Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optimization of a gas turbine engine fuzzy control

Modern techniques are required for many complex systems where increasingly strict performance and regulatory requirements must be achieved. In this paper, a genetic-fuzzy control is employed in order to meet the engine performance requirement and constraints. Knowledge and understanding of the system behavior is an essential factor in control system development. Particularly, this factor is more serious for defining fuzzy membership functions and developing fuzzy rules which both are based on knowledge and experience of the controller designer. First, a successful approach based on Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) is used for simulating the engine performance in a reversed manner, and achieving a set of suitable fuel flow functions. The fuzzified forms of these functions are used to produce first generation of chromosomes (fuzzy fuel functions). Indeed, the method of neural networks is used as an effective idea to define first generation of fuzzy fuel functions. Subsequently, tuning of the FLC parameters is obtained based on an optimization problem solved by a multi-objective genetic algorithm (GA). Finally, a fuzzy logic controller is developed using the engine simulation model, and the GA results. Simulation results of the optimized fuzzy controller, simple fuzzy controller and a conventional controller are presented to demonstrate the capability of proposed optimized fuzzy controller in achieving a fast engine response with consideration of all safety constraints.
Early Pregnancy: Normal and Abnormal

The understanding of early pregnancy both normal and abnormal as seen by transvaginal ultrasound is an essential skill of any clinician involved in reproductive medicine and infertility. The "sonomicroscopy" of the vaginal probe results from the high level of magnification and close proximity to the structure being studied. In addition, the ability to detect minute levels of human chorionic gonadotropin, often by over-the-counter home pregnancy tests, has caused patients to present to clinicians earlier then ever before. It is essential that the sonologist or sonographer understand what early pregnancy looks like on transvaginal ultrasound and why it looks like that, so that one can distinguish early pregnancies that are normal from those that are absolutely destined to fail. In addition, understanding the use of ultrasound and human chorionic gonadotropin in the modern diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy as well as a newly emerging category of pregnancies of unknown location is essential to clinical practice. This article will review the fundamental principals outlined above.
Derivation and validation of a new global method for assessing nutritional status in patients with cirrhosis

Accurate assessments of nutritional status are difficult to obtain in patients with cirrhosis. The aim of this study was to devise and validate a global nutritional assessment scheme for use in this patient population. Measures of body mass index (BMI) and mid‐arm muscle circumference (MAMC) were combined with details of dietary intake in a semistructured, algorithmic construct to provide a nutritional assessment scheme for use in patients with cirrhosis; evaluated individuals were classified as adequately nourished, moderately malnourished (or suspected to be), or severely malnourished. There was good interobserver agreement in the nutritional categorization of 50 patients with cirrhosis (34 men, 16 women) using this scheme (κ = 0.79) and significant associations with the contributing objective variables—namely, BMI (Spearman's correlation r = −0.78; P < .001) and relative MAMC (r = −0.69; P < .001)—confirming its internal validity. There was a significant association between nutritional categorization in 20 patients with cirrhosis (10 men, 10 women) and estimates of total body protein obtained using a four‐component model (r = −0.45; P = .046), confirming the external validity of the scheme. Finally, a significant association was found between poor nutritional status in 116 patients with cirrhosis (65 men, 51 women), followed for 14 to 52 months, and shorter subsequent survival (P = .0005), confirming the scheme's predictive validity. In conclusion, a global assessment scheme has been devised that provides a simple, reproducible, valid, and predictive method of assessing nutritional status in patients with cirrhosis. (HEPATOLOGY 2006;44:823–835.)
Impact of attenuations on the hybrid Subcarrier Multiplexing SAC OCDMA-FSO system

The wireless systems in Malaysia are influenced by turbulent weather which leads to a large signal fading or attenuation. This paper proposes using the hybrid Subcarrier Multiplying (SCM)-Spectral Amplitude Coding (SAC) Optical Code Division Multiple Access (OCDMA) system based on Multi-Diagonal (MD) code using Free Space Optic (FSO). The study has found out that the hybrid system can be used in the mesh network. The proposed hybrid technique has been analyzed by taking into account the effects of the haze and rain attenuations. Furthermore, we have described modulation scheme, atmospheric effects, data security, the FSO mesh network and simulation. The above method produces less Bit-Error Rate (BER) at storm rain and at heavy haze.
Reference centile chart for fetal nuchal translucency, maternal serum PAPP-A and free beta hCG.

