Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A community-based Web browsing system

Current forms of Web browsers do not adequately reflect the current situation of explosive increase of Web space. The user is still forced to access the Web space page by page. We propose a Web browsing method based on communities. A community is a collection of Web sites which are related to each other. Unlike the conventional page-oriented search engines/browsers, the proposed interactive visualization system enables the user to see not only the related Web sites but also communities in exploring the ever growing Web space. This helps him/her to grasp an overall structure of the target space. Results of a user test shows that the system is powerful and useful.
Analysis of Inductor Current Sharing in Nonisolated and Isolated Multiphase dc–dc Converters

Current sharing among inductors is an important issue in both isolated and nonisolated dc-dc converters. In this paper, average current sharing is in-depth modeled and analyzed for both interleaved multiphase buck converters and isolated current-doubler dc-dc converters. The features and comparison of various current-sharing techniques used in isolated and nonisolated dc-dc converters are presented, and the corresponding design guidelines are provided based on the theoretical analysis. The analysis reveals that the state-of-the-art current-sharing technique for multiphase buck converters cannot be directly applied to isolated current-doubler rectifier (CDR) dc-dc converters to achieve balanced inductor currents. Passive and active current-sharing methods are proposed for isolated current-doubler dc-dc converters to balance two inductor currents. Experimental results are presented to verify the modeling analysis and the proposed current-sharing techniques for CDRs in isolated dc-dc converters.
Efficacy of Aerosol MP-376, a Levofloxacin Inhalation Solution, in Models of Mouse Lung Infection Due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa

ABSTRACT Progressive respiratory failure due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with cystic fibrosis. The pulmonary delivery of antimicrobial agents provides high concentrations of drug directly to the site of infection and attains pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic indices exceeding those which can be achieved with systemic dosing. MP-376 is a new formulation of levofloxacin that enables the safe aerosol delivery of high concentrations of drug to pulmonary tissues. In vivo studies were conducted to demonstrate the efficacy of MP-376 in models of mouse pulmonary infection. The superiority of aerosol dosing over systemic dosing was demonstrated in models of both acute and chronic lung infection. In a model of acute lung infection, aerosol treatment with MP-376 once or twice daily reduced the lung bacterial load to a greater extent than aerosol tobramycin or aztreonam did when they were administered at similar or higher doses. The bacterial killing by aerosol MP-376 observed in the lung in the model of acute pulmonary infection translated to improved survival (P < 0.05). In a model of chronic pulmonary infection, aerosol MP-376 had antimicrobial effects superior to those of aztreonam (P < 0.05) and effects similar to those of tobramycin (P > 0.05). In summary, these data show that aerosol MP-376 has in vivo activity when it is used to treat acute and chronic lung infections caused by P. aeruginosa.
The Effects of Career Education on Career Development for Nursing Students

Purpose: The purposes of this study were to build the career education course for nursing students` career development and to identify the effects of the education. Method: The study used a one-group pre- and post-test design and the surveys were carried out from April to June, 2011. The participants were 71 undergraduate seniors of department of nursing in E university. The data were obtained via questionnaires survey before and after taking the course. The collected data were analyzed by paired t-test using SPSS 19. Results: 88.7% of the subjects responded being satisfied with their major. The scores of career search efficacy (t
Is increased water consumption among older adults associated with improvements in glucose homeostasis

Obesity and impaired glucose homeostasis in older adults place these individuals at risk for diabetes. Dehydration, glucose homeostasis, and insulin resistance are related; while aging and dehydration are associated with decreased glucose tolerance, weight loss can improve glycemia. For older adults following hypocaloric diets, additional water consumption may lead to greater weight loss. Further more, research suggests an association between insulin resistance and the body water retention hormone, arginine vasopressin (AVP). Analysis of the association between plasma copeptin (an AVP derivative) and fasting glucose, insulin, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) may provide further insight into the relationship between dehydration and diabetes risk. Our objective was to investigate the possibility that increased water consumption among older adults (n = 29, BMI = 31 ± 1 kg/m2, age = 62 ± 1 years) could improve glucose homeostasis beyond that observed with weight loss, as well as associations between plasma copeptin and diabetes risk. This retrospective analysis utilized data from a previous investigation, in which obese/overweight older adults were assigned to one of two groups: 1) Water: consume 500 ml of water prior to three daily meals over a 12-week hypocaloric diet intervention, or 2) Non-water: hypocaloric diet alone. In the present analysis, fasting plasma glucose and insulin, HOMA-IR, and plasma copeptin were evaluated, and compared to urinary specific gravity (USG), drinking water consumption, and body weight. Analyses performed using group assignment, volume of drinking water consumed or among a subgroup pair-matched for weight loss and sex did not reveal significant differences between groups. However in the full sample, plasma insulin concentration was associated with USG (r = 0.512, P
Consensus statement: evaluation of new and existing therapeutics for pediatric multiple sclerosis

