Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Formal Solutions and Factorization of Differential Operators with Power Series Coefficients

The topic of this paper is formal solutions of linear differential equations with formal power series coefficients. The method proposed for computing these solutions is based on factorization of differential operators. The notion of exponential parts is introduced to give a description of factorization properties and to characterize the formal solutions. The algorithms will be described and their implementation is available.
Deadlock resolution in distributed autonomous robotic system with hand-to-hand motion

This paper deals with an approach for resolving deadlock conditions in the case of carrying loads by distributed autonomous robotic system such as the cellular robotic system (CEBOT). Deadlock condition occurs when a large number of robots carry loads autonomously. Therefore, we propose to introduce cooperative hand-to-hand motion into the distributed autonomous robotic system to resolve the deadlock conditions using only partial local information. Through the simulation results, we show the effectiveness of hand-to-hand motion and consider influences of environmental characteristics.
Alloglossidium fonti sp. nov. (Digenea, Macroderoididae) from black bullheads in Minnesota with molecular differentiation from congeners and resurrection of Alloglossidium kenti

Alloglossidium fonti sp. nov. is described based on specimens from black bullheads (Ameiurus melas) collected from several localities in northwestern Minnesota. The new species is morphologically closest to A. corti and A. geminum. These two species were also found in the same region as A. fonti sp. nov. and sometimes in the same individual fish. Examination of numerous genetically marked specimens has demonstrated that the most reliable distinguishing feature among the three species is the position of anterior margin of the vitelline fields. In the new species they are situated at the level of anterior margin of ventral sucker while in A. corti it is at the level of intestinal bifurcation or even further anteriorly, and in A. geminum it is at the level of posterior margin of ventral sucker or further posteriorly. The new species has a relatively smaller cirrus sac than A. geminum. Despite rather minor, albeit stable morphological differences, the molecular data strongly supported the status of A. fonti sp. nov. as a new species. Moreover, molecular data and morphological examination of new material suggested that A. kenti, earlier synonymized with A. corti, is a valid species that is resurrected here. Comparison of 2420 base long sequences of nuclear rDNA (partial 18S, complete ITS region, and partial 28S) obtained from multiple specimens of all 4 species collected in Minnesota, North Dakota, Nebraska and Mississippi, showed essentially no intraspecific variability (except for 1 base difference in the ITS2 region of A. fonti sp. nov.), but has demonstrated pronounced interspecific differences. The new species was not found in the four examined catfish species from the Red River of the North (on the border between North Dakota and Minnesota) and neighbouring North Dakota.
Improving Temporal Trends in Survival and Neurological Outcomes After Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest

Background: Considerable effort has gone into improving outcomes from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). Studies suggest that survival is improving; however, prior studies had insufficient data to pursue the relationship between markers of guideline compliance and temporal trends. The objective of the study was to evaluate trends in OHCA survival over an 8-year period that included the implementation of the 2005 and 2010 international cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) guidelines. Methods and Results: This was a population-based cohort study of all consecutive treated OHCA patients of presumed cardiac cause between 2006 and 2013 in the City of Toronto, Canada, and surrounding regions. Temporal changes were measured by &khgr;2 trend test. The association between year of the OHCA and survival was evaluated using logistic regression and joinpoint analysis. A total of 23 619 patients with OHCA met study inclusion criteria. During the study period, survival to hospital discharge doubled (4.8% in 2006 to 9.4% in 2013; P<0.0001), and survival with good neurological outcome increased (6.2% in 2010 to 8.5% in 2013; P=0.005). Improvements occurred in the rates of bystander CPR and automated external defibrillator application, high-quality CPR metrics, and in-hospital targeted temperature management. After adjusting for the Utstein variables, survival to hospital discharge (odds ratio, 1.12; 95% confidence interval, 1.09–1.15) and survival with good neurological outcome (odds ratio, 1.13; 95% confidence interval, 1.05–1.22) increased with each year of study. Conclusions: Survival after OHCA has improved over time. This trend was associated with improved rates of bystander CPR, automated external defibrillator use, high-quality CPR metrics, and in-hospital targeted temperature management. The results suggest that multiple factors, each improving over time, may have contributed to the observed increase in survival.
RETRACTED: Detection of acute toxicity test of crude diesel oil on Beluga, Huso huso

