Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A pulse power generator based resonant converter for inductive power transfer

This paper proposes a DC-AC resonant converter for wireless power transfer systems based on the pulse power injection technology. By adopting the topology of a pulse power generator and injecting the energy into resonant tank discretely, the proposed converter produces the required high frequency output track current with significantly lower switching frequency. Thus the switching losses of the proposed inverter are significantly reduced and the high power, low speed semiconductor switches can be used in high frequency IPT system. Theoretical analysis and simulation results show that the output current is fully controllable with good waveforms for wireless power-transfer applications.
Single local injection of recombinant fibroblast growth factor‐2 stimulates healing of segmental bone defects in rabbits

The effects of a single local injection of recombinant human fibroblast growth factor‐2 on the healing of segmental bone defects were evaluated in rabbits. One month after the external fixator originally designed for this experiment was installed in the tibia of the rabbit, a 3‐mm bone defect was created by an osteotomy in the middle of the tibia and 0, 50, 100, 200, or 400 μg of fibroblast growth factor‐2 in 100 μg of saline solution was injected into the defect. Injection of the growth factor increased the volume and mineral content of newly made bone at the defect in a dose‐dependent manner with significant effects at Concentrations of 100 μg or greater. These significant effects were observed at 5 weeks and later. One hundred micro‐grams of the growth factor increased the volume and mineral content of newly made bone by 95 and 36%, respectively, at 5 weeks. These results indicate that a single local injection of fibroblast growth factor‐2 stimulates the healing of segmental defects. We speculate that such an injection could be clinically useful for the healing of fractures even when the fracture gap is rather large.
Four New Species of Plasmodium from New Guinea Lizards: Integrating Morphology and Molecules

Abstract New Guinea is one of the most biodiverse regions of the world, particularly in terms of the herpetofauna present, yet surprisingly little is known about the parasites that infect these organisms. A survey of diverse scinid and agamid lizard hosts from this country showed a diversity of malaria parasites infecting these hosts. We combined morphological and morphometric observations of the parasites (primarily gametocytes) along with DNA sequence data from the mitochondrial cytochrome b and cytochrome oxidase I genes and here describe 4 new species of Plasmodium, i.e. Plasmodium minuoviride n. sp. , Plasmodium koreafense n. sp. , Plasmodium megalotrypa n. sp. , and Plasmodium gemini n. sp. A fifth species, Plasmodium lacertiliae Thompson and Hart 1946, is redescribed based on new observations of hosts and localities and additional molecular data. This combined morphological and molecular approach is advised for all future descriptions of new malaria parasite species, particularly in light of situations where every life-history stage is not available.
The Multi-faceted Ecto-enzyme CD38: Roles in Immunomodulation, Cancer, Aging, and Metabolic Diseases

CD38 (Cluster of Differentiation 38) is a multifunctional ecto-enzyme that metabolizes NAD+ and mediates nicotinamide dinucleotide (NAD+) and extracellular nucleotide homeostasis as well as intracellular calcium. CD38 is also an emerging therapeutic target under conditions in which metabolism is altered including infection, aging, and tumorigenesis. We describe multiple enzymatic activities of CD38, which may explain the breadth of biological roles observed for this enzyme. Of greatest significance is the role of CD38 as an ecto-enzyme capable of modulating extracellular NAD+ precursor availability: 1 to bacteria unable to perform de novo synthesis of NAD+; and 2 in aged parenchyma impacted by the accumulation of immune cells during the process of ‘inflammaging’. We also discuss the paradoxical role of CD38 as a modulator of intracellular NAD+, particularly in tumor immunity. Finally, we provide a summary of therapeutic approaches to CD38 inhibition and ‘NAD+ boosting’ for treatment of metabolic dysfunction observed during aging and in tumor immunity. The present review summarizes the role of CD38 in nicotinamide nucleotide homeostasis with special emphasis on the role of CD38 as an immunomodulator and druggable target.
Replication of cicada wing’s nano-patterns by hot embossing and UV nanoimprinting

