Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Active impedance: A closed-loop approach on hybrid active series power filter

Hybrid active series power filters, as originally proposed, presents a way to improve the physical limitation of tuned passive filters. However these improvements are restricted to a single filter parameter: quality or tuned factor. To overcome these limitations, the active impedance has been proposed. By handling, at the same time, the quality and the tuned factor the topology is able to compensate multiple harmonic current just by using a single tuned passive filter. In this paper the details about active impedance concept are demonstrated. An appropriated control strategy based on P+Resonant Controller is used to implement the active filter complex gain. The performance of the hybrid active filter based on active impedance under multiples harmonics frequencies is investigated and confirms to be more efficient than those reported in the literature. The control algorithm is executed using the DSP TMS320F2812 and the inverter switching frequency is 20 kHz.
REGIONAL, LOCAL AND MICROGEOGRAPHIC ALLELE FREQUENCY VARIATION BETWEEN APPLE AND HAWTHORN POPULATIONS OF RHAGOLETIS POMONELLA IN WESTERN MICHIGAN

In the preceding study (Feder et al., 1990), we report that paired apple and hawthorn infesting populations of Rhagoletis pomonella are genetically differentiated for six allozymes. Here, we show that patterns of intra‐ and inter‐host allele frequency variation seen for these six loci across the eastern United States are consistent on a more fine grained spatial scale in western Michigan. Malic enzyme, Aconitase‐2, Mannose phosphate isomerase, and Hydroxyacid dehydrogenase all displayed significant linear relationships with latitude among five “regional” hawthorn populations sampled along a north‐south transect between the cities of Cadillac and Portage, Michigan. Clines were not as evident among “regional” apple populations in western Michigan, although allele frequencies for Malic enzyme100, Mannose phosphate isomerase100 and Aconitase‐295 varied with latitude among six “local” apple populations within a 60 km2 area near the town of Grant. Significant allele frequency differences were observed between hawthorn and apple populations at all “regional” and “local” collecting sites analyzed in the study (a total of 20 different apple and hawthorn populations). As was the case in the geographic survey of the eastern United States, the magnitude and pattern of inter‐host frequency differences at “regional” and “local” sites were a function of latitude. Host related genetic differentiation was consistent on a “microgeographic” scale as well. Allele frequencies for Malic enzyme100 and Aconitase‐295 were significantly higher over a four‐year period (1984 to 1987) for flies sampled from individual hawthorn trees (N = 6) than apple trees (N = 7) within an old field (0.09‐km2 area) located near Grant. The fine level of genetic subdivision between hawthorn and apple populations of R. pomonella in western Michigan substantiates the existence of host associated polymorphism in the fly and supports a sympatric mode of divergence for the “apple race”.
Cardiovascular health through young adulthood and cognitive functioning in midlife

A study was undertaken to examine the association between overall cardiovascular health as recently defined by the American Heart Association in young adulthood to middle age and cognitive function in midlife. Overall ideal cardiovascular health incorporates 7 metrics, including the avoidance of overweight or obesity, a healthful diet, nonsmoking, and physical activity, total cholesterol, blood pressure, and fasting glucose at goal levels.
A Novel Two-Velocity Method for Elaborate Isokinetic Testing of Knee Extensors

Abstract Single outcomes of standard isokinetic dynamometry tests do not discern between various muscle mechanical capacities. In this study, we aimed to (1) evaluate the shape and strength of the force-velocity relationship of knee extensors, as observed in isokinetic tests conducted at a wide range of angular velocities, and (2) explore the concurrent validity of a simple 2-velocity method. Thirteen physically active females were tested for both the peak and averaged knee extensor concentric force exerted at the angular velocities of 30°–240°/s recorded in the 90°–170° range of knee extension. The results revealed strong (0.960<R<0.998) linear force-velocity relationships that depict the maximum muscle force (i.e. the force-intercept), velocity (velocity-intercept), and power (their product). Moreover, the line drawn through only the 60° and 180°/s data (the ‘2-velocity method’) revealed a high level of agreement with the force-velocity relationship obtained (0.76<R<0.97; all power<0.001); while the force-intercept highly correlated (0.68<R<0.84; all power≤0.01) with the directly measured isometric force. The 2-velocity method could therefore be developed into a standard method for isokinetic testing of mechanical capacities of knee extensors and, if supported by further research, other muscles. This brief and fatigue-free testing procedure could discern between muscle force, velocity, and power-producing capacities.
Acadesine activates AMPK and induces apoptosis in B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells but not in T lymphocytes.