New therapies are being evaluated by clinical trials and, if efficacious, introduced for the treatment of adult MS. The role of these new and existing agents in the management of pediatric MS has yet to be defined. Pediatric investigation plans are now required by the Food and Drug Administration and European Medicines Agency for approval of new biological agents, providing an important opportunity to gather much-needed data for clinicians caring for children and adolescents with MS. However, challenges include the small number of patients, and the need for efficient yet comprehensive study designs incorporating factors necessary to inform the clinical care of children with MS. The elected Steering committee of the International Pediatric MS Study Group (IPMSSG) conducted a structured review of existing data on the disease-modifying therapies in pediatric MS and developed a consensus statement, which was further modified by the IPMSSG general membership, using an online survey tool. Fifty-one IPMSSG members from 21 countries responded to the survey, and 50 approved the final statement. Consensus recommendations regarding use of existing first- and second-line therapies, as well as a proposed definition for inadequate treatment response, are presented. Recommendations for the use and evaluation of emerging therapies (currently in phase III clinical trials or recently approved for adult MS) are discussed. The IPMSSG endorses the inclusion of pediatric MS patients in trials evaluating appropriate new and emerging therapies. Mechanisms for conducting high-impact, multicenter studies, including long-term follow-up in pediatric MS, are required to ensure that all MS patients, irrespective of age, benefit from advances in MS therapeutics.
Effect of vitamin D3 supplementation on relapses, disease progression, and measures of function in persons with multiple sclerosis: exploratory outcomes from a double-blind randomised controlled trial

Background: High vitamin D levels may reduce the risk of relapses and disease progression in multiple sclerosis. Methods: This 96-week randomised controlled trial was designed to assess the effect of vitamin D3 supplementation on bone mineral density in persons with multiple sclerosis. Supplementation with 20,000 IU vitamin D3 weekly raised median serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25[OH]D) to 121 nmol/L. The modified intention to treat analysis included 35 persons in the vitamin D3 group and 33 in the placebo group. Participants were age 21 to 50 years and fully ambulatory (median Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) 2.5). We studied the effect of supplementing vitamin D3 on the exploratory outcomes annualised relapse rate (ARR), EDSS, multiple sclerosis functional composite (MSFC) components, grip strength, and fatigue. Results: After 96 weeks, there was no significant difference between groups in ARR (absolute difference 0.10, 95% CI -0.07 to 0.27; p = 0.25), EDSS (absolute difference -0.01, 95% CI -0.35 to 0.35; p = 0.97), MSFC components, grip strength, or fatigue. Conclusion: Supplementation with 20,000 IU vitamin D3 weekly did not result in beneficial effects on the measured multiple sclerosis-related outcomes. This study was not powered to address clinical outcomes, but none of the results were suggestive of an effect in this unselected population of fully ambulatory persons with multiple sclerosis.
Control of High-Speed Solid-Rotor Synchronous Reluctance Motor/Generator for Flywheel-Based Uninterruptible Power Supplies

A hybrid controller, consisting of a model-based feedforward controller and a proportional-integral feedback compensator, for a solid-rotor synchronous reluctance motor/generator in a high-speed flywheel-based uninterruptible power supply application is proposed in this paper. The feedforward controller takes most of the control output of the current regulator based on the machine model, and the PI controllers compensate the possible inaccuracies of the model to improve the performance and robustness of the complete control system. The machine current tracking error caused by parameter inaccuracy in the model-based controller is mathematically analyzed and utilized to dynamically compensate the estimated flux linkage to eliminate the steady-state error in current regulation. Stability analysis is also presented, and it can be seen that the regulation performance and robustness of the system are improved by the proposed hybrid controller. Simulation and experimental results consisting of a flywheel energy storage system validates the performance of the controller.
Voxelwise analysis of conventional magnetic resonance imaging to predict future disability in early relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis

Background: The ability of conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to predict subsequent physical disability and cognitive deterioration after a clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) is weak. Objectives: We aimed to investigate whether conventional MRI changes over 1 year could predict cognitive and physical disability 5 years later in CIS. We performed analyses using a global approach (T2 lesion load, number of T2 lesions), but also a topographic approach. Methods: This study included 38 patients with a CIS. At inclusion, 10 out of 38 patients fulfilled the 2010 revised McDonald’s criteria for the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) evaluation was performed at baseline, year 1 and year 5, and cognitive evaluation at baseline and year 5. T2-weighted MRI was performed at baseline and year 1. We used voxelwise analysis to analyse the predictive value of lesions location for subsequent disability. Results: Using the global approach, no correlation was found between MRI and clinical data. The occurrence or growth of new lesions in the brainstem was correlated with EDSS changes over the 5 years of follow-up. The occurrence or growth of new lesions in cerebellum, thalami, corpus callosum and frontal lobes over 1 year was correlated with cognitive impairment at 5 years. Conclusion: The assessment of lesion location at the first stage of multiple sclerosis may be of value to predict future clinical disability.
Trigger, pathogen, or bystander: the complex nexus linking Epstein– Barr virus and multiple sclerosis

