Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Emerging concepts for assessing and predicting treatment-free remission in chronic myeloid leukemia patients

ABSTRACT Introduction In chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients who have reached a deep and sustained reduction of residual disease can attempt a discontinuation. The ‘treatment-free remission’ (TFR) has become a real long-term endpoint for 30–40% of chronic phase patients. Areas covered In this review, we focus our attention on possible prognostic features who can predict the success of tyrosine kinase inhibitors discontinuation and how we can assess the minimal residual disease (MRD) during the TFR phase. Broad research was made on Medline, Embase and archives from EHA and ASH congresses. Expert Opinion Median duration of TKI therapy and of deep molecular response are the main prognostic factors identified in most trials and real-life experiences on discontinuation. Immunological pathways have been proposed as possible control on successful TFR as also early molecular response dynamics. Appropriate molecular monitoring by RQ-PCR in the TFR phase has been proposed by several international recommendations and digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) seems to have a possible role in the future for a better identification of candidate to this possible therapeutic strategy.
Position estimation in salient PM synchronous motors based on PWM excitation transients

This paper presents a position and speed estimation algorithm based on magnetic saliency of permanent-magnet synchronous motors. The proposed method uses inherent high-frequency content of motor pulsewidth-modulation (PWM) excitation to measure position-dependent inductance parameters, which are then processed using a simple nonlinear observer to produce the position and speed estimates. To ensure persistent excitation at all operating voltages (speeds), a novel PWM algorithm with full voltage output is developed and presented. The efficiency of the modified excitation was evaluated and compared to the efficiency of the standard position-sensorless motor drive excitation. Experimental results are presented as well, showing good algorithm performance in a wide speed range, including zero, and for various load torques.
PathoDNA, an Advanced Diagnostic for Lyme Disease & Co-Infections Utilizing Next Generation DNA Sequencing with Greater Sensitivity and Selectivity Than ELISA/Western Blot

The controversial subject of chronic Lyme disease has occupied medical dis-course for years while contributing to unprecedented patient suffering in the United States and abroad. A general misunderstanding of Lyme disease and overconfidence in the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) recommended two-step test for Lyme disease has led to misdiagnosis and incorrect treatment over the years. This leads to increasing medical expenses and worse outcomes for patients. The two-step test, an ELISA immunoblot followed by a confirmatory Western blot, yields accuracy rates as low as 29% for acute Lyme disease and 75% for chronic Lyme disease. While these practices have been a staple of microbiology for decades, these accuracy rates are unaccepta-ble for diagnostic tests when better technology is available. PathoDNA, a Next-Generation DNA sequencing test for Lyme disease and other tick-borne pathogens, achieves accuracy rates of 98% for B. burgdorferi and 95% or greater for other common tick-borne pathogens with superior sensitivity and selectivity. PathoDNA is a Clinical Laboratory Improvement and Amendments (CLIA)-validated laboratory test that achieves these results utilizing Next Generational DNA Sequencing and a proprietary bioinformatics database. Thus, it allows for rapid results and specific identification of tick-borne illnesses. In this article, we will compare this promising technology against the existing standards for diagnosing and testing Lyme
Paliperidone Compared with Haloperidol on the Theory of Mind Tasks in Schizophrenia: A Pilot Trial

Purpose Theory of mind (ToM) is an important part of social cognitive function and is associated with medial prefrontal cortical (mPFC) activity. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of paliperidone in improving ToM task performance in patients with schizophrenia compared with haloperidol. Patients and Methods This study was a single-center, single-blinded (assessor), parallel-group randomized clinical trial of patients with schizophrenia randomized to paliperidone or haloperidol. ToM was assessed at weeks 0, 8, 12, and 16 using the first-order belief, higher-order belief, faux-pas, and Reading the Mind in the Eyes tests. The primary outcome was the change in the ToM performance scores from baseline to after 16 weeks of treatment. Results The participants received paliperidone (n = 29) or haloperidol (n = 31). For the first-order belief task, there were no between-group differences (P > 0.05) but time differences in both groups (P < 0.05). For the higher-order belief task, there were no between-group differences (P > 0.05), but there were time differences in both groups (P < 0.05) and a time×group interaction in the paliperidone group only (P < 0.05). For the faux-pas task, there was a difference between groups at week 16 (P < 0.05), and the improvement in time was significant for the paliperidone group only (P < 0.05). For the Reading the Mind in the Eyes task, there was an improvement over time for the paliperidone group only (P < 0.05). Safety was manageable in both groups. Conclusion Paliperidone treatment might be more effective than haloperidol in improving ToM task performance in schizophrenia. Trial Registration chictr.org. cn_identifier ChiCTR-IPR-15007635.
Finite Difference Simulation of a Flexible Plate Structure

