Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A family of high power density unregulated bus converters

This paper begins by reviewing current bus converters and exploring their limitations. Next, a family of inductor-less bus converters is proposed to overcome the limitations. In the new bus converters, magnetizing current is used to achieve zero-voltage-switching (ZVS) turn-on for all switches. The resonant concept is used to achieve nearly zero-current-switching (ZCS) turn-off for the primary switches and no body diode loss for the synchronous rectifiers (SRs). Meanwhile, the self-driven method can be easily applied to save drive loss of SRs. Based on these concepts, a full-bridge bus converter is built in the quarter-brick size to verify the analysis. The experimental results indicate that it can achieve 95.5% efficiency at 500-W, 12-V/45-A output. Compared with industry products, this topology can dramatically increase the power density. These concepts are also applied to nonisolated dc/dc converters. As an example, a resonant Buck converter is proposed and experimentally demonstrated.
The Rev protein of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 counteracts the effect of an AU-rich negative element in the human papillomavirus type 1 late 3' untranslated region

We have identified a sequence in the late 3' untranslated region of human papillomavirus type 1 mRNAs that acts posttranscriptionally to repress gene expression. Deletion analysis localized the inhibitory element to an AU-rich sequence between nucleotides 6958 and 6984 on the human papillomavirus type 1 genome. This sequence inhibits gene expression in an orientation-dependent manner. Upon transfection of eucaryotic cells with plasmids containing this sequence, approximately 4-fold-lower cytoplasmic mRNA levels and 64- to 128-fold-lower protein levels were produced compared with those produced by plasmids lacking the inhibitory sequence. Interestingly, providing the constitutive transport element of simian retrovirus type 1 in sense orientation counteracted inhibition exerted by the human papillomavirus type 1 sequence. Inhibition could also be overcome by the presence of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 Rev protein in trans and its target sequence, the Rev-responsive element, in cis. Rev is a nuclear protein and acts by promoting nuclear export of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 mRNAs encoding structural proteins. Our results are consistent with a model for human papillomavirus type 1 late-gene expression in which mRNAs containing human papillomavirus type 1 inhibitory sequences enter a nonproductive route in the nucleus, resulting in inefficient mRNA utilization. Rev directs mRNA containing inhibitory sequences to a productive route by interacting with the Rev-responsive element.
Hedonic eating is associated with increased peripheral levels of ghrelin and the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoyl-glycerol in healthy humans: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND Hedonic hunger refers to consumption of food just for pleasure and not to maintain energy homeostasis. In this condition, the subject eats also when not in a state of short-term energy depletion, and food is consumed uniquely because of its gustatory rewarding properties. The physiological mechanisms underlying this eating behavior are not deeply understood, but endogenous rewarding mediators like ghrelin and endocannabinoids are likely involved. OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN To explore the role of these substances in hedonic eating, we measured changes in their plasma levels in eight satiated healthy subjects after ad libitum consumption of highly palatable food as compared with the consumption of nonpalatable food in isoenergetic amounts with the same nutrient composition of the palatable food. RESULTS The consumption of food for pleasure was characterized by increased peripheral levels of both the peptide ghrelin and the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoyl-glycerol. Levels of the other endocannabinoid anandamide and of anandamide-related mediators oleoylethanolamide and palmitoylethanolamide, instead, progressively decreased after the ingestion of both highly pleasurable and isoenergetic nonpleasurable food. A positive correlation was found between plasma 2-arachidonoyl glycerol and ghrelin during hedonic but not nonhedonic, eating. CONCLUSIONS The present preliminary findings suggest that when motivation to eat is generated by the availability of highly palatable food and not by food deprivation, a peripheral activation of two endogenous rewarding chemical signals is observed. Future research should confirm and extend our results to better understand the phenomenon of hedonic eating, which influences food intake and, ultimately, body mass.
Geriatrics for juniors: tomorrow's geriatricians or another lost tribe?

