Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of brushless induction and reluctance doubly-fed machines

This paper compares alternative rotor designs for the brushless doubly-fed machine (BDFM) using finite element analysis to estimate their operating ranges and characteristics. Two types of rotors are considered: induction (with cage, nested layer, double layer and isolated layer) and reluctance rotors, so a total of five rotors are investigated. Grid-connected converters are connected to the control windings to give a variable voltage and frequency control, with the power windings connected to the grid for constant voltage and frequency connection. The machine then can operate to in a similar manner to the doubly fed induction machine as used in many wind turbines. The results show that the induction rotors benefit from simpler converter topology and smoother power output. The isolated layer of induction rotor gives smallest torque ripple.
Efficacy of aspirin plus extended-release dipyridamole in preventing recurrent stroke in high-risk populations.

OBJECTIVE To assess the efficacy of aspirin plus extended-release dipyridamole compared with aspirin alone for the prevention of recurrent stroke among high-risk groups. DESIGN A post hoc analysis was conducted using data from the European Stroke Prevention Study 2. Rates of annual strokes and vascular events were determined for the aspirin plus extended-release dipyridamole group (n = 1650) and the aspirin-only group (n = 1649), and were stratified by risk subgroup and univariate risk factors. Stroke models from the Framingham Study and the Stroke Prognostic Instrument II were applied to subjects in the European Stroke Prevention Study 2 to categorize patients into risk groups. RESULTS Compared with aspirin alone, aspirin plus extended-release dipyridamole demonstrated a more pronounced efficacy in reducing the risk for stroke and vascular events among patients younger than 70 years; those with hypertension, prior stroke, or transient ischemic attack; current smokers; and those with any prior cardiovascular disease. Relative hazard reductions favored the combination of aspirin plus extended-release dipyridamole, and were greatest for the high-risk Framingham Study group and the moderate-risk Stroke Prognostic Instrument II subgroup. CONCLUSION Aspirin plus extended-release dipyridamole is more effective than aspirin alone at preventing stroke, and the difference in efficacy increases in higher-risk patients.
The Global Compact: Corporate Sustainability in the Post 2015 World

Abstract Purpose This chapter examines roles and challenges for corporations in addressing Post 2015 world development objectives. Specifically it does review the contributions and opportunities of the principles of the Global Compact and other social responsibility initiatives for embedding corporate contribution to sustainable markets and societal development. Methodology/approach The results presented in this chapter are based on analysis of secondary sources and a literature review to determine conceptual and theoretical frameworks for identifying assumptions and challenges of corporate sustainability in the Post 2015 era. Findings It was found that although there are neither academic nor activist definitive consensuses regarding positive impacts of adopting the UN Global Compact principles for sustainability, the impacts of committed corporations, organisations and association are multiplying societal understanding of the implications in societies, governments and markets of violating human and labour rights, degrading and not protecting the environment, and having corruption. Practical implications This chapter could be used as teaching material for undergraduate and master courses of corporate social responsibility, business ethics, sustainability, operations management and strategy. Originality/value This chapter discusses firms’ responsibilities regarding world development objectives in a Post 2015 world.
Automatic calibration of trigger delay time for cardiac MRI

This study aimed to automatically identify the cardiac rest period using a rapid free‐breathing (FB) calibration scanning procedure, and to determine the optimal trigger delay for cardiac imaging. A standard deviation (SD) method was used to rapidly identify cardiac quiescent phases employing multiphase cine cardiac images. The accuracy of this method was investigated using 46 datasets acquired from 22 healthy volunteers. The possibility of using a low‐resolution FB method to rapidly acquire cine images was also evaluated. The reproducibility and accuracy of the trigger delay obtained using the rapid calibration scanning process were assessed before its application to a real‐time feedback system. The real‐time trigger delay calibration system was then used to perform T1‐weighted, short‐axis imaging at the end of the cardiac systolic period. Linear regression analysis of the trigger times obtained using the SD method and a reference method indicated that the SD algorithm accurately identified the cardiac rest period (linear regression: slope = 0.94–1, R2 = 0.68–0.84). Group analysis showed that the number of pixels in the left ventricular blood pool in images acquired at the end‐systolic time calculated in real time was significantly lower than in those acquired 50 ms in advance or later (p < 0.01, paired t‐test). The low‐resolution FB imaging method was reproducible for the calibration scanning of an image in a vertical long‐axis slice position (average SD of trigger times, 16–39 ms). Combined with rapid FB calibration scanning, the real‐time feedback system accurately adjusted the trigger delay for T1‐weighted short‐axis imaging. The real‐time feedback method is rapid and reliable for trigger time calibration, and could facilitate cardiac imaging during routine examination. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stepping accuracy and visuomotor control among older adults: effect of target contrast and refractive blur

