Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multistage Transmission Expansion Planning Considering Fixed Series Compensation Allocation

This paper proposes a mathematical model for multistage transmission expansion planning (TEP) considering fixed series compensation (FSC) allocation and N-1 security constraints for both transmission lines and FSCs. FSCs can increase the transmission lines transfer capacity, but the importance of using them in TEP is to dispatch the power more efficiently, resulting in a different topology with less investment cost compared with planning without FSCs. This problem is modeled as a linear mixed binary programming problem and is solved by a commercial branch-and-cut solver to obtain the optimum solution. FSC is modeled as a fixed impedance located in the transmission lines in discrete steps and with an investment cost based on the prices of reinforcement lines. The results obtained using two known test systems show the economic benefits of using FSC in multistage TEP problems.
Variation in length and sequence of porin (ompP2) alleles of non‐capsulate Haemophilus influenzae

Length variations of Haemophilus influenzae outer membrane porin protein P2 were found at the DNA and protein levels, notably in non‐capsulate strains. Protein length, measured by SDS‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, was found to correlate with the length of the gene, measured by polymerase chain reaction amplification, and ranged from 35–42 kDa and 970–1090 nucleotides, respectively. This represents a length variation of some 15%. The genetic location of these variations was studied by restriction enzyme mapping 10 of the non‐capsulate strains revealing further polymorphisms at the DNA level. All 10 strains were distinct and differed from a type b strain. The conservation and assortment of the different restriction sites in the alleles is discussed in relation to the very great diversity previously described for this protein and of the whole genome itself in non‐capsulate strains. The roles of selection, horizontal gene transfer, and transformation in generating this diversity are discussed.
North Carolina traditional public school principals' perspectives about charter schools: A qualitative investigation

The purpose of this research was to analyze North Carolina traditional publicschool principals’ perspectives about and experiences with charter schools. A history ofschool choice in America was explored, as well as the changing role of public schoolprincipals. This dissertation presented a thorough review of the literature on schoolchoice and charter schools in this country, specifically focusing on North Carolina.Principals across the state were interviewed about their concerns with charter schools, thestrengths of charter schools, and how charter schools have influenced their decisions asschool leaders. Interviews were transcribed and then coded for themes that would addressthe research questions. The majority of participants spoke of hostile parent andgovernment attitudes toward traditional public schools. Principals found themselvescompeting with charter schools for students and marketing their schools and theirofferings. Participants believed that charter schools created segregation and inequitablefunding, as well as a playing field that was not level when it came to testing and teacherqualifications. Principals also acknowledged the lack of collaboration between their schools and charter schools in their districts. This research revealed that traditional publicschool principals were more concerned about funding and competing for students thanthey were about learning from charter schools for the purpose of school improvement.They were blind to innovative practices occurring in charter schools in their districts. Onthe other hand, data showed that charter schools in participants’ districts were enrollingfewer economically disadvantaged students, a sub-group which typically does notperform well on tests. Research also revealed that charter schools in North Carolina havea history of financial mismanagement. This research could serve as vital information forpolicy makers when discussing future legislation and policies for charter schools in thestate, and for district and school leaders determining whether or not competition orcollaboration with charter schools is the right move.
Threshold Voltage Engineering in GaN-Based HFETs: A Systematic Study With the Threshold Voltage Reaching More Than 2 V

One of the key challenges for the adoption of gallium nitride (GaN)-based heterostructure field effect transistors (HFETs) in power-switching applications is obtaining enhancement mode behavior. A large variety of methods have been applied to shift the threshold voltage Vth of HFETs. However, most of the time, approaches were discussed individually, neglecting the effects of combinations. Hence, in this paper, a comprehensive study of four different approaches to shift Vth well into the positive range is presented. We show the effects of different gate metallizations, of a backbarrier, of a gate oxide, and of a gate recess. Each approach is discussed individually, and special focus is on the insulator/semiconductor interface, which is apparently different with and without gate recess. The final device exhibits a Vth of +2.3 V, which is shown to be stable when applying OFF-state stress during dynamic characterization.
Use IT or lose IT?: the impact of computers on earnings

The extent to which the impact of computer skills depends on how computers are used is investigated using British data from an establishment survey, cohort studies and the European E-Living survey. We examine the importance of activity and frequency of use in these various data sources. We find that the impact on earnings depends on which cohort of workers is examined and that there are differences over time. The regression results show that the use of computers for internet access and for email is positively significant across all of our datasets, although there are differences in the size of the effects between men and women.
Functional Polymorphisms in BDNF and COMT Genes Are Associated with Objective Differences in Arithmetical Functioning in a Sample of Young Adults

