Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Increasing power quality in a 6-pulse DC-traction substation

This paper presents an active DC-traction substation with six-pulse uncontrolled rectifier, whose structure and control ensure the braking energy recovery and increased power quality in both traction and regeneration regimes. The key component in the power structure is a voltage source inverter-based shunt active power filter connected properly between the DC-traction line and the power supply. To meet the goal of unity power factor at the power supply side, the current provided by the inverter is indirectly controlled through the supply current. In the generation of the reference current, the adopted algorithm involves the intermediate transformation of the currents' three-phase system into a rotating phasor synchronous with the voltage space phasor. A dedicated Matlab-Simulink has been conceived for the whole system. The results of the simulation show that, during the traction regime, the shunt active power filter succeeds in injecting the proper required currents in the point of common coupling, so that almost sinusoidal currents are drawn from the power supply under unity power factor. During the regeneration regime, the voltage source inverter injects active power into the power supply, also under almost unity power factor conditions.
NETWORK LIFETIME AND ENERGY MAXIMIZATION USING CMAC PROTOCOL DESIGN

By using the relay based hand off schemes a new protocol design is introduced called Cooperative Medium Access Control (CMAC), which helps the entire network schema to improve its performance and lifetime. This protocol helps the relay nodes to move from one region to another region to provide the details for communication between two nodes from one region into another. This type of complicated medium access interactions induced by relaying and leverages the benefits of such cooperation we need this mentioned CMAC protocol design. In this system a novel cross-layer distributed energy-adaptive location-based CMAC protocol is proposed, namely DEL-CMAC, for Mobile Ad-hoc NETworks (MANETs), which helps the network to improve the performance of the MANETs in terms of network lifetime and energy efficiency. Efficient relay based methodology amplifies the transceiver's (acts as source as well as destination) energy while communicating with destination, because the relay easily traverse between each regions and gets the shortest transmission range between one another and finds the destination node ability to receive the packets from source. A distributed utility-based best relay selection strategy is incorporated, which selects the best relay based on location information and residual energy. In the simulation, the proposed work shows that the proposed DEL-CMAC significantly prolongs the network lifetime under various circumstances even for high circuitry energy consumption.
Anti-inflammatory effects of chamomile essential oil in mice.

Essential oils are plant secondary metabolites with positive pharmacological properties, e.g. anti-oxidative, antimicrobial or immunomodulative, but they can have toxic and allergic effects as well. The aim of this study was to analyze anti-inflammatory effects of chamomile essential oil dietary administration in carrageenan paw oedema and trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) colitis. Mice received chamomile essential oil in three concentrations (5000, 2500 and 1250 ppm) in the standard rodent diet starting two weeks before induction of carrageenan paw oedema and TNBS colitis. Dietary supplementations with 5000 ppm of chamomile essential oil significantly reduced both the oedema and the weight of mice paws compared with control. The same dose of chamomile essential oil showed protective effect on colonic mucosa and improved macroscopic signs of TNBS-induced colonic inflammation. Bacterial translocation from the lumen into the mesenteric lymph nodes was significantly reduced in mice treated with 5000 ppm and 2500 ppm concentrations of chamomile essential oil. Overall our data indicate that chamomile essential oil is able to improve some parameters of murine experimental inflammatory models depending on the concentration used.
Proteomics screening of adenosine triphosphate-interacting proteins in the liver of diazinon-treated rats