OBJECTIVE To create reference centile chart of fetal nuchal translucency maternal serum pregnancy associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) and maternal serum free beta human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG) in order to predict preliminarily Down syndrome in Thai fetuses during 10-14 weeks of gestation. MATERIAL AND METHOD This was a prospective, descriptive cohort study. From 1 January 2004 to 31 December 2006, a total of 1,000 pregnant women during 10-14 weeks of gestation were participated in the present study. Pregnancy outcomes were reviewed from the records. The excluded cases were chromosomal and major structural abnormalities, twin pregnancy and cases resulting in miscarriage or intrauterine death. All women had a scan for nuchal translucency (NT) and had blood taken for measurement of maternal serum PAPP-A and free beta-hCG level. RESULTS The mean NT was 1.6 +/- 0.8 mm (range 0.3-14 mm). The 5th, 50th and 95th centile of PAPP-A and free beta-hCG during 11-14 weeks of gestation were 1.54-69, 14-28, 51-57 and 24.8-17, 78-47, 181.6-126.5 mIU/mL, respectively. The distribution and the 5% and 95%, lower and upper limits of NT, PAPP-A and free beta-hCG was presented. CONCLUSION The present study shows that NT measurements increase with increasing gestational age. The mean serum PAPP-A rises and the mean serum-free beta hCG decreases from 10 to 14 weeks of gestation in normal Thai fetuses. These results can be used for reference value to predict fetal Down Syndrome.
Trace element and metallothionein concentrations in seabirds from the Canadian Arctic

Livers and kidneys were collected for five seabird species from the Canadian Arctic during the 1983 and 1991 to 1993 breeding seasons. Livers were analyzed for Cd, Hg, Pb, and Se, and kidneys were analyzed for Cd, Cu, Zn, and metallothionein (MT). Concentrations of the essential elements, Cu and Zn, were in agreement with those previously published in the literature. Thick‐billed murres (Uria lomvia) from Ivujivik on the Hudson Strait/Hudson Bay coast in northwestern Quebec (Canada) had the highest mean renal concentrations of Cu, Zn, and Cd. Among the four species collected from Prince Leopold Island, northern fulmars (Fulmarus glacialis) had the highest hepatic concentrations of both Cd and Hg. The highest Se concentrations were found in northern fulmars and black‐legged kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla) from Prince Leopold Island. Hepatic Pb concentrations were low (<0.3 μg/g dry wt) in all species at all locations. Metallothionein concentrations were positively correlated with Cd and Zn for all species combined but were not correlated with Cu in any species. No significant relationships were found between MT and Cu or Zn in black guillemots (Cepphus grylle) or glaucous gulls (Larus hyperboreus). To our knowledge, this is the first report of MT concentrations and their relationships with trace metals in Arctic seabirds.
Environmental Affordances: Designing for Family Presence and Involvement in Patient Care

OBJECTIVE: This comparative study in two ICUs examines the impact of the patient-centered unit design on family involvement, operationalized as percentages of family presence and family–patient/family–staff interaction in patient rooms. BACKGROUND: As hospitals have become more patient-centered, there has been a trend toward including a family area inside the patient area to promote family presence, support, and involvement in patient care. There is growing evidence that family members play an important role in supporting patient care, and that the physical environment affects family involvement. However, few empirical studies have attempted to show the effectiveness of the patient-centered design on family members' presence and their behavior. METHODS: This study compared the degree of family presence and family–patient and family–staff interactions in two intensive care units (ICUs) with different physical environmental conditions, but housing patients of similar acuity and disease type. RESULTS: The analysis identified a significant difference in family presence in patient rooms (t = −2.176; df = 79.0; p = 0.03) between the traditional and the patient-centered units. Patients in the family-centered care unit (M = 37.77; SD = 34.02) spent significantly more time with their family members in patient rooms than did patients in the traditional unit (M = 23.89; SD = 21.90). Patient-related variables other than unit design had no significant impact on family presence and interactions. CONCLUSIONS: Findings demonstrated that the patient-centered unit (5K) was associated with increased family presence in the patient rooms and increased family interaction with patients, when compared with the traditionally designed unit.
[Establishment and evaluation of reproduction of middle cerebral artery occlusion to produce cerebral ischemia with autologous blood clot and nylon thread in rat].

