Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Feedback controller for destroying synchrony in an array of the FitzHugh–Nagumo oscillators

We describe an implementation of an electronic feedback controller, destroying synchrony and/or suppressing the mean field in arrays of globally coupled nonidentical oscillators. We demonstrate that the mean field, either artificially nullified or fed back into the array with a negative sign can break up the phase synchronization. The experiments have been carried out with an array of thirty electronic oscillators, imitating dynamical behavior of the spiking neurons. We have found that the negative mean-field technique, depending on the control parameter, can either desynchronize or synchronize the oscillators, whereas in the both cases, it ensures low mean-field voltage.
Emulation of a micro-hydro-turbine for stand-alone power plants with Z-Source inverter

This paper proposes an emulation model of a small scale hydro turbine driving a micro generation system and using a Z-Source inverter. The turbine emulator utilizes the hill charts to scale the characteristic curves of the turbine according to different turbine sizes and different head and water flow conditions. In the experimental set-up a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machine (PMSM) is used as a generator and an induction machine drive with field oriented control emulates the behavior of the turbine. A Z-Source inverter is utilized to convert the available electrical power with a voltage that varies in amplitude and frequency and delivers a voltage with constant amplitude and frequency.
Substrate Specificity of Thymidine Phosphorylase of E. Coli: Role of Hydroxyl Groups

Substrate specificity of E. coli thymidine phosphorylase to pyrimidine nucleoside modified at 5 ′-, 3 ′-, and 2 ′-positions of sugar moiety has been studied. Equilibrium (Keq) and kinetics constants of phosphorolysis reaction of nucleosides were measured. The most important hydrogen bonds in enzyme-substrate complex have been determined.
Antimicrobial activity of glucose oxidase‐immobilized plasma‐activated polypropylene films

Antimicrobial enzyme, glucose oxidase (GOX), was covalently immobilized onto amino‐ and carboxyl‐plasma‐activated biorientated polypropylene films (BOPP) via glutaraldehyde and carbodiimide chemistries. N2‐plasma + NH3 and N2‐plasma + CO2 treatments were utilized to create amino (1.1 nmol/cm2) and carboxyl (0.9 nmol/cm2) groups densities onto the surface of BOPP films. GOX‐immobilized onto amino‐activated BOPP films using 2.5% glutaraldehyde produced higher enzymatic activities than GOX‐immobilized by 0.4% carbodiimide. Further immobilizations were carried out with glutaraldehyde as the coupling agent at temperatures of 4–75°C at pH 5.6 and 7.2. 10 s treatment was sufficient to immobilize GOX at high temperatures in both pH conditions, producing enzymatically active films which remained active over 30 days of storage. GOX covalently immobilized onto BOPP films completely inhibited the growth of Escherichia coli and substantially inhibited the growth of Bacillus subtilis; thus, they may have great potential to be exploited in various antimicrobial packaging film applications. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Use of octogenarian livers safely expands the donor pool.

BACKGROUND The increasing number of recipients on the waiting list for orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) and the scarcity of donors contribute to recipient pretransplantation mortality. One important measure to increase the donor liver pool would be to accept the previously discarded donors who are more than 80 years old. METHODS From November 1996 to May 1998, four liver grafts from octogenarian donors (89, 87, 82, and 85 years old, respectively) were used for OLT. Pretransplantation donor and recipient characteristics and the evolution of recipients after OLT were analyzed. RESULTS The donors did not present cardiac arrest or hypotension, and only low doses of vasopressors were required in three of them. Intensive care unit stay of the donors was from 12 to 24 hr. Cold ischemia time was from 4 hr to 8 hr 40 min. Mild microsteatosis was present in three donors and associated macrosteatosis of < 10% in one of these. Macroscopic appearance and consistency were normal in all four grafts. Posttransplantation evolution and follow-up were uneventful. Three recipients were alive and well at 24, 16, and 7 months; the second of these died at 16 months of recurrent viral C cirrhosis after a first OLT. CONCLUSIONS The liver donor pool can be increased if liver grafts are accepted without an age limit but in good condition (hemodynamic stability, short intensive care unit stay, good liver function, soft consistency, cold ischemia time <9 hr, and no severe steatosis). Octogenarian donors should be individually assessed in the absence of these ideal conditions.
Intelligent Bandwidth Allocation of IPTV Streams with Bitstream Complexity Measures

