Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Review of Control Techniques of Three phase Boost Type PWM Rectifiers

Use of uncontrolled and semi-controlled rectifiers like diode and thyristor based for obtaining DC supply makes the input current drawn from the power system non-sinusoidal due to injected harmonics. Using PWM rectifiers is one of the methods for making the input current sinusoidal and in phase with the input voltage. Different control techniques have been proposed which majorly focus on two things. First is to control the amplitude of the input current so as to meet the power requirements of the load. At the same time wave shaping the input current to make it sinusoidal and in phase with the input voltage to obtain unity power factor. Every control technique has its own advantages and disadvantages. A review of these different control schemes is presented in this paper.
Hepatitis C Antibodies in Patients on Peritoneal Dialysis: Prevalence and Risk Factors

Our objective was to determine the prevalence of the antibody to hepatitis C (anti-HCV) in a population of endstage renal failure patients on continuous peritoneal dialysis (CPD) and study the possible risk factors associated with anti-HCV seropositivity and seroconversion. A cross-sectional study included 155 adult patients enrolled in the CPD program in a single renal unit of a teaching hospital who were screened for anti-HCV by second-generation enzyme immunoassay, which was confirmed by recombinant immunoblot assay. Serum was also assayed for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). History of renal transplantation, blood transfusions, and exposure to hemodialysis was obtained from medical records. Ten of 155 patients (6.5%) in this study population were anti-HCV positive [anti-HCV(+)] and 11/155 (7.1%) were HBsAg positive; no patient was positive for both. All the anti-HCV(+) patients were on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD); no continuous cycling peritoneal dialysis (CCPD) patient was anti-HCV(+). Exposure to hemodialysis was a risk factor for anti-HCV seropositivity, with 7 out of 10 (70%) anti-HCV(+) patients having been on hemodialysis compared to 55/134 (41%) anti-HCV(-) (p < 0.05, Fisher's exact test). No difference was noted between anti-HCV(+) and anti-HCV(-) groups in relation to age, gender, duration on CPD, renal transplantation, or exposure to blood transfusions. Seroconversion occurred in only one patient after a mean observation period of 20±0.6 months. The prevalence of anti-HCV seropositivity in this population of CPD patients is 6.5%, and HBsAg is 7.1%. Exposure to hemodialysis is a significant risk factor for development of anti-HCV seropositivity. Seroconversion rate appears to be low.
The dark matter haloes and host galaxies of Mg II absorbers at z~ 1

Strong foreground absorption features from singly ionized magnesium (Mg II) are commonly observed in the spectra of quasars and are presumed to probe a wide range of galactic environments. To date, measurements of the average dark matter (DM) halo masses of intervening Mg II absorbers by way of large-scale cross-correlations with luminous galaxies have been limited to z 1 DEEP2 galaxies are known to exhibit ubiquitous blueshifted Mg II absorption, we find no direct evidence in our small sample linking W λ2796 ≥ 0.6 A absorbers to galaxies with ongoing star formation.
Reflectarray Design for 120-GHz Radar Application: Measurement Results

In this paper, we present design and experimental results on reflectarrays at 120 GHz. The offset-fed reflectarrays consist of conductor-backed coplanar patch antennas with phase-shifting stubs. Three 138-mm reflectarrays are lithographically fabricated and evaluated in a near-field measurement range. Their measured beam patterns are compared to the theoretical ones. The theoretical -3-dB beam width is 60-64 mm at 3-m distance from the reflectarray. Measured beam widths of the different reflectarrays deviate less than 10% from the theoretical values. The beam pointing is found to be close to theoretical, whereas the sidelobe level is up to 5 dB higher. The efficiency, alignment accuracy, and surface shape of the reflectarray are studied with near-field imaging of the reflectarray aperture field. The measured average efficiency is 0.11 whereas the predicted average efficiency is 0.54. The low efficiency is most likely due to over-etching of the structures of the reflectarray element, and could be improved in future fabrication processing rounds. Beam pattern measurement close to the main beam is well suited for evaluating the beam width and pointing accuracy, but it gives little information on the element performance. We propose near-field imaging of the reflectarray to evaluate both element efficiency and phase shift.
Stressor‐Induced Oscillation

