Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The application of soft computing techniques to improve the performance of maximum power point tracker for PV system during partial shading

Partial shading is a phenomenon, whereby, certain spots of the photovoltaic (PV) array are shaded, while other parts are left uniformly irradiated. It is caused by the shadow that originates from the obstruction of tall building, chimney, tree, telecom tower and utility power lines. Due to its significant influence in reducing the energy yield, partial shading has attracted considerable interest-particularly for the building integrated PV (BIPV) system in urban areas. For large PV power plant, the primary concern is shading due to the passing cloud. For economic and technological reasons, researchers concentrate on maximizing the energy yield during partial shading by adding more intelligence to the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm of the inverter. Improvement can be achieved in various ways, but recently, the soft computing (SC) techniques have been extensively applied to enhance the efficiency of the MPPT. In view of the growing importance of this issue, this keynote paper will deliberate on six important SC-based MPPT techniques proposed in literature. The main discussions will be on the technological aspects, merits/drawbacks and their comparative performance. It is envisaged that this paper would be a valuable reference source for those who require more information to design an improved MPPT for their inverters.
Quercetin Targets hnRNPA1 to Overcome Enzalutamide Resistance in Prostate Cancer Cells

Prostate cancer remains dependent on androgen receptor signaling even after castration. Aberrant androgen receptor signaling in castration-resistant prostate cancer is mediated by mechanisms such as alterations in the androgen receptor and activation of interacting signaling pathways. Clinical evidence confirms that resistance to the next-generation antiandrogen, enzalutamide, may be mediated to a large extent by alternative splicing of the androgen receptor to generate constitutively active splice variants such as AR-V7. The splice variants AR-V7 and ARv567es have been implicated in the resistance to not only enzalutamide, but also to abiraterone and other conventional therapeutics such as taxanes. Numerous studies, including ours, suggest that splicing factors such as hnRNPA1 promote the generation of AR-V7, thus contributing to enzalutamide resistance in prostate cancer cells. In the present study, we discovered that quercetin, a naturally occurring polyphenolic compound, reduces the expression of hnRNPA1, and consequently, that of AR-V7. The suppression of AR-V7 by quercetin resensitizes enzalutamide-resistant prostate cancer cells to treatment with enzalutamide. Our results indicate that quercetin downregulates hnRNPA1 expression, downregulates the expression of AR-V7, antagonizes androgen receptor signaling, and resensitizes enzalutamide-resistant prostate cancer cells to enzalutamide treatment in vivo in mouse xenografts. These findings demonstrate that suppressing the alternative splicing of the androgen receptor may have important implications in overcoming the resistance to next-generation antiandrogen therapy. Mol Cancer Ther; 16(12); 2770–9. ©2017 AACR.
Clinical practice guideline on the use of manipulation or mobilization in the treatment of adults with mechanical neck disorders.

PURPOSE An evidence-based clinical practice guideline was developed to ascertain the risks and benefits for manipulation or mobilization in treating mechanical neck disorders with or without radicular findings or cerviogenic headache. Pain, function, patient satisfaction and adverse events were appraised. METHODS The practice guideline development cycle/model and Cochrane reviewing process, critiquing past reviews, randomized trials and surveys were used. RESULTS Manipulation and mobilization alone showed similar effects as placebo, wait period, or control group, and appeared similar in benefit for pain relief. While high-technology exercises were superior to manipulation alone for improving long-term pain scores, manipulation plus low-technology exercise had the same effect. Patient satisfaction scores favoured manipulation plus low-technology exercise over manipulation alone, and high-technology exercise alone. Multi-modal care including some combination of manipulation or mobilizations and exercise was superior to control, other physical medicine methods, and rest. Based on weak evidence, estimates for serious complication for manipulation ranged from one in 20,000 to five in 10,000,000. RECOMMENDATIONS Stronger evidence suggests a multi-modal management strategy using mobilization or manipulation plus exercise is beneficial for relief of mechanical neck pain. Weaker evidence suggest less benefit to either manipulation/mobilization done alone than when used with exercise. The risk rate is uncertain.
Acute nutritional stress during pregnancy affects placental efficiency, fetal growth and adult glucose homeostasis

