Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of AC and pulse voltage combination on surface charge accumulation and decay of epoxy resin

Epoxy resin is widely used in disc-type spacers of gas insulated switchgear (GIS). Surface flashover related to the existence of surface charge often occurs on the spacer, which is a great threat to the application of GIS and the safety of entire grid. Moreover, the influences on surface charge under pulse voltage produced by switch overvoltage, accompanying with the AC voltage, are still unclear. In order to research the comprehensive effect of AC and pulse voltage on surface charge, in this paper, epoxy resin sample was charged by a corona discharge system and the charge distribution was measured by an electrostatic voltmeter. The results are obtained from the research of different pulse amplitudes, pulse numbers and pulse polarities. The surface potential is a negative value after AC voltage applied for a period of time. When AC and negative pulse voltage are applied, smaller pulse voltage would push the original negative charges away. As a result, initial negative surface potential decreases. But bigger pulse voltage could increase the charge accumulation. When the pulse polarity becomes positive, surface potential at the sample center will be positive value at the beginning and then it gradually changes from positive to negative potential. In addition, the influence on surface charge decay rate will be enhanced with the increase of pulse number under the same pulse voltage. Trap energy distributions were used to analyze charge decay process in the last section.
I/O Induced Scalability Limits of Bioinformatics Applications

The growing size of sequence, protein and other biological databases results in an increased computational complexity of the analysis process. Often parallelization is the only solution to limit the turnaround time within reasonable limits. Most scalability studies focus on the parallel algorithm and the resulting communication and synchronization patterns of the implementations. In this paper we examine to what extend I/O bottlenecks limit the scalability on current and future architectures. We study the behavior of two different bioinformatics applications (THREADER, HMMER) and show that these applications are representatives of two different classes with distinct I/O profiles and demands.
Influence of pregnancy on the adipocytokine and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor pathways in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy donors and rheumatoid arthritis patients.

OBJECTIVE To identify candidate genes that are regulated by human pregnancy and have the potential to modulate rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease activity. METHODS Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy pregnant volunteers were analyzed using Affymetrix GeneChips at 4 time points (during the first, second, and third trimesters and 6 weeks postpartum). Based on the GeneChip data, target genes were further analyzed via real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) using PBMCs from healthy controls and RA patients. In order to determine the cellular source of the candidate gene messenger RNA (mRNA), monocytes and lymphocytes from healthy controls and RA patients were positively selected using magnetic beads, and their mRNA was analyzed by qPCR. RESULTS One-way analysis of variance identified 1,286 mRNAs that were differentially expressed with regard to the 4 time points. The changes became more pronounced as pregnancy progressed, and they were reversed postpartum. A subsequent pathway analysis suggested a regulatory role of pregnancy on the adipocytokine pathway as well as on the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathway. Of 19 preselected candidate genes, AKT3, SOCS3, FADS2, STAT1, and CD36 proved to be differentially regulated by pregnancy. In samples from RA patients, the differences were concordant with those in healthy controls but more pronounced. Both T lymphocytes and monocytes contributed to the regulated expression of these genes. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that normal human pregnancy leads to changes in the expression of several molecular pathways in PBMCs, which are reversed postpartum. Changes in RA patients, although concordant, exceed the levels observed in healthy controls. Genes of the adipocytokine and PPAR signaling pathways qualify as candidates for the modulation of RA disease activity during pregnancy.
Correcting the QT Interval for Changes in HR in Pre-clinical Drug Development

Summary Objectives: Estimation of possible cardiovascular side effects belongs to the safety assessment of every drug candidate. Drug-induced prolongation of the QT interval can result in life-threatening ventricular arrhythmia. In pre-clinical drug development, animal experiments are used to study this possible effect. Researchers have become aware that correction formulae derived for human beings are not applicable to animal experiments. Methods: We investigated some of the proposed models by comparing the outcomes of the analyses on the same data. The data was derived from telemetry measurements on Labrador dogs. We propose the use of both the correlation with heart rate (or RR interval) and a measure of predictive performance. As a sufficiently large number of observations were available, the data was subdivided into a training and a test set. The training set serves to estimate the respective parameters while the test set is used to determine the performance of the model. Here, a kind of PRESS statistic was used. Next, the models were considered for treated animals, using the estimated parameters. Both positive and negative controls were used. Conclusions: Most models under consideration performed quite well. These models eliminated the correlation for the most part and were reasonably predictive. Furthermore, they reliably differentiate between positive and negative controls. The next steps in identifying the best correction will be to consider additional compounds as well as other species to validate our current results.
The feasibility of a pragmatic distance‐based intervention to increase physical activity in lung cancer survivors

