Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Input Current Ripple-Free Flyback-Type Converter With Passive Pulsating Ripple Canceling Circuit

In order to solve the problems caused by the pulsating current ripple of switching-mode power converters, a passive pulsating ripple canceling circuit (PPRCC) is proposed in this paper. The features of the proposed PPRCC include simple, modular structure, and high degree of design flexibility. By integrating the proposed PPRCC, an input current ripple-free flyback-type converter is adopted and analyzed as an example because of its comprehensive utilization in small power rating commercial products. In addition, the switch voltage spike of flyback converter can be suppressed by integrating the proposed PPRCC without using snubbers, it turns out that the efficiency can be further improved. The corresponding operating principle, steady-state analysis, and zero ripple design criteria of the proposed PPRCC are provided. Finally, a 100 W laboratory prototype is constructed to verify the effectiveness of the proposed principle. Experimental results show that the resulting peak-to-peak input current ripple is reduced by 96% and nearly 0.5% and 1.7% improvement in efficiency can be achieved by the proposed PPRCC, at 80 W and 100 W load conditions, respectively.
Publish/subscribe in the VRESCo SOA runtime

Event-based systems and the publish/subscribe style are widely used to notify subscribers when certain events of interest occur. In the context of Service-oriented Architecture (SOA) and Web services, event notifications can be used to address one issue inherent to the SOA paradigm: Services and Quality of Service attributes are changing regularly but service consumers cannot react automatically. In current service registry standards, notifications are mainly used to inform about changes in the registry data, which does not include service runtime information. In this paper, we present a SOA runtime environment that leverages event processing for Web services to support the full service lifecycle, including runtime information concerning service discovery and invocation, as well as Quality of Service attributes.
Growth Hormone Treatment in Prepubertal Children With Celiac Disease and Growth Hormone Deficiency

Objective: To evaluate the growth response to growth hormone (GH) replacement therapy during a gluten-free diet in patients with celiac disease (CD) associated with GH deficiency (GHD). Patients and Methods: A total of 14 prepubertal children affected by CD and GHD with no catch-up growth after ≥12 months of gluten-free diet and a reversion to seronegativity for antiendomysium antibodies and 10 age-matched prepubertal children with idiopathic GHD (IGHD) entered the study. All of the patients were treated with the same GH dosage (0.25 mg/kg subcutaneously each week). Height, growth rate, and body mass index were measured at the time of diagnosis of CD, at the time of endocrinological evaluation, and after the first, second, and third year of GH replacement therapy. Results: Growth rate strikingly increased (P < 0.005) during the first year of therapy in a similar way in subjects with CD/GHD and IGHD (from a median standard deviation score [SDS] of −2.34 to an SDS of 3.25 and from an SDS of −1.29 to an SDS of 2.79, respectively). During the second and third years of GH treatment, the growth rate tended to decrease but the values at the third year were always positive (CD/GHD, median SDS, 1.10; IGHD, median SDS, 0.11), indicating continued catch-up growth. Conclusions: In patients with CD with GH deficiency confirmed after ≥12 months of gluten-free diet, GH replacement therapy should be started to allow complete catch-up growth in children. In addition, the effect of GH treatment in patients who comply with a gluten-free diet seems to be comparable to that observed in children with IGHD.
Quantification of Isoprostanes as Indices of Oxidant Stress and the Risk of Atherosclerosis in Humans

