Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optimization of a Front-End DCM Buck PFP for an HPF Integrated Single-Stage LED Driver

There is currently a trend in power electronics to avoiding the use of electrolytic capacitors in LED drivers, provided that their expected life span is much lower than that of the LEDs, thus reducing the reliability of the entire LED fixture. This paper presents an optimization study about the determination of the minimal bus capacitance needed for reducing the power factor preregulator (PFP) stage dc-link capacitor down to values that are available in metalized-film technology. This optimization study will be applied to the buck converter, which is an interesting topology for high power factor (HPF) LED drivers due to its low component count, HPF, low output voltage, and lower voltage stress on semiconductors than the boost or buck-boost PFPs, which yields to lower efficiency decline under dimming operation. This way, a 70-W integrated buck-flyback converter is developed and proposed with an metalized-film polypropylene (MKP) dc-link capacitor, intended for outdoor applications where a high reliability is pursued, and capable of driving several LED lamps in different configurations. The experimental results show the accuracy of the theoretical predictions, confirming the feasibility of the buck converter as a high-performance PFP.
Adipose-Derived Stromal Cell Therapy Improves Cardiac Function after Coronary Occlusion in Rats

Recent studies have identified adipose tissue as a new source of mesenchymal stem cells for therapy. The purpose of this study was to investigate the therapy with adipose-derived stromal cells (ASCs) in a rat model of healed myocardial infarction (MI). ASCs from inguinal subcutaneous adipose tissue of male Wistar rats were isolated by enzymatic digestion and filtration. Cells were then cultured until passage 3. Four weeks after ligation of the left coronary artery of female rats, a suspension of either 100 μl with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) + Matrigel + 2 × 106 ASCs labeled with Hoechst (n = 11) or 100 μl of PBS + Matrigel (n = 10) was injected along the borders of the ventricular wall scar tissue. A sham-operated group (n = 5) was submitted to the same surgical procedure except permanent ligation of left coronary artery. Cardiac performance was assessed by electro- and echocardiogram. Echo was performed prior to injections (baseline, BL) and 6 weeks after injections (follow-up, FU), and values after treatment were normalized by values obtained before treatment. Hemodynamic measurements were performed 6 weeks after injections. All infarcted animals exhibited cardiac function impairment. Ejection fraction (EF), shortening fractional area (SFA), and left ventricular akinesia (LVA) were similar between infarcted groups before treatment. Six weeks after therapy, ASC group showed significant improvement in all three ECHO indices in comparison to vehicle group. In anesthetized animals dp/dt+ was also significantly higher in ASCs when compared to vehicle. In agreement with functional improvement, scar area was diminished in the ASC group. We conclude that ASCs improve cardiac function in infarcted rats when administered directly to the myocardium.
Role of Threonines in the Arabidopsis thaliana Somatic Embryogenesis Receptor Kinase 1 Activation Loop in Phosphorylation*

The Arabidopsis thalianasomatic embryogenesis receptor kinase 1 (AtSERK1) gene encodes a receptor-like protein kinase that is transiently expressed during embryogenesis. To determine the intrinsic biochemical properties of the AtSERK1 protein, we have expressed the intracellular catalytic domain as a glutathione S-transferase fusion protein in Escherichia coli. The AtSERK1-glutathioneS-transferase fusion protein mainly autophosphorylates on threonine residues (K m for ATP, 4 × 10−6 m), and the reaction is Mg2+dependent and inhibited by Mn2+. A K330E substitution in the kinase domain of AtSERK1 abolishes all kinase activity. The active AtSERK1kin can phosphorylate inactive AtSERK1K330E protein, suggesting an intermolecular mechanism of autophosphorylation. The AtSERK1 kinase protein was modeled using the insulin receptor kinase as a template. On the basis of this model, threonine residues in the AtSERK1 activation loop of catalytic subdomain VIII are potential targets for phosphorylation. AtSERK1 phosphorylation on myelin basic protein and casein showed tyrosine, serine, and threonine as targets, demonstrating that AtSERK1 is a dual specificity kinase. Replacing Thr-468 with either alanine or glutamic acid not only obliterated the ability of the AtSERK1 protein to be phosphorylated but also inhibited phosphorylation on myelin basic protein and casein, suggesting that Thr-468 is essential for AtSERK-mediated signaling.
Indirect self-tuning control of a nonlinear non-minimum phase system

Stability analysis of indirect self-tuning control algorithm is relatively complex, since time-varying operation should be dealt with. In this paper, for a class of discrete time nonlinear non-minimum systems, by using multiple models and neural networks, an indirect self-tuning control method based on a one-step-ahead optimal weighting control scheme is proposed. In the self-tuning control method, two new identification algorithms are first presented. The properties of the identification algorithms are provided. The bounded-input-bounded-output (BIBO) stability of the closed-loop system is proved, and the performance is analyzed. To illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method, simulations are conducted.
COGNITIVE MENTORSHIP : MEDIATING PROTÉGÉ PERFORMANCE THESIS

