Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Stability analysis of the high voltage DC link between the FEC and DC-DC stage of a transformer-less intelligent power substation

The advent of medium voltage blocking SiC devices has resulted in the development of 3-phase Solid State Transformers (SSTs) to inter-connect the 13.8 kV distribution grid with the 480 V utility grid. One such 3-phase SST is the Transformerless Intelligent Power Substation (TIPS). TIPS is tied with the 13.8 kV grid through an ac-dc Front End Converter (FEC) stage. The isolation stage is a dc-dc Dual Active Bridge (DAB) converter. The FEC and DAB High Voltage (HV) side converter are composed of 15 kV SiC IGBTs. The dc bus at the interface between the FEC and DAB stages is rated for 22 kV. The stability of this dc link is of great concern. The closed loop input and output impedances of these stages affect the stability of the system depending on the direction of power flow. This in-turn depends on the adopted control strategies, dc bus capacitance and also on the operating conditions such as dc bus voltage, grid voltage and power levels. This paper does a thorough analysis of the stability of the TIPS HV dc link which could be extended to other similar systems.
Oleic Acid Glucose-Independently Stimulates Glucagon Secretion by Increasing Cytoplasmic Ca2+ via Endoplasmic Reticulum Ca2+ Release and Ca2+ Influx in the Rat Islet α-Cells

The effect of long-chain free fatty acids on glucagon secretion from islet α-cells has been a controversial issue. This study examined direct effects of oleic acid (OA) on glucagon release from rat pancreatic islets and on cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in single α-cells by fura-2 fluorescence imaging. OA at 30 μM increased glucagon release from isolated islets in the presence of low (2.8 mm) and elevated (8.3 mm) glucose concentrations. OA at 6–10 μm concentration-dependently increased [Ca2+]i in α-cells, irrespective of glucose concentrations (1.4, 2.8, and 8.3 mm). OA at 10 μm increased [Ca2+]i in 90% of α-cells. OA-induced [Ca2+]i increases were strongly inhibited by the endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-pump inhibitors cyclopiazonic acid and thapsigargin and by 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate, the blocker of both inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors and store-operated Ca2+ channels. Furthermore, the amplitude, but not incidence, of OA-induced [Ca2+]i increases was reduced substantially by Ca2+-free.
Association between shift work and periodontal health in a representative sample of an Asian population.

OBJECTIVE The association of shift work with periodontal disease is not well known. We studied the relationship between shift work and periodontitis in a representative sample of an Asian population. METHODS Participants were 4597 full-time employees from the Fourth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES IV). Shifting patterns were categorized into five shifts: daytime (N=3768), evening (N=121), night (N=59), rotating (N=206), and irregular (N=443). Periodontitis was measured with the Community Periodontal Index (CPI). Confounders included age, gender, income, and education. Mediators were frequency of daily tooth brushing, regular dental check-up, smoking, alcohol consumption, diabetes, obesity, and white blood cell count. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the relationship. RESULTS The prevalence of periodontitis in the study population was 32.3%. Shift workers had an elevated odds ratio (OR) of periodontitis [OR 1.22, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.01-1.48] after controlling for confounders. The magnitude of the association between shift work and periodontitis attenuated with adjustment of mediators (smoking and a marker of inflammation). In subgroup analyses, the association was significant (OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.03-1.95) among those ≥45 years. Irregular shift among those ≥45 years showed a significant association (OR 1.79, 95% CI 1.15-2.78). CONCLUSION Findings of this cross-sectional study suggest that shift work may be associated with periodontitis. Shift workers aged ≥45 years and irregular shift workers aged ≥45 years were risk groups for periodontitis.
Restriction-Site-Specific PCR as a Rapid Test To Detect Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7 Strains in Environmental Samples

