Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bus Voltage Control of Cascaded Buck–Boost Power Amplifier Driving Inductive Load With 2.3-kW Peak Power

Voltage of a bus capacitor in a cascaded buck–boost power amplifier is controlled to shape current in an inductive load. Switch-mode converter and inverter output higher power with higher efficiency than linear amplifiers. However, controlling current in the inductive load with low damping is not straightforward due to its inherent instability. Voltage-mode control of a front-end buck converter adjusts the envelope of the load current through a downstream resonant boost inverter and stabilizes the system. The resonant boost inverter is modeled into a low-frequency equivalent circuit, and a control loop is designed to avoid interaction between the buck converter and resonant boost inverter. Experimental results proved that the buck converter with the voltage loop of which bandwidth and phase margin are 150 kHz and 67° shaped the envelope of load current into 10-kHz (23.5-kHz) sine wave when the average output power was 320 W (90 W). Instantaneous maximum power of the prototype circuit was 2.3 kW and estimated efficiency was 96%.
Transfer of antigen between dendritic cells in the stimulation of primary T cell proliferation

Primary proliferative T cell responses require stimulation with antigen‐pulsed dendritic cells (Ag‐DC). Here we show that for optimal stimulation, dendritic cells (DC) not exposed directly to antigen are also required. Ag‐DC added to DC‐depleted T cells caused negligible primary stimulation; adding back DC resulted in stimulation. These effects were seen using the contact sensitizer fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC), FITC conjugated to ovalbumin (FITC‐OVA) or influenza virus as antigens. DC co‐cultured with Ag‐DC (using FITC or FITC‐OVA) acquired antigen indicating that antigen was transferred between DC. DC that acquired antigen secondarily were separated by cell sorting and stimulated primary T cell proliferation directly. DC were also pulsed with FITC, washed thoroughly and incubated overnight. Super natants contained shed antigen since DC incubated in these supernatants acquired antigen as indicated by flow cytometry. DC acquiring the shed antigen also stimulated T cell proliferation although the stimulation was not as effective as that seen when cell contact between DC and antigen‐bearing DC occurred. Thus, in primary stimulation, activation of T cells may occur when there is an antigen gradient between Ag‐DC and DC and the mechanisms underlying these effects are now being sought. We propose that this unique interaction between antigen‐presenting cells may be a paradigm for self/non‐self discrimination.
miR-490-3p Modulates Cell Growth and Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells by Targeting Endoplasmic Reticulum-Golgi Intermediate Compartment Protein 3 (ERGIC3)*

Background: The role of miR-490-3p in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not been well clarified. Results: miR-490-3p is up-regulated in HCC and enhances the cell proliferation, migration, invasion abilities, and stimulates the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) through targeting ERGIC3. Conclusion: miR-490-3p may play an important role in promoting tumor growth and metastasis in HCC. Significance: miR-490-3p may provide beneficial therapeutic strategy for HCC patients. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are considered to be regulators of various biological processes in cancers, including the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), which is a key factor in cancer metastasis. In this study, we aimed to clarify the potential roles of miR-490-3p in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. Using real-time quantitative RT-PCR, we discovered that miR-490-3p was up-regulated in HCC tissues and cells compared with the adjacent non-tumor tissues and normal cells. We also found that overexpression of miR-490-3p led to an increase in cell proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities and that it contributed to EMT. The inhibition of miR-490-3p had the opposite effect on the cells. We identified ERGIC3 (endoplasmic reticulum-Golgi intermediate compartment protein 3) as a direct target gene for miR-490-3p. Unlike most miRNA-mRNA interactions, miR-490-3p increased ERGIC3 mRNA and protein levels as well as the intensity of expression of the EGFP reporter gene controlled by the 3′-UTR of ERGIC3 mRNA. The up-regulation by miR-490-3p also required the participation of Ago2. The inhibition of miR-490-3p reduced the expression of ERGIC3. Overexpression of ERGIC3 led to the same effect on HCC cells as miR-490-3p overexpression, including EMT. Importantly, silencing ERGIC3 reversed the cellular responses mediated by miR-490-3p overexpression. In conclusion, our study indicated for the first time that miR-490-3p functioned like an oncogenic miRNA in HCC cells and that the inhibition of miR-490-3p might provide an potential treatment approach for HCC patients.
Optimal design methodology for the current-sharing transformer in a quasi-resonant (QR) flyback LED driver