In recent years, production of fossil fuel in Caspian sea has increased. The aim of the present study was to investigate acute effects of diesel oil as potential dangerous additives and to assess mortality effects of these petroleum products on valuable species of this large lake. Juveniles of Huso huso were exposed to the crude diesel oil (0, 10, 20, 40, 100, 500 and 1000 ppm). The median lethal concentration (LC50) was determined with probit analysis. The results showed 100% mortality after 48 h in 500 and 1000 ppm, after 72 h in 100 ppm and after 96 h in 40 ppm. LC50–96 h was 24.80 + 0.23 ppm. Our results confirmed sensitivity of Beluga to low diesel oil doses.
Prevalence of Neurological Soft Signs and Their Neuropsychological Correlates in Typically Developing Chinese Children and Chinese Children With ADHD

This study examined prevalence of soft signs in 214 typically developing Chinese children and investigated whether soft signs are associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in this population. Chinese children with ADHD (N = 54) scored significantly higher than age-matched controls on all three soft signs subscales and motor coordination correlated significantly with Stroop interference. Logistic regression supported the utility of the soft sign scales in discriminating children with ADHD and controls. Children with ADHD had a significant excess of soft signs, which may be a useful marker of developmental disruption in this clinical condition.
Remote Limb Ischaemic Postconditioning Protects Against Myocardial Ischaemia/Reperfusion Injury in Mice: Activation of JAK/STAT3-Mediated Nrf2-Antioxidant Signalling

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the protective effect and mechanisms of remote limb ischaemic postconditioning (RIPostC) against myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion (IR) injury. Methods: Male mice underwent 45 min of coronary artery occlusion followed by 2 h of reperfusion. RIPostC was achieved by three cycles of 5 min of ischaemia and 5 min of reperfusion in the left hind limb at the start of the reperfusion period. After 2 h of cardiac reperfusion, myocardial infarct size, cardiac enzyme release, apoptosis and oxidative stress were assessed. Protein expression and phosphorylation were measured by Western blotting. Results: RIPostC significantly decreased cardiac IR injury, as reflected by reduced infarct size and cellular apoptosis (22.9 ± 3.3% vs 40.9 ± 6.2% and 13.4% ± 3.1% vs 26.2% ± 3.1%, respectively, both P < 0.01) as well as plasma creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release (21.97 ± 4.08 vs 35.86 ± 2.91 ng/ml and 6.17 ± 0.58 vs 8.37 ± 0.89 U/ml, respectively, both P < 0.01) compared with the IR group. RIPostC significantly increased the phosphorylation of myocardial STAT3, Akt and eNOS (P < 0.01). In addition, RIPostC elevated the nuclear translocation of Nrf2 and the expression of HO-1 and reduced myocardial oxidative stress (P < 0.05). Interestingly, pretreatment with the JAK/STAT3 inhibitor AG490 blocked the cardioprotective effect of RIPostC accompanied by decreased phosphorylation of myocardial STAT3, Akt and eNOS (P < 0.05), decreased nuclear translocation of Nrf2 and expression of HO-1, as well as increased oxidative stress (P < 0.05). Conclusion: RIPostC attenuates apoptosis and protects against myocardial IR injury, possibly through the activation of JAK/STAT3-mediated Nrf2-antioxidant signalling.
Human Transplantation Antigens: Isolation and Radioimmunoassay 1

Summary Human transplanation antigens, HL-A1 and HL-A2, have been obtained from cells of a single hematopoietic line which has both antigens. HL-A1 has been obtained essentially free of HL-A2. Both have a molecular weight of about 48,000. They appear to be of protein nature and can be labeled with radioiodine. The radioactive antigens permit the use of sensitive radioimmunoassay methods for identifying and quantitating HL-A antigens.
CYP2A6 genetic polymorphisms and biomarkers of tobacco smoke constituents in relation to risk of lung cancer in the Singapore Chinese Health Study

