Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Economic analysis of deployment of DC power and appliances along with solar in urban multi-storied buildings

Lighting, fans and electronic devices form a significant and growing portion of power-load at homes and need power back-up support in case there are frequent power-cuts. A Diesel generator is generally used today in multi-storied buildings to provide this backup. The DC system, proposed in this paper, provides a far more energy-efficient alternative using renewable power-source for backup. It creates a pull for a home to move towards far more energy efficient DC loads. The solution provides a GREEN option to the existing solution. This paper provides a fresh perspective on the problem of eliminating conversion losses for uninterrupted operation of DC appliances. A cost benefit analysis shows that this DC system can reduce costs to the consumer by eliminating the complex electronics embedded in the inversion process. A rough measurement of the conversion losses for commercially available inverters and battery chargers illustrates that gains of 30% to 45% are easily obtainable.
Small RNA-based feedforward loop with AND-gate logic regulates extrachromosomal DNA transfer in Salmonella

Significance Horizontal gene transfer is a major force in bacterial evolution, and a widespread mechanism involves conjugative plasmids. Albeit potentially beneficial at the population level, plasmid transfer is a burden for individual cells. Therefore, assembly of the conjugation machinery is strictly controlled, especially under stress. Here, we describe an RNA-based regulatory circuit in host–plasmid communication where a regulatory RNA (RprA) inhibits plasmid transfer through posttranscriptional activation of two genes. Because one of the activated factors (σS) is necessary for transcription of the other (RicI), RprA forms the centerpiece of a posttranscriptional feedforward loop with AND-gate logic for gene activation. We also show that the synthesis of RicI, a membrane protein, inhibits plasmid transfer, presumably by interference with pilus assembly. Horizontal gene transfer via plasmid conjugation is a major driving force in microbial evolution but constitutes a complex process that requires synchronization with the physiological state of the host bacteria. Although several host transcription factors are known to regulate plasmid-borne transfer genes, RNA-based regulatory circuits for host–plasmid communication remain unknown. We describe a posttranscriptional mechanism whereby the Hfq-dependent small RNA, RprA, inhibits transfer of pSLT, the virulence plasmid of Salmonella enterica. RprA employs two separate seed-pairing domains to activate the mRNAs of both the sigma-factor σS and the RicI protein, a previously uncharacterized membrane protein here shown to inhibit conjugation. Transcription of ricI requires σS and, together, RprA and σS orchestrate a coherent feedforward loop with AND-gate logic to tightly control the activation of RicI synthesis. RicI interacts with the conjugation apparatus protein TraV and limits plasmid transfer under membrane-damaging conditions. To our knowledge, this study reports the first small RNA-controlled feedforward loop relying on posttranscriptional activation of two independent targets and an unexpected role of the conserved RprA small RNA in controlling extrachromosomal DNA transfer.
Direct Kinematics of a 6-PUS Parallel Robot Using a Numeric-Geometric Method

A numerical method to solve the direct kinematics of the 6-PUS parallel robot is presented. This method is based on a simplified geometry of the robot, in such a way that each pair of limbs forms a triangle, the locus of the top vertex of this triangle is an arc. Results of the implementation of the algorithm are presented.
Author ' s personal copy Building a model of commitment to the natural environment to predict ecological behavior and willingness to sacri fi ce

We examined the connection between individuals’ relationships with the natural environment and their environmental behaviors with a focus on commitment to the environment, defined as psychological attachment and long-term orientation to the natural world. Commitment is theorized to emerge from structural interdependence with the environment and to lead to pro-environmental behaviors. Close relationships research has identified three key antecedents to commitment (satisfaction, alternatives, and investments). We developed environment-specific measures of these constructs, and factor analysis verified three distinct factors. A path analysis revealed that satisfaction with the environment and investments in the environment, but not alternatives to the environment, predicted commitment to the environment. Moreover, commitment mediated the effects of satisfaction and investments on general ecological behavior and willingness to sacrifice for the environment. In regression analyses, commitment predicted general ecological behavior and willingness to sacrifice for the environment, even when controlling for ecological worldview, inclusion of nature in the self, connectedness to nature, and environmental identity. Individuals who are satisfied with and invested in the natural world are likely to be committed to the environment and act with the well-being of the environment in mind. 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Effects of Xenon on In Vitro and In Vivo Models of Neuronal Injury

