Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reduced Order Suboptimal Control Design for a Class of Nonlinear Distributed Parameter Systems Using POD and θ-D Techniques

A new computational tool is presented in this paper for suboptimal control design of a class of nonlinear distributed parameter systems. First proper orthogonal decomposition based problem-oriented basis functions are designed, which are then used in a Galerkin projection to come up with a low-order lumped parameter approximation. Next, a suboptimal controller is designed using the emerging /spl thetas/-D technique for lumped parameter systems. This time domain sub-optimal control solution is then mapped back to the distributed domain using the same basis functions, which essentially leads to a closed form solution for the controller in a state feedback form. Numerical results for a real-life nonlinear temperature control problem indicate that the proposed method holds promise as a good suboptimal control design technique for distributed parameter systems.
Improved Approximation Algorithm for Set Multicover with Non-Piercing Regions

In the Set Multicover problem, we are given a set system ( X, S ), where X is a ﬁnite ground set, and S is a collection of subsets of X . Each element x ∈ X has a non-negative demand d ( x ). The goal is to pick a smallest cardinality sub-collection S 0 of S such that each point is covered by at least d ( x ) sets from S 0 . In this paper, we study the set multicover problem for set systems deﬁned by points and non-piercing regions in the plane, which includes disks, pseudodisks, k -admissible regions, squares, unit height rectangles, homothets of convex sets, upward paths on a tree, etc. We give a polynomial time (2 + (cid:15) )-approximation algorithm for the set multicover problem ( P, R ), where P is a set of points with demands, and R is a set of non-piercing regions, as well as for the set multicover problem ( D , P ), where D is a set of pseudodisks with demands, and P is a set of points in the plane, which is the hitting set problem with demands.
Control of root rot-root knot diseases of cowpea and okra by aqueous plant extracts.

The different concentration of plant extracts of Datura alba Nees and Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. were used at 25, 50 and 100 % w/v to examined their effects in the control of root diseases in okra and cowpea. Highest concentration significantly enhanced the germination and growth parameters in terms of root length, root weight, shoot length and shoot weight in both cowpea and okra. Plant extract also reduced the infection of pathogenic fungi like, Macrophomina phaseolina, Rhizoctonia solani and Fusarium spp. on both okra and cowpea plants by increasing concentration at 25, 50 and 100 %. Plant extracts significantly suppressed formation of galls at 100 % extract of D. alba and C. dactylon on cowpea and okra. Both soil drenching and seed treatment with plant extracts showed significantly result in enhancement of growth parameters and reduction of root diseases.
Identification of total extracellular fibrinase from Bacillus sp. DJ using one- or two- dimensional fibrin Zymography for proteomic approach

An extracellular fibrinolytic-enzyme-producing bacterium was isolated from Doen-Jang, a Korean traditional fermented flood, and identified as Bacillus sp. DJ based on its morphology and cellular fatty acid composition. The total extracellular fibrinase (EF) from Bacillus sp. DJ was analyzed using three fibrin zymographic techniques, SDS-fibrin zymography (SDS-FZ), isoelectrofocucing-fibrin zymographs(IEF-FZ), and a two-dimensional SDS-fibrin zymographic analysis (2D SDS-FZ). As a result, the EP map of Bacillus sp. DJ was established. The results suggest that the 2D SDS-FZ method will be a useful tool for the proteomic approach for many other bacterial pretenses.
Nicotine forms: why and how do they matter in nicotine delivery from electronic cigarettes?

ABSTRACT Introduction Unregulated e-cigarette devices and their nicotine content have amplified the potential of e-cigarettes as addictive agents. Several e-cigarette-related parameters have been identified altering nicotine’s absorption profile, so their potential effects on addiction should be considered. Of these factors, nicotine forms (protonated and free base) play a significant role in the addiction potential yet their impact on nicotine’s absorption has been studied with limited research. Areas covered Current review aims to emphasize on the possible mechanism behind different absorption profiles of nicotine forms considering their physical states (droplet and vapor phase) and the aerosol particle size, their analysis in e-cigarette research and the regulatory attention warranted by them to combat nicotine addiction in the population due to e-cigarettes. Expert opinion The protonated form of nicotine is being correlated with the smooth sensory effects and high nicotine absorption as compared to free base nicotine. With the introduction of nicotine salts, which yield mostly the protonated form, the youth popularity of e-cigarettes has spiked exponentially. While it is important to control nicotine levels in e-cigarette products, attention should also be given to the nicotine forms present in these products in order to address nicotine addiction in the population.
Pleckstrin homology domain of phospholipase D2 is a negative regulator of focal adhesion kinase

