Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A novel control algorithm for cascade shunt active power filter

In this paper a novel control scheme of cascade shunt active power filter (CSAPF) is presented. This work is motivated by the fact that the compensation ability of traditional active power filter is limited by the voltage capability of the power devices. While the converter with cascade topology has been put into practical use for years especially in high voltage and high power drives. The application of such converter to active power filter is hindered by the problem of voltage unbalance of separate DC capacitors that leads to system instability. This paper deals with the design and implementation of a new digital controller for CSAPF. Finally experimental results obtained from a laboratory system developed in this paper are presented to verify the viability and effectiveness of the proposed control algorithm.
Magnetic resonance elastography: A review

Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) is a rapidly developing technology for quantitatively assessing the mechanical properties of tissue. The technology can be considered to be an imaging‐based counterpart to palpation, commonly used by physicians to diagnose and characterize diseases. The success of palpation as a diagnostic method is based on the fact that the mechanical properties of tissues are often dramatically affected by the presence of disease processes, such as cancer, inflammation, and fibrosis. MRE obtains information about the stiffness of tissue by assessing the propagation of mechanical waves through the tissue with a special magnetic resonance imaging technique. The technique essentially involves three steps: (1) generating shear waves in the tissue, (2) acquiring MR images depicting the propagation of the induced shear waves, and (3) processing the images of the shear waves to generate quantitative maps of tissue stiffness, called elastograms. MRE is already being used clinically for the assessment of patients with chronic liver diseases and is emerging as a safe, reliable, and noninvasive alternative to liver biopsy for staging hepatic fibrosis. MRE is also being investigated for application to pathologies of other organs including the brain, breast, blood vessels, heart, kidneys, lungs, and skeletal muscle. The purpose of this review article is to introduce this technology to clinical anatomists and to summarize some of the current clinical applications that are being pursued. Clin. Anat. 23:497–511, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Influence of Trust on HIV Diagnosis and Care Practices: A Literature Review

Delays in accessing HIV health care and failure to adhere to providers’ advice are common. Patient trust is critical to an individual’s willingness to seek care and follow the physician’s advice. Conversely, patient distrust can diminish the patient’s health status. The trust literature is reviewed in an attempt to determine its effect on HIV care. In the HIV literature reviewed, greater trust in health care providers was associated with improved accessing of and remaining in care. Interventions to enhance patient trust have been tested, with no changes in the levels of trust being found. Few studies were rigorous enough to assess causality or temporal relation. It is not clear whether there is a causal association between patient trust and HIV health care outcomes. As these relationships are better understood, interventions can be designed to increase health-promoting behaviors.
No net renal extraction of homocysteine in fasting humans.

BACKGROUND The pathophysiological mechanism of hyperhomocysteinemia in chronic renal failure in humans is unknown. The loss of a putative renal homocysteine extraction in chronic renal failure has been hypothesized as significant homocysteine uptake has been demonstrated in the normal rat kidney. We studied homocysteine extraction in the normal human kidney. METHODS We measured plasma total (free and protein-bound) and free homocysteine (tHcy and fHcy, respectively) in arterial and renal venous blood sampled from the aorta and right-side renal vein during cardiac catheterization in 20 fasting patients with normal renal function. Renal homocysteine extraction was calculated as the arteriovenous difference divided by the arterial levels times 100%. RESULTS No significant renal extraction was demonstrated either for tHcy: 0.9% (SD 5.8; 95% CI -1.8 to +3.6) or for fHcy: -0.2% (11.0; -5.4 to +4.9). CONCLUSIONS We conclude that no significant net renal uptake of homocysteine occurs in fasting humans with normal renal function. The loss of such uptake, therefore, cannot cause hyperhomocysteinemia in patients with renal failure.
Danish experiences with FOLFIRINOX as first-line therapy in patients with inoperable pancreatic cancer.

