Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Filtering for a class of discrete-time systems with time-delays via delta operator approach

In this article, a robust H ∞ filtering problem for a class of norm-bounded uncertain discrete-time systems with time delays is investigated using delta operator approach. Based on Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional in delta domain, a new delay-dependent sufficient condition for the solvability of this problem is presented in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). When these LMIs are feasible, an expression of a desired delta operator H ∞ filter is given. The proposed method can unify some previous related continuous and discrete systems into a delta operator systems framework. A numerical example is given to illustrate the effectiveness of the developed techniques.
A comparative analysis of different paperless picking systems

Purpose – Warehouse picking is often referred to as the most labour-intensive, expensive and time consuming operation in manual warehouses. These factors are becoming even more crucial due to recent trends in manufacturing and warehousing requiring the processing of orders that are always smaller and needed in a shorter time. For this reason, in recent years more efficient and better performing systems have been developed, employing various technological solutions that can support pickers during their work. The purpose of this paper is to introduce a comparison of five paperless picking systems (i.e. barcodes handheld, RFID tags handheld, voice picking, traditional pick-to-light, RFID pick-to-light). Design/methodology/approach – Warehouse picking is often referred to as the most labour-intensive, expensive and time consuming operation in manual warehouses. These factors are becoming even more crucial due to recent trends in manufacturing and warehousing requiring the processing of orders that are always .
Influence of acetylcholine levels on the binding of a SPECT nicotinic acetylcholine receptor ligand [123I]5‐I‐A‐85380

Although in vitro theory indicates that ligand binding is sensitive to competition with neurotransmitters, only some imaging ligands have shown such competition in vivo. The purpose of this study was to determine whether increases in acetylcholine (ACh) levels induced by an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, physostigmine, inhibit in vivo binding of [123I]5‐iodo‐3‐(2(S)‐2‐azetidinyl‐methoxy) pyridine (5‐I‐A‐85380), a single photon emission computed tomography ligand for the high‐affinity type nicotinic ACh receptor (nAChR). Baboons were used for seven studies with a bolus plus constant infusion equilibrium paradigm. After achieving equilibrium at 5 h, physostigmine (0.02 (n = 1), 0.067 (n = 3), and 0.2 (n = 3) mg/kg) was administered intravenously and data were acquired for up to 8 h. To confirm equilibrium conditions, [123I]5‐I‐A‐85380 plasma levels were measured in four studies, including all studies with 0.2 mg/kg physostigmine. Prior to physostigmine administration, thalamic activities were stable, with changes of 1.1%/h or less, except in one study with a gradual increase of 4.2%/h. Thalamic activities were decreased by 15% in one study with 0.067 mg/kg and 14–17% in all studies with 0.2 mg/kg physostigmine administration (P = 0.009). In these studies with 0.2 mg/kg physostigmine administration, [123I]5‐I‐A‐85380 plasma levels showed a transient or a sustained increase after physostigmine administration that would have increased thalamic activities. These results suggest that elevated ACh levels induced by physostigmine can effectively compete in vivo with [123I]5‐I‐A‐85380 binding at nAChRs. However, decreased thalamic activities could have been caused by other mechanisms, including internalization of the receptor with an associated decreased affinity for radioligand. Synapse 48:116–122, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Intra-abdominal hypertension is not reliable as an early predictor of mortality in the intensive care unit.

AIM The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of intra-abdominal hypertension and its prognostic value in critical patients. METHODS In an observational study, 56 patients of a multidisciplinary intensive care unit (ICU) of a university hospital, with either surgical (44.6%) or medical (55.4%) diagnoses, were studied. Intra-abdominal pressure was quantified daily by bladder pressure method from the first to the eighth day of hospitalization. RESULTS The mean intra-abdominal pressure at admission was 9.97+/-5.26 mmHg; 41% of patients suffered moderate intra-abdominal hypertension (defined as intra-abdominal pressure greater than 11 mmHg) at admission. On day 1 mean intra-abdominal pressure was not significantly different between the patients who died and those who survived (9.69+/-5.06 mmHg vs 10.12+/-5.57 mmHg respectively), but by measuring IAP until day 8 it was possible to distinguish a subgroup of patients who showed a persistently elevated intra-abdominal pressure, developed further complications, later died (12.5+/-4.37 mmHg vs 7.17+/-2.02 mmHg, P=0.022). CONCLUSION Intra-abdominal pressure does not have prognostic value at ICU admission, but may predict bad outcomes later during the ICU stay. Intra-abdominal hypertension is a frequent and rarely recognized event in the ICU which can be monitored by the bladder pressure method throughout the period of hospitalization.
Myelodysplastic syndromes standardized response criteria: further definition.

