Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Proposal for a New Generation Power Converter With Pseudo-Derivative Control

This paper describes the development of a new generation of DC converter used to supply power to telecommunications equipment. Traditional topologies have been single-phase two-stage designs. As a consequence of having a two-stage design there are losses across both stages, resulting in a cascading effect. A new type of converter is proposed that utilizes a three-phase single-stage design and as a result, has efficiency advantages over the traditional approach. Output regulation is normally achieved by means of a PI feedback control. However, under conditions of a step load change there is considerable overshoot. A control technique, known as pseudo-derivative feedback control (PDF) is introduced, and simulation results show an improved response to a step load change
Legislating Instability: Adam Smith, Free Banking, and the Financial Crisis of 1772

From 1716 to 1845, the Scottish financial system functioned with no official central bank or lender of last resort, no public (or private) monopoly on currency issuance, no legal reserve requirements, and no formal limits on bank size. In support of previous research on Scottish “free banking,” I find that this absence of legal restrictions on Scottish banking contributed to a proliferation of what Adam Smith derisively referred to as “beggarly bankers” which rendered the Scottish financial system both intensely competitive and remarkably resilient to a series of severe adverse shocks to the small developing economy. In particular, despite large speculative capital flows, a fixed exchange rate, and substantial external debt, Scotland’s highly decentralized banking sector effectively mitigated the effects of two severe balance of payments crises arising from exogenous political shocks during the Seven Years’ War. I further find that the introduction of regulations and legal restrictions into Scottish banking in 1765 was the result of aggressive political lobbying by the largest Scottish banks, and effectively raised barriers to entry and encouraged banking sector consolidation. I argue that while these results did not cause the severe financial crisis of 1772, they amplified the level of systemic risk in Scottish credit markets and increased the likelihood that portfolio losses in the event of an adverse economic shock would be transmitted to depositors and noteholders through disorderly bank runs, suspensions of payment, and institutional liquidation. Finally, I find that unlimited liability on the part of Scottish bank shareholders attenuated the effects of financial instability on the real economy.
Synthesis of monohydroxylated inositolphosphorylceramide (IPC‐C) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae requires Scs7p, a protein with both a cytochrome b5‐like domain and a hydroxylase/desaturase domain

Saccharomyces cerevisiae mutants lacking Scs7p fail to accumulate the inositolphosphorylceramide (IPC) species, IPC‐C, which is the predominant form found in wild‐type cells. Instead scs7 mutants accumulate an IPC‐B species believed to be unhydroxylated on the amide‐linked C26‐fatty acid. Elimination of the SCS7 gene suppresses the Ca2+‐sensitive phenotype of csg1 and csg2 mutants. The CSG1 and CSG2 genes are required for mannosylation of IPC‐C and accumulation of IPC‐C by the csg mutants renders them Ca2+‐sensitive. The SCS7 gene encodes a protein that contains both a cytochrome b5‐like domain and a domain that resembles the family of cytochrome b5‐dependent enzymes that use iron and oxygen to catalyse desaturation or hydroxylation of fatty acids and sterols. Scs7p is therefore likely to be the enzyme that hydroxylates the C26‐fatty acid of IPC‐C. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using a social robot to teach gestural recognition and production in children with autism spectrum disorders

Abstract While it has been argued that children with autism spectrum disorders are responsive to robot-like toys, very little research has examined the impact of robot-based intervention on gesture use. These children have delayed gestural development. We used a social robot in two phases to teach them to recognize and produce eight pantomime gestures that expressed feelings and needs. Compared to the children in the wait-list control group (N = 6), those in the intervention group (N = 7) were more likely to recognize gestures and to gesture accurately in trained and untrained scenarios. They also generalized the acquired recognition (but not production) skills to human-to-human interaction. The benefits and limitations of robot-based intervention for gestural learning were highlighted. Implications for Rehabilitation Compared to typically-developing children, children with autism spectrum disorders have delayed development of gesture comprehension and production. Robot-based intervention program was developed to teach children with autism spectrum disorders recognition (Phase I) and production (Phase II) of eight pantomime gestures that expressed feelings and needs. Children in the intervention group (but not in the wait-list control group) were able to recognize more gestures in both trained and untrained scenarios and generalize the acquired gestural recognition skills to human-to-human interaction. Similar findings were reported for gestural production except that there was no strong evidence showing children in the intervention group could produce gestures accurately in human-to-human interaction.
An intelligence monitoring system for abnormal water surface based on mutation particle swarm optimization

