Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Active capacitors: Concept and implementation

In this paper, the idea of implementing capacitors with DC/AC power converters (also called inverters) is proposed and demonstrated. Such capacitors are active capacitors. The voltage rating of an active capacitor is determined by the voltage rating of the power semiconductor devices used to build the inverter and the current rating of the capacitor is determined by the current rating of the power semiconductor devices used. The capacitance can be freely set in a very wide range and it is possible to have some special properties, e.g. to reduce harmonic current components. Experimental results are provided to demonstrate the design, implementation and performance of a prototype active capacitor. Active capacitors outperform passive capacitors in terms of tolerance, stability with respect to time and temperature.
Assessing the Variation in the Load That Produces Maximal Upper-Body Power

Abstract Argus, CK, Gill, ND, Keogh, JWL, and Hopkins, WG. Assessing the variation in the load that produces maximal upper-body power. J Strength Cond Res 28(1): 240–244, 2014—Substantial variation in the load that produces maximal power has been reported. It has been suggested that the variation observed may be due to differences in subjects' physical characteristics. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the extent in which anthropometric measures correlate with the load that produces maximal power. Anthropometric measures (upper-arm length, forearm length, total arm length, and upper-arm girth) and bench press strength were assessed in 26 professional rugby union players. Peak power was then determined in the bench press throw exercise using loads of 20–60% of one repetition maximum (1RM) in the bench press exercise. Maximal power occurred at 30 ± 14% 1RM (mean ± SD). Upper-arm length had the highest correlation with the load maximizing power: −0.61 (90% confidence limits −0.35 to −0.78), implying loads of 22 vs. 38% 1RM maximize power for players with typically long vs. short upper-arm length. Correlations for forearm length, total arm length, and upper-arm girth to the load that maximized power were −0.29 (0.04 to −0.57), −0.56 (−0.28 to −0.75), and −0.29 (0.04 to −0.57), respectively. The relationship between 1RM and the load that produced maximal power was r = −0.23 (0.10 to −0.52). The between-subject variation in the load that maximized power observed (SD = ±14% of 1RM) may have been due to differences in anthropometric characteristics, and absolute strength and power outputs. Indeed, athletes with longer limbs and larger girths and greater maximal strength and power outputs used a lower percentage of 1RM loads to achieve maximum power. Therefore, we recommend individual assessment of the load that maximizes power output.
Tourism, trade, and economic growth in India: a frequency-domain analysis of causality

ABSTRACT We examine causal relationships among the macroeconomic entities tourism and output dynamics in India, using the frequency–domain causality approach. Our results show that there is a bidirectional causality between openness and tourism as well as between output and tourism, at various frequency bands. Hence, this study suggests a multiplier effect of tourism on the Indian economy.
Different cell surface oligomeric states of B7-1 and B7-2: Implications for signaling

The costimulatory ligands B7-1 and B7-2 are expressed on the surface of antigen-presenting cells and interact with the costimulatory receptors CD28 and cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) expressed on T cells. Although B7-1 and B7-2 are homologous ligands having common receptors, they exhibit distinct biochemical features and roles in immune regulation. Several biochemical and structural studies have indicated differences in the oligomeric state of B7-1 and B7-2. However, the organization of B7 ligands on the cell surface has not been examined. By using photobleaching-based FRET (pbFRET), we demonstrate that B7-1 and B7-2 adopt different oligomeric states on the cell surface. Our study shows that B7-2 exists as a monomer on the cell surface whereas B7-1 exists predominantly as dimers on the cell surface. A series of mutations in B7-1 result in the expression of a predominantly monomeric species on the cell surface and validate the dimer interface proposed by prior crystallographic analysis. The difference in the oligomeric states of B7-1 and B7-2 provides insight into the geometric organization of the costimulatory receptor–ligand complexes in the immunological synapse and suggests constraints on signal transduction mechanisms involved in T cell activation.
On the Prophylactic and Therapeutic Use of Danaparoid Sodium (Orgaran®) in Patients With Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a rare but dangerous complication of heparin prophylaxis or treatment. The present laboratory tests to measure heparin-associated antibodies are not specific. The diagnosis of HIT mainly depends on the decrease in platelet count and on clinical symptoms. To evaluate clinical outcome, bleeding complications and platelet counts were evaluated in 45 patients with HIT type II (HIT II) treated prophylactically (subcutaneous injections) or therapeutically (intravenous infusion) with danaparoid. Group I included 24 patients with HIT II without thromboembolic complications who received danaparoid twice daily subcutaneously (10 IU/kg) for a mean of 16 days. Group II included 21 patients with thromboembolic complications. They were treated with intravenous danaparoid (2.6 IU/kg/h ± 1.1) for a mean of 17 days. During subcutaneous prophylaxis, mean anti-Xa levels of 0.2 U/mL and during intravenous treatment, mean anti-Xa levels of 0.4 U/mL were reached. No deaths, amputations, or serious bleeding complications occurred, and no new thromboses were observed in both patient groups.Treatment with danaparoid led to a fast normalization of the platelet counts. This normalization occurred earlier and the concentration of platelets was higher in patients treated with intravenous doses. Danaparoid with subsequent vitamin K-antagonist treatment effectively prevents thromboembolic complications in patients with HIT.
Propagating phonons coupled to an artificial atom