OBJECTIVE To reproduce cerebral ischemia using middle cerebral artery, occlusion (MCAO) method with autologous blood clot and nylon thread in rat. METHODS Rats were randomly divided into sham operation group (n=10), suture occlusion group (n=12), thrombus suture occlusion model group (n=12) in which both autologous blood clot and nylon thread were used (thrombus occluded group). Cerebral ischemia as a result of MCAO in suture occlusion group was replicated by insertion of nylon thread. In thrombus occluded group, a polyethylene catheter containing a nylon thread was inserted into the middle carotid artery via external carotid artery, and the nylon thread was pulled out to an appropriate length to allow blood to coagulate. Fifteen minutes later, thrombin was injected, and the nylon thread was re-inserted to complete MCAO. Specimens were taken after ischemia for 6 hours. Neurological symptoms were observed, brain water ratio and the cerebral infarction size were measured, and the pathological changes in the brain tissue were observed. RESULTS Compared with sham operation group, the evaluation score of neurological symptoms was significantly higher, and water content and cerebral infarction size were larger in suture occlusion group and thrombus occluded group (all P<0.01); the pathological changes of the brain were also more marked. Compared with suture occlusion group, thrombus occlusion group showed no differences in evaluation score, water content, cerebral infarction size and pathological changes of the brain (all >0.05). CONCLUSION In rats, occlusion of middle cerebral artery with autologous blood clot and inserted nylon thread can result in the functional lesion, edema and the pathological changes in the brain. The MCAO reproduced by this method could produce thrombotic obstruction of the middle cerebral artery for the experimental study of cerebral ischemic/reperfusion injury, and it could prevent hemorrhage in the process of replication of animal model and in the course of thrombolysis therapy in the clinic. The model has the advantages of precision of the occlusion site, production of constant cerebral infarction size, easier performance and good repeatability.
Imaging of Localized Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Defects in Preperimetric Glaucoma Using Spectral-domain Optical Coherence Tomography

Purpose:To characterize preperimetric retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) defects on speckle noise–reduced spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), and to determine whether detection of preperimetric RNFL defects can be improved by speckle noise reduction. Patients and Methods:Thirty-two eyes of 32 patients with preperimetric glaucoma and 30 normal eyes of 30 volunteers underwent complete ophthalmic examinations and scanning by speckle noise–reduced SD-OCT (Spectralis), single-scan SD-OCT (RTVue-100), and single-scan time-domain (Stratus) OCT. Results:All 40 RNFL defects identified by photography had angular widths <30 degrees and no disruption of RNFL reflectivity on Spectralis. Circumpapillary RNFL (cpRNFL) boundaries were accurately determined by Spectralis for 38 (95.0%) of the 40 defects, by RTVue-100 for 25 (62.5%), and by Stratus OCT for 23 (57.5%). Sensitivity for the detection of RNFL defects (cpRNFL thinning to <1% of normal for an age-matched database) was 15% for Stratus, 42.5% for RTVue, and 47.5% for Spectralis on sector maps and significantly higher for SD-OCT on temporal-superior-nasal-inferior-temporal (TSNIT) thickness graphs: RTVue-100 (57.5%; P=0.031) and Spectralis (90.0%; P=0.0001). On the basis of TSNIT thickness graphs, sensitivity for the detection of RNFL defects was significantly higher for Spectralis compared with RTVue-100 (P=0.001) and Stratus (P=0.0005). Spectralis TSNIT graphs were more sensitive (P=0.001) for glaucoma detection without significant reduction (P=0.125) in specificity compared with Spectralis sector maps. Conclusions:Our results suggest that accurate measurement of cpRNFL thickness by speckle noise–reduced SD-OCT and a comparison of the results with normative database using TSNIT graphs are required to improve the sensitivity for detecting preperimetric RNFL defects.
A multiparameter sensor for continuous intra‐arterial blood gas monitoring: A prospective evaluation