ABSTRACT Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) O157:H7 is an important food-borne pathogen in industrialized countries. We developed a rapid and simple test for detecting E. coli O157:H7 using a method based on restriction site polymorphisms. Restriction-site-specific PCR (RSS-PCR) involves the amplification of DNA fragments using primers based on specific restriction enzyme recognition sequences, without the use of endonucleases, to generate a set of amplicons that yield “fingerprint” patterns when resolved electrophoretically on an agarose gel. The method was evaluated in a blinded study of E. coli isolates obtained from environmental samples collected at beef cattle feedyards. The 54 isolates were all initially identified by a commonly used polyclonal antibody test as belonging to O157:H7 serotype. They were retested by anti-O157 and anti-H7 monoclonal antibody enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The RSS-PCR method identified all 28 isolates that were shown to be E. coli O157:H7 by the monoclonal antibody ELISA as belonging to the O157:H7 serotype. Of the remaining 26 ELISA-confirmed non-O157:H7 strains, the method classified 25 strains as non-O157:H7. The specificity of the RSS-PCR results correlated better with the monoclonal antibody ELISA than with the polyclonal antibody latex agglutination tests. The RSS-PCR method may be a useful test to distinguish E. coli O157:H7 from a large number ofE. coli isolates from environmental samples.
The Identification of Novel Ovarian Proteases Through the Use of Genomic and Bioinformatic Methodologies1

Abstract Proteolytic activities are essential for follicular growth, ovulation, as well as for luteal formation and regression. Using suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH), a novel mouse ovary-selective gene (termed protease serine 35, Prss35) was identified. Analysis of the mouse genome database using the Prss35 sequence led to the identification of a homologous protease (protease serine 23, Prss23). PRSS35 possesses general features that are characteristic of serine (Ser) proteases, but is unique in that the canonical Ser that defines this enzyme family is replaced by a threonine (Thr). In contrast, PRSS23 possesses the standard catalytic Ser typical for this family of proteases. As determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the Prss35 mRNA levels increased around the time of ovulation and remained elevated in the developing corpus luteum. Steroid ablation/replacement studies demonstrated progesterone-dependent regulation of Prss35 gene expression prior to follicle rupture. Prss35 gene expression was localized to the theca cells of pre-antral follicles, the theca and granulosa cells of pre-ovulatory and ovulatory follicles, as well as to the developing corpus luteum. In contrast, Prss23 mRNA levels decreased transiently after ovulation induction and again in the postovulatory period. Prss23 gene expression was noted primarily in the granulosa cells of the secondary/early antral follicles. PRSS35 and PRSS23 orthologs in the rat, human, rhesus macaque, chimpanzee, cattle, dog, and chicken were identified and found to be highly homologous to one another (75–99% homology). Collectively, these results suggest that the PRSS35 and PRSS23 genes have been conserved as critical ovarian proteases throughout the course of vertebrate evolution.
Unusual sequestered disc fragments simulating spinal tumors and other space-occupying lesions. Clinical article.

OBJECT In this study the authors evaluated disease incidence, treatment, and outcome in patients with unusual sequestered disc fragments simulating spinal tumors or another space-occupying lesion on preoperative MR imaging. METHODS The authors retrospectively reviewed data from the last 3000 patients with a histological diagnosis of disc herniation. Patients with preoperative MR imaging findings that simulated a spinal tumor or other space-occupying lesion were individually analyzed. RESULTS In 11 patients (0.4%), MR imaging findings of unusual sequestered disc fragments were mistaken for another spinal space-occupying lesion. In 8 cases, the fragments had migrated to the posterior spinal space; in 3 cases, into the dural sac. In 3 patients, the fragments were distant from the original disc space. A heterogeneous mass was revealed with low-intensity or isointense signal on T1-weighted MR images as well as low signal (4 cases) or high signal (7 cases) intensity on T2-weighted images, relative to the spinal structures. A slight diffuse or peripheral Gd enhancement rim was observed in 7 patients. Disc fragments were located in the cervical (1 patient), thoracic (2 patients), and lumbar (8 patients) spine. All lesions were completely removed. Discectomy was required in 4 patients. A complete recovery occurred in 8 patients and a minor neurological deficit remained in 3. CONCLUSIONS Atypically located disc herniations should be considered in the differential diagnosis in patients with MR imaging data indicating spinal space-occupying disorders. All of these lesions, even those intradurally located, can be completely removed.
Effects of biofilm structures on oxygen distribution and mass transport

