Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Application of confocal laser scanning microscopy to differential diagnosis of bullous pemphigoid and epidermolysis bullosa acquisita

We applied confocal laser scanning microscopy to fluorescence overlay antigen mapping (FOAM) for differential diagnosis of bullous pemphigoid (BP) and epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA). FOAM of tissue‐bound IgG and marker basement membrane components (BMCs) including integrin β4, laminin‐1, laminin‐5 and type IV collagen, showed that tissue‐bound IgG in perilesional skin samples from five patients with BP was localized on the epidermal side of type IV collagen, and colocalized with some of the other three BMCs, whereas IgG in a sample from a patient with EBA was on the dermal side of all the BMCs. FOAM of binding sites of autoantibodies in patients' sera and markers including integrin β4, laminin‐1, type IV collagen and type VII collagen, showed that the binding sites of autoantibodies from 16 patients with BP were localized on the epidermal side of type IV and type VII collagens, and localized above or codistributed with integrin β4 and laminin‐1, whereas those from five patients with EBA were codistributed with type IV and type VII collagens, and localized on the dermal side of integrin β4 and laminin‐1. These spatial relationships are compatible with their previously described ultrastructural locations. Thus, this method appears to be useful in the differential diagnosis of BP and EBA.
An inductor-less bidirectional DC-DC converter topology for high voltage gain applications

Many applications, such as residential grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) system, fuel cells, thermoelectric generators (TEG), and high intensity discharge (HID) lamp ballast used in automotive systems, require high step-up dc-dc converters. In this paper an inductor-less, bidirectional, high step-up dc-dc converter topology is proposed. At high temperature, performance of magnetic components degrades severely. The proposed converter does not possess any inductor or magnetic element, which makes it suitable for high temperature applications. Furthermore, the proposed converter has bidirectional power flow capability, which is an essential requirement for residential grid-connected PV system with battery storage. The proposed converter possesses relatively lower number of components and has lower voltage stress across switches and capacitors as compare to other existing switched capacitors (SC) converters. A comparative analysis of the proposed converter with some popular existing SC converters is presented in this paper. A user friendly, inductor-less, multi voltage gain boost converter has been designed and tested in OrCAD PSpice environment. Finally, simulation results are presented to validate the performance of the proposed converter.
Utilizing low rank properties when solving KYP-SDPs

Semidefinite programs and especially those derived from the Kalman-Yakubovich-Popov lemma are quite common in control applications. The solver KYPD is a dedicated solver for KYP-SDPs. It solves the optimization problem via the dual SDP and is an iterative solver. In each step a Hessian is formed and a linear system of equations is solved. The calculations can be performed much faster if we utilize sparsity and low rank structure. We show how to transform a dense optimization problem into a sparse one with low rank structure. A customized calculation of the Hessian is presented and investigated
Simulating Human Single Motor Units Using Self-Organizing Agents

Understanding functional synaptic connectivity of human central nervous system is one of the holy grails of the neuroscience. Due to the complexity of nervous system, it is common to reduce the problem to smaller networks such as motor unit pathways. In this sense, we designed and developed a simulation model that learns acting in the same way of human single motor units by using findings on human subjects. The developed model is based on self-organizing agents whose nominal and cooperative behaviors are based on the current knowledge on biological neural networks. The results show that the simulation model generates similar functionality with the observed data.
Simple and Versatile Turbidimetric Monitoring of Bacterial Growth in Liquid Cultures Using a Customized 3D Printed Culture Tube Holder and a Miniaturized Spectrophotometer: Application to Facultative and Strictly Anaerobic Bacteria

Here we introduce a novel strategy for turbidimetric monitoring of bacterial growth in liquid culture. The instrumentation comprises a light source, a customized 3D printed culture tube holder and a miniaturized spectrophotometer, connected through optical cables. Due to its small footprint and the possibility to operate with external light, bacterial growth was directly monitored from culture tubes in a simple and versatile fashion. This new portable measurement technique was used to monitor the growth of facultative (Escherichia coli ATCC/25922, and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC/29213) and strictly (Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens JW11, Butyrivibrio proteoclasticus P18, and Propionibacterium acnes DSMZ 1897) anaerobic bacteria. For E. coli and S. aureus, the growth rates calculated from normalized optical density values were compared with those ones obtained using a benchtop spectrophotometer without significant differences (P = 0.256). For the strictly anaerobic species, a high precision (relative standard deviation < 3.5%) was observed between replicates up to 48 h. Regarding its potential for customization, this manifold could accommodate further developments for customized turbidimetric monitoring, such as the use of light-emitting diodes as a light source or flow cells.
The evolution of photosystem I in light of phage-encoded reaction centres

