Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
New Switching and Nonswitching Type Reaching Laws for SMC of Discrete Time Systems

In this brief a new switching type reaching law for sliding mode control of discrete time systems is proposed. The proposed reaching law is a refined version of an earlier approach (introduced in the seminal work of Gao et al.) which enforces constant plus proportional decrease rate of change of the sliding variable. In our method, the proportional term is modified, so that the rate is always bounded and decreases slower for smaller values of the sliding variable than in the original approach. The refined reaching law proposed in this brief, on the one hand, ensures faster convergence and better robustness of the controlled plant than the earlier approach, and on the other hand, it helps satisfy constraints of important signals in the system. Furthermore, in the latter part of this brief a new nonswitching type reaching law is introduced, and it is demonstrated that it results in further improvement of the system robustness without increasing the magnitude of the critical signals in the system.
Provincial Power and Provincial Economic Resources in the PRC

This article attempts to produce a concept of provincial power based on provincial representation in the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). It uses data from seven central committees (from the ninth elected in 1969 to the fifteenth in 1997) and constructs an index of provincial power (CCindex). It also explains the variations in provincial power by provincial economic resources. The study shows that Chinese provinces can be classified into two groups: ordinary and elite provinces. Elite provinces are those which have representations in the Politburo, and include large provinces such as Sichuan, Guangdong, and Shandong. The municipalities under central control (Shanghai, Beijing, and Tianjin) all belong to this group. The study also demonstrates that provincial populations and economic resources are determinants of provincial power. Finally, the study indicates the political decline of provincial power during the era of economic reforms, which strongly opposes the convention that provinces are gaining power.
A new class of histone H2A mutations in Saccharomyces cerevisiae causes specific transcriptional defects in vivo

Nucleosomes have been shown to repress transcription both in vitro and in vivo. However, the mechanisms by which this repression is overcome are only beginning to be understood. Recent evidence suggests that in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, many transcriptional activators require the SNF/SWI complex to overcome chromatin-mediated repression. We have identified a new class of mutations in the histone H2A-encoding gene HTA1 that causes transcriptional defects at the SNF/SWI-dependent gene SUC2. Some of the mutations are semidominant, and most of the predicted amino acid changes are in or near the N- and C-terminal regions of histone H2A. A deletion that removes the N-terminal tail of histone H2A also caused a decrease in SUC2 transcription. Strains carrying these histone mutations also exhibited defects in activation by LexA-GAL4, a SNF/SWI-dependent activator. However, these H2A mutants are phenotypically distinct from snf/swi mutants. First, not all SNF/SWI-dependent genes showed transcriptional defects in these histone mutants. Second, a suppressor of snf/swi mutations, spt6, did not suppress these histone mutations. Finally, unlike in snf/swi mutants, chromatin structure at the SUC2 promoter in these H2A mutants was in an active conformation. Thus, these H2A mutations seem to interfere with a transcription activation function downstream or independent of the SNF/SWI activity. Therefore, they may identify an additional step that is required to overcome repression by chromatin.
Isolation and characterization of GBP28, a novel gelatin-binding protein purified from human plasma.

