Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Esaim: Mathematical Modelling and Numerical Analysis Pod A-posteriori Error Based Inexact Sqp Method for Bilinear Elliptic Optimal Control Problems *

An optimal control problem governed by a bilinear elliptic equation is considered. This problem is solved by the sequential quadratic programming (SQP) method in an infinite-dimensional framework. In each level of this iterative method the solution of linear-quadratic subproblem is computed by a Galerkin projection using proper orthogonal decomposition (POD). Thus, an approximate (inexact) solution of the subproblem is determined. Based on a POD a-posteriori error estimator developed by Tröltzsch and Volkwein [Comput. Opt. Appl. 44 (2009) 83–115] the difference of the suboptimal to the (unknown) optimal solution of the linear-quadratic subproblem is estimated. Hence, the inex-actness of the discrete solution is controlled in such a way that locally superlinear or even quadratic rate of convergence of the SQP is ensured. Numerical examples illustrate the efficiency for the proposed approach.
Ultrastructural uncoupling between T-tubules and sarcoplasmic reticulum in human heart failure.

AIMS Chronic heart failure is a complex clinical syndrome with impaired myocardial contractility. In failing cardiomyocytes, decreased signalling efficiency between the L-type Ca(2+) channels (LCCs) in the plasma membrane (including transverse tubules, TTs) and the ryanodine receptors (RyRs) in the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) underlies the defective excitation-contraction (E-C) coupling. It is therefore intriguing to know how the LCC-RyR signalling apparatus is remodelled in human heart failure. METHODS AND RESULTS Stereological analysis of transmission electron microscopic images showed that the volume densities and the surface areas of TTs and junctional SRs were both decreased in heart failure specimens of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and ischaemic cardiomyopathy (ICM). The TT-SR junctions were reduced by ~60%, with the remaining displaced from the Z-line areas. Moreover, the spatial span of individual TT-SR junctions was reduced by ~17% in both DCM and ICM tissues. In accordance with these remodelling, junctophilin-2 (JP2), a structural protein anchoring SRs to TTs, was down-regulated, and miR-24, a microRNA that suppresses JP2 expression, was up-regulated in both heart failure tissues. CONCLUSION Human heart failure of distinct causes shared similar physical uncoupling between TTs and SRs, which appeared attributable to the reduced expression of JP2 and increased expression of miR-24. Therapeutic strategy against JP2 down-regulation would be expected to protect patients from cardiac E-C uncoupling.
Role of oxidative Stress in Cerebral Ischemia-reperfusion Injury

Evidences obtained from the past two decades showed that there is an involvement of reactive oxygen species in cerebral ischemia (Christophe and Nicolas 2006). Thrombolytic reperfusion or reoxygenation during spontaneous perfusion provides oxygen as a substrate for various enzymatic reactions in the subcellular organelles or cytosolic compartments and mitochondria that will further increase oxidative stress and add to the cellular damage (Kabakov et al. 2003). The primary function of mitochondria is to generate adenosine triphosphate through oxidative phosphorylation via the electron transport chain. ROS generated from mitochondria mediate signaling through p53 (Huang et al. 2008). Through mitochondrial intermembrane space, molecular signaling returns to mitochondria and triggers the release of critical apoptotic activators and effectors of cell death, such as apoptosis inducing factor or cytochrome C in mitochondria-dependent apoptosis (Kroemer et al. 2007). Mitocondria releases the ROS, which is implicated in acute brain injuries such as stroke and neurodegeneration. p53 interface to apoptosis and cell-cycle progression. This indicates that p53 is the master regulator of cell death by inducing apoptosis. Apoptosis–related gene expression was controlled with specific transcription factors of p53 gene encodes NOXA (NADPH oxidase activator 1), BAX (bcl 2 associated X protein), PUMA (p53-upregulated modulator of apoptosis) and p53AIP1 (p53 acetate-induced protein 1) are the p53 products (Niizuma et al. 2009). They directly act on mitochondria and induce apoptosis, p53-induced
The Presentation of Self in the Age of Social Media: Distinguishing Performances and Exhibitions Online