Phospholipase D2 (PLD2) has been implicated in the tyrosine kinase-mediated signaling pathways, but the regulation events are yet to be identified. Herein, we demonstrate that pleckstrin homology (PH) domain of PLD2 (PLD2-PH) exerts an antitumorigenic effect via the suppression of PLD2 and focal adhesion kinase (FAK). The kinase domain of FAK interacts with PLD2-PH and induces tyrosine phosphorylation and activation of PLD2. Furthermore, PLD2 increased tyrosine phosphorylation of FAK. However, ectopic expression of the PLD2-PH competes for binding to FAK and reduces the interaction between PLD2 and FAK, thereby suppressing FAK-induced PLD activation and tyrosine phosphorylation of FAK. The PLD2-PH suppressed the migration and invasion of glioblastoma cells, as well as tumor formation in a xenograft mouse model. This study uncovers a novel role of PLD2-PH as a negative regulator of PLD2 and FAK.
Parameterization Framework and Quantification Approach for Integrated Risk and Resilience Assessments

A growing challenge for risk, vulnerability, and resilience assessment is the ability to understand, characterize, and model the complexities of our joint socioecological systems, often delineated with differing natural (e.g., watershed) and imposed (e.g., political) boundaries at the landscape scale. To effectively manage such systems in the increasingly dynamic, adaptive context of environmental change, we need to understand not just food web interactions of contaminants or the flooding impacts of sea level rise and storm surges, but rather the interplay between social and ecological components within the inherent and induced feedforward and feedback system mechanisms. Risk assessment, in its traditional implementation, is a simplification of a complex problem to understand the basic cause‐and‐effect relationships within a system. This approach allows risk assessors to distill a complex issue into a manageable model that quantifies, or semiquantifies, the effects of an adverse stressor. Alternatively, an integrated risk and resilience assessment moves toward a solution‐based assessment with the incorporation of adaptive management practices as 1 of 4 parts of system resilience (i.e., prepare, absorb, recover, and adapt), and directly considers the complexities of the systems being modeled. We present the Multilevel Risk and Resilience Assessment Parameterization framework for the systematic parameterization and deconstruction of management objectives and goals into assessment metrics and quantifiable risk measurement metrics and complementary resilience measurement metrics. As a proof‐of‐concept, the presented framework is paired with the Bayesian Network–Relative Risk Model for a human‐focused subset of a larger risk and resilience assessment of climate change impacts within the Charleston Harbor Watershed of South Carolina. This new parameterization framework goes beyond traditional simplification and embraces the complexity of the system as a whole, which is necessary for a more representative analysis of an open, dynamic complex system. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2021;17:131–146. © 2020 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC)
Insights From Twitter Conversations on Lupus and Reproductive Health: Protocol for a Content Analysis

Background Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the most common form of lupus. It is a chronic autoimmune disease that predominantly affects women of reproductive age, impacting contraception, fertility, and pregnancy. Although clinic-based studies have contributed to an increased understanding of reproductive health care needs of patients with SLE, misinformation abounds and perspectives on reproductive health issues among patients with lupus remain poorly understood. Social networks such as Twitter may serve as a data source for exploring how lupus patients communicate about their health issues, thus adding a dimension to enrich our understanding of communication regarding reproductive health in this unique patient population. Objective The objective of this study is to conduct a content analysis of Twitter data published by users in English in the United States from September 1, 2017, to October 31, 2018, in order to examine people’s perspectives on reproductive health among patients with lupus. Methods This study will analyze user-generated posts that include keywords related to lupus and reproductive health from Twitter. To access public Twitter user data, we will use Symplur Signals, a health care social media analytics platform. Text classifiers will be used to identify topics in posts. Posts will be classified manually into the a priori and emergent categories. Based on the information available in a user’s Twitter profile (ie, username, description, and profile image), we will further attempt to characterize the user who generated the post. We will use descriptive statistics to analyze the data and identify the most prevalent topics in the Twitter content among patients with lupus. Results This study has been funded by the National Center for Advancing Translational Science (NCATS) through their Clinical and Translational Science Awards program. The Institutional Review Board at the University of Southern California approved the study (HS-18-00912). Data extraction and cleaning are complete. We obtained 47,715 Twitter posts containing terms related to “lupus” from users in the United States, published in English between September 1, 2017, and October 31, 2018. We will include 40,885 posts in the analysis, which will be completed in fall 2020. This study was supported by funds from the has been funded by the National Center for Advancing Translational Science (NCATS) through their Clinical and Translational Science Awards program. Conclusions The findings from this study will provide pilot data on the use of Twitter among patients with lupus. Our findings will shed light on whether Twitter is a promising data source for learning about reproductive health issues expressed among patients with lupus. The data will also help to determine whether Twitter can serve as a potential outreach platform for raising awareness of lupus and reproductive health and for implementing relevant health interventions. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/15623
Sulfated Polysaccharides from Marine Algae as a Basis of Modern Biotechnologies for Creating Wound Dressings: Current Achievements and Future Prospects

