Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Second order harmonic ripple reduction in DC microgrid using sliding mode control approach

A single phase inverter feeding AC loads injects a substantial pulsation of the second order harmonic current (SHC) ripple at DC link. Moreover, this ripple may propagate to the DC source in the absence of the suitable controller or large size DC link capacitor. This paper proposes a SHC ripple reduction technique based on the sliding mode control for the DC microgrid application. The control technique utilizes the concept of the output impedance shaping of the DC source in order to resist the propagation of the ripple to input. A non-isolated boost converter topology has been considered as a voltage booster. This converter feeds the single phase inverter loads, and also acts as the output impedance shaping tool of the source. The proposed control technique is verified using MATLAB-simulink.
Langerhans cells and the cells of Langerhans cell histiocytosis do not express DC-SIGN.

Geissmann and colleagues recently reported that cells of Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) in osseous and/or chronic lesions have an immature dendritic cell phenotype. [1][1] In addition to CD1a, LCH cells in all 25 cases examined expressed Langerin, a recently described C-type lectin that appears
Efficacy of Surgery for Femoroacetabular Impingement

Background Recent case studies on the surgical treatment of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) have introduced a large amount of clinical data. However, there has been no clear consensus on its efficacy. Hypothesis The current literature can be clarified to address 4 questions: (1) Does treatment for FAI succeed in improving symptoms? (2) In which subset of patients should treatment for FAI be avoided? (3) Is labral refixation superior to simple resection? (4) Does treatment for FAI alter the natural progression of osteoarthritis in this group of typically young patients? Study Design Systematic review. Methods Twenty-three reports of case studies on the surgical treatment of FAI were identified and a systematic review was conducted. Data from each study were collected to answer each of the 4 focus questions. Results This review of 970 cases included 1 level II evidence trial, 2 level III studies, and 20 level IV studies. Based on patient outcome scores and effect size, all studies demonstrated improvement of patient symptoms. Up to 30% of patients will eventually require total hip arthroplasty; those patients with Outerbridge grade III or IV cartilage damage seen intraoperatively or with preoperative radiographs showing greater than Tonnis grade I osteoarthritis will have worse outcomes with treatment for FAI. Only 2 studies directly compared labral refixation with labral debridement. Several studies reported postoperative osteoarthritis findings; only a minority of these patients had progression of their osteoarthritis. Conclusion Surgical treatment for FAI reliably improves patient symptoms in the majority of patients without advanced osteoarthritis or chondral damage. Early evidence supports labral refixation. It is too soon to predict whether progression of osteoarthritis is delayed. Clinical Relevance These results may be used to help predict the outcome of surgical treatment of FAI in different patient populations and to assess the need for labral refixation.
Nanomonitors: Electrical Immunoassays towards Clinical Diagnostics

Proteomics research has elucidated many new biomarkers that have the potential to greatly improve disease diagnosis. Electrical biosensors can be extremely sensitive and can be modified to function as protein detectors, meeting the improved performance parameters requirements. We employ the protein specific capacitance measurement method as the basis for protein biomarker detection. We have demonstrated the performance parameters for individual protein biomarker detection in purified and spiked serum samples to be comparable to ELISA. We have explored the feasibility of concurrent detection of the two protein biomarkers with comparable performance parameters.
Phase II trial of high-dose conformal radiation therapy with concurrent hepatic artery floxuridine for unresectable intrahepatic malignancies.

PURPOSE A phase II trial was conducted to determine if high-dose radiation with concurrent hepatic arterial floxuridine would improve survival in patients with unresectable intrahepatic malignancies. PATIENTS AND METHODS Three-dimensional conformal high-dose radiation therapy was delivered concurrently with hepatic arterial floxuridine in 128 patients. The radiation dose was based on a normal-tissue complication probability model and subjected the patient to an estimated maximum risk of radiation-induced liver disease of 10% to 15%. The study design provided more than 80% power to detect a two-fold increase in median survival compared with historical controls at a 5% significance level. RESULTS The median radiation dose delivered was 60.75 Gy (1.5-Gy fractions bid). At a median follow-up time of 16 months (26 months in patients who were alive) the median survival was 15.8 months (95% CI, 12.6 to 18.3 months), significantly longer than in the historical control. The actuarial 3-year survival was 17%. The total dose was the only significant predictor of survival. Primary hepatobiliary tumors had a significantly greater tendency to remain confined to the liver than did colorectal cancer metastases. Overall toxicity was acceptable, with 27 patients (21%) and 11 patients (9%) developing grade 3 and 4 toxicity, respectively, and one treatment-related death. CONCLUSION The results suggest that, compared with historical controls, high-dose focal liver irradiation with hepatic artery floxuridine prolongs survival in patients with unresectable chemotherapy-refractory metastatic colorectal cancer and primary hepatobiliary tumors. This provides a rationale for intensification of local therapy for unresectable hepatobiliary cancers and integration of this regimen with newer systemic therapy for patients with colorectal cancer.
Immunosuppressive activity of polychlorinated biphenyl mixtures and congeners: nonadditive (antagonistic) interactions.