BACKGROUND To meet the needs of the ageing population, more geriatric medicine doctors are required. We aimed to determine: (i) career preferences of junior doctors with an interest in geriatric medicine, (ii) factors influencing the likelihood of junior doctors undertaking a career in geriatric medicine and (iii) whether a geriatric medicine conference for junior doctors influenced their views on the specialty and their likelihood of choosing it as a career option. METHODS All delegates who registered to attend the 'Geriatrics for Juniors' conference (G4J) were invited to complete both a pre- and post-conference survey online. Delegates' free-text responses were subjected to thematic analysis. Differences between paired ordinal data from pre- and post-conference surveys were determined using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. RESULTS A total of 108 delegates attended G4J. Pre- and post-conference survey response rates were 67% and 51% respectively. Commonly reported deterrents to a career in geriatric medicine included 'being the medical registrar' (27.1% of respondents) and 'second-class specialty' (20.6%). There was a statistically significant difference between pre- and post-conference responses, with a tendency towards less agreement with the statement 'the prospect of being the medical registrar puts me off applying for higher specialty training in geriatric medicine' (Z=-2.512; p=0.012). CONCLUSIONS The perceived unattractive nature of the medical registrar role may deter some junior doctors from a career in geriatric medicine. A lack of clarity regarding the nature of the specialty still exists. Targeted educational interventions, such as G4J, may positively influence junior doctors' perceptions of the specialty and the role of the medical registrar.
Liver Fibrosis Quantification by Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Abstract Liver fibrosis is a hallmark of chronic liver disease characterized by the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins. Although liver biopsy is the reference standard for diagnosis and staging of liver fibrosis, it has some limitations, including potential pain, sampling variability, and low patient acceptance. Hence, there has been an effort to develop noninvasive imaging techniques for diagnosis, staging, and monitoring of liver fibrosis. Many quantitative techniques have been implemented on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for this indication. The most widely validated technique is magnetic resonance elastography, which aims to measure viscoelastic properties of the liver and relate them to fibrosis stage. Several additional MRI methods have been developed or adapted to liver fibrosis quantification. Diffusion-weighted imaging measures the Brownian motion of water molecules which is restricted by collagen fibers. Texture analysis assesses the changes in the texture of liver parenchyma associated with fibrosis. Perfusion imaging relies on signal intensity and pharmacokinetic models to extract quantitative perfusion parameters. Hepatocellular function, which decreases with increasing fibrosis stage, can be estimated by the uptake of hepatobiliary contrast agents. Strain imaging measures liver deformation in response to physiological motion such as cardiac contraction. T1&rgr; quantification is an investigational technique, which measures the spin-lattice relaxation time in the rotating frame. This article will review the MRI techniques used in liver fibrosis staging, their advantages and limitations, and diagnostic performance. We will briefly discuss future directions, such as longitudinal monitoring of disease, prediction of portal hypertension, and risk stratification of hepatocellular carcinoma.
Reproductive behaviour among women on antiretroviral therapy in Botswana: mismatched pregnancy plans and contraceptive use

Understanding pregnancy planning and contraceptive use is important in preventing unplanned/unwanted pregnancies among women on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Through a cross-sectional survey of 155 women living with HIV on ART in Botswana (mean age = 36), bivariate/multivariate analyses were used to identify and understand pregnancy planning and contraceptive use. Women who did not plan to have a child (n = 85) were older, less educated, had more children and worried about stigmatisation from family and healthcare workers (HCWs). Multivariate analyses found age (OR:3.41; CI:1.57–7.45; p = 0.002); perceived stigmatisation from family and healthcare workers (OR:3.62; CI:1.47–8.96; p = 0.005); and believing it is irresponsible for women living with HIV to want a child (OR:2.40; CI:1.10–5.24; p = 0.028) to be significantly associated with not planning to have a child. Although reported condom use among 85 women who did not plan to have a child was nearly 90%, a total of 26 of these women (34%) believed they did not have control over condom use. Lack of contraception was reported by 6 women who did not plan a child; this, coupled with the lack of control over condom use, puts unmet need for contraception at 38%. Most women reported feeling comfortable talking with HCWs about contraceptives. However, almost a quarter of the women indicated they were infrequently advised about contraceptives at ART clinics. This study found discordance between pregnancy planning and contraceptive use among women on ART. Lack of control over condom use coupled with low hormonal contraceptive use creates unmet need for contraception and increases the risk of unwanted pregnancies. Regular clinic visits for women on ART present excellent opportunities to address contraceptive needs in a considerate and comprehensive manner.
Improving CFAR detection through adaptive determination of reference window extents