Aim: Diazinon (DZN) is one of the most important organophosphorus compounds used to control pests in agriculture in many countries. Several studies have shown that exposure to DZN may alter protein expression in the liver. In order to further investigate the mechanism of DZN toxicity, differentially expressed ATP-interacting proteins, following subacute exposure to toxin, were separated and identified in rat liver. Main methods: Male rats were equally divided into four groups: control (corn oil) and DZN (15 mg/kg) by gavage once a day for 4 weeks. After homogenization of liver tissue, lysates were incubated ATP-sepharose beads. After several washes, ATP-interacting proteins were eluted and separated on 2-D polyacrylamide gels. Deferentially expressed proteins were cut and identified using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization/time-of-flight and Mascot database. Identified proteins were classified according to their biological process using protein analysis through evolutionary relationships (PANTHER) Web site. Key finding: In this work, we showed that several key proteins involved in biological processes such as antioxidant system, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and metabolism were differentially expressed after subacute exposure to DZN.
Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet in Relation to Ischemic Stroke Nonfatal Events in Nonhypercholesterolemic and Hypercholesterolemic Participants

The aim of the present work was to evaluate the association between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and the development of ischemic stroke according to cholesterol levels. During 2009-2010, 500 participants were enrolled; 250 were consecutive patients (77 ± 9 years, 55.6% men) with a first ischemic stroke and 250 population-based, control participants, matched to the patients by age and sex. Sociodemographic, clinical, dietary, and other lifestyle characteristics were measured. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was assessed by the validated MedDietScore (theoretical range: 0-55). After various adjustments, each 1/55 unit increase in the MedDietScore was associated with 17% lower likelihood of having an ischemic stroke in nonhypercholesterolemic participants (95%CI: 0.72-0.96) and 10% lower likelihood in participants with hypercholesterolemia (95%CI: 0.81-0.99). The present work highlights the cardioprotective benefits from the adoption of the Mediterranean diet, by showing its beneficial effect regarding ischemic stroke development, regardless of the presence of hypercholesterolemia.
Effects of deoxynivalenol and zearalenone on oxidative stress and blood phagocytic activity in broilers

Effects of dietary contamination with various levels of deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEA) were investigated on Ross 308 hybrid broilers of both sexes. After hatching, all chickens were fed an identical control diet for two weeks. Then chickens of Group 1 received a diet contaminated with DON and ZEA, both being 3.4 mg · kg−1, while Group 2 received DON and ZEA at 8.2 and 8.3 mg · kg−1, respectively. The diet of the control group contained background levels of mycotoxins. Samples of blood and tissues were collected after two weeks. Intake of both contaminated diets resulted in a significantly decreased activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and increased level of malondialdehyde (MDA) in liver tissue, while in kidneys the concentration of MDA was significantly increased only in Group 1. On the other hand, activities of blood GPx and plasma γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT) were elevated in Group 2 only. Activities of thioredoxin reductase in liver and GPx in duodenal mucosa tissues, superoxide dismutase (SOD) in erythrocytes as well as levels of MDA in duodenal mucosa and α-tocopherol in plasma were not affected by dietary mycotoxins. Blood phagocytic activity was significantly depressed in Group 1 and 2. These results demonstrate that diets contaminated with DON and ZEA at medium levels are already able to induce oxidative stress and compromise the blood phagocytic activity in fattening chickens.
Evaluation of different fluoride treatments of initial root carious lesions in vivo.

PURPOSE The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of three topical fluoride treatments to arrest initial root carious lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS Forty patients participated in a randomised study. Of the 60 root carious lesions that were included, 20 were randomised for treatment with the Carisolv chemo-mechanical technique and the Duraphat (2.23% F) fluoride varnish, 20 with Duraphat alone and 20 with stannous fluoride solution (8%). The lesions were treated at baseline and after three and six months; a clinical evaluation was carried out on these occasions and after 1 year. RESULTS All but four lesions were categorised as arrested caries during the 1-year follow-up period: 18 in the Carisolv/Duraphat group and 19 each in the Duraphat and the stannous fluoride groups, respectively. There was a minor reduction in the mean size of the lesions of around 0.1 to 0.2 mm height and width and a moderate change in colour from a lighter to a darker appearance. No obvious differences were found between the groups. The mean percentage of mutans streptococci in plaque from all lesions was 3.5% at baseline, and it decreased to 1.8% during the year. The decrease was, however, not statistically significant, and no significant differences were found between the groups. CONCLUSIONS It can be concluded that the frequent topical application of fluoride could be a successful treatment for incipient root carious lesions, irrespective of the type of fluoride treatment used.
Total and individual triplet birth weights as a function of gestational age.