The dose-response inhibition of the splenic plaque-forming cell (PFC) response and serum IgM units to the antigen, trinitrophenyl-lipopolysaccharide, was determined for several polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) mixtures and congeners in female B3C3F1 mice. The ED50 values for Aroclor 1260-, 1254-, 1248-, and 1242-induced immunotoxicity varied by less than twofold from 355 to 699 mg/kg. The range of ED50 values for 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), 3,3',4,4'-tetrachlorobiphenyl, 3,3',4,4',5-pentaCB, 3,3',4,4',5,5'-hexaCB, 2,3,3',4,4'-pentaCB, 2,3',4,4',5-pentaCB, 2,3,3',4,4',5-hexaCB, 2,3,3',4,4',5,5'-heptaCB, 2,2',3,3',4,4',5-heptaCB, and 2,2',3,4,4',5,5'-heptaCB were 4.6 to 4.9, 134 to 245, 4.7 to 7.0, 6.9 to 11.1, 88,000 to 121,000, 122,000 to 132,000, 99,000 to 157,000, 89,000 to 129,000, 117,000 to 240,000, and 132,000 to 238,000 micrograms/kg, respectively. The immunotoxicity-derived toxic equivalency factors (TEFs) for these congeners could be calculated from the ED50 (TCDD)/ED50 (congener) ratios and the TEF values were within the range of those previously determined for other aryl hydrocarbon receptor-mediated responses. Based on the known concentrations of these congeners in the PCB mixtures, TCDD or toxic equivalents (TEQs) in the mixture were calculated [i.e., TEQ = sigma (PCBcongener x TEF)] using the immunotoxicity-derived TEFs (plaque-forming cells/10(6) viable cells). TEQ values for Aroclors 1260, 1254, 1248, and 1242 were 16.0, 54.4, 260.4, and 197 ppm, respectively. Based on the ED50 value for the immunosuppressive activity of TCDD (4.8 micrograms/kg), the calculated ED50 values for immune suppression by Aroclors 1260, 1254, 1248, and 1242 were 300, 88, 18, and 24 mg/kg, respectively. The ED50 (observed)/ED50 (calculated) ratios were 1.2, 5.9, 21, and 22.0 for Aroclors 1260, 1254, 1248 and 1242, respectively. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Long-term storage effect on chemical composition , nutritional value and quality of Greek onion landrace “ Vatikiotiko ”

In the present study we examined the effect of storage at two temperatures (5±1 and 25±1 °C and 60-70±5% RH for both temperatures) on marketability and quality features of dry bulbs of local landrace “Vatikiotiko”, “Sivan F1”, “Red Cross F1” and “Creamgold”. The quality features recorded during storage included fresh and dry weight of bulbs, color of tunic and flesh, firmness of bulbs, nutritional value and mineral composition. The measurements were taken at regular intervals and the storage was completed when either bulbs had not marketable quality or sprouting occurred. The results have shown that “Vatikiotiko” onion can be stored for at least 7 months at 25±1 °C, whereas at 5±1 °C storage could be prolonged for more than 7 months without significant marketability and quality loss. The fact that “Vatikiotiko” landrace can be considered a “storage” onion has to be capitalized in order to increase total production and yield, since storage could cover the market needs that arise throughout the year.
Oxytetracycline tablet formulations: preformulation stability screening using differential thermal analysis

