Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism due to loss of function of the KiSS1-derived peptide receptor GPR54

Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism is defined as a deficiency of the pituitary secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone, which results in the impairment of pubertal maturation and of reproductive function. In the absence of pituitary or hypothalamic anatomical lesions and of anosmia (Kallmann syndrome), hypogonadotropic hypogonadism is referred to as isolated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH). A limited number of IHH cases are due to loss-of-function mutations of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor. To identify additional gene defects leading to IHH, a large consanguineous family with five affected siblings and with a normal gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor coding sequence was studied. Homozygosity whole-genome mapping allowed the localization of a new locus within the short arm of chromosome 19 (19p13). Sequencing of several genes localized within this region showed that all affected siblings of the family carried a homozygous deletion of 155 nucleotides in the GPR54 gene. This deletion encompassed the splicing acceptor site of intron 4–exon 5 junction and part of exon 5. The deletion was absent or present on only one allele in unaffected family members. GPR54 has been initially identified as an orphan G protein-coupled receptor with 40% homology to galanin receptors. Recently, a 54-aa peptide derived from the KiSS1 protein was identified as a ligand of GPR54. The present study shows that loss of function of GPR54 is a cause of IHH, and it identifies GPR54 and possibly KiSS1 protein-derived peptide as playing a major and previously unsuspected role in the physiology of the gonadotropic axis.
The Role of Free Histidine in Xylem Loading of Nickel inAlyssum lesbiacum and Brassica juncea 1

Exposure of the hyperaccumulator Alyssum lesbiacum to nickel (Ni) is known to result in a dose-dependent increase in xylem sap concentrations of Ni and the chelator free histidine (His). Addition of equimolar concentrations of exogenousl-His to an Ni-amended hydroponic rooting medium enhances Ni flux into the xylem in the nonaccumulator Alyssum montanum, and, as reported here, in Brassica juncea L. cv Vitasso. In B. juncea, reducing the entry of l-His into the root by supplying d-His instead of l-His, or l-His in the presence of a 10-fold excess of l-alanine, did not affect root Ni uptake, but reduced Ni release into the xylem. Compared with B. juncea, root His concentrations were constitutively about 4.4-fold higher in A. lesbiacum, and did not increase within 9 h of exposure to Ni. Cycloheximide did not affect root His or Ni concentrations, but strongly decreased the release of His and Ni from the root into the xylem of A. lesbiacum, whereas xylem sap concentrations of Ca and Mg remained unaffected. Near-quantitative chelation of Ni with nitrilotriacetate in the rooting medium did not enhance Ni flux into the xylem of A. lesbiacum and B. juncea, suggesting the absence of a significant apoplastic pathway for Ni entry into the xylem. The data suggest that in B. juncea roots, Ni2+uptake is independent of simultaneous uptake of His. In both species, enhanced release of Ni into the xylem is associated with concurrent release of His from an increased root free His pool.
Comparative genomics of Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae strains B301D and HS191 and insights into intrapathovar traits associated with plant pathogenesis

Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae is a common plant‐associated bacterium that causes diseases of both monocot and dicot plants worldwide. To help delineate traits critical to adaptation and survival in the plant environment, we generated complete genome sequences of P. syringae pv. syringae strains B301D and HS191, which represent dicot and monocot strains with distinct host specificities. Intrapathovar comparisons of the B301D (6.09 Mb) and HS191 (5.95 Mb plus a 52 kb pCG131 plasmid) genomes to the previously sequenced B728a genome demonstrated that the shared genes encompass about 83% of each genome, and include genes for siderophore biosynthesis, osmotolerance, and extracellular polysaccharide production. Between 7% and 12% of the genes are unique among the genomes, and most of the unique gene regions carry transposons, phage elements, or IS elements associated with horizontal gene transfer. Differences are observed in the type III effector composition for the three strains that likely influences host range. The HS191 genome had the largest number at 25 of effector genes, and seven effector genes are specific to this monocot strain. Toxin production is another major trait associated with virulence of P. syringae pv. syringae, and HS191 is distinguished by genes for production of syringopeptin SP25 and mangotoxin.
Down‐regulated donor‐specific T‐cell reactivity during successful tapering of immunosuppression after kidney transplantation

