Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optimal design of a Half Wave Cockroft-Walton Voltage Multiplier with different capacitances per stage

Even though the half-wave Cockroft-Walton voltage multiplier (H-W C-W VM) is one of the most common AC-DC step-up topologies, most of the VM designers persist in using equal capacitances in every stage, a fact that leads to a non optimal design. The aim of this paper is to introduce a new designing method of H-W C-W VM that lays both on the choice of the adequate capacitance values to minimize the output voltage drop and ripple and the calculation of the optimal number of stages that is necessary to produce the desired output voltage with the minimum base capacitance value. In this way the voltage gain is maximized and the required capacitance value per stage is minimized. The theoretical analysis is validated by PSPICE simulations and experimental results, accomplished on laboratory prototypes.
Predictive role of RRM 1 and BRCA 1 mRNA expression on the clinical outcome of advanced non-small cell lung cancer

This study aimed to evaluate the association between RRM1 and BRCA1 expressions and the therapeutic efficacy of platinum-based chemotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer patients in terms of their response and prognosis. In total, 377 patients agreed to participate in our study, and all of them received platinum-based combination chemotherapy between January 2008 and January 2009. The relative cDNA quantitation for RRM1 and BRCA1 was conducted using a fluorescence-based, real-time detection method, using β-actin as a reference gene. The average age of the 377 patients was 64.6 years (range: 25.5-86.4 years), including 269 men and 108 women. Patients with high RRM1 expression benefited more from a platinum-containing regimen, and patients with high BRCA1 expression showed a high response rate to a platinum-containing regimen and reduced disease progression. Patients with high RRM1 expression were associated with
Nuclear magnetic resonance spin–spin coupling constants from coupled perturbed density functional theory

For the first time, a complete implementation of coupled perturbed density functional theory (CPDFT) for the calculation of NMR spin–spin coupling constants (SSCCs) with pure and hybrid DFT is presented. By applying this method to several hydrides, hydrocarbons, and molecules with multiple bonds, the performance of DFT for the calculation of SSCCs is analyzed in dependence of the XC functional used. The importance of electron correlation effects is demonstrated and it is shown that the hybrid functional B3LYP leads to the best accuracy of calculated SSCCs. Also, CPDFT is compared with sum-over-states (SOS) DFT where it turns out that the former method is superior to the latter because it explicitly considers the dependence of the Kohn–Sham operator on the perturbed orbitals in DFT when calculating SSCCs. The four different coupling mechanisms contributing to the SSCC are discussed in connection with the electronic structure of the molecule.
Interactive Web Search by Graphical Query Refinement

We propose a new Web search system that helps users clarify their information needs through interaction. The system represents the user’s information needs using a query graph: a set of graph objects. This graph is presented to the user and interactively refined until the user is satisfied with the documents retrieved. In this way, the user can find the desired documents even if his original information needs were unclear. This article describes the concept and outlines the system.
The origins of reading: Using the ipad to study 2- to 4-year-old's learning of sound/print/object relations

Vance, Ashley. M.S., Purdue University, December 2013. The Origins of Reading: Using the iPad to Study 2to 4-Year-Old’s Learning of Sound/Print/Object Relations. Major Professor: George Hollich. This thesis looks at the origins of reading (before the age of 5) through the lens of early language development. We used an iPad to test if children can make the connection between printed words and the spoken word or their visual referent. Using a forced choice procedure, inspired by the traditional Preferential Looking Paradigm, we tested 30 children, ages 2-4 years. Results suggest that children as young as 2 years of age can indeed make spoken word-to-print connections. Specifically, by emphasizing or exaggerating text differences, we were able to get children (2-4 years of age) to correctly tap the printed word that corresponded to a spoken request. Some children were extremely successful in the print task (getting greater than 12 out of 16 correct, with five children getting perfect scores) far exceeding chance values even at the individual level. Children were also able to correctly tap the printed word when prompted by a picture of that word. We conclude that this method represents a new avenue to test young children’s developing reading ability and a potential means to facilitate literacy learning.
Study of the multilevel converters in DC-DC applications