Classing object is an important step for the high-level visions processing tasks, such as security managing, and abnormality event analysis etc. In this paper, we address these challenges in real-world unconstrained environments where the background is complex and dynamic. In the algorithm proposed, we extract the features in a color space technique is also developed to monitor the abnormal surface of water based on Mutation Particle Swarm Optimization (MPSO). Our know, MPSO is one of the important evolutionary algorithms that it not only makes use of a mutation operator to update particles/individuals which was originally designed for Genetic Algorithm (GA), but also a weighted update rule can produce the new swarm for MPSO. Experimental results show that our algorithm works efficiently and robustly.
Quality of Life After Spinal Cord Injury

Quality of life (QOL) is an often-used but it remains an ill-understood concept in medicine. Literature suggests 3 important approaches to operationalize and measure QOL: Health-related quality of life (HRQOL), well-being, and QOL as a superordinate construct. To measure the various instruments of HRQOL (SF-36 and Sickness Impact Profile) and well-being (Satisfaction With Life Scale and Life Satisfaction Questionnaire LiSat) are used. Domains on which QOL of persons with SCI lag behind QOL of the general population are identified. Overall, this paper suggests: (1) that inspection of the QOL measure used in a particular study is necessary to identify the domains of QOL that are measured, (2) that most measures lack sufficient evidence of reliability and validity, and (3) that longitudinal studies starting in the early phase of rehabilitation are necessary to reveal the course and predictors of QOL of persons with SCI.
Anthrax in Western and Central African great apes

During the period of December 2004 to January 2005, Bacillus anthracis killed three wild chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes troglodytes) and one gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) in a tropical forest in Cameroon. While this is the second anthrax outbreak in wild chimpanzees, this is the first case of anthrax in gorillas ever reported. The number of great apes in Central Africa is dramatically declining and the populations are seriously threatened by diseases, mainly Ebola. Nevertheless, a considerable number of deaths cannot be attributed to Ebola virus and remained unexplained. Our results show that diseases other than Ebola may also threaten wild great apes, and indicate that the role of anthrax in great ape mortality may have been underestimated. These results suggest that risk identification, assessment, and management for the survival of the last great apes should be performed with an open mind, since various pathogens with distinct characteristics in epidemiology and pathogenicity may impact the populations. An animal mortality monitoring network covering the entire African tropical forest, with the dual aims of preventing both great ape extinction and human disease outbreaks, will create necessary baseline data for such risk assessments and management plans. Am. J. Primatol. 68:928–933, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Monoclonal antibody identifies a 63,000 dalton antigen found in all central neuronal cell bodies but in only a subset of axons in the leech

The monoclonal antibody Lan3‐8 binds to all the neuronal cell bodies in midbody, head, tail, and supraesophageal ganglia in the mud leech (Haemopis marmorata) and the medicinal leech (Hirudo medicinalis). In contrast to the general distribution of the antigen in cell bodies it is only found in a subset of axons, where electron microscopy suggests that it may be associated with a cytoskeletal filament system. Immunoblotting shows that the antibody binds to a 63,000 dalton band that is protease‐sensitive. The same 63 kilodalton (kd) ‐antigen is found in all regions of the central nervous system, in proteins isolated from connectives (axons alone), and from handdissected identified cell types. The molecular weight and electron microscopic localization raised the possibility that this antigen is the core neuro‐filament protein, but the antigen does not comigrate with 67‐kd intense coomassie blue band that binds another anti‐intermediate filament antibody. The supraesophageal ganglia are known to have a different developmental origin from the other structures in the leech central nervous system. Two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis and silver staining show that, like the 63‐kd antigen, many other proteins are very similar in these developmentally distinct neural structures.
Disparate Subcellular Localization Patterns of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Type IV Pilus ATPases Involved in Twitching Motility

