Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nonlinear Control Allocation for Non-Minimum Phase Systems

In this brief, we propose a control allocation method for a particular class of uncertain over-actuated affine nonlinear systems, with unstable internal dynamics. Dynamic inversion technique is used for the commanded output to track a smooth output reference trajectory. The corresponding control allocation law has to guarantee the boundedness of the states, including the internal dynamics, and satisfy control constraints. The proposed method is based on a Lyapunov design approach with finite-time convergence to a given invariant set. The derived control allocation is in the form of a dynamic update law which, together with a sliding mode control law, guarantees boundedness of the output tracking error as well as of the internal dynamics. The effectiveness of the control law is tested on a numerical model of the non-minimum phase planar vertical take-off and landing (PVTOL) system.
Radiant energy during infrared neural stimulation at the target structure

Infrared neural stimulation (INS) describes a method, by which an infrared laser is used to stimulate neurons. The major benefit of INS over stimulating neurons with electrical current is its spatial selectivity. To translate the technique into a clinical application it is important to know the energy required to stimulate the neural structure. With this study we provide measurements of the radiant exposure, at the target structure that is required to stimulate the auditory neurons. Flat polished fibers were inserted into scala tympani so that the spiral ganglion was in front of the optical fiber. Angle polished fibers were inserted along scala tympani, and rotating the beveled surface of the fiber allowed the radiation beam to be directed perpendicular to the spiral ganglion. The radiant exposure for stimulation at the modiolus for flat and angle polished fibers averaged 6.78±2.15 mJ/cm2. With the angle polished fibers, a 90º change in the orientation of the optical beam from an orientation that resulted in an INS-evoked maximum response, resulted in a 50% drop in the response amplitude. When the orientation of the beam was changed by 180º, such that it was directed opposite to the orientation with the maxima, minimum response amplitude was observed.
A Method to Generate Multivariate Data with the Desired Moments

We show how it is possible to generate multivariate data which has moments arbitrary close to the desired ones. They are generated as linear combinations of variables with known theoretical moments. It is shown how to derive the weights of the linear combinations in both the univariate and the multivariate setting. The use in bootstrapping is discussed and the method is exemplified with a Monte Carlo simulation where the importance of the ability of generating data with control of higher moments is shown.
Genome-wide mRNA processing in methanogenic archaea reveals post-transcriptional regulation of ribosomal protein synthesis

Abstract Unlike stable RNAs that require processing for maturation, prokaryotic cellular mRNAs generally follow an ‘all-or-none’ pattern. Herein, we used a 5΄ monophosphate transcript sequencing (5΄P-seq) that specifically captured the 5΄-end of processed transcripts and mapped the genome-wide RNA processing sites (PSSs) in a methanogenic archaeon. Following statistical analysis and stringent filtration, we identified 1429 PSSs, among which 23.5% and 5.4% were located in 5΄ untranslated region (uPSS) and intergenic region (iPSS), respectively. A predominant uridine downstream PSSs served as a processing signature. Remarkably, 5΄P-seq detected overrepresented uPSS and iPSS in the polycistronic operons encoding ribosomal proteins, and the majority upstream and proximal ribosome binding sites, suggesting a regulatory role of processing on translation initiation. The processed transcripts showed increased stability and translation efficiency. Particularly, processing within the tricistronic transcript of rplA-rplJ-rplL enhanced the translation of rplL, which can provide a driving force for the 1:4 stoichiometry of L10 to L12 in the ribosome. Growth-associated mRNA processing intensities were also correlated with the cellular ribosomal protein levels, thereby suggesting that mRNA processing is involved in tuning growth-dependent ribosome synthesis. In conclusion, our findings suggest that mRNA processing-mediated post-transcriptional regulation is a potential mechanism of ribosomal protein synthesis and stoichiometry.
Reproducibility in the hematology laboratory: the microhematocrit determination.

