Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Adaptive Cluster Synchronization for Nondelayed and Delayed Coupling Complex Networks with Nonidentical Nodes

We focus on the cluster synchronization problem for a kind of general networks with nondelayed and delayed coupling. Based on the pinning control scheme, a small fraction of the nodes in each cluster are pinned for successful control, and the states of the whole dynamical networks can be globally forced to the objective cluster states. Sufficient conditions are derived to guarantee the realization of the cluster synchronization pattern for all initial values by means of the Lyapunov stability theorem and linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). By using the adaptive update law, relative smaller control gains are obtained, and hence the control cost can be substantially lower. Numerical simulations are also exploited to demonstrate the effectiveness and validity of the main result.
Emergency telepsychiatry

Telepsychiatry can be used in two kinds of psychiatric emergencies: one-time clinical events and public health situations associated with mass disaster. Emergency telepsychiatry delivered by videoconferencing has the potential to improve patient care in many settings. Although experience is limited, it has been found to be safe and effective, as well as satisfactory to both emergency department staff and the psychiatric patients treated. The development of comprehensive and standardized guidelines is necessary. There has been little use of acute telemedicine in disaster situations to date. However, telemedicine is becoming part of routine emergency medical response planning in many jurisdictions. Emergency telepsychiatry has the potential to reduce emergency department overcrowding, provide much needed care in rural areas and improve access to psychiatric care in the event of a natural or manmade disaster.
Signalinginto Lipid Rafts Reveals a Novel Step in Translocation of the B Cell Antigen Receptor

The cross-linking of the B cell Ag receptor (BCR) leads to the initiation of a signal transduction cascade in which the earliest events involve the phosphorylation of the immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motifs of Ig a and Ig b by the Src family kinase Lyn and association of the BCR with the actin cytoskeleton. However, the mechanism by which BCR cross-linking initiates the cascade remains obscure. In this study, using various A20-transfected cell lines, biochemical and genetic evidence is provided that BCR cross-linking leads to the translocation of the BCR into cholesterol- and sphingolipid-rich lipid rafts in a process that is independent of the initiation of BCR signaling and does not require the actin cytoskeleton. Translocation of the BCR into lipid rafts did not require the Ig a /Ig b signaling complex, was not dependent on engagement of the FcR, and was not blocked by the Src family kinase inhibitor PP2 or the actin-depolymerizing agents cytochalasin D or latrunculin. Thus, cross-linking or oligomerization of the BCR induces the BCR translocation into lipid rafts, deﬁning an event in B cell activation that precedes receptor phosphorylation and association with the actin cytoskeleton. The Journal of Immunology, 2001, 166: 3693–3701.
Analysis of a time discretization scheme for a nonstandard viscous Cahn-Hilliard system

In this paper we propose a time discretization of a system of two parabolic equations describing diffusion-driven atom rearrangement in crystalline matter. The equations express the balances of microforces and microenergy; the two phase fields are the order parameter and the chemical potential. The initial and boundary-value problem for the evolutionary system is known to be well posed. Convergence of the discrete scheme to the solution of the continuous problem is proved by a careful development of uniform estimates, by weak compactness and a suitable treatment of nonlinearities. Moreover, for the difference of discrete and continuous solutions we prove an error estimate of order one with respect to the time step.
A 12-week treatment with fractional CO2 laser for vulvovaginal atrophy: a pilot study

