Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Migration of antimony from PET bottles into beverages: determination of the activation energy of diffusion and migration modelling compared with literature data

Plastics bottles made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) are increasingly used for soft drinks, mineral water, juices and beer. In this study a literature review is presented concerning antimony levels found both in PET materials as well as in foods and food simulants. On the other hand, 67 PET samples from the European bottle market were investigated for their residual antimony concentrations. A mean value of 224 ± 32 mg kg−1 was found, the median was 220 mg kg−1. Diffusion coefficients for antimony in PET bottle materials were experimentally determined at different temperature between 105 and 150°C. From these data, the activation energy of diffusion for antimony species from the PET bottle wall into beverages and food simulants was calculated. The obtained value of 189 kJ mol−1 was found to be in good agreement with published data on PET microwave trays (184 kJ mol−1). Based on these results, the migration of antimony into beverages was predicted by mathematical migration modelling for different surface/volume ratios and antimony bottle wall concentrations. The results were compared with literature data as well as international legal limits and guidelines values for drinking water and the migration limit set from food packaging legislation. It was concluded that antimony levels in beverages due to migration from PET bottles manufactured according to the state of the art can never reach or exceed the European-specific migration limit of 40 µg kg−1. Maximum migration levels caused by room-temperature storage even after 3 years will never be essentially higher than 2.5 µg kg−1 and in any case will be below the European limit of 5 µg kg−1 for drinking water. The results of this study confirm that the exposure of the consumer by antimony migration from PET bottles into beverages and even into edible oils reaches approximately 1% of the current tolerable daily intake (TDI) established by World Health Organisation (WHO). Having substantiated such low antimony levels in PET-bottled beverages, the often addressed question on oestrogenic effects caused by antimony from PET bottles appears to be groundless.
Growth Inhibitory and Bactericidal Activities of Lansoprazole Compared with Those of Omeprazole and Pantoprazole against Helicobacter pylori

Helicobacter pylori plays a role in the pathogenesis of both duodenal and gastric ulcers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the proton pump inhibitor (PPI), lansoprazole, commonly used in eradication regimens, on growth, bactericidal activity and morphology of H. pylori in vitro in comparison with other PPIs.
Implementation of model predictive control using Algorithm-3 on Arduino Mega 2560 for speed control of BLDC motor

Many physical process systems have performance limitation which limits their performance regardless the input. This limitation usually occurs in the form of actuator input saturation as the constraints of the system. To handle this input constraint, Model Predictive Control (MPC) is used as one of the popular advanced control technique in an industrial process to control a system. MPC contains quadratic objective function having constraints on the variables which must be resolved at each sampling time to produce an optimal control input to the system. This process of optimizing a certain quadratic function is called Quadratic Programming (QP). The computation of QP is usually slow and makes MPC takes a longer time to produce an optimal control input compare to other control technique especially in the online computation for real time embedded application. This problem can cause undesired result when used to control fast dynamic system such as BLDC motors. To overcome this problem, an iterative algorithm of Algorithm-3 is used as a fast QP computation solver. In this paper, MPC will be implemented to control the speed of BLDC motor using Arduino Mega 2560. Before implementation, system modeling, controller designing, and simulation are done using MATLAB. For the sake of comparison, the performance of MPC using Algorithm-3 will be compared with classic control techniques such as PID. From the results, it can be observed that MPC gives better performance than PID and it is shown that MPC capable to handle input saturation of the system better than PID.
Sarcoplasmic reticulum and cardiac oxidative stress: an emerging target for heart disease

The sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) is a major player in maintaining cardiac function, as it is intimately involved in the regulation of Ca2+-movements on a beat-to-beat basis. SR dysfunction due to abnormalities in SR protein content has been reported in different cardiac diseases such as ischaemic heart disease, myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure and various cardiomyopathies; thus the genes expressing the SR Ca2+-pump, Ca2+-channels, calsequestrin, phospholamban and other regulatory proteins are considered important targets for drug development. In our experience, ischaemic preconditioning (IP) and pharmacological therapies, such as anti-oxidants, β-adrenergic receptor blockers, angiotensin receptor (AT-1) blockers, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-I) and angiotensin receptor blockers are effective therapies that improve cardiac performance in the failing heart by improving SR function. Accordingly, this paper is intended to shed light on the knowledge in the field of cardiac therapy targeted to improve and protect SR function.
Space–time opportunities for multiple agents: a constraint‐based approach

Constraint‐based models and models constructing accessibility measures mainly focus on single agents having only one available transport mode. However, numerous cases exist where multiple agents or groups of individuals with different available transport modes want to participate in a joint activity at a certain location. The aim of this paper is to provide new insights into representing and reasoning about feasible space–time opportunities for multiple agents. Relying on concepts of time geography, we propose a conceptual framework in order to determine interaction spaces for groups of individuals. Besides availability of means of transport and the locations of each individual, minimum activity duration and opening hours of opportunities are taken into account. The reasoning about space and time is visualized in three dimensions using a hybrid (CAD/GIS) system.
A Novel Class of Ligand-gated Ion Channel Is Activated by Zn2+ *

In mammals, the superfamily of “Cys loop,” ligand-gated ion channels (LGICs), is assembled from a pool of more than 40 homologous subunits. These subunits have been classified into four families representing channels that are gated by acetylcholine, serotonin, γ-aminobutyric acid, or glycine. By searching anonymous genomic sequence data for exons that encode characteristic motifs of the channel subunits, we have identified a novel LGIC that defines a fifth family member. Putative exons were used to isolate a full-length cDNA that encodes a protein of 411 amino acid residues. This protein (ZAC) contains all of the motifs that are characteristic of Cys loop channel subunits but cannot be assigned to any of the four established families on the basis of sequence similarity. Genes for ZAC are present in human and dog but appear to have been lost from mouse and rat genomes. Transcripts of ZAC subunits were detected in human placenta, trachea, spinal cord, stomach, and fetal brain. Transfection of human embryonic kidney cells with ZAC subunit cDNA caused expression of spontaneous current. By screening with a broad range of potential agonists and antagonists, we determined that tubocurarine inhibits the spontaneous current whereas Zn2+ activates the expressed receptors. The absence of Zn2+-activated channels in rats and mice may explain why this fifth member of the LGIC superfamily has evaded detection until now.
Des projets à l'avant-projet : l'incessante quête de réactivité : analyse du processus de rationalisation de la conception automobile liée à l'évolution du produit en termes de complexite et d'innovation au sein du groupe PSA Peugeot Citroën

ACette these analyse le processus de rationalisation de la conception automobile comme un recentrage progressif sur le produit. Celui-ci facilite la gestion de la complexite continuellement croissante de ces activites. Il peut se decomposer en plusieurs grandes etapes. La premiere a consiste en la mise en place de structures projets en developpement afin d'assurer la coherence du vehicule en conception a travers une meilleure coordination des tres nombreux intervenants. En particulier, elle permet de maitriser des objectifs plus ambitieux en termes de qualite, de couts et de delais. Cependant, loin de resoudre tous les problemes rencontres, cette premiere rationalisation en pose de nouveaux. Les evolutions en developpement en general sont limitees et insuffisantes les problemes ont en fait ete reportes plus en amont, ou le fonctionnement apparait aujourd'hui decale par rapport aux nouvelles exigences du developpement et du marche. Ainsi, une deuxieme etape est en cours, qui concerne essentiellement les metiers: ils se recentrent sur le developpement de leur expertise, pour une plus grande efficacite des projets. Une troisieme se profile naturellement, en amont, ou les metiers jouent un role majeur et devront se renforcer. Ce processus devrait ainsi aboutir a un nouveau type de conception, plus adapte a l'evolution du produit et de la complexite du trio environnement/produit/organisation. L'automobile passe actuellement d'une conception ou toutes les etudes etaient menees parallelement dans le cadre du projet, ce qui impliquait un developpement long, a une conception plus reactive ou une grande majorite des composants auront ete predeveloppes avant le debut du projet, qui ne consistera plus, au moins dans la majorite des cas, qu'en un assemblage savant, beaucoup plus rapide et economique. A terme, la structure et le fonctionnement de la conception se dirigent vers une concourante generalisee a l'amont, qui regroupera, outre l'initialisation des projets vehicules et la prospective, un redeveloppement de concepts techniques sous la forme de structures multidirectionnelles
Neutralization of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 by sCD4-17b, a Single-Chain Chimeric Protein, Based on Sequential Interaction of gp120 with CD4 and Coreceptor

