Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influence of glow discharge pre-treatment on dielectric parameters in vacuum gaps

The dielectric properties of vacuum circuit breakers gain in importance, because the dielectric "management" in vacuum circuit breakers influences more and more design, development, production strategies and costs. Especially the economics of such solutions decide the application of vacuum circuit breaker technology in the high-voltage field. Against this background special attention is also paid to the conditioning process to finish the surface of the contacts and shields. After this, the final dielectric strength performance of vacuum interrupters can be evaluated using withstand voltage and additional micro discharge current measurements. The investigations of model assemblies require a special pre-treatment to achieve comparable results. The most important point here is a conditioning routine with glow discharges in the vacuum test vessel to eliminate adsorbed gas layers. Its influence on withstand voltage and further conditioning behaviour of the test assemblies is shown. The data, however, depend on many factors, such as material composition, surface structure, cleaning procedures, adsorbed gas layers or particles on the upper surface. The dependence of the roughness of the surface is much more pronounced than that of the size of the surface area. The technically interesting area is changing the reduction factor only slightly. However, the reduction factor for the surface roughness is the crucial parameter.
DANI: A Fast Diffusion Aware Network Inference Algorithm

The fast growth of social networks and their privacy requirements in recent years, has lead to increasing difficulty in obtaining complete topology of these networks. However, diffusion information over these networks is available and many algorithms have been proposed to infer the underlying networks by using this information. The previously proposed algorithms only focus on inferring more links and do not pay attention to the important characteristics of the underlying social networks In this paper, we propose a novel algorithm, called DANI, to infer the underlying network structure while preserving its properties by using the diffusion information. Moreover, the running time of the proposed method is considerably lower than the previous methods. We applied the proposed method to both real and synthetic networks. The experimental results showed that DANI has higher accuracy and lower run time compared to well-known network inference methods.
Caries experience among children with type 1 diabetes in Kuwait.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to determine the association among type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM), caries experience, and salivary glucose in 12- to 15-year-olds in Kuwait. METHODS A cross-sectional design was chosen involving 53 DM patients and 53 nondiabetic controls, group-matched by age and sex to the experimental group. The DM patients comprised 2 groups: (1) 14 controlled DM children (glycated haemoglobin, HbA1c=<8); and (2) 39 children with uncontrolled DM (HbA1c>8). The children's caries experience, at the precavitation and cavitation diagnostic threshold, was measured. In addition, their frequency of sugar consumption, plaque index, salivary flow rate, buffering capacity, as well as mutans streptococci, lactobacilli, and yeast counts were recorded. RESULTS The DM children had significantly higher caries experience both at precavitation and cavitation diagnostic thresholds, than the control group. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed age, frequency of sugar consumption, and resting salivary flow rate to be significantly associated with high caries experience among the diabetic children. CONCLUSION Caries experience was significantly higher in children with type 1 diabetes than in nondiabetic controls.
External Adjustment in Oil Exporters: The Role of Fiscal Policy and the Exchange Rate

After the decline in oil prices, many oil exporters face the need to improve their external balances. Special characteristics of oil exporters make the exchange rate an ineffective instrument for this purpose and give fiscal policy a sizeable role. These conclusions are supported by regression analysis of the determinants of the current account balance and of the trade balance. The results show little or no relationship with the exchange rate and, especially for the less diversified oil exporters, a strong relationship with the fiscal balance or government spending.
Functional Consequences of Mutations in CDKL5, an X-linked Gene Involved in Infantile Spasms and Mental Retardation*

Mutations in the X-linked cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 (CDKL5) gene have been identified in patients with Rett syndrome, West syndrome, and X-linked infantile spasms sharing the common features of generally intractable early seizures and mental retardation. Disease-causing mutations are distributed in both the catalytic domain and in the large COOH terminus. In this report, we examine the functional consequences of some Rett mutations of CDKL5 together with some synthetically designed derivatives useful to underline the functional domains of the protein. The mutated CDKL5 derivatives have been subjected to in vitro kinase assays and analyzed for phosphorylation of the TEY (Thr-Glu-Tyr) motif within the activation loop, their subcellular localization, and the capacity of CDKL5 to interact with itself. Whereas wild-type CDKL5 autophosphorylates and mediates the phosphorylation of the methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2) in vitro, Rett-mutated proteins show both impaired and increased catalytic activity suggesting that a tight regulation of CDKL5 is required for correct brain functions. Furthermore, we show that CDKL5 can self-associate and mediate the phosphorylation of its own TEY (Thr-Glu-Tyr) motif. Eventually, we show that the COOH terminus regulates CDKL5 properties; in particular, it negatively influences the catalytic activity and is required for its proper sub-nuclear localization. We propose a model in which CDKL5 phosphorylation is required for its entrance into the nucleus whereas a portion of the COOH-terminal domain is responsible for a stable residency in this cellular compartment probably through protein-protein interactions.
Social networking sites versus professional networking sites: Perceptions of hospitality students