Quantum information can be stored in micromechanical resonators, encoded as quanta of vibration known as phonons. The vibrational motion is then restricted to the stationary eigenmodes of the resonator, which thus serves as local storage for phonons. In contrast, we couple propagating phonons to an artificial atom in the quantum regime and reproduce findings from quantum optics, with sound taking over the role of light. Our results highlight the similarities between phonons and photons but also point to new opportunities arising from the characteristic features of quantum mechanical sound. The low propagation speed of phonons should enable new dynamic schemes for processing quantum information, and the short wavelength allows regimes of atomic physics to be explored that cannot be reached in photonic systems. The acoustic vibrations in a crystal can be used for quantum information processing. [Also see Perspective by Ruskov and Tahan] A sound proposition for quantum communication Quantum computers exploit the quantum-mechanical properties of materials to store and manipulate information stored in the quantum states of atoms or artificial atoms. Although there are a number of quantum platforms under investigation already, Gustafsson et al. present another, based on the propagation of sound waves on the surface of a crystal (see the Perspective by Ruskov and Tahan). The ability to tune the system and the slow propagation speeds of the acoustic waves offer new opportunities to control and process quantum information. Science, this issue p. 207; see also p. 165
Mammary cancer resistance and precocious mammary differentiation in the WKY rat: Identification of 2 quantitative trait loci

The COP and WKY rat strains are resistant to mammary cancer. It has shown previously that upon chemical carcinogen treatment, COP females exhibit mammary preneoplastic lesions which disappear within a few weeks. We show here that in similar conditions, WKY females do not exhibit any visible preneoplastic lesions. WKY females are characterized by precocious mammary tissue differentiation, including active expression of the beta‐casein gene in young virgin females. This trait might be critical in resistance to mammary carcinogenesis of WKY rats. To test this hypothesis, we took advantage of 2 congenic strains that contain a limited chromosome segment of WKY origin, derived either from chromosome 5 or from chromosome 18, introgressed in the susceptible genetic background (SPRD‐Cu3). Each of these congenic strains has been shown to be partially resistant to chemically induced mammary carcinogenesis (reduction in tumour multiplicity with respect to the susceptible SPRD‐Cu3 rats). We show here that these 2 congenic strains also exhibit precocious mammary differentiation, though to a lower extent than the WKY females. The conclusion of this study is thus 2‐fold: (i) eradication of preneoplastic lesions is not a general phenomenon in mammary cancer resistance; (ii) the same segment of rat chromosomes 5 or 18 that controls mammary cancer resistance also contains a quantitative trait locus imposing precocious mammary differentiation. These 2 traits are thus associated, supporting the hypothesis that there might be a cause‐effect relationship between precocious mammary differentiation and cancer resistance. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Children express: war and peace themes in the drawings of Iraqi refugee children in Jordan

Abstract The current study focuses on data collected from Iraqi refugee children in Jordan who fled the Islamic State Group (IS) after capturing the city of Qaraqosh overnight in 2014. 16 children, 9 males and 7 females between the ages of (4–12) participated in the study. Two major themes were identified from the qualitative analysis of children’s peace drawings and their verbal statements: ‘peace as religion, contentment and serenity’ and peace as a negative space, while two other common themes were identified in the children’s war drawings: ‘war as activity and conflict; and death, as, a result, of war’. Findings indicate that developmental differences between children were evident via their drawings and their knowledge of peace and war, confirming that children’s understanding of war precedes their understanding of peace.
Insertion sequence ISPst4 activates pUC plasmid replication in Pseudomonas stutzeri.

