Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Least squares state estimator based sliding mode control of a very lightweight single-link flexible robot arm

A sliding mode controller and an algebraic state estimator are applied to an uncertain single-link flexible robot arm. This paper exploits and explores the synergy of these two techniques in the context of the regulator problem. The following uncertain parameters are considered in this work: mass, the viscous friction coefficient and the Coulomb friction coefficient. In consequence, the corresponding uncertain model has both matched and unmatched uncertainties. The sliding mode control design methodology applied is the so-called unit vector approach. The algebraic state estimator is based on a polynomial of degree n to estimate the unmeasured states. Computer simulations were carried out to validate the suitability of the proposed approach.
Data Distribution Strategy Research on One Self-Managing Storage System

In this paper we describe Evolutionary Storage System, a Self-Managing Storage System that could adjust its storage strategy automatically according to the current running environment. In the evolutionary processes, ESS could automatically choose one system organizing strategy which fits for the current running environment best, to keep the dynamic balance of the whole storage system. One of the three evolutionary ways is data distribution evolutionary, the data distribution strategy considers both the application data accessing frequency and physical disk performance, and adjust the data distribution automatically to optimize the storage system read/write performance.We have constructed a simulation model to demonstrate how the system performance could be improved by applying the data distribution strategy.
Distinctive humoral immune responses following anterior chamber and intravenous administration of soluble antigen. Evidence for active suppression of IgG2-secreting B lymphocytes.

Inoculation of soluble antigen into the anterior chamber (AC) of the eyes of mice and rats induces a distinctive form of immune deviation known as anterior chamber-associated immune deviation (ACAID). Similarly, intravenous injections of soluble antigen induce immune deviation. In both instances, a selective impairment of delayed hypersensitivity (DH) is observed, whereas humoral immunity is said to be preserved. Recently, we noted that radiolabelled bovine serum albumin (BSA) was not eliminated in an immune fashion from the blood of animals pretreated with this antigen via AC and intravenous (i.v.) routes of inoculation. This was puzzling because the sera of these animals contained easily measurable anti-BSA antibodies. We have examined the characteristics of the anti-BSA humoral responses of mice following i.v. and AC inoculation of BSA in order to understand the reason for the lack of immune elimination. The results indicate that AC and i.v. recipients fail to eliminate antigen in an immune fashion because they produce insufficient amounts of complement-fixing (IgG2) antibodies, even though the other isotypes of immunoglobulins are well represented in the humoral anti-BSA response. The pattern of antibody isotype production, especially after boosting with BSA in complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA), implies that activation of IgG2-secreting, BSA-specific B cells is suppressed. Evidence is presented demonstrating this suppression to be antigen-specific and mediated by CD8+ T lymphocytes. These data are compatible with the hypothesis that interleukin-4 (IL-4)-secreting T helper (Th) cells are selectively activated in ACAID, whereas interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma)IL-2-secreting Th cells are actively suppressed.
Retroperitoneal and lateral pelvic lymphadenectomy mapped by lymphoscintigraphy for rectal adenocarcinoma staging.

BACKGROUND The good prognosis of retroperitoneal and lateral pelvic lymphadenectomy has raised the question of whether total mesorectal excision is suitable for adequate staging of rectal adenocarcinoma patients. The aims of this study were to determine the accuracy of dye and probe detection of metastatic retroperitoneal and/or lateral pelvic nodes and to define the upstaging impact of retroperitoneal and lateral pelvic lymphadenectomy in rectal adenocarcinoma patients. METHODS Ninety-seven rectal adenocarcinoma patients were submitted to total mesorectal excision and retroperitoneal and lateral pelvic lymphadenectomy. Lymphoscintigraphy using technetium-99 m-phytate and patent blue was performed to detect blue and/or radioactive retroperitoneal and/or lateral pelvic nodes which were examined histopathologically and immunohistochemically with a step-sectioning technique. RESULTS Mesorectal mean node count was 11.5 and retroperitoneal and/or lateral pelvic node was 11.7. Retroperitoneal and lateral pelvic lymphadenectomy identified metastases in 17.5%, upstaging 8.2%. Variables related to metastatic retroperitoneal and/or lateral pelvic nodes were the following: Stage III in total mesorectal excision specimens (P < 0.04), pT3/pT4 tumors (P = 0.047), high levels of carcinoembryonic antigen (P = 0.014) and large tumors (P = 0.03). Marker migration to retroperitoneal and/or lateral pelvic nodes occurred in 37.1%, upstaging 11.1%. The markers' accuracy in the detection of metastatic retroperitoneal and/or lateral pelvic nodes was 100%. CONCLUSIONS Retroperitoneal and lateral pelvic lymphadenectomy detected an important rate of metastatic retroperitoneal and/or lateral pelvic nodes (RLPN), resulting in upstaging. When markers migrated, they were able to detect RLPN metastases. The use of markers should be improved in the identification of RLPN metastases for selective indication of retroperitoneal and lateral pelvic lymphadenectomy.
An in vitro study on the effect of synthesized tin(IV) complexes on glioblastoma, colorectal, and skin cancer cell lines