OBJECTIVE Our purpose was to determine the relationship between gestational age and both the total and individual triplet birth weights. STUDY DESIGN A 1988-2000 prospective cohort of 3238 live-born triplets in the United States was evaluated. The mean individual (heaviest, middle, and lightest) and total triplet birth weights were correlated with gestational age in nulliparous and multiparous patients. RESULTS The mean total triplet birth weights significantly correlated with gestational age for both nulliparous women and multiparous women, but the respective regression lines were significantly different (P =.0018). The respective regression lines for individual triplets showed a significant linear correlation (R(2) = 0.996-0.998). Interparity and intraparity differences of the individual triplets' regression lines were also significantly different. CONCLUSIONS The relationships support a model of two distinct growth periods for triplets: an age- and growth-promoting period until 33 weeks and an age-promoting growth-restricting period thereafter.
Controlled hierarchical assembly of switchable DNA–multiprotein complexes

Directed, biologically‐driven self‐assembly has the potential to yield hybrid multicomponent architectures with applications ranging from sensors and diagnostics to catalysts and responsive materials. To enable these applications, it is critical to gain control over the precise orientation and geometry of biomolecules interacting with one‐another and with surfaces. Such control has thus far been difficult to achieve in even the simplest biomolecular designs. We report a novel methodology for the design and synthesis of functional, oriented, and reversibly switchable hierarchical assemblies at the nanoscale using DNA–protein and protein–protein interactions. The biomolecular assembly relies on the highly selective recognition between transcription factors (TFs) and their cognate DNA motifs that serve as transcription factor binding sites (TFBSs) along with the calmodulin (CaM)–calmodulin binding peptide (CBP) interaction that is regulated by Ca2+. Through these two types of controllable interactions, we achieved the sequential and hierarchical self‐assembly of multiprotein complexes complete with embedded fluorescence and catalytic capabilities, which may serve as a paradigm for multifunctional assemblies. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Insulin-like growth factor-1 gene polymorphism in rheumatoid arthritis patients

Objectives: Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) regulates several biological functions, and low plasma levels of IGF-1 are known to contribute towards the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In view of the biological significance of IGF-1, we investigated the association of RA with the polymorphism of a 192-bp allele which is cytosine–adenosine repeat located 1 kb upstream from the IGF-1 gene transcription site and is known to regulate serum IGF-1 levels. Methods: Blood samples were collected from 52 healthy controls (HC) and 68 RA patients to measure the levels of IGF-1 and to isolate genomic DNA. Polymorphism of the IGF-1 gene was examined using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Disease severity, duration, and activity were recorded for all RA patients. Results: We observed that 97% of all the subjects who participated in this study showed the presence of a 192-bp allele of the IGF-1 gene. All healthy controls exhibited the presence of 192-bp wild-type allele. All non-carriers of the 192-bp allele were Arabs and had RA. Gender correlated significantly with allele frequencies as 14% of the male and only 2% of the female RA patients were non-carriers of 192-bp allele. Plasma IGF-1 levels were significantly lower (p < 0.01) in RA patients compared to HC, and all RA patients who were non-carriers of the 192-bp allele had a significantly high disease activity score. No correlation was found between the duration of RA and the presence or absence of this allele. Conclusions: This study suggests a possible association of the IGF-1 gene polymorphism with developing RA, particularly in males as non-carriers of the 192-bp allele.
Sacral Spinal Anesthesia with Hypobaric Bupivacaine (0.25%) In Sitting Position for Lower Limbs' Surgery

