Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The sensor selection task of the Gaussians mixture Bayes' with regularised EM (GMB-REM) technique in robot position estimation

Modelling and reducing uncertainty are two essential problems of mobile robot localisation. Our previous work has been to develop a robot localisation system, namely the Gaussian mixture Bayes with regularised expectation maximisation (GMB-REM), using a single sensor. It allows a robot position to be modelled as a probability distribution, and uses the Bayes' theorem to reduce the uncertainty of a robot's location. In this paper, a new system, which is enhanced from the GMB-REM system in order to perform a sensor selection task, is introduced. Empirical results show the proposed new system outperforms the GMB-REM system with sonar alone. That is, the new system can deal with multiple sensors and further minimise the average localisation error of the robot by performing the sensor selection task.
Signal separation by symmetric adaptive decorrelation: stability, convergence, and uniqueness

The performance of signal enhancement systems based on adaptive filtering is highly dependent on the quality of the noise reference. In the LMS algorithm, signal leakage into the noise reference leads to signal distortion and poor noise cancellation. The origin of the problem lies in the fact that LMS decorrelates the signal estimate with the noise reference, which, in the case of signal leakage, makes little sense. An algorithm is proposed that decorrelates the signal estimate with a "signal-free" noise estimate, obtained by adding a symmetric filter to the classical structure. The symmetric adaptive decorrelation (SAD) algorithm no longer makes a distinction between signal and noise and is therefore a signal separator rather than a noise canceler. Stability and convergence are of the utmost importance in adaptive algorithms and hence are carefully studied. Apart from limitations on the adaptation constants, stability around the desired solution can only be guaranteed for a subclass of signal mixtures. Furthermore, the decorrelation criterion does not yield a unique solution, and expressions for the "phantom" solutions are derived. Simulations with short FIR filters confirm the predicted behavior. >
Consumption of deep‐fried foods and risk of prostate cancer

Evidence suggests that high‐heat cooking methods may increase the risk of prostate cancer (PCa). The addition of oil/fat, as in deep‐frying, may be of particular concern, and has not specifically been investigated in relation to PCa. Potential mechanisms include the formation of potentially carcinogenic agents such as aldehydes, acrolein, heterocyclic amines, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and acrylamide.
Culture of skin-derived precursors and their differentiation into neurons.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the culture method of skin-derived precursors (SKPs) and to explore a new cell source for cell transplantation of central nervous system. METHODS Cells from skins of juvenile and adult mice were isolated and cultured in serum-free medium. A mechanical method was chosen to passage these cells and they were identified by the immunocytochemistry assay. RESULTS SKPs could be isolated from adult and neonatal skins. They could be maintained in vitro for long periods with stable proliferation, and expanded as undifferentiated cells in culture for more than 12 passages. About 50% of SKPs expressed nestin and majority of these cells expressed fibronectin when they were plated on polyornithine and laminin coated plates. About 5% cells showed neuronal differentiation and expressed neurofilament-M (NF-M) and NSE when SKPs were plated in serum-containing medium, and these cells could also differentiate into adipocytes and fibroblast-like cells. CONCLUSIONS The data support the hypothesis that adult skin contains stem cells capable of differentiating into neurons, adipocytes, and fibroblast-like cells. They may represent an alternative autologous stem cell source for CNS cell transplantation.
SUPEROXIDE POTENTIATES NF-κB ACTIVATION AND MODULATES ENDOTOXIN-INDUCED CYTOKINE PRODUCTION IN ALVEOLAR MACROPHAGES