Abstract Objective This pilot study aimed to assess the efficacy and feasibility of fractional CO2 laser in the treatment of vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) in postmenopausal women. Methods VVA symptoms were assessed before and after three applications of laser over 12 weeks in 50 women (age 59.6 ± 5.8 years) dissatisfied with previous local estrogen therapies. Subjective (visual analog scale) and objective (Vaginal Health Index Score, VHIS) measures were used during the study period to assess VVA. Quality of life was measured by using the SF-12. A subjective scale to evaluate the degree of pain related to the laser application and the degree of difficulty to perform the laser procedure was used. Results Fractional CO2 laser treatment was effective to improve VVA symptoms (vaginal dryness, vaginal burning, vaginal itching, dyspareunia, dysuria; p < 0.001) at 12-week follow-up, as well as the VHIS (13.1 ± 2.5 at baseline vs. 23.1 ± 1.9; p < 0.001). Both physical and mental scores of quality of life were significantly improved in comparison with baseline (p < 0.001). Satisfaction with the laser procedure was reported by 42 women (84%) and a minimal discomfort was experienced at the first laser application, mainly because of the insertion and the movements of the probe. Finally, the technique was very easy to perform in all women starting from the second application at week 4 and no adverse events were recorded during the study period. Conclusions A 12-week treatment with the fractional CO2 laser was feasible and induced a significant improvement of VVA symptoms by ameliorating vaginal health in postmenopausal women. Further controlled studies should be performed to confirm the present data and to assess the long-term effects of the laser procedure on vaginal tissues.
Effects of Load and Contraction Velocity During Three-Week Biceps Curls Training on Isometric and Isokinetic Performance

Ingebrigtsen, J, Holtermann, A, and Roeleveld, K. Effects of load and contraction velocity during three-week biceps curls training on isometric and isokinetic performance. J Strength Cond Res 23(6): 1670-1676, 2009-The velocity-specificity principle in training is well established by studies applying isokinetic training devices. However, the contraction velocity during customary resistance training using barbells is rarely stable and can be manipulated in several ways. By manipulating load and intention of movement, the significance of contraction velocity during barbell training on gains in strength-related parameters was investigated. Twenty-seven subjects (divided into 3 experimental groups) performed standardized biceps curls 3 times a week for 3 weeks under the following conditions: high load and slow contraction velocity (HS), high load and fast contraction velocity (HF), and low load with fast contraction velocity (LF). Twelve subjects received no intervention, serving as controls (C). Elbow flexion strength was tested before and after the training period at both isometric and 4 isokinetic contraction velocities (30, 90, 240 and 300°/sec) using a dynamometer. Rate of force development (RFD) was calculated in 100 millisecond epochs from isometric torque curves. Increased maximal isometric strength was seen in HF (9.7%), whereas HS improved slow isokinetic strength (8.5%). There were no improvements in force performance for LF and C. In none of the groups were changes in RFD observed. These findings support the principle of training specificity, highlighting the importance of details concerning contraction velocity on the outcome of resistance training using free weights.
Comparative Metagenomic Analysis of Electrogenic Microbial Communities in Differentially Inoculated Swine Wastewater-Fed Microbial Fuel Cells

Bioelectrochemical systems such as microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are promising new technologies for efficient removal of organic compounds from industrial wastewaters, including that generated from swine farming. We inoculated two pairs of laboratory-scale MFCs with sludge granules from a beer wastewater-treating anaerobic digester (IGBS) or from sludge taken from the bottom of a tank receiving swine wastewater (SS). The SS-inoculated MFC outperformed the IGBS-inoculated MFC with regard to COD and VFA removal and electricity production. Using a metagenomic approach, we describe the microbial diversity of the MFC planktonic and anodic communities derived from the different inocula. Proteobacteria (mostly Deltaproteobacteria) became the predominant phylum in both MFC anodic communities with amplification of the electrogenic genus Geobacter being the most pronounced. Eight dominant and three minor species of Geobacter were found in both MFC anodic communities. The anodic communities of the SS-inoculated MFCs had a higher proportion of Clostridium and Bacteroides relative to those of the IGBS-inoculated MFCs, which were enriched with Pelobacter. The archaeal populations of the SS- and IGBS-inoculated MFCs were dominated by Methanosarcina barkeri and Methanothermobacter thermautotrophicus, respectively. Our results show a long-term influence of inoculum type on the performance and microbial community composition of swine wastewater-treating MFCs.
Expression of Grapevine leafroll-associated virus 3 coat protein gene in Escherichia coli and production of polyclonal antibodies