Although it is not thought of as such, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may, to some extent, be an example of a cycling illness. It is characterized by the bidirectional symptom clusters of intrusive, involuntary reexperiencing of an initiating trauma through nightmares, flashbacks, and unwanted memories, on one hand, and avoidance/ numbing, on the other.3 Reexperiencing may alternate with avoidance symptoms2 or coexist with them. These observations suggest that any attempt to construct a
Recommendations for Uniform Reporting of Data following Major Trauma — The Utstein Style: An Initiative

The document is published in collaboration with the following organisations: the European Society of Emergency Medicine (Leuven); the European Resuscitation Council (Antwerpen); the Air Medical Physician Association (Salt Lake City, US); the German Interdisciplinary Association of Critical Care Medicine; and the German Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care. The document is to be published jointly in the following journals: 1) Trauma Care (ITACCS); 2) Resuscitation; 3) Prehospital and Disaster Medicine; 4) European Journal of Emergency Medicine; 5) Trauma and Emergency Medicine Journal (SA); 6) Emergency Medicine(Norway); 7) JEUR; and 8) Notfall und Rettungsmedizin (Germany).
A /sup 68/Ge PET hot-sphere phantom with no cold shells

A cylindrical 20 cm by 20 cm /sup 68/Ge PET resolution phantom was created. The phantom contained one cold (non-radioactive) silicone sphere of diameter 32 mm, and nine hot silicone spheres with diameters ranging from 4 to 25 mm in diameter. No shell of non-radioactive material was used to contain the silicone. The ten spheres were arranged on a circular locus 10 cm in diameter, in a background of polyurethane whose specific activity was 4.6 times lower than that of the hot spheres. In a 15-hour PET/CT study of this phantom, all objects were detected.
Decomposing Cross-Country Gaps in Obesity and Overweight: Does the Social Environment Matter?

A key question underpinning health production, and one that remains relatively unexplored, is the influence of socio-economic and environmental factors on weight gain and obesity. Such issues acquire particular relevance when data from two Mediterranean countries (Italy and Spain) are compared. Interestingly, the obesity rate was 5 percentage points higher in Spain in 2003 while in 1990 it had been roughly the same in the two countries. This paper reports a non-linear decomposition of gaps in overweight (body mass index BMI - between 25 and 29.9 kg/m2), class 1 (BMI30 kg/m2) and class 2 obesity (BMI35 kg/m2) between Spain and Italy by both gender and age. We isolate the influence of lifestyles, socioeconomic and environmental effects in explaining cross-country gaps in the prevalence of obesity. Our findings suggest that when the social environment (peer effects) is not controlled for, eating habits and education are the main predictors of total cross-country gaps (36-52%), albeit that these two factors have a different impact depending on gender and age. Somewhat paradoxically, however, when we controlled for the social environment, these previous predictors lost their explanatory power and peer effects were found to explain between 46 and 76% of gaps and to exhibit an increasing age pattern.
Primary Progressive Aphasia

of PPA, in particular, specific neuropeptides which can be detected in the cerebrospinal fluid (total and phosphorylated tau protein, beta-amyloid) is being undertaken [12]. In addition, genetic analysis and identification of genes responsible for PPA development are carried out.PPA syndrome is histologically heterogeneous and, as a rule, is associated with one of the three classes of the central nervous system (CNS) pathology. Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is a heterogeneous group of neurodegenerative diseases related to focal degenerations of the brain and mainly manifested by a gradual loss of speech functions. This symptom is characterized by specific speech disorders. The article presents the etiopathogenic features of PPA, systematizes the clinical criteria for its diagnosis, and describes the modern neuroimaging characteristics of different types of PPA. The proposed PPA severity point scale allows clinicians to record the very early manifestations of aphasia. Modified scales, such as the Frontal Behavioral Inventory (FBI-mod) and the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR), are also important for specifying the type of PPA.
Talento esportivo no voleibol feminino do Brasil: maturação e iniciação esportiva