Stable cadaveric renal transplant patients were routinely converted from cyclosporin A (CsA) to either azathioprine (AZA) or mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) 1 year after transplantation to reduce the side effects of long‐term immunosuppressive therapy. Thereafter, the AZA and MMF dose was gradually tapered to 50% at 2 years after transplantation. We questioned whether a reduction of immunosuppressive treatment results in a rise of donor‐specific T‐cell reactivity. Before transplantation (no immunosuppression), 1 year (high dose immunosuppression) and 2 years (low dose immunosuppression) after transplantation, the T‐cell reactivity of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) against donor and third‐party spleen cells was tested in mixed lymphocyte cultures (MLC) and against tetanus toxoid (TET) to test the general immune response. We also measured the frequency of donor and third‐party reactive helper (HTLpf) and cytotoxic (CTLpf) T‐lymphocyte precursors in a limiting dilution assay. Donor‐specific responses, calculated by relative responses (RR = donor/third‐party reactivity), were determined. Comparing responses after transplantation during high dose immunosuppression with responses before transplantation (no immmunosuppression), the donor‐specific MLC‐RR (P = 0·04), HTLp‐RR (P = 0·04) and CTLp‐RR (P = 0·09) decreased, while the TET‐reactivity did not change. Comparing the responses during low dose with high dose immunosuppression, no donor‐ specific differences were found in the MLC‐RR, HTLp‐RR and CTLp‐RR, although TET‐reactivity increased considerably (P = 0·0005). We observed a reduction in donor‐specific T‐cell reactivity in stable patients after renal transplantation during in vivo high dose immunosuppression. Tapering of the immunosuppressive load had no rebound effect on the donor‐specific reactivity, while it allowed recovery of the response to nominal antigens.
Increased risk of oral cancer in relation to common Indian mitochondrial polymorphisms and Autosomal GSTP1 locus

Polymorphisms at mitochondrial (mt) loci could modulate the risk of diseases including cancers. Here the mtDNA polymorphisms at 12,308 nucleotide pairs (np), 11,467 np, 10,400 np, and 10,398 np were studied to examine the association with the risk of oral cancer and leukoplakia, alone and in combination with polymorphisms at the GST loci.
Examination of changes in the Turkish hydropower development, regulation, and planning

Hydropower has a critical role in supplying the energy demand and sustaining the economic and industrial growth in Turkey. Over the past decade, several policy changes have been made to improve the contribution of hydropower in overall national energy production. Turkey is utilizing less than half of the hydropower potential and planning to employ almost full of its potential within the next 10 years. For this plan to be realized there is a need to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the past and recent regulations. Implications from such an analysis are believed to be necessary for a better national energy strategy. This work fills this gap and presents analysis of data representing utilized and unutilized hydropower potential obtained from the official sources. The analysis coupled with the recent policy changes was discussed within the context of sustainable hydropower structure. The unutilized hydropower potential plays a crucial role in national energy security. It is also evident that hydropower alone will not be meeting the rapidly increasing demand. So far, however, researchers have shown an increased interest in unutilized hydropower potential; there has been no detailed analysis about identifying characteristics of this potential and developing strategies in terms of required technological investments. The efforts toward realizing the long-term national energy security goals need to consider establishing research development and manufacturing capabilities of domestic hydropower equipment which will fit the need to reduce foreign dependence on hydropower energy technology.
Prevalence of Brugada sign in patients presenting with palpitation in southern Iran.