We read with interest Dr Raza's letter[1][1] in response to the International Working Group's (IWG's) proposal to provide standardized response criteria in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDSs). [2][2] Developing consistent guidelines for MDSs presents a challenge since the clinical course of the disease
Trauma-Related Altered States of Consciousness (TRASC) and Functional Impairment II: Perceived Causal Relationships in an Online Sample

Research supports the existence of a dissociative subtype of posttraumatic stress disorder, although studies have not directly compared the perceived impact of dissociative versus nondissociative posttraumatic symptoms on social and occupational functioning. In addition, research is beginning to differentiate between posttraumatic distress associated with normal waking consciousness (NWC) and dissociative experiences of trauma-related altered states of consciousness (TRASC) along multiple phenomenological dimensions. The current study investigated perceived causal relationships between posttraumatic symptoms associated with NWC-distress and TRASC on the one hand and interpersonal and occupational functioning on the other. Although both TRASC and NWC-distress independently accounted for variance in self-reported interpersonal and occupational problems, perceived causal relationship results showed that individuals tended to attribute their social and work-related problems more strongly to NWC-distress than to TRASC. Future research directions are discussed.
Apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 inhibition attenuates cardiac hypertrophy and cardiorenal fibrosis induced by uremic toxins: Implications for cardiorenal syndrome

Intracellular accumulation of protein-bound uremic toxins in the setting of cardiorenal syndrome leads to adverse effects on cardiorenal cellular functions, where cardiac hypertrophy and cardiorenal fibrosis are the hallmarks. In this study, we sought to determine if Apoptosis Signal-Regulated Kinase 1 (ASK1), an upstream regulator of cellular stress response, mediates cardiac hypertrophy and cardiorenal fibrosis induced by indoxyl sulfate (IS) and p-cresol sulfate (PCS) in vitro, and whether ASK1 inhibition is beneficial to ameliorate these cellular effects. PCS augmented cardiac myocyte hypertrophy and fibroblast collagen synthesis (as determined by 3H-leucine and 3H-proline incorporation, respectively), similar to our previous finding with IS. IS and PCS also increased collagen synthesis of proximal tubular cells and renal mesangial cells. Pro-hypertrophic (α-skeletal muscle actin and β-MHC) and pro-fibrotic genes (TGF-β1 and ctgf) were induced by both IS and PCS. Western blot analyses revealed the activation of ASK1 and downstream mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs) (p38MAPK and ERK1/2) as well as nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) by IS and PCS. ASK1, OAT1/3, ERK1/2 and p38MAPK inhibitors suppressed all these effects. In summary, IS and PCS exhibit pro-hypertrophic and pro-fibrotic properties, at least in part, via the activation of ASK1 and its downstream pathways. ASK1 inhibitor is an effective therapeutic agent to alleviate protein-bound uremic toxin-induced cardiac hypertrophy and cardiorenal fibrosis in vitro, and may be translated further for cardiorenal syndrome therapy.
Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 activation induces autophagy in thymocytes through ROS‐regulated AMPK and Atg4C pathways

