Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Improved delay-dependent H∞ control for linear systems with interval time-varying delay

In this paper, we investigate the problem of H∞ control for linear systems with interval time-varying delay. We divide the delay intervals into several subintervals and construct the corresponding Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional. Based on Lyapunov stability theory and free weighting matrix method, the H∞ control problem is solved and the H∞ controller gain can be obtained by solving linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) for given parameters. The parameters' optimal value can be obtained by using simplex method. Finally, numerical examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness and less conservativeness of the proposed method.
Peptidase allergen Der p 1 initiates apoptosis of epithelial cells independently of tight junction proteolysis

Loss of epithelial cell polarity, which can arise following disruption of tight junctions (TJs), is a precursor to the carefully orchestrated removal of moribund cells from epithelia in apoptosis. Ordinarily, this cycle of events has minimally disruptive effects on the function of the epithelial barrier, but some agents have been identified that induce apoptosis and promote epithelial leakiness. The allergen Der p 1 is a cysteine peptidase that cleaves TJ adhesion proteins and induces apoptosis in epithelial cells. This suggests the possibility that, at least for some inducers of apoptosis, these events might be causally linked. We report here that Der p 1 induces epithelial apoptosis before outright cell detachment and that apoptosis occurs within the same time span as increased paracellular permeability in polarized epithelial monolayers. Whilst TJ-deficient BEAS-2B cells were resistant to Der p 1-induced apoptosis, the cell line 1HAEo-, which was also TJ deficient, was sensitive to Der p 1, providing evidence against TJ proteolysis as a cause of apoptosis. To provide direct evidence, we propagated cells that normally express TJs in low calcium medium that prevented intercellular junction assembly. These cells retained full susceptibility to Der p 1, indicating that Der p 1-induced apoptosis is independent from TJ proteolysis.
[Western blot analysis and flow cytometric analysis of estrogen and progesterone receptors in fixed breast cancer cells].

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE Quantitative and qualitative detection of estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) levels are very important for predicting prognosis and evaluating the outcome of endocrine therapy of breast cancer patients. Western blot analysis and Flow cytometry (FCM) are important means for quantitative and qualitative analysis of proteins, but conventional Western blot analysis need to extract proteins from fresh cells. The present study was designed to establish Western blot analysis of human estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) in fixed breast cancer cells, and to explore the possibility of ER and PR analysis in fixed cells by flow cytometry and Western blot analysis simultaneously. METHODS Proteins extracted from fresh and fixed cells of different exponentially growing breast cancer cell lines were labelled using 1D5 and PgR636, which were monoantibodies to ERalpha and PR, respectively. The expression of ER and PR were determined using Western blot analysis, and the results were compared with that of fixed cells measured with flow cytometry. RESULTS Clear and correct ERalpha bands were observed with Western blot analysis in cell lines T-47d, MCF-7, and ZR-75-1, and the band density of fixed T-47d and ZR-75-1 was higher than that of fresh cells. The expression of ERalpha in MM231 cells was negative. Clear and correct PR bands were visible in T-47d and ZR-75-1 cells with Western blot analysis, and the band density of fixed cells was higher than that of fresh cells. And the expression of PR in MM231 and MCF-7 cells were negative. In addition, positive expression of ER and PR in different cell lines measured by flow cytometry were the same with that analyzed by Western blot analysis. CONCLUSION After fixed with 0.25% paraformaldehyde and 75% ethanol, breast cancer cells can be used for not only quantitative measurement of ER and PR, but also Western blot analysis of ER and PR.
Blood cultures in emergency medical admissions: a key patient cohort