Apesar do sucesso internacional do voleibol brasileiro, o processo de formacao de atletas e pouco conhecido. Um cuidado maior na selecao e promocao de talentos pode melhorar ainda mais os resultados. Esse trabalho procurou investigar a idade de menarca e de inicio de treinamento, de atletas de destaque no voleibol feminino brasileiro. Foram avaliadas 79 atletas pertencentes as selecoes brasileiras infanto-juvenil, juvenil e adulta, e mais tres equipes adultas. As atletas de maior nivel de desempenho apresentaram a idade de menarca e de inicio no treinamento tardia, alem de estatura mais elevada em relacao as demais. E importante a avaliacao da maturacao nos processos de selecao de talentos. A especializacao precoce nao e o caminho mais indicado para o sucesso.
The Effect of Catastrophic Losses on Insurance Cycle: Case of Croatia

— This paper provides an analysis of the insurance cycle in the Republic of Croatia and whether they are affected by catastrophic losses on a global level. In general, it is considered that insurance cycles are particularly pronounced in periods of financial crisis, but are also affected by the growing number of catastrophic losses. They cause the change of insurance cycle and premium growth and intensification and narrowing of the coverage conditions, so these variables move in the same direction and these phenomena point to a new cycle. The main goal of this paper is to determine the existence of insurance cycle in the Republic of Croatia and investigate whether catastrophic losses have an influence on insurance cycles.
Myositis in primary Sjögren's syndrome: data from a multicentre cohort.

OBJECTIVES In primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS), muscle pain and/or muscular weakness is relatively frequent while myositis has been reported in 3% of patients. The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of myositis in a multicentre Italian pSS cohort and to address the clinical manifestations, histological findings and therapeutic strategies. METHODS Clinical, serological and therapeutic data from a pSS cohort of patients were retrospectively collected. According to Bohan and Peter's criteria, inflammatory myopathy (IM) was suspected in case of muscular weakness associated with increased creatine-phosphokinase (CPK) or abnormal electromyography (EMG). When performed, muscle biopsies were analysed. RESULTS In a cohort of 1320 patients, 17 (1.28%) presented muscular weakness [in some cases myalgias (7/17, 41.1%)], accompanied by increased CPK [13/17, (76.4%)] and/or abnormal EMG [13/14, (92.8%)]. Ten out of 17 (58.8%) fulfilled at least three diagnostic criteria for IM. Muscular biopsy was performed in 13/17 (76.4%) cases with histologically confirmed myositis in 6/13 (46.1%) (1"IBM-like"-5"PM-like"). In two "PM-like" cases, several fibres showed a decreased histochemical cytochrome C oxidase (COX) stain. Two biopsies tested "negative", four showed "non-specific" findings. All patients were treated with corticosteroids followed by different DMARDs. CONCLUSIONS Our retrospective analysis shows a prevalence of myositis in pSS lower than previously reported, mainly appearing as an overlapping syndrome. Histological findings confirm the possible presence of an IBM or of a myopathy more similar to PM with a decreased COX activity. Classical immunosuppressants are effective although in most difficult cases IVIg or RTX may be used with benefit.
Growing and shaping the vascular tree: multiple roles for VEGF

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) is the most potent and ubiquitous vascular growth factor known to date. Yet, prior to its description as a secreted mitogen for endothelial cells, it was identified as a vascular permeability factor. These seemingly disparate avenues of discovery highlight VEGF's ability to control many distinct aspects of endothelial cell behaviour, including proliferation, migration, specialisation and survival. The versatility of VEGF as a patterning molecule is likely linked to its association with various signalling receptor complexes, but also its expression in several isoforms with a differential affinity for heparan sulfate proteoglycans in the extracellular matrix. In contrast to the absolute requirement for all known VEGF receptors, the presence of only a single VEGF isoform is sufficient for vascular development. However, the isoforms serve as exquisite tools for the fine patterning of growing vessel networks during embryogenesis and in postnatal life. BioEssays 25:1052–1060, 2003. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Age‐Related Glycine Receptor Subunit Changes in the Cochlear Nucleus of Fischer‐344 Rats

