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Physical symptoms of myoclonus dystonia due to epsilon-sarcoglycan mutations are well documented; however, the progression of neuropsychiatric and cognitive symptoms remains unclear. We present a case of a 34-year-old woman with early childhood onset of myoclonic jerks, dystonic posture and developmental delay due to exons 2 to 5 deletion in the epsilon-sarcoglycan gene. Over time, she developed neuropsychiatric symptoms. She underwent bilateral deep brain stimulation of the ventral intermediate nucleus of the thalamus for her motor symptoms, which greatly improved but she exhibited slow deterioration of her neuropsychiatric and cognitive symptoms, particularly apathy, aggression and severe executive dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

This work presents a new design for adaptive fuzzy sliding-mode control based on two methodologies, namely H∞ control and sliding-mode control, and its control effectiveness. This is achieved by implementing a control scheme for vibration control of a vehicle with a seat suspension on which a magnetorheological damper is installed. The sliding surface of sliding-mode control is analysed by separation into two matrices: a Hurwitz-constants matrix and a constant matrix. These matrices are the basis for establishing the proposed control scheme combined with the H∞ technique. The control scheme consisting of the combination of H∞ control and sliding-mode control is reinforced by a new robustness function featuring an exponential function. In this work, a fuzzy logic model, which is well known to be an excellent model for uncertain dynamic systems, is integrated with the proposed control algorithm. The fuzzy logic model adopted in this work is an interval type-2 fuzzy model featuring fast computation of the output. The effectiveness of the proposed control scheme is evaluated through both computer simulations and experimental realization on a vehicle with a seat suspension which is equipped with a magnetorheological damper. In addition, in this work, two existing adaptive controllers are modified and implemented for comparative work with the proposed control scheme. It is shown that the proposed control scheme exhibits a much better vibration control performance than the two existing adaptive controllers do. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

This article focuses on the different ways in which the personality and poetry of the Indian-born poet 'Abd al-Qader Bidel (d. 1721) has been interpreted and deployed in a variety of contexts across the Persianate sphere of West, Central, and South Asia, particularly in the nineteenth century. By highlighting different interpretations of Bidel as an obscurantist poet, agent of change, progressive voice, unabashed innovator, and canonic master, I present a more complicated historiography of the poet than the way he is typically presented in Persian literary history. An exploration of the ways in which different peoples and places in the Persianate world have interpreted Bidel reveals a larger complex historiography, which identifies transregional similarities among West, Central, and South Asia and contributes towards a more integrative literary history of the Persianate world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

