Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Shared control architectures for haptic training: Performance and coupled stability analysis

A novel shared control architecture is presented for dual-user haptic training simulation systems for enhanced interaction between the users and between each user and the virtual environment. The coupled stability of the proposed control architecture against uncertainties in the environment and the user’s dynamics is investigated using the three-port master–slave network model of the dual-user haptic simulation system. For this purpose, Llewellyn’s unconditional stability criterion is applied to an equivalent two-port network model obtained from the corresponding three-port network, considering the environment as a load termination. The kinesthetic performance of the proposed architecture is numerically analyzed for transparency and evaluated against a benchmark control architecture under different operating conditions, such as various types of environments, users’ grasps, and levels of dominance of users over the task. An experimental user study is carried out to assess the effectiveness of the proposed architecture in terms of users’ perception of environment stiffness sensing, device agility, and haptic guidance reception.
Adaptive Compensation of Control Dependent Modeling Uncertainties using Time-Scale Separation

For nonlinear systems with uncertain nonaffine-in-control dynamics, a direct adaptive model reference control design is proposed that augments a given baseline/nominal dynamic inversion controller. The proposed adaptive augmentation is computed online as a solution of a fast dynamical equation. Such a solution is shown to compensate for control dependent modeling uncertainties via time-scale separation. A simulation example which is motivated by aerospace applications illustrates the theoretical results.
Marital Status, Marital Transitions, and Health: A Gendered Life Course Perspective∗

We work from a life course perspective to assess the impact of marital status and marital transitions on subsequent changes in the self-assessed physical health of men and women. Our results suggest three central conclusions regarding the association of marital status and marital transitions with self-assessed health. First, marital status differences in health appear to reflect the strains of marital dissolution more than they reflect any benefits of marriage. Second, the strains of marital dissolution undermine the self-assessed health of men but not women. Finally, life course stage is as important as gender in moderating the effects of marital status and marital transitions on health.
Reproductive Biology of the Slender Loris (Loris lydekkerianus lydekkerianus)

The slender loris (Loris lydekkerianus lydekkerianus), a nocturnal prosim-ian, was studied for 21 months in its natural habitat of scrub jungle in Dindigul, south India. Here we report on its reproductive biology. Identified and unidentified lorises were observed for a total of 2,656 h. Reproductive seasonality was seen, with births and oestrus observed to be highest in April–June and October–December. The mating system was promiscuous with 1 female mating successively with 3–4 males. A gestation period of 5.5 months and an inter-birth interval of 7 months were recorded. Adult females had a reproductive potential of 4 infants per year. The findings presented in this paper constitute the first information on the life history parameters of wild slender lorises.
4-1BB and Ox40 Are Members of a Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-Nerve Growth Factor Receptor Subfamily That Bind TNF Receptor-Associated Factors and Activate Nuclear Factor κB

ABSTRACT Members of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-nerve growth factor (NGF) receptor family have been shown to be important costimulatory molecules for cellular activation. 4-1BB and Ox40 are two recently described members of this protein family which are expressed primarily on activated T cells. To gain insight into the signaling pathways employed by these factors, yeast two-hybrid library screens were performed with the cytoplasmic domains of 4-1BB and Ox40 as baits. TNF receptor-associated factor 2 (TRAF2) was identified as an interacting protein in both screens. The ability of both 4-1BB and Ox40 to interact with TRAF2 was confirmed in mammalian cells by coimmunoprecipitation studies. When the binding of the receptors to other TRAF proteins was investigated, 4-1BB and Ox40 displayed distinct binding patterns. While 4-1BB bound TRAF2 and TRAF1, Ox40 interacted with TRAF3 and TRAF2. Using deletion and alanine scanning analysis, we defined the elements in the cytoplasmic domains of both receptors that mediate these interactions. The 4-1BB receptor was found to have two independent stretches of acidic residues that can mediate association of the TRAF molecules. In contrast, a single TRAF binding domain was identified in the cytoplasmic tail of Ox40. The cytoplasmic domains of both receptors were shown to activate nuclear factor κB in a TRAF-dependent manner. Taken together, our results indicate that 4-1BB and Ox40 bind TRAF proteins to initiate a signaling cascade leading to activation of nuclear factor κB.
Sympathetic nervous activation following subarachnoid hemorrhage: Influence of intravenous clonidine

