Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An active-clamping resonant flyback DC/DC converter with improved output power transfer

In this paper, an active-clamping resonant flyback (ACRF) DC/DC converter is proposed. Two switches at the primary side of a single transformer are operated with pulse width modulation (PWM) at zero voltage switching (ZVS) turn-on condition during the dead time between switching instants. On the secondary side of the transformer, two series-resonant circuits are connected to the load through a half bridge rectifying stage, in which the diodes are operated at zero current switching (ZCS) condition. The two series-resonant circuits provide power transfer to the output load in both positive and negative cycles of operation, resulting in increased output power transfer without using additional switching devices or techniques such as interleaving. The extended describing function procedure is used to develop the steady state and small signal analyses of the proposed converter. Frequency domain analysis is then employed to derive transfer functions for small signal variations of the converter variables. The results are used to develop a single-loop, voltage-feedback control scheme to regulate the output voltage. It is demonstrated that the circuit provides two degrees of freedom to regulate the output voltage through duty ratio and switching frequency control. It is also shown that a single-loop, voltage-feedback control scheme is effective in regulating the output voltage.
Structural Classification of Toxic Amyloid Oligomers*

Amyloid oligomers are believed to play important causal roles in many types of amyloid-related degenerative diseases. Many different laboratories have reported amyloid oligomers that differ in size, morphology, toxicity, and method of preparation or purification, raising the question of the structural relationships among these oligomer preparations. The structural plasticity that has been reported to occur in amyloids formed from the same protein sequence indicates that it is quite possible that different oligomer preparations may represent distinct structural variants. In view of the difficulty in determining the precise structure of amyloids, conformation- and epitope-specific antibodies may provide a facile means of classifying amyloid oligomer structures. Conformation-dependent antibodies that recognize generic epitopes that are specifically associated with distinct aggregation states of many different amyloid-forming sequences indicate that there are at least two fundamentally distinct types of amyloid oligomers: fibrillar and prefibrillar oligomers. Classification of amyloid oligomers according to their underlying structures may be a more useful and rational approach than relying on differences in size and morphology.
Organizing User Comments in a Social Video Sharing System by Temporal Duration and Pointing Region

Recently, video sharing sites that allow visitors to attach comments to video have attracted a lot of attention. Video also provides a means of communication on social network sites. This kind of communication is expected to become even more popular in the future. One problem is that discussion jumps from one topic to another as users add their viewpoints. Also, conventional video sharing sites show, unsorted, all of a particular user's attached comments. It is often difficult in such systems to identify and retrieve comments relevant to one's own interest. We have developed a method for determining comment relationship types on the basis of temporal duration and the pointing region. Our method can also be used for extracting comments related to other comments made by the user. In this paper we describe how our method classifies comment relationships and discuss our prototype system which uses the method.
Feasibility of future epidemiological studies on possible health effects of mobile phone base stations

The increasing deployment of mobile communication base stations led to an increasing demand for epidemiological studies on possible health effects of radio frequency emissions. The methodological challenges of such studies have been critically evaluated by a panel of scientists in the fields of radiofrequency engineering/dosimetry and epidemiology. Strengths and weaknesses of previous studies have been identified. Dosimetric concepts and crucial aspects in exposure assessment were evaluated in terms of epidemiological studies on different types of outcomes. We conclude that in principle base station epidemiological studies are feasible. However, the exposure contributions from all relevant radio frequency sources have to be taken into account. The applied exposure assessment method should be piloted and validated. Short to medium term effects on physiology or health related quality of life are best investigated by cohort studies. For long term effects, groups with a potential for high exposure need to first be identified; for immediate effect, human laboratory studies are the preferred approach. Bioelectromagnetics 28:224–230, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Oil Price Volatility and Fiscal Policies in Oil‐Exporting Countries

The meteoric decline in oil price in late 2014, a manifestation of crude oil price volatility, pressured the fiscal positions of many oil‐exporting countries (OECs). This study examined the relationship between oil price volatility and OECs’ fiscal policy [proxied by primary fiscal balance (PFB)] responses. It estimated a small open‐economy aggregate demand model in which oil price is externally determined. Using various measures of oil price volatility in a vector error correction (VEC) model, this study established that fiscal policies in OEC were not procyclical but driven by oil price volatility. Oil price volatility reduced PFB in the short run. In the long run however, PFB rose in response to price volatility, suggesting that OECs’ governments eventually consolidate their fiscal positions to reduce short‐run fiscal deficit induced by oil price volatility. Though their fiscal policies were pressured in the short run, OECs were able to stabilise their fiscal dynamics in the long run.
Critically ill patients with 2009 influenza A(H1N1) infection in Canada.