INTRODUCTION Worldwide, pancreatic cancer (PC) ranks 13th in cancer incidence, but eighth as a cause of cancer death. For more than a decade, the reference regimen for palliative treatment of PC has been gemcitabine. In 2011, a randomised trial published by the PRODRIGE Intergroup showed an increase in median overall survival from 6.8 to 11.1 months in patients treated with FOLFIRINOX as compared with gemcitabine. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 16 patients treated with FOLFIRINOX as first-line therapy for inoperable PC were included for this retrospective study. FOLFIRINOX was administered unmodified according to the PRODRIGE trial, and up to 12 cycles were planned with a computed tomography (CT) for every fourth cycle. RESULTS Eleven patients completing at least four cycles of chemotherapy and therefore evaluable for response were assessed by review of CT. Partial response (PR) was shown after four cycles in four patients, whereas seven patients had stable disease, which resulted in an objective response rate of 36%. After eight cycles, one additional patient obtained a PR. No complete responders or patients with progressive disease were recorded. Toxicity was assessed by review of medical records with respect to toxic effects requiring interruption of therapy, admission of the patient or prolonged admission. CONCLUSION Toxicity was shown to be a problem only during the first five cycles, and no patients were admitted to hospital due to toxicity after having received more than five cycles. The six-month-survival was 81%. FUNDING not relevant. TRIAL REGISTRATION not relevant.
Protein–protein docking benchmark 2.0: An update

We present a new version of the Protein–Protein Docking Benchmark, reconstructed from the bottom up to include more complexes, particularly focusing on more unbound–unbound test cases. SCOP (Structural Classification of Proteins) was used to assess redundancy between the complexes in this version. The new benchmark consists of 72 unbound–unbound cases, with 52 rigid‐body cases, 13 medium‐difficulty cases, and 7 high‐difficulty cases with substantial conformational change. In addition, we retained 12 antibody–antigen test cases with the antibody structure in the bound form. The new benchmark provides a platform for evaluating the progress of docking methods on a wide variety of targets. The new version of the benchmark is available to the public at http://zlab.bu. edu/benchmark2. Proteins 2005;60:214–216. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Design investigation of DRA array fed by Dielectric Image Line

In this paper new arrays including three elements of Rectangular Dielectric Resonator Antenna (RDRA) fed by Dielectric Image Line (DIL) through a narrow slot is numerically investigated. For a single elements antenna maximum gain of 7.7 dB with a high level of backward radiation at 10 GHz is obtained. Techniques including adding sidewalls, adding reflector and using a metal box is performed to enhance antenna array gain and obtain low backward radiation. In case of using metal box, maximum gain of 11.5 dB with a maximum backward radiation of 22 dB is obtained.
Characterization of Rictor Phosphorylation Sites Reveals Direct Regulation of mTOR Complex 2 by S6K1

ABSTRACT The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) functions within two distinct complexes (mTORC1 and mTORC2) to control cell growth, proliferation, survival, and metabolism. While there has been great progress in our understanding of mTORC1 regulation, the signaling mechanisms that regulate mTORC2 have not been defined. In this study, we use liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analyses to identify 21 phosphorylation sites on the core mTORC2 component Rictor. We find that one site, T1135, undergoes growth factor-responsive phosphorylation that is acutely sensitive to rapamycin and is phosphorylated downstream of mTORC1. We find that Rictor-T1135 is directly phosphorylated by the mTORC1-dependent kinase S6K1. Although this phosphorylation event does not affect mTORC2 integrity or in vitro kinase activity, expression of a phosphorylation site mutant of Rictor (T1135A) in either wild-type or Rictor null cells causes an increase in the mTORC2-dependent phosphorylation of Akt on S473. However, Rictor-T1135 phosphorylation does not appear to regulate mTORC2-mediated effects on SGK1 or PKCα. While the precise molecular mechanism affecting Akt is unknown, phosphorylation of T1135 stimulates binding of Rictor to 14-3-3 proteins. We provide evidence that Rictor-T1135 phosphorylation acts in parallel with other mTORC1-dependent feedback mechanisms, such as those affecting IRS-1 signaling to PI3K, to regulate the response of Akt to insulin.
Industrial clusters, flagship enterprises and regional innovation