Multilevel converters have been demonstrated to have many advantages such as low harmonic, low voltage stress, and high power capability. However, most of the researches are focused on high power AC-DC and DC-AC applications. This paper presents several multilevel DC-DC converters, which can be used in automotive applications as well as in high power applications. Based on the diode-clamp, flying-capacitor, and cascaded multilevel inverters, their correlative DC-DC converters are derived. A 1 kW prototype of four-level flying-capacitor DC-DC converter used in automotive systems was built as an example to demonstrate the advantages.
Laplacian-preprocessed impulse-noise detection, with image denoising via difference-mean-filtering of long-range-correlated sub-images

Zhang & Karim's Laplacian-preprocessed detector (2002) is robust against mis-identification of an image's thin-lines as impulse-noise-corrupted pixels. Wang & Zhang's "long-range correlation" denoising scheme (January 1998) exploits any information-redundancy between an identified corrupted-pixel's local neighborhood with distant sub-images, to restore the corrupted pixel. This paper synergizes the above two algorithms, with the following algorithmic enhancements: (1) a pre-tuning of Zhang & Karim's threshold based on a rough estimation of the corrupting impulse-noise's spatial probability of occurrence, assuming the availability of a test-image "sufficiently" similar to the given corrupted image; and (2) a new "difference-mean" criterion for better pixel-restoration. Limited simulations illustrate the above proposed scheme's efficacy and improvements.
The Analgesic Drug, Tramadol, Acts as an Agonist of the Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid-1

BACKGROUND:Tramadol is an effective analgesic substance widely used in medical practice. Its therapeutic action have been mainly attributed to the activation of &mgr;-opioid receptors as well as to the inhibition of neurotransmitter reuptake mechanisms and various voltage- and ligand-gated ion channels of the nociceptive system. As transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 (TRPV1, “the capsaicin receptor”) has been shown to function as a central integrator molecule of pain sensation, our aim in the current study was to define the involvement of TRPV1 in the complex mechanism of action of tramadol. METHODS:To achieve these goals, we used single-cell Ca-imaging as well as fluorescent image plate reader assays on Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells heterologously over-expressing TRPV1. RESULTS:We found that (1) tramadol, similar to the well-known TRPV1 agonist, capsaicin, significantly increased [Ca2+]i of TRPV1-CHO cells in a concentration-dependent fashion; (2) its effect was reversibly prevented by the TRPV1 antagonist capsazepine; (3) repeated application of tramadol resulted in marked tachyphylaxis; and (4) tramadol did not modify [Ca2+]i in control (empty vector expressing) CHO cells. CONCLUSIONS:Collectively, these findings strongly support the intriguing and novel concept that tramadol acts as an agonist of TRPV1. Considering that activation of TRPV1 on sensory neurons is followed by a local release of vasoactive neuropeptides and a marked desensitization of the afferent fibers (hence termination of pain sensation), our findings may equally explain both the desired analgesic as well as the often-seen, yet “unexpected,” local side effects (e.g., initiation of burning pain and erythema) of tramadol.
Subtype classification of the presynaptic α‐adrenoceptors which regulate [3H]‐noradrenaline secretion in guinea‐pig isolated urethra