Older adults have increased visual impairment, including refractive blur from presbyopic multifocal spectacle corrections, and are less able to extract visual information from the environment to plan and execute appropriate stepping actions; these factors may collectively contribute to their higher risk of falls. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of refractive blur and target visibility on the stepping accuracy and visuomotor stepping strategies of older adults during a precision stepping task.
Hepatic uptake of beta-VLDL in cholesterol-fed rabbits.

The hepatic uptake of intravenously injected beta-very low density lipoprotein (beta-VLDL) in rabbits fed 2% (w/w) cholesterol for 3 weeks was investigated. In vitro studies were also conducted to examine the specificity and the capacity of the uptake in isolated liver parenchymal cells. The hepatic uptake of beta-VLDL was 15.8 +/- 6.7% (n = 6) in the cholesterol-fed rabbits as compared to 26.6 +/- 7.5% (n = 6) of the injected dose in control rabbits (P < 0.05). Although this is a fractional reduction, it represents a more than 10-fold increase in absolute hepatic uptake of lipoproteins in the cholesterol-fed rabbits. In these animals the liver parenchymal, endothelial, and Kupffer cells took up 10.2 +/- 2.7%, 3.0 +/- 0.9%, and 1.8 +/- 0.4% of the injected dose, respectively, compared to 25.9 +/- 6.1%, 3.6 +/- 1.6%, and 1.5 +/- 0.8% of the injected dose in chow-fed controls. However, taking into account the high plasma lipoprotein levels in the cholesterol-fed rabbits, the absolute cellular uptake was 10-fold increased in the parenchymal liver cells and more than 20-fold increased in the nonparenchymal cells. In vitro results indicated a 40% down-regulation of the specific receptor for beta-VLDL in the parenchymal cells, and this, together with an increased competition for binding sites in the hypercholesterolemic rabbits, probably explains the reduced uptake of beta-VLDL in terms of % of injected dose observed in vivo. In vitro data suggested that the receptor involved in both hypercholesterolemic and normolipemic rabbits was the apolipoprotein (apo) B,E receptor. On a per cell basis, parenchymal cells from chow-fed control animals took up 2.4 +/- 0.8% of the injected dose per 10(9) cells; this uptake was reduced to 1.1 +/- 0.5% in hypercholesterolemic animals. No differences in uptake of beta-VLDL in nonparenchymal liver cells were observed on a per cell basis between the two feeding groups, indicating that binding sites involved in this uptake are not down-regulated by cholesterol feeding. On the contrary, the absolute uptake in the nonparenchymal liver cells is greatly increased in hypercholesterolemic rabbits as compared to controls. In cholesterol-fed rabbits the three different liver cell types took up approximately the same amount of beta-VLDL per cell. The liver nonparenchymal cells, therefore, assume a prominent role in uptake of beta-VLDL in hypercholesterolemic rabbits, accounting for more than 30% of the total hepatic uptake as compared to 16% in control animals. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Ovine toxoplasmosis

