Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Design Issues on Robustness and Convergence of Iterative Learning Controller

Abstract In this paper, the following two important issues of iterative learning control are considered : i) the robustness to the initial error and ii) the convergence in the sense of sup-norm. The main theme of this paper is how to design an iterative learning controller in order to make the learning algorithm to be more robust to the initial error and/or guarantee the exponential convergence in the sense of the sup-norm. To this end, we restrict our attention to the PD-type learning law and study its properties about the two issues. The results show that the pure error term in PD-type learning law is closely related to the two issues. Based on the investigated properties of the PD-type learning law, a design guide-line is given for the selection of the learning gains.
Family and quality of life: key elements in intervention in children with cerebral palsy

Modern thinking about children’s health, as embodied in the framework of the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health – Child and Youth Version, requires that we be attentive to the ‘context’ of children’s lives, namely their families and the well‐being of their families. Family‐centred services provide both a guide to the ‘processes’ of service by service providers and measurable evidence‐based outcomes that link better ‘processes’ with better parental ‘outcomes’. This brief paper provides an overview of these topics, arguing that the themes we address in services, and the way we do that, can have important effects on families, and by extension, on their children.
Prediction of non-uniform sampling distortion due to substrate noise coupling in regenerative comparators

This paper analyses the sampling uncertainty in regenerative comparators due to substrate noise coupling and provides a model for the resulting sampling distortion power. The analysis identifies two contributors of the total sampling uncertainty: the input signal-dependent one and the substrate noise-related one. The two disturbances of the ideal operation of the sampling transistors cause a non-uniform sampling operation, whose properties depend on the frequencies of the disturbing signals. The non-uniform sampling introduces distortion components mainly at the harmonics of each interference signal, and other components located at frequencies related to the spectral content of the interference signals and the sampling frequency. The experimental results indicate that the developed model manages to capture accurately all the aforementioned distortion components in the presence of any input and any substrate noise signal, and therefore to predict the overall sampling distortion power.
Initial image selection in limited angle tomographic imaging

In limited angle tomographic imaging, artifacts arise due to missing data during the acquisition. To deal with this problem, iterative image reconstruction algorithms have been developed. In iterative reconstruction algorithms, the initial image guess which is often neglected is very crucial and plays an important role as it directly affects the convergence rate. This paper presents a comparison of three different initial images (zeroes image, average image, filtered back projected image) to observe their contribution to the convergence rate. Computer simulations are performed by using algebraic reconstruction technique with total variation, (ART + TV). Root means squared error (RMSE) of a specific layer of interest (LOI) of a 3D phantom is used to compare the impact of appropriate prior image selection. For a better visual observation, structure similarity (SSIM) parameters are also compared.
Relaxing to three dimensions.

We propose a new selection principle for distinguishing among possible vacua that we call the "relaxation principle. " The idea is that the Universe will naturally select among possible vacua through its cosmological evolution, and the configuration with the biggest filling fraction is the likeliest. We apply this idea to the question of the number of dimensions of space. We show that under conventional (but higher-dimensional) Friedmann-Robertson-Walker evolution, a universe filled with equal numbers of branes and antibranes will naturally come to be dominated by 3-branes and 7-branes. We show why this might explain the number of dimensions that are experienced in our visible Universe.
Cardiac Rehabilitation Barriers and Opportunities Among Women With Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiac rehabilitation is a key component of the comprehensive care of the 79.4 million adults in the United States with one or more forms of cardiovascular disease. Only a fraction of eligible candidates complete cardiac rehabilitation and women are at a significantly higher risk for underutilizing this safe and effective secondary prevention intervention. This article reviews the complex array of barriers to cardiac rehabilitation, with a focus on those factors that are unique to women. The Healthcare Utilization Model is used as a theoretical framework to categorize these barriers into environmental, physician, and patient level categories. These barriers, although challenging for both patients and healthcare professionals, provide opportunities for change. Actionable evidence-based recommendations for healthcare professionals include making changes in health policy, using proven performance improvement methodologies to increase referral and enrollment, using interdisciplinary models of communication, and enhancing cardiac rehabilitation program attributes reflective of women’s preferences and needs.
Automatic Detection of Surface Deformations by DInSAR

