Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bidirectional non-isolated dc-dc converter for low-voltage DC-grid

In this paper, a fourth-order non-isolated bidirectional converter is proposed for load power management in low-voltage DC grid. With state-space and discrete-time modeling technique, the proposed bidirectional converter is modeled, and small-signal transfer functions are obtained. A digital compensator is designed using these transfer functions both for the charger and discharging cases. The converter is designed to ensure battery current regulation. To test the robustness relevant control theory, for discrete transfer functions, is applied and also formulated important robustness quantifying sensitivity functions. The robust controller is designed and then evaluated its effectiveness against disturbances. A 30 W 12 to 48 V bidirectional converter system is fabricated to confirm the design and simulations. For system robustness validation the measurement results are included for the range of parameter variation considered during design stage.
Identification of Connecticut, Mourning, and Macgillivray's Warblers

A discovery of two heretofore unpublished museum specimens of MacGillivray's Warbler (Oporornis talintel) in eastern North America prompted us to reexamine the problems associated with the identification of warblers of the genus Oporornis. These secretive birds, formerly overlooked or seldom observed during their nfigrations, are now handled regularly and in fair numbers by banders using mist nets. Field identification of other than adult. males in this group remains difficult and often impossible. But banders should have no problem in identifying the great majority of the Oporornis that they process, providing they use appropriate characters. The simplified key provided here may be useful in this regard. Those banders who presently have no difficulty differentiating between Mourning Warblers (0. philadelphia) and Connecticut Warblers (0. agilis) may find that section of the key dealing with the separation of Mourning Warblers and MacGillivray's Warblers of particular interest. Phillips (1947), in a study of geographical variation within 0. talintel, stressed the value of the difference between the measurements of wing length and tail length as a means for differentiating between the iramatures of tolmiei and philadelphia. We have placed considerable emphasis on this character, "wing minus tail", in constructing the key presented here. Mourning and MacGillivray's Warblers occur together as nilgrants, only casually from the upper Mississippi Valley to central Texas but more regularly southward through eastern Mexico and into Central America. The differentiation of nilgrants or winter residents of the two forms in Central America has been a concern not only of the increasing number of banders operating in that region but of museum personnel as well. It has been brought to our attention by Allan Phillips (Instituto de Biologfa, Universidad Nacional Aut6noma de M•xico), Emmet Blake (Field Museum of Natural History), and Eugene Eisenmann (The American Museum of Natural History) that. there are some records of "0. talintel" from Panama and Colombia that
Rational Solvent Annealing for Perovskite Film Formation in Air Condition (July 2017)

The past few years have witnessed a rapid growth in research and development activities for the emerging hybrid perovskite solar cells (PSCs), whose power conversion efficiencies have approached that of the commercialized silicon solar cells. In this regard, we try to develop a rational and accurately controllable solvent annealing method in air condition to maintain cost effective solar energy for PSCs. We have tailored the perovskite crystal growth process by optimizing dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) vapor annealing parameters, including the vapor concentration, the annealing time duration, and time point. The result shows that film-through large grains and sharply reduced surface defects can be obtained for perovskite film when the DMSO vapor annealing treatment is set at the initial stage of crystal growth, followed with mere thermal annealing for at least 20 min to reconstruct the perovskite crystal. Our results have supplied strong evidences for the scenario of perovskite film surface dissolution in DMSO vapor and the key role of atmosphere at the initial stage of crystal growth process for the final perovskite film morphology.
A Hybrid Genetic Algorithm-Simulated Annealing for Integrated Production-Distribution Scheduling in Supply Chain Management

In this paper, we present an integrated production-distribution (P-D) model which considers rail transportation to move deteriorating items. The problem is formulated as a mixed integer programming (MIP) model, which could then be solved using GAMS optimization software. A hybrid genetic algorithm-simulated annealing (GA-SA) is developed to solve the real-size problems in a reasonable time period. The solutions obtained by GAMS are compared with those obtained from the hybrid GA-SA and the results show that the hybrid GA-SA is efficient in terms of computational time and the quality of the solution obtained.
GeneNet database: description and modeling of gene networks