The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a pragmatic distance-based intervention designed to increase physical activity (PA) participation in lung cancer survivors. Fourteen lung cancer survivors were recruited via invitation from the State Cancer Registry to join a 12-week PA intervention of print materials paired with brief telephone follow-up. Outcome measures of feasibility, PA participation and quality of life (QoL) were assessed at baseline, post-intervention and follow-up via telephone interview. Eligibility, recruitment and attrition rates were 16%, 58% and 29% respectively. No adverse events were reported; however, pain scores worsened following the intervention (median change -3.6, IQR -8.0, 0.0). Average intervention adherence was 91% with low median ratings of participation burden (i.e., all items 1/7) and high trial evaluation (i.e., all items 7/7). Post-intervention, median change in self-reported moderate and vigorous PA was 84 min (IQR -22, 188), and several domains of QoL improved. However, for both of these outcomes, improvements were not maintained at follow-up. Our findings suggest that this pragmatic distance-based intervention was safe, had good adherence rates, and indicate potential for improving short-term PA and QoL in lung cancer survivors. Additional strategies are needed to improve other indicators of feasibility, particularly recruitment, retention and long-term maintenance of improvements. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registration: ACTRN12612000085875.
Categorical differences of hotel brand personality

Purpose This study aims to differentiate the brand personality of four basic hotel categories (e.g. limited-service, selected-service, full-service and luxury hotels) to draw an overall landscape of the lodging industry on symbolic attributes. Design/methodology/approach An online survey was conducted to assess the brand personality of eight popular hotel brands competing in the US market (two brands for each price category) by using Aaker’s (1997) brand personality scale. The categorical difference in brand personality was compared at both of the dimensional and individual trait level. Findings This study draws a picture of brand personality for four prevailing hotel categories in the US market. It suggests exciting luxury hotels, sincere select-service hotels and rugged limited-service hotels, but no distinctive personality for full-service hotels. This study positions the pros and cons of each hotel category. For instance, it shows at the dimensional level, full-service hotels advance select-service hotels in excitement but fall behind in sincerity. At the individual trait level, full-service hotels strike customers as contemporary, up-to-date and good-looking, but disappoint customers on the features like honest and wholesome. Practical implications This study informs hotel brand companies and hotel investors with the pros and cons of each hotel category to assist them to improve their marketing or investment strategies. Originality/value Although brand personality has been often used to assess hotel brand’s difference, it has been rarely used to capture the categorical difference. This study adds new insights to hotel banding practice by comparing different categories on symbolic attributes.
A Low Power CMOS Full-Band UWB Power Amplifier Using Wideband RLC Matching Method

This paper presents the design and implementation of a power amplifier for full-band UWB communication system by TSMC CMOS 0.18um technology. We use common source topology with an improved wideband RLC filter method and multilevel RLC matching method to achieve the wideband input/output matching and broadband power gain requirements. In order to increase the bandwidth, we also use both the cascade and cascade stage to increase the gain and gain flatness. Die-on-PCB measurements has shown this PA provides an average power gain of 10dB which from 3.1GHz-9GHz, average Pout_ldB of 0dBm in full-band(3.1GHz-10.6GHz), along with the power consumption of 25.2mW.
Measuring the Mental Health Status of a Population: a Comparison of the GHQ–12 and the SF–36 (MHI–5)

Background A comparison of the performance of the 5-item mental health dimension of SF–36 (MHI–5) with that of the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ–12) in a defined, non-patient population, using standard statistical tests. Methods A postal survey of 3000 patients aged 16–64 years was conducted. Patients were randomly selected from the practice lists of two general practices chosen to represent populations with different socio-economic characteristics. Results Considerable evidence was found for the internal consistency of both instruments (Cronbach's α 0.91 and 0.84 for GHQ–12 and the MHI–5 respectively) and for their construct validity in terms of distinguishing between groups with measured health differences. Both instruments showed a significant difference in the mean scores for men and women. In contrast to the GHQ–12, no correlation was found between age and score for the MHI–5. Both instruments were equally sensitive to socio-economic characteristics and to levels of social support The scores on the two instruments were highly correlated (Spearman rank correlation – 0.73). Conclusion The MHI–5 has comparable psychometric performance to the GHQ–12, and can be used to measure and compare mental health in defined populations. Operational advantages of the MHI–5 over the GHQ–12 are that it is in the public domain, is part of a general health measure (SF–36) and is shorter.
A Controlled Experiment to Evaluate the Use of a Time-Oriented Summary Medical Record