Enhanced oxidant stress occurring either locally in the vessel wall or systemically is implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis in humans. Nonetheless, evidence that oxidant stress is increased in vivo in association with this disease and that it can be quantified in living human beings has been lacking because of the unavailability of biomarkers to assess oxidant stress in humans. Recently, the development of methods to quantify the F2-isoprostanes (IsoPs), prostaglandin (PG)-like compounds derived from the free radical-catalyzed peroxidation of arachidonic acid, has allowed, for the first time to the author’s knowledge, a facile and accurate assessment of oxidant stress in vivo. The purpose of this brief review is to discuss the usefulness of quantifying IsoPs as an index of oxidative injury in association with atherosclerosis. F2-IsoPs can be measured in human biological fluids, such as plasma and urine, using highly precise assays. They have been shown to be increased in association in with a number of atherosclerotic risk factors, including cigarette smoking, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes mellitus, and obesity, among others. In addition, recent evidence suggests their quantification may represent an independent marker of atherosclerotic risk. A reduction in cardiovascular risk factors is associated with a decrease in IsoP formation in humans. Despite the fact that the role of oxidant stress in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis is a hotly debated issue, current evidence suggests that the IsoPs represent a biomarker that has the potential to be of great importance in the assessment of human atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Learning of Scene-Specific Object Detectors by Classifier Co-Grids

Recently, classifier grids have shown to be a considerablealternative to sliding window approaches for objectdetection from static cameras. The main drawback of suchmethods is that they are biased by the initial model. In fact,the classifiers can be adapted to changing environmentalconditions but due to conservative updates no new objectspecificinformation is acquired. Thus, the goal of this workis to increase the recall of scene-specific classifiers whilepreserving their accuracy and speed. In particular, we introducea co-training strategy for classifier grids using arobust on-line learner. Thus, the robustness is preservedwhile the recall can be increased. The co-training strategyrobustly provides negative as well as positive updates. Inaddition, the number of negative updates can be drasticallyreduced, which additionally speeds up the system. In theexperimental results these benefits are demonstrated on differentpublicly available surveillance benchmark data sets.
Hypophysiotropic Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Projections Are Exposed to Dense Plexuses of Kisspeptin, Neurokinin B and Substance P Immunoreactive Fibers in the Human: A Study on Tissues from Postmenopausal Women

Neuronal populations that synthesize kisspeptin (KP), neurokinin B (NKB) and substance P (SP) in the hypothalamic infundibular nucleus of humans are partly overlapping. These cells are important upstream regulators of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurosecretion. Homologous neurons in laboratory animals are thought to modulate episodic GnRH secretion primarily via influencing KP receptors on the hypophysiotropic fiber projections of GnRH neurons. To explore the structural basis of this putative axo-axonal communication in humans, we analyzed the anatomical relationship of KP-immunoreactive (IR), NKB-IR and SP-IR axon plexuses with hypophysiotropic GnRH fiber projections. Immunohistochemical studies were carried out on histological samples from postmenopausal women. The neuropeptide-IR axons innervated densely the portal capillary network in the postinfundibular eminence. Subsets of the fibers formed descending tracts in the infundibular stalk, some reaching the neurohypophysis. KP-IR, NKB-IR and SP-IR plexuses intermingled, and established occasional contacts, with hypophysiotropic GnRH fibers in the postinfundibular eminence and through their lengthy course while descending within the infundibular stalk. Triple-immunofluorescent studies also revealed considerable overlap between the KP, NKB and SP signals in individual fibers, providing evidence that these peptidergic projections arise from neurons of the mediobasal hypothalamus. These neuroanatomical observations indicate that the hypophysiotropic projections of human GnRH neurons in the postinfundibular eminence and the descending GnRH tract coursing through the infundibular stalk to the neurohypophysis are exposed to neurotransmitters/neuropeptides released by dense KP-IR, NKB-IR and SP-IR fiber plexuses. Localization and characterization of axonal neuropeptide receptors will be required to clarify the putative autocrine and paracrine interactions in these anatomical regions.
Alterations in activation gating of single Shaker A-type potassium channels by the Sh5 mutation