Recent structural determinations and metagenomic studies shed light on the evolution of photosystem I (PSI) from the homodimeric reaction centre of primitive bacteria to plant PSI at the top of the evolutionary development. The evolutionary scenario of over 3.5 billion years reveals an increase in the complexity of PSI. This phenomenon of ever-increasing complexity is common to all evolutionary processes that in their advanced stages are highly dependent on fine-tuning of regulatory processes. On the other hand, the recently discovered virus-encoded PSI complexes contain a minimal number of subunits. This may reflect the unique selection scenarios associated with viral replication. It may be beneficial for future engineering of productive processes to utilize ‘primitive’ complexes that disregard the cellular regulatory processes and to avoid those regulatory constraints when our goal is to divert the process from its original route. In this article, we discuss the evolutionary forces that act on viral reaction centres and the role of the virus-carried photosynthetic genes in the evolution of photosynthesis.
A deterministic poly(log log N)-time N-processor algorithm for linear programming in fixed dimension

It is shown that for any fixed number of variables, the linear programming problems with <italic>n</italic> linear inequalities can be solved deterministically by <italic>n</italic> parallel processors in sub-logarithmic time. The parallel time bound is O((log log <italic>n</italic>)<supscrpt><italic>d</italic></supscrpt>) where <italic>d</italic> is the number of variables. In the one-dimensional case this bound is optimal.
Measuring Final Lengthening for Speaker-Change Prediction

We explore pre-silence syllabic lengthening as a cue for next-speakership prediction in spontaneous dialogue. When estimated using a transcription-mediated procedure, lengthening is shown to reduce error rates by 25% relative to majority class guessing. This indicates that lengthening should be exploited by dialogue systems. With that in mind, we evaluate an automatic measure of spectral envelope change, Mel-spectral flux (MSF), and show that its performance is at least as good as that of the transcription-mediated measure. Modeling MSF is likely to improve turn uptake in dialogue systems, and to benefit other applications needing an estimate of durational variability in speech.
An LTE Uplink Receiver PHY benchmark and subframe-based power management

With the proliferation of mobile phones and other mobile internet appliances, the application area of baseband processing continues to grow in importance. Much academic research addresses the underlying mathematics, but little has been published on the design of systems to execute baseband workloads. Most systems research is conducted within companies who go to great lengths to protect their intellectual property. We present an open-source LTE Uplink Receiver PHY benchmark with a realistic representation of the baseband processing of an LTE base station, and we demonstrate its usefulness in investigating resource management strategies to conserve power on a TILEPro64. By estimating the workload of each subframe and using these estimates to control power-gating, we reduce power consumption by more than 24% (11% on average) compared to executing the benchmark with no estimation-guided resource management. By making available a benchmark containing no proprietary algorithms, we enable a broader community to conduct research both in baseband processing and on the systems that are used to execute such workloads.
Effect of Testosterone Replacement Treatment in Testosterone Deficiency Syndrome Patients with Metabolic Syndrome

Purpose This study was conducted to investigate the effect of testosterone replacement treatment (TRT) in testosterone deficiency syndrome (TDS) patients with metabolic syndrome. Materials and Methods We reviewed the data of 200 men who were diagnosed with TDS and were undergoing TRT between August 2006 and August 2009. The 200 patients were divided into two groups (group 1: 71 patients with metabolic syndrome, group 2: 129 patients without metabolic syndrome) depending on metabolic syndrome, which was diagnosed according to the NCEP III criteria for Asians. Age, BMI (body mass index), waist circumference, serologic tests, AMS (the Aging Males' Symptoms scale), and IIEF (International Index of Erectile Function) were measured. Results In group 1, waist circumference and fasting glucose were significantly decreased; hemoglobin and total testosterone were increased; and the somatovegetative scale score of the AMS, the total AMS score, the erectile function score of the IIEF, the overall satisfaction score of the IIEF, and the total IIEF score were significantly improved after TRT. On the other hand, in group 2, waist circumference, BMI, total cholesterol, LDL, and fasting glucose were significantly decreased; hemoglobin and total testosterone were increased; and the 2 subscale scores of the AMS (psychologic and somatovegetative), the total AMS score, all subscale scores of the IIEF, and the total IIEF score were significantly improved after TRT. Conclusions Overall, the patients who had TDS with metabolic syndrome showed less improvement in AMS, IIEF, and serum variables. Therefore, the correction of metabolic syndrome, such as diabetes, obesity, and hypertension, should be considered during TRT.
Plasmon-coupled tip-enhanced near-field optical microscopy

Near the cut-off radius of a guided waveguide mode of a metalcoated glass fibre tip it is possible to couple radiation to surface plasmons propagating on the outside surface of the metal coating. These surface plasmons converge toward the apex of the tip and interfere constructively for particular polarization states of the initial waveguide mode. Calculations show that a radially polarized waveguide mode can create a strong field enhancement localized at the apex of the tip. The highly localized enhanced field forms a nanoscale optical near-field source.
Review of Alan Kirman's complex economics : individual and collective rationality

