Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Robust PID control for a wastewater treatment based on genetic algorithm and small-gain approach

This paper presents robust PID (proportional integral derivative) controller tuning using genetic algorithm and small-gain approach for wastewater treatment. In operational terms, the main control objective is to maintain the concentration of the biomass directly proportional to the influent flow rate with the various disturbance compensation, noisy measurements and varying process model parameters. The robust PID control design is based on a simplified Activated Sludge Model No. 1 (ASM 1) with the description of the nonlinearities by bounded structured uncertainty. The genetic algorithm is used to optimize the PID parameters based on the underlying problems constrained by the small-gain theorem and H∞ specifications without resolving complex mathematical calculations. The simulation shows that the optimization result of PID parameters having the ability to overcome the systems uncertainty.
New approaches to the treatment of human herpesvirus 8‐associated disease

Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV‐8, also known as Kaposi sarcoma‐associated herpesvirus or KSHV) is the etiologic agent of Kaposi sarcoma (KS) and primary effusion lymphoma (PEL), as well as many cases of Castleman disease. Despite significant advances in understanding the biology and natural history of these diseases, current treatment options have important limitations, and strategies to prevent their development in high‐risk individuals are lacking. This article reviews the scope of HHV‐8‐associated disease, as well as the efficacy of current treatment options. Finally, novel approaches to treatment and prevention are described, including antiviral agents, targeted molecular therapy and a combination of these modalities. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gene Therapy and Atherosclerosis Experimental Studies With Secreted Macrophage Scavenger Receptor and Platelet Activating Factor Acetylhydrolase

Atherosclerosis is initiated by an injury to the endothelium that results in low density lipoprotein (LDL) extravasation to the vessel wall where it is oxidatively modified. Oxidized LDL (OxLDL) attracts blood monocytes to enter subendothelial space where they become tissues macrophages, endocytose modified LDL, become lipid laden foam cells and cause fatty streak formation. Human macrophage scavenger receptors type A I/II (hMSR) mediate modified lipoprotein uptake and foam cell formation. It has been shown that deletion of the MSR A I/II gene inhibits atherosclerosis in ApoE knock-out mice. Oxidative stress leads to the generation of platelet activating factor (PAF) and oxidized phospholipids with PAF-like bioactivity in LDL. PAF acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH) catalyzes the hydrolysis of PAF and PAF-like oxidized lipids and therefore protects LDL from oxidative modification. However, a reaction product of the hydrolysis is lyso-PAF that is atherogenic. In the present study we investigated the possibility to affect scavenger receptor mediated functions in vitro by using secreted macrophage scavenger receptor (sMSR). We also studied the possibility to inhibit atherosclerosis in mice by virus mediated gene transfer of sMSR. In addition, we studied the possibility to inhibit LDL oxidation and foam cell formation by PAFAH gene transfer. It was found that the soluble scavenger receptor inhibited the degradation of modified LDL in wild type and in MSR A I/II knock-out murine macrophages by 70%. Furthermore, sMSR inhibited foam cell formation in macrophages and monocyte/macrophage adhesion to endothelial cells in vitro. In vivo adenovirus mediated sMSR gene transfer inhibited about 40% of the MSR AI/II activity and inhibited atherosclerotic lesion formation by 14-19% in hypercholesterolemic LDL receptor (LDLR) knock-out mice. In a study where a long term effect of sMSR was studied, AAV mediated gene transfer of sMSR reduced aortic atherosclerosis by 21% in hypercholesterolemic LDLR knock-out mice without adverse effects. It was also found that adenovirus mediated gene transfer of PAF-AH into rabbit liver caused a production of functional PAF-AH that was associated to LDL and protected rabbit LDL from oxidation which lead to reduced foam cell formation. It is concluded that sMSR is a useful tool in studying the macrophage scavenger receptor function in vitro and in vivo. In addition, affecting modified lipoprotein receptors and modified lipoprotein metabolism with sMSR is feasible and results in reduced atherosclerosis in a mouse model of atherosclerosis. It is also concluded that lipoprotein oxidation and atherogenic properties can be inhibited by using the enzyme PAF-AH. National Library of Medicine Classification: WG 550, QZ 50 Medical Subject Headings: arteriosclerosis; gene therapy; gene transfer techniques; genetic vectors; receptors, immunologic/genetics; macrophages; lipids/blood; 1-alkyl-2-acetylglycerophosphocholine esterase; mice, knockout
Reexamination of Etiology and Surgical Outcome in Patient With Advanced External Auditory Canal Cholesteatoma