In this paper, an investigation into the dynamic characterisation of a two dimensional (2D) flexible structure is presented. A thin, flat plate, with all edges clamped, is considered. A simulation algorithm characterising the dynamic behaviour of the plate is developed through a discretisation of the governing partial differential equation formulation of the plate dynamics using finite difference methods. The algorithm is implemented within the Matlab environment, and it allows application and sensing of a disturbance signal at any mesh point on the plate. Such a provision is desirable for the design and development of active vibration control techniques for the system. The performance of the developed algorithm in characterising the dynamic behaviour of the system is assessed in comparison with previously reported results using various other methods. The validation of the algorithm is presented in both the time and frequency domains. Investigations reveal that the measured parameters associated with the first five resonance modes of the system compare favourably with previously reported results. The simulation algorithm thus developed and validated forms a suitable test and verification platform in subsequent investigations for development of active vibration control strategies for flexible plate structures.
Relating the Hazen-Williams and Darcy-Weisbach friction loss equations for pressurized irrigation

The Hazen-Williams C factors change with Reynolds number and mean flow velocity. Figures are presented for determining pipe roughness heights or relative roughness ratios that are equivalent to values of the Hazen-Williams C factor. The results facilitate the ability to utilize friction data derived with the Hazen-Williams equation with the Darcy-Weisbach equation. C factors were also determined that are equivalent to known or measured pipe roughnesses. The Churchill equation for directly calculating the Darcy-Weisbach friction factor is compared with other established friction factor equations. The Churchill equation accurately predicts friction factors over all ranges in Reynolds number, pipe roughness, and temperature encountered in irrigation systems, including the laminar and transition flow regimes.
Job Demand, Family Social Support and Depression among the Royal Malaysia Police Officers of the Criminal Investigation Department in Selangor

This study was conducted to identify the relationship between job demands and family social support with depression among the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) officers of the Criminal Investigation Department in Selangor. A total of 336 RMP officers of the Criminal Investigation Department were randomly selected as respondents of this study. Data were gathered through a self-administered questionnaire. The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21) (Lovibond & Lovibond, 1995) was used to measure the level of depression among the respondents. Meanwhile, the Quantitative Workload Inventory (QWI) (Spector & Jex, 1998) was used to measure the respondents’ job demands and the Family Support Inventory for Workers (FSIW) (King et al., 1995) was used to measure the respon dents’ family social support. The results showed that there was a significant correlation between job demands, family emotional support and family instrumental support with depression among the respondents. The study also found that family instrumental support was the strongest predictor of the respondents’ depression. Thus, the study concludes that any intervention program planned by the RMP to ensure the wellbeing of its officers particularly on the issue of depression must consider the aspect of job demands and family social support.
On-state and off-state breakdown in GaInAs/InP composite-channel HEMT's with variable GaInAs channel thickness

Short-channel Ga/sub 0.47/In/sub 0.53/As high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) suffer from low breakdown voltages due to enhanced impact-ionization effects in the narrow bandgap channel. This could limit the application of single-channel devices to medium power millimeter-wave systems. A composite Ga/sub 0.47/In/sub 0.53/As/InP channel, which exploits the high electron mobility of Ga/sub 0.47/In/sub 0.53/As at low electric fields, and the low impact-ionization and high electron saturation velocity of InP at high electric fields can overcome this limitation. In this paper we study on-state and off-state breakdown of Ga/sub 0.47/In/sub 0.53/As/InP composite-channel HEMT's with a variable GaInAs channel thickness of 30, 50, and 100 /spl Aring/. Reduction of channel thickness leads to the improvement of both on-state and off-state breakdown voltages. In on-state conditions, the enhancement in the effective Ga/sub 0.47/In/sub 0.53/As channel bandgap that takes place when the channel thickness is reduced to the order of the de Broglie wavelength (channel quantization) effectively enhances the threshold energy for impact-ionization, which is further reduced by real space transfer of electrons from the Ga/sub 0.47/In/sub 0.53/As into the wider bandgap InP. Channel thickness reduction also causes a decrease in the sheet carrier concentration in the extrinsic gate-drain region and therefore, a reduction of the electric field beneath the gate. This, together with the adoption of an Al/sub 0.6/In/sub 0.4/As Schottky layer (increasing the gate Schottky barrier height), leads to excellent values of the gate-drain breakdown voltage. In conclusion, composite channel InAlAs/GaInAs/InP HEMTs, thanks to the combined effect of effective band-gap increase, enhanced real space transfer into InP, and sheet carrier density reduction, allow a good trade-off between current driving capability and both on-state and off-state breakdown voltage.
A data collection mechanism for Wi-Fi based Underground sensor Networks