Alan Kirman’s latest book is an interesting but preliminary account of the developing tradition of complexity economics. The main goal of this, as most preliminary programmatic statements, is to motivate itself in opposition to existing programmes. In this case the target of critique is mainstream economic theory for its failure to address central economic problems, notably the ongoing financial crisis. Those familiar with Kirman’s work will recognize this as a continuation of the theme: “the economic crisis is a crisis for economic theory” (Kirman 2010). The focus of the critique is the individualistic assumptions of mainstream economic theory, which abstract away direct economic interactions. As an alternative, Kirman offers a socialized view of economics which grounds economic organization in social interaction. This leads to the rather radical message that organization and not efficiency should be the key concern of economics. Providing a fair assessment of this line of argument from a philosophical perspective is difficult for a number of reasons. First, it is primarily a book by an economist for fellow economists. It is a critique of mainstream modelling and an alternative developed largely through discussion of Kirman’s previously published models. Though methodological principles are central to motivating the critique, their justification is not the primary focus. Second, as a rather exploratory series of separate lectures rather than a fully developed programme, it suffers from some omissions and inconsistencies. Kirman is quite upfront about the preliminary nature of the argument. He does not pretend to test his principles relative to a fully developed exemplar, instead using the principles to suggest the steps one might take to improve rather simple models.
Eco-evolutionary dynamics of dispersal in spatially heterogeneous environments

Evolutionary changes in natural populations are often so fast that the evolutionary dynamics may influence ecological population dynamics and vice versa. Here we construct an eco-evolutionary model for dispersal by combining a stochastic patch occupancy metapopulation model with a model for changes in the frequency of fast-dispersing individuals in local populations. We test the model using data on allelic variation in the gene phosphoglucose isomerase (Pgi), which is strongly associated with dispersal rate in the Glanville fritillary butterfly. Population-specific measures of immigration and extinction rates and the frequency of fast-dispersing individuals among the immigrants explained 40% of spatial variation in Pgi allele frequency among 97 local populations. The model clarifies the roles of founder events and gene flow in dispersal evolution and resolves a controversy in the literature about the consequences of habitat loss and fragmentation on the evolution of dispersal.
A Detection Algorithm for MIMO Transmission Using Poly-Diagonalization and Trellis Decoding

A MIMO decoding algorithm utilizing poly- diagonalization and tail-biting trellis is proposed. Linear MIMO decoding, such as zero-forcing equalization, is a channel diagonalization technique, where all interferences from other data streams are suppressed for separate decoding. It is well known, however, that such decoders suffer from the noise enhancement. In the proposed scheme, interferences are partially allowed, in order to alleviate the noise enhancement and, then, post trellis decoding is used for the joint detection utilizing the poly-diagonal structure of the effective channel. Under the proposed framework, the zero-forcing equalizer can be regarded as special cases of poly-diagonalization, i.e., of the first order. And the proposed scheme can provide a tradeoff between the complexity and performance by choosing an appropriate order of poly-diagonalization. According to the simulation results, considerable gain can be obtained even with the second order, i.e., bi-diagonalization, for which the decoding complexity is far less than that of the maximum likelihood decoding.
Predictors and brain connectivity changes associated with arm motor function improvement from intensive practice in chronic stroke

Background and Purpose: The brain changes that underlie therapy-induced improvement in motor function after stroke remain obscure. This study sought to demonstrate the feasibility and utility of measuring motor system physiology in a clinical trial of intensive upper extremity rehabilitation in chronic stroke-related hemiparesis. Methods: This was a substudy of two multi-center clinical trials of intensive robotic and intensive conventional therapy arm therapy in chronic, significantly hemiparetic, stroke patients. Transcranial magnetic stimulation was used to measure motor cortical output to the biceps and extensor digitorum communus muscles. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to determine the cortical anatomy, as well as to measure fractional anisotropy, and blood oxygenation (BOLD) during an eyes-closed rest state. Region-of-interest time-series correlation analysis was performed on the BOLD signal to determine interregional connectivity. Functional status was measured with the upper extremity Fugl-Meyer and Wolf Motor Function Test. Results: Motor evoked potential (MEP) presence was associated with better functional outcomes, but the effect was not significant when considering baseline impairment. Affected side internal capsule fractional anisotropy was associated with better function at baseline. Affected side primary motor cortex (M1) activity became more correlated with other frontal motor regions after treatment. Resting state connectivity between affected hemisphere M1 and dorsal premotor area (PMAd) predicted recovery. Conclusions: Presence of motor evoked potentials in the affected motor cortex and its functional connectivity with PMAd may be useful in predicting recovery. Functional connectivity in the motor network shows a trends towards increasing after intensive robotic or non-robotic arm therapy. Clinical Trial Registration URL: http://www.clinicaltrials. gov. Unique identifiers: NCT00372411 \& NCT00333983.
Transapical Aortic Valve Implantation Incidence and Predictors of Paravalvular Leakage and Transvalvular Regurgitation in a Series of 358 Patients