Almost all cellular processes in an organism are controlled by gene networks. Here we report on the analysis of gene networks functioning using two associated methods - data accumulation in GeneNet system and generalized chemical kinetic method for mathematical simulation of gene network functional dynamics. The technology of the usage of these methods is shown on the example of the gene network of macrophage activation.
Low-Voltage Chaotic Oscillator With an Approximate Cubic Nonlinearity

A compact eight-transistor grounded nonlinear resis- tor possessing cubic-like current-voltage characteristics and op- timized for low-voltage operation ( 1.5V) is designed in a 2 CMOS process. The resistor is then incorporated into the well- known Chua's circuit and tuned to develop the double-scroll chaotic attractor. The inherent nonlinear behaviours of a single- ended differential pair and simple current mirrors are used to shape the resistor characteristics.
Evaluation of a Diet Containing Probiotics and Zinc for the Treatment of Mild Diarrheal Illness in Children Younger Than One Year of Age

Objectives: Supplementation of probiotics and supplementation of zinc during acute gastroenteritis in children have been shown to exert positive effects on diarrhea duration and severity. Our aim was to evaluate a new diet enriched with zinc and probiotic bacteria in the treatment of acute gastroenteritis in young children. Methods: In a double blind prospective study, 65 children aged 6–12 months were randomized to receive 6 × 109 colony forming units of Streptococcus thermophilus, Bifidobacterium lactis, Lactobacillus acidophilus (2 × 109 of each strain), 10 mg of zinc/day, and 0.3 grams of fructo-oligosaccharides in the supplemented group (n = 33) or placebo (n = 32), given in a soy protein based rice cereal. For each child, age, sex, weight, degree of dehydration, the presence of fever or vomiting, stool frequency and consistency were recorded daily until diarrhea resolution. Results: Diarrhea resolution occurred after 1.43 ± 0.71 days in the supplemented group vs. 1.96 ± 1.24 in the control group (p = 0.017). In the subset of children who presented with vomiting, time to vomiting resolution was 0.27 ± 0.59 vs. 0.81 ± 0.91 days in the supplemented and control groups, respectively (p = 0.06). On day 3, there was only 1 child with watery stools in the supplemented group versus 10 children in the control group (p = 0.02). Conclusions: In our series, the feeding of a cereal containing Streptococcus thermophilus, Bifidobacterium lactis, Lactobacillus acidophilus and zinc, reduced the severity and duration of acute gastroenteritis in young children. However, whether this combination is better than either the addition of probiotics or zinc alone is yet to be determined.
Adenine phosphoribosyltransferase deficiency identified by urinary sediment analysis: cellular and molecular confirmation

Adenine phosphoribosyltransferase deficiency is an autosomal recessive purine enzyme defect that causes urolithiasis and, in severe cases, renal failure. Most homozygotes with this disorder were identified by analyses of excreted or surgically removed urinary stones, but some were identified only because they were family members of symptomatic individuals. We report here the detection of adenine phosphoribosyltransferase deficiency in two cases by routine analysis of urinary sediments. 2,8‐Dihydroxyadenine‐like spherical crystals were observed in the urinary sediment, and a diagnosis of homozygous adenine phosphoribosyltransferase deficiency was confirmed by cellular and molecular methods. A molecular diagnostic system using the polymerase‐chain reaction and single‐strand conformational polymorphism analysis proved to be a rapid and sensitive method to identify the APRT*J alleie, a common mutant allele among the Japanese people. These methods will facilitate identification of symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals with homozygous adenine phosphoribosyltransferase deficiency.
Predicting calcium‐binding sites in proteins—A graph theory and geometry approach