Presentation of self (via Goffman) is becoming increasingly popular as a means for explaining differences in meaning and activity of online participation. This article argues that self-presentation can be split into performances, which take place in synchronous “situations,” and artifacts, which take place in asynchronous “exhibitions. ” Goffman’s dramaturgical approach (including the notions of front and back stage) focuses on situations. Social media, on the other hand, frequently employs exhibitions, such as lists of status updates and sets of photos, alongside situational activities, such as chatting. A key difference in exhibitions is the virtual “curator” that manages and redistributes this digital content. This article introduces the exhibitional approach and the curator and suggests ways in which this approach can extend present work concerning online presentation of self. It introduces a theory of “lowest common denominator” culture employing the exhibitional approach.
Keeping Safe: Intra-individual Consistency in Obstacle Avoidance Behaviour Across Grasping and Locomotion Tasks

Successful obstacle avoidance requires a close coordination of the visual and the motor systems. Visual information is essential for adjusting movements in order to avoid unwanted collisions. Yet, established obstacle avoidance paradigms have typically either focused on gaze strategies or on motor adjustments. Here we were interested in whether humans show similar visuomotor sensitivity to obstacles when gaze and motor behaviour are measured across different obstacle avoidance tasks. To this end, we measured participants’ hand movement paths when grasping targets in the presence of obstacles as well as their gaze behaviour when walking through a cluttered hallway. We found that participants who showed more pronounced motor adjustments during grasping also spent more time looking at obstacles during locomotion. Furthermore, movement durations correlated positively in both tasks. Results suggest considerable intra-individual consistency in the strength of the avoidance response across different visuomotor measures potentially indicating an individual’s tendency to perform safe actions.
Optimal virtual machine placement across multiple cloud providers

Cloud computing provides users an efficient way to dynamically allocate computing resources to meet demands. Cloud providers can offer users two payment plans, i.e., reservation and on-demand plans for resource provisioning. Price of resources in reservation plan is generally cheaper than that in on-demand plan. However, since the reservation plan has to be acquired in advance, it may not fully meet future demands in which the on-demand plan can be used to guarantee the availability to the user. In this paper, we propose an optimal virtual machine placement (OVMP) algorithm. This algorithm can minimize the cost spending in each plan for hosting virtual machines in a multiple cloud provider environment under future demand and price uncertainty. OVMP algorithm makes a decision based on the optimal solution of stochastic integer programming (SIP) to rent resources from cloud providers. The performance of OVMP algorithm is evaluated by numerical studies and simulation. The results clearly show that the proposed OVMP algorithm can minimize users' budgets. This algorithm can be applied to provision resources in emerging cloud computing environments.
Identification of a New Type 2M von Willebrand Disease Mutation also at Position 1324 of von Willebrand Factor

Summary Type 2M von Willebrand disease (VWD) refers to variants with decreased platelet-dependent function that is not associated with the loss of high molecular weight (HMW) von Willebrand factor (VWF) multimers. This category includes the so-called “phenotype B” responsible for inexistent ristocetin-induced but normal botrocetin-induced binding of VWF to platelet glycoprotein Ib. The missense mutation G1324S was identified in the first patient reported to display “phenotype B”. We report here on the identification in four members of a French family of a missense mutation also affecting this glycine residue but changing it into an alanine residue. These individuals are heterozygous for this mutation and two of them display an additional quantitative VWF deficiency resulting from a stop codon at position 2470. After transient transfection in Cos-7 cells, the mutated recombinant protein harbouring the G1324A substitution was shown to exhibit normal multimers and inexistent ristocetin-induced but normal botrocetininduced binding to GPIb, confirming the classification of this new mutation as a type 2M VWD mutation.
Individuality of distress and discomfort calls in neonates with bass voices: Wild‐living goitred gazelles (Gazella subgutturosa) and saiga antelopes (Saiga tatarica)