The objective of this study was to investigate the optimization of a high energy in-line phase sensitive x-ray imaging prototype under different geometric and operating conditions for mammography application. A phase retrieval algorithm based on phase attenuation duality (PAD) was applied to the phase contrast images acquired by the prototype. Imaging performance was investigated at four magnification values of 1.67, 2, 2.5 and 3 using an acrylic edge, an American College of Radiology (ACR) mammography phantom and contrast detail (CD) phantom with tube potentials of 100, 120 and 140 kVp. The ACR and CD images were acquired at the same mean glandular dose (MGD) of 1.29 mGy with a computed radiography (CR) detector of 43.75 µm pixel pitch at a fixed source to image distance (SID) of 170 cm. The x-ray tube focal spot size was kept constant as 7 µm while a 2.5 mm thick aluminum (Al) filter was used for beam hardening. The performance of phase contrast and phase retrieved images were compared with computer simulations based on the relative phase contrast factor (RPF) at high x-ray energies. The imaging results showed that the x-ray tube operated at 100 kVp under the magnification of 2.5 exhibits superior imaging performance which is in accordance to the computer simulations. As compared to the phase contrast images, the phase retrieved images of the ACR and CD phantoms demonstrated improved imaging contrast and target discrimination. We compared the CD phantom images acquired in conventional contact mode with and without the anti-scatter grid using the same prototype at 1.295 mGy and 2.59 mGy using 40 kVp, a 25 µm rhodium (Rh) filter. At the same radiation dose, the phase sensitive images provided improved detection capabilities for both the large and small discs, while compared to the double dose image acquired in conventional mode, the observer study also indicated that the phase sensitive images provided improved detection capabilities for the large discs. This study therefore validates the potential of using high energy phase contrast x-ray imaging to improve lesion detection and reduce radiation dose for clinical applications such as mammography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify how reality television (RTV) influences the socialization of teenage consumers in a developing country. While the influence of television on consumer behaviour has been researched extensively in developed countries, the effect of RTV on consumer socialization has not, particularly in the context of developing countries. Design/methodology/approach – A combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods was used to develop the theoretical model, constructs and measurement variables. The data were then analysed, and the hypotheses tested and confirmed using structural equation modelling. Findings – RTV has a positive influence on the socialization of teenage consumers in a developing country. Teenagers’ consumption-related cognition, attitude and values are strongly affected by RTV. Furthermore, their consumption-related attitude is affected by consumption-related cognition and values. Social structural variables (parental control, peer-group influences, gender differences and social class differences) have an effect on teenagers’ RTV involvement and consumer-socialization process. Originality/value – Current consumer-socialization literature identifies the role of TV in consumer socialization. However, there is very little extant literature about the role of RTV in consumer socialization, particularly from a developing-country perspective. Furthermore, in the present literature, consumption-related cognition, attitudes and values are considered outcomes of consumer socialization; however, this has not been empirically tested regarding teenagers’ involvement in RTV and its consumer-socialization outcomes. This research considers the involvement of teenagers with RTV, and the influences of various social structural variables from a developing-country perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Antibacterial activity of tetracationic compounds based on 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO) bis-quaternary salts with dodecyl substituents bound by linker groups containing four carbon atoms was studied. All the compounds exhibited activity against the test-strains under study. The gram-positive culture S. aureus was found to be the most sensitive to the influence of compounds in question. The highest activity against S. aureus was exhibited by the compounds containing a but-2-yne or a butane linker; their efficiency exceeded that of the reference compound, antibiotic Ciprofloxacin. For the gram-negative culture P. aeruginosa, the highest activity was exhibited by the compound containing a but-2-yne linker. The compounds with a but-2-yne or a butane linker are stable in the presence of nitrogen-containing nucleophiles, which makes them promising for further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

This paper considers the multistage anti-windup (AW) design for linear systems with saturation nonlinearity, with the objective of enlarging the domain of attraction of the resulting closed-loop system. We present results for both static and dynamic AW compensation gains, in terms of linear matrix inequalities. Iterative algorithms are established to obtain the AW compensation gains that maximize the estimate of the domain of attraction. In addition, a particle swarm optimization-based systematic method is proposed to determine the design point of the multistage AW scheme and to set the initial conditions of the established iterative algorithms. Using the proposed method, benefits of the multistage AW on the domain of attraction are illustrated through a benchmark example. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

To promote the development of the intangible cultural heritage of the world, shadow play, many studies have focused on shadow puppet modeling and interaction. Most of the shadow puppet figures are still imaginary, spread by ancients, or carved and painted by shadow puppet artists, without consideration of real dimensions or the appearance of human bodies. This study proposes an algorithm to transform 3D human models to 2D puppet figures for shadow puppets, including automatic location of feature points, automatic segmentation of 3D models, automatic extraction of 2D contours, automatic clothes matching, and animation. Experiment proves that more realistic and attractive figures and animations of the shadow puppet can be generated in real time with this algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

This article presents a reference adaptive Hermite fuzzy neural network controller for a synchronous reluctance motor. Although synchronous reluctance motors are mathematically and structurally simple, they perform poorly under dynamic modes of operation because certain parameters, such as the external load and non-linear friction, are difficult to control. The proposed adaptive Hermite fuzzy neural network controller overcomes this problem, as using the Hermite function instead of the conventional Gaussian function shortens the training time. Furthermore, the proposed adaptive Hermite fuzzy neural network controller uses an online self-tuning fuzzy neural network to estimate the system's lumped uncertainty. The estimation method involves a fuzzy controller with expert knowledge of the initial weight of the neural network. Finally, the Lyapunov stability theory and adaptive update law were applied to guarantee system convergence. In this article, the responsiveness of the adaptive Hermite fuzzy neural network controller and an adaptive reference sliding-mode controller is compared. The experimental results show that the adaptive Hermite fuzzy neural network controller markedly improved the system's lumped uncertainty and external load response. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER] more...

