Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Online optimal tracking control of continuous-time linear systems with unknown dynamics by using adaptive dynamic programming

In this paper, a novel theoretic formulation based on adaptive dynamic programming (ADP) is developed to solve online the optimal tracking problem of the continuous-time linear system with unknown dynamics. First, the original system dynamics and the reference trajectory dynamics are transformed into an augmented system. Then, under the same performance index with the original system dynamics, an augmented algebraic Riccati equation is derived. Furthermore, the solutions for the optimal control problem of the augmented system are proven to be equal to the standard solutions for the optimal tracking problem of the original system dynamics. Moreover, a new online algorithm based on the ADP technique is presented to solve the optimal tracking problem of the linear system with unknown system dynamics. Finally, simulation results are given to verify the effectiveness of the theoretic results.
Assessment of Ribosomal Large-Subunit D1-D2, Internal Transcribed Spacer 1, and Internal Transcribed Spacer 2 Regions as Targets for Molecular Identification of Medically Important Aspergillus Species

ABSTRACT Molecular approaches are now being developed to provide a more rapid and objective identification of fungi compared to traditional phenotypic methods. Ribosomal targets, especially the large-subunit RNA gene (D1-D2 region) and internal transcribed spacers 1 and 2 (ITS1 and ITS2 regions), have shown particular promise for the molecular identification of some fungi. We therefore conducted an assessment of these regions for the identification of 13 medically important Aspergillus species: Aspergillus candidus, Aspergillus (Eurotium) chevalieri, Aspergillus (Fennellia) flavipes, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus granulosus, Aspergillus (Emericella) nidulans, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus restrictus, Aspergillus sydowii, Aspergillus terreus, Aspergillus ustus, and Aspergillus versicolor. The length of ribosomal regions could not be reliably used to differentiate among all Aspergillus species examined. DNA alignment and pairwise nucleotide comparisons demonstrated 91.9 to 99.6% interspecies sequence identities in the D1-D2 region, 57.4 to 98.1% in the ITS1 region, and 75.6 to 98.3% in the ITS2 region. Comparative analysis using GenBank reference data showed that 10 of the 13 species examined exhibited a ≤1-nucleotide divergence in the D1-D2 region from closely related but different species. In contrast, only 5 of the species examined exhibited a ≤1-nucleotide divergence from sibling species in their ITS1 or ITS2 sequences. Although the GenBank database currently lacks ITS sequence entries for some species, and major improvement in the quality and accuracy of GenBank entries is needed, current identification of medically important Aspergillus species using GenBank reference data seems more reliable using ITS query sequences than D1-D2 sequences, especially for the identification of closely related species.
Frequency of Malignancy and Imaging Characteristics of Probably Benign Lesions Seen at Breast MRI.

OBJECTIVE The purposes of this study were to evaluate the frequency, follow-up compliance, and cancer rate of MRI BI-RADS category 3 lesions and to determine the cancer rate for individual BI-RADS descriptors. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective review was conducted of breast MRI examinations with an assessment of probably benign (BI-RADS category 3) from among 4279 consecutive breast MRI examinations performed from January 2005 through December 2009. The review revealed 282 (6.6%) examinations with 332 lesions defined as BI-RADS 3. Pathologic results, 2 years of follow-up imaging findings, or both were reviewed. The frequency of BI-RADS 3 assessments, follow-up imaging compliance, and cancer yield were calculated. Three fellowship-trained breast imagers reevaluated all lesions and recorded descriptors from the MRI lexicon of the fifth edition of the BI-RADS atlas. The distribution and likelihood of malignancy for each descriptor were calculated. RESULTS The follow-up compliance rate was 84.3% (280/332), and the malignancy rate was 4.3% (12/280). There were 50 (17.9%) individual foci, 61 (21.8%) multiple foci, 74 (26.4%) masses, and 95 (33.9%) nonmass enhancement lesions. Masses were most commonly oval (59.5% [44/74]), circumscribed (75.7% [56/74]), and homogeneously enhancing (43.2% [32/74]). Nonmass enhancement was most commonly focal (57.9% [55/95]) with heterogeneous enhancement (53.7% [51/95]) Most of the lesions had persistent kinetics (74.3% [208/280]). The background parenchymal enhancement was most commonly mild (51.1% [143/280]). CONCLUSION MRI BI-RADS category 3 is not frequently used, and the levels of patient compliance with follow-up imaging are acceptable. The cancer yield for probably benign lesions is greater for MRI-detected than for mammographically detected lesions, especially for specific BI-RADS descriptors.
Shattuck lecture--medical and societal consequences of the Human Genome Project.