Alterations in voltage-dependent gating of A-type potassium channels by the Sh5 mutation were studied using macroscopic and single-channel recording techniques on cultured embryonic myotubes from Drosophila. The mutation increases the voltage required to activate and inactivate the A1 channel by approximately 20 mV and decreases the steepness of the voltage dependence of steady-state inactivation. Boltzmann fits to the prepulse inactivation curves have slopes of e-fold/3.5 mV for wild type and e-fold/5.0 mV for Sh5. A kinetic analysis of single Sh5 A1 channels revealed that the transition rates into and out of the open state are not significantly affected by the mutation. In contrast, the latencies until the channel opens following a voltage step are increased at low voltages. These alterations probably do not result from an offset of the transmembrane voltage sensed by the channel as might be expected for an alteration in the surface charge of the protein. By using a kinetic model developed for wild-type A1 channels, we show that an alteration in the amplitude and voltage dependence of the deactivation rate for each subunit (beta) can account for all of the alterations observed.
Tracking Using Online Feature Selection and a Local Generative Model

This paper proposes an algorithm for online feature selection which improves robustness to occlusions by referring to a localized generative appearance model. Discriminative classifiers based on feature extraction have classically either prepared a fixed prior model by training offline, or continually adapted their classification parameters to any apparent appearance changes. By combining the attractive qualities of each approach, our framework can cope with appearance changes of a target object and will maintain proximity to a static appearance model. Our main contribution is the use of a generative model to guide the online feature selection to regions of an image which maintain a valid appearance. The generative model exhibits the properties of non-negativity, localization and orthogonality. We demonstrate the system in a tracking framework to show improved tracking performance through occlusions.
Aortic Root Measurement by Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance: Specification of Planes and Lines of Measurement and Corresponding Normal Values

Background—Cardiovascular magnetic resonance is widely used for aortic root visualization and measurement, but methods still need to be standardized. Our aim was to identify appropriate planes of acquisition and lines of measurement and record corresponding normal values. Methods and Results—We studied 120 healthy volunteers, 10 of each gender in each decile between 20 and 80 years, by using a 1.5-T cardiovascular magnetic resonance system. Steady-state free precession cine acquisitions aligned with the left ventricular outflow tract in oblique sagittal and coronal orientations were used to locate 2 sinus planes that transected the root at its widest point in its maximally expanded systolic and at its end diastolic positions. We measured the cusp-cusp and the cusp-commissure dimensions in these cine planes, each as the average of 3. Diastolic cusp-commissure dimensions were smaller than diastolic cusp-cusp dimensions (32.0±3.5 mm versus 34.6±4.0 mm in men, 28.4±2.8 mm versus 30.7±3.3 mm in women, P<0.001 for both). The diastolic cusp-commissure dimensions increased by 0.9 mm per decade in men and 0.7 mm per decade in women (P<0.001 for both) and gave higher R2 values with respect to age and body surface area (0.40 for men, 0.27 for women) than diastolic cusp-cusp, systolic cusp-commissure, or sinus measurements made in the left ventricular outflow tract planes. Conclusions—The results indicate the importance of consistent methods for measurement of the aortic root by cardiovascular magnetic resonance. We recommend diastolic cusp-commissure measurements, which yielded favorable R2 values with respect to age and body surface area and were found to correspond closely with reference echocardiographic root measurements recorded in the Framingham cohort. We recorded reference values for these and other possible aortic root measurements by cardiovascular magnetic resonance.
Organization of the lateral line system in embryonic zebrafish

We describe the organization of lateral line nerves and ganglia in the embryonic zebrafish, Danio rerio. Two lateral line nerves are found anterior to the otic vesicle: the anterodorsal nerve innervates neuromasts of the supraorbital, infraorbital, and otic lines, whereas the anteroventral nerve innervates the mandibular and opercular lines. An additional two lateral line nerves are found posterior to the otic vesicle: the middle lateral line nerve innervates the middle line, whereas the posterior nerve innervates the occipital dorsal and posterior trunk lines. Preotic nerves converge on a single entry zone into the central nervous system at the facial motor root (mVII), as do axons of the octaval nerve. Postotic nerves converge to a posterior entry zone at the glossopharyngeal root. Both lateral line ganglia and neuromasts develop on a stereotypical schedule. To examine the segmental relationships among cranial ganglia, neural crest, and hindbrain, lateral line organization was analyzed in valentino mutants, which have disruptions in the development of rhombomeres 5–7 and in the third arch neural crest, and are missing glossopharyngeal motor neurons. The proposed corresponding lateral line nerve for this head segment, the middle lateral line, appears to develop normally. However, the middle and posterior nerves do not form a posterior entry zone in the absence of a glossopharyngeal root in val mutants, but instead course anteriorly to join the preotic nerves. J. Comp. Neurol. 421:189–198, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fabrication of nanoadjuvant with poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) for developing a single-shot vaccine providing prolonged immunity

