Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hybrid electric vehicle simulation with integrated battery Compact Physical Model

In order to ensure high accuracy of complete hybrid powertrain simulations, it is important that models capture the temperature-sensitive behavior of the involved components and the flow of energy between subsystems. This paper presents the coupling of a battery Compact Physical Model (CPM) with a hybrid electric vehicle model, including the propulsion system and the thermal aspect of its components, as well as the entire cooling system. The resulting model can accurately predict the interactions between the various subsystems and the various energy paths and thus it can be used for thermal management analysis and control strategy optimization.
Big-Think Regionalism: A Critical Survey

Small Think Regionalism focused on the Vinerian question: "Would a nation gain from joining a trade bloc? " Big Think Regionalism considers regionalism's systemic impact on the world trading system, focusing mainly on two questions: "Does spreading regionalism harm world welfare? " and "Does regionalism help or hinder multilateralism? " This paper synthesizes and critiques the theoretical literature in an attempt to identify the insights that are useful for thinking about regionalism's systemic impact in the new century.
Honokiol-loaded polymeric nanoparticles: an active targeting drug delivery system for the treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Abstract The purpose of this study was to develop a novel drug delivery system for a sustained and targeted delivery of honokiol (HK) to the nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) HNE-1 cell lines, since the folate receptor (FR) is over-expressed on their surface. Emulsion solvent evaporation was used to develop the active targeting nanoparticles-loaded HK (ATNH) using copolymerpoly (ɛ-caprolactone)-poly (ethyleneglycol)-poly (ɛ-caprolactone) (PCEC), which was modified with folate (FA) by introducing Polythylenimine (PEI). ATNH characterization, including particle size distribution, morphology, drug loading, encapsulation efficiency and drug release, was performed. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were employed to evaluate the shape and construction, respectively. MTT assay, cell uptake study and apoptosis test were assayed to detect the antitumor properties and targeting uptake by HNE-1 cells in vitro. Cell-cycle redistribution, 18 F-FDG PET/CT and immunohistochemistry were performed in vivo. The ATNH we developed were successfully synthesized and showed a suitable size distribution, high encapsulation efficiency, gradual release, and targeting uptake by the cells in vitro. Moreover, ATNH significantly inhibited tumor growth, metabolism, proliferation, micro-vessel generation, and caused cell-cycle arrest at G1 phase. Thus, these nanoparticles we developed might represent a novel formulation for HK delivery and a promising potential therapy in the treatment of cancer.
Recent expansion of erect shrubs in the Low Arctic: evidence from Eastern Nunavik

In order to characterize shrub response near the treeline in Eastern Nunavik (Québec), a region under extensive warming since the 1990s, we compared two series (1964 and 2003) of vertical aerial photos from the vicinity of Kangiqsualujjuaq. Our study revealed a widespread increase in erect woody vegetation cover. During the 40 years spanning the two photo series, erect shrub and tree cover increased markedly on more than half of the land surface available for new colonization or infilling. Within the 7.2 km2 analysed, areas with dense shrub and tree cover (>90%) increased from 34% to 44% whereas areas with low cover (<10%) shrank from 45% to 29%. This increase in cover of trees and shrubs occurred throughout the landscape regardless of altitude, slope angle and exposure, although to varying extents. The main shrub species involved in this increase was Betula glandulosa Michx. (dwarf birch), which was present in 98% and dominant in 85% of the 345 plots. In addition, numerous seedlings and saplings of Larix laricina (Du Roi) K Koch (eastern larch) were found above the treeline (25% of the plots), suggesting that the altitudinal treeline might shift upslope in the near future. Sites that remained devoid of erect woody vegetation in 2003 were either characterized by the absence of a suitable seedbed or by harsh local microclimatic conditions (wind exposure or excessive drainage). Our results indicate dramatic increases in shrub and tree cover at a Low Arctic site in Eastern Nunavik, contributing to a growing number of observations of woody vegetation change from various areas around the North.
Institutions or Geography: Which Matters Most for Economic Development?

