Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Performance Analysis of Delta Modulated PWM Inverters

An analysis is presented of a voltage source delta modulation (DM) inverter. The delta modulation method provides several advantageous characteristics over commonly used sine modulation process. It is relatively easy to implement and provides low harmonics at the inverter output. The inherent features of the delta modulation also provide control of ratio of voltage to frequency and commutation numbers of an inverter without much complexity in control circuit. These and other features of DM inverters are investigated theoretically and verified experimentally. Successful implementation of DM techniques in three-phase inverters are reported.
Building a Deep Learning Classifier for Enhancing a Biomedical Big Data Service

Providing an easily accessible data service with high quality data is important for building big data applications. In this paper, we introduce a big data service for managing and accessing massive-scale biomedical image data. The service includes three major components: a NoSQL database for storing images and data analytics results, a client consisting of a group of query scripts for data access and management, and a data quality enhancement component for improving the performance of data analytics. Low-quality data can result in incorrect analytics results and may lead to no value even harmful conclusions. Therefore, it is important to provide an effective mechanism for ensuring data quality improvement in a big data service. We describe the implement ion of a deep learning classifier to automatically filter low quality data in datasets. To improve the effectiveness of data separation, the classifier is rigorously validated with synthetic data generated by a collection of scientific tools. Design of big data services with data quality improvement as an integral component, along with the best practices collected from this experimental study, will help researchers and practitioners to develop strategies for improving the quality of big data services, building big data applications, and designing machine learning classifiers.
The c-MYC oncoprotein as a treatment target in cancer and other disorders of cell growth

The c-MYC proto-oncogene is essential for cellular proliferation but, paradoxically, may also promote cell death. Deregulated expression of c-MYC is present in most, if not all, human cancers, and is associated with a poor prognosis. However, given that human tumours at diagnosis generally carry multiple genetic lesions that have accumulated during (although they are not necessarily essential for) tumour progression, it has proved difficult to attribute a specific role to any given single factor or indeed to explore the therapeutic potential of selectively mitigating their biological functions. Regulatable transgenic mouse models of oncogenesis have shed light on these issues, influenced our thinking about cancer and provided encouragement for the future development of cancer therapies based on targeting individual oncogenes such as c-MYC. Although still in its infancy, encouraging results have been reported using antisense oligodeoxynucleotide-based methods, as well as other approaches to interfere with MYC expression both in vitro and in vivo.
Nutritional value of goat and cow milk protein

SUMMARY – Metabolism trials were carried out with two groups of male, weaned Wistar rats to determine the nutritional value of the goat and cow milk protein. Diets contained 15% protein and 10% fat. The protein source was skimmed milk powder goat or cow milk, and the fat source was goat or cow milk fat. The food intake, growth rates and protein efficiency ratio did not differ significantly between the two groups (P > 0.05). However, nitrogen digestibility and balance of diets were higher (P < 0.05) in the group given the goat milk protein diet. It is concluded that the nutritional value of goat milk protein is higher than that of cow milk.
Modified ultrafiltration removes serum interleukin-8 in adult cardiac surgery

Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) causes an increase in serum cytokine levels and systemic inflamatory responses, which may trigger the onset of various types of postoperative organ failure. In the present study, modified ultrafiltration (MUF) was applied in cases of adult cardiac surgery and an attempt was made to determine whether MUF reduces serum interleukin-8 (IL-8) levels. Nine patients who underwent cardiovascular surgery with CPB and MUF between June 1996 and June 1997 were compared with nine control patients who underwent cardiovascular surgery without MUF in the same period. Modified ultrafiltration was performed, based on a method proposed elsewhere. Serum IL-8 was measured by enzyme immunoassay at the start of CPB, immediately after CPB, immediately after MUF and 3 h after MUF. The mean filtrated volume was 1550.0 ± 173.2 ml. In the MUF group, haematocrit increased significantly from 21.2 ± 2.0 to 24.9 ± 3.3% (p = 0.0008), while systolic blood pressure increased from 97.5 ± 16.7 to 116.5 ± 23.9 mmHg (p = 0.0024) after MUF. In contrast, there were no changes in either haematocrit or blood pressure in the control group. In the MUF group, serum IL-8 was reduced from 69.5 ± 33.5 to 58.9 ± 32.4 pg/ml after MUF (p = 0.0029), whereas it was not reduced in the control group. The results of the present study suggest that MUF has beneficial effects on postoperative haemodynamics, and can reduce serum IL-8 levels in adult cardiac surgery.
Implications of fMRI and genetics for the law and the routine practice of forensic psychiatry

This review outlines recent neurobiological findings in humans relevant for the practice of law and forensic psychiatry. We focus on offenders with antisocial personality disorder and on sex offenders. In addition, the impact of risk polymorphisms in monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A), previously related to violence in interaction with the environment, on brain structure and function and on personality traits in healthy persons are presented. While increasing knowledge of functional and structural alterations provides a better understanding of the neurobiological underpinnings of delinquent behaviour, antisocial and violent behaviour arises from a complex pattern of biological, psychological, social and situational factors, precluding a stance of simple biological reductionism. Rather, optimal integration of neurobiological findings requires cooperation among many disciplines such as medicine, criminology, sociology, psychology, politics and neuroscience.
Determinants of perceived consistency: the relationship between group entitativity and the meaningfulness of categories.

