Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Current sensorless control for half‐bridge based AC/DC PFC converter with consideration of conduction losses

The focus of this paper is on a simple half‐bridge converter that performs power factor correction (PFC) using current sensorless control. Current sensors increase cost, auxiliary power required, conduction losses, and volume of the PFC converter. Moreover, measurement of high frequency current is demanding, especially in cost‐sensitive applications. The PFC converter proposed combines simple half‐bridge topology and improved current sensorless‐control algorithm that takes into account conduction losses. These losses influence volt‐second balance in the input inductor and result in distorted grid current shape. Their effect is especially evident in half‐bridge converter, where input inductor operates with high voltage swing. The current sensorless control method proposed compensates this influence and allows achieving sinusoidal current shape. First, the phenomenon of current distortion was shown with numerical simulation in PSIM package. Experimental prototype rated for 350 W power was built to verify theoretical and simulation results. Experimental results are in good agreement with those obtained with simulation and theoretically. The PFC converter proposed features low cost of realization and can be used in consumer equipment for connection to the grid. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nonspecific Effects of Oral Polio Vaccine on Diarrheal Burden and Etiology Among Bangladeshi Infants

Main point Oral Polio Virus may cause nonspecific reductions in mortality by reducing etiology-specific diarrheal burden, specifically the number of days with diarrhea. This is likely driven by reductions in bacterial—especially Campylobacter, Shigella—diarrhea. Similar off-target effects were not identified for rotavirus vaccine.
Biological Evaluations of a Smart Shape Memory Fabric

A shape memory fiber was prepared and a corresponding shape memory fabric was fabricated by knitting using the prepared shape memory fiber. Both the fiber and fabric showed good shape memory properties. The prepared fiber had much higher mechanical strength than that of corresponding shape memory films due to molecular orientation caused by the spinning process. The biological evaluations of the prepared shape memory fabric were preliminarily assessed in terms of cytotoxicity, hemolysis, sensitization and dermal irritant. The test results show that the shape memory fabric is not cytotoxic, hemolytic, sensitive, or irritant. Due to the special format of shape memory fiber/fabric being more compatible with human bodies compared with shape memory films or bulks, the shape memory fiber/fabric may find broad application in biomedical areas such as artificial tendon, artificial cornea, hernia repair, artificial bone joints, orthodontics, scaffold material, and wound dressing.
Usability Studies on Mobile User Interface Design Patterns: A Systematic Literature Review

Mobile platforms have called for attention from HCI practitioners, and, ever since 2007, touchscreens have completely changed mobile user interface and interaction design. Some notable differences between mobile devices and desktops include the lack of tactile feedback, ubiquity, limited screen size, small virtual keys, and high demand of visual attention. These differences have caused unprecedented challenges to users. Most of the mobile user interface designs are based on desktop paradigm, but the desktop designs do not fully fit the mobile context. Although mobile devices are becoming an indispensable part of daily lives, true standards for mobile UI design patterns do not exist. This article provides a systematic literature review of the existing studies on mobile UI design patterns. The first objective is to give an overview of recent studies on the mobile designs. The second objective is to provide an analysis on what topics or areas have insufficient information and what factors are concentrated upon. This article will benefit the HCI community in seeing an overview of present works, to shape the future research directions.
Au th or ' s pe rs on al co py Identification of Pentatrichomonas hominis in feline fecal samples by polymerase chain reaction assay

