Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A linear matrix inequality approach for guaranteed cost control of systems with state and input delays

The robust control problem for linear systems with parameter uncertainties and time-varying delays is examined. By using an appropriate uncertainty description, a linear state-feedback control law is found, ensuring the closed-loop system's stability and a performance measure, in terms of the guaranteed cost. A linear matrix inequality objective minimization approach allows to determine the "optimal" choice of free parameters in the uncertainty description, leading to the minimal guaranteed cost
The normal and abnormal genu of the corpus callosum: an evolutionary, embryologic, anatomic, and MR analysis.

PURPOSE To define the normal and abnormal genu of the corpus callosum by examining its evolution and embryology and by analyzing its normal and abnormal appearance on MR images. METHODS A reference line was drawn from the mamillary body through the anterior commissure and corpus callosum-the MAC line. This line was used to evaluate the genu in adult mammal brains, in human fetal brains, on MR images of 1800 patients with normal corpora callosi, and on MR images of 113 patients with callosal anomalies. RESULTS In primates, increased frontal lobe size is associated with an anteriorly shifted genu. In human fetal development, the anterior body of the corpus callosum develops before the definitive genu. The normal human genu always projects in front of the MAC line. In none of the 113 patients with callosal anomalies was there only a normal genu. CONCLUSIONS The human corpus callosum develops bidirectionally, not from front to back. The MAC line is a useful frame of reference to study the evolution and embryology of the genu and to distinguish the normal from the abnormal genu of the human corpus callosum.
The expression of the Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen (EBNA-I) in oral hairy leukoplakia.

OBJECTIVE Oral hairy leukoplakia (OHL) is characterised by the presence of a replicative Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in the superficial layers of the epithelium. There is some doubt, however, whether this reflects activation of a latent infection of the basal epithelial cells. EBV latency is associated with the expression of the viral gene product EBNA-I and the aim of this study was to investigate EBNA-I expression in OHL. METHODS 22 biopsies of clinically suspicious OHL and three cases of normal mucosa were available as fresh frozen or paraffin embedded material. EBNA-I was detected immunocytochemically using a rat monoclonal antibody (IH4-I) following microwave irradiation. Lytic EBV infection was confirmed by the identification of the BZLF-I protein. RESULTS 16 of the 22 cases displayed focal replicative EBV meeting the criteria for OHL, and in 13 of these, EBNA-I expression was restricted to the nuclei of epithelial cells in the upper layers of the epithelium. EBNA-I expression was absent from the basal cells in all cases and in the nine BZLF-I negative mucosal biopsies. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that lytic EBV infection in OHL is not the result of activation of a latent infection of basal cells and suggests a role for EBNA-I, not only in latent EBV infection, but also in virus replication.
Distribution and functional properties of 5-HT3 receptors in the rat hippocampal dentate gyrus: a patch-clamp study.

