives an overview of the application and development of erosion models in Europe. The second section lists erosion models which are currently used within Europe and provides a general overview of each model’s aims and approach and the spatial and temporal scales to which it may be applied. The criteria for a model to be listed in this chapter are that it is actively maintained and used and basic information on its principles, structure and mode of operation is readily available. We recognise that this
Host Suitability and Gas Exchange Response of Grapevines to Potato Leafhopper (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae)

ABSTRACT Although potato leafhopper, Empoasca fabae (Harris) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), is highly polyphagous, classic host studies do not recognize grapevines (Vitis spp.), as suitable hosts. Recently, injury has been reported and reproduction documented within grape vineyards, suggesting a host expansion for the leafhopper. To document this apparent expansion in host use, we determined whether grape plants were suitable hosts for potato leafhopper reproduction, measured the consequence of feeding injury on gas exchange rates of grape leaves, and compared the susceptibility to feeding injury among cultivars. We found that potato leafhopper adults survived equally well on grape (Vitis vinifera L.), alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), and fava bean (Vicia faba L.). The total number of offspring was greater on fava bean but did not differ between alfalfa and grape. Injury to grapevines was assessed by measuring gas exchange responses of leaves in field cages and in greenhouse tests. We found marginally significant declines in photosynthesis and transpiration rates in the field (9.6 and 13.2%, respectively), and much stronger effects in greenhouse tests (ranging between 22 and 52%). Our results verify that Vitis is a suitable host, and that potato leafhopper is capable of injuring its gas exchange physiology. We discuss possible explanations for the host expansion, and its potential to damage commercial grapevines.
Spatially Averaged Long-Term Erosion Rates Measured from in Situ-Produced Cosmogenic Nuclides in Alluvial Sediment

Spatially averaged erosion rates of small catchments can be accurately inferred from the concentrations of cosmogenic nuclides in stream sediment. Here we test this technique at two catchments by comparing erosion rates inferred from cosmogenic nuclides with rates of alluvial fan deposition over the past 16,000 years. These two independent estimates agree within one standard error, demonstrating that cosmogenic nuclide signatures of stream sediment can be used to measure spatially averaged long-term erosion rates. Using this technique, we show that long-term erosion rates are an exponential function of average hillslope gradient at these sites.
A Simple Global Calibration Method Based on 1D Target for Multi-binocular Vision Sensor

To solve the problem of global calibration for multi-binocular vision sensor in a wide measuring range, a method based on 1D target is presented. The 1D target is only required to be put in a number of proper positions between two vision sensors so that one sensor can observe one end feature point and the other sensor can observe the other end point. These two sensors need not to have common vision field, and motion of target need not to be known. The rotation matrix and translation vector between sensors are estimated by nonlinear algorithm optimizing the cost function based on the distance constraint between two extremity feature points of 1D target. Both of simulation result and real data prove that the global calibration method proposed is valid, simple and practical, and has relatively high calibration accuracy.
Focused melt flow and localized deformation in the upper mantle: Juxtaposition of replacive dunite and ductile shear zones in the Josephine peridotite, SW Oregon

Results of a field study demonstrate that melt flow in the shallow mantle was focused along actively deforming ductile shear zones in the Josephine peridotite in SW Oregon. Intergranular flow of ascending liquids dissolved pyroxene and precipitated olivine, forming zones of dunite replacing harzburgite. Syntectonic formation of dunite was focused along near-vertical shear zones, with both vertical and dextral displacement, in the shallow mantle at less than 30 km depth and temperatures between 950 and 1100°C. The migrating magmas which formed dunite and related pyroxenite included high-Mg, calc-alkaline andesites characteristic of subduction-related magmatic arcs. Explanations for focusing of melt flow along shear zones include the presence of a pressure gradient between strong and weak material during active deformation (Stevenson, 1989) and rapid infiltration of liquid when grain boundaries are aligned in mantle tectonites (Waff and Faul, 1992). Focused flow of melt may, in turn, lead to localized deformation and the development of shear zones. It is likely that melt-lubricated shear zones provide an important locus for both melt extraction and strain in the shallow mantle beneath spreading ridges and in subduction-related magmatic arcs.
Robust dual motion deblurring

This paper presents a robust algorithm to deblur two consecutively captured blurred photos from camera shaking. Previous dual motion deblurring algorithms succeeded in small and simple motion blur and are very sensitive to noise. We develop a robust feedback algorithm to perform iteratively kernel estimation and image deblurring. In kernel estimation, the stability and capability of the algorithm is greatly improved by incorporating a robust cost function and a set of kernel priors. The robust cost function serves to reject outliers and noise, while kernel priors, including sparseness and continuity, remove ambiguity and maintain kernel shape. In deblurring, we propose a novel and robust approach which takes two blurred images as input to infer the clear image. The deblurred image is then used as feedback to refine kernel estimation. Our method can successfully estimate large and complex motion blurs which cannot be handled by previous dual or single image motion deblurring algorithms. The results are shown to be significantly better than those of previous approaches.
Behavioral Identification of Budding Professionals through "Neo Personality Inventory Traits"