Gram-negative bacterial infection predisposes to the development of shock and acute lung injury with multiple organ dysfunction in the critically ill. Although overexpression of proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and other mediators is causally implicated in the pathogenesis of shock and lung injury, the underlying mechanisms following cellular exposure to gram-negative endotoxin remain unclear. De novo generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by monocytes/macrophages in particular has been proposed as a pivotal regulatory mechanism by which enhanced transactivation of redox-sensitive genes culminates in augmented cytokine expression within the lower respiratory tract. Here we sought to characterize the mechanism of action of a synthetic, nonpeptide, low-molecular-weight, Mn-containing superoxide dismutase mimetic (SODm), M40403, in modulating E. coli lipopolysaccharide serotype 0111:B4 (LPS)-induced cytokine production by cultured rat alveolar macrophages. Intracellular superoxide (O2.−) ion generation was measured using hydroethidine (HE) dye, and the dose-dependent effects of M40403 on TNF-α and IL-6 biosynthesis by ELISAs. Upstream redox-sensitive signaling events involving the pleiotropic transcription factor NF-κB were determined in nuclear extracts by electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs) and p65 subunit Western blot. The levels of the cytosolic inhibitory protein IκB-α were also assessed by Western analysis. We found that M40403 potently suppressed the production of superoxide, TNF-α, and IL-6 in LPS-stimulated alveolar macrophages, suggesting a key role for superoxide in endotoxin-induced cytokine production in the distal air spaces. In addition, M40403 decreased E. coli LPS-induced activation of NF-κB, and this effect was associated with modest suppression of cytoplasmic IκB-α degradation. Together, these results suggest that removal of superoxide by M40403 inhibits endotoxin-induced production of TNF-α and IL-6 in alveolar macrophages by a mechanism involving suppression of redox-sensitive NF-κB transactivation or signaling.
Using qualitative reasoning to model users profiles: an approach to movie recommendation

This paper presents a methodology for a collaborative recommender system (RS). The methodology is based on the compatibility of groups of users defining their profiles via a qualitative order-ofmagnitude model. The distributive lattice structure of the space of qualitative descriptions is considered in defining the distance between existing users and the RSs new users. An application to movie recommendations is presented to show and compare the efficiency of the proposed methodology.
Kasvisruokavalion mahdollisuudet kestäviä elämäntapoja tavoiteltaessa

Tarkastelen kasvisruokavalioon suhtautumista ja kasvisruokailua globaalissa kestavan kehityksen ke hyksessa. Lahtokohtana ovat kasvisruokavalion edut sairauksien ehkaisyssa, ilmastonmuutoksen torjun nassa, luonnon monimuotoisuuden sailyttamisessa ja globaalin ruokaturvan parantamisessa. Lahestyn kasvispainotteisempaan ruokavalioon siirtymisen mahdollisuuksia Harry Triandiksen ihmisten valisen kayttaytymisen teorian avulla. Aineistona on 210 paakaupunkiseudun opiskelijan nakemykset kesta vyytta edistavista ekologisista, sosiaalisista ja taloudellista tekijoista. Opiskelijat arvioivat kasvisruoka valion merkityksen vahaiseksi. Ajattelun ja kayttaytymisen valinen yhteisvaihtelu on kasvisruokavalion osalta kuitenkin vahva – huomattavasti vahvempi kuin luomuruuan tai lahiruuan osalta. Taman vuoksi kasvisruokavalion valtavirtaistumista tukisi tieto sen moninaisista hyodyista. Kasvisruokavalion esteiksi vastaajat tunnistavat sosiaalisen yhteison ja vallitsevat tavat. Kynnys kasvispainotteisempaan ruokavalioon siirtymiseksi on suhteellisen matala muihin kestavyytta edistaviin elamantapoihin verrattuna. Tulokset antavat viitteita siita, etta kasvisruokavalion valtavirtaistuminen on Suomessa mahdollista.
How Does the Balance of Excitation and Inhibition Shift during Epileptogenesis?

