Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Robust maximum power point tracking control for photovoltaic system based on second order sliding-mode

This paper proposes a control approach of a maximum power point of a photovoltaic (PV) system using the second order sliding mode approach. The main objective of the proposed paper is to track the maximum power point (MPP) using super twisting algorithm (STA) with a one-loop control method and augment efficiency of the output power system. The structure of a proposed approach is simple and robust aging the atmospheric changes. Such control approach solution has several advantages such as simple implementation, robustness; reduce the chattering phenomenon and good dynamic response compared to traditional first-order sliding mode control algorithm. The controller circuit adapts the duty cycle of the switch electronic device of the DC/DC converter to search maximum power point tracking as a function of evolution of the power input. The effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed control are verified by simulation in MATLAB/Simulink environment and dSPACE-based hardware in loop platform.
First international quality control programme for laboratories measuring antimicrobial drugs to support dose individualization in critically ill patients

Abstract Objectives International quality control (proficiency testing) programmes are instituted to safeguard the analytical performance of laboratories and to aid these laboratories in identifying sources of error in their analytical methods. We describe the first international quality control programme for antimicrobial agents that are frequently used in critically ill patients. Methods Spiked plasma samples with ceftazidime, ciprofloxacin, flucloxacillin, piperacillin, sulfamethoxazole, N-acetyl sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim were shipped to 22 laboratories from eight different countries. Acceptable accuracy by the performing laboratory was defined if measurements were within 80%–120% limits of the true weighed-in concentrations. Results A total of 81% of the measurements (ranging between 56% and 100%, dependent on drug) were within the 80%–120% limits of the true weighed-in concentrations. Conclusions We found a relatively good performance of the participating laboratories in measuring eight different antimicrobial drugs. Nevertheless, some of the antimicrobial drugs were not measured properly as up to 44% of the measurements was inaccurate depending on the drug. Our results emphasize the need for and utility of an ongoing quality control programme.
Detection of Chemotherapy-resistant Pancreatic Cancer Using a Glycan Biomarker, sTRA

Purpose: A subset of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDACs) is highly resistant to systemic chemotherapy, but no markers are available in clinical settings to identify this subset. We hypothesized that a glycan biomarker for PDACs called sialylated tumor-related antigen (sTRA) could be used for this purpose. Experimental Design: We tested for differences between PDACs classified by glycan expression in multiple systems: sets of cell lines, organoids, and isogenic cell lines; primary tumors; and blood plasma from human subjects. Results: The sTRA-expressing models tended to have stem-like gene expression and the capacity for mesenchymal differentiation, in contrast to the nonexpressing models. The sTRA cell lines also had significantly increased resistance to seven different chemotherapeutics commonly used against pancreatic cancer. Patients with primary tumors that were positive for a gene expression classifier for sTRA received no statistically significant benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy, in contrast to those negative for the signature. In another cohort, based on direct measurements of sTRA in tissue microarrays, the patients who were high in sTRA again had no statistically significant benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy. Furthermore, a blood plasma test for the sTRA glycan identified the PDACs that showed rapid relapse following neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Conclusions: This research demonstrates that a glycan biomarker could have value to detect chemotherapy-resistant PDAC in clinical settings. This capability could aid in the development of stratified treatment plans and facilitate biomarker-guided trials targeting resistant PDAC.
The Selenoprotein MsrB1 Instructs Dendritic Cells to Induce T-Helper 1 Immune Responses