Exposure to maternal malnutrition impairs postnatal health. Acute nutritional stress is less clearly implicated in intrauterine programming. We studied the effects of stressing pregnant mothers on perinatal growth and adult glucose homeostasis. We compared one group (“stressed”, mothers fasted for 16 hours) with controls (“unstressed”). We found that fasting stress had adverse effects on the weight of the fetuses conceived (p<0.005) and the placental efficiency (p<0.001) in stressed compared to unstressed offspring. Placental weight was increased (p<0.001) presumably in compensation. Stress affected the glucose homeostasis of the offspring when they became adults (p<0.005) when analysed as individuals. We previously linked nutritional stress throughout pregnancy with a mitochondrial stress response. We modelled placenta with cultured human trophoblast cells (BeWos) and fetal tissues with mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). High throughput imaging showed that the mitochondria of both cell types underwent a similar sequence of changes in morphology, induced by nutritional stresses. The contrasting stress responses on fetal and placental weight were not captured by the cellular models. The stress of maternal fasting may be an important determinant of perinatal outcome in the mouse and might be relevant to nutritional stress in human pregnancy.
IL‐27 controls the development of inducible regulatory T cells and Th17 cells via differential effects on STAT1

IL‐27 is an IL‐12‐related cytokine frequently present at sites of inflammation that can promote both anti‐ and pro‐inflammatory immune responses. Here, we have analyzed the mechanisms how IL‐27 may drive such divergent immune responses. While IL‐27 suppressed the development of proinflammatory Th17 cells, a novel role for this cytokine in inhibiting the development of anti‐inflammatory, inducible regulatory T cells (iTreg) was identified. In fact, IL‐27 suppressed the development of adaptive, TGF‐β‐induced Forkhead box transcription factor p3‐positive (Foxp3+) Treg. Whereas the blockade of Th17 development was dependent on the transcription factor STAT1, the suppression of iTreg development was STAT1 independent, suggesting that IL‐27 utilizes different signaling pathways to shape T cell‐driven immune responses. Our data thus demonstrate that IL‐27 controls the development of Th17 and iTreg cells via differential effects on STAT1.
The Decision to Adopt Alternative Payment Methods: Testing for the Role of State Dependence

Many have predicted that through technological progress, the use of paper and coin currency would become almost obsolete. The obvious advantage of these payments technologies, i.e. interest-bearing bank accounts and ATM/debit cards, is that they allow households to economize on their money holdings while still providing liquidity services. However, studies by Humphrey, Pulley, and Vesala (1996), Evans and Schmalansee (1999), Mulligan and Sala-i-Martin (2000), and Stavins (2001) have shown that large segments of the population in Europe, North America, and Japan have yet to adopt financial innovation. One major reason used to explain the low adoption rates are the role of fixed costs involved with adopting financial innovation. This paper investigates the role of fixed costs in the household decision to adopt alternative payment technologies (i.e. interest-bearing bank accounts and ATM/debit cards). These issues are investigated by applying discrete-choice dynamic panel data techniques to the Bank of Italy Survey of Household Income and Wealth dataset in order to test for the presence of fixed costs or state dependence. One of the major obstacles is distinguishing between true state dependence and unobserved heterogeneity. The empirical evidence indicates that state dependence/fixed costs play a role in the adoption decision.
Heme‐mediated reactive oxygen species toxicity to retinal pigment epithelial cells is reduced by hemopexin