Twenty first century is considered as the knowledge era in which intellectual capabilities coupled with individual expertise contributed much for the development of the society and its supporting systems. The usefulness of personality traits in the explanation and prediction of students is critically evaluated, and both contemporary theory, existing empirical findings are reviewed, emphasizing the need for conceptual clarity and methodological reform. This research work focuses on the possibility of building a decision for the benefit of students based on their personality, interest, family background, vision, past accomplishments and so on. We employed the neo-personality psychometric inventory to collect the primary data. Personality can greatly assist in the prediction of future performance from data collected from first semester B.E. / B.Tech Students. The FFPI model has revealed that it is a robust model that can describe an individual’s personality. The objective is to analyze the basic personality traits, to find out the performance capabilities and to evaluate the effectiveness of an individual. It selects sample of respondents and the study has been carried out on the areas that identify the need for the NEO Personality Inventory and evaluation reports have been prepared based on the analysis. This study would help the university to understand the attitude and performance of both the boy and girl students and to take necessary measures to overcome the discrepancies of negative aspects of buddy professionals in order to be successful folks in future. Findings are discussed in terms of analyzing FFPI model and areas for further research, with emphasis on the importance of personality in relation to behavior prediction. Girls are highly neurotic, conscientious, boys are highly agreeable and extrovert and both are average in openness to experience. Recommendations for future research are outlined, and this critique is complemented by a detailed case study of a practical research design drawn from an ongoing project. Taken together this provides a powerful illustration of how abstract principles with experimental approach can be used and an underlying message emanating from this evolving body of knowledge can be used to enrich educational activities.
Effectiveness of high-frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation at tender points as adjuvant therapy for patients with fibromyalgia.

BACKGROUND Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome associated with sleep disorders, fatigue and psychological symptoms. Combinations therapies, such as electrotherapy and therapeutic exercises have been used in the clinical practice. AIM To assess the efficacy of high-frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) as an adjuvant therapy to aerobic and stretching exercises, for the treatment of fibromyalgia. DESIGN Controlled clinical trial. SETTING Unit of rehabilitation of a public hospital. POPULATION Twenty-eight women aged 52.4±7.5 years, with fibromyalgia. METHODS A visual analogue scale measured pain intensity; tender points pain threshold, by dolorimetry; and quality of life, by the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire. All subjects participated in an eight-week program consisting of aerobic exercises, followed by static stretching of muscle chains. In TENS group, high-frequency (150 Hz) was applied on bilateral tender points of trapezium and supraspinatus. RESULTS TENS group had a greater pain reduction (mean change score=-2.0±2.9 cm) compared to Without TENS group (-0.7±3.7 cm). There was a difference between mean change scores of each group for pain threshold (right trapezium: 0.2±1 kg/cm² in TENS group and -0.2±1.2 kg/cm² in Without TENS group). In the evaluation of clinically important changes, patients receiving TENS had relevant improvement of pain, work performance, fatigue, stiffness, anxiety and depression compared to those not receiving TENS. CONCLUSION It has suggested that high-frequency TENS as an adjuvant therapy is effective in relieving pain, anxiety, fatigue, stiffness, and in improving ability to work of patients with fibromyalgia. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT High-frequency TENS may be used as a short-term complementary treatment of fibromyalgia.
Prenatal Activation of Microglia Induces Delayed Impairment of Glutamatergic Synaptic Function

Background Epidemiological studies have linked maternal infection during pregnancy to later development of neuropsychiatric disorders in the offspring. In mice, experimental inflammation during embryonic development impairs behavioral and cognitive performances in adulthood. Synaptic dysfunctions may be at the origin of cognitive impairments, however the link between prenatal inflammation and synaptic defects remains to be established. Methodology/Principal Findings In this study, we show that prenatal alteration of microglial function, including inflammation, induces delayed synaptic dysfunction in the adult. DAP12 is a microglial signaling protein expressed around birth, mutations of which in the human induces the Nasu-Hakola disease, characterized by early dementia. We presently report that synaptic excitatory currents in mice bearing a loss-of-function mutation in the DAP12 gene (DAP12KI mice) display enhanced relative contribution of AMPA. Furthermore, neurons from DAP12KI P0 pups cultured without microglia develop similar synaptic alterations, suggesting that a prenatal dysfunction of microglia may impact synaptic function in the adult. As we observed that DAP12KI microglia overexpress genes for IL1β, IL6 and NOS2, which are inflammatory proteins, we analyzed the impact of a pharmacologically-induced prenatal inflammation on synaptic function. Maternal injection of lipopolysaccharides induced activation of microglia at birth and alteration of glutamatergic synapses in the adult offspring. Finally, neurons cultured from neonates born to inflamed mothers and cultured without microglia also displayed altered neuronal activity. Conclusion/Significance Our results demonstrate that prenatal inflammation is sufficient to induce synaptic alterations with delay. We propose that these alterations triggered by prenatal activation of microglia provide a cellular basis for the neuropsychiatric defects induced by prenatal inflammation.
McKusick's Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM®)