Cell Domain-Dependent Changes in the Glutamatergic and GABAergic Drives during Epileptogenesis in the Rat CA1 Region El-Hassar L, Milh M, Wendling F, Ferrand N, Esclapez M, Bernard C. J Physiol 2007;578(Pt 1):193–211. An increased ratio of the glutamatergic drive to the overall glutamatergic/GABAergic drive characterizes the chronic stage of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), but it is unclear whether this modification is present during the latent period that often precedes the epileptic stage. Using the pilocarpine model of TLE in rats, we report that this ratio is decreased in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells during the early phase of the latent period (3–5 days postpilocarpine). It is, however, increased during the late phase of the latent period (7–10 days postpilocarpine), via cell domain-dependent alterations in synaptic current properties, concomitant with the occurrence of interictal-like activity in vivo. During the late latent period, the glutamatergic drive was increased in somata via an enhancement in EPSC decay time constant and in dendrites via an increase in EPSC frequency and amplitude. The GABAergic drive remained unchanged in the soma but was decreased in dendrites, since the drop off in IPSC frequency was more marked than the increase in IPSC kinetics. Theoretical considerations suggest that these modifications are sufficient to produce interictal-like activity. In epileptic animals, the ratio of the glutamatergic drive to the overall synaptic drive was not further modified, despite additional changes in synaptic current frequency and kinetics. These results show that the global changes to more glutamatergic and less GABAergic activities in the CA1 region precede the chronic stage of epilepsy, possibly facilitating the occurrence and/or the propagation of interictal activity.
Differential beliefs, perceived social influences, and self-efficacy expectations among smokers in various motivational phases.

BACKGROUND The ASE model, an integration of social psychological models, states that motivational phases and the transition from one phase to another can be predicted by behavioral determinants. The goal of the present study was to replicate the so-called O pattern that was found in earlier Dutch studies. METHODS In four cross-sectional studies (N = 918, N = 354, N = 225, N = 317), smokers filled in a questionnaire based on the ASE model, while the motivational phase question was based on the stage definitions from the Transtheoretical model. RESULTS Precontemplating smokers perceived fewer advantages of quitting than contemplators. Precontemplators encountered less support for quitting than contemplators. Contemplators reported lower self-efficacy expectations than those in preparation, while this group had lower self-efficacy expectations than respondents in action. Ex-smokers in maintenance reported fewer disadvantages of quitting than those in action. CONCLUSIONS Since changes in cognitive determinants are thought to mediate transitions in motivational phases, the results can be used to tailor health education messages to the needs of smokers in the various motivational phases. The results suggest that smokers in precontemplation would benefit most from information about the pros of quitting and from obtaining support for quitting. Smokers in contemplation and preparation may benefit most from self-efficacy-enhancing information.
Approximating Maximum Clique by Removing Subgraphs

We show an algorithm that finds cliques of size (log n/log log n)2 whenever a graph has a clique of size at least n/(log n)b for an arbitrary constant b. This leads to an algorithm that approximates max clique within a factor of O(n(log log n)2/(log n)3), which matches the best approximation ratio known for the chromatic number. The previously best approximation ratio known for max clique was O(n/(log n)2).
Grading electric field in high voltage insulation using composite materials

Localized overstress due to electric field concentration is a threat to the long-term performance of the insulation in almost all high voltage apparatus. Resistive field grading using field grading materials (FGMs) may be a solution to this problem. Insulation matrixes such as ethylene propylene diene monomer, epoxy, or silicone rubbers, blended with fillers such as ZnO microvaristors, are reported to possess field dependent conductivity with greater and more stable nonlinearity than traditional FGMs [1]. Their application in high voltage apparatus such as bushings [1], cable accessories [2]–[4], insulators [5], [6], and stator coils [7] has been studied recently. It is well known [8] that the most important parameters for FGMs are the nonlinear coefficient α and switching field Eb; the challenge is to tailor these two parameters to a specific application. FGMs can function effectively in most cases when α >10 [9], but the adjustment of Eb is more complex.
Smaller inner ear sensory epithelia in Neurog1 null mice are related to earlier hair cell cycle exit