Acadesine, 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide (AICA) riboside, induced apoptosis in B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) cells in all samples tested (n = 70). The half-maximal effective concentration (EC(50)) for B-CLL cells was 380 +/- 60 microM (n = 5). The caspase inhibitor Z-VAD.fmk completely blocked acadesine-induced apoptosis, which involved the activation of caspase-3, -8, and -9 and cytochrome c release. Incubation of B-CLL cells with acadesine induced the phosphorylation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), indicating that it is activated by acadesine. Nitrobenzylthioinosine (NBTI), a nucleoside transport inhibitor, 5-iodotubercidin, an inhibitor of adenosine kinase, and adenosine completely inhibited acadesine-induced apoptosis and AMPK phosphorylation, demonstrating that incorporation of acadesine into the cell and its subsequent phosphorylation to AICA ribotide (ZMP) are necessary to induce apoptosis. Inhibitors of protein kinase A and mitogen-activated protein kinases did not protect from acadesine-induced apoptosis in B-CLL cells. Moreover, acadesine had no effect on p53 levels or phosphorylation, suggesting a p53-independent mechanism in apoptosis triggering. Normal B lymphocytes were as sensitive as B-CLL cells to acadesine-induced apoptosis. However, T cells from patients with B-CLL were only slightly affected by acadesine at doses up to 4 mM. AMPK phosphorylation did not occur in T cells treated with acadesine. Intracellular levels of ZMP were higher in B-CLL cells than in T cells when both were treated with 0.5 mM acadesine, suggesting that ZMP accumulation is necessary to activate AMPK and induce apoptosis. These results suggest a new pathway involving AMPK in the control of apoptosis in B-CLL cells and raise the possibility of using acadesine in B-CLL treatment.
Distributed infrastructure inspection path planning for aerial robotics subject to time constraints

Within this paper, the problem of 3D inspection path planning for distributed infrastructure using aerial robots that are subject to time constraints is addressed. The proposed algorithm handles varying spatial properties of the infrastructure facilities, accounts for their different importance and exploration function and computes an overall inspection path of high inspection reward while respecting the robot endurance or mission time constraints, as well as the vehicle dynamics and sensor limitations. To achieve its goal, it employs an iterative, 3-step optimization strategy within which it first randomly samples a set of possible structures to visit, subsequently solves the derived traveling salesman problem and computes the travel costs, while finally it randomly assigns inspection times to each structure, and evaluates the total inspection reward. For the derivation of the inspection paths per each independent facility, it interfaces a path planner dedicated to the 3D coverage of single structures. The resulting algorithm properties, computational performance and path quality are evaluated using simulation studies as well as an experimental test-case employing a multirotor micro aerial vehicle.
Human pro-tumor necrosis factor: molecular determinants of membrane translocation, sorting, and maturation

Human pro-tumor necrosis factor (pro-TNF) is a type II transmembrane protein with a highly conserved 76-residue leader sequence. We have analyzed the behavior, both in a microsomal translocational system and by transfection, of a series of mutants with deletions from the cytoplasmic, transmembrane, and linking domains. Cytoplasmic deletions included the Arg doublet at -49 and -48 and/or the Lys doublet at -58 and -57; additional mutants included deletion of residues -73 to -55 and -73 to -55, -49, and -48. The transmembrane and linking domain mutants included deletions in the -42 to -35 region, combined with the deletion of residues -32 to -1. Two hybrid mutants combined the cytoplasmic deletions with the deletion of residues -32 to -1. All of the cytoplasmic deletion mutants were properly translocated, as were the transmembrane deletion mutants with deletions up to residues -36, -35, -32 to -1, although the last one exhibited reduced efficiency; further incremental deletions, including deletions of residues -38 to -35 and -32 to -1, completely blocked translocation. Both hybrid mutants were effectively translocated; furthermore, transfection analysis revealed competent expression and maturation of both the cytoplasmic and hybrid mutants. Thus, proper expression and maturation of human pro-TNF can be accomplished with as few as approximately 12 of the 26 residues of the native transmembrane domain and with a net negative charge in the cytoplasmic domain flanking the transmembrane region.
Binding of Cyclic Diguanylate in the Non-catalytic EAL Domain of FimX Induces a Long-range Conformational Change*

