Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Improvement of the power conversion efficiency of a personal computer

Most of the research into low-power PC design focuses on the power consumption of devices in the system, in order to reduce the consumption of the peripheral components while the system is in the idle state. In our design, we improve the power conversion efficiency of the multi-phase PWM power regulator by using the auto phase switching control scheme. We use an external load-sensing circuit both to monitor the output current and to change the regulator to a different operation method automatically. We measure the output current and set the optimized operation phase depending on the different loading. The power conversion efficiency can be maintained between 87.73% to 93.27%, when the load current is changed from 2.48A to 110A.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis rrnPromoters: Differential Usage and Growth Rate-Dependent Control

ABSTRACT Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a slow-growing pathogen and is characterized by a low content of RNA per unit of DNA. rRNAs represent a major proportion of the total RNA pool, and the entire requirement for rRNA is met by transcription from a singlerrn operon that is driven by two promoters, P1 and P3. This study attempted to analyze the specific role of the rrnpromoter in determining the characteristically low levels of RNA inM. tuberculosis. For this purpose, the activity of theM. tuberculosis rrn promoter as a function of the growth rate was studied by rrn-lacZ promoter fusion, hybridization, and primer extension analysis in M. smegmatis. rrn promoter signals were faithfully recognized in M. smegmatis cultures harboring the rrn-lacZ promoter construct. In M. smegmatis cultures that displayed doubling times varying between 3.06 and 6.5 h, β-galactosidase activity increased ∼sixfold in proportion to the growth rate (μ). There was a corresponding increase in the amount of lacZ-specific mRNA, while the plasmid copy number remained essentially unchanged. For any given μ, the P3 promoter was ∼twofold more efficiently utilized than the P1 promoter. Since both promoters of the M. tuberculosis rrn operon are regulatable as a function of growth rate inM. smegmatis cultures, it is implied that the inherent structure or sequence of the rrn promoter per se is not primarily responsible for the observed lack of modulation of RNA synthesis in M. tuberculosis.
Growth hormone replacement inhibits renal and hepatic 11β–hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases in ACTH‐deficient patients

The commonest side‐effects of GH replacement therapy relate to sodium retention but its mechanism is unclear. In rats, GH inhibits renal and hepatic 11β–hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11β–HSD) activities. In man, this action might impair inactivation of cortisol to cortisone in the distal nephron thereby allowing cortisol to activate mineralocorticoid receptors. In this study, we examined the effects of GH replacement on cortisol metabolism.
The outcome of treatment of early syphilis with different benzathine penicillin regimens in HIV-infected and -uninfected patients

The evolution of treatment guidelines for early syphilis to single-dose benzathine penicillin regardless of HIV status has been controversial in the UK. We describe the treatment response in patients treated by current and previous regimens of benzathine penicillin for early syphilis. We found no difference in treatment efficacy between single-dose benzathine and previously recommended benzathine treatment courses in HIV co-infected patients. HIV-positive status did alter treatment efficacy as evidenced by increased serological cure rates at 12 months, although this was not statistically significant. This may be due to the loss to follow-up in HIV-negative patients. HIV-infected patients were increasingly likely to be re-infected with syphilis compared to HIV-negative patients. Our findings also justify the screening of HIV patients with syphilis serology at each routine HIV follow-up.
A comparative performance evaluation study of the basic binary tree and aloha based anti-collision protocols for passive RFID system

RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology is one of the most important branches of the automatic identification technology which achieves the identification of targets by contactless communications. One of the major challenges for RFID systems is to avoid or solve collisions due to interference that might occur between tags which decrease the efficiency of RFID system. This paper focused on a detailed comparative performance evaluation study and an adoption of certain algorithms of anti-collision for passive RFID system, for the two families of solving collision: deterministic (according to the: QTA, CTTA, BS-QTA, BS-CTTA) and stochastic (ALOHA, SLOTTED ALOHA, np-CSMA). The simulation results for the two families that we get with protocols evaluation are based on their own proper evaluation parameters. Thus, for evaluating the simulation of the stochastic family, we have proposed a new performance metric which judges and correctly evaluates this anti-collision protocol; which is: the number of identified tags versus to the time. This metric provides a direct measure of the time taken to read a group of tags.
The membrane protein ATPase class I type 8B member 1 signals through protein kinase C zeta to activate the farnesoid X receptor

