Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Quantum inspired evolutionary algorithm to improve the accuracy of a neuronal model of the electric power exchange

This work intends to improve research on artificial neural network model of the Electric Power Exchange using Date of the Day Ahead Market in MATLAB and Simulink environment using Evolutionary Algorithm inspired by quantum computer science. The developed artificial neural network was initially trained using data for the Day Ahead Market, assuming the joint volume of supplied and sold electrical energy as the input quantities in each hour of the twenty for hours day, and average prices as output quantities. The obtained model of the exchange system was then improved using the evolutionary algorithm. Lastly, we have proposed further improvement to the accuracy of the model, by supplementing the existing evolutionary algorithm with Quantum Inspired Evolutionary Algorithm as a solutions type of Hybrid Intelligent Systems, such as the initial population, crossover and mutation operators, selection, fitness function etc. The reprint shows how you can build a model of artificial neural network inspired by quantum solutions in Simulink environment, which is the purpose of further research.
Fc-mOX40L Fusion Protein Produces Complete Remission and Enhanced Survival in 2 Murine Tumor Models

OX40L is a member of the tumor necrosis factor superfamily that provides a costimulatory signal to CD4+ and CD8+ T cells while inhibiting the effects of suppressive CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells. Because of this dual activity, OX40L may provide significant antitumor immunity in tumor-bearing mice. To study its clinical potential, a fusion protein consisting of mOX40L linked to the C-terminus of the Fc fragment of immunoglobulin was genetically engineered. After demonstrating its potency in vitro, several assays were performed to evaluate its antitumor effect in comparison to the OX40 agonist antibody OX86. Dosing studies in Colon 26-bearing and renal cell carcinoma (RENCA)-bearing mice showed that although OX86 produced modest tumor regression, Fc-mOX40L produced complete remission in both tumor models. Survival studies confirmed these results and showed that Fc-mOX40L treatment produced lasting responses throughout the 5-month observation period. Flow cytometric analysis of treated and untreated tumors and tumor-draining lymph nodes identified a qualitative difference in the activity of Fc-mOX40L compared with OX86 treatment as evidenced by differences in lymphoid and macrophage populations. These studies reflect the profound therapeutic potential of Fc-mOX40L, which substantially exceeds the agonist antibody OX86 in ability to produce complete tumor remissions and promote long-term survival in solid tumor models.
RAPA: a novel in vitro method to evaluate anti‐bacterial skin cleansing products

Development of efficacious anti‐bacterial skin cleansing products has been limited by the availability of a pre‐clinical (in vitro) method to predict clinical efficacy adequately. We report a simple and rapid method, designated as rapid agar plate assay (RAPA), that uses the bacteriological agar surface as a surrogate substrate for skin and combines elements of two widely used in vivo (clinical) methods (Agar Patch and Cup Scrub). To simulate the washing of the human hand or forearm skin with the test product, trypticase soy agar plates were directly washed with the test product and rinsed under running tap water. After air‐drying the washed plates, test bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus or Escherichia coli) were applied and the plates were incubated at 37°C for 18–24 h. Using S. aureus as the test organism, anti‐bacterial bar soap containing triclocarbanilide showed a strong linear relationship (R2 = 0.97) between bacterial dose and their per cent reduction. A similar dose‐response relationship (R2 = 0.96) was observed for anti‐bacterial liquid hand soap against E. coli. RAPA was able to distinguish between anti‐bacterial products based on the nature and level of actives in them. In limited comparative tests, results obtained by RAPA were comparable with the results obtained by clinical agar patch and clinical cup scrub methods. In conclusion, RAPA provides a simple, rugged and reproducible in vitro method for testing the relative efficacy of anti‐bacterial skin cleansing products with a likelihood of comparable clinical efficacy. Further testing is warranted to improve the clinical predictability of this method.
A New Method for Prescribing Exercise: Three-Point Ratings of Perceived Exertion

