Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A FRAMEWORK FOR THE EVALUATION OF AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL COMPLEXITY

Many studies have been conducted in an attempt to determine the complexity involved in handling an Air Traffic Control (ATC) situation. As the aviation community moves towards a Ofree flightO environment, traffic complexity may not necessarily increase or decrease, but it will most certainly change. To that end, traffic complexity, as it is perceived by the controllers, who will still be ultimately responsible for traffic separation, becomes increasingly more important to understand. Previous studies of ATC complexity have based their measures on the amount of physical workload experienced by an Air Traffic Specialist (ATS). Unfortunately, many of these studies typically discount the importance of the cognitive activities of the controller, simply because this information is not easily measured. It is our position, however, that the complexity of ATC is better revealed through the analysis of controller strategies and decision making activities (cognitive tasks), and that this type of complexity may not be accurately reflected through measures of physical workload alone. In this paper, we will describe a framework for developing and evaluating a model of the perceived complexity of an air traffic situation, with specific regard to the traffic characteristics that impact the cognitive abilities of the controller. The framework does not depend on any specific type of procedures for ATC, so it may be used to evaluate complexity in both the current and future ATC environments.
Obesity in Low-Income Rural Women: Qualitative Insights About Physical Activity and Eating Patterns

ABSTRACT Body weight is inversely related to socioeconomic status (SES) in women in the United States (U.S.). Reasons for the social differential in weight are poorly understood. This investigation sought to understand overweight and obesity from the perspective of low-income mothers living in rural New York State, focusing in particular on challenges to maintaining a healthy weight that may be unique to rural poverty. In-depth interviews with 28 women, who were interviewed 3 times over a 3-year period, were audiotaped, transcribed, and analyzed using the constant comparative method. Findings suggest that transportation difficulties confined some women to their homes, which were physical settings offering little opportunity for physical activity. Food insecurity and associated fluctuating household food supplies contributed to disordered eating patterns and to perceptions of dietary deprivation that affected food intake. Rural isolation contributed to negative emotional states that some women alleviated by eating. This research elucidates factors contributing to obesity among rural, economically disadvantaged women, highlighting the interplay between the structural constraints imposed by rural poverty and women's physical activity, eating patterns, body image, and weight. These insights further the understanding of social inequalities in health and could inform the design of future research aimed at improving the health status of low-income women and families.
Combinatorial Screening and Intracellular Antiviral Activity of Hairpin Ribozymes Directed against Hepatitis B Virus

ABSTRACT A combinatorial screening method has been used to identify hairpin ribozymes that inhibit hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication in transfected human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. A hairpin ribozyme library (5 × 105 variants) containing a randomized substrate-binding domain was used to identify accessible target sites within 3.3 kb of full-length in vitro-transcribed HBV pregenomic RNA. Forty potential target sites were found within the HBV pregenomic RNA, and 17 sites conserved in all four subtypes of HBV were chosen for intracellular inhibition experiments. Polymerase II and III promoter expression constructs for corresponding hairpin ribozymes were generated and cotransfected into HCC cells together with a replication-competent dimer of HBV DNA. Four ribozymes inhibited HBV replication by 80, 69, 66, and 49%, respectively, while catalytically inactive mutant forms of these ribozymes affected HBV replication by 36, 28, 0, and 0%. These findings indicate that the inhibitory effects on HBV replication were largely mediated by the catalytic activity of the ribozymes. In conclusion, we have identified catalytically active RNAs by combinatorial screening that mediate intracellular antiviral effects on HBV.
Divergent GW182 functional domains in the regulation of translational silencing

MicroRNA (miRNA)-mediated gene regulation has become a major focus in many biological processes. GW182 and its long isoform TNGW1 are marker proteins of GW/P bodies and bind to Argonaute proteins of the RNA induced silencing complex. The goal of this study is to further define and distinguish the repression domain(s) in human GW182/TNGW1. Two non-overlapping regions, Δ12 (amino acids 896–1219) containing the Ago hook and Δ5 (amino acids 1670–1962) containing the RRM, both induced comparable silencing in a tethering assay. Mapping data showed that the RRM and its flanking sequences in Δ5, but not the Ago hook in Δ12, were important for silencing. Repression mediated by Δ5 or Δ12 was not differentially affected when known endogenous repressors RCK/p54, GW182/TNGW1, TNRC6B were depleted. Transfected Δ5, but not Δ12, enhanced Ago2-mediated repression in a tethering assay. Transfected Δ12, but not Δ5, released endogenous miRNA reporter silencing without affecting siRNA function. Alanine substitution showed that GW/WG motifs in Δ12 (Δ12a, amino acids 896–1045) were important for silencing activity. Although Δ12 appeared to bind PABPC1 more efficiently than Δ5, neither Δ5 nor Δ12 significantly enhanced reporter mRNA degradation. These different functional characteristics of Δ5 and Δ12 suggest that their roles are distinct, and possibly dynamic, in human GW182-mediated silencing.
Experimental investigation of multi-component jets issuing from model pipeline geometries with application to hydrogen safety