Grapevine leafroll-associated virus 3 (GLRaV-3), the main viral species of the grapevine leafroll complex, causes yield and quality reduction in grapes (Vitis spp.). The coat protein gene was RT-PCR-amplified from total RNA extracted from infected grapevine leaves and the amplified fragment was cloned and completely sequenced. The fragment was subsequently subcloned into the pRSET-C expression vector. The recombinant plasmid was used to transform Escherichia coli BL21:DE3 and express the capsid protein. The coat protein, fused to a 6 His-tag, was purified by affinity chromatography using an Ni-NTA resin. The identity of the purified protein was confirmed by SDS-PAGE and Western blot. The in vitro-expressed protein was quantified and used for rabbit immunizations. The antiserum was shown to be sensitive and specific for the detection of GLRaV-3 in grapevine extracts in Western blot and DAS-ELISA assays, with no unspecific or heterologous reactions against other non-serologically related viruses being observed.
HLA Antigen Frequencies in Malignant Melanoma Patients. A Second Study

Two groups of malignant melanoma (MM) patients were considered: the group of 140 patients previously published and a new one of 58, both typed for HLA-A, -B and -C antigens at the Istituto Nazionale Tumori of Milan. The control group consisted of healthy blood donors not related to the patients. Only the HLA-Bw35 antigen frequency was significantly decreased in both groups of patients. To investigate the HLA-A and -B blanks, 62 MM patients and 90 healthy controls, who showed non-homozygotic blanks when they were firstly HLA typed, volunteered to repeat the HLA typging three or more times in a 2-year period. A significant increase in both HLA-A and -B blanks in the patients as compared to controls was noticed (p = 3 × 10−4 and 3 × 10−5, respectively). In the future, attempts should be made to correlate the HLA antigen and blank frequencies with the evolution of the disease and, also, to verify the hypothesis that the HLA-Bw35 antigen may be an associated resistance factor against the tumor.
Psychological preparation for the Olympic Games

Abstract We review research literature on psychological preparation for Olympic Games performance. We address research identifying psychological characteristics associated with Olympic performance success, studies examining how these attributes are developed, stress and coping in Olympians, evaluation studies of the Olympic experience with particular emphasis on factors influencing performance, and the best practice literature on effective Olympic psychological consultations. Key principles are identified as well as gaps in the knowledge base that need to be addressed by investigators. Finally, implications for preparing individual athletes, coaches, and teams are discussed.
Adaptation of global hemostasis to therapeutic hypothermia in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: Thromboelastography study

Background The use of mild therapeutic hypothermia (MTH) in patients after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) who are undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) can protect patients from thromboembolic complications. The aim of the study was to evaluate the adaptive mechanisms of the coagulation system in MTH-treated comatose OHCA survivors. Methods Twenty one comatose OHCA survivors with acute coronary syndrome undergoing immediate pPCI were treated with MTH. Quantitative and qualitative analyses of physical clot properties were performed using thromboelastography (TEG). Two analysis time points were proposed: 1) during MTH with in vitro rewarming conditions (37°C) and 2) after restoration of normothermia (NT) under normal (37°C) and in vitro cooling conditions (32°C). Results During MTH compared to NT, reaction time (R) was lengthened, clot kinetic parameter (α) was significantly reduced, but no effect on clot strength (MA) was observed. Finally, the coagulation index (CI) was significantly reduced with clot fibrinolysis attenuated during MTH. The clot lysis time (CLT) was shortened, and clot stability (LY60) was lower compared with those values during NT. In vitro cooling generally influenced clot kinetics and reduced clot stability after treatment. Conclusions Thromboelastography is a useful method for evaluation of coagulation system dysfunction in OHCA survivors undergoing MTH. Coagulation impairment in hypothermia was associated with a reduced rate of clot formation, increased weakness of clot strength, and disturbances of fibrinolysis. Blood sample analyses performed at 32°C during MTH, instead of the standard 37°C, seems to enhance the accuracy of the evaluation of coagulation impairment in hypothermia.
Prolonged beneficial effects of a home-based intervention on unplanned readmissions and mortality among patients with congestive heart failure.

