Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
iCare: A Mobile Health Monitoring System for the Elderly

This paper describes a mobile health monitoring system called iCare for the elderly. We use wireless body sensors and smart phones to monitor the well being of the elderly. It can offer remote monitoring for the elderly anytime anywhere and provide tailored services for each person based on their personal health condition. When detecting an emergency, the smart phone will automatically alert pre-assigned people who could be the old people's family and friends, and call the ambulance of the emergency centre. It also acts as the personal health information system and the medical guidance which offers one communication platform and the medical knowledge database so that the family and friends of the served people can cooperate with doctors to take care of him/her. The system also features some unique functions that cater to the living demands of the elderly, including regular reminder, quick alarm, medical guidance, etc. iCare is not only a real-time health monitoring system for the elderly, but also a living assistant which can make their lives more convenient and comfortable.
Persistence of Uropathogenic Escherichia coli in the Face of Multiple Antibiotics

ABSTRACT Numerous antibiotics have proven to be effective at ameliorating the clinical symptoms of urinary tract infections (UTIs), but recurrent and chronic infections continue to plague many individuals. Most UTIs are caused by strains of uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC), which can form both extra- and intracellular biofilm-like communities within the bladder. UPEC also persist inside host urothelial cells in a more quiescent state, sequestered within late endosomal compartments. Here, we tested a panel of 17 different antibiotics, representing seven distinct functional classes, for their effects on the survival of the reference UPEC isolate UTI89 within both biofilms and host bladder urothelial cells. All but one of the tested antibiotics prevented UTI89 growth in broth culture, and most were at least modestly effective against bacteria present within in vitro-grown biofilms. In contrast, only a few of the antibiotics, including nitrofurantoin and the fluoroquinolones ciprofloxacin and sparfloxacin, were able to eliminate intracellular bacteria in bladder cell culture-based assays. However, in a mouse UTI model system in which these antibiotics reached concentrations in the urine specimens that far exceeded minimal inhibitory doses, UPEC reservoirs in bladder tissues were not effectively eradicated. We conclude that the persistence of UPEC within the bladder, regardless of antibiotic treatments, is likely facilitated by a combination of biofilm formation, entry of UPEC into a quiescent or semiquiescent state within host cells, and the stalwart permeability barrier function associated with the bladder urothelium.
LIVER DYSFUNCTION IN DIABETIC PATIENTS ADMITTED IN REFERRAL HOSPITAL

Background: Liver function tests (LFTs) are group of tests that help in diagnosis, monitoring therapy, and assessing prognosis of liver disease. To estimate liver function tests in diabetic patients attending OPD of Central Referral Hospital, Sikkim, India. Methods: This study was conducted in Central Referral Hospital, Gangtok, Sikkim, India between October 2007 to April 2008. A total of 150 diabetic patients and 50 controls were taken to assess the liver function tests (LFTs) by measuring Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) & total bilirubin (TB). Results: Total Bilirubin (TB) was found to be elevated in maximum number of patients, 84 (56%) out of 150 patients and followed by both AST and ALT, 39 (26%) each out of 150 patients. Conclusion: LFTs in type-2 diabetic patients are found to be statistically significant when compared with normal healthy controls.
In Vivo Efficacy of Simulated Human Dosing Regimens of Prolonged-Infusion Doripenem against Carbapenemase- Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae

ABSTRACT Carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC) bacteria are rapidly becoming one of the most detrimental drug-resistant Gram-negative pathogens. Doripenem is the newest FDA-approved carbapenem that has the greatest in vitro potency against a wide range of Gram-negative organisms, including multidrug-resistant organisms. Previous work in an animal model has shown efficacy against Pseudomonas aeruginosa with MICs above the current breakpoints of susceptibility. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of 1-g and 2-g dose prolonged infusions of doripenem against KPC isolates in both an immunocompetent and neutropenic murine thigh model. Seven clinical KPC isolates (broth microdilution [BMD] MIC range, 4 to 32 μg/ml; Etest MIC range, 3 to >32 μg/ml) were used. After infection, groups of mice were administered doripenem doses previously shown to simulate the exposures observed in humans after the administration of 1 or 2 g every 8 h as a 4-h infusion. In immunocompromised mice, 1- and 2-g doses of doripenem achieved bacteriostasis against isolates with MICs up to and including 8 μg/ml and 16 μg/ml, respectively. In immunocompetent animals, statistically significant reductions in the number of CFU were observed with overall decreases of approximately 1 log (P < 0.05). While carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae continues to decrease our meager supply of active agents, the ability of doripenem to produce CFU reductions in the presence of white blood cells (WBCs) using humanized exposures suggests the potential utility of this agent in combination against this increasingly problematic pathogen.
Electrum, the Gold–Silver Alloy, from the Bulk Scale to the Nanoscale: Synthesis, Properties, and Segregation Rules