1. In dentate gyrus of rat hippocampal slices two distinct types of neurons, principal excitatory neurons (granule cells) and local inhibitory neurons (basket cells), could be identified under Nomarski microscopy; I investigated the actions of serotonin using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. The identification of the neurons was later confirmed by intracellular staining with Lucifer yellow. 2. In both basket cells and granule cells, whole-cell current recordings revealed spontaneous synaptic currents ranging from < 10 pA to > 200 pA in symmetrical Cl- conditions at a holding potential of -63 mV. These currents were blocked by 10 microM bicuculline, indicating that they resulted from the spontaneous activation of GABAergic inputs (which had been morphologically described in both types of neurons). 3. By focal application of serotonin (2-50 microM) to basket cells under current clamp I evoked a train of action potentials superimposed on a baseline membrane depolarization. Under voltage-clamp conditions serotonin evoked an inward current at a holding potential of -63 mV (currents were detectable in approximately 90% of basket cells studied). The inward current was accompanied by a multitude of small inward currents of short duration (< 100 ms) that were found to be due to the stimulation by serotonin of nearby GABAergic presynaptic neurons innervating the recorded neuron. 4. In granule cells (total of 11 cells) serotonin did not produce any responses under conditions similar to those used for basket cells. The occurrence of bicuculline-sensitive spontaneous synaptic current events seemed to increase during the application of serotonin; this phenomenon reflected the excitatory action of serotonin exclusively on GABAergic interneurons. 5. The serotonin-induced inward currents in basket cells were mediated by the 5-HT3 receptor subtype because 1) they were blocked by either metoclopramide (10 microM) or [3-alpha-tropanyl]-1H-indolecarboxylic acid ester (2 nM), the latter being a specific blocker for the 5-HT3 receptor subtype, and 2) almost similar currents were induced by the application of the selective 5-HT3 receptor agonist 2-methyl 5-HT (2-50 microM) or 1-(m-chlorophenyl)-biguanide (0.1-10 microM). 6. Current-voltage (I-V) relations of serotonin-induced currents in basket cells showed that the reversal potential was close to 0 mV in external standard saline and depended on the concentrations of monovalent cations. I-V relations of serotonin-induced currents revealed inward rectification at the membrane potential range of +30 to -60 mV. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Diabetes-Associated Mortality in Native Americans

OBJECTIVE— To describe diabetes-associated mortality among Native Americans. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS— In this population-based study, we analyzed diabetes-associated mortality data from the IHS and the NCHS. We also examined diabetes data from the 1986 NMFS. RESULTS— IHS area-specific diabetes mortality rates for 1984–1986 ranged from 10 to 93/100,000, compared with 15/100,000 for the total U.S. population. NCHS data for the same period listed diabetes as the underlying cause of 708 deaths among Native Americans and the contributory cause of 1252 deaths; 63% of the latter deaths were attributable to circulatory diseases. The 1986 NMFS demonstrated that Native American heritage is underreported by 65% on death certificates. Using deaths identified as Native American by NMFS, the age-adjusted mortality rate for diabetes as the underlying cause for Native Americans (96/100,000) was 4.3 times that for whites and two times that for blacks. Where diabetes was a contributory cause of death, the mortality rate for Native Americans (264/100,000) was 3.7 times that for whites and 2.4 times that for blacks. CONCLUSIONS— The excessive diabetes-associated mortality among Native Americans is consistent with other indicators of the magnitude of the diabetes problem in this population. Further epidemiological research and expanded diabetes control interventions are needed.
Benchmark for Complex Answer Retrieval

Providing answers to complex information needs is a challenging task. The new TREC Complex Answer Retrieval (TREC CAR) track introduces a large-scale dataset where paragraphs are to be retrieved in response to outlines of Wikipedia articles representing complex information needs. We present early results from a variety of approaches -- from standard information retrieval methods (e.g., TF-IDF) to complex systems that adopt query expansion, knowledge bases and deep neural networks. The goal is to offer an overview of some promising approaches to tackle this problem.
Ambiguity in the definition of ultra-wideband microwave imaging systems' resolution

Utilization of the pulses with ultra wide frequency band (UWB) in microwave imaging systems enables obtaining great resolution and simultaneously taking benefits from the microwaves' penetrating ability [4], [16]. Short duration of the pulses — which is what causes their wide frequency band — has also this advantage that it gives opportunity to perform time analysis and eliminate many unwanted signals, simply on a base of their time of arrival (when significantly different from the time of arrival of the signal of concern [13]). Known of UWB pulses is the fact that their shape is easily changed due to the convolution with pulse responses of the transmitter and receiver components [3], [21]. Antenna is here a recognized bottle neck [1]. However, this problem is possible to be mitigated by using better antenna or one of deconvolution techniques [6]. This paper identifies a problem with definition of the resolution of such imaging system. It is demonstrated that the pulse response of the object itself is also convoluted with measurement UWB pulse. Therefore, the resolution of the image of the object depends on the shape and dimensions of the object, what makes its definition rather ambiguous.
An Overview of the Biological Effects of Some Mediterranean Essential Oils on Human Health

