Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Control of transformerless MMC-HVDC during asymmetric grid faults

Modular multilevel converter (MMC) is the latest converter topology suitable for the transformerless applications in HVDC transmission. HVDC systems are required to remain connected during grid faults, provide grid support and completely decouple the healthy side from the faulty one. The MMC converter weak points are challenged by this particular condition and by these demands. This paper demonstrates the effect of negative and zero sequence current control in MMC-HVDC during asymmetric grid faults. A current limitation strategy for MMC is derived and verified through simulations.
Isolation and Properties of rex− Mutants of Bacteriophage Lambda

Twenty-five rex− mutants of phage lambda have been isolated. Three of the mutants, including one amber mutant, map at three distinct sites within the rex region of the lambda genetic map. The existence of the amber mutant provides further evidence that rex and cI are distinct genes, since it seems to be identical to wild-type lambda in its ability to establish or maintain lysogeny.
Shoulder dystocia in a 16-year experience in a teaching hospital.

OBJECTIVE To determine incidence of shoulder dystocia and evaluate associated maternal, obstetric and fetal risk factors. STUDY DESIGN Records of patients and neonates with shoulder dystocia at delivery were studied for demography, labor complications and neonatal outcome. Two control cases who delivered vaginally following each patient were selected that matched the maternal demography of the patient group. Incidence of shoulder dystocia and related risk factors were analyzed and compared with controls. Maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality were determined. RESULTS Among 32,312 singleton vaginal deliveries, 104 cases of shoulder dystocia were recorded. Several reported high-risk factors related to increased incidence of shoulder dystocia reported were confirmed by the study, although 26% of the neonates with shoulder dystocia weighed < 4,000 g. Postpartum hemorrhage and third-degree perineal tear were significant complications; neonatal brachial plexus injury occurred in 20%, clavicle and humerus fracture in 10.6% and neonate asphyxiation in 8.6%. No maternal death occurred; high perinatal mortality was no surprise. CONCLUSION Training clinicians to manage shoulder dystocia is difficult because of rare occurrence and lack of standardized management; simulation training with mannequins is helpful. Obstetricians should formulate a management plan and act promptly and decisively when confronted with this complication.
Determination of mutagenic and cytotoxic effects of Limonium globuliferum aqueous extracts by Allium, Ames, and MTT tests

Mutagenic and cytotoxic effects of roots, stems and leaves of Limonium globuliferum Kuntze, Plumbaginaceae, aqueous extracts were studied by Allium, Ames, and MTT tests. These are plant, bacterial and mammalian cell assays, respectively. The Allium test analyses showed that aqueous extracts of this species have dose-dependent toxicity and induce chromosomal anomalies based on defects in the spindle fibers. EC50 values of root stem and leaf aqueous extracts were 32.5, 50, and 50 g/l, respectively. It was observed that there was an inverse correlation between root growth and extract concentration. The lowest mitotic index value (22.72 %) was found in L. globuliferum root extract. As a result of the chromosome aberrations test, sticky chromosomes, anaphase bridges, laggard chromosomes, and anaphase-telophase disorders were highly detected especially in high concentration of the extract. In the Ames test, mutagenic effects were determined at all concentrations of stem and leaf aqueous extracts and only two concentrations of root extracts of L. globuliferum. Most of the extracts induced cytotoxic effects by the MTT test based on mitochondrial activity. Nevertheless, some of the extracts induced t cell proliferation.
Heterogeneous reaction of peroxyacetic acid and hydrogen peroxide on ambient aerosol particles under dry and humid conditions: kinetics, mechanism and implications