An accurate exercise prescription for ratings of perceived exertion has previously depended on data from a maximal graded exercise test during which RPE was measured. In many clinical settings RPE is not measured; in many fitness settings maximal testing is not feasible. A new method using treadmill speed or power output of a cycle ergometer at an RPE of 13 from a submaximal test which can be used in these situations is described. We evaluated the accuracy of this method at 50%, 60%, 70%, and 85% VO2max. A total of 160 target RPEs were developed using traditional procedures and the new method. No significant differences between RPEs obtained with the two techniques were found. The mean difference was less than one unit of RPE. It appears that the new method is valid for intensities of 50% to 85% VO2max and that data from either the cycle ergometer or the treadmill can be used to prepare exercise prescriptions.
No . 748 ZERO NOMINAL INTEREST RATES , UNEMPLOYMENT , EXCESS RESERVES AND DEFLATION IN A LIQUIDITY

We present a dynamic and monetary model that consistently explains such various phenomena as unemployment, deflation, zero nominal interest rates and excess reserves held by commercial banks. These phenomena are commonly observed during the Great Depression in the United States, the recent long-run stagnation in Japan, and the worldwide financial crisis triggered by the US subprime loan problem of 2008. We show that an excessive liquidity preference leads to a liquidity trap and thereby generates the phenomena. JEL Classification Codes: E12; E31; E41; E51
Cognitive mapping techniques for user-database interaction

In this paper, we first develop a framework of user-database interaction. Based on this framework, we then provide a discussion on how notable human factors influence various dimensions of user-database interaction. Following that, we propose using cognitive mapping techniques to overcome some cognitive and behavioral biases during user-database interaction. Three popular cognitive mapping techniques-causal mapping, semantic mapping, and concept mapping-are introduced as techniques to elicit an individual's belief systems regarding a problem domain. Through an example database application, we demonstrate how to use these cognitive mapping techniques to improve user-database interaction. Finally, we discuss the implications of this research for technical communicators during user-database interaction analysis and design.
Monoamine Oxidase and Mitochondrial Respiration

Abstract : Mitochondrial defects encompassing complexes I‐IV of the electron transport chain characterize a relatively large number of neurodegenerative diseases. The relationships between mitochondrial lesions and recently described genetic alterations have not yet been defined. We describe a general mechanism whereby the enzymatic metabolism of neurotransmitters by monoamine oxidase (MAO) damages mitochondria, altering their protein thiol status and suppressing respiration. In these experiments, incubation of rat brain mitochondria with tyramine (a mixed MAO‐A/MAO‐B substrate) for 15 min at 27°C suppressed state 3 respiration by 32.8% and state 5 respiration by 40.1%. These changes were accompanied by a 10‐fold rise in protein‐glutathione mixed disulfides. Direct comparison of effects on respiration and MTT [3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide] dye reduction during electron flow gave similar results. It is suggested that certain mitochondrial lesions may derive from the natural turnover of monoamine neurotransmitters in susceptible individuals.
Crowdsourcing audience perspectives on classical music

Program notes of (Western) classical music are usually written by musical experts. As a consequence, program notes information may not be very accessible to audiences which are less familiar with this music genre. To gain more insight in the way in which `uninitiated' audience perceives and describes symphonic concert performances, in this work, we describe the acquisition of a dataset of various forms of timeline commentary through crowdsourcing mechanisms. As we show, different audience categories use different vocabularies, and consider different anchors on the timeline to be important.
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy following acute liver failure

T akotsubo cardiomyopathy, also known as stressinduced cardiomyopathy or “broken-heart” syndrome, is a reversible phenomenon of systolic dysfunction of the cardiac apex that can present similar to myocardial infarction. The coronary vasculature, however, is normal, and the proposed mechanism of the myocardial dysfunction is from catecholamine release causing reversible myocardial “stunning” during physical or emotional stress. To our knowledge, there are no documented cases of stress-induced cardiomyopathy in the setting of acute liver failure (ALF). We report a case of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy in a patient with acetaminophen-induced ALF.
INFLUENCE OF NANO REINFORCED PARTICLES ON THE MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF ALUMINIUM HYBRID METAL MATRIX COMPOSITE FABRICATED BY ULTRASONIC ASSISTED STIR CASTING