Cytochrome P450 2A6 (CYP2A6) catalyzes the metabolism of nicotine and the tobacco-specific lung carcinogen, 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK). Genetic variation in CYP2A6 may affect smoking behavior and contribute to lung cancer risk. A nested case-control study of 197 lung cancer cases and 197 matched controls was conducted within a prospective cohort of 63 257 Chinese men and women in Singapore. Quantified were five genetic variants of CYP2A6 (*1A, *4, *7, *9 and *12) and urinary metabolites of nicotine [total nicotine, total cotinine, total trans-3'-hydroxycotinine (3HC)] and NNK (total NNAL, free NNAL, NNAL-glucuronide, NNAL-N-glucuronide, and NNAL-O-glucuronide). Higher urinary metabolites of nicotine and NNK were significantly associated with a 2- to 3-fold increased risk of lung cancer after adjustment for smoking intensity and duration. Lower CYP2A6-determined nicotine metabolizer status was significantly associated with a lower ratio of total 3HC over total cotinine, lower total nicotine equivalent and reduced risk of developing lung cancer (all Ptrend < 0.001). Compared with normal metabolizers, odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) of developing lung cancer for intermediate, slow and poor metabolizers determined by CYP2A6 genotypes were 0.85 (0.41-1.77), 0.55 (0.28-1.08) and 0.32 (0.15-0.70), respectively, after adjustment for smoking intensity and duration and urinary total nicotine equivalents. Thus the reduced risk of lung cancer in smokers with lower CYP2A6 activity may be explained by lower consumption of cigarettes, less intense smoking and reduced CYP2A6-catalyzed activation of the tobacco-specific lung carcinogen NNK.
3D-IC technology and reliability challenges

Three-dimensional (3D) ICs using TSVs are the most promising candidate for high performance and low power computing since they have lots of advantages such as short wiring length, small chip size, and small pin capacitances, as shown in Fig. 1 [1]. Until now, several kinds of 3D-ICs including image sensor chip, shared memory, and retinal prosthesis chip have been fabricated successfully.
Integrating chemical and biological criteria

We present a system to derive benchmarks for protection of aquatic organisms that, as chemical criteria, promotes regulation of contaminants and, as biological criteria, focuses on an endpoint that adequately represents species abundance. The proposed method utilizes quantile regression to quantify the decline in maximum number of organisms with increasing contaminant concentrations. This limiting function then is applied to project the contaminant concentration associated with a threshold number of organisms. The threshold value is defined according to the study's objective and level of desired protection. Here, we defined it as 0.8 × 90th quantile of the number of organisms in samples from reference sites. We use the proposed system to derive taxonspecific, field‐based effect concentrations (FECs) for copper and zinc in Ohio, USA, rivers and streams. Comparisons of results with respective chronic values suggest that only the draft criteria for copper are adequately protective. Projected zinc FECs were far lower than respective estimates of chronic values. The FECs likely are less sensitive to impacts of confounding factors because high numbers of organism in samples are observed when negative effects of other stressors are absent or minimal. We discuss other advantages, limitations, and potential applications of the proposed system.
Keyframing using linear interpolation of matrices

A fully specified camera has 11 degrees of freedom, and is written as a 4×4 matrix [Michener and Carlbom 1980]. Typically, interpolation is performed on each of the camera’s parameters (orientation, center of projection, etc.) However, this behaves poorly in some cases. For instance, if the user specifies keyframes that rotate and translate the camera simultaneously, the resulting interpolation often takes an unexpected roundabout path. (Figure 1, top). Because of this, the user will be forced to specify additional intermediate keyframes to constrain the interpolation to the desired path.
Bis(μ-methanolato-κ2 O:O)bis{[4-bromo-N′-(1-methyl-3-oxidobut-2-en-1-ylidene-κO)benzohydrazidato-κ2 N′,O]oxidovanadium(V)}

The dinuclear compound, [V2(C12H11BrN2O2)2(CH3O)2O2], lies on a center of inversion. The doubly-deprotonated Schiff base O,N,O′-chelates to the VV atom; two metal atoms are bridged by the methoxide units. The coordination geometry is a distorted octahedron. Weak intermolecular C—H⋯N hydrogen bonding is present in the crystal structure. The bromophenyl unit is disordered over two positions, with the major component being in a 0.909 (6) proportion.
Assessment of the relationship between fragmented QRS and cardiac iron overload in patients with beta-thalassemia major

