Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Force Optimization of a Double-Sided Tubular Linear Induction Motor

An innovative double-sided tubular linear induction motor is presented, and its optimal design in terms of thrust force is discussed. A dedicated semi-analytical model of the device is developed allowing for fast and accurate evaluation of all the electromechanic quantities in the device, including the thrust force, back-electromotive force, distribution of the induced current, and average magnetic flux density in the teeth. This provides a basis for the design optimization, which has been performed by a novel evolutionary algorithm based on the self-organizing maps. Using the semi-analytical formulation, the characterization of the machine is greatly facilitated, thus allowing a fast evaluation of the cost function and design constraints. Finally, the obtained optimal design is validated by comparison with finite elements method analysis.
Safe current injection strategies for a STATCOM under asymmetrical grid faults

This paper explores different strategies to set the reference current of a STATCOM under unbalanced grid voltage conditions and determines the maximum deliverable reactive power in each case to guarantee the injected current is permanently within the STATCOM secure operation limits. The paper presents a comprehensive derivation of the proposed STATCOM control strategies to set the reactive current reference under unbalanced grid faults, together with an extensive evaluation using simulation and experimental results from a low-scale laboratory setup in order to verify and validate the dynamic performance achieved by the proposed reactive current limiting algorithms.
Long‐term outcome of primary Raynaud's phenomenon and its conversion to connective tissue disease: a 12‐year retrospective patient analysis

Objectives: To determine the frequency of development of connective tissue disease (CTD) in patients considered to have idiopathic Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) >10 years. Patients and methods: Based on initial evaluation, 113 women and 29 men were divided into either ‘primary RP’ (n=109) or ‘possible secondary RP’ (n=33) groups and were re‐evaluated after a median follow‐up period of 12.4 years. Results: Overall 20 patients (14.1%) progressed to a definite CTD; 10 from ‘primary RP’ (9.2%) and 10 from ‘possible secondary RP’ (30.3%). Initial presence of antinuclear antibodies, thickening of fingers, higher age at onset of RP, and female sex seemed to be important determinants for a possible transition to a CTD. Conclusion: In RP‐patients, who are at risk of development of a CTD, serial clinical and laboratory controls are warranted for the decision to initiate therapy early.
Early intervention, untreated psychosis and the course of early schizophrenia

Background Studies have proved that early intervention can delay psychotic relapses, and prevent psychosocial deterioration in people with schizophrenia and related disorders. Method Our study with young people with recent onset schizophrenia has shown that an intensive intervention programme had a beneficial effect on the occurrence of psychotic relapse and the course of psychotic syndromes. This effect lasted until the end of the 15-month intervention. No significant effect of the two different intervention conditions became apparent. Results The results of a follow-up study showed that this beneficial effect did not last. Fifteen per cent of the people had a psychotic relapse during the intervention, whereas 64% relapsed during follow-up. Conclusions These results show that referral to other mental health agencies after intervention is not sufficient and that more support is required to continue disease management, medication compliance and stress management.
Purification and characterisation of the NADH:acceptor reductase component of xylene monooxygenase encoded by the TOL plasmid pWW0 of Pseudomonas putida mt-2.

The xylene monooxygenase system encoded by the TOL plasmid pWW0 of Pseudomonas putida catalyses the hydroxylation of a methyl side-chain of toluene and xylenes. Genetic studies have suggested that this monooxygenase consists of two different proteins, products of the xylA and xylM genes, which function as an electron-transfer protein and a terminal hydroxylase, respectively. In this study, the electron-transfer component of xylene monooxygenase, the product of xylA, was purified to homogeneity. Fractions containing the xylA gene product were identified by its NADH:cytochrome c reductase activity. The molecular mass of the enzyme was determined to be 40 kDa by SDS/PAGE, and 42 kDa by gel filtration. The enzyme was found to contain 1 mol/mol of tightly but not covalently bound FAD, as well as 2 mol/mol of non-haem iron and 2 mol/mol of acid-labile sulfide, suggesting the presence of two redox centers, one FAD and one [2Fe-2S] cluster/protein molecule. The oxidised form of the protein had absorbance maxima at 457 nm and 390 nm, with shoulders at 350 nm and 550 nm. These absorbance maxima disappeared upon reduction of the protein by NADH or dithionite. The NADH:acceptor reductase was capable of reducing either one- or two-electron acceptors, such as horse heart cytochrome c or 2,6-dichloroindophenol, at an optimal pH of 8.5. The reductase was found to have a Km value for NADH of 22 microM. The oxidation of NADH was determined to be stereospecific; the enzyme is pro-R (class A enzyme). The titration of the reductase with NADH or dithionite yielded three distinct reduced forms of the enzyme: the reduction of the [2Fe-2S] center occurred with a midpoint redox potential of -171 mV; and the reduction of FAD to FAD. (semiquinone form), with a calculated midpoint redox potential of -244 mV. The reduction of FAD. to FAD. (dihydroquinone form), the last stage of the titration, occurred with a midpoint redox potential of -297 mV. The [2Fe-2S] center could be removed from the protein by treatment with an excess of mersalyl acid. The [2Fe-2S]-depleted protein was still reduced by NADH, giving rise to the formation of the anionic flavin semiquinone observed in the native enzyme, thus suggesting that the electron flow was NADH --> FAD --> [2Fe-2S] in this reductase. The resulting protein could no longer reduce cytochrome c, but could reduce 2,6-dichloroindophenol at a reduced rate.
Alcohol and the Older Adult: A Comprehensive Review