AIMS Brugada syndrome is a cardiac channel abnormality that is associated with a high risk of ventricular fibrillation and sudden cardiac death and characterized by an electrocardiographic pattern of right bundle branch block and transient or persistent ST-segment elevation in leads V1-V3. No data regarding the frequency of Brugada syndrome exist in an Iranian population. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of Brugada-type ECG pattern in southern Iran. METHODS AND RESULTS All patients presenting with palpitation were enrolled in the study. A Brugada-type ECG pattern was determined according to the criteria recommended by European Heart Association Molecular Basis of Arrhythmias Study Group. A total of 3895 patients (mean age 38.2 +/- 11.9 years, 54% women) met all study criteria. One hundred patients (2.56%) had Brugada-type ECG pattern. Of these, 21 patients (0.54%) had definite Brugada sign (Type 1 or Types 2 and 3 with conversion to Type 1 following procainamide test). Of 21 patients with definite Brugada sign, eight had Brugada syndrome, four had history of syncope, two had coved-type ECG in the family, one had polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, and one had history of sudden cardiac death in the family. Five patients underwent ICD implantation. The incidence of a Brugada-type ECG pattern was 2.43% in subjects between 17 and 30 years and 0.13% in subjects >30 years (P = 0.01). CONCLUSION Frequency of Brugada sign in an Iranian population presenting with palpitation is greater than some European countries and lower than a Japanese urban population.
Smaller is better—but not too small: A physical scale for the design of the mammalian pulmonary acinus

The transfer of oxygen from air to blood in the lung involves three processes: ventilation through the airways, diffusion of oxygen in the air phase to the alveolar surface, and finally diffusion through tissue into the capillary blood. The latter two steps occur in the acinus, where the alveolar gas-exchange surface is arranged along the last few generations of airway branching. For the acinus to work efficiently, oxygen must reach the last branches of acinar airways, even though some of it is absorbed along the way. This “screening effect” is governed by the relative values of physical factors like diffusivity and permeability as well as size and design of the acinus. Physics predicts that efficient acini should be space-filling surfaces and should not be too large. It is shown that the mammalian acini fulfill these requirements, small mammals being more efficient than large ones both at rest and in exercise.
Implementation of direct torque control method using matrix converter fed induction motor

This paper presents a study on direct torque control method (DTC) using matrix converter fed induction motor. The advantages of matrix converters are combined with the advantages of the DTC technique: under the constraint of unity input power factor, the required voltage vectors are generated to implement the conventional DTC method of induction motor. However, since the first idea about DTC method using MC fed induction motor was suggested by the current researches just focus on some simulation results and a little un-explicit experimental result is carried out. This paper describes the operation of induction motor under the DTC method in steady-state and transient conditions by the experimental results, the discussion about the trend of DTC method using MC is also carried out. Furthermore, the entire system of matrix converter configuration using 7.5 kW IGBT modules (FR35R12KE3V1) is explained in detail.
Métaheuristiques pour l'allocation de mémoire dans les systèmes embarqués

La gestion de la memoire cache a un impact significatif sur les performances et sur la consommation energetique des systemes embarques. Cet article traite de l'allocation de memoire des structures de donnees d'une application a la memoire cache de maniere a optimiser les performances du systeme. Les concepteurs de circuits souhaitent trouver un compromis entre le cout de l'architecture (le nombre de bancs memoire a embarquer) et la consommation electrique. Le probleme aborde consiste a allouer un banc memoire a toute structure de donnees de maniere a minimiser les conflits d'acces aux donnees. Le modele propose pour ce probleme est le k-weighted graph coloring problem. Une formulation par PLNE et deux metaheuristiques basees respectivement sur une recherche taboue et sur un algorithme hybride a base de population sont comparees sur un ensemble d'instances. Les resultats obtenus sont encourageants et suggerent que l'utilisation de methodes issues de la coloration de graphes est une piste prometteuse pour l'allocation de memoire dans les systemes embarques.
Single versus multiple doses of acetazolamide for metabolic alkalosis in critically ill medical patients: a randomized, double-blind trial.