Essential oils (EOs), extracted from aromatic plants, are interesting natural products and represent an important part of the traditional pharmacopeia. The use of some EOs as alternative antimicrobial and pharmaceutical agents has attracted considerable interest recently. Most of the EOs and their single constituents have been reported to inhibit several phytopathogens, human pathogens, and insects as well as their effective uses in food and pharmaceutical industries. The current review discussed the chemical composition and bioactivity of some important EOs extracted from some Mediterranean plants and their principal bioactive single constituents. Information has been furnished on the mechanisms, mode of actions, and factors affecting the bioactivity of some single constituents from different Mediterranean plant EOs. The current review gives an insight into some common plant EOs belonging to Lamiaceae, Apiaceae, Rutaceae, and Verbenaceae families commonly growing in Mediterranean region. Further information has been provided about the medical uses of some EOs for several human diseases covering the pharmacological effects (anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticarcinogenic). The antimicrobial effects have been also considered in the current review. Although plant EOs are considered promising natural alternatives for many chemical drugs, they still need more specific research for wide application especially in food and pharmaceutical industries.
Blind biometric source sensor recognition using advanced PRNU fingerprints

Previous device identification studies on the iris sensors of the CASIA-Iris V4 database using PRNU fingerprints showed high variations regarding the differentiability of the sensors. These variations may have been caused by the usage of multiple sensors of the same model for the image acquisition. Since no speciic documentation on this exists we investigate the presence of multiple image sensors in the data sets. The images under investigation, furthermore, show a strong correlation regarding their content, therefore we make use of different PRNU enhancements approaches based on weighting the PRNU depending on the image content. The enhanced PRNU is used in conjunction with different forensic techniques to detect the presence of multiple sensors in the data sets. Finally, the results of the enhancement approaches and the results without any PRNU enhancement are compared and an assessment on whether multiple sensor instances have been used in the data sets is given.
Intraphagosomal Mycobacterium tuberculosis Acquires Iron from Both Extracellular Transferrin and Intracellular Iron Pools

Mycobacterium tuberculosis multiplies within the macrophage phagosome and requires iron for growth. We examined the route(s) by which intracellular M. tuberculosis acquires iron. During intracellular growth of the virulent Erdman M. tuberculosis strain in human monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM), M. tuberculosisacquisition of 59Fe from transferrin (TF) provided extracellularly (exogenous source) was compared with acquisition when MDM were loaded with 59Fe from TF prior to M. tuberculosis infection (endogenous sources). M. tuberculosis 59Fe acquisition required viable bacteria and was similar from exogenous and endogenous sources at 24 h and greater from exogenous iron at 48 h. Interferon-γ treatment of MDM reduced 59Fe uptake from TF 51% and TF receptor expression by 34%. Despite this, intraphagosomal M. tuberculosis iron acquisition in IFN-γ-treated cells was decreased by only 30%. Macrophages from hereditary hemochromatosis patients have altered iron metabolism. Intracellular M. tuberculosis acquired markedly less iron in MDM from these individuals than in MDM from healthy donors, regardless of the iron source (exogenous and endogenous): 36 ± 3.8% and 17 ± 9.6% of control, respectively. Thus, intraphagosomal M. tuberculosis can acquire iron from both extracellular TF and endogenous macrophage sources. Acquisition of iron from macrophage cytoplasmic iron pools may be critical for the intracellular growth ofM. tuberculosis. This acquisition is altered by IFN-γ treatment to a small extent, but is markedly reduced in macrophages from hemochromatosis patients.
Association of glycosylphosphatidylinositol‐anchored protein with retroviral particles

