Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Simulation and implementation of FPGA controlled distributed solar generation for residential network

Ease of use and availability of renewable energy has caused local generation in the distribution side, thereby a consumer becomes a prosumer. During cases of high irradiance or low local load large amount of solar power is generated. Under excess generation of PV power, greater than the aggregate local load, additional power produced locally can be sent to the grid. This work involves the simulation of Solar Panel, Boost converter and Inverter connected to the grid as well as the hardware implementation of the system with the use of FPGA as an embedded controller. The operation under various load conditions is analyzed while ensuring optimum solar power utilization.
Surface Properties of Vitally Important Ions: Sessile Desiccated Drop Studies

Surface properties of ions in a liquid media are the most important and interesting topic of physical-chemical research. Complex approaches with using a lot of modern equipment are used for study this problem. Here we demonstrate a distinctive method, which is based on self-organizing processes in sessile desiccative drops of water salt solutions. The features of crystallization of aqueous solutions of KCl, NaCl, CaCl2 and MgCl2, as well as of their mixtures drying in the form of drops (3 ul) on glass have been studied by optical microscopy and acoustic impedancemetry. “Dynamic portraits” of crystallization kinetics (KCl, NaCl and their mixture) or of saline condensation (CaCl2 and MgCl2) in the course of drop drying have been obtained for each sample. The phenomenon of drop fragmentation of a mixture of potassium-containing solutions of various chlorides and formation of individual 3D structures on the glass has been revealed. The mechanisms of formation of such structures associated with different surface activity of the studied ions are considered. It is demonstrated that the used approaches are promising for obtaining additional information about complex behavior of ions in aqueous media.
A Dynamic Resource Allocation on Service Supply Chain

Recently, as internet business is growing rapidly, it has been bringing a lot of changes in many aspects of commercial business activities, and especially internet shopping malls, dealing with individual consumers, have continued radical changes and development. Thus, internet-based companies are required to implement variously different and new approaches in the ways of conducting their businesses. Therefore, it is becoming one of the most significant strategic elements for internet-based companies to correctly understand the purchase patterns of individual consumers and properly provide business environments that can give the maximum satisfactions to those individual consumers in service supply chain. However, despite this radical change in the environment of internet shopping, it is true that most studies on internet-based businesses so far tend to just focus on such studies as the overall size of internet business, investigation on current market status, and practical study on consumer buying patterns from the perspective of consumers, lacking studies in such fields as the strategic management method from the perspective of companies and business investment decisions. Not to mention the lack of such studies as how the shopping mall management strategies, currently being used by the majority of internet-based companies, influence attracting customers to make purchase and customer satisfaction, and how customers’ reactions from these strategies are affecting the management outcomes of business entities. Having these as the background in this study, the structure and the strategy of internet-based companies are analyzed based on dynamic speculations which emphasize an internally circulating feedback structure, as getting away from the currently existing linear speculations. Also, a speculative framework for decision makers to learn and understand the behavioral mechanism of the buying decision process is provided by building a system dynamics simulation model which can support long term decision making in the overall speculation instead of the direction of partial and short term oriented approaches. In doing so, the study intends to derive the most efficient investment decision support model for internet-based companies to operate their internet shopping malls in an overall way by understanding the correlation and interdependency among political variables, being needed for the operation of internet-based companies.
Aspartyl proteases in Candida glabrata are required for suppression of the host innate immune response

