Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nussbaum function based control design for a class of uncertain stochastic high-order nonlinear systems

In this paper, the global adaptive stabilization is investigated for a class of uncertain stochastic high-order nonlinear systems in which there exist serious nonlinearities and unknowns. For details, on one hand, the considered systems allow the higher system nonlinearities (i.e. the power of the function) and include the strict-feedback systems as its special case. On the other hand, the unknown parameterized system nonlinear terms and the unknown control direction (i.e. the sign of the control gain) are both considered in the control design, without a doubt, those unknowns make the system appreciably general and practical. By skillfully combining the adaptive design method and Nussbaum function based design technique, a feasible adaptive stabilizing control scheme is successfully presented, by which the obtained controller can effectively guarantee that all the closed-loop system states are bounded almost surely, and especially the original system states converge to the origin with probability one.
Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Knee

First described as a named entity by Konig in a classic German text in 1887[1][1], osteochondritis dissecans has more recently been defined by a research study group of high-volume osteochondritis dissecans surgeons, musculoskeletal radiologists, physical therapists, and researchers[2][2] as “a
Efficient CAD Tool for Inductively Coupled Rectangular Waveguide Filters with Rounded Corners

The `rounded corners' effect is commonly introduced during the fabrication step of passive devices in rectangular waveguide technology. Recently, several methods have been proposed for considering such effect in the H- and E-plane of cavity filters. In this paper, the presence of rounded corners in the cross-sections of inductively coupled filters is successfully solved following a novel hybrid technique. Furthermore, a complete automated design procedure based on this new analysis technique is fully detailed. Following this new design technique, a WR-90 waveguide filter considering rounded corners in the cross-section of the cavities and coupling windows has been obtained.
Radiation Therapy in the Elderly

The purpose of this review is to highlight aspects of radiation oncology specifically related to aging and caring for the older patient with cancer. Particular emphasis is placed on the preclinical and clinical studies focusing on the efficacy and toxicity of RT in this population. Special techniques are also reviewed that have particular relevance to the treatment of the elderly.
On the role of 5‐HT1A receptor gene in behavioral effect of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor

Experiments were made on a congenic AKR.CBA‐D13Mit76C (76C) mouse strain created by transferring a chromosome 13 fragment containing the 5‐HT1A receptor gene from a CBA strain to an AKR background. It was shown that 76C mice differed from AKR mice by decreased 5‐HT1A receptor and tryptophan hydroxylase‐2 (tph‐2) genes expression in the midbrain. Functional activity of 5‐HT2A receptors and 5‐HT2A receptor mRNA levels in the midbrain and hippocampus of 76C mice were decreased compared with AKR mice. Central brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) administration (300 ng i.c.v.) reduced 5‐HT1A and 5‐HT2A receptor mRNA levels in the frontal cortex and tph‐2 mRNA level in the midbrain of AKR mice. However, BDNF failed to produce any effect on the expression of 5‐HT1A, 5‐HT2A, and tph‐2 genes in 76C mice but decreased functional activity of 5‐HT2A receptors in 76C mice and increased it in AKR mice. BDNF restored social deficiency in 76C mice but produced asocial behavior (aggressive attacks towards young mice) in AKR mice. The data indicate that a small genetic variation altered the response to BDNF and show an important role of 5‐HT1A receptor gene in the 5‐HT system response to BDNF treatment and in behavioral effects of BDNF. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ecology of an exceptional roost: Energetic benefits could explain why the bat Lophostoma silvicolum roosts in active termite nests