Prior loss‐of‐function analyses revealed that ATPase class I type 8B member 1 [familial intrahepatic cholestasis 1 (FIC1)] posttranslationally activated the farnesoid X receptor (FXR). Mechanisms underlying this regulation were examined by gain‐of‐function studies in UPS cells, which lack endogenous FIC1 expression. FXR function was assayed in response to wild‐type and mutated FIC1 expression constructs with a human bile salt export pump (BSEP) promoter and a variety of cellular localization techniques. FIC1 overexpression led to enhanced phosphorylation and nuclear localization of FXR that was associated with FXR‐dependent activation of the BSEP promoter. The FIC1 effect was lost after mutation of the FXR response element in the BSEP promoter. Despite similar levels of FIC1 protein expression, Byler disease FIC1 mutants did not activate BSEP, whereas benign recurrent intrahepatic cholestasis mutants partially activated BSEP. The FIC1 effect was dependent on the presence of the FXR ligand, chenodeoxycholic acid. The effect of FIC1 on FXR phosphorylation and nuclear localization and its effects on BSEP promoter activity could be blocked with protein kinase C zeta (PKC ζ) inhibitors (pseudosubstrate or small interfering RNA silencing). Recombinant PKC ζ directly phosphorylated immunoprecipitated FXR. The mutation of threonine 442 of FXR to alanine yielded a dominant negative protein, whereas the phosphomimetic conversion to glutamate resulted in FXR with enhanced activity and nuclear localization. Inhibition of PKC ζ in Caco‐2 cells resulted in activation of the human apical sodium‐dependent bile acid transporter promoter. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that FIC1 signals to FXR via PKC ζ. FIC1‐related liver disease is likely related to downstream effects of FXR on bile acid homeostasis. Benign recurrent intrahepatic cholestasis emanates from a partially functional FIC1 protein. Phosphorylation of FXR is an important mechanism for regulating its activity. (HEPATOLOGY 2008;48:1896‐1905.)
Exploiting compressive sensing in microwave tomography and inverse scattering

Compressive sensing (CS) has impressive potentialities in inverse scattering problems, owing to the intrinsic nature of the targets to be retrieved in actual applications. However, inverse scattering problems are nonlinear, whereas the CS theory is well established only for linear recovery problems. Hence, efforts are required towards the actual exploitation of CS in inverse scattering based applications. As a step in this direction, we explore herein the performances of a solution procedure based on the joint exploitation of CS and a recently introduced inversion approach in which, by means of proper pre-processing techniques, the problem can be reduced to a linear problem. Notably, the underlying approximation holds true for a set of cases that largely exceeds the range of validity of the Born approximation.
Serum factors, growth factors and UDP-sugar metabolism in bovine articular cartilage chondrocytes.

1. The effect of different batches of fetal bovine serum and of growth factors on [35S]sulphate incorporation into glycosaminoglycans and on UDP-sugar pools in explant cultures of bovine articular cartilage was investigated. 2. [35S]Sulphate incorporation was variably stimulated between 1.2- and 3.5-fold by four different batches of serum. The UDP-glucuronate pool size expanded 4.3-6.5-fold in the presence of serum, even in those cultures in which little stimulation of [35S]sulphate incorporation occurred. The UDP-N-acetylhexosamine and UDP-hexose pools expanded by about 1.5- and 2.0-fold respectively in the presence of serum. UDP-xylose was not detected. 3. Equilibrium-labelling and pulse-chase experiments with D-[1-3H]glucose indicated that the rate of flux through the UDP-sugar pools was unaffected by serum. UDP-hexose, UDP-N-acetylhexosamine and UDP-glucuronate have approximate half-lives (t1/2) of 7, 12 and 3-4 min respectively. At equilibrium, the 3H specific activities of UDP-hexose and UDP-N-acetylhexosamine were very similar but that for the UDP-glucuronate pool was much higher, especially in serum-supplemented cultures. The results suggest that UDP-glucuronate synthesis occurs via a pathway which is independent of the main UDP-hexose pathway. 4. Supplementing cultures with heat-treated serum had no effect on the serum-induced expansion of UDP-sugar pools but stimulation of [35S]sulphate incorporation into glycosaminoglycans was 50% lower than for native serum. Acid-treated serum promoted a 2-fold expansion of the UDP-glucuronate and UDP-N-acetylhexosamine pool over that obtained with native serum but was 20% less effective in stimulating [35S]sulphate incorporation than the latter. Prior dialysis of serum had no effect on its modulatory action on either [35S]sulphate incorporation or on the size of UDP-sugar pools. 5. Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF beta-1), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) (BB homodimer) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) all stimulated [35S]sulphate incorporation into glycosaminoglycans as expected. The UDP-glucuronate pool expanded by 1.5- and 2.0-fold in the presence of IGF-1 and TGF beta-1 respectively, and by about 1.8-fold in the presence of PDGF or EGF. None of the factors investigated, or combinations of IGF-1 and TGF beta-1 or IGF-1 and EGF, stimulated expansion of the UDP-glucuronate pool to the same extent as native serum. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
The comparison of the performance indicators for the object position estimation algorithm

