Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optimal tracking performance of discrete-time systems over an additive white noise channel

This paper studies the optimal tracking performance of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO), finite dimensional, linear time-invariant discrete-time systems with a power-constrained additive white noise (AWN) channel in the feedback path. We adopt the tracking error power as a measure of the performance and examine the best achievable performance by all two-parameter stabilizing controllers. In the due process, a scaling scheme is introduced as a means of integrating controller and channel design, and is optimized to better the tracking performance. In contrast to the standard setting where tracking of a step reference signal is conducted with no communication constraint, in which the tracking error can be made as zero for minimum phase plants, it is shown explicitly herein that the tracking performance will be additionally constrained by the plant unstable poles, as a consequence of noisy, power-constrained channels in the feedback loop.
Madrid: ¿ciudad global o ciudad internacionalizada? : las IDE en la Autonomía madrileña

Este articulo analiza la internacionalizacion de la economia madrilena como parte del proceso de globalizacion, proceso que responde, fundamentalmente, a las necesidades empresariales de mantener beneficios, para lo cual invierten en diferentes lugares donde se obtengan los mayores beneficios; una de las modalidades de internacionalizacion empresarial es la idea (inversion directa extranjera); la que ha llegado a Espana desde 1970, se ha dirigido prioritariamente a la autonomia de Madrid. La idea que viene a Madrid, se encamina fundamentalmente al sector terciario y su localizacion espacial refuerza la tendencia a la concentracion de la actividad economica en las areas urbanas mas prestigiosas, de elevada calidad y reputacion, situadas al norte de la ciudad, marginando los distritos situados al sur de la misma, donde se desarrolla una actividad industrial tradicional de corte netamente fordista, contribuyendo a incrementar los desequilibrios espaciales y la segregacion metropolitana ya existente.
Phospholipid Synthesis and Transport in Mammalian Cells

Membranes of mammalian subcellular organelles contain defined amounts of specific phospholipids that are required for normal functioning of proteins in the membrane. Despite the wide distribution of most phospholipid classes throughout organelle membranes, the site of synthesis of each phospholipid class is usually restricted to one organelle, commonly the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Thus, phospholipids must be transported from their sites of synthesis to the membranes of other organelles. In this article, pathways and subcellular sites of phospholipid synthesis in mammalian cells are summarized. A single, unifying mechanism does not explain the inter‐organelle transport of all phospholipids. Thus, mechanisms of phospholipid transport between organelles of mammalian cells via spontaneous membrane diffusion, via cytosolic phospholipid transfer proteins, via vesicles and via membrane contact sites are discussed. As an example of the latter mechanism, phosphatidylserine (PS) is synthesized on a region of the ER (mitochondria‐associated membranes, MAM) and decarboxylated to phosphatidylethanolamine in mitochondria. Some evidence is presented suggesting that PS import into mitochondria occurs via membrane contact sites between MAM and mitochondria. Recent studies suggest that protein complexes can form tethers that link two types of organelles thereby promoting lipid transfer. However, many questions remain about mechanisms of inter‐organelle phospholipid transport in mammalian cells.
The Effects of Prism Adaptation on Egocentric Metric Distance Estimation

Objective: The present experiment evaluated whether training involving throwing transferred to metric distance estimation (i.e., describing in feet and inches the distance between oneself and targets). Background: In prior work, we found that metric estimation training negatively transferred to throwing. We explained our results in terms of cognitive intrusion. The present study tested that possibility by swapping our training and transfer tasks. Method: During pretesting, participants verbally estimated the metric distances between themselves and targets, or they threw a beanbag to targets. During training, participants donned goggles that distorted their vision. While wearing the goggles, they threw a beanbag to targets. Half received feedback. During posttesting, participants removed the distorting goggles and completed the same task that they performed during pretesting. Results: The results indicated that the distorting goggles degraded throwing at the beginning of training, visual feedback improved throwing during training, the effects of training with feedback persisted into the throwing posttest, and the effects of training with feedback did not transfer to the verbal metric estimation posttest. Conclusion: Training involving throwing was effective, but did not transfer to verbal metric distance estimation. This supports our argument that the negative transfer observed in our previous study stemmed from cognitive intrusion. Application: The present experiment suggests that the creation of distance estimation training should begin with a careful analysis of the transfer task, and that distance estimation training programs should explicitly teach trainees that their training will not generalize to all distance estimation tasks.
Dynamic Wireless Network Coding With Overhearing and Variable Channel Rates

We study a one-hop broadcast channel with two receivers. The receivers have side information obtained by overhearing wireless channels. The relay takes control decisions by coding transmissions based on its knowledge of side information in the receivers. We consider two control mechanisms. In the ACK system, the relay has definite knowledge of side information announced via overhearing reports. In the NACK system, the relay has statistical knowledge of side information and receives feedback after every decoding failure. Our contribution is as follows. We provide the minimal evacuation times for the two systems and obtain analytical expressions of the throughput region for the ACK and the code-constrained region for the NACK system. When the transmission rates are the same (r1 = r2) or when the receiver with the highest transmission rate has perfect side information (pf=1), we show that the two regions are equal. We then provide simple joint xor coding and scheduling policies that achieve those regions and, thus, are throughput optimal. Subsequently, we evaluate the report overhead performance for both mechanisms and reflect on the involved tradeoff with throughput. Ultimately, we demonstrate by simulations that the proposed throughput optimal policies can be appropriately enhanced to have good delay properties, particularly for protocols that utilize sequenced packet delivery.
Application of metagenomics in understanding oral health and disease

Oral diseases including periodontal disease and caries are some of the most prevalent infectious diseases in humans. Different microbial species cohabitate and form a polymicrobial biofilm called dental plaque in the oral cavity. Metagenomics using next generation sequencing technologies has produced bacterial profiles and genomic profiles to study the relationships between microbial diversity, genetic variation, and oral diseases. Several oral metagenomic studies have examined the oral microbiome of periodontal disease and caries. Gene annotations in these studies support the association of specific genes or metabolic pathways with oral health and with specific diseases. The roles of pathogenic species and functions of specific genes in oral disease development have been recognized by metagenomic analysis. A model is proposed in which three levels of interactions occur in the oral microbiome that determines oral health or disease.
Human Papillomavirus Type 16 Variant Analysis of E6, E7, and L1 Genes and Long Control Region in Biopsy Samples from Cervical Cancer Patients in North India

ABSTRACT High-risk human papillomaviruses (HPVs), particularly HPV types 16 and 18 (HPV-16 and HPV-18, respectively), play a cardinal role in the etiology of cervical cancer. The most prevalent type, HPV-16, shows intratypic sequence variants that are known to differ in oncogenic potential and geographic distribution. This study was designed to analyze sequence variations in E6, E7, and L1 genes and the LCR (for long control region) of HPV-16 in cervical cancer patients to identify the most prevalent and novel HPV-16 variants and to correlate them with the severity of the disease. Cervical biopsies from 60 HPV-16-positive cancer cases were analyzed by PCR and DNA sequencing. The most frequently observed variations were T350G (100%) in E6, T789C (87.5%) in E7, A6695C (54.5%) in L1, and G7521A (91.1%) in the LCR. In addition, only one novel variant (T527A) in E6 and four new variants each in L1 (A6667C, A6691G, C6906T, and A6924C) and in the LCR (C13T, A7636C, C7678T, and G7799A) were identified. While E7 was found to be highly conserved, the variant 350G of E6 was the most prevalent in all of the histopathological grades. The majority of LCR variants were found at the YY1 transcription factor binding sites. Interestingly, a complete absence of the Asian lineage and a high prevalence of European lineages in E6, E7, L1, and the LCR (85, 86.7, 67.7, and 63.3%, respectively) indicate a possible epidemiological linkage between Europe and India with regard to the dissemination of HPV-16 infections in India.
Time‐dependent synergistic interactions between the vasodilator neuropeptide, calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) and mediators of inflammation

1 The action of the long lasting neuropeptide vasodilator, calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP), in potentiating oedema formation and neutrophil accumulation was investigated in the dorsal skin of the rabbit, in vivo. Combinations of agents under test were administered by intradermal (i.d.) injection. Oedema formation and neutrophil accumulation were then measured by quantitative radiolabel techniques. 2 CGRP (1 × 10−11 mol per site) potentiated neutrophil accumulation induced by zymosan activated plasma, (used as a source of C5a des Arg), N‐formyl‐methionyl‐leucyl‐phenylalanine (FMLP) and leukotriene B4 (LTB4). In contrast CGRP did not induce neutrophil accumulation when injected alone. 3 Oedema formation induced by a series of chemically distinct mediators of increased microvascular permeability; bradykinin, platelet activating factor (PAF), FMLP and zymosan‐activated plasma; measured 0–30 min after i.d. injection was potentiated by CGRP (1 × 10−11 mol per site). 4 Oedema formation induced by zymosan activated plasma and FMLP but not bradykinin and PAF, was also significantly potentiated by CGRP when oedema was measured 30–60 min after i.d. injection. The potentiation of oedema induced by zymosan activated plasma measured 30–60 min after i.d. injection was not observed in the presence of the shorter acting prostanoid vasodilator prostacyclin (PGI2, 3 × 10−10 mol per site). 5 These results suggest that CGRP, as a consequence of its sustained vasodilator activity could have prolonged potentiating effects on neutrophil accumulation and oedema formation in inflammatory conditions.
Endogenous cholecystokinin release responsible for pancreatic growth observed after pancreatic juice diversion.

This study was undertaken to determine whether intermittent pancreatic juice diversion (PJD) from the intestine can induce pancreatic and duodenal growth. Concomitant infusions of SMS 201-995, a somatostatin analog, and L-364,718, a cholecystokinin (CCK) receptor antagonist, were used to establish the involvement of endogenous CCK. Fed rats equipped with biliary, duodenal, and pancreatic cannulae had their pancreatic juice diverted 8 h/day for 4 days and were infused or not with either SMS 201-995 (5 micrograms/kg.h) or L-364,718 (0.5 mg/kg.h) during diversion. After 4 days, rats were killed, and their pancreas and duodenum were excised for measurements of parameters indicative of growth. In normally fed rats with pancreatic juice returned, SMS 201-995 inhibited daily pancreatic secretions of volume and protein, whereas L-364,718 inhibited only protein output. These two inhibitors had no effect on normal pancreatic and duodenal growth. PJD was associated with increased volume and protein output, increased plasma CCK level, and pancreatic growth. All of these effects were completely blocked by SMS 201-995 and L-364,718, with the exception of plasma CCK level by the CCK antagonist. None of these treatments affected duodenal growth. These results suggest that intermittent infusions of these two inhibitors had no effect on normal pancreatic and duodenal growth, but were successful in preventing pancreatic growth induced by PJD. They also indicate that endogenous CCK is involved in PJD-induced pancreatic growth.
Psychosocial factors associated with suicidal ideation among young men exempted from compulsory military or civil service

Aims: The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with suicidal ideation among young men exempted from compulsory military or civil service in Finland. Methods: The study involved a total of 356 men exempted from military or civil service. The research data were collected using questionnaires and register data. Results: One third of the young men exempted from compulsory military or civil service reported serious suicidal ideation. Of the men with serious suicidal ideation, one third had attempted suicide. Various childhood adversities and current stressful life events and problems were associated with suicidal ideation. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the following factors were independently associated with suicidal ideation: maternal alcohol-related problems, changes in the family, discord with the boss over the past 12 months, and lack of social support. Accumulation of problems predicted suicidal ideation. Conclusions: Men exempted from compulsory military or civil service comprise an important target group in the prevention of suicide. In order to prevent suicidal behaviour among young men at risk, it is important to address the significance of social support and relationships, and likewise to be aware of early risk indicators such as maternal alcohol-related problems.
High-Level Architecture for a Single Location Surveillance Point

The Single Location Surveillance Point (SLSP) is a distributed multi-sensor surveillance software system. It comprises of an arbitrary amount of sensors that collect readings from a single location, which is the surveillance point. Each sensor transmits its crude sensor data to a session server, which handles the connections between the components. The session server routes the crude sensor information to the logical decision making service. The logical decision making server automatically deducts the situation at the surveillance point based on the received sensor information. The logical decision making server informs the security manager server of the situation at the surveillance point. The security manager server's user interface displays essential information about the surveillance point to a human security administrator. The security manager server can transmit information to the nomadic security personnel's smart phones over wireless networks. The SLSP system decreases the amount of redundant information that otherwise would be handled by the human security administrator and the security personnel. This goal is achieved with a prominent architecture between the components and a server that conducts automatic decision making. The research is based on the constructive method of the related publications and technologies and the results are derived by the abstractive analysis of the available material. This paper illustrates the high-level architecture of the SLSP system.
Rituximab, an Anti‐CD20 Monoclonal Antibody: History and Mechanism of Action

Rituximab, chimeric anti‐human CD20, is approved for treatment of B‐cell lymphoma in adults. It is being used experimentally in other various immune‐related diseases such as immune thrombocytopenic purpura, systemic lupus erythematosus, myasthenia gravis and rheumatoid arthritis. In transplant recipients, it is used for treatment of post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disease, to anecdotally reduce pre‐formed anti‐HLA and anti‐ABO antibodies and for the prevention and treatment of acute rejection. This article primarily reviews the science behind rituximab: its history, pharmacokinetics and potential mechanism of action. A need for controlled clinical trials is clearly indicated before the widespread use of this drug in transplant.
Rheumatic manifestations of hepatitis

Purpose of the reviewRheumatic manifestations are commonly encountered in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) or C (HCV) infection. In this review the most common clinical rheumatic manifestations of HBV or HCV infection and their management will be critically presented with a special emphasis on the efficacy and safety of the new biologic agents. Recent findingsRecent significant advances in the antiviral therapy of chronic hepatitis B and C as well as the emergence of new biologic therapies (anti-TNF agents, rituximab) for the treatment of rheumatic diseases have changed significantly the therapeutic approach for patients with rheumatic disorders in the setting of hepatitis B or C. For patients with hepatitis B, prophylactic antiviral therapy with oral antiviral agents (nucleoside or nucleotide analogues) is recommended for all cases in which immunosuppressive therapies are administered, whereas for severe hepatitis C-associated mixed cryoglobulinemia, a number of recent studies have shown the short-term safety and efficacy of rituximab. SummaryRheumatologists in collaboration with hepatologists have today an array of efficacious therapeutic options to explore for patients presenting with rheumatic disorders in the setting of a co-existent HBV or HCV infection. Appropriate pretreatment screening and close monitoring are essential for these difficult-to-treat patients.
Time modulation — The exponential way

A solution for obtaining an exponential variation of time versus input voltage of a time-modulating circuit is investigated, implemented and its performances are measured. Most time-modulating circuits produce a delay that is linearly dependent on the input voltage. This paper proposes a new method of controlling the time delay output by making it vary exponentially with the input voltage. This solution is especially useful in aplications where the time-delay is constantly modulated by a prior error amplifier.
High plasma levels of von Willebrand factor as a marker of endothelial perturbation in cirrhosis: Relationship to endotoxemia

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether there is endothelial dysfunction in patients with cirrhosis and to detect the mechanism that may account for it. We measured plasma levels of von Willebrand factor (vWF), a marker of endothelial perturbation, and endotoxin, which releases vWF from endothelial cells in vitro, in 32 patients (18 men, 14 women, aged 39‐70 years) with cirrhosis classified as mild (class A, n = 10), moderate (class B, n = 16), or severe (class C, n = 6) according to Child‐Pugh's classification. vWF antigen (P < .0001) and endotoxemia (ρ < .0001) progressively increased from A to class C; but the increase of vWF antigen was not strictly related to liver failure, as shown by the lack of correlation between vWF and several indexes of liver protein synthesis. Analysis of the vWF subunit showed no sign of proteolytic fragmentation of the molecule. Multimeric analysis indicated intact vWF multimeric structure. In all patients, there was a strong correlation between vWF antigen and endotoxemia (rho = .92; P = .0001). In 20 selected patients, vWF antigen and endotoxemia were measured before and after 7 days of standard therapy (n = 10) or standard therapy plus nonabsorbable antibiotics. There was a significant decrease of vWF antigen (P < .02) concomitantly with the decrease of endotoxemia (P < .006) in patients taking nonabsorbable antibiotics. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells incubated in vitro with 125 to 500 pg/mL endotoxin released vWF antigen into the medium dose dependently. These results demonstrate that there is endothelial perturbation in cirrhosis and that endotoxemia may play a key role in its occurrence.
Canalplasty for Exostoses With Maximal Skin Preservation With Temporoparietal Fascia Grafting and Use of Bone Wax for Skin Flap Protection

Background: External auditory canal exostoses are benign, bony overgrowths that arise in patients who experience chronic cold water exposure. While considerable advancement has been made in canalplasty techniques in recent decades, many patients continue to experience prolonged healing periods and recurrent stenosis following surgery. Objective: To perform a retrospective outcomes analysis of our experience with a skin-preserving canalplasty technique with temporoparietal fascia grafting and use of bone wax for skin flap protection. Study Design: Retrospective review. Subjects and Methods: Thirty-four patients (41 ears) underwent canalplasty from 2008 to 2014 at a tertiary referral center. Primary outcome measures included rates of prolonged healing and restenosis, need for revision surgery, and audiometric results. Rates of intraoperative and postoperative complications were also tabulated. Results: No patient experienced recurrent stenosis or required a revision surgery within the follow-up period. All but one patient (97%) achieved complete healing within 8 weeks. Minimal intraoperative complications were found. Statistically significant improvements in air pure tone averages and air-bone gaps were achieved. Conclusion: The proposed technique is a safe and effective method of canalplasty for exostoses that imparts accelerated wound healing and minimizes the rate of recurrent stenosis.
Current drivers and future directions of global livestock disease dynamics

We review the global dynamics of livestock disease over the last two decades. Our imperfect ability to detect and report disease hinders assessment of trends, but we suggest that, although endemic diseases continue their historic decline in wealthy countries, poor countries experience static or deteriorating animal health and epidemic diseases show both regression and expansion. At a mesolevel, disease is changing in terms of space and host, which is illustrated by bluetongue, Lyme disease, and West Nile virus, and it is also emerging, as illustrated by highly pathogenic avian influenza and others. Major proximate drivers of change in disease dynamics include ecosystem change, ecosystem incursion, and movements of people and animals; underlying these are demographic change and an increasing demand for livestock products. We identify three trajectories of global disease dynamics: (i) the worried well in developed countries (demanding less risk while broadening the circle of moral concern), (ii) the intensifying and market-orientated systems of many developing countries, where highly complex disease patterns create hot spots for disease shifts, and (iii) the neglected cold spots in poor countries, where rapid change in disease dynamics is less likely but smallholders and pastoralists continue to struggle with largely preventable and curable livestock diseases.