We describe for the first time the association of glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) ‐anchored proteins with retroviral and lentiviral particles, similar to a process well established for cells, termed “painting. ” The aim of the study was to assess the feasibility of modification of retroviral vectors by exogenous addition of recombinant protein, removing the need for genetic engineering of virus producer cell lines. The recombinant GPI protein CD59his was purified via fast protein liquid chromatography and associated with concentrated virus stock in a controlled incubation procedure. Reaction mixtures were purified in order to remove nonassociated GPI protein and endogenous protein. Analysis of samples by immunoblotting revealed that CD59his was only detectable in the presence of viral particles. From this, we conclude that CD59his could be stably associated with retroviral particles. In addition, we demonstrated by flow cytometry that virus particles remain infectious after these procedures. As well as suggesting a novel possibility for interaction between enveloped virus and host, we believe that the stable association of recombinant GPI proteins to retroviral particles can be developed into an important tool for both research and clinical applications, especially in the fields of gene therapy and vaccine development. —Metzner, C. , Mostegl, M. M. , Günzburg, W. H. , Salmons, B. , Dangerfield, J. A. Association of glycosylphosphatidylinositol‐anchored protein with retroviral particles. FASEB J. 22, 2734–2739 (2008)
Coupons: A Multilevel Incentive Scheme for Information Dissemination in Mobile Networks

Integrating mobile computing and localized user interaction into the Internet requires more than simply overcoming pure routing challenges. Apart from issues such as intermittent connectivity and unreliable nodes, the human factor is becoming increasingly important. To date, user behavior has only been considered in terms of mobility patterns and incentives for encouraging cooperation. Moreover, the focus has always been on systems that aim to enforce fairness by either bringing an indirect equilibrium or by punishing "misbehaving" users. The goal of this paper is therefore to present Coupons. Coupons is an idea to define, evaluate, and implement algorithms for the emerging class of social network and information sharing applications. Coupons is a system designed to allow users to opportunistically interact and share data through a wireless medium, to overcome highly variable Internet access through adaptive localized interaction, and to incorporate an incentive scheme to make the system usable and encourage participation.
Team Building Activities

This study sought to determine the potential impact of team building activities on anti-social behaviors in an urban fifth grade classroom. Team building activities are a pleasurable way to engage students in meaningful learning that has benefits on social, emotional, and academic development. The research was conducted in an urban elementary school in Western New York. The entire class participated in the . � team building activities. However, five students were selected for observational data collection. Various research tools were utilized to collect and analyze data such as: observation checklists, surveys, interviews, student response sheets, and a researcher's journal. Data illustrated that team building activities contributed to a decrease in anti-social behaviors in the classroom.
Similarity-aware query processing in sensor networks

We assume a sensor network with data-centric storage, where sensor data is stored within the sensor network and ad hoc queries are disseminated and processed inside the network. In such an environment, there are often similarities among submitted queries. Using current solutions, similar queries may have to go through the same expensive query processing steps thus wasting energy. In this paper, we propose a similarity-aware query processing scheme (SAQP) that materializes previous query results within the sensor network and utilizes these materialized results to answer future similar queries. Through simulation, we demonstrate that our SAQP scheme reduces energy consumption on queries with negligible increase in response time, and without compromising the quality of data
Poverty trap formed by the ecology of infectious diseases

While most of the world has enjoyed exponential economic growth, more than one-sixth of the world is today roughly as poor as their ancestors were many generations ago. Widely accepted general explanations for the persistence of such poverty have been elusive and are needed by the international development community. Building on a well-established model of human infectious diseases, we show how formally integrating simple economic and disease ecology models can naturally give rise to poverty traps, where initial economic and epidemiological conditions determine the long-term trajectory of the health and economic development of a society. This poverty trap may therefore be broken by improving health conditions of the population. More generally, we demonstrate that simple human ecological models can help explain broad patterns of modern economic organization.
Modulation of Hippocampal and Amygdalar-Evoked Activity of Nucleus Accumbens Neurons by Dopamine: Cellular Mechanisms of Input Selection

