Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Variable reluctance rotor structures-their influence on torque production

Switched reluctance (SR) motors with differing structures are compared in terms of their torque prediction capabilities. The first structure is doubly salient with conventional laminations, also referred to as the CRS motor. The second has semiclosed stator slots and a cylindrical rotor with anisotropic magnetic properties arising from axial laminations interleaved with nonmagnetic material, also referred to as the CRR motor. The second structure has been claimed, on theoretical grounds, to be the superior structure in terms of torque per stator volume. The present comparison, based on RMS currents, concludes that the torque produced by the conventionally laminated motor is approximately 2.5 times that of the anisotropic design when the two copper losses are equalized. However, when the CRR motor has been optimized in terms of magnetic and electric loading, the CRS motor is still twice as torque productive. These results reverse the benefits previously claimed for the anisotropic motor design. >
Pursestring Closure of the Stoma Site Leads to Fewer Wound Infections: Results From a Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND:Surgical site infection after stoma reversal is common. The optimal skin closure technique after stoma reversal has been widely debated in the literature. OBJECTIVE:We hypothesized that pursestring near-complete closure of the stoma site would lead to fewer surgical site infections compared with conventional primary closure. DESIGN:This study was a parallel prospective multicenter randomized controlled trial. SETTINGS:This study was conducted at 2 university medical centers. PATIENTS:Patients (N = 122) presenting for elective colostomy or ileostomy reversal were selected. INTERVENTIONS:Pursestring versus conventional primary closure of stoma sites were compared. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:Stoma site surgical site infection within 30 days of surgery, overall surgical site infection, delayed healing (open wound for >30 days), time to wound epithelialization, and patient satisfaction were the primary outcomes measured. RESULTS:The pursestring group had a significantly lower stoma site infection rate (2% vs 15%, p = 0.01). There was no difference in delayed healing or patient satisfaction between groups. Time to epithelialization was measured in only 51 patients but was significantly longer in the pursestring group (34.6 ± 20 days vs 24.1 ± 17 days, p = 0.02). LIMITATIONS:This study was limited by the variability in procedures and surgeons, the limited follow-up after 30 days, and the inability to perform blinding. CONCLUSION:Pursestring closure after stoma reversal has a lower risk of stoma site surgical site infection than conventional primary closure, although wounds may take longer to heal with the use of this approach. Registration number: NCT01713452 (www.clinicaltrials.gov).
Making strategy work: The role of the middle manager

Abstract In recognition of middle managers as influential strategists we collected 654 responses from South African middle managers detailing their spontaneous and unguided descriptions of their strategic roles in the organisation they represent. The results show that middle managers generally associate their strategic role strongly with the traditional perspectives on the roles as implementers of strategies and communicators linking their subordinates and higher levels of management. We add the roles of ‘advocacy’ and ‘improving operational performance’ to the conventional elements of strategy implementation, and the roles of ‘managing performance’ and ‘driving compliance’ to the role of downward influence. Focus group discussions contextualised and authenticated these roles within the South African private and public sectors.
Matter and Energy in a Non-Relativistic Approach Amongst the Mustard Seed and the ”faith”. a Metaphysical Conclusion

The work is the result of a philosophical study of several passages of the Holy Bible, with regard to faith. We analyzed verses that include mustard seed parables. The study discusses the various concepts of faith as belief and faith as a form of energy. In this concept of faith as energy, we made a connection and this matter. We approach the gravitational ﬁeld using the Law of Universal Gravitation and the equation of equivalence between energy and matter not to relativistic effects. Of Scriptures, we focus on Matthew 17:20, and according to the concept of faith as a form of energy, we calculate the energy needed to raise a mountain, for the conversion of matter to energy in a mustard seed and we compare a massive iron mountain, Mount Everest and Mount Sinai. We conclude with these concepts and considerations that energy ”faith” can move a mountain.
Characterization of a bradykinin-hydrolyzing protease from the bovine lens.