The hydrophobicity of the cicada wing originates from its naturally occurring, surface nano-structure. The nano-structure of the cicada wing consists of an array of nano-sized pillars, 100 nm in diameter and 300 nm in height. In this study, the nano-structure of the cicada wing was successfully duplicated by using hot embossing lithography and UV nanoimprint lithography (NIL). The diameter and pitch of replication were the same as those of the original cicada wing and the height was a little smaller than that of the original master. The transmittance of the hot embossed PVC film was increased by 2–6% compared with that of the bare PVC film. The hydrophobicity was measured by water contact angle measurements. The water contact angle of the replica, made of UV cured polymer, was 132° ± 2°, which was slightly lower than that of the original cicada wing (138° ± 2°), but much higher than that of the UV cured polymer surface without any nano-sized pillars (86°).
A novel non‐azole topical treatment reduces Malassezia numbers and associated dermatitis: a short term prospective, randomized, blinded and placebo‐controlled trial in naturally infected dogs

BACKGROUND Malassezia yeast overgrowth on the skin is a common and often recurrent cause of dermatitis in dogs; it can be an exacerbating factor of atopic dermatitis. Anti-fungal drugs have been a standard treatment, but there is some concern that resistance may be evolving in a spectrum of Malassezia species. Safe, efficient and easy-to-use alternatives are needed. OBJECTIVES To assess if a commercially available topical non-azole solution applied to paws affected by Malassezia-associated dermatitis (MAD), could ameliorate Malassezia numbers and associated signs over a short term (14 day) trial. ANIMALS Eighteen dogs with MAD affecting at least two paws. METHODS The study design was prospective, randomized, blinded and placebo-controlled, using a split-body protocol. Dogs were treated once daily with the test solution on one paw and placebo on the other. Dogs were examined at days 0 and 14 ± 3. The primary end-point was Malassezia numbers assessed cytologically. Secondary end-points were clinical scores for lesion severity and pruritus as assessed by a pruritus Visual Analog Scale (PVAS). Owner compliance and adverse effects were assessed. RESULTS There was a statistically significant reduction in Malassezia numbers and clinical scores for paws treated with the test solution versus placebo. No statistical difference in PVAS was found. CONCLUSION Daily topical application of the test solution was effective in reducing the Malassezia burden, as well as improving clinical scores in dogs with MAD of the paws. No adverse effects were reported and owners described the product as either "easy" or "very easy" to use.
Does the Fault System Optimally Control Primary Accident Costs

For the purposes of this article, I shall assume that the sole aim of any system of accident law is the minimization of the sum of (a) accident costs and (b) the cost of avoiding accident costs. I include in the latter the "cost" in pleasure forgone of undertaking a relatively less desirable but less accident-prone activity, or-what is really the same thing-the cost of engaging in an activity in a safer but more expensive or less pleasurable way. ' I make this assumption for analytical purposes only. I do not for a moment believe this to be the only aim of accident law. The aim that a system of accident law be "just" or "fair" could only through a rather unhappy twisting of words-and valuation of things which cannot be valued-be made to come within my "cost" formulation. Yet fairness is ultimately a goal which any system of accident law must meet. Everything cannot be discussed at once, however, and, although I believe that the fault system can be shown to be quite "unfair" both relatively and absolutely, I will leave that demonstration to another piece. I shall also leave out of this discussion certain categories of accident costs even though their control fits within the aim I have hypothesized for the system. Specifically, I shall exclude what I have elsewhere called secondary accident costs, the costs of social and economic dislocations which all too often follow the immediate accident, especially if the initial cost burden is left unspread? A full discussion of fault as a minimizer of accident costs would, of course, take these costs into account. I do not do so here because the ways of minimizing these costs are so different from the ways of minimizing other accident costs that dealing with both together leads only to confusion. It can be demonstrated, however, that the fault system is both absolutely and in comparison with other possible systems a very poor "spreader" or "minimizer" of secondary costs.
f(R) Theories

Over the past decade, f(R) theories have been extensively studied as one of the simplest modifications to General Relativity. In this article we review various applications of f(R) theories to cosmology and gravity — such as inflation, dark energy, local gravity constraints, cosmological perturbations, and spherically symmetric solutions in weak and strong gravitational backgrounds. We present a number of ways to distinguish those theories from General Relativity observationally and experimentally. We also discuss the extension to other modified gravity theories such as Brans-Dicke theory and Gauss-Bonnet gravity, and address models that can satisfy both cosmological and local gravity constraints.
Antitumor effects of a new polysaccharide-protein complex (ATOM) prepared from Agaricus blazei (Iwade strain 101) "Himematsutake" and its mechanisms in tumor-bearing mice.