ABSTRACT The opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa expresses polar type IV pili (TFP), which are responsible for adhesion to various materials and twitching motility on surfaces. Twitching occurs by alternate extension and retraction of TFP, which arise from assembly and disassembly of pilin subunits at the base of the pilus. The ATPase PilB promotes pilin assembly, while the ATPase PilT or PilU or both promote pilin dissociation. Fluorescent fusions to two of the three ATPases (PilT and PilU) were functional, as shown by complementation of the corresponding mutants. PilB and PilT fusions localized to both poles, while PilU fusions localized only to the piliated pole. To identify the portion of the ATPases required for localization, sequential C-terminal deletions of PilT and PilU were generated. The conserved His and Walker B boxes were dispensable for polar localization but were required for twitching motility, showing that localization and function could be uncoupled. Truncated fusions that retained polar localization maintained their distinctive distribution patterns. To dissect the cellular factors involved in establishing polarity, fusion protein localization was monitored with a panel of TFP mutants. The localization of yellow fluorescent protein (YFP)-PilT and YFP-PilU was independent of the subunit PilA, other TFP ATPases, and TFP-associated proteins previously shown to be associated with the membrane or exhibiting polar localization. In contrast, YFP-PilB exhibited diffuse cytoplasmic localization in a pilC mutant, suggesting that PilC is required for polar localization of PilB. Finally, localization studies performed with fluorescent ATPase chimeras of PilT and PilU demonstrated that information responsible for the characteristic localization patterns of the ATPases likely resides in their N termini.
Interleukin-10 Modulates Proinflammatory Cytokines in the Human Monocytic Cell Line THP-1 Stimulated withBorrelia burgdorferi Lipoproteins

ABSTRACT We determined previously that lipoproteins of Borrelia burgdorferi stimulate inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-10 [IL-10]) in monocytes. IL-10 could have an effect on innate and acquired immune responses to B. burgdorferi and influence the magnitude of the infectious inoculum and disease outcome. To understand the mechanism(s) of IL-10 action during early infection, when innate immunity expressed chiefly by skin macrophages is key, we investigated the effect of exogenous and endogenous IL-10 on the production of the macrophage-derived cytokines IL-6, IL-1β, IL-12, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). We used the THP-1 human monocytic cell line and recombinant lipidated OspA (L-OspA) as the model target cell and stimulant, respectively. To determine the kinetics of cytokine production by THP-1 cells, we stimulated them with L-OspA and also with heat-killed B. burgdorferi cells (HBb) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Exogenous IL-10 dampened production of inflammatory cytokines, as elicited by lipoproteins. The inhibition of endogenous IL-10 function by anti-IL-10 antibody reduced the production of IL-12 and IL-6 but not that of IL-1β and TNF-α. An inspection of the kinetics of cytokine production clarified this finding. TNF-α was produced prior to, and IL-β was produced at the same time as, IL-10, whereas IL-6 and IL-12 were produced later. HBb, LPS, and L-OspA yielded similar kinetics of cytokine production. This result reinforces the notion that lipoproteins are the functional molecules in HBb and perhaps in vivo. It indicates also that signaling pathways utilized by LPS and lipoproteins may be extensively shared. The results are consistent with a major role played by IL-10 in controlling the initial phase of infection with this spirochete.
Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae improves learning and memory capabilities in ovariectomized rats

Kidney-tonifying recipe can reduce the accumulation of advanced glycation end products, prevent neuronal degeneration and improve cognitive functions in ovariectomized rats. Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae alcohol extracts may dose-dependently inhibit non-enzymatic saccharification in vitro. This study aimed to examine the effect of Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae on advanced glycation end products and on learning and memory capabilities in ovariectomized rats. Ovariectomized rats were treated with Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae alcohol extracts (containing 1.5 g/kg crude drug) or 0.1% aminoguanidine for 12 weeks and behavioral testing was performed with the Y-electrical maze. This test revealed that Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae and aminoguanidine could improve the learning and memory capabilities of ovariectomized rats. Results of competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay showed that treatment with Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae or aminoguanidine reduced the accumulation of advanced glycation end products in the frontal cortex of ovariectomized rats, while increasing content in the blood and urine. Biochemical tests showed that treatment with Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae or aminoguanidine decreased superoxide dismutase activity in the serum and frontal cortex, and increased serum levels of glutathione peroxidase in ovariectomized rats. In addition, there was no apparent effect on malondialdehyde levels. These experimental findings indicate that Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae inhibits production of advanced glycation end products and its accumulation in brain tissue, and improves learning and memory capabilities in ovariectomized rats. These effects may be associated with an anti-oxidative action of the extract.
Genetic variant rs16430 6bp > 0bp at the microRNA‐binding site in TYMS and risk of sporadic breast cancer risk in non‐hispanic white women aged ≤55 years

