Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
PERTURBATION ANALYSIS FOR EIGENSTRUCTURE ASSIGNMENT OF LINEAR MULTI-INPUT SYSTEMS

The state-feedback pole (or eigenvalue) assignment problem is a fundamental problem in control system design. The term eigenstructure denotes the specification of eigenvalues and eigenvectors (or certain properties of the latter). Normally, the eigenvectors are calculated as an intermediate solution. In assignment for multi-input systems, the solution (the feedback matrix) is not unique. However, the solution is unique if the eigenvectors are set. Perturbation bounds are given for multi-input eigenstructure assignment of eigenvalues and eigenvectors occurring in complex-conjugate pairs. Numerical results which support the analysis are also provided.
Vestibular Sensitivity and Vection Chronometry along the Spinal Axis in Erect Man

A study is reported of the relations between vestibular sensitivity and vection chronometry in healthy human adults. Twenty-three subjects were examined. For both vestibular and vection investigations, the subjects were seated in an armchair with the spinal axis aligned with the earth vertical and the head normally erect. The subjects' vestibular thresholds for detection of vertical upward accelerations were assessed by a double-staircase psychophysical method. The subjects' vection onset latencies were measured for both upward and downward directions. Since the vection onset latencies are presumed to be shortened by the decrease of the conflict between visual and vestibular afferents, the less-vestibular-sensitive subjects were hypothesised to have shorter vection onset latencies than the more-vestibular-sensitive ones. As expected, the results indicate a negative correlation between vestibular thresholds and vection onset latencies: the higher the vestibular thresholds, the lower the vection onset latencies.
A Prospective Analysis of the Relationship Between Reported Child Maltreatment and Special Education Eligibility Among Poor Children

This study presents data from the first large-scale longitudinal study to track the involvement of children reported for maltreatment in both the special education and child welfare systems. A range of state and local administrative databases were combined and cross-sector service histories were established for 7,940 children who had received Aid to Families With Dependent Children between 1993 and 1994. The authors address the following questions: (a) Is maltreatment associated with entry into special education after controlling for other factors? (b) among maltreated children, does maltreatment type or child welfare service use predict special education eligibility? and (c) what is the relationship between maltreatment type and type of educational disability? Results indicate that child maltreatment system involvement generally predates special education entry and is predictive of entry even after controlling for other factors. A range of other associations between factors such as child and maternal characteristics, services received, maltreatment type, and special education classification are detailed.
Beyond the Boundaries

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Molecular and biochemical modifications of liver glutamine synthetase elicited by daytime restricted feeding

The circadian clock system in the liver plays important roles in regulating metabolism and energy homeostasis. Restricted feeding schedules (RFS) become an entraining stimulus that promotes adaptations that form part of an alternative circadian clock known as the food entrained oscillator (FEO). The aim of this study was to evaluate the daily variations of glutamine synthetase (GS) in liver under a daytime RFS.
Continuous dynamic optimisation using evolutionary algorithms

Evolutionary dynamic optimisation (EDO), or the study of applying evolutionary algorithms to dynamic optimisation problems (DOPs) is the focus of this thesis. Based on two comprehensive literature reviews on existing academic EDO research and real-world DOPs, this thesis for the first time identifies some important gaps in current academic research where some common types of problems and problem characteristics have not been covered. In an attempt to close some of these gaps, the thesis makes the following contributions: First, the thesis helps to characterise DOPs better by providing a new definition framework, two new sets of benchmark problems (for certain classes of continuous DOPs) and several new sets of performance measures (for certain classes of continuous DOPs). Second, the thesis studies continuous dynamic constrained optimisation problems (DCOPs), an important and common class of DOPs that have not been studied in EDO research. Contributions include developing novel optimisation approaches (with superior results to existing methods), analysing representative characteristics of DCOPs, identifying the strengths/weaknesses of existing methods and suggesting requirements for an algorithm to solve DCOPs effectively. Third, the thesis studies dynamic time-linkage optimisation problems (DTPs), another important and common class of DOPs that have not been well-studied in EDO research. Contributions include developing a new optimisation approach (with better results than existing methods in certain classes of DTPs), analysing the characteristics of DTPs and the strengths and weaknesses of existing EDO methods in solving certain classes of DTPs.
The preterm prediction study: quantitative fetal fibronectin values and the prediction of spontaneous preterm birth. The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network.

