Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A new droop control method for the autonomous operation of distributed energy resource interface converters

Microgrid is widely accepted as an effective mean of integrating various distributed energy resources (DERs) through their interface converters to provide electric power of high quality and reliability. These distributed resources interface converters (DICs) are required to operate in an autonomous fashion without any communication for enhanced reliability. Conventionally, the real power-frequency droop control and the reactive power-voltage droop are adopted as the de-centralized control strategies in these DICs for the autonomous power sharing operations. However, the reactive power sharing of Q-V droop control often deteriorates if there are mismatched transmission line impedance characteristics. In this paper, a Q-V dot droop control method with V dot restoration mechanism is proposed to improve the sharing of reactive power. Its operation principle and control method are explained and analyzed. In addition, simulation and experimental results are presented to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Cross-cultural convergence of musical features

Singing, rhythmic movement to music, and musical instruments, blown or struck, are pervasive, with a deep history (1). Ethnomusicologists do not dispute the existence of core abilities that support a variety of musical activities across cultures, but they are generally averse to notions of universals involving musical structure or form (2). In their view, the music of every culture is unique, being governed by systematic but arbitrary conventions. Although scientists who study music focus primarily on cognitive and neural processes (3), they regard universal musical features as an empirical question, as do Savage et al. (4) in PNAS. To date, however, scientists have relied almost exclusively on convenience samples of Western listeners and Western instrumental music, limiting the potential generality of their findings. Savage et al. apply rigorous classification criteria and phylogenetic comparative methods to a large global set of musical recordings, documenting an impressive list of musical features that are near-universal (i.e., statistical universals). The authors also identify a number of feature dependencies and music-making contexts that have high prevalence rates. The findings of Savage et al. raise provocative questions about musical structure, functions, and origins.
Hydrogen Chloride in Fires

ISO 13571:2007 describes the calculation of safe escape time using yields of asphyxiant and irritant gases for performance based design. Hydrogen chloride (HCl) gas is an incapacitating irritant, reported to be intolerable at concentrations above 100 ppm, but lethal to rats only at concentrations around 5000ppm for a 30 minute exposure. It is evolved from burning PVC, and other chlorine containing plastics. The experimental evidence of the concentration/dose effects on a range of animal species has been reviewed, and concludes that the HCl concentration leading to incapacitation of 1000 ppm, used in ISO 13571, is rather too high to ensure safe escape. Experimental data is presented from burning unplasticised PVC, plasticized PVC cable, and LDPE to show that HCl interferes with the flame chemistry, particularly the conversion of CO to CO2, further increasing the hazard from the fire effluent. The product yields are used to estimate the fire effluent toxicity, comparing the standard based on rat lethality, ISO 13344 with the newer standard, which also takes the effect of incapacitating irritants into account, showing the large contribution of HCl to the fire hazard. Finally, the relationship between the toxicity and a simple analysis of effluent acidity (EN 50297-2-3) is discussed.
Ethnic Minority Status, Depression, and Cognitive Failures in Relation to Marital Adjustment in Ethnically Diverse Older Women

The authors investigated the relationship between marital adjustment and ethnic minority status, depressive symptomatology, and cognitive failures among 78 married, community-dwelling, and predominantly non-European-American older women (ages 57 to 89 years). Respondents were screened to rule out dementia. Level of depressive symptoms, self-report of cognitive failures, and marital adjustment scores were obtained. As hypothesized, higher depressive symptomatology and cognitive failures were associated with worse marital adjustment (p < .05 for both). The same was true for membership in a nondominant ethnic group, albeit only when ethnic status was considered outside the context of the other two independent variables. These results have clinical implications and fit within the theoretical framework of the socioemotional selectivity theory (Carstensen, 1992) applied to marriage in older age, a conceptualization formulated by Bookwala and Jacobs in 2004.
Proteoglycan alterations during developing experimental osteoarthritis in a novel hip joint model

Degenerative hip joint disease was induced in dogs by extraarticular surgery that created a condition that mimics hip dysplasia. Decreased acetabular coverage of the femoral head gave altered mechanical load, with ensuing cartilage degeneration. For comparison, degenerative knee joint disease was induced in other dogs by transection of the anterior cruciate ligament of the knee. The femoral head articular cartilage showed macroscopic signs of degeneration within a month. No macroscopical changes of synovitis were present. Chemical analysis of cartilage samples showed loss of proteoglycans. Guanidine hydrochloride extracts of the cartilage contained proteoglycan fragments that could be separated by equilibrium density gradient centrifugation in cesium chloride. The data indicate that proteoglycans are fragmented by proteolytic cleavage and lost from the cartilage. The proteoglycans remaining in the tissue are smaller and have lost the ability to aggregate with hyaluronic acid. Similarly, in experimental knee joint osteoarthritis, the proteoglycan content of the cartilage decreased. The structural changes of those proteoglycans remaining were of a different nature, with no changes in proteoglycan size or aggregation properties, possibly indicating that both degradation and repair took place in the knee articular cartilage and/or that fragments were rapidly lost from the tissue. This may follow from different surgical procedures, only the one used for the hip joint being extra‐articular, or from the different anatomy and physiology of the hip joint and the knee joint.
Biological Variation in Urinary Excretion of Pyridinium Crosslinks: Recommendations for the Optimum Specimen