Development of modern safety standards for hydrogen storage infrastructure requires fundamental insight into the physics of buoyant gas dispersion into ambient air. Also, from a practical engineering stand-point, flow patterns and dispersion of gas originating from orifices in the side wall of circular pipe or storage tank need to be studied. In this thesis, novel configurations were considered to investigate the evolution of turbulent jets issuing from realistic pipeline geometries. First, the effect of jet densities and Reynolds numbers on vertical jets were investigated, as they emerged from the side wall of a circular pipe, through a round orifice. The resulting jet flow was thus issued through a curved surface from a source whose original velocity components were nearly perpendicular to the direction of the ensuing jets. Particle image velocimetry (PIV) and planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF) techniques were employed simultaneously to provide instantaneous and time-averaged flow fields of velocity and concentration. The realistic flow arrangement resulted in an asymmetric flow pattern and a significant deflection from the vertical axis of jets. The deflection was influenced by buoyancy, where heavier gases deflected more than lighter gases. These realistic jets experienced faster velocity decay, and asymmetric jet spreading compared to round jets due to significant turbulent mixing in their near field.
Functional role of voltage gated Ca2+ channels in heart automaticity

Pacemaker activity of automatic cardiac myocytes controls the heartbeat in everyday life. Cardiac automaticity is under the control of several neurotransmitters and hormones and is constantly regulated by the autonomic nervous system to match the physiological needs of the organism. Several classes of ion channels and proteins involved in intracellular Ca2+ dynamics contribute to pacemaker activity. The functional role of voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) in heart automaticity and impulse conduction has been matter of debate for 30 years. However, growing evidence shows that VGCCs are important regulators of the pacemaker mechanisms and play also a major role in atrio-ventricular impulse conduction. Incidentally, studies performed in genetically modified mice lacking L-type Cav1.3 (Cav1.3−/−) or T-type Cav3.1 (Cav3.1−/−) channels show that genetic inactivation of these channels strongly impacts pacemaking. In cardiac pacemaker cells, VGCCs activate at negative voltages at the beginning of the diastolic depolarization and importantly contribute to this phase by supplying inward current. Loss-of-function of these channels also impairs atrio-ventricular conduction. Furthermore, inactivation of Cav1.3 channels promotes also atrial fibrillation and flutter in knockout mice suggesting that these channels can play a role in stabilizing atrial rhythm. Genomic analysis demonstrated that Cav1.3 and Cav3.1 channels are widely expressed in pacemaker tissue of mice, rabbits and humans. Importantly, human diseases of pacemaker activity such as congenital bradycardia and heart block have been attributed to loss-of-function of Cav1.3 and Cav3.1 channels. In this article, we will review the current knowledge on the role of VGCCs in the generation and regulation of heart rate and rhythm. We will discuss also how loss of Ca2+ entry through VGCCs could influence intracellular Ca2+ handling and promote atrial arrhythmias.
Conversion for Unfavorable Intraoperative Events Results in Significantly Worse Outcomes During Laparoscopic Liver Resection: Lessons Learned From a Multicenter Review of 2861 Cases

Objective: To investigate the risk factors for conversion during laparoscopic liver resection and its effect on patient outcome in a large cohort of patients. Additional analysis of outcomes in patients who required conversion for unfavorable intraoperative findings and conversion for unfavorable intraoperative events will be performed to establish if the cause of conversion effects outcome. Summary Background Data: Multiple previous studies demonstrate that laparoscopic liver surgery reduces intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay, and morbidity while maintaining comparable oncological and survival outcomes when compared with open liver resections. However, limited information is available regarding the possible sequelae of conversion to open surgery, especially with regards to cause of conversion. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 2861 cases from prospectively maintained databases of 7 tertiary liver centers across Europe was performed. Results: Neo-adjuvant chemotherapy, previous liver resection(s), resections for malignant lesions, postero-superior location, and the extent of the resection are associated with an increased risk of conversion. Patients who require conversion have longer operations with higher blood loss; a longer HDU and total hospital stay, increased frequency and severity of complications and higher 30- and 90-day mortality. Patients who had an elective conversion for an unfavorable intraoperative finding had better outcomes than patients who had an emergency conversion secondary to an unfavorable intraoperative event in terms of HDU and total hospital stay, severity of complication, and 90-day mortality. Conclusions: Our study highlights the risk factors for conversion and suggests that conversion for unfavorable intraoperative events is associated with worse outcomes.
Factors associated with prolonged observation services stays and the impact of long stays on patient cost.