During the past few decades, materials design has shifted emphasis to pursue low cost, quality, light weight, environment friendliness, and performance. Aluminium matrix composites are important class of engineering materials used in aerospace, automotive, engineering, defence and other industries because of their lower density, higher specific strength, and better physical and mechanical properties. Aluminium Matrix composites are projected to significantly reduce the overall weight of the vehicles while maintaining satisfactory structural strength. Reinforcement of micro or nano-sized range particles with aluminium matrix yields improved physical and mechanical properties in composite materials. In this paper, we have investigated the effect of ultrasonic stirring in aluminium matrix composite with micro silicon carbide particles (fixed 5% wt.) and Nano Graphene (1, 3 and 5% wt.). Al356 was used as a matrix material. Micro SiC and Nano graphene produced by reduction of Graphite oxide Method were added as the hybrid reinforcements in varying proportions. Al 356 alloy/ (Graphene + SiC) hybrid composites with different hybrid ratios were synthesized using semisolid stirring assisted ultrasonic cavitation method. For comparison, an Al356 alloy + 5% SiC sample was also casted under the same conditions. Various properties of composites like tensile strength, ductility, Flexural strength, hardness, impact strength were measured and compared with Al356 + 5% SiC sample. The application of ultrasonic vibration on the composite during melting refined the grain structure of the matrix, and improved the distribution of nano-sized reinforcement. From the results of tensile test, it is found that the value of tensile strength increases with increase in Wt. % of graphene. The hardness of composites with 3% Nano graphene is higher than 1 and 5 % Nano graphene. The presence of Nano graphene in Al 356 alloy SiC composites validates the fact that, there is an improvement in mechanical properties.
Homoplasy: From Detecting Pattern to Determining Process and Mechanism of Evolution

Understanding the diversification of phenotypes through time—“descent with modification”—has been the focus of evolutionary biology for 150 years. If, contrary to expectations, similarity evolves in unrelated taxa, researchers are guided to uncover the genetic and developmental mechanisms responsible. Similar phenotypes may be retained from common ancestry (homology), but a phylogenetic context may instead reveal that they are independently derived, due to convergence or parallel evolution, or less likely, that they experienced reversal. Such examples of homoplasy present opportunities to discover the foundations of morphological traits. A common underlying mechanism may exist, and components may have been redeployed in a way that produces the “same” phenotype. New, robust phylogenetic hypotheses and molecular, genomic, and developmental techniques enable integrated exploration of the mechanisms by which similarity arises.
Apoptosis in the murine rd1 retinal degeneration is predominantly p53-independent.

PURPOSE To determine if p53 mediates apoptosis in photoreceptors of retinal degeneration, rd1, mice. METHODS The rd1/rd1 mice were interbred with p53 null mice to generate p53-/- rd1/rd1 and p53+/+ rd1/rd1 mice. Rates of loss and incidence of apoptosis in rod photoreceptors were analyzed at appropriate ages (postnatal days 12, 14 and 16). RESULTS The extent and kinetics of photoreceptor cell loss in rd1 mice were nearly indistinguishable in the p53+/+ and p53 null mice. CONCLUSIONS Photoreceptor cell apoptosis in the rd1 mouse model occurs by a predominantly p53-independent molecular pathway.
Experiences relating to adverse drug reactions in the community: a cross-sectional survey among patients and the general public in Thailand

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the frequency and characteristics of adverse drug reactions (ADRs), experiences of receiving and desire for information about medicines, and attitudes toward ADR knowledge and reporting among the community-dwelling Thai population. Methods: A cross-sectional self-administered survey conducted during October 2013 to December 2014 by convenience sampling. The study was conducted in three settings in the second-largest city, North-eastern Thailand: primary care units, community pharmacies and public areas. Results: Of 2400 respondents, 414 (17.3%) reported experiencing an ADR; two-thirds of which involved mild symptoms (66.7%) and 55.6% occurred within the last year. Self-reported ADR knowledge was low (4.1 ± 2.5 on a scale of 0 to 10). Pharmacists and physicians were the most common sources of information about medicines, but only 28.5% had received information about ADRs. Over 40% wanted information about ADRs and drug interactions, with healthcare professionals and information leaflets being desirable sources. The majority of individuals had positive views towards both receiving information and reporting their ADR experiences. Conclusions: To enable the Thai public to report their experiences of ADRs more effectively, they require more medicines information. Information leaflets should be more widely available, while healthcare professionals should provide more detailed information of ADRs.
Risk of pocket hematoma in patients on chronic anticoagulation with warfarin undergoing electrophysiological device implantation: a comparison of different peri-operative management strategies.