To estimate the overall microhematocrit test error and to determine the relative contributions of reading error, capillary tubes, centrifugation times, and clays to the variation in test results, a prepared erythrocyte suspension was tested repeatedly on six alternate days. Results indicate that the variation caused by reading the hematocrit to the nearest one-half percentage point exceeds that attributable to differences among capillary tubes and centrifugation times.
SOLITARY THYROID NODULE: CURRENT MANAGEMENT

Clinically, solitary thyroid nodules are common, being present in up to 50% of the elderly population. The majority are benign with thyroid cancer representing an uncommon clinical problem. Investigation should include careful history and examination and thyroid function tests. Toxic or autonomous nodules are rarely malignant and require radionuclide scan for assessment. If euthyroid, then fine needle biopsy provides direct specific information about the cytology of the nodule from which the histology can be inferred. Thyroid ‘incidentalomas’ are a common management problem. Non‐palpable nodules greater than 1.0 to 1.5 cm represent an absolute indication to perform an ultrasound‐guided fine needle biopsy. An atypical fine needle biopsy mandates formal diagnostic excision. Because it is not possible to distinguish a follicular carcinoma from a follicular adenoma on cytological grounds alone, this category must simply be interpreted as indicating a follicular tumour and up to 20% will be malignant. Hemithyroidectomy via a ‘collar’ incision, with submission of the specimen to formal pathological examination, remains the standard of care, with completion total thyroidectomy for cancers other than low risk papillary cancer and ‘minimally invasive’ follicular cancer without vascular invasion. The issue of whether follicular adenomas can potentially develop into follicular carcinomas has yet to be satisfactorily resolved. The major challenge in the management of the solitary thyroid nodule remains the assessment as to which nodules require surgical excision and which can be followed conservatively.
Generating genus‐n‐to‐m mesh morphing using spherical parameterization

Surface parameterization is a fundamental tool in computer graphics and benefits many applications such as texture mapping, morphing, and re‐meshing. Many spherical parameterization schemes with very nice properties have been proposed and widely used in the past. However, it is well known that the spherical parameterization is limited to genus‐0 models. In this paper, we first propose a novel framework to extend spherical parameterization for handling a genus‐n surface. In this framework, we represent a surface S of arbitrary genus by a positive mesh O and several negative meshes Ni. Each negative surface is used to represent a hole. A positive surface O is obtained by removing all holes in the original surface S. Then, both positive and negative meshes are genus‐0 and can be spherically parameterized, respectively. To compute S, we can use a Boolean difference operation to subtract negative Ni from a positive O. Next, we apply this novel framework to generate genus‐n‐to‐m mesh morphing application without restriction of n = m. Finally, there are many interesting non‐genus‐0 mesh morphing sequences generated. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Human phase response curve to a single 6.5 h pulse of short‐wavelength light

• The human ∼24 h circadian pacemaker ensures appropriate timing of physiological, behavioural and metabolic events and is synchronized to the 24 h day primarily by the 24 h light–dark cycle. • The direction and magnitude of photic resetting depend on the timing of light exposure, and are described by a phase response curve (PRC). • The human circadian photoreception system is functionally and anatomically distinct from the visual system and employs a novel photoreceptor, melanopsin, which is maximally sensitive to short‐wavelength (blue) visible light. • We constructed a PRC to 6.5 h of blue (480 nm) light and compared it with a prior 6.7 h white light PRC; the blue light PRC achieved ∼75% of the resetting response of the white light PRC. • This study suggests that short‐wavelength visible light exposures may be more efficient than traditional high‐intensity white light exposures for treatment of circadian rhythm sleep disorders.
Optimal speed control of DC motor using linear quadratic regulator and model predictive control

The objective of this paper is to control the angular speed in a model of a DC motor using different control strategies like Model Predictive Control and Linear Quadratic Regulator for comparison purpose. Model Predictive Control approach provides online & offline computation of the optimization law by Multi Parametric Quadratic Programming. The controllers are designed based on the optimal control theory. Performance of these controllers has been verified through simulation results using MATLAB/SIMULINK software.
A lexicon of assessment and outcome measures for telemental health.

