Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Parameter Estimation for Chaotic Systems

This paper discusses the estimation of parameters in models of chaotic systems from measured time series. It is suggested that the classic output error method is unsuitable for time series much longer than the time scale given by a system's maximum Lyapunov exponent. It is pointed out that an analogous situation arises with nonchaotic engineering systems which are open loop unstable, but stabilized by an exogenous feedback control The use of the prediction error method is proposed. Use of an ad hoc feedback version, proposed by Maine and Murray in the feedback control situation, is considered [12]. Estimation of parameters in a numerical simulation of a damped, sinusoidally driven pendulum is given as an example.
Ascaris suum infection modulates inflammation: Implication of CD4+ CD25high Foxp3+ T cells and IL‐10

Helminth infections have the ability to modulate host's immune response through mechanisms that allow the chronic persistence of the worms in the host. Here, we investigated the mechanisms involved on the suppressive effect of Ascaris suum infection using a murine experimental model of LPS‐induced inflammation. We found that infection with A. suum markedly inhibited leucocyte influx induced by LPS into air pouches, suppressed secretion of pro‐inflammatory cytokines (IL‐1β, TNF‐α and IL‐6) and induced high levels of IL‐10 and TGF‐β. Augmented frequency of CD4+ CD25high Foxp3+ T cells was observed in the mesenteric lymph nodes of infected mice. Adoptive transfer of purified CD4+ CD25+ T cells to recipient uninfected mice demonstrated that these cells were able to induce a suppressive effect in the LPS‐induced inflammation in air pouch model. In addition, adoptive transfer of CD4+ CD25+ T cells derived from IL‐10 knockout mice suggests that this suppressive effect of A. suum infection involves IL‐10 cytokine. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that A. suum experimental infection was capable of suppressing LPS‐induced inflammation by mechanisms, which seem to be dependent on responses of CD4+ CD25+ T cells and secretion of IL‐10 cytokine.
Reproducibility of Control Strains for Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing

Inter- and intralaboratory reproducibility of susceptibility testing requires stable control strains. The Food and Drug Administration diffusion procedure recommends the Seattle strains of Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) and Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922) for this purpose. It was of interest to determine the present reproducibility of control cultures maintained in various laboratories over several years. Fifteen cultures each of S. aureus and E. coli were obtained from laboratories in different parts of the country. Their performance was compared with strains directly derived from ATCC. Diffusion susceptibility tests using a modified overlay technique were made with four replicates. Seven of the eight statistically significant differences in responses of the staphylococci were to penicillin, methicillin, or cephalothin. One culture was a penicillinase producer with a zone 15 mm less than the standard strain. Eleven of the 15 cultures showed no significant deviations or differences greater than 2 mm from the results with the strain derived directly from ATCC. All except the penicillinase producer were of identical phage type. Among 150 organism-antibiotic combinations tested with E. coli, all but one reading were within 2 mm of the standard. Four of the six statistically significant differences were in a culture from one laboratory. The stability of the cultures appears to have been influenced by the method of storage. Cultures that were kept frozen during extended storage were remarkably stable. Significant differences were found in cultures from four of five laboratories that maintained cultures in refrigerators or at ambient temperature.
The 2012-2013 Influenza Epidemic and the Role of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine

Abstract The 2012-2013 influenza epidemic arrived approximately 4 weeks early, augmented by an unusual variant type-A (“swine flu”) strain that caused greater-than-normal illness and a lack of efficacy in vaccination against it. Tens of thousands of people die of influenza or related complications during a nonepidemic influenza season. Osteopathic medicine can substantially help to address the complications that result from influenza. For example, during the deadly 1918-1919 Spanish influenza pandemic, osteopaths reduced patient mortality and morbidity by using lymphatic treatment techniques. Use of osteopathic manipulative treatment with vaccination, antiviral therapy, and chemoprophylaxis has potential to save lives and reduce complications. The present article describes the role of osteopathic manipulative treatment in the management of influenza and highlights current issues surrounding the use of antiviral therapy.
Third sector telephone housing options service for older people:a realist evaluation