We investigated whether co‐expression of Neurog1 and Atoh1 in common neurosensory precursors could explain the loss of hair cells in Neurog1 null mice. Analysis of terminal mitosis, using BrdU, supports previous findings regarding timing of exit from cell cycle. Specifically, we show that cell cycle exit occurs in spiral sensory neurons in a base‐to‐apex progression followed by cell cycle exit of hair cells in the organ of Corti in an apex‐to‐base progression, with some overlap of cell cycle exit in the apex for both hair cells and spiral sensory neurons. Hair cells in Neurog1 null mice show cell cycle exit in an apex‐to‐base progression about 1–2 days earlier. Atoh1 is expressed in an apex‐to‐base progression rather then a base‐to‐apex progression as in wildtype littermates. We tested the possible expression of Atoh1 in neurosensory precursors using two Atoh1‐Cre lines. We show Atoh1‐Cre mediated β‐galactosidase expression in delaminating sensory neuron precursors as well as undifferentiated epithelial cells at E11 and E12.5. PCR analysis shows expression of Atoh1 in the otocyst as early as E10.5, prior to any histology‐based detection techniques. Combined, these data suggest that low levels of Atoh1 exist much earlier in precursors of hair cells and sensory neurons, possibly including neurosensory precursors. Analysis of Atoh1‐Cre expression in E18.5 embryos and P31 mice reveal β‐galactosidase stain in all hair cells but also in vestibular and cochlear sensory neurons and some supporting cells. A similar expression of Atoh1‐LacZ exists in postnatal and adult vestibular and cochlear sensory neurons, and Atoh1 expression in vestibular sensory neurons is confirmed with RT‐PCR. We propose that the absence of NEUROG1 protein leads to loss of sensory neuron formation through a phenotypic switch of cycling neurosensory precursors from sensory neuron to hair cell fate. Neurog1 null mice show a truncation of clonal expansion of hair cell precursors through temporally altered terminal mitosis, thereby resulting in smaller sensory epithelia. Developmental Dynamics 234:633–650, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of micrometer-scale roughness of the surface of Ti6Al4V pedicle screws in vitro and in vivo.

BACKGROUND Titanium implants that have been grit-blasted and acid-etched to produce a rough microtopography support more bone integration than do smooth-surfaced implants. In vitro studies have suggested that this is due to a stimulatory effect on osteoblasts. It is not known if grit-blasted and acid-etched Ti6Al4V implants also stimulate osteoblasts and increase bone formation clinically. In this study, we examined the effects of micrometer-scale-structured Ti6Al4V surfaces on cell responses in vitro and on tissue responses in vivo. METHODS Ti6Al4V disks were either machined to produce smooth surfaces with an average roughness (Ra) of 0.2 microm or grit-blasted, resulting in an Ra of 2.0, 3.0, or 3.3 microm. Human osteoblast-like cells were cultured on the disks and on tissue culture polystyrene. The cell number, markers of osteoblast differentiation, and levels of local factors in the conditioned media were determined at confluence. In addition, Ti6Al4V pedicle screws with smooth or rough surfaces were implanted into the L4 and L5 vertebrae of fifteen two-year-old sheep. Osteointegration was evaluated at twelve weeks with histomorphometry and on the basis of removal torque. RESULTS The cell numbers on the Ti6Al4V surfaces were lower than those on the tissue culture polystyrene; the effect was greatest on the roughest surface. The alkaline-phosphatase-specific activity of cell lysates was decreased in a surface-dependent manner, whereas osteocalcin, prostaglandin E(2), transforming growth factor-beta1, and osteoprotegerin levels were higher on the rough surfaces. Bone-implant contact was greater around the rough-surfaced Ti6Al4V screws, and the torque needed to remove the rough screws from the bone was more than twice that required to remove the smooth screws. CONCLUSIONS Increased micrometer-scale surface roughness increases osteoblast differentiation and local factor production in vitro, which may contribute to increased bone formation and osteointegration in vivo. There was a correlation between in vitro and in vivo observations, indicating that the use of screws with rough surfaces will result in better bone-implant contact and implant stability.
A radiological survey of the hips and knees in female specialist teachers of physical education.