A causal role for virus infection in the pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis (MS) has been suggested and widely debated since the landmark epidemiologic studies of Kurtzke revealed a strong environmental determinant to MS susceptibility. Despite multiple efforts, no virus has been unequivocally associated with lesion formation in the brain either by direct isolation or by indirect methods of detection. In many infectious diseases of the central nervous system, oligoclonal IgG bands are the product of a robust and specific humoral response against the causative agent; yet in MS, immunoreactivity to a primary target has been elusive. In the absence of any infectious agent fulfilling Koch’s Postulates, new concepts that could plausibly explain the epidemiology of MS have been postulated. The initiation or activation of a nascent autoimmune response in genetically susceptible individuals following exposure to one or more common infectious agents is now a leading hypothesis to explain MS pathogenesis. Epstein–Barr Virus (EBV), a human herpes virus that infects B cells in ~95% of the human population and persists latently in the memory B cell pool throughout life, has received the most attention as a probable candidate; EBV has been implicated as both an environmental trigger and as a direct causative agent of CNS immunopathology. In this review, we will discuss the most salient features of EBV epidemiology, the immunological response to EBV in MS patients and whether EBV infection of the brain is a necessary prerequisite of MS pathology.
In the coming year we should abandon interferons and glatiramer acetate as first line therapy for MS: No

Beta interferons (IFNb) and glatiramer acetate (GA) have played historic roles in transforming multiple sclerosis (MS) into a treatable disease, and remain the cornerstone in MS treatment even after 15 years. Whereas neither IFNb nor GA are far from perfect drugs in any of the three critical domains efficacy, tolerability or safety, they combine enough quality in each of these aspects to have remained attractive. As new treatments are introduced, it is inevitable that they will lose part of their markets. However, I predict that IFNb and GA should remain significant treatment alternatives for yet some years.
Modeling and Simulation of a Hybrid Photovoltaic Module Equipped With a Heat-Recovery System

This paper presents a multiphysics model of a hybrid solar panel equipped with a solar concentrator and a cooling interface with heat-recovery capability. It is shown how the temperature profile along the cells can be predicted as a function of the cooling strategy. From this information, the I-V electrical characteristic of the whole module can be derived. An original compact electrothermal macromodel of the photovoltaic module is employed which allows one to properly incorporate the effect of temperature gradients along the cells. By exploiting this macromodel, accurate and efficient electrothermal simulations of the solar system can be carried out with a conventional electrical simulator, like Spice.
Optimal Control Design for Robust Fuzzy Friction Compensation in a Robot Joint

This paper presents a methodology for the compensation of nonlinear friction in a robot joint structure based on a fuzzy local modeling technique. To enhance the tracking performance of the robot joint, a dynamic model is derived from the local physical properties of friction. The model is the basis of a precompensator taking into account the dynamics of the overall corrected system by means of a minor loop. The proposed structure does not claim to faithfully reproduce complex phenomena driven by friction. However, the linearity of the local models simplifies the design and implementation of the observer, and its estimation capabilities are improved by the nonlinear integral gain. The controller can then be robustly synthesized using linear matrix inequalities to cancel the effects of inexact friction compensation. Experimental tests conducted on a robot joint with a high level of friction demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed fuzzy observer-based control strategy for tracking system trajectories when operating in zero-velocity regions and during motion reversals.
In Vitro Evaluation of Viability, Integrity, and Inflammation in Genital Epithelia upon Exposure to Pharmaceutical Excipients and Candidate Microbicides

ABSTRACT The use of microbicides is a promising approach for the prevention of HIV-1 transmission. Unfortunately, various candidates failed in clinical trials. In some cases, the candidate microbicide even resulted in enhanced virus transmission. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop more predictive preclinical strategies to anticipate the in vivo efficiency/toxicity rate, including in vitro assays that evaluate effects on epithelial integrity and inflammation. The present study aims to identify potential safety issues concerning the use of microbicides and excipients commonly used in vaginal microbicide preparations. The toxicities of various active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs; TMC-120, UC-781, tenofovir [PMPA], PRO-2000, and glycerol monolaurate [GML]) and excipients (preservatives, cosolvents, surfactants, and cyclodextrins) were evaluated using an in vitro dual-chamber model and uterine cervical explants. Epithelial viability and permeation of fluorescent virus-sized beads, as well as induction of interleukin-8 (IL-8; as a sensitive marker of an inflammatory response), were assessed. Surprisingly, cell viability and epithelial layer integrity were compromised by most excipients at concentrations near the typical concentration used in vaginal gels, and a significant increase in the production of IL-8 was observed at subtoxic concentrations. Within the APIs, TMC-120, UC-781, and PMPA showed higher selectivity indices than PRO-2000 and GML. In conclusion, identification of safety issues concerning the use of pharmaceutical excipients could help to formulate less toxic vaginal microbicide preparations.
Synergistic Activities of an Efflux Pump Inhibitor and Iron Chelators against Pseudomonas aeruginosa Growth and Biofilm Formation

