Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fixed-Time Synchronization of Complex Networks With Impulsive Effects via Nonchattering Control

Dealing with impulsive effects is one of the most challenging problems in the field of fixed-time control. In this paper, we solve this challenging problem by considering fixed-time synchronization of complex networks (CNs) with impulsive effects. By designing a new Lyapunov function and constructing comparison systems, a sufficient condition formulated by matrix inequalities is given to ensure that all the dynamical subsystems in the CNs are synchronized with an isolated system in a settling time, which is independent of the initial values of both the CNs and the isolated system. Then, by partitioning impulse interval and using the convex combination technique, sufficient conditions in terms of linear matrix inequalities are provided. Our synchronization criteria unify synchronizing and desynchronizing impulses. Compared with the existing controllers for fixed-time and finite-time techniques, the designed controller is continuous and does not include any sign function, and hence, the chattering phenomenon in most of the existing results is overcome. An optimal algorithm is proposed for the estimation of the settling time. Numerical examples are given to show the effectiveness of our new results.
Metabolic and Regulatory Changes Associated with Growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in 1.4 M NaCl

The salt-instigated protein expression of Saccharomyces cerevisiae during growth in either 0.7 or 1.4 M NaCl was studied by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The 73 protein spots that were identified as more than 3-fold responsive in 1.4 M NaCl were further grouped by response class (halometric, low-salt, and high-salt regulation). Roughly 40% of these responsive proteins were found to decrease in expression, while at higher magnitudes of change (>8-fold) only induction was recorded. Enolase 1 (Eno1p) was the most increasing protein by absolute numbers per cell, but not by -fold change, and the enzymes involved in glycerol synthesis, Gpd1p and Gpp2p, were also induced to a similar degree as Eno1p. We furthermore present evidence for salt induction of glycerol dissimilation via dihydroxyacetone and also identify genes putatively encoding the two enzymes involved; dihydroxyacetone kinase (DAK1 and DAK2) and glycerol dehydrogenase (YPR1 and GCY1). The GPD1, GPP2, GCY1, DAK1, and ENO1 genes all displayed a halometric increase in the amount of transcript. This increase was closely linked to the salt-induced rate of protein synthesis of the corresponding proteins, indicating mainly transcriptional regulation of expression for these genes. A consensus element with homology to the URS sequence of the ENO1 promoter was found in the promoters of the GPD1, GPP2, GCY1, and DAK1 genes.
Pathogenicity islands of virulent bacteria: structure, function and impact on microbial evolution

Virulence genes of pathogenic bacteria, which code for toxins, adhesins, invasins or other virulence factors, may be located on transmissible genetic elements such as transposons, plasmids or bacteriophages. In addition, such genes may be part of particular regions on the bacterial chromosome, termed‘pathogenicity islands’(Pais). Pathogenicity islands are found in Gram‐negative as well as in Gram‐positive bacteria. They are present in the genome of pathogenic strains of a given species but absent or only rarely present in those of non‐pathogenic variants of the same or related species. They comprise large DNA regions (up to 200 kb of DNA) and often carry more than one virulence gene, the G+C contents of which often differ from those of the remaining bacterial genome. In most cases, Pais are flanked by specific DNA sequences, such as direct repeats or insertion sequence (IS) elements. In addition, Pais of certain bacteria (e.g. uropathogenic Escherichia coli, Yersinia spp., Helicobacter pylori) have the tendency to delete with high frequencies or may undergo duplications and amplifications. Pais are often associated with tRNA loci, which may represent target sites for the chromosomal integration of these elements. Bacteriophage attachment sites and cryptic genes on Pais, which are homologous to phage integrase genes, plasmid origins of replication or IS elements, indicate that these particular genetic elements were previously able to spread among bacterial populations by horizontal gene transfer, a process known to contribute to microbial evolution.
Alpha-2-macroglobulin, monomeric and polymeric immunoglobulin A, and immunoglobulin M in bronchoalveolar lavage.