BACKGROUND Patients are treated using observation services (OS) when their care needs exceed standard outpatient care (i.e., clinic or emergency department) but do not qualify for admission. Medicare and other private payers seek to limit this care setting to 48 hours. DATA SOURCE/STUDY SETTING Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project data from 10 states and data collected from two additional states for 2009. STUDY DESIGN Bivariate analyses and hierarchical linear modeling were used to examine patient- and hospital-level predictors of OS stays exceeding 48 (and 72) hours (prolonged OS). Hierarchical models were used to examine the additional cost associated with longer OS stays. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Of the 696,732 patient OS stays, 8.8 percent were for visits exceeding 48 hours. Having Medicaid or no insurance, a condition associated with no OS treatment protocol, and being discharged to skilled nursing were associated with having a prolonged OS stay. Among Medicare patients, the mean charge for OS stays was $10,373. OS visits of 48-72 hours were associated with a 42 percent increase in costs; visits exceeding 72 hours were associated with a 61 percent increase in costs. CONCLUSION Patient cost sharing for most OS stays of less than 24 hours is lower than the Medicare inpatient deductible. However, prolonged OS stays potentially increase this cost sharing.
Tracelink: A model of consolidation and amnesia

A connectionist model is presented, the TraceLink model, that implements an autonomous “off-line” consolidation process. The model consists of three subsystems: (1) a trace system (neocortex), (2) a link system (hippocampus and adjacent regions), and (3) a modulatory system (basal forebrain and other areas). The model is able to account for many of the characteristics of anterograde and retrograde amnesia, including Ribot gradients, transient global amnesia, patterns of shrinkage of retrograde amnesia, and correlations between anterograde and retrograde amnesia or the absence thereof (e.g., in isolated retrograde amnesia). In addition, it produces normal forgetting curves and can exhibit permastore. It also offers an explanation for the advantages of learning under high arousal for long-term retention.
Power Generation in Slope-Type Thin-Film Thermoelectric Generators by the Simple Contact of a Heat Source

To conveniently generate electric energy for next-generation smart network monitoring systems, we propose the design and fabrication of slope-type thin-film thermoelectric generators by the simple contact of a heat source. N-type Bi2Te3 films and p-type Sb2Te3 films were formed on a stainless-steel substrate employing potentiostatic electrodeposition using a nitric acid-based bath, followed by a transfer process. In order to naturally induce a temperature difference (ΔT) between the ends of the generator, slope blocks made by polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) were prepared and then inserted between the generators and heat sources. The performance of the generators, the open circuit voltage (Voc), and the maximum output power (Pmax), were measured using PDMS slope angles as the temperature of the heat source was increased. The ΔT of the generators increased as the slope angle was increased. The generator with the highest slope angle (28°) exhibited a Voc of 7.2 mV and Pmax of 18.3 μW at ΔT of 15 K for a heat source temperature of 42 °C. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of slope-type thin-film thermoelectric generators, which can be fabricated with a low manufacturing cost.
Mid-IR Ultrafast Laser Inscribed Waveguides and Devices

Ultrafast laser inscription (ULI) is a highly versatile technique for creating index modifications in glasses and crystalline materials. The process of ULI relies on ultrashort laser pulses focused inside of a material. The high intensity of the pulsed beam induces nonlinear absorption processes, which transfers the pulse energy to the material lattice. With careful experimental control of the laser parameters, a permanent change in the refractive can be obtained in the bulk material. The permanent refractive index change obtained by ULI can be used to create waveguides and devices in active and passive materials. In this work, we present recent advances on creation of guided wave devices in Mid-IR compatable materials such as Fe:ZnSe, Cr:ZnSe, Ho:YAG, LiNbO3, and CdSiP2.
eHealth and Health Literacy: A Research Methodology Review

The development of e-health may provide powerful tools to improve health, but users' health literacy plays a role in their ability to make the most of e-health applications. This study reviewed research focused on e-health and health literacy, using content analysis to assess 95 articles from 2000 to 2010 to provide an overview of work done in this emerging field. Articles were coded for use of theory, research methods, and clarity of reporting study results. Findings indicate a lack of theory-driven design and evaluation of e-health applications, low use of established general health literacy measures, and interdisciplinary work with somewhat limited contributions by communication scholars. Implications for advancing this field of research are discussed.
Inpatients' Preferences, Beliefs, and Stated Willingness to Pay for Complementary and Alternative Medicine Treatments.

