Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Output Current-Differential Control Scheme for Input-Series–Output-Parallel-Connected Modular DC–DC Converters

This paper proposes an output current-differential (OCD) control scheme that has a master–slave structure. It can be applied in dc/dc converters to connect the input in series and the output in parallel. All of the control and sample circuits in the proposed control scheme are on the output side, which means that there is no further isolation in the control loops. The proposed control scheme, consisting of one output voltage regulator loop and individual load-current-sharing loops, will enable low-voltage converters to be used for high-voltage specifications. The master module regulates the output voltage through a common output voltage loop and provides current references to slave modules. The individual current-sharing loops residing in the slave modules regulate the current in each module equally. According to the power balance, input-voltage sharing is realized simultaneously. To prevent a situation in which system failure is caused by master module failure, a fault-tolerant automatic master–slave output current-differential (FOCD) control scheme is developed. The performance of the OCD and FOCD control schemes is validated on a 450-W prototype input-series–output-parallel system comprising three forward converters.
Can DXA Predict Fractures in Renal Transplant Patients?

Renal transplant patients have a high prevalence of osteopenia, osteoporosis and fractures. The aim of the study was to investigate whether dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) is of value to predict fractures. In 1995–2007, 238 renal transplant patients underwent 670 DXA investigations. Osteopenia (46.0%), osteoporosis (13.9%) and absolute bone mineral density (BMD) (median 0.9, range 0.4–2.0 g/cm2) in the hip region were used to evaluate fracture risk. Data on fractures were collected at the occasion of each DXA, and a questionnaire was filled in by 191 patients at regular outpatient visits. Reported fractures were verified by consultation of medical records. In all, 46 patients had 53 fractures. Cumulative hazard of fracture was significantly different among normal BMD, osteopenia and osteoporosis in the hip (p < 0.0001). A Cox proportional hazard analysis also including age, gender and diabetic nephropathy showed significantly increased fracture risk for osteoporosis (3.5 times, CI 1.8–6.4, p = 0.0001) as well as for osteopenia (2.7 times, 1.6–4.6, p = 0.0003). A significantly increased risk was also found with absolute BMD estimates below the median. Osteopenia and an absolute bone density below 0.9 g/cm2 in the hip region confer an increased risk of fracture.
Inhibition of chemical carcinogenesis.

Current data suggest that chemical carcinogens have a significant role in the etiology of cancer in man. In this editorial, information will be presented concerning many compounds that have the capacity to inhibit the neoplastic effects of chemieal careinogens when administered either prior to exposure to the carcinogen or at the same time, Overall, this inhibition entails prevention of the active form of the carcinogen from reaching or reacting with the target site. Inhibition involving reversal of early phases of the carcinogenic process will not be induded. This type of inhibition has been achieved with retinoids and has been reviewed by Sporn et al. (1). Prevention of neoplasia by blocking of the formation of carcinogens, as has been accomplished for nitroso compounds, likewise will not be dealt with (2). Most of the inhibitors to be discussed are synthetic compounds; some are constituents of natural products, induding vegetables consumed by man (3-5). The inhibitors identified thus far show a great diversity of chemical structures, making it likely that we have only a limited knowledge ofthe total spectrum of compounds having this property. This diversity increases the probability that inhibitors have or could be made to have an impact on the response of humans to chemical carcinogens. The following are some potential mechanisms of inhibition of chemical carcinogenesis: 1) Alteration of metabolism of the carcinogen: a) Decreased activation b) Increased detoxification c) Combination of (a) and (b) 2) Scavenging of active molecular species of carcinogens to prevent their reaching critical target sites in the cell 3) Competitive inhibition. However, much of the information that has actually been obtained on inhibitors has come from empirical studies. Some inhibitors were originally identified as a result of work based on postulated mechanisms of inhibition. Even in these instances, as will become evident, there is frequently doubt about how correct the postulated mechanism really is. Thus the amount of phenomenologic data is considerable, but solid information on mechanisms of inhibition is scarce. As a result, the organization of the following presentation is somewhat arbitrary and is formed around groups of inhibitors having certain common features. After discussion of 8 such groups, some general considerations
Human Papillomavirus Type 31b Infection of Human Keratinocytes and the Onset of Early Transcription