Background: Understanding the molecular genetics of complex human behaviors and functions remains a substantial challenge for the neurosciences. Previous studies have shown a genetic basis for individual differences in mathematical functioning; however, the specific genes remain to be completely identified. In the present study, we explored the possibility that 2 functional polymorphisms in candidate genes could be associated with differences in arithmetical performance. Methods: A computerized test to analyze performance in basic arithmetical calculations (additions and subtractions) was applied to 168 healthy young Colombian participants using the PEBL (Psychology Experiment Building Language) battery. DNA samples were genotyped for 2 functional SNPs in candidate genes: brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)-Val66Met and catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT)-Val158Met. Results: We found significant differences for arithmetical processing scores between genotypes. For BDNF, Val/Val subjects had a worse performance (p value: 0.025) and for COMT, Val/Val carriers had a better performance (p value: 0.006). A multivariate model, including both BDNF and COMT genes, accounted for 7.1% of the variance in math processing scores. Discussion: To our knowledge, this is the first study finding associations of polymorphisms in BDNF and COMT genes with quantitative measures of numerical aptitude in healthy young participants. A future study of other genes involved in neural plasticity could be helpful to identify genetic correlates of arithmetical functioning, which will be important for the understanding of normal human behaviors and related neuropsychiatric disorders.
A comparative study between cone-beam computed tomography and periapical radiographs in the diagnosis of simulated endodontic complications.

AIM To compare cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) with periapical radiography for the identification of simulated endodontic complications. METHODOLOGY Sixteen human teeth, in three mandibles, were submitted to the following simulated endodontic complications: G1) fractured endodontic file; G2) root perforation; G3) cast post with deviation; G4) external root resorption. Periapical radiographs were taken of each tooth at three different angles, and CBCT scan was taken. One calibrated examiner who was specialized in dental radiology interpreted the images. The results were analysed using the following scoring system: 0 - unidentified alteration; 1 - alteration identified with inaccurate diagnosis; and 2 - alteration identified with accurate diagnosis. Data were analysed using McNemar and Wilcoxon tests (alfa=0.05). RESULTS In the overall assessment, CBCT was superior when compared with periapical radiographs (P<0.05). When individual results on each complication were evaluated, CBCT was superior only in the identification of external root resorption (100% Score 2) (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Cone-beam computed tomography could be an alternative to periapical radiographs especially in the detection and assessment of external root resorption.
Job demands and personal resources in their relations to indicators of job strain among nurses for older people.

AIMS To examine the role of two personal resources (active, problem-focused coping; self-efficacy beliefs) in the relation between job demands and strain. BACKGROUND Evidence suggests that healthcare staff in general and nurses in particular, are at a high risk of suffering from high levels of job strain. In addition to often examined job-related resources (such as control and social support), personal resources are expected to moderate (i.e. buffer) the relation between job demands and indicators of strain, particularly when there is a functional match between the type of demands and resources. DESIGN Cross-sectional questionnaire survey. METHOD A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted (February-April 2010) among staff members of three nursing homes of a municipal organization for residential elderly care located in an urban area of Western Germany. A total of 145 of 251 employees responded to the invitation to participate in the study (57·8% participation rate). Data were analysed by hierarchical moderated regression analyses. RESULTS Increasing job demands (quantitative and qualitative workload) had adverse effects on emotional exhaustion, psychosomatic complaints, and turnover intentions, whereas nurses' self-efficacy beliefs exerted beneficial effects on all outcomes. Furthermore, findings revealed that active, problem-focused coping interacts with job demands in the prediction of job strain. CONCLUSION Both research and practice should focus on a closer match between personal resources and job demands to prevent nurses from being strained.
Characterization of glycan binding specificities of influenza B viruses with correlation with hemagglutinin genotypes and clinical features

The carbohydrate binding specificities are different among avian and human influenza A viruses and may affect the tissue tropism and transmission of these viruses. The glycan binding biology for influenza B, however, has not been systematically characterized. Glycan binding specificities of influenza B viral isolates were analyzed and correlated to hemagglutinin (HA) genotypes and clinical manifestations. A newly developed solution glycan array was applied to characterize the receptor binding specificities of influenza B virus clinical isolates from 2001 to 2007 in Taiwan. Thirty oligosaccharides which include α‐2,3 and α‐2,6 linkage glycans were subjected to analysis. The glycan binding patterns of 53 influenza B isolates could be categorized into three groups and were well correlated to their HA genotypes. The Yamagata‐like strains predominantly bound to α‐2,6‐linkage glycan (24:29, 83%) while Victoria‐like strains preferentially bound to both α‐2,3‐ and α‐2,6‐linkage glycans (13:24, 54%). A third group of viruses bound to sulfated glycans and these all belonged to Victoria‐like strains. Based on the HA sequences, Asn‐163, Glu‐198, Ala‐202, and Lys‐203 were conserved among Victoria‐like strains which may influence their carbohydrate recognition. The viruses bound to dual type glycans were more likely to be associated with the development of bronchopneumonia and gastrointestinal illness than those bound only to α‐2,6 sialyl glycans (P < 0.05). Glycan binding analyses provide additional information to monitor the antigenic shift, tissue tropism, and transmission capability of influenza B viruses, and will contribute to virus surveillance and vaccine strain selection. J. Med. Virol. 84:679–685, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
High Osmolarity Glycerol (HOG) Pathway-induced Phosphorylation and Activation of 6-Phosphofructo-2-kinase Are Essential for Glycerol Accumulation and Yeast Cell Proliferation under Hyperosmotic Stress*