SUMMARY Congenital infection with Toxoplasma gondii is an important cause of abortion in sheep worldwide. The cat is the definitive host of the parasite, and infected cats may shed millions of oocysts in their faeces resulting in extensive environmental contamination and an important source of infection for grazing herbivorous animals. Studies looking at development of specific antibodies in sheep, as an indicator of exposure to T. gondii, have shown that there is an increase in seroprevalence associated with age indicating that most infections in sheep occur following birth. The stage of gestation when transplacental transmission of T. gondii to the developing foetus occurs is critical in determining the clinical outcome. The importance of endogenous transplacental transmission in persistently infected ewes and its clinical importance is a subject of current debate. Ewes infected prior to mating develop immune responses that help protect against disease in a subsequent pregnancy and also against experimental challenge administered during pregnancy. Both innate and adaptive immune responses are activated following T. gondii infection and experiments involving the chronic cannulation of peripheral lymph nodes in sheep have allowed the dynamics of the immune responses to be analysed in real time. A live vaccine, Toxovax® is the only commercially available vaccine worldwide to protect against congenital toxoplasmosis.
Assessing the value of skin prick tests

Skin test materials vary in their potency and specificity. Although 3 mm reactions are often regarded as diagnostic of a type I allergy, a study based on 100 allergy clinic patients with food intolerance showed that thirteen out of fifteen patients with a 3 mm reaction to common inhalant allergens had no RAST‐detectable allergen‐specific IgE.
Analysis of the Relation Between Fresnel Zone and Path Loss Exponent Based on Two-Ray Model

In this letter, the underlying factor that leads to the change of path loss exponent n is investigated, using a reasonable and reliable indirect demonstration that is based on the simple two-ray model and a developed multiray model. It is found that the first Fresnel zone is the underlying factor that affects n. n will change only if the situation of the obstacles in the first Fresnel zone changes. The conclusion helps to understand the essences of the propagation.
The Psychoeducational Profile of Boys with Klinefelter Syndrome

Klinefelter syndrome (KS) affects about 1 in 900 males due to an extra X chromosome. Although there are no obvious physical features associated with childhood KS, many boys demonstrate a cognitive deficit in verbal processing. The first section of this article integrates the extant literature on intelligence and achievement outcomes in boys with KS. The second section presents our findings from a 20-year study involving one of the largest unselected cohorts of boys with KS. We followed 36 boys with KS and 33 sibling controls from 6 until 20 years of age. Boys with KS are shown to demonstrate a verbal cognitive deficit and significant underachievement in reading and spelling, as well as in arithmetic. These problems, which are evident from early school years, increase with age such that by late adolescence, boys with KS are four to five grade levels behind. In addition, we also found that they were most likely to have a generalized type of learning disability, with very few boys indicating a pure reading or pure arithmetic problem. They also showed deficits in written language skills and acquisition of knowledge-based subject material were also problematic. Despite significant underachievment and frequent grade failure, many boys with KS had completed high school, and a few were also pursuing postsecondary educations. The discussion section examines how their language-based disability affects comprehension and learning, leading to underachievement.
Herd behaviour and underdogs in the NFL

Previous research has failed to draw any clear conclusions about the efficiency of the billion-dollar gambling industry for National Football League (NFL) games. We build on previous research and expose a new market inefficiency, which is consistent with the well-documented notion of herd behaviour in behavioural finance. A differential strategy of betting on home and visitor underdogs with large closing lines can produce statistically significant positive returns.
Profiling of Oral and Nasal Microbiome in Children with Cleft Palate

Objective To identify the oral and nasal microbial profile of cleft palate children and control children and to reveal interrelationships between the microbiome and the high prevalence of infectious diseases. Design Saliva and nasal samples of 10 cleft palate children and 10 age-matched control children were analyzed. Total microbial genomic DNA was isolated, polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis was applied to obtain fingerprints, and selected bands on fingerprints were sequenced. Results The results revealed a significantly lower saliva microbial diversity in cleft children and a different microbial component in both saliva and nares in children with cleft palate. A higher component similarity between the oral and nasal samples was found in the cleft group than in the control group. Lautropia species and Bacillus species were significantly less present among the saliva samples of cleft group. Dolosigranulum species and Bacillus species were significantly fewer in the nasal cavity of cleft group. Streptococcus species became much more predominant in the nasal cavity of the cleft group than in that of the control group. Conclusions A disturbed ecological ecosystem is found in oral and nasal microbiome of children with cleft palate as a consequence of the abnormal communication between the two cavities. Further studies are needed to explore the relationship between the disturbed microbiome and diseases.
Knockout of the Tumor Suppressor Gene Gprc5a in Mice Leads to NF-κB Activation in Airway Epithelium and Promotes Lung Inflammation and Tumorigenesis