ABSTRACT Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) cause a number of human tumors and malignancies, including cervical cancers. Epithelial differentiation is required for the complete HPV life cycle and can be achieved using the organotypic (raft) culture system. The CIN-612 9E cell line maintains episomal copies of HPV type 31b (HPV31b), an HPV type associated with cervical cancers. When grown in the raft system, CIN-612 9E cells form a differentiated epithelium such that infectious virions can be synthesized. Many aspects of the later stages of the HPV31b life cycle have been investigated in CIN-612 9E raft tissues. We used a biologically contained homogenization system for efficient virion extraction from raft epithelial tissues. Purified HPV31b virions were used to infect low-passage-number human foreskin keratinocytes and a variety of epithelial cell lines. Newly synthesized, spliced HPV31b transcripts were detected by reverse transcription and PCR (RT-PCR) following HPV31b infection. HPV31b infection was most efficient and reproducible in HaCaT cells. The onset of viral transcription following infection was also investigated using RT-PCR techniques. Spliced E1∗I,E2 RNAs were present as early as 4 h postinfection (p.i.), whereas the other major viral transcripts were detected by 8 to 10 h p.i. Furthermore, we characterized the structures and temporal expression of seven novel spliced early transcripts expressed following infection.
Dissipative flux motion in high-temperature superconductors.

The dissipation below {ital T}{sub {ital c}} has been studied for representatives of all classes of cuprate high-temperature superconductors, including Ba{sub 2}YCu{sub 3}O{sub 7{minus}{delta}}, and Bi and Tl compounds. The results are parametrized in the framework of flux creep, with the largest activation energies found in Ba{sub 2}YCu{sub 3}O{sub 7}. It is argued that the magnitude of dissipative flux motion is more related to the electronic anisotropy of the material than the actual defect structure. The thermally activated flux creep model, whose parameters are extracted from dc measurements, consistently describes also dynamic measurements, including the irreversibility line and the melting transition. Finally, the similarities in dissipative behavior are emphasized between high-{ital T}{sub {ital c}} materials, very thin films, and layered low-{ital T}{sub {ital c}} superconductors.
Induction of interleukin 1 secretion and of tumoricidal activity in macrophages are not closely related phenomena

Rat bone marrow‐derived mononuclear phagocytes (BMMΦ), induced to differentiate in vitro and homogeneous with respect to the cell lineage, were interacted with various macrophage‐activating agents. The effect of these agents on the secretion of interleukin 1 (IL 1) activity and on the development of tumoricidal capacity was comparatively assessed. The findings show that IL 1 secretion is considerably enhanced by macrophage‐activating factor and by recombinant interferon‐γ but remained unaffected or was even suppressed by heat‐killed C. parvum or Listeria monocytogenes. In contrast, lymphokines as well as C. parvum and Listeria were similarly potent in inducing in BMMΦ a tumoricidal state. The findings indicate that induction of IL 1 secretion and of tumoricidal activity are not necessarily closely linked phenomena.
Differential Expression of Glut 1 mRNA and Protein Levels Correlates with Increased Sensitivity to the Glyco-Conjugated Nitric Oxide Donor (2-glu-SNAP) in Different Tumor Cell Types

Abstract Nitric Oxide (NO) releasing agents can serve as potent cytotoxic agents. However at present there are no effective ways to target delivery of NO donors like S-nitroso-N-acetyl-penicillamine (SNAP). SNAP conjugated to glucose (2-gluSNAP) can be readily transported across the membrane by GLUT 1 transporters. Therefore, sensitivity of cells to 2-gluSNAP may depend on glucose-transporter GLUT 1. We evaluated the cytotoxicity of SNAP and 2-gluSNAP on a GLUT 1 rich glioblastoma cell line T98G and GLUT 1 deficient osteoblastoma cell line 143B andits mitochondria-deficient variant ρ° (cell line 206). The cytotoxity of SNAP and 2-gluSNAP was assessed by clonogenic assay performed in the above cell lines in vitro. Immunoblotting and semi-quantitative real-time PCR assays were used to evaluate the expression of GLUT 1 transporter at protein and mRNA levels. The glioblastoma cell line T98G was more sensitive to 2-gluSNAP than unconjugated SNAP. SNAP and 2-gluSNAP affected the osteosarcoma cell lines 143B and ρ° poorly. Immunoblot analysis detected GLUT 1 protein in T98G cells and not in 143B or ρ°. There was about a 10-fold difference in GLUT 1 mRNA level in T98G cells compared to 143B and ρ° cell lines. This is consistent with our cytotoxicity studies and immunoblot analysis. Our results give credence to our hypothesis that the sensitivity to NO donors can be increased by glyco-conjugation and the cytotoxicity of the glyco-conjugated NO donors depends on the expression of GLUT 1 mRNA and protein.
Obesidade e sobrepeso em adolescentes: relação com atividade física, aptidão física, maturação biológica e "status" socioeconômico