IPTV video services are increasingly being considered for delivery to mobile devices over broadband wireless access networks. The IPTV streams or channels are multiplexed together for transport across an IP core network prior to distribution across the access network. According to the type of access network, prior bandwidth constraints exist that restrict the multiplex data-rate. This paper presents a bandwidth allocation scheme based on content complexity to equalize the overall video quality of the IPTV sub-streams, in effect a form of statistical multiplexing. Bandwidth adaptation is achieved through a bank of bit-rate transcoders. Complexity metrics serve to estimate the appropriate bandwidth share for each stream, prior to distribution over a wireless or ADSL access network. These metrics are derived after entropy decoding of the input compressed bit-streams, without the delay resulting from a full decode. Fuzzy-logic control serves to adjust the balance between spatial and temporal coding complexity. The paper examines constant and varying bandwidth scenarios. Experimental results show a significant overall gain in video quality in comparison to a fixed bandwidth allocation.
Dose escalation trial designs based on a molecularly targeted endpoint

Traditional phase I dose‐finding studies for chemotoxic agents base dose escalation on toxicity, with escalation continuing until unacceptable toxicity is observed. Recent development of molecularly targeted agents that have little or no toxicity in the therapeutic dose range has raised questions over the best study designs for phase I studies. Two types of designs are proposed and evaluated in this paper. In these designs, escalation is based on a binary response that indicates whether or not the agent has had the desired effect on the molecular target. One design is developed to ensure that if the true target response rate is low there will be a high probability of escalating and if the true target response rate is high there will be a low probability of escalating. The other design is developed to continue to escalate as long as the true response rate is increasing and to stop escalating when the response rate plateaus or decreases. A limited simulation study is performed and the designs are compared with respect to the dose level at the end of escalation and the number of patients treated on study. Published in 2005 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TRACKING OF VORTICES IN COMPUTATIONAL FLUID DYNAMICS

According to the coherent structure concept turbulent flow is not merely a random process but the movement of larger scales can be described as the interaction of vortices (coherent structures). Hence the more precise understanding of the evolution, merging, tearing, creation and disappearing of vortices could provide new information on controlling turbulent flows. The first important step in the numerical investigation of vortices is the detection of vortices, for which a larger number of methods exist. The second step is the tracking and observing of these structures. Our paper presents an algorithm which can select the vortices separately and so their interaction can be investigated quantitatively. The methodology is applied for an axisymmetric (2D) jet, where the creation merging and disappearing of vortices can easily be tracked.
Optimization of optode configurations for fluorescence optical tomography by experimental design methods

Fluorescence optical tomography utilizes a set of light sources placed on or above the sample to excite a fluorophore inside it. From the fluorescent light measured on the boundary the distribution of the fluorophore can be reconstructed. The placement of the source and detector optodes determines the quality of the resultant images in terms of resolution and contrast-tonoise ratio, for example. This paper addresses the optimization of the measurement configuration based on finite element simulations. As quality criterion for optodes, the redundancy of the measurement was chosen. This quantity is easily computed from the Jacobian of the mathematical formulation of light propagation. The implemented algorithm starts with a feasible pool of optodes and searches a subset with minimum redundancy between the measurements in an iterative fashion. Further author information: (Send correspondence to Manuel Freiberger) Manuel Freiberger: E-mail: manuel.freiberger@tugraz.at Christian Clason: E-mail: christian.clason@uni-graz.at Hermann Scharfetter: E-mail: hermann.scharfetter@tugraz.at The algorithm allows to bias the design in order to favor reconstruction results in an a-priori given region. Two different variations of the algorithm were implemented: one based on geometric averaging and on arithmetic averaging. Both deliver similar optimal optode configurations. The arithmetic averaging shows a slightly better condition number of the sensitivity matrix while the geometric averaging approach corresponds better with entropy optimization from a mathematical point of view. We present optimal illumination and detector patterns for an initial set of 48 source and 48 detector optodes placed in a regular grid on a cylinder with focusing on different regions. Further, examples for the attenuation of fluorophore signals from regions outside the focus are given.
Primary outcome indices in illicit drug dependence treatment research: systematic approach to selection and measurement of drug use end-points in clinical trials.