ABSTRACT For a sample of all 88 counties in the State of Ohio over a 5-year period, this study documents the effect of flagship enterprises and concentrated industrial clusters on regional innovation. Consistent with the agglomeration arguments and the knowledge spillover theory of entrepreneurship, both appear to affect regional innovation positively. Additionally, regional educational attainment positively moderates the effect of industrial clusters on innovation. At the same time, flagship enterprises primarily affect regional innovation in regions with low education levels. Results are obtained with the help of conservative econometric techniques and are robust to the choice of alternative dependent variables and estimators. The findings have major policy implications and provide insights into alternative routes to encouraging regional innovation.
Polygyny can increase rather than decrease genetic diversity contributed by males relative to females: evidence from red deer

Polygyny is expected to erode genetic variability by reducing the diversity of genetic contribution of males to the next generation, although empirical evidence shows that genetic variability in polygynous populations is not lost as rapidly as expected. We used microsatellite markers to study the genetic variability transmitted by mothers and fathers to offspring during a reproductive season in wild populations of a polygynous mammal, the red deer. Contrary to expectations, we found that males contributed more genetic diversity than females. Also, we compared study populations with different degrees of polygyny to find that polygyny was not related to a decrease in genetic diversity contributed by males. On the contrary, when population genetic diversity was relatively low, polygyny associated with higher genetic diversity of paternal lineage. Our results show that sexual selection, by favouring heterozygote individuals, may compensate the potential reduction of effective population size caused by polygyny, thus contributing to explain why genetic diversity is not depleted in polygynous systems.
Assessing Tumor Response to Therapy

Most anticancer drugs are effective only in subgroups of patients, and our current understanding of tumor biology does not allow us to predict accurately which patient will benefit from a specific therapeutic regimen. Various techniques have, therefore, been developed for monitoring tumor response to therapy, but measuring tumor shrinkage on CT represents the current standard. Although response assessment on CT has been refined over many years, fundamental limitations remain. Interobserver variability in tumor size measurements is still high because of difficulties in delineating tumor tissue from secondary changes in the surrounding tissues. Furthermore, CT is inaccurate in differentiating viable tumor from necrotic or fibrotic tissue. Consequently, the degree of response may be underestimated on CT. Conversely, if tumor shrinkage is short lived and followed by rapid tumor regrowth, CT may overestimate the beneficial effects of a treatment. Finally, CT is limited in characterizing responses in tumors that do not change in size during therapy. Because the growth rate of untreated human tumors varies tremendously, an unchanged tumor size after some weeks of therapy may represent a drug effect but may also indicate a slowly growing tumor that was not affected by the applied therapy. Molecular imaging with PET and the glucose analogue 18F-FDG PET has been shown to improve response assessment in several tumor types. In malignant lymphoma, international criteria for monitoring response to therapy have recently been revised, and the 18F-FDG signal now plays a central role in defining tumor response. In a variety of solid tumors, single-center studies have indicated that 18F-FDG PET may provide earlier or more accurate assessment of tumor response than CT, suggesting that 18F-FDG PET could play a significant role in personalizing the treatment of malignant tumors. However, generally accepted criteria for response assessment in solid tumors are missing, which makes it frequently impossible to compare the results of different studies. International guidelines and criteria for response assessment by 18F-FDG PET in solid tumors are, therefore, eagerly awaited.
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of intensified versus standard dosing of mycophenolate sodium in renal transplant patients.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Adequate early mycophenolic acid (MPA) exposure is an important determinant for effective rejection prophylaxis. This pharmacokinetic study investigated whether an intensified dosing regimen of enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium (EC-MPS) could achieve higher mycophenolic acid (MPA) exposure early after transplantation versus a standard dosing regimen. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS De novo kidney transplant recipients (n = 75) who were treated with basiliximab induction and cyclosporine were randomly assigned to receive EC-MPS as either standard dosing (1440 mg/d; n = 37) or intensified dosing (days 0 through 14: 2880 mg/d; days 15 through 42: 2160 mg/d; followed by 1440 mg/d; n = 38). Full 12-hour pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles were taken at six time points during the first 3 months. Exploratory analysis of inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) activity was also performed for better understanding of the pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic relationship between MPA exposure and IMPDH activity in the early posttransplantation period. Preliminary efficacy parameters, safety, and tolerability were assessed. RESULTS Exposure to MPA was significantly higher on days 3 and 10 after transplantation in the intensified versus standard EC-MPS group, with 52.9 versus 22.2% (P < 0.05) of patients reaching MPA exposure >40 mg/h per L in the first week. The intensified regimen resulted in significantly lower IMPDH activity on day 3 after transplantation, and the overall safety was comparable for both groups. CONCLUSIONS These pharmacokinetic and safety data support further research on the hypothesis that early adequate MPA exposure could improve clinical outcome.
The heart is not necessarily empty at syncope.