The ability to create shelters that provide protection from the environment is widespread among animals. However, in spite of the central role roosts play in the life of bats (Chiroptera), only a few species have developed the ability to make their own refuges, one of them being the Neotropical Lophostoma silvicolum. This bat creates and inhabits cavities in active arboreal nests of the termite Nasutitermes corniger. We measured temperature in cavities inside active and dead termite nests, and in tree holes occupied by closely related bats, to determine whether energetic benefits compensate for the cost of excavating the hard nests. The inside temperatures of active termite nests were very stable and 2.1–2.8 °C warmer than those of the other two potential roost types. The observed temperature difference is estimated to allow euthermic L. silvicolum to save about 5% of their daily energy expenditure when roosting in active termite nests instead of dead nests or tree holes. Suitable roosting conditions result from the presence of termites and are independent of nest architecture. Our results indicate that the benefits of higher temperatures may be one of the driving forces promoting the evolution of active roost making in bats.
A new method for precise evaluation of dynamic recovery of negative bias temperature instability

It has been reported that the dynamic recovery of drain current (I/sub d/) takes place soon after the stress applied on the gate is removed during a MOSFET negative bias temperature instability (NBTI) experiment. This phenomenon makes it very difficult to estimate the NBTI degradation of I/sub d/ (/spl Delta/I/sub d/) correctly. The paper presents a new characterization method in which the effect of the dynamic recovery is quantitatively taken into account to estimate /spl Delta/I/sub d/ precisely.
Performance limitations of transmission line oscillators for high powermesoband sources

Transmission line oscillators are widely used for high power mesoband sources. These devices have high voltage handling capability on the order of 100s of kV, with moderate bandwidths on the order of 5 – 25% at frequencies of about 200 MHz. Transmission line oscillators are particularly easy to design to a specific resonant frequency, and in many cases can even be dynamically tuned. Two common topologies are parallel-plate Blumlein geometries and quarter-wave coaxial oscillators. In this paper we explore the fundamental limits among the peak charge voltage (V0), resonant frequency (fr), and resonator quality factor (Q). We find that there are empirical limits of the product of V0frQn, where n is an exponent ∼1 that depends on the specific resonator geometry.
Optimal control of blood pressure in patients with diabetes reduces the incidence of macro and microvascular events

In patients with diabetes mellitus, hypertension is an important risk factor for cardiovascular and renal events, including macro and microvascular complications such as nephropathy. The risks are reduced when blood pressure is decreased, regardless of the treatment regimen, and intensive regimens have been found to offer greater protection than less intensive regimens. Reducing systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure to values less than 130/80 mmHg offers the most promising degree of protection, and antihypertensive therapy should be started in patients with diabetes with blood pressure greater than these values or at least in the high normal (≥ 130/85 mmHg) blood pressure range. This target lower blood pressure has typically been difficult to obtain, however, with clinical trials failing to achieve an SBP of less than 130 mmHg and blood pressure control rates in patients with diabetes only half those observed in those without diabetes. Combination antihypertensive therapy is superior to more conventional strategies, and is now considered necessary to achieve rapid blood pressure control in patients with diabetes and hypertension. Recent data have indicated that blood pressure control is more complex than previously believed. An individual's blood pressure can vary over time as a result of variations in biorhythms, methods of blood pressure measurement and central versus peripheral blood pressure; these factors therefore need to be taken into consideration when interpreting blood pressure results.
Integration of three signals at the Escherichia coli nrf promoter: a role for Fis protein in catabolite repression

Expression from the Escherichia coli nrf operon promoter is activated by the anaerobically triggered transcription factor, FNR, and by the nitrate/nitrite ion‐controlled response regulators, NarL or NarP, but is repressed by the IHF and Fis proteins. Here, we present in vitro studies on the nrf promoter, using permanganate footprinting to measure open complex formation, and DNase I footprinting to monitor binding of the different regulators and the interactions between them. Our results show that open complex formation is completely dependent on FNR and is enhanced by NarL, but is repressed by IHF or Fis. NarL counteracts repression by IHF but is unable to alter repression by Fis. These results suggest mechanisms by which nrf promoter activity is modulated by the different factors. Expression from the nrf promoter is known to be repressed in rich media, especially in the presence of glucose, but the molecular basis of this is not understood. Here, we show that this catabolite repression is relieved by mutations that weaken the DNA site for Fis, improve the DNA site for FNR or improve the promoter −10 or −35 elements. Hence, Fis protein is a major factor responsible for catabolite repression at the nrf promoter, and Fis can override activation by FNR and NarL or NarP.
Risk factors for early and late biliary complications in pediatric liver transplantation

