Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fixed point transformation-based adaptive optimal control using NLP

To reduce the effects of modeling imprécisions, in the traditional “Receding Horizon Control” that works with finite horizon lengths, in the consecutive horizon-length cycles, the actually measured state variable is used as the starting point in the next cycle. In this design, within a horizon-length cycle, a cost function is minimized under a constraint that mathematically represents the dynamic properties of the system under control. In the “Nonlinear Programming” (NLP) approach the state variables as well as the control signals are considered over a discrete time-resolution grid, and the solution is computed by the use of Lagrange's “Reduced Gradient” (RG) method. It provides the “estimated optimal control signals” and the “estimated optimal state variables” over this grid. The controller exerts the estimated control signals but the state variables develop according to the exact dynamics of the system. In this paper an alternative approach is suggested in which, instead of exerting the estimated control signals, the estimated optimized trajectory is adaptively tracked within the given horizon. Simulation investigations are presented for a simple “Linear Time-Invariant” (LTI) model with strongly non-linear cost and terminal cost functions. It is found that the transients of the adaptive controller that appear at the boundaries of the finite-length horizons reduce the available improvement in the tracking precision. In contrast to the traditional RHC, in which decreasing horizon length improves the tracking precision, in our case some increase in the horizon length improves the precision by giving the controller more time to compensate the effects of these transients.
Effects of tartrazine on proliferation and genetic damage in human lymphocytes

Abstract The color additive, tartrazine (TRZ), is widely used in food products, drugs and cosmetics. Genotoxicity of TRZ and its metabolites has not been investigated in detail in the presence and absence of a metabolic activator (S9 mix) in human. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of TRZ and its metabolites on cultured human lymphocytes by using chromosome aberration (CA) and micronucleus (MN) tests. Cultures were treated with 625, 1250 and 2500 μg/ml of TRZ in the presence and absence of S9 mix. TRZ showed cytotoxic activity at the highest concentration due to significant decrease in mitotic index (MI) in the absence of S9 mix when compared with solvent control. TRZ and metabolites significantly increased the CAs and aberrant cells in the presence and absence of S9 mix at the higher concentrations. Increased MN values in cultures with and without S9 mix were found to significantly at the highest concentration when tested. Our results indicated that while both TRZ and its metabolites have genotoxic potential on human lymphocyte cultures with and without S9 mix, TRZ can induce cytotoxicity at the highest concentration in culture without S9 mix under the experimental conditions.
Effect of a Home-based Balance Training Protocol on Dynamic Postural Control in Subjects with Chronic Ankle Instability

Abstract The aim of this study was to establish the presence of postural deficits in subjects with chronic ankle instability (CAI) and to assess the effect of an 8-week balance training program on dynamic postural control. A total of 43 subjects with CAI and 31 controls participated in this case-control study. Participants with CAI performed an 8-week home-based balance training, including 3 sessions a week. As main outcome measure, postural control was quantified after a vertical drop by means of the dynamic postural stability index (DPSI). Perceptual outcomes were documented using the FADI, FADI-Sport and VAS scales. At baseline, subjects with CAI displayed higher anterior/posterior and vertical postural instability, a poorer DPSI, and lower subjective stability scores compared to the control group. After balance training, all subjective stability scores improved significantly, although no changes were noted for the stability indices. In conclusion, subjects with CAI have an impaired postural control. As a treatment modality, balance training exhibits the capability of improving the subjective feeling of instability in subjects with CAI. However, there was no effect on dynamic postural control. Further research on the explanatory mechanisms of balance training is warranted, and other training modalities should be considered.
CHRONIC AND INTERVENTIONAL PAIN