Due to the noise of various sources present in the interferograms and the differential interferograms, the detection of surface deformations by differential interferometry (DInSAR) is thereby a difficult and complicated task. However, the adoption of a visual inspection method for the measured results interpretation can lead to false interpretations, more often in the case of small deformations; that is due to the total dependence to the detection model conceiver. In this context, the work that we present is a contribution to the methods of surface deformation detection by DInSAR, the automatic process that we propose is based on a multi-scale analysis by the discrete wavelet transform. In order to establish this latter, we generated deformation signatures by simulating a surface subsidence and integrating them into pairs of ERS1 / ERS2 sensors images acquired in the region of Ouargla in Algeria.
A Genetical Study of Flower Form and Flower Color in PHLOX DRUMMONDII.

Page 190, line 20, insert semi-colon after the word "present". Page 195, figure 4 is inverted. Page 195, line 2 below the figure, for "Pholox" read "Phlox" . Page 211, line 9, for "magneta" read "magenta". Page 215, last 3 lines of first column, for "(AB)251.7" read "(AB)250.20" for "(AB)250.20
Output power of class E amplifier due to variation of switching frequency

In this paper, variation of output power of class E amplifier as a function of switching frequency is obtained in an analytical form. Class E amplifier is operated with varying switching frequency in order to keep Zero-Voltage Switching and Zero Voltage Slope Switching in varying load conditions. The output power of the class E amplifier operated at the designed switching frequency was obtained already. However, the output power outside designed switching frequency was not analyzed yet. In this paper, circuit behavior outside of designed condition is formulated in an analytical form and the output power outside designed switching frequency is obtained.
On the Interpersonal Dynamics of Sexuality

To date, theory and research on the interpersonal dynamics of sexuality is scarce. This is remarkable because people most often have sex in a relationship. To create more valid models of sexual functioning, it is important to go beyond the study of individual factors and take into account relational and contextual variables, which may act as risk and protective factors for developing, maintaining, and exacerbating sexual problems. This article describes theoretical ideas on how sexuality and relationships can be linked through motivation and emotion regulation. First, the sexual system is conceptualized as an emotion regulation device that involves a dynamic interplay between cognitive, affective, and motivational responses. Then, it is illustrated how partner variables, relationship processes, and sociorelational context may interact with these different responses and eventually shape how sexual emotions are generated and regulated. The author continues with explaining the implications of such emotion-motivational perspective for studying determinants of sexual responding, the role of coregulation in tuning sexual responses in the couple, and the interrelation between the sexual and relational goals of both partners. Linking sexual and nonsexual aspects of relationships and including data of both couple members is necessary for a clearer insight into the nature of sexual dysfunctions.
THE DEVELOPMENT OF FIBROBLAST COLONIES IN MONOLAYER CULTURES OF GUINEA‐PIG BONE MARROW AND SPLEEN CELLS

In monolayer cultures of guinea‐pig bone marrow and spleen the development of discrete fibroblast colonies takes place on days 9–12. The linear increase in the number of colonies with increasing numbers of explanted cells and the distribution of male and female cells in mixed cultures support the view that fibroblast colonies are clones. The concentration of colony‐forming cells in bone marrow and spleen is approximately 10‐5. Bone marrow culture (but not spleen culture) fibroblasts are capable of spontaneous bone formation in diffusion chambers. Fibroblasts from both bone marrow and spleen cultures are inducible to osteogenesis in diffusion chambers in the presence of transitional epithelium.
Varieties of calcium-activated potassium channels.

