Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Novel efficiency optimization control algorithm for single-sided linear induction motor

The particular structure of single-sided linear induction motor (SLIM), such as the cut-open magnetic circuit and the difference between primary and secondary width, would lead to longitudinal end-effect and transversal edge-effect. These end-effects could deteriorate the flux linkage and rotor resistance, which would increase the core loss, copper loss, and decrease the efficiency. Also due to the large air-gap length of SLIM, it suffers greatly from low efficiency, especially under lightly loaded conditions. In this paper, first, the distribution of flux density is analyzed by finite element algorithm (FEA) to investigate the influence of end-effects. Second, a novel model of SLIM is proposed to evaluate the influence of longitudinal end-effect and transversal edge-effect. Third, one improved efficiency optimization control (EOC) algorithm that takes copper loss and core loss into account, is presented. Simulations and analysis indicate that the proposed strategy can improve the LIM efficiency obviously in full range of speed with variable loads.
ATP-stimulated Release of Interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 Requires Priming by Lipopolysaccharide and Is Independent of Caspase-1 Cleavage*

Interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 are structurally similar proteins that require caspase-1 processing for activation. Both proteins are released from the cytosol by unknown pathway(s). To better characterize the release pathway(s) for IL-1β and IL-18 we evaluated the role of lipopolysaccharide priming, of interleukin-1β-converting enzyme (ICE) inhibition, of human purinergic receptor (P2X7) function, and of signaling pathways in human monocytes induced by ATP. Monocytes rapidly processed and released both IL-1β and IL-18 after exogenous ATP. Despite its constitutive cytosolic presence, IL-18 required lipopolysaccharide priming for the ATP-induced release. Neither IL-1β nor IL-18 release was prevented by ICE inhibition, and IL-18 release was not induced by ICE activation itself. Release of both cytokines was blocked completely by a P2X7 receptor antagonist, oxidized ATP, and partially by an antibody to P2X7 receptor. In evaluating the signaling components involved in the ATP effect, we identified that the protein-tyrosine kinase inhibitor, AG126, produced a profound inhibition of both ICE activation as well as release of IL-1β/IL-18. Taken together, these results suggest that, although synthesis of IL-1β and IL-18 differ, ATP-mediated release of both cytokines requires a priming step but not proteolytically functional caspase-1.
Global Liquidity and Commodity Prices - A Cointegrated VAR Approach for OECD Countries

This paper examines the interactions between money, consumer prices and commodity prices at a global level from 1970 to 2008. Using aggregated data for major OECD countries and a cointegrating VAR framework, we are able to establish long run and short run relationships among these variables while the process is mainly driven by global liquidity. According to our empirical findings, different price elasticities in commodity and consumer goods markets can explain the recently observed overshooting of commodity over consumer prices. Although the sample period is rather long, recursive tests corroborate that our CVAR fits the data very well.
Crystal Structure of a Cytochrome P450 2B6 Genetic Variant in Complex with the Inhibitor 4-(4-Chlorophenyl)imidazole at 2.0-Å Resolution

The structure of the K262R genetic variant of human cytochrome P450 2B6 in complex with the inhibitor 4-(4-chlorophenyl)imidazole (4-CPI) has been determined using X-ray crystallography to 2.0-Å resolution. Production of diffraction quality crystals was enabled through a combination of protein engineering, chaperone coexpression, modifications to the purification protocol, and the use of unique facial amphiphiles during crystallization. The 2B6-4-CPI complex is virtually identical to the rabbit 2B4 structure bound to the same inhibitor with respect to the arrangement of secondary structural elements and the placement of active site residues. The structure supports prior P450 2B6 homology models based on other mammalian cytochromes P450 and is consistent with the limited site-directed mutagenesis studies on 2B6 and extensive studies on P450 2B4 and 2B1. Although the K262R genetic variant shows unaltered binding of 4-CPI, altered binding affinity, kinetics, and/or product profiles have been previously shown with several other ligands. On the basis of new P450 2B6 crystal structure and previous 2B4 structures, substitutions at residue 262 affect a hydrogen-bonding network connecting the G and H helices, where subtle differences could be transduced to the active site. Docking experiments indicate that the closed protein conformation allows smaller ligands such as ticlopidine to bind to the 2B6 active site in the expected orientation. However, it is unknown whether 2B6 undergoes structural reorganization to accommodate bulkier molecules, as previously inferred from multiple P450 2B4 crystal structures.
BLUE WHALE VISUAL AND ACOUSTIC ENCOUNTER RATES IN THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA BIGHT