The concentrations of alpha 2-macroglobulin (alpha 2M), IgM, and the various molecular forms of IgA were measured in unconcentrated bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) of normal subjects and in that of patients with interstitial lung disease. In BAL of control subjects, as previously observed in other external secretions, orosomucoid-coefficient of excretion relative to albumin (RCE) = 1.1 (albumin RCE = 1)-IgG (RCE = 0.7 in nonsmokers), and alpha 2M (RCE = 0.04) appeared to be secreted mainly by seepage from plasma according to molecular size. The secretion of p-IgA (RCE = 22), IgM (RCE = 0.09), and transferrin (RCE = 1.2) was selective, suggesting either local lung synthesis of these components or their active transepithelial transport. Concentrations of p-IgA, alpha 2M, and IgM in BAL displayed RCE at least 10 times lower than in other external secretions, reflecting the unsignificant local synthesis of these components in alveolar septa. In interstitial lung diseases, including sarcoidosis, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and other lung fibroses, all protein concentrations in BAL were raised. Increased seepage of plasma proteins across the blood-gas barrier accounted for the elevation of orosomucoid and p-IgA (RCE unchanged). It probably accounted for the appearance in BAL of a characteristic peak of serum type dimeric IgA unbound to secretory component (SC), for the reduced percentage of free SC (5% versus 27% in control subjects), and for part of the increased percentage of m-IgA (52% versus 28% in control subjects). Contribution of local synthesis, presumably by cells infiltrating the alveolar tissue, was indirectly demonstrated for m-IgA and IgG, which were selectively secreted, more than 2-fold greater than albumin. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Vorapaxar: a novel protease-activated receptor-1 inhibitor

Introduction: Platelet activation and reactivity are pivotal for both acute and chronic atherothrombotic event occurrences. Areas covered: Only 20% relative risk (∼ 2% absolute risk) reduction associated with newer P2Y12 receptor blocker therapy such as prasugrel and ticagrelor compared with clopidogrel indicates that dual antiplatelet therapy may be associated with a ceiling effect in attenuating platelet-mediated ischemic event occurrence and that residual ischemic event occurrences are mediated by other pathways that are unblocked by current antiplatelet therapy. Therefore, inhibition of the thrombin–protease-activated receptor (PAR)-1 interaction may provide additional benefits in attenuating ischemic event occurrence in selected patients. There are two major PAR-1 blockers are under investigations – vorapaxar and atopaxar. In preclinical and Phase I – II studies, inhibition of thrombin-mediated platelet activation by a PAR-1 inhibitor, in general, has added to the antithrombotic efficacy of aspirin and clopidogrel without increasing bleeding. However, intracranial hemorrhage in patients with a history of stroke associated with vorapaxar and hepatic toxicity associated with atopaxar are important concerns. Expert opinion: At this time, the specific role of PAR-1 inhibitor in the settings of percutaneous coronary intervention and acute coronary syndrome, both during the acute setting and as a long-term therapeutic agent, is not clear. Although the PAR-1 inhibitors are associated with less bleeding, its effectiveness as an antithrombotic agent and also side effects are major concerns. Future large-scale trials with goals addressing these concerns are needed to define the specific role of PAR-1 receptor inhibitor.
A novel fingertip haptic device for display of local contact geometry

This paper presents a new concept of fingertip haptic device for the display of local contact geometry on the user's fingerpad. We propose an extension of the encountered haptic interface concept (Y. Sato et al., 2004), in order to build an active haptic thimble, that is portable and can be fixed to the user's finger. The device is endowed with an actuation system that controls the motion of a platform, that can come in contact with the fingerpad with different orientations and at different fingerpad locations, simulating the contact with a virtual surface. A prototype of the device has been built and tested and is presented throughout the paper.
Strong association between malnutrition, inflammation, and atherosclerosis in chronic renal failure.