Insertion sequences (IS) are important drivers of bacterial evolution. Here, we report a previously undescribed IS element (ISPst4) in Pseudomonas stutzeri, and its unusual interaction with plasmids introduced into this species. Transformation of the pUC19 derivative plasmid pUS23 into P. stutzeri yielded ampicillin-resistant transformants in P. stutzeri, but these grew very poorly. Plasmids recovered from the transformants frequently contained insertions of the IS elements ISPst4 and ISPst5. Hybridisation analysis showed that these two IS elements were common in P. stutzeri strains, but were not found in other pseudomonads. Insertions of ISPst4 in pUS23 were found predominantly between bla and oriV, and plasmids with this type of insertion were capable of robust replication in P. stutzeri, unlike pUS23. A promoter-containing region was localised to a 74 bp NcoI-SacI fragment within ISPst4, and we postulate that this promoter drives expression of the pUC oriV in P. stutzeri. This is the first report of IS transposition directly leading to an expansion of the effective host range of a plasmid, adding a new dimension to our understanding of the relationship between plasmids and IS elements.
The “Win-Win-Win Papakonstantinidis Model”: from Social Welfare’s Philosophy towards a Rural Development Concept by Rural Tourism Approach: The WERT Case Study

The article is dealing with two interconnected problems based on the conjectures: a) social welfare is a condition for rural development and not the prerequisite for it; b) shape a new landscape (the “win-win-win”) based on critique of the “Impossibility Theorem (Kenneth Arrow 1951) through the Nash Bargaining Solution (Nash, John 1950). Specifically, this article discusses and analyses social welfare and rural development objectives integrating elements from the impossibility theorem, the bargaining theory, and the theory of agency by (a) reviewing the literature on coordination “social welfare” and “rural development” (b) reversing the focus from “voting” to “bargaining” and (c) underlining that Social choice is the perquisite of social welfare, using the “win-win-win Papakonstantinidis model’s solution as the bridge between “voting”(Arrow) and “bargaining”(proposal). This solution highlights the Role of Rural Community as an “Aggregation” corresponding to its “sensitization process”.
Characterization of Novel Aryl-Ether, Biaryl, and Fluorene Aspartic Acid and Diaminopropionic Acid Analogs as Potent Inhibitors of the High-Affinity Glutamate Transporter EAAT2

In this study, we describe the pharmacological characterization of novel aryl-ether, biaryl, and fluorene aspartic acid and diaminopropionic acid analogs as potent inhibitors of EAAT2, the predominant glutamate transporter in forebrain regions. The rank order of potency determined for the inhibition of human EAAT2 was N4-[4-(2-bromo-4,5-difluorophenoxy)phenyl]-l-asparagine (WAY-213613) (IC50 = 85 ± 5 nM) > N4-(2′-methyl-1,1′-biphenyl-4-yl)-l-asparagine (WAY-213394) (IC50 = 145 ± 22 nM) = N4-[7-(trifluoromethyl)-9H-fluoren-2-yl]-l-asparagine (WAY-212922) (IC50 = 157 ± 11 nM) = 3-{[(4′-chloro-2-methyl-1,1′-biphenyl-4-yl)carbonyl]amino}-l-alanine (WAY-211686) (IC50 = 190 ± 10 nM). WAY-213613 was the most selective of the compounds examined, with IC50 values for inhibition of EAAT1 and EAAT3 of 5 and 3.8 μM, respectively, corresponding to a 59- and 45-fold selectivity toward EAAT2. An identical rank order of potency [WAY-213613 (35 ± 7 nM) > WAY-213394 (92 ± 13 nM) = WAY-212922 (95 ± 8 nM) = WAY-211686 (101 ± 20 nM)] was observed for the inhibition of glutamate uptake in rat cortical synaptosomes, consistent with the predominant contribution of EAAT2 to this activity. Kinetic studies with each of the compounds in synaptosomes revealed a competitive mechanism of inhibition. All compounds were determined to be nonsubstrates by evaluating both the stimulation of currents in EAAT2-injected oocytes and the heteroexchange of d-[3H]aspartate from cortical synaptosomes. WAY-213613 represents the most potent and selective inhibitor of EAAT2 identified to date. Taken in combination with its selectivity over ionotropic and metabotropic glutamate receptors, this compound represents a potential tool for the further elucidation of EAAT2 function.
Comparative analysis and “expression space” coverage of the production of prokaryotic membrane proteins for structural genomics