Immune activation associates with the intracellular generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). To elicit effective immune responses, ROS levels must be balanced. Emerging evidence shows that ROS-mediated signal transduction can be regulated by selenoproteins such as methionine sulfoxide reductase B1 (MsrB1). However, how the selenoprotein shapes immunity remains poorly understood. Here, we demonstrated that MsrB1 plays a crucial role in the ability of dendritic cells (DCs) to provide the antigen presentation and costimulation that are needed for cluster of differentiation antigen four (CD4) T-cell priming in mice. We found that MsrB1 regulated signal transducer and activator of transcription-6 (STAT6) phosphorylation in DCs. Moreover, both in vitro and in vivo, MsrB1 potentiated the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced Interleukin-12 (IL-12) production by DCs and drove T-helper 1 (Th1) differentiation after immunization. We propose that MsrB1 activates the STAT6 pathway in DCs, thereby inducing the DC maturation and IL-12 production that promotes Th1 differentiation. Additionally, we showed that MsrB1 promoted follicular helper T-cell (Tfh) differentiation when mice were immunized with sheep red blood cells. This study unveils as yet unappreciated roles of the MsrB1 selenoprotein in the innate control of adaptive immunity. Targeting MsrB1 may have therapeutic potential in terms of controlling immune reactions.
Disease-associated mutations in inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor subunits impair channel function

The inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) receptors (IP3Rs), which form tetrameric channels, play pivotal roles in regulating the spatiotemporal patterns of intracellular calcium signals. Mutations in IP3Rs have been increasingly associated with many debilitating human diseases such as ataxia, Gillespie syndrome, and generalized anhidrosis. However, how these mutations affect IP3R function, and how the perturbation of as-sociated calcium signals contribute to the pathogenesis and severity of these diseases remains largely uncharacterized. Moreover, many of these diseases occur as the result of autosomal dominant inheritance, suggesting that WT and mutant subunits associate in heterotetrameric channels. How the in-corporation of different numbers of mutant subunits within the tetrameric channels affects its activities and results in different disease phenotypes is also unclear. In this report, we investigated representative disease-associated missense mutations to determine their effects on IP3R channel activity. Additionally, we designed concatenated IP3R constructs to create tetrameric channels with a predefined subunit composition to explore the functionality of heteromeric channels. Using calcium imaging techniques to assess IP3R channel function, we observed that all the mutations studied resulted in severely attenuated Ca2+ release when expressed as homotetramers. However, some heterotetramers retained varied degrees of function dependent on the composition of the tetramer. Our findings suggest that the effect of mutations depends on the location of the mutation in the IP3R structure, as well as on the stoichiometry of mutant subunits assembled within the tetrameric channel. These studies provide insight into the pathogenesis and penetrance of these devastating human diseases.
Ethylene signaling in rice and Arabidopsis: New regulators and mechanisms.

Ethylene is a gaseous hormone that plays important roles in both plant growth and development and stress responses. Based on studies in the dicot model plant species Arabidopsis, a linear ethylene signaling pathway has been established, according to which ethylene is perceived by ethylene receptors and transduced through CONSTITUTIVE TRIPLE RESPONSE 1 (CTR1) and ETHYLENE INSENSITIVE 2 (EIN2) to activate transcriptional reprogramming. In addition to this canonical signaling pathway, an alternative ethylene receptor-mediated phosphorelay pathway has also been proposed to participate in ethylene signaling. In contrast to Arabidopsis, rice, a monocot, grows in semiaquatic environments and has a distinct plant structure. Several novel regulators and/or mechanisms of the rice ethylene signaling pathway have recently been identified, indicating that the ethylene signaling pathway in rice has its own unique features. In this review, we summarize the latest progress and compare the conserved and divergent aspects of the ethylene signaling pathway between Arabidopsis and rice. The crosstalk between ethylene and other plant hormones is also reviewed. Finally, we discuss how ethylene regulates plant growth, stress responses and agronomic traits. These analyses should help expand our knowledge of the ethylene signaling mechanism and could further be applied for agricultural purposes. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Complete mitochondrial genome of Idioscopus nitidulus (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae)