Objective: To describe the etiology of advanced cases of external auditory canal (EAC) cholesteatoma (EACC), and to report the surgical management and outcomes based on canalplasty depending on the extent of adjacent structures involvement around the EAC. Study Design: Retrospective case review. Setting: University hospital. Patients: Participants comprised 28 patients (12 males, 16 females) ranging in age from 9 to 86 years old. All patients presented with advanced-stage EACC (Naim's classification: stage III/IV). Intervention: Surgery ranged from simple bony meatoplasty with cartilage graft repair to more enlarged EAC canalplasty combined with tympanoplasty. Result: EACC was categorized as idiopathic in 22 patients and secondary EACC in six patients. Six patients with idiopathic EACC were receiving hemodialysis, one of whom showed bilateral pathology. Particularly in cases with epithelial invasion into the hypotympanum immediately adjacent to the jugular bulb, multi-layered repair including bone paste, post-auricular pedicled musculo-periosteal flap, auto cartilage, and temporalis muscle fascia were required. Five patients required revision surgery (17%), including one case of recurrent (reconstructed) cholesteatoma and three cases of perforation of the tympanic membrane. Conclusion: In the majority of our series, underlying diseases followed with microangiopathy and angiogenesis could be possible candidates in the etiology of EACC. Enlarged bony meatoplasty and multilayered reconstruction surgery brought about self-cleaning and dried the EAC in advanced-stage EACC.
STRUKTURELL ARBEITSLOSE − GIBT'S DIE? Der unvollkommene Wettbewerb am Arbeitsmarkt und das Beschäftigungsproblem

Rothschild zielte im Jahre 1978 mit seinem ironisch uberschriebenen Aufsatz "Arbeitslose − gibt's die? " auf eine Kritik der (damals) modernen, neoklassisch ausgerichteten Arbeitsmarkttheorie: Sie hatte sich verstarkt mikrookonomischen Erklarungsversuchen der Arbeitslosigkeit zugewandt, die zwar (z.T. sogar nach eigenem Bekunden) kaum einen Beitrag zum Verstandnis der massiv aufgetretenen konjunkturellen Unterbeschaftigung boten, aber eben doch analytisch prazise modelliert werden konnten − wahrend die keynesianische Hypothese unfreiwilliger Arbeitslosigkeit immer weniger mit den Prinzipien der modernen Theoriebildung vereinbar schien und (deshalb? ) auch als empirisches Phanomen mehr und mehr geleugnet wurde. Insbesondere der Ansatz der Suchtheorie stilisierte Arbeitslosigkeit zu einer Aktivitat investiver Eigenarbeit. Vergleicht man die damalige wissenschaftliche und wirtschaftspolitische Diskussion mit der heutigen, so ist festzustellen, das trotz der in Europa deutlich zugenommenen Arbeitslosigkeit der Gedanke eines insoweit bestehenden Nachfrageproblems nach wie vor wenig Anhanger findet, wahrend sich das Spektrum mikrookonomischer Ansatze zur Arbeitsmarkttheorie weiter verbreitert und verfeinert hat, von denen allerdings auch kaum einer den Anspruch erheben kann, analytisch vollends zu uberzeugen und empirisch eine allgemein anerkannte Erklarung des Arbeitslosenproblems zu liefern. 1 Auf einer eher pragmatischen Ebene hat sich ein Konsens − quer durch ideologische, theoretische und politische Fraktionen − herausgebildet, demzufolge der Grosteil der europaischen und insbesondere der deutschen Arbeitslosigkeit schlicht als "strukturell" anzusehen sei; dabei soll diese Charakterisierung wohl zum einen das Postulat stutzen, das diesem Problem nicht mit nachfragepolitischen Mitteln beizukommen sei, und zum anderen offen lassen, worin die Unangemessenheit einer solchen wirtschaftspolitischen Reaktion konkret bestehen wurde. Die Unscharfe dieses Begriffs der "strukturellen Arbeitslosigkeit" wird weiter dadurch unterstrichen, das empirische Schatzungen uber ihren hohen Anteil an der Gesamtarbeitslosigkeit nicht etwa allgemein zu der Forderung fuhren, den verbleibenden Rest mittels Nachfragepolitik zu bekampfen. 2 Vielmehr scheint der Aufweis eines uberwiegend strukturellen Charakters der Unterbeschaftigung die Schlusfolgerung zu legitimieren, uberhaupt auf eine sol1 Zu einem Uberblick siehe z.B. Franz (1987), Bean (1994), Gijsel u.a. (2000), Beisinger/Moller
Asian basket options and implied correlations in energy markets

