Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modular inverter topology with full-bridge sub-modules for open-end split winding three-phase induction motor drive

In this paper, a new full-bridge modular inverter topology for open-end split winding induction motor drive is presented. All bus capacitor related to a specific phase is connected in series to reach the desired voltage level required in high power and high input-voltage applications requirements. The number of inverters per phase is related to the number of pole-pairs in the machine. Single input dc bus enables flexibility between the front-end rectifier and the inverter. Three-level modulation with phase-shift is applied with carriers synchronization. A three-phase prototype featuring a multiple-winding transformer with unitary transform ratio, 1200 V dc input source and 220 V / 60 Hz ac output voltage was built in order to verify the proposed topology.
Radiation-induced cataracts: the Health Protection Agency’s response to the ICRP statement on tissue reactions and recommendation on the dose limit for the eye lens

This paper presents the response of the Health Protection Agency (HPA) to the 2011 statement from the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) on tissue reactions and recommendation of a reduced dose limit for the lens of the eye. The response takes the form of a brief review of the most recent epidemiological and mechanistic evidence. This is presented together with a discussion of dose limits in the context of the related risk and the current status of eye dosimetry, which is relevant for implementation of the limits. It is concluded that although further work is desirable to quantify better the risk at low doses and following protracted exposures, along with research into the mechanistic basis for radiation cataractogenesis to inform selection of risk projection models, the HPA endorses the conclusion reached by the ICRP in their 2011 statement that the equivalent dose limit for the lens of the eye should be reduced from 150 to 20 mSv per year, averaged over a five year period, with no year’s dose exceeding 50 mSv.
Microelectrode Measurements of the Activity Distribution in Nitrifying Bacterial Aggregates

Microelectrodes for ammonium, oxygen, nitrate, and pH were used to study nitrifying aggregates grown in a fluidized-bed reactor. Local reactant fluxes and distribution of microbial activity could be determined from the microprofiles. The interfacial fluxes of the reactants closely reflected the stoichiometry of bacterial nitrification. Both ammonium consumption and nitrate production were localized in the outer shells, with a thickness of approximately 100 to 120 μm, of the aggregates. Under conditions in which ammonium and oxygen penetrated the whole aggregate, nitrification was restricted to this zone; oxygen was consumed in the central parts of the aggregates as well, probably because of oxidation of dead biomass. A sudden increase of the oxygen concentration to saturation (pure oxygen) was inhibitory to nitrification. The pH profiles showed acidification in the aggregates, but not to an inhibitory level. The distribution of activity was determined by the penetration depth of oxygen during aggregate development in the reactor. Mass transfer was significantly limited by the boundary layer surrounding the aggregates. Microelectrode measurements showed that the thickness of this layer was correlated with the diffusion coefficient of the species. Determination of the distribution of nitrifying activity required the use of ammonium or nitrate microelectrodes, whereas the use of oxygen microelectrodes alone would lead to erroneous results.
Impact of education on interdental cleaning behaviour based on the transtheoretical model.

PURPOSE To determine the impact of education on stages of change of behaviour in Iranian senior high school students for interdental cleaning based on the transtheoretical model. MATERIALS AND METHODS This experimental study took place from April to November 2010. 306 students were selected by multistage cluster sampling and placed into two groups: control (153 students) and intervention (153 students). Appropriate instruments and the intervention programme were designed with the purpose of improving stages of interdental cleaning behaviour, perceived benefits and self-efficacy, as well as reducing perceived barriers and gingival index (GI). The impact of the intervention programme was assessed after 24 weeks and the GI of each student was recorded for both groups before and after intervention. The data were analysed using SPSS software and the chi-square, t test, ANOVA, paired t test, Mann-Whitney U-test and sign test. RESULTS The intervention had a significant, positive impact on improvement of the stages of interdental cleaning behaviour, increase in self-efficacy, perceived benefits, decrease in perceived barriers and improvement of GI (P < 0.001). After the intervention, the average grades of self-efficacy, perceived barriers and perceived benefits in the control group vs the intervention group were significantly different (P < 0.001 to 0.01). CONCLUSION The programme was found to positively influence the stages of change and potential indicators of interdental cleaning behaviour and GI. It is suggested that this model be used for interventions in the other population groups.
Apolipoprotein E (APOE) allele distribution in the world. Is APOE*4 a ‘thrifty’ allele?

