Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Constrained overall controller of fuzzy stochastic jump systems

This paper deals with the problem of constrained fuzzy controller design for a class of continuous-time nonlinear systems with Markovian jumps. By means of Takagi-Sugeno fuzzy models, the overall nonlinear controller is constructed by blending local linear controllers through selected membership functions. The local controllers have the mode-dependent gains governed by stochastic transition rate matrix. The constraint condition of control input is studied here to guarantee certain amplitude level, where the notation of maximum norm covering the overall system is used. The sufficient condition for the existence of mode-dependent state feedback controller with control constraints is derived, which can guarantee the stochastic stability of the closed-loop fuzzy jump systems. The design methods in which the norm constraints are imposed on the control input are formulated as linear matrix inequalities problems. Finally, a numerical example is given to illustrate the design procedure
On the tails of the exponential series

A relation between the zeros of the partial sums and the zeros of the corresponding tails of the Maclaurin series for ez is established. This allows an asymptotic estimation of a quantity which came up in the theory of the Riemann zeta-function. Some new properties of the tails of ez are also provided.
(-)-Englerin A is a potent and selective activator of TRPC4 and TRPC5 calcium channels.

Current therapies for common types of cancer such as renal cell cancer are often ineffective and unspecific, and novel pharmacological targets and approaches are in high demand. Here we show the unexpected possibility for the rapid and selective killing of renal cancer cells through activation of calcium-permeable nonselective transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) calcium channels by the sesquiterpene (-)-englerin A. This compound was found to be a highly efficient, fast-acting, potent, selective, and direct stimulator of TRPC4 and TRPC5 channels. TRPC4/5 activation through a high-affinity extracellular (-)-englerin A binding site may open up novel opportunities for drug discovery aimed at renal cancer.
Helping adolescent smokers quit: can telephone quitlines lead the way?

The numbers remain staggering and unacceptable, but the sad reality in the United States is that each day " approximately 3,600 young people between the ages of 12 and 17 years initiate cigarette smoking, and an estimated 1,100 young people become daily cigarette smokers " (1). We know that many of these children will become addicted and that many will eventually die of tobacco-caused cancer or other disease. And given these tobacco-caused deaths, tobacco companies have long recognized that young smokers are a key to their future because the population of smokers must be replenished as others die or quit. Or, as stated in a proposed tobacco company marketing plan, " As this 14 – 24 age group matures, they will account for a key share of the total cigarette volume — for at least the next 25 years. " (2) These sobering facts lead to the obvious question: What do we know about preventing and treating tobacco use in the youngest populations, before it is truly ingrained into a lifestyle? Much attention and funding are directed at tobacco use prevention, and prevention programs are common in schools and communities. But research and programs for treating adolescent tobacco use are far less common — and we know little about denying tobacco companies a new population of addicts. So when a game-changing study provides new hope for how tobacco-using youth can be treated, the collective " ears " of the public health community should perk to attention. The report by Peterson et al. (3) in this issue, along with its accompanying methodological piece by Kealey et al. (4), is such a study. Dozens of studies have investigated both behavioral and pharmacological interventions to help youth quit smoking, but as Peterson et al. (3) point out, " to our knowledge, no randomized trial in adolescent smoking cessation has found a statistically sig-nifi cant intervention effect on prolonged (6 months or more) cessation. " Until now. In the study by Peterson et al., 50 high schools were randomly assigned to receive either an experimental (25 schools) or control smoking cessation treatment (25 schools), in which the experimental treatment was proactive telephone-based counseling that used Motivational Interviewing and Cognitive Behavioral Skills Training. At the end of 6 months of treatment, daily smokers — who are most likely already addicted to tobacco — were more likely to be abstinent than those in the control condition. …
Heparin-induced Thrombocytopenia – Pathogenesis and Treatment

Summary Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is now recognized as the most frequent immune-mediated adverse drug reaction. During the last decade, fundamental aspects of the pathogenesis of HIT have been resolved. The understanding of some the mechanisms underlying the development of new, paradox thromboembolic complications in HIT led to the concept that thrombin generation plays a key-role in clinically manifest HIT. Consequently new therapeutic concepts imply the use of drugs with either indirect of direct anti-thrombin activity such as donaparoid-sodium and the recombinant hirudin lepirudin. During the last years results of first prospective studies assessing various treatment regimens in HIT became available. Although data of randomized trials are still missing some treatment recommendations can already be drawn from these studies. This review summarizes key aspects of the pathogenesis of HIT and provides an overview of current treatment strategies.
A W-band spectrometer for precision dielectric measurements