Although development economics generally confines its attention to the last 60 years, there is a growing body of research that looks back centuries and tries to determine if the events in the long past are responsible for underdevelopment of today’s developing countries. Broadly speaking, there are two views on the long-term determinants of comparative development. One view is that the extractive institutions created during colonization between 1500 and 1900 are responsible for underdevelopment we see today. The other view is that these institutions were created because of particular geographical factors, and the role of geography is played out on a much longer time scale. This article provides a brief survey of the two alternative perspectives on development economics. JEL: N4, O1, O4
Towards an Analytical Framework for Party Mergers: Operationalising the Cases of the German Left Party and the Dutch Green Left

The theoretical literature on party mergers is thin. This article draws upon organisational behaviour research to create an analytical framework that is suitable for explaining the processes inherent in party mergers. The authors operationalise this framework by examining two cases of party merger: in Germany, between the Party of Democratic Socialism (PDS) and the Electoral Alternative for Labour and Social Justice (WASG) in 2006/07, and in the Netherlands, between four small parties to form Groenlinks (Green Left) in 1989–91. They conclude that the two cases demonstrate definable steps and processes that are inherent to mergers, and they welcome further applications of this framework in other settings.
Predictive Performance of Three Multivariate Difficult Tracheal Intubation Models: A Double-Blind, Case-Controlled Study

We performed a case-controlled, double-blind study to examine the performance of three multivariate clinical models (Wilson, Arné, and Naguib models) in the prediction of unanticipated difficult intubation. The study group consisted of 97 patients in whom an unanticipated difficult intubation had occurred. For each difficult intubation patient, a matched control patient was selected in whom tracheal intubation had been easily accomplished. Postoperatively, a blinded investigator evaluated both patients. The clinical assessment included the patient's weight, height, age, Mallampati score, interincisor gap, thyromental distance, thyrosternal distance, neck circumference, Wilson risk sum score, history of previous difficult intubation, and diseases associated with difficult laryngoscopy or intubation. The Naguib model was significantly more sensitive (81.4%; P < 0.0001) than the Arné (54.6%) or Wilson (40.2%) models. Both the Naguib (76.8%) and Arné (74.7%) model classified more intubations correctly (P = 0.01) than the Wilson model (66.5%). The specificity of Arné, Wilson, and Naguib model was 94.9%, 92.8%, and 72.2%, respectively (P < 0.0001). The corresponding area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.87, 0.79, and 0.82, respectively. Our new model for prediction of difficult intubation was developed using logistic regression and includes thyromental distance, Mallampati score, interincisor gap, and height. This model is 82.5% sensitive and 85.6% specific with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.90.
Metabolic syndrome and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: Asian definitions and Asian studies.

BACKGROUND Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), as conventionally recognized, is a metabolic disorder largely confined to residents of affluent industrialized Western countries. However, obesity and insulin resistance are not restricted to the West, as witnessed by their increasingly universal distribution. In particular, there has been an upsurge in metabolic syndrome in the Asia-Pacific region, although there are critical differences in the extent of adiposity between Eastern and Western populations. DATA SOURCES An English-language literature search using PubMed (1999-2007) on obesity, metabolic syndrome and NAFLD, focusing on Asian definitions and Asian studies. RESULTS NAFLD appears to be of long-standing insulin resistance and likely represents the hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome. With insulin resistance as a common factor, the disease is associated with atherosclerosis and cardiovascular risk. All features of the metabolic syndrome and related events are assessed for practical management of NAFLD, although the criteria for the diagnosis of obesity and central obesity differ across racial groups. CONCLUSIONS The increasing prevalence of obesity, coupled with diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension and ultimately metabolic syndrome, puts a very large population at risk of developing NAFLD in the coming decades. The simultaneous identification and appropriate treatment of the components of metabolic syndrome are crucial to reduce hepatic as well as cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
An Open-Label, Randomized, Controlled Trial of Zotepine and Risperidone for Acutely Ill, Hospitalized, Schizophrenic Patients With Symptoms of Agitation

