Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The role of endocan and selected pro-inflammatory cytokines in systemic lupus erythematosus

Introduction Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem inflammatory autoimmune disease with a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations. Cytokines such as interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α) are involved in its pathogenesis. Endocan is a novel marker of endothelial dysfunction and is likely to be engaged in proinflammatory processes in SLE. Aim To determine whether endocan serum concentration in SLE patients vary from healthy controls. Material and methods The study included 36 patients with SLE. SLEDAI-2K score was used to assess disease activity. The control group comprised 23 healthy volunteers. ELISA kits were used to assess serum concentrations of endocan, IL-1β, TNF-α, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and high-sensitivity C reactive protein (hs-CRP). Results The serum concentration of endocan was significantly higher (p < 0.001) in the SLE group than in healthy individuals. A positive correlation was found between serum levels of endocan and IL-1β (r = 0.47, p < 0.05). Active SLE patients (SLEDAI-2K score above 6 points) with an elevated total cholesterol level (above 5.17 mmol/l) were found to have VEGF concentration higher than those with a normal cholesterol level (p < 0.03). No other relevant relationships were found between the serum concentration of endocan, other laboratory parameters, anthropometric features, activity and duration of SLE. Conclusions A higher serum level of endocan in SLE patients indicates its possible role in the pathogenesis of the disease and reflects endothelial dysfunction. Our findings indicate that endocan could serve as a potential marker of endothelial dysfunction in SLE.
Effective Magnetic Component Design of Three-Phase Dual-Active-Bridge Converter for LVDC Distribution System

To improve the power conversion efficiency of a three-phase dual-active-bridge (3P-DAB) converter for low-voltage direct current distribution systems, a practical design methodology is proposed. Commonly, the 3P-DAB converter is designed by only specification, such as the rated power, input/output voltage, and frequency. However, using the conventional design method, the efficiency is low under heavy load conditions due to the high conduction loss. In this article, based on the practical power loss analysis, the effective design methodology of the coupling inductance in the 3P-DAB converter is proposed, focusing on power conversion efficiency. It can mitigate the drawbacks of the common design by reducing the peak and rms phase current and the insulated-gate bipolar transistors turn-off current. Experimental results verify the validity of the proposed design methodology and controller using a 25-kW prototype 3P-DAB converter.
The Economic Impact of Higher-Blend Biodiesel on the Philippine Coconut Industry and end-Users amid Rising Oil Prices & Falling Prices of Coconut Oil

Amid the weakening global prices of coconut oil and rising prices of crude oil, government agencies and coconut farmers in the Philippines have lobbied for an increase in biodiesel blend from 2% to 5% in order to boost the utilization of coconut oil in domestic diesel and support the local industry. However, Philippine economic managers oppose the move because of the inflationary effect in diesel prices. In order to provide a holistic evaluation that could help devise the country’s biodiesel roadmap, the study determined the net economic impact of higher-blended biodiesel on the biofuel supply chain. The economic impacts on producers and consumers were assessed at three biodiesel blend rates – 3%, 5%, 10%. Results showed that benefits outweighed the losses and that the rising oil prices may encourage higher bio-content and better prices for the farmers.
The characterization of soybean germ oil and the antioxidative activity of its phytosterols