BC are a common source of morbidity after pediatric LT. Knowledge about risk factors may help to reduce their incidence. Retrospective analysis of BC in 116 pediatric patients (123 LT) (single institution, 05/1990–12/2011, medium follow‐up 7.9 yr). One‐, five‐, and 10‐yr survival was 91.1%, no patient died of BC. Prevalence and risk factors for anastomotic and intrahepatic BC were examined. There were 29 BC in 123 LT (23.6%), with three main categories: 10 (8.1%) primary anastomotic strictures, eight (6.5%) anastomotic leaks, and three (2.4%) intrahepatic strictures. Significant risk factors for anastomotic leaks were total operation time (increase 1.26‐fold) and early HAT (<30 days post‐LT; increase 5.87‐fold). Risk factor for primary anastomotic stricture was duct‐to‐duct choledochal anastomosis (increase 5.96‐fold when compared to biliary‐enteric anastomosis). Risk factors for intrahepatic strictures were donor age >48 yr (increase 1.09‐fold) and MELD score >30 (increase 1.2‐fold). To avoid morbidity from anastomotic BC in pediatric LT, the preferred biliary anastomosis appears to be biliary‐enteric. Operation time should be kept to a minimum, and HAT must by all means be prevented. Children with a high MELD score or receiving livers from older donors are at increased risk for intrahepatic strictures.
Initial Validation of a Screening Battery for the Detection of HIV-Associated Cognitive Impairment

This study sought to develop and validate a screening battery for detecting HIV-related neuropsychological(NP)impairment. Six NP measures representing the ability areas most likely affected by HIV infection were paired in 14 combinations and their diagnostic accuracy rates compared. The measures were selected from a larger NP battery administered to 190 HIV-seropositive(HIV + )participants. Screening battery performance was classified as NP impaired if demographically correctedT-scores fell below 40 on both tests, or below 35 on one test. Using blind clinical ratings of NP test results from the larger battery as the“gold standard”for global NP status(impaired or unimpaired), we found that several test combinations demonstrated adequate diagnostic accuracy in detecting NP impairment. The most sensitive test combinations were the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test–Revised(HVLT–R; Total Recall)and the Grooved Pegboard Test nondominant hand(PND)pair and the HVLT–R and WAIS-III Digit Symbol(DS)subtest pair(sensitivity = 78%and 75%, respectively). Both test combinations(HVLT–R/PND, HVLT–R/DS)were more accurate than the HIV Dementia Scale(HDS)in classifying HIV + participants as NP impaired or unimpaired. Results suggest that demographically correctedT-scores from pairs of common NP measures may serve as valid screening instruments to identify subjects with HIV-related neurocognitive impairment who could benefit from more extensive NP examination.
Effector molecules In expression of the antimicrobial activity of macrophages against Mycobacterium avium complex: roles of reactive nitrogen intermediates, reactive oxygen intermediates, and free fatty acids