Autophagy is a highly conserved process involved in lymphocyte development and differentiation. Herein, we demonstrated for the first time that triggering of TRPV1 by the specific agonist CPS induces autophagy in mouse thymocytes. TRPV1‐dependent autophagy required [Ca2+]i and ROS generation, resulting in AMPK activation. CPS specifically increased Atg4C mRNA expression and induced oxidation of Atg4C protein by ROS generation. TRPV1‐triggered autophagy was Atg6/Beclin‐1‐dependent, as demonstrated by the use of Beclin‐1+/− transgenic mice, and involved ROS‐ and AMPK‐mediated up‐regulation of Beclin‐1 expression. Autophagy is activated as a prosurvival process, as its inhibition triggered apoptosis of thymocytes: this effect was accompanied by down‐regulation of Atg4C, Bcl‐XL, and Irgm1 mRNA expression, decreased Bcl‐XL and Beclin‐1 protein levels, and caspase‐3 activation, suggesting the existence of a molecular interplay between autophagic and apoptotic programs. TRPV1 activation by CPS altered the expression of CD4 and CD8α antigens, inducing the development of DPdull. Interestingly, we found that CPS induces autophagy of DPdull cells, and inhibition of CPS‐induced autophagy by the 3‐MA autophagic inhibitor induces apoptosis of DPdull cells, suggesting the presence of an interplay between autophagic survival and apoptotic cell death. Overall, our findings suggest that DPdull cells constitute a distinct thymocyte subpopulation involved in the homeostatic control of cellularity and in the responses to chemical stress signals during thymocyte maturation, via regulating autophagy and apoptosis in a TRPV1‐dependent manner.
Importance of Basic Residues in the Nucleocapsid Sequence for Retrovirus Gag Assembly and Complementation Rescue

ABSTRACT The Gag proteins of Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) contain small interaction (I) domains within their nucleocapsid (NC) sequences. These overlap the zinc finger motifs and function to provide the proper density to viral particles. There are two zinc fingers and at least two I domains within these Gag proteins. To more thoroughly characterize the important sequence features and properties of I domains, we analyzed Gag proteins that contain one or no zinc finger motifs. Chimeric proteins containing the amino-terminal half of RSV Gag and various portions of the carboxy terminus of murine leukemia virus (MLV) (containing one zinc finger) Gag had only one I domain, whereas similar chimeras with human foamy virus (HFV) (containing no zinc fingers) Gag had at least two. Mutational analysis of the MLV NC sequence and inspection of I domain sequences within the zinc-fingerless C terminus of HFV Gag suggested that clusters of basic residues, but not the zinc finger motif residues themselves, are required for the formation of particles of proper density. In support of this, a simple string of strongly basic residues was found to be able to substitute for the RSV I domains. We also explored the possibility that differences in I domains (e.g., their number) account for differences in the ability of Gag proteins to be rescued into particles when they are unable to bind to membranes. Previously published experiments have shown that such membrane-binding mutants of RSV and HIV (two I domains) can be rescued but that those of MLV (one I domain) cannot. Complementation rescue experiments with RSV-MLV chimeras now map this difference to the NC sequence of MLV. Importantly, the same RSV-MLV chimeras could be rescued by complementation when the block to budding was after, rather than before, transport to the membrane. These results suggest that MLV Gag molecules begin to interact at a much later time after synthesis than those of RSV and HIV.
ApoE-genotype and clinical parameters in the diagnosis of Alzheimer ’ s disease : combination of CSF-tau and MMSE yields highest sensitivity and specificity

S. Ganzer, S. Arlt, V. Schoder, C. Buhmann, E. -M. Mandelkow, U. Finckh, U. Beisiegel, D. Naber, and T. Müller-Thomsen Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Institute for Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute for Mathematics and Data Science in Medicine, Department of Neurology, and Institute for Human Genetics, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, and Max-Planck-Unit for Structural Molecular Biology, Hamburg, Germany
Nitroindazole compounds inhibit the oxidative activation of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) neurotoxin to neurotoxic pyridinium cations by human monoamine oxidase (MAO)