In this work three performance indicators for the object coordinate estimation algorithm based on multiple template matching are considered. They include: criterion based on temporal reference area image variability, criterion based on criteria function shape analysis in the nearest neighborhood of its extermum and the criterion based on image gradient analysis. The results of the comparative experimental examinations are given. The natural video is used for the experimental examination.
Immunomodulatory Effects of in vitroStress Hormones on FoxP3, Th1/Th2 Cytokine and Costimulatory Molecule mRNA Expression in Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells

Background: Stress influences immune function through mechanisms including an impact on regulatory elements. We have previously demonstrated that glucocorticoids (GCs) and catecholamines can influence immunomodulation including changes in Th1/Th2 cytokine production. These immunoregulatory imbalances are associated with elevated cortisol in vivo and in the presence of GCs in vitro. Methods: We examined the effects of dexamethasone (DEX) and epinephrine (EPI) on the balance of regulatory T cells (Tregs), Th1/Th2 cytokine gene expression by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 16 normal subjects after 24-hour and 11-day cultures with tetanus toxoid. We wished to determine whether the immunomodulatory effects of stress hormones involved differences in costimulatory signal pathways including CD28, CTLA-4 (CD152), and CD80/86. Results: Our results revealed that FoxP3 mRNA expression (representing Tregs) was decreased in PBMCs cultured with DEX relative to the control within 24 h (short term). DEX decreased the Th1/Th2 cytokine mRNA balance after 11 days (long term). CD28 and CD80 mRNA were decreased in short-term incubation with DEX whereas the effect of inhibition by DEX on CTLA-4 mRNA was detected only in long-term cultures. Conclusions: These results suggest that the Treg (FoxP3 mRNA) and CD28/CD80 costimulatory signal pathway may be a target of stress hormones in acute stress while the CTLA-4/CD80–86 pathway may be more susceptible in chronic stress.
Cloning and sequence of DNA encoding structural proteins of the autonomous parvovirus feline panleukopenia virus

Approximately 80% of the genome of feline panleukopenia virus was cloned into pBR322. This DNA included the transcription unit for the major viral mRNA species. The nucleotide sequence of the cloned portion of the genome was determined. Comparison of the feline panleukopenia virus sequence with the sequences of the parvoviruses minute virus of mice and H-1 revealed considerable homology between the three viruses on both the nucleic acid and protein levels. Based on this homology, a model for the generation of the two size classes of viral structural proteins (VP1 and VP2') is proposed.
Optimal linear model for piezoelectric materials involved in road traffic energy harvesting applications

The optimal topological structure of the piezoelectric materials involved in road traffic harvesters is covered with the linearized models obtained using practical measurements. The behavior of that harvesters is analyzed in order to obtain practical results that guarantees the optimal tracked maximum power point of operation. Our specifically designed (patent pending) test bench generates regular traffic that emulates the real road traffic. In order to compare the measured response from the simulation test bench, data were collected from a real traffic sensing installation, build in an inner road of our University Campus. Experimental results are presented for piezoelectric cable, although the results obtained from a commercial piezoelectric are presented to explore the effect of mechanical amplification in order to improve the previous results.
Stathmin Family Proteins Display Specific Molecular and Tubulin Binding Properties*

Stathmin family phosphoproteins (stathmin, SCG10, SCLIP, and RB3/RB3′/RB3") are involved in signal transduction and regulation of microtubule dynamics. With the exception of stathmin, they are expressed exclusively in the nervous system, where they display different spatio-temporal and functional regulations and hence play at least partially distinct and possibly complementary roles in relation to the control of development, plasticity, and neuronal activities. At the molecular level, each possesses a specific “stathmin-like domain” and, with the exception of stathmin, various combinations of N-terminal extensions involved in their association with intracellular membrane compartments. We show here that each stathmin-like domain also displays specific biochemical and tubulin interaction properties. They are all able to sequester two α/β tubulin heterodimers as revealed by their inhibitory action on tubulin polymerization and by gel filtration. However, they differ in the stabilities of the complexes formed as well as in their interaction kinetics with tubulin followed by surface plasmon resonance as follows: strong stability and slow kinetics for RB3; medium for SCG10, SCLIP, and stathmin; and weak stability and rapid kinetics for RB3′. These results suggest that the fine-tuning of their stathmin-like domains contributes to the specific functional roles of stathmin family proteins in the regulation of microtubule dynamics within the various cell types and subcellular compartments of the developing or mature nervous system.
HER2 testing by local, central, and reference laboratories in specimens from the North Central Cancer Treatment Group N9831 intergroup adjuvant trial.

