Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Exhaled nitric oxide predicts asthma relapse in children with clinical asthma remission

Background: Nitric oxide in exhaled air (FENO) is a marker of eosinophilic airway inflammation. A study was undertaken to determine whether FENO predicts asthma relapse in asymptomatic asthmatic children in whom inhaled corticosteroids are discontinued. Methods: Forty children (21 boys) of mean age 12.2 years on a median dose of 400 μg budesonide or equivalent (range 100–400) were included. FENO was measured before and 2, 4, 12, and 24 weeks after withdrawal of steroids. A relapse was defined as more than one exacerbation per month, or need for β agonist treatment on 4 days per week for at least 2 weeks, or diurnal peak flow variability of >20%. FENO measurements were performed online with an expiratory flow of 50 ml/s. Results: Nine patients relapsed. Two and 4 weeks after withdrawal of steroids geometric mean FENO in children who were about to relapse was higher than in those who did not relapse: 35.3 ppb v 15.7 ppb at 2 weeks (ratio 2.3; 95% CI 1.2 to 4.1; p = 0.01) and 40.8 ppb v 15.9 ppb at 4 weeks (ratio 2.6; 95% CI 1.3 to 5.1). An FENO value of 49 ppb at 4 weeks after discontinuation of steroids had the best combination of sensitivity (71%) and specificity (93%) for asthma relapse. Conclusion: FENO 2 and 4 weeks after discontinuation of steroids in asymptomatic asthmatic children may be an objective predictor of asthma relapse.
Design of a Multiband Quasi-Yagi-Type Antenna With CPW-to-CPS Transition

A novel coplanar waveguide-fed planar quasi-Yagi antenna for multiband operation is presented in this letter. The antenna consists of a basic quasi-Yagi element and a coplanar-waveguide-to-coplanar-strip (CPW-to-CPS) transition, which can excite the odd-mode electric fields at the CPS line though the CPW feed line. The proposed antenna can be used in multiband operation with directional radiation patterns whose front-to-back ratios approximate to 10 dB for desired bands. Its impedance bandwidth, determined by -10-dB reflection coefficient, covers numbers of present wireless communication systems, and the antenna can be simply integrated with other circuit components for its planar structure. Experimental data obtained from a laboratory prototype are also presented. The experimental results confirm the good performances observed by the electromagnetic simulations.
Commitment as a Predictor of Participation in Premarital Education

The efficacy of premarital education programs has been well established; yet few studies have attempted to identify factors that may lead to increased participation. The current study examined questionnaire data from 46 engaged couples to determine whether marital commitment is a unique predictor of both interest in premarital education and intent to participate in premarital education. Analyses suggest commitment to marriage, spirituality, and health beliefs were all uniquely predictive of women's interest in premarital education and intent to participate in a premarital education program. Men's intent to participate in a premarital education program was only predicted by women's interest in premarital education. Implications and recommendations for increasing participation in premarital education programs are discussed.
Another Step towards the Understanding of Self-Tracking: A Research Model and Pilot Test

Regular physical activity prevents the development of numerous diseases. Despite this knowledge, approximately 80% of the world’s adolescent population leads a sedentary lifestyle. Insurances are trying to facilitate physical activity through supporting the use of self-tracking applications. Although the usefulness of self-tracking is widely presumed, only a few studies investigate the influence of self-tracking on behavior and those few studies have published contradictory results. To provide an explanation for the different reactions, we propose a research model and measurements based on the cognitive dissonance theory. The research model proposes that self-tracking leads to a higher awareness of two inconsistent cognitions. This awareness induces cognitive dissonance. Since cognitive dissonance is experienced as a psychological tension, people try to reduce it by changing their behavior, finding new information or ignoring the situation. We tested our measurements with a pilot test and found good first indicators for construct validity.
Comparison of different control methods for integrated system of MPPT powered PV module and STATCOM