Objectives Blood cultures are performed in the emergency room when sepsis is suspected, and a cohort of patients is thereby identified. The present study investigated the outcomes (mortality and length of hospital stay) in this group following an emergency medical admission. Methods Prospective assessment of all emergency medical admissions presenting to the emergency department at St James’s Hospital, Dublin, over an 11-year period (2002–2012) was carried out. Outcomes including 30-day in-hospital mortality and length of stay were explored in the context of an admission blood culture. Generalized estimating equations, logistic or zero-truncated Poisson multivariate models were used, with adjustment for confounding variables including illness severity, comorbidity, and chronic disabling disease, to assess the effect of an urgent blood culture on mortality and length of stay. Results A total of 60 864 episodes were recorded in 35 168 patients admitted over the time period assessed. Patients more likely to undergo blood cultures in the emergency department were male, younger, and had more comorbidity. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that those who had a blood culture, irrespective of result, had increased mortality and a longer in-hospital stay. This was highest for those with a positive culture, irrespective of the organism isolated. Conclusion A clinical decision to request a blood culture identified a subset of emergency admissions with markedly worse outcomes. This patient cohort warrants close monitoring in the emergency setting.
Environmental audio scene and activity recognition through mobile-based crowdsourcing

Environmental audio recognition through mobile devices is difficult because of background noise, unseen audio events, and changes in audio channel characteristics due to the phone's context, e.g., whether the phone is in the user's pocket or in his hand. We propose a crowdsourcing framework that models the combination of scene, event, and phone context to overcome these issues. The framework gathers audio data from many people and shares user-generated models through a cloud server to accurately classify unseen audio data. A Gaussian histogram is used to represent an audio clip with a small number of parameters, and a k-nearest classifier allows the easy incorporation of new training data into the system. Using the Kullback-Leibler divergence between two Gaussian histograms as the distance measure, we find that audio scenes, events, and phone context are classified with 85.2%, 77.6%, and 88.9% accuracy, respectively.
Cathodal stimulation in the recovery phase of a propagating planar wave in the rabbit heart reveals four stimulation mechanisms

The stimulation of cardiac tissue in the recovery phase has significant importance in relation to reentry induction. In the theoretical experiment proposed by Winfree, termed the ‘pinwheel' experiment, a point stimulus (S2) is applied in the wake of a freely propagating planar wave (S1). Reentry induced from this S1–S2 pinwheel protocol has been observed experimentally in heart preparations. However, in these experiments, which focused on activation outcomes, only mapping of extracellular voltages has been conducted. The lack of transmembrane potential (Vm) distribution data makes it impossible to analyse the underlying stimulation mechanisms which precede the reentry induction. In this work we sought to elucidate the stimulation mechanisms throughout the heart cycle using the pinwheel protocol. We examined the cardiac tissue responses during and immediately after cathodal stimulation in the refractory wake of a propagating planar wave. The voltage‐sensitive dye di‐4‐ANEPPS was utilized to measure Vm directly from quasi two‐dimensional preparations of cryoablated Langendorff‐perfused rabbit hearts. Four stimulation mechanisms were observed that depended on the Vm magnitude during S2 cathodal stimulation. Make stimulation always occurred during diastolic stimulation. When stimulation was at the beginning of the relative refractory period (RRP), transitional make–break stimulation was detected. During the RRP the excitation was due to the break mechanism. While approaching the effective refractory period (ERP), the tissue response is characterized by a damped wave mediated response. These four stimulation mechanisms were observed in all hearts whether the S1 planar wave propagation was parallel or perpendicular to the fibre direction. This study is the first examination of Vm and the stimulation mechanisms throughout the cardiac cycle using the pinwheel protocol, and the results have implications in the development and improvement of pacing protocols for artificial cardiostimulators.
Dietary pattern and 20 year mortality in elderly men in Finland, Italy, and the Netherlands: longitudinal cohort study

