Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analytical expression for the friction coefficient of DLCA aggregates based on extended Kirkwood–Riseman theory

ABSTRACT We use a self-consistent field method, which we have previously validated, to calculate the translational friction coefficient of fractal aerosol particles formed by diffusion-limited cluster aggregation (DLCA). Our method involves solving the Bhatnagar–Gross–Krook model for the velocity around a sphere in the transition flow regime. The velocity and drag results are then used in an extension of Kirkwood–Riseman theory to obtain the drag on the aggregate. Our results span a range of primary sphere Knudsen numbers from 0.01 to 100 for clusters with up to N = 2000 primary spheres. Calculated friction coefficients are in good agreement with experimental data and approach the correct continuum and free molecule limits for small and large Knudsen numbers, respectively. Results show that particles exhibit more continuum-like behavior as the number of primary spheres increase, even when the primary particle is in the free molecule regime; as an illustrative example, the friction coefficient for aggregates with primary sphere Kn = 1 is approximately equal to the continuum friction coefficient for N > 500. We estimate that our calculations are within 10% of the true values of the friction coefficients for the range of Kn and N presented here. Finally, we use our results to develop an analytical expression (Equation (38)) for the friction coefficient over a wide range of aggregate and primary particle sizes. Copyright © 2017 American Association for Aerosol Research
Benders' decomposition applied to Energy Resource Management in smart distribution networks

This paper proposes a Benders' decomposition approach for the large-scale Energy Resource Management (ERM). The problem considers large amount of Distributed Energy Resources (DER) including Electric Vehicles (EVs) with gridable capacity. The proposed model is designed for Virtual Power Players/Plants (VPPs) managing a smart distribution network with the aim to maximize profits considering the day-ahead time horizon. Previous literature has shown difficulties in solving similar problems using classical techniques in a centralized scheme, namely considering nonlinear network constrains. The proposed approach reduces computational burden of the original Mixed Integer Nonlinear Programming (MINLP) problem. The Benders' cuts are introduced for the ERM formulation in order to allow the communication between the slave and the master problem. Analysis of two large-scale instances have been carried out for smart distribution networks, namely a 33-bus and a real Portuguese 180-bus network assuming high penetration of DERs and EVs.
Porphyromonas gingivalis Dihydroceramides Induce Apoptosis in Endothelial Cells

Porphyromonas gingivalis dihydroceramides are found in extracts of calculus-contaminated root surfaces, diseased gingival tissue, and atherosclerotic plaques. These ceramides have been shown to promote inflammatory secretory responses in gingival fibroblasts. Little is known about their effects on the vascular system. We tested the hypothesis that P. gingivalis lipids induce apoptosis of human endothelial cells, and investigated the effects of extracted and purified P. gingivalis lipids on human umbilical vein endothelial cells. P. gingivalis phosphoglycerol dihydroceramides induced apoptosis, but not necrosis, in endothelial cells. Early apoptotic cells showed exposure of phosphatidylserine on the cell surface, followed by the cleavage of procaspases 3, 6, and 9. The release of apoptosis-inducing factor was increased, suggesting mitochondrial involvement. Different caspase inhibitors and cAMP elevation blocked DNA fragmentation. Moreover, N-acetylcysteine significantly reduced apoptosis, suggesting a role for reactive oxygen species in this process. Analysis of these data indicates that dihydroceramides may be important virulence factors of P. gingivalis.
Molecular Evolution of a Type 1 Wild-Vaccine Poliovirus Recombinant during Widespread Circulation in China