fie stability testing of developed dosage forms is Often a number are developed and subjected p a stability testing program with the view of marketing ody the most stable. If this operation can be simplified, economies might be made in the developflent of new drug products. Differential thermal analysis at the preformulation stage offers a possible help in solution of the problem. By comparing the thermal reaction of the drug and each of a number of excipients ~ t h mixtures of drug and excipient, it is possible to the most promising excipients for use in the development program. Differential thermal analysis will where a n excipient is compatible with a drug. Where an unexpected thermogram results, an excipient may show incompatibility with the drug on storage of fie dosage form. While this is not conclusive, because of the elevated temperatures used, the analysis can distinguish between those excipients unlikely to cause a problem and those that may cause instability. Any chemical reaction either evolving or absorbing heat will be monitored by the analysis. Change of crystalline structure and physical instability caused by eutectic formation will also be observed. Differential thermal analysis has been correlated with stability of oxacillin and dicloxacillin in formulations with stearic acid (Jacobson & Reier, 1969). A modified reheating technique was used by Hentze & Voege (1971) for studying the incompatibility of ampicillin and glucose. The ease and rapidity of eliminating possible incompatible excipients makes differential thermal analysis a useful tool in preformulation work and the relatively small quantities of materials necessary are also an advantage. In the current study, oxytetracycline was examined for possible incompatibility with a variety of excipients in tablet formulations. The solid-solid instability of various oxytetracline mixtures had previously been studied by Lach & Bornstein (1965, 1966) using diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, which served as a useful basis for this investigation. Additionally, the work of Chalmers & Elworthy (1976), evaluated the effect of various binders and excipients on the mechanical Properties of the granules and tablets as well as on the granulation method. Since a formulation might be chosen as a result of this work, it appeared to be worthwhile to evaluate the excipients used, for their possible effect on the stability of the formulation. A Mettler TA 2000 differential thermal analyser was Used with a constant heating rate of 6" min-l. The samples were heated in an atmosphere of nitrogen
Home environmental sound recognition based on MPEG-7 features

In this paper, an environmental sound recognition system based on MPEG-7 audio LLDs (low-level descriptors) is proposed. Traditional sound recognizer utilizes decision-tree based method and causes a problem where the parameter is not generalized. The HMM based sound recognizer has been introduced to resolve this drawback. However, it adopts spectrum parameter and will result in high dimensional feature vectors. This paper successfully solves the shortcoming by taking the basis extraction. The recognition rate is about 82% while only spectrogram is adopted as the parameter. The improved recognition rate is about 95% while three mentioned MPEG-7 audio LLDs are regarded as the parameters in our environmental sound recognizer. These three MPEG-7 audio LLDs are audio spectrum centroid descriptor, audio spectrum spread descriptor and audio spectrum flatness descriptor
Impact of chemotherapy on activated protein C‐dependent thrombin generation—Association with VTE occurrence

Chemotherapy has been associated with an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). However, the prevalence of coagulation abnormalities or VTE occurrence as a consequence of different anti‐cancer agents or treatment schemes is largely uncharacterized. Thus, this study was aimed at analyzing the impact of different anticancer drugs on the prothrombotic status of cancer out‐patients scheduled for chemotherapy. To this purpose, a mono‐institutional study was prospectively conducted to monitor serial changes of activated protein C (APC) function in 505 consecutive cancer out‐patients with primary or relapsing solid cancer at the start of a new chemotherapy regimen. The results obtained showed that age >65 years (p = 0.01), ECOG performance status (p = 0.01), platinum‐based (p = 0.035) and fluoropyrimidine‐based regimens (p = 0.008) were independent predictors of an acquired APC resistance during the first chemotherapy cycle. Multivariate model of Cox proportional hazards survival analysis demonstrated that a decline in APC functionality (HR = 2.4; p = 0.013) and platinum‐based regimens (HR = 2.2; p = 0.042) were both capable of predicting the occurrence of a first VTE episode during chemotherapy. Indeed, 14% of patients with platinum‐associated APC impairment had VTE over a 1‐year follow‐up, compared to 3% of patients treated with other regimens and in whom APC functionality remained stable (HR = 1.5; p = 0.003). We may, thus, conclude that use of platinum‐based regimens is responsible for induction of an acquired thrombophilic condition and represents a predictor for VTE even after adjustment for other risk factors.
Reduced levels of 5‐α reductase 2 in adult prostate tissue and implications for BPH therapy