The aim of this study was to characterize the composition of soybean germ and its oil from Northeast (NE-SG) and Shandong Province (SD-SG) of China with a focus on the composition of fatty acids and phytosterols as well as physicochemical properties. The results show that the average contents of water, protein, crude fat, crude fiber and ash of NE-SG and SD-SG were 8.23 ± 0.11%, 40.47 ± 0.10%, 11.65 ± 0.14%, 6.20 ± 0.09% and 4.79 ± 0.14%, respectively. The major fatty acids of the two soybean germ oils were linoleic acid (NE-SGO, 55.45%; SD-SGO, 52.15%), alpha-linolenic acid (NE-SGO, 16.21%; SD-SGO, 18.50%), palmitic acid (NE-SGO, 12.59%; SD-SGO, 11.40%) and oleic acid (NE-SGO, 9.87%; SD-SGO, 10.96%). The soybean germs were rich in phytosterols (NE-SGO, 3168 mg/100 g oil; SD-SGO, 3010 mg/100 g oil) consisting of β-sitosterol, Δ7-stigmastenol, campesterol, stigmastanol, and citrostadienol. The antioxidant ability of soybean germ phytosterols was evaluated using DPPH˙ and OH˙ radical scavenging assays, β-carotene protection assay and a heating oil system. The results demonstrated that soybean germ phytosterols had better antioxidant ability in oil systems than in non-oil systems. The antioxidant ability of these phytosterols was temperature- and time-dependent since it was more effective at lower temperatures (60 °C) with longer times as compared to higher temperatures (120 °C and 180 °C) with shorter times. These results prove that soybean germ phytosterols could be used as antioxidants in preventing lipid oxidation in foods stored at a low temperature for a long time.
No‐till System Participatory Quality Index in land management quality assessment in Brazil

Soil fertility is the result of interactions between the physical and chemical soil attributes, affecting its biological component, which in turn feeds back to the physical and chemical soil attributes. The No‐Till System (NTS) is the main modality of Conservation Agriculture, essential to achieving farming sustainability and conserving soil fertility. However, farmers often fail to adopt the three principles of NTS: (a) minimum mechanical soil disturbance, (b) permanent soil cover and (c) plant diversification; therefore, the system currently requires a quality measurement. The NTS Participatory Quality Index (PQI) is a tool to qualify and monitor the farm system and requires the participation of the farmers themselves. The aim of this study was to assess key soil quality attributes associated with the implementation of PQI methodology during a large‐scale dissemination campaign in areas under NTS in Paraná State, Brazil (Paraná River Watershed 3), in order to demonstrate the effectiveness of the PQI as a tool to drive the improvement of farmers' management. Spearman's correlation coefficients were established between PQI scores and the chemical and physical soil attributes, as well as the indicators incorporated into the PQI. Data were obtained in the Paraná River Watershed 3 from 40 areas of farmland under different farm systems. Crop rotation was the primary management approach that improved soil and agricultural management quality under Brazilian conditions, and confirmed in the study region. The NTS PQI provided a way to evaluate soil management quality in the areas assessed. The rapid soil structure diagnosis proved to be a good tool for assessing soil structure.
Clinico-radiological study of heel pain patients with special reference to heel pad thickness: A hospital based study

Background: Heel pain debilitates the quality of life. Causes of this pain are many but exact diagnosis is lacking in majority. Change of architecture and mechanical properties of plantar heel pad is considered a major cause. Materials and method: Prospective observational study with 194 cases of heel pain from 1 st July 2006 to 1 st November 2007. Acute heel pain following trauma, infection, tumour or other foot deformities were excluded. Standardised questionnaire, clinical examination and standard lateral wt. bearing & non-wt. bearing xrays view of foot projected at the calcaneum were taken to measure body weight loaded Heel Pad Thickness (LHPT) & unloaded Heel Pad Thickness (UHPT). Heel Pad Compressibility Index was measured by HPCI= (LHPT/UHPT). Results: 194 cases with heel pain were included in the study. 88 cases are male, 72 cases are female patients. (Ratio male: female = 1. 2: 1). Mean UHPT=20.7mm, LHPT=12.19mm, HPCI=0.58mm. HPCI tends to increase with increase in age (> 40 yrs age group). No significant difference in UHPT, LHPT, HPCI between males and female was noted. This is probably the first study in the North Eastern Region of India, which evaluated heel pain associated with heel pad thickness and compressibility index.
Talking about tax: the discursive distance between 38 Degrees and GetUp

ABSTRACT This paper examines tax justice advocacy (e.g., around multinational corporate tax avoidance) in the UK and Australia between 2010 and 2018 to understand how digital advocacy organizations relate to one another as well as different groups in a shared discursive space. Data from public Facebook pages is analyzed using topic modeling and network analysis, supplemented by interviews with organizational actors. The transnational organizational links between two high-profile digital advocacy organizations – 38 Degrees and GetUp – are not reflected by proximity in the discourse network, which instead displays dominant nationally specific differences around the concepts and corporate targets associated with tax justice advocacy.
Study on Degradation of Benzothiazolium-Based Ionic Liquids by UV-H2O2