Abstract Objective: To investigate the association of dietary pattern and mortality in international data. Design: Cohort study with 20 years' follow up of mortality. Setting: Five cohorts in Finland, the Netherlands, and Italy. Subjects: Population based random sample of 3045 men aged 50-70 years in 1970. Main outcome measures: Food intake was estimated using a cross check dietary history. In this dietary survey method, the usual food consumption pattern in the 6-12 months is estimated. A healthy diet indicator was calculated for the dietary pattern, using the World Health Organisation's guidelines for the prevention of chronic diseases. Vital status was verified after 20 years of follow up, and death rates were calculated. Results: Dietary intake varied greatly in 1970 between the three countries. In Finland and the Netherlands the intake of saturated fatty acids and cholesterol was high and the intake of alcohol was low; in Italy the opposite was observed. In total 1796 men (59%) died during 20 years of follow up. The healthy diet indicator was inversely associated with mortality (P for trend <0.05). After adjustment for age, smoking, and alcohol consumption, the relative risk in the group with the healthiest diet indicator compared with the group with the least healthy was 0.87 (95% confidence interval 0.77 to 0.98). Estimated relative risks were essentially similar within each country. Conclusions: Dietary intake of men aged 50-70 is associated with a 20 year, all cause mortality in different cultures. The healthy diet indicator is useful in evaluating the relation of mortality to dietary patterns. Key messages Studying dietary patterns instead of single nutrients in relation to mortality takes into account the intercorrelation of nutrients in the diet A healthy diet, as measured by an indicator based on WHO recommendations, is associated with a reduction of 13% after 20 years in all cause mortality for men aged 50-70 The dietary pattern as a whole is more important than specific dietary components with respect to survival among older people The WHO dietary recommendations for the prevention of chronic diseases seem to be effective The healthy diet indicator is useful for evaluating the relation of dietary patterns and mortality in a cross cultural setting
Job Strain and its Associated Factors among Lecturers in the School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia and Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

A cross-sectional study to assess job strain and its associated factors among lecturers of the School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) was undertaken between August 2001 and May 2002. The original English version of the Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ) version 1.7 (revised 1997) by Robert Karasek based on the Job Strain Model was self-administered to 73 (response rate 58.4%) and 80 (response rate 41.7%) lecturers in the medical faculties of USM and UKM respectively. The prevalence of job strain (defined by low decision latitude and high psychological demand) in USM and UKM was 23.3% and 17.5%, respectively; the difference was not significant (p ≥ 0.05). Analysis showed that the associated factors of job strain in USM lecturers were psychological stressors (adjusted OR 1.2, 95% CI: 1.0, 1.4), created skill (adjusted OR 0.4, 95% CI: 0.2, 0.8), working in clinical-based departments (adjusted OR 18.9, 95% CI:1.6, 22.7). The risk factors of job strain in UKM lecturers were created skill (adjusted OR 0.3, 95% CI: 0.1, 0.9), psychological stressors (adjusted OR 1.2, 95% CI: 1.0,1.5) and co-worker support (adjusted OR 0.3, 95% CI: 0.1, 0.9). We conclude psychological stressors and created skill were non-protective and protective, respectively, against job strain in both USM and UKM lecturers. Asia Pac JPublic Health 2004; 16(1): 32- 40.
Evaluation of storage requirements and applications in the memory management for multidimensional signal processing systems

The amount of the data storage in signal processing systems, whose behavior is described by loop-organized algorithmic specifications, has an important impact on the overall energy consumption, chip area, as well as system performance. This paper presents a non-scalar approach for computing exactly the minimum data storage for high-level procedural specifications, where the main data structures are multi-dimensional arrays. In contrast, all the previous works are only estimation methods. In addition, the paper discusses two applications of this technique in the memory management of signal processing systems: (1) the evaluation of the impact of loop transformations on the data storage, and (2) the assessment of different models of mapping multi-dimensional signals into the physical memory.
A high reliable reverse-conducting IGBT with a floating P-plug

A current distribution model is presented for the RC-IGBTs both at IGBT mode and DIODE mode. According to the analytical model, smaller cell size would be better for the distribution of the current density and full utilization of the silicon, but the snapback would be worse. Then a novel RC-IGBT with a floating P-plug is proposed and investigated by simulations. The results show that it can suppress the snapback phenomena effectively. More importantly, the silicon utilization ratio is much higher than the others RC-IGBTs and the current is uniformly distributed in the whole wafer both at IGBT mode and DIODE mode that ensured the high temperature reliability of the RC-IGBT.
Effects of indomethacin on demineralized bone‐induced heterotopic ossification in the rat