Background and Objectives: Ultrasound-guided techniques for pudendal nerve block have been described at the level of the ischial spine and transperineally. Theoretically, however, blockade of the pudendal nerve inside Alcock canal with a small local anesthetic volume would minimize the risk of sacral plexus blockade and would anesthetize all 3 branches of the pudendal nerve before they ramify in the ischioanal fossa. This technical report describes a new ultrasound-guided technique to block the pudendal nerve. The technique indicates an easy and effective roadmap to target the pudendal nerve inside the Alcock canal by following the margin of the hip bone sonographically along the greater sciatic notch, the ischial spine, and the lesser sciatic notch. Methods: The techniquewas applied bilaterally in 3 patients with chronic perineal pain. The technique described was also used to locate the pudendal nerve within Alcock canal and inject dye bilaterally in 2 cadavers. Results: Complete pinprick anesthesia was obtained in the pudendal territory of the perineum in all 3 patients. Pain was effectively alleviated or reduced in all patients with no affection of the sacral plexus nerve branches. In the 2 cadavers, all 4 pudendal nerves were successfully targeted and colored. Conclusions: This new technique is based on easily recognizable sonoanatomical patterns. It probably implies no risk of sacral plexus blockade, and the pudendal nerve is anesthetized before any branches ramify from the main trunk. This promising new technique must be validated in future clinical trials.
Magnetic resonance imaging of the cervix in women at high risk for preterm delivery

Objectives. To assess whether changes in signal intensity of cervical stroma layers on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are associated with spontaneous preterm delivery. Methods. Prospective cohort study of women admitted for threatened late miscarriage or preterm delivery between 18 and 34 weeks of gestation. We performed T2-weighted low-field MRI of the uterine cervix among 100 women. Cervical stromal differentiation, defined as the contrast between signal intensities of the inner and outer cervical layers, was classified as high, intermediate, or low by a radiologist blinded to the participant's clinical report. The main outcome measure was the proportion of spontaneous preterm delivery. Results. Thirty-six women had a spontaneous preterm delivery. The proportion of spontaneous preterm delivery for high, intermediate, and low stromal differentiation was 7/24 (29%), 21/64 (33%; risk ratio 1.1; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.6–2.3), and 8/12 (67%; risk ratio 2.3; 95% CI: 1.1–4.8), respectively. The risk of delivering within 7 days increased when stromal differentiation decreased, although the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusions. The risk of spontaneous preterm delivery is increased in women with low cervical stromal differentiation on MRI. This risk is also associated with short cervical length, a measurement easier and less costly to obtain by transvaginal ultrasound.
Inhibition of T‐cell responses by hepatic stellate cells via B7‐H1–mediated T‐cell apoptosis in mice

In the injured liver, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) secrete many different cytokines, recruit lymphocytes, and thus participate actively in the pathogenesis of liver disease. Little is known of the role of HSCs in immune responses. In this study, HSCs isolated from C57BL/10 (H2b) mice were found to express scant key surface molecules in the quiescent stage. Activated HSCs express major histocompatibility complex class I, costimulatory molecules, and produce a variety of cytokines. Stimulation by interferon γ (IFN‐γ) or activated T cells enhanced expression of these molecules. Interestingly, addition of the activated (but not quiescent) HSCs suppressed thymidine uptake by T cells that were stimulated by alloantigens or by anti‐CD3–mediated T‐cell receptor ligation in a dose‐dependent manner. High cytokine production by the T cells suggests that the inhibition was probably not a result of suppression of their activation. T‐cell division was also found to be normal in a CFSE dilution assay. The HSC‐induced T‐cell hyporesponsiveness was associated with enhanced T‐cell apoptosis. Activation of HSCs was associated with markedly enhanced expression of B7‐H1. Blockade of B7‐H1/PD‐1 ligation significantly reduced HSC immunomodulatory activity, suggesting an important role of B7‐H1. In conclusion, the bidirectional interactions between HSCs and immune cells may contribute to hepatic immune tolerance. (HEPATOLOGY 2004;40:1312–1321.)
Atorvastatin May Have No Effect on Acute Phase Reaction in Children After Intravenous Bisphosphonate Infusion