Wound healing involves a complex cascade of cellular, molecular, and biochemical responses and signaling processes. It consists of successive interrelated phases, the duration of which depends on a multitude of factors. Wound treatment is a major healthcare issue that can be resolved by the development of effective and affordable wound dressings based on natural materials and biologically active substances. The proper use of modern wound dressings can significantly accelerate wound healing with minimum scar mark. Sulfated polysaccharides from seaweeds, with their unique structures and biological properties, as well as with a high potential to be used in various wound treatment methods, now undoubtedly play a major role in innovative biotechnologies of modern natural interactive dressings. These natural biopolymers are a novel and promising biologically active source for designing wound dressings based on alginates, fucoidans, carrageenans, and ulvans, which serve as active and effective therapeutic tools. The goal of this review is to summarize available information about the modern wound dressing technologies based on seaweed-derived polysaccharides, including those successfully implemented in commercial products, with a focus on promising and innovative designs. Future perspectives for the use of marine-derived biopolymers necessitate summarizing and analyzing results of numerous experiments and clinical trial data, developing a scientifically substantiated approach to wound treatment, and suggesting relevant practical recommendations.
Rowing Biomechanics, Physiology and Hydrodynamic: A Systematic Review

Abstract According to numerous studies, rowing performance is influenced by several factors including rower’s biomechanics, rower’s physiology, the force generated and stroke style. However, there is a missing gap linking such factors with rowing performance in the available literature. This paper aims to investigate the rowing mechanism in terms of rower anthropometry and physiology, which can impact its biomechanics and performance. The corresponding hydrodynamic force generated by the oar blade to accelerate the boat is also considered in the current study. To test the objectives, systematical online searching was conducted in search of the inclusion literature criteria. All included studies used Preferred Reporting item for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines to obtain the final collection of articles for this review. In order to rate the quality of the articles, risk bias assessment was performed. A total of 35 studies were included in the assessment. The studies discussed the aspects of anthropometry and physiological of the rower, the biomechanics of the rower, corresponding hydrodynamic force on the oar blade and the rowing mechanism concerning boat performance. Based on the information obtained, an understanding of the important aspects of the rowing mechanism was achieved to provide an update for comprehensive improvement.
Atavistic Stomatal Responses to Blue Light in Marsileaceae[OPEN]

Marsileaceae species exhibit unique stomatal responses to blue light, unlike all other leptosporangiate ferns previously studied. Stomata respond to changes in light environment through multiple mechanisms that jointly regulate the tradeoff between carbon assimilation and water loss. The stomatal response to blue light is highly sensitive, rapid, and not driven by photosynthesis. It is present in most vascular plant groups but is believed to have been lost in the ancestor of leptosporangiate ferns. Schizaeales and Salviniales are the only leptosporangiate orders that have not been tested for stomatal responses to a low fluence of blue light. We report that these stomatal responses are absent in Lygodium japonicum (Schizaeales). In contrast, we observed stomatal responses to a low fluence of blue light in Regnellidium diphyllum and Marsilea minuta (Marsileaceae, Salviniales). In R. diphyllum, blue light triggered stomatal oscillations. The oscillations were more sensitive to atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration than to humidity, suggesting that the blue light responses of Marsileaceae stomata differ from those of angiosperms. Our findings suggest that Marsileaceae have physiologically diverged from other leptosporangiate ferns, achieving unusually high photosynthetic capacities through amphibious lifestyles and numerous anatomical convergences with angiosperms. Blue light stomatal responses may have contributed to this divergence by enabling high rates of leaf gas exchange in Marsileaceae.
Gene Therapy for Spinal Muscular Atrophy: Safety and Early Outcomes

In this article, we discuss overall safety and early outcomes in a large cohort of patients with SMA treated with onasemnogene abeparvovec-xioi within Ohio. BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Historically, autosomal recessive 5q-linked spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) has been the leading inherited cause of infant death. SMA is caused by the absence of the SMN1 gene, and SMN1 gene replacement therapy, onasemnogene abeparvovec-xioi, was Food and Drug Administration approved in May 2019. Approval included all children with SMA age <2 years without end-stage weakness. However, gene transfer with onasemnogene abeparvovec-xioi has been only studied in children age ≤8 months. METHODS: In this article, we report key safety and early outcome data from the first 21 children (age 1–23 months) treated in the state of Ohio. RESULTS: In children ≤6 months, gene transfer was well tolerated. In this young group, serum transaminase (aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase) elevations were modest and not associated with γ glutamyl transpeptidase elevations. Initial prednisolone administration matched that given in the clinical trials. In older children, elevations in aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and γ glutamyl transpeptidase were more common and required a higher dose of prednisolone, but all were without clinical symptoms. Nineteen of 21 (90%) children experienced an asymptomatic drop in platelets in the first week after treatment that recovered without intervention. Of the 19 children with repeated outcome assessments, 11% (n = 2) experienced stabilization and 89% (n = 17) experienced improvement in motor function. CONCLUSIONS: In this population, with thorough screening and careful post–gene transfer management, replacement therapy with onasemnogene abeparvovec-xioi is safe and shows promise for early efficacy.
Psychometric assessment of social cognitive tasks

