Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Maximum power point tracking of multiple photovoltaic arrays

This paper introduces a novel maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technique for multiple photovoltaic (PV) arrays operating under different environmental and load conditions. Variations in these conditions will cause multiple local maximum power points (MPPs) on the P-V and I-V curves of the PV modules. In these conditions it is difficult to find the global MPP using conventional MPPT techniques. To overcome this difficulty in this paper an extended perturb and observe (P&O) MPPT technique has been implemented. The proposed technique requires only one pair of sensors to find global MPP of multiple PV arrays, thereby resulting in lower cost, higher overall efficiency, and simplicity. This paper also discusses about comparative analysis of extended P&O algorithm and conventional P&O algorithm. In addition to this the proposed technique has been verified by comparing with theoretical analysis under different environmental and load conditions. The validity of the proposed algorithm is verified by simulation studies. Algorithm robustness was verified under several partial shading conditions and for different loads. All the simulation study has been performed in PSCAD/EMTDC 4.2 version simulation software.
Stroke doctors: Who are we? A World Stroke Organization survey

Background Specialist training provides skilled workforce for service delivery. Stroke medicine has evolved rapidly in the past years. No prior information exists on background or training of stroke doctors globally. Aims To describe the specialties that represent stroke doctors, their training requirements, and the scientific organizations ensuring continuous medical education. Methods The World Stroke Organization conducted an expert survey between June and November 2014 using e-mailed questionnaires. All Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development countries with >1 million population and other countries with >50 million population were included (n = 49, total 5.6 billion inhabitants, 85% of global strokes). Two stroke experts from each selected country were surveyed, discrepancies resolved, and further information on identified stroke-specific curricula sought. Results We received responses from 48 (98%) countries. Of ischemic stroke patients, 64% were reportedly treated by neurologists, ranging from 5% in Ireland to 95% in the Netherlands. Per thousand annual strokes there were average six neurologists, ranging from 0.3 in Ethiopia to 33 in Israel. Of intracerebral hemorrhage patients, 29% were reportedly treated by neurosurgeons, ranging from 5% in Sweden to 79% in Japan, with three neurosurgeons per thousand strokes, ranging from 0.1 in Ethiopia to 24 in South Korea. Most countries had a stroke society (86%) while only 10 (21%) had a degree or subspecialty for stroke medicine. Conclusions Stroke doctor numbers, background specialties, and opportunities to specialize in stroke vary across the globe. Most countries have a scientific society to pursue advancement of stroke medicine, but few have stroke curricula.
Participatory Methods and Reflective Practice Applied to Research in Education for Sustainability.

This article describes research with schoolteachers using participatory methods and reflective practice. These approaches have been used to enable teachers to establish their practice needs in relation to education for sustainability (EfS) and also maintain the integrity of their subject disciplines. The participatory methods are derived from various sources used in different contexts, but have the purpose of being empowering and democratic. The intention is to develop knowledge and action that is directly useful to the participating group through a process of collective self-enquiry, where reflection helps to focus on the learning process rather than the outcomes. The ways that these methods have been applied, their derivation from other fields of research, their strengths, as well as the problems encountered when applying them, are discussed. Resume Cet article decrit la recherche effectuee aupres d’enseignants a la faveur de methodes participatives et de pratiques reflexives. Ces approches ont ete adoptees afin que les enseignants puissent delimiter leurs besoins en ce qui a trait aux pratiques employees dans l’education pour un avenir viable et aussi afin de leur permettre de preserver l’integrite de leurs disciplines. Les methodes participatives sont derivees de plusieurs sources auxquelles on fait appel dans divers contextes. Toutefois, elles se veulent habilitantes et democratiques dans le but d’engendrer des connaissances et des actions qui sont directement utiles au groupe participant, grâce a un processus collectif de questionnement personnel au cours duquel la reflexion permet de se concentrer sur le processus d’apprentissage plutot que sur les resultats. Les diverses formes d’application de ces methodes, leur derivation d’autres domaines de recherche, leurs forces, ainsi que les problemes rencontres au moment de leur application sont abordes dans cet article.
Armored RNA Technology for Production of Ribonuclease-Resistant Viral RNA Controls and Standards

