Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spatial harmonics compensation of magnetizing curve model for torque ripple suppression in switched reluctance servo motor

This paper presents a consideration on control strategy for torque ripple suppression in switched reluctance servo motor. It has been disclosed that instantaneous current profiling technique is one of the effective solution to obtain flat torque waveform in SR motor. In the proposed control, the current reference profile are calculated based on torque-current-rotor position (T-i-θ) characteristic model which takes nonlinearity and spatial harmonics into account. 2D-FEA based analytical studies using 12/8 poles 3-phase SR motor reveals the relationship between the maximum order of spatial harmonics included in magnetizing curve model to create T-i-θ characteristic model and the control performance. Finally, this paper presents two approaches to achieve precise torque control under instantaneous current profiling technique in SR motor.
ADENINE NUCLEOTIDE TISSUE CONCENTRATIONS AND LIVER ALLOGRAFT VIABILITY AFTER COLD PRESERVATION AND WARM ISCHEMIA

The relation between adenine nucleotide liver concentrations and the viability of liver allografts after cold preservation and warm ischemia was studied. A rat model was used with storage times defined in terms of allograft viability. Livers were excised and stored for 4 hr at 4°C or 1 hr at 37°C (viable if transplanted) or for 8 hr at 4°C or 2 hr at 37°C (not viable if transplanted) in a solution containing 0.9% NaCl and 2 mM CaCl2. Adenine nucleotide, malondialdehyde, and glutathione concentrations were measured in liver biopsies at the end of the storage periods and in control livers. During cold preservation, ATP concentrations decline, but degradation is largely halted at AMP, and this is independent of the length of storage or viability of the allograft. Graft failure is not due to lack of availability of intramitochondrial substrate (AMP) for rephosphorylation to
A dual role for integrin-linked kinase in platelets: regulating integrin function and α-granule secretion

Integrin-linked kinase (ILK) has been implicated in the regulation of a range of fundamental biological processes such as cell survival, growth, differentiation, and adhesion. In platelets ILK associates with β1- and β3-containing integrins, which are of paramount importance for the function of platelets. Upon stimulation of platelets this association with the integrins is increased and ILK kinase activity is up-regulated, suggesting that ILK may be important for the coordination of platelet responses. In this study a conditional knockout mouse model was developed to examine the role of ILK in platelets. The ILK-deficient mice showed an increased bleeding time and volume, and despite normal ultrastructure the function of ILK-deficient platelets was decreased significantly. This included reduced aggregation, fibrinogen binding, and thrombus formation under arterial flow conditions. Furthermore, although early collagen stimulated signaling such as PLCγ2 phosphorylation and calcium mobilization were unaffected in ILK-deficient platelets, a selective defect in α-granule, but not dense-granule, secretion was observed. These results indicate that as well as involvement in the control of integrin affinity, ILK is required for α-granule secretion and therefore may play a central role in the regulation of platelet function.
Acute kidney injury in the paediatric intensive care unit: identification by modified RIFLE criteria.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the prevalence and outcome of acute kidney injury in paediatric intensive care units using the modified RIFLE score (pRIFLE). DESIGN Historical cohort study. SETTING A paediatric intensive care unit in a regional Hong Kong hospital. PATIENTS; All paediatric patients aged 1 month to 18 years admitted to a local paediatric intensive care unit in the years 2005 to 2007. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES; For every paediatric intensive care unit admission, acute kidney injury was classified according to the pRIFLE criteria ("R" for risk, "I" for injury, "F" for failure, "L" for loss, and "E" for end-stage). Prevalence and outcome of acute kidney injury were therefore categorised according to the pRIFLE staging. RESULTS A total of 140 such patient admissions constituted the study population. The point prevalence of acute kidney injury in these patients on admission was 46% (n=59), whilst 56% (n=78) endured acute kidney injury at some time during their paediatric intensive care unit stay. Worsening of pRIFLE grading during their intensive care unit admission was observed in 20% of the patients who had no acute kidney injury on admission, in 30% of those who had an initial "R" grade, and in 40% of those who had an initial "I" grade of acute kidney injury. Overall mortality in this cohort was 12%, which was significantly higher among patients with acute kidney injury. Having acute kidney injury of grade "F" on admission to the paediatric intensive care unit was an independent predictor of mortality (hazard ratio=5.94; 95% confidence interval, 1.06-33.36; P=0.043). CONCLUSION Among critically ill paediatric patients, the pRIFLE score serves as a suitable classification of acute kidney injury when stratified according to clinical severity. It also provides prognostic information on mortality and renal outcomes.
Disruption of Cyclin D3 Blocks Proliferation of Normal B-1a Cells, but Loss of Cyclin D3 Is Compensated by Cyclin D2 in Cyclin D3-Deficient Mice1

