Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Model reduction of nonlinear systems: Tangent space approach

In this paper, we propose a novel approach based on the analysis of linear derivative map for the model reduction of nonlinear system with output measurement. With every nonlinear system one can associate a linear derivative map that evolves vectors on the tangent space. We employ the linear derivative map for the construction of observability gramian on the tangent space and then use it for the purpose of reduced order modeling of nonlinear system. Computation methods based on time domain simulation of system dynamics is proposed for the construction of the empirical gramian. Finally, examples demonstrating the application of the proposed method for the model reduction of dynamical systems are provided.
Severe adverse reactions during specific subcutaneous immunotherapy

DVERSE reactions during specific subcutaneous A immunotherapy (IT) seem in theory to be a more and more frequent inconvenience. According to a study carried out in France in 1980 by Vervloet et al. ( I ) , 0.2% of pollen allergenic extract injections provoked organ reactions. In 1988, Vervloet et al. (2) reported a notably higher frequency, i.e., 1.8% of pollen extract injections and 2.5% of mite extract injections. In a retrospective study of the period 1968-92, Andri & Betteli (3) reported organ reactions in 0.063% of patients, taking into consideration a total of 278000 injections. According to Vervloet et al.'s study in 1980 ( l ) , anaphylactic shock occurred as a result of pollen allergenic extract subcutaneous injections in 0.024% of cases, whereas in 1988 (2) he reported its occurrence in 0.04% of subjects after pollen and mite allergenic extract injections. In a retrospective study carried out in the USA between 1945 and 1985, Lockey et al. (4) noted 24 cases of fatal shock during IT, while Reid et al. ( 5 ) , in a recent study, also carried out in the USA between 1985 and 1989, reported 17 cases of fatal shock. In the UK, a similar study (6) revealed 26 cases followed by fatal shock in the period 1957-86. The authors intend to demonstrate, on the basis of their experience, the low incidence of organ or systemic reactions if IT is carried out by qualified staff and in suitably equipped premises. Between 1984 and 1993, in the Department of Diagnosis and Treatment of Allergic Diseases of Messina University, about 3000 patients were treated with IT, reaching a total of 150000 subcutaneous injections. Apart from the most common local reactions (erythema and edema) exclusively at the injection site, the authors noted only 16 cases (0.010/0) of organ reactions (two cases of glottis angioedema and 14 cases of bronchoconstriction), which regressed after pharmacologic treatment and did not reappear during successive injections. The allergens which caused the reactions were mite allergenic extracts (Dermatoplzugoides pteronyssinus and D. furinue) in 11 cases and Purieturiu pollen allergenic extract in five cases. Anaphylactic shock occurred in only one case (0.0006%), that of a 14-year-old boy with a maintenance dose of mite IT, who therefore needed immediate treatment with the drugs usually used in an allergologic emergency. No cases of fatal anaphylaxis were reported. In conclusion, the authors affirm that specific IT remains essential in the treatment of respiratory allergies and does not present any great risk to patients as long, as Hyposensitization is
On the optimization of DVB-S2 links in EHF bands

In this paper an analysis on the use of Adaptive Coding and Modulation (ACM) techniques for EHF satellite communications is presented with reference to the DVB-S2 standard. The analysis is focused on W-band communication links and includes an optimization of DVB-S2 ACM thresholds of the received Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) for Extremely High Frequency (EHF) links. The simulation model includes rain fading and amplifier nonlinearities which can not be neglected for the performance analysis and optimization of real systems in W-band. 1 2
Non-random recruitment of invader species in experimental grasslands.