Ionic liquids (ILs) are considered to be a new type of solvent due to their low vapor pressure, some unique properties and are expected to be used widely in the following days. Given their water solubility, stable chemical structure, and biological toxicity, ILs probably reach aquatic environments and become long-term pollutants. We studied the fate of benzothiazolium-based ionic liquids catalyzed by UV-H2O2 in water. Due to the synergistic effect of UV and H2O2, the degradation efficiency can be significantly improved compared to any of them alone. Fitting results showed that the degradation reaction follows pseudo-first-order kinetics and reaction rate constants with hydroxyl radicals ranging from 0.0005 s−1 to 0.0529 s−1. The experimental data showed that satisfactory results can be obtained at a temperature of 45 ℃, an initial concentration of ionic liquid of 0.1 M, and a hydrogen peroxide concentration of 0.1 M. We also explored the effects of chloride ions and pH on degradation reactions. In an appropriate situation, the degradation yield of [C4Bth]PF6 could achieve 97% in 60 min and 99% in 90 min. The UV-H2O2 combination process could provide an effective technique for the treatment of benzothiazolium-based ionic liquids in wastewater.
High Gain Observer-Based Control for Grid-Connected PV System Under Partial Shading Effect

This paper proposes the new high-gain observer dedicated to the SEPIC converter and the single-phase inverter. The high-gain observer is designed in order to minimize the number of sensors required, because the use of voltage and current sensors have many disadvantages. In fact, these sensors can obtain a bulky system, also, they are expensive and take up more place. Also, this paper proposes new controller able to locate and track the global maximum power point under the partial shading effect. Actually, when the partial shading occurs, the Power-Voltage curve presents more than one maximum power point, which are divided between the global maximum and the local maximums. The global maximum presents the superior one, while the local maximums present the inferior ones. The classical methods like Perturb and Observe and Incremental Conductance are no longer able to distinguish the global maximum point. So, they cause a high drop of power, which justifies the need of a controller that can solve such problems. Effectively, the proposed controller is designed for this purpose, it consists of an algorithm able to locate the global maximum power point and generate the reference input of corresponding voltage. Also, this controller consists of the sliding mode controller that is able to track the reference input by acting on the SEPIC converter’s duty cycle. In addition, the SEPIC converter is connected to the grid through the single-phase inverter. However, to make this connection, it should unify the power factor and synchronize the inverter current with the grid voltage. Effectively, these two tasks are solved by designing the sliding mode controller that acts on the inverter duty-cycle to allow its current to be in the same shape and phase as the grid voltage. Also, the DC bus voltage is regulated by using the PI controller. The overall system is modelled mathematically, tested and validated under Matlab/Simulink environment to show the criteria’s performances and efficiency improvement of PV panel by using the proposed Global Maximum Power Point Tracking controller. Moreover, the proposed controller is compared with the hybrid controllers: P&Osliding mode, IC-sliding mode and PSO-Backstepping controllers. The results illustrate the performance of the proposed controlled to distinguish and track rapidly (about 40ms depending on the shading pattern), and accurately the desired global maximum power point.
METODE SERVQUAL DAN IMPORTANCE PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS PADA JASA TRANSPORTASI COMMUTER LINE