The alloy Au–Ag system is an important noble bimetallic phase, both historically (as “Electrum”) and now especially in nanotechnology, as it is applied in catalysis and nanomedicine. To comprehend the structural characteristics and the thermodynamic stability of this alloy, a knowledge of its phase diagram is required that considers explicitly its size and shape (morphology) dependence. However, as the experimental determination remains quite challenging at the nanoscale, theoretical guidance can provide significant advantages. Using a regular solution model within a nanothermodynamic approach to evaluate the size effect on all the parameters (melting temperature, melting enthalpy, and interaction parameters in both phases), the nanophase diagram is predicted. Besides an overall shift downward, there is a “tilting” effect on the solidus–liquidus curves for some particular shapes exposing the (100) and (110) facets (cube, rhombic dodecahedron, and cuboctahedron). The segregation calculation reveals the preferential presence of silver at the surface for all the polyhedral shapes considered, in excellent agreement with the latest transmission electron microscopy observations and energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis. By reviewing the nature of the surface segregated element of different bimetallic nanoalloys, two surface segregation rules, based on the melting temperatures and surface energies, are deduced. Finally, the optical properties of Au–Ag nanoparticles, calculated within the discrete dipole approximation, show the control that can be achieved in the tuning of the local surface plasmon resonance, depending of the alloy content, the chemical ordering, the morphology, the size of the nanoparticle, and the nature of the surrounding environment.
Pharmacokinetic Evidence from the HIRIF Trial To Support Increased Doses of Rifampin for Tuberculosis

ABSTRACT Rifamycins exhibit concentration-dependent killing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis; higher exposures potentially induce better outcomes. We randomized 180 tuberculosis patients in Peru to receive rifampin at 10, 15, or 20 mg/kg/day. A total of 168 had noncompartmental pharmacokinetic analyses; 67% were sampled twice, and 33% were sampled six times. The doses administered were well tolerated. The median area under the concentration-time curve from 0 to 6 h (interquartile range) was 24.9 (17.6 to 32.1), 43.1 (30.3 to 57.5), or 55.5 (35.7 to 73.2) h · μg/ml. The median maximum drug concentration in serum in the experimental arms reached the target of 8 μg/ml. Continued investigation of higher rifampin doses is warranted. (This study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under registration no. NCT01408914.)
Multicell converters: active control and observation of flying-capacitor voltages

The multicell converters introduced more than ten years ago make it possible to distribute the voltage constraints among series-connected switches and to improve the output waveforms (increased number of levels and apparent frequency). The balance of the constraints requires an appropriate distribution of the flying voltages. This paper presents some solutions for the active control of the voltages across the flying capacitors in the presence of rapid variation of the input voltage. The latter part of this paper is dedicated to the observation of these voltages using an original modeling of the converter.
Relationship between MRI lesion activity and response to IFN-β in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis patients

Objective Our objective in this study is to evaluate whether brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed at interferon-beta (IFN-β) onset and after 12 months allow us to identify relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients with a disability increase in the first 2 years of therapy. Methods This is a prospective and longitudinal study of patients with RRMS treated with IFN-β. All patients included underwent brain MRI before the onset of therapy with IFN-β and 12 months after. MRI measures (T2, unenhanced T1-weighted and gadolinium-enhancing T1-weighted brain lesion load, brain parenchymal fraction) were undertaken at baseline and after 12 months. The number of active lesions (new or enlarging T2 plus gadolinium-enhancing brain lesions) was also assessed on the 12 months MRI scan. Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) was scored every 3 months. We defined an increase in disability as an increase of at least 1 EDSS point confirmed and sustained during the first 2 years of therapy with IFN-β. Regression analysis was performed in order to identify MRI variables of response. Results We included 152 patients who were followed-up for at least 2 years. After 2 years of therapy, 24 patients (16%) had an increase in disability. The logistic regression model showed that active lesions in the scan performed at 12 months were the most important factor related with the increase of disability after 2 years of therapy (odds ratio 8.3, 95% confidence interval 3.1–21.9; p < 0.0001). Conclusions In RRMS patients treated with IFN-β the MRI changes occurring during the first year may have a prognostic value for identifying patients with a confirmed increase of disability after 2 years of therapy.
Axonal loss in the retinal nerve fiber layer in patients with multiple sclerosis