Neonate ruminants produce distress calls when captured by a predator and discomfort milk begging calls when hungry. In many neonate ruminants, the distress and discomfort calls are high-frequency vocalizations, in which the fundamental frequency is the key variable for recognition of their emotional arousal by caregivers. In contrast, in this study, we examine the low-frequency open-mouth distress and discomfort calls in the neonates of two species of wild-living ungulates, which clearly highlight vocal tract resonances (formants). In the goitred gazelle (Gazella subgutturosa), the distress calls were higher in fundamental frequency (f0) and in the first and third formants than the discomfort calls. The accuracy of classifying individuals by variables of distress calls with discriminant function analysis (67%) was significantly lower than that of discomfort calls (85%). In the saiga (Saiga tatarica), only the third formant was higher in the distress calls than in the discomfort calls. The accuracy of classifying individuals by variables of distress calls (89%) did not differ significantly from that of discomfort calls (94%). Thus, the use of acoustic cues to vocal identity and to the degree of arousal differs between the two species. Calls were significantly more individualistic in the saiga, probably because this species lives in large herds and neonates use a ‘following’ antipredatory strategy, in which vocal individuality is crucial for mother–offspring communication. In contrast, goitred gazelles live in smaller groups and neonates use a ‘hiding’ antipredatory strategy. Accordingly, mothers can rely on additional environmental cues for spotting their young and this may decrease the necessity for individualization of the calls of neonates.
Predicting the loudness of non-stationary sounds: Zwicker's original envelope extraction vs. DIN 45631/A1:2010.

All currently standardized procedures for computationally predicting the loudness elicited by non-stationary sounds (under normal conditions in a typical subject) are based on the work of Zwicker and co-workers. The corresponding algorithms consequently share a spectral channel-based processing scheme, roughly mimicking peripheral auditory processing. With the same motivation, only the temporal envelopes in the channels are analyzed further. This contribution compares the envelope-extraction procedure proposed by Zwicker and co-workers to that of DIN 45631/A1:2010 regarding its intended purpose, implementation details, and effects on the predicted loudness. Based on the results, implications for future loudnessprediction standards are discussed.
Experimental Design of 2,4-Dichlorophenol Oxidation by Fenton's Reaction

An experimental design methodology has been drawn regarding the model contaminant 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) oxidation using Fenton's reagent. This multivariable and multilevel approach allowed us to investigate the effects between the experimental variables (temperature and iron(II) and hydrogen peroxide concentrations) in the process performance, with the minimum number of experiments. Response factors considered were 2,4-DCP degradation after 5, 10, and 20 min of reaction time, for an initial 2,4-DCP concentration of 100 mg/L. This approach provided statistically significant models, which allowed process optimization. It was found that, within the range studied, the ferrous concentration has a positive effect on the oxidation performance. However, for the peroxide load, and particularly for temperature, an optimal value exists that must be taken into account in order to obtain the best results. Besides, the optimal conditions depend on the response considered, with it being advisable to use less-aggr.
Bayesian function‐on‐function regression for multilevel functional data

Medical and public health research increasingly involves the collection of complex and high dimensional data. In particular, functional data—where the unit of observation is a curve or set of curves that are finely sampled over a grid—is frequently obtained. Moreover, researchers often sample multiple curves per person resulting in repeated functional measures. A common question is how to analyze the relationship between two functional variables. We propose a general function‐on‐function regression model for repeatedly sampled functional data on a fine grid, presenting a simple model as well as a more extensive mixed model framework, and introducing various functional Bayesian inferential procedures that account for multiple testing. We examine these models via simulation and a data analysis with data from a study that used event‐related potentials to examine how the brain processes various types of images.
Feedback and metal enrichment in cosmological SPH simulations – II. A multiphase model with supernova energy feedback