Pentatrichomonas hominis is considered to be a commensal protozoan of the vertebrate digestive tract. On the basis of light microscopic examination of feces, some investigators presumptively identified P. hominis as a causative agent of feline diarrhea. However, molecular identification of P. hominis infection in the cat has not been reported. Another trichomonad, Tritrichomonas foetus, is recognized as an intestinal pathogen in cats and often presumptively diagnosed on the basis of the presence of trichomonads in diarrheic feces. It is of importance to determine if cats are natural hosts for P. hominis, as the presence of this organism could result in inaccurate assumption of T. foetus infection. In this study, we used a species-specific PCR assay to identify P. hominis 18S rRNA genes in fecal samples collected from a convenience population of cats in which a high prevalence of T. foetus infection had been previously identified (cat show) or suspected (submitted for T. foetus diagnostic testing). The prevalence of T. foetus infection in these samples was 31% and 28.6%, respectively. P. hominis infection was identified by PCR of DNA extracted from feces of five cats (1.9% and 2.1% of fecal samples, respectively). All cats in which P. hominis was identified were also infected with T. foetus. PCR identification of P. hominis infection in the cat should facilitate future studies to determine the pathogenicity of this species and enable differentiation of P. hominis from other known or as-yet unidentified species of trichomonads that may infect cats. Published by Elsevier B.V.
A life course approach to health literacy: the role of gender, educational attainment and lifetime cognitive capability

Abstract Objective social inequalities in health are believed to arise in part because individuals make use of social and economic resources in order to improve survival. In recent years, health literacy has received increased attention as a factor that can help explain differences in health outcomes. However, examination of life course predictors of health literacy has been limited. Methods life course data from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study 1957–2011 were used to examine predictors of health literacy in old age (N = 2,122), using the Newest Vital Sign. Generalised structural equation modelling was used to model pathways to health literacy. Results predictors of health literacy included educational attainment, and adolescent cognitive and non-cognitive skills, and, in men, rate of cognitive decline from middle to later life. Discussion numerous studies have documented health literacy issues among older adults, and recommendations have been made for ways to improve health literacy for this population. This study reports on risk factors across the life course that are associated with health literacy later in life, identifying possible intervention targets to reduce risk of poor health as people age. Our results suggest that a range of life course factors, beginning in early life, predict health literacy. Further research studying health literacy over the life course is warranted.
Hierarchy and Speed of Loss in Physical Functioning: A Comparison Across Older U.S. and English Men and Women

Abstract Background: We aimed to identify the hierarchy of rates of decline in 16 physical functioning measures in U.S. and English samples, using a systematic and integrative coordinated data analysis approach. Methods: The U.S. sample consisted of 13,612 Health and Retirement Study participants, and the English sample consisted of 5,301 English Longitudinal Study of Ageing participants. Functional loss was ascertained using self-reported difficulties performing 6 activities of daily living and 10 mobility tasks. The variables were standardized, rates of decline were computed, and mean rates of decline were ranked. Mann–Whitney U tests were performed to compare rates of decline between studies. Results: In both studies, the rates of decline followed a similar pattern; difficulty with eating was the activity that showed the slowest decline and climbing several flights of stairs and stooping, kneeling, or crouching the fastest declines. There were statistical differences in the speed of decline in all 16 measures between countries. American women had steeper declines in 10 of the measures than English women. Similar differences were found between American and English men. Conclusions: Reporting difficulties climbing several flights of stairs without resting, and stooping, kneeling, or crouching are the first indicators of functional loss reported in both populations.
Multi-scale computational study of the mechanical regulation of cell mitotic rounding in epithelia