s: Background And Objectives: Hemodynamic instability, being the commonest and most undesirable complication of the conventional spinal anesthesia approached in lumbar region with hyperbaric local anesthetic, makes it unfavorable and undignified to be the method of choice for lower limbs’ surgeries. To offer it hemodynamic stability during lower limbs’ surgeries in elderly patients, this study was undertaken to deposit hypobaric local anesthetic(0.25%) intrathecally through the dorsal foramen of sacrum in sitting position. Methods: 50 patients of physical status ASA II and III were submitted to sacral spinal anesthesia with 4ml of 0.25% of injection bupivacaine through the 2 dorsal sacral foramen in sitting position. Results: All patients developed sensory block extending to the tenth thoracic dermatome with motor block in both lower limbs without hemodynamic instability. Conclution: Hypobaric bupivacaine (10 mg) produces both motor and sensory block of both legs without hemodynamic disturbance when administered through the 2 dorsal foramen of sacrum in sitting position of patients.
Biomechanical research on bowed string musicians: a scoping study.

UNLABELLED Performing arts biomechanics is concerned with quantifying the musculoskeletal demands of artistic tasks. The growing body of related research has prompted this scoping study, solely focused on quantitative research, to summarize the state of the science, identify knowledge gaps, and identify opportunities for future research. OBJECTIVES To identify, summarize, and categorize quantitative research on the biomechanics of violin, viola, cello, and double bass players, using scoping study methodology. METHODS Established scoping study methodology was used to identify and categorize existing research. We identified 74 articles for review. Of these, 34 met our scoping study criteria and were included in this study. RESULTS Twenty-one of the 34 articles that met the scoping criteria were published since 2000. Investigations using electromyography (16 studies) and kinematics (15 studies) comprise the bulk of the research. Two studies employed force transducers for data collection. Violinists were the most frequently studied musicians (22 studies) and double bass players were the least (1 study). Fewer than half of the studies used solely professional musicians as their subjects (13 studies). CONCLUSIONS This scoping study confirmed that quantitative biomechanical research into bowed string musicians has been performed with increasing frequency and that there are voids in the research, particularly in investigating mechanisms of injury and protective strategies. Currently, arts biomechanics research is largely descriptive in nature. There are few studies that investigate protective strategies, although it is expected that the field will progress to incorporate this type of research.
Strategies for post ICU rehabilitation

Purpose of reviewAs numbers of patients who survive a critical illness increase, often within a context of comorbidities and acquired physical, mental or cognitive sequelae [postintensive care syndrome (PICS)], identifying effective recovery and rehabilitation strategies is paramount. In this review, we discuss recent studies that inform our developing understanding for improving the recovery trajectory for survivors of a critical illness during the postintensive care and posthospital periods. Recent findingsNew studies, although at this stage often presented as pilot work, provide important beginning messages for improving recovery from a critical illness. Some pilot studies demonstrate promise of effective interventions, whereas other studies offer useful baseline information for improving the power of tested interventions. SummaryInnovative rehabilitation and recovery strategies during the postintensive care and posthospital periods are now being published. Further research with larger sample sizes, well-documented usual care and intervention arms and in different critical illness cohorts is required to demonstrate the optimal approaches for screening, implementation, outcome assessment and follow-up periods for rehabilitation interventions in the postintensive care phase of a patient's recovery.
The direct computation of height from shading

A method for recovering shape from shading that solves directly for the surface height is presented. By using a discrete formulation of the problem, it is possible to achieve good convergence behavior by employing numerical solution techniques more powerful than gradient descent methods derived from variational calculus. Because this method solves directly for height, it avoids the problem of finding an integrable surface maximally consistent with surface orientation. Furthermore, since additional constraints are not needed to make the problem well posed, a smoothness constraint is used only to drive the system towards a good solution; the weight of the smoothness term is eventually reduced to near zero. By solving directly for height, stereo processing may be used to provide initial and boundary conditions. The shape from shading technique, as well as its relation to stereo, is demonstrated on both synthetic and real imagery. <<ETX>>
Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire

The Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire (MPQ) is a self-report instrument that assesses personality, and it was developed by Auke Tellegen (b. 1930) and colleagues over a period of 10 years using an exploratory approach to test construction. It consists of 276 mostly true-false items measuring a range of dispositions via 11 primary trait scales: Wellbeing, Social Potency, Achievement, Social Closeness, Stress Reaction, Aggression, Alienation, Control, Harmavoidance, Traditionalism, and Absorption. These primary trait scales have been found to load onto four largely orthogonal higher order factors: Positive Emotionality (PEM), Negative Emotionality (NEM), Constraint (CON), and Absorption (ABS). A substantial body of research has linked MPQ scales and factors with overt behavior, psychopathology, and genetic factors. In this way, the MPQ informs our understanding of the structure of personality, as well as its genetic, neurobiological, and psychological underpinnings. Keywords: measurement in psychology; personality; assessment; personality traits
Effect of (Au, Ni)Sn $_{4}$ Evolution on Sn-37Pb/ENIG Solder Joint Reliability Under Isothermal and Temperature-Cycled Conditions

The ternary intermetallic compound Au0.5Ni0. 5Sn4 forms at the Sn-37Pb/ENIG solder interface during aging and temperature cycling, leading to increased interfacial cracking and a corresponding decrease in solder joint reliability for 15 mm ball grid array (BGA) structures. (Au,Ni)Sn 4 forms at both the board finish (bottom) and component side (top) of the solder joint for isothermally aged, temperature-cycled, and (aged + cycled) joints. For control specimens (reflow only), no cracks or interfacial Au are observed. For isothermally aged joints (170 and 340 h at 125degC), a broken, discontinuous layer of (Au,Ni)Sn4 is present, but no cracking. For temperature-cycled joints, lowered reliability and interfacial cracking occurs along a continuous (Au,Ni)Sn4 intermetallic layer on the solder side of the interface after ~450 h of cycling. Aging + cycling did little to inhibit cracking or formation of (Au,Ni)Sn4. Development of a continuous (Au,Ni)Sn4 film at the interface is the key failure mechanism. At low cycle numbers where high joint reliability is observed, the (Au,Ni)Sn4 layer is discontinuous and not fully developed. At higher cycle numbers and longer aging times, the (Au,Ni)Sn 4 layer becomes continuous and encourages crack growth along the intermetallic interface and consequent lower reliability. The correlation of interfacial smoothness with lowered reliability is consistent with recent work showing that, when intermetallic compounds form smoothly at the solder interface, the mechanical properties are degraded (compared to a rough intermetallic) due to the decreased resistance to shear along the interface
Endocannabinoids and the regulation of their levels in health and disease

Purpose of review Endocannabinoids are defined as endogenous agonists of cannabinoid receptors, that is, of the two G-protein-coupled receptors for the Cannabis psychoactive principle Δ9-tetra-hydrocannabinol. Two such endogenous mediators have been most thoroughly studied so far: anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol. Here we review the mechanisms for the regulation of their levels under physiological and pathological conditions, and recent findings on their role in disease. Recent findings It is becoming increasingly clear that, although both anandamide and 2-arachidonoyl-glycerol are produced and degraded ‘on demand’, the levels of these two compounds appear to be regulated in different, and sometimes even opposing, ways, often using redundant molecular mechanisms. Alterations of endocannabinoid levels have been found in both animal models of pain, neurological and neurodegenerative states, gastrointestinal disorders and inflammatory conditions, and in blood, cerebrospinal fluid and bioptic samples from patients with various diseases. Summary Endocannabinoid levels appear to be transiently elevated as an adaptive reaction to re-establish normal homeostasis when this is acutely and pathologically perturbed. In some chronic conditions, however, this system also contributes to the progress or symptoms of the disorder. As a consequence, new therapeutic drugs are being designed from both stimulants and blockers of endocannabinoid action.