A randomized single-blind experiment was done in a medical subspecialty clinic in order to determine whether a flow-sheet type of summary medical record could validly serve as a means to communicate clinical information in the absence of the traditional medical record. Two groups of outpatient physician-patient encounters were compared: In the 68 study encounters (Group S), physicians were given a flow-sheet summary record with the option to receive the standard medical record if they desired; in the 27 control encounters (Group C), physicians were given the standard medical record plus the flow-sheet summary record. Fifty-nine per cent of study-group physicians did not choose to receive the full medical record. The study group was found not to differ (p = 0.013) from controls significantly with regard to the follow-up of clinical information as measured by pre- and post-encounter chart review. Physician providers in the study group were unable to detect by retrospective chart review overlooked clinical information with greater frequency than control group providers. We conclude that a flow-sheet type of summary medical record can serve as the sole source of clinical information in a substantial number of outpatient follow-up encounters in a medical subspecialty clinic without deterioration in the communication of clinical information.
Apligraf – a Living Human Skin Equivalent for the Treatment of Chronic Wounds

Apligraf, a manufactured living human skin equivalent, was the first true composite tissue analog to become commercially available. It has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of venous leg ulcers and diabetic foot ulcers. The tissue engineered bi-layered skin equivalent has both an epidermis and a dermis, which consist of keratinocytes and fibroblasts derived from neonatal foreskin and bovine collagen. The skin equivalent produces a great number of cytokines and growth factors and is immunologically well tolerated. The product is easy to handle in clinical use and can be applied in an outpatient setting.
Pediatric Primary Gram-Negative Nosocomial Bacteremia: A Possible Relationship With Infusate Contamination

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the potential contribution of “extrinsic” contamination of intravenous fluids in hospital bacteremia and infection. Design: Prospective cross-sectional survey of infusate contamination, December 1992 to December 1993. Setting: A pediatric department (1,500 admissions per year) in a general, urban teaching hospital, serving low-income patients. Samples and Patients: Infusate samples (0.5 to 1.0 mL) from the injection port used by the staff were taken for cultures from all febrile or septic patients in hospital wards. At least four samples were taken each day; if no febrile or septic patients were available, other patients were sampled at convenience. Results: A 6.8% positive culture rate (87 contaminates in 1,277 infusates) was obtained, without significant differences among the wards. Gram-negative organisms were recovered from 56 samples (62.9%), mainly of the tribe Klebsielleae (56.1%). Coagulase-negative staphylococci were isolated in 30 samples (33.7%). There was no significant difference between the febrile-septic group and the asymptomatic group in the rate of infusate contamination (P=.59). In eight patients, the same organisms were recovered from infusate and blood culture. The overall bacteremia rate was 2.5 per 100 discharges. Conclusions: Compared to previous reports, higher infusate contamination rates and different organisms (mainly gram-negative) were observed. In hospitals of underdeveloped countries, nosocomial infection control frequently is disregarded. Infusate contamination may be common and could lead to gram-negative bacteremia. In such settings, it seems advisable to perform surveillance studies to identify infusate contamination, because a single infusate contamination could be a signal for an epidemic.
Optimal home energy management integrating random PV and appliances based on stochastic programming

This paper presents an detailed study about the development of an integrative DR policy for the optimal home energy management system under stochastic environment. In this study, home appliances are classified into three categories and detailed modeling of all kinds of home appliances is given. Then, the optimal HEMS problem is formulated as a stochastic programming model considering the uncertainties of PV production and critical loads to minimize a customer's electricity cost. Monte Carlo simulation method is used to decompose the problem into a mixed integer linear programming problem. Finally, the proposed stochastic programming model is verified through numerical simulation. The simulation results show that the proposed stochastic DR model can reduce the effect of the uncertainties in residential environment on the electricity cost and obtain a better DR policy than the conventional deterministic model.
Despair at Full Employment: The Urgency of a Fairer Labor Market

There is a discrepancy between the alleged strong labor market with full employment and the many signs of anguish among the low-skilled members of the labor force. But this author argues that the official unemployment statistics are woefully inadequate and that the real unemployment rate in the fall of 2018 was closer to 7.4 percent of the labor force. Among those without a high school diploma, it was twice as high. The author argues that we need to restructure the labor market.
Interactions between Calmodulin, Adenosine A2A, and Dopamine D2 Receptors*