Monoamine oxidase (MAO) B is a mitochondrial enzyme selectively involved in the oxidative activation of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) neurotoxin to toxic pyridinium cations producing Parkinsonism in animal models. Various synthesized 5-nitroindazoles, 6-nitroindazole and the neuroprotectant 7-nitroindazole were examined as inhibitors of MAO and as antioxidants and radical scavengers. The oxidation of MPTP by human MAO-B and mitochondria was assessed by HPLC. Simple nitroindazoles inhibited MPTP oxidation to 1-methyl-4-phenyl-2,3-dihydropyridinium (MPDP+) and 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+) in a competitive and reversible manner. 5-Nitroindazole (IC50=0.99 µM, Ki=0.102 µM) and 6-nitroindazole (IC50=2.5 µM) were better inhibitors of human MAO-B than 7-nitroindazole (IC50=27.8 µM). 6-Nitroindazole also inhibited MAO-A. Nitroindazole isomers were good hydroxyl radical (OH•) scavengers, with 5-nitro-, 6-nitro- and 7-nitroindazole showing similar activity (k ~1010 M−1 s−1). Neuroprotective actions of nitroindazoles (7-nitroindazole) could be linked to their MAO-inhibitory and antiradical properties besides inhibition on nitric oxide synthase (NOS). 5-Nitro- and 6-nitroindazole, previously reported as weak NOS inhibitors, were better inhibitors of human MAO-B and more active against MPTP neurotoxin oxidation (lower MPDP+ and MPP+ levels) than 7-nitroindazole and acted as good radical scavengers and could be potential neuroprotective agents in addition to MAO-B inhibitors.
Characterization of O-Acetylation of N-Acetylglucosamine

Peptidoglycan (PG) N-acetyl muramic acid (MurNAc) O-acetylation is widely spread in Gram-positive bacteria and is generally associated with resistance against lysozyme and endogenous autolysins. We report here the presence of O-acetylation on N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) in Lactobacillus plantarum PG. This modification of glycan strands was never described in bacteria. Fine structural characterization of acetylated muropeptides released from L. plantarum PG demonstrated that both MurNAc and GlcNAc are O-acetylated in this species. These two PG post-modifications rely on two dedicated O-acetyltransferase encoding genes, named oatA and oatB, respectively. By analyzing the resistance to cell wall hydrolysis of mutant strains, we showed that GlcNAc O-acetylation inhibits N-acetylglucosaminidase Acm2, the major L. plantarum autolysin. In this bacterial species, inactivation of oatA, encoding MurNAc O-acetyltransferase, resulted in marked sensitivity to lysozyme. Moreover, MurNAc over-O-acetylation was shown to activate autolysis through the putative N-acetylmuramoyl-l-alanine amidase LytH enzyme. Our data indicate that in L. plantarum, two different O-acetyltransferases play original and antagonistic roles in the modulation of the activity of endogenous autolysins.
Intra-articular morphology of the knee joint in children with Blount disease: a case-control study using MRI.

BACKGROUND The clinical and radiographic abnormalities of the lower limb in children with Blount disease are well known. However, there is controversy regarding the intra-articular morphologic changes in the involved knee joint. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the meniscal and articular surface morphology in children with Blount disease with use of magnetic resonance imaging and to compare these findings with similar measurements in a control group. METHODS Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging scans of the knee of children with Blount disease were compared with those of a control group. Coronal and sagittal morphometric parameters including the height and width of the menisci, thickness of the unossified proximal tibial epiphysis, tibial condylar and meniscal inclination, and presence of signal changes and/or tears of the menisci were documented. RESULTS Twenty-six children (thirty-three) knees with Blount disease (mean age, 10.5 years) and twenty children without Blount disease (mean age, 9.6 years) were identified. The midcoronal medial meniscal height and width were greater in the Blount disease group (p < 0.0001). Abnormal signal changes were noted in the medial meniscus in twelve limbs (39%) in the Blount group and one limb (5%) in the control group (p = 0.008). The mean thickness of the unossified cartilage of the proximal medial tibial epiphysis was also greater in the Blount disease group (p = 0.0005). The morphology of the menisci and unossified cartilage in the lateral compartment did not differ between the two groups. The mean tibial condylar and bimeniscal inclinations in the coronal and sagittal planes were also similar in both groups. In a multivariate regression analysis, only body mass index correlated with the height of the medial meniscus in the coronal plane (p = 0.0035) and of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus in the sagittal plane (p = 0.0037) in children with Blount disease. CONCLUSIONS Children with Blount disease have increased thickness of the chondroepiphysis of the proximal medial aspect of the tibia, increased height and width of the medial meniscus, and greater frequency of abnormal signals in the posterior horn of the medial meniscus. These morphologic changes may compensate for the diminished height of the ossified portion of the medial proximal aspect of the tibia in patients with Blount disease.
Directional anisotropy in the cleavage fracture of silicon