PURPOSE To isolate and characterize bovine lens endopeptidase activity that cleaves the Phe-Ser bond in peptide substrates. METHODS The protease activity in young bovine lens homogenate was measured using the Mca-(Ala(7),Lys(Dnp)(9))-bradykinin substrate. Degradation of bradykinin and other unlabeled peptide substrates was monitored by reversed-phase HPLC on a C18 column. The protease was purified by means of several chromatography steps. An in-gel tryptic digest of the purified protease was analyzed by using matrix-assisted desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-ToF-MS and nanospray quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (QqToF MS). The specificity of the protease was determined with bradykinin and its analogues. Crystallin fragments isolated from aged bovine lenses were tested for their susceptibility to degradation by a newly identified endopeptidase. RESULTS Bradykinin hydrolyzing endopeptidase activity was localized mainly in the outer cortex of the lens. A characterization study showed that the purified protease was thiol and metal dependent. Peptide mass fingerprinting and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) analysis of an in-gel tryptic digest matched the protein sequence of thimet oligopeptidase (TOP). The purified protease cleaved bradykinin specifically at Phe(5)-Ser(6) and neurotensin at Arg(8)-Arg(9). Basic or hydrophobic amino acids at P1 and P1' positions in the substrate were preferred over acidic residues. Enzyme activity was also inhibited by physiological levels of adenosine triphosphate (1 mM; ATP) and glutathione (3 mM; GSH). The crystallin fragments obtained from aged bovine lenses were cleaved by the purified enzyme. CONCLUSIONS This study shows the presence of TOP in the bovine lens. Its unique substrate specificity and regulation of its activity by ATP and GSH suggest that TOP has an important role in peptide hydrolysis in the lens.
Suffering Religion

The fact of human suffering is perhaps the most widely given reason for the rejection of traditional religion in modem western culture. Many people find it impossible to reconcile suffering with belief in a good and loving God. Framing a response to this challenge is far from straightforward. The issue is complex in a number of ways. It is far from clear that any response can satisfy the sceptic. Suffering does not lend itself to intellectual enquiry. Theoretical approaches are unlikely to match the existential challenge of suffering. Furthermore, while believers recognize the nature and extent of human suffering, faith for them is neither an escape nor merely a response to suffering. When confronted by the sceptic's question one is tempted to say that no discussion of faith should begin here. Discussing religion from the point of view of suffering, makes suffering itself the point of religion. As this collection recognizes, the relation of religion to suffering is in itself complex and multifaceted. Some religions regard suffering as an illusion; others treat it as a precondition for the experience of salvation. This volume of essays, some of which were first delivered at a meeting of the American Academy of Religion, does not attempt a systematic or integrated approach to the problem of suffering. The editors draw on contributions from scholars working in a number of fields within the study of religion, and the overall approach is multidisciplinary in character. The authors of this book approach the problem of suffering from a number of different methodological perspectives and no attempt is made to draw common conclusions. Overall the approach is decidedly 'academic', with a focus on scholarly questions of method and interpretation. Anyone looking for a systematic theodicy will be disappointed. However, as we have suggested, traditional responses to the problem of suffering are looking increasingly sterile. Instead of an apologia for religion what we have here is a series of essays on the struggle to comprehend the mystery of evil and suffering from a religious perspective. Steven Kepnes offers a discussion of Martin Buber's interpretation of the book of Job. Cleo McNelly explores Kristeva's psychoanalytic
Sources and burden of lead in st. Lawrence estuary sediments: isotopic evidence.

The depth distribution of the concentration of lead has been determined in sediments from seven stations located along the longitudinal axis of the Laurentian Trough in the St. Lawrence Estuary. In the sediments collected at one of the sites, we also measured the stable isotope composition of the total Pb as well as that of the Pb found in sedimentary fractions operationally defined by a sequential extraction procedure. The results reveal three isotopicallydistinct sources of lead to these sediments: two natural and one from recent industrial pollution. While the two types of natural lead most likely derive from crystalline rocks of the Canadian Shield, the industrial lead has an isotopic composition typical of that measured in the atmosphere of urban regions in Canada
Selective inhibition of local excitatory synaptic transmission by serotonin through an unconventional receptor in the CA1 region of rat hippocampus