The concept of entitativity was developed by Campbell (1958) to refer to the extent to which a group is perceived as a coherent whole or entity. This concept is relevant to research in both social perception (e.g. the categorization effects approach to the study of social stereotyping) and social influence (e.g. the consistency attributed to minority groups in theories of minority influence). On the basis of previous research, four variables were expected to play a role in group entitativity judgements. These were intra-group variability, group size, diversity (or variety) and extremity. In two empirical studies it was found that entitativity decreased as variability and diversity increased and that it increased with group size. These effects and interactions between group size and extremity, size and diversity, and variability and extremity are consistent with the idea that entitativity is a function of how meaningful a stimulus pattern is. This is in turn (in part) a function of how unlikely the pattern is.
Hypertriglyceridaemia due to genetic defects in lipoprotein lipase and apolipoprotein C‐II

Abstract. Hypertriglyceridaemia, as defined by fasting triglyceride levels of > 2.8mmol l‐1, is a prevalent dyslipoproteinaemia in our population. The underlying pathophysiological mechanisms that result in elevations of plasma triglycerides are heterogeneous and, in most cases, incompletely understood. However, in a subset of patients presenting with this lipid disorder, the biochemical and genetic defects that lead to hypertriglyceridaemia have been well characterized. These individuals present with the familial chylomicronaemia syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait, and is characterized by severe fasting hypertriglyceridaemia, massive accumulations of chylomicrons in plasma, and recurrent bouts of pancreatitis. The two major causes of the familial chylomicronaemia syndrome are a deficiency of the enzyme, lipoprotein lipase (LPL), or its cofactor, apolipoprotein (apo) C‐II. Together, these two proteins initiate the hydrolysis of triglycerides present in chylomicrons and very low density lipoproteins. In the past decade our understanding of the underlying molecular defects that lead to familial chylomicronaemia has been greatly enhanced by the identification of mutations in the genes for LPL and apoC‐II. Characterization of these defects has provided new insights into the structure and function of apoC‐II and LPL and established the important role that these two proteins play in normal triglyceride metabolism.
Use of whole‐exome sequencing to determine the genetic basis of signs of skin youthfulness in Korean women

course of the disorder or the effect of mid-strength topical steroid alone in the present case. Nevertheless, this is the first reported case of a recovery from severe alopecia areata during oral tacrolimus treatment, whether or not it is accompanied by a pre-existing autoimmune disease or a transplant as the primary target. There is no sufficient evidence of the efficacy of topical mild potent steroids, but very potent topical steroids only for mild cases. It should be noted that tacrolimus reduces the expression of NKG2D from human NK cells and inhibits the subsequent T-cell activation and production of several cytokines, including IFN-c, IL-2 and TNF-a. Therefore, it is reasonable to consider that tacrolimus was effective in our case. Oral tacrolimus may be more effective than topical tacrolimus for alopecia areata. Topical tacrolimus was effective in a mouse model of alopecia areata, but it is not very effective in humans, probably because the tissue distribution of percutaneous tacrolimus is much less effective than that in experimental animals. Our case suggests the potentially therapeutic benefit of oral tacrolimus in alopecia areata. Well-controlled studies will clarify the efficacy and safety of this therapy.
From success to persistence: Identifying an evolutionary regime shift in the diverse Paleozoic aquatic arthropod group Eurypterida, driven by the Devonian biotic crisis

Mass extinctions have altered the trajectory of evolution a number of times over the Phanerozoic. During these periods of biotic upheaval a different selective regime appears to operate, although it is still unclear whether consistent survivorship rules apply across different extinction events. We compare variations in diversity and disparity across the evolutionary history of a major Paleozoic arthropod group, the Eurypterida. Using these data, we explore the group's transition from a successful, dynamic clade to a stagnant persistent lineage, pinpointing the Devonian as the period during which this evolutionary regime shift occurred. The late Devonian biotic crisis is potentially unique among the “Big Five” mass extinctions in exhibiting a drop in speciation rates rather than an increase in extinction. Our study reveals eurypterids show depressed speciation rates throughout the Devonian but no abnormal peaks in extinction. Loss of morphospace occupation is random across all Paleozoic extinction events; however, differential origination during the Devonian results in a migration and subsequent stagnation of occupied morphospace. This shift appears linked to an ecological transition from euryhaline taxa to freshwater species with low morphological diversity alongside a decrease in endemism. These results demonstrate the importance of the Devonian biotic crisis in reshaping Paleozoic ecosystems.
THE HAIRLESS MOUSE and PHOTOAGING