Background: Subarachnoid hemorrhage is often accompanied by systemic complications and cerebral vasospasm. Elevated levels of circulating catecholamines may be involved in the pathophysiology behind these events. The alpha‐2‐agonist clonidine inhibits sympathetic outflow by a central mechanism. Unrestricted sympathoexcitation may be detrimental and administration of clonidine may be beneficial in these patients.
A Strategic Decision-Making Model Executing the Use Test Under Solvency II

Solvency II allows insurers to determine their own solvency capital requirements (SCR) under a one-year Value-at-Risk (VaR), and using internal models to quantify risks can therefore replace parts, or even all risks, of the standard formula. A major challenge for the industry is the use test under which companies will need to convince regulators that senior management understands, trusts and takes appropriate account of internal model outputs within its key decisions. This paper present a conceivable solution that linking capital allocation, pricing, performance and strategy together. The model presented will execute the use test under Solvency II and senior management provides with drivers to make strategic decisions based on the defined risk appetite and the internal model output. The model will be presented under the scope with a partial internal model for reserve risk, but could easily be extended to a full internal model environment. The model will be interpreted as a premium reserve model with intention to assess the ratio of the risk return of the SCR held.
Isolation, Characterization, and Molecular Cloning of a Protein (Abp2) That Binds to a Schizosaccharomyces pombe Origin of Replication (ars3002)

ABSTRACT The autonomously replicating sequence (ARS) elementars3002 is associated with the most active replication origin within a cluster of three closely spaced origins on chromosome III of Schizosaccharomyces pombe. A 361-bp portion ofars3002 containing detectable ARS activity includes multiple near matches to the S. pombe ARS consensus sequence previously reported by Maundrell et al. (K. Maundrell, A. Hutchison, and S. Shall, EMBO J. 7:2203–2209, 1988). Using a gel shift assay with a multimer of an oligonucleotide containing three overlapping matches to the Maundrell ARS consensus sequence, we have detected several proteins in S. pombe crude extracts that bind to the oligonucleotide and ars3002. One of these proteins, ARS binding protein 1, was previously described (Abp1 [Y. Murakami, J. A. Huberman, and J. Hurwitz, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 93:502–507, 1996]). In this report the isolation, characterization, and cloning of a second binding activity, designated ARS binding protein 2 (Abp2), are described. Purified Abp2 has an apparent molecular mass of 75 kDa. Footprinting analyses revealed that it binds preferentially to overlapping near matches to the Maundrell ARS consensus sequence. The gene abp2 was isolated, sequenced, and overexpressed in Escherichia coli. The DNA binding activity of overexpressed Abp2 was similar to that of native Abp2. The deduced amino acid sequence contains a region similar to a proline-rich motif (GRP) present in several proteins that bind A+T-rich DNA sequences. Replacement of amino acids within this motif with alanine either abolished or markedly reduced the DNA binding activity of the mutated Abp2 protein, indicating that this motif is essential for the DNA binding activity of Abp2. Disruption of theabp2 gene showed that the gene is not essential for cell viability. However, at elevated temperatures the null mutant was less viable than the wild type and exhibited changes in nuclear morphology. The null mutant entered mitosis with delayed kinetics when DNA replication was blocked with hydroxyurea, and advancement through mitosis led to the loss of cell viability and aberrant formation of septa. The null mutant was also sensitive to UV radiation, suggesting that Abp2 may play a role in regulating the cell cycle response to stress signals.
Peripheral fundus autofluorescence is increased in age-related macular degeneration.