Peritoneal B-1a cells differ from splenic B-2 cells in the molecular mechanisms that control G0-S progression. In contrast to B-2 cells, cyclin D2 is up-regulated in a rapid and transient manner in phorbol ester (PMA)-stimulated B-1a cells, whereas cyclin D3 does not accumulate until late G1 phase. This nonoverlapping expression of cyclins D2 and D3 suggests distinct functions for these proteins in B-1a cells. To investigate the contribution of cyclin D3 in the proliferation of B-1a cells, we transduced p16INK4a peptidyl mimetics (TAT-p16) into B-1a cells before cyclin D3 induction to specifically block cyclin D3-cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 assembly. TAT-p16 inhibited DNA synthesis in B-1a cells stimulated by PMA, CD40L, or LPS as well as endogenous pRb phosphorylation by cyclin D-cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6. Unexpectedly, however, cyclin D3-deficient B-1a cells proliferated in a manner similar to wild-type B-1a cells following PMA or LPS stimulation. This was due, at least in part, to the compensatory sustained accumulation of cyclin D2 throughout G0-S progression. Taken together, experiments in which cyclin D3 was inhibited in real time demonstrate the key role this cyclin plays in normal B-1a cell mitogenesis, whereas experiments with cyclin D3-deficient B-1a cells show that cyclin D2 can compensate for cyclin D3 loss in mutant mice.
WNK 4 enhances TRPV 5-mediated calcium transport : potential role in hypercalciuria of familial hyperkalemic hypertension caused by gene mutation of WNK 4

Jiang Y, Ferguson WB, Peng JB. WNK4 enhances TRPV5mediated calcium transport: potential role in hypercalciuria of familial hyperkalemic hypertension caused by gene mutation of WNK4. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 292: F545–F554, 2007. First published October 3, 2006; doi:10.1152/ajprenal.00187. 2006. —The epithelial Ca channel TRPV5 serves as a gatekeeper for active Ca reabsorption in the distal convoluted tubule and connecting tubule of the kidney. WNK4, a protein serine/threonine kinase with gene mutations that cause familial hyperkalemic hypertension (FHH), including a subtype with hypercalciuria, is also localized in the distal tubule of the nephron. To understand the role of WNK4 in modulation of Ca reabsorption, we evaluated the effect of WNK4 on TRPV5-mediated Ca transport in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Coexpression of TRPV5 with WNK4 resulted in a twofold increase in TRPV5-mediated Ca uptake. The increase in Ca uptake was due to the increase in surface expression of TRPV5. When the thiazide-sensitive Na -Cl cotransporter NCC was coexpressed, the effect of WNK4 on TRPV5 was weakened by NCC in a dose-dependent manner. Although the WNK4 disease-causing mutants E562K, D564A, Q565E, and R1185C retained their ability to upregulate TRPV5, the blocking effect of NCC was further strengthened when wild-type WNK4 was replaced by the Q565E mutant, which causes FHH with hypercalciuria. We conclude that WNK4 positively regulates TRPV5-mediated Ca transport and that the inhibitory effect of NCC on this process may be involved in the pathogenesis of hypercalciuria of FHH caused by gene mutation in WNK4.
Impact of Depressive Mood on Relapse in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Prospective 18-Month Follow-Up Study

