Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A parameter self-tuning fuzzy-PID control system for pneumatic manipulator of library robot

An embedded controller for the pneumatic manipulator of library robot is designed using PC/104 boards system. The parameter self-tuning fuzzy-PID algorithm of the controller is the emphasis of the design. According to the valuation table of membership and the fuzzy logic rules, the modified parameters are drawn by searching the fuzzy matrix table, and the parameters' online self-tuning of the fuzzy-PID algorithm is finished. The intelligent control of the pneumatic manipulator of library robot is realized by programming using Microsoft eMbedded Visual C++ (EVC). The algorithm flow diagram of the control software and the key method are given. The simulation is finished by inputting some typical signals such as step and sine signal. The experiment result illustrates that the pneumatic manipulator of library robot can quickly trace the target value and keep a satisfied stability and a nearly zero error. The designed method put forward in this paper has a generic application meaning to similar fields.
18F-fluoroethylcholine uptake in arterial vessel walls and cardio vascular risk factors

Summary Aim: Fluorine-labelled choline derivatives were recently suggested as agents for visualizing vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques. We therefore aimed to evaluate the association between18F-fluoroethylcholine (FEC) uptake in the wall of large arteries, where calcification was also measured, with the presence of cardiovascular risk factors and occurrence of prior cardiovascular events. Patients, methods: Detailed clinical information, including common cardiovascular risk factors, was obtained retrospectively in 60 prostate cancer patients examined with whole-body FEC PETCT. In each patient, we calculated the mean blood pool-corrected SUV, as well as the mean target-to-background ratio (TBR), in addition to the sum of calcified plaques (CPsum) from six major vessels: ascending and descending aorta, aortic arch, abdominal aorta, and both iliac arteries. Results: As reported previously, the CPsum correlated significantly with cardiovascular risk factors, in contrast to mean SUV or TBR scores, which did not show any significance with the presence of cardiovascular risk factors. There was no correlation between CPsum, mean TBR or SUV, nor was there any significant association of CPsum, mean TBR or SUV with the prior occurrence of cardio- or cerebrovascular events. Conclusion: Contrary to a recent report, we found in our rather large cohort of elderly prostate cancer patients no significant association between FEC uptake in large vessels and atherosclerotic plaque burden, or the presence of cardiovascular risk factors. In line with prior reports on structural changes in vessels, increased calcified atherosclerotic plaque burden was strongly associated with the occurrence of common cardiovascular risk factors.
Altered tissue degradation and distribution of atrial natriuretic peptide in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy and its relationship with clinical severity of the disease and sodium handling.

BACKGROUND Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) has been suggested to play an important role in heart failure, preserving cardiorenal homeostasis through maintenance of the sodium balance and inhibition of the detrimental effects of the neurohormonal vasoconstrictor system. The current study was designed to investigate whether there is a disturbed renewal and distribution of ANP in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDC) with differing clinical severity of disease. METHODS AND RESULTS We used a tracer method to perform a cross-sectional study of 15 IDC patients with differing clinical severity (New York Heart Association functional class I to III), prospectively divided into two groups according to their functional class (group 1, classes I and II; group 2, classes II-III and III). Eleven normotensive, nonobese male volunteers also were studied as a control group. Main ANP kinetic parameters were derived from the disappearance curve of the labeled hormone after the bolus injection of [125I]-labeled ANP. A high-performance liquid chromatography technique was used to separate the radiolabeled hormone in each plasma sample. Patients in group 1 showed higher ANP metabolic clearance rate (MCR) (2731.9 +/- 726.2 mL.min-1.m-2) than patients of group 2 (1718.4 +/- 621.2 mL.min-1.m-2) and control subjects (1873.1 +/- 551.2 mL.min-1.m-2). ANP disposal (MCR) positively correlated with biological hormonal effect (urinary sodium excretion) both in control subjects and in patients. In IDC patients of both groups, however, MCR values were always higher (approximately doubled) than the values found in control subjects at the corresponding sodium excretion. This finding indicates that a reduced ANP biological activity is associated with hormone degradation in patients. Moreover, patients of group 2 showed significantly higher ANP production rates (395.6 +/- 183.8 ng.min-1.m-2) than group 1 (166.0 +/- 139.0 ng.min-1.m-2) and control subjects (130.7 +/- 105.4 ng.min-1.m-2) despite a marked reduction in sodium excretion. Patients with IDC showed a progressive reduction in the total distribution volume (group 1, 19.8 +/- 5.8 L/m2; group 2, 12.7 +/- 6.9 L/m2; control subjects, 27.0 +/- 11.6 L/m2) of the hormone; this probably was due to a reduction in exchanges of ANP with peripheral tissues. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates a markedly altered degradation and distribution of ANP in patients with IDC, even in those at the early stage of clinical disease (classes I and II, group 1) who have ANP plasma levels in the normal range.
Mastectomia profilática: reflexões bioéticas