Background Xenon, the “inert” gaseous anesthetic, is an antagonist at the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA)-type glutamate receptor. Because of the pivotal role that NMDA receptors play in neuronal injury, the authors investigated the efficacy of xenon as a neuroprotectant in both in vitro and in vivo paradigms. Methods In a mouse neuronal–glial cell coculture, injury was provoked either by NMDA, glutamate, or oxygen deprivation and assessed by the release of lactate dehydrogenase into the culture medium. Increasing concentrations of either xenon or nitrogen (10–75% of an atmosphere) were coadministered and maintained until injury was assessed. In separate in vivo experiments, rats were administered N-methyl-dl-aspartate and killed 3 h later. Injury was quantified by histologic assessment of neuronal degeneration in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus. Results Xenon exerted a concentration-dependent protection against neuronal injury provoked by NMDA (IC50 = 19 ± 6% atm), glutamate (IC50 = 28 ± 8% atm), and oxygen deprivation (IC50 = 10 ± 4% atm). Xenon (60% atm) reduced lactate dehydrogenase release to baseline concentrations with oxygen deprivation, whereas xenon (75% atm) reduced lactate dehydrogenase release by 80% with either NMDA- or glutamate-induced injury. In an in vivo brain injury model in rats, xenon exerted a concentration-dependent protective effect (IC50 = 78 ± 8% atm) and reduced the injury by 45% at the highest xenon concentration tested (75% atm). Conclusions Xenon, when coadministered with the injurious agent, exerts a concentration-dependent neuroprotective effect at concentrations below which anesthesia is produced in rodents. Unlike either nitrous oxide or ketamine (other anesthetics with NMDA antagonist properties), xenon is devoid of both neurotoxicity and clinically significant adverse hemodynamic properties. Studies are proposed to determine whether xenon can be used as a neuroprotectant in certain clinical settings.
Comparison of the AlxGa1–xN/GaN Heterostructures Grown on Silicon-on-Insulator and Bulk-Silicon Substrates

Compared with bulk-Si wafer, AlxGa1-xN/gallium nitride (GaN) heterostructures grown on a 150-mm silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrate with a 35-nm-thick Si overlayer are shown to have ~50% less wafer bowing. As a result, the 2-D electron gas mobility and the sheet-resistivity uniformity on SOI are improved due to a lower defect density. In terms of device performance, high-electron-mobility transistors (HEMTs) fabricated on the AlxGa1-xN/GaN-on-SOI exhibit ~20.5% higher saturation drain current as compared with the bulk-Si counterparts. However, due to the poorer conductivity of the buried oxide layer, the AlxGa1-xN/GaN-on-SOI HEMT suffers greater self-heating, with ~50 K higher channel temperature. With mitigation of self-heating, the AlxGa1-xN/GaN-on-SOI, in view of its more superior structural and thermal stability, should offer an attractive alternative for integration of the GaN technology with the Si CMOS platform.
Positron emission tomography-computed tomography in the detection of axillary lymph node metastasis in patients with early stage breast cancer.