Apolipoprotein E (APOE = gene, apoE = protein) plays a central role in plasma lipoprotein metabolism and in lipid transport within tissues. The APOE shows a genetic polymorphism determined by three common alleles, APOE*2, APOE*3, APOE*4 and the product of the three alleles differs in several functional properties. APOE is involved in the development of certain pathological conditions. In particular, the APOE*4 allele is a risk factor for susceptibility to coronary artery disease (CAD) and Alzheimer's Disease (AD). In the present study we analyzed the APOE allele distribution in the world. The APOE*3 is the most frequent in all the human groups, especially in populations with a long‐established agricultural economy like those of the Mediterranean basin (0.849–0.898). The frequency of APOE*4, the ancestral allele, remains higher in populations like Pygmies (0.407) and Khoi San (0.370), aborigines of Malaysia (0.240) and Australia (0.260), Papuans (0.368), some Native Americans (0.280), and Lapps (0.310) where an economy of foraging still exists, or food supply is (or was until the recent past) scarce and sporadically available. The APOE*2frequency fluctuates with no apparent trend (0.145–0.02) and is absent in Native Americans. We suggest that the APOE*4, based on some functional properties it has and on its distribution among human populations, could be identified as a ‘thrifty’ allele. The exposure of APOE*4 to the contemporary environmental conditions (Western diet, longer lifespans) could have rendered it a susceptibility allele for CAD and AD. The absence of the association of APOE*4 with CAD and AD in Sub‐Saharan Africans, and its presence in African Americans, seems to confirm this hypothesis.
Hedgehog: an unusual signal transducer

Hedgehog proteins are of pivotal importance for development and maintenance of tissue patterns in adult organisms. Despite the role of Hedgehogs in differentiation and tumorigenesis, signal transduction of Hedgehog remains a relatively uncharted area of signalling biochemistry. For proper Hedgehog distribution into tissues, two highly unusual covalent modifications are necessary, palmitoylation of a secreted protein and the attachment of a cholesterol group, making Hedgehog the only established sterolated protein in nature. Hedgehog exerts its function via two membrane‐bound receptors, Patched and Smoothened; presumably, Patched transports a cholesterol derivate out of cells which inhibits Smoothened. Binding of Hedgehog to Patched impedes this proposed pump function and thus Inhibition of Smoothened, which leads to expression of genetic Hedgehog targets via relief of transcriptional repression. These atypical features make Hedgehog physiology unique in biology and may explain why this field has attracted such significant attention. BioEssays 26:387–394, 2004. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Socioeconomic and territorial inequalities in health: findings for Italian elderly, Working Papers - Dipartimento di Statistica "G. Parenti", Università di Firenze.

Italy displays several territorial differences: as it is well-known, the South shows less favourable conditions than the North, with respect to economic, social, and environmental aspects and also in the field of health. The aim of our analysis is twofold. Our interest is, first, on the socioeconomic differences associated with inequalities in self-rated health of elderly people in Italy, once demographic variables and actual health status are controlled for. In particular, we intend to verify also the role of social network in the self-perception of health of older people, a component usually not considered in the literature. Secondly, bearing in mind that in Italy the competences on health care are delegated to a sub-national level, we shall explore the presence of a contextual effect among Italian areas, net of individual characteristics. Furthermore, we will address the following question: is the regional breakdown sufficient in order to examine and explain differences in health performances, or we do need a more detailed territorial level of analysis? The study makes use of a representative cross-sectional survey on health conditions carried out by the Italian National Statistical Office (ISTAT) in 2004-2005. The large sample size and the sampling design allow us to analyse health characteristics at a subnational level. Focusing on elderly people (65 years and over), the analysis will refer both to the regional and to a sub-regional level (large areas). In order to describe the relationships among the health status of individuals, their demographic and socioeconomic characteristics and the area of residence, a multilevel framework is adopted. The first result of this study is that Italy still presents health differences depending both on gender and on individual socio-economic status. A second result is that the residential context emerges to be associated with the perception of individual health status. Individual characteristics, even representing the most important correlates of health, do not completely explain intra-regional heterogeneity, confirming the existence of a contextual effect. Thirdly, we found that territorial differences are present among Regions but also among large areas. However, these intra-regional differences are not so relevant and critical. The large area level of detail does not add further and improved insights to territorial heterogeneity, so the Regions seem to represent, for Italian health context, a good territorial breakdown in order to approximate the residential environment of individuals.
Phonetic category structure of [I]: extent, best exemplars, and organization.

The current investigation examined the structure of the phonetic category [I] for 13 listeners. Experiments reported are results from identification, "best exemplar," and discrimination tasks using 105 [I] stimuli. The tokens were synthesized long a mel-spaced vowel continuum that differed in first and second formants. All stimuli ended in a 30 ms [b] sound. Results showed that 10 of 13 listeners demonstrated differing choices of the best exemplars, although most were within 37.5 mels of the central best exemplar chosen in the first experiment. Seven of the participants demonstrated "circular" patterns in identification of the [I] category that appeared to be organized around a central "best exemplar. " Six participants showed other identification patterns: "downward," "upward," and "left-extending," with "best exemplars" on an edge or border of the phonetic categories. Graded category structure from a central "best exemplar" was apparent only in the averaged identification results, and not for individual participants. The size of the [I] category was significantly smaller than that surrounding the [i] best exemplar reported in a prior study by Sussman and Lauckner-Morano (1995). Finally, listeners had equivalent or better discrimination sensitivity with the best exemplar as the fixed standard compared to that for a "poor" exemplar token 45 mels away from the best exemplar. Results showed that phonetic category structure for the lax vowel [I] was different from the similar, but tense vowel [i]. The findings question whether prototype theory is generalizable to vowel categories other than [i].
Chronic mu-opioid receptor stimulation in humans decreases muscle sympathetic nerve activity.