A new spectrometer for the precision measurement of dielectric permittivity and loss tangent is presented. The new instrument is capable of providing the high resolution data for the first time over an extended W-band (68-118 GHz) frequencies for specimens with large range of absorption values, including highly absorbing specimens which otherwise would not be possible. A novel technique based on the unbalanced bridge is developed for the measurement of the phase of the wave passed through the specimen in free space (quasi-optical) with reference provided by a waveguide arm. Specially constructed precision waveguide and quasi-optical components allowed reliable broad band operation. A number of common dielectrics are measured and results are compared with previously reported data.
Processing of nonconventional DNA strand break ends

Single‐strand breaks (SSBs) are one of the most common forms of genetic damage, arising from attack of DNA by reactive oxygen species or as intended or inadvertent products of normal cellular DNA metabolic events. Recent evidence linking defects in the enzymatic processing of nonconventional DNA SSBs, i.e., lesions incompatible with polymerase or ligase reactions, with inherited neurodegenerative disorders, reveals the importance of SSB repair in disease manifestation. I review herein the major eukaryotic enzymes (with an emphasis on the human proteins) responsible for the “clean‐up” of DNA breaks harboring 3′‐ or 5′‐blocking termini, and the cellular and disease ramifications of unrepaired SSB damage. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. , 2007. Published 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mouse polyclonal and monoclonal antibody to scrapie-associated fibril proteins

Antibody response in mice to scrapie-associated fibril proteins (protease-resistant proteins [PrPs]) was generated to different epitopes depending on the source of antigen. Mice responded differently to PrPs isolated from scrapie-infected animals of homologous (mouse) versus heterologous (hamster) species. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay established to monitor this antibody response in mice immunized with PrPs was unable to detect such a response in scrapie-infected mice. A monoclonal antibody (MAb), 263K 3F4, derived from a mouse immunized with hamster 263K PrPs reacted with hamster but not mouse PrPs. MAb 263K 3F4 also recognized normal host protein of 33 to 35 kilodaltons in brain tissue from hamsters and humans but not from bovine, mouse, rat, sheep, or rabbit brains. This is the first demonstration of epitope differences on this host protein in different species. The defining of various epitopes on PrP through the use of MAbs will lead to a better understanding of the relationship of PrPs to their host precursor protein and to the infectious scrapie agent.
Brain stimulation for epilepsy: can scheduled or responsive neurostimulation stop seizures?

Purpose of reviewScheduled and responsive direct brain stimulation may be an effective and safe therapy for medically intractable epilepsy. Recent findingsScheduled stimulation (open loop) has been provided via electrodes implanted in thalamic nuclei, the cerebellum and the hippocampus using devices commercially available for treatment of tremor and Parkinson's disease. Small pilot trials suggest that seizure frequency is reduced in some patients with intractable epilepsy. Responsive stimulation requires systems that detect abnormal electrographic activity and provide stimulation (closed loop). Studies in inpatients and outpatients suggest that abnormal electrographic discharges can be detected before there is evolution into a clinical seizure, and that focal stimulation of the epileptogenic region terminates electrographic seizures and reduces the frequency of clinically evident seizures. SummaryDirect brain stimulation appears to be safe and may be efficacious in treating medically intractable epilepsy. The optimal location (deep brain or cortical) and characteristics of the stimulation (frequency, current, duration), and whether stimulation should be focal or responsive are still to be determined. If ongoing studies of a deep brain stimulator and of a cranially implanted responsive neurostimulator demonstrate effectiveness, then neurostimulation may become available as adjunctive therapy for medically intractable epilepsy.
Estrogen levels in immature female rats: true or spurious--ovarian or adrenal?

Using radioimmunoassay (RIA) to determine the levels of estradiol (E2) and estrone (E1) in sera from immature female rats between 1–24 days of age, extremely high values were obtained. Maximum levels for E2 were found at 10 and 18 days and for E1 at 10 days. (E2 day 10, mean = 2235 pg/ml, range 924-5500; day 18, mean = 1691 pg/ml, range = 282–1898. E1: day 10, mean = 1060 pg/ml, range = 282–1898 pg/ ml.) An injection of 100 Hg testosterone propionate (TP) at 5 days of age suppressed the peaks of E2 and E1(Values obtained for E2 in aliquots from a single pool of serum measured by RIA, by protein binding using uterine cytosol and by double isotope derivative methods were 3000 pg/ml, 170 pg/ml, and 82 pg/ml, respectively, indicating that the bulk of the displacement in the RIA was due to substances other than Eo (spurious E2). In contrast the values obtained by the 3 assay techniques for E, were similar (940 pg/ml, 1045 pg/ml, and 780 pg/ml, respectively). To determine the source of the spurious E2 and of th.
The bZIP Transcription Factor Nrl Stimulates Rhodopsin Promoter Activity in Primary Retinal Cell Cultures*