Este estudo relaciona atividade fisica (AF), aptidao fisica (AptF), maturacao biologica e "status" socioe-conomico (ESE) com as prevalencias de risco ponderal de adolescentes. Foi desenvolvido no Concelho de Santo Tirso, regiao norte de Portugal e amostrou 961 alunos (463 meninos e 498 meninas) com idades variando entre os 11 e os 18 anos. O indice de massa corporal foi utilizado para estabelecer o "status" ponderal com base nos pontos de corte propostos por COLE et al. A AF foi avaliada atraves do questionario de Baecke e a AptF com quatro testes da bateria Fitnessgram. O ESE foi estimado a partir do acesso aos escaloes atribuidos pela Acao Social Escolar e a maturacao biologica a partir do "offset" maturacional. A analise estatistica foi efetuada nos "softwares" Pepi versao 4.0 e SPSS 18.0. O nivel de significância foi mantido em 5%. Seis por cento dos alunos eram obesos e 19,5% tinham sobrepeso; meninos e meninas tem prevalencias semelhantes de sobrepeso e obesidade. Os niveis medios de AF foram baixos a moderados independentemente do sexo ou "status" ponderal. Os meninos eram mais ativos que as meninas (p < 0,001), mas nao se registraram diferencas significativas entre os alunos com obesidade e sobrepeso e os normoponderais. Na AptF, um numero superior a 50%, foi considerado inapto, i.e, nao obtiveram taxas de sucesso em todos os testes. Os alunos com sobrepeso e obesidade foram mais inaptos. Alunos com "offset" maturacional mais avancado e os mais novos tinham mais chances de ter sobrepeso e obesidade, mas nao houve relacao significativa entre o ESE e o "status" ponderal. Concluimos que os jovens Tirsenses apresentam prevalencias de obesidade e sobrepeso elevadas, sao relativamente pouco ativos e, em grande medida, fisicamente inaptos.
Origin and evolution of retroelements based upon their reverse transcriptase sequences.

To study the evolutionary relationship of reverse transcriptase (RT) containing genetic elements, a phylogenetic tree of 82 retroelements from animals, plants, protozoans and bacteria was constructed. The tree was based on seven amino acid domains totalling 178 residues identified in all RTs. We have also identified these seven domains in the RNA‐directed RNA polymerases from various plus‐strand RNA viruses. The sequence similarity of these RNA polymerases to RT suggests that these two enzymes evolved from a common ancestor, and thus RNA polymerase can be used as an outgroup to root the RT tree. A comparison of the genetic organization of the various RT containing elements and their position on the tree allows several inferences concerning the origin and evolution of these elements. The most probable ancestor of current retroelements was a retrotransposable element with both gag‐like and pol‐like genes. On one major branch of the tree, organelle and bacterial sequences (e.g. group II introns and bacterial msDNA) appear to have captured the RT sequences from retrotransposons which lack long terminal repeats (LTRs). On the other major branch, acquisition of LTRs gave rise to two distinct groups of LTR retrotransposons and three groups of viruses: retroviruses, hepadnaviruses and caulimoviruses.
GeneTree: comparing gene and species phylogenies using reconciled trees

SUMMARY GeneTree is a program for comparing gene and species trees using reconciled trees. The program can compute the cost of embedding a gene tree within a species tree, visually display the location and number of gene duplications and losses, and search for optimal species trees. AVAILABILITY The program is free and is available at ((http://taxonomy.zoology.gla.ac. uk/rod/genetree/genetree.html)).
Effects of serotonin on the toxin of Clostridium botulinum.