ObjectiveTo compare measurements of arterial blood gases made by a new continuous intra-arterial blood gas monitor with measurements in a standard blood gas analyzer in patients in the general and cardiac intensive care units. DesignCriterion standard study. SettingThe cardiac surgical and the general medical intensive care units of a tertiary referral center. PatientsThirteen consecutive patients requiring mechanical ventilation and blood gas monitoring. InterventionsAll patients had a blood gas sensor placed through a 20-gauge cannula inserted into the radial artery. The duration of monitoring ranged from 9.42 to 117.45 hrs. Measurements and Main ResultsA total of 158 simultaneous measurements of pH, Pco2, and Po2 were made from the sensor and the blood gas analyzer, and the bias and precision were calculated on all measured parameters. The overall bias pL precision values were 0.01 pL 0.06 for pH, 1.4 pL 4.8 torr (0.2 pL 0.7 kPa) for Pco2, and 2.8 pL 25.6 torr (0.4 pL 3.4 kPa) for Po2. The bias and precision for Po2 measurements that were <150 torr (<20 kPa) were 0.45 pL 20.7 torr (0.1 pL 2.8 kPa). The bias and precision for values of Po2 that were >150 torr (>20 kPa) were −8.1 pL 28 torr (-1.1 pL 3.8 kPa). The mean in vitro 90% response times of pH, Pco2, and Po2 sensors were found to be 78,143, and 70 sees, respectively. There were no instances of any complications attributable to the sensor. ConclusionsThe continuous intra-arterial blood gas monitor tested in this study measures and trends arterial blood gases with an acceptable level of clinical accuracy. Longevity and safety of sensor function have also been demonstrated. (Crit Care Med 1994; 22:588–594)
Temas de derecho agrario mexicano

MEXICO ES SIN DUDA UN PAIS ESTRECHAMENTE LIGADO A LA TIERRA, POR LO QUE A TRAVES DE LA CONQUISTA, LA COLONIA, Y YA COMO ESTADO INDEPENDIENTE, SE HA VENIDO FORMANDO UN ESQUEMA JURIDICO QUE CONFORMA AL ACTUAL DERECHO AGRARIO MEXICANO, CON ACIERTOS Y ERRORES, PERO CREADO A PARTIR DE EXPERIENCIAS NACIONALES. ASI ESCRIBE EL LICENCIADO MARIO RUIZ MASSIEU, SECRETARIO GENERAL AUXILIAR DE LA UNAM, EN EL PREFACIO DEL LIBRO DE SU AUTORIA TEMAS DE DERECHO AGRARIO MEXICANO EDITADO POR ESTA CASA DE ESTUDIOS.
Uptake by COPI-coated vesicles of both anterograde and retrograde cargo is inhibited by GTPgammaS in vitro.

On the basis of the cell surface protein CD8 we have constructed reporter molecules for both anterograde and retrograde transport from the Golgi complex. The cytoplasmic tail of CD8 was exchanged by a construct comprising a hemagglutinin (HA) epitope, the C-terminal sequence of the viral protein E19 (containing a KKXX retrieval signal) followed by a myc epitope (CD8-LT). Due to this masking of the KKXX retrieval signal CD8-LT is transported to the cell surface. Since the KKXX motif is joined to the myc epitope via a thrombin cleavage site, CD8-LT in isolated Golgi membranes can be proteolytically converted into an unmasked reporter molecule for retrograde transport (CD8-ST) in vitro. A CHO cell line stably expressing CD8-LT was generated and used for the isolation of Golgi membranes. These membranes were shown to contain CD8-LT en route to the cell surface. By addition of thrombin, CD8-LT could be efficiently converted into CD8-ST, and this allows us to study the sorting into coat protein COPI-coated vesicles of these different kinds of cargo on a comparative basis. COPI-coated vesicles were generated in vitro from Golgi membranes containing either CD8-LT or CD8-ST. When the incubation was performed in the presence of GTP, both CD8-LT and CD8-ST were packaged into COPI-coated vesicles. However, COPI-coated vesicles generated in the presence of the slowly hydrolyzable analogue of GTP, GTP(&ggr ;)S contained strikingly lower amounts of CD8-LT and CD8-ST. While COPI-coated vesicles accumulated about 12-fold in the presence of GTPgammaS these vesicles together contained only one fifth of cargo compared to the few vesicles generated in the absence of GTPgammaS. These data indicate that cargo packaging into COPI-coated vesicles requires hydrolysis of GTP.
Running mechanical alterations during repeated treadmill sprints in hot versus hypoxic environments. A pilot study