McKusick's Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM®; http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/omim), a knowledgebase of human genes and phenotypes, was originally published as a book, Mendelian Inheritance in Man, in 1966. The content of OMIM is derived exclusively from the published biomedical literature and is updated daily. It currently contains 18 961 full-text entries describing phenotypes and genes. To date, 2239 genes have mutations causing disease, and 3770 diseases have a molecular basis. Approximately 70 new entries are added and 700 entries are updated per month. OMIM® is expanding content and organization in response to shifting biological paradigms and advancing biotechnology.
Global exponential stability of fuzzy neural networks

In this paper, using a fixed-point theorem and reduction to absurdity, we have obtained a sufficient condition to guarantee that fuzzy neural network with flat fuzzy feedback Min templates and flat fuzzy feedback Max templates is globally exponentially stable. Since our model is more general and our assumptions relax the previous assumptions in some existing works, the results presented in this paper are the improvement and extension of the existed ones.
Ltc1 is an ER-localized sterol transporter and a component of ER–mitochondria and ER–vacuole contacts

Cytological and biochemical analyses show that Ylr072w, here renamed Lipid transfer at contact site 1 (Ltc1), is a sterol transport protein localized to both ER–mitochondria and ER–vacuole contact sites in partnership with the organelle-specific components Tom70/81 and Vac8, respectively.
Effect of DNA Groove Binder Distamycin A upon Chromatin Structure

Background Distamycin A is a prototype minor groove binder, which binds to B-form DNA, preferentially at A/T rich sites. Extensive work in the past few decades has characterized the binding at the level of double stranded DNA. However, effect of the same on physiological DNA, i.e. DNA complexed in chromatin, has not been well studied. Here we elucidate from a structural perspective, the interaction of distamycin with soluble chromatin, isolated from Sprague-Dawley rat. Methodology/Principal Findings Chromatin is a hierarchical assemblage of DNA and protein. Therefore, in order to characterize the interaction of the same with distamycin, we have classified the system into various levels, according to the requirements of the method adopted, and the information to be obtained. Isothermal titration calorimetry has been employed to characterize the binding at the levels of chromatin, chromatosome and chromosomal DNA. Thermodynamic parameters obtained thereof, identify enthalpy as the driving force for the association, with comparable binding affinity and free energy for chromatin and chromosomal DNA. Reaction enthalpies at different temperatures were utilized to evaluate the change in specific heat capacity (ΔCp), which, in turn, indicated a possible binding associated structural change. Ligand induced structural alterations have been monitored by two complementary methods - dynamic light scattering, and transmission electron microscopy. They indicate compaction of chromatin. Using transmission electron microscopy, we have visualized the effect of distamycin upon chromatin architecture at di- and trinucleosome levels. Our results elucidate the simultaneous involvement of linker bending and internucleosomal angle contraction in compaction process induced by distamycin. Conclusions/Significance We summarize here, for the first time, the thermodynamic parameters for the interaction of distamycin with soluble chromatin, and elucidate its effect on chromatin architecture. The study provides insight into a ligand induced compaction phenomenon, and suggests new mechanisms of chromatin architectural alteration.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences the Impact of Anti-epileptic Drugs on Growth and Bone Metabolism

Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder worldwide and anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) are always the first choice for treatment. However, more than 50% of patients with epilepsy who take AEDs have reported bone abnormalities. Cytochrome P450 (CYP450) isoenzymes are induced by AEDs, especially the classical AEDs, such as benzodiazepines (BZDs), carbamazepine (CBZ), phenytoin (PT), phenobarbital (PB), and valproic acid (VPA). The induction of CYP450 isoenzymes may cause vitamin D deficiency, hypocalcemia, increased fracture risks, and altered bone turnover, leading to impaired bone mineral density (BMD). Newer AEDs, such as levetiracetam (LEV), oxcarbazepine (OXC), lamotrigine (LTG), topiramate (TPM), gabapentin (GP), and vigabatrin (VB) have broader spectra, and are safer and better tolerated than the classical AEDs. The effects of AEDs on bone health are controversial. This review focuses on the impact of AEDs on growth and bone metabolism and emphasizes the need for caution and timely withdrawal of these medications to avoid serious disabilities.