Objective To quantify axonal loss in the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), with and without a history of optic neuritis, by means of ocular imaging technologies. Methods This cross-sectional study enrolled 50 patients with MS and 25 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. All patients underwent neurologic assessment and a complete ophthalmic examination that included visual acuity, visual field examination, optical coherence tomography (OCT), scanning laser polarimetry (GDx) and visual evoked potentials (VEPs). Visual parameters and RNFL measurements were evaluated in MS eyes with a prior optic neuritis episode (MS-ON), with no prior episode (MS-NON) and control subjects. Results There were significant differences (p < 0.05, analysis of variance) between MS-ON (n = 25 eyes) and healthy eyes (n = 25 eyes) for all RNFL parameters measured by OCT and GDx. Significant differences between MS-NON (n = 75 eyes) and healthy eyes were also found for most of these parameters. RNFL thickness in the temporal quadrant was the parameter with the greatest differences between groups (71.79 μm in healthy eyes, 60.29 μm in MS-NON and 53.92 μm in MS-ON, p < 0.0005). Although there was a highly significant but moderate correlation between RNFL thickness and duration of the disease, no correlation was observed between RNFL thickness and neurologic impairment (Expanded Disability Status Scale). Conclusions Axonal loss was detected not only in MS eyes with a previous acute optic neuritis, but also in MS eyes with no known optic neuritis episode. Structural abnormalities correlate with functional assessments of the optic nerve.
Cognitive dysfunction 24–31 years after isolated optic neuritis

Objective Cognitive dysfunction is common in multiple sclerosis (MS), but long-term data on cognition in patients with clinically isolated syndromes are sparse. Methods We determined cognitive functions in 22 patients 44–75 years old diagnosed with optic neuritis 24–31 years earlier but had no further clinical bouts and had not progressed clinically to MS. We used a neuropsychological test battery covering nine cognitive domains. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain had been performed earlier and was normal in six patients and showed two or more white matter abnormalities compatible with demyelinating lesions in 16 patients. Results On neuropsychological testing, one patient was within normal range on all tests, six subjects showed borderline results, and 15 patients (68%) showed significantly impaired performance in at least one cognitive domain. Seven patients showed significant impairment in two or more domains. Executive function, visuo-spatial ability, and information processing speed were the most frequently affected domains. There was no apparent correlation between MRI findings and cognitive function. Conclusions We conclude that cognitive dysfunction is common in patients many years after clinically isolated optic neuritis. Cognitive dysfunction was found even in patients who had no apparent demyelinating lesions on follow-up MRI.
Adaptive backstepping control and friction compensation for AC servo with inertia and load uncertainties

An adaptive backstepping control with friction compensation scheme is presented. A third-order linear dynamic model is used for the AC motor control system design while the LuGre dynamic friction model with nonuniform friction force variations characterizes the friction force. Nonlinear adaptive control laws are designed to compensate the unknown system parameters and disturbances. System robustness and asymptotic position tracking performance are shown through simulation and experimental results.
Aryl Rhodanines Specifically Inhibit Staphylococcal and Enterococcal Biofilm Formation

ABSTRACT Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus are the leading causative agents of indwelling medical device infections because of their ability to form biofilms on artificial surfaces. Here we describe the antibiofilm activity of a class of small molecules, the aryl rhodanines, which specifically inhibit biofilm formation of S. aureus, S. epidermidis, Enterococcus faecalis, E. faecium, and E. gallinarum but not the gram-negative species Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Escherichia coli. The aryl rhodanines do not exhibit antibacterial activity against any of the bacterial strains tested and are not cytotoxic against HeLa cells. Preliminary mechanism-of-action studies revealed that the aryl rhodanines specifically inhibit the early stages of biofilm development by preventing attachment of the bacteria to surfaces.
Drug-Drug Interaction

Interference With the Delivery of Drugs to Their Sites of Action An increasing number of mechanisms have been described whereby one drug can modify profoundly the action of another. In some of these interactions, the therapeutic effect of a drug may be blocked when another agent prevents it from reaching the site of its pharmacologic action. Interference With Absorption. — One mechanism for interference with the absorption of drugs is illustrated in the study by Northcutt et al in this issue (p 1852), which demonstrates that absorption of orally administered thyroxine and liothyronine (triiodothyronine) by humans is prevented by the anion exchange resin, cholestyramine, which binds these drugs in the intestinal tract. This is an example of the general phenomenon of drug binding by this resin. In experimental animals, cholestyramine has been found to impair the absorption of other drugs including digitoxin, aspirin, secobarbital, and phenylbutazone. It would be valuable to
Accumulation of cortical lesions in MS: relation with cognitive impairment

