Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A bipolar receiver pad in a lumped IPT system for electric vehicle charging applications

Inductive Power Transfer (IPT) has proved its capability as a safe, convenient and efficient solution for electric vehicle (EV) charging systems by providing sufficient power levels with tolerance to lateral displacement. The magnetic design of the receiver/secondary and transmitter/primary pads is the most critical part of an IPT system design. This paper presents the performance of a Bipolar Pad (BPP) receiver in a lumped IPT system for EV charging systems and compares it against the performance of a recently proposed receiver design, Double-D Quadrature Pad (DDQP). A 3D finite element modeling tool, which has shown good agreement between measured and simulated results in the past, is used to simulate all the models presented in this paper. The prototype models are also built and tested to verify the simulated results. Although it has been shown that the polarized single sided flux pad design, Double-D Pad (DDP), has much better performance than the non-polarized single sided flux pad design, Circular Pad (CP), still the ability of a receiver pickup to interoperate with both types of transmitters is considered to be highly desirable. In this paper the performance of a BPP receiver is compared against the performance of a DDQP receiver when used with either a DDP transmitter or a CP transmitter. The results show that the BPP receiver approximately matches the output levels provided by a DDQP receiver while using less amount of copper. Finally, the possibility of improving the ability of both the BPP and DDQP receivers to interoperate with both DDP and CP transmitters by changing the receiver ferrite structure is investigated. The results however indicate that for both the BPP and the DDQP receiver designs, the traditional ferrite structure exhibits best material usage efficiency amongst the design possibilities considered in this paper.
Informational masking and spatial hearing in listeners with and without unilateral hearing loss.

PURPOSE This study assessed selective listening for speech in individuals with and without unilateral hearing loss (UHL) and the potential relationship between spatial release from informational masking and localization ability in listeners with UHL. METHOD Twelve adults with UHL and 12 normal-hearing controls completed a series of monaural and binaural speech tasks that were designed to measure informational masking. They also completed a horizontal localization task. RESULTS Monaural performance by participants with UHL was comparable to that of normal-hearing participants. Unlike the normal-hearing participants, the participants with UHL did not exhibit a true spatial release from informational masking. Rather, their performance could be predicted by head shadow effects. Performance among participants with UHL in the localization task was quite variable, with some showing near-normal abilities and others demonstrating no localization ability. CONCLUSION Individuals with UHL did not show deficits in all listening situations but were at a significant disadvantage when listening to speech in environments where normal-hearing listeners benefit from spatial separation between target and masker. This inability to capitalize on spatial cues for selective listening does not appear to be related to localization ability.
Comparative experimental analysis of time-dependent variability using a transistor test array

As the minimum transistor length reaches the deca-nanometer scale, both time-zero and time-dependent variability, the latter including Random Telegraph Noise (RTN) and Bias Temperature Instability (BTI), become a great concern for IC design. Accurate statistical models describing these two variability sources are therefore necessary in order to design reliable circuits and systems. This paper gives insights in the geometric scaling of these variabilities and analyzes time-dependent variability through three different measurement techniques: 2-point Measure-Stress-Measure, Time-Dependent Defect Spectroscopy, and fine-step Id-Vg. Advantages and downsides of each technique are discussed and compared.
The galaxy stellar mass function of X-ray detected groups - Environmental dependence of galaxy evolution in the COSMOS survey

We study the stellar mass distribution for galaxies in 160 X-ray detected groups of 10^(13) < Log(M_(200)/M_⊙) < 2 × 10^(14) and compare it with that of galaxies in the field to investigate the action of environment on the build-up of the stellar mass. We highlight differences in the build-up of the passive population in the field, which imprint features in the distribution of stellar mass of passive galaxies at Log(M/M_⊙) < 10.5. The gradual diminishing of the effect when moving to groups of increasing total masses indicates that the growing influence of the environment in bound structures is responsible for the build-up of a quenched component at Log(M/M_⊙) < 10.5. Differently, the stellar mass distribution of star-forming galaxies is similar in shape in all environments, and can be described by a single Schechter function both in groups and in the field. Little evolution is seen up to redshift 1. Nevertheless at z = 0.2–0.4 groups with M_(200) < 6 × 10^(13) M_⊙ (low-mass groups) tend to have a characteristic mass for star-forming galaxies that is 50% higher than in higher mass groups; we interpret it as a reduced action of environmental processes in these systems. Furthermore, we analyse the distribution of sSFR–Log(M) in groups and in the field, and find that groups show on average a lower sSFR (by ~0.2 dex) at z < 0.8. Accordingly, we find that the fraction of star-forming galaxies is increasing with redshift in all environments, but at a faster pace in the denser ones. Finally, our analysis highlights that low-mass groups have a higher fraction (by 50%) of the stellar mass locked in star-forming galaxies than higher mass systems (i.e. 2/3 of their stellar mass).
Significance of Angle in the Statistical Comparison of Forensic Tool Marks