A family of 11 cell surface-associated aspartyl proteases (CgYps1–11), also referred as yapsins, is a key virulence factor in the pathogenic yeast Candida glabrata. However, the mechanism by which CgYapsins modulate immune response and facilitate survival in the mammalian host remains to be identified. Here, using RNA-Seq analysis, we report that genes involved in cell wall metabolism are differentially regulated in the Cgyps1–11Δ mutant. Consistently, the mutant contained lower β-glucan and mannan levels and exhibited increased chitin content in the cell wall. As cell wall components are known to regulate the innate immune response, we next determined the macrophage transcriptional response to C. glabrata infection and observed differential expression of genes implicated in inflammation, chemotaxis, ion transport, and the tumor necrosis factor signaling cascade. Importantly, the Cgyps1–11Δ mutant evoked a different immune response, resulting in an enhanced release of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β in THP-1 macrophages. Further, Cgyps1–11Δ–induced IL-1β production adversely affected intracellular proliferation of co-infected WT cells and depended on activation of spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) signaling in the host cells. Accordingly, the Syk inhibitor R406 augmented intracellular survival of the Cgyps1–11Δ mutant. Finally, we demonstrate that C. glabrata infection triggers elevated IL-1β production in mouse organs and that the CgYPS genes are required for organ colonization and dissemination in the murine model of systemic infection. Altogether, our results uncover the basis for macrophage-mediated killing of Cgyps1–11Δ cells and provide the first evidence that aspartyl proteases in C. glabrata are required for suppression of IL-1β production in macrophages.
Effects of Prone Positioning on Transpulmonary Pressures and End-expiratory Volumes in Patients without Lung Disease

Background: The effects of prone positioning on esophageal pressures have not been investigated in mechanically ventilated patients. Our objective was to characterize effects of prone positioning on esophageal pressures, transpulmonary pressure, and lung volume, thereby assessing the potential utility of esophageal pressure measurements in setting positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) in prone patients. Methods: We studied 16 patients undergoing spine surgery during general anesthesia and neuromuscular blockade. We measured airway pressure, esophageal pressures, airflow, and volume, and calculated the expiratory reserve volume and the elastances of the lung and chest wall in supine and prone positions. Results: Esophageal pressures at end expiration with 0 cm H2O PEEP decreased from supine to prone by 5.64 cm H2O (95% CI, 3.37 to 7.90; P < 0.0001). Expiratory reserve volume measured at relaxation volume increased from supine to prone by 0.15 l (interquartile range, 0.25, 0.10; P = 0.003). Chest wall elastance increased from supine to prone by 7.32 (95% CI, 4.77 to 9.87) cm H2O/l at PEEP 0 (P < 0.0001) and 6.66 cm H2O/l (95% CI, 3.91 to 9.41) at PEEP 7 (P = 0.0002). Median driving pressure, the change in airway pressure from end expiration to end-inspiratory plateau, increased in the prone position at PEEP 0 (3.70 cm H2O; 95% CI, 1.74 to 5.66; P = 0.001) and PEEP 7 (3.90 cm H2O; 95% CI, 2.72 to 5.09; P < 0.0001). Conclusions: End-expiratory esophageal pressure decreases, and end-expiratory transpulmonary pressure and expiratory reserve volume increase, when patients are moved from supine to prone position. Mean respiratory system driving pressure increases in the prone position due to increased chest wall elastance. The increase in end-expiratory transpulmonary pressure and expiratory reserve volume may be one mechanism for the observed clinical benefit with prone positioning.
Improvement of Glycosylated Hemoglobin in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus under Insulin Treatment by Reimbursement for Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose

Background In Korea, the costs associated with self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) under insulin treatment have been reimbursed since November 2015. We investigated whether this new reimbursement program for SMBG has improved the glycemic control in the beneficiaries of this policy. Methods Among all adult T2DM patients with ≥3 months of reimbursement (n=854), subjects without any changes in anti-hyperglycemic agents during the study period were selected. The improvement of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was defined as an absolute reduction in HbA1c ≥0.6% or an HbA1c level at follow-up <7%. Results HbA1c levels significantly decreased from 8.5%±1.3% to 8.2%±1.2% during the follow-up (P<0.001) in all the study subjects (n=409). Among them, 35.5% (n=145) showed a significant improvement in HbA1c. Subjects covered under the Medical Aid system showed a higher prevalence of improvement in HbA1c than those with medical insurance (52.2% vs. 33.3%, respectively, P=0.012). In the improvement group, the baseline HbA1c (P<0.001), fasting C-peptide (P=0.016), and daily dose of insulin/body weight (P=0.024) showed significant negative correlations with the degree of HbA1c change. Multivariate analysis showed that subjects in the Medical Aid system were about 2.5-fold more likely to improve in HbA1c compared to those with medical insurance (odds ratio, 2.459; 95% confidence interval, 1.138 to 5.314; P=0.022). Conclusion The reimbursement for SMBG resulted in a significant improvement in HbA1c in T2DM subjects using insulin, which was more prominent in subjects with poor glucose control at baseline or covered under the Medical Aid system.
A Single Amino-Acid Substitution in the Sodium Transporter HKT1 Associated with Plant Salt Tolerance1[OPEN]