By use of its affinity to gelatin-Cellulofine, a novel protein, GBP28 (gelatin-binding protein of 28 kDa), was obtained from human plasma. GBP28 bound to gelatin-Cellulofine could be eluted with 1 M NaCl. By analysis of its amino-terminal amino acid sequences and the peptides obtained by protease digestion, GBP28 was identified as a novel protein. After repeated gel chromatography of the 1 M NaCl eluate from gelatin-Cellulofine, about 50 micrograms of GBP28 was purified from 500 ml of human plasma. On gel chromatography, the protein migrated as a molecule of about 420 kDa. On SDS-PAGE, its molecular mass was 28 kDa under reducing conditions and 68 kDa under nonreducing conditions. Recently, human mRNA specific to adipose tissue, cDNA clone apM1, has been registered [Maeda, K. , Okubo, K. , Shimomura, I. , Funahashi, T. , Matsuzawa, Y. , and Matsubara, K. (1996) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 221, 286-289]. The assumed amino acid sequence of cDNA clone apM1 contained all the sequences of GBP28 and its peptides. Therefore, it is evident that the cDNA clone apM1 encodes GBP28 and the protein is specific to adipose tissue. The clone encodes a polypeptide of 244 amino acids with a secretory signal sequence at the amino terminus, a small non-helical region, a stretch of 22 collagen repeats and a globular domain. Thus, GBP28 appears to belong to a family of proteins possessing a collagen-like domain through which they form homo-trimers, which further combine to make oligomeric complexes. Although its biological function is presently unclear, its adipocyte-specific expression suggests that GBP28 may function as an endogenous factor involved in lipid catabolism and storage or whole body metabolism.
A Calcium- and Calmodulin-Dependent Kinase Iα/Microtubule Affinity Regulating Kinase 2 Signaling Cascade Mediates Calcium-Dependent Neurite Outgrowth

Calcium is a critical regulator of neuronal differentiation and neurite outgrowth during development, as well as synaptic plasticity in adulthood. Calcium- and calmodulin-dependent kinase I (CaMKI) can regulate neurite outgrowth; however, the signal transduction cascades that lead to its physiological effects have not yet been elucidated. CaMKIα was therefore used as bait in a yeast two-hybrid assay and microtubule affinity regulating kinase 2 (MARK2)/Par-1b was identified as an interacting partner of CaMKI in three independent screens. The interaction between CaMKI and MARK2 was confirmed in vitro and in vivo by coimmunoprecipitation. CaMKI binds MARK2 within its kinase domain, but only if it is activated by calcium and calmodulin. Expression of CaMKI and MARK2 in Neuro-2A (N2a) cells and in primary hippocampal neurons promotes neurite outgrowth, an effect dependent on the catalytic activities of these enzymes. In addition, decreasing MARK2 activity blocks the ability of the calcium ionophore ionomycin to promote neurite outgrowth. Finally, CaMKI phosphorylates MARK2 on novel sites within its kinase domain. Mutation of these phosphorylation sites decreases both MARK2 kinase activity and its ability to promote neurite outgrowth. Interaction of MARK2 with CaMKI results in a novel, calcium-dependent pathway that plays an important role in neuronal differentiation.
Whole-Genome Sequence of Multidrug-Resistant Campylobacter coli Strain COL B1-266, Isolated from the Colombian Poultry Chain

ABSTRACT Campylobacter coli is considered one of the main causes of food-borne illness worldwide. We report here the whole-genome sequence of multidrug-resistant Campylobacter coli strain COL B1-266, isolated from the Colombian poultry chain. The genome sequences encode genes for a variety of antimicrobial resistance genes, including aminoglycosides, β-lactams, lincosamides, fluoroquinolones, and tetracyclines.
Primary somatosensory cortex discriminates affective significance in social touch

Another person’s caress is one of the most powerful of all emotional social signals. How much the primary somatosensory cortices (SIs) participate in processing the pleasantness of such social touch remains unclear. Although ample empirical evidence supports the role of the insula in affective processing of touch, here we argue that SI might be more involved in affective processing than previously thought by showing that the response in SI to a sensual caress is modified by the perceived sex of the caresser. In a functional MRI study, we manipulated the perceived affective quality of a caress independently of the sensory properties at the skin: heterosexual males believed they were sensually caressed by either a man or woman, although the caress was in fact invariantly delivered by a female blind to condition type. Independent analyses showed that SI encoded, and was modulated by, the visual sex of the caress, and that this effect is unlikely to originate from the insula. This suggests that current models may underestimate the role played by SI in the affective processing of social touch.
Glucosinolate and Amino Acid Biosynthesis in Arabidopsis1

