Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Efficient Full-Wave Characterization of Discrete High-Density Multiterminal Decoupling Capacitors for High-Speed Digital Systems

This paper presents an efficient surface-based finite-element method for the full-wave characterization of high-density and multiterminal decoupling capacitors (2, 8, 14, and any arbitrary number of terminals). In contrast to traditional finite-element methods that involve 3-D volumetric unknowns, this method reduces the unknowns one needs to solve to those on 2-D surfaces only. In addition, the reduction from the 3-D volume-based matrix to a 2-D surface-based one is achieved efficiently by exploiting the geometrical specialty of the decap structure. The entire numerical procedure is numerically rigorous without making any approximation. Its efficiency and accuracy have been demonstrated by both measurements and numerical experiments. Based on its fast and accurate solution, different design configurations of capacitors were studied to identify the optimal configuration that can maximize the performance of a decoupling capacitor. Furthermore, the full-wave model obtained from the proposed method was employed to assess the accuracy of conventional series lumped RLC capacitor models. In addition, the full-wave model was incorporated into a high-performance microprocessor's power delivery network to investigate system performance.
A robust control of double-feed induction generator for wind power generation

Modern wind turbines are capable to work in variable speed operations. These wind turbines are provided with adjustable speed generators, like the double feed induction generator. One of the main advantage of adjustable speed generators is that they improve the system efficiency compared to fixed speed generators because turbine speed is adjusted as a function of wind speed to maximize output power. However this system requires a suitable speed controller in order to track the optimal wind turbine speed reference. In this work, a sliding mode control for variable speed wind turbines is proposed. The stability analysis of the proposed controller is provided under disturbances and parameter uncertainties by using the Lyapunov stability theory. Finally simulated results show, on the one hand that the proposed controller provides high-performance dynamic characteristics, and on the other hand that this scheme is robust with respect to the uncertainties that usually appear in the real systems.
Substance use among persons with homeless experience in primary care

Background: Community survey data suggest high prevalence of substance use disorders among currently homeless individuals. There are less data regarding illicit drug and alcohol use problems of homeless-experienced persons engaged in primary care. They may have less severe use and require different care responses from primary care teams. Methods: The authors surveyed currently and formerly homeless, i.e., homeless-experienced, persons engaged in primary care at five federally funded programs in the United States, administering the World Health Organization (WHO) Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST). The ASSIST definitions of lower, moderate, and high risk were used to assess a spectrum of lifetime and recent substance use, from any use to likely dependence, and to identify sociodemographic and health status characteristics associated with severity of use. Results: Almost one half of the sample (N = 601) had recently (within the past three months) used alcohol, and one third had recently used an illicit drug. The most commonly used illicit drugs in the past three months were cannabis (19%), cocaine (16%), and opioids (7.5%). Over one half (59%) of respondents had ASSIST-defined moderate- or high-risk substance use. A significant proportion (31%) of those identified as at moderate risk had no recent substance use, but did report past problematic use. Ten percent of the lower-risk group had past problematic use of alcohol. Severity of use was associated with worse health status, but not with housing status or type of homelessness experienced. Conclusions: Less severe (moderate-risk) use and past problematic use, potentially indicative of remitted substance use disorders, were more common than high-risk use in this primary care, homeless-experienced sample. These findings highlight the urgency of identifying effective ways to reduce risky substance use and prevent relapse in homeless-experienced persons.
Effectiveness of repeated administration of a new oral naltrexone controlled‐release system on morphine analgesia

Naltrexone hydrochloride, an opioid antagonist used as an adjunct to the maintenance of the opioid‐free state for detoxified individuals, was introduced into the polymeric structure of Eudragit L30D, ananionic copolymer based on polymethacrylic acid and ethylacrylate. From the results of a preclinical study, this complexation technique can be considered as a useful tool in the design of oral controlled‐release systems (naltrexone‐Eudragit L) capable of inducing long‐lasting effects in‐vivo. The biopharmaceutical characterization of the naltrexone‐Eudragit L complex in comparison with naltrexone hydrochloride using the mouse hot‐plate model has been previously carried out. The results showed a longer effect, an enhancement of 23.47% of the area under the curve of the inhibition of analgesic activity vs time, and a delay of 51.80% in the t1/2 value induced by the complex, compared with those induced by conventional naltrexone. In this study, a regimen of chronic administration of naltrexone‐Eudragit L was established. Thus, in an 8‐day treatment (4 doses in alternate days) this oral controlled‐release system effectively antagonized the analgesic effect of morphine for 8 h, whereas naltrexone hydrochloride has to be administered over 16 days (8 doses in alternate days) to induce the same effect. In the 16‐day schedule the complex‐induced antagonism lasted over 14 h after administration.
Financial Development, Commercial Development, and Economic Growth in the Selected Emerging and the Middle Eastern Countries#

