Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cooperative control with general linear dynamics and limited communication: Periodic updates

This paper studies the consensus problem for a team of agents with general linear dynamics, under directed communication graphs, and subject to limited communication. Transmission of information is not assumed to occur continuously but only at discrete time instants. By assuming a periodic information transmission, two control approaches are proposed. In the first approach a control algorithm is designed for each agent based on models of decoupled dynamics of itself and its neighbors. In the second approach each agent uses Zero-Order-Hold models of the same subset of agents. For both approaches, based on the structure of the communication topology, necessary and sufficient conditions for asymptotic consensus are provided. These conditions define the range of periods that can be implemented. Sufficient conditions are also derived which only require an estimate of the spectral radius of the graph Laplacian.
From Black Holes to Wormholes in Higher Spin Gravity

The recent ER=EPR conjecture as well as advances in string theory have spurred the interest in wormholes and their relation to black holes. The complexity of these phenomena motivates the restriction to a tensionless limit of string theory, which is believed to be described by a higher spin theory. This thesis investigates the specific case of three-dimensional black holes and wormholes in Einstein- and higher spin gravity. We first study black holes and wormholes in general relativity, and it is found that to have traversable wormholes we must introduce exotic matter, i.e. matter with negative energy density. It is then shown that the Einstein-Hilbert action in 2+1 dimensions can be expressed as a Chern-Simons action with the gauge group SL(2) × SL(2). By extending the gauge group to SL(3) × SL(3) a generalization of Einstein gravity is obtained, yielding a higher spin gravity theory. In the extended theory the metric, which was previously fundamental, has become gauge dependent. Because of this we must instead classify solutions through the holonomy. We show that in this theory we can resolve a conical singularity without changing its holonomy. What is more interesting, is that we show that this precise transformation transforms both the cone and the black hole to a traversable wormhole. Of course, this possibility brings into question the interpretation of matter, and more fundamentally, the stress-energy tensor in a higher spin gravity theory. Even without fully resolving these issues the theory can be useful, as it provides a possible way of simplifying calculations by changing the geometry of a problem without changing its solution. As this text is geared towards undergraduates in physics, it begins with an introductory chapter on Maxwell’s theory of electromagnetism as it is an example of what might possibly be the simplest gauge theory. Generalizing this theory to non-abelian groups leads to Yang-Mills and Chern-Simons theories. An introduction to general relativity with a special emphasis on the Cartan formulation, is provided as well. In addition to this there are multiple appendices detailing the necessary mathematical background needed to understand the later parts of the work.
Culture-Confirmed Reinfection of a Person with Different Strains of Borrelia burgdorferi Sensu Stricto

ABSTRACT In recent years, the utility of serum-based diagnostic testing for Lyme disease has improved substantially; however, recovery by culture of the bacterium from skin biopsies of suspected patients is still the only definitive laboratory test. Reinfection of patients has been assumed to occur but as yet has not been documented by serial isolates from the same person. We present a case of culture-confirmed reinfection of a patient in Menominee County, Michigan. Borrelia burgdorferi was isolated from the skin punch biopsy specimens during each episode of erythema migrans (EM) and was subjected to molecular strain typing, genetic analysis of two outer surface protein genes, protein profile analysis, and serum antibody response testing. Results show that these isolates are distinct strains of the bacterium and that the two episodes of EM were caused by independent infections. This report describes the documented, culture-confirmed reinfection of a human by two different strains of B. burgdorferi.
Energy metabolism and thyroid function of mice with deleted wolframin (Wfs1) gene.

There is no data about the energy metabolism of patients with Wolfram syndrome caused by mutations in the wolframin (Wfs1) gene. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of Wfs1 in energy metabolism and thyroid function in Wfs1 deficient mice (Wfs1KO). 16 male (8 Wfs1KO, 8 wild type (wt)) and 16 female (8 Wfs1KO, 8wt) mice aged 11-13 weeks were studied alone in a specific metabolic cage for 48 h. Body weight, food, water and O2 consumption, motor activity, CO2 and heat production of mice were recorded. At the age of 14-20 weeks, plasma levels of thyroxine (T4), TSH and leptin were measured and histology of thyroid tissues examined. Mean CO2 and heat production was not different between the groups. Mean O2 consumption was higher in the Wfs1KO females compared to the Wfs1KO males (3 410.0±127.0 vs. 2 806.0±82.4 ml/kg/h; p<0.05), but not compared to the wt mice. The mean movement activity was not different between the groups except that the Wfs1KO females reared up more often than the wt females (199.8±63.46 vs. 39.26±24.71 cnts/48 h; p<0.05). Both male and female Wfs1KO mice had significantly lower body mass and food intake than wt mice. Male Wfs1KO mice also lost more weight in metabolic cage than wt males (20.43±0.41 vs. 16.07±0.86%; p<0.05) indicating more pronounced response to isolation. Male Wfs1KO mice had significantly lower levels of plasma leptin than wt male mice (3.37±0.40 vs. 5.82±0.71 ng/ml; p<0.01). Thyroid function measured by serum TSH and T4 levels was not different between Wfs1KO and wt groups, but both Wfs1KO and wt male mice had significantly higher mean T4 levels than female mice. The histology of thyroid tissue of Wfs1KO males showed a trend to a smaller mean number of epithelial cells per follicle than the wt male mice.Although Wfs1KO mice were smaller and lost more weight during the experiment, their energy metabolism was not different from wt mice except that the female Wfs1KO mice consumed more O2. As mice in this study were relatively young, longitudinal studies in older mice are necessary to clarify whether Wfs1 has a role in energy metabolism when the disease progresses further.
Building Emotional Machines: Recognizing Image Emotions Through Deep Neural Networks