The antitumor activity of the i.p. or p.o. administration of polysaccharide-protein complex, ATOM (antitumor organic substance Mie) prepared from cultured mycelia of Agaricus blazei (Iwade strain 101) "Himematsutake" examined against four kinds of established mouse tumors. ATOM was highly effective at the doses of 10 and 20 mg/kg/day x 10 on subcutaneously implanted Sarcoma 180 in mice, and was also active against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma, Shionogi carcinoma 42 and Meth A fibrosarcoma at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg/day x 10. ATOM has no direct cytotoxic action on tumor cells in vitro. Thus the tumor growth-inhibitory effect of ATOM is apparently due to immunological host-mediated mechanisms. The number of peritoneal macrophages, the phagocytosis of polystyrene latex beads and the proportion of the third component of complement (C3)-positive fluorescent cells were increased in the mice treated with ATOM. These results suggest that the macrophage activa-tion and alterations of the C3 are necessary for the induction of an antitumor effect of ATOM.
The ability to sensitize host cells for destruction by autologous complement is a general property of lipoteichoic acid

Previous studies have demonstrated that lipoteichoic acid (LTA) from Streptococcus pneumoniae binds to erythrocytes and renders them susceptible to lysis by autologous complement. The present study was performed to determine whether LTA from two other gram-positive bacterial species had the ability to render mammalian cells susceptible to lysis by autologous complement. Human erythrocytes were sensitized with LTA from S. pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, or Lactobacillus fermentum. Under incubation in normal autologous serum, lysis was observed with each of the LTA-sensitized erythrocyte preparations. When erythrocytes from a C2-deficient patient were sensitized with the LTA preparations and then incubated in autologous, C2-deficient serum, the erythrocytes sensitized with S. pyogenes or L. fermentum LTA demonstrated relatively little lysis, whereas the erythrocytes sensitized with S. pneumoniae LTA yielded near-total lysis. After reconstitution of the C2-deficient serum with purified human C2, lysis was observed with all three LTA preparations. When erythrocytes from an agammaglobulinemic patient were sensitized with either the S. pyogenes or the L. fermentum LTA, they were not lysed in the presence of autologous agammaglobulinemic serum, whereas the erythrocytes sensitized with S. pneumoniae LTA were completely lysed. Serum obtained from the agammaglobulinemic patient after reconstitution with intravenous pooled gamma globulin was able to lyse autologous erythrocytes sensitized with each of the three LTA preparations. These results demonstrate that the ability to render host cells susceptible to lysis by autologous complement is a general property of LTA. Whether activation of the autologous complement occurs by the classical or alternative pathways and whether it is antibody dependent depends on the nature of the bacterial LTA.
Process mining for clinical pathway: Literature review and future directions

Clinical pathway (CP) is a tool to improve service quality and efficiency of the medical institutions. However, most of the clinical pathways designed with the traditional methods are static and non-adaptive. Recently, the process mining techniques are receiving increasing attentions. It can not only help the clinical pathways designers to discover the sequence of activities, but also provide execution information for analyzing variances and correcting design errors. In this article, first, a literature review is presented. In the analysis of 37 studies from the period 2004-2013, three research aspects (process discovery for clinical pathways design, variants analysis and control, continuous evaluation and improvement) are explored, and the weaknesses of the methods are analyzed. It is found that the mining algorithms developed are not efficient enough to deal with the unstructured processes, the models obtained cannot give a good explanation of the variants, and the lack of systemic thinking makes the improvement process of CP very tedious. Based on the analysis, finally, four key trends are identified: (1) further analysis of the variants, (2) integrated process management, (3) customization and (4) self-learning improvement of the clinical pathway.
Tumor-Related Molecular Mechanisms of Oxaliplatin Resistance

