Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Constrained fuzzy stabilization for mobile robots with laser-range-finder localization

In this paper, the fuzzy position and posture stabilization for the differentially-driven wheeled mobile robot (WMR) with laser range finder (LRF) localization is investigated. The position and posture of the WMR are sensing by the LRF with inertial measurement unit (IMU). The position and posture stabilization is based on the Takagi-Sugeno (T-S) fuzzy model of the mobile robot represented in polar kinematics. The position and posture stabilization of the T-S fuzzy model based control design follows the Lyapunov stabilization method. Moreover, the constraint on the LRF-based localization is considered in the control design. Finally, the position and posture stabilization experiments are carried out on a mobile robot with LRF-based localization to prove the effectiveness of proposed T-S fuzzy model based control strategy.
Decrease of Lipase and Esterase Activities in Intestinal Contents of Newborn Infants during Test Meals

Summary: Both lipase and esterase activities were present in intestinal contents of all newborns studied, from the Fist day of life. In adults given a test meal lipase activity increased and esterase activity remained unchanged. In contrast, both activities decreased markedly in infants on feeding. During the digestion of the test meal the lipase activity in intestinal contents of the infants was much lower than in adults (ratio of median values 1:27) and the esterase activity was also several fold lower (ratio of median values 1:4.3). Speculation: Newborn infants often absorb lipids less efficiently than adults. One contributing factor may be that their incompletely developed pancreas responds to feedings with comparatively low outputs of lipolytic enzymes. The newborn may be more dependent than adults on auxiliary sources of lipase activity such as the pharyngeal lipase and/or the bile salt-stimulated lipase in human milk.
The micro-processes during repatriate knowledge transfer: the repatriates' perspective

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to add a process perspective to the literature on repatriate knowledge transfer (RKT) and to understand how the knowledge transfer process unfolds in the repatriation context. Thus, this qualitative study uses existing knowledge transfer process models to assess their applicability to the context of repatriation and explain the micro-processes during RKT. Design/methodology/approach – To provide a rich understanding of these processes from the repatriate perspective, critical incidents reported by 29 German and US American repatriates were content-analyzed. Findings – The findings are summarized in a proposed RKT process model, which describes the roles and knowledge transfer-related activities of repatriates, recipients and supervisors as well as their interaction during four transfer phases: assessment, initiation, execution and evaluation. Research limitations/implications – The experiences of repatriates from different geographic areas as well as the perspectives.
Exploiting the high-frequency performance of low-voltage low-power SC filters

This paper investigates the design of low-voltage low-power switched-capacitor (SC) filters for high-frequency applications by using the clock-booster approach. In particular, our proposed SC filter architecture uses single-ended double-sampling integrator cells based on low-voltage operational transconductance amplifiers which take advantage of dynamic biasing and the clock-booster technique to drive the switch transistors. To validate its high-frequency capability, two low-pass elliptic SC filters respectively with a corner frequency of 6 and 8-MHz, were designed in a 0.35-/spl mu/m CMOS process. Both are suitable for telecom applications and can operate with a power supply as low as 1.5 V, while dissipating 11 mW. Measurements showed that for an output amplitude of 1 V/sub pp/, their total harmonic distortions were maintained well below -40 dB in their bandwidths. Comparisons with other SC filter implementations in the literature, which highlight the quality of our implementation are also provided.
Seasonality and clinical features of human metapneumovirus infection in children in Northern Alberta