Previous studies have shown that levels of binding for the strychnine‐sensitive glycine receptor in the cochlear nucleus (CN) of Fischer(F344) rats decrease with age. Given the major role glycine plays in normal CN function, changes in glycine‐receptor activity may contribute to central presbycusis. To further evaluate the impact of age on glycine receptors, in situ hybridization was used to assess, in three age groups of F344 rats, changes in levels of gene expression for four of its subunits. When compared with the 3‐month‐old rats, expression of mRNAs for α1 and β subunits in the anteroventral CN decreased significantly in the 18‐ and 27‐month‐old age groups, while mRNA expression for the α2 subunit increased. If protein expressions are similar, these subunit changes may alter the function of glycine receptors, thereby affecting binding to its ligands.
Transcription network and cyclin/CDKs: The yin and yang of cell cycle oscillators

It is widely accepted that the central cell cycle oscillator is based on cyclin/CDK complexes. In a recent study, we challenged this model, and showed that a transcription factor network can drive correctly-timed periodic events independent of cyclin/CDK functions1. The transcription factor network oscillator was revealed in budding yeast cells deleted for all six B-cyclin genes. These cells undergo successive rounds of budding2, and continue to activate the bulk of the cell-cycle-regulated genes on schedule, even though they are unable to replicate DNA or enter mitosis1. These findings led us to propose that the cell cycle is regulated by the coupled activities of a transcription network oscillator and the CDK oscillator. Here, we discuss the transcription network oscillator in the context of the historical view that CDKs form the central cell cycle oscillator. We also discuss the role of transcription networks in controlling temporal programs in a variety of biological systems and their ability to function as oscillators. Finally, we consider how the transcription network oscillator collaborates with CDKs and checkpoint mechanisms to control the ordered events of the cell cycle.
Should most patients with optic neuritis be tested for neuromyelitis optica antibodies and should this affect their treatment?

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) antibodies (aquaporin-4 antibodies) can be routinely tested and have become a major diagnostic criteria for NMO (1–4). These antibodies have recently been described in patients with isolated optic neuritis who do not have any neurologic symptoms and who do not fulfill the diagnostic criteria for NMO (3–5). However, recent studies have suggested that patients with isolated optic neuritis who have positive NMO antibody have a worse visual prognosis and more recurrences than those who are negative for NMO antibodies (5,6). Isolated optic neuritis with positive NMO antibodies might also be the first sign of NMO (3–8). However, it is still unclear whether NMO antibodies should be routinely tested in some or most patients with isolated optic neuritis. Indeed, whether positive NMO antibodies titers affect the management of patients with isolated optic neuritis remains debated.
Marginal Zone B-Cell Depletion Impairs Murine Host Defense against Borrelia burgdorferi Infection

ABSTRACT Marginal zone B (MZB) cells are a B-cell subset that produces T-cell-independent antibodies to blood-borne antigens. In this study, we examined the effects of MZB cell depletion on the immune response to the Lyme disease spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi, an extracellular pathogen for which T-cell-independent antibody is an important host defense. MZB cell depletion of C3H/HeJ mice using monoclonal antibody to LFA-1 and α4β1 integrins reduced B. burgdorferi-specific immunoglobulin M (IgM) titers, enhanced pathogen burden, and led to more severe arthritis assessed within the first 2 weeks of infection. In addition, MZB cell-depleted mice had reduced levels of B. burgdorferi-specific IgG, which correlated with diminished splenic CD4+ T-cell-activation, proliferation, and cytokine production. Passive transfer of immune mouse serum from infected control mice into infected MZB cell-depleted mice reduced pathogen burden but did not alter the expression of T-cell activation markers on splenic CD4+ T cells. These findings demonstrate that MZB cells not only are a source of pathogen-specific IgM important for limiting spirochete burden and pathology but also play a prominent role in the priming of splenic T-cell responses to a blood-borne pathogen.
Recovery of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci on Fingertips and Environmental Surfaces

