Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Discrete-Time Sliding-Mode Observer for Capacitor Voltage Control in Modular Multilevel Converters

This paper proposes a discrete-time sliding-mode observer (SMO) for equivalent capacitor voltages control in modular multilevel converters, aiming to reduce the communication complexity in applications with several series-connected submodules. The observed voltages of the equivalent capacitors are used in the voltage control loops, resulting in a simpler implementation, which demands low communication effort, since the individual capacitor voltages are not used in the central processor. The proposed SMO was obtained from discrete-time analysis with a stability improvement, differently from discretized observers previously proposed in the literature. A discrete-time methodology is presented to design the observer and ensure the proper operation of the control system. The proposed SMO design methodology in the discrete-time domain enables a simple design of the observer, ensuring transient and steady-state observer performances. Simulation results are presented to demonstrate an example of the proposed methodology, where the observer operates with the control system under distinct conditions. Additionally, experimental results are included to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control system with discrete-time SMO for the equivalent capacitor voltages.
Enhanced frequency of CFTR gene variants in couples who are candidates for assisted reproductive technology treatment

Abstract Background: An increased frequency of (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator) CFTR mutations has been detected in some types of male infertility. The aim of this study was to shed light on the link between CFTR mutations and infertility. Methods: We sequenced the CFTR gene in 294 subjects (190 males) affected by infertility of different origin who underwent assisted reproductive technology (ART). As a control group, we studied 1000 (353 males) unrelated, unselected subjects from the general population of southern Italy. Results: The frequency of CFTR mutations, some of which are detected only by gene sequencing, and of the IVS8 poly(TG)12-poly(T)5-V470 haplotype was significantly higher in obstructive [congenital bilateral absence of vasa defer-entes (CBAVD, five cases)] and secretory (23 cases) azoospermic patients than in the general population. Some patients, primarily those with CBAVD, were compound heterozygous for two mutations. Interestingly, the frequency of the TG12-T5-V470 variant haplotype was significantly higher in severe oligospermic patients (88 cases) and in patients with tubal sterility (74 cases) compared with the general population. Finally, neither the frequency of CFTR mutations nor the frequency of the TG12-T5 variants differed between patients with mild oligospermia (74 cases) and patients with ovulatory sterility (30 cases) compared with the general population. Conclusions: All subjects affected by obstructive or secretory azoospermia should undergo molecular analysis and counselling for CF using gene scanning which has a high detection rate and also reveals rare CFTR mutations. Molecular analysis seems to be less mandatory in other types of male/female infertility. Furthermore, we found that the CFTR TG12-T5-V470 variant haplotype was associated with both severe oligospermia and tubal infertility, thereby implicating the CFTR protein in both spermatogenesis and tubal functionality.
Societal foundations for explaining fertility: Gender equity

Background: Gender equity theory in relation to fertility argues that very low fertility is the result of incoherence in the levels of gender equity in individually-oriented social institutions and family-oriented social institutions. The salience of gender to the fertility transition is strong in theory but not as strong in specification of testable hypotheses as has been pointed out in the literature. Objective: The paper aims to clarify the specification of gender equity theory through a discussion of the difference between equity and equality and to suggest methods that might be applied to test the theory. Methods: The theory is restated and further developed using literature from different disciplines. The method is described using a decomposition of fertility for women by human capital levels. Results: The clarification of the theory includes a reminder that the theory relates to differences in fertility between countries and not to differences in fertility between women in the same country. In comparisons between countries, higher gender equity leads to higher fertility. In comparisons of fertility across women in the same country, higher gender equity does not necessarily imply higher fertility. In relation to measurement, a specification is suggested that effectively compares women across countries controlling for their level of human capital. Simple graphics are used to indicate ways in which fertility between countries may vary. Conclusions: The paper concludes that it is likely the gender equity theory can be tested more readily by examining the behaviour across countries of women with higher levels of human capital.
RNA editing, epitranscriptomics, and processing in cancer progression