The intended outcome of a third sector telephone housing options service focusing on specialist housing is to empower older people to reassess their home environment. However, there is no existing academic research in this area. In an original contribution to knowledge, this study addresses the question: How, why, for whom and in what context is a third sector telephone I&A service efficacious in relation to instilling empowerment in older people considering specialist housing? This thesis takes a realist philosophical perspective and realist evaluation approach (context-mechanism-outcome configuration - CMOc). Key methods include a focus group with service advisors (to develop programme theory), access to the service setting, analysis of imparted information and realist/semi-structured interviews (n=31) with older information-seekers (n=16) one month (n=16) and four months (n=15) after engaging with the service. Tenure and access to deliberative networks are key areas of context. Against a backdrop of a shortage of specialist housing and subsequent complex conditions, those in private housing (mostly owner-occupiers) tend to seek empowerment. Social tenants, limited to a system where a low priority, already have experiential knowledge and seek accessible alternatives. It was common for participants to trust the service relative to negative prior experiences. Yet, in the majority of CMOc (n=8) outcomes tend to reflect an inability to act (social tenants) or uncertainty (mainstream residents) – the latter triggered by mechanisms such as apprehension. A key finding was that many information-seekers sought, desired or used the interviews for more substantive discussion. The current UK market and structure of I&A provision, both hampered by neo-liberal influences, are not conducive to older people reassessing their home. Firstly, this research further underlines the need to increase the supply of specialist housing. Secondly, this study challenges established thinking where information, and not the relational elements of substantive deliberation, is assumed to empower.
Is organizational complexity the way to improve medical care? Unscientific reflections from going to the doctor in Cleveland and Paris

Conventional wisdom suggests that health care will provide better value if physicians are replaced by other caregivers and care is provided less in “silos” and more in “integrated” organizations. By this standard French care appears backwards compared to American care. Yet that does not seem to make US care more efficient or effective. This perspective reviews some differences in practice and suggests why the conventional wisdom should be tested with research.
Flucloxacillin‐induced immune thrombocytopenia

Drug‐induced immune thrombocytopenia (DITP) is an adverse drug reaction associated with platelet (PLT) destruction by drug‐dependent antibodies. Demonstration of drug‐dependent PLT antibodies is often difficult and can only be rendered by extensive laboratory testing. In this report, we present the first serologically confirmed case of DITP caused by the antibiotic flucloxacillin.
Ultrapure dialysis fluid--how pure is it and do we need it?

Originally a definition of water quality for the semiconductor industry, the term ‘ultrapure’ has been adopted by the dialysis community. The discussion has developed from basic definitions and methods for quantification to clinical benefits and recommendations for implementation. Today, ultrapure dialysis fluid is subject to the demands of evidence-based medicine or at least evidence-based cost-effectiveness. The sequence from growing awareness to widespread conviction and practical implementation of ultrapure dialysis fluid is similar to the process for biocompatible dialysis membranes some 10–15 years ago. So, where do we stand with regard to ultrapure dialysis fluid?
How Service Quality Affects Customer Loyalty in the Online Transportation

Online transportation in Indonesia is experiencing rapid growth. The existence of online transportation is not only in big cities, but has begun to spread to areas that can be categorized as second cities, including Denpasar City as the provincial capital of Bali. Increasingly intense competition, especially in the field of online transportation, where many producers are involved in fulfilling the needs and wants of consumers, causing each service company to place customer satisfaction orientation as the main goal to win the competition. This study aims to determine the effect of service quality offered by online transportation to customer satisfaction in Denpasar City, with the number of respondents as many as 100 respondents. This research is a quantitative descriptive study and the method of this research is a survey method with a questionnaire instrument. The results of the study influence the quality of service on customer satisfaction by 43.5% while the remaining 56.5% can be explained by other causes not examined in this study.
Key driving factors for product and service innovations in UK university spin-offs