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) causes respiratory tract infections in all age groups. The characteristics of pediatric hMPV infection in Northern Alberta have not been studied. The objectives of this study were to determine the seasonality of pediatric hMPV infections over a 13‐month period, the genetic relationship of hMPV isolates to hMPV detected in other parts of Canada, and the burden of illness and possible risk factors for pediatric hMPV hospitalization. Detection of hMPV by polymerase chain reaction was performed on nasopharyngeal specimens collected from outpatients and inpatients at the Stollery Children's Hospital in Edmonton, Alberta, November 12, 2002–December 31, 2003. Forty‐two of 1,079 specimens were positive for hMPV (3.9%) from 41 patients (14 outpatients and 27 inpatients), with a peak incidence during January–April, but isolates were detected 10 months of the year. Co‐infection was not detected in 39 specimens from which RSV had been detected. Two hMPV genetic clusters were detected, and the isolates were homologous to those of previous Canadian isolates. Four of the 14 outpatients had reactive airways disease. Possible risk factors in the 27 inpatients included prematurity (n = 8), congenital heart disease (n = 6), gastroesophageal reflux disease or aspiration (n = 6), global developmental delay (n = 5), and multiple congenital anomalies (n = 4). Risk factors for hospitalization appear to be similar to risk factors for respiratory syncytial virus hospitalization. J. Med. Virol. 76:98–105, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of citicoline on functional and cognitive status among patients with traumatic brain injury: Citicoline Brain Injury Treatment Trial (COBRIT).

CONTEXT Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious public health problem in the United States, yet no treatment is currently available to improve outcome after TBI. Approved for use in TBI in 59 countries, citicoline is an endogenous substance offering potential neuroprotective properties as well as facilitated neurorepair post injury. OBJECTIVE To determine the ability of citicoline to positively affect functional and cognitive status in persons with complicated mild, moderate, and severe TBI. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS The Citicoline Brain Injury Treatment Trial (COBRIT), a phase 3, double-blind randomized clinical trial conducted between July 20, 2007, and February 4, 2011, among 1213 patients at 8 US level 1 trauma centers to investigate effects of citicoline vs placebo in patients with TBI classified as complicated mild, moderate, or severe. INTERVENTION Ninety-day regimen of daily enteral or oral citicoline (2000 mg) or placebo. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Functional and cognitive status, assessed at 90 days using the TBI-Clinical Trials Network Core Battery. A global statistical test was used to analyze the 9 scales of the core battery. Secondary outcomes were functional and cognitive improvement, assessed at 30, 90, and 180 days, and examination of the long-term maintenance of treatment effects. RESULTS Rates of favorable improvement for the Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended were 35.4% in the citicoline group and 35.6% in the placebo group. For all other scales the rate of improvement ranged from 37.3% to 86.5% in the citicoline group and from 42.7% to 84.0% in the placebo group. The citicoline and placebo groups did not differ significantly at the 90-day evaluation (global odds ratio [OR], 0.98 [95% CI, 0.83-1.15]); in addition, there was no significant treatment effect in the 2 severity subgroups (global OR, 1.14 [95% CI, 0.88-1.49] and 0.89 [95% CI, 0.72-1.49] for moderate/severe and complicated mild TBI, respectively). At the 180-day evaluation, the citicoline and placebo groups did not differ significantly with respect to the primary outcome (global OR, 0.87 [95% CI, 0.72-1.04]). CONCLUSION Among patients with traumatic brain injury, the use of citicoline compared with placebo for 90 days did not result in improvement in functional and cognitive status. TRIAL REGISTRATION clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00545662.
Posterior uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for anatomical lung resections.