Distributed Generation source are widely used because of their remarkable advantages. This is in response to a number of global challenges and concerns, including climate change, increasing energy demand, and energy security. Photovoltaic (PV) cells which produce DC voltage in their output belong to these sources and should be connected to the network through a power electronic interface. The solar cell is modeled by using `one diode mode'. At the other hand, considering PV characteristics show that maximum power can be extracted at the optimal operating point which depends on the solar radiation as well as ambient temperature. The optimal operating point is thus deduced by employing a Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithm. In this work, PV module is connected to the DC side of STATCOM instead of a DC source. STATCOM basically contains a Voltage Source Inverter (VSI). A modified current-based MPPT algorithm is used to track the maximum power point. Using this system, PV module always works in its optimal operating point and moreover, STATCOM does its expected tasks such as harmonic elimination and reactive power compensation. Two control strategies for the STATCOM are investigated in this thesis. They are Synchronous Reference Frame(SRF) control strategy and control based on P-Q theory. THDs of both the compensated and uncompensated system were carried out using FFT analysis. The proposed system is modeled and the results are analysed using MATLAB/Simulink.
Mutation and crystallization of the first KH domain of human polycytosine-binding protein 1 (PCBP1) in complex with DNA.

Polycytosine-binding proteins (PCBPs) are triple KH-domain proteins that play an important role in the regulation of translation of eukaryotic mRNA. They are also utilized by viral RNA and have been shown to interact with ssDNA. Underlying their function is the specific recognition of C-rich nucleotides by their KH domains. However, the structural basis of this recognition is only partially understood. Here, the preparation of a His-tagged KH domain is described, representing the first domain of PCBP1 that incorporates a C54S mutation as well as the addition of a C-terminal tryptophan. This construct has facilitated the preparation of highly diffracting crystals in complex with C-rich DNA (sequence ACCCCA). Crystals of the KH1-DNA complex were grown using the hanging-drop vapour-diffusion method in 0.1 M phosphate-citrate pH 4.2, 40%(v/v) PEG 300. X-ray diffraction data were collected to 1.77 Å resolution and the diffraction was consistent with space group P2(1), with unit-cell parameters a = 38.59, b = 111.88, c = 43.42 Å, α = γ = 90.0, β = 93.37°. The structure of the KH1-DNA complex will further our insight into the basis of cytosine specificity by PCBPs.
An approach to torque ripple compensation for high performance PMSM servo system

An adaptive load torque observer is presented to compensate the torque ripple in PMSM servo system. A simple adaptive scheme is derived using Popov's hyperstability theory. The torque ripple detected by the observer is compensated by a feed forwarding equivalent current which gives fast response. The noisy current information is exempt from the observer to avoid its deterioration of the quality of the observer. The speed measurement delay is considered by using observed speed since the instantaneous velocity can't be estimated precisely at low speed because of too few positional pulses from the absolute encoder during one time interval. Simulation and experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method can improve the dynamic performance of PMSM servo system satisfyingly.
Plasma prekallikrein/kallikrein processing by lysosomal cysteine proteases

Abstract Plasma kallikrein plays a role in coagulation, fibrinolysis and inflammation. Cathepsins B and L participate in (patho)physiological processes such as peptide antigen processing, tissue remodeling events, protein turnover in cells, hormone processing and tumor invasion. The present work analyzes the processing of prekallikrein/kallikrein by lysosomal cathepsins. Prekallikrein is not hydrolyzed by catB, and catL generates an inactive fragment of prekallikrein. Both kallikrein chains are hydrolyzed by catL and the light chain is mainly hydrolyzed by catB; kallikrein activity is lower after incubation with catL compared to catB. Our data suggest that the plasma kallikrein/ kinin system can be controlled by cathepsins.
The Balance Evaluation Systems Test (BESTest) to Differentiate Balance Deficits

Background: Current clinical balance assessment tools do not aim to help therapists identify the underlying postural control systems responsible for poor functional balance. By identifying the disordered systems underlying balance control, therapists can direct specific types of intervention for different types of balance problems. Objective: The goal of this study was to develop a clinical balance assessment tool that aims to target 6 different balance control systems so that specific rehabilitation approaches can be designed for different balance deficits. This article presents the theoretical framework, interrater reliability, and preliminary concurrent validity for this new instrument, the Balance Evaluation Systems Test (BESTest). Design: The BESTest consists of 36 items, grouped into 6 systems: “Biomechanical Constraints,” “Stability Limits/Verticality,” “Anticipatory Postural Adjustments,” “Postural Responses,” “Sensory Orientation,” and “Stability in Gait. ” Methods: In 2 interrater trials, 22 subjects with and without balance disorders, ranging in age from 50 to 88 years, were rated concurrently on the BESTest by 19 therapists, students, and balance researchers. Concurrent validity was measured by correlation between the BESTest and balance confidence, as assessed with the Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale. Results: Consistent with our theoretical framework, subjects with different diagnoses scored poorly on different sections of the BESTest. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for interrater reliability for the test as a whole was . 91, with the 6 section ICCs ranging from . 79 to . 96. The Kendall coefficient of concordance among raters ranged from . 46 to 1.00 for the 36 individual items. Concurrent validity of the correlation between the BESTest and the ABC Scale was r=. 636, P<. 01. Limitations: Further testing is needed to determine whether: (1) the sections of the BESTest actually detect independent balance deficits, (2) other systems important for balance control should be added, and (3) a shorter version of the test is possible by eliminating redundant or insensitive items. Conclusions: The BESTest is easy to learn to administer, with excellent reliability and very good validity. It is unique in allowing clinicians to determine the type of balance problems to direct specific treatments for their patients. By organizing clinical balance test items already in use, combined with new items not currently available, the BESTest is the most comprehensive clinical balance tool available and warrants further development.
Serum lipids, tHcy, hs-CRP, MDA and PON-1 levels in SCH and overt hypothyroidism: effect of treatment.

UNLABELLED Background. Thyroid hormones are the most important factors involved in the regulation of the basal metabolic condition, as well as in the oxidative metabolism. Hypothyroidism is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity, which cannot be fully explained by the atherogenic lipid profile observed in these patients. AIM Study of serum lipids, tHcy, hs-CRP, MDA and PON-1 levels in SCH and overt Hypothyroidism: Before and After Therapy" METHODS 100 hypothyroid (56 SCH and 44 OH) and 100 controls, with a mean age range 20-65 years were enrolled for this study. Serum TSH, FT3 and FT4 levels were evaluated by Chemiluminescence Enzyme Immunoassay. T-CHO by CHOD - POD Method. HDL-C by Direct Detergent Method. TG by GPO-POD Method. LDL-C by Friedewald's Formula. tHcy by auto analyzers. hs-CRP by Latex-High Sensitivity. MDA by Kei Satoh Method. PON-1 by spectrophotometric method using P-Nitrophenyl Acetate. All tests were done before and after 8-12 week of treatment. RESULT Pretreatment, in both SCH and OH groups, we found significantly higher serum TSH (P<0.001), TC, LDL-C, TG (P<0.01, P<0.001 and P<0.05) in SCH and (P<0.001) in OH, hs-CRP (P<0.05 and P<0.001) and MDA levels (P<0.001) than in controls. A significant decrease was seen in FT3 and FT4 (P<0.05 and P<0.001) and PON-1 activity (p<0.01 and p<0.001) in both groups than in controls, whereas HDL levels were lower and Homocysteine levels were found to be higher in only OH groups. L-thyroxine therapy significantly decreased serum TSH, TC, LDL-C, TG and t-Hcy (P<0.001) concentrations in both groups. CONCLUSION Our study showed that both SCH and OH patients have elevated atherogenic and oxidative stress markers. Increased CRP and homocysteine might be a key molecule linking inflammation to oxidative stress in atherosclerosis.
"Their ideas of beauty are, on the whole, the same as ours": Consistency and variability in the cross-cultural perception of female physical attractiveness.

The consistency of physical attractiveness ratings across cultural groups was examined. In Study 1, recently arrived native Asian and Hispanic students and White Americans rated the attractiveness of Asian, Hispanic, Black, and White photographed women. The mean correlation between groups in attractiveness ratings was r =. 93. Asians, Hispanics, and Whites were equally influenced by many facial features, but Asians were less influenced by some sexual maturity and expressive features. In Study 2, Taiwanese attractiveness ratings correlated with prior Asian, Hispanic, and American ratings, mean r =. 91. Supporting Study 1, the Taiwanese also were less positively influenced by certain sexual maturity and expressive features. Exposure to Western media did not influence attractiveness ratings in either study. In Study 3, Black and White American men rated the attractiveness of Black female facial photos and body types. Mean facial attractiveness ratings were highly correlated (r = .94), but as predicted Blacks and Whites varied in judging bodies
Identification of a novel lymphoid specific octamer binding protein (OTF‐2B) by proteolytic clipping bandshift assay (PCBA).