Catalysis of the formation of reactive oxygen species (RO2S) by low molecular weight complexes of iron has been implicated in several pathological conditions in the retina since photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelial cells are likely to be especially sensitive to RO2S. Since protective proteins cannot cross the blood‐retinal barrier, it is likely that the retina performs its own protective functions by synthesizing proteins that bind iron and nonprotein iron complexes, the major catalysts of RO2S generation. Investigations were carried out to determine whether pigment epithelial cells are themselves sensitive to iron‐generated RO2S and whether apo‐transferrin and apo‐hemopexin, known to be made locally in the retina, can perform a protective function. In 51Cr release assays, the toxicity of exogenous RO2S including hydrogen peroxide or superoxide (generated by xanthine oxidase/hypoxanthine) to human retinal pigment epithelial cells was inhibited by the iron chelators, desferrioxamine and apo‐transferrin. Free but not protein‐bound ferric iron and heme exacerbated the toxic effect. The toxic effect of heme was abolished by the heme‐scavenging, extracellular antioxidant, apo‐hemopexin, and also by exogenous bovine serum albumin. In addition, heme toxicity was inhibited by a 3 h preincubation of cells with either heme, apo‐hemopexin, or heme‐hemopexin 24 h prior to the toxicity assay. It is concluded, first, that toxic effects of iron and heme can be prevented by apo‐transferrin or apo‐hemopexin and, second, that exposure of RPE cells to free heme or hemopexin sets in motion a series of biochemical events resulting in protection against oxidative stress. It is probable that these include heme oxygenase induction. © 1996 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Plasma B Lymphocyte Stimulator and B Cell Differentiation in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Patients

We hypothesized B cells are involved in the pathogenesis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a progressive, restrictive lung disease that is refractory to glucocorticoids and other nonspecific therapies, and almost invariably lethal. Accordingly, we sought to identify clinically associated B cell–related abnormalities in these patients. Phenotypes of circulating B cells were characterized by flow cytometry. Intrapulmonary processes were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Plasma B lymphocyte stimulating factor (BLyS) was assayed by ELISA. Circulating B cells of IPF subjects were more Ag differentiated, with greater plasmablast proportions (3.1 ± 0.8%) than in normal controls (1.3 ± 0.3%) (p < 0.03), and the extent of this differentiation correlated with IPF patient lung volumes (r = 0.44, p < 0.03). CD20+ B cell aggregates, diffuse parenchymal and perivascular immune complexes, and complement depositions were all prevalent in IPF lungs, but much less prominent or absent in normal lungs. Plasma concentrations of BLyS, an obligate factor for B cell survival and differentiation, were significantly greater (p < 0.0001) in 110 IPF (2.05 ± 0.05 ng/ml) than among 53 normal (1.40 ± 0.04 ng/ml) and 90 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease subjects (1.59 ± 0.05 ng/ml). BLyS levels were uniquely correlated among IPF patients with pulmonary artery pressures (r = 0.58, p < 0.0001). The 25% of IPF subjects with the greatest BLyS values also had diminished 1-y survival (46 ± 11%), compared with those with lesser BLyS concentrations (81 ± 5%) (hazard ratio = 4.0, 95% confidence interval = 1.8–8.7, p = 0.0002). Abnormalities of B cells and BLyS are common in IPF patients, and highly associated with disease manifestations and patient outcomes. These findings have implications regarding IPF pathogenesis and illuminate the potential for novel treatment regimens that specifically target B cells in patients with this lung disease.
To Privatize or Not? Addressing Public Values in a Semiprivatized Prison System

Through public–private partnerships (PPPs), the Dutch government is experimenting with private sector involvement in its prison system. Although considered a promising alternative to traditional public procurement in terms of efficiency and effectiveness, there is a paucity of empirical data on the impact of PPPs on other important public values, such as transparency or responsiveness, in the specific context of the penal sector. Studying the first Dutch detention center PPP, this article sets out to provide empirical insight into the safeguarding of public values in semiprivate governance settings and seeks to uncover the challenges and opportunities for prison (semi)privatization.
Hormone therapy in advanced and recurrent endometrial cancer: a systematic review