An image is a very effective tool for conveying emotions. Many researchers have investigated emotions in images by using various features extracted from images. In this paper, we focus on two high-level features, the object and the background, and assume that the semantic information in images is a good cue for predicting emotions. An object is one of the most important elements that define an image, and we discover through experiments that there is a high correlation between the objects and emotions in images in most cases. Even with the same object, there may be slight differences in emotion due to different backgrounds, and we use the semantic information of the background to improve the prediction performance. By combining the different levels of features, we build an emotion-based feedforward deep neural network that produces the emotion values of a given image. The output emotion values in our framework are continuous values in two-dimensional space (valence and arousal), which are more effective than using a small number of emotion categories to describe emotions. Experiments confirm the effectiveness of our network in predicting the emotions of images.
EXTRACTION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF CASTOR SEED OIL FROM WILD RICINUS COMMUNIS

Castor oil was extracted by mechanical cold pressing (< 45 0 C) of the seeds of wild castor plant (Ricinus communis L.) found in wet marginal lands of Katsina, Nigeria. Oil yield was 39.43%. The virgin oil (obtained as clear, viscous, pale-yellow liquid) was further purified by filtration through sintered glass (fine mesh screen). This was to eliminate any dust, gum, or other particulates present. Physicochemical characterization of the purified oil revealed low acid value (2.07), low iodine value (84.18), low peroxide value (38.00), but relatively high specific gravity (0.959), hydroxyl (163.64) and saponification (175.31) values. These values compare favourably with ASTM standards and general specifications for industrial grade castor oil (WHC, 2012), suggesting that the oil has good industrial potential. Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopic analysis has confirmed the presence of major functional groups in the oil, notably hydroxyl (3414.12cm -1 ), carbonyl (1739.85cm -1 ), olefinic (1659.80cm -1 ) and methylenic (2925.15cm -1 ). Determined fatty acid composition of the oil by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) shows ricinoleic acid (74.10%) as the major constituent fatty acid. Other fatty acids were linoleic (10.32%), oleic (7.55%), stearic (2.81%), palmitic (2.59%), erucic (1.70%) and eicosadienoic (0.93%). The appreciable oil yield (39.43%) from this castor seed variety, the quality, unique physicohemical characteristics of the extracted oil, and the renewable nature of castor oil as a natural resource justify the oil’s commercialization and full exploitation in traditional, as well as novel areas (e.g. biopolymer and biofuel production) of industrial application.
Binaural Interaction in the Cod

1. 1. Recordings were made from 93 single units in the acoustical lobes and the torus semicircularis of the cod during sound stimulation and anodal blocking of the posterior saccular nerves. 2. 2. Most medullary sound responses were phase locked to the stimulus to some degree. The phase locking was less pronounced in the torus semicircularis , and sound stimulation sometimes caused clear inhibition of activity in this area. A large fraction of the units in both recording loci was insensitive to our sound stimuli, which acted mainly via the swimbladder. 3. 3. Peripheral blocking caused decreased activity and inhibition of sound responses in the acoustic lobes, indicating excitatory ascending input to this region. Binaural interaction was found in 8 of 29 medullary units tested during both ipsi- and contralateral block. 4. 4. Single-sided blocking experiments revealed both inhibitory and excitatory input to the torus semicircularis region. Binaural interaction was found in 3 of the 5 units tested during both ipsi- and contralateral block in this area.
Experiments on the food preferences of wild rats (Rattus norvegicus Berkenhout)