Objective: Beta-thalassemia major (TM) is a genetic hemoglobin disorder causing chronic hemolytic anemia. Since cardiac insufficiency and arrhythmias are the primary causes of mortality in such patients, monitoring of cardiac iron load is important in management of the disorder. The purpose of this study was to investigate the importance of fragmented QRS (fQRS) and its relation to the cardiac T2* value for the evaluation of cardiac iron load in TM patients. Methods: This retrospective study included 103 TM patients. The patients’ T2* values, measured by cardiac MRI and 12-lead surface ECGs, were interpreted. The cardiac T2* values under 20 were considered as cardiac iron overload. The relationship between the cardiac T2* value and fQRS in ECG was investigated. Results: The median age of the patients was 22.6±6.6 years. All patients were on regular blood transfusions and iron chelators. The patients had no risk factors for coronary artery disease. In 50 (48%) patients fQRS was detected, and in 37 (74%) of these the T2* values were low. 86% of patients with cardiac involvement (37) had fQRS, but 22% of patients with non-involvement (13) had fQRS (p<0.001). Conclusion: Since cardiac involvement is the primary cause of mortality in TM patients, the early diagnosis of cardiac dysfunction is of vital importance. The search for fQRS in the ECGs of these patients, particularly when cardiac T2* values cannot be determined and followed, is a non-expensive and easy-to-attain method for therapy management.
The manuscript of the Leiden Riddle

In April 1970 I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to examine Leiden, Bibliotheek der Rijksuniversiteit, Vossius Lat. 4° 106, 25v, the page containing the text of the Leiden Riddle (see pl. I), under extremely strong early morning sunlight. Strong sunlight combines the advantage of ordinary light with, to a much lesser degree, the advantages of both infra-red and ultra-violet light whilst permitting a prolonged and close scrutiny of the manuscript. In sunlight some of the applications of reagent appear as opaque white, whereas in a photograph they appear as dark stains because the opaque white does not register adequately on the negative. In these conditions I was able to distinguish in the damaged parts of the text of the Leiden Riddle between traces of ink left upon the surface and stains left by the various reagents as well as other marks in the substance of the parchment itself. The following day I made an independent examination of the manuscript under ultra-violet light. Later by way of experiment a series of very hard prints was produced from photographs taken in ordinary light. Subsequently I compared the various readings and as a result of these examinations I offer a new transcription and notes on the more difficult passages.
Epidemiological analysis of Candida albicans strains by multilocus enzyme electrophoresis

Genotypic diversity in a collection of 98 isolates of Candida albicans was assessed by multilocus enzyme electrophoresis. Four of the 10 enzyme loci studied were polymorphic. The electrophoretic patterns observed were compatible with those expected for a diploid organism. The 98 isolates were assigned to 14 electrophoretic types, each of which was represented by from 1 to 21 isolates. Samples from various clinical sites of seven bone marrow transplant patients treated in the same unit within a 13-month period were obtained repeatedly. Three patients were found to be colonized with more than one strain. In one patient, flucytosine-resistant strains were isolated after systemic antifungal treatment was started. These isolates had electrophoretic types different from those of the strains that colonized the patient before treatment. There was no evidence that cross-infection between these patients occurred in the hospital. The population structure of C. albicans is discussed in regard to the multilocus genotype data.
Age‐related degeneration of the egg‐laying system promotes matricidal hatching in Caenorhabditis elegans