Objective There is evidence of an interaction between psychological factors and activity of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We examined the influence of depressive mood and associated anxiety on the course of IBD over a period of 18 months in a cohort of patients after an episode of active disease. Methods In this prospective, longitudinal, observational study, 60 patients (37 women and 23 men) with clinically inactive IBD (Crohn disease, n = 47, 78%; ulcerative colitis, n = 13, 22%) were enrolled after a flare of disease. Psychological status, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and disease activity were evaluated at baseline and then every 3 months for a period of 18 months by means of clinical and biological parameters, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire, the Perceived Stress Questionnaire, and the Rating Form of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients Concerns. Results At baseline, depression (BDI ≥13 points) was found in 17 of 60 (28%) patients. Thirty-two patients (59%) experienced at least one relapse during the 18 months of follow-up. Regression analysis showed a significant correlation between BDI scores at baseline and the total number of relapses after 12 (p < .01) and 18 months (p < .01) of follow-up. Furthermore, depression scores at baseline correlated with the time until the first recurrence of the disease (p < .05). Anxiety and low HRQOL were also related with more frequent relapses during follow-up (p < .05 and p < .01, respectively). Conclusions Psychological factors such as a depressive mood associated with anxiety and impaired HRQOL may exert a negative influence on the course of IBD. Therefore, assessment and management of psychological distress should be included in clinical treatment of patients with IBD.
Shr of group A streptococcus is a new type of composite NEAT protein involved in sequestering haem from methaemoglobin

A growing body of evidence suggests that surface or secreted proteins with NEAr Transporter (NEAT) domains play a central role in haem acquisition and trafficking across the cell envelope of Gram‐positive bacteria. Group A streptococcus (GAS), a β‐haemolytic human pathogen, expresses a NEAT protein, Shr, which binds several haemoproteins and extracellular matrix (ECM) components. Shr is a complex, membrane‐anchored protein, with a unique N‐terminal domain (NTD) and two NEAT domains separated by a central leucine‐rich repeat region. In this study we have carried out an analysis of the functional domains in Shr. We show that Shr obtains haem in solution and furthermore reduces the haem iron; this is the first report of haem reduction by a NEAT protein. More specifically, we demonstrate that both of the constituent NEAT domains of Shr are responsible for binding haem, although they are missing a critical tyrosine residue found in the ligand‐binding pocket of other haem‐binding NEAT domains. Further investigations show that a previously undescribed region within the Shr NTD interacts with methaemoglobin. Shr NEAT domains, however, do not contribute significantly to the binding of methaemoglobin but mediate binding to the ECM components fibronectin and laminin. A protein fragment containing the NTD plus the first NEAT domain was found to be sufficient to sequester haem directly from methaemoglobin. Correlating these in vitro findings to in vivo biological function, mutants analysis establishes the role of Shr in GAS growth with methaemoglobin as a sole source of iron, and indicates that at least one NEAT domain is necessary for the utilization of methaemoglobin. We suggest that Shr is the prototype of a new group of NEAT composite proteins involved in haem uptake found in pyogenic streptococci and Clostridium novyi.
1,2‐bis(2‐Aminophenoxy)ethane‐N,N,N′,N′‐tetraacetic acid induces caspase‐mediated apoptosis and reactive oxygen species‐mediated necrosis in cultured cortical neurons