ABSTRACT Type 1 wild-vaccine recombinant polioviruses were isolated from poliomyelitis patients in China from 1991 to 1993. We compared the sequences of 34 recombinant isolates over the 1,353-nucleotide (nt) genomic interval (nt 2480 to 3832) encoding the major capsid protein, VP1, and the protease, 2A. All recombinants had a 367-nt block of sequence (nt 3271 to 3637) derived from the Sabin 1 oral poliovirus vaccine strain spanning the 3′-terminal sequences of VP1 (115 nt) and the 5′ half of 2A (252 nt). The remaining VP1 sequences were closely (up to 99.5%) related to those of a major genotype of wild type 1 poliovirus endemic to China up to 1994. In contrast, the non-vaccine-derived sequences at the 3′ half of 2A were more distantly related (<90% nucleotide sequence match) to those of other contemporary wild polioviruses from China. The vaccine-derived sequences of the earliest (April 1991) isolates completely matched those of Sabin 1. Later isolates diverged from the early isolates primarily by accumulation of synonymous base substitutions (at a rate of ∼3.7 × 10−2 substitutions per synonymous site per year) over the entire VP1-2A interval. Distinct evolutionary lineages were found in different Chinese provinces. From the combined epidemiologic and evolutionary analyses, we propose that the recombinant virus arose during mixed infection of a single individual in northern China in early 1991 and that its progeny spread by multiple independent chains of transmission into some of the most populous areas of China within a year of the initiating infection.
Eğitim Bilimleri Alanında Yapılmış Doktora Tezlerinin Tematik Açıdan İncelemesi

Bu calismanin amacini, Turkiye’de egitim bilimleri alaninda yapilmis doktora tezlerin tematik dagilimlarinin belirlenmesi olusturmaktadir. Nitel arastirma yonteminin kullanildigi bu calismada, durum calismasi modeli benimsenmistir. Calismanin calisilabilir evreni, Turkiye’de egitim bilimleri alaninda yapilan doktora tezlerinden olusmaktadir. Calismada herhangi bir ornekleme yontemine basvurulmamis ve calisma evrenin tamamina ulasilmasi hedeflenmistir. Ancak bazi tezlerin kullanimi ve yayimlanmasinda karsilasilan kisitliklar nedeniyle orneklem kapsaminda ele alinan tez sayisi 211 birim olarak gerceklesmistir. Calismada veri toplama araci olarak, arastirma kapsaminda gelistirilen tematik yapi belirleme formu kullanilmistir. Calismada verilerin cozumlenmesinde icerik analizi turlerinden frekans analizi ve kategorisel analiz teknigi kullanilmistir. Bulgular egitim bilimleri alaninda yapilan doktora tezlerinde basari ve tutum temasinda yogunlastigi gostermistir
RENAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE SYMPOSIUM: Longitudinal Study of Apoptosis in Chronic Uremic Patients

Uremia is associated with a state of immune dysfunction, increasing infection and malignancy rates. Dysregulation of homeostasis may be directly related to abnormal apoptosis regulation, a process which is crucial for the maintenance of the biologic system. Abnormal apoptosis rates (ARs) have been reported in the literature. We performed a longitudinal study over a 10‐week period in three groups of uremic subjects—hemodialysis (HD), peritoneal dialysis (PD), and predialysis chronic renal failure (CRF). Our results showed that ARs were consistent over the observed period. Monocytes extracted from HD and CRF subjects had higher ARs compared to PD and controls (HD: 26.06 ± 8.82; CRF: 26.96 ± 12.81; PD: 14.77 ± 5.87; C: 11.42 ± 4.60) when placed in culture medium. The plasma of HD and CRF subjects when incubated with U937 cells had a stronger apoptogenic potential compared with PD and controls (HD: 26.08 ± 11.39; CRF: 24.87 ± 9.07; PD: 12.13 ± 4.51; C: 11.69 ± 4.02). Inflammatory markers (C‐reactive protein [CRP], procalcitonin) and cytokines (interleukin [IL]‐1β, IL‐2, IL‐10) had a generally poor correlation except for tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α (p < 0.001). The phagocytic ability of U937 cells when incubated with the various plasma demonstrated impaired response in the HD and CRF subjects (HD: 27.56 ± 6.67; CRF: 30.24 ± 9.08; PD: 36.55 ± 9.80; C: 40.04 ± 6.98). These results suggest continuous renal purification, such as in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), may have advantages over intermittent therapies in regulating apoptosis and maintaining biologic function and homeostasis.
Site-specific demethylation and normal chromatin structure of the human dihydrofolate reductase gene promoter after transfection into CHO cells