Membrane proteins comprise up to one‐third of prokaryotic and eukaryotic genomes, but only a very small number of membrane protein structures are known. Membrane proteins are challenging targets for structural biology, primarily due to the difficulty in producing and purifying milligram quantities of these proteins. We are evaluating different methods to produce and purify large numbers of prokaryotic membrane proteins for subsequent structural and functional analysis. Here, we present the comparative expression data for 37 target proteins, all of them secondary transporters, from the mesophilic organism Salmonella typhimurium and the two hyperthermophilic organisms Aquifex aeolicus and Pyrococcus furiosus in three different Escherichia coli expression vectors. In addition, we study the use of Lactococcus lactis as a host for integral membrane protein expression. Overall, 78% of the targets were successfully produced under at least one set of conditions. Analysis of these results allows us to assess the role of different variables in increasing “expression space” coverage for our set of targets. This analysis implies that to maximize the number of nonhomologous targets that are expressed, orthologous targets should be chosen and tested in two vectors with different types of promoters, using C‐terminal tags. In addition, E. coli is shown to be a robust host for the expression of prokaryotic transporters, and is superior to L. lactis. These results therefore suggest appropriate strategies for high‐throughput heterologous overproduction of membrane proteins.
Body image dissatisfaction, physical activity and screen-time in Spanish adolescents

This cross-sectional study contributes to the literature on whether body dissatisfaction is a barrier/facilitator to engaging in physical activity and to investigate the impact of mass-media messages via computer-time on body dissatisfaction. High-school students (N = 1501) reported their physical activity, computer-time (homework/leisure) and body dissatisfaction. Researchers measured students’ weight and height. Analyses revealed that body dissatisfaction was negatively associated with physical activity on both genders, whereas computer-time was associated only with girls’ body dissatisfaction. Specifically, as computer-homework increased, body dissatisfaction decreased; as computer-leisure increased, body dissatisfaction increased. Weight-related interventions should improve body image and physical activity simultaneously, while critical consumption of mass-media interventions should include a computer component.
Dancing or Fitness Sport? The Effects of Two Training Programs on Hippocampal Plasticity and Balance Abilities in Healthy Seniors

Age-related degenerations in brain structure are associated with balance disturbances and cognitive impairment. However, neuroplasticity is known to be preserved throughout lifespan and physical training studies with seniors could reveal volume increases in the hippocampus (HC), a region crucial for memory consolidation, learning and navigation in space, which were related to improvements in aerobic fitness. Moreover, a positive correlation between left HC volume and balance performance was observed. Dancing seems a promising intervention for both improving balance and brain structure in the elderly. It combines aerobic fitness, sensorimotor skills and cognitive demands while at the same time the risk of injuries is low. Hence, the present investigation compared the effects of an 18-month dancing intervention and traditional health fitness training on volumes of hippocampal subfields and balance abilities. Before and after intervention, balance was evaluated using the Sensory Organization Test and HC volumes were derived from magnetic resonance images (3T, MP-RAGE). Fourteen members of the dance (67.21 ± 3.78 years, seven females), and 12 members of the fitness group (68.67 ± 2.57 years, five females) completed the whole study. Both groups revealed hippocampal volume increases mainly in the left HC (CA1, CA2, subiculum). The dancers showed additional increases in the left dentate gyrus and the right subiculum. Moreover, only the dancers achieved a significant increase in the balance composite score. Hence, dancing constitutes a promising candidate in counteracting the age-related decline in physical and mental abilities.
Role of Smad4 on TGF-beta-induced extracellular matrix stimulation in mesangial cells.