Purpose The aim of the study was to load a model antigen, tetanus toxoid (TT), in poly-ε-caprolactone nanoparticles (PCL NPs) of two size ranges, ie, mean 61.2 nm (small) and 467.6 nm (large), and study its effect on macrophage polarization as well as antigen presentation in human monocyte-derived macrophages in vitro, along with humoral and cell-mediated immune (CMI) response generated in Swiss albino mice following immunization with the TT-loaded NPs. Materials and methods PCL NPs were synthesized by solvent evaporation. The antigen-loaded PCL NPs were characterized for size, zeta potential, and protein-release kinetics. Swiss albino mice were immunized with the antigen-loaded PCL NPs. Flow cytometry was used to quantify interferon-γ- and interleukin-4-secreting cluster of differentiation (CD)4+ and CD8+ T cells in the spleen, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to quantify anti-TT antibody levels in the serum of immunized mice. Results Small PCL NPs generated an M1/M2 type polarization of human blood monocyte-derived macrophages and T helper (Th)1/Th2 polarization of autologous CD4+ T cells. Efficient CD8+ T-cell responses were also elicited. Large PCL NPs failed to cause any type of macrophage polarization. They did not elicit efficient CD8+ T-cell responses. Conclusion TT-loaded small PCL NPs were able to generate persistent and strong CMI and humoral responses against TT 2 months after single injection in mice without booster dose. This biodegradable nanoadjuvant system may help to develop single-shot immunization for prolonged immunity without booster doses. The capability of enhanced CMI response may have high translational potential for immunization against intracellular infection.
Tumour necrosis factor blockade for the treatment of erosive osteoarthritis of the interphalangeal finger joints: a double blind, randomised trial on structure modification

Background Adalimumab blocks the action of tumor necrosis factor-α and reduces disease progression in rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. The effects of adalimumab in controlling progression of structural damage in erosive hand osteoarthritis (HOA) were assessed. Methods Sixty patients with erosive HOA on radiology received 40 mg adalimumab or placebo subcutaneously every two weeks during a 12-month randomized double-blind trial. Response was defined as the reduction in progression of structural damage according to the categorical anatomic phase scoring system. Furthermore, subchondral bone, bone plate erosion, and joint-space narrowing were scored according to the continuous Ghent University Score System (GUSSTM). Results The disease appeared to be active since 40.0% and 26,7% of patients out of the placebo and adalimumab group, respectively, showed at least one new interphalangeal (IP) joint that became erosive during the 12 months follow-up. These differences were not significant and the overall results showed no effect of adalimumab. Risk factors for progression were then identified and the presence of palpable soft tissue swelling at baseline was recognized as the strongest predictor for erosive progression. In this subpopulation at risk, statistically significant less erosive evolution on the radiological image (3.7%) was seen in the adalimumab treated group compared to the placebo group (14.5%) (P = 0.009). GUSSTM scoring confirmed a less rapid rate of mean increase in the erosion scores during the first 6 months of treatment in patients in adalimumab-treated patients. Conclusion Palpable soft tissue swelling in IP joints in patients with erosive HOA is a strong predictor for erosive progression. In these joints adalimumab significantly halted the progression of joint damage compared to placebo.
Reduction of Flashovers on 220 kV Double-Circuits Line