Intravenous bisphosphonate therapy is associated with acute phase reaction characterized by fever and musculoskeletal pain. Bisphosphonates have been shown in vitro to activate γδT‐cells to proliferate and produce cytokines, suggesting a role in acute phase reaction, which can be effectively blocked by statins. We conducted a double‐blind randomized crossover placebo controlled study in 12 children (12.1 ± 4.2 yr; 10 girls and 2 boys) receiving intravenous bisphosphonates to evaluate whether statins can be used to prevent acute phase reaction associated with therapy. Children received two cycles given 3–4 mo apart of intravenous bisphosphonate given on 2 consecutive days in each cycle. Atorvastatin 10 mg or placebo was given orally once a day for 3 days, starting the day before intravenous bisphosphonate therapy and on the 2 infusion days. We measured pain using a visual analog pain scale at five time points in 0–48 h, oxycodone use for pain, acetaminophen for fever, C‐reactive protein (CRP), and total and percent γδT‐cells. There was a nonsignificant decrease in pain, oxycodone use, and acetaminophen use with Atorvastatin compared with placebo. There was no difference in CRP and total or percent γδT‐cells between the two groups. The results remained unchanged after adjustment for Atorvastatin versus placebo given with the first cycle. We conclude that in vivo Atorvastatin may not be as effective in modulating the acute phase reaction associated with intravenous bisphosphonate as would have been anticipated from in vitro studies.
Scrapie transmission in Britain: a recipe for a mathematical model

Responses to an anonymous postal survey concerning scrapie are analysed. Risk factors associated with farms that have had scrapie are identified as size, geographical region, lambing practices and holding of certain breeds. Further analysis of farms that have scrapie only in bought‐in animals reveals that such farms tend to breed a smaller proportion of their replacement animals than farms without scrapie. Farms that have had scrapie in home‐bred animals have attributes associated with breeding many animals: large numbers of rams bought, few ewes bought, and many animals that are home‐bred. The demography of British sheep farms as described by size, breeds, purchasing behaviour, age structure and proportion of animals that are home‐bred is summarized. British farms with scrapie reveal certain special features: they have more sheep that are found dead, more elderly ewes and more cases of scab.
Enteric disposition and recycling of flavonoids and ginkgo flavonoids.

OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to determine the intestinal and microbial disposition of flavonoids and how these disposition processes affect their enteric recycling. DESIGN Studies were performed using a perfused rat intestinal model or using enrichment cultures and a pure isolate of Enterococcus avium (LY1). RESULTS In the rat intestine, aglycones, such as quercetin and apigenin, were as permeable (P*(eff) > or = 2) as compounds such as propranolol (100% absorption). However, a significant portion of the absorbed aglycones was conjugated and the metabolites were excreted into the lumen. Flavonoid glycosides, such as isoquercitrin and apigenin-7-O-glucoside, also had high apparent P*(eff) values (> or = 2) in the upper small intestine because of rapid hydrolysis. However, isoquercitrin was absorbed much slower (P*(eff) < or = 0.7, p < 0.05) when hydrolysis was absent or inhibited by 20 mmol gluconolactone. Absorption of other intact glycosides was similar to intact isoquercitrin and was much slower than the corresponding aglycones (P*(eff) < or = 0.7, p < 0.05). Intestinal bacteria, such as LY1, hydrolyzed the flavonoid glycosides used in the study. Excreted glycosidases were involved in the hydrolysis of glycosides because glycosides were poorly taken up by LY1. In conclusion, glycosidase-catalyzed hydrolysis is a critical first step in the intestinal and microbial disposition of flavonoid glycosides. Aglycones were not only rapidly absorbed, but also rapidly metabolized into phase II conjugates, which were then excreted back into the lumen. Therefore, intestinal and microbial glycosidases and intestinal phase II enzymes make a significant contribution to the disposition of flavonoids via the proposed enteric and enterohepatic recycling scheme.
Enzyme and integrin expression by high and low metastatic melanoma cell lines