1 The modulation of synaptic transmission by serotonin (5‐HT) was studied using whole‐cell voltage‐clamp and sharp‐electrode current‐clamp recordings from CA1 pyramidal neurones in transverse rat hippocampal slices in vitro. 2 With GABAA receptors blocked, polysynaptic transmission evoked by stratum radiatum stimulation was inhibited by submicromolar concentrations of 5‐HT, while monosynaptic excitatory transmission and CA1 pyramidal neurone excitability were unaffected. The effect persisted following pharmacological blockade of 5‐HT1A and 5‐HT4 receptors, which directly affect CA1 pyramidal neurone excitability. 3 Concentration‐response relationships for 5‐HT were determined in individual neurones; the EC50 values for block of polysynaptic excitation and inhibition by 5‐HT were ≈230 and ≈160 nm, respectively. The 5‐HT receptor type responsible for the observed effect does not fall easily into the present classification of 5‐HT receptors. 4 5‐HT inhibition of polysynaptic EPSCs persisted following complete block of GABAergic transmission and in CA1 minislices, ruling out indirect effects through interneurones and non‐CA1 pyramidal neurones, respectively. 5 Monosynaptic EPSCs evoked by stimulation of CA1 afferent pathways appeared to be unaffected by 5‐HT. Monosynaptic EPSCs evoked by stimulation of the alveus, which contains CA1 pyramidal neurone axons, were partially inhibited by 5‐HT. 6 We conclude that 5‐HT inhibited synaptic transmission by acting at local recurrent collaterals of CA1 pyramidal neurones. This may represent an important physiological action of 5‐HT in the hippocampus, since it occurs over a lower concentration range than the 5‐HT effects reported so far.
Early Oral Feeding Following Total Laryngectomy

Objectives The time to begin oral feeding after total laryngectomy remains a subject of debate among head and neck surgeons. The prevailing assumption is that early initiation of oral feeding may cause pharyngocutaneous fistula; thus, the common practice of initiating oral feeding after a period of 7 to 10 days. The objective of the study was to demonstrate the feasibility and safety of oral feeding 48 hours after total laryngectomy.
Expression of Dopamine Pathway Genes in the Midbrain Is Independent of Known ETS Transcription Factor Activity

In nematodes, the ETS-family transcription factor ast-1 regulates multiple genes comprising the dopamine (DA) neuron phenotype, including biosynthetic enzymes and transporters. ETS transcription factors are hypothesized to play a similar role in vertebrates, and based on its expression in the adult mouse midbrain, Etv5/ERM has been proposed as a regulator of DA gene expression in the substantia nigra (SN) and ventral tegmental area (VTA). Here we show that Etv5 expression is not detectable until postnatal stages in the midbrain, well after development of the DA system, and that Etv5 knock-out and control mice show comparable tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine transporter expression in the embryonic and adult midbrain. Other known members of the ETS family do not have expression patterns that are consistent with a role in DA gene regulation in the SN/VTA. These findings suggest that the ETS factors, while required for the generation of the DA phenotype in nematodes, do not play such a role in the mouse midbrain.
Dynamic measurement of oxygen extraction fraction using a multiecho asymmetric spin echo (MASE) pulse sequence

The oxygen extraction fraction (OEF), an important parameter for assessing brain oxygen metabolism, is a key marker of brain health. Dynamic measurement of the OEF is currently limited by the long acquisition time. In this study, a noninvasive method for rapidly and effectively assessing dynamic changes in the OEF during brain stimulation is proposed.
Characterization of MGC2, a Mycoplasma gallisepticum Cytadhesin with Homology to the Mycoplasma pneumoniae 30-Kilodalton Protein P30 and Mycoplasma genitalium P32