ABSTRACT The widespread use of sensitive assays for the detection of viral and cellular RNA sequences has created a need for stable, well-characterized controls and standards. We describe the development of a versatile, novel system for creating RNase-resistant RNA. “Armored RNA” is a complex of MS2 bacteriophage coat protein and RNA produced in Escherichia coli by the induction of an expression plasmid that encodes the coat protein and an RNA standard sequence. The RNA sequences are completely protected from RNase digestion within the bacteriophage-like complexes. As a prototype, a 172-base consensus sequence from a portion of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) gag gene was synthesized and cloned into the packaging vector used to produce the bacteriophage-like particles. After production and purification, the resulting HIV-1 Armored RNA particles were shown to be resistant to degradation in human plasma and produced reproducible results in the Amplicor HIV-1 Monitor assay for 180 days when stored at −20°C or for 60 days at 4°C. Additionally, Armored RNA preparations are homogeneous and noninfectious.
Digitally-assisted gain calibration strategy for open-loop residue amplifiers in pipeline ADCs

A digitally-assisted foreground-liked gain calibration mechanism is proposed for open loop residue amplifiers (RAs). Two identical RAs are concurrently used which are in turn corrected for absolute gain value. Although the main RA is disconnected from data path for calibration, however, is replaced by a corrected one and resolves discontinuous conversion in regular foreground methods. A digitally assisted interface, includes inc/dec ACC and DAC, is utilized to store the loop results, even if RA leaves the correction loop. Monte-Carlo analysis for 100 iterations at all corner conditions shows that the correction loop provides ideal gain of 4 with median value of 3.996 and standard deviation of 0.003, while threshold voltages and reference levels experience 25mVolts variations at 3σ in Gaussian distribution. Linearity, drops to 9-bit for 50mVolts peak-to-peak variations on residue. Simulations are performed using the BSIM3v3 model of a 0. 18μm CMOS technology.
Sampling theory for neutral alleles in a varying environment

We develop a sampling theory for genes sampled from a population evolving with deterministically varying size. We use a coalescent approach to provide recursions for the probabilities of particular sample configurations, and describe a Monte Carlo method by which the solutions to such recursions can be approximated. We focus on infinite-alleles, infinite-sites and finite-sites models. This approach may be used to find maximum likelihood estimates of parameters of genetic interest, and to test hypotheses about the varying environment. The methods are illustrated with data from the mitochondrial control region sampled from a North American Indian tribe.
New Type of Outer Membrane Vesicle Produced by the Gram-Negative Bacterium Shewanella vesiculosa M7T: Implications for DNA Content

ABSTRACT Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) from Gram-negative bacteria are known to be involved in lateral DNA transfer, but the presence of DNA in these vesicles has remained difficult to explain. An ultrastructural study of the Antarctic psychrotolerant bacterium Shewanella vesiculosa M7T has revealed that this Gram-negative bacterium naturally releases conventional one-bilayer OMVs through a process in which the outer membrane is exfoliated and only the periplasm is entrapped, together with a more complex type of OMV, previously undescribed, which on formation drag along inner membrane and cytoplasmic content and can therefore also entrap DNA. These vesicles, with a double-bilayer structure and containing electron-dense material, were visualized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) after high-pressure freezing and freeze-substitution (HPF-FS), and their DNA content was fluorometrically quantified as 1.8 � 0.24 ng DNA/μg OMV protein. The new double-bilayer OMVs were estimated by cryo-TEM to represent 0.1% of total vesicles. The presence of DNA inside the vesicles was confirmed by gold DNA immunolabeling with a specific monoclonal IgM against double-stranded DNA. In addition, a proteomic study of purified membrane vesicles confirmed the presence of plasma membrane and cytoplasmic proteins in OMVs from this strain. Our data demonstrate the existence of a previously unobserved type of double-bilayer OMV in the Gram-negative bacterium Shewanella vesiculosa M7T that can incorporate DNA, for which we propose the name outer-inner membrane vesicle (O-IMV).
Helping with inquiries or helping with profits? The trials and tribulations of a technology of forensic reasoning