The transcriptome is extensively and dynamically regulated by a network of RNA modifying factors. RNA editing enzymes APOBEC (apolipoprotein B mRNA editing enzyme, catalytic polypeptide-like) and ADAR (adenosine deaminase, RNA-specific) irreversibly recode primary RNA sequences, whereas newly described methylases (writers) and de-methylases (erasers) dynamically alter RNA molecules in response to environmental conditions. RNA modifications can affect RNA splicing, nuclear-cytoplasmic transport, translation, and regulation of gene expression by RNA interference. In addition, tRNA base modifications, processing, and regulated cleavage have been shown to alter global patterns of mRNA translation in response to cellular stress pathways. Recent studies, some of which were discussed at this workshop, have rekindled interest in the emerging roles of RNA modifications in health and disease. On September 10th, 2014, the Division of Cancer Biology, NCI sponsored a workshop to explore the role of epitranscriptomic RNA modifications and tRNA processing in cancer progression. The workshop attendees spanned a scientific range including chemists, virologists, and RNA and cancer biologists. The goal of the workshop was to explore the interrelationships between RNA editing, epitranscriptomics, and RNA processing and the enzymatic pathways that regulate these activities in cancer initiation and progression. At the conclusion of the workshop, a general discussion focused on defining the major challenges and opportunities in this field, as well as identifying the tools, technologies, resources and community efforts required to accelerate research in this emerging area.
Molecular Analysis of a Novel Methanesulfonic Acid Monooxygenase from the Methylotroph Methylosulfonomonas methylovora

ABSTRACT Methylosulfonomonas methylovora M2 is an unusual gram-negative methylotrophic bacterium that can grow on methanesulfonic acid (MSA) as the sole source of carbon and energy. Oxidation of MSA by this bacterium is carried out by a multicomponent MSA monooxygenase (MSAMO). Cloning and sequencing of a 7.5-kbp SphI fragment of chromosomal DNA revealed four tightly linked genes encoding this novel monooxygenase. Analysis of the deduced MSAMO polypeptide sequences indicated that the enzyme contains a two-component hydroxylase of the mononuclear-iron-center type. The large subunit of the hydroxylase, MsmA (48 kDa), contains a typical Rieske-type [2Fe–2S] center with an unusual iron-binding motif and, together with the small subunit of the hydroxylase, MsmB (20 kDa), showed a high degree of identity with a number of dioxygenase enzymes. However, the other components of the MSAMO, MsmC, the ferredoxin component, and MsmD, the reductase, more closely resemble those found in other classes of oxygenases. MsmC has a high degree of identity to ferredoxins from toluene and methane monooxygenases, which are enzymes characterized by possessing hydroxylases containing μ-oxo bridge binuclear iron centers. MsmD is a reductase of 38 kDa with a typical chloroplast-like [2Fe–2S] center and conserved flavin adenine dinucleotide- and NAD-binding motifs and is similar to a number of mono- and dioxygenase reductase components. Preliminary analysis of the genes encoding MSAMO from a marine MSA-degrading bacterium, Marinosulfonomonas methylotropha, revealed the presence of msm genes highly related to those found in Methylosulfonomonas, suggesting that MSAMO is a novel type of oxygenase that may be conserved in all MSA-utilizing bacteria.
Molecularly and temporally separable lineages form the hindbrain roof plate and contribute differentially to the choroid plexus