The identification and characterization of age‐related degenerative changes is a critical goal because it can elucidate mechanisms of aging biology and contribute to understanding interventions that promote longevity. Here, we document a novel, age‐related degenerative change in C. elegans hermaphrodites, an important model system for the genetic analysis of longevity. Matricidal hatching—intra‐uterine hatching of progeny that causes maternal death—displayed an age‐related increase in frequency and affected ~70% of mated, wild‐type hermaphrodites. The timing and incidence of matricidal hatching were largely independent of the levels of early and total progeny production and the duration of male exposure. Thus, matricidal hatching appears to reflect intrinsic age‐related degeneration of the egg‐laying system rather than use‐dependent damage accumulation. Consistent with this model, mutations that extend longevity by causing dietary restriction significantly delayed matricidal hatching, indicating age‐related degeneration of the egg‐laying system is controlled by nutrient availability. To identify the underlying tissue defect, we analyzed serotonin signaling that triggers vulval muscle contractions. Mated hermaphrodites displayed an age‐related decline in the ability to lay eggs in response to exogenous serotonin, indicating that vulval muscles and/or a further downstream function that is necessary for egg laying degenerate in an age‐related manner. By characterizing a new, age‐related degenerative event displayed by C. elegans hermaphrodites, these studies contribute to understanding a frequent cause of death in mated hermaphrodites and establish a model of age‐related reproductive complications that may be relevant to the birthing process in other animals such as humans.
A comparison of fixed-frequency soft-switching phase-shifted PWM converters

This paper compares three soft-switched fixed-frequency high-frequency transformer isolated DC-DC converters designed for the given specifications. Three configurations compared are (a) phase-shifted PWM full bridge converter, (b) hybrid phase-modulated converter (HPMC) with inductive output filter, and (c) HPMC with capacitive output filter. It is shown that HPMC with capacitive output filter is useful for high output voltage applications and has superior characteristics compared to other two configurations.
Calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase types II and IV differentially regulate CREB-dependent gene expression

Phosphorylation of CREB (cyclic AMP [cAMP]- response element [CRE]-binding protein) by cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) leads to the activation of many promoters containing CREs. In neurons and other cell types, CREB phosphorylation and activation of CRE-containing promoters can occur in response to elevated intracellular Ca2+. In cultured cells that normally lack this Ca2+ responsiveness, we confer Ca(2+)-mediated activation of a CRE-containing promoter by introducing an expression vector for Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase type IV (CaMKIV). Activation could also be mediated directly by a constitutively active form of CaMKIV which is Ca2+ independent. The CaMKIV-mediated gene induction requires the activity of CREB/ATF family members but is independent of PKA activity. In contrast, transient expression of either a constitutively active or wild-type Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase type II (CaMKII) fails to mediate the transactivation of the same CRE-containing reporter gene. Examination of the subcellular distribution of transiently expressed CaMKIV and CaMKII reveals that only CaMKIV enters the nucleus. Our results demonstrate that CaMKIV, which is expressed in neuronal, reproductive, and lymphoid tissues, may act as a mediator of Ca(2+)-dependent gene induction.
18F-FDG-PET/CT Imaging as an Early Survival Predictor in Patients with Primary High-Grade Soft Tissue Sarcomas Undergoing Neoadjuvant Therapy

Purpose: Neoadjuvant therapy is associated with considerable toxicity and limited survival benefits in patients with soft tissue sarcoma (STS). We prospectively evaluated whether 2[18F]fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose (18F-FDG)-PET/computed tomographic (CT) imaging after the initial cycle of neoadjuvant therapy could predict overall survival in these patients. Experimental Design: Thirty-nine patients underwent 18F-FDG-PET/CT before and after one cycle of neoadjuvant therapy. Fifty-six patients underwent end-of-treatment PET. Overall survival was, among others, correlated with changes of SUVpeak and histopathology. Results: One-, two-, and five-year survival rates were 95% ± 3.0%, 86% ± 4.6%, and 68% ± 6.6%, respectively. Median time to death was 30.9 months (mean, 27.7; range, 6.9–50.1). Optimal cutoff values for early and late decreases in SUVpeak (26% and 57%, respectively) were significant predictors of survival in univariate survival analysis [P = 0.041; HR, 0.27; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.08–0.95 and P = 0.045; HR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.10–0.98]. Seven of 15 early PET nonresponders but only four of 24 early PET responders died during follow-up (P = 0.068). The only other significant survival predictor was surgical margin positivity (P = 0.041; HR, 3.31; 95% CI, 1.05–10.42). By multivariable analysis, early metabolic response (P = 0.016) and positivity of surgical margins (P = 0.036) remained significant survival predictors. Conclusion: 18F-FDG-PET predicted survival after the initial cycle of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with STS and can potentially serve as an intermediate endpoint biomarker in clinical research and patient care. Clin Cancer Res; 18(7); 2024–31. ©2012 AACR.