ABSTRACT We determined if performance and mechanical running alterations during repeated treadmill sprinting differ between severely hot and hypoxic environments. Six male recreational sportsmen (team- and racket-sport background) performed five 5-s sprints with 25-s recovery on an instrumented treadmill, allowing the continuous (step-by-step) measurement of running kinetics/kinematics and spring-mass characteristics. These were randomly conducted in control (CON; 25°C/45% RH, inspired fraction of oxygen = 20.9%), hot (HOT; 38°C/21% RH, inspired fraction of oxygen = 20.9%; end-exercise core temperature: ~38.6°C) and normobaric hypoxic (HYP, 25°C/45% RH, inspired fraction of oxygen = 13.3%/simulated altitude of ~3600 m; end-exercise pulse oxygen saturation: ~84%) environments. Running distance was lower (P < 0.05) in HOT compared to CON and HYP for the first sprint but larger (P < 0.05) sprint decrement score occurred in HYP versus HOT and CON. Compared to CON, the cumulated distance covered over the five sprints was lower (P < 0.01) in HYP but not in HOT. Irrespective of the environmental condition, significant changes occurred from the first to the fifth sprint repetitions (all three conditions compounded) in selected running kinetics (mean horizontal forces, P < 0.01) or kinematics (contact and swing times, both P < 0.001; step frequency, P < 0.001) and spring-mass characteristics (vertical stiffness, P < 0.001; leg stiffness, P < 0.01). No significant interaction between sprint number and condition was found for any mechanical data. Preliminary evidence indicates that repeated-sprint ability is more impaired in hypoxia than in a hot environment, when compared to a control condition. However, as sprints are repeated, mechanical alterations appear not to be exacerbated in severe (heat, hypoxia) environmental conditions.
Clinical course and prognosis of smoldering (asymptomatic) multiple myeloma.

BACKGROUND Smoldering (asymptomatic) multiple myeloma is an asymptomatic plasma-cell proliferative disorder associated with a high risk of progression to symptomatic multiple myeloma or amyloidosis. Prognostic factors for the progression and outcome of this disease are unclear. METHODS We searched a computerized database and reviewed the medical records of all patients at Mayo Clinic who fulfilled the criteria of the International Myeloma Working Group for the diagnosis of smoldering multiple myeloma between 1970 and 1995. Bone marrow aspirate and biopsy specimens were studied, and patients were followed throughout the course of disease. RESULTS During the 26-year period, 276 patients fulfilled the criteria for smoldering multiple myeloma. During 2131 cumulative person-years of follow-up, symptomatic multiple myeloma or amyloidosis developed in 163 persons (59%). The overall risk of progression was 10% per year for the first 5 years, approximately 3% per year for the next 5 years, and 1% per year for the last 10 years; the cumulative probability of progression was 73% at 15 years. At diagnosis, significant risk factors for progression included the serum level and type of monoclonal protein, the presence of urinary light chain, the extent and pattern of bone marrow involvement, and the reduction in uninvolved immunoglobulins. The proportion of plasma cells in the bone marrow and the serum monoclonal protein level were combined to create a risk-stratification model with three distinct prognostic groups. CONCLUSIONS The risk of progression from smoldering multiple myeloma to symptomatic disease is related to the proportion of bone marrow plasma cells and the serum monoclonal protein level at diagnosis.
A solution of polynomial equations

We present a method for the solution of polynomial equations. We do not intend to present one more method among several others, because today there are many excellent methods. Our main aim is educational. Here we attempt to present a method with elementary tools in order to be understood and useful by students and educators. For this reason, we provide a self contained approach. Our method is a variation of the well known method of resultant, that has its origin back to Euler. Our goal, in the present paper, is in the spirit of calculus and secondary school mathematics. An extensive discussion of the theory of zeros of polynomials and extremal problems for polynomials the reader can find in the books 10 and 13 in our references.