HKT1-type transporters with an Asp (D) in the second pore-loop domain display inward-rectification and reduced affinity for Na+, in contrast to those with Asn (N) in this position that transport Na+. A crucial prerequisite for plant growth and survival is the maintenance of potassium uptake, especially when high sodium surrounds the root zone. The Arabidopsis HIGH-AFFINITY K+ TRANSPORTER1 (HKT1), and its homologs in other salt-sensitive dicots, contributes to salinity tolerance by removing Na+ from the transpiration stream. However, TsHKT1;2, one of three HKT1 copies in Thellungiella salsuginea, a halophytic Arabidopsis relative, acts as a K+ transporter in the presence of Na+ in yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). Amino-acid sequence comparisons indicated differences between TsHKT1;2 and most other published HKT1 sequences with respect to an Asp residue (D207) in the second pore-loop domain. Two additional T. salsuginea and most other HKT1 sequences contain Asn (n) in this position. Wild-type TsHKT1;2 and altered AtHKT1 (AtHKT1N-D) complemented K+-uptake deficiency of yeast cells. Mutant hkt1-1 plants complemented with both AtHKT1N-D and TsHKT1;2 showed higher tolerance to salt stress than lines complemented by the wild-type AtHKT1. Electrophysiological analysis in Xenopus laevis oocytes confirmed the functional properties of these transporters and the differential selectivity for Na+ and K+ based on the n/d variance in the pore region. This change also dictated inward-rectification for Na+ transport. Thus, the introduction of Asp, replacing Asn, in HKT1-type transporters established altered cation selectivity and uptake dynamics. We describe one way, based on a single change in a crucial protein that enabled some crucifer species to acquire improved salt tolerance, which over evolutionary time may have resulted in further changes that ultimately facilitated colonization of saline habitats.
Correlation between mast cell-mediated allergic inflammation and length of perfluorinated compounds

ABSTRACT Perfluorinated compounds (PFC) have widely been used in numerous applications including clothing, food packaging, and nonstick coating. With the widespread use of PFC, concerns regarding potential adverse health effects in humans and wildlife have increased. In spite of the known PFC-mediated immunotoxiciy, correlation with PFC and allergic inflammation still requires elucidation. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of four types of PFC (perfluoroheptanoic acid [PFHpA], perfluorononanoic acid [PFNA], perfluorodecanoic acid [PFDA], and perfluoroundecanoic acid [PFUnA]) on mast cell-mediated allergic inflammation in the presence of high-affinity immunoglobulin (Ig) E receptor (FcεRI) cross-linking. Among PFC family, long-chain PFDA and PFUnA increased release of histamine and β-hexosaminidase by up-regulation of intracellular calcium levels in IgE-stimulated mast cells. In addition, PFDA and PFUnA enhanced gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 by activation of nuclear factor-κB in IgE-stimulated mast cells. In ovalbumin (OVA)-induced model of systemic anaphylaxis in the presence of hypothermia, PFNA, PFDA, and PFUnA exacerbated allergic symptoms accompanied by elevation in serum histamine, TNF-α, IgE, and IgG1. Our data indicate that some PFC aggravated high-affinity IgE receptor (FcεRI)-mediated mast cell degranulation and allergic symptoms. Consequently, the results demonstrated that carbon-chain length of PFC may serve as a factor in allergic inflammation.
Knowledge and factors determining choice of contraception among Singaporean women.