We address the problem of valuation and hedging of Asian basket and spread options derivatives common in energy markets. We extend the Generalized LogNormal approach, introduced in Borovkova et al. (2007), to Asian basket options and apply it to energy option markets. We provide closed form formulae for the option price and the greeks, which is extremely useful for option traders. Inverting the option pricing formula allows us to imply the correlation between the assets in the spread from liquid spread option prices. Numerical simulations and the application to energy markets show that our approach performs remarkably well in terms of option pricing and delta hedging. We analyze the option’s sensitivity to volatilities and correlations, and demonstrate that the implied correlation between NYMEX crude oil and heating oil prices shows the behavior similar to the implied volatility skew.
Empirical analysis of online anonymity and user behaviors: the impact of real name policy

As Internet media has become widely used over time, public opinions formed by Internet discussions affect political and social issues more critically. While Internet space guarantees equal status and opportunity based on anonymity, privacy invasion and cyber bully have been causing serious troubles recently. In order to prevent this undesirable effect, the South Korean government implemented the Real Name Verification Law in 2007 by which discussion participants must pass a verification process to post their opinions in most websites. This study examines the effect of this policy. Our findings suggest that the enhanced identification process shows significant effects on reducing uninhibited behaviors at the aggregate level, but there is no significant impact regarding a particular user's behavioral shift. In addition, the law is not associated with users' participation. This study contributes to online anonymity and privacy research area by using real world data and can shed light on useful implications to policy makers.
Reproductive Potential Can Predict Recruitment Rates in Abalone

ABSTRACT In many marine invertebrates, the relationship between egg production and/or number of competent larvae and subsequent recruitment is often unknown. Estimating such relationship is critical for informing the management and conservation of exploited species because it determines a natural population's response to exploitation. In the current study, recruitment rates of abalone Haliotis fulgens and Haliotis corrugata were recorded by means of postlarval collectors inside and outside 2 marine reserves in 2 subsequent years. At the same time and locations, theoretical reproductive outputs were computed by combining estimates of abalone densities and size structure with literature data on size-dependent fecundity and size at sexual maturity. We found that observed settlement rates correlated positively and significantly with estimated reproductive output, suggesting that greater production of eggs by large and fecund individuals can result in predictably high recruitment rates. In addition, the slope of the linear relationship suggests that the proportion of eggs that settle and metamorphose to become postlarvae is between 0.2% and 0.3%. Although affected by great uncertainty, this value constitutes a unique estimate of larval survival for the genus Haliotis in a natural environment.
Liquiritigenin Inhibits Serum‐induced HIF‐1α and VEGF Expression via the AKT/mTOR‐p70S6K Signalling Pathway in HeLa Cells

Liquiritigenin (LQ) is a non‐toxic dietary flavonoid with chemopreventive and anticancer properties. However, the mechanism of its antiangiogenesis remains unclear. Hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) and its downstream target, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), play a critical role in tumour angiogenesis and represent an attractive chemotherapeutic target. In this study, we investigated the effect of LQ on the molecular mechanism of angiogenesis. We found that LQ inhibited VEGF expression at both mRNA and protein levels. Liquiritigenin did not affect HIF‐1α expression at the mRNA level, but it dramatically inhibited both serum‐ and mimicked hypoxic‐induced HIF‐1α protein accumulation in HeLa cells. Furthermore, we showed that LQ inhibited serum‐induced expression of HIF‐1α by reducing its stability and decreased the synthesis in a dose‐dependent manner. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that LQ inhibited HIF‐1α and VEGF expression involved in blocking the protein kinase B (PKB/Akt) signalling pathway, and the mechanisms correlated with dephosphorylation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and its effector ribosomal protein S6 kinase (p70S6K). In addition, LQ inhibited VEGF‐induced formation of capillary‐like structures in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). Taken together, our study provided valuable insights into the mechanism of antiangiogenic effect of LQ. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
L'aphasie en phase aiguë de l'accident vasculaire cérébral : Nouvelles données, outils d'évaluation et perspectives : deuxième partie : retour d’expérience de recherche