5‐α reductase 2 (5‐AR 2) is a key enzyme that is responsible of proper development of prostate tissue. Inhibition of 5‐AR 2 has proven to be efficacious for management of urinary symptoms secondary benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). However, some patients are resistant to the therapeutic effects of 5‐AR 2 inhibitor. We wished to determine why some benign non‐cancerous adult human prostates do not express 5‐AR 2, and hypothesized that methylation of 5‐AR 2 promoter region correlated with low expression of 5‐AR 2 protein.
Influence of Prosthesis-Patient Mismatch on Survival with Aortic Valve Replacement

Prosthesis-patient mismatch (PPM) was first described over 30 years ago (Rahimtoola, 1978) for aortic valve replacement: when the in vivo effective orifice area (EOA) of the prosthetic valve is less than that of the native, non-diseased, human valve. Extensive documentation on the role of PPM after aortic valve replacement (AVR) particularly addresses left ventricular mass regression and patient survival. Controversy continues about the influence of PPM on patient survival, both early and late mortality. Many studies (Pibarot and Dumesnil, 2000; Muneretto et al., 2004; Mohty et al., 2006; Tasca et al., 2006; Moon et al., 2006; Florath et al., 2008; Mohty et al., 2009; Blais et al., 2003) report PPM to be an independent predictor of mortality while others (Jamieson et al., 2010; Kato et al., 2007; Vicchio et al., 2008; Mascherbauer et al., 2008; Monin et al., 2007) showed no significant effect of PPM on patient outcome. There is also debate about whether the control of PPM reduces congestive heart failure and regression of the left ventricular mass, thereby contributing to improved survival. Several Canadian centers have been actively involved in this area of research, namely the Laval University group led by P. Pibarot, J.G. Dumesnil and D. Mohty, the UBC group led by W.R. E. Jamieson, and the University of Ottawa group led by M. Ruel and A. Kulik. PPM is categorized by Pibarot and Dumesnil (2000), Mohty et al. (2009), and Jamieson et al. (2010) as normal (EOA index (EOAI) of > 0.85 cm2 / m2), mild-to-moderate (> 0.65 cm2 / m2 to ≤ 0.85 cm2 / m2), and severe (≤ 0.65 cm2 / m2). Tasca et al. (2006) defined PPM as an EOAI of ≤ 0.80 cm2 / m2, Moon et al. (2006) as an EOAI of < 0.75 cm2 / m2, while Ruel et al. (2004), Kulik et al. (2006), Kato et al. (2007), and Monin et al. (2007) as EOAI of ≤ 0.85 cm2 / m2; Florath et al. (2008) and Vicchio et al. (2008) chose 0.60 cm2 / m2 as the cutoff between moderate and severe PPM. As can be seen, there is no clear consensus on the exact definition of PPM; this lack of consensus may contribute at least in part to the observed discrepancies in the conclusions of the studies. The studies also differ in the length of their patient followup. Jamieson et al. (2010) report survival to 15 years, Moon et al. (2006) and Mohty et al. (2009) to 12 years, and the majority of the other publications on the topic of PPM report survival from 4 to 8 years (Mothy et al. 2006; Tasca et al., 2006; Florath et al., 2008; Kato et al., 2007; Mascherbauer et al., 2008; Monin et al., 2007). These differences may also contribute to the different conclusions reached.
Hemoglobin catabolism. I. Glutathione peroxidase, an erythrocyte enzyme which protects hemoglobin from oxidative breakdown.