ABSTRACT College age students make up the largest segment of social networking populations, with 75% of adults between the ages of 18 and 24 participating to some degree. Previous research has shown that people are often exposed to social networking sites during their college years. This study examines hospitality students' perceived benefits and drawbacks of social networking sites versus professional networking sites. The sample consisted of students in undergraduate hospitality classes. To analyze the data, descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis, and multiple regression methods were utilized. This study found that Facebook was perceived to have no significant benefits and several drawbacks; whereas LinkedIn was found to have several significant benefits and no drawbacks. Implications are provided for the hospitality industry, as well as for business, human resources, and education.
Effect of recombinant activated protein C and low-dose heparin on neutrophil-endothelial cell interactions in septic shock*

Objective:To examine the effects of recombinant activated protein C (rhAPC) and low-dose heparin on neutrophil-platelet-endothelial cell interactions in septic shock. Design:Controlled experiments using phase contrast microscopy to study neutrophil, platelet, and endothelial cell interactions in flowing cell suspensions under simulated physiologic conditions. Setting:University research laboratory. Patients:Adult patients with septic shock and normal volunteers. Interventions:Neutrophils and platelets removed from control subjects were stimulated with plasma and serum from 21 patients in septic shock and perfused over endothelial cells. Activated protein C, low-dose heparin, and low-dose heparin with rhAPC were added to cells suspended in septic plasma. Neutrophil rolling velocity and the number of neutrophils adherent to endothelial cells and in aggregates were determined. Flow cytometric analysis of CD11b/CD63 cells was used to identify platelet-neutrophil aggregates. Measurements and Main Results:Activated protein C significantly decreased neutrophil adhesion and aggregation and increased rolling velocity in cells stimulated with both septic serum and septic plasma. Significant decreases in platelet-neutrophil aggregates induced by septic plasma were also observed. Low-dose heparin alone had no effects on these variables. The addition of low-dose heparin to cells suspended in septic plasma and rhAPC attenuated the benefits observed with rhAPC alone in each of these variables. Conclusions:These data suggest that the in vitro addition of rhAPC decreases sepsis-induced interactions between isolated platelets, neutrophils, and endothelial cells. Low-dose heparin attenuates the benefits observed with rhAPC. The changes in neutrophil-endothelial cell interactions demonstrated with rhAPC may play a role in preserving microvascular patency in patients with septic shock.
Injury recurrence is lower at the highest professional football level than at national and amateur levels: does sports medicine and sports physiotherapy deliver?

Background Previous injury is a well-documented risk factor for football injury. The time trends and patterns of recurrent injuries at different playing levels are not clear. Aim To compare recurrent injury proportions, incidences and patterns between different football playing levels, and to study time trends in recurrent injury incidence. Methods Time-loss injuries were collected from injury surveillance of 43 top-level European professional teams (240 team-seasons), 19 Swedish premier division teams (82 team-seasons) and 10 Swedish amateur teams (10 team-seasons). Recurrent injury was defined as an injury of the same type and at the same site as an index injury within the preceding year, with injury <2 months defined as an early recurrence, and >2 months as a delayed recurrence. Seasonal trend for recurrent injury incidence, expressed as the average annual percentage of change, was analysed using linear regression. Results 13 050 injuries were included, 2449 (18.8%) being recurrent injuries, with 1944 early (14.9%) and 505 delayed recurrences (3.9%). Recurrence proportions were highest in the second half of the competitive season for all cohorts. Recurrence proportions differed between playing levels, with 35.1% in the amateur cohort, 25.0% in the Swedish elite cohort and 16.6% in the European cohort (χ2 overall effect, p<0.001). A decreasing trend was observed in recurrent injury incidence in the European cohort, a −2.9% average annual change over the 14-year study period (95% CI −5.4% to −0.4%, p=0.026). Similarly, a decreasing tendency was also seen in the Swedish premier division. Conclusions Recurrence proportions showed an inverse relationship with playing level, and recurrent injury incidence has decreased over the past decade.
Effects of propofol on oesophageal sphincters: a study on young and elderly volunteers using high-resolution solid-state manometry