A mastectomia profilatica e uma cirurgia que retira as mamas para minimizar o risco de incidencia do câncer, chegando a alcancar 90% de reducao em sua ocorrencia. Para este artigo, foi realizada uma pesquisa qualitativa baseada na historia de cinco mulheres que tiveram diagnostico de câncer de mama unilateral e decidiram fazer mastectomia bilateral com reconstrucao imediata. A qualidade de vida das pacientes foi avaliada apos o procedimento, incluindo uma reflexao bioetica sobre esse tipo de intervencao, considerada agressiva e com indicacoes ainda controversas. Os achados foram analisados contemplando o diagnostico e a tomada de decisao por esta opcao de tratamento, inserindo-se o contexto da qualidade de vida apos a cirurgia. Apesar do medo do câncer, que torna as pacientes mais frageis a ponto de terem a autonomia diminuida, deixando a decisao nas maos do medico, se concluiu pela avaliacao positiva das mesmas com o resultado final do processo.
Analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the SFRS3 and FKBP4 genes in corticosteroid-induced ocular hypertension

Background: The use of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA) can cause ocular hypertension. This steroid response appears to be heritable and alleles in the SFRS3 and FKBP4 genes have recently been suggested to play a role. The purpose of the present study was to perform an independent replication study to determine whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in SFRS3 and FKBP4 are involved in the steroid response. Materials and Methods: A retrospective case-control study of native Dutch patients was performed who were treated with 4.0mg IVTA. The patients were divided into an intraocular hypertension group (intraocular pressure > 21 mmHg within a year after IVTA) and a non-intraocular hypertension group. The cohort was genotyped for three SNPs: rs7759778 and rs1406945 in SFRS3, and rs2968909 in FKBP4. Results: A total of 102 patients was included: 58 steroid responders and 44 non-responders. No significant differences in demographic parameters or medical history were observed between the study groups. None of the SNPs were found to be significantly associated with the disease as no difference was revealed either in the genotype or allele frequencies between responders and non-responders. Conclusions: This study does not confirm a role for genetic variants in the SFRS3 and FKBP4 genes in the pathogenesis of corticosteroid-induced ocular hypertension. However, our limited sample size may have restricted the power of our study, and we therefore cannot exclude the involvement of these genetic variants in steroid response.
Influence of plasticizer type and level on the properties of Eudragit® S100 matrix pellets prepared by hot-melt extrusion

Matrix-type pellets with controlled-release properties may be prepared by hot-melt extrusion applying a single-step, continuous process. However, the manufacture of gastric-resistant pellets is challenging due to the high glass transition temperature of most enteric polymers and an unacceptably high, diffusion-controlled drug release from the matrix during the acidic phase. The objective was to investigate the influence of three plasticizers (triethyl citrate, methylparaben and polyethylene glycol 8000) at two levels (10% or 20%) on the properties of hot-melt extruded Eudragit® S100 matrix pellets. Extrusion experiments showed that all plasticizers produced similar reductions in polymer melt viscosity. Differential scanning calorimetry and powder X-ray diffraction demonstrated that the solid state plasticizers were present in the amorphous state. The drug release in acidic medium was influenced by the aqueous solubility of the plasticizer. Less than 10% drug was released after 2 h at pH 1.2 when triethyl citrate or methylparaben was used, independent of the plasticizer level. Drug release at pH 7.4 resulted from polymer dissolution and was not influenced by low levels of plasticizer, but increased significantly at the 20% level. Mechanical testing by diametral compression demonstrated the high tensile strength of the hot-melt extruded pellets that decreased when plasticizers were present.
Dielectric hole lattice for terahertz diffractive optics with high transmission