ABSTRACT We designed a novel single-chain chimeric protein, designated sCD4-17b, for neutralization of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). The recombinant protein contains domains 1 and 2 of soluble CD4 (sCD4), connected via a flexible polypeptide linker to a single-chain variable region construct of 17b, a human monoclonal antibody that targets a conserved CD4-induced epitope on gp120 overlapping the coreceptor binding region. We hypothesized that the sCD4 moiety would bind gp120 and expose the 17b epitope; the 17b moiety would then bind, thereby blocking coreceptor interaction and neutralizing infection. The sCD4-17b protein, expressed by a recombinant vaccinia virus, potently neutralized a prototypic R5 clade B primary isolate, with a 50% inhibitory concentration of 3.2 nM (0.16 μg/ml) and >95% neutralization at 32 nM (1.6 μg/ml). The individual components (sCD4 and 17b, singly or in combination) had minimal effects at these concentrations, demonstrating that the activity of sCD4-17b reflected the ability of a single chimeric molecule to bind gp120 simultaneously via two independent moieties. sCD4-17b was highly potent compared to the previously characterized broadly cross-reactive neutralizing monoclonal antibodies IgGb12, 2G12, and 2F5. Multiple primary isolates were neutralized, including two previously described as antibody resistant. Neutralization occurred for both R5 and X4 strains and was not restricted to clade B. However, several primary isolates were insensitive over the concentration range tested, despite the known presence of binding sites for both CD4 and 17b. sCD4-17b has potential utility for passive immunization against HIV-1 in several contexts, including maternal transmission, postexposure prophylaxis, and sexual transmission (topical microbicide).
Extreme lateral lumbar interbody fusion: Do the cons outweigh the pros?

Background: Major factors prompted the development of minimally invasive (MIS) extreme lateral interbody fusion (XLIF; NuVasive Inc., San Diego, CA, USE) for the thoracic/lumbar spine. These include providing interbody stabilization and indirect neural decompression while avoiding major visceral/vessel injury as seen with anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF), and to avert trauma to paraspinal muscles/facet joints found with transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF), posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF), and posterior-lateral fusion techniques (PLF). Although anticipated pros of MIS XLIF included reduced blood loss, operative time, and length of stay (LOS), they also included, higher fusion, and lower infection rates. Unanticipated cons, however, included increased morbidity/mortality rates. Methods: We assessed the pros and cons (e.g., risks, complications, comparable value/superiority/inferiority, morbidity/mortality) of MIS XLIF vs. ALIF, TLIF, PLIF, and PLF. Results: Pros of XLIF included various biomechanical and technical surgical advantages, along with multiple cons vs. ALIF, TLIF, PLIF, and PLF. For example, XLIF correlated with a considerably higher frequency of major neurological deficits vs. other constructs; plexus injuries 13.28%, sensory deficits 0–75% (permanent in 62.5%), motor deficits 0.7–33.6%, and anterior thigh pain 12.5–25%. XLIF also disproportionately contributed to other major morbidity/mortality; sympathectomy, major vascular injuries (some life-ending others life-threatening), bowel perforations, and seromas. Furthermore, multiple studies documented no superiority, and the potential inferiority of XLIF vs. ALIF, TLIF, PLIF, and PLF. Conclusion: Reviewing the pros of XLIF (e.g. radiographic, technical, biomechanical) vs. the cons (inferiority, increased morbidity/mortality) vs. ALIF, TLIF, PLIF, and PLF, we question whether XLIF should remain part of the lumbar spinal surgical armamentarium.
Relationship between aconitase gene expression and sporulation in Bacillus subtilis