Background The acceptance of uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (uVATS) for anatomical lung resections has been growing in recent years. This study presents the first case-series in the literature with posterior uVATS (puVATS) technique for specific anatomical lung resections. Methods The first 20 consecutive patients who underwent an anatomical lung resection by a single surgeon, by means of puVATS technique were evaluated in terms of pre-, peri- and post-operative results. A single incision of 3.5-4.5 cm was made posteriorly in the 6th intercostal space at the so-called 'triangle of auscultation' to perform a resection of either a posterior segment of an upper lobe or a superior segment of a lower lobe for both lungs. Results There were 5 posterior segmentectomies and 3 apical segmentectomies of the right upper lobe and 6 apical segmentectomies of the left lower lobe. Moreover, there were 6 lobectomies, all except for one as an extension of initially planned "posterior" segmentectomy. There were no intraoperative complications. Median tumor size (IQR) was 1.65 cm (1.1-2.57 cm), while median incision size (IQR) was 3.5 cm (3.5-3.87 cm). Median operative time (IQR) was 160 minutes (142-178 minutes). Median number of removed lymph nodes (IQR) was 19 [15-20]. Four patients had postoperative complications: three had bronchitis and one developed heart failure, all of which resolved before patients were discharged. Median length of hospital stay (IQR) was 6 days (5-8 days). Conclusions puVATS approach for posterior lung segment resections, even for lobectomy if needed, seems to be feasible and safe. Exposure of the bronchovascular structures of the 'posterior segments' is better, and local and mediastinal lymphadenectomy seem to be easier with access directly in front of the incision and the lung, rather than behind it.
Glucocorticoids Reprogram β-Cell Signaling to Preserve Insulin Secretion

Excessive glucocorticoid exposure has been shown to be deleterious for pancreatic β-cell function and insulin release. However, glucocorticoids at physiological levels are essential for many homeostatic processes, including glycemic control. We show that corticosterone and cortisol and their less active precursors 11-dehydrocorticosterone (11-DHC) and cortisone suppress voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel function and Ca2+ fluxes in rodent as well as in human β-cells. However, insulin secretion, maximal ATP/ADP responses to glucose, and β-cell identity were all unaffected. Further examination revealed the upregulation of parallel amplifying cAMP signals and an increase in the number of membrane-docked insulin secretory granules. Effects of 11-DHC could be prevented by lipotoxicity and were associated with paracrine regulation of glucocorticoid activity because global deletion of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 normalized Ca2+ and cAMP responses. Thus, we have identified an enzymatically amplified feedback loop whereby glucocorticoids boost cAMP to maintain insulin secretion in the face of perturbed ionic signals. Failure of this protective mechanism may contribute to diabetes in states of glucocorticoid excess, such as Cushing syndrome, which are associated with frank dyslipidemia.
Non‐invasive estimation of the circadian rhythm in serum cortisol in patients with ovarian or colorectal cancer

The variability in toxicity or efficacy of cancer chronotherapy among patients may be due to differences in circadian rhythm. Adequate assessment of circadian rhythm often requires repeated blood sampling over at least a 24‐hr period; this cannot be a routine procedure. We attempted to assess the reliability of a 2‐timepoint estimate of the 24‐hr rhythm of serum cortisol in 19 healthy subjects, 19 women with ovarian cancer and 18 patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. The difference between daily maximum and minimum values (MAX–MIN) was compared with that observed between values at 08.00 and at 16.00 (H8–H16). As significant correlations were found between both variables in all groups, we conclude that the magnitude of circadian changes in serum cortisol may be estimated from blood samples collected at 08.00 and at 16.00. The clinical relevance and the prognostic value of this method of assessment are currently under evaluation in a larger‐scale clinical trial. Int. J. Cancer 78:421–424, 1998. © 1998 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An Integrated “Multi-Omics” Comparison of Embryo and Endosperm Tissue-Specific Features and Their Impact on Rice Seed Quality