Abstract. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and organic peroxides play important roles in the cycle of oxidants and the formation of secondary aerosols in the atmosphere. Recent field observations have suggested that the budget of peroxyacetic acid (PAA, CH3C(O)OOH) is potentially related to the aerosol phase processes, especially to secondary aerosol formation. Here, we present the first laboratory measurements of the uptake coefficient of gaseous PAA and H2O2 onto ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) as a function of relative humidity (RH) at 298 K. The results show that the PM2.5, which was collected in an urban area, can take up PAA and H2O2 at the uptake coefficient (γ) of 10−4, and both γPAA and γH2O2 increase with increasing RH. The value of γPAA at 90 % RH is 5.4 ± 1.9 times that at 3 % RH, whereas γH2O2 at 90 % RH is 2.4 ± 0.5 times that at 3 % RH, which suggests that PAA is more sensitive to the RH variation than H2O2 is. Considering the larger Henry's law constant of H2O2 than that of PAA, the smaller RH sensitivity of the H2O2 uptake coefficient suggests that the enhanced uptake of peroxide compounds on PM2.5 under humid conditions is dominated by chemical processes rather than dissolution. Considering that mineral dust is one of the main components of PM2.5 in Beijing, we also determined the uptake coefficients of gaseous PAA and H2O2 on authentic Asian Dust storm (ADS) and Arizona Test Dust (ATD) particles. Compared to ambient PM2.5, ADS shows a similar γ value and RH dependence in its uptake coefficient for PAA and H2O2, while ATD gives a negative dependence on RH. The present study indicates that, in addition to the mineral dust in PM2.5, other components (e.g., soluble inorganic salts) are also important to the uptake of peroxide compounds. When the heterogeneous reaction of PAA on PM2.5 is considered, its atmospheric lifetime is estimated to be 3.0 h on haze days and 7.1 h on non-haze days, values that are in good agreement with the field observations.
Risk factors for community-acquired pneumonia diagnosed by general practitioners in the community.

The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors for pneumonia diagnosed in the community by general practitioners, using a case control study in 29 general practices in Nottingham, U.K. Patients with radiographically confirmed pneumonia were compared with adults randomly selected from electoral registers corresponding to the catchment areas of the general practices taking part in the study. Sixty-six cases and 489 controls participated. Significant risk factors in univariate analysis included age, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure and lifetime consumption of cigarettes. Multiple logistic regression analysis of these four variables showed that age [adjusted odds ratio = 2.69 (for 30 year increment), 95%CI = 1.66-4.35] and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (adjusted odds ratio= 1.99, 95%CI = 1.15-3.45) were independent risk factors. Only age and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were independent risk factors for pneumonia in this study. Since cigarette smoking is the major cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, these data suggest that cigarette smoking is the main avoidable risk factor for community-acquired pneumonia in adults.
Menkes Gene Study in the Chinese Population

We sought to determine the nature of the molecular defect causing Menkes' syndrome in the Chinese population. The DNA of four patients with typical Menkes manifestation was sequenced. Two pathologic genetic defects were identified; one of them is a nonsense mutation, whereas the other is a frameshift mutation. Both of these mutations are de novo. (J Child Neurol 2002;17:250-252).
The calcium-binding protein calretinin-22k is detectable in the serum and specific cells of cancer patients.

BACKGROUND Calretinin-22k (CR-22k), an alternatively spliced form of calretinin (CR) belongs to the EF-hand family of calcium-binding proteins and is expressed in several colon adenocarcinoma cell lines (e.g. WiDr, HT-29). MATERIALS AND METHODS Serum samples of cancer patients were screened with a sandwich ELISA technique using the CR-specific antiserum 7696. Highly positive samples were analyzed by Western blots and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS CR-22k was detected in the serum of several patients and values were as high as 0.19 microgram/ml. Western blot analysis confirmed the identity of the bound protein as CR-22k. The highest concentrations were detected in patients with colon or breast cancer, but also in a patient with ischemic necrosis of the gut. CR immunoreactivity was localized to epithelial cells, nerve fibres, cells of the connective tissue and to mesothelial cells. CONCLUSIONS Our results establish that CR-22k is detectable in the serum of cancer patients under specific pathological conditions.
Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 As an Emerging Therapeutic Target for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 21 is a distinctive member of the FGF family that functions as an endocrine factor. It is expressed predominantly in the liver, but is also found in adipose tissue and the pancreas. Pharmacological studies have shown that FGF21 normalizes glucose and lipid homeostasis, thereby preventing the development of metabolic disorders, such as obesity and diabetes. Despite growing evidence for the therapeutic potential of FGF21, paradoxical increases of FGF21 in different disease conditions point to the existence of FGF21 resistance. In this review, we give a critical appraisal of recent advances in the understanding of the regulation of FGF21 production under various physiological conditions, its antidiabetic actions, and the clinical implications. We also discuss recent preclinical and clinical trials using engineered FGF21 analogs in the management of diabetes, as well as the potential side effects of FGF21 therapy.
Inverse parabolicity of PDF equations in turbulent flows - reversed-time diffusion or something else