CONTEXT Between March and July 2009, the largest number of confirmed cases of 2009 influenza A(H1N1) infection occurred in North America. OBJECTIVE To describe characteristics, treatment, and outcomes of critically ill patients in Canada with 2009 influenza A(H1N1) infection. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS A prospective observational study of 168 critically ill patients with 2009 influenza A(H1N1) infection in 38 adult and pediatric intensive care units (ICUs) in Canada between April 16 and August 12, 2009. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome measures were 28-day and 90-day mortality. Secondary outcomes included frequency and duration of mechanical ventilation and duration of ICU stay. RESULTS Critical illness occurred in 215 patients with confirmed (n = 162), probable (n = 6), or suspected (n = 47) community-acquired 2009 influenza A(H1N1) infection. Among the 168 patients with confirmed or probable 2009 influenza A(H1N1), the mean (SD) age was 32.3 (21.4) years; 113 were female (67.3%) and 50 were children (29.8%). Overall mortality among critically ill patients at 28 days was 14.3% (95% confidence interval, 9.5%-20.7%). There were 43 patients who were aboriginal Canadians (25.6%). The median time from symptom onset to hospital admission was 4 days (interquartile range [IQR], 2-7 days) and from hospitalization to ICU admission was 1 day (IQR, 0-2 days). Shock and nonpulmonary acute organ dysfunction was common (Sequential Organ Failure Assessment mean [SD] score of 6.8 [3.6] on day 1). Neuraminidase inhibitors were administered to 152 patients (90.5%). All patients were severely hypoxemic (mean [SD] ratio of Pao(2) to fraction of inspired oxygen [Fio(2)] of 147 [128] mm Hg) at ICU admission. Mechanical ventilation was received by 136 patients (81.0%). The median duration of ventilation was 12 days (IQR, 6-20 days) and ICU stay was 12 days (IQR, 5-20 days). Lung rescue therapies included neuromuscular blockade (28% of patients), inhaled nitric oxide (13.7%), high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (11.9%), extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (4.2%), and prone positioning ventilation (3.0%). Overall mortality among critically ill patients at 90 days was 17.3% (95% confidence interval, 12.0%-24.0%; n = 29). CONCLUSION Critical illness due to 2009 influenza A(H1N1) in Canada occurred rapidly after hospital admission, often in young adults, and was associated with severe hypoxemia, multisystem organ failure, a requirement for prolonged mechanical ventilation, and the frequent use of rescue therapies.
Coexchangeable process modelling for uncertainty quantification in joint climate reconstruction

Any experiment with climate models relies on a potentially large set of spatio-temporal boundary conditions. These can represent both the initial state of the system and/or forcings driving the model output throughout the experiment. Whilst these boundary conditions are typically fixed using available reconstructions in climate modelling studies, they are highly uncertain, that uncertainty is unquantified, and the effect on the output of the experiment can be considerable. We develop efficient quantification of these uncertainties that combines relevant data from multiple models and observations. Starting from the coexchangeability model, we develop a coexchangable process model to capture multiple correlated spatio-temporal fields of variables. We demonstrate that further exchangeability judgements over the parameters within this representation lead to a Bayes linear analogy of a hierarchical model. We use the framework to provide a joint reconstruction of sea-surface temperature and sea-ice concentration boundary conditions at the last glacial maximum (19-23 ka) and use it to force an ensemble of ice-sheet simulations using the FAMOUS-Ice coupled atmosphere and ice-sheet model. We demonstrate that existing boundary conditions typically used in these experiments are implausible given our uncertainties and demonstrate the impact of using more plausible boundary conditions on ice-sheet simulation.
Functional‐adaptive anatomy of the forelimb in the didelphidae, and the paleobiology of the paleocene marsupials Mayulestes ferox and Pucadelphys andinus

An attempt to determine the locomotor activities of Mayulestes ferox (Borhyaenoidea) and Pucadelphys andinus (Didelphoidea) from the early Paleocene site of Tiupampa (Bolivia) is presented. The functional anatomy of the forelimbs of these South American marsupials is compared to that of some living didelphids: Caluromys philander, Micoureus demerarae, Marmosa murina, Didelphis marsupialis, Monodelphis brevicaudata and Metachirus nudicaudatus. Deductions from bone morphology to myology and locomotor behavior in the fossils are inferred from the comparisons with living forms. Some features of the postcranial skeleton, indicative of arboreal adaptations, are found in the extinct marsupials: anteriorly projected acromion, hemispherical head of the humerus, extended humeral lateral epicondylar ridge, medially protruding humeral entepicondyle, proximal ulnar posterior convexity, and deep flexor fossa on the medial side of the ulna. But other features are related to a more terrestrial pattern: the well‐developed tubercles of the humeral head, the elongated olecranon process of the ulna, and the oval shape of the radial head. Mayulestes had clear arboreal abilities, but, as a predaceous mammal, probably hunted on the ground. Pucadelphys was less specialized, close to the living Monodelphis, a terrestrial insectivorous form with some skeletal features related to arboreal locomotion that are probably plesiomorphic for marsupials. J. Morphol. 247:51–79, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Descriptive epidemiology of adult critical care transfers from the emergency department

Aims: To describe the nature, frequency, and characteristics of adult critical care transfers originating from the emergency department (ED). Methods: A one year prospective regional descriptive study using multiple data sources of all critically ill adults transferred from an ED or a minor injuries unit (MIU) within the former Yorkshire Regional Health Authority Area or into a regional critical care facility if originating from an ED or MIU elsewhere. Results: 29 EDs transferred 349 adults into the regional critical care facilities. The median number of transfers per department within the region was 18 (range 1 to 42). Seventeen were transferred from outside the region. A total of 263 (75%) patients were transferred for specialist care and 76 (22%) for non-clinical reasons. Altogether 294 (84%) were admitted to intensive care or a high dependency unit at the receiving hospital. The in-hospital documented mortality rate was 26%. A total of 170 patients (49%) had traumatic pathology of which 101 were principally transferred for management of a head injury. Median time in the ED was 3 hours 5 minutes (range 11 minutes to 17 hours 47 minutes). In 146 (42%) patients the decision to transfer was primarily made by the emergency medicine clinician. A total of 251 (72%) patients were intubated. The documented critical incident rate was 15%. Conclusion: Trauma is the most common reason for transfer of the critically ill adult from the ED. A significant number of patients are transferred, however, with medical and surgical conditions and for non-clinical reasons. There continues to be problems with the quality of care that these patients receive. Emergency medicine clinicians must be actively involved in the development of regional critical care systems as a significant proportion of all critically ill adults transferred originate from the ED.
Association Between Portable Screen-Based Media Device Access or Use and Sleep Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Importance Sleep is vital to children's biopsychosocial development. Inadequate sleep quantity and quality is a public health concern with an array of detrimental health outcomes. Portable mobile and media devices have become a ubiquitous part of children's lives and may affect their sleep duration and quality. Objective To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine whether there is an association between portable screen-based media device (eg, cell phones and tablet devices) access or use in the sleep environment and sleep outcomes. Data Sources A search strategy consisting of gray literature and 24 Medical Subject Headings was developed in Ovid MEDLINE and adapted for other databases between January 1, 2011, and June 15, 2015. Searches of the published literature were conducted across 12 databases. No language restriction was applied. Study Selection The analysis included randomized clinical trials, cohort studies, and cross-sectional study designs. Inclusion criteria were studies of school-age children between 6 and 19 years. Exclusion criteria were studies of stationary exposures, such as televisions or desktop or personal computers, or studies investigating electromagnetic radiation. Data Extraction and Synthesis Of 467 studies identified, 20 cross-sectional studies were assessed for methodological quality. Two reviewers independently extracted data. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcomes were inadequate sleep quantity, poor sleep quality, and excessive daytime sleepiness, studied according to an a priori protocol. Results Twenty studies were included, and their quality was assessed. The studies involved 125 198 children (mean [SD] age, 14.5 [2.2] years; 50.1% male). There was a strong and consistent association between bedtime media device use and inadequate sleep quantity (odds ratio [OR], 2.17; 95% CI, 1.42-3.32) (P < .001, I2 = 90%), poor sleep quality (OR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.14-1.88) (P = .003, I2 = 76%), and excessive daytime sleepiness (OR, 2.72; 95% CI, 1.32-5.61) (P = .007, I2 = 50%). In addition, children who had access to (but did not use) media devices at night were more likely to have inadequate sleep quantity (OR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.39-2.31) (P < .001, I2 = 64%), poor sleep quality (OR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.11-2.10) (P = .009, I2 = 74%), and excessive daytime sleepiness (OR, 2.27; 95% CI, 1.54-3.35) (P < .001, I2 = 24%). Conclusions and Relevance To date, this study is the first systematic review and meta-analysis of the association of access to and the use of media devices with sleep outcomes. Bedtime access to and use of a media device were significantly associated with the following: inadequate sleep quantity, poor sleep quality, and excessive daytime sleepiness. An integrated approach among teachers, health care professionals, and parents is required to minimize device access at bedtime, and future research is needed to evaluate the influence of the devices on sleep hygiene and outcomes.
Inhibition of v-raf-dependent c-fos expression and transformation by a kinase-defective mutant of the mitogen-activated protein kinase Erk2

Receptor-bound growth factors elicit intracellular signals that lead to the phosphorylation and activation of numerous intracellular kinases and transcription factors with consequent changes in patterns of gene expression. Several oncogene products are able to mimic these signals, resulting in cell transformation and proliferation. For example, the introduction of oncogenic forms of Raf-1 kinase into fibroblasts induces transformation and leads to the constitutive expression of, among others, the c-fos proto-oncogene. Here it is shown that the elevation of c-fos promoter activity brought about by v-raf is mediated by TCF/Elk-1, which forms a ternary complex with SRF at the serum response element and is a substrate for mitogen-activating protein kinases in vitro. In NIH 3T3 fibroblasts, v-raf activates Erk2, and overexpression of an interfering mutant of Erk2 both blocks the ability of v-raf to activate the c-fos promoter and suppresses transformation. Mutation of individual mitogen-activating protein kinase phosphoacceptor sites in TCF/Elk-1 also compromises v-raf-activated expression of a Gal-Elk/Gal-chloramphenicol acetyltransferase reporter system. However, in at least one instance the introduction of glutamate, but not aspartate, at a phosphoacceptor site is compatible with activation. These results provide compelling evidence that phosphorylation of TCF/Elk-1 by Erk2 is a major link in the Raf-1 kinase-dependent signal transduction pathway that activates c-fos expression.
Effect of Heavy Increase in Training Stress on the Plasma Leptin Concentration in Highly Trained Male Rowers

Aim: To characterize the effects of a heavy increase in training stress followed by a reduced stress on fasting plasma leptin levels in highly trained male rowers. Methods: 12 rowers underwent a 3-week period of maximally increased training stress followed by a 2-week tapering period. Results: A mean 22% increase in training stress caused a significant decrease (by 8%) in the leptin concentrations. A further increase in training stress by 25% significantly reduced leptin further by 35%. A 1st tapering week, during which the training stress was rapidly reduced by approximately 50%, significantly increased the plasma leptin concentrations by 29%. Plasma leptin was significantly increased further (by 4%) during the 2nd tapering week. Conclusion: Leptin is sensitive to pronounced changes in training stress in highly trained male rowers.
Sequential Strand Exchange by XerC and XerD during Site-specific Recombination at dif *

Successful segregation of circular chromosomes inEscherichia coli requires that dimeric replicons, produced by homologous recombination, are converted to monomers prior to cell division. The Xer site-specific recombination system uses two related tyrosine recombinases, XerC and XerD, to catalyze resolution of circular dimers at the chromosomal site, dif. A 33-base pair DNA fragment containing the 28-base pair minimal difsite is sufficient for the recombinases to mediate both inter- and intramolecular site-specific recombination in vivo. We show that Xer-mediated intermolecular recombination in vitrobetween nicked linear dif “suicide” substrates and supercoiled plasmid DNA containing dif is initiated by XerC. Furthermore, on the appropriate substrate, the nicked Holliday junction intermediate formed by XerC is converted to a linear product by a subsequent single XerD-mediated strand exchange. We also demonstrate that a XerC homologue from Pseudomonas aeruginosa stimulates strand cleavage by XerD on a nicked linear substrate and promotes initiation of strand exchange by XerD in an intermolecular reaction between linear and supercoiled DNA, thereby reversing the normal order of strand exchanges.
Clozapine and Long-Term Mortality Risk in Patients With Schizophrenia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Studies Lasting 1.1–12.5 Years

INTRODUCTION Patients with schizophrenia have an elevated mortality risk compared to the general population, with cardiovascular-related deaths being the leading cause. The role of clozapine use in the long-term mortality risk is unclear. While clozapine treatment may increase the risk for cardiovascular mortality, it may have protective effects regarding suicidal behavior. METHODS We systematically searched EMBASE, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO and reviewed studies that used a long-term follow-up (ie, >52 weeks) and reported on mortality in adults diagnosed with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders who had received clozapine treatment. RESULTS Altogether, 24 studies reported on 1327 deaths from any causes during 217691 patient years in patients treated with clozapine. The unadjusted mortality rate in 22 unique samples during a follow-up of 1.1-12.5 (median = 5.4) years was 6.7 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 5.4-7.9) per 1000 patient years. Long-term, crude mortality rate ratios were not significantly lower in patients ever treated with clozapine during follow-up, but significantly lower in patients continuously treated with clozapine compared to patients with other antipsychotics (mortality rate ratio = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.36-0.85, P-value = .007). Few studies reported on rates of long-term cause-specific mortality (suicide and ischemic heart disease), which showed no significant difference in patients using clozapine compared to patients using other antipsychotics. Statistical heterogeneity was high in all analyses. DISCUSSION Continuous clozapine treatment in schizophrenia patients was associated with a significantly lower long-term all-cause mortality rate compared to other antipsychotic use. These findings, combined with the known efficacy of clozapine, give reason to re-evaluate the hesitancy to prescribe clozapine in regular care settings. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42017069390.