PURPOSE To evaluate peripheral fundus autofluorescence (FAF) in patients with AMD. METHODS A consecutive series of 71 normal eyes, 71 eyes with neovascular AMD having received anti-VEGF treatment, and 43 eyes with untreated AMD were investigated. In all subjects, wide-field FAF imaging was performed, applying a wide-field scanning laser ophthalmoscope. FAF was quantified by image analysis software after defining peripheral and perifoveal central measurement zones with a grid scheme; age correction was performed by regression model. RESULTS Fundus autofluorescence increased with age not only in the perifoveal retinal area, but also in the retinal periphery. For age-corrected measurements, peripheral FAF was significantly increased for both, treated and untreated AMD groups compared with normal subjects. No significant difference was observed in peripheral FAF between AMD eyes having received anti-VEGF treatment and those without treatment. Age-corrected normal FAF in the retinal center differed significantly from the anti-VEGF-treated group (P < 0.01), but not the untreated AMD group. Age-corrected peripheral FAF irregularity, defined as the standard deviation in the measurement field, was significantly increased in both AMD groups compared with normal subjects. CONCLUSIONS Detection of peripheral in addition to central FAF may provide additional information potentially helpful to detect and monitor the development of AMD. No differences in autofluorescence were observed in the retinal periphery between anti-VEGF-treated and untreated eyes.
Assessing socio-economic vulnerability to climate change: a city-level index-based approach

The present study attempts to develop indices, indicating the vulnerability to climate change/environmental hazards, for Indian cities located in different bio-climatic zones. The indices generated in the study are based on socio-economic variables and provide a basic overview of the potential vulnerabilities faced by these cities in the context of climate disasters. Eleven cities located in six different bio-climatic zones have been studied. Various indicators of socio-economic vulnerability have been compiled and segregated into the following major components: infrastructure, technology, finance, social and space. This approach of segregation can aid identification of developmental needs essential for minimizing vulnerability. The proxy indicators have been standardized and agglomerated to obtain the respective major components. These components, thereafter, have been combined to obtain the overall vulnerability index. The indices are on a scale of 0–10. The results reveal that, among the selected cities, Jaisalmer is the most vulnerable and Pune is the least vulnerable. Further, the technological and financial indices vary significantly among the 11 cities, but their social capability and infrastructure are comparable. This index can assist in keeping track of vulnerability and planning disaster resilient cities.
Inactivation of O6‐methylguanine‐DNA methyltransferase by glucose‐conjugated inhibitors

The DNA‐repair protein O6‐methylguanine‐DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) is a decisive determinant of resistance of tumor cells to methylating and chloroethylating anti‐cancer drugs. Therefore, selective inhibition of MGMT in tumors is expected to cause tumor sensitization. Several inhibitors of MGMT have been developed which function in both tumors and normal tissue. To deplete MGMT preferentially in tumors, strategies to target the inhibitor to the tumor tissue need to be developed. Here, we report on the properties of glucose‐conjugated MGMT inhibitors that might be useful for tumor targeting since tumor cells frequently over‐express glucose transporter. O6‐Benzylguanine (O6BG), 8‐aza‐O6‐benzylguanine, O6‐(4‐bromothenyl)‐guanine (O6BTG) and the corresponding spacer‐linked β‐D‐glucose conjugates were analyzed comparatively for MGMT‐inhibitory activity. Substitution at the N9 position of the purine moiety resulted generally in a reduction in the efficiency with which the inhibitors blocked MGMT. However, the inhibitory activity of the O6BTG conjugates increased with increasing spacer length, and O6BTG conjugated with a C8 spacer with β‐D‐glucose was nearly as effective as O6BTG on its own. MGMT was inhibited by the conjugates both in crude cell extracts and upon treatment of intact HeLa cells, indicating efficient uptake of the glucose conjugates into cells. Since the O6BTG‐C8‐D‐glucose conjugate 8‐[O6‐(4‐bromothenyl)‐guan‐9‐yl]‐octyl‐β‐D‐glucoside was highly efficient at MGMT inhibition in a non‐toxic concentration range, the drug might be a useful tool for specific tumor sensitization. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cloning and expression of foreign genes in vaccinia virus, using a host range selection system