Both hindbrain roof plate epithelium (hRPe) and hindbrain choroid plexus epithelium (hCPe) produce morphogens and growth factors essential for proper hindbrain development. Despite their importance, little is known about how these essential structures develop. Recent genetic fate maps indicate that hRPe and hCPe descend from the same pool of dorsal neuroectodermal progenitor cells of the rhombic lip. A linear developmental progression has been assumed, with the rhombic lip producing non-mitotic hRPe, and seemingly uniform hRPe transforming into hCPe. Here, we show that hRPe is not uniform but rather comprises three spatiotemporal fields, which differ in organization, proliferative state, order of emergence from the rhombic lip, and molecular profile of either the constituent hRPe cells themselves and/or their parental progenitors. Only two fields contribute to hCPe. We also present evidence for an hCPe contribution directly by the rhombic lip at late embryonic stages when hRPe is no longer present; indeed, the production interval for hCPe by the rhombic lip is surprisingly extensive. Further, we show that the hCPe lineage appears to be unique among the varied rhombic lip-derived lineages in its proliferative response to constitutively active Notch1 signaling. Collectively, these findings provide a new platform for investigating hRPe and hCPe as neural organizing centers and provide support for the model that they are themselves patterned structures that might be capable of influencing neural development along multiple spatial and temporal axes.
RESIDENTIAL WATER DEMAND: A POOLED, TIME SERIES, CROSS SECTION STUDY OF MALMÖ, SWEDEN1

: Shortcoming associated with past water demand studies are evaluated. To overcome these shortcomings, pooled, time series, cross section data from -6, Sweden, are used in an ordinary Least squares analysis to estimate the demand for residential water. Elasticities for five variables, including price and income, are estimated. An approach for the conduct of future water demand studies is suggested.
Early-type objects in NGC 6611 and the Eagle Nebula

Aims. An important question about Be stars is whether they are born as such or whether they have become Be stars during their evolution. It is necessary to observe young clusters to answer this question. Methods. To this end, observations of stars in NGC 6611 and the star-formation region of Eagle Nebula were carried out with the ESO-WFI in slitless spectroscopic mode and at the VLT-GIRAFFE ( R $\simeq$ 6400–17 000). The targets for the GIRAFFE observations were pre-selected from the literature and our catalogue of emission-line stars based on the WFI study. GIRAFFE observations allowed us to study the population of the early-type stars accurately both with and without emission lines. For this study, we determined the fundamental parameters of OBA stars thanks to the GIRFIT code. We also studied the status of the objects (main sequence or pre-main sequence stars) by using IR data, membership probabilities, and location in HR diagrams. Results. The nature of the early-type stars with emission-line stars in NGC 6611 and its surrounding environment is derived. The slitless observations with the WFI clearly indicate a small number of emission-line stars in M16. We observed with GIRAFFE 101 OBA stars, among them 9 are emission-line stars with circumstellar emission in H α . We found that W080 could be a new He-strong star, like W601. W301 is a possible classical Be star, W503 is a mass-transfer eclipsing binary with an accretion disk, and the other ones are possible Herbig Ae/Be stars. We also found that the rotational velocities of main sequence B stars are 18% lower than those of pre-main sequence B stars, in good agreement with theory about the evolution of rotational velocities. Combining adaptive optics, IR data, spectroscopy, and radial velocity indications, we found that 27% of the B-type stars are binaries. We also redetermined the age of NGC 6611 found equal to 1.2–1.8 Myears, in good agreement with the most recent determinations.
Determinants of Efficiency of Zakat Institutions in Malaysia: A Non- parametric Approach

Paying zakat is an obligation of the rich Muslims to give a specific amount of their wealth (with certain conditions and requirements) to beneficiaries called al-mustahiqqin with the main objective of the achievement of socioeconomic justice. Zakat institutions are trusted bodies that manage zakat in Muslim countries. In Malaysia, such zakat institutions are State Islamic Religious Councils (SIRCs). The institutions are expected to play a key role in promoting the socio-economic objectives of zakat in Malaysia. Thus, it is of prime importance that these institutions are being managed efficiently. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the efficiency of zakat institutions in Malaysia. This study uses the Malmquist Productivity Index to estimate productivity and efficiency of zakat institutions in Malaysia and the Tobit model to determine the factors affecting efficiency of zakat institutions in Malaysia. The data consists of a panel of fourteen zakat institutions in Malaysia during the period of 2003 to 2007. Our results suggest that Total Factor Productivity (TFP) of zakat institutions in Malaysia increased at an average rate of 2.4 per cent during the study period and is mainly attributed to technical progress rather than efficiency components. The empirical findings based on the Tobit regression suggest that zakat payment system, computerised zakat system, board size, audit committee and decentralisation significantly affect the efficiency of zakat institutions in Malaysia.Keywords: Efficiency, Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), Zakat, Zakat Institutions, Malaysia.
Left ear advantages in detecting emotional tones using dichotic listening task in an Arabic sample