The first demonstration that internal calcium is able to regulate potassium flux across membranes was given by Gardos (19) in red blood cells. A more direct approach to this problem was taken by Meech & Strumwasser (51), who observed that a microinjection of calcium was able to hyperpolarize the cell membrane of an Aplysia neuron. This response is accompanied by an increase in membrane conductance, and its reversal potential is a function of the external potassium concentration (49). On the basis of these results, a Ca2+­ activated K+ conductance, GK(Ca), was postulated, and Meech (50) suggested that the main role of these channels probably is to link cell metabolism to membrane conductance. Since these seminal observations were made, studies using the patch-clamp (60) and reconstitution techniques (53) have demon­ strated that intracellular calcium activates several different K+ channels (for reviews see 11, 34, 37, 65). Channel conductance, calcium sensitivity, voltage dependence, and pharmacological properties have been used to distin­ guish between the different channels of this family. Channel conductance ranges from a few to several hundred picosiemens (pS) consequently, at­ tempts have been made to group K(Ca) channels according to their con­ ductance (11, 36). They have been called small potassium (SK; 10, 11) and
Peripheral Nervous System Myelin and Schwann Cell Glycoproteins: Identification by Lectin Binding and Partial Purification of a Peripheral Nervous System Myelin‐Specific 170,000 Molecular Weight Glycoprotein

Abstract: Radioiodinated lectins were used to detect glycoproteins of peripheral nervous system (PNS) myelin (rat, human, bovine) and cultured rat Schwann cells. Proteins were resolved by sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide slab gel electrophoresis and transferred to nitrocellulose filters. The filters were overlaid with radioiodinated lectins of known saccharide affinities. These included concanavalin A, Helix pomatia, Limulus polyphemus, Madura pomifera, peanut, soybean, Ulex europaeus, and wheat germ agglutinins. Inclusion of the appropriate monosaccharide in the overlay solution (0.2M) inhibited lectin binding to the nitrocellulose‐fixed proteins. Fluorography permitted identification of 26 myelin glycoproteins and many more in Schwann cells. All lectins labeled a band present in myelin, but not Schwann cells, corresponding to the major PNS myelin protein, P0. Our attention focused on a high‐molecular‐weight myelin glycoprotein [apparent molecular weight (Mr) 170,000], which appeared abundant by Coomassie Blue staining and which was heavily labeled by all lectins except concanavalin A. A protein with approximately this Mrand lectinbinding pattern was present in human and bovine PNS myelin as well, but not detected in rat Schwann cells, CNS myelin, liver and fibroblast homogenates, or cultured bovine oligodendroglia. Hence this 170,000 Mr glycoprotein is apparently unique to PNS myelin.
Complex Formation among the RNA Export Proteins Nup98, Rae1/Gle2, and TAP*

Most nucleocytoplasmic traffic through the nuclear pore complex is mediated by soluble receptors of the importin/exportin or karyopherin family. mRNA export is unique in that no receptor of this family has been implicated in trafficking of the bulk of mRNAs. Instead, many diverse proteins have been linked to mRNA export, but an all-encompassing model remains elusive. Understanding how these proteins interact with each other is central to the development of such a model. Here, we have focused on the interactions between three proteins implicated in mRNA export, Nup98, Rae1/Gle2, and TAP. We have defined the binary complexes that form among these proteins. We find that Gle2 requires two sites within TAP for stable interaction. Strikingly, rather than a general affinity for all nucleoporin FG repeats, TAP has highest affinity for a specific region within the GLFG domain of Nup98, indicating that not all repeats are identical in function. We have established that the ternary complex can form through simultaneous binding of both Gle2 and TAP to adjacent sites on Nup98. In contrast, Nup98 competes with TAP for Gle2 binding; when bound to Nup98, Gle2 no longer interacts directly with TAP. From these interactions, we propose that Gle2 may act to deliver TAP to Nup98 and that this may represent the first in a series of interactions between an export complex and a nucleoporin.
Multiple scale structure of non wetting fluid invasion fronts in 3D model porous media

We report experimental measurements on the structure of invasion fronts obtained by slow vertical injection of liquid, non wetting, Wood metal into non consolidated crushed glass. The geometry of plane cuts of the invasion front both parallel and perpendicular to the flow direction is analysed. The structure of perpendicular cuts is self similar in a length scale range of 1 to 20 with a fractal dimension 1.65. Saturation profiles measured from parallel cuts are in qualitative agreement with invasion percolation models. Possible theoretical predictions for the geometry of horizontal cuts are discussed Mesures de la structure de fronts d'invasion obtenus par une injection verticale lente de metal de Wood non mouillant dans un massif de verre pile non consolide. On analyse la geometrie de coupes du front d'invasion perpendiculaires et paralleles a la direction d'ecoulement. Comparaison des profils des coupes paralleles avec les modeles de percolation
Discrete-time reset control applied to networked control systems

Reset compensators have shown to have advantages over LTI compensators, specially when used in control loops with time-delays. In this work, it is is investigated for the first time the potentials of reset control in networked control systems. To this end, it will be defined a discrete time reset control system, and conditions for stability of a networked reset control system will be given.
HOXB13 as an immunohistochemical marker of prostatic origin in metastatic tumors

HOBX13 is a transcription factor expressed in the normal prostatic glands and overexpressed in prostate cancer. Recent studies suggested that HOXB13 represents a prostate‐specific marker in the differential diagnosis between prostatic and urothelial carcinoma. The aim of this study was to analyze and compare the diagnostic value of HOXB13 and prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) immunoexpression for the detection of prostatic origin in metastatic tumours. PSA and HOXB13 immunohistochemical expression was assessed in 50 metastatic tumors, including 15 metastases from prostatic adenocarcinoma, 11 from lung adenocarcinoma, 12 from urinary bladder urothelial carcinoma, 11 from colorectal carcinoma, and in 1 from hepatocellular carcinoma. Strong staining for HOXB13 was observed in >75% of neoplastic cells in 15/15 (100%) metastases from prostate cancer. Weak staining in <25% of cells was found in 2/12 (17%) metastases from urothelial carcinoma. PSA immunostaining was detected only in 8 (53%) cases of prostatic origin. The sensitivity and specificity for metastatic prostate cancer were 100% and 94% for HOXB13 and 53% and 100% for PSA. Due to its high sensitivity and specificity, HOXB13 may be included in the pool of prostate‐specific markers in metastases showing absent or weak staining for PSA before excluding prostatic derivation.
Iron Deprivation Induces Transcriptional Regulation of Mitochondrial Biogenesis*

Mitochondria are essential organelles that adapt to stress and environmental changes. Among the nutrient signals that affect mitochondrial form and function is iron, whose depletion initiates a rapid and reversible decrease in mitochondrial biogenesis through unclear means. Here we demonstrate that, unlike the canonical iron-induced alterations to transcript stability, loss of iron dampens the transcription of genes encoding mitochondrial proteins with no change to transcript half-life. Using mass spectrometry, we demonstrate that these transcriptional changes are accompanied by dynamic alterations to histone acetylation and methylation levels that are largely reversible upon readministration of iron. Moreover, histone deacetylase inhibition abrogates the decreased histone acetylation observed upon iron deprivation and restores normal transcript levels at genes encoding mitochondrial proteins. Collectively, we demonstrate that deprivation of an essential nutrient induces transcriptional repression of organellar biogenesis involving epigenetic alterations.
Effects of the type of embolization particles on carboplatin concentration in liver tumors after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization in a rabbit model of liver cancer.

