Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Invariant Observer Design for a Helicopter UAV Aided Inertial Navigation System

The invariant observer is a recently introduced constructive nonlinear design method for symmetry-possessing systems such as the magnetometer-plus-global positioning system (GPS)-aided inertial navigation system (INS) example considered in this paper. The resulting observer guarantees a simplified form of the nonlinear estimation error dynamics, which can be stabilized by a proper choice of observer gains using a nonlinear analysis. A systematic approach to this step is the invariant Extended Kalman Filter (EKF), which is modified from its originally proposed form and applied to the aided INS example to obtain the observer gains. The resulting invariant observer is implemented onboard an outdoor helicopter unmanned aerial vehicle platform and successfully validated in experiment and demonstrates an improvement in performance over a conventional (non-invariant) EKF design.
Solution of Linear Equations

We have discussed general methods for solving arbitrary equations, and looked at the special class of polynomial equations. A subclass of the latter comprises all the systems of linear equations to which the area of linear algebra is devoted. In fact, many a problem in numerical analysis can be reduced to one of solving a system of linear equations. We already witnessed this in the use of Newton’s method to solve a system of nonlinear equations. Other applications include solution of ordinary or partial differential equations (ODEs or PDEs), the eigenvalue problems of mathematical analysis, least-squares fitting of data, and polynomial approximation.
Evaluation and management of mild traumatic brain injury: An Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma practice management guideline

BACKGROUND An estimated 1.1 million people sustain a mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) annually in the United States. The natural history of MTBI remains poorly characterized, and its optimal clinical management is unclear. The Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma had previously published a set of practice management guidelines for MTBI in 2001. The purpose of this review was to update these guidelines to reflect the literature published since that time. METHODS The PubMed and Cochrane Library databases were searched for articles related to MTBI published between 1998 and 2011. Selected older references were also examined. RESULTS A total of 112 articles were reviewed and used to construct a series of recommendations. CONCLUSION The previous recommendation that brain computed tomographic (CT) should be performed on patients that present acutely with suspected brain trauma remains unchanged. A number of additional recommendations were added. Standardized criteria that may be used to determine which patients receive a brain CT in resource-limited environments are described. Patients with an MTBI and negative brain CT result may be discharged from the emergency department if they have no other injuries or issues requiring admission. Patients taking warfarin who present with an MTBI should have their international normalized ratio (INR) level determined, and those with supratherapeutic INR values should be admitted for observation. Deficits in cognition and memory usually resolve within 1 month but may persist for longer periods in 20% to 40% of cases. Routine use of magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, nuclear magnetic resonance, or biochemical markers for the clinical management of MTBI is not supported at the present time.
In vitro safety profile of G–CSF‐mobilized whole blood after storage for 7 days in an infusable‐grade L15 medium

BACKGROUND: G–CSF‐mobilized whole blood (WB) is a cost‐reducing and simple alternative for peripheral blood progenitor cell transplantation. Recently, it was demonstrated that mobilized WB supplemented with Leibovitz's L15 medium permitted prolonged preservation of clonogenic cells at ambient temperature. In this study, an infusable‐grade L15 medium (IG‐L15) was developed, and the safety profile of mobilized WB after 7 days of storage was investigated.
Import of rat mitochondrial citrate carrier (CIC) at increasing salt concentrations promotes presequence binding to import receptor Tom20 and inhibits membrane translocation

Mitochondria contain a family of related carrier proteins that mediate transport of metabolites across the mitochondrial inner membrane. All members of this family are synthesized in the cytosol. We characterized the interactions of newly synthesized rat citrate carrier (CIC) precursor protein (pCIC) with the components of the mitochondrial protein import machinery. pCIC contains both a positively charged presequence of 13 amino acids and internal targeting sequences. We found that the pCIC presequence does not interfere with the import pathway and merely acts as an internal chaperone in the cytosol. Under conditions of increased ionic strength, the pCIC presequence binds to the import receptor Tom20 and accumulates at the mitochondrial surface, thereby delaying pCIC translocation across the mitochondrial outer membrane. Similarly, the presequence of the bovine phosphate carrier (PiC) precursor protein (pPiC) is arrested at the mitochondrial surface when salt concentrations are elevated. We conclude that presequences can only act as mediators of mitochondrial protein import if they allow rapid release from import receptor sites. Release from receptors sites may be rate-limiting in translocation.
What can we learn from patients with heart failure about exercise adherence? A systematic review of qualitative papers.