BACKGROUND Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and malnutrition are widely recognized as leading causes of the increased morbidity and mortality observed in uremic patients. C-reactive protein (CRP), an acute-phase protein, is a predictor of cardiovascular mortality in nonrenal patient populations. In chronic renal failure (CRF), the prevalence of an acute-phase response has been associated with an increased mortality. METHODS One hundred and nine predialysis patients (age 52 +/- 1 years) with terminal CRF (glomerular filtration rate 7 +/- 1 ml/min) were studied. By using noninvasive B-mode ultrasonography, the cross-sectional carotid intima-media area was calculated, and the presence or absence of carotid plaques was determined. Nutritional status was assessed by subjective global assessment (SGA), dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), serum albumin, serum creatinine, serum urea, and 24-hour urine urea excretion. The presence of an inflammatory reaction was assessed by CRP, fibrinogen (N = 46), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha; N = 87). Lipid parameters, including Lp(a) and apo(a)-isoforms, as well as markers of oxidative stress (autoantibodies against oxidized low-density lipoprotein and vitamin E), were also determined. RESULTS Compared with healthy controls, CRF patients had an increased mean carotid intima-media area (18.3 +/- 0.6 vs. 13.2 +/- 0.7 mm2, P < 0.0001) and a higher prevalence of carotid plaques (72 vs. 32%, P = 0.001). The prevalence of malnutrition (SGA 2 to 4) was 44%, and 32% of all patients had an acute-phase response (CRP > or = 10 mg/liter). Malnourished patients had higher CRP levels (23 +/- 3 vs. 13 +/- 2 mg/liter, P < 0.01), elevated calculated intima-media area (20.2 +/- 0.8 vs. 16.9 +/- 0.7 mm2, P < 0.01) and a higher prevalence of carotid plaques (90 vs. 60%, P < 0.0001) compared with well-nourished patients. During stepwise multivariate analysis adjusting for age and gender, vitamin E (P < 0.05) and CRP (P < 0.05) remained associated with an increased intima-media area. The presence of carotid plaques was significantly associated with age (P < 0.001), log oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL; P < 0.01), and small apo(a) isoform size (P < 0.05) in a multivariate logistic regression model. CONCLUSION These results indicate that the rapidly developing atherosclerosis in advanced CRF appears to be caused by a synergism of different mechanisms, such as malnutrition, inflammation, oxidative stress, and genetic components. Apart from classic risk factors, low vitamin E levels and elevated CRP levels are associated with an increased intima-media area, whereas small molecular weight apo(a) isoforms and increased levels of oxLDL are associated with the presence of carotid plaques.
Vers une description naturaliste du phénomène culturel

L’avancee des connaissances en neurosciences, en primatologie et en sciences cognitives nous permet d’aborder l’etude de la culture sous un nouvel angle, en decrivant les mecanismes biologiques a la base des manifestations elementaires du phenomene culturel. Ainsi, le developpement epigenetique du cerveau et l’etude des capacites cognitives au cours de l’evolution des primates ouvrent la voie a la description naturaliste du phenomene culturel par une mise en evidence des relations causales entre donnees biologiques et anthropologiques. Ces avancees scientifiques remettent en cause l’idee d’un saut entre culture et nature, et montrent a quel point le modele dualiste nature/culture est un obstacle a la comprehension de l’homme dans son ensemble.
Static and lattice vibrational energy differences between polymorphs

A computational study of 1061 experimentally determined crystal structures of 508 polymorphic organic molecules has been performed with state-of-the-art lattice energy minimisation methods, using a hybrid method that combines density functional theory intramolecular energies with an anisotropic atom–atom intermolecular model. Rigid molecule lattice dynamical calculations have also been performed to estimate the vibrational contributions to lattice free energies. Distributions of the differences in lattice energy, free energy, zero point energy, entropy and heat capacity between polymorphs are presented. Polymorphic lattice energy differences are typically very small: over half of polymorph pairs are separated by less than 2 kJ mol−1 and lattice energy differences exceed 7.2 kJ mol−1 in only 5% of cases. Unsurprisingly, vibrational contributions to polymorph free energy differences at ambient conditions are dominated by entropy differences. The distribution of vibrational energy differences is narrower than lattice energy differences, rarely exceeding 2 kJ mol−1. However, these relatively small vibrational free energy contributions are large enough to cause a re-ranking of polymorph stability below, or at, room temperature in 9% of the polymorph pairs.
Physical root–soil interactions