(E)-2-(2-hydroxybenzylideneamino)phenolato-2,2-diphenyl-6-aza-1,3-dioxa-2-stanna-[d,h]dibenzocyclononene, [Sn(Ph2SB)] (compound 1, where Ph2SB=(E)2-(2-hydroxybenzylideneamino)phenolato Schiff base) and two novel compounds, [[SnPh2(F-azoSB)] (compound 2, where F-azoSB=4-((E)-(4-fluorophenyl) diazenyl)-2-((E)-(2-hydroxyphenylimino)methyl)phenolato Schiff base), [[SnPh2(sulf-azoSB)]0.125CHCl3 (compound 3, where sulfamerazineazosalSB=4-((E)(4-hydroxy-3-((E)-(2-hydroxyphenylimino)methyl)phenyl)diazenyl)-N-(4-methylpyrimidin-2-yl) benzenesulfonamide Schiff base), and the control compound, cisplatin (compound 4) were analysed to comparatively determine their effect on cancer cell growth. Anti-cancer properties of compounds 1-4 were examined using glioblastoma (U-1242 MG), colorectal (HT-29 and HCT-116), and skin (A431) human cancer cell lines. With regards to human glioblastoma cells, compounds 1 and 3 demonstrated anti-proliferative capacity in the cell line tested. Specifically, compounds 1 and 3 inhibited cell proliferation by 50% at concentrations between 10 and 50 μM. With respect to colon cancer cell lines, the IC50 values for compounds 1-3 ranged from 3.04 ± 0.98 to 104.51 ± 13.87 μM. In the case of HCT-116, this translates to a 3to 73-fold inhibitory effect of compounds 1-3 over cisplatin. In all cell lines tested, the chemo-effect was more pronounced with compounds 1-3 than with the control (compound 4); demonstrating that these azo-containing Sn(IV) complexes were more potent than compound 4. The overall effect of compounds 1-3 in the induction of appotosis and the inhibition of proliferation have defined an essential role for these compounds in chemotherapy. Correspondence to: Alvin A Holder, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Old Dominion University, 4541 Hampton Boulevard, Norfolk, VA 23529, USA, Tel: 757-683-7102, Fax: 757-683-4628, E-mail: aholder@odu.edu
Cyclic Nucleotide Phosphodiesterase PDE1C1 in Human Cardiac Myocytes*

Isoforms in the PDE1 family of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases were recently found to comprise a significant portion of the cGMP-inhibited cAMP hydrolytic activity in human hearts. We examined the expression of PDE1 isoforms in human myocardium, characterized their catalytic activity, and quantified their contribution to cAMP hydrolytic and cGMP hydrolytic activity in subcellular fractions of this tissue. Western blotting with isoform-selective anti-PDE1 monoclonal antibodies showed PDE1C1 to be the principal isoform expressed in human myocardium. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that PDE1C1 is distributed along the Z-lines and M-lines of cardiac myocytes in a striated pattern that differs from that of the other major dual-specificity cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase in human myocardium, PDE3A. Most of the PDE1C1 activity was recovered in soluble fractions of human myocardium. It binds both cAMP and cGMP with Km values of ∼1 μm and hydrolyzes both substrates with similar catalytic rates. PDE1C1 activity in subcellular fractions was quantified using a new PDE1-selective inhibitor, IC295. At substrate concentrations of 0.1 μm, PDE1C1 constitutes the great majority of cAMP hydrolytic and cGMP hydrolytic activity in soluble fractions and the majority of cGMP hydrolytic activity in microsomal fractions, whereas PDE3 constitutes the majority of cAMP hydrolytic activity in microsomal fractions. These results indicate that PDE1C1 is expressed at high levels in human cardiac myocytes with an intracellular distribution distinct from that of PDE3A and that it may have a role in the integration of cGMP-, cAMP- and Ca2+-mediated signaling in these cells.
Effects of meal temperature and volume on the emptying of liquid from the human stomach.