The citB of Bacillus subtilis codes for aconitase (D. W. Dingman and A. L. Sonenshein, J. Bacteriol. 169:3060-3065). By direct measurements of citB mRNA levels and by measurements of beta-galactosidase activity in a strain carrying a citB-lacZ fusion, we have examined the expression of citB during growth and sporulation. When cells were grown in nutrient broth sporulation medium, citB mRNA appeared in mid- to late-exponential phase and disappeared by the second hour of sporulation. This timing corresponded closely to the kinetics of appearance of aconitase enzyme activity. Decoyinine, a compound that induces sporulation in a defined medium, caused a rapid simultaneous increase in aconitase activity and citB transcription. After decoyinine addition, the rate of increase in aconitase activity in a 2-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase (citK) mutant and in a citrate synthase (citA) mutant was significantly less than in an isogenic wild-type strain. This is apparently due to a failure to deplete 2-ketoglutarate and accumulate citrate. These metabolites might act as negative and positive effectors of citB expression, respectively. Mutations known to block sporulation at an early stage (spo0H and spo0B) had no appreciable effect on citB expression or aconitase activity. These results suggest that appearance of aconitase is stimulated by conditions that induce sporulation but is independent of certain gene products thought to act at an early stage of sporulation.
Failure to Engage: A Qualitative Study of Veterans Who Decline Evidence-Based Psychotherapies for PTSD

Low engagement in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) psychotherapy is a common problem in the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA), with up to half of veterans who are referred to an evidence-based psychotherapy failing to engage in that treatment. Prior research has focused on identifying general barriers to mental health treatment rather than barriers specific to evidence-based treatments for PTSD. The purpose of the current study was to identify barriers for veterans who referred specifically for evidence-based psychotherapy (i.e., cognitive processing therapy or prolonged exposure) but who did not attend any sessions of those psychotherapies. Qualitative interviews (N = 24) were used to gain a better understanding of the experiences and attitudes of these veterans. Most veterans reported multiple barriers to treatment engagement (M = 4.2 barriers), suggesting that an accumulation of barriers contributes to poor engagement. Barriers fell into 5 categories: practical, knowledge, emotional, therapy-related, and VA-system-related. The most-endorsed category, mentioned by two thirds of the sample, was VA-system-related barriers, including inefficiencies and delays, negative experiences with VA staff and providers, discomfort with the VA environment, and difficulty navigating the VA system. Veterans’ experienced barriers to beginning PE and CPT were diverse but, overall, highlighted the need to transform the VA to a more patient-centered model of care.
Number of ganglion cells in glaucoma eyes compared with threshold visual field tests in the same persons.

PURPOSE To compare the number of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) topographically mapped with specific visual field threshold test data in the same eyes among glaucoma patients. METHODS Seventeen eyes of 13 persons with well-documented glaucoma histories and Humphrey threshold visual field tests (San Leandro, CA) were obtained from eye banks. RGC number was estimated by histologic counts of retinal sections and by counts of remaining axons in the optic nerves. The locations of the retinal samples corresponded to specific test points in the visual field. The data for glaucoma patients were compared with 17 eyes of 17 persons who were group matched for age, had no ocular history, and had normal eyes by histologic examination. RESULTS The mean RGC loss for the entire retina averaged 10.2%, indicating that many eyes had early glaucoma damage. RGC body loss averaged 35.7% in eyes with corrected pattern SD probability less than 0.5%. When upper to lower retina RGC counts were compared with their corresponding visual field data within each eye, a 5-dB loss in sensitivity was associated with 25% RGC loss. For individual points that were abnormal at a probability less than 0.5%, the mean RGC loss was 29%. In control eyes, the loss of RGCs with age was estimated as 7205 cells per year in persons between 55 and 95 years of age. In optic nerves from glaucoma subjects, smaller axons were significantly more likely to be present than larger axons (R2 = 0.78, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS At least 25% to 35% RGC loss is associated with statistical abnormalities in automated visual field testing. In addition, these data corroborate previous findings that RGCs with larger diameter axons preferentially die in glaucoma.
Ofatumumab and Lenalidomide for Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Correlation between Responses and Immune Characteristics