To assess potential effects of seed limitation, characteristics of invader species and characteristics of established plant communities on recruitment success, we conducted a split-plot experiment factorially combining three weeding treatments corresponding to increasing successional age (regular weeding < cessation of weeding after three years < never weeded since sowing) with two seed limitation treatments (control vs sowing a seed mixture of all experimental species = internal invaders) in experimental grasslands varying in species richness (1, 2, 4, 8, 16) and in functional group richness and composition (1, 2, 3, 4 functional groups: presence/absence of legumes x grasses x tall herbs x small herbs). Seed addition increased internal invader seedling densities and the probability of successful colonization per species. Legumes, tall herbs and species with large and long-lived seeds or a requirement for specific vectors for pollination and dispersal benefited from seed addition most. The number of successfully established internal invader species was highest in plots with low initial species richness and in the regularly weeded treatments and lowest in plots with high initial species richness and in the never weeded treatments, indicating decreased recruitment with increased successional age. Resident plant communities with legumes had mostly negative (legume and small- and tall-herb internal invaders, external invaders) or neutral (grass invaders) effects on seedling density and colonization probability of invader species whereas resident communities with grasses had positive effects on the colonization probability of invader species except grasses themselves. These results show that seed limitation, invader characteristics, and community characteristics all can affect recruitment success in predictable ways, suggesting non-random community assembly during succession starting from different initial species pools.
Misoprostol for abortion at 9-12 weeks' gestation in adolescents

The objectives of the present clinical study were to evaluate the safety and efficacy of misoprostol (Cytotec®), self-administered into the vagina for medical abortion, in adolescents under 18 years of age. A group of 150 adolescents with gestations between 63 and 84 days, with previous written consent from the patient and parents or guardians, received 800 μg of vaginal misoprostol every 24 h, up to a maximum of three main doses, for abortion. Outcomes assessed included successful abortion (complete abortion without surgery), side-effects, decrease in hemoglobin, mean time of vaginal bleeding, mean expulsion time and mean time for the return of menses. Complete abortion occurred in 126/150 (84.0%, 95% confidence interval 77-89) patients. The frequencies of nausea and vomiting were statistically significantly higher when compared to those obtained for adult females. Vaginal bleeding lasted for 13.2 ± 3.8 days (median 13 days, range 1-22 days). The mean expulsion time was 8.0 ± 3.4 h (median 8 h, range 1-14 h) for all subjects who aborted after the first misoprostol dose. The mean drop in hemoglobin was statistically significant (p = 0.001), but without clinical relevance. From the high abortion rate obtained, we concluded that misoprostol alone is a valid method for terminating unwanted pregnancies at 10-13 weeks' gestation in adolescents under 18 years of age in the absence of mifepristone.
Wild type and melanoma‐associated mutant p16INK4a proteins do not oligomerize in vivo

Dear Sir, The p16INK4a tumour suppressor gene is frequently altered in human cancer and approximately 60 mutations affecting this sequence predispose to melanoma in almost 200 melanoma-prone kindreds (Goldstein et al., 2006). p16 inhibits the activities of cyclin D-dependent kinases, CDK4 and CDK6, to prevent the hyperphosphorylation of the retinoblastoma protein, pRb (Serrano et al., 1993). Accordingly, germline p16 mutants that co-segregate with melanoma have reduced affinity for CDK4 and ⁄ or CDK6, are less effective at limiting pRb phosphorylation and inhibiting cell cycle progression (Quelle et al., 1997; Becker et al., 2001; Parry and Peters, 1996). It has also been suggested that mutant p16 proteins are defective in folding and prone to aggregation (Zhang and Peng, 1996; Cammett et al., 2003; Yuan et al., 1999). In fact, the subcellular distribution of p16 variants is dramatically altered from the homogeneous nuclear and cytoplasmic staining exhibited by the wild type protein to intense speckled or punctate fluorescence that is indicative of aggregation (Rizos et al., 2001; Walker et al., 1999; Zhang and Peng, 1996; Cammett et al., 2003; Yuan et al., 1999). Wild type p16 has also been shown to oligomerize in vivo using non-denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) analysis and yeast two hybrid binding assays (Tevelev et al., 1996). Oligomerization of wild type p16 was not seen, however, using sedimentation equilibrium analysis under a broad range of conditions (Zhang and Peng, 1996) or gel filtration experiments (Ruas et al., 2007). The potential of wild type p16 to oligomerize has important clinical implications. In particular, a loss-offunction mutant p16, that is prone to aggregation and mislocalization, may interact and interfere with the wild type p16 protein in a ‘‘dominant negative’’ fashion. When we transiently overexpressed FLAG (8 amino acid epitope)-tagged p16 in the U20S osteosarcoma cell line, it not only immunoprecipitated its binding partner CDK4, but also pulled down ectopically expressed HA (hemagglutinin; 12 amino acid epitope)tagged p16, indicating that ectopically expressed p16 proteins interact in vivo (Figure 1A). The potential existence of p16 aggregates was also
Active Site Residues of Cephalosporin Acylase Are Critical Not Only for Enzymatic Catalysis but Also for Post-translational Modification*