HE paper presents the results of a study for the reduction of the number of flashovers on a 220 kV double-circuit line. With known geometry of the tower and ground-flash density it is possible to calculate the number of flashovers. The procedure for the calculation of flashovers includes three steps: application of an electro-geometric model, simulation of the electromagnetic transients due to lightning strokes, and evaluating the flashover rate. Models of the elements in the calculation are presented: source of lightning stroke, tower, conductors, insulator string, line surge arrester (LSA) and tower footing resistance. The case study for the 220 kV double-circuit overhead line is conducted in order to improve its lightning performance. Different mitigation measures on a line for prevention of flashovers could be applied and one of the most effective means is the installation of LSAs. The final choice of the best solution depends on the number of LSAs, their location and their price. Calculations are conducted using the software EMTP-RV and LIPS.
The 'Nexus' As a Step Back towards a More Coherent Water Resource Management Paradigm

The interrelationships between water resources, food production and energy security have influenced policy for many decades so the emergence of the water-food-energy 'nexus' as a proposed new focus for water resource management is surprising. It is suggested that this focus can be understood as a consequence of the decision by developed countries to ignore agreements reached at the 1992 Rio Summit on Sustainable Development and promote instead a 'Dublin IWRM', their original lobbying platform. That approach has not helped developing countries to address food, energy and water security nor assisted global businesses to expand or to manage the risks posed to their operations by poor water management. The nexus approach begins to address these concerns by focusing on a specific 'problem-shed'. While this may disintegrate the original robust concept of integrated water management, its emphasis on what water may do for society rather than what society should do for water is a step back toward a more coherent and useful paradigm.
Use of stem cells for the treatment of multiple sclerosis

The reported evidence of neurodegeneration in multiple sclerosis (MS) may explain the lack of efficacy of the currently used immunomodulating modalities and the irreversible axonal damage, which results in accumulating disability. To date, efforts for neuroprotective treatments have not been successful in clinical studies in other CNS diseases. Therefore, for MS, the use of stem cells may provide a logical solution, since these cells can migrate locally into the areas of white-matter lesions (plaques) and have the potential to support local neurogenesis and rebuilding of the affected myelin. This is achieved both by support of the resident CNS stem cell repertoire and by differentiation of the transplanted cells into neurons and myelin-producing cells (oligodendrocytes). Stem cells were also shown to possess immunomodulating properties, inducing systemic and local suppression of the myelin-targeting autoimmune lymphocytes. Several types of stem cells (embryonic and adult) have been described and extensively studied in animal models of CNS diseases and the various models of MS (experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis [EAE]). In this review, we summarize the experience with the use of different types of stem cells in CNS disease models, focusing on the models of EAE and describe the advantages and disadvantages of each stem cell type for future clinical applications in MS.
Tensor Regression Based on Linked Multiway Parameter Analysis

Classical regression methods take vectors as covariates and estimate the corresponding vectors of regression parameters. When addressing regression problems on covariates of more complex form such as multi-dimensional arrays (i.e. Tensors), traditional computational models can be severely compromised by ultrahigh dimensionality as well as complex structure. By exploiting the special structure of tensor covariates, the tensor regression model provides a promising solution to reduce the model's dimensionality to a manageable level, thus leading to efficient estimation. Most of the existing tensor-based methods independently estimate each individual regression problem based on tensor decomposition which allows the simultaneous projections of an input tensor to more than one direction along each mode. As a matter of fact, multi-dimensional data are collected under the same or very similar conditions, so that data share some common latent components but can also have their own independent parameters for each regression task. Therefore, it is beneficial to analyse regression parameters among all the regressions in a linked way. In this paper, we propose a tensor regression model based on Tucker Decomposition, which identifies not only the common components of parameters across all the regression tasks, but also independent factors contributing to each particular regression task simultaneously. Under this paradigm, the number of independent parameters along each mode is constrained by a sparsity-preserving regulariser. Linked multiway parameter analysis and sparsity modeling further reduce the total number of parameters, with lower memory cost than their tensor-based counterparts. The effectiveness of the new method is demonstrated on real data sets.