1 The following experiments were carried out to investigate the presence and type of functional presynaptic receptors in adrenergic nerves of the guinea‐pig urethra. 2 The urethra from male guinea‐pigs was incubated with [3H]‐noradrenaline and superfused with Tyrode solution in vitro. The fractional secretion of [3H]‐noradrenaline evoked by 300 electrical pulses was measured. 3 The [3H]‐noradrenaline secretion was positively frequency‐dependent, yielding a half‐maximal secretion at 8 ± 5 Hz. Stimulation was usually applied at 5 Hz. 4 The [3H]‐noradrenaline secretion was not altered by noradrenaline (1 or 100 μm), norephedrine (1 μm), isoprenaline (0.1 μm), 5‐hydroxytryptamine (10 μm), oxotremorine (10 μm), adenosine (0.2 mm), propranolol (1 μm), atropine (1 μm) or 8‐phenyltheophylline (10 μm). 5 The [3H]‐noradrenaline secretion was enhanced by clonidine (3 μm), chlorpromazine (10 μm), metitepine (1 μm), 4‐aminopyridine (0.5 mm), tetraethylammonium (2 mm), 3‐isobutyl‐1‐methylxanthine (4 mm), 8‐bromo cyclic AMP (1 mm) and forskolin (25 μm). 6 The α‐adrenoceptor antagonists rauwolscine, yohimbine, phentolamine, prazosin and AR‐C 239 maximally enhanced the [3H]‐noradrenaline secretion to about 300% of control. The partial α‐adrenoceptor agonist oxymetazoline maximally enhanced the secretion to about 200% of control. The order of apparent EC50 values was rauwolscine < yohimine < phentolamine < oxymetazoline < prazosin < AR‐C 239. 7 The enhancing effects of yohimbine (1 μ m) with tetraethylammonium (2 mm), 8‐bromo cyclic AMP (1 mm), or forskolin (25 μm) were additive, but not those of yohimbine (1 μm) with prazosin (10 μm), 4‐aminopyridine (0.5 mm), or 3‐isobutyl‐1‐methylxanthine (4 mm). 8 These results suggest that the [3H]‐noradrenaline secretion in the guinea‐pig urethra is regulated by presynaptic α2A‐adrenoceptors which may, in a cyclic AMP‐independent manner, be coupled to a 4‐aminopyridine‐sensitive potassium channel. The secretion is not influenced by compounds acting at β‐adrenoceptors, muscarinic cholinoceptors or adenosine receptors.
Phytophthora rosacearum and P. sansomeana, new species segregated from the Phytophthora megasperma “complex”

Phytophthora megasperma sensu lato was a conglomeration of morphologically similar but phylogenetically unrelated species. In this paper we continue the segregation of species from the old P. megasperma complex, formally naming two previously recognized isolate groups. Isolates recovered from rosaceous fruit trees (especially apple and cherry) are in ITS clade 6, related to but distinct from P. megasperma sensu strictu. They are named here Phytophthora rosacearum. They have been referred to previously as the “AC” or “high temperature small oospore” group of P. megasperma. A second group of isolates, earlier called “soybean race non-classifiable”, recovered from soybeans in Indiana and other Midwestern states, are morphologically similar to P. megasperma sensu strictu but unrelated to that species, falling in ITS clade 8. They are named here P. sansomeana. Isolates recovered from Douglas-fir seedlings in nurseries in the Pacific Northwest and various weedy hosts in New York State, referred to in earlier work as “P. megasperma DF1”, appear to be conspecific with the soybean isolates, although they include certain ITS DNA polymorphisms. Both new species are supported by a combination of new and previously published morphological, growth and molecular data.
Graph Representation Learning and Graph Classification by

Many real-world problems are represented by using graphs. For example, given a graph of a chemical compound, we want do determine whether it causes a gene mutation or not. As another example, given a graph of a social network, we want to predict a potential friendship that does not exist but it is likely to appear soon. Many of these questions can be answered by using machine learning methods if we have vector representations of the inputs, which are either graphs or vertices, depending on the problem. A general approach to extracting such vectors is to learn a latent vector representation for the vertices or the entire graph such that these vectors can be used in machine learning tasks, such as training a classifier or a predictive model (Bengio et al., 2013). The learned vectors should reflect the graph’s structure and its attributes, including vertex and edge attributes. For example, two adjacent vertices in a graph should have similar vector representations. The problem of learning a latent vector representation for graphs or vertices is called graph representation learning or graph embedding. In this document, we mainly focus on recent developments in graph representation learning in different settings and its connection to various problems, such as graph classification or graph clustering.
Laboratory predictors of uphill cycling performance in trained cyclists