AIMS Clinical trials test the safety and efficacy of behavioral and pharmacological interventions in drug-dependent individuals. However, there is no consensus about the most appropriate outcome(s) to consider in determining treatment efficacy or on the most appropriate methods for assessing selected outcome(s). We summarize the discussion and recommendations of treatment and research experts, convened by the US National Institute on Drug Abuse, to select appropriate primary outcomes for drug dependence treatment clinical trials, and in particular the feasibility of selecting a common outcome to be included in all or most trials. METHODS A brief history of outcomes employed in prior drug dependence treatment research, incorporating perspectives from tobacco and alcohol research, is included. The relative merits and limitations of focusing on drug-taking behavior, as measured by self-report and qualitative or quantitative biological markers, are evaluated. RESULTS Drug-taking behavior, measured ideally by a combination of self-report and biological indicators, is seen as the most appropriate proximal primary outcome in drug dependence treatment clinical trials. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that the most appropriate outcome will vary as a function of salient variables inherent in the clinical trial, such as the type of intervention, its target, treatment goals (e.g. abstinence or reduction of use) and the perspective being taken (e.g. researcher, clinical program, patient, society). It is recommended that a decision process, based on such trial variables, be developed to guide the selection of primary and secondary outcomes as well as the methods to assess them.
Determination of monaural sensitivity changes due to the pinna by use of minimum-audible-field measurements in the lateral vertical plane.

Monaural minimum‐audible‐field (MAF) measurements were taken for five subjects at seven angles of source elevation, φ (−60°? φ? +60°), in the lateral vertical plane containing the interaural axis. These measurements were made by automated ’’method of limits’’ threshold determinations, using narrow‐band random noise (center frequencies from 4 to 16 kHz), emitted from a special ’’point’’ source. A method was devised for extracting from the MAF data, functions which display the elevation‐dependent changes in sensitivity, primarily caused by the pinna. Most of these derived functions contain a narrow response dip, whose minimum increases in frequency from ∠6.5 kHz monotonically to ∠14 kHz, with increasing source elevation. For corresponding elevations there are many intersubject similarities in these derived response functions and also strong agreement with known data regarding the pinna’s acoustic response. The percept of source elevation is hypothesized to be based upon the detection of the relative absence .
Minimum error rate training for phrasing in speech synthesis

Phrase break prediction models in speech synthesis are classifiers that predict whether or not each word boundary is a prosodic break. These classifiers are generally trained to optimize the likelihood of prediction, and their performance is evaluated in terms of classification accuracy. We propose a minimum error rate training method for phrase break prediction. We combine multiple phrasing models into a log-linear framework and optimize the system directly to the quality of break prediction, as measured by the F-measure. We show that this method significantly improves our phrasing models. We also show how this framework allows us to design a knob that can be tweaked to increase or decrease the number of phrase breaks at synthesis time.
β-HydroxyethyIperoxyl Radicals: A Study of the γ-Radiolysis and Pulse Radiolysis of Ethylene in Oxygenated Aqueous Solutions