Mouse models can be useful for increasing the understanding of lung tumorigenesis and assessing the potential of chemopreventive agents. We explored the role of inflammation in lung tumor development in mice with knockout of the tumor suppressor Gprc5a. Examination of normal lung tissue and tumors from 51 Gprc5a+/+ (adenoma incidence, 9.8%; adenocarcinoma, 0%) and 38 Gprc5a−/− mice (adenoma, 63%; adenocarcinoma, 21%) revealed macrophage infiltration into lungs of 45% of the Gprc5a−/− mice and 8% of Gprc5a+/+ mice and the direct association of macrophages with 42% of adenomas and 88% of adenocarcinomas in the knockout mice. Gprc5a−/− mouse lungs contained higher constitutive levels of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines and were more sensitive than lungs of Gprc5a+/+ mice to stimulation of NF-κB activation by lipopolysaccharide in vivo. Studies with epithelial cells cultured from tracheas of Gprc5a−/− and Gprc5a+/+ mice revealed that Gprc5a loss is associated with increased cell proliferation, resistance to cell death in suspension, and increased basal, tumor necrosis factor α–induced, and lipopolysaccharide-induced NF-κB activation, which were reversed partially in Gprc5a−/− adenocarcinoma cells by reexpression of Gprc5a. Compared with Gprc5a+/+ cells, the Gprc5a−/− cells produced higher levels of chemokines and cytokines and their conditioned medium induced more extensive macrophage migration. Silencing Gprc5a and the p65 subunit of NF-κB in Gprc5a+/+ and Gprc5a−/− cells, respectively, reversed these effects. Thus, Gprc5a loss enhances NF-κB activation in lung epithelial cells, leading to increased autocrine and paracrine interactions, cell autonomy, and enhanced inflammation, which may synergize in the creation of a tumor-promoting microenvironment. Cancer Prev Res; 3(4); 424–37. ©2010 AACR.
Chenodeoxycholic Acid Administration Monitored by Serum Bile Acid Profiles: A Dose-Response Study

Serum bile acid analysis was used to monitor the bile acid composition of bile in 16 healthy male volunteers before and during the oral administration of different doses of the gallstone-dissolving bile acid, chenodeoxycholic acid. Daily chenodeoxycholic acid ingestion increased the percentage of this bile acid in bile to a new steady-state level after two to three weeks. Doses of 125, 250, 500, and 750 mg/day significantly increased the proportion of chenodeoxycholic acid in bile from 41% to 55, 61, 78, and 79 %, respectively, during the fourth week of ingestion. The results indicate that useful information concerning chenodeoxycholic acid-induced changes in the bile acid composition of bile can be obtained solely by serum bile acid analysis, and bile collection by duodenal intubation can be avoided.
Transcriptional regulation of changes in growth, cell cycle, and gene expression of Saccharomyces cerevisiae due to changes in buoyancy

To understand the cellular effects of magnetic traps requires independent analysis of the effects of magnetic field, gravity, and buoyancy. In the current study, buoyancy is manipulated by addition of Ficoll, a viscous substance that can create gradients of buoyancy without significantly affecting osmolality. Specifically, we investigated whether Ficoll induces concentration dependent changes in cell growth, cell cycle, and gene expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, with special attention paid to the neutrally buoyant concentration of 35% Ficoll. Cell growth and cell cycle analysis were examined in three strains: wild‐type (WT) yeast and strains with deletions in transcription factors Msn4 (Msn4Δ) or Sfp1 (Sfp1Δ). Changes in growth were observed in all three strains with WT and Msn4Δ strains showing strong concentration dependence. In addition, these changes in growth were supported by changes in the cell cycle of all three strains. Gene expression changes were observed in seven GFP‐reporter strains including: SSA4, YIL052C, YST2, Msn4ΔSSA4, Sfp1ΔSSA4, Msn4ΔYIL052C, and Sfp1ΔYIL052C. Buoyancy forces had selective concentration dependent effects on gene expression of SSA4 and YIL052C with transcription factor dependence on Msn4. Additionally, SSA4 expression was dependent on Sfp1. YST2 gene expression was not dependent on changes in buoyancy force. This study shows that buoyancy has selective and concentration dependent effects on growth, cell cycle and gene expression, some of which are Msn4 and Sfp1 dependent. For the first time, SSA4 gene expression is shown to be dependent on Sfp1 and YIL052C gene expression is dependent on Msn4. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2008;100: 334–343. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Creating Ubiquitous Intelligent Sensing Environments (CRUISE)