Photoaging, a term coined in the mid 1980s (Kligman and Kligman, 1986) to denote the gross and microscopic skin changes resulting from chronic sun exposure, is not a new concept. The first documentation of these changes came from the late 19th century dermatologists Unna and Dubreuilh who recognized the devastating effects of sunlight when they compared the skin of farmers and sailors to that of indoor workers. Because severely actinically damaged people look far older than their chronologic age with their multitudes of wrinkles and excrescences, their yellowed, nodular, leathery skin, the term “premature aging” was long used to describe the condition. By contrast, photophobes in their nineties can have smooth, unblemished skin showing only some laxness and deepening of expression lines. Recent research has shown that photoaged and chronically aged skin are distinctly different (Braverman and Fonferko, 1982a,b; Lavker, 1979; Gilchrest. 1984). Contr,asts between the two conditions have been reviewed by Kligman (1989). Underlying the visible aspects of photoaging is damage to the elastic fibers, collagen and glycosaminoglycans (GAG)* of the dermis. The microvasculature and other structural elements of the skin suffer as well. The evolution of these changes requires decades of sun exposure (Kligman, 1969). Aside from ethical reasons, systematic study of photoaging in humans would be impractical. For example, Shellow and Kligman (1968) failed to produce elastosis in humans after UV-B irradiation for up to a year. Thus, an animal model, in which the process is accelerated, is desirable.
Metabolic syndrome and stroke.

To the Editor: In an interesting study of 991 members of a Finnish cohort,1 Wang et al found that 5 definitions of metabolic syndrome (MS) were associated with the risk of all types of stroke combined, and 3 components of MS—glucose intolerance, insulin resistance and central obesity—were independently associated with stroke. The sixth definition (American College of Endocrinology [ACE] definition) of MS did not include obesity as a component of MS but raised body mass index was regarded as a risk factor for MS.2 If Wang et al had restricted their study to ischemic stroke, they might have found MS by ACE definition also to be associated with stroke. Their findings are not surprising because the components of MS (obesity, hypertension, …
Role of platelets and the arachidonic acid pathway in the regulation of neutrophil oxidase activity

The intercellular mechanisms involved in platelet-mediated regulation of neutrophil function remain incompletely understood. This study investigated the role of the arachidonic acid pathway in the modulation of chemoattractant-induced production of oxygen metabolites, measured as luminol-amplified chemiluminescence (CL). We demonstrate that platelets dose-dependently inhibit the CL response in neutrophils stimulated with N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP). Incubation with eicosatetrayonic acid (ETYA), a combined cyclooxygenase and lipooxygenase inhibitor, dramatically decreased the fMLP-induced CL response in neutrophils, an effect that was further enhanced in the presence of platelets. The separate effects of eicosatriyonic acid (ETI ) and indomethacin, specific inhibitors of lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase, respectively, were significantly lower compared to the action of ETYA. On the contrary, impediment of arachidonic acid release with the phospholipase A 2 inhibitor arachidonyl trifluoromethyl ketone (ATK ) markedly increased the production of oxygen radicals triggered by fMLP. The addition of exogenous arachidonic acid clearly decreased the fMLP-induced CL response in neutrophils, which further strengthens a downregulating effect of arachidonic acid on oxidase activity. This inhibitory action of arachidonic acid, however, was reversed upon co-incubation with platelets. In conclusion, this study suggests that an accumulation of arachidonic acid, following chemotactic peptide stimulation, turns off neutrophil oxidase activity. Furthermore, platelets may support the synthesis of reactive arachidonic acid metabolites, which modulate oxygen radical production in neutrophils.
Assessment of estrogen receptor distribution in human endometrium by direct immunofluorescence

Objective. To use a direct immunofluorescence technique employing a fluorescein labeled anti‐idiotypic antibody that recognizes the estrogen receptor (ER) order to assess the distribution of ER in the uteri of normal women throughout the normal menstrual cycle and of a woman exposed prenatally to diethylstilbestrol (DES).
Dual-band dielectric-loaded horn antenna for terahertz applications