OBJECTIVE To compare two dosing regimens of acetazolamide for the reversal of metabolic alkalosis in mechanically ventilated patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. DESIGN A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. SETTING A 35-bed medical intensive care unit in a tertiary care teaching hospital. PATIENTS Forty mechanically ventilated patients with a metabolic alkalosis (arterial pH > or = 7.48 and serum bicarbonate concentration > or = 26 mEq/L) resistant to fluid or potassium therapy (serum potassium concentration, > or = 4 mEq/L) not receiving acetazolamide or sodium bicarbonate in the previous 72 hrs. INTERVENTIONS Stratified by previous diuretic use and randomized to receive intravenous administration of acetazolamide, one dose of 500 mg or 250 mg every 6 hrs for a total of four doses. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Serum bicarbonate and potassium concentrations were drawn every 6 hrs for 72 hrs, arterial blood gases were drawn every 12 hrs for 72 hrs, and both urine chloride and pH were drawn at hours 0, 6, 12, 18, 24, 48, and 72. By using generalized estimating equation techniques, no difference was found between the two dosing regimens at any point over the study period for serum bicarbonate, serum potassium, or urine chloride end points. Results did not differ between diuretic- and nondiuretic-treated patients. Serum bicarbonate concentrations remained significantly decreased in both treatment groups 72 hrs after administration of the first acetazolamide dose (31.8 +/- 4.9-25.3 +/- 3.8 mEq/L, p < .0001 [250 mg x 4]; 31.9 +/- 25.4-25.4 +/- 3.6 mEq/L, p < .0001 [500 mg x 1]). CONCLUSIONS We conclude that a single 500-mg dose of acetazolamide reverses nonchloride responsive metabolic alkaloses in medical intensive care unit patients as effectively as multiple doses of 250 mg. Studies to examine the prolonged duration of action of acetazolamide observed in this study as well as the effect of acetazolamide on clinical end points, such as duration of mechanical ventilation, are warranted.
Political Uncertainty and Firm Investment: Project-Level Evidence from M&A Activity

Abstract We study how firms alter investment projects to mitigate exposure to political uncertainty. We examine deal-level merger data and find that, in addition to delaying and forgoing merger announcements, acquirers shift merger announcements earlier in time to avoid the period between announcement and effective dates overlapping an election, shift targets geographically away from election states, decrease the size of election-year deals, and shift from equity to cash financing for election-year deals. These results are stronger for acquirers with tighter financial constraints and deals more likely to be financed with equity and show financing matters to firms’ responses to election uncertainty.
Challenging collaborative urban governance under austerity: How local governments and social organizations deal with housing policy in Catalonia (Spain)

ABSTRACT During the decades preceding the 2008 global financial crisis, collaborative urban governance had become hegemonic in many European cities. However, the postcrash austerity era seems to have dampened enthusiasm for network governance. This article examines this proposition by analyzing the evolution of collaborative urban governance mechanisms in local housing policy from 2008 to 2014. In addition, new citizen-led movements are explored, demonstrating how new social and political actors are also challenging established processes of collaborative urban governance. Drawing on 4 local case studies in the Spanish region of Catalonia, we identify different urban governance pathways, which are not simply explained by changes in local government but also by institutional path dependencies and the particular social fabric of each place. We conclude that collaborative urban governance has not been used as a significant response to the effects of the recession. Instead, new social and institutional arrangements may be starting to emerge.
A novel reflection-canceling design for substrate integrated waveguide based 45-degree linearly polarized slot antenna array

This paper introduced the waveguide slot array antennas are an important class of microwave antennas with numerous applications such as radar and communication systems. A 10-element K-band SIW based 45-degree linearly polarized slot traveling-wave antenna array is proposed and designed. Metalized through holes (via) are used to cancel the reflection and support a traveling wave. The reflection characteristics and radiation pattern were calculated by full-wave simulation using Ansoft HFSS. A high gain of 15.3dBi and low cross polarization of -23.5dB was achieved. This 45 degree polarized antenna array has a wide application in microwave and millimeter-wave systems, especially for auto-motive collision-avoidance radar.
Thermal image recognition of high-temperature brick wall in coking chamber