1. The effects of meal temperature and volume on the emptying of liquid meals have been studied in eight normal volunteers. Four drinks were investigated: (i) 200 ml, 12 degrees C, (ii) 200 ml, 37 degrees C, (iii) 500 ml, 12 degrees C, (iv) 500 ml, 37 degrees C. Gastric emptying was measured by real‐time ultrasound. 2. After an initial rapid phase of emptying, measured by the volume retained in the stomach at 5 min, emptying was mono‐exponential and measured as a half‐life. 3. The 5 min gastric volume was significantly reduced by giving a cold drink of 500 ml (12 degrees C: 250 +/‐ 33.1 ml. 37 degrees C: 307 +/‐ 25.8 ml, P less than 0.05). Temperature had no significant effect on the subsequent half‐life of emptying. 4. The half‐life was longer for meals of larger volume; at 37 degrees C this was statistically significant: 200 ml: t 1/2 7.6 +/‐ 2.1 min; 500 ml: t 1/2 15.3 +/‐ 2.8 min; P less than 0.01. 5. There was a significant positive correlation between the 5 min volume and the subsequent half‐life of emptying for all meals except 200 ml at 12 degrees C, suggesting that resting gastric muscle tone affects both phases of gastric emptying. 6. Significant correlations within subjects for 5 min volume measurements for meals of different volume and temperature and half‐lives of meals at 37 degrees C suggests that individuals have their own characteristics of gastric emptying for liquid meals.
Structural Organization and Chromosomal Localization of Three Human Galanin Receptor Genes

Abstract: Human galanin receptor subtypes GALR1, GALR2, and GALR3 are encoded by separate genes that are located on human chromosomes 18q23, 17q25.3, and 22q13.1, respectively. The exon:intron organization of the gene encoding GALR2 (GALNR2) and GALR3 (GALNR3) is conserved, with exon 1 encoding the NH2‐terminus to the end of transmembrane domain 3 and exon 2 encoding the remainder of the receptor, from the second intracellular loop to the COOH‐terminus. This conservation of structural organization is indicative of a common evolutionary origin for GALNR2 and GALNR3. The exon:intron organization of the gene encoding GALR1 (GALNR1) is different from that of GALNR2 and GALNR3, with exon 1 encoding the NH2‐terminus to the end of transmembrane domain 5, exon 2 encoding the third intracellular loop, and exon 3 encoding the remainder of the receptor, from transmembrane domain 6 to the COOH‐terminus. The structural organization of GALNR1 suggests convergent evolution for this gene and represents a structural organization that is unique among genes encoding G‐protein‐coupled receptors.
Characterization of Single-Photon Avalanche Diode arrays in 150nm CMOS technology

In this paper, a summary of characterization results from a SPAD test chip is reported. The chip includes test arrays based on two different SPAD structures, having p+/n-well and p-well/n-iso active area. Devices with different shapes and sizes as well as arrays dedicated to cross-talk extraction are present. Measurement results show that SPADs of the second type have a slightly lower Dark Count Rate. The peak Photon Detection Probability (PDP) is larger than 20% at 3V excess bias voltage for both structures. The average cross-talk probability between neighbors in SPAD arrays with 15. 6μm pitch and 40% fill factor is less than 0.6% at 3V excess bias voltage for the first structure, while it is around 2.3% for the second one.
A random subspace method that uses different instead of similar models for regression and classification problems

Even though many ensemble techniques have been proposed, there is no clear picture of which method is best. In this study, we propose a technique that uses different subsets of the same feature set with the concurrent usage of a voting (for classification problems) or averaging methodology (for regression problems) for combining different learners instead of similar learners. We performed a comparison of the proposed ensemble with other well-known ensembles that use the same base learners and the proposed technique had better accuracy in most cases.
Some prioritized aggregating operators with linguistic information and their application to multiple attribute group decision making

In this paper, we investigate the linguistic multiple attribute group decision making MADM problems in which the attributes and experts are in different priority level. Motivated by the ideal of prioritized aggregation operators R.R. Yager, Prioritized aggregation operators, International Journal of Approximate Reasoning 482008 263-274. , we develop some prioritized aggregation operators for aggregating linguistic information, and then apply them to develop some models for linguistic multiple attribute group decision making MAGDM problems in which the attributes and experts are in different priority level. Finally, a practical example about talent introduction is given to verify the developed approach and to demonstrate its practicality and effectiveness.
Cerebral arteriovenous malformation: Spetzler-Martin classification at subsecond-temporal-resolution four-dimensional MR angiography compared with that at DSA.