Identifying calcium‐binding sites in proteins is one of the first steps towards predicting and understanding the role of calcium in biological systems for protein structure and function studies. Due to the complexity and irregularity of calcium‐binding sites, a fast and accurate method for predicting and identifying calcium‐binding protein is needed. Here we report our development of a new fast algorithm (GG) to detect calcium‐binding sites. The GG algorithm uses a graph theory algorithm to find oxygen clusters of the protein and a geometric algorithm to identify the center of these clusters. A cluster of four or more oxygen atoms has a high potential for calcium binding. High performance with about 90% site sensitivity and 80% site selectivity has been obtained for three datasets containing a total of 123 proteins. The results suggest that a sphere of a certain size with four or more oxygen atoms on the surface and without other atoms inside is necessary and sufficient for quickly identifying the majority of the calcium‐binding sites with high accuracy. Our finding opens a new avenue to visualize and analyze calcium‐binding sites in proteins facilitating the prediction of functions from structural genomic information. Proteins 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Ball Skills Intervention in Preschoolers: The CHAMP Randomized Controlled Trial

Purpose Fundamental motor skills (FMS) contribute to positive health trajectories. A high level of competence in ball skills (a subset of FMS) is a predictor for time spent in moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity during adolescence. This study examined the effects of a ball skills intervention on ball skill competence among preschool-aged boys and girls. Methods This is a two-armed randomized controlled trial. A total of 124 preschoolers (Mage ± SD = 48.14 ± 6.62 months) were randomly assigned to one of two groups, the Children’s Health Activity Motor Program (CHAMP; n = 81) or control (n = 43). FMS were measured before, after (9 wk), and at retention (18 wk) using the object control subscale of the Test of Gross Motor Development, Second Edition. Changes in ball skill scores were calculated (pretest–posttest, pretest–retention, posttest–retention) and were compared using one-way ANOVAs with post hoc Scheffe analysis. Results Findings support that groups demonstrated significantly different rates of change from pretest to posttest (F3,117 = 179.45, P < 0.001), pretest to retention (F3,113 = 95.8, P < 0.001), and posttest to retention (F3,113 = 189.89, P < 0.001). Compared with their control group peers, CHAMP boys and girls had greater positive rates of change from pretest to posttest and pretest to retention as well as greater negative rates of change from posttest to retention. Conclusions CHAMP was effective in improving and maintaining ball skills in preschool-age boys and girls. Findings support that providing a high-quality motor skill program in early childhood settings could potentially be a sustainable public health approach to promoting FMS and positive developmental trajectories for health.
Electrochemical Sensor of Heavy Metals Based on Chelating Compounds

The analytical performance of developed organic film screen –printed sensors designed for the detection of metals was evaluated. The modified surface exhibited an affinity to chelating metal ions in solution, forming complexes. Square wave voltammetry combined with a pre-concentrating process and standard additions were employed for trace analysis. Finally, cyclic voltammetry technique was used to characterize the developed organic film surface behavior in presence of different metals.
Dual-Wavelength Thulium Fluoride Fiber Laser Based on SMF-TMSIF-SMF Interferometer as Potential Source for Microwave Generation in 100-GHz Region

A dual-wavelength thulium-doped fluoride fiber (TDFF) laser is presented. The generation of the TDFF laser is achieved with the incorporation of a single mode-multimode-single mode (SMS) interferometer in the laser cavity. The simple SMS interferometer is fabricated using the combination of two-mode step index fiber and single-mode fiber. With this proposed design, as many as eight stable laser lines are experimentally demonstrated. Moreover, when a tunable bandpass filter is inserted in the laser cavity, a dual-wavelength TDFF laser can be achieved in a 1.5- $\mu \text{m}$ region. By heterodyning the dual-wavelength laser, simulation results suggest that the generated microwave signals can be tuned from 105.678 to 106.524 GHz with a constant step of ~0.14 GHz. The presented photonics-based microwave generation method could provide alternative solution for 5G signal sources in 100-GHz region.
Anaplastic oligodendroglioma in an adolescent with Lynch syndrome