Inputs from multiple sites in the telencephalon, including the hippocampus and basolateral amygdala (BLA), converge on neurons in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), and dopamine (DA) is believed to play an essential role in the amplification and gating of these different limbic inputs. The present study used extracellular single-unit recordings of NAc neurons in combination with chronoamperometric sampling of mesoaccumbens DA efflux to assess the importance of DA in the integration of different limbic inputs to the NAc. Tetanic stimulation of the fimbria potentiated hippocampal-evoked firing activity of NAc neurons and increased DA extracellular levels. Systemic administration of the D1 receptor antagonist SCH23390 or the NMDA receptor antagonist CPP abolished the potentiation of hippocampal-evoked activity and produced a D2receptor-mediated suppression of evoked firing. In neurons that received converging input from the hippocampus and BLA, fimbria tetanus potentiated hippocampal-evoked firing activity and suppressed BLA-evoked activity in the same neurons. Both D1 and NMDA receptors participated in the potentiation of fimbria-evoked activity, whereas the suppression of BLA-evoked activity was blocked by either D1 receptor antagonism with SCH23390 or the adenosine A1 antagonist 8-cyclopentyl-1,2-dimethylxanthine. Coincidental tetanus of both the fimbria and BLA resulted in potentiation of both inputs, indicating that DA and adenosine-mediated suppression of BLA-evoked firing was activity-dependent. These data suggest that increases in mesoaccumbens DA efflux by hippocampal afferents to the NAc play a critical role in an input selection mechanism, which can ensure preferential responding to the information conveyed from the hippocampus to the ventral striatum.
Treadmill training improves fitness reserve in chronic stroke patients.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the hypothesis that treadmill training will improve peak fitness, while lowering the energy cost of hemiparetic gait in chronic stroke patients. DESIGN Noncontrolled exercise intervention study with repeated-measures analysis. SETTING Hospital-based senior exercise research center. PARTICIPANTS Twenty-three patients (mean age +/- standard deviation [SD] 67 +/- 8 yr) with chronic hemiparetic gait after remote (>6 mo) ischemic stroke. INTERVENTION Three 40-minute sessions of treadmill exercise weekly for 6 months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Peak exercise capacity (VO2peak) and rate of oxygen consumption during submaximal effort treadmill walking (economy of gait) by open circuit spirometry and ambulatory workload capacity before and after 3 and 6 months of training. RESULTS Patients who completed 3 months of training (n = 21) increased their VO2peak +/- SD from 15.4 +/- 2.9 mL x kg(-1) x min(-1) to 17.0 +/- 4.4 mL x kg(-1) x min(-1) (p <.02) and lowered their oxygen demands of submaximal effort ambulation from 9.3 +/- 2 mL x kg(-1) x min(-1) to 7.9 +/- 1.5 mL x kg(-1) x min(-1) (p =.002), which enabled them to perform the same constant-load treadmill task using 20% less of their peak exercise capacity (62.3% +/- 17.2% vs 49.9% +/- 19.3%, p <.002). Gains in VO2peak and economy of gait plateaued by 3 months, while peak ambulatory workload capacity progressively increased by 39% (p <.001) over 6 months. CONCLUSIONS Treadmill training improves physiologic fitness reserve in chronic stroke patients by increasing VO2peak while lowering the energy cost of hemiparetic gait, and increases peak ambulatory workload capacity. These improvements may enhance functional mobility in chronic stroke patients.
Design of a hand exoskeleton for biomechanical analysis of the stroke hand

In this paper, the design of a hand exoskeleton system is introduced for biomechanical analysis of the stroke hand. In order to diagnose the status of the stroke hand, muscular forces associated with the finger movement need to be be estimated. The muscular forces can be estimated by a biomechanical model using moment equilibrium around finger joints, thus the required information for the moment equilibrium such as finger joint angles and external forces should be measured and applied. In this paper, a hand exoskeleton system, which can 1) measure the finger joint angles using a four-bar linkage based exoskeleton structure, and 2) apply and measure normal forces to the fingers, is designed. The performance of this design was verified by simulation and experiments with a manufactured prototype.