Abstract The complete mitogenome of Idioscopus nitidulus (Cicadellidae) was sequenced. It comprises 15,287 base pairs (bp), including 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 2 rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes and a control region. The phylogenetic analyses based on concatenated thirteen protein-coding genes of mitogenomes recover the monophyly of Auchenorrhyncha (Fulgoromorpha + Cicadomorpha) and Sternorrhyncha as a sister group to Auchenorrhyncha. The complete mitogenome sequence of Idioscopus nitidulusis available in the GenBank with accession number: KR024406.
Anti-CD20 Agents for Multiple Sclerosis: Spotlight on Ocrelizumab and Ofatumumab

Until recently, in the pathogenesis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), the contribution of B cells has been largely underestimated, and the disease was considered a T-cell-mediated disorder. However, newer evidence shows that B cells play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of MS via antigen-driven autoantibody responses and through the cross regulation of T-helper cells. As B cells express the surface molecule CD20 at all points of differentiation, it provides a specific target for monoclonal antibodies, and the development and clinical testing of anti-CD20 antibody treatments for MS have been successful. After some observations, some small clinical trials found positive effects for the first anti-CD20 therapeutic rituximab in MS; newer agents have been specifically evaluated, resulting in the development of ocrelizumab and ofatumumab. Ocrelizumab, a humanized anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, was approved in March 2017 by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is also the first proven therapy to reduce disability progression in primary progressive MS. This is particularly significant considering that disease-modifying treatment options are few for both primary and secondary progressive MS. Ofatumumab, a fully human anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, that binds a distinct epitope, has been further investigated in phase 3 trials for relapsing forms of MS. In this review, we discuss in detail these two anti-CD20 agents and their advent for treatment of MS.
Toward a Regulatory Qualification of Real-World Mobility Performance Biomarkers in Parkinson’s Patients Using Digital Mobility Outcomes

Wearable inertial sensors can be used to monitor mobility in real-world settings over extended periods. Although these technologies are widely used in human movement research, they have not yet been qualified by drug regulatory agencies for their use in regulatory drug trials. This is because the first generation of these sensors was unreliable when used on slow-walking subjects. However, intense research in this area is now offering a new generation of algorithms to quantify Digital Mobility Outcomes so accurate they may be considered as biomarkers in regulatory drug trials. This perspective paper summarises the work in the Mobilise-D consortium around the regulatory qualification of the use of wearable sensors to quantify real-world mobility performance in patients affected by Parkinson’s Disease. The paper describes the qualification strategy and both the technical and clinical validation plans, which have recently received highly supportive qualification advice from the European Medicines Agency. The scope is to provide detailed guidance for the preparation of similar qualification submissions to broaden the use of real-world mobility assessment in regulatory drug trials.
Electrical Properties Enhancement of Carbon Nanotube Yarns by Cyclic Loading

Carbon nanotube yarns (CNTYs) possess low density, high conductivity, high strength, and moderate flexibility. These intrinsic properties allow them to be a preferred choice for use as conductive elements in high-performance composites. To fully exploit their potential as conductive reinforcing elements, further improvement in their electrical conductivity is needed. This study demonstrates that tensile cyclic loading under ambient conditions improves the electrical conductivity of two types of CNTYs. The results showed that the electrical resistance of untreated CNTYs was reduced by 80% using cyclic loading, reaching the resistance value of the drawn acid-treated CNTYs. Scanning electron microscopy showed that cyclic loading caused orientation and compaction of the CNT bundles that make up the CNTYs, resulting in significantly improved electrical conductivity of the CNTYs. Furthermore, the elastic modulus was increased by 20% while preserving the tensile strength. This approach has the potential to replace the environmentally unfriendly acid treatment currently used to enhance the conductivity of CNTYs.
Exogenous abscisic acid and jasmonic acid restrain PEG-induced drought by improving the growth and antioxidative enzyme activities in pearl millet.