Sustained alteration in [Ca2+]i triggers neuronal death. We examined morphological and signaling events of Ca2+‐deficiency‐induced neuronal death. Cortical cell cultures exposed to 20 µm 1,2‐bis(2‐aminophenoxy)ethane‐N,N,N′,N′‐tetraacetic acid (BAPTA‐AM), an intracellular calcium chelator, underwent neuronal apoptosis within 12 h that was evident by shriveled cell bodies, aggregated and condensed nuclear chromatin, and disrupted nuclear membrane. Thereafter, surviving neurons revealed typical necrosis, accompanied by swelling of cell body and mitochondria, over 24 h. Both apoptosis and necrosis were prevented by inclusion of 1 µg/mL cycloheximide, a protein synthesis inhibitor. Treatment with BAPTA‐AM induced translocation of Bax into mitochondria within 4 h and release of cytochrome c from mitochondria over 4–12 h. An active fragment of caspase‐3, a downstream mediator of cytochrome c, was observed within 8 h and cleaved PHF‐1‐positive tau. Administration of zVAD‐fmk, a broad inhibitor of caspases, or DEVD‐amc, a selective inhibitor of caspase‐3, selectively prevented the apoptosis component of BAPTA‐AM neurotoxicity. In contrast, BAPTA‐AM‐induced necrosis was propagated through sequential production of superoxide, mitochondrial and cytoplasmic reactive oxygen species. Combined treatment with caspase inhibitors and antioxidants blocked BAPTA‐AM neurotoxicity. The present study suggests that neurons deficient in [Ca2+]i undergo caspase‐3‐mediated apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐mediated necrosis.
Concomitant and isolated expression of TGF‐alpha and EGF‐R in human hepatoma cells supports the hypothesis of autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine growth of human hepatoma

Single and double immunohistochemical staining for transforming growth factor (TGF)‐alpha and epidermal growth factor‐receptor (EGF‐R) was done in order to identify the localization of TGF‐alpha and EGF‐R in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Single immunohistochemical staining for TGF‐alpha showed immunoreactivity in the cytoplasm of hepatoma cells in 22 of 30 cases of HCC. The localization of TGF‐alpha was heterogeneous from HCC cells to HCC cells. In the surrounding regenerative nodules, the hepatocytes were mildly to moderately positive for TGF‐alpha. The proliferating bile ductules and peripheral nerves were also immunopositive for TGF‐alpha. Single immunohistochemical staining for EGF‐R demonstrated a linear localization of EGF‐R along the cell membrane of the HCC cells in 21 of the 30 cases of HCC. In the regenerative nodules, the hepatocytes also showed linear staining along the cell membrane. Double staining for TGF‐alpha and EGF‐R in 12 cases of HCC showed a concurrent localization of TGF‐alpha and EGF‐R in some hepatoma cells and isolated localization of the two substances of other HCC cells. These combinations either abruptly moved around or intermingled with each other. These immonohistochemical results thus support the theory of an autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine mechanism of TGF‐alpha and EGF‐R on the proliferation of human hepatocellular carcinoma. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Analysis of Surface-Exposed Outer Membrane Proteins in Helicobacter pylori

ABSTRACT More than 50 Helicobacter pylori genes are predicted to encode outer membrane proteins (OMPs), but there has been relatively little experimental investigation of the H. pylori cell surface proteome. In this study, we used selective biotinylation to label proteins localized to the surface of H. pylori, along with differential detergent extraction procedures to isolate proteins localized to the outer membrane. Proteins that met multiple criteria for surface-exposed outer membrane localization included known adhesins, as well as Cag proteins required for activity of the cag type IV secretion system, putative lipoproteins, and other proteins not previously recognized as cell surface components. We identified sites of nontryptic cleavage consistent with signal sequence cleavage, as well as C-terminal motifs that may be important for protein localization. A subset of surface-exposed proteins were highly susceptible to proteolysis when intact bacteria were treated with proteinase K. Most Hop and Hom OMPs were susceptible to proteolysis, whereas Hor and Hof proteins were relatively resistant. Most of the protease-susceptible OMPs contain a large protease-susceptible extracellular domain exported beyond the outer membrane and a protease-resistant domain at the C terminus with a predicted β-barrel structure. These features suggest that, similar to the secretion of the VacA passenger domain, the N-terminal domains of protease-susceptible OMPs are exported through an autotransporter pathway. Collectively, these results provide new insights into the repertoire of surface-exposed H. pylori proteins that may mediate bacterium-host interactions, as well as the cell surface topology of these proteins.
A Circularly Polarized Multiple Radiating Mode Microstrip Antenna for Satellite Receive Applications