BACKGROUND Opioid-addicted patients undergoing detoxification provide a unique opportunity to assess the effects of chronic opioid receptor stimulation on the sympathetic nervous system. We tested the hypothesis that chronic oral methadone intake decreases resting efferent sympathetic nerve activity to muscle (MSA). Furthermore, we assessed whether this effect is reversed by mu-opioid receptor blockade during antagonist-supported detoxification under general anesthesia. METHODS AND RESULTS Fifteen young patients (30+/-1 years old, mean+/-SEM) with a long history of mono-opioid addiction and under oral methadone substitution therapy (65+/-10 mg/d for 21+/-6 months) were selected. Peroneal MSA (microneurography) and catecholamine plasma concentrations (high-performance liquid chromatography) were assessed in the awake state and compared with those of age-matched healthy control subjects. The effects of mu-opioid receptor blockade by naloxone (12.4 mg IV) were determined during propofol anesthesia. Compared with healthy volunteers, resting MSA (4+/-2 versus 22+/-2 bursts/min, P<0.0001) and antecubital venous norepinephrine plasma concentration (100+/-64 versus 256+/-48 pg/mL, P=0.01) were markedly decreased in addicted patients despite similar arterial blood pressure and heart rate. Opioid receptor blockade markedly increased MSA (5+/-2 to 24+/-3 bursts/min) and norepinephrine (49+/-12 to 305+/-48 pg/mL) and epinephrine (13+/-2 to 482+/-67 pg/mL) arterial plasma concentrations as well as mean arterial pressure (82+/-4 to 108+/-3 mm Hg) and heart rate (70+/-3 to 86+/-4 beats/min). CONCLUSIONS Chronic mu-opioid receptor stimulation by methadone decreases resting MSA in humans.
Effects of pilot hole preparation technique on pedicle screw fixation in different regions of the osteoporotic thoracic and lumbar spine.

OBJECT The authors evaluated the effects of pilot hole preparation technique on insertional torque and axial pullout resistance in osteoporotic thoracic and lumbar vertebrae. METHODS Using a probe technique and fluoroscopy, 102 pedicle screws were placed in 51 dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry-proven osteoporotic thoracic and lumbar levels. Screws were inserted using the same-size tapping, one-size-under tapping, or no-tapping technique. Insertional torque and axial pullout resistance were measured. Analysis of variance, Fisher exact test, and regression analysis were performed. Same-size tapping decreased pullout resistance in the lumbar spine. There was no effect on pullout resistance in the thoracic spine. Pullout resistance values were lower for all insertion techniques in the upper thoracic spine. Insertional torque and bone mineral density correlated with pullout resistance in the thoracic and lumbar spine. CONCLUSIONS Tapping decreased pedicle screw pullout resistance in the osteoporotic human lumbar spine, although it did not affect pullout strength in the thoracic spine. Tapping decreased insertional torque in upper thoracic levels. Surgeons should optimize overall construct rigidity when placing thoracic pedicle screws in patients with spinal segment osteoporosis.
Risk of gynecologic cancers in Danish hereditary non‐polyposis colorectal cancer families

Objective. Women in hereditary non‐polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) families have an elevated risk of endometrial and ovarian cancer. The risk in Lynch syndrome families with known mutations in mismatch repair genes (MMR genes) seems to be higher than in familial colorectal cancer (CRC) families. Data in the Danish HNPCC register on the frequency and lifetime risk of gynecologic cancers were analyzed and the actual surveillance strategy discussed in relation to the results. Design. Register‐based retrospective study. Method. A total of 1,780 at‐risk women were identified and epidemiological, clinical and MMR gene mutation data were retrieved. Results. In a total of 105 cases of endometrial cancer, there was no significant difference in MSH2, MSH6 and MLH1 mutation carrier frequency. Compared to the general population, mutation carriers had a 20 times increase in lifetime risk of endometrial cancer. Lifetime risk was elevated four times in familial CRC families. In these families, frequency was correlated to the pedigree phenotype, with significantly higher frequency demonstrated in Amsterdam II families compared to Amsterdam I families and families suspected of HNPCC. A total of 39 cases of ovarian cancer were identified with a lifetime risk of three to four times the general population. No significant correlation was found between the frequency of ovarian cancer and MMR gene mutation status in the families. Conclusion. The benefit of surveillance concerning gynecological cancers seems to be less well founded in familial CRC families than in Lynch syndrome families. Modifying the surveillance strategy may be relevant in the future, but before changing existing guidelines concerning surveillance, further research is recommended.
Pulmonary function response to EDTA, an additive in nebulized bronchodilators.