Background Gray matter (GM) lesions are frequently found in multiple sclerosis (MS) and their in-vivo detection has been improved using new magnetic resonance imaging sequences, such as double inversion recovery (DIR). However, little is known about progression of GM lesions over time. Objective To study the longitudinal behavior of GM lesions and to explore their relation to cognitive impairment in MS. Methods DIR images were acquired from 13 MS patients and seven healthy controls at two time points with a median interval of 3 years. At follow-up, all subjects underwent cognitive testing. Lesions were classified as white matter, cortical or hippocampal lesions. Results In patients, median cortical lesion number had increased from 18 to 26 at follow-up (P = 0.01), median white matter (WM) lesion number had increased from 56 to 65 (P = 0.02), and no significant increase over time was found for hippocampal lesions. Cortical lesion number at follow-up was significantly higher in secondary progressive (SP) than in relapsing-remitting patients. Significant relations were found between cortical and WM lesion number at follow-up on the one hand and visuospatial memory and processing speed on the other hand. Hippocampal lesion number was related to visuospatial memory. Conclusion Cortical lesions increase significantly over a 3-year time period, are most frequent in SP patients, and are associated with cognitive impairment.
PLL-based battery charge circuit topology

In this paper, a phase-locked battery charger (PLBC) is proposed to show that a phase-locked loop (PLL) is a perfect circuit topology for battery charging. The circuit topology of the PLBC is almost the same as that of the PLL and it inherits the merits of the PLL, such as autotracking, autolocking, and high accuracy. A complete charging process, consisting of three subprocesses: constant current charge, variable current charge, and float charge, can be automatically implemented by using the above inherent characteristics of the PLL. Experimental results show that the PLL is really suitable for carrying out a battery charge controller.
Real-time multicast connection establishment over ATM networks

Applications requiring the multicast capability are emerging rapidly and becoming widely available. This multicast capability is required to be supported in ATM networks. One of the key characteristics of the ATM is the use of locally unique connection, identifiers like virtual path identifiers/virtual channel identifiers (VPIs/VCIs). A fast multicast connection establishment protocol which takes advantage of the VPI/VCI's locality characteristic is proposed for ATM networks. This proposed protocol adopts the concept of multicast connection segmentation, so that the maximum connection setup time can be bounded to two times the longest among the shortest delays from the connection setup initiator to the rest of the nodes in the connection.
Optomechatronic design of microassembly systems for manufacturing hybrid microsystems

Microassembly systems are a class of representative optomechatronic systems that play a critical role in the fabrication, packaging, and interconnection of hybrid microsystems such as hybrid microelectromechanical systems. Optomechatronic integration is essential to the development of microassembly systems due to the basic importance of microscope optics to microassembly. In this paper, the role of microscope optics in microassembly systems is analyzed. The general architecture of microassembly systems is introduced. Unique properties of microscale optomechatronics that differ from macroscale optomechatronics are summarized. These fundamental differences motivate the definition and discussion of microoptomechatronics. Major methodology issues in optomechatronic design of microassembly systems are introduced using examples. A wavelet-based microscopic image segmentation technique is presented to demonstrate the strength of using the unique properties of microoptomechatronics in microscopic image information processing.
Disease progression among multiple sclerosis patients before and during a disease-modifying drug program: a longitudinal population-based evaluation

Randomized controlled trials have demonstrated the efficacy of disease-modifying drugs (DMDs) in persons with relapsing—remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) and secondary progressive MS with superimposed relapses. However, these brief studies of selected patients have focused mainly on reducing attacks and must be complemented by evaluations in ‘realworld’ clinical settings to establish the effectiveness of DMD programs in slowing disease progression and to inform health policy and program decision-making. We assessed the effectiveness of DMDs as administered in a comprehensive publicly funded drug insurance program that provides DMDs to a geographically defined population of MS patients who meet specific eligibility criteria. Data from 1752 MS patients (10,312 assessments) seen between 1980 and 2004 at a regional MS Clinic serving the entire population of Nova Scotia, Canada were analysed. Using survival methods we observed a statistically significant reduction in disease progression to specific Expanded Disability Status Scale endpoints following the introduction of this program. Subgroup analyses of patients eligible for treatment using hierarchical linear regression methods also suggested that disease progression was slowed in patients treated with the first DMD prescribed. These findings provide evidence supporting DMD program effectiveness that can be used to inform the broader implementation of such programs.
Realization of "Law of action and reaction" by multilateral control

In recent years, the realization of a haptic system has been strongly desired in the fields of medical treatment and expert's skill acquisition. The key point of haptics is to realize a vivid presentation of reactive force, particularly in applications that involve touching action. In this paper, a realization of the "law of action and reaction" by multilateral control is introduced. First, an analysis and a design of bilateral control based on the disturbance observer are discussed. A disturbance observer is a basic technology for quarrying of disturbance torque and attainment of robust acceleration control. This paper shows that a four-channel controller which is composed of position control and force control in the acceleration dimension is decomposed into two modes: common and differential modes. A design of bilateral control is treated as position and force control in a single joint. The proposed method generates a good realization of reactive force for the slave side at the master side in bilateral force control. Second, bilateral control is extended and multilateral control is generalized. Multilateral control is designed similarly as bilateral control based on the modal decomposition. Robots with a haptic ability will have an important role in human adaptive mechatronics.