ABSTRACT The efflux pump inhibitor phenyl-arginine-β-naphthylamide (PAβN) was paired with iron chelators 2,2′-dipyridyl, acetohydroxamic acid, and EDTA to assess synergistic activities against Pseudomonas aeruginosa growth and biofilm formation. All of the tested iron chelators synergistically inhibited P. aeruginosa growth and biofilm formation with PAβN. PAβN-EDTA showed the most promising activity against P. aeruginosa growth and biofilm formation.
Generation of Multisinusoidal Test Signals for the Identification of Synchronous-Machine Parameters by Using a Voltage-Source Inverter

With the standstill frequency-response (SSFR) test, accurate electrical-machine models can be identified. However, it can be a time-consuming method, particularly in case the machine has to be identified at low frequencies. To shorten the required time for identification, in this paper, the response on a broadband signal is measured, resulting in a multisine SSFR test. To generate the broadband signal, a high-power linear amplifier can be applied as a waveform generator. As this signal generator is not commonly available in the field, the application of a voltage-source inverter (VSI) is discussed. The multisine SSFR test with a VSI allows swift evaluation of the influence of frequency, saturation, and cross saturation on the q-and d-axis parameters with a signal generator that is often already available to control the machine. Extensive measurements are performed on several permanent-magnet synchronous machines and the method can be extended to synchronous machines with rotor-field winding. By applying a switching converter instead of a linear amplifier, it can be expected that the identification results are affected by the switching actions. Therefore, multisine SSFR tests with either a VSI or a high-power linear amplifier as well as conventional tests as described in the IEEE standard are performed, and the results are compared.
Correlation of GI Cyclins and Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitors Relative to Human Papillomavirus Infection in the Uterine Cervical Lesions

We attempted to investigate the relationship between GI cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (CDKIs) while also taking into account earlier studies about the relationship between GI cyclins and human papillomavirus (HPV) status. Previously, we observed that cyclin D was downregulated in cases associated with HPV, while cyclin E played a leading role in neoplastic transformation. In this study, we analyzed the expression of CDKIs such as p21WAFI/CIPI, pI6INK4A, and p27KIP1 by means of immunohistochemistry in 22 cases of normal cervix, six cases of adenocarcinoma, 30 cases of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), and 41 cases of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Stratum intermedium and parabasalis demonstrated strong intranuclear staining for all CDKIs. Reserve-cell hyperplasia and koilocytes revealed strong expression of CDKIs, whereas the neoplastic transformation in squamous lesions showed significantly decreased expression (ANOVA, p<.05). While normal endocervical cells revealed focal and weak expression to CDKIs, adenocarcinoma as well as glandular dysplasia revealed strong expression for all CDKIs but pI6INK4A. Both p16INK4A and cyclin D were negative in adenocarcinoma, and p16INK4A may be independent of cyclin D. There was strong correlation between cyclin E and p27KIP1, and cyclin E and p2 1wAFI/cIPl as well as among CDKIs. P16INK4A expression in case of SCC in cases associated with HPV type 16/18 was higher than in those lacking any type of HPV (t-test, p=.023). Downregulation of cyclin D in SCC associated with HPV seems to be inversely correlated with a relative overexpression of p16INK4A. On the other hand, p2lWAFI/CIPI and p27KIP1 demonstrated lower expressions in HPV-positive cases than in cases devoid of HPV, but they were not statistically significant. In conclusion, all CDKIs were downregulated in neoplastic transformation, with p1 6INK4A being relatively increased in SCC cases associated with HPV where cyclin D was kept inert. In addition, cyclin E could be activated in neoplastic transformation by eluding p2lWAFI/cIP1 and p27KIPI.
Determinants of successful Website design: relative importance and recommendations for effectiveness

The success of e-commerce for any company, especially if it is not a well-known name, is greatly dependent on the appropriate design of its Web site. This study investigates the determinants of an effective Web site. A literature survey indicated that the major categories of determinants are: page loading speed, business content, navigation efficiency, security and marketing/customer focus. The relative importance of each category was determined by counting the number of citations in the literature, and by soliciting the opinions of end users. The paper concentrates on experts' recommendations of how to create an effective Web site from an e-commerce point of view.