We assessed the analytical and biological variation of pyridinium crosslinks in early morning, 2 h fasting, and 24 h urine specimens from 14 healthy adults over a 1 month period. The results were expressed both in terms of pyridinoline concentration and pyridinoline/creatinine ratio. The data obtained were used to select the optimum specimen for clinical purposes. We found that: (a) early morning specimens are preferred; (b) results should be expressed as pyridinoline/creatinine ratio; (c) reference intervals should be stratified according to gender; (d) the necessary analytical imprecision (CV≤ 9%), derived from biological variation, is not easily achieved by current methods; (e) the difference between serial results from an individual must be > 50% to be statistically significant; and (f) assessment of risk for osteoporotic fracture by means of the pyridinium crosslink assay would, in a significant number of patients, require analysis of multiple urine specimens.
Conservation Agriculture Using Coulters: Effects of Crop Residue on Working Performance

Conservation agriculture is an important measure promoting sustainable agriculture in northeast China. Coulters in the conservation agriculture system are used to cut the excessive residue in strips, loosen soils, and create good seedbeds. Information on the performance of coulters worked in a field with or without corn residue coverage is lacking in the literature. In this study, five coulters were tested in two field conditions at three working velocities to compare their performance. The five coulters were four types of fluted coulters (8 W, 13 W, 18 W, and 25 W) and one notched-flat coulter (NF); the two field conditions were whole residue plots (WR) and no residue plots(NR), and the three working velocities were 8 km/h (V1), 10 km/h (V2), and 12 km/h (V3). All of the tests were tested at a tillage depth of 80 mm. The results showed that the maximum furrow width (Wf), furrow disturbance area (A), and residue coverage change (C) were significantly affected by the working velocity and coulter type, while the cutting force (F) and skid rate (S) were significantly affected by the residue coverage, working velocity, and coulter type. The NF was found to have the smallest furrow profile, residue coverage change, and cutting force, as well as the largest skid rate. Among the fluted coulters, as the wavenumber rose, the cutting force, furrow width, and furrow disturbance area all gradually decreased, while the skid rate and residue coverage change were gradually enhanced. The straw residual intensified the cutting force and reduced the skid rate, which changed by 11.6% and 20.9%, respectively. As the working velocity rose from 8 km/h to 12 km/h, the furrow width, furrow disturbance area, residue coverage change, cutting force, and skid rate increased by 26.5%, 16.5%, 44.6%, 8.2%, and 22.7%, respectively. The results reveal that the flat coulter and large-wavenumber fluted coulters (18 W and 25 W) have less cutting force and are more beneficial for cutting straw residue in residue coverage fields, while the small-wavenumber fluted coulters (8 W and 13 W) are suitable for loosening soil and constructing seedbeds. The cutting force has significant effects on the performance of cutting straw residue, loosening soils, and creating seedbeds.
HMG‐D is an architecture‐specific protein that preferentially binds to DNA containing the dinucleotide TG.

The high mobility group (HMG) protein HMG‐D from Drosophila melanogaster is a highly abundant chromosomal protein that is closely related to the vertebrate HMG domain proteins HMG1 and HMG2. In general, chromosomal HMG domain proteins lack sequence specificity. However, using both NMR spectroscopy and standard biochemical techniques we show that binding of HMG‐D to a single DNA site is sequence selective. The preferred duplex DNA binding site comprises at least 5 bp and contains the deformable dinucleotide TG embedded in A/T‐rich sequences. The TG motif constitutes a common core element in the binding sites of the well‐characterized sequence‐specific HMG domain proteins. We show that a conserved aromatic residue in helix 1 of the HMG domain may be involved in recognition of this core sequence. In common with other HMG domain proteins HMG‐D binds preferentially to DNA sites that are stably bent and underwound, therefore HMG‐D can be considered an architecture‐specific protein. Finally, we show that HMG‐D bends DNA and may confer a superhelical DNA conformation at a natural DNA binding site in the Drosophila fushi tarazu scaffold‐associated region.
Prospective analyses of HIV-1-specific proliferative responses, recall antigen proliferative responses, and clinical outcomes in an HIV-1-seropositive cohort.