ABSTRACT A second cytadhesin-like protein, MGC2, was identified in the avian respiratory pathogen Mycoplasma gallisepticum. The 912-nucleotide mgc2 gene encodes a 32.6-kDa protein with 40.9 and 31.4% identity with the M. pneumoniae P30 andM. genitalium P32 cytadhesins, respectively. Functional studies with reverse transcription-PCR, immunoblotting, double-sided immunogold labeling, and attachment inhibition assays demonstrated homology to the human mycoplasmal P30 and P32 cytadhesins. These findings suggest that there is a family of cytadhesin genes conserved among pathogenic mycoplasmas infecting widely divergent hosts.
Scalable and fully self-aligned n-type carbon nanotube transistors with gate-all-around

While proven to provide high performance at sub-10 nm lengths, carbon nanotube (CNT) field-effect transistors (FETs) typically employ impractical gate geometries. Here we demonstrate fully self-aligned CNTFETs that include a gate-all-around (GAA) the nanotube channels - the ideal gate geometry for a 1D CNT. These GAA-CNTFETs have 30 nm channel lengths and exhibit n-type operation with high on-currents and good switching behavior that is explained by quantum transport (NEGF) simulations. This work is an important milestone showing that a technologically relevant self-aligned device can be realized with nanotubes.
Homing of antibody secreting cells

Summary: As activated B cells differentiate into plasma cells they complete a final series of migration steps that take them to locations where they can efficiently carry out their effector function, secreting immunoglobulin (Ig) M or IgG into circulation or releasing dimeric IgA adjacent to the epithelium for transcytosis. Recent experiments have established a key role for chemokines in directing antibody secreting cell (ASC) movement within the secondary lymphoid organs where they are generated, as well as in guiding the cells to the bone marrow or mucosal surfaces. This review discusses the chemokines involved in directing ASC movements, particularly focusing on the role of CXCR4 and CXCL12/SDF1. The function of CCR9 and CCR10 in IgA ASC homing and contributions made by integrins and lectins are also discussed.
The Convergence and Divergence of Investors’ Opinions around Earnings News: Evidence from a Social Network

We collect a unique dataset of Twitter posts to examine the change in investor disagreement around earnings announcements. We find that investors’ opinions can either converge (reduced disagreement) or diverge (increased disagreement) around earnings announcements. The convergence and divergence of opinion has significant effects on trading volume and return. Consistent with theoretical predictions, both the convergence of opinion and the divergence of opinion are associated with greater volume reaction to earnings news. While the convergence of opinion is associated with lower earnings announcement returns, the divergence of opinion is associated with higher earnings announcement returns.
Fatal food‐induced anaphylaxis

In the beginning of this century, Schlossman (1905) reported a patient who developed acute shock after the ingestion of cow’s milk (l), but the first series of food-induced anaphylaxis in man was not published until 1969 (2). Goldbert et al. described 10 cases of anaphylaxis following the ingestion of various foods, including different legumes, fish, and cow’s milk. Food-induced anaphylaxis is an allergic syndrome manifested by an abrupt onset of symptoms within minutes to hours of ingesting a food and is associated with the classic features of IgE-mediated hypersensitivity. The syndrome results from the generation and release of various potent biologically active mediators and their combined effects on various target organs. Anaphylaxis is recognized by cutaneous, respiratory, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal signs and symptoms occurring singly or in combination. Most food-induced anaphylactic reactions in the USA and Europe are the result of allergic reactions to peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish.
Irrigation Performance Assessment in Table Grape Using the Reflectance-Based Crop Coefficient

In this paper, we present the results of our study on the operational application of the reflectance-based crop coefficient for assessing table grape irrigation requirements. The methodology was applied to provide irrigation advice and to assess the irrigation performance. The net irrigation water requirements (NIWR) simulated using the reflectance-based basal crop coefficient were provided to the farmer during the growing season and compared with the actual irrigation volumes applied. Two treatments were implemented in the field, increasing and reducing the irrigation doses by 25%, respectively, compared to the regular management. The experiment was carried out in a commercial orchard during three consecutive growing seasons in Northern Chile. The NIWR based on the model was approximately 900 mm per season for the orchard at tree maturity. The experimental results demonstrate that the regular irrigation applied covered only 76% of the NIWR for the whole season, and the analysis of monthly and weekly accumulated values indicates several periods of water shortage. The regular management system tended to underestimate the water requirements from October to January and overestimate the water requirements after harvest from February to April. The level of the deficit of water was quantified using such plant physiological parameters as stem water potential, vegetative development (coverage), and fruit productivity. The estimated NIWR was roughly covered in the treatment where the irrigation dose was increased, and the analyses of the crop production and fruit quality point to the relative advantage of this treatment. Finally, we conclude that the proposed approach allows the analysis of irrigation performance on the scale of commercial fields. These analytic capabilities are based on the well-demonstrated relationship of the crop evapotranspiration with the information provided by satellite images, and provide valuable information for irrigation management by identifying periods of water shortage and over-irrigation.
Pain exacerbation as a major source of lost productive time in US workers with arthritis.