1. Colonies of wild Rattus norvegicus Berkenhout were kept in closed rooms containing nesting sites. The conditions permitted breeding. 2. Seventy-six experiments, each lasting 6–35 days, were done to test the rats' food preferences. In each experiment except two, a choice was given between two foods, both available in excess. In the two exceptional experiments a choice between three foods was given. 3. Although marked preferences were shown, a food was rarely quite rejected in favour of an alternative. 4. Among cereals, wholemeal was preferred to wheat grains, but wheat grains were preferred to white flour; little or no white flour was eaten if wholemeal was available. Wheat germ was eaten only in small quantities when an alternative cereal was available, but in larger quantities if the alternative was sugar or a sugar-cereal mixture. 5. The addition of sugar or saccharin to cereals increased acceptability; sugar was preferred to saccharin. 6. The addition of arachis oil to wholemeal or wheat increased acceptability. 7. Cod-liver oil at 2·4 % acted as a deterrent. 8. Total calorific intake remained steady over short periods, but over several weeks rose as the mass of the rat colony increased. The higher the mean weight of the rats in a colony, the lower the calorific intake per unit weight of rat. 9. The amount of food eaten was partly determined by its calorigenic capacity: in particular, wet foods were eaten in much larger quantities than dry foods. 10. The food preferences of wild rats differ in several respects from those of white Rattus norvegicus. 11. Apart from palatability or flavour, the main factors influencing food preference were (a) previous experience and probably (b) the nutritional value of the food. The effect of previous experience was often observed when rats, accustomed to one food, gradually changed from the accustomed food to another. The stages of a change to a new food, or the establishment of a particular preference, varied, and are discussed in detail.
Null Results in Brief GWAS-Identi fi ed Common Variants for Obesity Are Not Associated with the Risk of Developing Colorectal Cancer

Background:Observational studies have consistently associated obesitywith colorectal cancer risk. Because both traits are genetically determined and share some metabolic biomarkers, we hypothesized that obesityrelated polymorphisms could also influence the risk of developing colorectal cancer. Methods:We conducted a comprehensive population-based case–control study in 1,792 German colorectal cancer cases and 1,805 controls to explore associations between 28 obesogenic variants identified through genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and colorectal cancer risk. We also evaluated interactions between polymorphisms and body mass index (BMI), type II diabetes (T2D), and gender. Results: No evidence of association between obesogenic variants and colorectal cancer risk was observed after correction for multiple testing. There was only a remarkable interaction between the LTArs1041981 polymorphism and gender, which modified the risk of colorectal cancer [Pinteraction 1⁄4 0.002; males: odds ratio (OR), 1.14; 95% confidence intervals (CI), 1.00–1.30 vs. females: OR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.71–0.97]. Conclusions: Our findings showed that obesogenic variants are not a major pathogenetic risk factor for
Minimum Data Set for Cystic Fibrosis Registry: a Case Study in Iran

Background: over the last 25 years several national registries of CF have been set up. Such systems can be very useful in providing an integrated resource for improving patient care and conducting research on the disease. Minimum Data Set is a common set of data items that should be used to collect and report data in the registry. The principal aim of this research was to determine minimum data set for the CF registry in north-west of Iran. Methods: data items collected by several selected registries of cystic fibrosis were studied and an initial set of data was selected by the researchers. A group of experts including epidemiologists, pediatricians, and CF specialists were asked to review the proposed data elements and score them based on their importance by using a nine-point Likert scale. The items scored as important or highly important by more than 50 % of the experts, were included in final list of minimum data set. Availability of data was evaluated through reviewing medical records of 144 patients hospitalized in Children Hospital located in Tabriz. Results: overall six classes of data (46 items) were identified in the selected registry systems for cystic fibrosis: patient demographics, administrative data, survival status, diagnostic procedures, genetic and clinical manifestations, and therapeutics. Thirty two data elements from all six categories of data were approved by the experts as the minimum data set for cystic fibrosis registry system. Availability of data in administrative category and survival class was 100 percent. Collecting data on medications was feasible in 100% of the cases as well. In class of demographic data, accessibility of patient name, age, gender, place of birth, and date of birth was 100 percent. In group of diagnostic procedures, partial availability of data was found for sweat test and genetic test. No data was found on the antenatal screening, exercise tolerance test, and glucose tolerance test. Conclusion: this work can be considered as a first step toward establishing CF registry system in Iran. Minimum data set can be also useful in designing electronic registry or electronic patient records for those suffering from CF toward integration of their fragmented records across continuum of the health care system in order to improve quality of shared patient care.
Combination of Voriconazole and Caspofungin as Primary Therapy for Invasive Aspergillosis in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients: A Prospective, Multicenter, Observational Study