Endometrial cancer is a hormone-dependent malignancy, and the majority has a precursor phase of endometrial hyperplasia. Histologic subtypes have been recognized with differing natural history. The relationship between hormone response, histology, and molecular profile is not established, but the relevant biology is summarized. This study was a systematic review of the literature to identify which populations should be considered for hormone interventions. Systematic searches were carried out in the English literature for randomized controlled trials and phase II studies of hormone interventions in endometrial cancer. Five randomized trials and 29 phase II studies were identified comprising a total of 2471 patients. In previously untreated patients with grade 1 (G1) or G2 tumors, the response rate for progestogens and the progression-free survival is in the range of 11–56% and 2.5–14 months, respectively. Higher response rates are seen in progesterone receptor–positive cases. Phase II studies comprise the majority of the data and many are of poor quality. There was considerable heterogeneity in patient selection, prior treatment, and type of regimen, and meta-analysis was not possible. G3 or G4 toxicity was less than 5%. We conclude that hormone receptor assessments should be carried out in all patients entered on clinical trials and may aid clinical management in selected cases. Receptor-negative status should not be an absolute contraindication to hormone intervention. Integration of hormone treatment with conventional chemotherapy and growth factor–targeted therapy needs to be explored.
Organic cation transporters

1. Organic cation transporters (OCTs) translocate endogenous (e.g. dopamine) and exogenous (e.g. drugs) substances of cationic nature and, therefore, play an important role in the detoxification of exogenous compounds. This review aims to furnish essential information on OCTs, with an emphasis on pharmacological aspects. 2. Analysis of the literature on OCTs makes clear that there is a species- and organ-specific distribution of the different isoforms, which can also be differentially regulated. OCTs are responsible for the excretion and/or distribution of many drugs and also for serious tissue-specific side-effects such as cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. The presence of single nucleotide polymorphisms in these transporters significantly influences the response of patients to medication, as demonstrated for the antidiabetic drug metformin. 3. A substantial amount of research has to be undertaken to clarify further the OCT structure–function relationships specifically to define the role of oligomerization on their activity and regulation, to identify intracellular interaction partners of OCTs, and to characterize their pharmacogenetic aspects.
Covalent post-functionalization of zeolitic imidazolate framework ZIF-90 membrane for enhanced hydrogen selectivity.

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are being evaluated for several applications, such as gas adsorption, molecular separation, drug delivery, and catalysis owing to their welldefined, adjustable, and open pore framework structures. Apart from the use of MOFs as powders, supported MOF layers are of interest for various potential applications as separating membranes, sensors, and other functional layers. Among the reported MOFs, the subfamily of zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs), which are based on transition metals (Zn, Co) and imidazolate linkers, have emerged as candidates for the fabrication of molecular sieve membranes owing to their zeolite-like permanent porosity, uniform pore size, and exceptional thermal and chemical stability. Recently, a few ZIF membranes have shown promising molecular sieve performances that are better than the Knudsen mechanism. *** [16–21] However, there is still a long way ahead before robust synthetic strategies can be developed. Normally, the organic linkers of MOFs cannot form covalent bonds with surface OH groups of the supports, which causes problems in the heterogeneous nucleation of MOFs on support surface. Furthermore, similar to zeolite membranes, most of the MOF layers are polycrystalline with intercrystalline grain boundaries, which are detrimental to the membrane selectivity. Therefore, post-modification, such as chemical vapor deposition (CVD) or covalent functionalization, is helpful to minimize the non-selective transport through the intercrystalline gaps. The post-synthetic modification of MOFs has turned out to be an effective and versatile strategy to improve and fine-tune their physical and chemical properties. Herein, we present the covalent post-functionalization of MOF molecular sieve membranes to increase the selectivity of a ZIF-90 membrane. Recently, we have prepared the molecular sieve ZIF-90 membranes by using 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) as covalent linker between the ZIF-90 layer and the Al2O3 support by an imine condensation reaction. The ZIF-90 membrane is thermally and hydrothermally stable and shows molecular sieve performance, with a H2/CH4 selectivity of more than 15. On the other hand, the H2/CO2 selectivity was found to be only 7.2, as the pore size of ZIF-90 (0.35 nm) is larger than the kinetic diameter* of CO2 (0.33 nm). The separation of H2 and CO2 is important for example, for the hydrogen production by steam reforming of methane including the water gas-shift strategy. As reported by Yaghi and co-workers, the free aldehyde groups in the ZIF-90 framework allow the covalent functionalization with amine groups by an imine condensation reaction. Based on this reaction (Supporting Information, Figure S1), in the present work we report the covalent post-functionalization of a ZIF-90 membrane by ethanolamine to enhance its H2/CO2 selectivity (Figure 1). Two
Recurrent and non-recurrent feline injection-site sarcoma: computed tomographic and ultrasonographic findings