In vitro DNA binding assays and transient transfection analysis with monkey kidney cells have implicated Nrl, a member of the Maf-Nrl subfamily of bZIP transcription factors, and the Nrl response element (NRE) in the regulation of rhodopsin expression. We have now further explored the role of the NRE and surrounding promoter elements. Using the yeast one-hybrid screen with integrated NRE and flanking DNA as bait, the predominant clone obtained was bovine Nrl. Recovery of truncated clones in the screen demonstrated that the carboxyl-terminal half of Nrl, which contains the basic and leucine zipper domains, is sufficient for DNA binding. To functionally dissect the rhodopsin promoter, transient expression studies with primary chick retinal cell cultures were performed. Deletion and mutation analyses identified two positive regulatory sequences: one between −40 and −84 base pairs (bp) and another between −84 and −130 bp. Activity of the −40 to −84 region was shown to be largely due to the NRE. On co-transfection with an NRL expression vector, there were 3-5-fold increases in the activity of rhodopsin promoter constructs containing an intact NRE but little or no effect with rhodopsin promoters containing a mutated or deleted NRE. Nrl was more effective than the related bZIP proteins, c-Fos and c-Jun, in stimulating rhodopsin promoter activity. The −84- to −130-bp region acted synergistically with the NRE to enhance both the level of basal expression and the degree of Nrl-mediated trans-activation. These studies support Nrl as a regulator of rhodopsin expression in vivo, identify an additional regulatory region just upstream of the NRE, and demonstrate the utility of primary retinal cell cultures for characterizing both the cis-acting response elements and trans-acting factors that regulate photoreceptor gene expression.
Vitamin D status and cytokine levels in patients with Crohn's disease.

OBJECTIVE There is growing evidence that vitamin D may have immunomodulatory properties in Crohn's disease (CD). The aim of this study was to determine if serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D [25(OH)D] was associated with inflammatory cytokines, IL-10, and TNF-alpha levels in patients with inactive CD. METHODS This was a prospective study of 75 adults with quiescent CD. Serum 25(OH)D was measured by radioimmunoassay and serum IL-10 and TNF-alpha by ELISA. Disease activity was assessed by the Crohn's disease activity index (CDAI) and C-reactive protein (CRP). RESULTS IL-10 levels were significantly lower in patients with vitamin D insufficiency compared with the vitamin D replete group (mean and SE 2.48 ± 0.51 v 6.77 ± 2.49 pg/mL, p < 0.001). There were, however, no differences in serum TNF-alpha or CRP levels based on vitamin D status. The use of a vitamin D supplement at a low dose (200 IU) did not significantly influence IL-10 levels. CONCLUSION Circulating levels of IL-10, but not TNF-alpha, were significantly lower in CD patients with inadequate serum 25(OH)D. This suggests that poor vitamin D status may be linked to reduced anti-inflammatory capacity in this group.
New writing mechanism for reliable SONOS embedded memories with thick tunnel oxide

This paper describes a new low-cost non-volatile embedded memory option for sub-100 nm CMOS processes, based on the SONOS (silicon-oxide-nitride-oxide-silicon) concept. The retention issue inherent to SONOS memories was solved by increasing the thickness of the tunnel oxide from 2 nm to 4-6 nm which is sufficient for operation temperatures up to 100degC. Because of the thicker tunnel oxide, the conventional way of erasing SONOS memory cells by means of hole tunneling can not be used anymore; therefore, a new writing mechanism, punch-through assisted hot hole injection, was developed. This mechanism has a high write speed (~100 mus) at moderate voltages (absolute biases are below 5-6 V). Thanks to these low operation voltages, no dedicated high-voltage transistors are needed, thus reducing the integration costs of the memory significantly.
Computational mouse atlases and their application to automatic assessment of craniofacial dysmorphology caused by the Crouzon mutation Fgfr2C342Y

Crouzon syndrome is characterized by premature fusion of sutures and synchondroses. Recently, the first mouse model of the syndrome was generated, having the mutation Cys342Tyr in Fgfr2c, equivalent to the most common human Crouzon/Pfeiffer syndrome mutation. In this study, a set of micro‐computed tomography (CT) scannings of the skulls of wild‐type mice and Crouzon mice were analysed with respect to the dysmorphology caused by Crouzon syndrome. A computational craniofacial atlas was built automatically from the set of wild‐type mouse micro‐CT volumes using (1) affine and (2) non‐rigid image registration. Subsequently, the atlas was deformed to match each subject from the two groups of mice. The accuracy of these registrations was measured by a comparison of manually placed landmarks from two different observers and automatically assessed landmarks. Both of the automatic approaches were within the interobserver accuracy for normal specimens, and the non‐rigid approach was within the interobserver accuracy for the Crouzon specimens. Four linear measurements, skull length, height and width and interorbital distance, were carried out automatically using the two different approaches. Both automatic approaches assessed the skull length, width and height accurately for both groups of mice. The non‐rigid approach measured the interorbital distance accurately for both groups while the affine approach failed to assess this parameter for both groups. Using the full capability of the non‐rigid approach, local displacements obtained when registering the non‐rigid wild‐type atlas to a non‐rigid Crouzon mouse atlas were determined on the surface of the wild‐type atlas. This revealed a 0.6‐mm bending in the nasal region and a 0.8‐mm shortening of the zygoma, which are similar to characteristics previously reported in humans. The most striking finding of this analysis was an angulation of approximately 0.6 mm of the cranial base, which has not been reported in humans. Comparing the two different methodologies, it is concluded that the non‐rigid approach is the best way to assess linear skull parameters automatically. Furthermore, the non‐rigid approach is essential when it comes to analysing local, non‐linear shape differences.
Determination of Elements in Native and Bypass Human Coronary Artery Plaque Deposits from the Same Heart Using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry

Abstract As part of an ongoing study on atherosclerotic arteries, the concentrations of 12 elements in a native and by-pass human coronary artery plaque deposits from five human hearts were determined using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). These elements were Ca, P, Na, K, Mg, Zn, Cu, Pb, Fe, Al, Si, and S. For Zn, Ca, Pb, Fe, Al, and Si, the levels were at the fractional μmol/g levels and they probably played an unimportant role in plaque development. Sulfur levels varied from 23 to 140 µmols indicative of the possible presence of homocysteine, but there appeared to be no consistent relationship between by-pass and native concentrations. The calcium and phosphorus concentrations were relatively high in all cases, but the ratio of their molecular concentrations did not correspond to hydroxyapatite, which is conventionally considered to be the chemical form of calcium in heart plaque. In the mature native plaque, high calcium/phosphorus ratios indicated calcium in chemical forms other than hydroxyapatite. In undeveloped by-pass plaque, the phosphorus concentration was too high to be as hydroxyapatite but may be phospholipids. Because it is difficult to get suitable samples, only five heart samples were available. Therefore, these results should be treated as preliminary.
Real-Time Routing Based on On-Demand Multi-Hop Lookahead in Wireless Sensor Networks

In wireless sensor networks, real-time data delivery schemes typically achieve the desired delivery speed by proactively performing one-hop lookahead. Recently, to reduce the deadline miss ratio with respect to the desired delivery speed, a study has proposed a real-time data delivery scheme based on proactively performing two-hop lookahead. However, the recent proposal might cause heavy message exchange overhead and high computing complexity in order to proactively obtain two-hop neighbor speed information in all sensor nodes whether data are delivered or not. In this paper, we propose a novel real-time data delivery scheme that applies on-demand multi-hop lookahead only around data forwarding paths. Hence, the scheme can provide lower deadline miss ratio for real-time data delivery with low message exchange overhead than existing schemes.
Intermediate term biochemical progression rates after radical prostatectomy and radiotherapy in patients with screen detected prostate cancer.

PURPOSE We compared biochemical progression rates measured by increasing prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels using a standard definition of biochemical recurrence among patients with screen detected prostate cancer treated with radical prostatectomy (RP) or radiotherapy (RT). MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 1,939 patients diagnosed with clinically localized prostate cancer in a community based screening study from 1989 to 1998, followed through 2001, were treated with RP or RT and agreed to enroll in a followup study. This prospective cohort study (median followup 62 months, range 0.2 to 141) used adjusted Cox proportional hazards models to examine time to progression. Selection bias was addressed with propensity scores. Biochemical evidence of cancer progression was defined as PSA greater than 0.2 ng/ml in patients who underwent RP and 3 consecutive PSA increases as recommended by the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology criteria for radiotherapy. RESULTS Of the patients 17% had evidence of cancer progression. The percentage with progression-free survival at 5 and 9 years for RP was 84% and 76%, respectively, and for RT 80% and 70%, respectively. Cox proportional hazards models produced a hazard ratio of 1.63 (95% CI, 1.12, 2.38) for RT compared with RP, adjusting for clinical stage, Gleason grade, preoperative PSA, biopsy age, treatment year and propensity for treatment type. CONCLUSIONS With intermediate term followup, patients treated with RT were more likely to have cancer progression than with RP adjusting for demographics, clinical factors, selection bias and treatment year.
Achievement of Thermal Stability by Varying Metabolic Heat Production in Flying Honeybees

Thermoregulation of the thorax allows endothermic insects to achieve power outputs during flight that are among the highest in the animal kingdom. Flying endothermic insects, including the honeybee Apis mellifera, are believed to thermoregulate almost exclusively by varying heat loss. Here it is shown that a rise in air temperature from 20° to 40°C causes large decreases in metabolic heat production and wing-beat frequency in honeybees during hovering, agitated, or loaded flight. Thus, variation in heat production may be the primary mechanism for achieving thermal stability in flying honeybees, and this mechanism may occur commonly in endothermic insects.