La prise en charge de l’aphasie en phase aigue de l’accident vasculaire cerebral a ete au centre de mon activite d’orthophoniste a l’assistance publique pendant 20 ans. Au cours de ces annees, j’ai pu developper une activite de recherche en parallele de mon activite clinique. En particulier, je me suis interessee a l’evaluation et a la prise en charge tres precoce de l’aphasie dans le contexte d’AVC en phase tres aigue. Un outil d’evaluation de l’aphasie a pu etre elabore dans le service, et a ensuite ete le centre de plusieurs travaux : son adaptation dans d’autres langues, la comparaison de l’aphasie et le l’hemiplegie, la determination de profils aphasiologiques types… Le champ de l’aphasiologie est tres vaste et il reste de nombreux axes de recherche a approfondir. Notre outil d’evaluation de phase aigue pourrait participer a apporter la preuve du benefice d’une prise en charge precoce de l’aphasie, et pourrait egalement permettre de proposer une nouvelle classification des aphasies.
Rational design of new CpG oligonucleotides that combine B cell activation with high IFN‐α induction in plasmacytoid dendritic cells

Two different types of CpG motif‐containing oligonucleotides (CpG ODN) have been described: CpG‐A with high induction of IFN‐α in plasmacytoid dendritic cells; and CpG‐B with little induction of IFN‐α, but potent activation of B cells. In this study, we demonstrate that CpG‐A fail to activate B cells unless plasmacytoid dendritic cells are present. We identified a new set of CpG ODN sequences which induces high levels of IFN‐α in plasmacytoid dendritic cells but remains capable of directly activating B cells. These new CpG ODN (termed CpG‐C) are more potent stimulants of B cells than CpG‐B due to their ability of directly and indirectly (via plasmacytoid dendritic cells) activating B cells. The sequence of CpG‐C combines structural elements of both CpG‐A and CpG‐B. The most potent sequence, M362, contains a 5′‐end ‘TCGTCG‐motif’ and a ‘GTCGTT‐motif’, both of which are present in CpG‐B (ODN 2006); a palindromic sequence characteristic for CpG‐A (ODN 2216); but no poly G motif required for CpG‐A. In conclusion, we defined the first CpG‐containing sequences that potently activate both TLR9‐expressing immune cell subsets in humans, the plasmacytoid dendritic cell and the B cell. CpG‐C may allow for improved therapeutic immuno‐modulation in vivo.
Circulatory and biochemical effects of whole body hyperthermia

The physiological effects of whole body hyperthermia to 42 C° have been studied in 12 subjects. There was a sustained increase in the heart rate and an initial increase in the arterial and central venous pressures. Sweat and electrolyte losses were high. The serum bilirubin remained normal if the temperature did not exceed 41.8 C°. Above this temperature the serum enzymes lactate dehydrogenase, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase rose, as did the serum bilirubin. While the latter effect might be due to liver damage, it could also be related to thermal destruction of red cells. A leucocytosis develops during the hyperthermic state.
Lelantos: A Blockchain-Based Anonymous Physical Delivery System

Real world physical shopping offers customers the privilege of maintaining their privacy by giving them the option of using cash, and thus providing no personal information such as their names and home addresses. On the contrary, electronic shopping mandates the use of all sorts of personally identifiable information for both billing and shipping purposes. Cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin have created a stimulated growth in private billing by enabling pseudonymous payments. However, the anonymous delivery of the purchased physical goods is still an open research problem. In this work, we present a blockchain-based physical delivery system called Lelantos1 that within a realistic threat model, offers customer anonymity, fair exchange and merchant-customer unlinkability. Our system is inspired by the onion routing techniques which are used to achieve anonymous message delivery. Additionally, Lelantos relies on the decentralization and pseudonymity of the blockchain to enable pseudonymity that is hard to compromise, and the distributed consensus mechanisms provided by smart contracts to enforce fair irrefutable transactions between distrustful contractual parties.
Podocyte hypertrophy in diabetic nephropathy