Objectives This study describes the sonographic and computed tomographic (CT) characteristics of primary and recurrent feline injection-site sarcomas (FISSs). Methods Between 2005 and 2013, 32 cats were selected for prospective and retrospective studies. Tumor shape and margins, presence of thickening of the adipose tissue, muscular and bone involvement, pre- and postcontrast attenuation, blurring of fat planes, calcification and liquefactive necrosis, intratumoral areas and skip metastasis were analyzed in CT scans. Echogenicity, echotexture, tumor margins and peritumoral tissue characteristics were analyzed by ultrasound (US). Results Irregular shape (62.5%) with digitiform projections (100.0%), mixed (peripheral and intratumoral) contrast enhancement (67.7%), blurring of fat planes (68.8%) and signs of liquefactive intratumoral necrosis (68.8%) were the prevailing CT findings. Ultrasonography revealed irregular tumor margins, peripheral hyperechoic capsule-like rim, heterogeneous echotexture, and hyperechoic tissue contiguous with the formations and thickening of adjacent subcutaneous tissues in all cases. Mixed echogenicity with areas suggestive of tumor liquefactive necrosis was documented in 83.3% of cases. Skip metastases were highly correlated with tumor recurrence (P = 0.001). The incidence of muscular involvement tended to be higher (P = 0.003) in tumors presenting with thickening of adjacent adipose tissue. Conclusions and relevance CT and US features common to FISS lesions were highlighted in this study. The imaging modalities employed allowed assessment of peritumoral inflammation, particularly adipose tissue inflammation. Imaging data may contribute to FISS diagnosis, therapeutic planning and patient follow-up.
Effects of Response Sets on NEO-PI-R Scores and Their Relations to External Criteria

Validity scales indicate the extent to which the results of a self-report inventory are a valid indicator of the test taker's psychological functioning. Validity scales generally are designed to detect the common response sets of positive impression management (underreporting, or faking good), negative impression management (overreporting, or faking bad), and random responding. The revised NEO Personality Inventory (NEO-PI-R; Costa & McCrae, 1992b) is a popular personality assessment tool based on the 5-factor model of personality and is used in a variety of settings. The NEO-PI-R does not include objective validity scales to screen for positive or negative impression management. The purpose of this study was to examine the utility of recently proposed validity scales for detecting these response sets on the NEO-PI-R (Schinka, Kinder, & Kremer, 1997) and to examine the effects of positive and negative impression management on correlations between the NEO-PI-R and external criteria (the Interpersonal Adjective Scale-Revised-B5 [Wiggins & Trapnell, 1997] and the NEO-PI-R Form R). The validity scales discriminated with reasonable accuracy between standard responding and the 2 response sets. Additionally, most correlations between the NEO-PI-R and external criteria were significantly lower when participants were dissimulating than when responding to standard instructions. It appears that response sets of positive and negative impression management may pose a significant threat to the external validity of the NEO-PI-R and that validity scales for their detection might be a useful addition to the inventory.
The Impact of Worker and Establishment-Level Characteristics on Male-Female Wage Differentials: Evidence from Danish Matched Employee-Employer Data

This paper examines how the segregation of women into certain occupations, industries, establishments, and job cells impacts the gender wage differential of full-time, private sector workers in Denmark. We use matched employer and employee data that contain labor market information for the Danish population. This enables us to document, for the first time, the wage impacts of gender segregation at the level of establishment and job cell in Denmark. We estimate the wage effects of gender segregation at the above four levels through fixed effects or through controls for the proportion of females within the four structures. We find that occupation has a much larger role than industri or establishment in accounting for the gender gap in full-time private sector wages in Denmark. In addition, men and women earn different wages within job cells.