University spin-offs (USOs) are an important firm class since they constitute an economically important sub-group of high-tech start-up firms: they have, consequently, engendered many academic studies. However, what the firms deliver by way of innovation in the form of new products and services has largely been missing from the academic entrepreneurship literature. By adopting a mixed research methodology of in-depth interviews and a survey, this study highlights key factors associated with the success of product and service development by USO firms in the United Kingdom – such as understanding customer needs, networks, clear market analysis, applications of technology, and the vision, mission and value of the company. The findings resonate with various studies in innovation management on the key elements of product and service performance predictors. The article also helps to fill a gap in the academic entrepreneurship literature by providing an understanding beyond the success factors in setting up USOs. The study should therefore raise the awareness of and benefit various actors (e.g. academic entrepreneurs and technology transfer offices) with regard to the provision of the activities and skills required to develop products and services successfully.
Bloodstream infections caused by multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae producing the carbapenem-hydrolysing VIM-1 metallo-beta-lactamase: first Italian outbreak.

OBJECTIVES To investigate the first Italian outbreak of bloodstream infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) Klebsiella pneumoniae producing metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL), which occurred in three wards of one large tertiary-care hospital in Genoa, Italy, from September 2004 to March 2005. METHODS MBL production was screened by an imipenem-EDTA disc synergy test and confirmed by a conventional hydrolysis test. Antibiotic susceptibility was determined by broth microdilution or disc diffusion. PFGE was used to study the genetic relatedness of isolates. PCR and sequencing were carried out to identify the beta-lactamase genes and to analyse the genetic context of the MBL gene. Outer membrane protein (OMP) profiles were analysed by SDS-PAGE. RESULTS Nine cases of bloodstream infections caused by an MDR strain of K. pneumoniae producing the VIM-1 MBL and the SHV-5 extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) were identified. The isolates exhibited various carbapenem resistance levels (imipenem MICs ranged from 4 to 64 mg/L) and were resistant to other beta-lactams, fluoroquinolones, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and chloramphenicol. The isolate with the highest imipenem MIC also lacked the k36 OMP. The bla(VIM-1) gene cassette was part of the variable region of a class 1 integron that also included an aac(6')-IIc cassette. The ESBL and MBL genes were transferable by conjugation. CONCLUSIONS This is the first report on the emergence of an MDR strain of K. pneumoniae producing the VIM-1 MBL, causing an outbreak of bloodstream infections in an Italian hospital. The strain evolved through OMP alterations generating a mutant with increased carbapenem resistance.
Non-financial Reporting in the System of Increasing Corporate Transparency of Russian Business

The article deals with the development of the institute of non-financial reporting. Non-financial reporting is designed to improve the transparency of Russian business, it contains information about economic, environmental and social aspects of a company performance. The need to assess sustainable development at an economic entity level led to the emergence of new requirements for the formation and presentation of corporate reports: companies must inform stakeholders on three interrelated aspects of their activities— economic, environmental and social. Thus, activities in the field of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainable development should be systemic in nature. Keywords—non-financial reporting; corporate social responsibility; sustainable development; sustainable development concept; development of public non-financial reporting concept; directive on the disclosure of non-financial information
Graphene integration with nitride semiconductors for high power and high frequency electronics