The role of cognitive apprenticeship has been emphasized in facilitating individual performance in the classroom, but there is limited quantitative research directly linking cognitive behaviors to mentoring relationships and workplace performance. This study investigated the characteristics of mentoring behavior that influence group performance using archival data from 52 different organizations. A mediation model was developed and the results indicate that the group-level of mentors’ cognitive behavior plays a central role in the mentor-protégé relationship. The findings suggest that the mentors’ collective articulation of problem-solving processes fully mediate the unit’s performance, while reflection and exploration partially mediate the relationship. The theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.
A REAL-TIME AURALIZATION PLUGIN FOR ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN AND EDUCATION

The role of acoustics in architectural planning processes is often neglected if the designer lacks necessary experience in acoustics. Even if an acoustic consultant is involved he might be presented with limited options after the initial planning process. Some disadvantageous decisions might be hard to reverse then. To improve and facilitate the construction process permanent immediate feedback should be given to the designer. Planning cannot be imaged today without live 3D visual rendering. But also acoustics should be rendered in real-time to provide the same type of intuitive feedback. Therefore a real-time room acoustics auralization was implemented into a popular CAD-Modeling tool. Binaural room impulse responses are continuously updated using image sources and ray tracing algorithms and convolved in real-time with audio feed from recorded sounds or the user’s microphone. The CAD model can be freely modified during the simulations including geometry, surface materials and source and receiver positions. Using streaming low-latency convolution, an immediate feedback is provided to the user.
Modified Wideband Marchand Balun With Tunable Power Division Ratio and Constant Phase

A balun with a wide tunable power division ratio and constant phase across a wide frequency band is presented. The proposed design is a modification of the traditional Marchand balun with a varactor and series resistor loaded at the central point of the two connected pairs of coupled lines. The varactor is used to control the power division ratio at two output ports, whereas the resistor is used to stabilize the power division across a wide operational bandwidth. The achievable power division ratio and differential phase are investigated for different band ranges. A prototype is designed, fabricated, and tested. The results indicate a tuning power ratio range from 1:1 to 3.5:1 across 80% fractional bandwidth (1.2-2.8 GHz) with more than 10 dB return loss and less than 9° differential phase.
Activation of the B Cell Antigen Receptor Triggers Reactivation of Latent Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus in B Cells

ABSTRACT Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is an oncogenic herpesvirus and the cause of Kaposi's sarcoma, primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) and multicentric Castleman's disease. Latently infected B cells are the main reservoir of this virus in vivo, but the nature of the stimuli that lead to its reactivation in B cells is only partially understood. We established stable BJAB cell lines harboring latent KSHV by cell-free infection with recombinant virus carrying a puromycin resistance marker. Our latently infected B cell lines, termed BrK.219, can be reactivated by triggering the B cell receptor (BCR) with antibodies to surface IgM, a stimulus imitating antigen recognition. Using this B cell model system we studied the mechanisms that mediate the reactivation of KSHV in B cells following the stimulation of the BCR and could identify phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and X-box binding protein 1 (XBP-1) as proteins that play an important role in the BCR-mediated reactivation of latent KSHV.
Music mood classification model based on arousal-valence values

This paper presents a music mood classification model based on arousal-valence (AV) values for music recommendation system. We analyse the collected music mood tags and AV values from 10 subjects and classify music mood on the AV plane into 8 regions by using k-means clustering algorithm. For each region, we propose representative mood tags by using statistics. We find that some regions can be identified by representative mood tags like previous models but some mood tags are overlapped in almost regions. The proposed model can express a region with several representative moods and a mood distributed uniformly in almost regions.
WikiRep: Installation Guide and Developer's Manual

This report covers installation, internal organization and algorithms of WikiRep, an environment for virtual communities with support for digital reputation. The first part is technical, it describes WikiRep installation procedure, briefly outlines source code structure, listing the most important functions, and provides details on how virtual reputations are stored in the database. Later part of the report covers WikiRep algorithms. Two approaches to defining quality of a digital reputation are analytically compared. The method employed for calculating adoption coefficients is described, with the proof that the coefficients are symmetric. Finally, the approach used to visualize value and quality of digital reputations is explained in detail.
GAPSS : the Global AntiPhospholipid Syndrome Score