Plant root system development is highly modulated by the physical properties of the soil and especially by its mechanical resistance to penetration. The interplay between the mechanical stresses exerted by the soil and root growth is of particular interest for many communities, in agronomy and soil science as well as in biomechanics and plant morphogenesis. In contrast to aerial organs, roots apices must exert a growth pressure to penetrate strong soils and reorient their growth trajectory to cope with obstacles like stones or hardpans or to follow the tortuous paths of the soil porosity. In this review, we present the main macroscopic investigations of soil-root physical interactions in the field and combine them with simple mechanistic modeling derived from model experiments at the scale of the individual root apex.
An Observational Study of the Frequency and Pattern of Use of Epidural Steroid Injection in 25,479 Patients With Spinal and Radicular Pain

Background and Objectives Frequency of epidural steroid injections (ESI) and characteristics of patients receiving them are unknown or poorly described. Patients believed to respond better to ESI include young or middle-aged individuals, those with recent onset or a radicular pattern of pain, and patients without previous spinal surgery. The aim of this study is to estimate the frequency of ESI, to examine the characteristics of patients who have them recommended, and to determine if clinical practice reflects published data pertaining to indications for ESI. Methods Descriptive data from 25,479 selected patients with spinal and radicular pain were reviewed. Patients were grouped according to whether or not ESI was recommended, scheduled, prescribed, or continued. Prevalence of ESI use and patient characteristics were compared using standard statistical tests. Results Overall, ESI were recommended to 2,022 (7.9%) patients. Patients with lumbar pain had ESI proposed 12.6% of the time. Those with cervical and thoracic symptoms had ESI recommended 3.7% and 1.8% of the time, respectively. Patients in whom ESI was recommended were more likely to have pain radiation (P < .001), dermatomal pain distribution (P < .001), and neurologic signs (P < .001). They also had a greater incidence of comorbidities (P < .001) and were older (P < .001). There was no difference in the frequency of prior surgery (P = .169) nor was there a difference based on gender (P = .548) in patients not recommended to have ESI. Patients with symptom duration between 1 month and 1 year were more likely to have ESI recommended. Conclusions ESI are commonly used to treat patients with spinal and radicular pain. There is some consistency between clinical practice and published recommendations for ESI use.
Évaluation échographique de la dysfonction diaphragmatique en post opératoire de chirurgie pulmonaire

INTRODUCTION : Les dysfonctions diaphragmatiques (DD) sont frequentes en post operatoire de chirurgie abdominale et cardiaque et peuvent etre responsables de complications respiratoires [1,2]. En chirurgie thoracique, l’evaluation echographique de la mobilite diaphragmatique reste peu etudiee [3]. MATERIEL ET METHODES : Apres avoir obtenu l’approbation de notre comite local d’ethique, des mesures echographiques d’excursion diaphragmatique (ED) ont ete realisees en pre operatoire puis a J1, J3 et J7 post operatoire chez des patients ayant beneficie d’une resection pulmonaire. Les ED droites et gauche de chaque hemidiaphragme etaient mesurees en mode 2D, chez un patient demi assis apres un effort inspiratoire maximal. Le score de douleur au moment de la mesure devait etre inferieur ou egal a 4/10. La valeur de l’amplitude inspiratoire de l’hemidiaphragme le plus performant etait notee « Best E » [2]. Une DD etait definie par une diminution de plus de 30 % de l’ED post operatoire par rapport a la valeur pre operatoire. Un « Best E » RESULTATS : Durant la periode de suivie de 12 mois, 100 patients âges en moyenne de 62 ± 10 ans ont ete inclus. Un antecedent de tabagisme etait retrouve chez 78% des patients avec un VEMS pre operatoire a 87 ± 21% des valeurs normales. Soixante quatre pourcents des patients ont beneficie d’une analgesie peridurale. Seulement 7 videoscopies ont ete realisees. Les valeurs d’ED droite et gauche pre operatoire etaient respectivement de 4,6 ± 1,2 cm et 4,2 ± 1,1 cm (NS). A J1 post operatoire, l’ED homolaterale a la chirurgie etait statistiquement inferieure a l’ED controlaterale (p 1 lobe etaient associees de facon statistiquement significative a une DDS durant les 3 premiers jours post operatoires (p CONCLUSIONS : Les DD sont frequentes apres une chirurgie pulmonaire, le plus souvent resolutives apres le troisieme jour post operatoire et rarement severes. Elles peuvent etre facilement detectees par la realisation d’un monitorage echographique au lit du malade. Une resection chirurgicale etendue par thoracotomie postero laterale pourrait constituer un facteur de risque de DD, surtout chez le patient BPCO.
Cellular Transfection to Deliver Alanine-Glyoxylate Aminotransferase to Hepatocytes: A Rational Gene Therapy for Primary Hyperoxaluria-1 (PH-1)