The history of biology was forever altered a decade ago by the bold decision to launch a research program that would characterize in ultimate detail the complete set of genetic instructions of the human being. The idea captured the public imagination, perhaps less in the manner of America's wars on cancer and the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome than in the manner of the great expeditions — those of Lewis and Clark, Sir Edmund Hillary, and even Neil Armstrong. Scientists wanted to map the human genetic terrain, knowing it would lead them to previously unimaginable insights, and from there to the common .
Labile Anger During Interferon Alfa Treatment is Associated With a Polymorphism in Tumor Necrosis Factor &agr;

Objective:Inflammatory cytokines may influence both labile anger and depression. Both psychiatric conditions can occur during interferon alfa-based treatments. Evidence also indicates a central nervous system role for tumor necrosis factor &agr; (TNF-&agr;), whose expression may be increased by interferon alfa. A polymorphism in the promoter region of TNF-&agr; has been associated with various inflammatory illnesses. We therefore hypothesized that this TNF-&agr; polymorphism would influence susceptibility to psychiatric symptoms during interferon alfa therapy. Methods:One hundred five patients with hepatitis C, initially without active major depression (major depressive disorder), were treated with interferon alfa and then prospectively monitored using the Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, the Beck Depression Inventory II, the Anger Irritability and Assault Questionnaire, and circulating TNF-&agr; levels. The A-308G polymorphism (rs1800629) was determined using the 5&vprime;-nuclease assay. Repeated-measure mixed-effect analyses compared changes in symptoms over time. Result:Beck Depression Inventory II score increased during interferon alfa therapy (F = 6.2; P < 0.001), with 27% developing MDD. The TNF-&agr; A allele was associated with worsened labile anger (F = 2.5; P < 0.05) and fatigue (F = 2.9; P < 0.05) during treatment but not with major depression incidence (&khgr;2 = 0.0; P = 0.99) or increased Beck Depression Inventory II (F = 1.2; P = 0.31). Labile anger was not predicted by the serotonin transporter polymorphism (F = 0.8; P = 0.59). Discussion:During treatment with an exogenous cytokine, vulnerability to worsening labile anger-distinct from major depression-is associated with genetic variability in TNF-&agr;. This has implications both for patients being treated with interferon alfa and our understanding of genetic vulnerability for different subtypes of dysphoric and mood disorders.
Angiographic Demonstration of Collaterals to the Coronary Arteries in Patients with Angina Pectoris

Intercoronary and extracardiac anastomoses to the coronary arteries may be demonstrated by various methods of coronary angiography (SONES et colI. 1959, PAULIN 1964, ARVIDSSON & MOBERG 1966, BJORK 1966, and others). Successful results of operative procedures to increase the vascularization of the myocardium may also be documented by angiography (see accompanying illustration). It must be emphasized however that it is essentially the anatomy of the arteries that is demonstrated by these angiographic methods, and it is well known from vascular studies using peripheral and renal angiography that it is difficult to correlate the anatomical findings at angiography with disturbances of function. It is only to be expected that the same would apply to the myocardium and the anatomy of the coronary arteries as seen at coronary angiography. To investigate these factors, a study was made of 65 patients referred for surgical treatment of angina pectoris. Electrocardiograms with standard and various precordial leads were obtained in all these patients, and the physical work capacity was determined by means of a bicycle ergometer (HALLEN 1964).
II-098 - PERDA DE MASSA E VOLUME DE ESPUMA DE POLIURETANO USADA COMO MEIO SUPORTE EM REATOR BIOLÓGICO COM AERAÇÃO INTERMITENTE