PURPOSE To evaluate concordance between local and central laboratory HER2 testing results in patients from the North Central Cancer Treatment Group (NCCTG) N9831 adjuvant trial of trastuzumab. PATIENTS AND METHODS NCCTG N9831 is a randomized, phase III clinical trial comparing three drug regimens: doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide followed by paclitaxel with trastuzumab added concurrently, sequentially, or not at all as adjuvant therapy for women with HER2-positive resected breast cancer. Originally, patients were eligible if their tumors were HER2 positive by either local laboratory immunohistochemistry (IHC) or fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). A protocol modification in 2002 made central laboratory testing mandatory, with additional testing of discordant cases conducted by a reference laboratory. Concordance between local and central laboratory, and level of agreement between central and reference laboratory HER2 findings in discordant cases were examined. RESULTS HER2 positivity was confirmed in 85.8% of 2,535 patients registered since March 2002. When local and central evaluation used the same methodology, concordance was 88.1% for FISH and 81.6% for a diagnostic test for presence of the HER2 protein. Among discordant cases examined at the reference laboratory, there was 94.3% agreement for IHC (0, 1+, 2+) and 95.2% agreement for FISH (not gene amplified). CONCLUSION There was a high degree of discordance between local and central testing for IHC and FISH, but a high degree of agreement between central and reference laboratories. These findings support the importance of using high-volume, experienced laboratories for HER2 testing to improve the process of selecting patients likely to benefit from trastuzumab therapy.
Remorin, a Solanaceae Protein Resident in Membrane Rafts and Plasmodesmata, Impairs Potato virus X Movement[W]

Remorins (REMs) are proteins of unknown function specific to vascular plants. We have used imaging and biochemical approaches and in situ labeling to demonstrate that REM clusters at plasmodesmata and in ∼70-nm membrane domains, similar to lipid rafts, in the cytosolic leaflet of the plasma membrane. From a manipulation of REM levels in transgenic tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) plants, we show that Potato virus X (PVX) movement is inversely related to REM accumulation. We show that REM can interact physically with the movement protein TRIPLE GENE BLOCK PROTEIN1 from PVX. Based on the localization of REM and its impact on virus macromolecular trafficking, we discuss the potential for lipid rafts to act as functional components in plasmodesmata and the plasma membrane.
Effect of changes in arterial oxygen content on circulation and physical performance.

To evaluate the effect of different levels of arterial oxygen content on hemodynamic parameters during exercise nine subjects performed submaximal bicycle or treadmill exercise and maximal treadmill exercise under three different experimental conditions: 1) breathing room air (control); 2) breathing 50% oxygen (hyperoxia); 3) after rebreathing a carbon monoxide gas mixture (hypoxia). Maximal oxygen consumption (Vo2 max) was significantly higher in hyperoxia (4.99 1/min) and significantly lower in hypoxia (3.80 1/min) than in the control experiment (4.43 1/min). Physical performance changes in parallel with Vo2 max. Maximal cardiac output (Qmax) was similar in hyperoxia as in control but was significantly lower in hypoxia mainly due to a decreased stroke volume. A correlation was found between Vo2 max and transported oxygen, i.e., Cao2 times Amax, thus suggesting that central circulation is an important limiting factor for human maximal aerobic power. During submaximal work HR was decreased in hyperoxia and increased in hypoxia. Corresponding Q values were unchanged except for a reduction during high submaximal exercise in hyperoxia.
Towards a methodology for Lipoprotein Ontology

Abnormal plasma lipoprotein levels have been found to be significantly correlated to cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. In addition, lipoprotein dysregulation, known as dyslipidemia, is a central feature in disease states such as diabetes and hypertension, which also increases the risk to cardiovascular disease. Despite progress in lipoprotein research, a vast number of the world population suffers from dyslipidemia. One of the major challenges that researchers face is the difficulties in accessing and integrating relevant information amidst massive quantities of heterogeneous data. Ontologies target these problems by providing a semantic framework of the concepts involved in a system of related instances to support systematic querying of information, data mining, as well as form the basis for collaboration between research teams. Lipoprotein Ontology will provide the basis for the design of various applications to enable interoperability between research groups or software agents, as well as the development of tools for the diagnosis and treatment of dyslipidemia. In this paper we present a nine-step methodology for the design of Lipoprotein Ontology. This methodology can be adapted for use in the design of other domain-specific ontologies.
2D-2 Ultrasonic Methods in Determining Elastic Material Properties of Fibres in Suspension

The presented study concerns the application of the pulse-echo ultrasound measurement technique in determining the elastic properties of fibres suspended in water. The two kinds of fibre materials are investigated, nylon 6/6 fibres and softwood pulp fibres. The fibre mass fraction was 0.5 % for nylon and ranges from 0 % up to 1 % for softwood pulp. The ultrasonic measurements are performed in the frequency range of 2 -11 MHz. It is shown that the velocity dispersion of the ultrasound is small for each suspension sample. In obtaining the fibres longitudinal Young's modulus two methods are used, one based on phase velocity and one based on acoustic attenuation. It is found that both methods gives reasonable estimates of the longitudinal Young's modulus for nylon 6/6. For pulp fibres the determined Young's modulus is overestimated in comparison with earlier findings.