ABSTRACT This study aimed to assess the relationship between an uphill time-trial (TT) performance and both aerobic and anaerobic parameters obtained from laboratory tests. Fifteen cyclists performed a Wingate anaerobic test, a graded exercise test (GXT) and a field-based 20-min TT with 2.7% mean gradient. After a 5-week non-supervised training period, 10 of them performed a second TT for analysis of pacing reproducibility. Stepwise multiple regressions demonstrated that 91% of TT mean power output variation (W kg−1) could be explained by peak oxygen uptake (ml kg−1.min−1) and the respiratory compensation point (W kg−1), with standardised beta coefficients of 0.64 and 0.39, respectively. The agreement between mean power output and power at respiratory compensation point showed a bias ± random error of 16.2 ± 51.8 W or 5.7 ± 19.7%. One-way repeated-measures analysis of variance revealed a significant effect of the time interval (123.1 ± 8.7; 97.8 ± 1.2 and 94.0 ± 7.2% of mean power output, for epochs 0–2, 2–18 and 18–20 min, respectively; P < 0.001), characterising a positive pacing profile. This study indicates that an uphill, 20-min TT-type performance is correlated to aerobic physiological GXT variables and that cyclists adopt reproducible pacing strategies when they are tested 5 weeks apart (coefficients of variation of 6.3; 1 and 4%, for 0–2, 2–18 and 18–20 min, respectively).
Carbon Emission Forecast of Electric Power Industry Based on Lasso and IPSO-BP Neural Network Model

Abstract—In the development of low-carbon power, the calculation and prediction of carbon emissions in the power industry are fundamental tasks. In order to improve the prediction accuracy of carbon emissions in the power industry and achieve the energy-saving and emission reduction goals of the power sector, this paper uses the Lasso regression model to screen out five important carbon emissions influencing factors based on the panel data of the power industry from 2001 to 2020. The simulation setting of the value of each influencing factor from 2021-2035 is simulated setting. The IPSO-BP neural network model was established to predict the carbon emissions and peak time of the power industry from 20121-2035. The prediction results show that under the simulated scenario, the carbon emissions of the power industry will increase year by year from 2021 to 2029, and will reach a carbon peak of 482,937,500 tons in 2029, and then decline year by year.
Oxidative status and serum leptin levels in obese prepubertal children

The prevalence of obesity in children has increased dramatically over the last 20–30 years in developed countries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the oxidative and antioxidant status and any correlation with leptin in obese prepubertal children. A cross‐sectional study was made of healthy children from ten elementary schools in the province of Elazig, Eastern Turkey. Blood samples were drawn from children comprising obese and control groups, on a visit to their school in the morning after an overnight fast. The mean body mass index (BMI) was 24.03 ± 4.09 kg/m2 in the obese group and was 17.51 ± 2.33 kg/m2 in the control group. Mean plasma leptin concentration was significantly higher in the obese children. Homocysteine and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were also significantly higher in the obese group. In contrast superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase activities were significantly decreased in the obese group (p < 0.001). In conclusion, in prepubertal obese children oxidative stress was increased and MDA and homocysteine levels were well correlated with serum leptin level and BMI. In contrast with the increase in oxidative stress, antioxidant activities of SOD and glutathione peroxidase were decreased in obese prepubertal children. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Distributed Coordinated Control of Offshore Doubly Fed Wind Turbine Groups Based on the Hamiltonian Energy Method

