Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
ℋ∞ strongly stabilizing bandpass controllers for selective natural modes damping in flexible structures

In this paper by extending previous work of one of the authors the design of a MIMO ℋ∞ feedback controller for flexible systems is proposed. The controller has some very desirable properties for applications related to noise and vibration reduction, since it has limited bandwidth, zero dc-gain and can selectively increase the damping of only some selected natural modes of the flexible structure. This characteristic turns out to be very useful when dealing with lightly damped structures forced by broadband disturbances. Since however the controller is not necessarily stable, by solving an LMI problem, a stable version of the controller is also obtained. The effectiveness of the proposed control strategies is shown on a detailed COMSOL FEM model.
Production cost analysis and use of pesticides in the transgenic and conventional corn crop [Zea mays (L.)] in the valley of San Juan, Tolima

A survey of 10 producers of conventional corn (Hybrids PAC 105 and Maximus) and 10 producers of transgenic corn (Pioneer Hybrid 30T17) was carried out in the municipality of Valle de San Juan in the territorial division of Tolima (Colombia), in order to analyze the differences in production costs and environmental impacts of these two agricultural technologies. The environmental impacts were determined by calculating the field “Environmental Index Quotient” (EIQ). In the production cost analysis, a difference of 15% was found in benefit of the transgenic technology. The structure of costs of the transgenic technology was benefited by the reduced use of pesticides (insecticides and herbicides). In regards to production, the transgenic technology showed a greater yield, 5.22 ton/ha in comparison to 4.25 ton/ha the conventional technology, thus a 22% difference in yield. Finally, the EIQ calculation showed quantitative differences of 196.12 for the conventional technology (EIQ insecticides 165.14 + EIQ herbicides 30.98), while the transgenic technology was of 4.24 (EIQ insecticides 0 + EIQ herbicides 4.24). These results show a minor environmental impact when using the transgenic technology in comparison to the conventional technology, in regards to the use of insecticides and herbicides in a temporal, spatial and genotypical context analysis.
Minimal BH3 Peptides Promote Cell Death by Antagonizing Anti-apoptotic Proteins*

The pro-apoptotic “BH3 domain-only” proteins of the Bcl-2 family (e.g. Bid and Bad) transduce multiple death signals to the mitochondrion. They interact with the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family members and induce apoptosis by a mechanism that requires the presence of at least one of the multidomain pro-apoptotic proteins Bax or Bak. Although the BH3 domain of Bid can promote the pro-apoptotic assembly and function of Bax/Bak by itself, other BH3 domains do not function as such. The latter point raises the question of whether, and how, these BH3 domains induce apoptosis. We show here that a peptide comprising the minimal BH3 domain from Bax induces apoptosis but is unable to stimulate the apoptotic activity of microinjected recombinant Bax. This relies on the inability of the peptide to directly induce Bax translocation to mitochondria or a change in its conformation. This peptide nevertheless interferes with Bax/Bcl-xL interactions in vitro and stimulates the apoptotic activity of Bax when combined with Bcl-xL. Similarly, a peptide derived from the BH3 domain of Bad stimulates Bax activity only in the presence of Bcl-xL. Thus, BH3 domains do not necessarily activate multidomain pro-apoptotic proteins directly but promote apoptosis by releasing active multidomain pro-apoptotic proteins from their anti-apoptotic counterparts.
Degradation of AP2 During Reticulocyte Maturation Enhances Binding of Hsc70 and Alix to a Common Site on TfR for Sorting into Exosomes

Reticulocytes release small membrane vesicles termed exosomes during their maturation in erythrocytes. The transferrin receptor (TfR) is completely lost from the red cell surface by its segregation in the secreted vesicles where it interacts with the heat shock cognate 70 kDa protein (hsc70). We have now determined a region of the TfR that can potentially interact with hsc70. The peptide P1 (YTRFSLARQV) from the TfR cytosolic domain: (i) binds to hsc70 (ii) with an increased affinity in oxidative conditions, (iii) competes for binding of an unfolded protein to hsc70, and (iv) inhibits the interaction of hsc70 with a recombinant protein corresponding to the cytosolic domain of the receptor. This peptide encompasses the internalization motif (YTRF) of the receptor, and accordingly an affinity column made with the immobilized peptide retains hsc70 and also the AP2 adaptor complex. On the other hand, we show that AP2 is degraded by the proteasome system during reticulocyte maturation and that the presence of the proteasome inhibitor during in vitro red cell maturation inhibits AP2 degradation and specifically decreases TfR secretion via exosomes. Finally, coimmunoprecipitation of Alix with the exosomal TfR, and binding of P1 peptide to the Alix homolog PalA suggest that Alix also interacts with the YTRF motif and contributes to exosomal TfR sorting.
Differential expression of γ-aminobutyric acid receptor A (GABAA) and effects of homocysteine