In forensics, fingerprints can be used to uniquely identify suspects in a crime. Similarly, a tool mark left at a crime scene can be used to identify the tool that was used. However, the current practice of identifying matching tool marks involves visual inspection of marks by forensic experts which can be a very subjective process. As a result, declared matches are often successfully challenged in court. Hence, law enforcement agencies are particularly interested in encouraging research in more objective approaches. Our analysis is based on comparisons of profilometry data, essentially depth contours of a tool mark surface taken along a linear path. Chumbley et al. pointed out that the angle of incidence between the tool and the marked surface can have a substantial impact on the tool mark and on the effectiveness of both manual and algorithmic matching procedures. To better address this problem, we describe how the analysis can be enhanced to model the effect of tool angle and allow for angle estimation for a tool mark left at a crime scene. With sufficient development, such methods may lead to more defensible forensic analyses. Data and code are available as supplementary material online.
Teenage truancy, part-time working and wages.

"Although the determinants of teenager participation in the labour market have been studied previously (both in the United States and the United Kingdom), there remain a number of neglected questions. We address some of these in this paper, basing our analysis on data taken from the UK National Child Development Study. We first examine how teenagers divide their time between working and studying. We further analyse what explains teenage wages and labour supply. We utilize a rich set of variables describing parental background, as well as parents' labour force status and draw on information on physical stature to explain variations in wages. "
Identification of Key Residues Determining Isomerohydrolase Activity of Human RPE65*

Background: Human RPE65 has a lower retinol isomerohydrolase activity compared with chicken RPE65. Results: Two point mutations and one short fragment substitution with counterparts of chicken RPE65 substantially enhanced the enzymatic activity of human RPE65. Conclusion: The activity of RPE65 is determined by a few key residues. Significance: The highly active human RPE65 mutant can be used to improve RPE65 gene therapy. RPE65 is the retinoid isomerohydrolase that converts all-trans-retinyl ester to 11-cis-retinol, a key reaction in the retinoid visual cycle. We have previously reported that cone-dominant chicken RPE65 (cRPE65) shares 90% sequence identity with human RPE65 (hRPE65) but exhibits substantially higher isomerohydrolase activity than that of bovine RPE65 or hRPE65. In this study, we sought to identify key residues responsible for the higher enzymatic activity of cRPE65. Based on the amino acid sequence comparison of mammalian and other lower vertebrates' RPE65, including cone-dominant chicken, 8 residues of hRPE65 were separately replaced by their counterparts of cRPE65 using site-directed mutagenesis. The enzymatic activities of cRPE65, hRPE65, and its mutants were measured by in vitro isomerohydrolase activity assay, and the retinoid products were analyzed by HPLC. Among the mutants analyzed, two single point mutants, N170K and K297G, and a double mutant, N170K/K297G, of hRPE65 exhibited significantly higher catalytic activity than WT hRPE65. Further, when an amino-terminal fragment (Met1–Arg33) of the N170K/K297G double mutant of hRPE65 was replaced with the corresponding cRPE65 fragment, the isomerohydrolase activity was further increased to a level similar to that of cRPE65. This finding contributes to the understanding of the structural basis for isomerohydrolase activity. This highly efficient human isomerohydrolase mutant can be used to improve the efficacy of RPE65 gene therapy for retinal degeneration caused by RPE65 mutations.
Cognitive Trauma Therapy for Battered Women: Replication and extension.

Objective: To replicate and extend findings from a previous controlled trial of Cognitive Trauma Therapy for Battered Women (CTT-BW; Kubany et al., 2004), the current study presents data on the treatment of 8 women with PTSD related to intimate partner violence (IPV). Method: CTT-BW was administered weekly, using the manual provided by Kubany and a multiple baseline across participants design. Participants were assessed for PTSD and depression, as well as secondary outcomes. Results: Significant decreases from preto posttreatment were noted in PTSD (Hedges g 1.90) and depression (Hedges g 1.52), the primary outcomes. Obtained effect sizes for PTSD and depression can be classified as large. Anxiety, self-esteem, and quality of life improved significantly during the preto posttreatment interval. Conclusions: Results are discussed in light of treatment needs for women with PTSD related to IPV and the potential for CTT-BW to be used in diverse settings.
Developmental appearance of transcription factors that regulate liver-specific expression of the aldolase B gene