BACKGROUND In cross-sectional studies of chronically infected individuals, lymphoproliferative responses to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1 p24 Gag antigen have previously been associated with lower virus load. It was not known whether this association would be predictive of better clinical outcome in longitudinal studies. METHODS In blood samples from 608 HIV-seropositive individuals enrolled in a trial of glycoprotein 160 vaccine therapy over the course of 3-5 years, lymphoproliferative responses to HIV-1 antigens, tetanus toxoid (TT), and mitogens were measured and correlated with clinical outcome and other parameters of progression. Baseline lymphoproliferative responses to antigens and mitogens were used to categorize the cohort into responders or nonresponders. RESULTS Although response to recall antigens did not correlate with clinical indices of disease progression, positive baseline lymphoproliferative responses to p24 and TT were associated with lower plasma levels of HIV-1 RNA. Persistently positive lymphoproliferative responses to the antigens also inversely correlated with repeated measurements of virus load, although the significance was lost once the measurements were adjusted for virus load and CD4(+) cell count at baseline, by use of generalized estimating equation analysis. CONCLUSIONS These observations suggest that the effect of the association between lymphoproliferative response and virus load is established early during HIV-1 infection and does not increase over time and suggest that antigen-specific lymphoproliferative responses reflect the dynamic state of HIV-1 infection and are inversely associated with virus load.
Alternative splicing expression of U1 snRNP 70K gene is evolutionary conserved between different plant species

A U1-snRNP—specific 70K (U1-70K) protein is intricately involved in both constitutive and alternative splicing of pre-mRNAs. Here, we report cDNA and cognate genomic sequences of the U1-70K gene of maize and rice. The maize and rice U1-70K genes bear strong similarity to the Arabidopsis gene and each encode three transcripts in roots and shoots. Alternative splicing produces two transcripts from each gene in addition to the mRNA encoding the wild type protein. In both cases, selective inclusion of intron 6 or utilization of a cryptic donor site within intron 6 sequence generates the two alternatively spliced transcripts. This evolutionary conservation of splicing patterns between different plant species suggests an important biological function for alternative splicing in the expression of U1-70K gene.
Ondansetron‐Induced Aminotransferase Level Elevation: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Elevation of aminotransferase levels is a rarely reported adverse effect of ondansetron. Increased aminotransferase levels, however, have been observed in patients receiving concurrent cisplatin chemotherapy and ondansetron. We describe a 44‐year‐old woman with no oncologic history or treatment with chemotherapy who received intravenous ondansetron on three separate occasions in the emergency department and subsequently experienced aminotransferase level abnormalities. Her baseline aspartate aminotransferase levels were within normal limits on each occasion, but increased to several times the upper limit of normal within 1 day of admission. After a diagnostic evaluation and drug review were performed, ondansetron appeared to be the most likely cause. On discontinuation of ondansetron, her aminotransferase levels trended downward, and the patient was discharged in stable condition. The Naranjo adverse drug reaction probability scale score for this event was 9, indicating that ondansetron was a definite cause of the elevated aminotransferase levels. Some studies describe a higher rate of increased aminotransferase levels in patients with cancer who are treated with ondansetron compared with those receiving metoclopramide. These elevations are not dose related and have not been associated with liver injury. Furthermore, the chemotherapeutic agent administered may play a role in aminotransferase level elevations. Since cisplatin was administered in most of these studies and is known to independently cause hepatotoxicity, the overall contribution of ondansetron to aminotransferase level elevation is not fully known. With the increased use of ondansetron outside of oncologic medicine, it is important that clinicians are aware of this rare adverse effect when determining the cause of elevated aminotransferase levels.
Mentoring Young Entrepreneurs: What Leads to Success?

Youth Business International (YBI) has helped a significant number of young entrepreneurs through its network of business programmes worldwide. It provides young people, who have little more than a bright idea and the determination to succeed, with a start-up loan and the services of a volunteer mentor. However, what is less well known is the true nature of the mentor-client relationship and the impact this has on a young person’s personal and business success. This study takes as its sample two distinct groups of mentors, young entrepreneurs and programme managers from two different countries and using a case study method explores what leads to success. The emerging themes show the nature of the relationship is affected at three critical phases: start-up, midpoint and endpoint. The results also show that mentors are required to use an approach towards entrepreneurs that reduces dependency and increases self-confidence. The findings indicate a style of mentoring which is less directive and more empowering as the client’s business starts to grow.
High-Density Lipoproteins Rescue Diabetes-Impaired Angiogenesis via Scavenger Receptor Class B Type I