Embryoid bodies have a number of similarities with cells in gastrulation, which provides useful biological information about embryonic stem cell differentiation. Extensive research has been done to study the control of embryoid body-mediated embryonic stem cell differentiation in various research fields. Recently, microengineering technology has been used to control the size of embryoid bodies and to direct lineage specific differentiation of embryonic stem cells. However, the underlying biology of developmental events in the embryoid bodies of different sizes has not been well elucidated. In this study, embryoid bodies with different sizes were generated within microfabricated PEG microwell arrays, and a series of gene and molecular expressions related to early developmental events was investigated to further elucidate the size-mediated differentiation. The gene and molecular expression profile suggested preferential visceral endoderm formation in 450 μm embryoid bodies and preferential lateral plate mesoderm formation in 150 μm embryoid bodies. These aggregates resulted in higher cardiac differentiation in 450 μm embryoid bodies and higher endothelial differentiation in 150 μm embryoid bodies, respectively. Our findings may provide further insight for understanding embryoid body size-mediated developmental progress.[Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Copyright of Historia y Comunicación Social is the property of Universidad Complutense de Madrid and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.) more...

Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) has been identified as one of the major targets for antidiabetic drugs. This study describes two AMPK-activating agents 2-(benzo[d]thiazol-2-ylmethylthio)-6-ethoxybenzo[d]thiazole and 2-(propylthio)benzo[d]thiazol-6-ol, that increase the rate of glucose uptake in L6 myotubes and also augment glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in INS-1E β-cells and rat islets. We believe that such unique bi-functional compounds can be further used for the development of a new class of antidiabetic drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

In the Spring of 1816, the North Indian town of Bareilli witnessed a series of protests following the imposition of a House Tax by the East India Company government. Under the leadership of Mufti 'Iwāz, a local 'āiem associated with reformist Sufi traditions, various Muslim and Hindu communities of Bareilli engaged in collective action which culminated in a violent confrontation. Reading court records against the grain, this paper argues that the protests represented a complex form of negotiation framed within Islamo-Persianate paradigms-including symbols, language, and authority structures-which continued to define modes of popular political expression in the early colonial period. By focusing on Mufti 'Iwāz, the incident provides rare insights into the practical relationship between Muslim orthodoxy, communal dynamics, and political authority. I argue that with the collapse of Mughal rule, the mufti assumed a role as an intermediary between the people of Bareilli and Company officials derived from precolonial conceptions of moral, popular, and spiritual authority shared by Hindu and Muslim communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

ABSTRACT Rod-coil-rod triblock copolymers, poly[4′-(methoxy)-2-vinylbiphenyl-4-methyl ether] - blockpolydimethylsiloxane- block-poly[4′-(methoxy)-2-vinylbiphenyl-4-methyl ether] (PMVBP- b-PDMS- b-PMVBP), were synthesized by nitroxide-mediated radical polymerization, and their hierarchically ordered structures were studied. A difunctional TEMPO macroinitiator was first synthesized by the hydrosilylation reaction between hydride-endcapped PDMS and allylic alkoxyamine. The polymerization of the monomer MVBP was triggered by the macroinitiator, resulting in a series of triblock copolymers. The molecular weights and polydispersity indexes were determined by gel permeation chromatography. Differential scanning calorimetry results demonstrate that the triblock copolymers exhibit two glass transition temperatures (−120 °C and 160 °C) that are markedly different. As revealed by small-angle X-ray scattering and transmission electron microscopy experiments, the triblock copolymers self-assemble into hierarchical structures with the liquid crystalline phase of PMVBP in the lamellar structures. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014, 52, 1737-1744 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