Objective. To develop and validate a risk score [global APS score (GAPSS)] derived from the combination of independent risk for thrombosis and pregnancy loss (PL), taking into account the aPL profile, conventional cardiovascular risk factors and the autoimmune antibody profile. Methods. This cross-sectional study included 211 consecutive SLE patients. Data on clinical manifestations, conventional cardiovascular risk factors, aPL profile, ANAs, ENA and anti-dsDNA were collected. Long-term low-dose aspirin, oral anticoagulant and HCQ treatment were also included in the analysis. Patients were randomly divided into two sets by a computer-generated randomized list. We developed GAPSS in the first set of patients (n = 106), assigning the risk factors identified by multivariate analysis weighted points proportional to the b-regression coefficient values. GAPSS was validated in the second set of patients (n = 105). The relationship between GAPPS and thrombosis and/or PL was analysed. Results. In the first set, higher values of GAPSS were seen in patients who experienced thrombosis and/ or PL compared with those without clinical events [GAPSS 9.3 (4.8) (range 1 19) and 5.3 (4) (range 0 16), P<0.001]. Also taken separately, patients who experienced thrombosis or PL showed higher GAPSS compared with those without clinical events [GAPSS 9.6 (4.8) (range 1 19) vs 4.9 (5) (range 0 14), P = 0.027 for thrombosis; 7.3 (5) vs 3.9 (5.1) (range 0 16), P = 0.024 for PL, respectively]. In the second set, the results were similar, with statistically higher values of GAPSS in patients with a clinical history of thrombosis and/or PL compared with those without events [GAPSS 9.5 (5.6) (range 0 20) and 3.9 (4.1) (range 0 17), P< 0.001). Higher values were also seen when subclassifying the patients according to the clinical manifestation, thrombosis or PL [GAPSS 9.5 (5.6) (range 0 20) vs 4.8 (5.4) (range 0 17), P = 0.036 for thrombosis; 7.9 (3.3) vs 3.8 (5.4) (range 0 16), P = 0.037 for PL, respectively). Conclusion. These data propose a substantial improvement in risk prediction of thrombosis or PL in SLE based on assessment of the GAPSS, a quantitative scoring system.
Differential involvement of CD40, CD80, and major histocompatibility complex class I molecules in cytotoxicity induction and interferon‐γ production by human natural killer effectors

Natural killer (NK) cells are physiologically involved in the immune response against viruses, intracellular bacteria, and parasites as well as against malignant diseases. In addition to the cytotoxic activity, NK lymphocytes mediate a variety of homeostatic effects by producing cytokines. This study focused on the differential role of CD40 and CD80 costimulatory molecules and major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC‐I) antigens in the regulation of cytotoxicity and of interferon (IFN)‐γ secretion of resting and interleukin (IL)‐2‐activated human NK cells. CD40 and CD80 molecules were observed to play a specific role in the induction of cytotoxic function but not in IFN‐γ production of IL‐2‐activated NK effectors. In addition, a critical role of CD94‐dependent MHC‐I recognition for the regulation of IFN‐γ production and target lysis was demonstrated. These data provide a possible mechanism underlying functional interactions between NK lymphocytes and CD40/CD80‐expressing cell targets, as represented by dendritic cells.
3D structure of EspA filaments from enteropathogenic Escherichia coli

The type III secretion system (TTSS) is a modular apparatus assembled by many pathogenic Gram‐negative bacteria and is designed to translocate proteins through the bacterial cell wall into the eukaryotic host cell. The conserved components of the TTSS comprise stacks of rings spanning the inner and outer bacterial membrane and a narrow, needle‐like structure projecting outwards. The TTSS of enteropathogenic E. coli is unique in that one of the translocator proteins, EspA, polymerizes to form an extension to the needle complex which interacts with the host cell. In this study we present the 3D structure of EspA filaments to c. 26 Å resolution determined from electron micrographs of negatively stained preparations by image processing. The structure comprises a helical tube with a diameter of 120 Å enclosing a central channel of 25 Å diameter through which effector proteins may be transported. The subunit arrangement corresponds to a one‐start helix with 28 subunits present in five turns of the helix and an axial rise of 4.6 Å per subunit. This is the first report of a 3D structure of a filamentous extension to the TTSS.
Transcriptome Analysis of K-877 (a Novel Selective PPARα Modulator (SPPARMα))-Regulated Genes in Primary Human Hepatocytes and the Mouse Liver.