Abstract Objective: To determine the recovery of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) on fingertips, gloved fingertips, and environmental surfaces commonly encountered in the healthcare setting, and to examine the importance of handwashing on the removal of these organisms. Design: Two clinical isolates of VRE (Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium) were inoculated onto the hands of healthy human volunteers and the following environmental surfaces: countertops, bedrails, telephones, and stethoscopes. Following inoculation, samples were obtained at various time intervals to determine rates of recovery of organisms. To evaluate the effects of handwashing on enterococcal recovery, two different soap preparations were tested. Hands were washed with water alone or with one of the soaps and water. The soap and water studies were performed with a 5-second and a 30-second wash. Results: Both enterococcal strains survived for at least 60 minutes on gloved and ungloved fingertips. The E faecalis was recoverable from countertops for 5 days; the E faecium persisted for 7 days. For bedrails, both enterococcal species survived for 24 hours without significant reduction in colony counts. The bacteria persisted for 60 minutes on the telephone handpiece and for 30 minutes on the diaphragmatic surface of the stethoscope. A 5-second wash with water alone resulted in virtually no change in recovery of enterococci; a 30-second wash with water plus either soap was necessary to eradicate the bacteria from hands completely. Conclusion: VRE are capable of prolonged survival on hands, gloves, and environmental surfaces. Hands should be washed thoroughly and gloves removed following contact with patients infected or colonized with these multidrug-resistant bacteria. Finally, environmental surfaces may serve as potential reservoirs for nosocomial transmission of VRE and need to be considered when formulating institutional infection control policies.
Acquisition of native-like interactions in C-terminal fragments of barnase.

We have characterised a series of C-terminal fragments of barnase by different biophysical techniques to find out when they acquire secondary and tertiary native-like structure. Fragments B96-110 (which comprises the last 15 residues of the intact protein) up to B37-110 (which involves most of the protein except the two first helices and a loop) were mainly disordered. Only fragment B23-110, which lacks alpha-helix1, showed native-like near and far-UV CD and fluorescence spectra. The intensities of these spectra were lower than those of the full-length protein, which suggests the absence of complete side-chain packing. Urea denaturation followed by fluorescence, far-UV CD and gel-filtration chromatography techniques indicated a co-operative transition only for B23-110. None of the fragments melted co-operatively with temperature. Thus, the formation of secondary and tertiary structure requires most of the polypeptide chain to be present, that is, secondary and tertiary structure are formed in parallel. This agrees with the proposed model for barnase folding, where the residual structure in small fragments is weak and flickering, and it is only consolidated when there are enough tertiary interactions. Thus, the development of structure in the series of C-terminal fragments follows a similar behaviour to that observed in the series of N-terminal fragments of barnase.
Mercury residues in free-grazing cattle and domestic fowl form the artisanal gold mining area of Geita district, Tanzania

Environmental contamination with mercury from artisanal gold mines in Tanzania has been widely reported. People living around mining villages keep domestic animals which are allowed to feed freely in mercury-contaminated areas. This study investigated Hg accumulation in the liver and muscle tissue of cattle and domestic fowl reared in mining villages. Total mercury levels up to 436 and 820 µg/kg wet weight were found in liver samples taken from cattle and domestic fowl, respectively. Significantly higher mercury concentrations were found in liver samples collected at mining villages (p < 0.05) than those taken from the reference area. While mercury concentrations in liver samples exceeded the acceptable maximum concentrations for humans set in the Netherlands and Poland, the Hg concentrations in muscle were below the limits of most countries. It is recommended that the keeping of freely grazing cattle and domestic fowl in or around artisanal gold mines should be avoided.