Although rice is a key crop species, few studies have addressed both rice seed physiological and nutritional quality, especially at the tissue level. In this study, an exhaustive “multi-omics” dataset on the mature rice seed was obtained by combining transcriptomics, label-free shotgun proteomics and metabolomics from embryo and endosperm, independently. These high-throughput analyses provide a new insight on the tissue-specificity related to rice seed quality. Foremost, we pinpointed that extensive post-transcriptional regulations occur at the end of rice seed development such that the embryo proteome becomes much more diversified than the endosperm proteome. Secondly, we observed that survival in the dry state in each seed compartment depends on contrasted metabolic and enzymatic apparatus in the embryo and the endosperm, respectively. Thirdly, it was remarkable to identify two different sets of starch biosynthesis enzymes as well as seed storage proteins (glutelins) in both embryo and endosperm consistently with the supernumerary embryo hypothesis origin of the endosperm. The presence of a putative new glutelin with a possible embryonic favored abundance is described here for the first time. Finally, we quantified the rate of mRNA translation into proteins. Consistently, the embryonic panel of protein translation initiation factors is much more diverse than that of the endosperm. This work emphasizes the value of tissue-specificity-centered “multi-omics” study in the seed to highlight new features even from well-characterized pathways. It paves the way for future studies of critical genetic determinants of rice seed physiological and nutritional quality.
Stable transfer and restricted expression of a cloned class I gene encoding a secreted transplantation-like antigen

The identification of a unique major histocompatibility complex class I gene, designated Q10, which encodes a secreted rather than a cell surface antigen has led to questions regarding its potential role in regulating immunological functions. Since the Q10 gene is specifically activated only in the liver, we sought to define the molecular mechanisms which control its expression in a tissue-specific fashion. Results obtained by transfection of the cloned Q10 gene, either in the absence or presence of a heterologous transcriptional enhancer, into a variety of cell types of different tissue derivations are consistent with the Q10 gene being regulated at two levels. The first is by a cis-dependent mechanism which appears to involve site-specific DNA methylation. The second is by a trans-acting mechanism which would include the possibility of an enhancer binding factor. The ability to efficiently express the Q10 gene in certain transfected cell lines offers an opportunity to obtain this secreted class I antigen in quantities sufficient for functional studies; this should also make it possible to define regulatory sequences which may be responsible for the tissue-specific expression of Q10.
Results of a Multimodal Treatment Program for Patients With Chronic Symptoms After a Whiplash Injury of the Neck

Study Design. A descriptive case series pre- and posttreatment design, including a 6-month follow-up. Objectives. The objective of this study was to document the improvements of patients with chronic symptoms after a “whiplash” injury of the neck, who attended a 4-week multimodal treatment program at the Rug AdviesCentra Nederland. Summary of Background Data. To the authors’ knowledge, no studies have been conducted on the effectiveness of multidisciplinary treatment of chronic symptoms after whiplash injury. Methods. Twenty-six patients who experienced Quebec type 1 or 2 lesions of the neck (whiplash) with persisting symptoms of longer than 6 months’ duration participated in the study. The measures included were pain intensity (according to the visual analog scale), number of painful sites (determined by pain drawing), self-reported disability Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale; and symptoms of somatic and psychological distress and cognitive symptoms (according to selected Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 scales). Furthermore, objective outcome criteria were used regarding return to work, medication, and medical and paramedical treatment. Statistical and clinical significance of treatment results were both assessed. Results. The patients’ symptoms improved significantly on nearly all self-report measures. Their scores for objective outcome criteria reported during the 6-month follow-up evaluation were: complete return to work (65%); complete or partial return to work (92%); no use of analgesics in the past 6 months (58%); and no medical or paramedical treatments in the past 6 months (81%). Conclusion. These early results indicate that a multimodal treatment program has the potential to be an effective treatment for patients with chronic symptoms after a whiplash injury of the neck—a group of patients who have in the past been considered intractable or, at the very least, puzzling.
Rethinking Balinese Dance

How should we set about understanding dance in Bali and its relevance to the study of Indonesia and the Malay world? Is it one of the great contributions to Malay civilisation to be appreciated and studied alongside classical Indian and Japanese performance? Or, is it inextricable from religion and best considered as ritual? As a spectacle watched by hundreds of thousands of tourists a year, is it instead a culture industry? Or is it all these woven together to produce a hybrid mass pilgrimage? And what can the critical study of Balinese dance contribute to a broader understanding of cross-cultural performance?
Design investigation of a compact broadband reflection-type PIN phase shifter