Mitotic rounding during cell division is critical for preventing daughter cells from inheriting an abnormal number of chromosomes, a condition that occurs frequently in cancer cells. Cells must significantly expand their apical area and transition from a polygonal to circular apical shape to achieve robust mitotic rounding in epithelial tissues, which is where most cancers initiate. However, how cells mechanically regulate robust mitotic rounding within packed tissues is unknown. Here, we analyze mitotic rounding using a newly developed multi-scale subcellular element computational model that is calibrated using experimental data. Novel biologically relevant features of the model include separate representations of the sub-cellular components including the apical membrane and cytoplasm of the cell at the tissue scale level as well as detailed description of cell properties during mitotic rounding. Regression analysis of predictive model simulation results reveals the relative contributions of osmotic pressure, cell-cell adhesion and cortical stiffness to mitotic rounding. Mitotic area expansion is largely driven by regulation of cytoplasmic pressure. Surprisingly, mitotic shape roundness within physiological ranges is most sensitive to variation in cell-cell adhesivity and stiffness. An understanding of how perturbed mechanical properties impact mitotic rounding has important potential implications on, amongst others, how tumors progressively become more genetically unstable due to increased chromosomal aneuploidy and more aggressive. Author Summary Mitotic rounding (MR) during cell division which is critical for the robust segregation of chromosomes into daughter cells, plays important roles in tissue growth and morphogenesis, and is frequently perturbed in cancerous cells. Mechanisms of MR have been investigated in individual cultured cells, but mechanisms regulating MR in tissues are still poorly understood. We developed and calibrated an advanced subcellular element-based computational model called Epi-Scale that enables quantitative testing of hypothesized mechanisms governing epithelial cell behavior within the developing tissue microenvironment. Regression analysis of predictive model simulation results reveals the relative contributions of osmotic pressure, cell-cell adhesion and cortical stiffness to mitotic rounding and establishes a novel mechanism for ensuring robustness in mitotic rounding within densely packed epithelia.
Piloting a Remission Strategy in Type 2 Diabetes: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial

Context Medical strategies targeting remission of type 2 diabetes have not been systematically studied. Objective This trial assessed the feasibility, safety, and potential to induce remission of a short-term intensive metabolic strategy. Design A randomized, parallel, open-label pilot trial with 83 participants followed for 52 weeks. Setting Ambulatory care. Participants Patients with type 2 diabetes of up to 3 years in duration. Interventions Participants were randomized to: (1) an 8-week intensive metabolic intervention, (2) a 16-week intensive metabolic intervention, or (3) standard diabetes care. During the intensive intervention period, weight loss and normoglycemia were targeted using lifestyle approaches and treatment with metformin, acarbose, and insulin glargine. Diabetes drugs were then discontinued in the intervention groups and participants were followed for hyperglycemic relapse. Primary Outcome On-treatment normoglycemia. Results At 8 weeks, 50.0% of the 8-week intervention group vs 3.6% of controls achieved normoglycemia on therapy [relative risk (RR), 14.0; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.97 to 99.38), and at 16 weeks, these percentages were 70.4% in the 16-week group and 3.6% in controls (RR, 19.7; 95% CI, 2.83 to 137.13). Twelve weeks after completion of the intervention, 21.4% of the 8-week group compared with 10.7% of controls (RR, 2.00; 95% CI, 0.55 to 7.22) and 40.7% of the 16-week group compared with 14.3% of controls (RR, 2.85; 95% CI, 1.03 to 7.87) met hemoglobin A1C criteria for complete or partial diabetes remission. Conclusions A short course of intensive lifestyle and drug therapy achieves on-treatment normoglycemia and promotes sustained weight loss. It may also achieve prolonged, drug-free diabetes remission and strongly supports ongoing studies of novel medical regimens targeting remission.
Characterizing Active Ingredients of eHealth Interventions Targeting Persons With Poorly Controlled Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Using the Behavior Change Techniques Taxonomy: Scoping Review