Alcohol consumption in the older adult is of major concern with the advent of baby boomers coming into the over 65-age bracket. Alcohol consumption has been touted as beneficial for health, and while that may be accurate for moderate consumption in younger persons, there is considerable risk associated with increased alcohol intake in older adults. This increase is partially due to age-related physiological changes, existing diagnoses, number of comorbid conditions, and increased use of prescribed and/or over-the-counter medications, coupled with other concerns. This review addresses the current research regarding ethanol consumption in older adults and all-cause mortality as well as several conditions more frequently seen in the geriatric population. These conditions include vascular diseases, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, hepatic disorders, dental and oro-facial problems, bone density decline, and falls and fractures. In addition, drug interactions and recent research into select vitamin and mineral considerations with increased alcohol intake in older persons are addressed. While recommendations for alcohol intake have not been specifically established for age ranges within the 65-year-and-older bracket, and practitioners do not routinely assess alcohol intake or ethanol related adverse events in this population, common sense approaches to monitoring will become increasingly important as the generation of “boomers” who believe that alcohol intake improves health comes of age.
The Relationship of Childhood Experience to the Quality of Marriage

A model for the effect of child-parent relationships on later adult marital quality was tested by questionnaire in 124 general practice patients. Recollections of parental care and overprotection measured by the PBI correlated significantly with Locke- Wallace measures of marital quality primarily in females. Correlations were larger in a homogeneous group where previous marriages and emotional illness were eliminated, and in those who had experienced, childhood separations from parents. The results are consistent with an interactive model where the quality of childhood experience determines the quality of adult marriages primarily when separation experiences have been present.
Ssu72 is a phosphatase essential for transcription termination of snoRNAs and specific mRNAs in yeast

Ssu72 is an essential yeast protein that is involved in transcription. It physically interacts with transcription initiation and termination complexes. In this report, we provide evidence that Ssu72 is a phosphatase that physically interacts with the CTD kinase Kin28 and functionally interacts with the CTD phosphatase Fcp1. A genome‐wide expression analysis of mutant ssu72‐ts69 during growth in complete medium revealed a number of defects, including the accumulation of a limited number of mRNAs and the read‐through transcription of small nucleolar RNAs and of some mRNAs. We hypothesize that Ssu72 plays a key role in the transcription termination of certain transcripts, possibly by promoting RNA polymerase pausing and release. The possibility that the CTD of the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II is a substrate of Ssu72 is discussed.
Necessidade de tratamento ortodôntico: validação do DAI (Índice de estética dental) e do ICON (Índice de complexidade, resultado e necessidade) para a região de Belo Horizonte

Indices oclusais como o indice de estetica dental (DAI) e o indice de complexidade, resultado e necessidade (ICON), sao utilizados para determinar a necessidade ou prioridade de tratamento ortodontico em servicos publicos de atencao odontologica e, no Brasil, o DAI tem sido usado em levantamentos epidemiologicos. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a validade dos dois indices, para necessidade de tratamento ortodontico para a regiao de Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais. Os indices foram comparados a opiniao agregada de um painel formado por vinte ortodontistas experientes sobre a necessidade de tratamento de um conjunto de 108 pares de modelos de estudo. Os modelos foram escolhidos de forma a representar uma grande variedade de tipos e gravidades da ma oclusao. Um examinador, calibrado para os dois indices, mediu os modelos segundo ambos os criterios. A confiabilidade do examinador e do painel de especialistas foi verificada. Valores de ICC indicaram niveis excelentes de confiabilidade do examinador para o DAI (rI0,969) e para o ICON (rI0,952). Os nÝveis de concordOncia interexaminadores do painel de especialistas variaram de pobre a bom e os de concordOncia intra-examinadores variaram de pobre a excelente. A acurscia, medida pela srea sob a curva ROC, foi igual a 81,83% para o DAI e 88,75% para o ICON. A diferenþa entre as sres sob as curvas ROC foi significativa (p=0,0435). Considerando as caracteristicas desejaveis para um teste de rastreamento, relativas a condicoes de baixa prevalencia (26,4%), os pontos de corte originais para o DAI (31) e para o ICON (43) foram considerados adequados. Os valores de especificidade para o DAI (86,67%) e para o ICON (93,33%) resultaram em valores preditivos positivos iguais a 62,38% e 79,89%, respectivamente. De acordo com a opiniao do painel, 86% dos casos apresentaram necessidade de tratamento. Na amostra estudada, com alta prevalencia de necessidade de tratamento, o DAI classificou corretamente 70,37% dos casos. O ICON concordou em 76,85% com as decisoes do painel. Os bons niveis de acuracia indicam que os indices podem ser utilizados de forma a refletir a opiniao de um painel de especialistas de Belo Horizonte.
Identification of the Key Protein for Zinc Uptake in Hemophilus influenzae *