OBJECTIVES Keeping physically active has been shown to bring positive outcomes for patients diagnosed with heart failure (HF). However, a number of individuals with this health problem do not undertake regular exercise. A review of extant qualitative research was conducted to explore what it can tell us about barriers and enablers to physical activity among people with HF. METHODS A systematic search, involving electronic databases and endeavors to locate gray literature, was carried out to identify relevant qualitative studies published from 1980 onward. Data from retrieved papers were combined using framework analysis. Papers read in full numbered 32, and 20 were included in the review. RESULTS Synthesis of results from the 20 studies resulted in 4 main themes: Changing soma, negative emotional response, adjusting to altered status, and interpersonal influences. How individuals responded to their diagnosis and their altered physical status related to their activity levels, as did the degree of encouragement to exercise coming from family, friends, and professionals. These findings can be connected to the theory of behavioral change developed by Bandura, known as social cognitive theory (SCT). CONCLUSIONS SCT may be a useful framework for developing interventions to support patients with HF in undertaking and maintaining regular exercise patterns. Specific components of SCT that practitioners may wish to consider include self-efficacy and outcome expectancies. These were issues referred to in papers for the systematic review that appear to be particularly related to exercise adherence.
Status of the LHCb dipole magnet

The LHCb experiment focuses on the precision measurement of CP violation and rare decays in the B-meson system. It plans to operate with an average luminosity of 2 /spl times/ 10/sup 32/ cm/sup -2/s/sup -1/ that should be obtained from the beginning of the LHC operation. The LHCb detector exploits the forward region of the pp collisions at the LHC collider. It requires a single arm spectrometer with a large dipole magnet of 4 Tm of total integrated field, having the capability to stand frequent polarity changes and providing good lateral field homogeneity. For reasons of cost, simplicity and robustness, a magnet with resistive coils has been chosen. The magnet has a free aperture of /spl plusmn/300 mrad horizontally and /spl plusmn/250 mrad vertically demanding a sloping gap of 2.2 to 3.5 m vertically (the direction of the field) and 2.6 to 4.2 m horizontally. The total weight of the magnet is about 1600 t. The power dissipation in the aluminum coils will be 4.2 MW. Low carbon steel plates of 100 mm thickness are used to assemble the yoke. The coils are wound from hollow aluminum conductor of 50 mm /spl times/ 50 mm cross-section with a central cooling channel of 25 mm diameter. To reach good field quality the coils are bent by 45/spl deg/ toward the gap along the horizontal aperture and the pole pieces have large shims. The magnet design will be reviewed; the magnet assembly in the underground area of the experiment and test results will be reported.
Speaking proficiency variations according to method of alaryngeal voicing

Twelve judges, with no previous exposure to laryngectomees, rated the speaking proficiencies of 33 laryngectomees divided into the following groups: 1. esophageal speakers (n=12); 2. electrolarynx speakers (n=11); and 3. tracheoesophageal puncture speakers (n=10). In addition, the speech of ten normal subjects was rated. Specific speaking parameters examined included voice quality, pitch, loudness, intelligibility, rate of speaking, visual presentation during speech, extraneous speaking noise, and overall communicative effectiveness. Multiple discriminant analyses performed on the ratings made by each judge revealed significant differences in ratings for various speaking parameters in the four subject groups. Results generally support the stance that tracheoesophageal speech is perceived as superior to communication with either an electrolarynx or with traditional esophageal speech, even though it is not viewed as comparable to normal voice.
Ethnoracial Disparities in AlzheimerÃ¢ÂÂs Disease: Target on Cardiovascular Risks via Lifestyle Changes?

Evan P Pasha1, Andreana P Haley2 and Hirofumi Tanaka1* 1Cardiovascular Aging Research Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology and Health Education, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA 2Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA *Corresponding author: Hirofumi Tanaka, Ph.D, Department of Kinesiology and Health Education, 2109 San Jacinto Blvd, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA, Tel: 512-232-4801; Fax: 512-471-0946; E-mail: htanaka@austin.utexas. edu
Successful Self-Directed Lifelong Learning in Medicine: A Conceptual Model Derived From Qualitative Analysis of a National Survey of Pediatric Residents

Purpose Self-directed lifelong learning is integral to medical professionalism, yet how best to encourage its development during clinically intensive training is unknown. The authors develop a model for successful self-directed learning by analyzing qualitative data from a national survey of residents. Method Pediatric and medicine/pediatric residents at 46 training programs completed a Web-based survey in 2008–2009. Self-reported barriers to and strategies for achieving self-directed learning goals were systematically analyzed through inductive iterative review. Results A total of 992 out of 1,739 (57%) residents responded. Barriers to achieving self-directed learning goals were categorized into difficulty with personal reflection, environmental strain, competing demands, difficulty with goal generation, and problems with plan development and implementation. Strategies for achieving learning goals included creating goals that were important (relevant to the learner and prioritized by the learner as important to achieve), specific (with broad goals broken down into incremental steps and a specific plan for each step), measurable, accountable (with reminder and tracking systems and building in internal and external accountability), realistic (achievable goals which utilize existing opportunities and constant self-adjustment), and included a timeline for completing the goal (and incorporating the goal into their daily routine). Conclusions On the basis of the data, the authors propose a conceptual model for self-directed lifelong learning involving creation of learning goals and plan development based on individual reflection and self-assessment, and continual revision of goals and/or plans based on degree of goal attainment. This model could be broadly applicable throughout medical education.
NOS2 expression is restricted to neurons in the healthy brain but is triggered in microglia upon inflammation