Wireless Underground Networks (WUN) is an emerging research topic in the Wireless Networks field. It will enable a wide variety of applications in fields such as agriculture, border patrol, assisted navigation, sports field maintenance, intruder detection, and infrastructure monitoring. For instance, considering an agricultural scenario, deploying underground wired networks can be a complex, time-consuming task and expensive maintenance is expected. In this context the need of a WUN a network formed by a set of buried nodes communicating through a wireless link in an underground environment arises. Obtaining data efficiently from these buried nodes may pose a problem due to the asymmetry between underground-to-aboveground and aboveground-tounderground communications, and the specific characteristics of the soil medium. Recent work in this field has been oriented to dedicated sensor-network protocols as IEEE 802.15. 4, and not on IEEE 802.11, which is much more widespread and cost-effective. In this dissertation we propose a novel mechanism aimed at collecting data from buried nodes to an aboveground node, using the IEEE 802.11 standard at 2.4 GHz. Simulation results performed using ns-3 show an improvement of the delay and throughput vs. the standard data collection mechanism.
A sensitivity optimization approach to design of a disturbance observer in digital motion control systems

This paper is concerned with a digital design methodology for the disturbance observer. The controller (disturbance observer) is designed such that the system sensitivity function is made to match a chosen target sensitivity function by numerical optimization. One advantage of the proposed design method is that the tradeoff between command following, disturbance suppression, and measurement noise rejection is made transparent in the process of the control system design. This allows the system designer to bypass the effort of obtaining a highly accurate system model. Another aim of this research, relative to previous works, is to study how the design specifications can be best structured in the digital filter (a main component of the disturbance observer) for easy implementation. The robust feedback controller, designed in the velocity loop, is used in conjunction with a feedback controller located in the position loop and a feedforward controller acting on the desired output to construct a control structure for high-speed/high-accuracy motion control. Simulation and experiments applied to a high-speed XY table designed for micro positioning demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed controller.
The use of crash helmets among commercial motorcycle riders in Ogbomoso, South-West, Nigeria

Abstract 1 University Health Centre, Lautech, Ogbomoso 2 Department of Family Medicine, Bowen University Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso. Nigeria. 3 Department of Family Medicine, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria. 4 Department of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria. 5 Department of Family Medicine, Bowen University Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, Nigeria. *Corresponding author E-mail: bolajioyelade@yahoo.com Tel: 08034961965 Despite the fact that the incidence and prevalence of road traffic crashes especially involving the motorcyclists in this environment have continued to increase, with attendant complications like head injuries, majority of our motorcyclists have remained without their helmets while driving. This study was carried out to determine the use of crash helmets among motorcycle riders and their passengers in Ogbomoso. This was a community based cross sectional study carried out among commercial motorcyclists in Ogbomoso, in Southwest Nigeria. The instrument used in collecting data was a semi-structured interviewer administered questionnaire. A total of 111 male commercial motorcyclists were recruited for the study. Data was analyzed using Stata 12 statistical software. About 62 (56%) of the participants had been involved in road traffic crashes since they started to ride motorcycle. Even though 100 (90.1%) participants claimed to have the crash helmets, only 29 (29%) regularly wore the crash helmets. Also, out of the 111 participants, only 16 (14.4%) had crash helmets for their passengers and only 1(6.2%) regularly made the helmets available for his passengers. Again, 78 participants had attended lectures on road safety but as noted above only 30 respondents regularly wore their crash helmets. The level of education of the respondents was not found to have any association with the use of crash helmets in this study. There is an urgent need to educate the public and enforce the law of universal helmet use so that all motorcyclists and passengers are protected from possible head injuries should they be involved in crashes. Keywords:
Interpreting area of pinched memristor hysteresis loop

It is shown that the area of the pinched hysteresis loop of the current-controlled ideal memristor represents the quantity `content', which was introduced into the theory of nonlinear systems by Millar in 1951. Two parts of the content are identified which correspond to distinct parts of the area below the v-i characteristic of the memristor: one is related to the power conditions and the other to the instantaneous state of the memristor memory. It is demonstrated for a memristor driven by the sinusoidal current that the power part of the content depends on the fundamental harmonic of the voltage, whereas the memory part of the content is given only by the higher harmonics of the voltage, and only by the even harmonics in the case of entirely closed loops. The analogous conclusions also hold for the voltage-controlled memristor.
Water Consumption Comparison Between a Natural Draft Wet Cooling Tower and a Natural Draft Hybrid Cooling Tower—An Annual Simulation for Luoyang Conditions