BACKGROUND The purpose of this document is to provide initial recommendations to telemental health (TMH) professionals for the selection of assessment and outcome measures that best reflect the impacts of mental health treatments delivered via live interactive videoconferencing. MATERIALS AND METHODS The guidance provided here was created through an expert consensus process and is in the form of a lexicon focused on identified key TMH outcomes. RESULTS Each lexical item is elucidated by a definition, recommendations for assessment/measurement, and additional commentary on important considerations. The lexicon is not intended as a current literature review of the field, but rather as a resource to foster increased dialogue, critical analysis, and the development of the science of TMH assessment and evaluation. The intent of this lexicon is to better unify the TMH field by providing a resource to researchers, program managers, funders, regulators and others for assessing outcomes. CONCLUSIONS This document provides overall context for the key aspects of the lexicon.
Mechanisms of stent thrombosis: insights from optical coherence tomography.

Although the improvement of coronary stents and medical agents has reduced adverse cardiac events in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), stent thrombosis (ST) still remains one of fatal complications of stent therapy. However, the pathophysiology of ST has not been sufficiently established yet, and factors including comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus, stent design, and patients’ response or adherence to antiplatelet therapy have had the association with ST occurrence (1,2). Recently, a large prospective registry study investigating the intravascular morphologies of coronary stents in patients suffering from ST was published (3). Using optical coherence tomography (OCT) that had higher resolution than intravascular ultrasound, the study demonstrated the underlying mechanisms of ST, helping to guide the ST treatment (3). In this article, ST-related factors focusing on coronary stents are discussed.
Comparative study of pharmacokinetics of two new fluoroquinolones, balofloxacin and grepafloxacin, in elderly subjects

Comparative pharmacokinetics and tolerability were studied in healthy elderly volunteers for two new fluoroquinolones, balofloxacin (Q-35) and grepafloxacin (OPC-17116), the main excretion routes being the renal and hepatic routes, respectively. Both agents were well tolerated in elderly subjects. In comparison with previously reported data from healthy younger adults, the absorption of balofloxacin was slightly delayed and urinary excretion was delayed and diminished. As a significant linear correlation was observed between renal clearance of balofloxacin and creatinine clearance, the delayed and diminished urinary recovery was attributed to the reduced renal function of the elderly subjects enrolled in the study. The absorption of grepafloxacin was also delayed, and the maximum plasma drug concentration and area under the plasma drug concentration-time curve were increased in the elderly by 31 and 48%, respectively, over those in younger adults on the basis of dose normalized to body weight. The plasma terminal elimination half-life and urinary recovery remained unchanged. Decreases in distribution volume and total body clearance in the elderly were considered to be the primary factors contributing to these differences.
Online access, participation and information credibility assessment

The Web today is as much a social space with a participatory culture spurred by online collaboration technologies, as it is an information source. The possibility that almost anyone can contribute content has made credibility assessment online important and difficult at the same time. Empirical studies claim that online credibility perceptions are based more on heuristics than on systematic processing of information and that they are greatly influenced by visual design and visual cues. These studies did not include participants using non-visual modalities to interact with the Web. To begin to address this, we performed a study of 60 Web users with visual impairments, who interact non-visually with the Web using a screen reader and keyboard. Among the findings of our study were: 1) The ability of visually impaired users to assess online information credibility is governed by the level of Web accessibility in context; 2) Their credibility assessments are supported by social factors, marked by collaboration with their information community; and 3) Visually impaired users are generally unable to use recent online collaboration technologies to the same extent as their sighted peers reportedly do, because these technologies are not very accessible to them. Our study also confirmed that for effective use of online resources, full access is important not only to online information but also to the online participatory culture, because information credibility assessment is a social process that requires a trusted community and social tools to support it. Using a participatory design process, we built an accessible and interactive online community website with social tools to provide inclusive online support as a proof-of-concept that websites can support accessibility and interactivity at the same time and these are not mutually exclusive as commonly believed.
PET Imaging of Prostate Cancer Xenografts with a Highly Specific Antibody against the Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen

Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), a transmembrane glycoprotein, is highly expressed by virtually all prostate cancers and is currently the focus of several diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. We have previously reported on the generation of several monoclonal antibodies (mAb) and antibody fragments that recognize and bind with high affinity to the extracellular domain of cell-adherent PSMA. This article reports the in vivo behavior and tumor uptake of the radiolabeled anti-PSMA mAb 3/A12 and its potential as a tracer for PET. Methods: The mAb 3/A12 was conjugated with the chelating agent 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-N,N′,N″,N′″-tetraacetic acid (DOTA) and radiolabeled with 64Cu. Severe combined immunodeficient mice bearing PSMA-positive C4-2 prostate carcinoma xenografts were used for small-animal PET imaging. Mice with PSMA-negative DU 145 tumors served as controls. For PET studies, each animal received 20–30 μg of radiolabeled mAb corresponding to an activity of 7.6–11.5 MBq. Imaging was performed 3, 24, and 48 h after injection. After the last scan, the mice were sacrificed and tracer in vivo biodistribution was measured by γ-counting. Results: Binding of the mAb 3/A12 on PSMA-expressing C4-2 cells was only minimally influenced by DOTA conjugation. The labeling efficiency using 64Cu and DOTA-3/A12 was 95.3% ± 0.3%. The specific activity after 64Cu labeling was between 327 and 567 MBq/mg. After tracer injection, static small-animal PET images of mice with PSMA-positive tumors revealed a tumor-to-background ratio of 3.3 ± 1.3 at 3 h, 7.8 ± 1.4 at 24 h, and 9.6 ± 2.7 at 48 h. In contrast, no significant tracer uptake occurred in the PSMA-negative DU 145 tumors. These results were confirmed by direct counting of tissues after the final imaging. Conclusion: Because of the high and specific uptake of 64Cu-labeled mAb 3/A12 in PSMA-positive tumors, this ligand represents an excellent candidate for prostate cancer imaging and potentially for radioimmunotherapy.
Fluoropyrimidine-mediated radiosensitization depends on cyclin E-dependent kinase activation.

Fluoropyrimidines radiosensitize human colon cancer cells that progress into S phase in the presence of drug (M.A. Davis, H-Y. Tang, J. Maybaum, and T.S. Lawrence. Int. J. Radiat. Biol. 67. 509-512, 1995). We hypothesized that progression occurs in cells that generate elevated levels of cyclin E-dependent kinase activity despite the presence of the fluoropyrimidine. To test this hypothesis, we treated HT29 and SW620 human colon cancer cells with fluorodeoxyuridine under conditions that produced nearly complete inhibition of thymidylate synthase but which sensitized only the HT29 cells. We found that, whereas HT29 cells progressed into S phase and demonstrated increased cyclin E-dependent kinase activity, SW620 cells arrested just past the G1-S boundary and showed no change in kinase activity. Because these cell lines have the same p53 mutation, these findings suggest that there is a p53-independent G1-S checkpoint that mediates radiosensitization produced by fluorodeoxyuridine.
System of planning and evaluation of school meals

Abstract Objective To develop a software to plan and evaluate school meals according to the main national and international standards for foods and nutrition. Design Development of software. Setting Public schools, Portugal. Subjects School meals for students. Results The System of Planning and Evaluation of School Meals (SPARE) is a software that allows the planning of school meals in an effective and organized way, according to the main national and international standards for food and nutrition. The regular use of this tool enables the evaluation, monitoring and verification towards continuous improvement of the quality of school meals. Conclusions The SPARE software aims to promote healthy eating by focusing on the planning and production of safe and adequate meals in the school environment. This software can be adapted to different age groups and to different contexts, attending to specific nutritional and food standards.
Genetic and Functional Diversities of Microbial Communities in Amazonian Soils Under Different Land Uses and Cultivation