Lynch syndrome (hereditary non‐polyposis colorectal cancer; HNPCC) is an autosomal dominant cancer predisposition syndrome with high penetrance. It is caused by heterozygous germline mutations in one of the DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and PMS2. Carriers are at high‐risk for developing colorectal carcinomas, as well as various extracolonic malignancies. This case report describes a 15 year‐old male with a confirmed germline mutation of MSH2 and early onset anaplastic oligodendroglioma. The patient's tumor showed loss of expression of MSH2 and MSH6 proteins with normal microsatellite stability. The immunohistochemical staining pattern provided strong evidence to support the inclusion of anaplastic oligodendroglioma as part of the spectrum of tumors found in Lynch syndrome. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013; 60: E13–E15. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Estimating Net Primary Productivity under Climate Change by Application of Global Forest Model (G4M)

Net primary productivity (NPP) is considered as an important indicator for forest ecosystem since the role of the forest is highlighted as a key sector for mitigating climate change. The objective of this research is to estimate changes on the net primary productivity of forest in South Korea under the different climate change scenarios. The G4M (Global Forest Model) was used to estimate current NPP and future NPP trends in different climate scenarios. As input data, we used detailed (1 km × 1 km) downscaled monthly precipitation and average temperature from Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) for four RCP (Representative Concentration Pathway) scenarios (2.6/4.5/6.0/8.5). We used MODerate resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) NPP data for the model validation. Current NPP derived from G4M showed similar patterns with MODIS NPP data. Total NPP of forest increased in most of RCP scenarios except RCP 8.5 scenario because the average temperature increased by 5°C. In addition, the standard deviation of annual precipitation was the highest in RCP8.5 scenario. Precipitation change in wider range could cause water stress on vegetation that affects decrease of forest productivity. We calculated future NPP change in different climate change scenarios to estimate carbon sequestration in forest ecosystem. If there was no biome changes in the future NPP will be decreased up to 90%. On the other hand, if proper biome change will be conducted, future NPP will be increased 50% according to scenarios.
The Yersinia pestis V antigen is a regulatory protein necessary for Ca2(+)-dependent growth and maximal expression of low-Ca2+ response virulence genes

The low-Ca2+ response is a multicomponent virulence regulon of the human-pathogenic yersiniae in which 12 known virulence genes are coordinately regulated in response to environmental cues of temperature, Ca2+, and nucleotides such as ATP. Yersinial growth also is regulated, with full growth yield being permitted at 37 degrees C only if Ca2+ or a nucleotide is present. In this study, we constructed and characterized a mutant Yersinia pestis specifically defective in the gene encoding the V antigen, one of the virulence genes of the low-Ca2+ response. An in-frame internal deletion-insertion mutation was made by removing bases 51 through 645 of lcrV and inserting 61 new bases. The altered lcrV was introduced into the low-Ca2+ response plasmid in Y. pestis by allelic exchange, and the resulting mutant was characterized for its two-dimensional protein profiles, growth, expression of an operon fusion to another low-Ca2+ response virulence operon, and virulence in mice. The mutant had lost its Ca2+ and nucleotide requirement for growth, showed diminished expression of Ca2(+)-and nucleotide-regulated virulence genes, and was avirulent in mice. The mutation could be complemented with respect to the growth property by supplying native V antigen operon sequences in trans in high copy number (on pBR322). Partial complementation of the growth defect and almost complete complementation of the virulence defect were seen with a lower-copy-number complementing replicon (a pACYC184 derivative). The data are consistent with the interpretation that V antigen is bifunctional, with a role in regulating growth and expression of low-Ca2+ response virulence genes in addition to its putative role as a secreted virulence protein.
Clinical Performance of Digital Cervicography and Cytology for Cervical Cancer Screening in HIV-Infected Women in Lusaka, Zambia