The Candida antarctica lipase B catalyzed transesterification of 2-(tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl)ethanols provides acetates in useful yields with good to high enantiomeric excess values. By taking advantage of the persistent radical effect, the remaining alcohols can be cleanly racemized under mild conditions in the presence of TEMPO [2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-yl)oxidanyl]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

The synthesis of polystyrene (PS) brushes on fully deuterated PS nanoparticles by surface-initiated nitroxide-mediated radical polymerization (SI-NMRP) is reported. Due to the high demand of deuterated monomers, an efficient deuteration procedure of suitable and readily available precursors is developed. SI-NMRP of styrene is improved regarding reaction control, grafting density, and conversion. Insights into the scaling behavior and conformational features of surface-attached PS chains on deuterated particles are investigated by using dynamic light scattering measurements, proving that polymer brushes are formed. The particles with surface-attached initiator are shown to be uniform spherical core-shell particles by small-angle neutron scattering measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Glucose is a primary fuel for generating energy in basic daily activities. Thus, glucose homeostasis is tightly regulated by counter-regulatory hormones such as glucagon, cortisol, and insulin, which affect key organs including liver, skeletal muscle, pancreas, and adipocytes. Among metabolic tissues, liver plays a critical role in controlling glucose production under various hormonal and metabolic cues. Under fasting, acute activation of both glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis is achieved by post-translational modification or allosteric activation of key rate-limiting enzymes, thereby enabling enhanced glucose production from the liver to maintain glucose homeostasis. More prolonged fasting or starvation leads to the chronic activation of gluconeogenesis that requires increased expression of key enzymes in the pathway, which is turned off under feeding conditions by the molecular events that are initiated by insulin. This process is normally achieved by the regulation of gene expression at the level of transcription. Recently, the transcriptional regulators of hepatic gluconeogenesis are considered as potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. In this review, we would like to discuss the current knowledge regarding the key transcriptional activators and inhibitors of hepatic gluconeogenic program to provide the better insight into the control of glycemia in the disease status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

The problem of controlling cascade systems, involving in series a saturating actuator and a linear plant, is revisited. Presently, the actuator is described with a more realistic model that accounts not only for its saturating nature but also for its dynamics. Furthermore, the considered model emphasises the internal feedback interaction (between saturation and dynamics) that characterises most real-life actuators. The control objective is 2-fold: (i) stabilising the whole actuator-plant association; (ii) and enforcing the plant input de accurately match any bounded reference signal. To this end, a two-loop controller is developed following a backstepping-like design procedure. Accordingly, the outer regulator is first synthesised, to meet the output-reference tracking objective. During this synthesis stage the actuator output is considered as a virtual control signal. The control law obtained at this stage will serve as a reference trajectory for the actuator output. In the second stage, the inner regulator is designed to make the actuator output tracks its reference trajectory. The cascade controller thus developed is formally shown to meet its control objectives, that is, bounded input bounded output (BIBO) stability and perfect asymptotic matching of any reference signal that is compatible with the actuator saturation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Since its first formulations almost a century ago, mathematical models for disease spreading contributed to understand, evaluate and control the epidemic processes. They promoted a dramatic change in how epidemiologists thought of the propagation of infectious diseases. In the last decade, when the traditional epidemiological models seemed to be exhausted, new types of models were developed. These new models incorporated concepts from graph theory to describe and model the underlying social structure. Many of these works merely produced a more detailed extension of the previous results, but some others triggered a completely new paradigm in the mathematical study of epidemic processes. In this review, we will introduce the basic concepts of epidemiology, epidemic modeling and networks, to finally provide a brief description of the most relevant results in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