Nitric oxide (NO) is a diffusible second messenger with a great variety of functions in the brain. NO is produced by three isoforms of NO synthase (NOS), NOS1, NOS2, and NOS3. Although broad agreement exists regarding the expression of NOS1 and NOS3 in neurons and endothelial cells, the pattern of NOS2 expression is still controversial and remains elusive. We have now generated a novel transgenic mouse that expresses the fluorescent reporter tdTomato and the CRE recombinase under the control of the Nos2 gene regulatory regions. Such tool allows the reliable tracking of NOS2 expression in tissue and further unravels episodes of transient NOS2 expression. Using this transgenic mouse, we show that in the healthy brain, NOS2 is only transiently expressed in neurons scattered in the piriform and entorhinal cortex, the amygdaloid nuclei, the medial part of the thalamus, the hypothalamus, the dentate gyrus, and the cerebellum. NOS2 expression was rarely detected in microglia. We further show that inflammation, induced by intracerebral injection of LPS and IFNγ, triggers transient expression of NOS2 in microglia but not in neurons. This novel transgenic tool has thus allowed us to clarify the NOS2 expression pattern and its differential profile in neurons and microglia in healthy and inflammatory conditions. GLIA 2014;62:956–963
Self-collected cervicovaginal sampling for site-of-care primary HPV-based cervical cancer screening: a pilot study in a rural underserved Greek population

Abstract In the present pilot study, the feasibility of a site-of-care cervicovaginal self-sampling methodology for HPV-based screening was tested in 346 women residing in underserved rural areas of Northern Greece. These women provided self-collected cervicovaginal sample along with a study questionnaire. Following molecular testing, using the cobas® HPV Test, Roche®, HPV positive women, were referred to colposcopy and upon abnormal findings, to biopsy and treatment. Participation rate was 100%. Regular pap-test examination was reported for 17.1%. Among hrHPV testing, 11.9% were positive and colposcopy/biopsy revealed 2 CIN3 cases. Non-compliance was the most prevalent reason for no previous attendance. Most women reported non-difficulty and non-discomfort in self-sampling (77.6% and 82.4%, respectively). They would choose self-sampling over clinician-sampling (86.2%), and should self-sampling being available, they would test themselves more regularly (92.3%). In conclusion, self-sampling is feasible and well-accepted for HPV-based screening, and could increase population coverage in underserved areas, helping towards successful prevention.
Localization and conditional redundancy of regulatory elements in rbcS-3A, a pea gene encoding the small subunit of ribulose-bisphosphate carboxylase.

Expression of the pea rbcS-3A gene, one of a family of genes encoding the small subunit of ribulose-bisphosphate carboxylase [EC 4.1. 1.39], is regulated by light and is restricted to chloroplast-containing cells. We analyzed the effects of light and development on rbcS-3A expression in transgenic plants. Two highly conserved sequences ("boxes" II and III) around nucleotide position -150 (relative to the transcription initiation site, +1) are required for rbcS-3A expression. The so-defined positive elements overlap with previously identified negative light-regulatory elements. In the case of box II, which has sequence similarity to the core enhancer motif of simian virus 40, a GG----CC transversion is sufficient to abolish expression. The effect of mutations in boxes II and III can only be measured when sequences upstream of -170 are removed, and because sequences both 5' and 3' of -170 can direct light-regulated and organ-specific expression. This implies that there is a redundancy of cis-acting elements in the 5' noncoding region of rbcS-3A. However, we show that the sequences upstream of -170 are dispensable only in the mature leaves of a green plant. In contrast, in the young, expanding leaves at the top of a green plant, as well as in seedlings, the distal elements are required for high-level expression. Therefore, redundancy is not absolute, and the requirements for rbcS-3A expression change during plant development.
Connexin35/36 gap junction proteins are expressed in photoreceptors of the tiger salamander retina