OBJECTIVE The status of axillary lymph nodes (ALNs) is the most important prognostic factor in breast cancer. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical usefulness of ALN involvement by means of positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) compared with breast sonography and mammography in patients with early breast cancer. METHODS This study involved 108 breast cancer patients with non-palpable ALNs. All patients had PET-CT, breast sonography and mammography imaging before sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy. After SLN biopsy, all patients underwent complete ALN dissection. ALNs were evaluated by standard hematoxylin and eosin staining techniques. The findings of PET-CT, breast sonography and mammography imaging of 108 patients were compared with pathologic findings after surgery. Sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of individual diagnostic modalities were compared. Diagnostic accuracy was evaluated applying receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve areas. RESULTS The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of PET-CT imaging were 48.5%, 84% and 73.2%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of breast sonography were 51.5%, 89.3% and 77.8%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of mammography were 33.3%, 96% and 76.9%, respectively. For involvement of ALNs, PET-CT imaging, breast sonography and mammography had areas under the ROC curve of 0.662, 0.704 and 0.647, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Compared with the combination of breast sonography and mammography, PET-CT was less sensitive and had less accuracy in detecting ALN metastasis. Consequently, PET-CT is not a reliable non-invasive modality for assessing ALN involvement that can replace ALN dissection or SLN biopsy before decisions are made on appropriate systemic interventions.
Misconceptions about the energy metabolism of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Introduction Utilization of sugars by yeast Contribution of fermentation and respiration to ATP production Energetic irrelevance of aerobiosis for yeast growing on sugars Fate of the ATP produced in yeast catabolism Misconceptions on the yeast energy metabolism Misinterpretations by modern biochemists of Pasteur's data on growth yield Misconceptions on the occurrence of Pasteur effect in yeast Pasteur effect can be observed under special experimental conditions Mechanism of appearance of Pasteur effect in resting cells: inactivisation of the sugar transport system Fermentation is more sensitive than respiration to changes in sugar uptake rate Final remarks References
Rapid diagnosis of Campylobacter jejuni by stool Gram stain examination

Microscopic stool examination by Gram stain is useful for rapid diagnosis and treatment of Campylobacter infection in patients with acute onset diarrhoea. A 69-year-old Japanese woman with pernicious anaemia presented with a 3-day history of fever and watery diarrhoea. On examination, her mental status was normal and general appearance was not in acute distress. Blood pressure was 115/43 mm Hg, pulse …
Bovine viral Diarrhoea virus infections and its control. A review

Summary Infections with bovine viral diarrhoea virus continue to plague the cattle industry worldwide. The wish to control the negative effects of the virus has lead to the development of numerous vaccines, but also of eradication schemes. In this paper, a comprehensive overview on BVDV is given: the virus and its clinical manifestations, its occurrence and economic impact, the different routes of transmission, as well as diagnostic methods and objectives. Furthermore, the two major options for BVDV control ‐eradication and vaccination ‐ are discussed as well as the risk for reintroduction of BVDV after eradication.
Macrosomia—Maternal Characteristics and Infant Complications

Using a 1982 to 1983 regional network data bank of 33,545 delivered infants, a study was conducted comparing 574 macrosomic infants weighing greater than 4500 g to a control group of 18,739 infants whose birth weights were 2500 to 3499 g. Macrosomic infants occurred in 1.7% of the deliveries. Women delivering macrosomic infants were significantly older, of higher parity, more obese (greater than 90 kg), and more frequently diabetic and postmature (longer than 42 weeks) than the controls. The women having macrosomic infants had a higher frequency of cesarean deliveries. The macrosomic infants were more often male and had more birth trauma and shoulder dystocia, higher death rates, and lower Apgar scores. Five-minute Apgar scores were lowest in the very macrosomic subgroup (greater than 5000 g). The high-risk group triad included obesity, diabetes, and postdates and had a macrosomia frequency of 5 to 14%. Macrosomic infants delivered by cesarean section had significantly fewer birth injuries. Because of these serious perinatal problems, women at risk should be screened for macrosomic infants, and if found, they should be delivered electively cesarean section.
Constraining primordial non-Gaussianity with high-redshift probes