OBJECTIVE A cervicovaginal fetal fibronectin value of >/=50 ng/mL has been used to define women at risk of having a preterm birth. We evaluated the relationship between quantitative fetal fibronectin values and spontaneous preterm birth. STUDY DESIGN Cervical and vaginal specimens for fetal fibronectin were obtained at 24, 26, 28, and 30 weeks' gestation from 2926 women. Quantitative fetal fibronectin values were calculated by using absorbances determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The highest fetal fibronectin value (cervical or vaginal) for each woman at each visit was evaluated in relation to spontaneous preterm birth at <35 weeks' gestation. Receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed to determine the optimal cutoff point for fetal fibronectin values to predict spontaneous preterm birth at <35 weeks' gestation and within 4 weeks of testing. RESULTS The risk of spontaneous preterm birth increased as a function of increasing fetal fibronectin values from approximately 20 to 300 ng/mL. Fetal fibronectin values > or =300 ng/mL were not associated with a further increase in spontaneous preterm birth. Examination of the receiver operating characteristic curve indicates that the optimal cutoff point for a positive fetal fibronectin test result at 24 to 30 weeks' gestation to predict spontaneous preterm birth at <35 weeks is between 45 and 60 ng/mL. CONCLUSION Increasing levels of cervicovaginal fetal fibronectin up to 300 ng/mL are associated with an increasing risk of spontaneous preterm birth. Nevertheless, at 24 to 30 weeks, the value currently used, 50 ng of fetal fibronectin per milliliter, appears to be a reasonable cutoff point for predicting spontaneous preterm birth at <35 weeks' gestation.
T-type and L-type Ca2+ currents in canine bronchial smooth muscle: characterization and physiological roles.

We examined the voltage-dependent Ca2+ currents in freshly dissociated smooth muscle cells obtained from canine bronchi (3rd to 5th order). When cells were depolarized from -40 mV, we observed an inward current that 1) exhibited threshold and peak activation at approximately -35 mV and +10 mV, respectively; 2) inactivated slowly with half-inactivation at -20 mV; 3) deactivated rapidly (time constant < 1 ms) upon repolarization; and 4) was abolished by nifedipine and suppressed by cholinergic agonist. These characteristics are typical of L-type Ca2+ current. During depolarization from -70 or -80 mV, however, many cells exhibited a second inward current superimposed on the L-type Ca2+ current. Activation of this other current was first noted at -60 mV, was maximal at approximately -20 mV, and was very rapid (reaching a peak within 10 ms). Inactivation of the other current was also rapid (time constant approximately 3 ms) and half-maximal at approximately -70 mV. There was a persistent "window" current over the physiologically relevant range of potentials (i.e., -60 to -30 mV). This current was also sensitive to nifedipine (although less so than the L-type current) and to Ni2+, but not to cholinergic agonist. Finally, the tail currents evoked upon repolarization to the holding potential decayed approximately 10 times more slowly than did L-type tail currents. These characteristics are all typical of T-type Ca2+ current. We conclude that there is a prominent T-type Ca2+ current in canine bronchial smooth muscle; this current may play a central role in excitation-contraction coupling, in refilling of the internal Ca2+ pool, and in electrical slow waves. Because airflow resistance is determined primarily by the smaller airways and not the trachea, these findings may have important implications with respect to airway physiology and the mechanisms underlying airway hyperreactivity and asthma.
Protection of blood brain barrier integrity and modulation of inflammatory mediators during treatment of pneumococcal meningitis with daptomycin or ceftriaxone.