The Ca2+-binding protein calmodulin (CaM) has been shown to bind directly to cytoplasmic domains of some G protein-coupled receptors, including the dopamine D2 receptor. CaM binds to the N-terminal portion of the long third intracellular loop of the D2 receptor, within an Arg-rich epitope that is also involved in the binding to Gi/o proteins and to the adenosine A2A receptor, with the formation of A2A-D2 receptor heteromers. In the present work, by using proteomics and bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) techniques, we provide evidence for the binding of CaM to the A2A receptor. By using BRET and sequential resonance energy transfer techniques, evidence was obtained for CaM-A2A-D2 receptor oligomerization. BRET competition experiments indicated that, in the A2A-D2 receptor heteromer, CaM binds preferentially to a proximal C terminus epitope of the A2A receptor. Furthermore, Ca2+ was found to induce conformational changes in the CaM-A2A-D2 receptor oligomer and to selectively modulate A2A and D2 receptor-mediated MAPK signaling in the A2A-D2 receptor heteromer. These results may have implications for basal ganglia disorders, since A2A-D2 receptor heteromers are being considered as a target for anti-parkinsonian agents.
Achieving Sustainable Development Goals in MENA countries: an Analytical and Econometric Approach

This paper assesses the achievements and disparties toward SDGs in MENA countries in two-stage performance analysis. First, we use a descriptive approach and then a composite indicator ‘SDG achievement index’ (SDGI) for the social develoment in the the region through Principle Component Analysis weighting. After that, the analysis examines the coherence between this index and income per capita. The descriptive analysis and the composite indicator confirm the existence of disparties between the countries of the region in all components of social development. Furthermore, the results reveal consistency between the SDGI and GDP per capita for some countries and inconsistency for others.
Evaluation of Random Plasma Cortisol and the Low Dose Corticotropin Test as Indicators of Adrenal Secretory Capacity in Critically Ill Patients: A Prospective Study

It is unclear whether a random plasma cortisol measurement and the corticotropin (ACTH) test adequately reflect glucocorticoid secretory capacity in critical illness. This study aimed to determine whether these tests provide information representative of the 24 hour period. Plasma cortisol was measured hourly for 24 hours in 21 critically ill septic patients followed by a corticotropin test with 1 μg dose administered intravenously. Serum and urine were analysed for ACTH and free cortisol respectively. Marked hourly variability in plasma cortisol was evident (coefficient of variation 8–30%) with no demonstrable circadian rhythm. The individual mean plasma cortisol concentrations ranged from 286±59 nmol/l to 796± 83 nmol/l. The 24 hour mean plasma cortisol was strongly correlated with both random plasma cortisol (r2 0.9, P<0.0001) and the cortisol response to corticotropin (r2 0.72, P<0.001). Only nine percent of patients increased their plasma cortisol by 250 nmol/l after corticotropin (euadrenal response). However, 35% of non-responders had spontaneous hourly rises >250 nmol/l thus highlighting the limitations of a single point corticotropin test. Urinary free cortisol was elevated (865±937 nmol) in both corticotropin responders and non-responders suggesting elevated plasma free cortisol. No significant relationship was demonstrable between plasma cortisol and ACTH. We conclude that although random cortisol measurements and the low dose corticotropin tests reliably reflect the 24 hour mean cortisol in critical illness, they do not take into account the pulsatile nature of cortisol secretion. Consequently, there is the potential for erroneous conclusions about adrenal function based on a single measurement. We suggest that caution be exercised when drawing conclusions on the adequacy of adrenal function based on a single random plasma cortisol or the corticotropin test.
Implementation on the FPGA of DTC-SVM Based Proportional Integral and Sliding Mode Controllers of an Induction Motor: A Comparative Study

The conventional direct torque control (DTC), based on the hysteresis controllers and the switching table, operates with a variable switching frequency, which decreases the conventional DTC performances, like the torque and flux ripples. Thus, the space vector modulation (SVM), used in the DTC, ensures a constant switching frequency and improves the DTC performances. The first aim of this paper is to present a comparison study between the DTC with an SVM (DTC-SVM) based on the Proportional Integral regulators (DTC-SVM-PI) and the DTC-SVM based on the sliding mode controllers (DTC-SVM-SMC). These two approaches are complex control algorithms which require faster micro-controllers; therefore the second objective of this paper is to present the implementation of the DTC-SVM-PI and the DTC-SVM-SMC on the Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), due to the parallel processing capability of the FPGAs. The two approaches are designed and simulated using the Xilinx System Generator (XSG) and implemented using an FPGA Virtex 5. The simulation results in the transient behavior and the steady state of the induction motor controlled by these two approaches are compared and discussed. The hardware FPGA implementation results show the effectiveness of the FPGA relative to the digital signal processor in terms of execution time.