Leonidia Maria Castro Daniel Engenheira Civil pela Escola de Engenharia de Ilha Solteira (FEIS-UNESP). Mestre em Hidraulica e Saneamento pela Escola de Engenharia de Sao Carlos (EESC/USP). Doutoranda em Hidraulica e Saneamento na EESC/USP. Eloisa Pozzi Gianotti Ecologa pela UNESP de Rio Claro – SP. Doutora em Ecologia e Recursos Naturais pela UFSCar. Pesquisadora do Departamento de Hidraulica e Saneamento (EESC-USP). Cristina Yuriko Iamamoto Engenheira Civil pela Escola de Engenharia de Sao Carlos (EESC-USP). Mestre em Gestao Integrada de Recursos pelo Centro de Estudos Ambientais (CEA/UNESP). Doutoranda em Hidraulica e Saneamento na EESC/USP. Eugenio Foresti Prof. Titular do Departamento de Hidraulica e Saneamento EESC-USP. Membro da Comissao de Legislacao e Recursos do Conselho Universitario da USP, desde marco de 1999.
The Classification and Diagnosis of the Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy: Statement from the International Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy (ISSHP)

The literature relating to classification of the hypertensive disorders in pregnancy and diagnostic definitions of each hypertensive category has been and remains confusing to clinicians and investigators (1). One encounters an assortment of terms and schemes, some quite complex and detailed, and on occasion, the same term (e.g., pregnancy-induced hypertension) is used to include different disorders by various authors. This lack of consensus on classification and diagnosis is one reason for controversies in a variety of areas, including counseling, management, and documenting immediate and remote outcomes. Cognizant of these problems, the Council of the ISSHP appointed a committee to consider these issues, adopting many of their recommendations at the 12th World Congress in Paris, France, in July 2000. The following is a summary of the adopted report. The first charge to this committee, formed in October 1998, was to monitor the progress of the two working groups that were in the process of updating previous reports, one for the Australasian Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy (ASSHP) and the other for the National High Blood Pressure Education Program (NHBPEP) in the United States. These have now been published (2,3) and have been considered along with currently published criteria (e.g., the older ISSHP (4), WHO (3, and Canadian Hypertension Society (6) reports).
Differential expression of genes in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis revealed by profiling the post mortem cortex

The possible causes of ALS are unknown and multiple biological systems have been implicated. The goal of this study was to use gene expression profiling to evaluate a broad spectrum of systems in ALS. For this study, the medial lip of the human motor cortex and adjacent sensory cortex were collected at autopsy from five ALS patients and three normal individuals. Quantitative filter analysis revealed differential expression of mRNAs normalized to internal standards. A significant difference in expression of 275 genes was found in the ALS motor cortex; of the genes whose expression was changed, 10 were up‐regulated and 265 were down‐regulated. Six of the up‐regulated genes were associated with cell surface activity and two were glutamate receptors; the latter is potentially consistent with the idea of excitotoxicity contributing to neurodegeneration in ALS. Of the down‐regulated genes, the largest number were associated with transcription followed by those involved in antioxidant systems, inflammation, regulation of motor neuron function, lipid metabolism, protease inhibition, and protection against apoptosis including vascular endothelial growth factor. There were no significant differences in gene expression patterns between the sensory and motor cortex in the ALS brains. A total of 10% of the genes identified by microarray were chosen from each of the gene groups for validation by quantitative real time PCR (QRT‐PCR). In order to increase the reliability of our gene array data, newly acquired motor and sensory cortex of ALS and control cases (n = 4 each) were used for validation. Of these, 86.4% changed in the same direction as determined in the microarrays. The gene profile data reported here are consistent with evidence that the ALS brain is characterized by an environment that is permissive for apoptosis, excitotoxicity and abnormal ubiquitination. This gene array study also suggested that a metal imbalance particularly for zinc could exist in ALS. Finally, given the amount of cellular stress that is thought to be part of the pathogenesis in ALS, there was a notable lack of increase in genes required to mount a protective response. This latter observation provides a conceptual framework in which to consider the possibility that ALS could result from a failure to mount adequate protective responses to physiological insults that, left unchecked, could progress to neurodegeneration.
Mapping of phosphorylation sites of nuclear corepressor receptor interacting protein 140 by liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectroscopy

Receptor interacting protein (RIP140) is a versatile coregulator for many nuclear receptors and transcription factors. Analysis by liqid chromatography tandem mass spectroscopy led to the identification of 11 phosphopeptides from tryptic digests of His6‐RIP140 purified from Sf21 insect cells. No phosphopeptides were detected on RIP140 expressed in E. coli in a parallel experiment, suggesting that RIP140 phosphorylation occurred specifically only in eukaryotic cells. The tandem mass spectra of the precursor ions of the phosphopeptides were analyzed to map the exact phosphorylation sites on RIP140. All the phosphopeptides displayed intact phosphate containing y‐ or b‐ion signals along with their β‐eliminated product ions, due to neutral loss of phosphoric acid. Phosphorylation occurred specifically on nine serine and a single threonine residues, including Ser‐104, Thr‐207, Ser‐358, Ser‐380, Ser‐488, Ser‐519, Ser‐531, Ser‐543, Ser‐672, and Ser‐1003. No tyrosine phosphorylation was found. These data suggested that the central region of RIP140, one major repressive domain, was extensively modified by phosphorylation. These phosphorylation sites can be the targets in future studies addressing post‐translational modification of RIP140 with regards to its biological activities.
Antitumor activity of thalidomide in refractory multiple myeloma.

BACKGROUND Patients with myeloma who relapse after high-dose chemotherapy have few therapeutic options. Since increased bone marrow vascularity imparts a poor prognosis in myeloma, we evaluated the efficacy of thalidomide, which has antiangiogenic properties, in patients with refractory disease. METHODS Eighty-four previously treated patients with refractory myeloma (76 with a relapse after high-dose chemotherapy) received oral thalidomide as a single agent for a median of 80 days (range, 2 to 465). The starting dose was 200 mg daily, and the dose was increased by 200 mg every two weeks until it reached 800 mg per day. Response was assessed on the basis of a reduction of the myeloma protein in serum or Bence Jones protein in urine that lasted for at least six weeks. RESULTS The serum or urine levels of paraprotein were reduced by at least 90 percent in eight patients (two had a complete remission), at least 75 percent in six patients, at least 50 percent in seven patients, and at least 25 percent in six patients, for a total rate of response of 32 percent. Reductions in the paraprotein levels were apparent within two months in 78 percent of the patients with a response and were associated with decreased numbers of plasma cells in bone marrow and increased hemoglobin levels. The microvascular density of bone marrow did not change significantly in patients with a response. At least one third of the patients had mild or moderate constipation, weakness or fatigue, or somnolence. More severe adverse effects were infrequent (occurring in less than 10 percent of patients), and hematologic effects were rare. As of the most recent follow-up, 36 patients had died (30 with no response and 6 with a response). After 12 months of follow-up, Kaplan-Meier estimates of the mean (+/-SE) rates of event-free survival and overall survival for all patients were 22+/-5 percent and 58+/-5 percent, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Thalidomide is active against advanced myeloma. It can induce marked and durable responses in some patients with multiple myeloma, including those who relapse after high-dose chemotherapy.
Income Disparities in the Association of the Medical Home With Child Health

This study was a secondary data analysis of the 2011-2012 National Survey of Children’s Health. Data were available for a nationally representative sample of 81 090 children. Multivariable logistic regression was used to model child health with the medical home while examining the effect modification of household income and controlling for sociodemographic characteristics. Overall, the medical home was significantly associated with “excellent/very good” child health for children regardless of household income. However, the association of the medical home with “excellent/very good” child health was significantly higher for children in households earning >200% FPL (federal poverty level) compared with <200% FPL (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.13 [95% CI 1.80-2.52] vs aOR 1.46 [95% CI 1.24-1.71]; P < .01). This relationship was also found among children >400% FPL compared with children between 100% and 199% FPL (aOR 2.25 [95% CI 1.74-2.9 0] vs aOR 1.28 [95% CI 1.01-1.62]; P < .01). Therefore, while the medical home is associated with beneficial child health for most children, significant disparities by income exist.
Atrazine feminizes sex ratio in Blanchard's cricket frogs (Acris blanchardi) at concentrations as low as 0.1 μg/L