Serotonin creatinine sulfate injected into mice and followed 30 to 60 min later by an injection of botulinum toxin significantly increases the survival the of these animals. Serotonin antagonists abolish this toxin-inhibiting effect of serotonin. An experiment tending to test whether serotonin acts on the toxin directly suggested that there is no interaction between the reagent and the toxin. Furthermore, that the observed phenomenon is not due to vasoconstricting properties of serotonin was established by time fact that no more toxin was retained in the circulation of serotonin-treated mice than was found in controls, nor did mice pretreated with vasopressin survive longer than controls without vasopressin. Serotonin (5-hydroxy-tryptamine) is a neurohumoral agent which, according to Woolley and Gommi (1965), is a transmitter of Ca++ through cell membranes. Ca++ in turn triggers the release of acetylcholine at the end-organs of the myoneural junction. Botulinum toxin inhibits the release of acetyicholine at the same end-organs. We have demonstrated that some tryptophan residues in the toxin are either located in or contributing to the formation of reactive sites of the toxin. If serotonin also transmits Ca++ through the nerve cell membrane, a working hypothesis may be advanced, suggesting that, owing to the close resemblance of the chemical structure of serotonin and the reactive site of botulinum toxin, the two substances compete for the attachment sites on the nerve cell.
Acute and Long‐Term Treatments with the Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor Citalopram Modulate the HPA Axis Activity at Different Levels in Male Rats

It is well established that the maximal therapeutic effect of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) are achieved in depressive patients after several weeks of treatment, but the adaptive processes leading to the therapeutic effects are unclear. It has been shown that hyperactivity in the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis in depressive patients is affected by long‐term antidepressant treatment. These changes occur in association with the mood normalising effect, suggesting that antidepressants affect the HPA axis and this effect is associated with the therapeutic effect. Male Wistar rats were treated with the SSRI, citalopram, to investigate time‐related changes in components that may be involved in the desensitization of the HPA axis. A single injection of citalopram (10 mg/kg, s.c.), increased the plasma levels of ACTH and corticosterone in a dose‐dependent manner and increased the number of c‐Fos containing cells in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus. A daily treatment with the same compound (10 mg/kg, s.c.) for 14 days decreased the expression of POMC mRNA (≈40%). In addition, a blunted response to citalopram was observed in animals long‐term treated with citalopram. Also CRF‐stimulated cAMP accumulation in the pituitary was altered. In conclusion, acute citalopram activated the HPA‐axis at the hypothalamic level and long‐term citalopram treatment desensitized the HPA‐axis at the pituitary level. These results support the hypothesis that the therapeutic effects of long‐term antidepressant treatments reduce HPA axis responsiveness.
A pre‐Columbian case of congenital syphilis from Anatolia (Nicaea, 13th century AD)

In this study, the skeleton of an approximately 15-year-old child, dating back to the Late Byzantine period (13th century AD) is examined with the aim of determining where this specimen fits in the continuing arguments on the origins of syphilis. It was unearthed during an excavation at an amphitheatre in Nicaea dating to the Roman period. The Nicaea specimen displays common symptoms found in the majority of people with congenital syphilis such as Hutchinson's incisor, mulberry molar, darkened enamel, radial scar on frontal bone, sabre tibia, syphilitic dactylitis, and gummatous and non-gummatous osteomyelitis on almost every post-cranial bone. Because of the sub-periosteal new bone formation, the medullary spaces in some long bones are narrowed or completely obliterated. These lesions, which were observed via macroscopic and radiological examination, reflect the late stages of congenital syphilis. The specimen, when examined together with increasing numbers of other finds from the Old World, contributes to the argument that venereal syphilis did exist in the Old World before 1493, and brings forward the need to revise the Columbian hypothesis, which maintains that syphilis is a new disease carried to the Old World from the New World by Columbus' crew. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fluoxetine in posttraumatic stress disorder.