A simple selection system has been developed for the cloning and expression of open reading frames in vaccinia virus. The selection system is based on a conditional lethal (host range) mutant of vaccinia virus. A deletion mutant of the vaccinia virus WR strain was generated by insertion of the neomycin resistance gene from transposon Tn5 and selection with the antibiotic G418. This deletion recombinant, vP293, lacked approximately 21.7 kilobases of DNA beginning 3.8 kilobases from the left end of the genome, vP293, was capable of plaquing on primary chicken embryo fibroblasts and two monkey cell lines (BSC-40 and Vero) but was defective in replication in the human cell line MRC-5. Insertion of the host range gene K1L into vP293 restored the ability to grow on MRC-5 cells. A series of plasmids were constructed which in addition to the K1L gene contained a vaccinia virus early-late promoter, H6, followed by a unique polylinker sequence, translational initiation and termination signals, and an early transcription termination signal. These plasmids, pHES1 through 4, allowed for rapid single-step cloning and expression of any open reading frame when recombined in vivo with vP293 and scored for growth on MRC-5 cells.
Understanding and Predicting Nonlinear Turbulent Dynamical Systems with Information Theory

Complex nonlinear turbulent dynamical systems are ubiquitous in many areas. Quantifying the model error and model uncertainty plays an important role in understanding and predicting complex dynamical systems. In the first part of this article, a simple information criterion is developed to assess the model error in imperfect models. This effective information criterion takes into account the information in both the equilibrium statistics and the temporal autocorrelation function, where the latter is written in the form of the spectrum density that permits the quantification via information theory. This information criterion facilitates the study of model reduction, stochastic parameterizations, and intermittent events. In the second part of this article, a new efficient method is developed to improve the computation of the linear response via the Fluctuation Dissipation Theorem (FDT). This new approach makes use of a Gaussian Mixture (GM) to describe the unperturbed probability density function in high dimensions and avoids utilizing Gaussian approximations in computing the statistical response, as is widely used in the quasi-Gaussian (qG) FDT. Testing examples show that this GM FDT outperforms qG FDT in various strong non-Gaussian regimes.
Topical Treatment with Growth Factors for Tympanic Membrane Perforations: Progress Towards Clinical Application

Basic scientific research has demonstrated that epidermal growth factor (EGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), platelet-derived growth factor-AA (PDGF-AA) and transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF- f ) are induced by acute tympanic membrane (TM) perforation. The expression of these growth factors peaks during the inflammatory phase and then declines, suggesting their involvement in the healing process of the TM. Expression of EGF receptor, bFGF receptor, PDGF receptor and keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) receptor in the TM has also been reported. Identification of these receptors indicates that the target cells in the TM may be stimulated during the process of healing by the corresponding exogenous growth factor in vivo . Some reports from animal studies showed encouraging effects of EGF, bFGF and PDGF-AA in terms of accelerated or enhanced healing of acute and chronic TM perforations without significant adverse effects. Two reports of clinical trials of topical application of EGF or bFGF for TM perforations revealed mixed results. In this article special considerations for future directions of research into growth factors are discussed and related articles on healing of skin wounds and other lesions are reviewed. Further experimental and clinical studies on the mechanism of action of growth factors, timing of application, selection (either singly or in combination), delivery mode, dose and safety aspects, as well as more clinical trials, are warranted, and will pave the way for clinical application.
Strontium chloride Sr 89 for treating pain from metastatic bone disease.