Abstract:Although there is a growing literature on the clinical performance of visual inspection with acetic acid in HIV-infected women, to the best of our knowledge, none have studied visual inspection with acetic acid enhanced by digital cervicography. We estimated clinical performance of cervicography and cytology to detect cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse. Sensitivity and specificity of cervicography were 84% [95% confidence interval (CI): 72 to 91) and 58% (95% CI: 52 to 64). At the high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion or worse cutoff for cytology, sensitivity and specificity were 61% (95% CI: 48 to 72) and 58% (95% CI: 52 to 64). In our study, cervicography seems to be as good as cytology in HIV-infected women.
How to Systematically Assess Serious Games Applied to Health Care

The usefulness and effectiveness of specific serious games in the medical domain is often unclear. This is caused by a lack of supporting evidence on validity of individual games, as well as a lack of publicly available information. Moreover, insufficient understanding of design principles among the individuals and institutions that develop or apply a medical serious game compromises their use. This article provides the first consensus-based framework for the assessment of specific medical serious games. The framework provides 62 items in 5 main themes, aimed at assessing a serious game’s rationale, functionality, validity, and data safety. This will allow caregivers and educators to make balanced choices when applying a serious game for healthcare purposes. Furthermore, the framework provides game manufacturers with standards for the development of new, valid serious games.
Impact of ligand density on the optimization of ion‐exchange membrane chromatography for viral vector purification

The effect of ligand density on anion‐exchange membrane chromatography (AEXmc) for the purification of recombinant baculoviruses (rBVs), potential viral vectors in clinical applications, is studied by surface plasmon resonance on customized AEX surfaces and gradient elution experiments on Sartobind D membrane prototypes with different diethylamine ligand densities, complemented by dynamic light scattering analysis for estimation of the hydrodynamic particle size of the various biologics. A chromatographic‐column model based on the steric mass action model of ion exchange is employed to analyze the gradient‐elution AEXmc experiments, extrapolate the results to other operating conditions, and provide directions for process improvement. Although counterintuitively, the experimental evidence provided in this study shows that the lowering of ligand density is beneficial for rBV purification by AEXmc in bind‐and‐elute‐mode, because it decreases the residual concentrations of host cell protein, dsDNA, and non‐infective rBVs in the eluted product cut, and increases the overall yield by roughly 20% over current standard values. Overall, we present a case study on how rational design can streamline downstream process development. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2011; 108:1347–1359. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effectiveness of home telehealth in comorbid diabetes and hypertension: a randomized, controlled trial.

BACKGROUND Increased emphasis is being placed on the critical need to control hypertension (HTN) in patients with diabetes. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a nurse-managed home telehealth intervention to improve outcomes in veterans with comorbid diabetes and HTN. DESIGN A single-center, randomized, controlled clinical trial design comparing two remote monitoring intensity levels and usual care in patients with type 2 diabetes and HTN being treated in primary care was used. MEASUREMENTS Primary outcomes were hemoglobin A1c and systolic blood pressure (SBP); secondary outcome was adherence. RESULTS Intervention subjects experienced decreased A1c during the 6-month intervention period compared with the control group, but 6 months after the intervention was withdrawn, the intervention groups were comparable with the control group. For SBP, the high-intensity subjects had a significant decrease in SBP compared with the other groups at 6 months and this pattern was maintained at 12 months. Adherence improved over time for all groups, but there were no differences among the three groups. LIMITATIONS Subjects had relatively good baseline control for A1c and SBP; minorities and women were underrepresented. CONCLUSIONS Home telehealth provides an innovative and pragmatic approach to enhance earlier detection of key clinical symptoms requiring intervention. Transmission of education and advice to the patient on an ongoing basis with close surveillance by nurses can improve clinical outcomes in patients with comorbid chronic illness.