Very little is known about specific mechanisms for zinc accumulation and transport in bacteria. In this study a putative adhesin B in Hemophilus influenzae, the product of gene HI0119, has been identified as a periplasmic zinc-binding protein (PZP1). A pzp1-deficient mutant has been constructed which is defective for growth under aerobic conditions and grows poorly under anaerobic conditions. The growth defect is specifically rescued by supplementing the growth medium with high concentrations of zinc. Subcellular fractionation was used to localize PZP1 to the periplasmic region in a nontypeable H. influenzae strain and in a transfected recombinant Escherichia coli strain (TApzp1). Recombinant PZP1, purified from a periplasmic extract of E. coli strain TApzp1, contained ∼two zinc atoms/protein molecule as determined by neutron activation analysis and atomic absorption spectroscopy. The zinc atoms could be removed by incubation with EDTA, and, by further addition of zinc, a total of five zinc atoms/PZP1 could be bound. Direct binding of 65Zn to the recombinant protein by Western blot was demonstrated. Taken together, these results provide direct evidence that PZP1 plays a key role in zinc uptake by H. influenzae.
A simple method for measuring erythrocyte deformability.

To pass through the microcirculation red blood cells (RBCs) need to undergo considerable deformation. The increased rigidity of older cells is probably the main cause of their selective trapping by the spleen; and indirect evidence suggests that impaired deformability may be a critical factor in causing diminished peripheral blood flow (Chien et al, 1967; Schmid-Schonbein et al, 1969; Weed, 1970). Several techniques have recently been developed to measure this property of the RBC, but so far none has achieved wide acceptance. The method described here is comparatively simple and has given reproducible results. It is a modification of the technique evolved by Schmid-Sch6nbein and
Long-term persistence of immunity after hepatitis B vaccination: A fact, not a fancy

ABSTRACT On the basis of an article previously published in the journal regarding immune persistence after hepatitis B vaccination in infancy, I discuss why this persistence is a fact and not a fancy. Immune memory after a primary vaccination series has been widely demonstrated by prompt response to booster doses and the proliferation of T cells secreting IFNγ. In a large cohort of medical students, 79% of subjects were positive for anti-HBs antibodies, and only 1.9% of the subjects had serological evidence of past hepatitis B infection. To prevent severe diseases, such as hepatitis B, it is very important that the majority of the population is vaccinated, especially those employed in health care, as vaccination is the most effective weapon to hepatitis B, which is still widespread worldwide.
Involvement of oxygen free radicals in the serum‐mediated increase of benzoquinone genotoxicity