BACKGROUND Although extensively investigated, the mechanism(s) of post-spaceflight orthostatic intolerance has not been elucidated. Several researchers have proposed that the "trigger" for syncope is an empty ventricle, initiated when a hypercontractile state, possibly due to a sudden surge in epinephrine, causes the walls of the left ventricle to touch leading to a profound sympatho-inhibition and intense vagal stimulation. HYPOTHESIS A markedly reduced left ventricular end systolic volume (LVESV) achieved during progressive, presyncopal-limited lower body negative pressure (LBNP) is the trigger for syncope. METHODS Eight healthy men, age 25.1+/-1.3 yr, volunteered for the study. Changes in left ventricular end-diastolic volume and LVESV were measured, using two-dimensional echocardiography, at each stage of LBNP from rest up to presyncope (PS). Plasma venous catecholamine concentrations were measured at the end of each stage by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with electrochemical detection. RESULTS All subjects reached PS. Three men became bradycardic at presyncope while five remained tachycardic. LVESV decreased by 28% at PS with no evidence of ventricular cavity obliteration. Norepinephrine increased by 44% from rest to PS, but no epinephrine surge was detected (35% increase from rest to PS). CONCLUSION These data indicate that it is possible to initiate syncope with only a 28% decrease in LVESV, and that sympatho-inhibition and bradycardia are not required elements for syncope to occur.
Histomorphometric Comparison of Enzyme-Deantigenic Equine Bone and Anorganic Bovine Bone in Sinus Augmentation: A Randomized Clinical Trial with 3-Year Follow-Up.

PURPOSE To conduct a histomorphometric investigation comparing the use of enzyme-deantigenic equine bone (EDEB) and anorganic bovine bone (ABB) for maxillary sinus augmentation. MATERIALS AND METHODS Forty patients with Cawood Class V atrophic ridges who required maxillary sinus augmentation randomly received EDEB (n = 20) or ABB (n = 20) granules. Six months later, biopsy specimens were obtained, and implants were placed. Bone specimens were subjected to histomorphometric analysis, and newly formed bone (NFB) and residual biomaterial (RB) percentages were calculated. Patients were followed up for 3 years after definitive prosthetic rehabilitation, and implant success and survival rates were determined according to the criteria of Albrektsson and Zarb. RESULTS All patients healed uneventfully. Histomorphometric results for the EDEB were as follows: NFB = 46.86% ± 12.81% and RB = 11.05% ± 9.27%. For ABB, they were: NFB = 25.12% ± 7.25% and RB = 28.65% ± 9.70%. The difference was significant at a . 05 level of confidence both for NFB and RB. At the 3-year follow-up, the implant survival rate was identical in the two groups (100%). CONCLUSION Grafting with EDEB resulted in a greater quantity of NFB at implant insertion. No significant clinical differences were observed between the two patient groups at the 3-year follow-up. EDEB was as effective as ABB for sinus augmentation.
Homeokinetic prosthetic control: collaborative selection of myosignal features