Total-energy pseudopotential calculations are used to study the cleavage anisotropy in silicon. It is shown that cracks propagate easily on 111 and 110 planes provided crack propagation proceeds in the <1;10> direction. In contrast, if the crack is driven in a <001> direction on a 110 plane the bond breaking process is discontinuous and associated with pronounced relaxations of the surrounding atoms, which results in a large lattice trapping. The different lattice trapping for different crack propagation directions can explain the experimentally observed cleavage anisotropy in silicon single crystals.
Indoor Tanning, Sunless Tanning, and Sun-Protection Behaviors Among Sexual Minority Men

Indoor Tanning, Sunless Tanning, and Sun-Protection Behaviors Among Sexual Minority Men Sexual minority men (SMM), including gay and bisexual men, report increased rates of skin cancer and indoor tanning, whereas sexual minority women report decreased rates of skin cancer and indoor tanning.1 Indoor tanning has been associated with other risky behaviors, including decreased use of protective clothing and shade when outdoors.2,3 However, no data exist on these other skin cancer risk behaviors among SMM. This study assesses the impact of sexual orientation on indoor tanning, sunless tanning, and sun-protection behaviors among men.
The role of cells refractory to productive infection in acute hepatitis B viral dynamics

During acute hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection viral loads reach high levels (≈1010 HBV DNA per ml), and nearly every hepatocyte becomes infected. Nonetheless, ≈85–95% of infected adults clear the infection. Although the immune response has been implicated in mediating clearance, the precise mechanisms remain to be elucidated. As infection clears, infected cells are replaced by uninfected ones. During much of this process the virus remains plentiful but nonetheless does not rekindle infection. Here, we analyze data from a set of individuals identified during acute HBV infection and develop mathematical models to test the role of immune responses in various stages of early HBV infection. Fitting the models to data we are able to separate the kinetics of the noncytolytic and the cytolytic immune responses, thus explaining the relative contribution of these two processes. We further show that we need to hypothesize that newly generated uninfected cells are refractory to productive infection. Without this assumption, viral resurgence is observed as uninfected cells are regenerated. Such protection, possibly mediated by cytokines, may also be important in resolving other acute viral infections.
Observations on a Retrieved Patellar Tendon Autograft Used to Reconstruct the Anterior Cruciate Ligament: A Case Report

Torn anterior cruciate ligaments are commonly replaced with central-third bone-patellar tendon-bone autografts1. Many animal models have been used to study the revascularization process of patellar tendon autografts after reconstruction2-8. However, only biopsy material, usually superficial, from successfully functioning human anterior cruciate reconstructions have been evaluated9-13. We are reporting a case in which the entire knee joint was retrieved at autopsy on a twenty-six-year-old athlete in whom a torn anterior cruciate ligament had been replaced with a central-third bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft eighteen months earlier. To our knowledge, this is the first such analysis of a retrieved patellar tendon autograft that had been used to replace the anterior cruciate ligament. A twenty-six-year-old man tore an anterior cruciate ligament while playing basketball. Because of recurrent instability, surgery was performed three years later. Preoperative radiographs revealed normal findings. Examination with the patient under anesthesia revealed a result of 2+ on the Lachman test and a positive pivot shift. Arthroscopic examination confirmed a complete rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament, a torn lateral meniscus, and a bucket-handle tear of the medial meniscus. The lateral meniscal tear was resected, and the torn medial meniscus was excised. A central-third bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft was used to replace the torn anterior cruciate ligament under arthroscopic visualization with use of a two-incision technique. A 5 to 6-mm-deep groove was fashioned through an anterior approach with use of a curved rasp in the posterolateral aspect of the intercondylar notch. The autograft was passed through a tibial tunnel, and the patellar bone segment was secured to the posterior cortex of the distal part of the femur with a single small-fragment AO screw. The patellar tendon portion of the graft was positioned on the femoral side in the posterolateral rasped groove in the …