PURPOSE To study the effect of particle type used during transarterial hepatic chemoembolization (TACE) on carboplatin concentration after TACE in an animal model of liver cancer (VX2) and to determine the concentration of carboplatin within tumor, liver, and plasma. MATERIALS AND METHODS The VX2 tumors were grown in the livers of 23 rabbits. Carboplatin (5 mg/kg) was selected because of its known potency against VX2 tumor. Group 1 was treated with TACE with tris-acryl gelatin microspheres (100-300 microm), group 2 was treated with TACE with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA; 150-250 microm), group 3 (control) was treated with intraarterial saline solution, and group 4 (pharmacokinetic) was treated with intraarterial carboplatin. Animals were killed after 48 hours, and concentrations of carboplatin were measured by atomic absorption spectroscopy from samples of blood and liver (central and peripheral zones of tumor and nontumorous liver tissue). RESULTS In group 1 (tris-acryl gelatin microspheres) and group 2 (PVA), the mean carboplatin concentrations were 117 microg/g and 31.8 microg/g, respectively, within the central zone of the tumor and 38.5 mug/g versus 7.9 microg/g, respectively, in the peripheral zone. No carboplatin was detected in nontumorous liver tissue and plasma concentrations were low in both treated groups (<0.079 microg/mL). CONCLUSIONS Carboplatin concentration was significantly greater (by a factor of two to four) within the central zone of the tumor compared with the peripheral zone in both treated groups. The overall tumor carboplatin concentrations were significantly greater in the tris-acryl gelatin microsphere group than in the PVA group (P < .001), which could translate into greater potency and tumor kill. Administration of tris-acryl gelatin microspheres may be clinically advantageous during TACE, as it contributed to greater delivery of chemotherapy to tumor in the present study.
Does better throughput require worse latency?

Let throughput denote the amount of application-level work performed in unit time, normalized to the amount of work that would be accomplished with perfect linear scaling. Let latency denote the mean time required for a thread on one core to observe a change effected by a thread on another core, normalized to the best latency possible for the given platform. Might it be true that algorithms that improve application-level throughput worsen inter-core application-level latency? As techniques for improving performance have evolved from mutex-and-locks to race-and-repair, each seems to have offered more throughput at the expense of increased latency.
Sequence analysis of the Xestia c-nigrum granulovirus genome.

The nucleotide sequence of the Xestia c-nigrum granulovirus (XcGV) genome was determined and found to comprise 178,733 bases with a G+C content of 40.7%. It contained 181 putative genes of 150 nucleotides or greater that showed minimal overlap. Eighty-four of these putative genes, which collectively accounted for 43% of the genome, are homologs of genes previously identified in the Autographa californica multinucleocapsid nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV) genome. These homologs showed on average 33% amino acid sequence identity to those from AcMNPV. Several genes reported to have major roles in AcMNPV biology including ie-2, gp64, and egt were not found in the XcGV genome. However, open reading frames with homology to DNA ligase, two DNA helicases (one similar to a yeast mitochondrial helicase and the other to a putative AcMNPV helicase), and four enhancins (virus enhancing factors) were found. In addition, several ORFs are repeated; there are 7 genes related to AcMNPV orf2, 4 genes related to AcMNPV orf145/150, and a number of repeated genes unique to XcGV. Eight major repeated sequences (XcGV hrs) that are similar to sequences found in the Trichoplusia ni GV genome (TnGV) were found.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease : a novel risk factor for cardiovascular disease 1

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in Canada and elsewhere. It affects 5% of all adult Canadians and is the fourth leading cause of death. Interestingly, the leading causes of hospitalizations and mortality among COPD patients are cardiovascular events. In the Lung Health Study, over 5 800 patients with mild to moderate COPD were studied. Forty-two to 48% of all hospitalizations that occurred over the study’s 5-year follow-up period were related to cardiovascular complications. Various population-based studies suggest that independent of smoking, age, and gender, COPD increases the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality twofold. Alarmingly, some bronchodilators, which are commonly used to treat symptoms in COPD, may increase the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and even mortality among COPD patients. In this paper, we discuss the epidemiologic evidence linking COPD and cardiovascular events as well as the potential mechanism(s) which may be responsible for this association.