Diagnostic technology for coke-making plants under operation for many decades is a pressing concern in the domestic steel industry. This paper describes a new approach for monitoring carbon deposition on high-temperature coking chamber walls. Texture analysis based on gray-level co-occurrence matrices and other texture features was applied to thermal images. As a result, brick surface, solid carbon and patchy carbon could be distinguished with practicable accuracy.
Pricing in a Transportation Station with Strategic Customers

We consider a transportation station, where customers arrive according to a Poisson process, observe the delay information and the fee imposed by the administrator and decide whether to use the facility or not. A transportation facility visits the station according to a renewal process and serves all present customers at each visit. We assume that every customer maximizes her individual expected utility and the administrator is a profit maximizer. We model this situation as a two‐stage game among the customers and the administrator, where customer strategies depend on the level of delay information provided by the administrator. We consider three cases distinguished by the level of delay information: observable (the exact waiting time is announced), unobservable (no information is provided) and partially observable (the number of waiting customers is announced). In each case, we explore how the customer reward for service, the unit waiting cost, and the intervisit time distribution parameters affect the customer behavior and the fee imposed by the administrator. We then compare the three cases and show that the customers almost always prefer to know their exact waiting times whereas the administrator prefers to provide either no information or the exact waiting time depending on system parameters.
Control is good, trust is better - social capital and implications at Lake Shkodra, Albania

Am Shkodra-See in Albanien, einem Schutzgebiet internationaler Bedeutung, ubernimmt die Fischereiorganisation das Co-Management von Fischerei und Naturschutz. Die Rolle von Netzwerken, Vertrauen und Institutionen (soziales Kapital) und deren Auswirkungen auf das Management am Shkodra-See sind bislang kaum bekannt. In der vorliegenden Studie wurden diese sowie der Einfluss des post-sozialistischen Hintergrundes auf das soziale Kapital in Bezug auf Fischerei beleuchtet. Durch die Verwendung des Social-Ecological Systems Framework wurden die sozialen Wirkungen am Shkodra-See analysiert. 36 qualitative, teilstrukturierte Interviews mit Akteuren auf lokaler, regionaler und nationaler Ebene wurden zwischen August und September 2015 gefuhrt. Durch die Anwendung des Frameworks wurden die drei sozialen Wirkungen Einhaltung von Regeln, Selbstorganisation und sozialer Fit identifiziert. Mit Ausnahme des Fischerdorfes Zogaj sind diese masgeblich durch das eingeschrankte Vertrauen unterhalb der Akteure und die Konfiguration sozialer Netzwerke auf verschiedenen Ebenen gepragt. Weiterhin wirkten sich Korruption, mangelnde Rechenschaftspflicht und Legitimitat negativ auf die Wirksamkeit des Co-Managements aus. Die Erfahrungen aus der Zeit des Kommunismus pragten die Wahrnehmung der Ressourcennutzer. Die Studie zeigt die Relevanz der sozialen Dimension fur das Co-Management am Shkodra-See sowie die Rolle von Kommunikation und Partizipation, um Vertrauen fur wirkungsvolle Kooperation aufzubauen. %%%%At Lake Shkodra, a biodiversity hotspot in Albania, information about trust, networks and institutiosn (social capital) of the fishery co-management are scarce and particularly lack an understanding of implications arising through the post-socialist context of the country. This knowledge gap was addressed with a qualitative case study approach. 36 semi-structured interviews with actors at the local, regional and national level across actor groups, e.g. fishermen, state authorities and environmental organizations, were conducted during fieldwork in August and September 2015. The use of the Social-ecological Systems framework facilitated the structured analysis of three micro-level outcomes of fishery: levels of compliance, the likelihood of self-organization and social fit. With the exception of the fishing community in Zogaj, limited networks of trust among actors and weak bonding, bridging and linking ties were identified. Effective co-management is further influenced by corruption, levels of partici- pation and the perceived legitimacy and the experiences of actors from communist times. The study highlighted the tight linkages and feedbacks among the elements of social capital and the outcomes associated with the social dimension of fishery. Investing in the establishment of trustful relations through communication and stakeholder participation could leverage adaptive capacities of the co-management and pave the way for long-term sustainability.