INTRODUCTION The study aimed to assess the level of awareness and knowledge of contraception among women in Singapore, and identify the factors that influence contraception choice. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 259 female patients, aged 21-49 years, who attended the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Clinic at National University Hospital, Singapore. An original questionnaire on nine contraceptive methods was used. Respondents who had ≥ 2 correct answers for a method (out of four questions) were considered to have good knowledge of the method. Participants were asked to rate factors known to influence contraceptive choice as important or not important. RESULTS Awareness of the following methods was high: condom (100.0%), oral contraception pill (89.2%), tubal ligation (73.0%) and copper intrauterine device (IUD) (72.2%). The women were least aware of hormonal IUD (24.3%). Women who were parous, had a previous abortion, had completed their family or used contraception previously were more likely to have a higher awareness of contraception. 89.2% of the women had good knowledge of the condom; among those aware of hormonal IUD, only 46.0% had good knowledge of it. Women who had used hormonal IUD and the condom were more likely to have good knowledge of them. Many rated efficacy (90.5%) and a healthcare professional's advice (90.1%) as important in contraceptive choice. Few considered peer influence (21.0%) and cultural practices (16.3%) to be important. CONCLUSION Women in Singapore have poor awareness and knowledge of contraception, especially long-acting reversible methods. More effective ways are needed to educate women about contraceptive methods.
Predicting relationship between magnetostriction and applied field of magnetostrictive composites

Consideration of demagnetization effect, the model used to calculate the magnetostriction of single particle under the applied field is firstly built up. Then treating the magnetostriction particulate as an eigenstrain, based on Eshelby equivalent inclusion and Mori-Tanaka method, the approach to calculate average magnetostriction of the composites under any applied field as well as saturation is studied. Results calculated by the approach indicate that saturation magnetostriction of magnetostrictive composites increases with increasing of particle aspect, particle volume fraction and decreasing of Young' modulus of matrix, and the influence of applied field on magnetostriction of the composites becomes more significant with larger particle volume fraction or particle aspect.
Faecal and Serum Metabolomics in Paediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Background Inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] is considered to result from the interplay between host and intestinal microbiota but its pathogenesis is incompletely understood. While IBD in adults has shown to be associated with marked changes in body fluid metabolomics, there are only few studies in children. Hence, this prospective study addressed the faecal and serum metabolomics in newly diagnosed paediatric IBD. Methods Paediatric patients with IBD undergoing diagnostic endoscopies and controls also with endoscopy but no signs of inflammation provided blood and stool samples in a tertiary care hospital. Blood inflammatory markers and faecal calprotectin levels were determined. The serum and faecal metabolomics were determined using ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography coupled to a mass spectrometer. Results Serum and faecal metabolite profiles in newly diagnosed paediatric IBD patients were different from healthy controls and categorized Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis [UC] patients into separate groups. In serum, amino acid metabolism, folate biosynthesis and signalling pathways were perturbed in Crohn's disease; in UC also sphingolipid metabolic pathways were perturbed when compared to controls. In faecal samples, there was an increased level of several metabolites in UC in contrast to low or intermediate levels in Crohn's disease. There was a clear correlation with the level of inflammation, i.e. faecal calprotectin levels and the profile of various biologically important metabolites [carnosine, ribose and, most significantly, choline]. Conclusion Characterization of inflammatory pattern using metabolomics analysis is a promising tool for better understanding disease pathogenesis of paediatric IBD.
From Classical to Intuitionistic Probability