OBJECTIVES Research demonstrates the benefits of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in myriad environments. Yet, the majority of CAM services are offered in outpatient settings. Incorporating CAM into hospital settings may lead to increased patient comfort, well-being, and overall satisfaction with hospital admissions. Few studies have examined CAM services among inpatients. Therefore, this study assessed inpatients' preferences and beliefs regarding CAM, as well as their stated willingness to pay for these services. DESIGN Adult patients (n = 100), ranging in age from 19-95 years (M = 53 years; SD = 19.2 years), were recruited during their hospitalization in the University of California, San Diego, Healthcare System. The inpatients completed a brief individual interview to gather their perspectives on common CAM services, including acupuncture, aromatherapy, art therapy, guided imagery, healthy food, humor therapy, massage therapy, music therapy, pet therapy, Reiki, and stress management. Inpatients were asked which CAM therapies they perceived as being potentially the most helpful, their willingness to pay for those therapies, and their perceived beliefs regarding the use of those therapies. RESULTS Inpatients most commonly perceived healthy food (85%), massage therapy (82%), and humor therapy (70%) to be the most helpful, and were most willing to pay for healthy food (71%), massage therapy (70%), and stress management (48%). Inpatients most commonly believed CAM treatments would provide relaxation (88%), increase well-being (86%), and increase their overall satisfaction with the hospitalization (85%). CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that CAM services may be a beneficial addition to hospitals, as demonstrated by inpatients' interest and stated willingness to pay for these services. These findings may help organizational leaders when making choices regarding the development of CAM services within hospitals, particularly since a significant percentage of inpatients reported that CAM services would increase their overall satisfaction with the hospitalization. These results merit further attention given the need to increase cost savings while enhancing the overall patient experience in today's medical marketplace.
Calmodulin‐dependent activation of calcineurin by chlorogenic acid

Chlorogenic acid (CGA) has been proved to be an activator of calcineurin (CN) in our previous research. In this study, the activation mechanism of CN by CGA was further explored. The results showed that although the purified CN was inactive in vitro if only Ca2+/calmodulin (CaM) existed without Mn2+/Ni2+, CGA activated the inactive CN potently. It was found that CN's activity increased as the concentration of CGA increased and reached a plateau of 4‐ to 6‐fold higher activity using p‐nitrophenyl phosphate (pNPP) or phosphopeptide 32P‐RII as substrate. And the activation was CaM‐dependent. Moreover, the fluorescent emission of CN had a 17 nm red shift in the presence of 128 μM CGA, and the quenching constant was 1.21×1012 M‐1 · s‐1, which indicated that CGA bound to CN statically and changed its conformation. According to the kinetic analysis, CGA preferred to activate CN in a substrate noncompetitive manner. When Mn2+ or Ni2+ presented, CGA also activated CN with CaM‐dependency by improving CN's affinity for Mn2+ or Ni2+. In addition, the inhibition of CN by Zn2+ was partially eliminated by CGA chelation. Our findings suggested the activation of CN by CGA was in a CaM‐dependent and substrate noncompetitive manner. This might provide the basis for the further study of CN‐targeted activators. iubmb Life, 59: 1‐6, 2007
Tight bounds for rumor spreading in graphs of a given conductance

We study the connection between the rate at which a rumor spreads throughout a graph and the conductance of the graph—a standard measure of a graph’s expansion properties. We show that for any n-node graph with conductance , the classical PUSH-PULL algorithm distributes a rumor to all nodes of the graph in O( 1 logn) rounds with high probability (w.h.p.). This bound improves a recent result of Chierichetti, Lattanzi, and Panconesi [6], and it is tight in the sense that there exist graphs where ( 1 logn) rounds of the PUSH-PULL algorithm are required to distribute a rumor w.h. p. We also explore the PUSH and the PULL algorithms, and derive conditions that are both necessary and sucient for the above upper bound to hold for those algorithms as well. An
The closed state space of affine

We study the category of perfect cdg-modules over a curved algebra, and in particular the category of B-branes in an affine Landau-Ginzburg model. We construct an explicit chain map from the Hochschild complex of the category to the closed state space of the model, and prove that this is a quasi-isomorphism from the Borel-Moore Hochschild complex. Using the lowest-order term of our map we derive Kapustin and Li’s formula for the correlator of an open-string state over a disc.
Characterizing resource usage for mobile web browsing

Multiple entities in the smartphone ecosystem employ various methods to provide better web browsing experience. In this paper, we take a first comprehensive examination of the resource usage of mobile web browsing by focusing on two important types of resources: bandwidth and energy. Using a novel traffic collection and analysis tool, we examine a wide spectrum of important factors including protocol overhead, TCP connection management, web page content, traffic timing dynamics, caching efficiency, and compression usage, for the most popular 500 websites. Our findings suggest that that all above factors at different layers can affect resource utilization for web browsing, as they often poorly interact with the underlying cellular networks. Based on our findings, we developed novel recommendations and detailed best practice suggestions for mobile web content, browser, network protocol, and smartphone OS design, to make mobile web browsing more resource efficient.