This study investigates panel causality relationships among financial development, commercial development and economic growth using bootstrap method in selected emerging and developing countries during 1980-2013. In this study, simultaneous equations, seemingly unrelated regression, Wald Test and Bootstrap critical tests are used to determine causality relationship among variables under study. Our findings indicate the difference of causality across countries and among different variables, so that in some countries, financial development has led to economic growth and in other countries, this has not happened because of lack of deep financial sector. However, in most countries, commercial development has led to improvement of economic growth. Moreover, the results imply difference in direction of causality from economic growth to both financial and commercial development.
An experimental investigation of the effects of group size in an electronic meeting environment

This research used a laboratory experiment to investigate the effects of group size on idea-generation performance and member satisfaction in an electronic meeting room in which computer-supported electronic communication replaced direct verbal communication. Three group sizes were studied: small (three-member), medium (nine-member) and large (18-member). The findings of this study contradict those of prior non-computer-supported idea-generation studies: in this electronic meeting environment, larger groups generated more ideas of greater quality, and were more satisfied than smaller groups. >
Networks and entrepreneurial learning: coping with difficulties

Purpose Many scholars analyse networks and learning to understand how individuals successfully create and manage new ventures. Based on the assumption that entrepreneurs learn from networks, the purpose of this paper is to examine which types of difficulties encourage entrepreneurs to use networks to facilitate learning, whether entrepreneurs change networks to deal with such difficulties, and which network characteristics facilitate learning. Design/methodology/approach Networks are considered a potential source of learning, namely, the cognitive process of acquiring and structuring knowledge, creating meaning from experience and generating new solutions from existing knowledge. Through networks, entrepreneur share information and discuss opportunities and problems. Using an innovative approach combining story telling and network mapping, this study analyses how entrepreneurs use networks in learning. The data collected from six entrepreneurs working in knowledge-intensive sectors enables examining the learning process ensuing from the interactions between entrepreneurs and their contacts. Findings The findings show that entrepreneurs construct different types of networks in response to their difficulties, not in relation to products or technologies, but to learn to overcome self-crises, external threats, management and organisational issues. The findings reveal that entrepreneurs develop networks dominated by strong ties for exploitative learning and networks dominated by weak ties for explorative learning. Originality/value This study contributes to literature on networks and entrepreneurial learning. More specifically, the study provides evidence of learning in the context of networks, which is a relatively overlooked area in entrepreneurship literature, identifying the role of difficulties in determining the type of learning through networks and the related mechanisms.
Mechanical properties of two orthodontic adhesive materials polymerized with halogen and plasma curing.

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study is to compare the efficiency of two polymerization techniques (halogen curing--Astralis 7 and plasma curing--Flipo), with two orthodontic adhesive materials (Enlight, a composite resin, and Fuji Ortho LC, a glass ionomer cement). METHODS The efficiency of the polymerization techniques was shown by two mechanical tests. The hardness test was carried out on the exposed and non-exposed surfaces using 10 x 4 x 3-mm samples, polymerized either by halogen curing (40 seconds) or by plasma curing (5 seconds). The three-point bending tests were carried out on 2 x 2 x 25-mm samples polymerized as above. The samples were kept 1 hr at room temperature, then for 24 hrs in distilled water at 37 degrees C. RESULTS Whatever the polymerization technique used, the results are similar for hardness and flexion, with the exception of the hardness tests carried out after polymerization with the Flipo light on the surface not directly exposed. CONCLUSION In orthodontic practice, both polymerization techniques can be used. But a multi-bracket session can be long, and the reduction of time spent in the chair obtained by using plasma lamps seems to make this technique preferable.
Dynamic mosaicism manifesting as loss, gain and rearrangement of an isodicentric Y chromosome in a male child with growth retardation and abnormal external genitalia

Isodicentric chromosomes are considered the most common structural abnormality of the human Y chromosome. Because of their instability during cell division, loss of an isodicentric Y seems mainly to lie at the origin of mosaicism in previously reported patients with a 45,X cell line. Here, we report on a similar case, which, however, turned out to be an example of dynamic mosaicism involving isodicentric chromosome Y and isochromosome Y after FISH with a set of chromosome Y-specific probes and multicolor banding. Cytogenetic analyses (GTG-, C-, and Q-banding) have shown three different cell lines: 45,X/46, X,idic(Y)(q12)/46,X,+mar. The application of molecular cytogenetic techniques established the presence of four cell lines: 45,X (48%), 46,X,idic(Y)(q11.23) (42%), 46,X,i(Y)(p10) (6%) and 47,X,idic(Y)(q11.23),+idic(Y)(q11.23) (4%). According to the available literature, this is the first case of dynamic mosaicism with up to four different cell lines involving loss, gain, and rearrangement of an idic(Y)(q11.23). The present report indicates that cases of mosaicism involving isodicentric and isochromosome Ys can be more dynamic in terms of somatic intercellular variability that probably has an underappreciated effect on the phenotype.
Correlation between Activity and Domain Complementation in Adenylyl Cyclase Demonstrated with a Novel Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer Sensor