BACKGROUND A single home-based intervention (HBI) applied immediately after hospital discharge in a cohort of "high-risk" patients with congestive heart failure has been shown to decrease numbers of unplanned readmissions plus out-of-hospital deaths during a period of 6 months. The duration of this beneficial effect remains uncertain. METHODS Hospitalized patients with congestive heart failure who had been randomly assigned to receive either usual care (n=48) or HBI 1 week after discharge (n=49) were subject to an extended follow-up of 18 months. The primary end point of the study was frequency of unplanned readmissions plus out-of-hospital deaths. Secondary end points included total hospital stay, frequency of multiple readmissions, cost of hospital-based care, and total mortality. RESULTS During 18-month follow-up, HBI patients had fewer unplanned readmissions (64 vs 125; P=.02) and out-of-hospital deaths (2 vs 9; P=.02), representing 1.4+/-1.3 vs 2.7+/-2.8 events per HBI and usual-care patient, respectively (P=.03). The HBI patients also had fewer days of hospitalization (2.5+/-2.7 vs 4.5+/-4.8 per patient; P=.004) and, once readmitted, were less likely to experience 4 or more readmissions (3/31 vs 12/38; P=.03). Hospital-based costs were significantly lower among HBI patients (Aust $5100 vs Aust $10600 per patient; P=.02). Unplanned readmission was positively correlated with 14 days or more of unplanned readmission in the 6 months before study entry (odds ratio [OR], 5.4; P=.006). Positive correlates of death were (1) non-English speaking (OR, 4.9; P=.008), (2) 14 days or more of unplanned readmission in the 6 months before study entry (OR, 4.9; P=.008), and (3) left ventricular ejection fraction of 40% or less (OR, 3.0; P=.03); conversely, assignment to HBI was a negative correlate (OR, 0.3; P=.02). CONCLUSIONS In this controlled study, among a cohort of high-risk patients with congestive heart failure, beneficial effects of a postdischarge HBI were sustained for at least 18 months, with a significant reduction in unplanned readmissions, total hospital stay, hospital-based costs, and mortality.
PROPIEDADES DEL ÍNDICE DE REACTIVIDAD INTERPERSONAL (IRI) EN ALUMNOS DEL ISTP “SAN LUIS” DE TRUJILLO

Actualmente en nuestro contexto aun no hay instrumento para medir la variable reactividad interpersonal (empatia) de modo multidimensional Davis (1983, referido por Hick & Bien, 2011), es asi que la presente investigacion tiene como objetivo analizar las propiedades psicometricas del IRI en alumnos del ISTP “San Luis” de Trujillo, el instrumento fue administrada a una muestra de 135 jovenes estudiantes (M=32) (F=103). En cuanto a la validez la mayoria de los items (18) se correlacionan con la escala total (r>0.20), con respecto a la Confiabilidad el IRI alcanzo 0, 701, y las normas de calificacion se realizaron por percentiles. Asi concluimos, que los resultados obtenidos senalan, que las propiedades psicometricas del IRI en la ciudad de Trujillo poseen caracteristicas similares a las de la version original y versiones adaptadas.
Effect of Rickettsial Toxin VapC on Its Eukaryotic Host

Rickettsia are intracellular bacteria typically associated with arthropods that can be transmitted to humans by infected vectors. Rickettsia spp. can cause mild to severe human disease with a possible protection effect of corticosteroids when antibiotic treatments are initiated. We identified laterally transferred toxin-antitoxin (TA) genetic elements, including vapB/C, in several Rickettsia genomes and showed that they are functional in bacteria and eukaryotic cells. We also generated a plaque assay to monitor the formation of lytic plaques over time and demonstrated that chloramphenicol accelerates host cell lysis of vapB/C-containing Rickettsia. Whole-genome expression, TUNEL and FISH assays on the infected cells following exposure to the antibiotic revealed early apoptosis of host cells, which was linked to over-transcription of bacterial vapB/C operons and subsequent cytoplasmic VapC toxin release. VapC that is expressed in Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae or microinjected into mammalian cells is toxic through RNase activity and is prevented by dexamethasone. This study provides the first biological evidence that toxin–antitoxin elements act as pathogenic factors in bacterial host cells, confirming comparative genomic evidence of their role in bacterial pathogenicity. Our results suggest that early mortality following antibiotic treatment of some bacterial infections can be prevented by administration of dexamethasone.
Developmental transitions among affective and behavioral disorders in adolescent boys.