Abstract Acutely ill, schizophrenic patients frequently require management of agitation. This study was conducted to compare the efficacy of oral zotepine and risperidone in hospitalized, acutely ill schizophrenic patients with symptoms of agitation. This was a 6-week, multicenter, randomized, open-label, parallel-group, flexible dosing study. Thirty-nine patients with schizophrenia (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition) who met the criteria of a Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) total score of greater than or equal to 60 points, PANSS-excitement component (EC) score of greater than or equal to 14 points, and at least 1 PANSS-EC score of greater than or equal to 4 were randomly assigned to either the zotepine or risperidone group. The primary outcome was a comparison of the change in the PANSS-EC total score from baseline to the end of the study between groups. There was no significant between-group difference in dropout rates (zotepine, 15.8% [3/19]; risperidone, 20.0% [4/20]). The mean (SD) daily dose of zotepine from baseline to study end point ranged from 127.6 (62.3) to 236.8 (74.2) mg/d; the corresponding values for risperidone ranged from 3.3 (1.6) to 4.8 (1.7) mg/d. There were no statistically significant differences in patient characteristics, PANSS total score, and PANSS-EC total score between the zotepine and risperidone groups at baseline. Both groups showed significant reductions in the PANSS-EC total scores (zotepine, −10.1 [4.7], P < 0.001; risperidone, −8.0 [5.3], P < 0.001) and PANSS total scores (zotepine, −34.7 [15.8], P < 0.001; risperidone, −28.6 [14.3], P < 0.001). However, there were no significant differences in PANSS-EC total score (P = 0.265) and PANSS total score (P = 0.125) changes from baseline to study end point between the 2 treatment groups. Serum uric acid and prolactin decreased more in the zotepine group than the risperidone group (P < 0.001 and P = 0.018, respectively). Zotepine seemed to be as effective as risperidone in treating hospitalized, acutely ill, schizophrenic patients with agitation, and had the advantages of lowering hyperuricemia and hyperprolactinemia. Double-blind, fixed dose studies with a larger sample size of acutely ill, schizophrenic patients with agitation are needed to confirm the study results.
Stereospecific prevention by 17β‐estradiol of MPTP‐induced dopamine depletion in mice

Neuroprotective activity of estrogens is reported in Alzheimer disease and recently has also been suggested for Parkinson disease, a disease affecting more men than women. To characterize this estrogenic activity, we studied the effects of 17β‐ and 17α‐estradiol treatment (1 μg twice daily 5 days before, during the day of four MPTP (15 mg/kg) injections, and for the following 5 days) on dopamine striatal toxicity induced by the neurotoxin MPTP in retired breeder male C57BL/6 mice. Striatal dopamine concentrations and its metabolites dihydroxyphenylacetic acid and homovanillic acid measured by HPLC in MPTP mice that received 17β‐estradiol were comparable to control animals, whereas MPTP mice treated with saline or 17α‐estradiol showed important decreases of dopamine and its metabolites. Striatal serotonin and its metabolite 5‐hydroxyindoleacetic acid concentrations remained unchanged after MPTP and treatments with steroids. Striatal [3H]GBR 12935 binding autoradiography to the dopamine transporter was as extensively decreased and correlated with dopamine depletion in MPTP mice, whereas this transporter mRNA decrease in the substantia nigra pars compacta was less pronounced. Treatment with steroids did not significantly change [3H]GBR 12935 binding, whereas dopamine transporter mRNA levels were not significantly different from controls. Under the present paradigm in retired breeder male mice, our results show dopaminergic and stereospecificity of estradiol to augment dopamine levels in MPTP‐lesioned mice without protecting against the extensive loss of dopamine terminals and moderate cell body loss. Synapse 37:245–251, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
AUTOREGRESSIVE CONDITIONAL HETEROSKEDASTICY UNDER ERROR-TERM NON-NORMALITY