Aerobic biofilms were found to have a complex structure consisting of microbial cell clusters (discrete aggregates of densely packed cells) and interstitial voids. The oxygen distribution was strongly correlated with these strutures. The voids facilitated oxygen transport from the bulk liquid through the biofilm, supplying approximately 50% of the total oxygen consumed by the cells. The mass transport rate from the bulk liquid is influenced by the biofilm structure; the observed exchange surface of the biofilm is twice that calculated for a simple planar geometry. The oxygen diffusion occurred in the direction normal to the cluster surfaces, the horizontal and vertical components of the oxygen gradients were of equal importance. Consequently, for calculations of mass transfer rates a three‐dimensional model is necessary. These findings imply that to accurately describe biofilm activity, the relation between the arrangement of structural components and mass transfer must be undrstood. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Influence of rapeseed meal, whole rapeseed, and soybean meal on fatty acid composition and cholesterol content of muscle and adipose tissue from ram lambs.

Twenty-four Suffolk x Hampshire ram lambs (average 46 kg) were assigned to one of three diets containing rapeseed meal (RM), soybean meal (SBM), or whole rapeseed-soybean meal (RSSBM) as the protein source. Diets contained 75% roughage, 14% CP and 2.0 Mcal of ME/kg and lambs were allowed ad libitum access to diets for 35 d. Lipid composition of the longissimus, semimembranosus, and triceps brachii muscles and their corresponding s.c. adipose tissue was determined by gas-liquid chromatography (GLC). The total lipid content in either muscle or subcutaneous fat was not different (P greater than .01) by diet. In lean tissue, palmitic and palmitoleic acids were higher and stearic acid was lower (P less than .01) in rams fed RM than in rams fed RSSBM or SBM, regardless of anatomical location. In the s.c. adipose tissue, the amounts of myristoleic, pentadecylic, and palmitoleic acids were lower and the amount of stearic acid was higher (P less than .01) in rams fed RSSM than in those fed RM or SBM, regardless of anatomical location. The semimembranosus and triceps brachii muscles from all treatments contained 12 to 19% more polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) than the longissimus muscle. The cholesterol content of the three muscles was highest in SBM-fed lambs, lowest in RM-fed lambs, and intermediate in RSSBM-fed lambs. These results demonstrate that dietary treatments of the types used in the present study elicit changes in fatty acid composition of both adipose and muscle tissue without affecting the quantity of total lipid. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Entorhinal Cortex Lesions Transiently Alter Glucocorticoid but Not Mineralocorticoid Receptor Gene Expression in the Rat Hippocampus

Abstract: Entorhinal cortex lesions destroy an important hippocampal input and lead to axonal sprouting in the dentate gyrus. Glucocorticoids are known to inhibit this reinnervation process. In the present study, we examined changes in hippocampal glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) mRNA expression using in situ hybridization following unilateral entorhinal cortex lesioning (ECL) in the rat. As early as 1 day postlesioning, a 33% bilateral decrease in GR mRNA expression was observed in the dentate gyrus. By contrast, a 36% bilateral increase in GR mRNA expression was detected in the CA1 cell field. GR mRNA levels in both regions returned to those of control animals 2 days postlesioning, indicating that these effects were transient. Adjacent sections hybridized with probes to MR mRNA revealed no changes in hippocampal MR gene expression as a result of ECL. The selective decrease in GR mRNA expression observed in the dentate gyrus following ECL is specific to the hippocampal subregion targeted for reactive synaptogenesis and thus may serve to attenuate the inhibitory actions of circulating glucocorticoids.
Micromovement Evaluation of Original and Compatible Abutments at the Implant-abutment Interface.