Disordered neovascularization and impaired wound healing are important contributors to diabetic vascular complications. We recently showed that high-density lipoproteins (HDLs) enhance ischemia-mediated neovascularization, and mounting evidence suggests HDL have antidiabetic properties. We therefore hypothesized that HDL rescue diabetes-impaired neovascularization. Streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice had reduced blood flow recovery and neovessel formation in a hindlimb ischemia model compared with nondiabetic mice. Reconstituted HDL (rHDL) infusions in diabetic mice restored blood flow recovery and capillary density to nondiabetic levels. Topical rHDL application rescued diabetes-impaired wound closure, wound angiogenesis, and capillary density. In vitro, rHDL increased key mediators involved in hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) stabilization, including the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt pathway, Siah1, and Siah2, and suppressed the prolyl hydroxylases (PHD) 2 and PHD3. rHDL rescued high glucose–induced impairment of tubulogenesis and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) A protein production, a finding associated with enhanced phosphorylation of proangiogenic mediators VEGF receptor 2 and endothelial nitric oxide synthase. Siah1/2 small interfering RNA knockdown confirmed the importance of HIF-1α stability in mediating rHDL action. Lentiviral short hairpin RNA knockdown of scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI) in vitro and SR-BI−/− diabetic mice in vivo attenuated rHDL rescue of diabetes-impaired angiogenesis, indicating a key role for SR-BI. These findings provide a greater understanding of the vascular biological effects of HDL, with potential therapeutic implications for diabetic vascular complications.
Caspase-1 activation and mature interleukin-1β release are uncoupled events in monocytes.

AIM To investigate whether caspase-1 activation/intracellular processing of pro-interleukin-1β (pro-IL-1β) and extracellular release of mature IL-1β from activated monocytes are separable events. METHODS All experiments were performed on fresh or overnight cultured human peripheral blood monocytes (PBMCs) that were isolated from healthy donors. PBMCs were activated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation before being treated with Adenosine triphosphate (ATP, 1 mmol/L), human α-defensin-5 (HD-5, 50 μg/mL), and/or nigericin (Nig, 30 μmol/L). For each experiment, the culture supernatants were collected separately from the cells. Cell lysates and supernatants were both subject to immunoprecipitation with anti-IL-1β antibodies followed by western blot analysis with anti-caspase-1 and anti-IL-1β antibodies. RESULTS We found that pro-IL-1β was processed to mature IL-1β in LPS-activated fresh and overnight cultured human monocytes in response to ATP stimulation. In the presence of HD-5, this release of IL-1β, but not the processing of pro-IL-1β to IL-1β, was completely inhibited. Similarly, in the presence of HD-5, the release of IL-1β, but not the processing of IL-1β, was significantly inhibited from LPS-activated monocytes stimulated with Nig. Finally, we treated LPS-activated monocytes with ATP and Nig and collected the supernatants. We found that both ATP and Nig stimulation could activate and release cleaved caspase-1 from the monocytes. Interestingly, and contrary to IL-1β processing and release, caspase-1 cleavage and release was not blocked by HD-5. All images are representative of three independent experiments. CONCLUSION These data suggest that caspase-1 activation/processing of pro-IL-1β by caspase-1 and the release of mature IL-1β from human monocytes are distinct and separable events.
Is Corruption Efficiency-Enhancing? A Case Study of the Central and Eastern European Region

We investigate the role of firm-level bribes in explaining the efficiency of within-sector production factor allocation across firms in nine Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries in 2003-2012. We find a positive association between corruption and both labour and capital misallocation dynamics, once country framework conditions are controlled for. The link is larger the smaller the country, the lower the degree of political stability and of civil liberties, and the weaker regulatory quality. Results hold when instrumenting corruption with female representation in Parliament and the freedom of the press. Targeted action against corruption in the CEE region would thus enhance within-sector allocative efficiency, in turn a determinant of sectorial, and aggregate, TFP growth.
Evaluation of prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart disease

Prenatal diagnosis performed by fetal ultrasound scan is now a routine part of antenatal care in many countries. That an increasing number of fetal anomalies may be detected on prenatal ultrasound is beyond doubt. What is possible is not, however, always practical, especially when congenital heart diseases (CHDs) are concerned and when whole antenatal populations are screened rather than high‐risk groups. Thanks to our registry of congenital anomalies, a retrospective study was undertaken to evaluate the prenatal detection of CHDs by ultrasound scan in 131 760 consecutive pregnancies of known outcome from 1979 to 1988. Only 84 out of 912 malformed fetuses with CHDs without chromosomal anomalies were detected (9.2 per cent). The sensitivity of detection varied from around 38 per cent for malformations such as hypoplastic left heart and single ventricle to around 5 per cent for ventricular and atrial septal defects. The effectiveness of the detection of some forms of major congenital heart disease has increased dramatically since 1987 by including routine examination of the four‐chamber view and of the inflow and outflow tracts of the fetal heart. Our results stress the need to obtain a definite clear four‐chamber view, to perform scans at ⩾ 18 weeks of gestation, and to train sonographers in order to improve the prenatal detection of CHDs.