High resolution petrophysical analyses were carried out on Urgonian (Lower Cretaceous) carbonates from outcrops in Provence, SE France. Porosity and permeability were measured on 541 plug samples selected from grain-supported carbonates analogous to those in the age-equivalent Shu'aiba and Kharaib Formation reservoirs in the eastern Arabian Plate. The sampling strategy allowed property heterogeneities from centimetre to kilometre scales to be investigated, as well as correlations between porosity and permeability in several different reservoir rock types. Property spatial modelling sensitivity analyses were also undertaken. The relative abundance of microporosity, grain size and sedimentary-diagenetic anisotropy were the main geological parameters which controlled the petrophysical characteristics of the grainstones studied. Increasing microporosity decreased permeability but resulted in an increase in the homogeneity of the reservoir rocks and therefore in their predictability. An increase in grain size, from fine sand to gravel, and in the amount of intergranular pores, enhanced permeability significantly but resulted in a decrease in the homogeneity (and therefore predictability) of the reservoir rock. At a plug scale, poro-perm relationships are very good and can be used predictively for fine grainstones dominated by microporosity; but relationships are moderate to weak for coarse rudstones with mixed pore types, including intraskeletal pores. In grainstone units, weak sedimentary anisotropy, such as decametre-scale cross-bedding, did not prevent the prediction of the horizontal property distribution from vertical data over a few hundreds of metres. In these units, the lateral correlation of rock properties follows periodic variograms with a 7 m wavelength. The lateral distribution of properties in coarse-grained and heterogeneous rudstones with complex pore types and intense sedimentary heterogeneities, such as channel structures, was however more difficult to predict from a vertical data set. Upscaling poroperm data from plug scale to reservoir scale is linear in the case of grainstones with intergranular microporosity, but is non-linear in the case of skeletal rudstones with coarser pore types including skeletal porosity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Aims/hypothesis: The mechanisms by which transcription factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2) regulates the pathways that are important in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes are unknown. We therefore examined the role of TCF7L2 in hepatic glucose production (HGP) in vitro and characterised the whole-genome chromatin occupancy of TCF7L2 in hepatocytes. Methods: We investigated the effect of TCF7L2 silencing and overexpression on HGP from gluconeogenic precursors and used chromatin-immunoprecipitation (ChIP) combined with massively parallel DNA sequencing (ChIP-Seq) to investigate the DNA binding patterns of TCF7L2 across the whole genome. Results: Silencing of TCF7L2 induced a marked increase in basal HGP, which was accompanied by significant increases in the expression of the gluconeogenic genes Fbp1, Pck1 and G6pc. Overexpression of Tcf7l2 reversed this phenotype and significantly reduced HGP. TCF7L2 silencing did not affect the half-maximal inhibitory concentration of insulin or metformin, but HGP remained elevated in TCF7L2-silenced cells due to the increased baseline HGP. Using ChIP-Seq, we detected 2,119 binding events across the genome. Pathway analysis demonstrated that diabetes genes were significantly over-represented in the dataset. Our results indicate that TCF7L2 binds directly to multiple genes that are important in regulation of glucose metabolism in the liver, including Pck1, Fbp1, Irs1, Irs2, Akt2, Adipor1, Pdk4 and Cpt1a. Conclusions/interpretation: TCF7L2 is an important regulator of HGP in vitro and binds directly to genes that are important in pathways of glucose metabolism in the liver. These data highlight the possibility that TCF7L2 may affect fasting and postprandial hyperglycaemia in carriers of at-risk TCF7L2 genetic polymorphisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Despite the recognition of the importance of Spiropyran (SP)–Merocyanine (MC) photochromic materials in molecular switching, the majority of studies have been reported in solution with relatively few in the solid-state as required in modern displays and other devices. In contrast, the present work bridges solution, condensed phase and solid-phase media and is to our knowledge the first micro-environmental study on electronic and kinetic effects for the SP–MC system. Expanding on our previous work we have investigated the photochromic properties of an SP molecule (1b) attached to a 100 μm commercially available polystyrene micro-particle (Wang Resin). The thermal MC → SP reversion kinetics (5a,b→ 4a,band 2a,b→ 1a,b) which reflect the critical lifetime of the open MC form were measured. Reduction in kobsof thermal reversion, MC → SP, up to two orders of magnitude, and a blue-shift up to 58 nm was observed with the potential for tailoring or fine tuning. The use of polymeric micro-particles in controlling both electronic and kinetic properties of photochromic molecular switches has been highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