Pneumococcal meningitis is associated with neurologic sequelae, such as learning and memory impairment. Most recently, a nonbacteriolytic antibiotic has been investigated to minimise the inflammatory host response and prevent cognitive damage. In this study, we compared daptomycin (DPTO) or ceftriaxone (CFX) treatment on the inflammatory parameters and on the blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity in experimental pneumococcal meningitis. In the first experiment, the animals received 10 µl of a Streptococcus pneumoniae suspension or artificial cerebrospinal fluid by intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) and were treated with CFX or DPTO at 18 h post-infection. The animals were euthanised at 18, 20, 24, 36 and 40 h post-infection. In the hippocampus, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-10 levels were not different between treatment groups; however, IL-4 and cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant 1 (CINC-1) levels decreased in the CFX group. In the frontal cortex, TNF-α, IL- 4, IL-6, IL-10 and BDNF levels were not different between treatment groups. Only CINC-1 levels decreased at 40 h postinfection with CFX treatment. In the second experiment, the animals received DPTO or CFX for 7 days and were euthanised 10 days after pneumococcal meningitis induction. TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, CINC-1 and BDNF levels were not different between treatment groups in the hippocampus; however, IL-4 levels decreased in CFX group. In the third experiment, the animals received 10 µl of an S. pneumoniae suspension or artificial CSF by i.c. v. and were treated with a single dose of CFX or DTPO antibiotic; assessment of the BBB breakdown showed that both antibiotics prevented the BBB disruption. Both treatments equally protected the BBB integrity, and there were no significant difference in cytokine production.
Comparison of Mydriatic Provocative and Dark Room Prone Provocative Tests for Anterior Chamber Angle Configuration

Purpose:To investigate the relationship between angle configuration and diagnostic provocation tests such as the mydriatic provocative test (MPT) and the dark room prone provocative test (DRPPT). Materials and Methods:Seventy eyes of 70 consecutive patients with primary angle closure suspect, primary angle closure, or primary angle closure glaucoma were included. The anterior chamber depth, angle opening distance 500, trabecular-iris space area 500, and iris thickness (IT) were quantitatively determined by anterior segment optical coherence tomography, and the MPT and DRPPT were used to investigate intraocular pressure variations. Results:Seven eyes were positive and 3 eyes were suspected positive, using the MPT, whereas 10 eyes were positive and 7 eyes were suspected positive using the DRPPT. The anterior chamber depth and angle opening distance 500 of the positive and suspected positive groups (positive group), using the MPT, were significantly less than those of the negative group (P=0.013, P=0.013, respectively). IT of the positive group, using the MPT, was significantly greater than the negative group, using the same test (P=0.003). The trabecular-iris space area 500 of the positive group was significantly less than the negative group, using both the MPT (P<0.001) and the DRPPT (P=0.004). Conclusions:Eyes from the positive group, using the MPT, contained a shallower anterior chamber, narrower angle, and greater IT than those from the negative group. These results suggested that the MPT results better correlated with the anterior chamber angle configuration in eyes with primary angle closure, than the results using the DRPPT.
Elevated Serum Uric Acid Is Associated with Greater Bone Mineral Density and Skeletal Muscle Mass in Middle-Aged and Older Adults

Background and objective Previous studies have suggested a positive link between serum uric acid (UA) and bone mineral density (BMD). In this study, we re-examined the association between UA and BMD and further explored whether this was mediated by skeletal muscle mass in a general Chinese population. Method This community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 3079 (963 men and 2116 women) Chinese adults aged 40–75 years. Face-to-face interviews and laboratory analyses were performed to determine serum UA and various covariates. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to assess the BMD and appendicular skeletal muscle mass. The skeletal muscle mass index (SMI = ASM/Height2, kg/m2) for the total limbs, arms, and legs was then calculated. Results The serum UA was graded and, in general, was significantly and positively associated with the BMD and muscle mass, after adjustment for multiple covariates in the total sample. Compared with participants in lowest quartile of UA, those participants in highest quartile showed a 2.3%(whole body), 4.1%(lumbar spine), 2.4%(total hip), and 2.0% (femoral neck) greater BMDs. The mean SMIs in the highest (vs. lowest) quartile increased by 2.7% (total), 2.5% (arm), 2.7% (leg) respectively. In addition, path analysis suggested that the favorable association between UA and BMD might be mediated by increasing SMI. Conclusion The elevated serum UA was associated with a higher BMD and a greater muscle mass in a middle-aged and elderly Chinese population and the UA-BMD association was partly mediated by muscle mass.
Macroeconomic uncertainty indices based on nowcast and forecast error distributions