Cephalosporin acylase (CA) is a recently identified N-terminal hydrolase. It is also a commercially important enzyme in producing 7-aminocephalosporanic acid (7-ACA), a backbone chemical in synthesizing semi-synthetic cephalosporin antibiotics. CA is translated as an inactive single chain precursor, being post-translationally modified into an active enzyme. The post-translational modification takes place in two steps. The first intramolecular autocatalytic proteolysis takes place at one end of the spacer peptide by a nucleophilic Ser or Thr, which in turn becomes a new N-terminal Ser or Thr. The second intermolecular modification cleaves off the other end of the spacer peptide by another CA. Two binary structures in complex with glutaryl-7-ACA (the most favored substrate of CAs) and glutarate (side chain of glutaryl-7-ACA) were determined, and they revealed the detailed interactions of glutaryl-7-ACA with the active site residues (Y. Kim and W. G. J. Hol (2001) Chem. Biol., in press). In this report: 1) we have mutated key active site residues into nonfunctional amino acids, and their roles in catalysis were further analyzed; 2) we performed mutagenesis studies indicating that secondary intermolecular modification is carried out in the same active site where deacylation reaction of CA occurs; and 3) the cleavage site of secondary intermolecular modification by another CA was identified in the spacer peptide using mutational analysis. Finally, a schematic model for intermolecular cleavage of CA is proposed.
Experimental Spinal Cord Stimulation and Neuropathic Pain: Mechanism of Action, Technical Aspects, and Effectiveness

Abstract: Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a valuable treatment for chronic intractable neuropathic pain. Although SCS has gone through a technological revolution over the last four decades, the neurophysiologic and biochemical mechanisms of action have only been partly elucidated. Animal experimental work has provided some evidence for spinal as well as supraspinal mechanisms of neuropathic pain relief of SCS. A SCS computer model of the electrical properties of the human spinal cord revealed many basic neurophysiologic principles that were clinically validated later on. The main question in clinical SCS is how to further improve the effectiveness of SCS as there is still a significant failure rate of 30%. In this context, experimental studies are needed to elucidate which target pain neuron(s) are involved, as well as with what exact electrical stimulation this target neuron can be influenced to produce an optimal supapression of neuropathic pain. This article reviews the basic clinical and experimental technical aspects in relation to the effectiveness of SCS in view of recent understanding of the dorsal horn pain circuit involved. These data may then result in experiments needed for an improved understanding of the mechanisms underlying SCS and consequently lead to improvement and increased effectiveness of SCS in neuropathic pain as a clinical therapy.
Input-Filter Design for Switching Regulators

The interaction between the input filter and the control loop of switching regulators often results in detrimental effects, such as loop instability, transient response, and audio-signal-rejection rate, etc. A small-signal average model is derived to investigate these effects. Design constraints of an input-filter and switching-regulator system are formulated. An optimum low-pass and light-weight filter configuration is proposed.
Magnetic resonance spectroscopy and diffusion‐weighted imaging findings in a child with Leigh's disease

Leigh’s syndrome is a rare inherited metabolic neurodegenerative disease due to a mitochondrial enzyme deficiency that can potentially occur in any site of the enzyme pathway for respiratory metabolism. The disease usually affects infants and children; adult onset cases have been described occasionally. Leigh’s disease usually has involvement of the periaqueductal gray matter, the basal ganglia (particularly the putamina) and the white matter. 1,2 We present a 4-year-old girl with this disorder.
Methodes d'analyse d'images hyperspectrales : exploitation du capteur aéroporté CASI pour des applications de cartographie agro-environnementale en Bretagne