OBJECTIVE To estimate the prevalence of arthritis and arthritis pain exacerbations in US workers including impact on functioning and lost productive work time (LPT). METHODS The research was conducted as a nested case-control study of participants in the Caremark American Productivity Audit, a US national random-digit-dial survey of US workers. The sample included 329 workers ages 40-65 years meeting the First National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey criteria for arthritis, and 91 workers not meeting arthritis inclusion criteria. Participants completed a telephone interview to measure the prevalence of arthritis and pain exacerbations, LPT (in hours and dollars), functional disability using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Knee and Hip Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and the Australian/Canadian Osteoarthritis Hand Index, and demographics. RESULTS The prevalence of arthritis in US workers ages 40-65 years was 14.7% during the 2-week period. Pain exacerbation occurred among 38% of participants with arthritis. Workers with pain exacerbations were significantly more likely to have higher WOMAC scores (38.6 versus 29.6; P = 0.0041) and report arthritis-related LPT (24.4% versus 13.3%; P = 0.0118) than workers without exacerbations. Among those with LPT, average LPT did not differ (4.1 hours per week) between persons with and without exacerbations. The estimated annual LPT cost from arthritis in the US workforce was $7.11 billion, with 65.7% of this cost attributed to the 38% of workers with pain exacerbations. CONCLUSION Workers with arthritis pain exacerbation account for a disproportionate share of the arthritis-related LPT cost. Stratifying workers for appropriate treatment management based on pain exacerbation status could significantly decrease arthritis-related LPT and offer employees and employers an effective return on health care use.
Balance performance and fear of falling in older patients with diabetics: a comparative study with non-diabetic elderly

Cite this article as: Tander B, Atmaca A, Ulus Y, Tura Ç, Akyol Y, Kuru Ö. Balance performance and fear of falling in older patients with diabetics: a comparison with non-diabetics. Turk J Phys Med Rehab 2016;62(4):314-22. ABSTRACT Objectives: This study aims to evaluate balance performance and fear of falling (FOF) in older people with and without diabetes mellitus (DM) and the parameters affecting balance and FOF in older patients with DM. Patients and methods: Between 2013 June 2014 April, a total of 100 patients with DM (37 males, 63 females; mean age 66.8±4.3 years; range 60 to 83 years) and 101 non-diabetic elderly controls (35 males, 66 females; mean age 68.0±4.3 years; range 64 to 81 years) were enrolled in this study. Fear of falling (Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I)), neuropathic pain [Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms-Signs (LANSS)], mobility [Timed Up and Go test (TUG)], balance [Berg Balance Scale (BBS)], One-Legged Stance test (OLST), disability status [Modified Barthel Index (MBI)], depression [Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)] and anxiety [Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI)] were assessed. Results: Timed Up and Go test, BDI, BAI, and FES-I scores were significantly higher; BBS, OLST, and MBI scores were significantly lower in patients. There were significant effects of neuropathic pain, hypertension and cardiovascular disease on BBS and FES-I in diabetic patients. One-Legged Stance test, TUG, and FES-I were associated with BBS in diabetic patients. Falls Efficacy Scale-International was significantly correlated with HbA1c, MBI and BBS in patients. Conclusion: Older people with DM have increased FOF and balance problems. Uncontrolled DM, cardiovascular problems and neuropathic pain have negative impact on balance and FOF. Physiatrist should also take part in the follow-up of older diabetic patients.