A beam peak and null steering multiple radiating mode based microstrip patch antenna is presented for satellite receive applications operating at L1 Global Positioning System (GPS) band. Two collocated microstrip patch antennas were designed to produce TM11 and TM21 radiating modes. These orthogonal and circularly polarized radiation patterns were combined enabling full hemispherical steering of a single beam peak and null. Using theoretical analysis and full-wave simulation, the multimode aperture was designed to operate over a 25 MHz bandwidth centered at 1.575 GHz, which covers the L1 GPS band. Impedance and radiation pattern measurements of the passive antenna aperture were in close agreement with the simulated data. Next, this antenna was integrated with an active feed network allowing full hemispherical control over the beam null position and limited beam peak scan in ≈ 5° increments. Using a simple calibration scheme, the measured beam peak and null elevation angles were programmed to within <; 10° of the intended value based on simulation. Azimuthal positions were consistently offset by ≈ 20° from the simulated value, which could be resolved in the board layout by phase matching the transmission lines and test point locations. The antenna maintained high total efficiency >68% and low axial ratio 3 dB over all steering angles.
Judgment of Nasolabial Esthetics in Cleft Lip and Palate is Not Influenced by Overall Facial Attractiveness

Objective To determine whether judgment of nasolabial esthetics in cleft lip and palate (CLP) is influenced by overall facial attractiveness. Design Experimental study. Setting University of Bern, Switzerland. Subjects and Methods Seventy-two fused images (36 of boys, 36 of girls) were constructed. Each image comprised (1) the nasolabial region of a treated child with complete unilateral CLP (UCLP) and (2) the external facial features, i.e., the face with masked nasolabial region, of a noncleft child. Photographs of the nasolabial region of six boys and six girls with UCLP representing a wide range of esthetic outcomes, i.e., from very good to very poor appearance, were randomly chosen from a sample of 60 consecutively treated patients in whom nasolabial esthetics had been rated in a previous study. Photographs of external facial features of six boys and six girls without UCLP with various esthetics were randomly selected from patients' files. Eight lay raters evaluated the fused images using a 100-mm visual analogue scale. Method reliability was assessed by reevaluation of fused images after >1 month. A regression model was used to analyze which elements of facial esthetics influenced the perception of nasolabial appearance. Results Method reliability was good. A regression analysis demonstrated that only the appearance of the nasolabial area affected the esthetic scores of fused images (coefficient −11.44; P < .001; R2 = 0.464). The appearance of the external facial features did not influence perceptions of fused images. Conclusion Cropping facial images for assessment of nasolabial appearance in CLP seems unnecessary. Instead, esthetic evaluation can be performed on images of full faces.
The French Version of the Defense Style Questionnaire

Background: Bond et al. developed the Defense Style Questionnaire (DSQ), a self-questionnaire that aims at empirically measuring conscious derivatives of defense mechanisms. The original analysis yielded 4 factors called Defense Styles (DS). DSQ discriminates between mature and immature defense styles. Objectives: Determine if the French version of DSQ has (a) face validity, (b) a similar structure to the original version, (c) internal consistency, (d) grouping of defense mechanisms into clinically pertinent defense styles, (e) evidence of nonpatients using more mature defense styles, (f) correlation with Defensive Functioning Scale (DFS) (DSM-IV) [2]. Methods: Reliability and validity study on 82 control subjects and 140 patients, 59 among them evaluated for defensive level. Results: Factor analysis of controls sample yielded 4 factors ranging from immature to mature defense styles. DSQ scores on factor I (maladaptive style) are significantly higher in outpatients than in controls. Maladaptive style score correlates with clinical evaluation of defensive level of functioning (DFS). Conclusion: Psychometric features of the French version are similar to the original scale, although minor differences in individual defense mechanisms are present. Factor I (maladaptive defense style) remains more stable than other factors, accounts for most of variance contribution, has high internal consistency and applies to behaviors, i.e. conscious derivatives of defense mechanisms that can be easily identified. The French version of DSQ is (a) an easy and economical way to rate immature defense style in populations of ‘neurotic’ and borderline patients and (b) further provides a hierarchical grouping of defense mechanisms in defense styles.