The region from -202 to -1 of the rat aldolase B (AldB) promoter directs tissue-specific transcription in vitro. Deletion of the half of this promoter distal to its origin reduced its ability for tissue-specific expression. Two protein-binding sites in this distal element have been identified and characterized. One bound a factor named AIF-A, which is probably identical to previously characterized liver-specific factors HNF-1 and APF. The other, containing a CCAAT motif, bound a factor named AIF-B. These two factors were considerably enriched in liver cells compared with other cells not expressing AldB. In the liver, these two factors increased prior to the activation of the AldB gene during development. Liver-specific in vitro transcription assays indicated that the binding of both factors to their target sequences was required for AldB transcription. These results suggest that AIF-A and AIF-B are positively acting transcription factors that regulate tissue-specific and development stage-specific activation of the AldB gene.
Temporal phylogeography of Yersinia pestis in Madagascar: Insights into the long-term maintenance of plague

Background Yersinia pestis appears to be maintained in multiple, geographically separate, and phylogenetically distinct subpopulations within the highlands of Madagascar. However, the dynamics of these locally differentiated subpopulations through time are mostly unknown. To address that gap and further inform our understanding of plague epidemiology, we investigated the phylogeography of Y. pestis in Madagascar over an 18 year period. Methodology/Principal findings We generated whole genome sequences for 31 strains and discovered new SNPs that we used in conjunction with previously identified SNPs and variable-number tandem repeats (VNTRs) to genotype 773 Malagasy Y. pestis samples from 1995 to 2012. We mapped the locations where samples were obtained on a fine geographic scale to examine phylogeographic patterns through time. We identified 18 geographically separate and phylogenetically distinct subpopulations that display spatial and temporal stability, persisting in the same locations over a period of almost two decades. We found that geographic areas with higher levels of topographical relief are associated with greater levels of phylogenetic diversity and that sampling frequency can vary considerably among subpopulations and from year to year. We also found evidence of various Y. pestis dispersal events, including over long distances, but no evidence that any dispersal events resulted in successful establishment of a transferred genotype in a new location during the examined time period. Conclusions/Significance Our analysis suggests that persistent endemic cycles of Y. pestis transmission within local areas are responsible for the long term maintenance of plague in Madagascar, rather than repeated episodes of wide scale epidemic spread. Landscape likely plays a role in maintaining Y. pestis subpopulations in Madagascar, with increased topographical relief associated with increased levels of localized differentiation. Local ecological factors likely affect the dynamics of individual subpopulations and the associated likelihood of observing human plague cases in a given year in a particular location.
IMPACT OF INTRINSIC AND EXTRINSIC MOTIVATION ON INTERNET USAGE IN MALAYSIA

Using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) as its basis, this study looks at the impact of intrinsic motivation (perceived enjoyment) and extrinsic motivation (perceived usefulness) on Internet usage in Malaysia, where the penetration of this technology is relatively low compared to the more developed nation. Data collected from respondents were factor analysed and the constructs showed good construct validity with high reliability coefficients. The results confirm previous findings that the main driver of Internet usage is perceived usefulness, followed by perceived enjoyment and perceived ease of use. The findings also show that perceived usefulness and perceived enjoyment have consistent impact on the two dimensions of usage, namely frequency of use and extent of daily usage. Although perceived ease of use can be viewed as an important driver of usage behavior, its impact is insignificant in the presence of perceived usefulness.
Efficacy of a patient‐training videotape on motor fluctuations for on‐off diaries in parkinson's disease

Patient on‐off diaries are used in clinical trials, but a method to assure agreement between patient and examiner has never been developed. We tested whether a patient‐teaching tape increased the rate of agreement between patient diary ratings and simultaneous neurologic assessment by a trained professional. A total of 32 consecutive patients who had Parkinson's disease with motor fluctuations independently completed a 4‐h on‐off diary (nine ratings) at the same time as an examiner. Those with <80% agreement with the examiner (n = 20) were randomized to view either a training tape that showed motor fluctuations (experimental group) or another videotape of general patient educational material (control group). All patients then underwent the same 4‐h assessment of motor fluctuations. To test for long‐term retention, they returned 1 month later and, without reviewing the videotape, underwent a final 4‐h correlation assessment. After the training tape, the experimental group showed significant improvement, whereas the control group showed no improvement. Furthermore, another month later, the improvement in the experimental group was retained. Based on these findings, we suggest that future clinical trials assessing motor fluctuations incorporate this tape into their basic methodology.
Surface-exposed Amino Acid Residues of HPV16 L1 Protein Mediating Interaction with Cell Surface Heparan Sulfate*