The commercialization of forensic scientific provision in the UK over the last two decades has had a major role in shaping a changing epistemic identity for forensic scientists working within this jurisdiction. Efforts to match the presumed epistemological standards of the ‘pure’ sciences have been brought together with concerns about value for money in a new approach to the interpretation of evidence, an activity that lies at the heart of criminal investigative practice. A study of the Case Assessment and Interpretation method developed by members of the UK Forensic Science Service is used to show how a technical innovation in the delivery of forensic science services to the police has instantiated these two recent social processes.
Smart GSM based Home Automation System

This research work investigates the potential of `Full Home Control', which is the aim of the Home Automation Systems in near future. The analysis and implementation of the home automation technology using Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) modem to control home appliances such as light, conditional system, and security system via Short Message Service (SMS) text messages is presented in this paper. The proposed research work is focused on functionality of the GSM protocol, which allows the user to control the target system away from residential using the frequency bandwidths. The concept of serial communication and AT-commands has been applied towards development of the smart GSM-based home automation system. Home owners will be able to receive feedback status of any home appliances under control whether switched on or off remotely from their mobile phones. PIC16F887 microcontroller with the integration of GSM provides the smart automated house system with the desired baud rate of 9600 bps. The proposed prototype of GSM based home automation system was implemented and tested with maximum of four loads and shows the accuracy of ≥98%.
QSAR studies using the parashift system

A novel way of describing molecules in terms of their surfaces and local properties at the surfaces is described. The use of these surfaces and properties to explain chemical reactivity and model simple molecular properties has already been demonstrated. This study reports an examination of the use of these descriptions of molecules to model a simple chemical interaction (complex formation) and a diverse set of mutagens. Both of these systems have been modelled successfully and the results are discussed. †This paper is dedicated to the memory of our colleague and dear friend Martyn Ford who passed away in June 2007.
ALS mutations in TLS/FUS disrupt target gene expression

In this study, Coadey et al. investigated how mutations in the RNA/DNA-binding protein TLS/FUS (FUS), caused by ALS, affect target gene expression. They used several FUS derivatives with ALS mutations and showed that FUS-containing aggregates can alter gene expression by a toxic gain-of-function mechanism. These findings establish that ALS mutations in FUS can strongly impact target gene expression.
The family-focused practice of primary care clinicians: a case of missed opportunities

Abstract Background: Many patients who present to primary care settings with mental health concerns are parents with dependent children. However, little is known about the family-focused practices of these clinicians. Aim: To identify the family-focused practices of a group of primary care clinicians. Methods: A sequential mixed methodology was employed; 21 primary care clinicians completed the Family Focused Mental Health Practice Questionnaire and then participated in one of three focus groups. Results: Primary care clinicians do not commonly engage with patients about family issues though many acknowledged that family-focused practice was important. Some questioned whether being family focused was part of their role with other barriers related to funding. Most expressed a need for training, though some indicated that they would not engage in a family-focused manner nor be trained in this approach, unless it was compulsory. The study highlights the missed opportunity for family-focused practices in primary care settings. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the need for an “authorising” environment in which family-focused practices are not only supported but expected.
A Comparison of Protoporphyrin IX and Protoporphyrin IX Dimethyl Ester as a Photosensitizer in Poorly Differentiated Human Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Cells ¶