Background: Primary hyperoxaluria-type 1 (PH-1) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder of glyoxalate metabolism caused by deficiency in the liver-specific peroxisomal enzyme alanine-glyoxalate transaminase 1 (AGT) resulting in the increased oxidation of glyoxalate to oxalate. Accumulation of oxalate in the kidney and other soft tissues results in loss of renal function and significant morbidity. The present treatment options offer some relief in the short term, but they are not completely successful. In the present study, we tested the feasibility of corrective gene therapy for this metabolic disorder. Methods: A cDNA library was made from HepG2 cells. PCR primers were designed for the AGT sequence with modifications to preclude mistargeting during gene delivery. Amplified AGT cDNA was cloned as a fusion protein with green fluorescent protein (GFP) using the vector EGFP-C1 (Clontech) for monitoring subcellular distribution. Sequence and expression of the fusion protein was verified. Fusion protein vectors were transfected into hepatocytes by liposomal transfection. AGT expression and subcellular distribution was monitored by GFP fluorescence. Results: HepG2 cells express full-length mRNA coding for AGT as confirmed by insert size as well as sequence determination. Selective primers allowed us to generate a modified recombinant GFP-AGT fusion protein. Cellular transfections with Lipofectamine resulted in transfection efficiencies of 60–90%. The recombinant AGT did localize to peroxisomes as monitored by GFP fluorescence. Conclusions: The results demonstrate preliminary in vitro feasibility data for AGT transfection into the hepatocytes. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to attempt recombinant AGT gene therapy for treatment of primary hyperoxaluria-1.
Robust road lane detection using extremal-region enhancement

Road lane detection is a key problem in advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). For solving this problem, vision-based detection methods are widely used and are generally focused on edge information. However, only using edge information leads to miss detection and error detection in various road conditions. In this paper, we propose a neighbor-based image conversion method, called extremal-region enhancement. The proposed method enhances the white lines in intensity, hence it is robust to shadows and illuminance changes. Both edge and shape information of white lines are extracted as lane features in the method. In addition, we implement a robust road lane detection algorithm using the extracted features and improve the correctness through probability tracking. The experimental result shows an average detection rate increase of 13.2% over existing works.
A back-wafer contacted silicon-on-glass integrated bipolar process. Part I. The conflict electrical versus thermal isolation

A novel silicon-on-glass integrated bipolar technology is presented. The transfer to glass is performed by gluing and subsequent removal of the bulk silicon to a buried oxide layer. Low-ohmic collector contacts are processed on the back-wafer by implantation and dopant activation by excimer laser annealing. The improved electrical isolation with reduced collector-base capacitance, collector resistance and substrate capacitance, also provide an extremely good thermal isolation. The devices are electrothermally characterized in relationship to different heat-spreader designs by electrical measurement and nematic liquid crystal imaging. Accurate values of the temperature at thermal breakdown and thermal resistance are extracted from current-controlled Gummel plot measurements.
Tedium and creativity: the valorization of manioc cultivation and piaroa women

En explorant des materiaux ethnographiques d'Amazonie, l'A. remet en question l'idee selon laquelle les tâches normalement devolues aux femmes seraient systematiquement considerees comme ayant moins de valeur que les activites masculines. Prenant le contre-pied de Riviere, pour qui la culture du manioc est depourvue de creativite et de differenciation, il affirme que chez les femmes piaroa, cette culture a une fonction profondement sociale et constitue meme un moyen essentiel d'acquerir, de conserver et d'affirmer leur prestige. Par le jardinage les femmes Piaroa creent leurs propres espaces et insufflent un sens au paysage. Par la transformation du manioc et la production de l'aliment de base le plus sur qui soit, elles creent et recreent le lien social et les conditions de l'etre ensemble humain. Enfin, l'A. analyse la maniere dont les transformations economiques et culturelles rapides et profondes de la region peuvent affecter le role du manioc et celui des femmes dans la societe piaroa.