BACKGROUND Some nebulized bronchodilator solutions contain additives, such as EDTA, benzalkonium chloride (BAC), or both. OBJECTIVE Although BAC-induced bronchoconstriction has been well documented in patients with asthma, there is no information on the effects of EDTA on FEV(1) when inhaled in the amounts that would be administered during emergency department treatment of asthma. METHODS Eighteen subjects with stable asthma and airway responsiveness to methacholine were randomly assigned to inhale up to four 600-microg nebulized doses of EDTA, BAC (positive control), and normal saline (placebo) in a double-blind crossover manner on separate days. FEV(1) was measured 15 minutes after each dose. Treatments were repeated every 20 minutes until FEV(1) decreased by 20% or greater or a maximum of 4 doses were administered. RESULTS Mean +/- SD maximum percent decrease in FEV(1) was 1.8% +/- 5.8% after EDTA, 16.6% +/- 13.9% after BAC, and 3.6% +/- 8.2% after placebo (P <.001); there was no significant difference between EDTA and placebo. CONCLUSION The amount of EDTA contained in maximum recommended doses of nebulized bronchodilators does not induce bronchospasm. In contrast, BAC induces clinically important bronchospasm, which could decrease the efficacy of a bronchodilator during an emergency.
Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor &ggr; Ligands Increase Release of Nitric Oxide From Endothelial Cells

Objective—Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor &ggr; (PPAR&ggr;) ligands reduce lesion formation in animal models of atherosclerosis by mechanisms that have not been defined completely. We hypothesized that PPAR&ggr; ligands stimulate endothelial-derived nitric oxide release (·NO) to protect the vascular wall. Methods and Results—The PPAR&ggr; ligands, 15-deoxy-&Dgr;12,14-prostaglandin J2 (15d-PGJ2) or ciglitazone, stimulated a PPAR response element-luciferase reporter construct in transfected porcine pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAECs), demonstrating that PPAR&ggr; was transcriptionally functional. Treatment with 15d-PGJ2 or ciglitazone significantly increased release of ·NO from PAECs or human aortic endothelial cells and augmented calcium ionophore–induced ·NO release from human umbilical vein endothelial cells measured by chemiluminescence analysis of culture media. Increases in ·NO release caused by treatment with 15d-PGJ2 occurred at 24 hours, but not after 1 to 16 hours, and were abrogated by treatment with the transcriptional inhibitor &agr;-amanitin. Overexpression of PPAR&ggr; or treatment with 9-cis retinoic acid also enhanced PAEC ·NO release. Neither 15d-PGJ2 nor ciglitazone altered eNOS mRNA, whereas 15d-PGJ2, but not ciglitazone, decreased eNOS protein. Conclusions—Taken together, these findings demonstrate that PPAR&ggr; ligands stimulate ·NO release from endothelial cells derived from multiple vascular sites, through a transcriptional mechanism unrelated to eNOS expression.
Theory and Professionals: New Paradigm of HRM

Research topic is importance of theory for firms’ professionals. Assumption is that theory increases task performance of employees. It is new paradigm for HRM, task performance. Earlier, human resource management is identified with performance, corporate strategy, and talent management. In this study HRM is identified with organizational tasks. Organizations consist of tasks, and organizational tasks may have impact on firm performance. Second assumption is that: competence and theory may increase task performance of employees. Major conclusion is that HRM departments organize programs for developing competence and task performance of employees.
Electronic Microsystems for Handling of Rare Cells

This review paper summarizes some of the most challenging issues regarding the development of electronic microsystems for the isolation, manipulation, and characterization of rare cells. Two relevant areas, namely, immunology for cancer therapy and monitoring of microbial contaminants in water, are presented as example applications which require handling of rare cells. Starting from these applications, the state of the art in electronic microsystem research is presented, and various solutions are discussed, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of each technology and suggesting the need to integrate multiple solutions to meet the application requirements.
Biased Policy and Political Behavior

Unlike the previous literature on mass policy feedback, the present paper argues that a negative message embodied in public policy may foster or dampen political participation depending on social group affiliation. The policy change we use to examine the effect of biased policy (a negative message) on political behavior is the removal of elected mayors that were replaced by an appointed committee in a large number of Arab and Jewish municipalities in Israel which was skewed significantly towards Arab municipalities. We show that Arab voters in intervened municipalities are more likely to show up in the ballot boxes in national elections and they tend to vote more for Arab parties. In contrast, the political participation of Jewish citizens is lower in municipalities with an appointed council without noticeable effect on vote choice.