This article is devoted to the asymptotic analysis of a Vlasov–Navier–Stokes system in dimension two, and treat general initial data with finite mass, energy and entropy. The limit problem is the Navier–Stokes system with non-constant density. The convergence result is proved in a bounded domain of ℝ2 with a homogeneous Dirichlet boundary condition on the fluid velocity field and Maxwell boundary condition on the kinetic distribution function, while the proof relies on a relative entropy method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

The aims of this study are to consider the experience of flow from a nonlinear dynamics perspective. The processes and temporal nature of intrinsic motivation and flow, would suggest that flow experiences fluctuate over time in a dynamical fashion. Thus it can be argued that the potential for chaos is strong. The sample was composed of 20 employees (both full and part time) recruited from a number of different organizations and work backgrounds. The Experience Sampling Method (ESM) was used for data collection. Once obtained the temporal series, they were subjected to various analyses proper to the complexity theory (Visual Recurrence Analysis and Surrogate Data Analysis). Results showed that in 80% of the cases, flow presented a chaotic dynamic, in that, flow experiences delineated a complex dynamic whose patterns of change were not easy to predict. Implications of the study, its limitations and future research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

This article analyzes the controversy tobacco has always incited in various societies around the world, in particular the Ottoman Empire of the 1700s. Tobacco use quickly spread around the globe after the Spanish found it in the New World. It was only after it was an entrenched part of daily life and the local economy did opposition emerge. Many objected to tobacco use, as they did coffee, on religious grounds. Arguing it was an intoxicant like wine and therefore proscribed by the Koran. But by the late 17th Century, most areas of society including the religious ulama. more...

Copyright of Canadian Journal of Chemistry is the property of Canadian Science Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.) more...

The balance between neurodegeneration, neuroinflammation, neuroprotection, and COVID-19-directed therapy may underly the heterogeneity of SARS-CoV-2′s neurological outcomes. A total of 105 patients hospitalized with a diagnosis of COVID-19 had serum collected over a 6 month period to assess neuroinflammatory (MIF, CCL23, MCP-1), neuro-injury (NFL, NCAM-1), neurodegenerative (KLK6, τ, phospho τ, amyloids, TDP43, YKL40), and neuroprotective (clusterin, fetuin, TREM-2) proteins. These were compared to markers of nonspecific inflammatory responses (IL-6, D-dimer, CRP) and of the overall viral burden (spike protein). Data regarding treatment (steroids, convalescent plasma, remdasavir), pre-existing conditions, and incidences of strokes were collected. Amyloid β42, TDP43, NF-L, and KLK6 serum levels declined 2–3 days post-admission, yet recovered to admission baseline levels by 7 days. YKL-40 and NCAM-1 levels remained elevated over time, with clusters of differential responses identified among TREM-2, TDP43, and YKL40. Fetuin was elevated after the onset of COVID-19 while TREM-2 initially declined before significantly increasing over time. MIF serum level was increased 3–7 days after admission. Ferritin correlated with TDP-43 and KLK6. No treatment with remdesivir coincided with elevations in Amyloid-β40. A lack of convalescent plasma resulted in increased NCAM-1 and total tau, and steroidal treatments did not significantly affect any markers. A total of 11 incidences of stroke were registered up to six months after initial admission for COVID-19. Elevated D-dimer, platelet counts, IL-6, and leukopenia were observed. Variable MIF serum levels differentiated patients with CVA from those who did not have a stroke during the acute phase of COVID-19. This study demonstrated concomitant and opposite changes in neurodegenerative and neuroprotective markers persisting well into recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Low-frequency vocalizations were recorded from fin whales, Balaenoptera physalus, in the Gulf of California, Mexico, during three cruises. In March 1985, recorded 20-Hz pulses were in sequences of regular 9-s interpulse intervals. In August 1987, nearly all were in sequences of doublets with alternating 5- and 18-s interpulse intervals. No 20-Hz pulse sequences of any kind were detected in February 1987. The typical pulse modulated from 42 to 20 Hz and its median duration was 0.7 s (1985 data). Most other fin whale sounds were also short tonal pulses averaging 82, 56, and 68 Hz, respectively, for the three cruises; 89% were modulated in frequency, mostly downward. Compared to Atlantic and Pacific Ocean regions, Gulf of California 20-Hz pulses were unique in terms of frequency modulation, interpulse sound levels, and temporal patterns. Fin whales in the Gulf may represent a regional stock revealed by their sound characteristics, a phenomenon previously shown for humpback whales, birds, and fish. Regional differences in fin whale sounds were found in comparisons of Atlantic and Pacific locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