Dissemination of a malignant tumour is the result of a cascade of events beginning with detachment of cells from primary tumour followed by extravasation and growth at secondary sites. The differences in metastatic ability could be attributed to properties intrinsic to the various tumour types. Thus the clonal selection of tumour cells from successive metastases apparently results in cells better equipped for survival and formation of colonies in secondary sites, indicating that survival is not a random phenomenon. Many studies of malignant cells have correlated the overexpression of adhesion receptors such as integrins and the production of cysteine proteases and glycosidases with the progression of malignancy. The interaction of cysteine proteases with basement membrane components has been implicated in tumour invasion, activation of hormones and growth factors. On the other hand, the expression of the heparanase gene and its protein has been associated with the metastatic potential of several human and mouse tumour cell lines. This study aimed to investigate the correlations between the metastatic properties of clones with high and low metastatic potential and their ability to adhere to the extracellular matrix and to degrade proteins and sulphated glycosaminoglycans present there. Clonal selection of the B16F10 cell line was performed, and the clones were examined for the expression of an integrin-type laminin receptor. A significantly higher level was detected in a high metastatic clone. Enzymatic assays showed higher activity for α-d-N-acetylglucosaminidase, β-d-N-acetylgalactosaminidase and β-d-glucuronidase in conditioned medium from low metastatic clones compared with that from high metastatic clones. However, higher endopeptidase activity was observed in conditioned medium from high metastatic clones. In summary, these results showed a positive correlation between high metastatic potential and endopeptidase secretion. Similarly, a positive correlation was observed between low metastatic cells and the secretion of glycosaminoglycan-degrading glycosidases.
Transcriptional regulation by the helix bundle peptide hormones: growth hormone, prolactin, and hematopoietic cytokines.

TODAY it is stylish to remark with fascination at the multiple overlapping functions of interleukins, colonystimulating factors, and a host of other “cytokines” that have been discovered in recent years. As a reminder that this is not really a new observation, the first HBP hormone to be purified was PRL (1), and it was recognized to have such a variety of biological actions that by 1963 there had been created a “vast and confusing literature” (2) replete with multiple names for the same hormone and arguments about how many hormones were responsible for each biological activity. The pleiotropy of PRL actions prompted Bern and Nicoll (3) to suggest in 1968 that it be renamed either “versatilin” or “omnipotin” (3), and by 1980 more than 200 actions of PRL had been documented in the various vertebrate classes (4). Redundancies between actions of PRL and GH were widely appreciated by the 1950s, and the similarities of human (h) PRL and hGH actions resulted in such controversies that many doubted the existence.
Combined Treatment in Wegener'S Granulomatosis with Crescentic Glomerulonephritis -Clinical Course and Longterm Outcome

This study reports on 9 patients suffering from Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) with crescentic GN and severe systemic manifestations. On admission the mean serum creatinine was 10.9 ± 5.1 mg/dl (4-20 mg/dl); 8 patients were oliguric and required dialysis treatment. Renal biopsy showed crescents in all cases, involving 66 to 100% of glomeruli. Patients were treated with a protocol including: a plasmaexchange (PE) course; methyl-prednisolone; cyclophosphamide; and an antithrombotic agent (defibrotide). Clinical picture and renal function progressively improved in all patients within the first 4 weeks of treatment. After 1 month serum creatinine was 2.7 ± 0.8 mg/dl and dialysis was no longer needed in any patient. Five relapses occurred in 3 patients 12-26 months after the onset of the disease, while they were still receiving immunosuppressive treatment. At follow-up (22 to 112 months: mean 71) all patients were alive with no clinical signs of disease activity. One patient was on regular dialysis while the others had a serum creatinine of 1.2-2.8 mg/dl (mean 1.9). Our results confirm that crescentic GN associated with WG can be successfully treated even when associated with severe clinical picture and suggest that PE can contribute to control the disease without increasing immunosuppression.
Anesthetic Doses Blocking Adrenergic (Stress) and Cardiovascular Responses to Incision—MAC BAR