SUMMARY: The development of irreversible renal changes in diabetes mellitus, such as glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial fibrosis, are always preceded by the early hypertrophic processes in the glomerular and tubular compartment. However, the role of hypertrophy of podocyte in the diabetic nephropathy have not been fully elucidated yet. Observation came from a cross sectional study in diabetic Pima Indians suggests that subjects with clinical nephropathy had fewer podocytes per glomerulus than those without nephropathy. Since podocytes are thought to be incapable of replication, this observation suggests that podocyte loss, or perhaps a low podocyte number per glomerulus, contributes to the development and progression of diabetic glomerulosclerosis. Podocyte hypertrophy caused by high glucose concentration leads to podocyte loss and is a new insight of pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy; and it also provides us with new therapeutic strategies in diabetic nephropathy.
Complete mitochondrial genome of the longfin mako shark, Isurus paucus (Chondrichthyes, Lamnidae)

Abstract Here we describe the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of the longfin mako, Isurus paucus, which is a pelagic shark found in temperate and tropical waters. The circle genome (16,704 bp) consists of 13 protein coding, 22 tRNA, 2 rRNA genes and 1 control region. It has the typical vertebrate mitochondrial gene arrangement.
Greta: an Interactive Expressive Embodied Conversational Agent

Greta is an interactive Embodied Conversational Agent platform. It is endowed with socio-emotional and communicative behaviors. Through its behaviors, the agent can sustain a conversation as well as show various attitudes and levels of engagement. Through the years, we have integrated all our research in the Greta platform. By applying different methodologies, based on corpus analysis, user-centered, or motion capture, we have enriched the agent's palette of multimodal behaviors. We have conducted various studies to simulate communicative behaviors, emotional behaviors, social attitudes and behavior expressivity. In particular we have proposed models to go beyond the prototypical expressions of emotions. Through its behaviors patterns, the agent can display complex emotions such as masking one expression of emotions by another ones, its relationship towards its interlocutors, specific social signals such as smile and laughter. In an interaction, the agent can be a speaker or a listener. It can exhibit backchannels, mimic on the fly its interlocutor's behaviors. To develop our models, we rely on theoretical models from social psychology literature and on data analysis. After describing our platform, we will first review our rationale; then we will introduce our model of socio-emotional behaviors. Finally we will present experiments where we measure the impact of the agent's copying behaviors on the user's level of engagement.
Episcleral venous pressure of mouse eye and effect of body position

Purpose. To measure the episcleral venous pressure (EVP) of the mouse eye and to investigate the effect of body position on EVP and intraocular pressure (IOP). Methods. A microneedle connected to a pressure transducer was used to measure IOP in NIH Swiss white mice. To measure EVP, a reservoir connected to this transducer allowed modulation of the intracameral pressure by changing its height. As intracameral pressure was gradually lowered, there was an observable reflux of erythrocytes from an episcleral vein into Schlemm’s canal. The IOP at which this occurred was the endpoint of the EVP measurement. EVP and IOP were measured in a horizontal body position (0°) analogous to an awake mouse and at 30° and 60° head-down body position from the horizontal position. EVP was measured twice in each eye of 6 mice. Results. Mean IOP at 0°, 30° and 60° of head-down position was 16.5 ± 0.6, 18.2 ± 0.6, and 19.5 ± 1.8 mmHg, respectively. EVP (horizontal) was 9.6 ± 1.3mmHg (N = 6 eyes). EVP significantly increased with increasing degree of head-down position (SNK test, p < 0.05). EVP at 30° and 60° of head-down position was 11.2 ± 1.3 and 13.3 ± 1.5mmHg, respectively. Conclusions. Mouse EVP was successfully measured based on the detection of erythrocyte reflux from an episcleral vein into Schlemm’s canal. Both EVP and IOP increased with the degree of the head-down body position.