A dielectric hole lattice is proposed for creating diffractive optics in the terahertz range. An array of sub-wavelength air-holes in a dielectric material gives rise to an artificial dielectric, with refractive index depending on hole radius. The design uses low-loss dielectric materials, and exploits a half-wavelength etalon effect to minimise reflection, leading to near-perfect transmission. A potential application is a zone plate to create high gain antennas for use in future terahertz communications links.
Mitbestimmung als Schutz für Quasirenten

Die gesetzlichen Regelungen zur betrieblichen Mitbestimmung raumen Arbeitnehmer umfangreiche Mitwirkungs- und Kontrollrechte ein. Diese Ausdunnung der Eigentumsrechte an Unternehmen ist nicht zwangslaufig ineffizient. Mitbestimmung kann auch als Sicherungsmechanismus gegen opportunistische Ausnutzung spezifischer Ausbildungsinvestitionen der Arbeitnehmer gesehen werden. Im Sinne einer konstitutionellen Selbstbindung hatten dann sogar die Arbeitgeber selber ein Interesse an der Einfuhrung der Mitbestimmung. Das Paper diskutiert vier Spiele, die sich danach unterscheiden, ob es die Arbeitnehmer oder die Arbeitgeber sind, die zunachst uber die Einfuhrung der Mitbestimmung entscheiden und spater die Kosten der Mitbestimmung tragen. Dabei zeigt sich, das es sinnvoll sein kann, die Einfuhrungsentscheidung von der Kostentraglast zu trennen.
Signal Processing Statistical Detection of Defects in Radiographic Images Using an Adaptive Parametric Model I

In this paper, a new methodology is presented for detecting anomalies from radiographic images. This methodology exploits a statistical model adapted to the content of radiographic images together with the hypothesis testing theory. The main contributions are the following. First, by using a generic model of radiographies based on the acquisition pipeline, the whole non-destructive testing process is entirely automated and does not require any prior information on the inspected object. Second, by casting the problem of defects detection within the framework of testing theory, the statistical properties of the proposed test are analytically established. This particularly permits the guaranteeing of a prescribed false-alarm probability and allows us to show that the proposed test has a bounded loss of power compared to the optimal test which knows the content of inspected object. Experimental results show the sharpness of the established results and the relevance of the proposed approach.
Prospective Validation of Cessation of Contact Precautions for Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase–Producing Escherichia coli

After contact precautions were discontinued, we determined nosocomial transmission of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)–producing Escherichia coli by screening hospital patients who shared rooms with ESBL-producing E. coli–infected or –colonized patients. Transmission rates were 2.6% and 8.8% at an acute-care and a geriatric/rehabilitation hospital, respectively. Prolonged contact was associated with increased transmission.
Complementary versus competitive convergence: the Case of the French IPTV and VoD market

In this paper, we analyse the evolution of the VoD and TV supply in France, and in particular the effect of the launch of IPTV systems. Firstly, the launch of attractive triple-play offers has induced a strong development of the French broadband Internet access market, which in turn has resulted in the entry of numerous players in the VoD market. Secondly, the adoption of IPTV system has changed the competitive and strategic positioning of main players in the VoD value-chain, thus inducing or amplifying strategic moves along this value-chain. In particular, we show how the diffusion of IPTV systems has induced a switch from complementary convergence to competitive convergence.
Starvation and refeeding in rats: effect on some parameters of energy metabolism and electrolytes and changes of hepatic tissue