We generalize the Kolmogorov axioms for probability calculus to obtain conditions defining, for any given logic, a class of probability functions relative to that logic, coinciding with the standard probability functions in the special case of classical logic but allowing consideration of other classes of “essentially Kolmogorovian” probability functions relative to other logics. We take a broad view of the Bayesian approach as dictating inter alia that from the perspective of a given logic, rational degrees of belief are those representable by probability functions from the class appropriate to that logic. Classical Bayesianism, which fixes the logic as classical logic, is only one version of this general approach. Another, which we call Intuitionistic Bayesianism, selects intuitionistic logic as the preferred logic and the associated class of probability functions as the right class of candidate representions of epistemic states (rational allocations of degrees of belief). Various objections to classical Bayesianism are, we argue, best met by passing to intuitionistic Bayesianism – in which the probability functions are taken relative to intuitionistic logic – rather than by adopting a radically non-Kolmogorovian, e.g. non-additive, conception of (or substitute for) probability functions, in spite of the popularity of the latter response amongst those who have raised these objections. The interest of intuitionistic Bayesianism is further enhanced by the availability of a Dutch Book argument justifying the selection of intuitionistic probability functions as guides to rational betting behaviour when due consideration is paid to the fact that bets are settled only when/if the outcome betted on becomes known.
Tumor conditions induce bone marrow expansion of granulocytic, but not monocytic, immunosuppressive leukocytes with increased CXCR2 expression in mice

Myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) promote tumor growth through, in part, inhibiting T‐cell immunity. However, mechanisms underlying MDSC expansion and guidance of MDSCs toward the tumor microenvironment remain unclear. Employing Percoll density gradients, we separate bone marrow (BM) leukocytes from tumor‐bearing mice into four density‐increasing bands with myeloid leukocytes enriched in bands III and IV. Band III comprises monocytes and low‐density granulocytes, both confirmed to be M‐MDSCs and G‐MDSCs, respectively, by displaying potent inhibition of T‐cell proliferation. However, monocytes act as M‐MDSCs not only under tumor conditions but also the healthy condition. In contrast, band IV contains non‐inhibitory, mature granulocytes. Only band III G‐MDSCs display significant expansion in mice bearing B16 melanoma, Lewis lung carcinoma, or MC38 colon carcinoma. The expanded G‐MDSCs also show increased CXCR2 expression, which guides egress out of BM, and produce arginase‐1 and ROS upon encountering antigen‐activated T cells. Adoptive transfer assays demonstrate that both G‐MDSCs and mature granulocytes infiltrate tumors, but only the former displays sustention and accumulation. Intratumoral administrations of granulocytes further demonstrate that G‐MDSCs promote tumor growth, whereas mature granulocytes exert minimal effects, or execute powerful anti‐tumor effects providing the presence of PMN activation mechanisms in the tumor microenvironment.
Clinicopathological and biochemical findings of thyroid amyloid in hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis with and without liver transplantation

Abstract Hereditary transthyretin (TTR) amyloidosis is a fatal disease causing systemic organ dysfunctions. Histopathological studies revealed that thyroid glands are major target tissues. However, details about thyroid functions remain to be fully elucidated in this disease. For patient treatment, liver transplantation (LT) reportedly prolongs patient survival, but thyroid gland function after LT still remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the thyroid functions in 101 patients with hereditary TTR amyloidosis and the effects of LT on thyroid functions in those patients. In addition, we investigated histopathological and biochemical findings of thyroid specimens obtained at autopsy. Disease duration and age at examination inversely correlated with serum levels of free triiodothyronine (fT3) in hereditary TTR amyloidosis. On the contrary, in patients who underwent transplantation, time from disease onset to transplantation and age at transplantation clearly correlated with serum fT3and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels. In autopsy studies, amounts of thyroid amyloid deposits in patients with transplantation were significantly lower than those in patients without transplantation. Mass spectrometric analyzes also revealed that proportions of wild-type (WT) TTR in thyroid amyloid deposits in patients with hereditary TTR amyloidosis who underwent transplantations were higher than those in patients without transplantation. Thyroid hormone functions may diminish according to the disease progression. LT could prevent thyroid dysfunction in hereditary TTR amyloidosis.