Thymidylate synthase (TYMS) is involved in the folate metabolism and provision of nucleotides needed for DNA synthesis and repair. Thus, functional genetic variants in TYMS may alter cancer risk. In the study, we evaluated associations of three germline variants (rs2790 A > G, rs16430 6 bp > 0 bp, and rs1059394 C > T) in the predicted miRNA‐binding sites of TYMS with risk of sporadic breast cancer in non‐Hispanic white women aged ≤55. We found that carriers of the rs16430 0 bp variant allele had an increased risk of breast cancer [adjusted odd ratio (OR) = 1.37, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.08–1.73; P = 0.010], compared with carriers of the 6 bp/6 bp genotype. This increased risk was more evident in older subjects (OR = 1.47, 95% CI = 1.06–2.03, P = 0.022), never smokers (OR = 1.67, 95% CI = 1.23–2.25, P < 0.001), never drinkers (OR = 1.44, 95% CI = 1.01–2.05, P = 0.043), and estrogen receptor‐positive patients (OR = 1.46, 95% CI = 1.11–1.92, P = 0.006), regardless of tumor stages. The results are consistent with the functional analyses of rs16430 as previously reported, which showed that the 0bp allele had a decrease in both luciferase activity by ∼70% and mRNA levels by ∼50% compared with the 6bp allele. Additionally, the rs16430 variant was predicted to influence the binding activity of miR‐561. Taken together, these findings indicate that the TYMS rs16430 may contribute to the etiology of sporadic breast cancer in non‐Hispanic white women aged ≤55 yr. Further validation in large population‐based or cohort studies is needed. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The computational study of the γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticle as Carmustine drug delivery system: DFT approach

In the present study, it is attempted to scrutinize the properties of the maghemite nanoparticle as a Carmustine drug delivery system by means of the density functional theory calculations regarding their geometries, adsorption energies, vibrational frequencies, and topological features of the electron density. Based on the density functional theory results, it is found that the interaction between Carmustine drug molecule and maghemite nanoparticle is weak; so that, the adsorption of the Carmustine drug is typically physisorption. It is also found that the intermolecular hydrogen bonds between the drug and the nanoparticle play the significant role in the stability of the physisorption configurations. The nature of the intermolecular interactions has been explored by calculation of the electron densities and their Laplacian at the bond critical points using Atoms-in-Molecule theory. Moreover, natural bond orbital analysis indicates that the Carmustine molecule can be adsorbed on the nanoparticle surface with a charge transfer from the Carmustine drug to the nanoparticle.
WEB SITES FOR Postpartum Depression: Convenient, Frustrating, Incomplete, and Misleading

Purpose:To evaluate the content and the technology of Web sites providing information on postpartum depression. Study Design and Methods:Eleven search engines were queried using the words “Postpartum Depression. ” The top 10 sites in each search engine were evaluated for correct content and technology using the Web Depression Tool, based on the Technology Assessment Model. Results:Of the 36 unique Web sites located, 34 were available to review. Only five Web sites provided >75% correct responses to questions that summarized the current state of the science for postpartum depression. Eleven of the Web sites contained little or no useful information about postpartum depression, despite being among the first 10 Web sites listed by the search engine. Some Web sites contained possibly harmful suggestions for treatment of postpartum depression. In addition, there are many problems with the technology of Web sites providing information on postpartum depression. Clinical Implications:A better Web site for postpartum depression is necessary if we are to meet the needs of consumers for accurate and current information using technology that enhances learning. Since patient education is a core competency for nurses, it is essential that nurses understand how their patients are using the World Wide Web for learning and how we can assist our patients to find appropriate sites containing correct information.
Biology of two larval morphological phenotypes of Aedes aegypti in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire

Abstract Since 2008, several outbreaks of yellow fever and dengue occurred in Abidjan, the economic capital of Côte d'Ivoire. A better knowledge of the biology of Aedes aegypti populations, the main vector of yellow fever and dengue viruses, is necessary to tailor vector control strategies implemented in the city. This study was designed to determine some biological parameters, occurring during the life cycle of two morphological phenotypes of Ae. aegypti larvae. Mosquitoes were sampled in a suburb of Abidjan (Treichville) using the WHO layer-traps technique. Biological parameters were studied in laboratory under standard conditions of temperature (27°C ± 2°C) and relative humidity (80% ± 10%). Our results indicated that the mean eggs laid by females from ‘brown larvae’ (BL) (85.95, 95% confidence interval (CI 95%) 78.87–93.02) was higher than those from ‘white larvae’ (WL) (64.40%, CI 95% 55.27–73.54). The gonotrophic cycle was 3 and 4 days in females from BL and WL, respectively. The overall yield of breeding mosquitoes from BL (63.88%, CI 95% 62.61–65.14) was higher compared with those of mosquitoes from WL (59.73%, CI 95% 58.35–61.12). The sex ratio (male/female) was 0.95 and 1.68 in Ae. aegypti populations from BL and WL, respectively. Females from BL lived slightly longer than those from WL (t = −2.332; P = 0.021). This study shows that Ae. Aegypti populations from BL and WL present different biological parameters during their life cycle. This could have an implication on their ability to transmit human disease viruses such as dengue and yellow fever. Further molecular studies are needed to determine genetic divergence between these Ae. aegypti populations.
Distribution of Sulfate-Reducing and Methanogenic Bacteria in Anaerobic Aggregates Determined by Microsensor and Molecular Analyses

ABSTRACT Using molecular techniques and microsensors for H2S and CH4, we studied the population structure of and the activity distribution in anaerobic aggregates. The aggregates originated from three different types of reactors: a methanogenic reactor, a methanogenic-sulfidogenic reactor, and a sulfidogenic reactor. Microsensor measurements in methanogenic-sulfidogenic aggregates revealed that the activity of sulfate-reducing bacteria (2 to 3 mmol of S2− m−3 s−1 or 2 × 10−9 mmol s−1 per aggregate) was located in a surface layer of 50 to 100 μm thick. The sulfidogenic aggregates contained a wider sulfate-reducing zone (the first 200 to 300 μm from the aggregate surface) with a higher activity (1 to 6 mmol of S2− m−3 s−1 or 7 × 10−9 mol s−1 per aggregate). The methanogenic aggregates did not show significant sulfate-reducing activity. Methanogenic activity in the methanogenic-sulfidogenic aggregates (1 to 2 mmol of CH4 m−3s−1 or 10−9 mmol s−1 per aggregate) and the methanogenic aggregates (2 to 4 mmol of CH4 m−3 s−1 or 5 × 10−9 mmol s−1 per aggregate) was located more inward, starting at ca. 100 μm from the aggregate surface. The methanogenic activity was not affected by 10 mM sulfate during a 1-day incubation. The sulfidogenic and methanogenic activities were independent of the type of electron donor (acetate, propionate, ethanol, or H2), but the substrates were metabolized in different zones. The localization of the populations corresponded to the microsensor data. A distinct layered structure was found in the methanogenic-sulfidogenic aggregates, with sulfate-reducing bacteria in the outer 50 to 100 μm, methanogens in the inner part, andEubacteria spp. (partly syntrophic bacteria) filling the gap between sulfate-reducing and methanogenic bacteria. In methanogenic aggregates, few sulfate-reducing bacteria were detected, while methanogens were found in the core. In the sulfidogenic aggregates, sulfate-reducing bacteria were present in the outer 300 μm, and methanogens were distributed over the inner part in clusters with syntrophic bacteria.