The reaction to stress, while vital to the conscious animal, may be detrimental to the surgical patient. To assess the stressablating action of different anesthetics (halothane, enflurane, morphine, and spinal) and anesthetic doses, we studied the responses in plasma norepinephrine, muscle movement, pupil diameter, heart rate, and blood pressure to induction of anesthesia and incision in 170 unpremedicated healthy adults. The age-adjusted dose (mean ± SD) of anesthesia that blocked the adrenergic response in 50 per cent of individuals who had a skin incision (MAC BAR) was 1.45 ± 0.08 MAC for halothane, 1.60 ± 0.13 MAC for enflurane, or 1.13 ± 0.09 mg/kg for morphine sulfate (each anesthetic was given with 60 per cent nitrous oxide). No patient with a level of spinal anesthesia that blocked the pain of incision had an adrenergic response to incision.Increasing doses of halothane and morphine were associated with less of a cardiovascular response to incision (as measured by rate-pressure product); this was not true for enflurane. No patient with an adequate level of spinal anesthesia had a cardiovascular response to skin incision.The changes in heart rate, blood pressure, rate-pressure product, and plasma norepinephrine content that occurred with induction of anesthesia tended to equalize these values between patients, regardless of anesthetic dose, and for all individual and combined anesthetics. That is, if a patient's heart rate while awake was below 63 beats/min, heart rate tended to rise 58 per cent of the difference between heart rate while awake and 63 beats/min, and vice versa. Similarly, the change in blood pressure with induction averaged 75 per cent of the difference between systolic blood pressure while awake and 88 torr. The average for the change in rate-pressure product with induction was 79 per cent of the difference between rate-pressure product while awake and 5917 torr beats/min.It was concluded that all the anesthetics tested can prevent the neuroendocrine response to skin incision at clinically attainable doses. Thus, comparisons of neuroendocrine stress during surgery require quantitation of anesthetic dose. If adverse effects of surgery are related to the neuroendocrine stress that surgical manipulations induce, the hypothesis “the less anesthetic the better” may be wrong.
A flow visualization and superposition rheology study of shear-banding wormlike micelle solutions.

In this paper, we use rheometry and flow visualization to study the dynamics of the interface between shear bands in a wormlike micellar solution sheared between concentric cylinders, i.e., in a Taylor-Couette (TC) cell, and to evaluate the stress diffusion coefficient and the stress correlation length in the Johnson-Segalman model. Two wormlike micellar solutions are studied: an aqueous solution of CTAB-NaNO3 and a solution of CPCl-NaSal in brine. These systems are highly elastic, exhibit Maxwellian behavior in linear viscoelasticity experiments, and shear banding in nonlinear experiments [S. Lerouge, et al., Soft Matter, 2008, 4, 1808-1819, M. A. Fardin, et al., Soft Matter, 2012, 8(39), 10072-10089, P. Ballesta, et al., J. Rheol. , 2007, 51, 1047]. A large, custom-built, computer controlled TC cell allows us to rotate both cylinders independently and to visualize the flow in the r-z plane using a CCD camera. At low shear rates, the flow is stable and the fluid appears homogeneous throughout the gap between the cylinders. Above a critical shear rate, a shear banding transition occurs. This manifests itself in the formation of two distinct bands in the r-z plane, with an interface between the two bands. For sufficiently high ramp speeds, multiple steps of interface evolution are identified, as noted by Radulescu, Lerouge, and others [O. Redulescu, et al., Europhys. Lett. , 2003, 62, 230, S. Lerouge, et al., Soft Matter, 2008, 4, 1808-1819]. We quantify the interface travel using direct visualization and use this measure, as well as superposition rheometry [P. Ballesta, et al., J. Rheol. , 2007, 51, 1047], to determine the stress diffusion coefficient D and the stress correlation length ζ in the Johnson-Segalman model. These parameters are evaluated at different temperatures, shear rates, and gap sizes. We find that the stress diffusion coefficient and the stress correlation length exhibit a strong dependence on the gap of the Taylor-Couette cell for both shear-banding systems. For the CTAB-NaNO3 system, we report a linear dependence of the stress diffusion coefficient on temperature for the parameter range considered. In addition, we find that for this system, the stress diffusion coefficient is independent of shear rate. For the CPCl-NaSal system, we observe the same color changes in the sample reported by others on extended light exposure; however, we find that different histories of light exposure do not affect the measured stress diffusion coefficient.