We present an approach to the control of myoelectric prostheses that is based on a collaborative interaction of a prosthesis and the patient. During training, the patient is instructed to generate control signals that follow the observed autonomous movements of the prosthesis. At the same time, the prosthetic controller maximizes both the diversity of movements and the coincidences of prosthetic movements and human control signals by varying the features and control actions. This dual control principle which is derived from the homeokinetic robot control is demonstrated to be efficient for the control of a hand prostheses with two degrees of freedom.
The Classfication of B-perfect Graphs

This type of game was introduced by Bodlaender [2]. He considers a variant, which we will call game g, in which Alice must move first and passing is not allowed. In order to obtain upper and lower bounds for a parameter associated with game g, two other variants are useful. In the game B Bob may move first. He may also miss one or several turns, but Alice must always move. In the other variant, game A, Alice may move first and miss one or several turns, but Bob must move. So in game B Bob has some advantages, whereas in game A Alice has some advantages with respect to Bodlaender’s game.
Prognostic value of mean platelet volume in patients undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention

Objective: We sought to determine the role of mean platelet volume (MPV) for predicting long-term outcomes of elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: On the basis of retrospective cohort study, we collected characteristics of 680 patients undergoing elective PCI from October 2005 to August 2010. The patients who had preoperative MPV were assessed for developing major adverse cardiac events (MACE) during 1-year follow-up. They were categorized into two groups including MPV <9.6 fL (n=89) and MPV ≥9.6 fL (n=92). Data were analyzed using t-test, chi-square test, Pearson correlation, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and logistic regression. Results: One-hundred eighty one patients (26.6%) met inclusion criteria. The MACE was observed in 29 patients (16%); and its rate in low- and high-MPV groups was 11.2% and 20.7%, respectively (p=0.084). MPV was significantly higher in the patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <40% compared with that of ≥40% (p<0.001). There were a significant and negative correlation between MPV and platelet count (r=-0.305, p<0.001), and significant and positive correlations between MPV and platelet distribution width (PDW) and platelet large cell ratio (P-LCR) (r=0.615, p<0.001 and r=0.913, p<0.001; respectively). The best MPV cut-off point was 9.25 fL; the sensitivity and specificity were 79% and 38%, respectively. Elevated MPV was the best predictor of MACE at 1-year follow-up (OR=11.359, 95% CI 2.481-51.994, p=0.002). Conclusion: The results indicate that preoperative MPV is an independent predictor of the MACE at 1-year follow-up in the patients undergoing elective PCI. Moreover, it may be useful for risk stratification in such cases.
SEQUELAE OF GROWTH FAILURE IN APPROPRIATE FOR GESTATIONAL AGE, VERY LOW‐BIRTHWEIGHT INFANTS

The pattern of growth of 235 very low‐birthweight children, whose weights were appropriate for gestational age, was characterised by a significant decline in weight, length and head circumference from birth to discharge from hospital, followed by partial recovery in all three measures of growth by two years corrected age. 29 per cent of the children were below the 10th percentile for weight at two years, and this group had a significantly higher incidence of major disabilities, poorer muscular development, more hypotonia and lowered performance on the psychomotor index of the Bayley Scales of Infant Development than their heavier peers. These children's mothers more often perceived them as actively disliking close physical contact, and they were reported by their mothers to have had more infections, minor surgery and chronic otitis media. Taken together, the suboptimal weight‐gain, delayed gross motor development and increased maternal perceptions of ‘sickliness’ and lack of ‘cuddliness’ in these children are reminiscent of non‐organic failure to thrive.