FimX is a multidomain signaling protein required for type IV pilus biogenesis and twitching motility in the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. FimX is localized to the single pole of the bacterial cell, and the unipolar localization is crucial for the correct assembly of type IV pili. FimX contains a non-catalytic EAL domain that lacks cyclic diguanylate (c-di-GMP) phosphodiesterase activity. It was shown that deletion of the EAL domain or mutation of the signature EVL motif affects the unipolar localization of FimX. However, it was not understood how the C-terminal EAL domain could influence protein localization considering that the localization sequence resides in the remote N-terminal region of the protein. Using hydrogen/deuterium exchange-coupled mass spectrometry, we found that the binding of c-di-GMP to the EAL domain triggers a long-range (∼ca. 70 Å) conformational change in the N-terminal REC domain and the adjacent linker. In conjunction with the observation that mutation of the EVL motif of the EAL domain abolishes the binding of c-di-GMP, the hydrogen/deuterium exchange results provide a molecular explanation for the mediation of protein localization and type IV pilus biogenesis by c-di-GMP through a remarkable allosteric regulation mechanism.
Análisis cromosómico de Odontophrynus americanus, O. achalensis, O. cordobae y O. occidentalis (Anura : Leptodactylidae) de la provincia de Córdoba, Argentina

Se estudio la citogenetica de cuatro especies del genero Odontophrynus (O. americanus, O. achalensis, O. cordobae y O. occidentalis) a partir de ejemplares colectados en las localidades de Rio Cuarto, Pampa de Achala, San Clemente y Alpa Corral, en la provincia de Cordoba, Argentina. Los cromosomas se obtuvieron de celulas de intestino, medula osea y testiculo, y se analizaron con coloracion convencional de Giemsa. Odontophrynus americanus presento un cariotipo 4n = 44 y O. achalensis, O. cordobae y O. occidentalis 2n = 22. Las constricciones secundarias se observaron en Odontophrynus americanus y O. occidentalis en el par 11, en O. achalensis en el nueve y en O. cordobae en el cuatro. La descripcion de la morfologia de los cromosomas incluye sus medidas como un dato adicional de gran utilidad.
Neurofibromatosis-1 regulates mTOR-mediated astrocyte growth and glioma formation in a TSC/Rheb-independent manner

Converging evidence from the analysis of human brain tumors and genetically engineered mice has revealed that the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is a central regulator of glial and glioma cell growth. In this regard, mutational inactivation of neurofibromatosis-1 (NF1), tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), and PTEN genes is associated with glioma formation, such that pharmacologic inhibition of mTOR signaling results in attenuated tumor growth. This shared dependence on mTOR suggests that PTEN and NF1 (neurofibromin) glial growth regulation requires TSC/Rheb (Ras homolog enriched in brain) control of mTOR function. In this report, we use a combination of genetic silencing in vitro and conditional mouse transgenesis approaches in vivo to demonstrate that neurofibromin regulates astrocyte cell growth and glioma formation in a TSC/Rheb-independent fashion. First, we show that Nf1 or Pten inactivation, but not Tsc1 loss or Rheb overexpression, increases astrocyte cell growth in vitro. Second, Nf1-deficient increased mTOR signaling and astrocyte hyperproliferation is unaffected by Rheb shRNA silencing. Third, conditional Tsc1 inactivation or Rheb overexpression in glial progenitors of Nf1+/− mice does not lead to glioma formation. Collectively, these findings establish TSC/Rheb-independent mechanisms for mTOR-dependent glial cell growth control and gliomagenesis relevant to the design of therapies for individuals with glioma.
Entrance of the proton pathway in cbb3-type heme-copper oxidases