A dual-band horn antenna operating at 94 GHz and 340 GHz is presented in this paper. The proposed structure consists of a corrugated conical horn and a tapered dielectric strip. The conical horn is responsible for 94 GHz, and is excited by vertical TE10 mode. The dielectric strip is inserted in the horn, which is responsible for 340 GHz, and is excited by horizontal LSM mode. Both of the two bands have equal beam-width in E-and H-planes. The proposed design has the merits of low cross polarization, high port isolation, and large frequency ratio. In addition, the gain in the two bands can be adjusted independently.
Drosophila Cyclin G Is a Regulator of the Notch Signalling Pathway during Wing Development

Notch signalling regulates a multitude of differentiation processes during Drosophila development. For example, Notch activity is required for proper wing vein differentiation which is hampered in mutants of either the receptor Notch, the ligand Delta or the antagonist Hairless. Moreover, the Notch pathway is involved in several aspects of Drosophila oogenesis as well. We have identified Drosophila Cyclin G (CycG) as a molecular interaction partner of Hairless, the major antagonist in the Notch signalling pathway, in vitro and in vivo. Loss of CycG was shown before to cause female sterility and to disturb the architecture of the egg shell. Nevertheless, Notch dependent processes during oogenesis appeared largely unaffected in cycG mutant egg chambers. Loss of CycG modified the dominant wing phenotypes of Notch, Delta and Hairless mutants. Whereas the Notch loss of function phenotype was ameliorated by a loss of CycG, the phenotypes of either Notch gain of function or of Delta or Hairless loss of function were enhanced. In contrast, loss of CycG had only a minor effect on the wing vein phenotype of mutants affecting the EGFR signalling pathway emphasizing the specificity of the interaction of CycG and Notch pathway members.
Free radicals in biology: oxidative stress and the effects of ionizing radiation.

The most important electron acceptor in the biosphere is molecular oxygen which, by virtue of its bi-radical nature, readily accepts unpaired electrons to give rise to a series of partially reduced species collectively known as reduced (or 'reactive') oxygen species (ROS). These include superoxide (O.2-), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), hydroxyl radical (HO.) and peroxyl (ROO.) and alkoxyl (RO.) radicals which may be involved in the initiation and propagation of free radical chain reactions and which are potentially highly damaging to cells. Mechanisms have evolved to restrict and control such processes, partly by compartmentation, and partly by antioxidant defences such as chain-breaking antioxidant compounds capable forming stable free radicals (e.g. ascorbate, alpha-tocopherol) and the evolution of enzyme systems (e.g. superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidases) that diminish the intracellular concentration of the ROS. Although some ROS perform useful functions, the production of ROS exceeding the ability of the organism to mount an antioxidant defence results in oxidative stress and the ensuing tissue damage may be involved in certain disease processes. Evidence that ROS are involved in primary pathological mechanisms is a feature mainly of extraneous physical or chemical perturbations of which radiation is perhaps the major contributor. One of the important radiation-induced free-radical species is the hydroxyl radical which indiscriminately attacks neighbouring molecules often at near diffusion-controlled rates. Hydroxyl radicals are generated by ionizing radiation either directly by oxidation of water, or indirectly by the formation of secondary partially ROS. These may be subsequently converted to hydroxyl radicals by further reduction ('activation') by metabolic processes in the cell. Secondary radiation injury is therefore influenced by the cellular antioxidant status and the amount and availability of activating mechanisms. The biological response to radiation may be modulated by alterations in factors affecting these secondary mechanisms of cellular injury.
Efficient Hausdorff distance metric calculation algorithm for human position comparison to template and its performance and precision research

This article presents efficient algorithm to calculate Hausdorff distance metric and heuristic algorithm that maximizes amount of intersecting points in two point sets very quickly. Performance and precision research of those algorithms is presented. It is shown that algorithm is applicable for real time position tracking using “Kinect” device. Keywords–Kinect; Hausdorff distance; pattern matching
A NEW MULTIFUNCTIONAL EXPANDABLE MEMORY LOOP DEVICE.

Posterior segment surgeons frequently encounter common cases such as repair of a rhegmatogenous retinal detachment and more rare and challenging cases such as retrieval of a posteriorly dislocated intraocular lens (IOL) and removal of a traumatic intraocular foreign body (IOFB). Each case presents opportunities for novel approaches to technique and instrumentation. In this article, we describe a new multifunctional device that we have used in each of the surgical scenarios above.
Resveratrol reduces the levels of circulating androgen precursors but has no effect on, testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, PSA levels or prostate volume. A 4‐month randomised trial in middle‐aged men

Resveratrol is a naturally occurring polyphenol with purported inhibitory effects on prostate growth and cancer development. A number of studies have demonstrated that resveratrol reduces prostate growth in animal models and reduces prostate cell growth in vitro. Based on these pre‐clinical findings, interest in resveratrol is increasing in relation to the management of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer. So far, no human trials have evaluated the effects of resveratrol on circulating androgens, prostate size, or biochemical markers of prostate size.