Abstract Background: γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a known inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system, and homocysteine (Hcy) behaves as an antagonist for GABAA receptor. Although the properties and functions of GABAA receptors are well studied in mouse neural tissue, its presence and significance in non-neural tissue remains obscure. The aim of the present study was to examine the expression of GABAA receptor and its subunits in non-neural tissue. Methods: The mice were analyzed. The presence of GABAA receptor and its subunits was evaluated using Western blot and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Results: We report that GABAA receptor protein is abundant in the renal medulla, cortex, heart, left ventricle, aorta and pancreas. Low levels of GABAA receptor protein were detected in the atria of the heart, right ventricle, lung and stomach. The mRNA protein expression of GABAA receptor subunit shows that α1, β1, β3 and γ1 subunits are present only in brain. The mRNA protein expression levels of GABAA receptor α2, α6, β2 and γ3 subunits were highly expressed in brain compared to other tested tissue, while GABAA receptor γ2 subunit was expressed only in brain and kidney. Treatment of microvascular endothelial cells with Hcy decreased GABAA receptor protein level, which was restored to its baseline level in the presence of GABAA receptor agonist, muscimol. The distribution of GABAA and GABAB receptors in wild type mice was determined and tissue-specific expression patterns were found showing that several receptor subtypes were also expressed in the central nervous system. Conclusions: Hcy, a GABAA agonist, was found to decrease GABAA expression levels. These data enlarge knowledge on distribution of GABA receptors and give novel ideas of the effects of Hcy on different organs. Clin Chem Lab Med 2007;45:1777–84.
Effects of aging, hearing loss, and anatomical location on thresholds of inferior colliculus neurons in C57BL/6 and CBA mice.

Multiple-unit threshold curves (MTCs) were obtained from inferior colliculus (IC) neurons across much of the (approximately 2-2.5 yr) life-span of two inbred mouse strains: the C57BL/6, which undergoes progressive age-related sensorineural hearing loss; and the CBA, which maintains good sensitivity until well into the second year of life. Tonotopic organization (the orderly dorsoventral arrangement of frequency sensitivity) is disrupted in the IC central nucleus (ICC) of aging C57 mice. Dorsal (low-frequency) MTCs change little during the first year of life, but in more ventral (high-frequency) regions high-frequency portions of MTCs are eliminated, best frequencies become lower, and low-frequency thresholds are reduced. These changes make the curves more similar to one another along the dorsoventral axis. During the second year of life, all thresholds become greatly elevated with neurons throughout the IC responding only to middle frequencies at very high intensities. In C57 mice, Q10 ratios (a measure of MTC tip sharpness) decline after 7 mo. The decline of Q10 with aging is associated with the age-related lowering of best frequencies and elevation of thresholds, both of which are positively correlated with smaller Q10s. The frequency range of C57 MTCs begins to decrease at 14 mo of age, when hearing loss is quite severe at all frequencies. In CBA mice, the above changes are minimal or do not occur even in 22 mo olds, which have moderate loss of sensitivity across all frequencies. Even in young mice (prior to demonstrable cochlear pathology in C57 mice), there are differences in MTCs between the two strains employed, with sensitivity of CBA mice being "shifted" toward higher frequencies. Age-related changes in MTC properties depend on the pattern of hearing loss (e.g., high frequency vs. flat) and the dorsoventral location of neurons within the ICC.
Real option valuation in investment projects