Heme-copper oxidases (HCuOs) are the last components of the respiratory chain in mitochondria and many bacteria. They catalyze O2 reduction and couple it to the maintenance of a proton-motive force across the membrane in which they are embedded. In the mitochondrial-like, A family of HCuOs, there are two well established proton transfer pathways leading from the cytosol to the active site, the D and the K pathways. In the C family (cbb3) HCuOs, recent work indicated the use of only one pathway, analogous to the K pathway. In this work, we have studied the functional importance of the suggested entry point of this pathway, the Glu-25 (Rhodobacter sphaeroides cbb3 numbering) in the accessory subunit CcoP (E25P). We show that catalytic turnover is severely slowed in variants lacking the protonatable Glu-25. Furthermore, proton uptake from solution during oxidation of the fully reduced cbb3 by O2 is specifically and severely impaired when Glu-25 was exchanged for Ala or Gln, with rate constants 100–500 times slower than in wild type. Thus, our results support the role of E25P as the entry point to the proton pathway in cbb3 and that this pathway is the main proton pathway. This is in contrast to the A-type HCuOs, where the D (and not the K) pathway is used during O2 reduction. The cbb3 is in addition to O2 reduction capable of NO reduction, an activity that was largely retained in the E25P variants, consistent with a scenario where NO reduction in cbb3 uses protons from the periplasmic side of the membrane.
Actinomyces liubingyangii sp. nov. isolated from the vulture Gypaetus barbatus.

Two strains (VUL4_1T and VUL4_2) of Gram-staining-positive, catalase-negative, non-spore-forming short rods were isolated from rectal swabs of Old World vultures (Gypaetus barbatus) in the Tibet-Qinghai Plateau, China. Analysis of morphological characteristics and biochemical tests indicated that the two strains closely resembled each other but were distinct from other species of the genus Actinomyces previously described. Based on the results of 16S rRNA gene sequence comparison and genome analysis, strains were determined to be members of the genus Actinomyces, closely related to the type strains of Actinomyces marimammalium (96.4 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity), Actinomyceshongkongensis (92.4 %), Actinomyceshordeovulneris (92.3 %) and Actinomycesnasicola (92.2 %), respectively. Optimal growth conditions were 37 °C, pH 6-7, with 1 % (w/v) NaCl. Strain VUL4_1T contained C18 : 1ω9c and C16 : 0 as the major cellular fatty acids and diphosphatidylglycerol as the major component of the polar lipids. The genomic DNA G+C content of VUL4_1T was 54.9 mol%. Strain VUL4_1T showed less than 70 % DNA-DNA relatedness with other species of the genus Actinomyces, further supporting strain VUL4_1T as a representative of a novel species. Based on the phenotypic data and phylogenetic inference, a novel species, Actinomyces liubingyangii sp. nov., is proposed with VUL4_1T (=CGMCC 4.7370T=DSM 104050T) as the type strain.
Cutting xylem under tension or supersaturated with gas can generate PLC and the appearance of rapid recovery from embolism.

We investigated the common assumption that severing stems and petioles under water preserves the hydraulic continuity in the xylem conduits opened by the cut when the xylem is under tension. In red maple and white ash, higher percent loss of conductivity (PLC) in the afternoon occurred when the measurement segment was excised under water at native xylem tensions, but not when xylem tensions were relaxed prior to sample excision. Bench drying vulnerability curves in which measurement samples were excised at native versus relaxed tensions showed a dramatic effect of cutting under tension in red maple, a moderate effect in sugar maple, and no effect in paper birch. We also found that air injection of cut branches (red and sugar maple) at pressures of 0.1 and 1.0 MPa resulted in PLC greater than predicted from vulnerability curves for samples cut 2 min after depressurization, with PLC returning to expected levels for samples cut after 75 min. These results suggest that sampling methods can generate PLC patterns indicative of repair under tension by inducing a degree of embolism that is itself a function of xylem tensions or supersaturation of dissolved gases (air injection) at the moment of sample excision. Implications for assessing vulnerability to cavitation and levels of embolism under field conditions are discussed.
Arabidopsis protein arginine methyltransferase 3 is required for ribosome biogenesis by affecting precursor ribosomal RNA processing