Advantages associated with the left ear (right brain hemisphere) have been reported in some studies. Of these, some have specifically suggested that the left ear has a more heightened ability to detect emotional tones. Meanwhile others have pointed to factors such as age and gender as potentially leading to manifestations of human laterality. This study investigates which brain hemisphere is more involved in emotional processing of auditory information in Arab participants. We aimed to replicate the previous studies because no single study has been done in the Arabic region previously. Additionally, people in this region prefer to use the right side of their body, e.g., hand, ear, foot, etc., for most daily tasks. To acquire data a dichotic listening task (DLT) was administered to 28 male and 23 female (Edinburgh, UK) university students aged 19 to 38; 13 were left-handed and 38 were right-handed. The results showed a significant left ear advantage in the auditory processing of emotional information. There was a significant negative correlation between ear preference and handedness. Left ear advantage related only to handedness. Thus right-handed participants were more likely than left-handers to have a left ear advantage. The relationship between ear preference and gender was non-significant. The conclusion that might be drawn from this study is that the left ear (right hemisphere) is more involved in emotional processing than the right ear (left hemisphere), especially for right-handed people.
Initial Financial Conditions, Unobserved Heterogeneity and the Survival of Nascent Canadian Manufacturing Firms

The firm dynamics literature has stressed productivity, size, and age effects in firm duration. Understanding the implications of financial state has largely been unexplored because of the lack of quality data on private entrant firms. This paper investigates the role of start-up financial conditions (debt-to-asset ratio) on the duration of entrant manufacturing firms using a unique administrative firm-level database called T2LEAP. The debt-to-asset ratio has an economically and statistically significant effect on firm hazard after controlling for usual covariates and unobserved heterogeneity. Further, a non-monotonic relationship between firm hazard and leverage appears. Firm hazard varies positively with leverage for firms in the top two leverage quintiles, whereas hazard rates fall with leverage in the lower quintiles. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Activation of platelets in whole blood by recombinant factor VIIa by a thrombin‐dependent mechanism

Summary. Using a diluted whole blood method of flow cytometric analysis, we have shown that platelets could be activated in vitro in the presence of high concentrations (100 nmol/l) of recombinant factor (F) VIIa (rFVIIa; NovoSeven®) and 2·5 mmol/l calcium chloride. This was demonstrated by a significant increase in the mean percentage of platelets expressing CD62P and their mean fluorescent intensity (MFI) after 30 min versus platelets incubated with calcium or rFVIIa alone or diluted blood alone. The presence of rFVIIa and calcium increased the exposure of the PAC‐1 activation epitope of glycoprotein (Gp) IIb/IIIa. This effect was equally influenced by the presence of calcium alone but not by rFVIIa. The effect of rFVIIa was time and concentration dependent. Thrombin generation was also necessary, as the effect of rFVIIa was completely abrogated by the additional presence of hirudin. Furthermore, soy bean trypsin inhibitor (SBTI) but not corn trypsin inhibitor (CTI) abrogated CD62P exposure, suggesting that thrombin was derived via FX but not FXII activation. Exposure of CD62P demonstrated a significant lag phase, sometimes of the order of > 30 min, as well as large intersubject variation. Significant platelet activation was observed at a concentration as low as 25 nmol/l rFVIIa. Platelet–leucocyte aggregation was also increased in the presence of 25 nmol/l rFVIIa and calcium. No significant difference was observed between levels of CD62P in diluted whole blood and platelet‐rich plasma adjusted to an identical platelet count after their exposure to rFVIIa and calcium for 30 min.
A Helping Hand or the Long Arm of the Law? Experimental Evidence on What Governments Can Do to Formalize Firms