Protoporphyrin IX dimethyl ester (PME), a dimethyl esterification of protoporphyrin IX (PpIX), exhibits higher intracellular uptake into NPC/CNE2 cells, a poorly differentiated human nasopharyngeal carcinoma, than does PpIX. Phototoxicity studies reveal PME to be a more potent photosensitizer than is PpIX, at the early and late incubation time points. Correlating phototoxicity with subcellular localization indicates that PME is a more potent photosensitizer when its primary target of photodamage is mitochondria. Also, additional targeting of lysosome enhances phototoxicity.
An on-line learning algorithm for complex fuzzy logic

We report on the development of an on-line learning algorithm for ANCFIS, a neuro-fuzzy architecture employing complex fuzzy sets. ANCFIS uses a hybrid learning rule, with rule consequent parameters determined by least-squares estimation in the forward pass, and premise parameters determined by a combination of gradient descent and chaotic simulated annealing in the backward pass. Our online learning algorithm replaces these with recursive least-squares in the forward pass, and the downhill-simplex algorithm in the backward pass. Experimental results on two time-series datasets show that this technique is comparable to existing results, although slightly inferior to the off-line ANCFIS results.
Enhancing the Error-Correcting Performance of LDPC Codes through an Efficient Use of Decoding Iterations

The decoding of Low-Density Parity-Check (LDPC) codes is operated over a redundant structure known as the bipartite graph, meaning that the full set of bit nodes is not absolutely necessary for decoder convergence. In 2008, Soyjaudah and Catherine designed a recovery algorithm for LDPC codes based on this assumption and showed that the error-correcting performance of their codes outperformed conventional LDPC Codes. In this work, the use of the recovery algorithm is further explored to test the performance of LDPC codes while the number of iterations is progressively increased. For experiments conducted with small blocklengths of up to 800 bits and number of iterations of up to 2000, the results interestingly demonstrate that contrary to conventional wisdom, the errorcorrecting performance keeps increasing with increasing number of iterations. Keywords—Error-correcting Codes, Information Theory, LowDensity Parity-Check Codes, Sum-Product Algorithm
Gene location affects expression level in Salmonella typhimurium

Directed translocation of an expressed gene (hisD) provided strains to test for position effects on gene expression in Salmonella typhimurium. The predominant position effect seems to be caused by the gene dosage of a chromosomal site; the orientation of the translocated genes did not affect expression, and no deviant positions were found.
Rising incidence of second cancers in patients with low‐risk (T1N0) thyroid cancer who receive radioactive iodine therapy

American Thyroid Association guidelines currently recommend the selective use of radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy in patients with well differentiated thyroid cancer (WDTC). Despite these guidelines, RAI ablation has been used routinely in all but the very lowest risk patients with thyroid cancer over the last 30 years. The objective of this study was to evaluate patterns of RAI use and elevated risk of secondary primary malignancies (SPM) in patients with low‐risk (T1N0) WDTC.
Screening for synthetic lethal mutants in Escherichia coli and identification of EnvC (YibP) as a periplasmic septal ring factor with murein hydrolase activity

Bacterial cytokinesis is driven by the septal ring apparatus, the assembly of which in Escherichia coli is directed to mid‐cell by the Min system. Despite suffering aberrant divisions at the poles, cells lacking the minCDE operon (Min–) have an almost normal growth rate. We developed a generally applicable screening method for synthetic lethality in E. coli, and used it to select for transposon mutations (slm) that are synthetically lethal (or sick) in combination with ΔminCDE. One of the slm insertions mapped to envC (yibP), proposed to encode a lysostaphin‐like, metallo‐endopeptidase that is exported to the periplasm by the general secretory (Sec) pathway. Min– EnvC– cells showed a severe division defect, supporting a role for EnvC in septal ring function. Accordingly, we show that an EnvC–green fluorescent protein fusion, when directed to the periplasm via the twin‐arginine export system, is both functional and part of the septal ring apparatus. Using an in‐gel assay, we also present evidence that EnvC possesses murein hydrolytic activity. Our results suggest that EnvC plays a direct role in septal murein cleavage to allow outer membrane constriction and daughter cell separation. By uncovering genetic interactions, the synthetic lethal screen described here provides an attractive new tool for studying gene function in E. coli.
Transcriptional downregulation of microRNA-19a by ROS production and NF-κB deactivation governs resistance to oxidative stress-initiated apoptosis