The role of strontium chloride Sr 89 in the palliative treatment of pain associated with metastatic bone disease is reviewed. Conventional therapies to relieve metastatic bone pain include nonopioid and opioid analgesics, hormonal therapy, external-beam irradiation, and chemotherapy. Limitations in the long-term safety and effectiveness of these treatments have increased interest in using systemic radioactive isotopes for palliation of pain. Strontium chloride Sr 89 is a relatively new bone-seeking radiopharmaceutical that has FDA-approved labeling for use in relieving pain associated with skeletal metastases. An analogue of calcium, strontium chloride Sr 89 is rapidly cleared from the blood after i.v. injection. The agent selectively irradiates metastatic sites while generally sparing normal soft-bone tissue. In clinical studies, a majority of patients with prostate or breast cancer obtained substantial relief from bone pain after receiving strontium chloride Sr 89 alone or in combination with external-beam irradiation. Adverse effects tend to be mild, but patients should be monitored for possible hematologic toxicity. Patients should discontinue any calcium-containing products before receiving the agent. The typical dose is 4 mCi (148 MBq) administered by slow i.v. push over one to two minutes; doses can be repeated at three-month intervals. Pain relief usually begins in 10-20 days and lasts up to six months. Radiation safety measures are necessary in handling strontium chloride Sr 89 and the wastes of patients. Strontium chloride Sr 89 is costly, but preliminary analysis indicates that it may reduce management expenditures overall. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Information And The Sequential Valuation Of Assets In Arbitrage-Free Economies

Considerable empirical research in accounting has been directed toward the relationship of the equity price levels and the accounting numbers (or other information) associated with a firm. Earnings and dividends, for example, have been extensively investigated as possible determinants of equity share price levels. One reason for studying such accounting measurements is the notion that such measures reflect "true" underlying values which investors employ in determining their demand schedules for risky assets. More recent is the recognition that such "true" underlying variables are unobservable to investors and researchers alike, and thus the more pragmatic approach is to deal with accounting numbers as they are operationally measured, that is, directly via "generally accepted accounting procedures. " This paper extends the existing work on information (accounting) based valuation models to a systematic and complete treatment of both general and partial equilibrium. Previous work in this area has been done by LeRoy [1973], Ohlson [1977; 1979], and, to some extent, Rubinstein
Detection of methicillin-resistant staphylococci by using the polymerase chain reaction

A polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based test was developed for the detection of mecA in staphylococci. To facilitate this process, a rapid cell lysis procedure was established for the release of DNA from staphylococcal strains. Primers based on the DNA sequence of the mecA gene from Staphylococcus aureus were used in PCRs to screen for the presence of this gene in a total of 98 staphylococcal isolates. Fifty-one isolates were mecA positive (17 S. aureus strains and 34 coagulase-negative staphylococci including S. epidermidis, S. haemolyticus, and S. simulans). Results obtained with PCRs were generally consistent with those of standard microbiological assays. PCRs designed to detect the femA gene (factor essential for methicillin resistance) revealed the presence of the gene in all S. aureus strains examined regardless of the susceptibility profiles of the strains to methicillin. In contrast, femA could not be detected in coagulase-negative staphylococci by PCR with the same primers. Low-stringency hybridization suggested the presence of a gene structurally related to femA in S. epidermidis and other coagulase-negative staphylococci examined.
Effect of Obesity on Oocyte and Embryo Quality in Women Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the effect of body mass index (BMI) on oocyte and embryo parameters and cycle outcomes in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). METHODS: We evaluated a retrospective cohort of 1,721 women undergoing a first IVF cycle with fresh, autologous embryos between 2007 and 2010 in an academic infertility practice. Main outcome measures included number of mature and normally fertilized oocytes, embryo morphology, estradiol on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin administration, clinical pregnancy, spontaneous abortion, and live birth. We performed multivariable analyses, adjusting for potential confounders, including age at cycle start, infertility diagnosis, type of stimulation, total gonadotropin dose, use of intracytoplasmic sperm injection, and number of embryos transferred. RESULTS: Compared with women of normal BMI, women with class II (BMI 35–39.9) and III (BMI 40 or higher) obesity had fewer normally fertilized oocytes (9.3 compared with 7.6 and 7.7, P<.03) and lower estradiol levels (2,047 pg/mL compared with 1,498 and 1,361, P<.001) adjusting for age and despite similar numbers of mature oocytes. Odds of clinical pregnancy (odds ratio [OR] 0.50, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.31–0.82) and live birth (OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.29–0.87) were 50% lower in women with class III obesity as compared with women of normal BMI. CONCLUSION: Obesity was associated with fewer normally fertilized oocytes, lower estradiol levels, and lower pregnancy and live birth rates. Infertile women requiring IVF should be encouraged to maintain a normal weight during treatment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II