Many governments have spent much of the past decade trying to extend a helping hand to informal businesses by making it easier and cheaper for them to formalize. Much less effort has been devoted to raising the costs of remaining informal, through increasing enforcement of existing regulations. This paper reports on a field experiment conducted in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, in order to test which government actions work in getting informal firms to register. Firms were randomized to a control group or one of four treatment groups: the first received information about how to formalize; the second received this information and free registration costs along with the use of an accountant for a year; the third group was assigned to receive an enforcement visit from a municipal inspector; while the fourth group was assigned to have a neighboring firm receive an enforcement visit to see if enforcement has spillovers. The analysis finds zero or negative impacts of information and free cost treatments, and a significant but small increase in formalization from inspections. Estimates of the impact of actually receiving an inspection give a 21 to 27 percentage point increase in the likelihood of formalizing. The results show most informal firms will not formalize unless forced to do so, suggesting formality offers little private benefit to them. But the tax revenue benefits to the government of bringing firms of this size into the formal system more than offset the costs of inspections.
The External Pressures on the Internal Governance of Universities

Governance is a means for realising institutional goals and in an ideal world should enable the institution to respond to the demands of the political environment by regulating its internal affairs accordingly. In the case of universities, not only is that environment increasingly differentiated but so also is the ability of universities to access it. Changes in state funding arrangements, accountability mechanisms, the contribution of the private sector, and the public definition of university education have placed numerous and varied pressures on institutions. Yet there is a studied reluctance by institutions to accept that their ability to respond to these pressures is equally variable, that they should tailor their ambitions to their capacities, and that their internal governance should be adapted using the principle of fitness for purpose. In the main, this is because the dominant ideological themes of higher education do not support the idea of distinct university functions of equal status. Rather, they encourage the erroneous belief that all universities are homogeneous in their functions - or, at least, that all have the potential to be homogeneous.
Governing Knowledge Sharing in Organizations: Levels of Analysis, Governance Mechanisms, and Research Directions

We discuss and examine recent claims that research on knowledge processes has paid insufficient attention to micro (individual) level constructs and mechanisms and to the role of formal organization in governing knowledge processes. We review knowledge sharing research published in 13 (top academic plus top practitioner-oriented) journals in the period 1996–2006 in relation to these two propositions. The review confirms the claim that the knowledge sharing literature is preoccupied with constructs, processes, and phenomena defined at a macro (collective, organizational) level and pay comparatively little attention to micro level constructs. The review provides less support for the proposition that formal governance mechanisms have been under-researched in comparison to formal organization. Still, the multiple ways in which formal governance mechanisms may interact in influencing knowledge sharing outcomes have been under-researched, as has the interaction between more informal aspects of the firm and formal governance mechanisms. We argue that future research on knowledge sharing needs to fill these gaps.
Comparison of Three Nucleic Acid Amplification Assays of Cerebrospinal Fluid for Diagnosis of Cytomegalovirus Encephalitis

ABSTRACT The diagnostic reliabilities of three cytomegalovirus (CMV) nucleic acid amplification assays of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were compared by using CSF samples from human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients with a postmortem histopathological diagnosis of CMV encephalitis (n = 15) or other central nervous system conditions (n = 16). By using a nested PCR assay, the quantitative COBAS AMPLICOR CMV MONITOR PCR, and the NucliSens CMV pp67 nucleic acid sequence-based amplification assay, sensitivities were 93.3, 86.6, and 93.3%, respectively, and specificities were 93.7, 93.7, and 87.5%, respectively. The COBAS AMPLICOR assay revealed significantly higher CMV DNA levels in patients with diffuse ventriculoencephalitis than in patients with focal periventricular lesions.