Group III nitride semiconductors (III‐N), including GaN, AlN, InN, and their alloys, are currently the materials of choice for many applications in optoelectronics (light‐emitting diodes, laser diodes), and high‐power and high‐frequency transistors. Due to its attractive electrical, optical, mechanical, and thermal properties, graphene (Gr) integration with III‐N technology has been considered in the last few years, in order to address some of the major issues which still limit the performances of GaN‐based devices. To date, most of the studies have been focused on the use of Gr as transparent conductive electrode (TCE) to improve current spreading from top electrodes and light extraction in GaN‐LEDs. This paper will review recent works evaluating the benefits of Gr integration with III‐N for high power and high frequency electronics. From the materials side, recent progresses in the growth of high quality GaN layers on Gr templates and in the deposition of Gr on III‐N substrates and templates will be presented. From the applications side, strategies to use Gr for thermal management in high‐power AlGaN/GaN transistors will be discussed. Finally, recent proposals of implementing new ultra‐high‐frequency (THz) transistors, such as the Gr base hot electron transistor (GBHET), by Gr integration with III‐N will be highlighted.
Light, scanning electron microscopy and SDS-PAGE studies on the effect of the essential oil, Citrus sinensis var. balady on the embryonic development of camel tick Hyalomma dromedarii (Koch, 1818) (Acari: Ixodidae).

GC-MSE analysis of the essential oil of fresh fruit peel of Citrus sinensis var. balady recognized two main natural toxic compounds, limonene (83.28%) as hydrocarbon compound and linalool (3.97%) as oxygenated compound. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate its effect on different egg-ages of Hyalomma dromedarii at four concentrations of 1:40, 1:30, 1:20 and 1:15 (oil : ethanol 95%) (v/v). The LC50 values were 1:56, 1:34, 1:41, 1:32, 1: 23, 1:23, 1:18, 1:14 and 1:11 for egg-ages of 2, 4, 6, 9, 11, 13, 16, 18 and 20 day, respectively. Histological Examination (HE), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Sodium dodecyle sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) were done on the 9th day old-eggs treated with the essential oil 1:32 (the LC50 value of 9 day old-egg). HE was done on the 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15th day old eggs; SEM was done on the 11, 15 and 17th day old eggs and SDS-PAGE was done on the 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 17th day old eggs and compared each with those of control. In control, HE showed that nuclei migrated to the periphery and became part of the cytoplasmic membrane, blastula appears as a complete ring cells. Germ layer form and the later differentiate to different organelles such as opithosoma, ambulatory segment and chelicera.etc. while incase of treated eggs, HE showed that irregular manner of ectoplasmic membrane formed, blastula gathered on one or two sides, the cells of germ layer gather on one side as small or large mass or ring shape. Cells gathered as small masses or finger shape without forming any organelles. SEM revealed that heavy small bulging wrinkles were observed on egg shells of control. These wrinkles changed into large size in treated eggs on the 11th day and disappeared at the following days to become smooth surfaced. SDS-PAGE exhibited 15, 14, 14, 12, 17, 14 and 15 bands for treated eggs on the 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 17th day old-eggs, respectively and 14, 15, 16, 19, 17, 19 and 18 bands for control eggs at the same egg-ages. The molecular weights of these bands were different in both control and treated eggs. It was concluded that the essential oil of C. sinensis var. balady has strong toxic effect on eggs of H. dromedarii especially in earlier embryonic development.
Modified Larsen score - a comment

Sir, In a newly published article on simple function tests in RA (1) the radiologic damage assessment is described to be performed by a `̀ modi® ed Larsen score’ ’ . Since the primary source for this score is not given in the article I would like to give the following information: In 1977 Arvi Larsen and I presented for the ® rst time a radiographic method for therapeutic studies involving both hands and feet from patients with RA (2). This method is still recommended by EULAR (3, 4). For each joint and each stage standard reference ® lms are available (5). The maximal score per joint is 5. In calculating the total, all individual joint scores are summed after multiplying the wrist scores by 5. The maximal total score (Larsen ± Dale) index or `̀ Larsen score’ ’ is 200 per patient. This method has successfully been used in a large number of therapeutic studies. Larsen himself has for the last few years chosen to use a modi® ed method by dividing the total (overall) sum by 40, which is the total number of joints, from the patient. The intention is that the patient shall get a ’ ’mean score’ ’ (1) which in this way is given to each of the patientÂ s 40 joints.
Jost Solution and the Spectrum of the Discrete Dirac Systems