Adaptive constant false alarm rate (CFAR) detectors operating on envelope-squared matched-filtered beam data generally employ two equal fixed-length windows, straddling the test cell, to collect reference samples. Our objective is to prevent the consideration of reference sample sets that do not behave even approximately i.i. d. A procedure to adaptively determine window sizes is presented. The nested hypothesis testing procedure is based on the principles of quality control and utilizes the Mann-Kendall rank test for randomness. Potential benefits include improved false alarm control, increased detection probability and closer tracking of extended clutter edges
Predicting protein flexibility through the prediction of local structures

Protein structures are valuable tools for understanding protein function. However, protein dynamics is also considered a key element in protein function. Therefore, in addition to structural analysis, fully understanding protein function at the molecular level now requires accounting for flexibility. However, experimental techniques that produce both types of information simultaneously are still limited. Prediction approaches are useful alternative tools for obtaining otherwise unavailable data. It has been shown that protein structure can be described by a limited set of recurring local structures. In this context, we previously established a library composed of 120 overlapping long structural prototypes (LSPs) representing fragments of 11 residues in length and covering all known local protein structures. On the basis of the close sequence‐structure relationship observed in LSPs, we developed a novel prediction method that proposes structural candidates in terms of LSPs along a given sequence. The prediction accuracy rate was high given the number of structural classes. In this study, we use this methodology to predict protein flexibility. We first examine flexibility according to two different descriptors, the B‐factor and root mean square fluctuations from molecular dynamics simulations. We then show the relevance of using both descriptors together. We define three flexibility classes and propose a method based on the LSP prediction method for predicting flexibility along the sequence. The prediction rate reaches 49.6%. This method competes rather efficiently with the most recent, cutting‐edge methods based on true flexibility data learning with sophisticated algorithms. Accordingly, flexibility information should be taken into account in structural prediction assessments. Proteins 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Protein kinase C‐mediated enhancement of glycine response in rat sacral dorsal commissural neurones by serotonin.

1. The modulatory effect of serotonin (5‐hydroxytryptamine, 5‐HT), on the glycine (Gly) response was investigated in neurones acutely dissociated from the rat sacral dorsal commissural nucleus (SDCN) using a nystatin‐perforated patch recording configuration. 2. 5‐HT potentiated the 10(‐5) M Gly‐induced Cl‐ current (IGly) in a concentration‐dependent manner without changing the reversal potential of the Gly response or the affinity of Gly to its receptor. 3. alpha‐Methyl‐5‐HT mimicked and ketanserine blocked the 5‐HT action on IGly, thus indicating the 5‐HT2 receptor‐mediated enhancement. 4. Phorbol‐12‐myristate‐13‐acetate and 1‐oleoyl‐2‐acetylglycerol potentiated IGly. The subsequent application of 5‐HT slightly increase IGly. Chelerythrine blocked the enhancement of IGly by 5‐HT, thus suggesting the involvement of protein kinase C (PKC) in the pathway of 5‐HT action on IGly. 5. Pertussis toxin (IAP) treatment did not block the facilitatory effect of 5‐HT on IGly. 6. BAPTA AM did not disturb the 5‐HT‐induced potentiation of IGly, thus suggesting that [Ca2+]i is not involved in the 5‐HT effect. 7. In conclusion, activation of a 5‐HT2 receptor coupled to an IAP‐insensitive G‐protein increases intracellular diacylglycerol (DAG) formation. The accumulation of DAG also increases the Ca(2+)‐independent PKC activity, thus resulting in the potentiation of the Gly response in the SDCN neurones.
Clinical characteristics of patients with lung adenocarcinomas harboring BRAF mutations.