Regarding the importance of starvation and refeeding and the occurrence of refeeding syndrome in various conditions, the present study was conducted to investigate the effects of refeeding on some parameters of energy metabolism and electrolytes and changes of hepatic tissue in male Wistar rats. Fifty-seven rats were divided into six groups, having 6 to 11 rats. Food was provided ad-libitum until three months and then the first group was considered without starvation (day 0). Other rats were fasted for two weeks. Group 2 was applied to a group immediately after starvation (day 14). Groups 3 to 6 were refed in days 16 till 22, respectively. At the end of each period, blood and tissue samples were taken and histopathological and serum analysis, including serum electrolytes (calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium), the energy parameters (glucose, insulin, cortisol) and the liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP) were determined. Insulin decreased by starvation and then showed an increasing trend compared to starvation period, which the highest amount of this parameter was observed eight days post-refeeding. Serum glucose level showed the opposite pattern of insulin. Histopathological examination of the tissue sections revealed clear vacuoles after starvation and refeeding, in which the severity of lesions gradually decreased during refeeding. The cortisol level decreased by starvation and then increased during refeeding. Also, potassium and phosphorus concentrations declined by refeeding and the serum sodium and potassium levels were changed in the relatively opposite manner. The calcium level decreased by starvation and then increased during refeeding. These results could help recognize and remedy the refeeding syndrome.
CAA: A Content Adapter Architecture for Content Management Systems

This paper presents a Content Adapter Architecture (CAA) for Content Management Systems (CMSs). A CMS is a software application that maintains and keeps track of every piece of content of a website. In the past, CMS has been mainly used in developing websites and portals for desktop PCs. For mobile devices such as smart phones and tablets, the web content developed for PCs needs to be adapted in order to provide the best possible user experience due to different characteristics and constraints such as screen dimensions. This adaptation task can be time consuming and resource intensive. Most solutions resolve it by creating different resources or CMS plugins for different devices. This paper proposes a novel approach to adapt CMS content in a non-intrusive way, through the use of templates which specify how the content should be adapted. The CAA consists of a backend server and a front end client. The server is responsible for the adaptation and provides version control of content, amongst other features. The client, built as a web application, is a thin layer which provides interaction with the device features, and acts as a cache system to reduce data transfer.
Rearrangements of the 5S RNA gene cluster of Drosophila melanogaster associated with the insertion of a B104 element

The organization of the 5S RNA gene cluster of Drosophila melanogaster is different in two Oregon R stocks that have been separated for a number of years. The Oregon R Yale population contains various different arrangements of the cluster. One of these is due to the insertion of a B104 element near one end of the cluster. Other arrangements lack the B104 insertion and have instead a variety of deletions originating in the vicinity of the B104 insertion site and removing from 0 to 60% of the 5S RNA genes without affecting nearby tRNA genes. In contrast, the Oregon R Heidelberg population has no B104 element in the 5S gene cluster and no heterogeneity in the arrangement of the cluster. We propose that transposable elements inserted at a genomic locus generate heterogeneity in a population at that locus due to excision of the element with and without accompanying deletions of flanking sequences. As a consequence, a fly population would accumulate a large number of deletions scattered throughout the genome in as many loci as contain transposable elements. We show further that D. melanogaster contains a large redundancy of 5S RNA genes since the 60% deletion of the cluster shows no visible phenotype when homozygous or when heterozygous against a total deletion of the entire 5S gene cluster.
The Importance of Screening for Domestic Violence in All Women

Both the current and past surgeon generals of the United States and the Public Health objectives for Healthy People 2000 have identified family violence as an epidemic and have called for an organized approach to screen, treat, and prevent further violence. Domestic violence is not, and never has been, a "disease" of the poor. Thousands of women from high socioeconomic levels are beginning to shatter our visual image of an abused woman and are forcing us to look at current primary care screening practices and interventions. Domestic violence is as common, and in some cases more prevalent, as diseases routinely screened for such as breast cancer, hypothyroidism, hypertension, and colon cancer. One of the barriers to universal screening of domestic violence is our reliance on the profile of the typical battered woman. One often neglected population is women from higher socioeconomic groups. This article provides the rationale for universal screening of all women for domestic violence.
Anorexia-cachexia is a wasting condition commonly seen in patients with cancer or