The genotoxicity of benzoquinone (BQ), a toxic benzene metabolite, is greatly enhanced by the presence of fetal calf serum (FCS) in the incubation medium. The FCS effect is abolished by heat denaturation of serum proteins and is slightly decreased by dialysis. In the present study, we have further investigated the serum effect on BQ genotoxicity by measuring DNA damage produced in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) using the Comet assay. We have also evaluated the effect of human serum and rat liver post‐mitochondrial fraction (S9) on the DNA damage produced by BQ. Both human serum and a rat liver S9 enhanced the genotoxicity of BQ in a manner similar to FCS. Gel filtration experiments showed that all the enhancing activity of the serum eluted with the high molecular weight fractions, suggesting that low molecular weight serum constituents do not play an important role in modulating genotoxicity. The genotoxicity‐enhancing activity of serum was inhibited by the iron chelator deferoxamine and by superoxide dismutase and catalase. Incubating PBMCs with BQ in the presence of FCS also resulted in the accumulation of intracellular peroxides as demonstrated by loading the cells with 2′,7′‐dichlorofluorescin diacetate and analyzing for peroxide formation by flow cytometry. These results indicate that oxygen free radicals are involved in the enhancement of BQ‐induced DNA damage by serum. We hypothesize that enzyme activities that reduce BQ by transferring single electrons could be the source of the oxygen free radicals. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. , 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Requirement of one functional RAS gene and inability of an oncogenic ras variant to mediate the glucose-induced cyclic AMP signal in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Addition of glucose to Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells grown on a nonfermentable carbon source triggers a cyclic AMP (cAMP) signal, which induces a protein phosphorylation cascade. In a yeast strain lacking functional RAS1 and RAS2 genes and containing a bcy mutation to suppress the lethality of RAS deficiency, the cAMP signal was absent. Addition of dinitrophenol, which stimulates in vivo cAMP synthesis by lowering intracellular pH, also did not enhance the cAMP level. A bcy control strain, with functional RAS genes present, showed cAMP responses similar to those of a wild-type strain. In disruption mutants containing either a functional RAS1 gene or a functional RAS2 gene, the cAMP signal was not significantly different from the one in wild-type cells, indicating that RAS function cannot be a limiting factor for cAMP synthesis during induction of the signal. Compared with wild-type cells, the cAMP signal decreased in intensity with increasing temperature in a ras2 disruption mutant. When the mutant RAS2Val-19, which carries the equivalent of the human H-rasVal-12 oncogene, was grown under conditions in which RAS1 expression is repressed, the cAMP signal was absent. The oncogene product is known to be deficient in GTPase activity. However, the amino acid change at position 19 (or 12 in the corresponding human oncogene product) might also have other effects, such as abolishing receptor interaction. Such an additional effect probably provides a better explanation for the lack of signal transmission than the impaired GTPase activity. When the RAS2Val-19 mutant was grown under conditions in which RAS1 is expressed, the cAMP signal was present but significantly delayed compared with the signal in wild-type cells. This indicates that oncogenic RAS proteins inhibit normal functioning of wild-type RAS proteins in vivo and also that in spite of the presence of the RAS2(Val-19) oncogene, adenyl cyclase is not maximally stimulated in vivo. Expression of only the RAS(Val-19) gene product also prevented most of the stimulation of cAMP synthesis by dinitrophenol, indicating that lowered intracellular pH does not act directly on adenyl cyclase but on a step earlier in the activation pathway of the enzyme. The results obtained with the control bcy strain, the RAS2(Val-19) strain under conditions in which RAS1 is expressed, and with dinitrophenol show that the inability of the oncogene product to mediate the cAMP signal is not due to feedback inhibition by the high protein kinase activity in strains containing the RAS2(Val-19) oncogene. Hence, the present results show that the RAS protein in S. cerevisiae are involved in the transmission of the glucose-induced cAMP signal and that the oncogenic RAS protein is unable to act as a signal transducer. The RAS protein in S. cerevisiae apparently act similarly to the Gs proteins of mammalian adenyl cyclase, but instead of being involved in hormone signal transmission, they function in a nutrient-induced signal transmission pathway.
Effective Treatment of Fracture-Dislocations of the Olecranon Requires a Stable Trochlear Notch

Our goal with this study was to better define and characterize fracture-dislocations of the olecranon and to provide additional data regarding complications and elbow function after operative treatment. Twenty-six patients with fracture-dislocations of the elbow were reviewed retrospectively. Ten had anterior and 16 had posterior fracture-dislocations. Five of 10 patients with anterior injuries and all of the patients with posterior injuries had an associated fracture of the coronoid process of the ulna. One of 10 patients with anterior and 13 of 16 patients with posterior injuries had fracture of the radial head. Only one patient had a true dislocation of the ulnohumeral joint. In the other 25 patients the articular surfaces remained apposed. All 26 patients were treated operatively and followed up for at least 3 years (average, 6 years). The results were good or excellent in 21 of 26 patients according to the system of Broberg and Morrey. The five unsatisfactory results were related to inadequate fixation of the coronoid with subsequent arthrosis (three patients), proximal radioulnar synostosis (three patients), and a subsequent fracture of the distal humerus (one patient). Fracture-dislocations of the olecranon occur in anterior and posterior patterns with specific injury characteristics and pitfalls. The key to effective treatment is stable restoration of the trochlear notch.
THE HARBOR OF KHUFU on the Red Sea Coast at Wadi al-Jarf, Egypt

In 2011, a team from the University of Paris-Sorbonne and the IFAO discovered an important harbor complex from the Old Kingdom at Wadi al-Jarf. Located along the Egyptian shore of the Red Sea, this strategic anchorage was used as a departure point to the Sinai Peninsula for royal expeditions to the copper and turquoise mining areas located on the opposite side of the Gulf of Suez. The site was exclusively occupied during the beginning of the 4th Dynasty and it can now be considered the oldest harbor in the world. In 2013 the discovery of several dozen fragments of papyrus, the oldest inscribed papyri ever unearthed in Egypt, confirmed the early date of this site and revealed a final closure of this installation at the end of the reign of Khufu.