PURPOSE BRAF mutations occur in non-small-cell lung cancer. Therapies targeting BRAF mutant tumors have recently been identified. We undertook this study to determine the clinical characteristics of patients with lung adenocarcinomas harboring BRAF mutations. PATIENTS AND METHODS We reviewed data from consecutive patients with lung adenocarcinoma whose tumors underwent BRAF, EGFR, and KRAS mutation testing as well as fluorescence in situ hybridization for ALK rearrangements. Patient characteristics including age, sex, race, performance status, smoking history, stage, treatment history, and overall survival were collected. RESULTS Among 697 patients with lung adenocarcinoma, BRAF mutations were present in 18 patients (3%; 95% CI, 2% to 4%). The BRAF mutations identified were V600E (50%), G469A (39%), and D594G (11%). Mutations in EGFR were present in 24%, KRAS in 25%, and ALK translocations in 6%. In contrast to patients with EGFR mutations and ALK rearrangements who were mostly never smokers, all patients with BRAF mutations were current or former smokers (P < .001). The median overall survival of advanced-stage patients with BRAF mutations was not reached. In comparison, the median overall survival of patients with EGFR mutations was 37 months (P = .73), with KRAS mutations was 18 months (P = .12), and with ALK rearrangements was not reached (P = .64). CONCLUSION BRAF mutations occur in 3% of patients with lung adenocarcinoma and occur more commonly in current and former smokers. The incidence of BRAF mutations other than V600E is significantly higher in lung cancer than in melanoma.
Binding of human fibronectin to group A, C, and G streptococci

A total of 387 bacterial strains belonging to 35 species were tested in direct binding experiments for the uptake of purified radiolabeled human fibronectin. Positive binding was found in group A, C, and G streptococci and in Staphylococcus aureus. The group C streptococcal species Streptococcus equisimilis, Streptococcus zooepidemicus, Streptococcus equi, and Streptococcus dysgalactiae were uniformly reactive with fibronectin. Beta-hemolytic bovine group G streptococci showed the same degree of reactivity as human group G strains. In contrast, only 4 out of 15 alpha-hemolytic bovine group G strains were able to bind fibronectin. The uptake of fibronectin measured at room temperature with a human group G streptococcus was a slow, time-dependent process with maximum binding after approximately 1 h. Human polyclonal immunoglobulin G and serum albumin tested in inhibition experiments did not affect the fibronectin binding. Fibronectin seems, therefore, to interact with a surface component that is different from the specific binding sites previously described for human immunoglobulin G and serum albumin.
Shiga Toxin 1-Induced Inflammatory Response in Lipopolysaccharide-Sensitized Astrocytes Is Mediated by Endogenous Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha

ABSTRACT Hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) is generally caused by Shiga toxin (Stx)-producing Escherichia coli. Endothelial dysfunction mediated by Stx is a central aspect in HUS development. However, inflammatory mediators such as bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) contribute to HUS pathophysiology by potentiating Stx effects. Acute renal failure is the main feature of HUS, but in severe cases, patients can develop neurological complications, which are usually associated with death. Although the mechanisms of neurological damage remain uncertain, alterations of the blood-brain barrier associated with brain endothelial injury is clear. Astrocytes (ASTs) are the most abundant inflammatory cells of the brain that modulate the normal function of brain endothelium and neurons. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Stx type 1 (Stx1) alone or in combination with LPS in ASTs. Although Stx1 induced a weak inflammatory response, pretreatment with LPS sensitized ASTs to Stx1-mediated effects. Moreover, LPS increased the level of expression of the Stx receptor and its internalization. An early inflammatory response, characterized by the release of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and nitric oxide and PMN-chemoattractant activity, was induced by Stx1 in LPS-sensitized ASTs, whereas activation, evidenced by higher levels of glial fibrillary acid protein and cell death, was induced later. Furthermore, increased adhesion and PMN-mediated cytotoxicity were observed after Stx1 treatment in LPS-sensitized ASTs. These effects were dependent on NF-κB activation or AST-derived TNF-α. Our results suggest that TNF-α is a pivotal effector molecule that amplifies Stx1 effects on LPS-sensitized ASTs, contributing to brain inflammation and leading to endothelial and neuronal injury.
Trust defends decision to retain private beds at Heart Hospital