Anorexia-cachexia is a progressive wasting condition that commonly affects people in the advanced stages of diseases such as cancer and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). It is described by loss of appetite (anorexia) and loss of weight (cachexia). The word “anorexia” comes from the Greek word orexis (meaning “appetite”), literally translating to “without appetite”. The word “cachexia” is derived from the Greek words kakos (meaning “bad”) and hexis (meaning “condition”). Anorexia-cachexia is a complex, lifethreatening condition in which there is early satiety, loss of appetite, chronic nausea, involuntary weight loss, tissue wasting, loss of muscle, severe fatigue, weakness, poor physical performance and poor immune function. It is a significant cause of psychological distress to patients and to their families, friends and carers. Anorexia-cachexia occurs in several chronic, end-stage conditions including cancer, AIDS, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart, renal and hepatic failure, inflammatory bowel disease (eg, Crohn’s disease), cystic fibrosis, rheumatoid arthritis and bacterial and parasitic diseases. This condition affects nearly half of cancer patients. However, severe cachexia develops in most patients with advanced cancer or advanced AIDS. At the time of diagnosis, about 80 per cent of patients with upper gastrointestinal cancers and 60 per cent of patients with lung cancer have substantial weight loss. In pancreatic cancer, 85 per cent of patients develop cachexia. In general, patients with haematological malignancies or breast cancer do not tend to have substantial weight loss, but most other solid tumours are associated with a high frequency of cachexia. Cachexia is more common in children and older people and becomes more severe as disease progresses. Overall, more than 80 per cent of patients with cancer or AIDS develop cachexia before they die. In more than 20 per cent of patients, cachexia is the main cause of death.
First X-ray observations of low-power compact steep spectrum sources

We report first X-ray Chandra observations of a sample of seven low luminosity compact (LLC) sources. They belong to a class of young compact steep spectrum (CSS) radio sources. Four of them have been detected, the other three have upper limit estimations for X-ray flux, one CSS galaxy is associated with an X-ray cluster. We have used the new observations together with the observational data for known strong CSS and gigahertz-peaked spectrum (GPS) objects and large scale FRIs and FRIIs to study the relation between morphology, X-ray properties and excitation modes in radio-loud AGNs. We found that: (1) The low power objects fit well to the already established X-ray - radio luminosity correlation for AGNs and occupy the space among, weaker in the X-rays, FRI objects. (2) The high excitation galaxies (HEG) and low excitation galaxies (LEG) occupy distinct locus in the radio/X-ray luminosity plane, notwithstanding their evolutionary stage. This is in agreement with the postulated different origin of the X-ray emission in these two group of objects. (3) We have tested the AGN evolution models by comparing the radio/X-ray luminosity ratio with the size of the sources, and indirectly, with their age. We conclude that the division for two different X-ray emission modes, namely originate in the base of the relativistic jet (FRIs) or in the accretion disk (FRIIs) is already present among the younger compact AGNs. (4) Finally, we found that the CSS sources are less obscured than the more compact GPSs in X-rays. However, the anti-correlation between X-ray column density and radio size does not hold for the whole sample of GPS and CSS objects.
Relationship between cost of equity capital and voluntary corporate disclosures

The relationship between disclosure and cost of equity capital has always been interesting not only for managers, but for investors as well. Economic theory suggests that by increasing the level of corporate reporting firms not only increase their stock market liquidity, but they also decrease the investors’ estimation risk, arising from uncertainty about future returns and payout distributions. Utilizing the Residual Income Valuation Model, the implied cost of capital is estimated for a sample of 121 Swiss listed, non-financial companies adopting a finite horizon version of the residual income valuation model. The results show that firms on the Swiss market can reduce their cost of equity capital by increasing the level of their voluntary corporate disclosures. The results persist even after controlling for various firm specific risks, such as firm size or financial leverage and regardless of company’s reporting strategy (conservative or aggressive).