INTRODUCTION Use of compatible abutments may increase micromovements between the abutments, and the inner part of the implant may increase the stress on marginal bone level. Also micromovement will change the volume of the inner space of the implant-abutment complex. The resulting pumping effect can transport even initially immobile microorganisms from the exterior to the interior and vice versa. OBJECTIVES The purpose of the study was to evaluate the mechanical comportment of OsseoSpeed™ Tx implants connected with original and compatible abutments in vitro under simulated clinical loading conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 15 OsseoSpeed™ TX implants (4 × 11 mm) were used and divided into three groups (n = 5). Three types of abutments were used in the study; group I: Five original Ti Design™ abutments, group II: Five Natea™ abutments, and group III: Implanet™ abutments. Abutments used in groups II and III were all compatible with Astra Tech Implant System™. Implants were embedded into resin. Simulating the human masticatory cycle, the axial force vector was increased up to a defined maximum (25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 175, and 200 N) and inclined 30° to the implant axis. A radiograph amplifier was used to convert the X-ray projection into a picture. The visual evaluation of the frames and the provided X-ray videos were evaluated for an existing microgap in width and length between the implant and the abutment. RESULTS An initial width gap was observed in groups II and III in four of the five samples with an average of 6.5 and 5 μm respectively. When the axial forces reach 75 N, only groups II and III demonstrated a gap width of 5.2 ± 3.63 and 4.8 ± 3.03 μm, and a gap length of 5.2 ± 3.63 and 94 ± 125.3 μm respectively. At 200 N, group I showed a gap width of 8.4 ± 1.67 μm and a gap length of 187.6 ± 43.6 μm, while groups II and III showed a gap width of 12.4 ± 3.29 and 22.8 ± 5.76 μm, and a gap length of 387.2 ± 84.36 and 641.2 ± 122.6 μm respectively. CONCLUSION Within the limitations of this study and under the parameters used and from the resulting data collected, we can presume that the use of compatible components leads to significant micromovement when compared with the use of original ones. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE The use of compatible prosthetic components with original implants showed significant micromovements when compared with the use of abutment and implant from the same manufacturer. Clinically, the micromovements when associated with leakage leads to bone loss around the neck of the implant and later to peri-implantitis.
Human Papillomavirus Vaccines and Vaccine Implementation

Countries are now challenged by the rapid development of vaccines aimined at the primary prevention of infections. In the years to come, several vaccines will need to be considered as potential candidates in routine immunization programs. Recently, two new vaccines against two/four types of human papillomavirus (HPV) have been commercialized. Bivalent HPV 16 and 18 (Cervarix™) and quadrivalent HPV 6, 11, 16 and 18 (Gardasil®) vaccines are now extensively used in some countries. These vaccines will prevent infection and long-running complications, such as cervical cancer, other HPV-related cancers and genital warts (for the quadrivalent vaccine). The beneficial effect of these vaccines will be largely observed in women. This article summarizes the burden of HPV preventable disease worldwide and briefly describes the impact of secondary prevention and the most relevant aspects of the current available vaccines, their efficacy and safety. Finally, some major aspects that are likely to impact the introduction of these vaccines around the world are outlined, with particular emphasis on developing countries.
Circulatory effects of mental stress during exercise in coronary artery disease patients