We present an analysis of the constraints on the amplitude of primordial non-Gaussianity of local type described by the dimensionless parameter fNL. These constraints are set by the auto-correlation functions (ACFs) of two large scale structure probes, the radio sources from NRAO VLA Sky Survey (NVSS) and the QSO catalogue of Sloan Digital Sky Survey Release Six (SDSS DR6 QSOs), as well as by their cross-correlation functions (CCFs) with the cosmic microwave background (CMB) temperature map (Integrated Sachs-Wolfe effect). Several systematic effects that may affect the observational estimates of the ACFs and of the CCFs are investigated and conservatively accounted for. Our approach exploits the large-scale scale-dependence of the non-Gaussian halo bias. The derived constraints on {fNL} coming from the NVSS CCF and from the QSO ACF and CCF are weaker than those previously obtained from the NVSS ACF, but still consistent with them. Finally, we obtain the constraints on fNL = 53±25 (1 σ) and fNL = 58±24 (1 σ) from NVSS data and SDSS DR6 QSO data, respectively.
Visual selection of multiple movement goals

We examined the allocation of attention during the preparation of sequences of saccades in a dual task paradigm. As a primary task, participants performed a sequence of two or three saccades to targets arranged on a circular array. The secondary task was a two-alternative discrimination in which a critical discrimination stimulus (digital ’ ’ or ’ ’) was presented among distractors either at one of the saccade goals or at any other position. The findings show that discrimination performance is enhanced at all the saccade target locations of the planned sequence, while it is close to chance level at the positions that are not relevant for the saccade sequence. An analysis of the discrimination performance at the intermediate locations indicates that saccade target selection involves spatially distinct, non-contiguous foci of attention. Further, our findings demonstrate that the movement-relevant locations are selected in parallel rather than serially in time. We conclude that during the preparation of a saccade sequence – well before the actual execution of the eye movement attention is allocated in parallel to each of the individual movement targets. 2 Properties of attentional selection during the preparation of sequential saccades 2.
Técnicas aplicadas al reconocimiento de implicación textual.

Tras establecer que se entiende por implicacion textual, se expone la situacion actual y el futuro deseable de los sistemas dirigidos a reconocerla. Se realiza una identificacion de las tecnicas que implementan actualmente los principales sistemas de Reconocimiento de Implicacion Textual.
Adherence of Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae from healthy persons and HIV carriers, under the influence of Broncho Vaxom in vitro and ascorbic acid in vivo

We examined the in vitro effect of Broncho Vaxom (BV) (an immunobiotherapeutic preparation containing a lysate made from bacteria often involved in respiratory tract infections) on adherence of Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Candida albicans to human buccal epithelial cells (BEC) of healthy volunteers and HIV carriers. We also examined the ex vivo effect of ascorbic acid on the adherence of the same microorganisms to BEC of HIV carriers. The study reached the following conclusions: The presence of BV in vitro significantly reduces the adherence of the tested strains to BEC from healthy persons and HIV carriers. No significant difference was observed between healthy persons and HIV carriers regarding the adherence of the tested strains to BEC. Significant difference in the adherence of the tested strains to BEC was observed between HIV carriers who had been taking ascorbic acid over a 3‐month period and those who had not. There was no further reduction in the adherence of the tested strains to BEC from HIV carriers who had been taking ascorbic acid in the presence of BV in vitro.
Effect of surface degradation on slot partial discharge activity

To improve our understanding of slot partial discharge (PD) mechanisms, an accelerated aging test was initiated two years ago. This long-term experiment is being performed on six stator bars subjected to slot PDs under electrical, thermal and mechanical stresses. It is well known that slot PD activity in air-cooled generators is harmful to the stator winding ground insulation. The degradation induced by slot PDs will modify the physical properties of the surfaces of the cavity where PDs take place and this in turn will influence the slot PD process. To understand the evolution of slot PD activity and the changes in its PRPD (Phased Resolved Partial Discharge) pattern, it is therefore essential to recognize and understand the interdependence between surface modifications and PD signals. This paper presents results of visual observations of stator bar surface degradation, changes in surface conductivity and the effect on the evolution of PD signals in the presence of slot PD activity under conditions of electrical, thermal and mechanical stresses.
The High Production Volume Chemical Challenge Program: The Rodent LD50 and its Possible Replacement