We find polynomial-type Jost solution of the self-adjoint discrete Dirac systems. Then we investigate analytical properties and asymptotic behaviour of the Jost solution. Using the Weyl compact perturbation theorem, we prove that discrete Dirac system has the continuous spectrum filling the segment [-2,2]. We also study the eigenvalues of the Dirac system. In particular, we prove that the Dirac system has a finite number of simple real eigenvalues.
Visceral adiposity, fasting plasma insulin, and lipid and lipoprotein levels in Japanese Americans.

OBJECTIVE To examine the associations among visceral and subcutaneous adiposity, body-mass-index (BMI), fasting plasma insulin, lipid, and lipoprotein levels. DESIGN Cross-sectional observational study. SUBJECTS Non-diabetic second- (Nisei, n = 290) and third-generation (Sansei, n = 229) Japanese Americans. MEASUREMENTS Intra-abdominal (IAF) and subcutaneous abdominal fat (SAF) area were measured using computed tomography. Fasting plasma insulin, lipid, and lipoprotein levels were measured using standard methods. RESULTS Higher fasting insulin was significantly related to greater mean IAF and SAF area, plasma triglycerides, total HDL and HDL2 cholesterol in men and women of both generations. In a multiple linear regression analysis model among Nisei adjusted for gender, age, SAF, antihypertensive medication use, smoking, alcohol use, and exercise energy expenditure, IAF area and fasting insulin level were independently correlated with plasma triglycerides (IAF r = 0.22, fasting insulin r = 0.23), total HDL (IAF r = -0.29, fasting insulin r = -0.28), HDL2 (IAF r = -0.30, fasting insulin r = -0.27), and HDL3 cholesterol (IAF r = -0.19, fasting insulin r = -0.19). Among Sansei, similar associations were seen, except that fasting insulin was unrelated to total HDL or HDL3 cholesterol. These effects differed by gender in several instances. CONCLUSIONS Both visceral adiposity and fasting insulin level are significantly and independently related to adverse levels of lipids and lipoproteins in both generations of nondiabetic Japanese Americans. The association between adverse lipid profile and visceral obesity is not mediated solely through detrimental effects of intra-abdominal fat deposition on fasting insulin level.
Comparison of outcome and interventional complication rate in patients with acute stroke treated with mechanical thrombectomy with and without bridging thrombolysis

Background No randomized trial has investigated the effect of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) alone in patients with acute stroke. There are conflicting results as to whether prior intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) facilitates subsequent MT, and data in patients treated with MT alone owing to contraindications to IVT are limited. Objective To compare consecutive patients treated with MT alone or with preceding IVT in a large tertiary neurointerventional center, with special emphasis on contraindications to IVT. Methods Retrospective analysis of 283 consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with MT in a tertiary neurovascular center over 14 months. Data on characteristics of periprocedural times, recanalization rate, complications, and long-term functional outcome were collected prospectively. Results Information on prior IVT and functional outcome was available in 250 patients. Mean (SD) follow-up period was 5.7 (5.1) months and 105 (42%) patients received both IVT and MT. No significant differences were found in successful recanalization rates (Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) 2b/3, 73.8% vs 73.1, p=0.952), complication rates, and long-term favorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale 0–2, 35.2% vs 40%, p=0.444) between patients receiving MT plus IVT and those receiving MT alone. A favorable outcome in patients directly treated with MT alone who were eligible for IVT was achieved in 48.2%. Thrombectomy was safe and resulted in a favorable outcome in 32% of patients with absolute contraindications to IVT. Conclusions Preceding use of IVT was not an independent predictor of favorable outcome in patients with acute stroke treated with MT and complication rates did not differ whether or not IVT was used. MT is safe and achieved a favorable outcome in one-third of patients with stroke ineligible for IVT.