A novel approach to speech recognition, on the basis of a multidimensional, multivalued phonetic-feature description of speech signals, is presented and evaluated. The hidden Markov model (HMM) framework is used to provide the recognition algorithm, which assumes that the underlying Markov chain tracks the temporal evolution of the features. It is shown that this approach can naturally accommodate such coarticulatory effects as feature spreading and formant transition in the functionality of the recognizer, and can provide a high degree of acoustic data sharing that makes effective use of training data. Use of phonetic features as the basic speech units creates a framework where the Markov model's state topology in the recognizer can be designed with guidance of detailed speech knowledge. Details of such a design for a stop consonant-vowel vocabulary are described. Experimental results on the task of speaker-dependent stop consonant discrimination, evaluated from speech data from a total of ten male and five female speakers, demonstrate effectiveness of this feature-based recognizer. Over the 15 speakers, the error rates were shown to be reduced by 23%, 37%, 42%, and 38%, respectively, compared with the conventional HMM-based recognition methods using words, phonemes, allophones, and microsegments as the primary speech units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Seven hundred and seventeen children suffering from measles, comprising 2·4% of total admissions were seen at Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health from 21st March, 1983 to 20th March, 1985. Three hundred and seventy three children (52%) of them were under 2 years of age of which 111 were below one year of age. All the children except 41 had one or more than one complications. Bronchopneumonia was commonest (69·9%) followed by diarrhea (34·8%), layringitis (12·1%), conjunctivitis (7·5%) etc. Overall mortality was high, as 104 (14·5%) children died. Mortality under one year of age accounted for 21·6% of total deaths. Deaths amongst children with severe protein energy malnutrition (Grades III and IV) was very high as 90 of 199 (45·2%) children died. It was also observed that mortality among these children increased significantly with increasing severity of malnutrition. It is strongly recommended that measles vaccination should be undertaken between 6-8 months of age wherever measles is common under one year of age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Multimedia means multilegia. The creation of a CD‐Rom product needs a number of licenses for the implementation of pictures, texts and music. The process of getting all the necessary rights constitutes a big logistic adventure that can be overcome only via technical means. In the following article (based upon a report written by the author for the European Commission/DG XIII) Thomas Hoeren describes the present technical devices for license management in the digital era. These devices differ from mere identification systems and copyright clearance tools to complex electronic copyright management systems. The use of all these instruments is however related different legal problems ranging from data protection to questions of evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER] more...

Based on full and rigorous study, this paper addresses the issue of ensuring a feasible association in practice between a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) and DC-DC power converters including a buck and boost converter. This association is mathematically modeled, analyzed, and controlled by an optimal PID controller. Using absolute stability tools with a rigorous analytical approach that takes into consideration windup effects, in addition to the nonlinear behavior of the Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell, sufficient conditions are provided to ensure that the closed-loop system is L2-stable. These conditions allow the optimal PID controller parameters to be chosen and ensure the closed-loop system stability, by tracking reference outputs, and an optimal performance against perturbations. Formal analysis, numerical simulations, and experimental validation were carried out to verify that the PID controller designed with an anti-windup action is robust and meets all of the pre-defined objectives. Moreover, this study demonstrates that the association between the PEMFC and the DC-DC converters is achieved if only certain conditions are met. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...