We propose new indices to measure macroeconomic uncertainty. The indices measure how unexpected a realization of a representative macroeconomic variable is relative to the unconditional forecast error distribution. We use forecast error distributions based on the nowcasts and forecasts of the Survey of Professional Forecasters. We further compare the new indices with those proposed in the literature and assess their macroeconomic impact.
New Efficient Bridgeless Cuk Rectifiers for PFC Applications

Three new bridgeless single-phase ac-dc power factor correction (PFC) rectifiers based on Cuk topology are proposed. The absence of an input diode bridge and the presence of only two semiconductor switches in the current flowing path during each interval of the switching cycle result in less conduction losses and an improved thermal management compared to the conventional Cuk PFC rectifier. The proposed topologies are designed to work in discontinuous conduction mode (DCM) to achieve almost a unity power factor and low total harmonic distortion of the input current. The DCM operation gives additional advantages such as zero-current turn-ON in the power switches, zero-current turn-OFF in the output diode, and simple control circuitry. Performance comparisons between the proposed and conventional Cuk PFC rectifiers are performed based on circuit simulations. Experimental results for a 150 W/48 Vdc at 100 Vrms line voltage to evaluate the performance of the proposed bridgeless PFC rectifiers are provided.
Fermentation of various soluble carbohydrates by rumen micro-organisms with particular reference to methane production

1. The fermentation of twenty-six different carbohydrates was studied in an artificial rumen. 2. The rates of fermentation varied widely, but except in the case of rhamnose the amount of methane produced was usually related to the amount of carbohydrate fermented (6.0 Cal/ 100 cal of substrate). There was also a correlation between the amount of carbohydrate fermented and the amounts of steam-volatile acids formed. 3. Glucose, fructose and sucrose were fermented rapidly but mannitol, sorbitol, glucuronic and galacturonic acids, glucosamine, D(–)-arabinose, ribose, sorbose, trehalose and starch were fermented very slowly or not at all. L(+)-Arabinose, xylose, galactose, mannose, cellobiose, maltose, lactose, raffinose, inulin, xylan and pectin were fermented at appreciable rates. 4. The methyl-pentose, rhamnose, was fermented but no methane was produced. Fucose was fermented very slowly. 5. The fermentation of sucrose and its constituent hexoses was characterized by a transient accumulation of lactate. The fermentation of rhamnose and of glucosamine was accompanied by permanent accumulation of lactate. No measurable amounts of lactate were produced when any of the other sugars were fermented.
Systemic administration of betamethasone delays endotoxin-induced preterm labor in the murine model.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to determine whether the administration of betamethasone decreases the endotoxin-induced preterm parturition rate and inhibits the risk of cytokines in the murine model. STUDY DESIGN Endotoxin was administered intraperitoneally at gestational day 15 (75% of gestation). In phase I, the duration of gestation was measured in 36 gravid C3H/HeOu mice that were equally divided into four treatment groups: control, endotoxin only, and two different dose regimens of betamethasone followed by endotoxin. In phase II, maternal serum and amniotic fluid concentrations of cytokines (interleukin-1alpha, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin-6) were measured at 4 hours after endotoxin injection in 44 gravid mice divided equally in the four treatment groups. RESULTS The group that was exposed only to endotoxin was delivered at a significantly earlier gestational age compared with the control group (16.2 +/- 0.4 days vs 19.6 +/- 0.2 days; P <.01). The two groups that were pretreated with betamethasone before the endotoxin were delivered at gestational ages similar to the control group. There was a marked increase of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6 levels in amniotic fluid of mice that were treated with endotoxin only compared with the control group (P <.001). No difference in cytokine levels was found in those mice that were premedicated with betamethasone compared with the control group. CONCLUSION Antenatal administration of betamethasone to mice delayed preterm parturition that was induced by endotoxin. Elevations of amniotic fluid cytokine concentrations that were observed with endotoxin were not observed with pretreatment with betamethasone.
Pre‐oxygenation and the parturient patient