The recent developments in the research and the technology have brought attention to the wireless sensor networks as one of the key enabling technologies in the next 10 years. Ubiquitous Intelligent Sensing Environments have promising future in supporting the everyday life of the European citizens, bringing important social benefits for each person and for the society as a whole. Taking into account the current fragmentation in the European research in this field, CRUISE Network of Excellence (NoE) intends to be a focal point in the coordination of research on communication and application aspects of wireless sensor networking in Europe. To make a significant contribution to the effectiveness of research, the consortium will evaluate, update and communicate the State-of-the-Art in wireless sensor networking (WSN) to the technical community, distilling a path from current technological status to a long term vision. This paper gives an overview of different research topics in WSN and its open issues.
Alpha-stable multichannel audio source separation

In this paper, we focus on modeling multichannel audio signals in the short-time Fourier transform domain for the purpose of source separation. We propose a probabilistic model based on a class of heavy-tailed distributions, in which the observed mixtures and the latent sources are jointly modeled by using a certain class of multivariate alpha-stable distributions. As opposed to the conventional Gaussian models, where the observations are constrained to lie just within a few standard deviations from the mean, the proposed heavy-tailed model allows us to account for spurious data or important uncertainties in the model. We develop a Monte Carlo Expectation-Maximization algorithm for inferring the sources from the proposed model. We show that our approach leads to significant performance improvements in audio source separation under corrupted mixtures and in spatial audio object coding.
Mechanism of inhibition of the Drosophila and mammalian EGF receptors by the transmembrane protein Kekkon 1

The transmembrane protein Kekkon 1 (Kek1) has previously been shown to act in a negative feedback loop to downregulate the Drosophila Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (DER) during oogenesis. We show that this protein plays a similar role in other DER-mediated developmental processes. Structure-function analysis reveals that the extracellular Leucine-Rich Repeat (LRR) domains of Kek1 are critical for its function through direct association with DER, whereas its cytoplasmic domain is required for apical subcellular localization. In addition, the use of chimeric proteins between Kek1 extracellular and transmembrane domains fused to DER intracellular domain indicates that Kek1 forms an heterodimer with DER in vivo. To characterize more precisely the mechanism underlying the Kek1/DER interaction, we used mammalian ErbB/EGFR cell-based assays. We show that Kek1 is capable of physically interacting with each of the known members of the mammalian ErbB receptor family and that the Kek1/EGFR interaction inhibits growth factor binding, receptor autophosphorylation and Erk1/2 activation in response to EGF. Finally, in vivo experiments show that Kek1 expression potently suppresses the growth of mouse mammary tumor cells derived from aberrant ErbB receptors activation, but does not interfere with the growth of tumor cells derived from activated Ras. Our results underscore the possibility that Kek1 may be used experimentally to inhibit ErbB receptors and point to the possibility that, as yet uncharacterized, mammalian transmembrane LRR proteins might act as modulators of growth factor signalling.
Lossless Steganography Techniques for IP Telephony Speech Taking Account of the Redundancy of Folded Binary Code

can be employed for transmitting side information improving the performance of signal processing such as packet loss concealment and band extension of telephony speech. The previous studies employ LSB replacement technique for embedding steganogram information into speech data. Instead of such a lossy steganography technique, this study investigates the possibility of lossless steganography techniques for G.711 and DVI-ADPCM, the codecs employed in IP telephony services. The proposed techniques in this study exploit the redundancy of the folded binary code employed in these codecs for embedding steganogram information into speech data without degradation.