Results Balloon redilation of the transcatheter valve was performed in 18 patients (5%), and additional second valves were implanted in 13 (4%). At the end of the procedure, 186 patients (52%) had no paravalvular or transvalvular regurgitation. In the remaining 172 patients, paravalvular leakage was observed in 113 (32%), transvalvular leakage in 47 (13%), and both in 12 (3%). Leakage was trace in 88 patients (25%), mild in 82 (23%), and moderate in 2 (0.6%). Multivariate analysis identified male sex, New York Heart Association functional class IV, and no previous aortic valve replacement as predictors of post-procedural leakage. Cumulative survival was not dependent on post-procedural regurgitation rate. Overall mortality was 5 1% at 30 days, 14 2% at 6 months, 17 2% at 1 year, and 33 4% at 2 years.
An Activity Ontology for Enterprise Modelling

We present a logical framework for representing activities, states, and time in an enterprise integration architecture. We define an ontology for these concepts in first-order logic and consider the problems of temporal projection and reasoning about the occurrence of actions. This framework provides the basis for research in integrated supply chain management and enterprise engineering, as well as a new area for the application of theories of action and time. Content Area: Knowledge Representation
Prophylactic use of decoquinate for infections with Cryptosporidium parvum in experimentally challenged neonatal calves.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of daily oral administration of decoquinate to neonatal calves experimentally challenged with various numbers of Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts. DESIGN Clinical trial. ANIMALS 75 calves. PROCEDURE Calves were purchased from a commercial dairy during a 5-week period. Calves were housed in individual hutches and fed milk replacer with or without decoquinate (2 mg/kg [0.9 mg/lb per day]). Calves were randomly assigned to treatment and 1 of 5 challenge groups (0, 50, 100, 1000, or 10,000 C. parvum oocysts in 60 mL of saline [0.9% NaCl] solution administered p.o. on the day after arrival). Calves were maintained in the study for as long as 28 days. Calves were clinically assessed for diarrhea and dehydration. Fecal samples were submitted for oocyst enumeration 3 times each week. RESULTS Treatment did not affect number of days to first watery feces (diarrhea), number of days to first oocyst shedding, or duration of diarrhea or oocyst shedding. Duration of oocyst shedding was significantly associated with challenge dose of oocysts administered to calves and number of days to first oocyst shedding. Duration of diarrhea and number of days to first oocyst shedding were significantly associated with week of arrival and number of days to first watery diarrhea. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Daily treatment with decoquinate at the dosage used in this study did not affect oocyst shedding or clinical signs associated with cryptosporidiosis. However, there was an indication that if the number of oocysts calves received could be reduced, then the duration of oocyst shedding and, hence, environmental loading of C. parvum oocysts could be reduced.
Surface modification of oil palm fruit bunch and fibre reinforcement effect on bio-based polyester matrix composites

In this study, our focus is on the compatibility behaviour of bio-based polyester blend with the addition of surface-modified oil palm fruit bunch fibres (OPFBFs). The surface of OPFBF has been modified using alkali, silane and acetic anhydride solutions. Surface-modified fibres are characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy analyses to identify the functionality, adhesion and phase morphology. Untreated and treated fibres are incorporated in the bio-based polyester blend with about 30% of fibre content. Surface-modified fibre biocomposites exhibit improved interaction between the polymer matrix and the fibre. Oil palm fibre-reinforced biocomposites exhibit enhanced thermal, mechanical and morphological properties with incorporation of surface-treated fibre. The OPFBF also acts as a reinforcement filler and adhesion material for the polyester blend.
Assessment of insulin sensitivity/resistance

Insulin resistance is one pretty troublesome entity which very commonly aggravates metabolic syndrome. Many methods and indices are available for the estimation of insulin resistance. It is essential to test and validate their reliability before they can be used as an investigation in patients. At present, hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp and intravenous glucose tolerance test are the most reliable methods available for estimating insulin resistance and are being used as a reference standard. Some simple methods, from which indices can be derived, have been validated e.g. homeostasis model assessment (HOMA), quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI). For the clinical uses HOMA-insulin resistance, QUIKI, and Matsuda are suitable, while HES, McAuley, Belfiore, Cederholm, Avignon and Stumvoll index are suitable for epidemiological/research purposes. With increasing number of these available indices of IR, it may be difficult for clinicians to select the most appropriate index for their studies. This review provides guidelines that must be considered before performing such studies.