The focus of the present work is the well-known feature of the PDF transport equations in turbulent flows – the inverse parabolicity of the equations. While it is quite common in fluid mechanics to interpret equations with direct (forward-time) parabolicity as either diffusion or a combination of diffusion and other processes (for example convection and reaction), the possibility of a similar interpretation for the equations with inverse parabolicity is not clear. In the present work, we investigate whether the inverse-parabolic terms in PDF equations can be treated as an “inverse diffusion”. In other words, we look for a physical process which can be modeled by this inverse diffusion while complying with the major laws of nature and turbulence.
Divided Nevus of the Eyelid: A Case Report

Divided nevus of the eyelid is a rare pathologic entity and develops during fetal growth, when the two eyelids are still fused together. Its surgical treatment is mostly based on full thickness skin grafts. We report a case of a 22-year-old woman with a congenital divided nevus affecting the left upper and lower eyelid. The patient was treated in our Department because of the onset of a purple red nodule in the lower part of the nevus. We examined the case from embryological, histopathological, clinical, and diagnostic standpoints, and discuss surgical options in order to reach an optimal functional and aestetic result.
Polymer Encapsulated Cell Lines Genetically Engineered to Release Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor Can Slow Down Progressive Motor Neuronopathy in the Mouse

Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) has recently generated great interest due to its potential as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of human neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Because the systemic half‐life of CNTF is only in the order of a few minutes, continuous delivery of this trophic factor could be attractive or even necessary in the therapy of these diseases. One promising technique involves the polymer encapsulation of cells which have been genetically modified to secrete neurotrophic factors. The polymer capsules can be implanted into animals and effect the slow release of the protein for several months. The encapsulation technique immuno‐isolates the foreign cells from host immune cells and at the same time prevents tumour formation by the transplanted cells. In this study, we have used progressive motoneuronopathy (pmn) mice to determine the extent to which encapsulated cell lines secreting CNTF could alter the course of the disease. pmn/pmn homozygotes present severe loss of myelinated motor fibres and a significant reduction of facial motoneuron cell bodies. The mice develop weakness of the hindlimbs and die during the sixth week after birth. We found that CNTF delayed the disease progression by increasing the survival time by 40% and by improving motor function as assessed by three behavioural tests. Moreover, histological counts of the phrenic nerve myelinated axons and facial nucleus motoneurons indicated a significant reduction of motoneuron loss. These results suggest that polymer‐encapsulated cells releasing neurotrophic factors may provide a potential delivery system for treating neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS.
Adherence to a Behavioral Program to Prevent Incontinence

This exploratory study assesses factors predicting adherence to a behavioral intervention to prevent urinary incontinence. Community-dwelling, post-menopausal women (N = 164) were taught pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) and bladder training (BT) and followed with surveys for 1 year. Content analysis of open-ended responses coded descriptions of approaches participants used to incorporate PFMT into daily life. Exploratory bivariate and logistic regression analyses determined predictors of approach used and adherence. Results indicate women incorporated PFMT into their lives using either a routine or ad hoc approach. Those using a routine approach at 3 months were 12 times more likely to adhere (odds ratio [OR] = 12.4, confidence interval [CI] = 4.0-38.8, p < .001) at a high level at 3 months and significantly more likely to maintain that level 12 months post-intervention (OR = 2.7, CI = 1.2-6.0, p < .014). Practicing BT was related to high adherence.
Interprofessional education about decision support for patients: What are the high-priority research issues?