Background The behavior change technique taxonomy v1 (BCTTv1; Michie and colleagues, 2013) is a comprehensive tool to characterize active ingredients of interventions and includes 93 labels that are hierarchically clustered into 16 hierarchical clusters. Objective The aim of this study was to identify the active ingredients in electronic health (eHealth) interventions targeting patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and relevant outcomes. Methods We conducted a scoping review using the BCTTv1. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), studies with or pre-post-test designs, and quasi-experimental studies examining efficacy and effectiveness of eHealth interventions for disease management or the promotion of relevant health behaviors were identified by searching PubMed, Web of Science, and PsycINFO. Reviewers independently screened titles and abstracts for eligibility using predetermined eligibility criteria. Data were extracted following a data extraction sheet. The BCTTv1 was used to characterize active ingredients of the interventions reported in the included studies. Results Of the 1404 unique records screened, 32 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and reported results on the efficacy and or or effectiveness of interventions. Of the included 32 studies, 18 (56%) were Web-based interventions delivered via personal digital assistant (PDA), tablet, computer, and/or mobile phones; 7 (22%) were telehealth interventions delivered via landline; 6 (19%) made use of text messaging (short service message, SMS); and 1 employed videoconferencing (3%). Of the 16 hierarchical clusters of the BCTTv1, 11 were identified in interventions included in this review. Of the 93 individual behavior change techniques (BCTs), 31 were identified as active ingredients of the interventions. The most common BCTs identified were instruction on how to perform behavior, adding objects to the environment, information about health consequences, self-monitoring of the outcomes and/or and prefers to be explicit to avoid ambiguity. Response: Checked and avoided of a certain behavior Author: Please note that the journal discourages the use of parenthesis to denote either and/or and prefers to be explicit to avoid ambiguity. Response: Checked and avoided “and/or” and prefers to be explicit to avoid ambiguity. Response: Checked and avoided, and feedback on outcomes of behavior. Conclusions Our results suggest that the majority of BCTs employed in interventions targeting persons with T2DM revolve around the promotion of self-regulatory behavior to manage the disease or to assist patients in performing health behaviors necessary to prevent further complications of the disease. Detailed reporting of the BCTs included in interventions targeting this population may facilitate the replication and further investigation of such interventions.
Surgical Treatment of Mesiotemporal Lobe Epilepsy: Which Approach is Favorable?

BACKGROUND Mesiotemporal lobe epilepsy is one of the most frequent causes for pharmacoresistant epilepsy. Different surgical approaches to the mesiotemporal area are used. OBJECTIVE To analyze epileptological and neuropsychological results as well as complications of different surgical strategies. METHODS This retrospective study is based on a consecutive series of 458 patients all harboring pharmacoresistant mesiotemporal lobe epilepsy. Following procedures were performed: standard anterior temporal lobectomy, anterior temporal or key-hole resection, extended lesionectomy, and transsylvian and subtemporal selective amygdalohippocampectomy. Postoperative outcome was evaluated according to different surgical procedures. RESULTS Overall, 1 yr after surgery 315 of 432 patients (72.9%) were classified Engel I; in particular, 72.8% were seizure-free after anterior temporal lobectomy, 76.9% after key-hole resection, 84.4% after extended lesionectomy, 70.3% after transylvian selective amygdalohippocampectomy, and 59.1% after subtemporal selective amygdalohippocampectomy. No significant differences in seizure outcome were found between different resective procedures, neither in short-term nor long-term follow-up. There was no perioperative mortality. Permanent morbidity was encountered in 4.4%. There were no significant differences in complications between different resection types. In the majority of patients, selective attention improved following surgery. Patients after left-sided operations performed significantly worse regarding verbal memory as compared to right-sided procedures. However, surgical approach had no significant effect on memory outcome. CONCLUSION Different surgical approaches for mesiotemporal epilepsy analyzed resulted in similar epileptological, neuropsychological results, and complication rates. Therefore, the approach for the individual patient does not only depend on the specific localization of the epileptogenic area, but also on the experience of the surgeon.
A unified internal model theory to resolve the paradox of active versus passive self-motion sensation

Brainstem and cerebellar neurons implement an internal model to accurately estimate self-motion during externally-generated (‘passive’) movements. However, these neurons show reduced responses during self-generated (‘active’) movements, indicating that the brain computes the predicted sensory consequences of motor commands in order to cancel sensory signals. Remarkably, the computational processes underlying sensory prediction during active motion and their relationship to internal model computations established during passive movements remain unknown. Here we construct a Kalman filter that incorporates motor commands into a previously-established model of optimal passive self-motion estimation. We find that the simulated sensory error and feedback signals match experimentally measured neuronal response during active and passive head and trunk rotations and translations. We conclude that a single internal model of head motion can process motor commands and sensory afferent signals optimally, and we describe how previously identified neural responses in the brainstem and cerebellum may represent distinct nodes in these computations.
Guidelines for the Management of Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Guideline for Healthcare Professionals From the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association