ABSTRACT The Merkel method, the Poppe approach, and an empirical equation are employed in the developed computer program to predict the evaporation loss for the natural draft wet cooling tower (NDWCT). All the three models are validated with the experimental results. The calculation results in the NDWCT of a 300-MW power plant in Luoyang show that both the Merkel method and the empirical equation could not make the accurate evaporation loss prediction as the Poppe approach does. The annual water consumption and economic benefits for the power plant employed with the NDWCT and the natural draft hybrid cooling tower (NDHCT) are calculated by using the hourly weather condition. The results show that the power plant would save more than 95% of water but lose US$15,464,306 per year by replacing the NDWCT with the NDHCT.
Early detection of the risk for orthostatic hypotension among the elderly people

Background/Aim: Orthostatic hypotension is an important problem that commonly occurs in elderly people. It causes a burden on public health, is associated with impaired motor performance, and negatively affects physical functioning and activities. This study aimed to detect the risk of orthostatic hypotension in elderly people. Materials and methods: A descriptive research design was used. The study was conducted at the Badr geriatric home and outpatient clinic of Fayoum university hospital, Egypt. Subjects: A total of 300 elderly individuals. Tools: Structured interview questionnaire, Orthostatic Hypotension Symptom Assessment Questionnaire, and supine to stand test. Results: About three-fifths of the sample were aged 60-69 years old and more than one third of the participants (34.0%) were aged 70-79 years old. In addition, 53.3% of the clients were male and 46.7% were female. Regarding to the residence, more than three quarters of the participants (79.3%) were from rural areas and 40.0% of them were illiterate, not working (86.7%), and married (62.0%). In addition, 24.0% of the elderly clients suffered from orthostatic hypotension (OH) which affected activities that required walking or standing for a long time. In addition, a longer time was required for a shower (86.1%), prolonged bed rest (55.6%), carbohydrate-heavy meals (54.2%), obesity (52.7%), hypertension (43.1%), diabetes mellitus (36.1%), cardiac diseases (27.8%), and anemia (16.7%) were the main precipitating factors for OH in elderly clients. Conclusion: Approximately one-fifth of the clients suffered from OH. The main precipitating factors included a long time for a shower, prolonged bed rest, heavy carbohydrate meals, obesity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cardiac diseases, and anemia. Recommendations: All older adults especially those with chronic diseases should receive regular monitoring of blood pressure to detect OH and prevent complications.
The Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Analysis of the Pressure Sensor Used in Pulse-Operated Low-Pressure Gas-Phase Solenoid Valve Measurements

This paper presents a flow analysis of the original pressure sensor used to determine times until full opening and closing of the pulse-operated low-pressure gas-phase solenoid valve. The sensor in question, due to the fast variation of the process lasting several milliseconds, has high requirements in terms of response time and ability to identify characteristic parameters. A CFD code has been employed to successfully model the flow behavior of the original pressure sensor used to determine times until full opening and closing of the pulse-operated low-pressure gas-phase solenoid valve at different inlet flow conditions, using the Eulerian multiphase model, established on the Euler–Euler approach, implemented in the commercial CFD package ANSYS Fluent. The results of the modelling were validated against the experimental data and also give more comprehensive information on the flow, such as the plunger displacement waveform. The flow calculations were dynamic in nature; therefore, the experimental plunger displacement waveforms were entered as input in the software for dynamic mash implementation. In identifying the times until full opening and closing, the characteristic points of the pressure waveform on the pressure sensor plate were adopted. CFD flow calculations confirmed the accuracy of identifying the times until full opening and closing by relating them to the results from the plunger displacement sensor. The validation of the results of calculations with the analyzed sensor and the original stand also confirmed the correctness of the use of this type of method for the assessment of gas injector operating times. In the case of time until full opening, the CFD calculations were shown to be consistent with experimental tests, with only a few cases where the relative difference with respect to the displacement sensor reached 3%. The situation was slightly worse in the case of time until full closing, where the results of CFD calculations were in agreement with the displacement sensor, while the experimental test stands had a relative difference of up to 21%. It should be remembered that the sensor evaluates times below 5 × 10−3 s, and its construction and response time determine the use depending on the adopted level of accuracy.
A new, fully validated and interpreted quantitative structure-activity relationship model of p-aminosalicylic acid derivatives as neuraminidase inhibitors

A multivariate QSAR study with a set of 34 p-aminosalicylic acid derivatives, described as neuraminidase inhibitors of the H1N1 viruses, is presented in this work. The variable selection was performed with the Ordered Predictors Selection (OPS) algorithm and the model was built with the Partial Least Squares (PLS) regression method. Leave-N-out cross-validation and y-randomization tests showed that the model was robust and free from chance correlation. The external predictive ability was superior to the 3D-QSAR model previously published. Moreover, it was possible to perform a mechanistic interpretation, where the descriptors referred directly to the mechanism of interaction with the neuraminidase.