Indomethacin inhibits bone formation when treatment is initiated before the implantation of demineralized bone matrix (DBM). For the inhibition of bone induction to occur, indomethacin treatment had to be initiated 6 h or more before implantation of DBM. Initiating the drug treatment at or after the time of DBM implantation had no effects on the amounts of new bone formed. The inhibition by indomethacin is dose related over a range between 0.04 and 4 mg/kg body weight. Recovered day‐1 DBM implants, transplanted into indomethacin pre‐ and posttreated syngeneic rats, formed bone at the same rate as controls did. However, recovered day‐1 DBM implants lyophilized before transplantation showed decreased bone formation but significant dystrophic calcification as judged by a lower alkaline phosphatase activity and an elevated calcium content.
MRI/DOI NEURONAVIGATION: REVISITING THE NEGATIVE BOLD SIGNAL THROUGH DIFFUSE OPTICAL IMAGING

In this work the use of a neuronavigation system enables to couple diffuse optical imaging (DOI) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) modalities, outside the MRI magnet in real-time. When used with the optical probes, it enables monitoring of the position of the fibers with respect to the anatomy and provides an image of the sensitivity matrix on the anatomical substrate. Given this structural information, we can determine and localize almost exactly the region we want to probe and then position the optical sensors at the right place on the subject's head. We apply these techniques to the measurement of activation during a finger tapping task, in particular the negative BOLD signal observed in fMRI is revisited within the optical framework.
Characterisation of nuclear localisation signals of the four human core histones

The four core histones H2A, H2B, H3 and H4 are transported from the cytoplasm into the nucleus by a receptor‐mediated and energy‐dependent process. This nuclear transport depends on topogenic signals in the individual histone protein sequences. We have analysed such nuclear localisation signals in the core histones by means of fusion proteins consisting of individual core histones (or fragments thereof) and β‐galactosidase as a reporter protein. The results show that each of the four core histones contains several portions that are capable of mediating nuclear transport. One type of topogenic sequences consists of clustered basic amino acids in the amino terminal segments of each of the core histones. The globular portions of the core histones represent a second type of nuclear localisation signals that could only mediate nuclear transport when the whole protein domains were fused to the β‐galactosidase reporter. Fragments of the globular domains derived from each of the four core histones could not serve as nuclear localisation signals. We conclude that the nuclear targeting of core histones requires information conferred by the globular domain conformation. J. Cell. Biochem. 81:333–346, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Surveillance for Avian Influenza in Wild Birds in the European Union in 2007

Abstract Surveillance of wild birds for avian influenza viruses has been compulsory in the European Union (EU) since 2005, primarily as a means of detecting H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus and of monitoring the circulation of low pathogenicity avian influenza (LPAI) virus H5 and H7 strains. In 2007, 79,392 wild birds were tested throughout the EU. H5N1 HPAI was detected in 329 birds from four Member States (MS); affected birds were almost entirely of the orders Podicipediformes (grebes) and Anseriformes (waterfowl) during the summer months. LPAI was detected in 1485 wild birds among 21 MS. A total of 1250 birds were positive for influenza A but were not discriminated any further; LPAI H5 was detected in 105 birds, exclusively of the order Anseriformes. LPAI H7 was detected in seven birds. LPAI of other subtypes was found in 123 birds. Epidemiologic evidence and phylogenetic analysis of H5N1 viruses indicate that H5N1 did not appear to persist in the EU from 2006 but was reintroduced, probably from the Middle East.
Use of ultrasounds in the food industry–Methods and effects on quality, safety, and organoleptic characteristics of foods: A review