Background and objective The oesophageal sphincters play an important role in protecting the airway. During manometric studies, administration of an anxiolytic agent is often required to make insertion of the catheter acceptable for the patient. The anxiolytic should not affect the results of the measurements. This study evaluates the effects of two different doses of propofol on the pressures in the oesophageal sphincters. The effect of increased abdominal pressure was also studied. Methods Twenty healthy volunteers, 10 young (mean age 25 years) and 10 elderly (mean age 71 years), were recruited. The effects of a low dose of propofol [0.3 mg kg−1 intravenously (i.v.)] and a high dose of propofol (young group 0.9 mg kg−1 i.v. and elderly group 0.6 mg kg−1 i.v.) were studied with and without external abdominal pressure. Results There were no statistically significant changes in lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS) pressure after the low dose of propofol. After the high dose, there was an increase in LOS pressure, which was statistically significant in the young group (P < 0.05). The upper oesophageal sphincter (UOS) pressure decreased after both doses of propofol (P < 0.01 for the higher dose and P < 0.05 for the lower dose). Conclusion A low dose of propofol (0.3 mg kg−1 i.v.) leaves the LOS unaffected in young and elderly volunteers and can be used safely as an anxiolytic agent during studies of the LOS without influencing the results. However, the UOS is more sensitive to the effects of propofol and we do not recommend the use of propofol as an anxiolytic agent during manometric studies of the UOS.
The relation of megakaryocyte ploidy to platelet volume

To determine how alterations of megakaryocyte proliferation will affect platelet production, we measured mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet volume heterogeneity, platelet count, and mean megakaryocyte ploidy in 42 patients. In normal subjects, mean platelet volume and megakaryocyte ploidy were related inversely but nonlin‐early to platelet count, whereas mean platelet volume and platelet volume heterogeneity were related directly. In patients with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (low platelet count, MPV above normal, and increased megakaryocyte ploidy), and in those with reactive thrombocytosis (high platelet count, low MPV and megakaryocyte ploidy), the relation of MPV to megakaryocyte ploidy, platelet volume heterogeneity, and platelet count resembled or extended the relations found in normal subjects. By contrast, in patients with aplastic anemia or megaloblastic anemia, or in patients who were undergoing chemotherapy for leukemia, heterogeneity was increased abnormally at any MPV, and both MPV and megakaryocyte ploidy were substantially lower, at any platelet volume, than in normals or the above other groups. The most common ploidy class was 8N in all patients, and the mean megakaryocyte ploidy correlated directly and linearly with mean platelet volume. The data show that bone marrow with megakaryocytes of higher ploidy produces platelets that are both larger and more heterogeneous.
N‐nitroso‐melatonin releases nitric oxide in the presence of serotonin and its derivatives

Abstract: A novel reaction was observed between 5‐hydroxytryptophan derivatives like serotonin and N‐nitroso‐melatonin (NOMela). This reaction decreased the concentration of serotonin by about 50% and generated initially as detectable products nitric oxide and melatonin with stoichiometrical yields. The other expected product, a serotonin‐derived radical, could not be detected by electron spin resonance (ESR) spectrometry, probably because the self‐decay of phenoxyl type radicals proceed at the diffusion‐controlled limit. From the facts that the decay rate of NOMela corresponded very well with the nitric oxide releasing rate and that nitrite was the only thermodynamically stable nitrogen oxide‐containing product, it is concluded that the NOMela–serotonin reaction proceeded quantitatively. The observed reaction might be a possibility to counteract a pharmacologically abnormal high serotonin concentration in various diseases.
A mixed-methods evaluation of adherence to preventive treatment among child tuberculosis contacts in Indonesia.

BACKGROUND Tuberculosis (TB) can be prevented using isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) among child contacts. However, the benefits of IPT depend on adherence to at least 6 months of daily treatment. A greater understanding of the barriers to and facilitators of adherence to IPT in resource-poor settings is required to optimise the benefits. METHODS We prospectively evaluated adherence to IPT and its associated factors among child contacts (age 0-5 years) eligible for IPT. We undertook in-depth interviews with care givers and a focus group discussion with health care workers, which were thematically analysed to explore barriers to and facilitators of adherence from the perspective of both care givers and health workers. RESULTS Of 99 eligible children, 49 (49.5%) did not complete 6 months of IPT. Children whose care giver collected their IPT medications from primary health centres were more likely to have incomplete adherence than those who collected them from hospitals (aOR 2.9, 95%CI 1.1-7.8). Thematic analyses revealed major barriers to and facilitators of adherence: regimen-related, care giver-related and health care-related factors, social support and access. Many of these factors are readily modifiable. CONCLUSION Providing information about IPT and improving accessibility for care givers to receive IPT at the primary health care facility should be priorities to facilitate implementation.
Using hypnosis to accelerate the healing of bone fractures: a randomized controlled pilot study.