We studied microbicidal activities of reactive nitrogen intermediates (RNI), free fatty acids (FFA), and reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI) against Mycobacterium aviumcomplex (MAC) and the mode of macrophage (mΦ) production of these effectors. (1) Intracellular growth of MAC in murine peritoneal mΦs was accelerated by scavengers for ROI or RNI and inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase or phospholipase A2, indicating roles of ROI, RNI, and FFA in mΦ anti‐MAC functions. (2) Acidified NaNO2‐derived RNI, FFA (linolenic and arachidonic acids), and the H2O2‐mediated halogenation system exhibited a significant anti‐MAC bactericidal activity. The combination of RNI with FFA showed a synergistic effect However, the H2O2‐halogenation system in combination with either RNI or FFA showed an antagonism. When Listeria monocytogenes(Lm) was used as a target organism, the combinations of RNI + FFA and RNI + H2O2‐halogenation gave a synergistic effect, whereas FFA + H2O2‐halogenation showed an antagonism in exerting bactericidal activity. In addition, when ROI generated by the xanthine oxidase‐acetaldehyde system was combined with RNI, anti‐Lm but not anti‐MAC activity was potentiated. (3) ROI production by murine peritoneal mΦs was observed immediately after contact with MAC organisms (MAC stimulation) and ceased within 2 h. FFA release was seen 1‐24 h after MAC stimulation. RNI production was initiated from 3 h and increased during the first 36 h and continued at least for 4 days. These findings suggest that RNI and FFA rather than ROI are important effectors of anti‐MAC functions of mΦs, and the collaborating action of RNI with FFA temporarily participates in mΦ‐mediated killing of MAC in the relatively early phase after MAC stimulation. J. Leukoc. Biol. 62: 795–804; 1997.
Effectiveness of PMTC Applied to Patient's Situation

In recent years, the prevention of periodontal disease and caries has been focused PMTC, which is one of methods of preventing from periodontal disease and caries, has been already supplied to patients in many dental offices. However, it is difficult for patients to maintain the motivation to keep their teeth clean for a long time. Consequently, they often drop out of their PMTC program. In our office, particular PMTC program has been provided to each patient in order to maintain their motivation. This article reviews some PMTC programs with some cases in our office.
Generation Dispatch Techniques for Remote Communities With Flexible Demand

Remote communities are typically isolated from the main electricity grid and require local generation, most often relying on expensive resources (especially diesel) to supply their load. The economic and logistical aspects are such that there is value in exploring different approaches to reduce the consumption of diesel and to increase the energy input from local renewables. In this paper, we focus on using the virtual storage capabilities of the demand side to perform diesel generation optimization. Specifically, we revisit the economic dispatch (ED) problem by adapting it to the presence of flexible demand. We compare three different formulation approaches: 1)where demand is reallocated heuristically to shave the peak; 2)where the reallocation is itself optimized; and 3)that attempts to optimize the overall efficiency of the diesel units. A case study based upon a remote microgrid shows that flexible demand can decrease diesel fuel consumption in an economically meaningful manner, which is still significant given the costs associated with the purchase and haulage of diesel to these small communities.
Utilization of K-NN algorithm for expectation maximization based classification method

K nearest neighbor and Bayesian algorithms are effective methods of machine learning. In this work a data elimination approach is proposed to improve data clustering. The proposed method is based on hybridization of K nearest neighbor and Bayesian learning algorithms. The suggested method is tested on well-known machine learning data sets such as iris, wine and breast cancer and the results are concluded.
Correlation of Early and Late Ejection Fractions with CCL5 and CCL18 Levels in Acute Anterior Myocardial Infarction.

BACKGROUND Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) is the leading cause of disability and death in Iran and many other countries. OBJECTIVE To investigate the prognostic value of CCL5 and CCL18 in patients with acute myocardial ischemia. METHODS In this cohort study we recruited and followed 50 patients with acute anterior myocardial infarction (AAMI) for developing cardiovascular accidents in a 6-month period. CCL5 and CCL18 levels were measured on admission, at day 5 and at day 180 post-hospitalization. RESULTS CCL18 and CCL5 levels at day 180 were higher in patients with late (day 180) and early (day 5) LVEF less than 35% compared to those with higher LVEF (p=0.05 and p=0.042, respectively). There was a negative correlation between early and late LVEF and regional wall motion abnormalities (p=0.001 and p=0.002, respectively). There was also a trend of negative correlation between CCL18 levels at day 5 and LVEF levels at day 180 post-hospitalization (p=0.06). CONCLUSION CCL18 has a correlation with cardiac function in patients with AAMI and it might be considered as an indicator of poor LVEF in patients with AAMI.
Increased Costs of Cooperation Help Cooperators in the Long Run