Enzymes that catalyze the condensation of acetyl coenzyme A and 2-oxo acids are likely to be important in two distinct metabolic pathways in Arabidopsis. These are the synthesis of isopropylmalate, an intermediate of Leu biosynthesis in primary metabolism, and the synthesis of methylthioalkylmalates, intermediates of Met elongation in the synthesis of aliphatic glucosinolates (GSLs), in secondary metabolism. Four Arabidopsis genes in the ecotype Columbia potentially encode proteins that could catalyze these reactions. MAM1 and MAML are adjacent genes on chromosome 5 at the Gsl-elong locus, while MAML-3 and MAML-4 are at opposite ends of chr 1. The isopropylmalate synthase activity of each member of the MAM-like gene family was investigated by heterologous expression in an isopropylmalate synthase-null Escherichia coli mutant. Only the expression of MAML-3 restored the ability of the mutant to grow in the absence of Leu. A MAML knockout line (KO) lacked long-chain aliphatic GSLs, which were restored when the KO was transformed with a functional MAML gene. Variation in expression of MAML did not alter the total levels of Met-derived GSLs, but just the ratio of chain lengths. MAML overexpression in Columbia led to an increase in long-chain GSLs, and an increase in 3C GSLs. Moreover, plants overexpressing MAML contained at least two novel amino acids. One of these was positively identified via MS/MS as homo-Leu, while the other, with identical mass and fragmentation patterns, was likely to be homo-Ile. A MAML-4 KO did not exhibit any changes in GSL profile, but had perturbed soluble amino acid content.
Cell surface receptor-antibody association constants and enumeration of receptor sites for monoclonal antibodies.

BACKGROUND Fluorescent markers (labeled antibodies) and flow cytometry are used to enumerate the average number of receptors (antigens) on formed bodies (cells) in whole blood by using a new method that avoids the extra steps of separating bound from unbound fluorescent markers or the use of external standards. METHODS Mean channel fluorescence intensities of equilibrated marker-cell suspension mixtures, total concentrations of marker, and targeted cell counts obtained by standard cytometry procedures are used to complete the analyses for receptors per cell. Also, flow cytometric assays using competitive binding between fluorescent marker (CD4-RD1, CD8-FITC, CD3-FITC, CD3-RD1) and unlabeled antibody (CD4, CD8, CD3, CD3-dextran) for receptors on white blood cells in whole blood are described for determination of relative and specific binding constants of unlabeled/labeled antibody for targeted receptors. RESULTS Ranges that were obtained for receptors per cell (lymphocytes) in normal blood donors were as follows: CD4, 4.9 x 10(4)-1.5 x 10(5); CD8, 5.0 x 10(5)-2.1 x 10(6); CD3, 6.6-7.8 x 10(5). Binding constants were highest for unlabeled CD4 antibody, 2. 7 x 10(10)-2.1 x 10(12) M(-1), and then unlabeled CD3 antibody, 1.1 x 10(10)-1.9 x 10(11) M(-1). FITC- and RD1-labeled antibodies typically had binding constants that were 10-to 100-fold lower than the native antibodies. CONCLUSIONS Values of receptors per cell and binding constants obtained by the new method from flow cytometric analyses of mixtures of whole blood with FITC- or RD1-labeled CD4, CD8, and CD3 antibodies compare well with literature values determined by other methods.
Patient-Derived Xenograft Models of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer for Preclinical Studies

Purpose Patient-derived tumor xenografts (PDXs) can provide more reliable information about tumor biology than cell line models. We developed PDXs for epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) that have histopathologic and genetic similarities to the primary patient tissues and evaluated their potential for use as a platform for translational EOC research. Materials and Methods We successfully established PDXs by subrenal capsule implantation of primary EOC tissues into female BALB/C-nude mice. The rate of successful PDX engraftment was 48.8% (22/45 cases). Hematoxylin and eosin staining and short tandem repeat analysis showed histopathological and genetic similarity between the PDX and primary patient tissues. Results Patients whose tumors were successfully engrafted in mice had significantly inferior overall survival when compared with those whose tumors failed to engraft (p=0.040). In preclinical tests of this model, we found that paclitaxel-carboplatin combination chemotherapy significantly deceased tumor weight in PDXs compared with the control treatment (p=0.013). Moreover, erlotinib treatment significantly decreased tumor weight in epidermal growth factor receptor–overexpressing PDX with clear cell histology (p=0.023). Conclusion PDXs for EOC with histopathological and genetic stability can be efficiently developed by subrenal capsule implantation and have the potential to provide a promising platform for future translational research and precision medicine for EOC.
Investigating the impact of plug-in electric vehicle charging on power distribution systems with the integrated modeling and simulation of transportation network