Hydroxyl radicals (and H atoms) generated in the radiolysis of N2O-containing water add to ethylene forming β-hydroxyethyl radicals (and ethyl radicals). In the presence of oxygen these are converted into the corresponding peroxyl radicals which decay bimolecularly (2k = 2 x 108 M-1s-1) as measured by pulse radiolysis. The major products (G values in brackets) are glycolaldehyde (3.3). formaldehyde (1.6), ethylene glycol (0.8), acetaldehyde (0.5). organic peroxidic material (0.5). and hydrogen peroxide (2.4) (dose rate 0.26 Gy s-1, pH 5.6). A material balance has been obtained with respect to the primary water radicals (6.0) and oxygen uptake (4.8). The products and their yields can be accounted for if in the rate determining step atetroxide is formed which decomposes via three major pathways leading to: (i) H2O2 and two molecules of glycolaldehyde (ca. 45%), (ii) O2, glycolaldehyde and ethylene glycol (ca. 30%). and (iii) O2. two molecules of formaldehyde and two CH2OH radicals (ca. 15%). A 1,2-H shift of intermediate oxyl radicals is unimportant in this system.
Symptomatic outcome in schizophrenia.

A total of 132 schizophrenic patients, treated on six inpatient units and discharged to the community, were interviewed two to three years postdischarge. Virtually no patients were symptom free. Only five were healthy on neurotic and psychotic indexes. Approximately one quarter of the entire sample had considerable symptoms of psychosis. Social class was most strongly related to symptomatic outcome. High social class was associated with better symptomatic outcome (particularly psychotic symptoms). Neurotic symptomatology was influenced by race. Psychotic symptomatology was also influenced by length of time in treatment and in drug therapy. Overall symptomatology and psychotic and neurotic factors were independent of marital status and other described predictive items, including age at onset, precipitating factors, family members ever in treatment, and depression and confusion during the index episode.
Motion Tracking of Local Myocardial Tissue Using a DP+E Tracking Method on M-mode Echocardiograms

We propose a new methodology for motion tracking of local myocardial tissue on M-mode echocardiograms. This methodology is applicable to the quantitative assessment of myocardial performance in clinics. The M-mode echo cardiogram is widely used in clinics to measure diagnostic indexes like thickening and thinning of myocardial muscle layers. To measure such indexes, doctors are required to track myocardial motion manually, however the tracking of myocardial motion by hand is tedious and time-consuming process. Our proposed method is able to tracking the myocardial motion on M-mode echocardiograms automatically by employing DP-based optimization. In this report we present the proposed method.
[Universal health coverage and accomplishment of secondary prevention goals among patients with acute myocardial infarction].

BACKGROUND In 2005, acute myocardial infarction (AMI) was included in a universal health plan (GES) to reduce inequity in care and optimize its diagnosis and treatment. AIM To evaluate the effect of GES in risk factor control and therapeutic management among patients with AMI. MATERIAL AND METHODS A survey was conducted in 2008-2009 in six public hospitals. Patients were identified from a hospital based registry of AMI and evaluated one year later with laboratory tests and an interview. RESULTS The registry enrolled 534 patients with ST and non ST segment elevation myocardial infarction. Of these, 416 patients aged 63 ± 12 years (25% women) were evaluated one year later. Eighty three percent were evaluated by a cardiologist and 37% by a general practitioner. Twenty two percent were evaluated by a nurse and 22% by a nutritionist. At the moment of the interview, 9% smoked, 78% were overweight or obese, 24% performed moderate or vigorous physical activity ≥ 150 min/week, 60% had systolic pressure > 130 mmHg and 63% a diastolic pressure > 80 mmHg. In 30%, LDL cholesterol was > 100 mg/dl and in 43%, triglycerides were > 150 mm/dl. Twenty two percent were diabetic and among them, 52% had a glycosylated hemoglobin > 7%. Forty five percent of non-diabetic patients had a fasting glucose > 100 mg/dl. Ninety three percent were in treatment with aspirin, 86% with statins, 66% with b-blockers, and 73% with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers and 20% with clopidogrel. CONCLUSIONS Despite the high proportion of patients in treatment with evidence-based therapy, many do not achieve the targets for risk factor control with the new health care model.
Successful treatment of central venous catheter induced superior vena cava syndrome with ultrasound accelerated catheter‐directed thrombolysis

Superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome results from obstruction of flow through the vessel either by external compression or thrombosis. External compression by intrathoracic neoplasms is the most common etiology, especially lung cancer and lymphoma. Thrombosis is becoming increasingly common due to the use of indwelling catheters and implantable central venous access devices. Most patients are unresponsive to anticoagulation alone which appears to be effective only in the mildest cases. However, recent advances in catheter‐based interventions have led to the development of a variety of minimally invasive endovascular strategies to remove venous thrombus and accepted as an important first‐line treatment given its high overall success rate and low morbidity as compared with medical and surgical treatments. Ultrasound accelerated catheter‐directed thrombolysis (UACDT) has been developed to rapidly and completely resolve the existing thrombus. This technique integrates high frequency, low intensity ultrasound (US) with standard CDT in order to accelerate clot dissolution, reducing treatment time and the incidence of thrombolysis‐related complications. An US wave enhances drug permeation through thrombus by disaggregating the fibrin matrix, exposing additional plasminogen receptor sites to the thrombolytic agent. The US energy affects thrombus in the entire venous segment, increasing the probability of complete thrombus clearing. We report the case of a 56‐year‐old man who presented with a 5 days history of SVC syndrome symptoms who had been receiving chemotherapy for colon cancer through a right subclavian vein port catheter. The patient successfully treated with UACDT with EkoSonic® Mach4e Endovascular device with an overnight infusion. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Role of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor in the protective action of N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate in the apoptotic death of cerebellar granule neurons induced by low potassium

Several neurotrophic factors, including brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and neurotransmitters, such as glutamate, may influence neuronal apoptotic death. Rat cerebellar granule neurons (CGN) cultured in low potassium (5 or 10 mM KCl) for more than 5 days in vitro (DIV) die apoptotically. These cells survive in the presence of high potassium (25 mM KCl, K25) or N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA), an agonist of glutamatergic receptors. CGN transferred from high to low potassium die apoptotically. Here, we characterized the effect of BDNF and NMDA on the apoptotic death induced by low potassium in CGN. Cell death of CGN by culturing in low potassium for 6 DIV was inhibited by BDNF and NMDA. When CGN were cultured in K25 and transferred to a low‐potassium medium, 65% of neurons died after 48 hr. Under these conditions, BDNF, NMDA, or BDNF + NMDA increased CGN survival. Both BDNF and NMDA decreased caspase‐9 activity and mRNA caspase‐3 levels and activity induced by low potassium. CGN survival induced by BDNF is mediated by TrkB activation, whereas that induced by NMDA is mediated by NMDA receptor and TrkB activation. NMDA, but not BDNF, raised [Ca2+]i, which was reduced by low‐potassium treatment. These results suggest that NMDA receptor stimulation induces CGN survival through the influx of extracellular Ca2+ that may evoke the release of BDNF and the activation of TrkB. Complementary mechanisms induced by depolarization and changes in Ca2+ levels would also contribute to the neuroprotection exerted by NMDA and potassium. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Proteomic and transcriptomic characterization of interferon‐α‐induced human primary T helper cells

Interferon‐α (IFN‐α) is a multifunctional cytokine that modulates immune response. In spite of the numerous comprehensive studies on the effects of IFN‐α on various cell types, novel characteristics of this versatile agent emerge continuously. In the present study a differential proteomic approach was used to identify new IFN‐α‐regulated proteins in human primary CD4+ T cells. Two IFN‐α‐inducible proteins, soluble N‐ethylmaleimide‐sensitive factor attachment protein &α; (&α;‐SNAP) and cleavage stimulation factor‐64 (CstF‐64) previously not described in this context, were identified. Additionally, several proteins already known as IFN‐stimulated genes were observed. The results of proteomics experiments were further studied at the mRNA level using real‐time reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). Both peripheral blood and cord blood CD4+ T cells were used in order to see if there are differences in IFN‐α response between these populations. Differences were observed between the IFN‐α‐induced expression kinetics in peripheral blood and cord blood transcripts. The induction was more rapid in peripheral blood than in cord blood cells. CstF‐64 expression was upregulated by IFN‐α at the protein, but not at the mRNA level.