It has long been proposed that cooperation should increase in harsh environments, but this claim still lacks theoretical underpinnings. We modeled a scenario in which benefiting from altruistic behavior was essential to survival and reproduction. We used a spatial agent-based model to represent mutual cooperation enforced by environmental adversity. We studied two factors, the cost of unreciprocated cooperation and the environmental cost of living, which highlight a conflict between the short- and long-term rewards of cooperation. In the long run, cooperation is favored because only groups with a sufficient number of cooperators will survive. In the short run, however, harsh environmental costs increase the advantage of defectors in cooperator-defector interactions because the loss of resources leads to death. Our analysis sheds new light on the evolution of cooperation via interdependence and illustrates how selfish groups can incur short-term benefits at the cost of their eventual demise. We demonstrate how harsh environments select for cooperative phenotypes and suggest an explanation for the adoption of cooperative breeding strategies in human evolution. We also highlight the importance of variable population size and the role of socio-spatial organization in harsh environments.
A consumer‐oriented model for evaluating computer‐assisted instructional materials for medical education

Computer-assisted instruction (CAI) can enhance medical education, but course directors and curriculum designers need thorough, credible evaluative data to make sound decisions about procuring and implementing CAI programs. There has been extensive research on the merits of CAI in general (although much of it is flawed by methodologic shortcomings), but sufficient evaluative data on specific programs are rarely available. The author proposes that a consumer-oriented model would be useful for evaluating CAI programs, and he discusses one published, consumer-oriented evaluation of a multimedia CAI program for ophthalmology students. The author contends that if CAI programs were routinely evaluated using the consumer-oriented model, and if CAI program developers used this model to evaluate their programs during the developmental phase, medical educators would be better able to choose and implement the programs that would best serve their needs.
Ajustements technico-économiques possibles de l’alimentation des volailles dans les pays chauds

HAL is a multi-disciplinary open access archive for the deposit and dissemination of scientific research documents, whether they are published or not. The documents may come from teaching and research institutions in France or abroad, or from public or private research centers. L’archive ouverte pluridisciplinaire HAL, est destinée au dépôt et à la diffusion de documents scientifiques de niveau recherche, publiés ou non, émanant des établissements d’enseignement et de recherche français ou étrangers, des laboratoires publics ou privés. Ajustements technico-économiques possibles de l’alimentation des volailles dans les pays chauds Michel Picard, Bernard Sauveur, F. Fenardji, I. Angulo, P. Mongin
Group synchronization of diffusively coupled harmonic oscillators

This paper considers group synchronization issue of diﬀusively directed coupled harmonic oscillators for two cases with nonidentical and identical agent dynamics. For the case of coupled nonidentical harmonic oscillators with positive coupling, it is demonstrated that distributed group synchronization can always be achieved under two kinds of network structures, i. e. , the strongly connected graph and the acyclic partition topology with a directed spanning tree. It is interesting to ﬁnd that the group synchronization states under acyclic partition are some periodic orbits with the same frequency and are simply related with the initial values of certain group regardless of ones of the other groups. For the case of coupled identical harmonic oscillators with positive and negative coupling, some generic algebraic criteria on group synchronization with both local continuous and instantaneous interaction are established respectively. In particular, an explicit expression of group synchronization states in terms of initial values of the agents can be obtained by the property of acyclic partition topology, and so it is very convenient to yield the desired group synchronization in practical application. Finally, numerical examples illustrate and visualize the eﬀectiveness and feasibility of theoretical results.
Lentiviral nuclear import: a complex interplay between virus and host

Although the capacity to infect non‐dividing cells is a hallmark of lentiviruses, nuclear import is still barely understood. More than 100 research papers have been dedicated to this topic during the last 15 years, yet, more questions have been raised than answers. The signal‐facilitating translocation of the viral preintegration complex (PIC) through the nuclear pore complex (NPC) remains unknown. It is clear, however, that nuclear import is the result of a complex interplay between viral and cellular components. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge on nuclear import. We focus on the controversies and pitfalls and discuss the interplay between virus and host. BioEssays 29:441–451, 2007. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.