The octamer sequence ATGCAAAT is found in the promoters of immunoglobulin (Ig) heavy and light chain genes and in the heavy chain enhancer and is a major determinant of the cell type specific expression of Ig genes in B cells. An apparent paradox is that the same sequence serves as an upstream promoter or enhancer element in a variety of housekeeping genes such as the histone H2B and U snRNA genes. The differential usage of this regulatory sequence motif is thought to be mediated by different species of octamer binding proteins. One species of 100 kd, designated OTF‐1, is present in all cell types and may exert its activating function only when it can interact with additional adjacent transcription factors. The lymphoid cell specific octamer binding protein of 60 kd (OTF‐2A) specifically stimulates Ig promoters which consist essentially of a TATA‐box and an octamer sequence upstream of it. Here we present evidence for yet another B cell specific octamer binding protein of 75 kd (OTF‐2B). From several findings, including the absence of OTF‐2B (but not OTF‐2A) from a lymphocyte line that cannot respond to the IgH enhancer, we propose a role of the novel octamer factor in the long range activation by the IgH enhancer. We have used the proteolytic clipping bandshift assay (PCBA) technique to distinguish the three different forms found in B cells. This analysis indicates that the 75 kd‐species OTF‐2B is closely related to the 60 kd species OTF‐2A.
Fast, Efficient Parallel Algorithms for Some Graph Problems

Algorithms for solving graph problems on an unbounded parallel model of computation are considered. Parallel algorithms of time complexity $O(\log ^2 n)$ are described for finding biconnected components, bridges, minimum spanning trees and fundamental cycles. In the algorithms for finding minimum spanning trees, bridges, and fundamental cycles, the number of processors used is small enough that the parallel algorithm is efficient in comparison with the best sequential algorithms for these problems. Several other algorithms are presented which are especially suitable for processing sparse graphs.
p16INK4a Translation Suppressed by miR-24

Background Expression of the tumor suppressor p16INK4a increases during aging and replicative senescence. Methodology/Principal Findings Here, we report that the microRNA miR-24 suppresses p16 expression in human diploid fibroblasts and cervical carcinoma cells. Increased p16 expression with replicative senescence was associated with decreased levels of miR-24, a microRNA that was predicted to associate with the p16 mRNA coding and 3′-untranslated regions. Ectopic miR-24 overexpression reduced p16 protein but not p16 mRNA levels. Conversely, introduction of antisense (AS)-miR-24 blocked miR-24 expression and markedly enhanced p16 protein levels, p16 translation, and the production of EGFP-p16 reporter bearing the miR-24 target recognition sites. Conclusions/Significance Together, our results suggest that miR-24 represses the initiation and elongation phases of p16 translation.
Type IV Pilin Proteins: Versatile Molecular Modules

SUMMARY Type IV pili (T4P) are multifunctional protein fibers produced on the surfaces of a wide variety of bacteria and archaea. The major subunit of T4P is the type IV pilin, and structurally related proteins are found as components of the type II secretion (T2S) system, where they are called pseudopilins; of DNA uptake/competence systems in both Gram-negative and Gram-positive species; and of flagella, pili, and sugar-binding systems in the archaea. This broad distribution of a single protein family implies both a common evolutionary origin and a highly adaptable functional plan. The type IV pilin is a remarkably versatile architectural module that has been adopted widely for a variety of functions, including motility, attachment to chemically diverse surfaces, electrical conductance, acquisition of DNA, and secretion of a broad range of structurally distinct protein substrates. In this review, we consider recent advances in this research area, from structural revelations to insights into diversity, posttranslational modifications, regulation, and function.
A New Voltage-Programmed Pixel Circuit for Enhancing the Uniformity of AMOLED Displays