Significance The functional relationship between protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) and ribosome biogenesis was proposed a decade ago, but the underlying mechanism still remains elusive. In this work, we demonstrate for the first time to our knowledge that the coexistence of two pre-rRNA processing pathways is conserved in plants; and Arabidopsis PRMT3 is required for the balance between these pathways. These findings uncover an important link between PRMT and proper pre-rRNA processing, which not only extends our understanding of the regulatory scope of PRMTs but also reveals the complexity of regulation of ribosome biogenesis. The alternative pre-rRNA processing pathways in plants modulated by PRMT3 may be conserved in other multicellular organisms, thereby shedding light on PRMT functions and regulation of ribosome biogenesis in animals. Ribosome biogenesis is a fundamental and tightly regulated cellular process, including synthesis, processing, and assembly of rRNAs with ribosomal proteins. Protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) have been implicated in many important biological processes, such as ribosome biogenesis. Two alternative precursor rRNA (pre-rRNA) processing pathways coexist in yeast and mammals; however, how PRMT affects ribosome biogenesis remains largely unknown. Here we show that Arabidopsis PRMT3 (AtPRMT3) is required for ribosome biogenesis by affecting pre-rRNA processing. Disruption of AtPRMT3 results in pleiotropic developmental defects, imbalanced polyribosome profiles, and aberrant pre-rRNA processing. We further identify an alternative pre-rRNA processing pathway in Arabidopsis and demonstrate that AtPRMT3 is required for the balance of these two pathways to promote normal growth and development. Our work uncovers a previously unidentified function of PRMT in posttranscriptional regulation of rRNA, revealing an extra layer of complexity in the regulation of ribosome biogenesis.
Consistency of neuropsychological outcome following damage to prefrontal cortex in the first years of life

The consistency of neuropsychological outcome following circumscribed damage to the prefrontal cortex (PFC) in the first years of life has not been systematically investigated. On the basis of a single well-studied case, Ackerly and Benton (1948) postulated that the core profile involves development of a primary social defect in the context of generally normal intellectual abilities. We evaluated the consistency of this profile across all patients in our registry who had focal PFC damage acquired between the prenatal period and 62 months of age (N = 7). Clinical ratings based on detailed evaluations, parental ratings, and neuropsychological testing confirmed this general profile in 5 of the 7 patients. The impairments of social function were evident in early childhood and persisted into adult life. Of the 2 patients who did not fit this profile, 1 had significant social impairment in the context of broader cognitive deficits, and 1 had no significant impairment of social or intellectual function. The profile was not observed in a comparison group with childhood-onset nonfrontal lesions. These findings support the notion that focal damage to PFC in the first years of life leads to the development of substantial impairment of social competencies, albeit with some variability in outcome. Further, the findings highlight the importance of emotional dysfunction and poor behavior regulation in the development of these impairments. Our studies recapitulate and confirm the core messages set forth by Ackerly and Benton more than a half-century ago.
Triple echo steady‐state (TESS) relaxometry

Rapid imaging techniques have attracted increased interest for relaxometry, but none are perfect: they are prone to static (B0) and transmit (B1) field heterogeneities, and commonly biased by T2/T1. The purpose of this study is the development of a rapid T1 and T2 relaxometry method that is completely (T2) or partly (T1) bias‐free.
Development and evaluation of a new airspeed information system utilizing airborne Doppler LIDAR

We have developed a prototype of a new air speed information system leveraging the technological advance of a practical airborne Doppler Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR). The proposed system uses the LIDAR to sense wind speeds up to several tens of seconds ahead of an aircraft in real time, and uses the data to provide predictive airspeed information called L-PSPD (LIDAR-based predicted airspeed indicator) and a target approach speed called a L-TSPD (LIDAR-based target airspeed indicator) to the pilot via a newly designed cockpit display and/or directly to the autothrottle system. A series of piloted evaluations was carried out by flight simulator and flight test to verify the effectiveness of the system. The results indicate that the proposed system improved airspeed control performance and reduced workload during approaches under windshear and turbulent conditions. We obtained the advantages and disadvantages of each proposed display from subjective evaluation data and objective workload data from visual secondary task performance, electroencephalogram (EEG), electrocardiogram (ECG) and eye recorder.