Nowadays, electrification is one of the most popular developing trends for traditional transportation system. To accomplish the electrification, some critical infrastructures (e.g., power grids and transportation networks) need to be reliable. In recent years, lots of efforts have been put to investigate the robustness of these services. But many of them only consider the services independently while they actually interact with each other in many aspects. The overall object of this paper is to investigate one of these interactions, the impact of transportation activities of PEVs on the power distribution system, especially regarding the stability and efficiency. The transportation network and the power distribution system are obtained from a large-scale penetration of plug-in electric vehicles in the metropolitan area. This paper proposes a comprehensive co-modeling and simulation platform for investigating the impact of PEV charging in the real world.
Molecular dynamics simulations of a double unit cell in a protein crystal: Volume relaxation at constant pressure and correlation of motions between the two unit cells

Eight molecular dynamics simulations of a double crystal unit cell of ubiquitin were performed to investigate the effects of simulating at constant pressure and of simulating two unit cells compared to a single unit cell. To examine the influence of different simulation conditions, the constant‐pressure and constant‐volume simulations were each performed with and without counterions and using two different treatments of the long‐range electrostatic interactions (lattice‐sum and reaction‐field methods). The constant‐pressure simulations were analyzed in terms of unit cell deformation and accompanying protein deformations. Energetic and structural properties of the proteins in the simulations of the double unit cell were compared to the results of previously reported one‐unit‐cell simulations. Correlation between the two unit cells was also investigated based on relative translational and rotational movements of the proteins and on dipole fluctuations. The box in the constant‐pressure simulations is found to deform slowly to reach convergence only after 5–10 ns. This deformation does not result from a distortion in the structure of the proteins but rather from changes in protein packing within the unit cell. The results of the double‐unit‐cell simulations are closely similar to the results of the single‐unit‐cell simulations, and little motional correlation is found between the two unit cells. Proteins 2002;48:327–340. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Including Children with Disabilities in Mainstream Education: An Exploration of the Challenges and Considerations for Parents and Primary School Teachers

Recent decades have seen children’s rights and the rights of persons with disabilities come to the fore. Current policy emphasis on inclusive education means that more children with disabilities and special educational needs are being placed in mainstream education instead of special schools, as was traditionally the case. The aim of this study was to explore the area of inclusion in education, from the perspective of primary school teachers and parents of children with intellectual disabilities. A key objective was to determine if the reality of including children with disabilities in mainstream settings corresponded with the policy on inclusion. A phenomenological approach was taken for the purpose of this study, as the researcher wanted to gain personal insight into the lived experiences of participants. Focus group and individual interviews were carried out by the researcher with a sample of primary school teachers and parents of children with intellectual disabilities currently attending mainstream school. Teachers’ perspectives and experiences provided realistic insight into the process of achieving and implementing inclusive education in regular school settings, while experiences of parents of children with disabilities offered valuable insight into the reality of the education system from the point of view of accessing adequate supports for children. Findings showed that while inclusive education is beneficial for children with and without disabilities, particularly in terms of social development, oftentimes opportunity for genuine inclusion of children with intellectual disabilities is compromised by challenges and barriers that exist within the education system.
A novel amperometric biosensor based on ZnO nanoparticles-modified carbon paste electrode for determination of glucose in human serum