Background. The efficacy of the combination of voriconazole and caspofungin when used as primary therapy for invasive aspergillosis in organ transplant recipients has not been defined. Methods. Transplant recipients who received voriconazole and caspofungin (n=40) as primary therapy for invasive aspergillosis (proven or probable) in a prospective multicenter study between 2003 and 2005 were compared to a control group comprising a cohort of consecutive transplant recipients between 1999 and 2002 who had received a lipid formulation of AmB as primary therapy (n=47). In vitro antifungal testing of Aspergillus isolates to combination therapy was correlated with clinical outcome. Results. Survival at 90 days was 67.5% (27/40) in the cases, and 51% (24/47) in the control group (HR 0.58, 95% CI, 0.30–1.14, P=0.117). However, in transplant recipients with renal failure (adjusted HR 0.32, 95% CI: 0.12–0.85, P=0.022), and in those with A. fumigatus infection (adjusted HR 0.37, 95% CI: 0.16–0.84, P=0.019), combination therapy was independently associated with an improved 90-day survival in multivariate analysis. No correlation was found between in vitro antifungal interactions of the Aspergillus isolates to the combination of voriconazole and caspofungin and clinical outcome. Conclusions. Combination of voriconazole and caspofungin might be considered preferable therapy for subsets of organ transplant recipients with invasive aspergillosis, such as those with renal failure or A. fumigatus infection.
Effects of Alendronate on Human Alveolar Osteoblastic Cells: Interactions with Platelet-Derived Growth Factor

Introduction: Bisphosphonates are widely used in the treatment of bone disease due to their inhibitory effects on bone remodeling. Although it is well established that bisphosphonates act by direct effects on osteoclastic cells, there has been increasing evidence suggesting that they may also work on osteoblast cells. The reported effects of these drugs on osteoblast cells are conflicting with increasing number of studies suggesting that at different concentrations, and with different types of bisphosphonates osteoblast differentiation and bone formation activities are varied. Side effects such as osteonecrosis of the jaw are seen with chronic use of bisphosphonates. To better develop approaches to minimize these adverse effects it is important tofurther understand the effects of bisphosphonates on osteoblasts and their modulation by endogenous regulatory factors. Materials and Methods: Human alveolar osteoblastic cell cultures were treated with the bisphosphonate, alendronate, platelet derived growth factor and a combined treatment of alendronate and platelet derived growth factor. Cell activity was assessed with a mitochrondrial enzyme assay, and differentiation with spectrophotometric assays for alkaline phosphatase and mineralization over a period from 24 hours to 17 days. Results and Conclusion: Treatment of the osteoblastic cells with alendronate (10-8 M) produced small, significant effects on cell activity and markers of differentiation that varied with the time of incubation. The effects of platelet derived growth factor on these same parameters were maintained with co-incubation with alendronate suggesting this growth factor may have a therapeutic role in the minimization of the negative side effects of the drug. These data are supportive of the emerging potential of the clinical use of platelet growth factor enriched plasma for bisphosphonate-induced osteonecrosis of the jaw.
Interobserver and Intraobserver Reliability of Two Classification Systems for Intra-articular Calcaneal Fractures

Background: For a fracture classification to be useful it must provide prognostic significance, interobserver reliability, and intraobserver reproducibility. Most studies have found reliability and reproducibility to be poor for fracture classification schemes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the interobserver and intraobserver reliability of the Sanders and Crosby-Fitzgibbons classification systems, two commonly used methods for classifying intra-articular calcaneal fractures. Methods: Twenty-five CT scans of intra-articular calcaneal fractures occurring at one trauma center were reviewed. The CT images were presented to eight observers (two orthopaedic surgery chief residents, two foot and ankle fellows, two fellowship-trained orthopaedic trauma surgeons, and two fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeons) on two separate occasions 8 weeks apart. On each viewing, observers were asked to classify the fractures according to both the Sanders and Crosby-Fitzgibbons systems. Interobserver reliability and intraobserver reproducibility were assessed with computer-generated kappa statistics (SAS software; SAS Institute Inc., Cary, North Carolina). Results: Total unanimity (eight of eight observers assigned the same fracture classification) was achieved only 24% (six of 25) of the time with the Sanders system and 36% (nine of 25) of the time with the Crosby-Fitzgibbons scheme. Interobserver reliability for the Sanders classification method reached a moderate (kappa = 0.48, 0.50) level of agreement, when the subclasses were included. The agreement level increased but remained in the moderate (kappa = 0.55, 0.55) range when the subclasses were excluded. Interobserver agreement reached a substantial (kappa = 0.63, 0.63) level with the Crosby-Fitzgibbons system. Intraobserver reproducibility was better for both schemes. The Sanders system with subclasses included reached moderate (kappa = 0.57) agreement, while ignoring the subclasses brought agreement into the substantial (kappa = 0.77) range. The overall intraobserver agreement was substantial (kappa = 0.74) for the Crosby-Fitzgibbons system. Conclusions: Although intraobserver kappa values reached substantial levels and the Crosby-Fitzgibbons system generally showed greater agreement, we were unable to demonstrate excellent interobserver or intraobserver reliability with either classification scheme. While a system with perfect agreement would be impossible, our results indicate that these classifications lack the reproducibility to be considered ideal.