In this paper, a quasi-resonant (QR) flyback converter with one current-sharing transformer (CST) to balance the output current for driving two-channel LEDs is analyzed. From the theoretical analysis, it shows that the parasitic capacitance of CST and its magnetizing inductance have a critical effect on the output current deviation and rectifying diode's voltage stress. A design methodology for achieving the best current-sharing ability and the optimal CST in a Dc-Dc QR flyback converter is proposed. A 100W two-channel LED driver based on QR flyback converter is built up to verify the proposed methodology. According to the design guidelines, accurate balanced currents in two channels are achieved even at high voltage deviation between two LED strings.
Modified Clad Optical Fibre Coated With PVA/TiO2 Nano Composite For Humidity Sensing Application

Abstract Synthesis of TiO2 nanoparticle through hydrolysis method is presented followed by TiO2- nanoparticle doped polyvinyl alcohol nanocomposite by solution process. FTIR, XRD, DSC-TGA, FESEM, TEM analysis are used to identify the nature of synthesized nanoparticle and loading uniformity of developed composite material. A simple modified clad based optical fibre sensor is developed to measure relative humidity. Coated modified clad optical fibre exhibits excellent relative humidity sensing performance with improved thermal stability of coating material in wide range of 9-95 % RH with good process repeatability. Sensor response is also observed to be very fast and highly reversible. Advantage of our developed composite material become evident when it exhibits wider range of moisture sensitivity compare to pure PVA or pure TiO2 material found in literature. Performance of PVA-TiO2 nanocomposite thick film is also evaluated by capacitance method and result found to agree with coated modified clad optical fibre.
Fission yeast cells overproducing HSET/KIFC1 provides a useful tool for identification and evaluation of human kinesin-14 inhibitors

Many cancer cells contain more than two centrosomes, yet these cancer cells can form bipolar spindles and appear to proliferate normally, instead of committing lethal mitoses with multipolar spindles. It is shown that extra centrosomes are clustered into two pseudo-bipolar spindle poles, thereby escaping from multipolarity. Human kinesin-14 (HSET or KIFC1), a minus end-directed motor, plays a crucial role in centrosome clustering and as such, HSET is essential for cell viability only in cancer cells with supernumerary centrosomes, but not in non-transformed cells. Accordingly, HSET is deemed to be an efficient chemotherapeutic target to selectively kill cancer cells. Recently, three HSET inhibitors (AZ82, CW069 and SR31527) have been reported, but their specificity, efficacy and off-target cytotoxicity have not been evaluated rigorously. Here we show that these inhibitors on their own are cytotoxic to fission yeast, suggesting that they have other targets in vivo except for kinesin-14. Nonetheless, intriguingly, AZ82 can neutralize overproduced HSET and partially rescue its lethality. This methodology of protein overproduction in fission yeast provides a convenient, functional assay system by which to screen for not only selective human kinesin-14 inhibitors but also those against other molecules of interest.
Activity theory, cognitive ergonomics and distributed cognition: three views of a transport company

Activity theory, cognitive ergonomics and distributed cognition are three theoretical frameworks used to understand cooperative work settings. In the past, each has used case studies to describe and defend its point of view. However, comparisons are made difficult by the fact that these studies are usually based on different work settings. This paper describes the application of each framework to exactly the same setting. We believe our approach shows the features that are emphasized and those that are ignored in each framework, enabling us to differentiate their relevant questions. We discuss the effects of a theoretical filter on understanding the work setting, the differences in the concept of activity, the tools and interactions between humans and tools, the concept of representation, and we look at how a plurality of viewpoints may broaden any interpretation.
About samples, giving examples: Optimized Single Molecule Localization Microscopy

Super-resolution microscopy has profoundly transformed how we study the architecture of cells, revealing unknown structures and refining our view of cellular assemblies. Among the various techniques, the resolution of Single Molecule Localization Microscopy (SMLM) can reach the size of macromolecular complexes and offer key insights on their nanoscale arrangement in situ. SMLM is thus a demanding technique and taking advantage of its full potential requires specifically optimized procedures. Here we describe how we perform the successive steps of an SMLM workflow, focusing on single-color Stochastic Optical Reconstruction Microscopy (STORM) as well as multicolor DNA Points Accumulation for imaging in Nanoscale Topography (DNA-PAINT) of fixed samples. We provide detailed procedures for careful sample fixation and immunostaining of typical cellular structures: cytoskeleton, clathrin-coated pits, and organelles. We then offer guidelines for optimal imaging and processing of SMLM data in order to optimize reconstruction quality and avoid the generation of artifacts. We hope that the tips and tricks we discovered over the years and detail here will be useful for researchers looking to make the best possible SMLM images, a pre-requisite for meaningful biological discovery.
Tibial plateau leveling osteotomy or tibial tuberosity advancement?