ABSTRACTTransportation development for supporting the economic activity of the society must be appropriate with quality. After commuter line Rangkasbitung operating in 2 years, this study aims to find out the level of service quality commuter line Rangkasbitung, and find out the indicators that proposed the improvement for service quality. SERVQUAL and Importance Performance Analysis (IPA) used to calculate gap and find the priority indicator depend on the questionnaire that was distributed to 100 passengers. The results of this study indicate that service quality is did notsatisfy yet the customers. All indicators have negative score. Based on the results of the study, indicators that must be proposed the improvement are the accuracy of the scheduled departure and arrival of the train, the responsibility of employee to show priority seats for people with disabilities, pregnant women, the elderly and mothers with young children, as well as safety and comfort in the station and in the train, safety and comfort when going up and down the train, safety and comfort when move the other railroad platform, the availability of seats in waiting room, and the availability of priority seats for people with disabilities, pregnant women, the elderly and mothers with young children. Keywords: Service Quality (SERVQUAL); Importance Performance Analysis (IPA); Transportation Service.ABSTRAKPerkembangan transportasi untuk mendukung kegiatan ekonomi masyarakat harus sejalan dengan kualitas layanan yang diberikan. Setelah 2 tahun opersional commuter line Rangkasbitung berjalan, peneliti ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui bagaimana kualitas pelayanan yang dirasakan penumpang dan indikator apa saja yang menjadi penting dan prioritas untuk diperhatikan. Metode SERVQUAL dan Importance Performance Analysis (IPA) digunakan untuk menjawab masalah penelitian dengan menghitung nilai gap dan indikator prioritas dari kuesioner yang diberikan kepada 100 responden. Hasil penelitian menunjukan kualitas layanan jasa commuter line Rangkasbitung menurut persepsi penumpang belum memenuhi harapan yang diinginkan dan belum mampu memuaskan pelanggan. Hal tersebut dilihat dari seluruh indikator yang memiliki nilai gap negatif. Indikator – indikator yang menjadi prioritas utama untuk dilakukan perbaikan yaitu ketepatan jadwal keberangkatan dan tiba commuter line, kesiapan petugas mengarahkan penggunaan kursi prioritas (penyandang cacat, ibu hamil, lansia dan ibu degan anak kecil), keamanan dan kenyamanan pada saat berada di stasiun dan di kereta, keamanan dan kenyamanan pada saat naik dan turun Kereta, keamanandan kenyamanan pada saat berpindah peron, penyediaan kursi di ruang tunggu stasiun, serta ketersediaan kursi prioritas bagi penyandang cacat, ibu hamil, lansia dan ibu dengan anak kecil.Kata Kunci: Kualitas Layanan; Importance Performance Analysis; Jasa Transportasi.
IRAK1-mediated coincidence detection of microbial signals licenses inflammasome activation

The innate immune system signals through various higher order signaling complexes called supramolecular organizing centers (SMOCs), which typically organize components of a single pathway. While innate immune signaling pathways have been largely characterized using single receptor stimuli, responses to pathogens require the coordinated engagement of multiple pathways. Here, we report an IRAK1-containing SMOC formed specifically when multiple receptors are activated, which recruits select components of the TLR, MAPK and inflammasome pathways. This allows for signal flux redistribution from TLRs to inflammasomes and facilitates inflammasome licensing through an MKK7-JNK axis, which is defective in Irak1−/− mice. Furthermore, this defect in Irak1−/− mice manifests in increased susceptibility to inflammasome-sensitive pathogens and diminished IL1 production from inflammasomes after co-TLR priming. Thus, IRAK1 SMOCs form a multi-pathway coordinating hub for coincidence detection of microbial signals, which may be employed by innate immune cells as a threat assessment and thresholding mechanism for inflammasome activation.
Calcitriol 3 μg/g Ointment: A New Topical Treatment for Psoriasis

Vitamin D receptor modulators have been used extensively for years in the treatment of psoriasis. These agents have demonstrated comparable efficacy to mid-potency corticosteroids and have a good safety profile. Vitamin D receptor modulators are useful as single agents and when used in combination, rotational or sequential therapy with other psoriasis treatments. Calcitriol ointment (1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3), the naturally occurring, endogenous, biologically active metabolite of vitamin D3, has recently been approved in the United States as the only Vitamin D3 ointment (Vectical™) available for the topical treatment of psoriasis. Two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials demonstrated the application of calcitriol 3 μg/g ointment twice daily for eight weeks produced significantly greater improvement than did vehicle ointment on physician-rated and patient-rated scores of global psoriasis severity and improvement in psoriasis symptoms from baseline. Long-term clinical trials have demonstrated that twice-daily calcitriol was safe and well-tolerated for one year or longer and that calcium homeostasis was not significantly affected by continuous treatment up to 52 weeks. A direct comparison of calcitriol and calcipotriol [calcipotriene (Dovonex®)] in patients with chronic plaque psoriasis found that the two agents produced generally similar improvements in psoriasis severity but that calcitriol was associated with fewer cutaneous adverse events. A second comparative study that examined calcitriol and calcipotriene for the treatment of psoriasis in sensitive areas found that calcitriol produced significantly less perilesional edema, erythema and stinging/burning than did calcipotriene. Several clinical trials also support calcitriol as part of combination therapy. Topical calcitriol ointment is a new, safe, effective and well-tolerated treatment that offers considerable flexibility in psoriasis care.
A rare cause of complete heart block in a middle-aged Indian woman