Cell apoptosis is one of the main pathological alterations during oxidative stress (OS) injury. Previously, we corroborated that nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) transactivation confers apoptosis resistance against OS in mammalian cells, yet the underlying mechanisms remain enigmatic. Here we report that microRNA-19a (miR-19a) transcriptionally regulated by reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and NF-κB deactivation prevents OS-initiated cell apoptosis through cylindromatosis (CYLD) repression. CYLD contributes to OS-initiated cell apoptosis, for which NF-κB deactivation is essential. MiR-19a directly represses CYLD via targeting 3′ UTR of CYLD, thereby antagonizing OS-initiated apoptosis. CYLD repression by miR-19a restores the IKKβ phosphorylation, RelA disassociation from IκBα, IκBα polyubiquitination and degradation, RelA recruitment at VEGF gene promoter as well as VEGF secretion in the context of OS. Either pharmacological deactivation of NF-κB or genetic upregulation of CYLD compromises the apoptosis-resistant phenotypes of miR-19a. Furthermore, miR-19a is transcriptionally downregulated upon OS in two distinct processes that require ROS production and NF-κB deactivation. VEGF potentiates the ability of miR-19a to activate NF-κB and render apoptosis resistance. Our findings underscore a putative mechanism whereby CYLD repression-mediated and NF-κB transactivation-dependent miR-19a regulatory feedback loop prevents cell apoptosis in response to OS microenvironment.
Super-resolution restoration of continuous image sequence using the LMS algorithm

In this paper, we propose computationally efficient super-resolution restoration algorithm for blurred, noisy and down-sampled continuous image sequence. The proposed approach is based on a constrained least squares (CLS) super-resolution algorithm, applied recursively in time. An updating equation based on the instantaneous squared error gradient gives a block-LMS version algorithm. An adaptive regularization term is shown to improve the restored image sequence quality by forcing smoothness, while preserving edges. The computation complexity of the obtained algorithm is of the order O{L/sup 2/log(L)} per one output image, where L/sup 2/ is the number of pixels in the output image. Simulations carried out on test sequences prove this method to be applicable, efficient, and with very promising results. A frequency domain version (FDBLMS) of the algorithm is proposed for special cases, with further improvement in computational complexity, and rate of convergence.
Vaccination with Outer Membrane Complexes Elicits Rapid Protective Immunity to Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii

ABSTRACT Acinetobacter baumannii causes pneumonias, bacteremias, and skin and soft tissue infections, primarily in the hospitalized setting. The incidence of infections caused by A. baumannii has increased dramatically over the last 30 years, while at the same time the treatment of these infections has been complicated by the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains. Despite these trends, no vaccines or antibody-based therapies have been developed for the prevention of A. baumannii infection. In this study, an outer membrane complex vaccine consisting of multiple surface antigens from the bacterial membrane of A. baumannii was developed and tested in a murine sepsis model. Immunization elicited humoral and cellular responses that were able to reduce postinfection bacterial loads, reduce postinfection proinflammatory cytokine levels in serum, and protect mice from infection with human clinical isolates of A. baumannii. A single administration of the vaccine was able to elicit protective immunity in as few as 6 days postimmunization. In addition, vaccine antiserum was used successfully to therapeutically rescue naïve mice with established infection. These results indicate that prophylactic vaccination and antibody-based therapies based on an outer membrane complex vaccine may be viable approaches to preventing the morbidity and mortality caused by this pathogen.