A partir de l'etude des caracteristiques specifiques des images optiques issues de la teledetection hyperspectrale, des strategies d'analyse et methodes associees sont proposees pour extraire l'information pertinente avec un point de vue traitement du signal. Le signal est explore dans ses deux dimensions spatiales et dans sa dimension spectrale, en tirant parti des proprietes structurelles, statistiques ou topologiques des donnees. Des methodes de reduction de dimensionnalite, filtrage, analyse de texture, classification et demixage spectral sont proposees, et appliquees a l'extraction de l'information utile a la cartographie des elements paysagers de faible taille au sein d'un bassin versant bocager a partir de donnees issues du capteur aeroporte CASI. Ces produits cartographiques inedits sont utiles aux experts de l'environnement pour la conception d'operations de conseil et d'amenagement paysager, dans un but de lutte efficace contre le phenomene des marees vertes en Bretagne.
Pesticides Residues and Trade: the Apple of Discord?

The impact of food safety standards on international trade has already been addressed. Generally, economists try to assess trade losses borne by exporters when importing countries impose stricter regulations. In this paper we assess the impact of the Maximum Residue Levels (MRL) of pesticides on the trade of apples and pears. Rather than focusing on a particular pesticide we take into account the entire list of substances set out by the various regulations with the aim is to understand how the similarity (or dissimilarity) of these can affect trade. Most studies assess the impact of sanitary standard regulations introducing directly in the analysis the MLR put in force in the importing country. We assume that what can be crucial is the difference in the tolerance levels of both the importing and exporting country. Having built a similarity index we then introduce it into a gravity equation to assess the impact of differences in MRL of pesticides on the trade of apples and pears of seven exporting and seven importing countries. Results suggest that harmonizing regulations impacts trade differently depending on the exporter.
Dynamic adhesive wettability of poplar veneer with cold oxygen plasma treatment

Effects of cold oxygen plasma treatment on activating the surface of poplar veneers and improving its wettability were investigated. The veneers were treated with cold oxygen plasma for 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 min, and aged in air for 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days. The dynamic adhesive wettability of veneers was assessed using the contact angle, K-value analysis, and surface free energy. The shear strength of three-layer panels produced from untreated and cold oxygen plasma treated veneers was examined. The results showed that the wettability of veneer was significantly improved after cold oxygen plasma treatment, leading to the enhancement of shear strength of panels. The optimized treatment time should be 7 min. Aging effect of treated veneers showed that the veneer surface wettability degraded within the first 7 days and thereafter changed slightly.
The Common Cross-Connected Stage for the 5L ANPC Medium Voltage Multilevel Inverter

Rising interest in multilevel applications has triggered new research activities. This paper proposes a novel multilevel power electronics building block (PEBB) for the five-level active neutral point clamped (ANPC) multilevel voltage source inverter. The PEBB is composed of six switches in a crossed configuration and one capacitor. It is common to the three phases of a five-level ANPC topology, enabling a large number of levels to be generated. This PEBB is meant to be a reliable upgrade to the 5L topology, increasing output signal quality and reducing the size of the output filter in medium voltage applications. The number of levels generated by the common cross-connected stage (C3S) PEBB and the ANPC depends on the voltage ratios chosen between the phase capacitors of the ANPC and the PEBB capacitor(s). The tradeoff stands between the ability to balance the capacitors, the rated blocking voltage of the devices, and the number of levels produced. Under a given configuration, nine levels can be produced, with the possibility to balance the capacitors up to modulation indexes in the region of m = 0.92. The analysis of the general topology, the description of the nine-level case, and simulation results are first presented. Prototyping results are then shown, and they validate the introduced concept and topology.
Detection of Live Salmonella sp. Cells in Produce by a TaqMan-Based Quantitative Reverse Transcriptase Real-Time PCR Targeting invA mRNA