Abstract Zinc oxide nanoparticles-(ZnONPs)modified carbon paste enzyme electrodes (ZnONPsMCPE) were developed for determination of glucose. The determination of glucose was carried out by oxidation of H2O2 at +0.4 V. ZnONPsMCPE provided biocompatible microenvironment for GOx and necessary pathway of electron transfer between GOx and electrode. The response of GOx/ZnONPsMCPE was proportional to glucose concentration and detection limit was 9.1 × 10–3 mM. Km and Imax, were calculated as 0.124 mM and 2.033 μA. The developed biosensor exhibits high analytical performance with wide linear range (9.1 × 10–3–14.5 mM), selectivity and reproducibility. Serum glucose results allow us to ascertain practical utility of GOx/ZnONPsMCPE biosensor.
Racial disparities in receipt and comparative effectiveness of oxaliplatin for stage III colon cancer in older adults

African Americans in the United States have higher rates of colon cancer mortality than other races. This study examines the use of oxaliplatin, a novel chemotherapeutic agent approved in 2004, among African American and Caucasian American patients with stage III colon cancer to determine whether differential receipt or differential effectiveness of the drug may explain the racial disparity in colon cancer mortality.
Sources of contraceptive methods.

A comparative analysis of Demographic and Health Survey data from 26 developing countries examines sources of contraceptive methods. Two limitations of the data are the difficulty in categorizing certain facilities as public or private sector and the failure to record the original source of supply methods that other sources may have redistributed. Nevertheless the data that were collected are reliable concerning contraceptive sources. In about 50% of the countries the public sector is the major supplier of family planning methods. In Sub-Saharan Africa except for Ghana Liberia Senegal and northern Sudan the government provides most modern contraceptive methods (51.3-91.5%). The private sector provides most family planning methods in Latin America (45-78.2%) except Mexico. Physicians and private nongovernmental organizations (e.g. IPPF-affiliates) are the leading suppliers of modern contraception in Bolivia Colombia Ecuador and Guatemala. In 14 countries the major supplier of oral contraceptives is the private sector especially pharmacies. The government is the leading source of the IUD in Sub-Saharan Africa North Africa (except Egypt) and Asia. Public providers perform most female sterilizations in all the countries except Colombia Dominican Republic and Guatemala. The private sector is more likely to be the major supplier of contraceptive methods in urban areas than in rural areas. As parity and age increase women in most countries are more apt to seek contraceptive methods from stationary government facilities. On the other hand as womens educational level increases private sources become more important. Generally in countries with a strong population policy to reduce fertility the government is the major provider of family planning services.
Vinorelbine and low‐dose cyclophosphamide in the treatment of pediatric sarcomas

Following their previous report on the activity of vinorelbine in the treatment of rhabdomyosarcoma, the authors report the results of a pilot study aimed at defining the optimal dose of vinorelbine when this agent is used in conjunction with continuous, orally administered low‐dose cyclophosphamide to treat patients with refractory or recurrent sarcoma. It is hoped that the combination of vinorelbine and low‐dose cyclophosphamide can be used as a maintenance regimen in an upcoming European trial involving high‐risk patients with rhabdomyosarcoma.
Oral human papillomavirus (HPV) prevalence in youth and cervical HPV prevalence in women attending a youth clinic in Sweden, a follow up-study 2013–2014 after gradual introduction of public HPV vaccination

Abstract During 2009–2011, we reported that the oral and cervical prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) was high by international standards at 9.3% and 74%, respectively, in youth aged 15–23 years attending a youth clinic in Stockholm. After gradual introduction of public HPV vaccination during 2007–2012, between 2013 and 2014, when 73% of the women were HPV-vaccinated, but not necessarily before their sexual debut, oral HPV prevalence had dropped to 1.4% as compared with 9.3% in 2009–2011 (p < 0.00001). Cervical HPV prevalence was high and common cervical high-risk types were HPV51, 56, 59, 73, 16, 39, 52, and 53. However, it was shown that HPV16, 31, and 70 were significantly less common among HPV-vaccinated women than among those who had not received the vaccine.