CONTEXT Hypnosis has been used in numerous medical applications for functional and psychological improvement, but has been inadequately tested for anatomical healing. OBJECTIVE To determine whether a hypnotic intervention accelerates bodily tissue healing using bone fracture healing as a site-specific test. DESIGN Randomized controlled pilot study. SETTING Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Mass, and McLean Hospital, Belmont, Mass. PATIENTS Twelve healthy adult subjects with the study fracture were recruited from an orthopedic emergency department and randomized to either a treatment (n = 6) or a control group (n = 6). One subject, randomized to the treatment group, withdrew prior to the intervention. INTERVENTION All 11 subjects received standard orthopedic care including serial radiographs and clinical assessments through 12 weeks following injury. The treatment group received a hypnotic intervention (individual sessions, audiotapes) designed to augment fracture healing. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Radiological and orthopedic assessments of fracture healing 12 weeks following injury and hypnotic subjects' final questionnaires and test scores on the Hypnotic Induction Scale. RESULTS Results showed trends toward faster healing for the hypnosis group through week 9 following injury. Objective radiographic outcome data revealed a notable difference in fracture edge healing at 6 weeks. Orthopedic assessments showing trends toward better healing for hypnosis subjects through week 9 included improved ankle mobility; greater functional ability to descend stairs; lower use of analgesics in weeks 1, 3, and 9; and trends toward lower self-reported pain through 6 weeks. CONCLUSION Despite a small sample size and limited statistical power, these data suggest that hypnosis may be capable of enhancing both anatomical and functional fracture healing, and that further investigation of hypnosis to accelerate healing is warranted.
Australian Squatters, Convicts, and Capitalists: Dividing Up a Fast-Growing Frontier Pie 1821-1871

Compared with its nineteenth century competitors, Australian GDP per worker grew exceptionally fast, about twice that of the US and three times that of Britain. This paper asks whether the fast growth performance produced rising inequality. Using a novel data set we offer new evidence supporting unambiguously the view that, in sharp contrast with US, Australia underwent a revolutionary levelling in incomes between the 1820s and the 1870s. This assessment is based on our annual estimates of functional shares in the form of land rents, convict incomes, free unskilled incomes, free skill premiums, British imperial transfers and a capitalist residual.
Obligate Symbionts Activate Immune System Development in the Tsetse Fly

Many insects rely on the presence of symbiotic bacteria for proper immune system function. However, the molecular mechanisms that underlie this phenomenon are poorly understood. Adult tsetse flies (Glossina spp.) house three symbiotic bacteria that are vertically transmitted from mother to offspring during this insect’s unique viviparous mode of reproduction. Larval tsetse that undergo intrauterine development in the absence of their obligate mutualist, Wigglesworthia, exhibit a compromised immune system during adulthood. In this study, we characterize the immune phenotype of tsetse that develop in the absence of all of their endogenous symbiotic microbes. Aposymbiotic tsetse (Glossina morsitans morsitans [GmmApo]) present a severely compromised immune system that is characterized by the absence of phagocytic hemocytes and atypical expression of immunity-related genes. Correspondingly, these flies quickly succumb to infection with normally nonpathogenic Escherichia coli. The susceptible phenotype exhibited by GmmApo adults can be reversed when they receive hemocytes transplanted from wild-type donor flies prior to infection. Furthermore, the process of immune system development can be restored in intrauterine GmmApo larvae when their mothers are fed a diet supplemented with Wigglesworthia cell extracts. Our finding that molecular components of Wigglesworthia exhibit immunostimulatory activity within tsetse is representative of a novel evolutionary adaptation that steadfastly links an obligate symbiont with its host.
CLO Trading and Collateral Manager Bank Affiliation

This paper investigates whether the type of institutional affiliation of a collateralized loan obligation (CLO) manager influences the manager’s access to information and risk appetite. We base our investigation on CLO managers’ trading of distressed loans. Our findings reveal that CLO managers affiliated with banks start to sell off their positions in loans arranged by their bank well before the onset of default and continue to do so even after default. In contrast, CLO managers affiliated with nonbanks do not lower their credit exposures to distressed loans. These findings are consistent with bank-affiliated CLO managers having access to private information but also being more concerned to mitigate the reputational risk exposure of their banking organization. On close inspection, we find that reputational concerns are a significant factor in the decision to divest defaulted loans. Although the value of private information after default is moot, we find that bank-affiliated CLO managers are significantly more averse to holding their own arranged problem loans than holding distressed loans arranged by unaffiliated banks. Besides helping us understand CLO managers’ trading activities, our findings also highlight a potential limit to banks’ ability to originate loans and distribute them via their affiliated CLOs.