BACKGROUND The best characterized signaling pathway employed by transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) is the Smad pathway; however, its role in matrix production in mesangial cells is unclear. We focused on Smad4, as Smad4 is essential for the activation of Smad-dependent target genes. METHODS To investigate the function of Smad4 in extracellular matrix (ECM) production, we generated several stably transfected mesangial cell lines (MMC) that have a deletion in the linker region (Smad4 Delta M4: Delta 275-322) or have a deletion in MH1 of Smad4 (Smad4N4: Delta 1-136). The ECM genes, alpha1 type I collagen (COL1A1), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and fibronectin (FN) were assessed in wild-type mesangial cells and stably transfected Smad4-DN cell lines in the absence and presence of TGF-beta. RESULTS As compared to wild-type MMC that had a 10.8-fold stimulation of TGF-beta-induced p3TP-Lux activity, MMC stably transfected with Smad4 Delta M4 and Smad4N4 had only a 2.0-fold and 1.3-fold stimulation, respectively, indicating that they had dominant-negative effects on TGF-beta signaling. Basal and TGF-beta-induced COL1A1 expression in Smad4 dominant-negative cells were dramatically reduced to very low levels. The early (2 hours) TGF-beta-induced PAI-1 mRNA expression was inhibited; however, the sustained (24 to 48 hours) TGF-beta-induced expression was not affected in Smad4 dominant-negative cells. For FN, TGF-beta-induced expression was maintained in Smad4-dominant negative cells. CONCLUSION These results indicate that Smad4 is essential for basal and TGF-beta-induced COL1A1 expression, and contributes to the early, but not sustained TGF-beta-induced PAI-1 expression in mesangial cells. However, TGF-beta-induced FN expression is independent of Smad4. In conclusion, Smad4 has a discriminate effect in mediating specific ECM molecules stimulated by TGF-beta in mesangial cells.
Basic tracking using nonlinear 3D monostatic and bistatic measurements in refractive environments

The deleterious effects of atmospheric refraction are often overlooked in work on target tracking. This tutorial shows how the effects of refraction can be directly incorporated into tracking algorithms, improving the performance of tracking algorithms that make use of monostatic and bistatic measurements. Additionally, a technique for converting measurements from the radar's refraction-corrupted local coordinate system (typically bistatic r - u - v coordinates) into Cartesian coordinates is presented. The refraction-compensation algorithms can be used with arbitrary refraction models for which ray tracing techniques for solving boundary value problems and initial value problems are available, though extensions to more complicated propagation scenarios are possible. The algorithms are run on a simple exponential refraction model to demonstrate their effectiveness. This tutorial builds upon the tutorial entitled “Basic Tracking Using Nonlinear 3D Monostatic and Bistatic Measurements” and is complemented by the companion tutorial “Basic Tracking Using Nonlinear Continuous-Time Dynamic Models. ”
Interactions of HIV‐1 Antibodies 2F5 and 4E10 with a gp41 Epitope Prebound to Host and Viral Membrane Model Systems

Point of recognition: Surface plasmon resonance was used to study the role of the viral membrane in HIV immunogen recognition by the monoclonal antibodies 2F5 and 4E10. The different behaviour of the antibodies towards membranes and immunogens embedded within membranes, provide insight into the emerging membrane‐based or membrane‐conformation strategies of immunogen design.
Hypoglossal nerve stimulation in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea

This paper deals with Sleep Apnea Syndrome (SAS) or, more specifically, Sleep Apnea-Hypopnea Syndrome (SAHS) which affects the population, mainly in the age range of 40–65 years. This syndrome not only has a very negative impact on the sleep of patients, but it can lead to death if not properly treated. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is an efficient treatment for SAS, but it is uncomfortable for patients. Consequently, there is a significant need for additional therapeutic alternatives for patients suffering of SAS. Hypoglossal nerve (HGN) stimulation is under investigation by several research groups as a possible therapeutic alternative. After dealing with studies, we have compared all devices that show the decrease of the intrathoracic pressure values in the phase of the detection of apnea event. However, the increased negative measurement of esophageal pressure (Pes) was an accurate solution for the detection of SAS (>3.5 cmH2O). According to the stimulation of HGN, it requires values range between 33–38 Hz for decrease pharyngeal collapsibility.