This paper explores the impact of error-term non-normality on the performance of the normal-error Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroskedastic (GARCH) model under small and moderate sample sizes. A non-normal-, asymmetric-error GARCH model is proposed, and its finite-sample performance is evaluated in comparison to the normal-error GARCH under various underlying error-term distributions. The results suggest that one must be skeptical of using the normal-error GARCH when there is evidence of conditional error-term non-normality. The conditional distribution of the error-term in a previous mainstream application of the normal GARCH is found to be non-normal and asymmetric. The same application is used to illustrate the advantages of the proposed non-normal-error GARCH model.
Patterns of technical change: a geometrical analysis using the wage–profit rate schedule

In this paper we examine some basic stylized facts of economic growth according to the modern restatement of the classical theory of income distribution. In particular, we make use of a wage–profit frontier in order to explore the patterns of technical change experienced by a set of 18 industrialized economies, during the last 40 years. Our main purpose is to document the evolution of technical change. Using empirical evidence from the Italian industry, we also make an attempt to provide an explanation to data from a classical perspective, alternative to the standard approach founded on the aggregate production function.
Improvement of RES hosting capacity using a central energy storage system

High penetration of renewable energy sources (RESs) in distribution systems leads to reverse active power and voltage rise in low voltage (LV) grids, which limits the hosting capacity. Energy storage systems (ESSs) have been used to improve the hosting capacity by decreasing the reverse active power in some literature. ESSs can still improve the hosting capacity more by providing reactive power. The reactive power shows a little effect in existing researches, because they have mostly simulate LV grids without modeling transformers. However, the high reactance of the transformer magnifies the effectiveness of the reactive power control even more than the active power in some buses. This paper develops an optimal method for placement, sizing, and active and reactive power control of a central ESS to improve the hosting capacity. The simulation results in highly RES penetrated grids at Germany show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Style of practice and assortative mating: a recursive probit analysis of Caesarean section scheduling in Italy

We study practice variation in scheduling of caesarean section (CS) delivery across public and private hospitals in Italy. Adopting a novel perspective, we look at the role played by patients’ preferences for the treatment. The recursive probit model is revisited as a useful tool to assess the presence of assortative mating of patients and provider driven by style of practice. According to our evidence, the propensity to schedule a CS is codetermined with patient self-sorting into hospital types. We measure a significantly higher inclination to practice CS scheduling in private hospitals and conclude that assortative mating is of minor relevance in our case, even if we cannot exclude it to be present.
Health Disparities in Awareness of Physical Activity and Cancer Prevention: Findings from the National Cancer Institute's 2007 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS)

This national study examines differences between racial/ethnic groups on awareness of physical activity and reduced cancer risk and explores correlates of awareness including trust, demographic, and health characteristics within racial/ethnic groups. The 2007 Health Information and National Trends Survey (HINTS) provided data for this study. After exclusions, 6,809 adults were included in analyses. Awareness of physical activity in reduced cancer risk was the main outcome. Logistic regression models tested relationships. Non-Hispanic Blacks had a 0.71 (0.54,0.93) lower odds of being aware of physical activity in reduced cancer risk than non-Hispanic Whites. Current attempts to lose weight were associated with greater odds for awareness among non-Hispanic Blacks and Hispanics (p < .01). Among non-Hispanic Blacks, trust in traditional and Internet media was associated with greater odds of awareness (p < .01). This study is the first national study to examine racial/ethnic disparities in awareness of physical activity and cancer risk. Comparisons between racial/ethnic groups found Black–White disparities in awareness. Variables associated with awareness within racial/ethnic groups identify potential subgroups to whom communication efforts to promote awareness may be targeted.
Mesenchymal stem cells ameliorate experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis by comprehensive modulation of systemic autoimmunity.