Drought stress is one of the most immense and permanent constraints in agriculture which leads to a massive loss of crop productivity. However, little is known about the mitigation role of exogenously applied abscisic acid (ABA) and jasmonic acid (JA) in pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) under PEG-induced drought stress. Therefore, the current study investigated the putative role of exogenous ABA and JA in improving drought stress tolerance in pearl millet. Thirteen-day-old seedlings were exposed to six different treatments as follow; control, PEG-600 (20%), JA (100 μM), ABA (100 μM), PEG + JA and PEG + ABA, and data were collected at 7 and 14 days after treatment (DAT). Results showed that PEG decreased plant growth while the oxidative damage increased due to over production of H2 O2 and MDA content as a result of decreased activities of the antioxidative enzymes including APX, CAT and SOD in the leaves. However, exogenous ABA and JA positively enhanced the growth profile of seedlings by improving chlorophyll and relative water content under PEG treatment. A significant improvement was observed in the plant defence system resulting from increased activities of antioxidative enzymes due to exogenous ABA and JA under PEG. Overall, the performance of JA was found better than ABA under PEG-induced drought stress, and future investigations are needed to explore the potential effects of these phytohormones on the long term crop management and productivity under drought stress.
Characterization of β‐Cryptoxanthin and Other Carotenoid Derivatives from Rhodotorula taiwanensis, A Novel Yeast Isolated from Traditional Starter Culture of Assam

The present investigation was intended to characterize pigments for the first time from Rhodotorula taiwanensis (LC011412) yeast isolated from the ethic fermentation starter culture source meant to evaluate its carotenoid contents for beneficial applications. The pigments were extracted by an optimized solvent system, purified by flash chromatography and were identified by TLC and UV/VIS spectroscopy. The absorbance spectra confirmed the presence of β‐carotene, β‐cryptoxanthin, torulene and torularhodin that showed maximum absorbance (λmax) within the ranges. The fractions were further characterized by LC/MS and analyzed through FT‐IR and NMR for structure elucidation. Spectral analyses also confirmed the presence of the compounds mentioned above. These compounds promise great commercial value and could be useful for large scale production anticipated for potential applications in food, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical and cosmetic sectors. It is pertinent that the characterized carotenoid pigments from the isolate have incredible prospects in industrial applications which require profound attention.
CCA-Addition Gone Wild: Unusual Occurrence and Phylogeny of Four Different tRNA Nucleotidyltransferases in Acanthamoeba castellanii

Abstract tRNAs are important players in the protein synthesis machinery, where they act as adapter molecules for translating the mRNA codons into the corresponding amino acid sequence. In a series of highly conserved maturation steps, the primary transcripts are converted into mature tRNAs. In the amoebozoan Acanthamoeba castellanii, a highly unusual evolution of some of these processing steps was identified that are based on unconventional RNA polymerase activities. In this context, we investigated the synthesis of the 3′-terminal CCA-end that is added posttranscriptionally by a specialized polymerase, the tRNA nucleotidyltransferase (CCA-adding enzyme). The majority of eukaryotic organisms carry only a single gene for a CCA-adding enzyme that acts on both the cytosolic and the mitochondrial tRNA pool. In a bioinformatic analysis of the genome of this organism, we identified a surprising multitude of genes for enzymes that contain the active site signature of eukaryotic/eubacterial tRNA nucleotidyltransferases. In vitro activity analyses of these enzymes revealed that two proteins represent bona fide CCA-adding enzymes, one of them carrying an N-terminal sequence corresponding to a putative mitochondrial target signal. The other enzymes have restricted activities and represent CC- and A-adding enzymes, respectively. The A-adding enzyme is of particular interest, as its sequence is closely related to corresponding enzymes from Proteobacteria, indicating a horizontal gene transfer. Interestingly, this unusual diversity of nucleotidyltransferase genes is not restricted to Acanthamoeba castellanii but is also present in other members of the Acanthamoeba genus, indicating an ancient evolutionary trait.
Unsupervised Acoustic Condition Monitoring with Riemannian Geometry