Purpose— The aim of this guideline is to present current and comprehensive recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Methods— A formal literature search of MEDLINE (November 1, 2006, through May 1, 2010) was performed. Data were synthesized with the use of evidence tables. Writing group members met by teleconference to discuss data-derived recommendations. The American Heart Association Stroke Council's Levels of Evidence grading algorithm was used to grade each recommendation. The guideline draft was reviewed by 7 expert peer reviewers and by the members of the Stroke Council Leadership and Manuscript Oversight Committees. It is intended that this guideline be fully updated every 3 years. Results— Evidence-based guidelines are presented for the care of patients presenting with aSAH. The focus of the guideline was subdivided into incidence, risk factors, prevention, natural history and outcome, diagnosis, prevention of rebleeding, surgical and endovascular repair of ruptured aneurysms, systems of care, anesthetic management during repair, management of vasospasm and delayed cerebral ischemia, management of hydrocephalus, management of seizures, and management of medical complications. Conclusions— aSAH is a serious medical condition in which outcome can be dramatically impacted by early, aggressive, expert care. The guidelines offer a framework for goal-directed treatment of the patient with aSAH.
Evaluation of tools for long read RNA-seq splice-aware alignment

Motivation High–throughput sequencing has transformed the study of gene expression levels through RNA-seq, a technique that is now routinely used by various fields, such as genetic research or diagnostics. The advent of third generation sequencing technologies providing significantly longer reads opens up new possibilities. However, the high error rates common to these technologies set new bioinformatics challenges for the gapped alignment of reads to their genomic origin. In this study, we have explored how currently available RNA-seq splice-aware alignment tools cope with increased read lengths and error rates. All tested tools were initially developed for short NGS reads, but some have claimed support for long PacBio or even ONT MinION reads. Results The tools were tested on synthetic and real datasets from the PacBio and ONT MinION technologies, and both alignment quality and resource usage were compared across tools. The effect of error correction of long reads was explored, both using self-correction and correction with an external short reads dataset. A tool was developed for evaluating RNA-seq alignment results. This tool can be used to compare the alignment of simulated reads to their genomic origin, or to compare the alignment of real reads to a set of annotated transcripts. Our tests show that while some RNA-seq aligners were unable to cope with long error-prone reads, others produced overall good results. We further show that alignment accuracy can be improved using error-corrected reads. Availability https://github.com/kkrizanovic/RNAseqEval Contact mile.sikic@fer.hr
Secondary Sulfonamides as Effective Lactoperoxidase Inhibitors

Secondary sulfonamides (4a–8h) incorporating acetoxybenzamide, triacetoxybenzamide, hydroxybenzamide, and trihydroxybenzamide and possessing thiazole, pyrimidine, pyridine, isoxazole and thiadiazole groups were synthesized. Lactoperoxidase (LPO, E.C.1.11.1.7), as a natural antibacterial agent, is a peroxidase enzyme secreted from salivary, mammary, and other mucosal glands. In the present study, the in vitro inhibitory effects of some secondary sulfonamide derivatives (4a–8h) were examined against LPO. The obtained results reveal that secondary sulfonamide derivatives (4a–8h) are effective LPO inhibitors. The Ki values of secondary sulfonamide derivatives (4a–8h) were found in the range of 1.096 × 10−3 to 1203.83 µM against LPO. However, the most effective inhibition was found for N-(sulfathiazole)-3,4,5-triacetoxybenzamide (6a), with Ki values of 1.096 × 10−3 ± 0.471 × 10−3 µM as non-competitive inhibition.