As the UK government announced plans for patients to be treated free in other EU countries, doctors and patients in Ireland have given a cautious welcome to an offer from a German group to give “package deal” operations to patients on hospital waiting lists. The company has also had talks with some UK health bodies. The UK health secretary, Alan Milburn, has announced that he intends to make clear to all health authorities and primary care trusts that they are able …
The Academic Life

Does this sound familiar? ‘The implications for the future of the speciality caused by the present crisis in academic orthodontics cannot be over-estimated’. It was written in 1994. Have things improved since then? In 1986 there were 40 academic posts in the UK, in 1992 there were 32. A recent survey has found there are now just 28 FTE academics in post. Perhaps more worryingly, there are currently only three lecturers in training posts. It is likely, therefore, that we will not even be able to replace those senior academics who retire or leave posts in the next few years. Does this really matter? I believe it does. Clinical academics are expected to teach, do research and carry out administration, as well as treat patients. Are we the only people who can perform those tasks? No, but I do believe that we have unique skills important to the speciality. Consumers of healthcare are becoming more demanding. They require proof of positive treatment outcomes; therefore, our research skills will increasingly be in demand. The government are determined to train more dentists and PCDs; lifelong education is high on the agenda, so our teaching skills are required. On top of this, we are expected to show evidence of maintaining good clinical skills through annual appraisal and possibly revalidation in the future. My non-academic colleagues do an excellent job of treating patients, and either teaching or research. Few can afford the time to do all three. Clinical academics therefore have a unique perspective right across the spectrum. So why is academic life deemed so unattractive by our trainees? I am not qualified to answer this question, because I made an active choice to enter academia. It continues to amaze me that we entice so few to become academics when, according to A-level results, our dental undergraduates are the brightest individuals ever to have entered the profession and we continue to attract the brightest of the brightest to our speciality. It is not a problem unique to orthodontics. All I can say is that I find academic life stimulating and enjoyable. Every day is different and I still enjoy coming to work. I hope that I will continue to take pleasure in clinical work, teaching and research for many more years. Which is probably just as well with the current uncertainty over pensions—but that is another problem.
Biological and medical significance of calcium phosphates.

The inorganic part of hard tissues (bones and teeth) of mammals consists of calcium phosphate, mainly of apatitic structure. Similarly, most undesired calcifications (i.e. those appearing as a result of various diseases) of mammals also contain calcium phosphate. For example, atherosclerosis results in blood-vessel blockage caused by a solid composite of cholesterol with calcium phosphate. Dental caries result in a replacement of less soluble and hard apatite by more soluble and softer calcium hydrogenphosphates. Osteoporosis is a demineralization of bone. Therefore, from a chemical point of view, processes of normal (bone and teeth formation and growth) and pathological (atherosclerosis and dental calculus) calcifications are just an in vivo crystallization of calcium phosphate. Similarly, dental caries and osteoporosis can be considered to be in vivo dissolution of calcium phosphates. On the other hand, because of the chemical similarity with biological calcified tissues, all calcium phosphates are remarkably biocompatible. This property is widely used in medicine for biomaterials that are either entirely made of or coated with calcium phosphate. For example, self-setting bone cements made of calcium phosphates are helpful in bone repair and titanium substitutes covered with a surface layer of calcium phosphates are used for hip-joint endoprostheses and tooth substitutes, to facilitate the growth of bone and thereby raise the mechanical stability. Calcium phosphates have a great biological and medical significance and in this review we give an overview of the current knowledge in this subject.