OBJECTIVE Periprocedural management of warfarin remains challenging in patients requiring electrophysiological device surgery. For patients at high risk of thromboembolic events, guidelines recommend bridging therapy with heparin; however, this strategy is associated with a high risk of pocket hematoma. This paper systematically reviews studies appraising the risk of pocket hematoma with different perioperative anticoagulation strategies. METHODS All relevant studies identified in MEDLINE/PubMed, The Cochrane Collaboration CENTRAL, clinicaltrials.org and in bibliographies of key articles. Estimates were combined using a fixed effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed by p values of χ2 statistics and I2. Publication bias was assessed by visual examination of funnel plots and by Egger test. Fifteen studies enrolling 5911 patients met all inclusion criteria and were included in this review. RESULTS Heparin bridging compared with no heparin was associated with increased risk of pocket hematoma (OR = 4.47, 95% CI 3.21-6.23, p < 0.00001), and prolonged hospital stay (9.13 ± 1.9 days vs. 5.11 ± 1 .39 days, p < 0.00001). Warfarin continuation was not associated with increased pocket hematoma compared to warfarin discontinuation (p = 0.38), but was associated with reduced risk of pocket hematoma compared with heparin bridging (OR = 0.37, 95% CI 0.2-0.69, p = 0.002). Thromboembolic complications were reduced with heparin bridging vs. no heparin (0.50% vs.1.07%, p = 0.02), and no significant differences were reported between heparin bridging vs. warfarin continuation (p = 0.83). CONCLUSIONS Heparin bridging is associated with a higher risk of pocket hematoma and a prolonged hospital stay. Perioperative continuation of warfarin reduces the occurrence of pocket hematoma compared with heparin bridging without any significant differences in thromboembolic complications.
Robust stabilization in a single-link biomechanical model: a time-domain analysis

In this paper we analyze the robust stabilization of posture in a single-link biomechanical model with force feedback, dual position and velocity feedback, and with delays in all the three feedback loops. The model is physiologically motivated and represents gross approximation of the human neuromusculoskeletal system in the sagittal plane. The feedback paths in the model represent proprioceptive feedback from muscle spindle (MS) and the Golgi tendon organ (GTO), and include the latencies present in the physiological system. Lyapunov functional approach is used to guarantee asymptotic stability with arbitrary feedback delays. The approach leads to linear matrix inequality (LMI)-based delay-independent conditions requiring solution of a set of finite-dimensional algebraic Riccati inequalities. The framework can be extended to Hinfin feedback control synthesis for single and multi-link robotic models with state or feedback delays
Nanoremediation: Nanomaterials and Nanotechnologies for Environmental Cleanup

Different global events such as industrial development and the population increment have triggered the presence and persistence of several organic and inorganic contaminants, representing a risk for the environment and human health. Consequently, the search and application of novel technologies for alleviating the challenge of environmental pollution are urgent. Nanotechnology is an emerging science that could be employed in different fields. In particular, Nanoremediation is a promising strategy defined as the engineered materials employed to clean up the environment, is an effective, rapid, and efficient technology to deal with persistent compounds such as pesticides, chlorinated solvents, halogenated chemicals, or heavy metals. Furthermore, nanoremediation is a sustainable alternative to eliminate emerging pollutants such as pharmaceutics or personal care products. Due to the variety of nanomaterials and their versatility, they could be employed in water, soil, or air media. This review provides an overview of the application of nanomaterials for media remediation. It analyzes the state of the art of different nanomaterials such as metal, carbon, polymer, and silica employed for water, soil, and air remediation.
Incidence and Trend of a Metabolic Syndrome Phenotype Among Tehranian Adolescents