BACKGROUND This paper expands upon recent efforts to advance beyond the examination of concurrent comorbidity between affective and behavioral disorders by testing developmental sequences among disorders. Doing so allows for improved tests of theories, such as Capaldi and Patterson's failure model of Conduct Disorder (CD) and depression. Furthermore, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is rarely considered distinctly from CD, minimizing the ability to identify distinct effects among behavioral disorders. METHODS This paper used data from the Developmental Trends Study, a clinic-referred cohort of 177 boys, along with their parents, who were assessed regularly using a structured clinical interview and a comprehensive set of other measures. Boys were recruited when they were between the ages of 7 and 12, and were reassessed annually until age 18. Predictive regression models tested the continuities among disorders, with depression, overanxious disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), ODD and CD examined separately as outcomes. RESULTS Each disorder showed homotypic continuity, but a clear developmental sequence of heterotypic continuity also emerged. ADHD was predicted by no other disorders, and exclusively predicted ODD. CD was predicted only by ODD. However, ODD was also directly predictive of future anxiety and depression, and anxiety predicted future depression as well. A specific test of the failure model of CD and depression supported that model. CONCLUSIONS ODD appears as a pivotal developmental disorder in young males, in that ODD is notably influential in both subsequent behavioral and affective disorders. CD influences later depression only indirectly, through psychosocial impairment. Anxiety precedes depression, and ADHD is not predicted by other disorders.
Direct costs of coronary artery bypass grafting in patients aged 65 years or more and those under age 65.

BACKGROUND Over the past 20 years, there have been marked increases in rates of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) among older people in Canada. The objectives of this study were to accurately estimate the direct medical costs of CABG in older patients (age 65 years or more) and to compare CABG costs for this age group with those for patients less than 65 years of age. METHODS Direct medical costs were estimated from a sample of 205 older and 202 younger patients with triple-vessel or left main coronary artery disease who underwent isolated CABG at The Toronto Hospital, a tertiary care university-affiliated hospital, between Apr. 1, 1991, and Mar. 31, 1992. Costs are expressed in 1992 Canadian dollars from a third-party payer perspective. RESULTS The mean costs of CABG in older and younger patients respectively were $16,500 and $15,600 for elective, uncomplicated cases, $23,200 and $19,200 for nonelective, uncomplicated cases, $29,200 and $20,300 for elective, complicated cases, and $33,600 and $23,700 for nonelective, complicated cases. Age remained a significant determinant of costs after adjustment for severity of heart disease and for comorbidity. Between 59% and 91% of the cost difference between older and younger patients was accounted for by higher intensive care unit and ward costs. INTERPRETATION CABG was more costly in older people, especially in complicated cases, even after an attempt to adjust for severity of disease and comorbidity. Future studies should attempt to identify modifiable factors that contribute to longer intensive care and ward stays for older patients.
Human factor requirements for Applying Augmented reality to manuals in actual work situations

Augmented reality (AR) is expected to be applied to manuals for assembling or inspecting tasks instead of traditional paper-based ones. Our previous study revealed that when an AR manual was experimentally used for a wiring task, efficiency became higher and human error decreased. However, in order to practically apply AR manuals in actual work situations, some human factor requirements should be clarified in advance. Thus, in this study, we attempted to make it clear what kinds of effects they had on performance by some conditions or restrictions. Particularly, we focused on the most popular human interfaces, see-through display (STD) and retinal scanning display (RSD), and aimed at showing how to properly and effectively use them in actual work situations.