ABSTRACT The use of ultrasounds has recently gained significant interest in the food industry mainly due to the new trends of consumers toward functional foods. Offering several advantages, this form of energy can be applied for the improvement of qualitative characteristics of high-quality foods as well as for assuring safety of a vast variety of foodstuffs, and at the same time minimizing any negative effects of the sensory characteristics of foods. Furthermore, the non-destructive nature of this technology offers several opportunities for the compositional analysis of foods. However, further research is required for the improvement of related techniques and the reduction of application costs in order to render this technology efficient for industrial use. This review paper covers the main applications of ultrasounds as well as several advantages of the use of the technology in combination with conventional techniques. The effects of ultrasounds on the characteristics, microbial safety, and quality of several foods are also detailed
Peripheral Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha (TNF-α) Modulates Amyloid Pathology by Regulating Blood-Derived Immune Cells and Glial Response in the Brain of AD/TNF Transgenic Mice

Increasing evidence has suggested that systemic inflammation along with local brain inflammation can play a significant role in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis. Identifying key molecules that regulate the crosstalk between the immune and the CNS can provide potential therapeutic targets. TNF-α is a proinflammatory cytokine implicated in the pathogenesis of systemic inflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and AD. Recent studies have reported that anti-TNF-α therapy or RA itself can modulate AD pathology, although the underlying mechanism is unclear. To investigate the role of peripheral TNF-α as a mediator of RA in the pathogenesis of AD, we generated double-transgenic 5XFAD/Tg197 AD/TNF mice that develop amyloid deposits and inflammatory arthritis induced by human TNF-α (huTNF-α) expression. We found that 5XFAD/Tg197 mice display decreased amyloid deposition, compromised neuronal integrity, and robust brain inflammation characterized by extensive gliosis and elevated blood-derived immune cell populations, including phagocytic macrophages and microglia. To evaluate the contribution of peripheral huTNF-α in the observed brain phenotype, we treated 5XFAD/Tg197 mice systemically with infliximab, an anti-huTNF-α antibody that does not penetrate the blood–brain barrier and prevents arthritis. Peripheral inhibition of huTNF-α increases amyloid deposition, rescues neuronal impairment, and suppresses gliosis and recruitment of blood-derived immune cells, without affecting brain huTNF-α levels. Our data report, for the first time, a distinctive role for peripheral TNF-α in the modulation of the amyloid phenotype in mice by regulating blood-derived and local brain inflammatory cell populations involved in β-amyloid clearance. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Mounting evidence supports the active involvement of systemic inflammation, in addition to local brain inflammation, in Alzheimer's disease (AD) progression. TNF-α is a pluripotent cytokine that has been independently involved in the pathogenesis of systemic inflammatory rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and AD. Here we first demonstrate that manipulation of peripheral TNF-α in the context of arthritis modulates the amyloid phenotype by regulating immune cell trafficking in the mouse brain. Our study suggests that additionally to its local actions in the AD brain, TNF-α can also indirectly modulate amyloid pathology as a regulator of peripheral inflammation. Our findings may have significant implications in the treatment of RA patients with anti-TNF-α drugs and in the potential use of TNF-targeted therapies for AD.
Unified reference controller for flexible primary control and inertia sharing in multi-terminal voltage source converter-HVDC grids

Multi-terminal dc (MTDC) grids are expected to be built and experience rapid expansion in the near future as they have emerged as a competitive solution for transmitting offshore wind generation and overlaying their ac counterpart. The concept of inertia sharing for the control and operation of MTDC grids, which can be achieved by the proposed unified reference controller. The control objectives of the MTDC grids voltage source converter (VSC) stations are no longer limited to the stabilisation of MTDC grid, instead, the requirements of ac side are also met. The interaction dynamics between the ac and dc grid is analysed to illustrate the proposed concept. In addition, the voltage source converter stations can work in different operation modes based on the proposed unified control structure, and can switch among the operation modes smoothly following the secondary control commands. Simulation results exhibit the merits and satisfactory performance of the proposed control strategy for stable MTDC grid operation.