Purpose: We evaluated efficacy and tolerability of the combination of ofatumumab and lenalidomide in patients with relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and explored whether immune system characteristics could influence the response to treatment. Experimental Design: Thirty-four patients were enrolled in this phase II study. Ofatumumab was administered at a dose of 300 mg on day 1, 1,000 mg on days 8, 15, and 22 during course 1, 1,000 mg on day 1 during courses 3–6, and once every other course during courses 7–24 (28-day courses). Oral lenalidomide (10 mg daily) was started on day 9 and continued for as long as a clinical benefit was observed. Results: The overall response rate was 71%. Eight patients (24%) achieved a complete remission (CR) or CR with incomplete recovery of blood counts, including 9% with minimal residual disease-negative CR. The median progression-free survival was 16 months, and the estimated 5-year survival was 53%. The most common treatment-related toxicity was neutropenia (grade >2 in 18% of the 574 patient courses). The most frequent infectious complications were pneumonia and neutropenic fever (24% and 9% of patients, respectively). We observed that patients who achieved a CR had at baseline higher numbers and a better preserved function of T cells and natural killer cells compared with non-responders. Conclusions: The combination of ofatumumab and lenalidomide is a well-tolerated regimen that induces durable responses in the majority of patients with relapsed/refractory CLL. Our correlative data suggest a role of competent immune system in supporting the efficacy of this treatment. Clin Cancer Res; 22(10); 2359–67. ©2016 AACR.
Study on shunt active power filter with high quality grid current waveform

Shunt active power filter (APF) is suitable to compensate current-type harmonics generated by nonlinear load, but high compensation precision is difficult to be obtained due to very high slew rate of harmonic current e.g. inductive rectifier and phase lag of close-loop control system. In this paper, LCL-filter is used as output filter to get high slew rate of compensation current and sufficient attenuation ratio for switching frequency with small LC parameters. What's more, repetitive control algorithm with differential compensator is adopted to eliminate steady-state error of control loop. Based on these two approaches, very high quality grid current waveform both at low and high frequency can be obtained. Simulation results validate the feasibility of the schemes proposed by this paper.
Empirical Low-Rank Approximation for Seismic Noise Attenuation

The low-rank approximation method is one of the most effective approaches recently proposed for attenuating random noise in seismic data. However, the low-rank approximation approach assumes that the seismic data has low rank for its $f-x$ domain Hankel matrix. This assumption is seldom satisfied for the complicated seismic data. Besides, the low-rank approximation approach is usually implemented in local windows in order to satisfy the principal assumption required by the algorithm itself. When implemented in local windows, the rank is even more difficult to choose because the seismic data is highly nonstationary in both time and spatial dimensions and the optimal rank for different local windows is not consistent with each other. In order to preserve enough useful energy, one needs to set a relatively large rank when implementing the low-rank approximation method, which makes the traditional method incapable of attenuating enough noise. Considering such difficulties described above, we propose an empirical low-rank approximation approach. We adaptively decompose the input data into several components that have truly low ranks via empirical mode decomposition. An interpretation of the proposed empirical low-rank approximation method is that we empirically decompose a multi-dip seismic image that is not of low rank into multiple single-dip seismic images that are low-rank individually. We use both synthetic and field data examples to demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed approach over traditional alternatives.