We have developed a new scheme to treat a multiphase interstellar medium in smoothed particle hydrodynamics simulations of galaxy formation. This scheme can represent a co-spatial mixture of cold and hot ISM components, and is formulated without scale-dependent parameters. It is thus particularly suited to studies of cosmological structure formation where galaxies with a wide range of masses form simultaneously. We also present new algorithms for energy and heavy element injection by supernovae, and show that together these schemes can reproduce several important observed effects in galaxy evolution. Both in collapsing systems and in quiescent galaxies our codes can reproduce the Kennicutt relation between the surface densities of gas and of star formation. Strongly metal-enhanced winds are generated in both cases with ratios of mass-loss to star formation which are similar to those observed. This leads to a self-regulated cycle for star formation activity. The overall impact of feedback depends on galaxy mass. Star formation is suppressed at most by a factor of a few in massive galaxies, but in low-mass systems the effects can be much larger, giving star formation an episodic, bursty character. The larger the energy fraction assumed available in feedback, the more massive the outflows and the lower the final stellar masses. Winds from forming discs are collimated perpendicular to the disc plane, reach velocities up to ∼ 1000 km s -1 , and efficiently transport metals out of the galaxies. The asymptotically unbound baryon fraction drops from >95 per cent to ∼30 per cent from the least to the most massive of our idealized galaxies, but the fraction of all metals ejected with this component exceeds 60 per cent regardless of mass. Such winds could plausibly enrich the intergalactic medium to observed levels.
Modeling and Control of a Low-Speed Flywheel Driving System for Pulsed-Load Mitigation in DC Distribution Networks

This paper details the modeling and development of an improved controller design for a dc flywheel energy storage system (FESS) driving circuit. The driving system is based on a bidirectional buck-boost converter. The modeling of this converter including the parasitic resistances for all the components was carried out. In this model, the equivalent circuit of the machine was integrated in the converter state-space model for improved accuracy and controllability. The system has two operating modes; when the FESS is charging, the converter operates in the buck mode. A controller was designed to regulate the charging rate through controlling the machine's terminal voltage. In the discharging mode, the converter operates in the boost mode. A current controller takes over to control the injected current from the machine to the dc bus. The detailed design of both control loops was identified. Simulation results show the accuracy of the derived model and the enhanced performance of the FESS. Further, it is shown that the reversal of power-flow direction was performed seamlessly. A hardware prototype of the converter was implemented and the effectiveness of the developed system was experimentally verified. The experimental results are in excellent agreement with the simulation.
Involvement of small intestinal motility in blood glucose response to dietary fibre in man

Three dietary fibres with different physicochemical properties were studied in healthy humans for their effects on small intestinal motility and postprandial hyperglycaemia. Duodeno-jejunal motor activity was evaluated electromyographically for 180 min in six subjects who had ingested a test meal composed of glucose alone or glucose with 15 g of wheat bran (WB), sugar beet (SB) or ispaghula (I) fibres. Glucose and insulin concentrations were determined during the same period. Each subject received each of the four test meals randomly during a 4 d period. Addition of SB or I to the glucose meal altered duodeno-jejunal motility. Both of these fibres inhibited stationary contractile activity and increased the propagation length and velocity of propagated activity, whereas addition of WB had no effect. These results could reflect the high water-holding capacity of S B and 1. Blood glycaemic response to the glucose meal was reduced by SB and I but remained unchanged with WB. Postprandial blood glucose levels were significantly correlated with the total motility index (Y 0.82) and stationary activity (Y 0.79). Taken together, these observations suggest that the contractile activity induced by dietary fibre in the small intestine probably plays a major role in delayed glucose absorption.
Household air pollution and its effects on health