We exposed Blanchard's cricket frogs (Acris blanchardi) to ecologically relevant concentrations (0, 0.1, 1, and 10 μg/L) of a commercial formulation of atrazine throughout the larval period to determine effects on survival, somatic growth and development (time to metamorphosis and mass at metamorphosis), and gonadal development (sex ratio at metamorphosis and the prevalence of testicular ova in phenotypic males). We tested the following hypotheses: 1) atrazine feminizes the sex ratio, 2) atrazine increases the proportion of phenotypic males with testicular ova, and 3) atrazine differentially affects somatic growth (mass at metamorphosis) and development (time to metamorphosis) for males and females. Although the control sex ratio was male‐biased, exposure to 0.1 and 10 μg/L atrazine feminized sex ratios, because these treatments produced 51 and 55% fewer males than the control, respectively. We did not observe testicular ova. Atrazine did not impact survival or metamorphosis, and we did not detect sexually dimorphic impacts on time to metamorphosis or mass at metamorphosis. However, males metamorphosed 2.3 d later than females, regardless of treatment. Sex biases in timing of metamorphosis are underexplored in anurans, but if prevalent, could have important implications for theory surrounding the impact of environmental factors on metamorphosis. Our data suggest that cricket frog sex ratios are sensitive to environmentally relevant concentrations of atrazine and that feminization in the field is likely. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:427–435. © 2017 SETAC
Founder Effects in the Assessment of HIV Polymorphisms and HLA Allele Associations

Escape from T cell–mediated immune responses affects the ongoing evolution of rapidly evolving viruses such as HIV. By applying statistical approaches that account for phylogenetic relationships among viral sequences, we show that viral lineage effects rather than immune escape often explain apparent human leukocyte antigen (HLA)–mediated immune-escape mutations defined by older analysis methods. Phylogenetically informed methods identified immune-susceptible locations with greatly improved accuracy, and the associations we identified with these methods were experimentally validated. This approach has practical implications for understanding the impact of host immunity on pathogen evolution and for defining relevant variants for inclusion in vaccine antigens.
Knowledge and attitudes regarding care of leg ulcers. Survey of family physicians.

OBJECTIVE To determine family physicians' perceptions of and attitudes toward leg ulcer care and awareness of effective treatments for venous leg ulcers. DESIGN Self-administered, cross-sectional faxed and mailed survey. SETTING Ottawa-Carleton, Ont. PARTICIPANTS All physicians in the region who were members of the College of Family Physicians of Canada. RESULTS Response rate was 62%. During 1 month, 107 physicians reported having 226 patients with leg ulcers; only a few patients had had ultrasound assessment. Few physicians (16%) were confident about managing leg ulcers; 61% reported not knowing enough about wound-care products. More than 50% were unaware that compression is effective treatment for venous ulcers. Problems reported were lack of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for leg ulcer care (82%); absence of evidence-based protocols in home-care agencies (72%); lack of access to wound-care products (69%) and wound-care centres (66%); and poor communication among health care workers (60%). CONCLUSION Better access to diagnostic assessments and use of compression therapy for venous leg ulcers would improve care.
Regional specialization in retinal ganglion cell projection to optic tectum of Dipsosaurus dorsalis (lguanidae)

Regional variation in the composition of the ganglion cell layer is a characteristic feature of vertebrate retinas. This suggests that corresponding patterns of regional variation might be expected in CNS structures which receive a direct, topographic projection from the retina. To investigate this possibility, I studied the retinotectal projection in an iguanid lizard (Dipsosaurus dorsalis), which shows a marked degree of regional variation in its retinal ganglion cell layer. Results of these experiments indicate that in D. dorsalis the optic tectum is differentiated horizontally into five regions which can be distinguished on the basis of cytoarchitecture and the patterning of retinal afferents, as visualized with silver degeneration and autoradiographic tracing techniques. These five areas are named according to their location: (1) Ventral Rim, (2) Lateral Wall, (3) Dorsolateral Area, (4) Dorsal Wall and (5) Medial Rim.