OBJECTIVE To review the proposed biomechanical basis of the tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) and tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) and recommendations for these techniques. STUDY DESIGN Literature review. METHODS Literature search through Ovid Medline Plus, Pub Med, CAB Abstracts, and conference proceedings abstracts (August 1983 to March 2008). RESULTS TPLO and TTA stabilize the cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) deficient stifle joint neutralizing tibiofemoral shear forces by altering the geometry of the proximal aspect of the tibia. Stability is attained by placing the joint in a functionally greater flexion angle so that the patellar tendon angle (PTA) remains < or =90 degrees. Both procedures target slightly differing endpoints, the significance of which is unknown. Many of the biomechanical variables investigated appear to favor the TTA; however, TPLO appears to have more clinical versatility. The clinical ramifications of these differences remain to be determined but the reported results for both procedures are comparable. Only the early results of these techniques have been reported, which is reflected in the relatively high number of complications associated with the early learning curve for both procedures. CONCLUSIONS There are many similarities between TPLO and TTA although it remains to be fully elucidated if either procedure is superior and under what conditions. CLINICAL RELEVANCE TPLO and TTA are effective at returning dogs with a CrCL-deficient stifle joint to good limb function. Surgeon discretion and case selection drive selection of TPLO or TTA based mostly on anecdotal evidence and personal experience.
Poverty, Growth, and Inequality in Sub-Saharan Africa: Did the Walk Match the Talk Under the PRSP Approach?

Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) countries in Sub-Saharan Africa have shown strong signs of growth resilience in the aftermath of the recent global crisis. Yet, this paper finds evidence that growth has more than proportionately benefited the top quintile during PRSP implementation. It finds that PRSP implementation has neither reduced poverty headcount nor raised the income share of the poorest quintile in Sub-Saharan Africa. While countries in other regions have been more successful in reducing poverty and increasing the income share of the poor, there is no conclusive evidence that PRSP implementation has played a role in shaping these outcomes.
Evolving Notions of Schizophrenia as a Developmental Neurocognitive Disorder

Abstract We review the changing conceptions of schizophrenia over the past 50 years as it became understood as a disorder of brain function and structure in which neurocognitive dysfunction was identified at different illness phases. The centrality of neurocognition has been recognized, especially because neurocognitive deficits are strongly related to social and role functioning in the illness, and as a result neurocognitive measures are used routinely in clinical assessment of individuals with schizophrenia. From the original definitions of the syndrome of schizophrenia in the early 20th century, impaired cognition, especially attention, was considered to be important. Neurocognitive impairments are found in the vast majority of individuals with schizophrenia, and they vary from mild, relatively restricted deficits, to dementia-like syndromes, as early as the first psychotic episode. Neurocognitive deficits are found in the premorbid phase in a substantial minority of pre-teenage youth who later develop schizophrenia, and they apparently worsen by the prodromal, high-risk phase in a majority of those who develop the illness. While there is limited evidence for reversibility of impairments from pharmacological interventions in schizophrenia, promising results have emerged from cognitive remediation studies. Thus, we expect cognitive interventions to play a larger role in schizophrenia in the coming years. Moreover, because youth at risk for schizophrenia can be identified by an emergent high-risk syndrome, earlier interventions might be applied in a pre-emptive way to reduce disability and improve adaptation. The notion of schizophrenia as a developmental neurocognitive disorder with stages opens up a window of possibilities for earlier interventions. (JINS, 2017, 23, 881–892)
IL-33 Acts to Express Schaffer Collateral/CA1 LTP and Regulate Learning and Memory by Targeting MyD88

Interleukin-33 (IL-33) is recognized to transmit a signal through a heterodimeric receptor complex ST2/interleukin-1 receptor accessory protein (IL-1RAcP) bearing activation of myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88). High-frequency stimulation to the Schaffer collateral induced long-term potentiation (LTP) in the CA1 region of hippocampal slices from wild-type control mice. Schaffer collateral/CA1 LTP in IL-33-deficient mice was significantly suppressed, which was neutralized by application with IL-33. Similar suppression of the LTP was found with MyD88-deficient mice but not with ST2-deficient mice. In the water maze test, the acquisition latency in IL-33-deficient and MyD88-deficient mice was significantly prolonged as compared with that in wild-type control mice. Moreover, the retention latency in MyD88-deficient mice was markedly prolonged. In contrast, the acquisition and retention latencies in ST2-deficient mice were not affected. Taken together, these results show that IL-33 acts to express Schaffer collateral/CA1 LTP relevant to spatial learning and memory in a MyD88-dependent manner and that the LTP might be expressed through an IL-1R1/IL-1RAcP-MyD88 pathway in the absence of ST2.
PoP: Propagation Optimization with Popularity, Revisiting Interested Area Coverage for Mobile Advertisement