This paper presents the design strategies and performances of a broadband reflection-type phase shifter, implemented with the termination circuits composed of lumped capacitors and the junction capacitor of PIN Diodes. A wideband slot-coupled hybrid coupler is designed and used for the realization of the phase shifter, with which the phase shift of the phase shifter is nearly frequency-insensitive in a wide frequency band, saying, the phase shift almost has no change in the whole band of our interest. Analytical formulas of phase shift for the proposed phase shifter are derived, from which the capacitances of junction capacitor of the PIN diode and the lumped capacitor can be found. Two phase shifters of 90° and 45° are designed. Simulation results from commercial software Advanced Design System (ADS) indicate wide bandwidth, low insertion loss and high return loss in all states, demonstrating the validity of the proposed design strategies.
Periodically Poled MgO-doped Stoichiometric LiNbO$_{3}$ Wavelength Converter With Ridge-Type Annealed Proton-Exchanged Waveguide

We have designed, developed, and demonstrated a wavelength converter based on a ridge-type annealed proton-exchanged waveguide on periodically poled MgO-doped stoichiometric LiNbO3 for the optical communication systems. By optimizing the fabrication conditions of an annealed proton-exchanged ridge waveguide, the conversion efficiency of -1.7 dB is demonstrated for the C-L band conversion in cascaded difference frequency generation wavelength conversion experiments.
Hematologic reference values of Vinaceous-breasted Amazon (Amazona vinacea)

Os valores de intervalos de referencia para parâmetros hematologicos aviarios sao ferramentas uteis para avaliacao da homeostase corporal e diagnostico de doencas. No entanto, sao escassos os relatos de intervalos de referencia especie-especifico, o que aumenta a probabilidade de um erro na interpretacao de dados laboratoriais. Dessa forma, o presente estudo relata valores hematologicos de referencia especificos para papagaio-de-peito-roxo ( Amazona vinacea ). Esses valores foram obtidos e calculados durante um projeto de reintroducao como importante e adequada forma para avaliar o estado de saude de candidatos a soltura. Os analiticos observados foram: eritrograma (eritrocitos, hemoglobina, hematocrito, volume celular, concentracao de hemoglobina corpuscular e hemoglobina corpuscular media), distribuicao das celulas vermelhas (RDW), leucograma (basofilos, eosinofilis mielocitos, metamielocitos, heterofilos, linfocitos e monocitos), trombocitos e proteina plasmatica total. Este estudo traz, pela primeira vez, resultados referentes a RDW e a contagem de trombocitos para a especie, alem de fornecer um tamanho amostral maior que estudos anteriores. Os intervalos, demonstrados neste estudo, relatam valores diferentes dos considerados normais para outras especies de papagaios e, consequentemente, vem contribuindo para embasar a conservacao dessa especie ameacada de extincao, de grande valor biologico.
Event callback IoT Cloud IoT Hub Beacon Control Simple Control Deploy IoT

Internet of Things (IoT) platforms often require users to grant permissions to third-party apps, such as the ability to control a lock. Unfortunately, because few users act based upon, or even comprehend, permission screens, malicious or careless apps can become overprivileged by requesting unneeded permissions. To meet the IoT’s unique security demands, such as cross-device, context-based, and automatic operations, we present a new design that supports user-centric, semantic-based “smart” authorization. Our technique, called SmartAuth, automatically collects security-relevant information from an IoT app’s description, code and annotations, and generates an authorization user interface to bridge the gap between the functionalities explained to the user and the operations the app actually performs. Through the interface, security policies can be generated and enforced by enhancing existing platforms. To address the unique challenges in IoT app authorization, where states of multiple devices are used to determine the operations that can happen on other devices, we devise new technologies that link a device’s context (e.g., a humidity sensor in a bath room) to an activity’s semantics (e.g., taking a bath) using natural language processing and program analysis. We evaluate SmartAuth through user studies, finding participants who use SmartAuth are significantly more likely to avoid overprivileged apps.