Adenylyl cyclase (AC) activity relies on multiple effectors acting through distinct binding sites. Crystal structures have revealed the location of these sites, and biochemical studies have explored the kinetics of ACs, but the interplay between conformation and activity remains incompletely understood. Here, we describe a novel fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) sensor that functions both as a soluble cyclase and a reporter of complementation within the catalytic domain. We report a strong linear correlation between catalytic domain complementation and cyclase activity upon stimulation with forskolin and Gαs. Exploiting this, we dissect the mechanism of action of a series of forskolin analogs and a P-site inhibitor, 2′-d3′-AMP. Finally, we demonstrate that this sensor is functional in live cells, wherein it reports forskolin-stimulated activity of AC.
Local Field Potential Activity Associated with Temporal Expectations in the Macaque Lateral Intraparietal Area

Oscillatory brain activity is attracting increasing interest in cognitive neuroscience. Numerous EEG (magnetoencephalography) and local field potential (LFP) measurements have related cognitive functions to different types of brain oscillations, but the functional significance of these rhythms remains poorly understood. Despite its proven value, LFP activity has not been extensively tested in the macaque lateral intraparietal area (LIP), which has been implicated in a wide variety of cognitive control processes. We recorded action potentials and LFPs in area LIP during delayed eye movement tasks and during a passive fixation task, in which the time schedule was fixed so that temporal expectations about task-relevant cues could be formed. LFP responses in the gamma band discriminated reliably between saccade targets and distractors inside the receptive field (RF). Alpha and beta responses were much less strongly affected by the presence of a saccade target, however, but rose sharply in the waiting period before the go signal. Surprisingly, conditions without visual stimulation of the LIP-RF-evoked robust LFP responses in every frequency band—most prominently in those below 50 Hz—precisely time-locked to the expected time of stimulus onset in the RF. These results indicate that in area LIP, oscillations in the LFP, which reflect synaptic input and local network activity, are tightly coupled to the temporal expectation of task-relevant cues.
Me Time, or We Time? Age Differences in Motivation for Exercise.

Background and Objectives Increasing exercise continues to be an important health issue for both older and younger adults. Researchers have suggested several methods for increasing exercise motivation. Socioemotional selectivity theory (SST) posits that people's motivation shift from future-oriented instrumental goals to present-oriented emotionally meaningful goals as we age, which provides insight into how people's motivations for exercise may differ for older versus younger adults. The aim of our study was to examine how exercise motivation differs for older versus younger adults. Research Design and Methods Older (greater than 59 years old) and younger (aged 18-26 years) adults participated in focus groups. They discussed exercise motivation (or lack thereof), motivators and barriers to exercise, and preferences about when, where, and with whom they exercise. Focus group transcripts were analyzed using direct content analysis and iterative categorization. Results Consistent with SST, younger adults generally preferred to exercise alone to achieve instrumental fitness goals, whereas older adults preferred to exercise with others. Additionally, older adults tend to consider peripheral others (e.g., strangers, acquaintances), as a positive rather than a negative influence. Discussion and Implications SST provides a framework for exploring age-related shifts in exercise motivation. Additionally, the positivity effect was reflected in how older adults evaluated the influence of peripheral others. Motivational messages could be tailored to increase health behavior changes by focusing on instrumental exercise goals for younger adults and exercise focused on meaningful relationships for older adults.
Suitability of a Consensual Fuzzy Inference System to Evaluate Suppliers of Strategic Products

This paper designs a bidding and supplier evaluation model focused on strategic product procurement, and develops their respective evaluation knowledge bases. The model is built using the most relevant variables cited in the reviewed procurement literature and allows to compare two evaluation methods: a factor weighting method (WM) and a fuzzy inference system (FIS). By consulting an expert panel and using a two-tuples symbolic translation system, strong fuzzy partitions for all model variables are built. The method, based on central symmetry, permits to obtain the fuzzy label borders from their cores, which have been previously agreed among experts. The system also allows to agree the fuzzy rules to embed in the FIS. The results show the FIS method’s superiority as it allows to better manage the non-linear behavior and the uncertainty inherent to the supplier evaluation process.
Downregulation of the Retinoblastoma Gene Expression in the Progression of Malignant Melanoma