To support doubly fed wind turbine (DFWT) groups in offshore wind farms, this paper proposes a distributed coordinated control based on the Hamiltonian energy theory. This strategy provides global stability to closed-loop systems and facilitates output synchronization. First, a model of a DFWT is realized as a port-controlled Hamiltonian system with dissipation (PCH-D), and the single-machine model is expanded into a multi-machine model of a wind turbine group. Then, by using the design methodology of distributed Hamiltonian systems, a distributed coordinated control is presented for a multi-machine PCH-D system. Furthermore, to investigate failures in wind turbine groups, they are divided into two cases: the separation of failed machines from the system, and the grid-connected operation of failed machines after a fault. These cases correspond to undirected and directed graphs, respectively. Finally, simulations prove that distributed coordinated control enhances the reliability and autonomy of wind turbine groups in offshore wind farms.
Women Caring for Disabled Parents and Other Relatives

Abstract Caring for an ill or disabled relative is a life experience shared by many women. Based on data from a representative sample of women in Israel, this study examined the demographic, employment, and health characteristics of women caregivers, focusing on the extent of care provided and its effect on the caregiver's physical and mental health. Using the conceptual framework of caregiving-related stress, we compared women who care for a parent, and women who care for another relative. The study found more instrumental difficulties, which lead to greater burden, among women who care for a disabled relative who is not a parent. Furthermore, larger proportions of women caring for a disabled relative who is not a parent report depressive mood symptoms, poor health status, and the need for psychological counseling. The findings suggest that formal service providers, chiefly social workers, may better support women caregivers once they are aware of the needs arising from disparate contexts of care.
Why Borrowers Pay Premiums to Larger Lenders: Empirical Evidence from Sovereign Syndicated Loans

All other terms being equal (e.g. seniority), syndicated loan contracts provide larger lending compensations (in percentage points) to institutions funding larger amounts. This paper explores empirically the motivation for such a price design on a sample of sovereign syndicated loans in the period 1990-1997. I find strong evidence that a larger premium is associated with higher renegotiation probability and information asymmetries. It hardly has any impact on the number of lenders though. This is consistent with the hypothesis that larger lenders act as main lenders, namely help reduce information asymmetries and provide services in situations of liquidity shortage. This constitutes new evidence of the existence of compensations for such unique services. Moreover, larger payment discrepancies are also associated with larger syndicated loan amounts. This provides further new evidence that larger borrowers bear additional borrowing costs.
Structural and Functional Characterization of Bc28.1, Major Erythrocyte-binding Protein from Babesia canis Merozoite Surface*

Babesiosis (formerly known as piroplasmosis) is a tick-borne disease caused by the intraerythrocytic development of protozoa parasites from the genus Babesia. Like Plasmodium falciparum, the agent of malaria, or Toxoplasma gondii, responsible for human toxoplasmosis, Babesia belongs to the Apicomplexa family. Babesia canis is the agent of the canine babesiosis in Europe. Clinical manifestations of this disease range from mild to severe and possibly lead to death by multiple organ failure. The identification and characterization of parasite surface proteins represent major goals, both for the understanding of the Apicomplexa invasion process and for the vaccine potential of such antigens. Indeed, we have already shown that Bd37, the major antigenic adhesion protein from Babesia divergens, the agent of bovine babesiosis, was able to induce complete protection against various parasite strains. The major merozoite surface antigens of Babesia canis have been described as a 28-kDa membrane protein family, anchored at the surface of the merozoite. Here, we demonstrate that Bc28.1, a major member of this multigenic family, is expressed at high levels at the surface of the merozoite. This protein is also found in the parasite in vitro culture supernatants, which are the basis of effective vaccines against canine babesiosis. We defined the erythrocyte binding function of Bc28.1 and determined its high resolution solution structure using NMR spectroscopy. Surprisingly, although these proteins are thought to play a similar role in the adhesion process, the structure of Bc28.1 from B. canis appears unrelated to the previously published structure of Bd37 from B. divergens. Site-directed mutagenesis experiments also suggest that the mechanism of the interaction with the erythrocyte membrane could be different for the two proteins. The resolution of the structure of Bc28 represents a milestone for the characterization of the parasite erythrocyte binding and its interaction with the host immune system.