The effect of in vitro methylation on the function and chromatin structure of the human dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) promoter linked to the DHFR coding sequences (minigene) was studied after DNA-mediated gene transfer into DHFR- CHO cells. Methylation of HhaI sites reduced the transforming frequency to about 10% of control, whereas methylation of HpaII sites had a less significant effect. The integrated genes were demethylated at specific sites in the promoter sequence, namely, HpaII sites around -57 base pairs from the major start site for transcription and HhaI sites around +9, +24, or both. All other HpaII or HhaI sites in the DHFR coding region or in the plasmid sequences remained consistently methylated. The DHFR minigene, after methylation with HhaI methylase, was also introduced without selection by cotransfection with pSV2neo and selection for neor clones in G418. Preferential demethylation of the same sites was observed even without selection for the DHFR+ phenotype. Analysis of the chromatin structure of the integrated minigene revealed characteristic proximal and distal hypersensitive regions of the promoter, as previously observed in human cells. Correctly initiated DHFR mRNA was detected in all of the transformants studied. These results suggest that formation of the characteristic chromatin structure is an intrinsic property of the DHFR promoter sequence and that demethylation of specific sites accompanies gene expression.
Reproducibility of human 3D fMRI brain maps acquired during a motor task

This study is an investigation into the reproducibility of brain activation in the sensorimotor cortex obtained with 3D “PRESTO” fMRI on eleven normal subjects. During one session, two series of functional scans were acquired while the subjects performed a finger opposition task (2 Hz). Nine subjects were tested once more on a different day. Each individual motor trial was analyzed separately, with a conservative zt‐based method. Using these results, the agreement between repeated series was examined in a number of ways, comparing the two series within one session, and the two series across sessions. In 28 of the 31 series (90%) significant signal change was found in the contralateral primary sensorimotor cortex (PSM). Overall, 0.20% of all voxels (total about 11,000) in the scanned volume reached significance, and approximately 60% of the significant positive signal changes were located in the PSM (P < 5 x 10‐7 for a chance occurrence). Comparisons within and across sessions yielded similar results: there was a 20–30% overlap of the clusters of activated voxels in the PSM (chance overlap within the PSM: P < 0.01). The mean distance between zt‐weighted centers of mass was 4.0–4.4 mm (chance distance within the PSM: P = 0.033 and 0.058, respectively). No significant difference was found between series in the magnitude of significant signal change. Whereas the number of activated voxels in the PSM was not consistently correlated between series, the ratio of this number over the total number of activated voxels in the scanned volume was significantly correlated (rho = 0.75–0.79, P < 0.05). These results indicate that activation in sensorimotor cortex associated with oppositional finger movement is reliably mapped with 3D PRESTO fMRI. (This article is a US Government work and, as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America.) © 1996 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The cell pole: the site of cross talk between the DNA uptake and genetic recombination machinery

Natural transformation is a programmed mechanism characterized by binding of free double-stranded (ds) DNA from the environment to the cell pole in rod-shaped bacteria. In Bacillus subtilis some competence proteins, which process the dsDNA and translocate single-stranded (ss) DNA into the cytosol, recruit a set of recombination proteins mainly to one of the cell poles. A subset of single-stranded binding proteins, working as “guardians”, protects ssDNA from degradation and limit the RecA recombinase loading. Then, the “mediators” overcome the inhibitory role of guardians, and recruit RecA onto ssDNA. A RecA·ssDNA filament searches for homology on the chromosome and, in a process that is controlled by “modulators”, catalyzes strand invasion with the generation of a displacement loop (D-loop). A D-loop resolvase or “resolver” cleaves this intermediate, limited DNA replication restores missing information and a DNA ligase seals the DNA ends. However, if any step fails, the “rescuers” will repair the broken end to rescue chromosomal transformation. If the ssDNA does not share homology with resident DNA, but it contains information for autonomous replication, guardian and mediator proteins catalyze plasmid establishment after inhibition of RecA. DNA replication and ligation reconstitute the molecule (plasmid transformation). In this review, the interacting network that leads to a cross talk between proteins of the uptake and genetic recombination machinery will be placed into prospective.
The ventromedial hypothalamus mediates predator fear memory