Patients’ decision support (PtDS) and patients’ decision aids (PtDAs) comprise a theory-based strategy for helping patients make preference-sensitive health care decisions. PtDAs have proven efficacious, (O’Connor et al., 2009) and PtDS practice models have been feasible and effective, (Stacey et al., 2006) but their uptake into clinical practice has been limited. To improve uptake, interprofessional education about PtDS and PtDAs has been advocated. Many research questions remain, however, and a clear research agenda has not been established. We sought to identify the fundamental and applied research priorities in the area of interprofessional education for PtDS/PtDAs.
An open-label, randomized, phase III trial of zalutumumab, a human monoclonal EGF receptor (EGFr) antibody, versus best supportive care, in patients with noncurable squamous cell carcinoma (SCCHN) of the head and neck who have failed standard platinum-based chemotherapy (ZALUTE).

LBA5506 Background: Zalutumumab is a novel, fully human IgG1 mAb targeting the EGFr that has shown encouraging activity in SCCHN. METHODS Patients with noncurable SCCHN with an ECOG PS of 0-2 and centrally documented radiographic progressive disease (PD) within 6 months after platinum-therapy were randomized between zalutumumab monotherapy and best supportive care (BSC) in a 2:1 ratio. Stratification parameter was ECOG PS. Methotrexate (MTX) was allowed in the BSC arm only. Individual dose-titration of zalutumumab was applied (max. exposure 16 mg/kg). The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS), with progression free survival (PFS) as the only secondary endpoint to be compared between groups, using log-rank test. 231 deaths were required to statistically differentiate OS between groups with 80% power. RESULTS 286 patients (34F, 252M) were randomized. The median age was 57 years (range 18-78), 65% had distant metastasis and 17% were ECOG PS 2, all similar between groups. 78% of patients in BSC arm received MTX. Although a median OS of 6.7 months was observed in the zalutumumab group compared to 5.2 in the BSC group, this was not statistically significant (p=0.065). A clear improvement in PFS (P=0.001) was demonstrated. Zalutumumab showed a safety profile as expected within this drug class. CONCLUSIONS This is the first controlled study to demonstrate that an EGFr-targeted antibody given as monotherapy induces a clinically meaningful improvement in PFS in patients with SSCHN who have failed platinum-based chemotherapy. [Table: see text] [Table: see text].
Thread-Parallel Architectures

This paper provides a model to characterize the behavior of a multithreaded machine based on 4 parameters including the memory access latency, the number of threads that can be interleaved, the cost of context switching, and the length of each thread. The first 3 of these parameters are architecture dependent and are determined by the machines interconnection, the amount of processor state available, and the switching mechanism used. The length of the thread, however, depends on both the architecture and the application behavior. Two basic regions of operations are identified by the authors: a linear region and a saturation region. In the linear region, the processors efficiency is linear with the number of contexts that you have. On the other hand, in the saturation region, the efficiency is independent of both the number of contexts and the latency of the memory cycle. In this saturation region, the ratio between the switching cost and the length of the thread determines the maximum efficiency. However, when taking cache interference effects into account, having a large number of threads can hurt your efficiency in saturation.
Finite-time coordination of a class of second-order nonlinear multi-agent systems

The authors study the second-order finite-time coordination problems of nonlinear multi-agent systems with directed graph. By using the homogeneous theories, we firstly give a finite-time coordination controller for the leaderless multi-agent system. Then, another finite-time controller for leader-follower multiagent system was given. Finally, the authors give a simulation, which shows the effectiveness of the given finite-time coordination controllers.
Family history matters