Sarcoidosis is a multisystem disease that might involve the heart during its course. Isolated cardiac involvement can occur in sarcoidosis without pulmonary and other systemic manifestations, and it could be the presenting manifestation. Cardiac involvement is an important cause of death in patients with sarcoidosis. Only 5%–10% cases of cardiac sarcoidosis are symptomatic. However, in autopsy series, cardiac involvement has been found in 50%–85% of cases. Here, we report the case of a middle-aged lady presenting with recurrent presyncope and complete heart block. A final diagnosis of cardiac sarcoidosis was made.
A T-cell engager-armed oncolytic vaccinia virus to target the tumor stroma

Aim: Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the key cellular components of the tumor stroma. CAFs express fibroblast activation protein (FAP) and FAP-targeted immunotherapies have shown potent antitumor effects in preclinical mouse studies, highlighting their central role in tumorigenesis. However, safety concerns have been raised in regard to FAP-targeted immunotherapies since bone marrow failure and cachexia were observed in transgenic models and preclinical studies. Here, we describe a novel oncolytic virotherapy by locally targeting FAP within tumor tissue. Methods: T-cell engager-armed oncolytic vaccinia virus (TEA-VV) that encodes a secretory bi-specific T-cell engager consisting of two single-chain variable fragments specific for murine CD3 and fibroblast activation protein (mFAP-TEA-VV) was generated. The antitumor effects of mFAP-TEA-VV were compared to unmodified VVs using standard in vitro immunological assays and an immunocompetent B16 melanoma mouse model. Results: In vitro, the ability of mFAP-TEA-VV to replicate within tumor cells and induce oncolysis was similar to that of unmodified VVs. However, in co-culture assays, only mFAP-TEA-VV induced bystander killing of noninfected FAP-expressing cells in the presence of murine T-cells. In vivo, mFAP-TEA-VV enhanced viral titer within the tumor and had potent antitumor activity in comparison to control VVs in an immunocompetent B16 melanoma mouse model. Importantly, the improved viral spread of mFAP-TEA-VV correlated with the destruction of tumor stroma. Conclusion: Arming oncolytic VVs with an FAP-targeted T-cell engager may be a promising improvement to oncolytic virus therapy for solid tumors.
The use of combined 3.5 LCP unicortical plate and nail fixation in proximal tibia fractures and prevention of valgus and anterior angulation

Introduction: Intramedullary nailing (IMN) of high tibia fracture has some mechanical and biological advantages over the other form of fixation. However, valgus, apex anterior malalignment and anterior displacement of proximal fragment commonly occur after isolated IMN fixation of proximal high tibia fracture. The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of using 3.5-mm locking compression plate (LCP) with unicortical screws combined with IMN fixation to maintain the difficult reduction and prevent any displacement after classic nail insertion. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed between 2010 and 2012, thirty-three open or closed tibia fractures involving the high proximal tibia metaphysis were operated using combined 3.5 mm LCP unicortical plate with the classic reamed intramedullary nailing technique. The clinical and radiological results of the study were collected on the basis of the time to union, nonunion, malunion, degree of angulations at the fracture site, and infection. Follow-up ranged from 24 to 36 months (mean 28 months). Results: The union rate was 100% on radiographs at 3.38 months postoperatively. No complications such as malunion, delayed union, implant failure, prominent valgus, anterior angulation malalignment, or postoperative deep infection