The retinoblastoma gene is a cell cycle regulator preventing cells from entering into S-phase. An altered expression of the retinoblastoma gene has been reported in the majority of human malignancies. The main aim of this study was to investigate retinoblastoma gene expression in the full spectrum of melanoma progression from naevus to melanoma metastases by applying immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR. All naevi with and without dysplasia showed high expression of the retinoblastoma gene. In primary melanomas, Rb-positive cells were found in 82 out of 106. Loss of expression correlated with an increase in Clark level and shorter survival rates. An independent prognostic role of the retinoblastoma gene was confirmed by Cox multivariate analyses (p < 0.01). In melanoma metastases, retinoblastoma gene expression (at the RNA level) was found in 18 out of 26 melanoma lymphatic metastases, and in 2 out of 5 liver metastases. Our results indicate a downregulation of the retinoblastoma gene in the progression of melanocytic tumours.
Blocking sense‐strand activity improves potency, safety and specificity of anti‐hepatitis B virus short hairpin RNA

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a promising target for therapies based on RNA interference (RNAi) since it replicates via RNA transcripts that are vulnerable to RNAi silencing. Clinical translation of RNAi technology, however, requires improvements in potency, specificity and safety. To this end, we systematically compared different strategies to express anti‐HBV short hairpin RNA (shRNA) in a pre‐clinical immunocompetent hepatitis B mouse model. Using recombinant Adeno‐associated virus (AAV) 8 vectors for delivery, we either (i) embedded the shRNA in an artificial mi(cro)RNA under a liver‐specific promoter; (ii) co‐expressed Argonaute‐2, a rate‐limiting cellular factor whose saturation with excess RNAi triggers can be toxic; or (iii) co‐delivered a decoy (“TuD”) directed against the shRNA sense strand to curb off‐target gene regulation. Remarkably, all three strategies minimised adverse side effects as compared to a conventional shRNA vector that caused weight loss, liver damage and dysregulation of > 100 hepatic genes. Importantly, the novel AAV8 vector co‐expressing anti‐HBV shRNA and TuD outperformed all other strategies regarding efficiency and persistence of HBV knock‐down, thus showing substantial promise for clinical translation.
Labor Reallocation, Employment, and Earnings: Vector Autoregression Evidence

Analysis of the labor market has given increasing attention to the reallocation of jobs across employers and workers across jobs. However, whether and how job reallocation and labor market “churn” affects the health of the labor market remains an open question. In this paper, we present time series evidence for the U.S. 1993-2013 and consider the relationship between labor reallocation, employment, and earnings using a vector autoregression (VAR) framework. We find that an increase in labor market churn by 1 percentage point predicts that, in the next quarter, employment will increase by 100 to 560 thousand jobs, lowering the unemployment rate by 0.05 to 0.25 percentage points. Job destruction does not predict future changes in employment but a 1 percentage point increase in job destruction leads to an increase in future unemployment 0.14 to 0.42 percentage points. We find mixed results on the relationship between labor reallocation rates and earnings: we nd that, especially for earnings derived from administrative records data, a 1 percentage point increase to either job destruction or churn leads to increased earnings of less than 2 percent. Results vary substantially depending on the earnings measure we use, and so the evidence inconsistent on whether productivity-enhancing aspects of churn and job destruction provide earnings gains for workers in aggregate. Our findings on churn leading to increased employment and a lower unemployment rate are consistent with models of replacement hiring and vacancy chains.
Demand-side Determinants of Access to Healthcare Services: Empirical Evidence from Africa

This study identifies the key determinants of access to healthcare in Africa and estimates the short-run and long-run effects of these determinants. Panel data from 37 African countries, collected from the World Bank Development Indicators and World Health Organisation databases for the period 1995-2012, were analysed using the pooled mean group estimators. Income appeared the strongest determinant of access in the long run in countries in Africa included in the sample. Access to healthcare was a necessity with the long-run income elasticity for access to healthcare being 0.1149. The short-run effects of income on access were, however, only significant in four of the countries in the sample. The difference in the effects of income in the short run and the long run was generally applicable to other variables. These findings imply that policy makers should focus on income to increase access to healthcare while taking cognisance of country-specific conditions in the short run to mitigate varying levels of shocks.
A novel, blood‐based diagnostic assay for limb girdle muscular dystrophy 2B and miyoshi myopathy

Limb girdle muscular dystrophy 2B and Miyoshi myopathy were recently found to be allelic disorders arising from defects in the dysferlin gene. We have developed a new diagnostic assay for limb girdle muscular dystrophy 2B and Miyoshi myopathy, which screens for dysferlin expression in blood using a commercially available monoclonal antibody. Unlike current methods that require muscle biopsy for immunodiagnosis, the new method is simple and entails a significantly less invasive procedure for tissue sampling. Moreover, it overcomes some of the problems associated with the handling and storage of muscle specimens. In our analysis of 12 patients with limb girdle muscular dystrophy 2B or Miyoshi myopathy, the findings obtained using the new assay are fully consistent with the results from muscle immunodiagnosis.