The amygdala has been shown to be essential for the processing of acute and learned fear across animal species. However, the downstream neural circuits that mediate these fear responses differ according to the nature of the threat, with separate pathways having been identified for predator, conspecific and physically harmful threats. In particular, the dorsomedial part of the ventromedial hypothalamus (VHMdm) is critical for the expression of defensive responses to predators. Here, we tested the hypothesis that this circuit also participates in predator fear memory by transient pharmacogenetic inhibition of the VMHdm and its downstream effector, the dorsal periaqueductal grey, during predator fear learning in the mouse. Our data demonstrate that neural activity in the VMHdm is required for both the acquisition and recall of predator fear memory, whereas that of its downstream effector, the dorsal periaqueductal grey, is required only for the acute expression of fear. These findings are consistent with a role for the medial hypothalamus in encoding an internal emotional state of fear.
Initial trial of bispecific antibody-mediated immunotherapy of CD15-bearing tumors: cytotoxicity of human tumor cells using a bispecific antibody comprised of anti-CD15 (MoAb PM81) and anti-CD64/Fc gamma RI (MoAb 32).

The high-affinity receptor for IgG, Fc gamma RI, expressed on monocytes and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma)-stimulated neutrophils, is a trigger molecule for cell-mediated cytotoxicity. We have prepared murine monoclonal antibodies (MoAb 22 and MoAb 32) that bind to Fc gamma RI outside the ligand binding site and thus bind to and trigger cytotoxicity that is not competed by other immunoglobulins. Because of these properties, it seemed that these MoAbs would be very useful for the development of bispecific antibodies (BsAb) for targeting normal cellular immune defense mechanisms as a new form of immunotherapy for treatment of cancer. BsAbs incorporate into a single molecule the binding specifities of two different antibodies, and, thus, can be used to target myeloid cells to tumors, ensure activation of cellular cytotoxic mechanisms, and target cell lysis and/or phagocytosis. BsAbs were prepared using anti-Fc gamma RI MoAb and an anti-myeloid cell MoAb, PM81, reactive with the CD15 antigen, for studies of antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. Conjugates were made by cross-linking sulfhydryl groups of Fab fragments of MoAb 32 or 22 (both IgG1) and sulfhydryl groups added to intact PM81 (an IgM) using N-succinimdyl-acetyl-S-thioacetate (SATA). The resulting product was purified by high-performance size-exclusion chromatography. The ability of the BsAbs to mediate attachment of human monocytes to tumor target cells was confirmed in a microtiter well assay of binding of MTT-labeled U937 cells (a human Fc gamma RI-bearing cell line) to SKBR-3 (PM81-reactive breast carcinoma) target cells. The ability of the BsAbs to mediate killing of HL-60 promyelocytic leukemia cells was studied using a 6-hour Chromium-51 release assay. Effector cells were monocytes obtained by cytopheresis and cultured for 18 hours with IFN-gamma. Monocytes alone caused minimal killing (5-20%), monocytes plus BsAb caused moderate killing (20-50%), and monocytes plus BsAb plus human serum resulted in maximal killing (50-80%). Experiments were performed to test the ability of the BsAb to purge bone marrow of small numbers of leukemia cells using bone marrow mononuclear phagocytes treated for 18 hours with IFN-gamma prior to adding target cells. Without the addition of human serum as a source of complement, a 90% depletion of clonogenic HL-60 cells could be demonstrated. With human complement, up to 95% depletion was seen. Thus, this BsAb possessed the ability to lyse tumor cell targets by two different mechanisms, complement and cell-mediated lysis. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Board Independence and Accounting Conservatism: Evidence Based on Listed Companies in China

Conservatism are regarded as a fundamental characteristic to measure financial statements, and board independence is viewed as an important tool among corporate governance. Both of them have been academic focuses. The paper examines the impact the independence of board of directors has on accounting conservatism, with the data of all the listed companies of A share market in Shanghai and Shenzhen from 2007 to 2009. The results demonstrate that in generally, listed companies in China have accounting conservatism in their accounting policies. Moreover, the increasing percentage of independent directors in the board benefits the improvement of accounting conservatism. However, CEO/Chairman separation won't work on that.
A broad-band LTCC integrated transition of laminated waveguide to air-filled waveguide for millimeter-wave applications