In response to changes in the environment, yeast cells coordinate intracellular activities to optimize survival and proliferation. The transductions of diverse extracellular stimuli are exerted through multiple mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades. The high osmolarity glycerol (HOG) MAPK pathway is activated by increased environmental osmolarity and results in a rise of the cellular glycerol concentration to adapt the intracellular osmotic pressure. We studied the importance of the short time regulation of glycolysis under hyperosmotic stress for the survival and proliferation of yeast cells. A stimulation of the HOG-MAPK pathway by increasing the medium osmolarity through addition of salt or glucose to cultivated yeast leads to an activation of 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase (PFK2), which is accompanied by a complex phosphorylation pattern of the enzyme. An increase in medium osmolarity with 5% NaCl activates PFK2 3-fold over the initial value. This change in the activity is the result of a 4-fold phosphorylation of the enzyme mediated by protein kinases from the HOG-MAPK pathway. In the case of hyperosmolar glucose a 5-fold PFK2 activation was achieved by a single phosphorylation with protein kinase A near the carboxyl terminus of the protein on Ser644 and an additional 5-fold phosphorylation within the same amino-terminal fragment as in the presence of salt. The effect of hyperosmolar glucose is the result of an activation of the Ras-cAMP pathway together with the HOG-MAPK pathway. The activation of PFK2 leads to an activation of the upper part of glycolysis, which is a precondition for glycerol accumulation. Yeast cells containing PFK2 accumulate three times more glycerol than cells lacking PFK2, which are not able to grow under hypertonic stress.
Introducing a New Broad-Based Index of Financial Development

There is a vast body of literature estimating the impact of financial development on economic growth, inequality, and economic stability. A typical empirical study approximates financial development with either one of two measures of financial depth - the ratio of private credit to GDP or stock market capitalization to GDP. However, these indicators do not take into account the complex multidimensional nature of financial development. The contribution of this paper is to create nine indices that summarize how developed financial institutions and financial markets are in terms of their depth, access, and efficiency. These indices are then aggregated into an overall index of financial development. With the coverage of 183 countries on annual frequency between 1980 and 2013, the database should offer a useful analytical tool for researchers and policy makers.
The association between glucose challenge test, obesity and pregnancy outcome in 6390 non-diabetic women

Objective: To evaluate the association between obesity, glucose challenge test (GCT) and pregnancy outcome. Methods: A prospective cohort study of 6854 consecutive gravid patients screened for gestational diabetes (GDM) using 50-gram GCT, at 24–28 weeks' gestation was performed. A screening value ⩾ 130 mg/dl was followed by 100 gr oral GTT. Patients who were diagnosed with GDM were excluded. For purpose of analysis patients were categorized by prepregnancy BMI and by different GCT thresholds. Maternal outcome was defined by rate of preeclampsia, gestational age at delivery, cesarean section (CS) rate and the need for labor induction. Neonatal outcome was defined by fetal size (macrosomia/LGA), arterial cord pH, respiratory complications and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission. Results: Overall, a positive GCT result (GCT ⩾ 130 mg/dl) was identified in 2541/6854 (37%) women. GDM was further diagnosed in 464/6854 (6.8%) of subjects. In both groups of screening results ( > 130 mg/dl and < 130 mg/dl), the obese women were significantly older, gained more weight during pregnancy and had a lower rate of nulliparity in comparison to the non obese women. The obese women had higher rates of macrosomia, LGA and induction of labor. No difference was found in mean birth weight, the total rate of cesarean section, preterm delivery, 5 minute Apgar score ⩽ 7, mean arterial cord pH, NICU admission and a need for respiratory support in comparison to non obese women in both groups of screening results. A gradual increase in the rate of macrosomia, LGA and cesarean section was identified in both obese and non-obese women in relation to increasing GCT severity categories. Conclusion: Fetal size and cesarean section rate are associated with the degree of carbohydrate intolerance (screening results). Furthermore, obesity remains the main contributor impacting fetal size.
Systematic Review of Cohort Studies Comparing Surgical Treatments for Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy

Study Design. Systematic review of cohort studies comparing surgical treatment options for cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Objective. Compare results of major surgical treatments. Summary of Background Data. Controversy exists between various surgical options for the treatment of multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy, including multilevel corpectomy (CORP) and fusion, anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, laminoplasty (LAMP), and laminectomy and fusion (LAMI). A systematic review was done in order to compare results and complications among these procedures. Methods. Systematic review of retrospective cohort studies comparing anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), CORP, LAMP, and LAMI from 1980 to January 2008. Separately, a review was performed of case series with greater than 10-year follow-up. Results. About 1735 articles found initially, 591 abstracts screened, 36 articles retrieved in full, 11 studies included in review. All comparison studies are retrospective cohort studies. Four studies compared multilevel CORP versus LAMP, 1 study compared LAMI with LAMP, and 2 studies compared ACDF with LAMP. There were 3 case studies with greater than 10-year follow-up. Conclusion. All approaches yield similar neuro recovery rates. Laminoplasty has a significant incidence of neck pain compared with multilevel CORP. ACDFs increase the rate of adjacent secondary spondylosis compared with LAMP. Multilevel CORP and laminectomy with fusion have a significantly higher rate of graft, instrumentation, and approach related complications. Multilevel CORP and laminectomy with fusion have a significant decrease in range of motion of neck compared with LAMP.
Dimensions and Measurement of Living Standards: Commentary

Last couple of decades, there has been a remarkable surge of interest in measuring the progress of societies. Much of this concern has related to growing inequality in the distribution of money income, but it has also emphasised that many other factors influence economic welfare. Growth in income does not always advance human welfare. For example, if it involves reduced leisure, social amenity or imposition on family life and so on, and some non-income changes can make people much better off. The upshot at the level of theory is an important literature about the quality of life
Female sexual dysfunction: a focus on flibanserin

Flibanserin is the first US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved option for sexual dysfunction, specifically low sexual desire. Until recently, there were no FDA-approved medication options to assist the ~40% of women affected by female sexual dysfunction (FSD). Often, patients report feeling uncomfortable discussing sexual health, identifying a strong need for health care professionals (HCPs) to proactively reach out to patients to identify concerns and initiate a discussion about sexual health and the available treatment options. Within the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DMS-5), the criteria of female sexual interest/arousal disorder (FSIAD) are outlined, encompassing one of the most common sexual concerns, formerly in its own category defined as hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) or low sexual desire. HSDD is the absence or deficiency of sexual interest and/or desire leading to significant distress and interpersonal difficulties. HCPs offer an important service in assessing their patients and providing information about treatment considerations while ensuring patient comfort with this topic. This article provides an overview of the types and potential causes associated with FSD and the role of flibanserin in practice as a treatment option. Despite a need for additional study in diverse populations, flibanserin has demonstrated efficacy with increased female sexual function index (FSFI) total and desire domain scores in clinical studies indicating benefit in sexual desire. Common patient or provider-administered assessment tools to assist in identifying affected patients and patient counseling strategies are reviewed.
Real Exchange Rate Volatility and International Trade: A Reexamination of the Theory*

One of the issues that have received considerable attention in the comparison of the properties of alternative exchange rate regimes is the effect of exchange rate risk on the volume of trade. It has been argued that the higher volatility of exchange rates witnessed since the adoption of the floating regime in 1973 has led to a decrease in international trade transactions. This is because most trade contracts are not for immediate delivery of goods; and since they are denominated in terms of the currency of either the importer or the exporter, unanticipated fluctuations in the exchange rate affect realized profits and hence the volume of trade. It is implicitly assumed that forward exchange markets that can help traders eliminate this type of variations in profits either are not available (as it is true for the majority of currencies because most are not fully convertible, thereby impairing forward markets) or for some reason they are not utilized to fully hedge exchange risk present in trade transactions. ' The empirical evidence, regarding the effect of exchange rate risk on trade, has at best been inconclusive. The large majority of the empirical studies are unable to establish a systematically significant link between exchange rate variability and the volume of international trade whether on an aggregate or on a bilateral basis. Abrams [1], Akhtar and Hilton [2], Cushman [4; 5; 6] and Kenan and Rodrik [12] find some significant negative effects of exchange volatility on exports. However, Bailey, Tavlas, and Uhlan [3], Hooper and Kohlhagen [10] and an International Monetary Fund Study [11] do not find any supporting evidence for the depressing effect of exchange rate volatility on international trade. It is also interesting to note that, in many of these studies, a significant positive effect of exchange rate volatility on the volume of trade is found for some cases. However, the positive effect, believed to be at odds with the theory was either ignored or dismissed as a perverse result, since "as far as volumes are concerned, theoretical considerations