Oxaliplatin was the first platinum drug with proven activity against colorectal tumors, becoming a standard in the management of this malignancy. It is also considered for the treatment of pancreatic and gastric cancers. However, a major reason for treatment failure still is the existence of tumor intrinsic or acquired resistance. Consequently, it is important to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the appearance of this phenomenon to find ways of circumventing it and to improve and optimize treatments. This review will be focused on recent discoveries about oxaliplatin tumor-related resistance mechanisms, including alterations in transport, detoxification, DNA damage response and repair, cell death (apoptotic and nonapoptotic), and epigenetic mechanisms. Mol Cancer Ther; 14(8); 1767–76. ©2015 AACR.
On the use of overdetermined systems in the adaptive numerical solution of integral equations

The residual error incurred when numerically solving integral equations for a number of electromagnetic radiation and scattering problems is calculated with the aid of an overdetermined system. This error is systematically reduced by adaptively refining the model for the surface current. Error reduction is achieved by selectively shrinking cell dimensions (h-refinement), increasing the order of the basis functions representing the current (p-refinement), or a combination of both (hp-refinement). The correlation between residual error and surface current error is investigated and found to be high. The impact of edge singularities and curvature discontinuities is discussed.
A Tale of Dog and Man: Tibetan Mastiff Found to Gain High-Altitude Adaptation after Domestication by Interbreeding with the Tibet Gray Wolf.

out harmful mutations like nuclear DNA (side note: neither can the male Y chromosome, which is why it is slowly shrinking). Only nuclear DNA can maintain the best mutations and remove bad ones by reshuffling its genome like a deck of cards during reproduction after sperm meets egg. This reshuffling allows nuclear DNA to adapt. For mitochondria and plasmids, there is only asexual reproduction. Now, University of Sydney School of Life and Environmental Sciences researchers Joshua Christie and Madeleine Beekman, have used computational tools to better understand cytoplasmic DNA adaptation and how they promote beneficial mutations—and more importantly, avoid harmful mutations that could become like Trojan horses to affect the whole cell, and thereby, the health of an organism.
RAPID DISCRIMINATION BETWEEN SIX RUSSULA ( RUSSULALES , AGARICOMYCETES ) SPECIES USING HIGH RESOLUTION MELTING ANALYSIS

The genus Russula is a group of edible and/or medicinal fungi with high economic and scientific value. However, some species of this genus are poisonous. In the market, this genus has been commercialized throughout various markets and commonly sold in processed forms such as dried material, making it almost impossible to accurately identify the original species. Recently, the evidence of hepatotoxic effects linked to use of Russula were reported and is now seriously concern. There is a need to find an approach that could help with species identification to ensure the safety use of this genus. In this research work, High Resolution Melting (HRM) assay, targeting a fragment of the Internal Transcribed Spacer 2 (ITS2) gene, was developed to authenticate six common species of Russula. The results showed that ITS2 regions were successful in the species-specific identification. Therefore, ITS2 DNA loci coupled with HRM method can be applied as routine tests for the verification of Russula species to protect consumers from health risks due to the toxic adulterants. Russula, one of the two major groups of Russulaceae, with more than 770 species occurring mostly in temperature forests (Kirk et al. 2008). Some species of this genus have been harvested, consumed, and exported as an exotic food and/or medicine for many years. Modern pharmacological research has demonstrated that these species exhibit multiple therapeutic activities, including antitumour, antihypertensive, antiviral and immunomodulatory activities (Nandi et al. 2014). However, some species of this genus are poisonous (Saviuc and Danel 2006). Evidence of hepatotoxic effects linked to use of Russula were reported and is now seriously concern (Chen et al. 2014). In southern China, several species of this genus like Russula abietina, R. alutacea, R. azurea, R. emetica, R. exalbicans, R. griseocarnosa, R. olivacea, R. Paludosa, R. rosea, R. sanguinea, R. sardonia, R. vesca, R. xerampelina, etc. are commonly called ‘‘Red Mushroom’’ by the local residents (Yang and Piepenbring 2004, Li et al. 2010). Due to the similarity in morphologies and nomenclature, it is almost impossible for consumer to know exactly which ‘‘Red Mushroom’’ products they are buying, so this could be a potential health risk to the end users. There is a need to find an approach that could help with species identification to ensure the safety use of these fungi. The ITS2 region of the nuclear ribosomal DNA is the formal DNA barcoding region for molecular identification of fungi due to its high degree of interspecific variability, conserved primer sites and multicopy nature in the genome (Schoch et al. 2012). Thus far, the ITS2 region has been shown to be able to discriminate a wide range of eukaryotes, including animals, plants and fungi (Coleman 2007, Miao et al. 2008, Keller et al. 2009, Samaga et al. 2014). In recent years, the rapidity and effectiveness of DNA barcoding have been advanced by HRM analysis. *Author for correspondence: <ljsylu@163.com>.
Neurokinin receptor mRNA localization in human midbrain dopamine neurons