Colon cancer is one of the few malignancies that can be prevented by screening because the removal of adenomatous polyps at colonoscopy has been clearly shown to prevent colon cancer. In addition, several studies have demonstrated a preventive effect of aspirin on colon cancer risk. To have the greatest impact, screening and prevention should be targeted toward those at increased risk. The lifetime risk of colon cancer is less than 5%; however, several groups face increased risk. Individuals with ulcerative colitis have a 5to 15-fold–increased risk, whereas those with hereditary colorectal cancer face a lifetime risk of 15% to>90%, which depends on which genes and which syndromes are involved. One of the more common and easily identified risk factors is a family history of colon cancer. This risk varies with the number of relatives affected, the degree of relatedness, and the age at diagnosis, so risk assessment is based on taking a complete and accurate family history. In the review that accompanies this editorial, Lowery et al highlight both the importance of taking a family history in identifying those at risk for colon cancer and the barriers to effectively using family history information to manage individuals at risk. The authors of this article, who are members of the Family History Task Group of the National Colon Cancer Roundtable, review current knowledge regarding the risk for colon cancer based on family history. They also review screening guidelines for those with a family history, adherence and barriers to adherence to screening recommendations, interventions to increase screening, and family history tools available for identifying high-risk individuals. This review includes data from 76 articles published over the last 10 years that address these issues. I would like to highlight the efforts of the authors to tabulate both risk and screening guidelines based on family history, which are nicely outlined in Tables 1 and 2 of their article. These tables are excellent resources for clinicians. The authors should be complemented for this exhaustive review, which highlights several important issues and establishes a research agenda for the future. In my opinion, the key findings of this review include the following:
Chapter 19 Alkylphospholipids and Leishmaniasis

Leishmaniasias is a complex of diseases caused by intracellular protozoan parasites that belong to the genus Leishmania (class: Kinetoplastida; order: Trypanosomatidae), for which there are more than 20 different species, and is transmitted by the bite of female phlebotomine sand flies (order: Diptera; family: Psychodidae; subfamily: Phlebotominae). Various species of phlebot‐ omine sand flies of the genus Phlebotomus are responsible for transmission of leishmaniasis in the Old World, and of the genus Lutzomyia in the New World [1]. Leishmania parasite has a digenetic life-cycle alternating between a mammalian host and insect vectors, phlebotomine sand flies, which are small (1.5-2 mm body length) insects mainly found in tropical and subtropical regions. Leishmania lives extracellularly as flagellated promastigotes in the gut and salivary glands of the sand fly vector, and intracellularly as amastigotes in the vertebrate host macrophages. Leishmania promastigotes, transmitted to mammalian skin by the bite of a female phlebotomine sand fly, invade human macrophages as the main host for the parasites, where Leishmania transforms into amastigotes and replicate intracellularly. Leishmaniasis represents a major international health problem, has a high morbidity and mortality rate, and is classified as an emerging and uncontrolled disease by the World Health Organization (WHO). The disease burden of leishmaniasis is high, with about 350 million people in 98 countries consid‐ ered at risk. Among parasitic diseases, leishmaniasis accounts for the second highest burden of disease after malaria, with a loss of about 2.4 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) [2, 3]. There are an estimated 1.5-2 million new cases per year, with 1.5 million cases of selfhealing, but disfiguring, (muco-)cutaneous leishmaniasis, and 500,000 cases of life-threatening visceral leishmaniasis [2, 3]. However, more than 90% of the world’s cases of visceral leish‐ maniasis are in India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sudan, and Brazil. Some species tend to cause cutaneous leishmaniasis (e.g., L. major and L.tropica), whereas others lead to cause visceral leishmaniasis (e.g., L. infantum and L. donovani). Leishmaniases are usually classified based on the clinical manifestations, leading to three major clinical forms, namely: