Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An inrush current mitigation method for the grid-connected converters in the low-voltage ride-through operation

With more and more renewable and other distributed energy resources (DERs) being adopted, the utility requires these DERs systems have low voltage ride-through (LVRT) capability, which means the DERs converters must remain grid-connected and to provide reactive or active power for grid support during low voltage situations caused by faults. As such voltage sags occur, the deformed grid voltages often result in magnetic flux deviations in the grid-side transformer of the DERs converter. When the fault clears and the voltages restore to normal level, the flux deviation can easily result in inrush current of the transformer. This paper proposes an inrush current mitigation method for the grid-connected converters in the LVRT operation. The proposed method reduces the risk of inrush current by compensating the magnetic flux deviation during the LVRT operation. A pre-defined ampere constraint is imposed upon the LVRT and flux compensation to avoid burdening the power semiconductor devices. The proposed method can reduce the the stress of the converter and its grid-side transformer while performing the LVRT operation.
First principles calculations of dopant solubility based on strain compensation and direct binding between dopants and group IV impurities

We investigated binding between dopant atoms such as boron and arsenic and various elements in group IV (e.g., C, Ge, Sn, and Pb) to explore opportunities for increasing dopant solubility, which is becoming critical for nanoscale semiconductor technology. Using first principles calculations, we find the dominant component of binding to be global strain compensation. We find negligible direct local binding between B and Ge, in contrast to some suggestions in the literature. Considering strain compensation and negative deviation from Vegard’s law of lattice parameter for SiGe, we predict the enhancement of boron segregation ratio across epitaxial Si∕SiGe interfaces, which agrees well with previous experimental observations. Due to nearest neighbor binding plus substantial strain compensation, Sn may have some promise for enhancing B solubility. For C∕As, the first nearest neighbor interaction is repulsive. However, the large negative induced strain due to carbon overcompensates this effect in the solubility.
A systematic analysis of the early transcribed membrane protein family throughout the life cycle of Plasmodium yoelii

The early transcribed membrane proteins (ETRAMPs) are a family of small, highly charged transmembrane proteins unique to malaria parasites. Some members of the ETRAMP family have been localized to the parasitophorous vacuole membrane that separates the intracellular parasite from the host cell and thus presumably have a role in host–parasite interactions. Although it was previously shown that two ETRAMPs are critical for rodent malaria parasite liver‐stage development, the importance of most ETRAMPs during the parasite life cycle remains unknown. Here, we comprehensively identify nine new etramps in the genome of the rodent malaria parasite Plasmodium yoelii, and elucidate their conservation in other malaria parasites. etramp expression profiles are diverse throughout the parasite life cycle as measured by RT‐PCR. Epitope tagging of two ETRAMPs demonstrates protein expression in blood and liver stages, and reveals differences in both their timing of expression and their subcellular localization. Gene targeting studies of each of the nine uncharacterized etramps show that two are refractory to deletion and thus likely essential for blood‐stage replication. Seven etramps are not essential for any life cycle stage. Systematic characterization of the members of the ETRAMP family reveals the diversity in importance of each family member at the interface between host and parasite throughout the developmental cycle of the malaria parasite.
Impact of psychosocial job stress on non-fatal occupational injuries in small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises.

BACKGROUND Workers involved in manufacturing are known to comprise a high-risk population for occupational injury, and this risk is greater in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The purpose of this study was to examine the association between psychosocial job stress and occupational injuries among workers in SMEs. METHODS One thousand forty-nine men and 721 women from 244 SMEs participated in this study. Perceived job stress was evaluated with the Japanese version of the generic job stress questionnaire, which covered 14 job stress variables. Occupational injury was assessed by self-report during the last 1-year period. RESULTS Workers with high quantitative workload (odds ratio [OR] = 1.55 for men, 1.62 for women), high cognitive demands (OR = 1.70 for men, 1.53 for women), and low job satisfaction (OR = 1.33 for men, 1.93 for women) had a significantly increased risk of occupational injury in the multivariate model. High variance in workload (OR = 1.70) and high job future ambiguity (OR = 1.35) in men, and low job control (OR = 2.04) and high intragroup conflict (OR = 1.66) in women were significantly associated with occupational injury. In manufacturing/production workers, high quantitative workload (OR = 1.91), high variance in workload (OR = 2.02), and high depressive symptoms (OR = 1.55) were significantly associated with injury in men, while low social support from colleagues (OR = 2.36) or family (OR = 2.51) was related to injury in women. CONCLUSIONS These data point to an independent relationship between psychosocial job stress and self-reported occupational injury in SMEs.
Abundance and Diversity of Wild Bees (Hymenoptera: Apoidea) Found in Lowbush Blueberry Growing Regions of Downeast Maine

ABSTRACT Insect-mediated pollination is critical for lowbush blueberry (Ericaceae: Vaccinium angustifolium Aiton) fruit development. Past research shows a persistent presence of wild bees (Hymenoptera: Apoidea) providing pollination services even when commercial pollinators are present. We undertook the study to 1) provide a description of bee communities found in lowbush blueberry-growing regions, 2) identify field characteristics or farm management practices that influence those communities, 3) identify key wild bee pollinators that provide pollination services for the blueberry crop, and 4) identify non-crop plants found within the cropping system that provide forage for wild bees. During a 4-year period, we collected solitary and eusocial bees in over 40 fields during and after blueberry bloom, determining a management description for each field. We collected 4,474 solitary bees representing 124 species and 1,315 summer bumble bees representing nine species. No bumble bee species were previously unknown in Maine, yet we document seven solitary bee species new for the state. These include species of the genera Nomada, Lasioglossum, Calliopsis, and Augochloropsis. No field characteristic or farm management practice related to bee community structure, except bumble bee species richness was higher in certified organic fields. Pollen analysis determined scopal loads of 67–99% ericaceous pollen carried by five species of Andrena. Our data suggest two native ericaceous plants, Kalmia angustifolia L. and Gaylussacia baccata (Wangenheim), provide important alternative floral resources. We conclude that Maine blueberry croplands are populated with a species-rich bee community that fluctuates in time and space. We suggest growers develop and maintain wild bee forage and nest sites.
Cannabis use as an indicator of risk for mental health problems in adolescents: a population-based study at secondary schools

Background Although the association between cannabis use and a wide range of psychiatric symptoms is fairly well established, it is not clear whether cannabis use is also a risk factor for general mental health problems at secondary school. Method A total of 10 324 secondary school children aged 11–16 years, participating in an ongoing Public Health Service School Survey, gave information on demographics, substance use, school factors and stressful life events and completed the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Results Cannabis use in the past month was associated with a clinically relevant score on the SDQ [unadjusted odds ratio (OR) 4.46, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.46–5.76]. Other risk factors associated with poor psychosocial functioning were: a low level of education, alcohol use, cigarette smoking, hard drug use, frequent truancy, an unfavourable school evaluation, feeling unsafe at school, being victimized, frequent absence due to illness, a mentally ill parent, molestation by a parent, financial problems and feeling distressed by an adverse event. In a full model adjusting for these risk factors, cannabis was not significantly associated with mental health problems, although an association at trend level was apparent. Of these risk factors, regular alcohol use, cigarette smoking, hard drug use, frequent truancy, an unfavourable school evaluation and frequent absence due to illness were also associated with cannabis use. Conclusions The association between cannabis use and poor psychosocial functioning in adolescence is due, at least in part, to confounding by other risk factors. Thus, cannabis use can best be viewed as an indicator of risk for mental health problems in adolescence.
Altered mitochondrial functioning induced by preoperative fasting may underlie protection against renal ischemia/reperfusion injury

We reported previously that the robust protection against renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in mice by fasting was largely initiated before the induction of renal I/R. In addition, we found that preoperative fasting downregulated the gene expression levels of complexes I, IV, and V of the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) system, while it did not change those of complexes II and III. Hence, we now investigated the effect of 3 days of fasting on the functioning of renal mitochondria in order to better understand our previous findings. Fasting did not affect mitochondrial density. Surprisingly, fasting significantly increased the protein expression of complex II of the mitochondrial OXPHOS system by 19%. Complex II‐driven state 3 respiratory activity was significantly reduced by fasting (46%), which could be partially attributed to the significant decrease in the enzyme activity of complex II (16%). Fasting significantly inhibited Ca2+‐dependent mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening that is directly linked to protection against renal I/R injury. The inhibition of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore did not involve the expression of the voltage‐dependent anion channel by fasting. In conclusion, 3 days of fasting clearly induces the inhibition of complex II‐driven mitochondrial respiration state 3 in part by decreasing the amount of functional complex II, and inhibits mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening. This might be a relevant sequence of events that could contribute to the protection of the kidney against I/R injury. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 230–237, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Wideband and compact bandstop filter structure using double-plane superposition

A novel bandstop filter (BSF) structure is proposed and measured for wideband and compact circuit applications. The proposed BSF realizes the wide stopband (2-octave) characteristics by superposing two different photonic bandgap (PBG) structures into a coupled double-plane configuration. Only three cells of the proposed structure are enough for the measured 10 dB stopband from 4.3 to 16.2 GHz. We expect this novel BSF structure is widely used for compact and wideband circuit applications, such as compact high-efficiency power amplitiers using harmonic tuning techniques.
Apoptosis Signal-Regulating Kinase 1 Plays a Pivotal Role in Angiotensin II–Induced Cardiac Hypertrophy and Remodeling

Abstract— Multiple lines of evidence establish that angiotensin II (Ang II) induces not only hypertension but also directly contributes to cardiac diseases. Apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1), one of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinases, plays a key role in stress-induced cellular responses. However, nothing is known about the role of ASK1 in cardiac hypertrophy and remodeling in vivo. In this study, by using mice deficient in ASK1 (ASK1−/− mice), we investigated the role of ASK1 in cardiac hypertrophy and remodeling induced by Ang II. Left ventricular (LV) ASK1 was activated by Ang II infusion in wild-type mice, which was mediated by angiotensin II type 1 receptor and superoxide. Although Ang II-induced hypertensive effect was comparable to wild-type and ASK1−/− mice, LV ASK1 activation by Ang II was not detectable in ASK1−/− mice, and p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activation was lesser in ASK−/− mice than in wild-type mice. Elevation of blood pressure by continuous Ang II infusion was comparable between ASK1−/− and wild-type mice. However, Ang II–induced cardiac hypertrophy and remodeling, including cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, cardiac hypertrophy–related mRNA upregulation, cardiomyocyte apoptosis, interstitial fibrosis, coronary arterial remodeling, and collagen gene upregulation, was significantly attenuated in ASK1−/− mice compared with wild-type mice. These results provided the first in vivo evidence that ASK1 is the critical signaling molecule for Ang II–induced cardiac hypertrophy and remodeling. Thus, ASK1 is proposed to be a potential therapeutic target for cardiac diseases.
A gain-of-function mutation in IAA18 alters Arabidopsis embryonic apical patterning

Lateral organ emergence in plant embryos and meristems depends on spatially coordinated auxin transport and auxin response. Here, we report the gain-of-function iaa18-1 mutation in Arabidopsis, which stabilizes the Aux/IAA protein IAA18 and causes aberrant cotyledon placement in embryos. IAA18 was expressed in the apical domain of globular stage embryos, and in the shoot apical meristem and adaxial domain of cotyledons of heart stage embryos. Mutant globular embryos had asymmetric PIN1:GFP expression in the apical domain, indicating that IAA18-1 disrupts auxin transport. Genetic interactions among iaa18-1, loss-of-function mutations in ARF (Auxin response factor) genes and ARF-overexpressing constructs suggest that IAA18-1 inhibits activity of MP/ARF5 and other ARF proteins in the apical domain. The iaa18-1 mutation also increased the frequency of rootless seedlings in mutant backgrounds in which auxin regulation of basal pole development was affected. These results indicate that apical patterning requires Aux/IAA protein turnover, and that apical domain auxin response also influences root formation.
Diminished Anticoagulant Effects of Warfarin with Concomitant Mercaptopurine Therapy

The drug interaction between mercaptopurine and warfarin is documented, but case reports of the existence or magnitude of this interaction are rare. An increased warfarin dosage was required for a patient receiving 12‐week cycles of mercaptopurine for acute promyelocytic leukemia. At the start of mercaptopurine therapy, an upward titration of 25% beyond the warfarin maintenance dosage was required to achieve a therapeutic international normalized ratio. When a cycle of mercaptopurine was completed, a sharp reduction in warfarin dosage was required. The mechanism behind this interaction is unclear. Mercaptopurine may inhibit gastrointestinal absorption of warfarin, or it may induce hepatic enzymes that metabolize the anticoagulant. With dramatic changes in warfarin or anticoagulant requirements, practitioners should be aware of potential thromboembolic sequelae or bleeding complications when these agents are prescribed concomitantly. Frequent monitoring and careful dosage titration are warranted during concomitant administration.
A Model for Glucose, Insulin, and Beta‐Cell Dynamics in Subjects With Insulin Resistance and Patients With Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a progressive, metabolic disorder characterized by reduced insulin sensitivity and loss of beta‐cell mass (BCM), resulting in hyperglycemia. Population pharmacokinetic‐pharmacodynamic (PKPD) modeling is a valuable method to gain insight into disease and drug action. A semi‐mechanistic PKPD model incorporating fasting plasma glucose (FPG), fasting insulin, insulin sensitivity, and BCM in patients at various disease stages was developed. Data from 3 clinical trials (phase II/III) with a peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor agonist, tesaglitazar, were used to develop the model. In this, a modeling framework proposed by Topp et al was expanded to incorporate the effects of treatment and impact of disease, as well as variability between subjects. The model accurately described FPG and fasting insulin data over time. The model included a strong relation between insulin clearance and insulin sensitivity, predicted 40% to 60% lower BCM in T2DM patients, and realistic improvements of BCM and insulin sensitivity with treatment. The treatment response on insulin sensitivity occurs within the first weeks, whereas the positive effects on BCM arise over several months. The semi‐mechanistic PKPD model well described the heterogeneous populations, ranging from nondiabetic, insulin‐resistant subjects to long‐term treated T2DM patients. This model also allows incorporation of clinical‐experimental studies and actual observations of BCM.
The relationship between retinal nerve fiber layer thickness and optic nerve head neuroretinal rim tissue in glaucoma.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between optical coherence tomography (OCT) measures of retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and neuroretinal rim (NRR) in a nonhuman primate experimental glaucoma model, and in a population of clinical patients. METHODS For nonhuman primates, normative data were collected from 44 healthy monkeys, and nine animals with unilateral experimental glaucoma that were followed longitudinally. Cross-sectional human subjects data were collected from 89 healthy, 74 glaucoma suspects, and 104 glaucoma patients. Individualized transverse scaling for OCT scans was calculated using a schematic eye that incorporated optical ocular biometry. Custom algorithms were used to quantify RNFL thickness with and without vessels removed, scaled minimum rim width (sMRW), and neural rim volume (NRV). RESULTS For the experimental glaucoma group, NRR parameters showed the first changes with increased cumulative IOP. The data for both NRR and RNFL measures were best fit by an exponential rise model (NRV, R2=0.79, P<0.01, sMRW, R2=0.74, P<0.01). The major retinal vascular thickness contribution to the RNFL decreased (0.03 μm/μm, P<0.01) with RNFL loss, but the percent vascular contribution increased (-0.1%/μm, P<0.01) with disease progression. Overall, the findings for the cross-sectional human data were similar to those of the experimental model. CONCLUSIONS The findings illustrate a nonlinear relationship between NRR and RNFL measures and provide support for the use of multiple OCT scaled morphological measures for the diagnosis and management of primary open angle glaucoma in humans.
3D reconstruction of coronary arteries using Frequency Domain Optical Coherence Tomography images and biplane angiography

The aim of this study is to describe a new method for three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of coronary arteries using Frequency Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (FD-OCT) images. The rationale is to fuse the information about the curvature of the artery, derived from biplane angiographies, with the information regarding the lumen wall, which is produced from the FD-OCT examination. The method is based on a three step approach. In the first step the lumen borders in FD-OCT images are detected. In the second step a 3D curve is produced using the center line of the vessel from the two biplane projections. Finally in the third step the detected lumen borders are placed perpendicularly onto the path based on the centroid of each lumen border. The result is a 3D reconstructed artery produced by all the lumen borders of the FD-OCT pullback representing the 3D arterial geometry of the vessel.
Trabecular bone microarchitecture after alendronate treatment of osteoporotic women

ABSTRACT Objective: To compare the microarchitecture of iliac crest trabecular bone from women treated for two to three years with alendronate versus that of women treated with placebo. Research design and methods: Three-dimensional micro-computed tomography (micro-CT; resolution 20 µm) and two-dimensional histomorphometry (resolution 5–7 µm) were used to examine trabecular bone from single transilial biopsies obtained at the completion of clinical trials. Main outcome measures: Microarchitectural variables, including bone volume, trabecular number, trabecular thickness, and trabecular spacing in specimens from alendronate- and placebo-treated women were examined. Three-dimensional images of trabecular bone from both groups were constructed from CT images. Correlations among variables and between techniques were also calculated. Results: Eighty-eight specimens were suitable for evaluation by both techniques. As measured by two-dimensional histomorphometry, bone volume fraction (as a proportion of total volume) and trabecular thickness were significantly greater in alendronate specimens, 17.1 ± 5.5% vs. 13.4 ± 5.5% ( p = 0.0043) and 127 ± 29 µm vs. 109 ± 28 µm ( p = 0.0090), respectively, and trabecular spacing was significantly smaller, 729 ± 227 µm vs. 862 ± 338 µm ( p = 0.005). Micro-CT yielded similar findings: bone volume and trabecular number were significantly greater in alendronate specimens: 19.4 ± 6.2% vs. 16.2 ± 6.3% ( p = 0.0412) and 1.46 ± 0.32 vs. 1.31 ± 0.33 per mm ( p = 0.0346). Two-dimensional and micro-CT measured characteristics correlated strongly with one another, with Pearson product moment correlation coefficients ranging from 0.60 (for trabecular thickness) to 0.83 (for bone volume). Conclusions: Trabecular microarchitecture of the ilium, whether studied by two- or three-dimensional methods, is better (greater bone volume, greater trabecular thickness, decreased trabecular spacing) after alendronate treatment than after two to three years of treatment with placebo. Bone volume in a trabecular region is strongly correlated to its microarchitecture, suggesting that bone quantity predicts values for these microarchitectural endpoints.