This letter presents a new voltage-programmed pixel circuit for the active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) displays, which consists of one driving thin-film transistor (TFT), four switching TFTs, two capacitors, and three control signal lines. The proposed pixel circuit can effectively compensate for the threshold-voltage shift of the driving TFT and the OLED degradation, which is verified by the simulation work using SMART-SPICE software. It is shown that the average nonuniformity of the OLED current for the proposed pixel circuit is 5.7% compared with 85.7% for the conventional 2T1C pixel circuit, and thus, the brightness uniformity of AMOLED displays can be enhanced. Moreover, a high contrast ratio can be achieved by the proposed pixel circuit since the OLED does not emit any light except for the emission period.
Role of Magnesium in the Regulation of Hepatic Glucose Homeostasis

The liver comprises of hepatocytes, biliary epithelial cells, stellate cells (or Ito cells), Kupffer cells, sinusoid endothelial cells, and pit cells [1,2]. Most of the clinically quantifiable liver functions such as metabolic processes and protein synthesis take place within the hepatocytes, while non-hepatocyte cells are responsible for other functions including inflammatory response (Kupffer cells), collagen deposition (Ito cells), and cell orientation [2-5]. Regulation of blood glucose is one of the main functions exerted by the liver. The organ contains a dynamic storage of glycogen that is rapidly dismissed into the circulation as glucose to maintain glycemia and support brain functions. Hence, hepatocytes are enzymatically specialized to switch rapidly between glycogenolysis and glycogenosynthesis based upon hormonal stimuli and metabolic conditions.
Realistic hadronic matrix element approach to color transparency.

Color transparency occurs if a small-sized wave packet, formed in a high momentum transfer process, escapes the nucleus before expanding. The time required for the expansion depends on the masses of the baryonic components of the wave packet. Measured proton diffractive dissociation and electron deep inelastic scattering cross sections are used to examine and severely constrain the relevant masses. These constraints allow significant color transparency effects to occur at experimentally accessible momentum transfers.
Introduction — Rendre à Cléopâtre… : art, genre et historiographie

Les questions posees par les etudes de genre surgissent souvent d’un ebranlement des dispositifs de recherche qui, sans discontinuer, reiterent les memes categories esthetiques, les memes hierarchies artistiques et les memes genealogies historiques. L’etrange impression d’une reconduction trop commode de verites et de canons – dont on sait pourtant qu’ils doivent toujours etre interroges et relativises, car ce sont les produits de processus remarquablement efficaces de demonstration – nous a conduites au desir, commun a l’ensemble des auteurs de cet ouvrage mais bien plus general encore, de tirer l’un des fils du recit de l’emergence de l’histoire de l’art en France et en Europe aux xviiie et xixe siecles1. Pourquoi ce livre ? L’occasion de ce projet collectif, comme souvent anecdotique, n’en est pas pour autant accessoire, puisqu'Anne Lafont a collabore au Dictionnaire critique des historiens de l’art actifs en France de la Revolution a la premiere guerre mondiale dirige par des acteurs pionniers de l’historiographie de l’art en France2. Il va sans dire que l’ambition totalisante et representative d’un dictionnaire – comite de redaction, criteres transparents de selection des entrees et modelisation formelle des notices – est aussi le reflet de partis pris theoriques, methodiques et ideologiques. Ainsi, ce travail de longue haleine, paru en grande partie au bout d’une dizaine d’annees, en 2009, nous a amenees a scruter la part reconnue aux femmes dans l’historiographie de la [. ]
Friendship Quality in Adolescents With ADHD

Objective: This study compared the quality of friendships (same- and other-sex) in adolescents with and without ADHD, across age and gender. Method: A community sample of 115 participants (61 ADHD, 54 Comparison), ages 13 to 18, completed a questionnaire assessing perceived levels of social support and negative interactions experienced in their friendships. Results: Ratings of friendship social support diminished across age in youth with ADHD, but increased in typically developing youth. Adolescents with and without ADHD, however, did not differ on ratings of negative interactions experienced in their friendships. Compared with males, females rated their friendships to be more supportive, irrespective of ADHD status. Adolescents with and without ADHD rated their same-sex friendships to be simultaneously more supportive and more conflictual than their other-sex friendships. Conclusion: Assessments of adolescents with ADHD should include a careful examination of their social functioning with particular attention devoted to the quality of their friendships.