OBJECTIVE To assess the incidence and trend of the metabolic syndrome phenotype in adolescents from the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study during 3.6 years of follow-up. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A total of 932 adolescents, aged 10–19 years, who had complete data and returned for reassessment 3.6 years later were investigated. RESULTS Prevalence of metabolic syndrome at baseline and after 3.6 years was 7.4 and 6.7%, respectively, based on the Adult Treatment Panel (ATP) III definitions; 3.5 and 8.0%, respectively, based on the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) definitions; 4.1 and 9.4%, respectively, based on the American Heart Association (AHA) definitions; and 13.6 and 13.4%, respectively, based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) definitions. Incidence rates were 5.2% (95% CI 3–6) based on ATP III, 6.8% (5–8) based on IDF, 8.3% (6–10) based on AHA, and 8.8% (6–10) based on NHANES definitions. CONCLUSIONS Incidence of metabolic syndrome is high in Tehranian adolescents.
A six DOF haptic interface for medical virtual reality applications: design, control and human factors

We present a haptic interface dedicated to endoscopy training, where the endoscope is allowed to react to contact forces along six degrees of freedom. The model takes into account end point position and appropriate contact forces. The illusion of physical movement inside the environment is obtained by computing control inputs based on the impedance environment. The user can manipulate and react with the simulated virtual environment.
Flexibilité du marché du travail : quels enseignements tirer des travaux de recherche menés à la Banque de France ?

En zone euro, les rigidites salariales nominales et la vitesse de la politique desinflationniste apparaissent comme des facteurs determinants du « ratio de sacrifice ». En France, les changements de salaires sont assez frequents mais largement predetermines, ce qui cree de la rigidite ; en sens oppose, ils semblent bien plus regis par les accords d’entreprise que par les accords de branche.
Western Zhou Ritual Bronzes From the Arthur M. Sackler Collections

Compte-rendu de l'ouvrage de Jessica Rawson, Western Zhou (Chou) ritual bronzes from the Arthur M. Sackler collections, Vol. IIA & IIB, Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachussets, 1990.
Towards autonomous agents for live computer music : realtime machine listening and interactive music systems

Musical agents which can interact with human musicians in concert situations are a reality, though the extent to which they themselves embody human-like capabilities can be called into question. They are perhaps most correctly viewed, given their level of artificial intelligence technology, as ‘projected intelligences’, a composer’s anticipation of the dynamics of a concert setting made manifest in programming code. This thesis will describe a set of interactive systems developed for a range of musical styles and instruments, all of which attempt to participate in a concert by means of audio signal analysis alone. Machine listening, being the simulation of human peripheral auditory abilities, and the hypothetical modelling of central auditory and cognitive processes, is utilised in these systems to track musical activity. Whereas much of this modelling is inspired by a bid to emulate human abilities, strategies diverging from plausible human physiological mechanisms are often employed, leading to machine capabilities which exceed or differ from the human counterparts. Technology is described which detects events from an audio stream, further analysing the discovered events (typically notes) for perceptual features of loudness, pitch, attack time and timbre. In order to exploit processes that underlie common musical practice, beat tracking is investigated, allowing the inference of metrical structure which can act as a co-ordinative framework for interaction. Psychological experiments into human judgement of perceptual attack time and beat tracking to ecologically valid stimuli clarify the parameters and constructs that should most appropriately be instantiated in the computational systems. All the technology produced is intended for the demanding environment of realtime concert use. In particular, an algorithmic audio splicing and analysis library called BBCut2 is described, designed with appropriate processing and scheduling faculties for realtime operation. Proceeding to outlines of compositional applications, novel interactive music systems are introduced which have been tested in real concerts. These are evaluated by interviews with the musicians who performed with them, and an assessment of their claims to agency in the sense of ‘autonomous agents’. The thesis closes by considering all that has been built, and the possibilities for future advances allied to artificial intelligence and signal processing technology.