PURPOSE The authors studied the therapeutic effect of rat mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis (EAU) induced in rats by peptide 1169-1191 of the interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein (IRBP). METHODS The authors intravenously injected syngeneic (isolated from Lewis rats) or allogeneic (isolated from Wistar rats) MSCs into IRBP-induced EAU Lewis rats, either before disease onset (simultaneous with immunization, preventive protocol) or at different time points after disease onset (therapeutic protocol). T-cell response to IRBP 1169-1191 from MSC-treated rats was evaluated, Th1/Th2/Th17 cytokines produced by lymphocytes were measured, and CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T cells (Treg) were detected. RESULTS MSC administration before disease onset not only strikingly reduced the severity of EAU, it also delayed the onset of the disease. MSC administration was also effective after disease onset and at the peak of disease, but not after disease stabilization. Clinical efficacy for all treatments was consistent with reduced cellular infiltrates and milder uveal and retinal impairment. T-cell response to IRBP 1169-1191 from MSC-treated rats was inhibited. MSCs significantly decreased the production of IFN-γ and IL-17 and increased the production of IL-10 of T lymphocytes from EAU rats either in vivo or in vitro. Allogeneic and syngeneic MSCs showed a similar immunosuppression potential with regard to clinical effect, T cell proliferation, and cytokine secretion, and MSC therapy upregulated Treg cells. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that the immunoregulatory properties of MSCs effectively interfere with the autoimmune attack in the course of EAU through the comprehensive modulation of systemic autoimmunity.
The Influence of Banking Centralization on Depositors: Regional Heterogeneities in the Transmission of Monetary Policy

Ashton J. K. and Gregoriou A. The influence of banking centralization on depositors: regional heterogeneities in the transmission of monetary policy, Regional Studies. This study examines whether regionally and nationally branching banks set deposits interest rates differently. This assessment of the UK retail deposit market between 1992 and 2008 indicates that regional banks set deposit interest rates in a manner distinct to nationally branching banks. Changes in the market interest rate to retail rates are characterized by a non-linear mean-reverting process. Deposit interest rates offered by regional banks are lower, slower to respond to wholesale interest rate increases, and swiftly respond to wholesale interest rate falls, relative to national banks. This evidence is consistent with distinct monetary conditions existing in UK regions.
Design of a Flexible Reactivation Cell for Safe Power-Mode Transition in Power-Gated Circuits

Power-gating is one of the most promising and widely adopted solutions for controlling sub-threshold leakage power in nanometer circuits. Although single-cycle power-mode transition reduces wake-up latency, it develops large discharge current spikes, thereby causing IR-drop and inductive ground bounce for the neighboring circuit blocks, which can suffer from power plane integrity degradation. We propose a new reactivation solution that helps in controlling power supply fluctuations and achieving minimum reactivation times. Our structure limits the turn-on current below a given threshold through a sequential activation of the sleep transistors (STs), which are connected in parallel and sized using a novel optimal sizing algorithm. We also introduce a distributed physical implementation, which allows minimum layout disruption after ST insertion and minimizes routing congestion.
Birthright citizenship, Trends and regulations in Europe

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Art. 15(1), states that everyone is entitled to a nationality. However the Universal Declaration does not indicate which conditions entitle a person to such a citizenship status. The fact that most, if not all, citizenship laws typically start with setting out the rules of attribution of citizenship at birth, and only later on in these documents specify rules concerning, for example, declaration and naturalization procedures, and loss of citizenship, signifies a hierarchy of importance. Birthright citizenship is the main allocation mechanism to ensure that everybody is a citizen of at least one state. Within the international state system, citizenship laws, and specifically the birthright provisions, function as a key classifying mechanism. This paper presents a comparative analysis of the rules across thirty-three European states on the acquisition of citizenship by virtue of birth, either by descent from a citizen or by birth at the territory of a state. The study also discusses trends during the last thirty years, going back to the early 1980s.