Abstract Although there has been a marked increase in interest in social cognition (SC) in recent years, psychometric data relating to many tasks used to measure its components remain limited in healthy populations with only five articles published to date. It is accordingly premature to speak of a consensus concerning the specific components, or best tests of the components, and possible cultural differences. The present study sought to partially fill that gap, examining the psychometric properties of a battery of SC tasks in a sample of 100 healthy adults aged 18–85 years old. Initially, nine tasks assessing four SC components were selected: emotion recognition, theory of mind, attributional bias, and social judgment. Construct validity and criterion-related validity were assessed using factor and correlational analyses. Performance across age and sex groups was also investigated. Reliability was assessed through internal consistency, interrater and intercoder agreement. Results indicated satisfactory properties for the Ambiguous Intentions Hostility Questionnaire-blame score, the Social Judgment Task, the Facial Emotions Recognition Test, and a modified version of the Strange Stories Task. Statistically significant differences were found between the groups with regard to age and sex after accounting for demographic and cognitive factors. However, the correlations of these measures with relationship quality were mostly very low, raising questions about their concomitant validity. Other tasks showed sub-optimal properties, suggesting that some frequently used tests require further validation or modifications to ensure the quality of research findings. Based on the results, recommended measures for future studies and limitations are discussed.
3D Printing for Craniofacial Bone Tissue Engineering.

Tissue engineering integrates principles of biology and engineering to develop constructs for the repair of damaged and/or absent tissue. The field has grown substantially over the past two decades, with particular interest in bone tissue engineering. Clinically, there are needs in which the sheer quantity of bone required to restore form and function either exceeds the patient's healing capacity or bone's intrinsic regenerative capabilities. Autologous bone grafting remains the standard of care for craniofacial reconstruction, with vascularized osseous or osteocutaneous free flaps as the definitive "gold standard", but is commonly associated with donor site morbidity, graft resorption, increased operating time, and cost. Regardless of the size of a craniofacial defect, from trauma, pathology, and osteonecrosis surgeons and engineers involved with reconstruction need to consider the complex 3-dimensional geometry of the defect and its relationship to local structures. Three-dimensional (3D) printing has garnered significant attention and presents opportunities to use craniofacial bone tissue engineering as a technology that offers a personalized approach to bony reconstruction. Clinicians and engineers are able to work together to produce patient-specific space-maintaining scaffolds tailored to site-specific defects that are osteogenic, osseoconductive, osseoinductive, encourage angiogenesis/vasculogenesis, and mechanically stable upon implantation to prevent immediate failure.In this work, we review biological and engineering principles important in applying 3D printing technology to bone tissue engineering for craniofacial reconstruction as well as present recent translational advancements in 3D-printed bioactive ceramic scaffold technology.
Characterising EBV-associated lymphoproliferative diseases and the role of myeloid-derived suppressor cells.

Chronic active Epstein Barr virus (CAEBV) typically presents as persistent infectious mononucleosis-like disease and/or haemophagocytic lymphohistocytosis, reflecting ectopic EBV infection and lymphoproliferation of T and/or NK-cells. Clinical behaviour ranges from indolent, stable disease through to rapidly progressive, life-threatening disease. Whilst it is thought the chronicity and/or progression reflect an escape from immune control, very little is known about the phenotype and function of the infected cells versus co-resident non-infected population, nor about the mechanisms that could underpin their evasion of host immune surveillance. To investigate these questions, we developed a multicolour flow cytometry technique combining phenotypic and functional marker staining with in-situ hybridisation for the EBER RNAs expressed in every infected cell. This allows the identification, phenotyping and functional comparison of infected (EBERPOS) and non-infected (EBERNEG) lymphocyte subset(s) in patients' blood samples ex vivo. We have characterised CAEBV and HLH cases with monoclonal populations of discrete EBV-activated T-cell subsets, in some cases accompanied by EBV-activated NK-cell subsets, with longitudinal data on the infected cells' progression despite standard steroid-based therapy. Given that cytotoxic CD8+ T-cells with relevant EBV antigen specificity were detectable in the blood of the best studied patient, we searched for means whereby host surveillance might be impaired. This revealed a unique feature in almost every CAEBV patient studied: the presence of large numbers of myeloid derived suppressor cells which exhibited robust inhibition of T-cell growth. We suggest that their influence is likely to explain the host's failure to contain EBV-positive T/NK-cell proliferation.