Mobile advertisement optimization has been widely studied in recent years. In this work, we focus on the propagation optimization when the content popularity is concerned. Moreover, we further investigate the issue where the number of popular advertisements is limited. These properties make the conventional optimization schemes unapplicable, because the popularity functions need to be re-evaluated with the varied popularity and decreased quantity during distribution. In dealing with aforementioned challenges, we first make statistical analysis on the popularity of the contents according to real trace data. According to our preliminary observations, we made priority evaluation for different items. We re-evaluate the distribution effects when priority is concerned. Furthermore, we improved our user selection algorithm incorporating the popularity. Evaluation results have shown the effectiveness of our approach.
Recent advances in research relevant to electric and magnetic field exposure guidelines

Limits on exposures to extremely low‐frequency electric fields, magnetic fields and contact currents, designated as voluntary guidelines or standards by several organizations worldwide, are specified so as to minimize the possibility of neural stimulation. The limits, which we refer to as guidelines, derive from “basic restrictions” either on electric fields or current density within tissue, or on avoidance of annoying or startling interactions that may be experienced with spark discharge or contact current. Further, the guidelines specify more conservative permissible doses and exposure levels for the general public than for exposures in controlled environments, which most typically involve occupational settings. In 2001 we published an update on guideline science. This paper covers more recent developments that are relevant to the formulation and implementation of the next generation of guidelines. The paper deals with neurostimulation thresholds and the relevance of magnetophosphenes to setting guideline levels; dosimetry associated with contact current benchmarked against basic restrictions; tissue and cellular dosimetry from spark discharge; assessment of exposures to high electric fields in realistic situations (e.g., line worker in a transmission tower); a simplified approach to magnetic field assessment in non‐uniform magnetic fields; and a quantitative approach to sampling workplace exposure for assessing compliance. Bioelectromagnetics 29:499–526, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Negative Exponential Distribution Traffic Pattern for Power/Performance Analysis of Network on Chips

In this paper, we propose a synthetic traffic model based on Negative Exponential Distribution (NED). This synthetic traffic profile is more similar to some statistical behavior of realistic traces obtained by running different applications on Network-on-chips that those of conventional synthetic traffic profiles. To assess usefulness of this traffic model, the average packet hops for the proposed traffic profile is compared with those of some synthetic and realistic traffic patterns obtained from running applications on NoCs. The results show that the NED traffic profile has more similarity with the realistic traffic profiles than those of conventional synthetic ones.
Central Bank Independence & Coordinated Wage Bargaining: Their Interaction in Germany & Europe. CES Germany & Europe Working Papers, No. 04.4, 1994

This paper explores the fashionable proposition that with a more independent central bank, a country can secure lower levels of inflation without higher unemployment. Hall shows that the operation of the central bank depends on the character of wage bargaining. He illustrates this point with some cross-national data and an analysis of how coordinated wage bargaining is secured in Germany. He concludes by exploring the implications of this analysis for European Monetary Union.
Extensive margins of imports, productivity and profitability: First evidence for manufacturing enterprises in Germany

This paper uses a tailor-made newly available data set for enterprises from manufacturing industries in Germany to investigate for the first time the links between the extensive margins of imports (the number of imported goods and the number of countries imported from) and two dimensions of firm performance, productivity and profitability. While both extensive margins are highly positively linked with firm productivity, profits are not higher in firms that import more goods and from more countries. This demonstrates that productivity advantages of importers are eaten up by extra costs related to buying more goods in more countries.
Bone Health Issues in Patients with Prostate Cancer: An Evidence-Based Review

Bone health in prostate cancer patients represents a prerequisite for acceptable quality of life and optimal outcome of this disease. The major threat for bone health in prostate cancer displays cancer treatment induced bone loss as well as the development of bone metastases. In recent years, several new pharmaceuticals targeting bone metabolism such as denosumab or androgen pathway targeting drugs (abiraterone acetate and enzalutamide) have been approved for the treatment of progressive disease aiming to interrupt the vicious circle of bone metastasis and aberrant bone resorption. This development raised the awareness of the pivotal role of bone health in prostate cancer and introduced (symptomatic) skeletal related events as an important end point in recent clinical trials. Bone targeted drugs have become standard of care in patients with metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer, their role in metastatic hormone sensitive prostate cancer has been discussed controversely. In oligometastatic prostate cancer patients several promising approaches in metastasis directed therapy, including conventional surgery, stereotactic ablative radiation and image-guided single-fraction robotic stereotactic radiosurgery (CyberKnife®) were launched but are not in routine clinical use until now caused by sparse clinical evidence.