AIM Selective PPARα modulators (SPPARMα) are under development for use as next-generation lipid lowering drugs. In the current study, to predict the pharmacological and toxicological effects of a novel SPPARMα K-877, comprehensive transcriptome analyses of K-877-treated primary human hepatocytes and mouse liver tissue were carried out. METHODS Total RNA was extracted from the K-877 treated primary human hepatocytes and mouse liver and adopted to the transcriptome analysis. Using a cluster analysis, commonly and species specifically regulated genes were identified. Also, the profile of genes regulated by K-877 and fenofibrate were compared to examine the influence of different SPPARMα on the liver gene expression. RESULTS Consequently, a cell-based transactivation assay showed that K-877 activates PPARα with much greater potency and selectivity than fenofibric acid, the active metabolite of clinically used fenofibrate. K-877 upregulates the expression of several fatty acid β-oxidative genes in human hepatocytes and the mouse liver. Almost all genes up- or downregulated by K-877 treatment in the mouse liver were also regulated by fenofibrate treatment. In contrast, the K-877-regulated genes in the mouse liver were not affected by K-877 treatment in the Ppara-null mouse liver. Depending on the species, the peroxisomal biogenesis-related gene expression was robustly induced in the K-877-treated mouse liver, but not human hepatocytes, thus suggesting that the clinical dose of K-877 may not induce peroxisome proliferation or liver toxicity in humans. Notably, K-877 significantly induces the expression of clinically beneficial target genes (VLDLR, FGF21, ABCA1, MBL2, ENPEP) in human hepatocytes. CONCLUSION These results indicate that changes in the gene expression induced by K-877 treatment are mainly mediated through PPARα activation. K-877 regulates the hepatic gene expression as a SPPARMα and thus may improve dyslipidemia as well as metabolic disorders, such as metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes, without untoward side effects.
Optimum fractionation in X-ray treatment of C3H mouse mammary tumours.

Abstract The doses required to control 50 per cent of tumours at 150 days after irradiation were determined for eight fractionated X-ray schedules. The tumours were first-generation transplants from spontaneous mammary tumours in C3H/ He mice. The schedules were: single doses, 5, 9 or 15 fractions given daily excluding weekends, and 2, 3, 5 or 9 fractions at the two-day interval known to be optimal for reoxygenation in these tumours after a priming dose of 1,500 rads. For comparison, skin reactions on the feet of albino mice were determined, using the same fractionation schedules, in order to plot the tumour control probability (TCP) against skin reactions for corresponding schedules. Two optimum schedules were found which gave maximum local control of tumours for the lowest skin reaction: nine fractions in ten days (9F/10d) and 5F/9d. The treatments given in shorter overall times were fairly good if the two-day intervals were used but were poor for “daily” doses. Both schedules employing overall times of.
A comparison of intracoronary with intravenous glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors during percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with acute coronary syndrome: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND It is still debatable whether intracoronary (IC) administration of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors (GPIs) is superior to intravenous (IV) administration for patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS We performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials. A literature search was conducted for relevant trials. Primary end-points were short-term (1-3 months) and mid-/long-term (6/12 months) major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) (mortality, reinfarction, target vessel revascularization [TVR]). Secondary end-points were thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) grade flow, TIMI myocardial perfusion grade (TMPG) flow, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) within 2 weeks, and bleeding complication. RESULTS Twelve studies were included in the meta-analysis. IC administration of GPIs did not decrease short-term mortality (OR: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.41-1.23, P = 0.22) and reinfarction rate (OR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.45-1.29, P = 0.31) compared with IV administration. There was a trend toward reduction of short-term TVR rate in IC group compared with IV group but not reaching statistical significance (OR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.31-1.04, P = 0.07). IC administration of GPIs significantly increased TIMI grade 3 flow (OR: 1.48, 95% CI: 1.06-2.06, P = 0.02) and TMPG grade 2-3 flow (OR: 2.63, 95% CI: 1.53-4.51, P = 0.0004) compared with IV administration. No significant difference was observed in long-term MACEs rate, LVEF, and bleeding complication between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION IC administration of GPIs in patients with ACS undergoing PCI can significantly increase target coronary flow and myocardial reperfusion without increasing the risk of bleeding complication, but cannot improve clinical outcome compared with IV administration.
Interactive MOLP explorer—A graphical‐based computational tool for teaching and decision support in multi‐objective linear programming models

This article presents an interactive computational tool for teaching and providing decision support in multi‐objective linear programming models. The main aim is to offer students in engineering and economics & management a user‐friendly environment where the main theoretical and methodological concepts of multi‐objective optimization can be apprehended through experimentation. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 23:314–326, 2015; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/cae; DOI 10.1002/cae.21601
Spontaneous activity modeling in spiking neural systems with log-normal synaptic weight distribution

Cortical neural networks are known to exhibit the spontaneous spiking activity with low firing rate (≈ 1 [Hz]) and high randomness, but the high coherent spike transmission between specific neurons. Recently, the genesis and function of this spontaneous activity in the brain has been increasingly gaining attention. Teramae et al. proposed that these features can be caused by the synaptic weights following log-normal distribution by using leaky integrate-and-fire (LIF) neuron model. However, LIF neuron model removes several factors of the neuro dynamics and it is necessary to study the effects of them to the spontaneous spiking activity. In our study, introducing new evaluation measures and indices, we first reanalyze the characteristics of spike transmission in LIF neural system with the log-normal synaptic weight distribution. Second, we focus on Izhikevich neuron model which can reproduce several major spiking activities in the cerebral cortex and examine the characteristics of spike transmission in Izhikevich neural system, comparing with the results of LIF neural system.