ABSTRACT Salmonella enterica contamination in foods is a significant concern for public health. When DNA detection methods are used for analysis of foods, one of the major concerns is false-positive results from the detection of dead cells. To circumvent this crucial issue, a TaqMan quantitative real-time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) assay with an RNA internal control was developed. invA RNA standards were used to determine the detection limit of this assay as well as to determine invA mRNA levels in mid-exponential-, late-exponential-, and stationary-phase cells. This assay has a detection limit of 40 copies of invA mRNA per reaction. The levels of invA mRNA in mid-exponential-, late-exponential-, and stationary-phase S. enterica cells was approximately 1 copy per 3 CFU, 1 copy per CFU, and 4 copies per 103 CFU, respectively. Spinach, tomatoes, jalapeno peppers, and serrano peppers were artificially contaminated with four different Salmonella serovars at levels of 105 and less than 10 CFU. These foods were analyzed with qRT-PCR and with the FDA's Bacteriological Analytical Manual Salmonella culture method (W. A. Andrews and T. S. Hammack, in G. J. Jackson et al., ed., Bacteriological analytical manual online, http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/∼ebam/bam-5.html , 2007). Comparable results were obtained by both methods. Only live Salmonella cells could be detected by this qRT-PCR assay, thus avoiding the dangers of false-positive results from nonviable cells. False negatives (inhibition of the PCR) were also ruled out through the use of an RNA internal control. This assay allows for the fast and accurate detection of viable Salmonella spp. in spinach, tomatoes, and in both jalapeno and serrano peppers.
Quality Control Parameters for Mitochondria Transplant in Cardiac Tissue

Transplant of mitochondria for cardioprotection has been shown to be efficacious in vitro and in vivo in animal models. The transition from animal to human models requires that effective quality control be used in the isolation and verification of mitochondrial viability and function. Herein, we describe standard procedures that can be used to isolate mitochondria and assess their quality and function. These procedures include hemocytometry, Coulter Counting, EM, fluorescent staining, respiration analysis and ATP assays. These quality control parameters for mitochondria transplant in cardiac and other tissue will ensure a high yield of isolated mitochondria from suitable tissue sources, and will ensure that the isolated mitochondria are viable, respiration competent and free from contamination.
Young Cannabis Users in Residential Treatment: As Distressed as Other Clients

Doubt remains about the need for residential substance user treatment for young cannabis users. Using a series of validated clinical tools, this study compared 1,221 primarily cannabis-, psychostimulant-, alcohol-, or opioid-dependent young people admitted to an urban/rural Australian residential treatment program between 2001 and 2007. Multinomial logistic regression revealed that the cannabis user group had poorer mental health than the opioid group, poorer social functioning than the alcohol drinking group, and comparably poor functioning otherwise but remained in treatment longer than the psychostimulant and opioid user groups. Residential treatment for primarily cannabis-dependent young people with complex and multiple needs can be supported.
On the Performance Improvement of IoT Networks Using Relay-Based Communications

Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of disparate objects enabled to exchange data with other objects to implement smart applications. In near future, billions of devices are expected to be connected to IoT through wireless connections. Due to the limited capacity of the wireless medium, the effective resource allocation is a highly important factor to improve the network performance, especially in the presence of a large number of devices. In this work, we investigate the problem of allocating resources in an OFDMA-based wireless IoT network, including channel assignment and power control, to satisfy the SINR requirements of all the devices in a scalable manner. The Primary Resource Allocation Problem (PRAP) is formulated as a Mixed-Integer Linear Programming (MILP) problem which is efficiently solvable by mathematical methods. We next develop a new relay-based communication model that results in a significantly improved network performance. The resource allocation in this model is formulated as the Relay-based Resource Allocation Problem (RRAP). Due to their computational complexity, the Relay-based Resource Allocation Scheme (RRAS) is devised to provide a suboptimal solution for RRAP and PRAP. The numerical results show that the relay-based communication model results in highly improved SINR for devices, network outage ratio, and transmission power.