BACKGROUND This study was designed to establish the efficacy of the serotonin reuptake blocker fluoxetine in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). METHOD 64 subjects (22 women and 42 men; 31 veterans and 33 nonveterans) with PTSD entered a 5-week randomized double-blind trial comparing fluoxetine (N = 33) and placebo (N = 31). RESULTS By Week 5 fluoxetine, but not placebo, significantly reduced overall PTSD symptomatology, as assessed by the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) score. Changes were most marked in the arousal and numbing symptom subcategories. Non-VA patients responded much better than VA patients. Fluoxetine was an effective antidepressant independent of its effects on PTSD. CONCLUSION Fluoxetine is an effective pharmacotherapeutic agent for treating PTSD and its associated features, particularly in patients without chronic treatment histories.
What HCI designers can learn from video game designers

Computer users have tasks they need to perform, and are therefore motivated to overcome poorly designed interfaces. With video games, there is no external motivation for the task — if the game’s interface is not compelling and entertaining, the product fails in the marketplace. Many aspects of game design, such as an attractor mode to draw users toward the game, have direct relevance to other domains, such as information kiosks. This panel will consist of video game designers who will relate their design methodologies, techniques, and other experiences which will help HCI designers create more compelling, engaging, and effective interfaces. The panel will consist of panelists’ presentations followed by a large allocation of time for interaction with the audience’s questions. The panelists’ presentations will include demonstration examples drawn from coin-operated and computer-based games.
Tick Borne Hemoparasitic Diseases of Ruminants: A Review

Tick borne diseases are caused by different microorganisms and transmitted by ticks. They are the most prevalent and devastating diseases in the developing countries all over the world. The objective of this paper is to review tick borne hemoparasitic diseases of ruminants. Tick borne hemoparasitic diseases of ruminants such as Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis and Theileriosis remain most important in tropics areas. Anaplasmosis, a rickettsial disease of blood caused by Anaplasma marginale and characterized by progressive anemia, jaundice and fever without hemoglobinuria. Babesiosis is the other tick- borne disease caused by protozoan of the genus Babesia and characterized by haemolytic anemia and fever, with hemoglobinuria. It is a disease with a world-wide distribution affecting many species of mammals with a major impact on cattle.Theilerioses is also a tick borne protozoal disease in ruminants caused by hemoprotozoan parasites belonging to the genus Theileria. Theileria parva, is the most pathogenic species in Africa cause a disease called East coast fever which is characterized by enlargement of superficial lymph nodes and a sustainable fever. Losses from tick borne hemoparasitic diseases of ruminants like reduction of milk and meat production, restricting the introduction of susceptible cattle breed with superior genetics, costs from death and abortion as well as costs for treatment and control purposes are taking away the benefits of livestock owner and nation. Effective diagnosis of tick borne hemoparasitic diseases of ruminants is helpful to implement appropriate prevention and control strategies. Tick control, chemoprophylaxis and immunoprophylaxis are the basic methods to control tick borne hemoparasitic diseases of ruminants.
A prospective study of preoperative chemotherapy and split‐course irradiation for locally advanced or recurrent oral/pharyngeal squamous carcinoma

TWO COURSES OF PREOPERATIVE CHEMOTHERAPY (methotrexate, bleomycin, cisplatin) were combined with split-course irradiation (2,000 rad/10 preop., 4,000 rad/20 postop.) and prospectively compared with standard therapy (surgery and/or irradiation alone) for locally advanced or recurrent oral/pharyngeal squamous cancer. The chemoradiotherapy arm (Ch-XRT) had 31 patients; the standard therapy arm 28 randomized (RC) and 20 concomitantly-treated (CC) patients. Treatment-related mortality was 17% for Ch-XRT; 10% for RC + CC. Number of patients NED at completion of treatment was 74% for Ch-XRT; 83% for RC + CC (NS). Median survival, however, was 17 months for Ch-XRT, 9 months for CC, and 12 months for RC. In addition, survival at 40 + months was 45% for Ch-XRT versus 21–22% for RC and CC (p < 0.05). Thus, Ch-XRT seems to have promise in advanced oral/pharyngeal cancer, but needs revision to decrease toxicity.
High-level Features for Learning Subjective Language across Domains

In this paper, we propose to study the characteristics for analyzing subjective content in documents. For that purpose, we present and evaluate a novel method based on level of abstraction of nouns. By comparing state-of-the-art features and the level of abstraction of nouns between three annotated corpora and texts downloaded from Wikipedia and Web Blogs, we show that, building data sets for the classification of opinionated texts can be done automatically from the web, at the document level. Moreover, we present accuracy levels within domains of 96.5% and across domains of 74.5%.