Several new models are used to eliminate lack of classic methods in valuation of investment decisions. Finding an answer for the question â€œwhich method is used to value investmentâ€ is important for investor to decide right investment. Choice of both methods and the components that are used in these methods are important in valuation of investments. Real options, one of the current methods in project valuation, provide several advantages for investors which apart from classic approximations: Real options give options like postponement, enlargement, growth, abandonment to the investor in decision process, so it creates opportunity that provide more careful valuation. In this study, real option method is used to value real investment project. Furthermore, AHP method is utilized to determine elements that are used in project valuation process. Whereas the investment decision implementation that is made in solar energy sector cannot be carried out with classical approximations, a project case that is valued with real option valuation method can be argued.
Incidence and Survival Trends of Uncommon Corpus Uteri Malignancies in the Netherlands, 1989–2008

Introduction Corpus uteri cancer is the most common malignancy of the female reproductive tract in industrialized countries, and its incidence is increasing. Although most of these tumors are of the common endometrial type, there are also many uncommon tumors of the corpus uteri. We examined the incidence and survival of patients with uncommon epithelial tumors, carcinosarcomas, and sarcomas of the corpus uteri diagnosed since 1989. Methods All common and uncommon malignancies of the corpus uteri registered in the nationwide population-based Netherlands Cancer Registry (NCR) during 1989–2008 were included (n = 30,960). The histological subtypes were described according to the Blaustein classification system. Age-standardized incidence for 1989–2008 was calculated per 1,000,000 person-years (p-y), and relative survival was calculated according to the type of uncommon tumor. Results The incidence of corpus uteri malignancies increased from 159 to 177 per 1,000,000 p-y, mainly owing to the rise in endometrioid adenocarcinomas from 106 to 144 per 1,000,000 p-y. In contrast, the incidence of uncommon epithelial endometrial carcinomas (UEECs) decreased from 30 to 13 per 1,000,000 p-y, although carcinosarcomas increased slightly from 5.1 to 6.9 per 1,000,000 p-y. Furthermore, a remarkable shift in incidence of endometrial stromal cell sarcomas (ESS) was observed from high-grade ESSs to low-grade ESSs after 2003. Five-year relative survival for patients with UEEC decreased from 72% to 54% and for patients with serous adenocarcinoma from 73% to 51%. Coinciding with an increase in the incidence of common adenocarcinoma of the corpus uteri, there was a decline in uncommon adenocarcinomas and more or less a stable incidence of sarcomas and carcinosarcomas. Conclusion The decrease in UEEC tumors consisted largely of fewer serous carcinomas, possibly and likely reflecting a more precise histopathological classification of villoglandular tumors. Unfortunately, relative survival for patients with UEEC, sarcomas, and carcinosarcomas did not improve over the study period, indicating a need for more research on treatment strategies for this group of patients.
Application of Regression and Neural Models to Predict Competitive Swimming Performance

This research problem was indirectly but closely connected with the optimization of an athlete-selection process, based on predictions viewed as determinants of future successes. The research project involved a group of 249 competitive swimmers (age 12 yr., SD = 0.5) who trained and competed for four years. Measures involving fitness (e.g., lung capacity), strength (e.g., standing long jump), swimming technique (turn, glide, distance per stroke cycle), anthropometric variables (e.g., hand and foot size), as well as specific swimming measures (speeds in particular distances), were used. The participants (n = 189) trained from May 2008 to May 2009, which involved five days of swimming workouts per week, and three additional 45-min. sessions devoted to measurements necessary for this study. In June 2009, data from two groups of 30 swimmers each (n = 60) were used to identify predictor variables. Models were then constructed from these variables to predict final swimming performance in the 50 meter and 800 meter crawl events. Nonlinear regression models and neural models were built for the dependent variable of sport results (performance at 50m and 800m). In May 2010, the swimmers' actual race times for these events were compared to the predictions created a year prior to the beginning of the experiment. Results for the nonlinear regression models and perception networks structured as 8-4-1 and 4-3-1 indicated that the neural models overall more accurately predicted final swimming performance from initial training, strength, fitness, and body measurements. Differences in the sum of absolute error values were 4:11.96 (n = 30 for 800m) and 20.39 (n = 30 for 50m), for models structured as 8-4-1 and 4-3-1, respectively, with the neural models being more accurate. It seems possible that such models can be used to predict future performance, as well as in the process of recruiting athletes for specific styles and distances in swimming.
Comparatively Evaluating Medication Preparation Sequences for Treatment of Hyperkalemia in Pediatric Cardiac Arrest: A Prospective, Randomized, Simulation-Based Study

Objectives: To determine whether time to prepare IV medications for hyperkalemia varied by 1) drug, 2) patient weight, 3) calcium salt, and 4) whether these data support the Advanced Cardiac Life Support recommended sequence. Design: Prospective randomized simulation-based study. Setting: Single pediatric tertiary medical referral center. Subjects: Pediatric nurses and adult or pediatric pharmacists. Interventions: Subjects were randomized to prepare medication doses for one of four medication sequences and stratified by one of three weight categories representative of a neonate/infant, child, or adult-sized adolescent: 4, 20, and 50 kg. Using provided supplies and dosing references, subjects prepared doses of calcium chloride, calcium gluconate, sodium bicarbonate, and regular insulin with dextrose. Because insulin and dextrose are traditionally prepared and delivered together, they were analyzed as one drug. Subjects preparing medications were video-recorded for the purpose of extracting timing data. Measurements and Main Results: A total of 12 nurses and 12 pharmacists were enrolled. The median (interquartile range) total preparation time for the three drugs was 9.5 minutes (6.4–13.7 min). Drugs were prepared significantly faster for larger children (50 kg, 6.8 min [5.6–9.1 min] vs 20 kg, 9.5 min [8.6–13.0 min] vs 4 kg, 16.3 min [12.7–18.9 min]; p = 0.001). Insulin with dextrose took significantly longer to prepare than the other medications, and there was no difference between the calcium salts: (sodium bicarbonate, 1.9 [0.8–2.6] vs calcium chloride, 2.1 [1.2–3.1] vs calcium gluconate, 2.4 [2.1–3.0] vs insulin with dextrose, 5.1 min [3.7–7.7 min], respectively; p < 0.001). Forty-two percent of subjects (10/24) made at least one dosing error. Conclusions: Medication preparation for hyperkalemia takes significantly longer for smaller children and preparation of insulin with dextrose takes the longest. This study supports Pediatric Advanced Life Support guidelines to treat hyperkalemia during pediatric cardiac arrest similar to those recommended per Advanced Cardiac Life Support (i.e., first, calcium; second, sodium bicarbonate; and third, insulin with dextrose).
Identification of a Novel AMP-activated Protein Kinase β Subunit Isoform That Is Highly Expressed in Skeletal Muscle*

The AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a member of a growing family of related kinases, including the SNF1 complex in yeast, which respond to nutritional stress. AMPK is a heterotrimeric complex of a catalytic subunit (α) and two regulatory subunits (β and γ), and proteins related to all three subunits have been identified in the SNF1 complex. We have used the two-hybrid system in order to identify proteins interacting with the catalytic subunit (α2). Using this approach, we have isolated a novel AMPKβ isoform, which we designate AMPKβ2. The N-terminal region of β2 differs significantly from that of the previously characterized isoform (β1), suggesting that this region could play a role in isoform-specific AMPK activity. Comparison of the C-terminal sequences of β1 and β2 with their related proteins in yeast identifies two highly conserved regions predicted to be involved in binding of the α and γ subunits. The expression of β1 and β2 was examined in a number of tissues, revealing that the β1 isoform is highly expressed in liver with low expression in skeletal muscle, whereas the opposite pattern is observed for the β2 isoform. These results suggest that the β isoforms have tissue-specific roles, which may involve altered responses to upstream signaling and/or downstream targeting of the AMPK complex.
Accuracy and reliability of pulse oximetry at different arterial carbon dioxide pressure levels

The present study aimed to assess whether arterial carbon dioxide pressure (Pa,CO2) has an impact on agreement between oxygen saturation measured with pulse oximetry (Sp,O2) or arterial blood gas co-oximetry (Sa,O2). Sa,O2 and Sp,O2 determinations were obtained simultaneously from 846 patients under assessment for long-term home oxygen therapy in a specialised outpatient clinic. Both measurements were taken with patients seated and breathing room air. Agreement between Sa,O2 and Sp,O2 results was analysed by the Bland–Altman method and the Lin concordance coefficient. In addition, potential interactions of arterial oxygen tension (Pa,O2) or Pa,CO2 on agreement were analysed by adjusted multivariate analysis. Upon comparison of Sa,O2 and Sp,O2 results, the Bland–Altman technique yielded a bias (95% confidence interval (CI)) of -1.24 (-6.86–4.38) and -1.32 (-7.78–5.15) when Pa,CO2 >48 mmHg (6.39 kPa) or Pa,O2 <54 mmHg (7.20 kPa), respectively. Estimate by Lin's coefficient (95% CI) in these cases was 0.88 (0.85–0.90) and 0.81 (0.77–0.85). Adjusted multivariate analysis, performed to assess the impact of pH, Pa,O2, Pa,CO2 and bicarbonate on bias, showed that Pa,O2, Pa,CO2 and their interaction terms were the most important predictors of the bias (standardised estimates of -0.54, -0.94, and 0.85, respectively). The effect of pH, although statistically significant, was small, and bicarbonate had no significant effect. Arterial carbon dioxide pressure status can contribute to impaired agreement between arterial oxygen saturation and arterial oxygen saturation measured with pulse oximetry, particularly in patients with hypercapnia.
A highly sensitive in vitro infection assay to explore early stages of mouse mammary tumor virus infection

Mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) infection of adult mice induces a strong response to superantigen (Sag) in their draining lymph nodes, which results from the presentation of Sag by MMTV-infected B cells to Sag-reactive T cells. To date, infection with physiologically relevant doses of MMTV can be detected in vivo only after several days of Sag-mediated T-cell-dependent amplification of infected B cells. Furthermore, no efficient in vitro system of detecting MMTV infection is available. Such a model would allow the dissection of the early phase of infection, the assessment of the contributions of different cell types, and the screening of large panels of molecules for their potential roles in infection and Sag response. For these reasons, we have established an in vitro model for detecting infection which is as sensitive and reproducible as the in vivo model. We found that the viral envelope (Env) protein is crucial for target cell infection but not for presentation of Sag. Furthermore, we show that infection of purified B cells with MMTV induces entry of Sag-responsive T cells into the cell cycle, while other professional antigen-presenting cells, such as dendritic cells, are much less efficient in inducing a response.
Osteochondral Defects in the Human Knee

Purpose To determine the influence of osteochondral defect size on defect rim stress concentration, peak rim stress, and load redistribution to adjacent cartilage over the weightbearing area of the medial and lateral femoral condyles in the human knee. Methods Eight fresh-frozen cadaveric knees were mounted at 30° of flexion in a materials testing machine. Digital electronic pressure sensors were placed in the medial and lateral compartments of the knee. Each intact knee was first loaded to 700 N and held for 5 seconds. Dynamic pressure readings were recorded throughout the loading and holding phases. Loading was repeated over circular osteochondral defects (5, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20 mm) in the 30° weightbearing area of the medial and lateral femoral condyles. Results Stress concentration around the rims of defects 8 mm and smaller was not demonstrated, and pressure distribution in this size range was dominated by the menisci. For defects 10 mm and greater, distribution of peak pressures followed the rim of the defect with a mean distance from the rim of 2.2 mm on the medial condyle and 3.2 mm on the lateral condyle. An analysis of variance with Bonferroni correction revealed a statistically significant trend of increasing radius of peak pressure as defect size increased for defects from 10 to 20 mm (P = .0011). Peak rim pressure values did not increase significantly as defects were enlarged from 10 to 20 mm. Load redistribution during the holding phase was also observed. Conclusions Rim stress concentration was demonstrated for osteochondral defects 10 mm and greater in size. This altered load distribution has important implications relating to the long-term integrity of cartilage adjacent to osteochondral defects in the human knee. Although the decision to treat osteochondral lesions is certainly multifactorial, a size threshold of 10 mm, based on biomechanical data, may be a useful adjunct to guide clinical decision making.
A wideband Sequential Power Amplifier

In this work, a wide bandwidth Sequential Power Amplifier (SPA) is demonstrated for the first time. Using wideband and high efficiency 10W and 45W amplifiers, an SPA is described, capable of delivering high efficiency at back-off without the bandwidth limitations of the traditional Doherty PA. Measurement results of the implemented amplifier are presented, with an average back-off drain efficiency of 59% achieved between 1.45 GHz and 2.4 GHz, and a peak back-off drain efficiency of 65% at 1.7 GHz.