Although the exact mechanism of the conversion of hemoglobin into biliverdin in vivo is still in doubt, the most plausible route is through the oxidation and opening of the tetrapyrrole ring, after which the globin and iron are removed. This reaction scheme is based on the extensive chemical studies of Lemberg and Legge (1) and on the more recent work of Kaziro el al. (2-4). In these studies, the oxidation of the tetrapyrrole ring was brought about under physiological conditions of pH and temperature by a coupled oxidation with ascorbic acid. Presumably, ascorbic acid reacts with the oxygen of oxyhemoglobin to produce a constant supply of hydrogen peroxide. This, in turn, oxidizes either the iron or the tetrapyrrole ring of hemoglobin. Two distinct intermediates are produced in this chemical breakdown of hemoglobin. Choleglobin, which is formed first, has a distinctive absorption band at 627 to 630 rnp after treatment with carbon monoxide and sodium hydrosulfite. As the reaction proceeds further, the appearance of an absorption band at 760 rnp is indicative of the presence of verdohemoglobin. Treatment with glacial acetic acid and ether will quantitatively convert verdohemoglobin into biliverdin. One of the problems of hemoglobin catabolism has been the explanation of the remarkable stability of hemoglobin in the intact cell to materials which would ordinarily destroy it, Ascorbic acid is a normal constituent of the red blood cell, and hydrogen peroxide presumably is generated constantly in small amounts within the cell. Even oxygen brings about a rather rapid autoxidation of hemoglobin in solutions of crystalline oxyhemoglobin (5). Foulkes and Lemberg (6) and Kaziro and coworkers (2) have previously shown the importance of catalase in protecting hemoglobin from oxidative breakdown produced by ascorbic acid. In addition, Foulkes and Lemberg (6) have shown that catalase will give some protec
An Interpretation of Mode-Decoupled MIMO Antennas in Terms of Characteristic Port Modes

If N ports are defined on the moment method model of a radiating structure, so-called characteristic port modes may be computed, using the moment method operator matrix, with respect to these ports. This results in N port excitation vectors (each of length N). Each vector excites a radiated field which is orthogonal to the fields excited by any of the other N excitation vectors. It is shown that this may be usefully employed in the design of antennas for multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communications, and that recent multimodal/multipolar approaches for MIMO antenna design may be interpreted in terms of such port modes.
Brivanib (BMS-582664) in advanced solid tumors (AST): Results of a phase II randomized discontinuation trial (RDT).

3079 Background: Brivanib (B) is an oral once daily selective dual inhibitor of FGF and VEGF signaling currently in phase III development for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma and colorectal cancer. An adaptive RDT was performed to assess therapeutic activity in other AST. METHODS Pts aged ≥18 y with unresectable AST and no other treatment options received open label fixed dose B 800 mg qd for a 12-wk lead-in period, after which they were assessed by CT/MRI. Pts with RECIST response continued on open-label B, those with progressive disease (PD) went off study, and those with stable disease (SD) were randomized 1:1 to B or placebo (P), stratified by FGF2 expression (IHC + or -), until PD or unacceptable toxicity. Steering Committee review of initial open-label data was used to stop enrollment in tumor cohorts with activity judged insufficient to justify expansion. The trial specified 70 randomized pts needed to assess the primary endpoint of improved PFS with a HR of 0.5; secondary endpoints included safety, ORR, duration of response, DCR, PK/PD, and exploratory biomarkers. RESULTS A total of 396 pts with 5 AST types received study treatment. Early evidence of activity prompted expansion of the soft tissue sarcoma (STS) cohort to 251 pts to achieve 76 randomized, showing prolonged PFS for B vs P (HR 0.64, 90% CI 0.41-0.98; P=.09). Single agent B activity in FGF2+ pancreatic, gastric, bladder, and NSLC was judged insufficient to justify expansion of these cohorts, allowing closure decisions to be made with ≤42 pts. Common AEs were as expected; grade 3-4 AEs ≥5% were hypertension, fatigue, dyspnea, and abdominal pain. CONCLUSIONS The adaptive RDT design conserved pt resources by efficiently identifying tumor types with encouraging activity and demonstrated a potential benefit in pts with STS. Common AEs associated with B monotherapy were as expected across tumor types. Biomarker exploration with potential for enrichment continues; breast and ovarian cohorts have been added to the trial. [Table: see text].
Oxaliplatin‐based chemotherapy (dexamethasone, high‐dose cytarabine, and oxaliplatin) ± rituximab is an effective salvage regimen in patients with relapsed or refractory lymphoma

Patients affected by relapsed or primary refractory lymphomas currently have a poor prognosis and no standard salvage treatment options. This study was carried out to assess the efficacy and safety of a dexamethasone, high‐dose cytarabine, and oxaliplatin as salvage therapy in those patients, replacing cisplatin with oxaliplatin in the standard dexamethasone, cytarabine, and cisplatin scheme.