We examined the effects of mental stress during steady‐state exercise on heart rate, blood pressure, pressure‐rate product, and oxygen uptake in 10 coronary artery disease patients. Subjects walked at three mph with grade increases of 4% every two minutes until the target heart rate (60% peak heart rate from a previous symptom‐limited exercise test) was reached. A computerized Stroop‐Color‐Word Test (mental stress) was added one minute after the subject reached steady‐state exercise and lasted 11±4 minutes. When mental stress was added to steady‐state exercise it significantly (p<0.01) increased the heart rate (101 ±15 to 108± 19 beats per min), systolic (154±26 to 170 ±26 mmHg) and diastolic (86 ±10 to 92 ±13 mmHg) blood pressure, and pressure‐rate product (158 ±42 to 179±48 × 10‐‐2). This increase in the mean response during exercise and mental stress was not observed for oxygen uptake (17±6 to 18±5 ml/kg/min). The circulatory changes probably reflect increased sympathetic activity with both centrally mediated cardio‐acceleratory (and probably cardiac output) and vasoconstrictor effects during the combination of mental stress and steady‐state exercise. The altered hemodynamics without concomitant changes in oxygen uptake has major implications concerning the safety of competitive exercise for people with coronary artery disease.
Genetic susceptibility to asthma and atopy among Chinese in Singapore – linkage to markers on chromosome 5q31–33

Background: Asthma and atopy are complex genetic traits, influenced by the interaction of multiple genes and environmental factors. Linkage of these traits to chromosome 5q31–33 has been shown in other populations, but has not been well studied in the Chinese. We studied linkage between asthma and atopy with markers on chromosome 5q31–33 in the Singapore Chinese. This region contains many candidate genes, including the cytokine gene cluster.
Comparative pharmaceutical metabolism by rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) liver S9 fractions

The occurrence of pharmaceuticals in the environment presents a challenge of growing concern. In contrast to many industrial compounds, pharmaceuticals undergo extensive testing prior to their introduction to the environment. In principle, therefore, it may be possible to employ existing pharmacological safety data using biological “read‐across” methods to support screening‐level bioaccumulation environmental risk assessment. However, few approaches and robust empirical data sets exist, particularly for comparative pharmacokinetic applications. For many pharmaceuticals, the primary cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes responsible for their metabolism have been identified in humans. The purpose of the present study was to employ a comparative approach to determine whether rainbow trout biotransform pharmaceuticals known to be substrates for specific human CYPs. Seven compounds were selected based on their primary metabolism in humans by CYP3A4, CYP2D6, or CYP2C9. Five additional test compounds are known to be substrates for multiple CYPs. Metabolism by rainbow trout liver S9 fractions was evaluated using a substrate‐depletion approach, which provided an estimate of intrinsic hepatic clearance (CLIN VITRO,INT). An isotope dilution liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method was employed for quantitation of parent chemical concentrations. Only 2 general CYP substrates demonstrated measurable levels of substrate depletion. No significant biotransformation was observed for known substrates of human CYP2D6, CYP2C9, or CYP3A4. The results of this study provide novel information for therapeutics that fish models are likely to metabolize based on existing mammalian data. Further, these results suggest that pharmaceuticals may possess a greater tendency to bioaccumulate in fish than previously anticipated. Environ Toxicol Chem 2013;32:1810–1818. © 2013 SETAC
Efficacy of Child-Focused and Parent-Focused Interventions in a Child Anxiety Prevention Study

This study examined anxiety development in median- (n = 74) and high-anxious children (n = 183) aged 8–13, the effect of parent- and child-focused preventive interventions on child/parental anxiety, and the effect of parental anxiety on child anxiety. High-anxious children were randomized into a parent-focused (n = 69), child-focused (n = 58) or non-intervention (n = 56) group. Families completed a pretest and 1- and 2-year follow-ups. Children selected as high-anxious or at risk were found to remain more susceptible to having anxiety problems and developing anxiety disorders than median-anxious children. Both intervention types showed favorable outcomes compared to no intervention on the number of “ADIS improved” children. These findings underline the need for effective preventive interventions for child anxiety. General improvements over time were found for symptoms of child and parental anxiety, however, and parental anxiety did not predict improvement in child anxiety after controlling for intervention. Therefore, it may not be necessary to focus on parental anxiety in interventions aimed at preventing child anxiety.