In this paper, we present an unsupervised method for acoustic condition monitoring. Our method relies on the Riemannian geometry of symmetric and positive-definite (SPD) matrices. Specifically, SPD matrices enable us to build features for multi-channel data, which naturally encode the mutual relationships between the channels. By exploiting the Riemannian geometry of SPD matrices, we show that these features encompass informative comparisons. The proposed anomaly score is then based on a one-class SVM applied to the proposed features and their induced Riemannian distance. We test the proposed method on two benchmarks and show that it achieves state-of-the-art results. In addition, we demonstrate the robustness of the proposed method to noise and to low sampling rates.
Novel Monitoring System for Low-Voltage DC Distribution Network Using Deep-Learning- Based Disaggregation

The deployment rate of distributed energy resources (DER) based on renewable energy has recently been increasing worldwide. Direct current (DC) power distribution has been proposed as an efficient approach for operating digital loads and DC-based renewable energy. DC distribution systems with DERs, however, are not commonly used in the real world. From the viewpoint of distribution system operators, it is important to identify the operation status of DERs for effective grid operation. In this article, a novel monitoring methodology for low-voltage DC (LVDC) distribution systems with DERs is proposed based on frequency-domain analyses. A deep-learning technology is applied to model the frequency characteristics of individual DERs. A case study considering two approaches was conducted using a photovoltaic generator, wind turbine, diesel generator, and energy-storage system installed in an LVDC testbed operated by KEPCO in Gochang, Jeolla-do, Korea. In the first approach, monitoring is performed with sensors installed near individual DERs. In the second approach, monitoring is performed with a single sensor in the distribution line, and the signal is disaggregated to identify the status of the individual DERs. The results show that the proposed methodology tracks the status of DERs with an accuracy of 98% and 95%, respectively, demonstrating the validity of the proposed methodologies.
Novel Soft-Switching High Gain Transformerless DC-DC Converters without Auxiliary Switches for Renewable Energy Systems

This paper presents new soft-switching transformerless DC-DC converters without auxiliary switches. The soft-switching operation is achieved with the aid of simple resonant cell, which comprises of an inductor, a capacitor and a diode. In addition to the auxiliary cell, a voltage multiplier cell also included in order to ensure high voltage conversion ratio. The major advantages of the proposed converters are reduced turn on/turn off losses, high conversion ratio and very simple auxiliary circuitry. A resonant cell is incorporated in this converter which is used to turn on the main switching devices at zero current and turn them off at zero current. The zero current switching operation is achieved with a simple auxiliary cell. This paper describes the operation principles and the design simulations of proposed converters. The theoretical analysis of the proposed converters is validated by the simulation analysis on 12V/360V/1kW converter systems.
Low-Voltage Electrically-Induced Second Harmonic Generation in a Silicon Waveguide Based on Modal Phase Matching

Design and analysis of a silicon waveguide with embedded <italic>pin</italic> diode are proposed here for the realization of second harmonic generation (SHG). The reverse-biased <italic>pin</italic> structure is employed to apply a DC field across an intrinsic silicon region which gives rise to electric-field induced (EFI) second-order nonlinearity <italic>χ</italic><sup>(2)</sup><sub>EFI</sub> in silicon. The resulted <italic>χ</italic><sup>(2)</sup><sub>EFI</sub> is then used to generate a second harmonic (SH) frequency of an input 2.29-μm signal in which second-order mode at 1.145 μm is used to satisfy modal phase matching with fundamental mode at 2.29 μm through suitably designing the silicon waveguide. It is shown that by engineering the geometry of <italic>pin</italic> diode, not only a high modal overlap integral is yielded by eliminating the counteractive parts of second-order mode at SH wavelength but also the required external voltage to induce the possible maximum achievable χ<sup>(2)</sup><sub>EFI</sub> is significantly reduced compared to the previous SHG structure with the EFI nonlinearity. The simulation results in <italic>P</italic><sub>2ω</sub> /<italic>P</italic><sub>ω</sub> = 6.5% for a pump power of 25 mW and only 7.6 V external voltage which can be improved up to 27% by increasing the input power to 260 mW.