The structurally related neurokinin peptides, substance P and neurokinin A, are found in abundance within the substantia nigra of a variety of mammalian species. Although it has been established recently that the neurokinin‐3 (NK3) receptor is the predominant neurokinin receptor found in rat substantia nigra and adjacent midbrain nuclei, the nature of the neurokinin receptor expressed in human midbrain has not been elucidated. In the present study, neurokinin receptor messenger RNA (mRNA) content within rat and human midbrain were directly compared by using quantitative in situ hybridization histochemistry. In contrast to the high abundance of NK3 receptor mRNA within dopamine (DA) cells of the rat midbrain, neurokinin‐1 (NK1), but not NK3, receptor mRNA was localized to human midbrain DA cells. Within the human midbrain, the abundance of NK1 receptor mRNA differed significantly among the distinct DA cell‐containing nuclei, with the highest level of expression seen in several subdivisions of the substantia nigra. Thus different neurokinin receptor subtypes apparently mediate the effects of substance P and neurokinin A on human versus rat DA neurons. J. Comp. Neurol. 382:394‐400, 1997. © 1997 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Metabolic acidosis up-regulates PTH/PTHrP receptors in UMR 106-01 osteoblast-like cells.

BACKGROUND Metabolic acidosis results in skeletal demineralization by multiple mechanisms. One of these involves the inorganic phase of bone by which hydrogen ion is buffered by bone carbonate. In addition, the cellular components of bone participate by the induction and repression of several skeletal genes. Previous studies have suggested that the action of parathyroid hormone (PTH), a major regulator of bone turnover, might be altered by acidosis. The present studies were designed to test directly, in vitro, whether acidosis altered the effects of PTH in UMR 106-01 osteoblast-like cells. METHODS Studies were conducted in confluent cultures of UMR 106-01 cells in modified Eagle's medium (MEM) with 5% fetal bovine serum (FBS) at pH values varying from 7.4 to 7.1 by addition of HCl. After time periods of 4 to 48 hours, cells were tested for cyclic AMP generation in response to PTH. PTH binding and PTH/PTHrP receptor mRNA levels were determined by radioligand binding assay and Northern analysis respectively. RESULTS After 48 hours, decreases in pH from 7.4 to 7.1 resulted in a progressive increase in PTH-stimulated cyclic-AMP generation from 1978 +/- 294 to 4968 +/- 929 pmol/culture/5 min (P < 0.05). Basal cyclic AMP concentrations were unchanged. PTH binding increased 1.5- to twofold. Competitive inhibition binding revealed an increase in receptor number supported by up-regulation of PTH/PTHrP receptor mRNA up to twofold from control levels. CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrate that metabolic acidosis stimulates the response to PTH in UMR 106-01 osteoblast-like cells by a mechanism that involves an increase in the levels of PTH/PTHrP receptor mRNA. Thus, the skeletal response to acidosis that includes an increase in bone resorption may result, at least in part, from an increase in PTH/PTHrP receptors leading to an enhanced effect of PTH on bone.