Household air pollution is a leading cause of disability-adjusted life years in Southeast Asia and the third leading cause of disability-adjusted life years globally. There are at least sixty sources of household air pollution, and these vary from country to country. Indoor tobacco smoking, construction material used in building houses, fuel used for cooking, heating and lighting, use of incense and various forms of mosquito repellents, use of pesticides and chemicals used for cleaning at home, and use of artificial fragrances are some of the various sources that contribute to household air pollution. Household air pollution affects all stages of life with multi-systemic health effects, and its effects are evident right from pre-conception to old age. In utero exposure to household air pollutants has been shown to have health effects which resonate over the entire lifetime. Exposures to indoor air pollutants in early childhood also tend to have repercussions throughout life. The respiratory system bears the maximum brunt, but effects on the cardiovascular system, endocrine system, and nervous system are largely underplayed. Household air pollutants have also been implicated in the development of various types of cancers. Identifying household air pollutants and their health implications helps us prepare for various health-related issues. However, the real challenge is adopting changes to reduce the health effects of household air pollution and designing innovative interventions to minimize the risk of further exposure. This review is an attempt to understand the various sources of household air pollution, the effects on health, and strategies to deal with this emergent risk factor of global mortality and morbidity.
CROSSTALK BETWEEN THE NF-KAPPA B ACTIVATING IKK-COMPLEX AND THE CSN SIGNALOSOME

A great variety of signaling pathways regulating inflammation, cell development and cell survival require NFκB transcription factors, which are normally inactive due to binding to inhibitors, such as IκBα. The canonical activation pathway of NF-κB is initiated by phosphorylation of the inhibitor by an IκB kinase (IKK) complex triggering ubiquitination of IκB molecules by SCF-type E3-ligase complexes and rapid degradation by 26S-proteasomes. The ubiquitination machinery is regulated by the COP9 signalosome (CSN). We show that IκB kinases interact with the CSN-complex, as well as the SCF-ubiquitination machinery, providing an explanation for the rapid signalinginduced ubiquitination and degradation of IκBα. Furthermore, we reveal that IKK’s phosphorylate not only IκBα, but also the CSN-subunit Csn5/JAB1 and that IKK2 influences ubiquitination of Csn5/JAB1. Our observations imply that the CSN complex acts as an inhibitor of constitutive NF-κB activity in non-activated cells. Knockdown of Csn5/JAB1 clearly enhanced basal NF-κB activity and improved cell survival under stress. The inhibitory effect of Csn5/JAB1 requires a functional MPN+ metalloprotease domain, which is responsible for cleaving ubiquitin-like Nedd8-modifications. Upon activation of cells with TNFα, the CSN complex dissociates from IKK’s allowing full and rapid activation of the NF-κB pathway by the concerted action of interacting protein complexes.
Abstract Zobrist Hashing: An Efficient Work Distribution Method for Parallel Best-First Search

Hash Distributed A* (HDA*) is an efficient parallel best first algorithm that asynchronously distributes work among the processes using a global hash function. Although Zobrist hashing, the standard hash function used by HDA*, achieves good load balance for many domains, it incurs significant communication overhead since it requires many node transfers among threads. We propose Abstract Zobrist hashing, a new work distribution method for parallel search which reduces node transfers and mitigates communication overhead by using feature projection functions. We evaluate Abstract Zobrist hashing for multicore HDA*, and show that it significantly outperforms previous work distribution methods.
Best Practices Involving Teamwork in the Classroom: Results From a Survey of 6435 Engineering Student Respondents

A teamwork survey was conducted at Oakland University, Rochester, MI, in 533 engineering and computer science courses over a two-year period. Of the 6435 student respondents, 4349 (68%) reported working in teams. Relative to the students who only worked individually, the students who worked in teams were significantly more likely to agree that the course had achieved its stated learning objectives (p < 0.001). Regression analysis showed that roughly one-quarter of the variance in belief about whether the objectives were met could be explained by four factors: 1) student satisfaction with the team experience; 2) the presence of instructor guidance related to teamwork; 3) the presence of slackers on teams; and 4) team size. Pearson product-moment correlations revealed statistically significant associations between agreement that the course objectives had been fulfilled and the use of student teams and between satisfaction with teams and the occurrences of instructor guidance on teamwork skills. These and other results suggest that assigning work to student teams can lead to learning benefits and student satisfaction, provided that the instructor pays attention to how the teams and the assignments are set up.