Efficient infection of cells by human papillomaviruses (HPVs) and pseudovirions requires primary interaction with cell surface proteoglycans with apparent preference for species carrying heparan sulfate (HS) side chains. To identify residues contributing to virus/cell interaction, we performed point mutational analysis of the HPV16 major capsid protein, L1, targeting surface-exposed amino acid residues. Replacement of lysine residues 278, 356, or 361 for alanine reduced cell binding and infectivity of pseudovirions. Various combinations of these amino acid exchanges further decreased cell attachment and infectivity with residual infectivity of less than 5% for the triple mutant, suggesting that these lysine residues cooperate in HS binding. Single, double, or triple exchanges for arginine did not impair infectivity, demonstrating that interaction is dependent on charge distribution rather than sequence-specific. The lysine residues are located within a pocket on the capsomere surface, which was previously proposed as the putative receptor binding site. Fab fragments of binding-neutralizing antibody H16.56E that recognize an epitope directly adjacent to lysine residues strongly reduced HS-mediated cell binding, further corroborating our findings. In contrast, mutation of basic surface residues located in the cleft between capsomeres outside this pocket did not significantly reduce interaction with HS or resulted in assembly-deficient proteins. Computer-simulated heparin docking suggested that all three lysine residues can form hydrogen bonds with 2-O-, 6-O-, and N-sulfate groups of a single HS molecule with a minimal saccharide domain length of eight monomer units. This prediction was experimentally confirmed in binding experiments using capsid protein, heparin molecules of defined length, and sulfate group modifications.
Low dose ionising radiation leads to a NF-κB dependent decreased secretion of active IL-1β by activated macrophages with a discontinuous dose-dependency

Abstract Purpose: Therapy with low doses of ionising radiation (X-rays) exerts anti-inflammatory effects. Little is known about whether and how low doses of X-ray treatment modulate the inflammatory phenotype of macrophages, especially the secretion of Interleukin-1beta (IL-1β). Materials and methods: Macrophages were differentiated from human THP-1 monocytes, activated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), treated with distinct low doses of X-rays, and co-activated with monosodium urate crystals (MSU) to induce inflammasome activation. Secretion of IL-1β was analysed by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot. Furthermore, we analysed the intracellular amounts of the serine/threonine protein kinase B (named: Akt), mitogen-activated protein kinase p38 (p38), the v-rel reticuloendotheliosis viral oncogene homolog A (RelA), and pro- and cleaved IL-1β. Results: Low dose X-rays led to decreased secretion of active IL-1β in a manner discontinuous with dose which was most pronounced after 0.5 or 0.7 Gy. Passive release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was not influenced by X-rays. The decreased secretion of IL-1β correlated with reduced translocation of RelA, being part of the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) complex, into the nucleus. After 0.5 or 0.7 Gy of X-rays, the intracellular protein amounts of up (p38) and downstream molecules (Akt) of NF-κB were reduced in activated macrophages, as were the pro- and cleaved forms of IL-1β. Conclusions: Distinct low doses of X-rays induce an anti-inflammatory phenotype of activated macrophages by lowering the amount of secreted IL-1β in a NF-κB dependent manner.
Electron-optical microscopic study of incipient dental microdamage from experimental seed and bone crushing.

No living analogue exists for the hypothetical early hominid hard/tough-seed, coarse-root-eating, and bone-crushing masticatory adaptation. To investigate possible microdamage/microwear to dental enamel caused by such usage, puncture-crushing experiments were carried out on single human teeth, using an Instron compression apparatus on the following six test materials: Makapansgat Limeworks chert (e.g., taphonomy), fresh steer longbone, mongongo nuts, Grewia berries, Carob beans, and wild-onion bulbs. Pairs of extracted unworn third molars were utilized, with one tooth acting as the control. The teeth were mounted, ultrasonically cleaned, and two-stage replicas made with a vinyl polysiloxane elastomer and araldite epoxy resin. After Instron loading and materials failure (1.2-395.0 kg) the test items and the crowns were prepared for comparison with scanning electron microscopy and dispersive x-ray elemental analysis and mapping. The results revealed that although grit adhering to food item surfaces caused microscratches (0.1-1.0 micron wide) similar in appearance to those caused by opal phytoliths in grasses, the dicotyledonous seed coats per se were unable to score enamel. This suggests microscratch morphology alone may not provide a reliable indication of food type. In some cases puncture-crushing of bone and hard legumes produced a localized microfracture pattern (crazing with cracks less than or equal to 0.1-1.0 micron wide) that was readily distinguishable from the simulated taphonomic damage caused by chert fragments, suggesting only analysis of enamel mistaphonomic damage caused by chart fragments, suggesting analysis of enamel microfracture patterns may provide clues as to early hominid dietary adaptations.
Social Activity, School-related Activity, and Anti–substance Use: Media Messages on Adolescent Tobacco and Alcohol Use

In this article, we present the effects of three hypothesized protective factors—social activities, school-related activities, and anti–substance use media messages—on adolescent tobacco and alcohol use. Data were drawn from the “Monitoring the Future” research project, which was conducted by the Institute for Social Research at the University of Michigan. The sample included 2,551 twelfth-grade students. The results of the structural equation model showed that exposure to media anti-drug messages had an indirect negative effect on tobacco and alcohol use through school-related activity and social activity. The results suggest that comprehensive ecological interventions encompassing media, family, and school can increase the preventive effects of adolescent's substance use.