Photoreceptors in the vertebrate retina are electrically coupled with one another. Such coupling plays important roles in visual information processing. Physiological properties of rod‐rod and rod‐cone coupling have been best studied in the salamander retina, yet the cellular and molecular basis of these electrical synapses has not been established. Recently, connexin35/36 (Cx35/36) gap junction proteins were found to be highly expressed in brain and retina, suggesting that it may mediate photoreceptor coupling. To test this idea, we examined the cellular distribution of Cx35/36 in the salamander retina. Western blot analysis showed the expression of Cx35/36 proteins, and confocal microscopy revealed characteristic punctate Cx35/36 immunoreactivity in both synaptic layers. In addition, Cx35/36‐positive plaques were detected in the outer nuclear layer (ONL) between neighboring rods, and these plaques outlined the mosaic of the rod network at a level distal to the external limiting membrane. Moreover, although Cx35/36 plaques were detected between some cones and their adjacent rods, the number and size of these plaques was smaller, and their staining intensity was diminished compared with the plaques between adjacent rods. Furthermore, Lucifer yellow injection together with confocal microscopy revealed that Cx35/36‐puncta were colocalized with finlike structures of rod cell membrane, with the ultrastructure of gap junctions between paired rod fins having been found by electron microscopy. Therefore, our findings demonstrate that Cx35/36 expression in photoreceptors is primarily located between rods and to a lesser extent between rods and cones, suggesting that Cx35/36 may participate in electrical coupling between rods and between rods and cones in the salamander retina. J. Comp. Neurol. 470:1–12, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
ANTIMICROBIAL EVALUATION OF NOVEL SUBSTITUTED PYRIMIDINOPYRAZOLES AND PYRIMIDINOTRIAZOLES

Some novel substituted pyramidinopyrazoles and pyrimidinotriazoles have been synthesized by using 6-anisyl-5-cyan-2-hydrazine-3-N-methyl-3, 4-dihydropyrimidine-4-one as the starting material. Structures of these compounds have been established by IR, 1H NMR, Mass and elemental analysis data and have been evaluated for their antimicrobial activity. Significant antimi.crobial activity was observed for some members of these series.
Transformers with incorporated filtering capabilities exploiting signal-interference principles

Double-functionality microwave planar circuits hybridizing filtering and impedance transformation capabilities are reported in this work. They are based on signal-interference transversal filtering sections (TFSs) whose design equations are generalized to synthesize the filtering functionality between any pair of real port impedances. Thus, an inherent impedance-transformation action is added to the signal-interference filter in its passband(s). The devised dual-functionality circuit concept is valid for other types of TFSs, as well as for both single- and multi-band designs. For experimental verification, two double-function microstrip prototypes for dual-band and ultra-wideband single-band filtering specifications which feature transformation ratios of 2:1 are synthesized, constructed, and characterized.
On-Farm Cow Mortality in Swedish Dairy Herds

A high rate of on-farm cow mortality (i.e. unassisted death and euthanasia) is both a financial concern and an important animal welfare issue. The overall aim of this thesis was to evaluate the development of mortality in Swedish dairy herds and to identify characteristics associated with on-farm mortality at cow and herd levels. In paper I, two analyses were performed using data from the cattle database with the objective of identifying risk factors at the herd level: one multiple-year study of 6898 herds between 2002 and 2010; and one single-year study of 4252 herds in the year 2010. Paper II is based on information from a designed questionnaire sent in 2012 to herds with either high or low mortality rates to evaluate differences in herd characteristics. In paper III, data were retrieved from the cattle database to assess hazard rates for mortality at the cow level and included cows with a calving between 1 July 2008 and 30 June 2009 (209,236 lactations). In paper IV, a field study on destruction plants was performed to assess the relative proportion of unassisted death and euthanasia. Dairy cow cadavers were examined and a hole in the forehead (caused by a bullet or a captive bolt) was used as an indication of euthanasia. Telephone interviews were carried out with the farmer to verify the type of death and to obtain a short anamnesis. The results show that the cow mortality rate has gradually increased between 2002 and 2010, from 5.1 to 6.6 deaths/100 cow-years. At the herd level, a larger herd size, longer calving intervals and the Swedish Holstein breed were associated with greater mortality. Lower mortality was observed in herds with a higher average milk yield, during autumn-winter, and in organically managed herds. In the questionnaire, the same effects of breed and herd size were identified, but also having cows on exercise pasture (instead of production pasture) during summer was associated with high mortality herds. At the cow level, the highest mortality hazards were found for traumatic events and diseases. The mortality hazard was higher in early lactation and increased with parity. Of the 433 cows in the destruction plant study, 30% had died unassisted. A high herd average stillbirth rate increased the risk of unassisted death. In conclusion, the Swedish mortality rates were found to be high from an international perspective, and several risk factors at both the cow and the herd level were identified.