Amazonia is a natural region formed by the Amazon River Basin and covered by the largest equatorial forest in the world, covering an area of 6,915,000 km2, of which 4,787,000 km2 are in Brazil. Due to the large size and low population density, it is considered to be the bestwell preserved Brazilian biome. Amazonian tropical forest soils are supposed to hold high microbial biodiversity, however the human impact has been extensive in the last decades, coupled with uncontrolled wood removal and the concomitant advancement of agricultural frontier (Fearnside, 2005). Under the current scenario it is notorious the importance of Amazonia to the Brazilian ecosystem and even worldwide. Precisely because of this the images of slash-and-burn of the forest produce a strong impact on the public opinion. More than 60 million hectares were deforested. Of this total an estimated 35 million hectares were replaced by pastures for beef production, one million hectares were occupied with perennial crops, three million hectares with annual crops, and more than 20 million hectares support secondary vegetation called “capoeira” or fallow (Fig. 1).
Apple polyphenol extracts prevent damage to human gastric epithelial cells in vitro and to rat gastric mucosa in vivo

Background: Fresh fruit and vegetables exert multiple biological effects on the gastrointestinal mucosa. Aim: To assess whether apple extracts counteract oxidative or indomethacin induced damage to gastric epithelial cells in vitro and to rat gastric mucosa in vivo. Methods: Apple extracts were obtained from freeze dried apple flesh of the “Annurca” variety. Cell damage was induced by incubating MKN 28 cells with xanthine-xanthine oxidase or indomethacin and quantitated by MTT. In vivo gastric damage was induced by indomethacin 35 mg/kg. Intracellular antioxidant activity was determined using the (2,2′-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazolin-6-sulfonate) method. Malondialdehyde intracellular concentration, an index of lipid peroxidation, was determined by high pressure liquid chromatography with fluorometric detection. Results: (1) Apple extracts decreased xanthine-xanthine oxidase or indomethacin induced injury to gastric epithelial cells by 50%; (2) catechin or chlorogenic acid (the main phenolic components of apple extracts) were equally effective as apple extracts in preventing oxidative injury to gastric cells; and (3) apple extracts (i) caused a fourfold increase in intracellular antioxidant activity, (ii) prevented its decrease induced by xanthine-xanthine oxidase, (iii) counteracted xanthine-xanthine oxidase induced lipid peroxidation, and (iv) decreased indomethacin injury to the rat gastric mucosa by 40%. Conclusions: Apple extracts prevent exogenous damage to human gastric epithelial cells in vitro and to the rat gastric mucosa in vivo. This effect seems to be associated with the antioxidant activity of apple phenolic compounds. A diet rich in apple antioxidants might exert a beneficial effect in the prevention of gastric diseases related to generation of reactive oxygen species.
Predicting and Tuning Physicochemical Properties in Lead Optimization: Amine Basicities

This review describes simple and useful concepts for predicting and tuning the pKa values of basic amine centers, a crucial step in the optimization of physical and ADME properties of many lead structures in drug‐discovery research. The article starts with a case study of tricyclic thrombin inhibitors featuring a tertiary amine center with pKa values that can be tuned over a wide range, from the usual value of around 10 to below 2 by (remote) neighboring functionalities commonly encountered in medicinal chemistry. Next, the changes in pKa of acyclic and cyclic amines upon substitution by fluorine, oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur functionalities, as well as carbonyl and carboxyl derivatives are systematically analyzed, leading to the derivation of simple rules for pKa prediction. Electronic and stereoelectronic effects in cyclic amines are discussed, and the emerging computational methods for pKa predictions are briefly surveyed. The rules for tuning amine basicities should not only be of interest in drug‐discovery research, but also to the development of new crop‐protection agents, new amine ligands for organometallic complexes, and in particular, to the growing field of amine‐based organocatalysis.