The High Production Volume Chemical Challenge Program provides an opportunity to re-examine the usefulness and informational value of tests currently used to obtain preliminary hazard identification data. With a view to assessing the mechanistic information provided by the rodent LD50 test and to ascertain the possibility of replacing it with other “more acceptable” assays, we used a recently developed approach to determine the relationship of the LD50 assay to other toxicological protocols. Our analyses indicate that, of the assays examined, the LD50 was significantly related to toxicity in cultured cells and to binding at the Ah receptor.
Acute megakaryoblastic leukaemia (AMKL) in children: a comparison of AMKL with and without Down syndrome

To characterize childhood acute megakaryoblastic leukaemia (AMKL), we reviewed 45 children with AMKL diagnosed between 1986 and 2005 at Nagoya University Hospital and Japanese Red Cross Nagoya First Hospital. Twenty‐four patients (53%) had AMKL associated with Down syndrome (DS‐AMKL) and 21 (47%) had non‐DS‐AMKL. The median age of the DS‐AMKL patients was 21 months (range, 8–38 months) and that of non‐DS‐AMKL patients was 15 months (range, 2–185 months). The morphology of blast cells was categorized into three groups according to the stage of megakaryocyte maturation. The blast cells were more immature in DS‐AMKL than in non‐DS‐AMKL in terms of morphology and immunophenotyping. Cytogenetic abnormalities of leukaemic cells were classified into seven categories: normal karyotype including constitutional trisomy 21 in DS‐AMKL; numerical abnormalities only; t(1;22)(p13;q13); 3q21q26 abnormalities; t(16;21)(p11;q22); −5/del(5q) and/or −7/del(7q); and other structural changes. The outcome of children with either DS‐AMKL or non‐DS‐AMKL is excellent. The 10‐year overall survival estimate was 79% [95% confidence interval (CI): 54–90] for DS‐AMKL and 76% (95% CI: 58–91) for non‐DS‐AMKL (P = 0·81) with a median follow‐up of 78 months (range, 20–243 months). Our study shows the diverse heterogeneity of childhood AMKL and the need for subclassification according to cytogenetic and morphological features.
The Usefulness of Transesophageal Echocardiography During Intraoperative Cardiac Arrest in Noncardiac Surgery

According to guidelines established by the American Society of Anesthesiologists and the Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists, life-threatening hemodynamic disturbances are classified as a category I indication for the intraoperative use of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). However, the usefulness of TEE during intraoperative cardiac arrest and its impact on patient management have not been rigorously investigated. Using our departmental TEE database, we identified a population of 22 patients who underwent noncardiac surgical procedures and experienced unexpected intraoperative hemodynamic collapse requiring the initiation of Advanced Cardiac Life Support procedures between the time of induction of general anesthesia and the termination of the surgical procedure. Results of TEE examinations, patient records, detailed operative records, and outcome of patients were reviewed for the utility of TEE to diagnose the etiology of the hemodynamic collapse. Furthermore, the impact on subsequent patient management was evaluated. A primary suspected diagnosis of the underlying pathological process was established in 19 of 22 patients with TEE, including 9 with thromboembolic events, 6 with acute myocardial ischemia, 2 with hypovolemia, and 2 patients with pericardial tamponade. A definitive diagnosis could not be made in 3 patients with TEE. In 18 patients, TEE guided specific management beyond implementation of Advanced Cardiac Life Support protocols, including the addition of surgical procedures in 12 patients. Fourteen patients survived to leave the operating room, and 7 of these patients were eventually discharged from the hospital. Thus, TEE may provide additional diagnostic information in patients with intraoperative cardiac arrest and may directly guide specific, potentially life-saving therapy.