PURPOSE To prospectively test the hypothesis that subsecond-temporal-resolution four-dimensional (4D) contrast material-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) angiography at 3.0 T enables the same Spetzler-Martin classification (nidus size, venous drainage, eloquence) of cerebral arteriovenous malformation (AVM) as that at digital subtraction angiography (DSA). MATERIALS AND METHODS Institutional ethics committee approval and written informed consent were obtained. In a prospective intraindividual comparative study, 18 consecutive patients with cerebral AVM (nine men, nine women; mean age, 41.9 years +/- 14.0 [standard deviation]; range, 23-69 years) were examined with 4D contrast-enhanced MR angiography and DSA. Four-dimensional contrast-enhanced MR angiography combined randomly segmented central k-space ordering, keyhole imaging, sensitivity encoding, and half-Fourier imaging, which yielded a total acceleration factor of 60. Fifty dynamic scans were obtained every 608 msec at an acquired spatial resolution of 1.1 x 1.4 x 1.1 mm. Four-dimensional contrast-enhanced MR angiograms were independently reviewed by one neuroradiologist and one neurosurgeon according to Spetzler-Martin classification, overall diagnostic quality, and level of confidence. Kendall W coefficients of concordance (K) were computed to compare reader assessment of image quality, level of confidence, and Spetzler-Martin classification by using 4D contrast-enhanced MR angiography and to compare Spetzler-Martin classification as determined with DSA with that at 4D contrast-enhanced MR angiography. RESULTS Spetzler-Martin classification of cerebral AVM at 4D contrast-enhanced MR angiography and at DSA matched in 18 of 18 patients for both readers, which yielded 100% interobserver agreement (K = 1). Image quality of 4D contrast-enhanced MR angiography was judged to be at least adequate for diagnosis in all patients by both readers. In three of 18 patients, DSA depicted additional arterial feeders of cerebral AVM. CONCLUSION Subsecond-temporal-resolution 4D contrast-enhanced MR angiography at 3.0 T had 100% agreement with DSA with regard to Spetzler-Martin classification of cerebral AVM. SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL radiology.rsnajnls. org/cgi/content/full/2453061684/DC1.
Content of Worry in the Community: What Do People With Generalized Anxiety Disorder or Other Disorders Worry About?

*Klinische Psychologie und Psychotherapie, Technische Universitat Dresden, Dresden, Germany; †Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University, New York, New York; and Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Basel, Switzerland. This study was supported by grant DLR 01EGV9410, Ministry of Science, Research and Education. Reprints: Dr. Becker, Chair of Clinical Psychology, Katholic University of Nijmegen, P.O. Box 9104, 6500 HE, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. Copyright © 2003 by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins DOI: 10.1097/01.nmd. 0000092198.20420. fc
Should we choose between problem-based learning and team-based learning? No, combine the best of both worlds!

Abstract Background: To meet changes in society and health care, medical curricula require continuous improvement. A relatively new development in medical education is team-based learning (TBL). In the previous century, problem-based learning (PBL) emerged as an exciting new method. Aims: What are the similarities and differences between PBL and TBL? How do both approaches fit with current design principles? How might PBL and TBL benefit from each other’s unique strengths? Methods: Analysis of the literature. Results: The overall similarities between PBL and TBL relate to the use of professionally relevant problems and small group learning, both fitting well with current instructional design principles. The main difference is that one teacher in TBL can run twenty or even more study teams, whereas in PBL each small group is run by one teacher. Conclusion: In this paper we advocate for a joining of forces. By combining elements of PBL and TBL, we could create varied instructional approaches that are in keeping with current instructional design principles, thereby combining the best of both worlds to optimize student learning.
Molecular evolution of 5′ flanking regions of 87 candidate genes for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease

Inter‐individual variation in quantitative traits as well as in disease susceptibility may be due to differences in the level and spatio‐temporal pattern of gene expression. An evolutionary model of genetic variation in cis‐regulatory regions may help identify loci of interest for the study of the genetic basis of complex diseases such as atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). We studied the molecular evolution of 87 candidate genes for ASCVD to detect signatures of selection in 5′ flanking regions. Resequenced data for these genes were available in 24 African‐Americans, 23 European‐Americans, and 1 chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes). Statistical tests of evolutionary neutrality (Tajima's D and Fay and Wu's H) were performed using coalescent simulations under a standard neutral model and a population structure model to differentiate selection from human demographic history. Evidence suggestive of selection was present in 5′ flanking regions of 15 genes. A modified McDonald‐Kreitman test was used to compare the ratio of putative functional and non‐functional sites between and within species in 5′ flanking regions. A significant excess or deficit of fixed changes over polymorphisms was noted in 16 genes. Of the 26 genes showing deviation from evolutionary neutrality based on the above two tests, 13 genes showed an unusual haplotype pattern in 5′ flanking regions, providing supportive evidence of selection. These results indicate that selection may play a role in establishing variation in 5′ flanking regions of a subset of candidate genes for ASCVD and motivate further studies of these loci in determining inter‐individual susceptibility to ASCVD. Genet. Epidemiol. 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Simple method to determine sincerity of effort during a maximal isometric test of grip strength.

The purpose of this study was to establish a simple method to determine the legitimacy of a maximal voluntary grip contraction (MVGC). To achieve this, 36 subjects were randomly assigned to either a sincere (S) or faker group (F) and asked without investigator knowledge to execute either a MVGC or 75% MVGC on a specially designed grip dynamometer. The dynamometer was attached to a load cell with analog output obtained from a strip chart recorder at 50 mm X sec. -1. The force curves were evaluated empirically and also analyzed according to the following components: rate of force application (SLP), peak force (PK), average force divided by peak force (DEV) and peak force divided by body weight (WTRATIO). Average values for S and F subjects respectively were; SLP 2217 vs 1642 n X s-1, PK 499 vs 387 n, and DEV 0.91 vs 0.72. When all variable were transformed to z-scores, summed for each subject and categorized by sum into upper and lower 50% groups by gender, 87.5% of the females (N = 16) and 80% of the males (N = 20) were correctly classified as S or F subjects. Based upon a discriminant analysis performed by gender, DEV was found to be the only significant predictor for females with DEV, SLP and WTRATIO being significant predictors for the males. It was concluded that S and F subjects can be determined from the results of a maximal isometric grip strength test based upon a simple configuration analysis of an isometric force curve.
SINR Outage Evaluation: Saddle Point Approximation Using Normal Inverse Gaussian Distribution

Signal-to-noise-plus-interference ratio (SINR) outage probability is among one of the key performance metrics of a wireless network. In this paper, we propose a semi-analytical method based on the saddle point approximation (SPA) technique to calculate the SINR outage of a wireless system whose SINR can be modeled in the form <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\left({\sum _{i=1}^{M} X_{i}}/ \left(1+\sum _{i=1}^{N} Y_{i}\right) \right)$ </tex-math></inline-formula> where <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$X_{i}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> denotes the useful signal power and <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$Y_{i}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> denotes the power of the interference signal. Both <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$M$ </tex-math></inline-formula> and <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$N$ </tex-math></inline-formula> can also be random variables. The proposed approach is based on the saddle point approximation to cumulative distribution function as given by <italic>Wood-Booth-Butler formula</italic>. The approach is applicable whenever the cumulant generating function of the received signal and interference exists, and it allows us to tackle distributions with large skewness and kurtosis with higher accuracy. In this paper, we exploit a four parameter <italic>normal-inverse Gaussian</italic> (NIG) distribution as a base distribution. Given that the skewness and kurtosis satisfy a specific condition, NIG-based SPA works reliably. When this condition is violated, we recommend SPA based on normal or symmetric NIG distribution, both special cases of NIG distribution, at the expense of reduced accuracy. For the purpose of demonstration, we apply SPA for the SINR outage evaluation of a typical user experiencing a downlink coordinated multi-point transmission from the base stations that are modeled by homogeneous Poisson point process. Numerical results are presented to illustrate the accuracy of the proposed set of approximations.