In this paper, a compact and broad-band integrated transition between laminated waveguide in a multilayer low-temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) substrate and standard air-filled rectangular waveguide is presented. A parallel inter-coupled two-pole filter equivalent circuit is employed to interpret the working mechanism of the transition and to predict the performance. A Ka-band prototype of the proposed broad-band transition is designed and fabricated in an LTCC substrate. The simulated and measured results of the prototyped transition show good agreement. It has been demonstrated, through the experimental results of the Ka-band prototype that the proposed transition configuration gives an effective bandwidth of over 8% with -15-dB return loss and average -0.4-dB insertion loss over the bandwidth at the Ka frequency band.
Safety of posaconazole

Introduction: The increasing number of invasive fungal infections (IFI) among immunocompromised hosts is a significant clinical issue. Diagnosis of IFI, choosing among the available antifungal drugs, and the high morbidity/mortality associated with IFI pose clinical challenges for healthcare providers. Besides efficacy, a thorough knowledge of the pharmacokinetics, drug–drug interactions and safety profile of the antifungal drugs is critical for appropriate drug selection. Among the commonly used triazoles, the recently released posaconazole is relatively less well investigated in terms of its safety. With expanding clinical use of posaconazole, the present review examines the safety of the drug and its propensity for drug–drug interaction. Areas covered: This paper mainly discusses the safety profile of posaconazole, its adverse effects and drug–drug interaction. Expert opinion: Posaconazole is generally safe and well tolerated. Lack of an intravenous formulation and unpredictable bioavailability of the suspension form are significant factors limiting the widespread use of posaconazole.
Difluoromethane, a New and Improved Inhibitor of Methanotrophy

ABSTRACT Difluoromethane (HFC-32; DFM) is compared to acetylene and methyl fluoride as an inhibitor of methanotrophy in cultures and soils. DFM was found to be a reversible inhibitor of CH4 oxidation byMethylococcus capsulatus (Bath). Consumption of CH4 in soil was blocked by additions of low levels of DFM (0.03 kPa), and this inhibition was reversed by DFM removal. Although a small quantity of DFM was consumed during these incubations, its remaining concentration was sufficiently elevated to sustain inhibition. Methanogenesis in anaerobic soil slurries, including acetoclastic methanogenesis, was unaffected by levels of DFM which inhibit methanotrophy. Low levels of DFM (0.03 kPa) also inhibited nitrification and N2O production by soils. DFM is proposed as an improved inhibitor of CH4 oxidation over acetylene and/or methyl fluoride on the basis of its reversibility, its efficacy at low concentrations, its lack of inhibition of methanogenesis, and its low cost.
Spotted Custom Lenses to Tailor the Divergence of Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Lasers

We demonstrate the output beam collimation of GaAs-based vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers by means of self-aligned polymer microlenses deposited on SU-8 pedestals using a cantilever-based spotter. We show that this fabrication technique ensures a reproducible lens shape because the contact angle and the deposited volume are constant for a given surface. Device properties are presented and compared to optical beam propagation modeling results. We demonstrate that the final beam divergence is only controlled by pedestal design parameters and can be reduced with this method by a factor 10 (to 1.2° for single-mode devices) with no significant lasing performance modification.
Low-Profile Wideband Metasurface Antennas Using Characteristic Mode Analysis

A metasurface (MTS) antenna is proposed for low-profile and wideband operation based on characteristic mode analysis (CMA). An MTS radiator formed by a diamond-slotted patch is fed by a microstrip line at its bottom through a slot centered on a ground plane. The CMA is used for the modeling, analysis, and optimization of the proposed antenna in order to reveal the underlying modal behaviors of the MTS and to guide the mode excitation. It is found that an extraordinary quisi-TM<sub>30</sub> MTS mode and a slot mode both with wideband broadside radiation are formulated and well excited simultaneously, leading to a broadband operation. Empirical equations are outlined for speeding up design. To verify the concept, a <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$2\times2$ </tex-math></inline-formula> array with the overall size of <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$1.78\lambda _{\mathrm {\mathbf {0}}}\times 1.78\lambda _{\mathrm {\mathbf {0{}}}}\times 0.07\lambda _{\mathrm {\mathbf {0}}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\lambda _{\mathrm {\mathbf {0}}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> is the free-space wavelength at 5.5 GHz) is designed and prototyped at 5-GHz Wi-Fi bands. The achieved impedance bandwidth for 10-dB return loss is 31% with the gain of 13–14.5 dBi over the operating bandwidth.