A radiological study of osteoarthrosis of the hips and knees has been performed in 364 female specialist physical education teachers, aged 46--60 years, who qualified between the years 1935 and 1950. The teachers were contacted by postal questionnaire and A.P. radiographs of the pelvis and knees were performed at a hospital in their residential locality. These were then read by two rheumatologists in consultation and graded for osteoarthrosis by comparison with the Atlas of Standard Radiographs. These gradings were compared with those of similarly aged females in the general population obtained in the Leigh and Wensleydale surveys. Moderate and severe osteoarthrosis of the knees was equally common in the teachers and the general population but minimal and mild osteoarthrosis was significantly less common in the teachers (p less than 0.001). Osteoarthrosis of the hips was more common in the teachers than in the population, though not to a statistically significant degree. An association was noted in the teachers between osteoarthrosis of the hips and ossification in the region of the greater trochanter. The results suggest that female physical education teachers are no more prone to the development of premature osteoarthrosis of the hips and knees than is the general population, but there may be a subgroup who, because of excess use of hypermobility of the hip joints, develop osteoarthrosis as a consequence.
Managing Development Risk in Product Design Processes

Product development has become the focal point of industrial competition and is the cornerstone of long-term survival for most firms. One of the major management challenges in product development is to deal with development risk in the design process. In this paper we provide a strategic guideline as to how the design process should be managed and controlled. We describe how design reviews and engineering resources can be scheduled as the control mechanisms to operationally manage development risk. The methodologies developed are an integral part of a project to fundamentally restructure product design processes at Rocketdyne Division of Rockwell International, which designs and develops liquid-propellant rocket propulsion systems.
Neurotrophic Processes in Orofacial Growth

The author's work in functional cranial analysis established the morphogenetic primacy of functional matrixes on the form (size and shape), spatial position, and maintenance of all skeletal units. ' Two related problems are being studied: the functional matrix-skeletal unit interface-how functional stimuli are translated, transmitted, perceived, recognized and responded to; and how functional matrixes are regulated and controlled. Neurotrophic processes are involved significantly in the latter.2 Neurotrophism is a non-impulse-transmitting neural function that involves axoplasmic transport, and provides for long-term interactions between neurons and innervated tissues that homeostatically regulate the morphological, compositional, and functional integrity of those tissues.3 Neurotrophic processes initiate and control molecular modification in these same tissues.4 The nature of neurotrophic substances and the process of their introduction into the target tissue are unknown at present. For convenience, three general categories, differing in target tissues but with presumably homologous processes, will be considered: neuroepithelial trophism; neurovisceral trophism; and neuromuscular trophism. Neuroepithelial Trophism Amphibian limb regeneration is initiated by apical epidermal proliferation, which occurs only after reinnervation and intimate neuroepithelial contact.5 Epithelial mitosis and synthesis are neurotrophically controlled,6 and specifically include the genetic expressivity of these cells.7 Afferent nerves are usually, but not exclusively, involved, and although efferent neurons also are effective producers of the presumed neurotrophic substances, it is the quality rather than type of reinnervating axons that determines whether regeneration will occur.8'9 Ependyma, spinal cord, and cerebral cortex also regulate epithelial mitosis neuro-
Quasi-Resonant Zero-Current-Switching Bidirectional Converter for Battery Equalization Applications

A systematic approach to reform and analyze a soft-switching bidirectional dc-to-dc converter is proposed for cell voltage balancing control in a series connected battery string. quasi-resonant converter circuits have been designed to achieve the zero-current-switching (ZCS) to reduce the switching loss in bidirectional battery equalizers. The results indicate that the switching loss and energy transfer efficiency can be substantially improved using the quasi-resonant ZCS (QRZCS) technology in a battery charging system with an individual cell equalizer (ICE). The validity of the battery equalization is further verified using an experimental installation involving a battery string of three lithium-ion cells. The simulation and experimental results show that the proposed QRZCS battery equalization schemes can achieve bidirectional battery equalization performance and reduce the MOSFET transistor switch power losses by more than 96% and increase the efficiency by around 20%~30% compared with the conventional battery equalizer during an identical equalization process