The effects of pre‐oxygenation were studied by continuous expired oxygen analysis in twenty pregnant patients and ten nonpregnant controls. The Magill system and a demand valve breathing system were both studied with tidal and vital capacity breathing. Rapid pre‐oxygenation was possible with the demand valve system but the technique was associated with air leaks around the mask. Vital capacity breathing with the Magill system was inefficient in practice because of rebreathing and air leaks, and the recently proposed four vital capacity breath technique provided suboptimal alveolar oxygenation in pregnant subjects. Oxygenation in pregnant subjects was significantly faster than in nonpregnant controls and was achieved after just 2 minutes of tidal breathing from a standard Magill system with a prefilled reservoir. Care was necessary to ensure a gas‐tight seal around the facemask.
EFFECT OF GROWTH HORMONE ON TUBULAR TRANSPORT OF PHOSPHATE IN NORMAL AND PARATHYROIDECTOMIZED DOGS.

a given collection period was assumed to be that 2 minutes before the mid-point. Clearances of creatinine were calculated in the usual manner. Filtered phosphorus was calculated as the prod-uct of creatinine clearance and plasma phosphorus, net reabsorbed phosphorus, as the différence between the fil tered and the excreted phosphorus. In each experiment. a maximal tubular reabsorption rate of phosphorus is thought to have been reached ; no significant rise in re absorption rate of phosphorus and in the ratio reabsorp tion rate of P/GFR was observed when plasma phos phate was elevated in a graduai fashion. The GFR, Tmpoj, and Tmpoi/GFR in the tables means of five collection periods.
Factor and Subtest Discrepancies on the Differential Ability Scales

Past literature has largely ignored the population frequency of multivariate factor and subtest score discrepancies. Another limitation has been that statistical models imperfectly model the clinical assessment process, whereby significant discrepancies between both factors and subtests are included in predictions about an individual’s academic achievement. The present study examined these issues using a nationally representative sample (N = 1,185) completing the Differential Ability Scales. Results indicate that approximately 80% of children in a nonreferred sample show at least one statistically significant ability discrepancy. In addition, the global estimate of cognitive ability was the most parsimonious predictor of academic achievement, whereas information about ability discrepancies did not significantly improve prediction. Findings suggest that when predicting academic achievement, there is little value in interpreting cognitive scores beyond the global ability estimate.
Provider and patient perceptions about dental care during pregnancy

Objective. To compare the opinions of dentists, obstetricians, and patients on dental care in pregnancy: its necessity, accessibility, and safety. Methods. A 35-item questionnaire was distributed within Ohio, to 400 patients and 1000 providers between October 2004 and July 2005. Univariate comparisons between dentists and obstetricians were made by Fisher's exact test. Adjustments for confounding were made through logistic regression models. Results. Most providers rated prenatal dental screening as important, agreeing that poor dental hygiene related to adverse pregnancy outcomes. Although 84% of patients reported dental visits as safe only 44% received care; the main limitation was financial. Providers agreed that pregnant patients could undergo dental cleanings, caries treatments, and abscess drainage but disagreed regarding the safety of X-rays, periodontal surgery, amalgam, and narcotic usage. In general, obstetricians were more comfortable than dentists with procedures and medication usage but less often reported recommending routine prenatal dental care. Conclusions. Different respondent perceptions exist regarding the safety, accessibility, and necessity of prenatal dental treatments. Professional guidelines about oral health screening in pregnancy and the safety of dental procedures would benefit our patients and colleagues.