The relationship between blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) visual and acoustic encounter rates was quantitatively evaluated using hourly counts of detected whales during shipboard surveys off southern California. Encounter rates were estimated using temporal, geographic, and weather variables within a generalized additive model framework. Visual encounters (2.06 animals/h, CV = 0.10) varied with subregion, Julian day, time of day, and year. Acoustic encounters of whales producing pulsed A and tonal B call sequences (song; 0.65 animals/h, CV = 0.06) varied by Julian day, survey mode (transit or stationary), and subregion, and encounters of whales producing downswept (D) calls (0.41 animals/h, CV = 0.09) varied by Julian day and the number of animals seen. Inclusion of Julian day in all models reflects the seasonal occurrence of blue whales off southern California; however, the seasonal peak in visual encounters and acoustic encounters of D calling whales (July‐August) was offset from the peak in acoustic encounters of singing whales (August‐September). The relationship between visual and acoustic encounter rates varied regionally, with
Wireless monitoring of post-operative respiratory complications

Respiratory complications may occur in post-operative patients but are often difficult to detect due to the lack of a well-tolerated and reliable monitoring method. We have developed a wireless accelerometer-based device that measures chest wall rotations due to breathing and has been shown to provide an accurate measure of respiratory rate in a clinical setting, when validated against rates obtained from nasal pressure. This paper describes a method for detecting instances of respiratory problems due to physical airway obstruction and central nervous system (CNS) respiratory depression using a combination of nasal pressure and chest wall rotation signals in gynaecological patients during the first night after surgery. Waxing and waning of breath amplitude and irregularity of breath length are found to be useful indicators. A clinical study involving 19 post-operative patients shows that the proposed method is able to detect and distinguish between both forms of respiratory complications.
Labour Values and the Theory of the Firm, Part I: The Competitive Firm

This paper is the first part of a Marxian critique of the theory of the firm, focusing on the analysis of labour values. Starting from Adam Smith's example of the deer hunter marginal analysis is introduced, culminating in the derivation of the Labour Value Function as the supply curve of the competitive firm in terms of labour values. The analysis is based on a new definition of labour value, which is Marxian in spirit and respects explicitly production conditions and by this becomes an integral part of modern mathematical optimization methods not found in Marx. The analysis offers a further development and coherent interpretation of Marx's value theory. The analysis is limited to the case of the competitive firm.Zusammenfassung: Dieser Aufsatz ist der erste Teil einer marxistischen Kritik der mikrookonomischen Theorie der Unternehmung in dessen Zentrum die Analyse von Arbeitswerten steht. Beginnend mit Adam Smiths Beispiel des Wildjagers wird die Marginalanalyse eingefuhrt, kulminierend in der Ableitung der Arbeitswertefunktion als der Angebotskurve einer Unternehmung unter vollstandiger Konkurrenz, deren Funktionswerte Arbeitseinheiten sind. Die Analyse basiert auf einer neuen Definition des Arbeitswertes, die in ihrer Genesis marxistisch ist und ausdrucklich die Produktionsbedingungen berucksichtigt und dadurch modernen Methoden der mathematischen Optimierung gerecht wird, die bei Marx nicht vorkommen. Die Analyse ist somit eine Weiterentwicklung und koharente Interpretation der Marxschen Werttheorie. Die Analyse ist beschrankt auf den Fall der Unternehmung in der vollstandigen Konkurrenz.
Relevance of SOX17 Variants for Hypomyelinating Leukodystrophies and Congenital Anomalies of the Kidney and Urinary Tract (CAKUT)

The SRY‐BOX17 gene (SOX17) encodes a transcription factor playing a key role in different developmental processes including endoderm formation, cardiac myogenesis, kidney/urinary development and differentiation of oligodendrocytes, the brain myelinating cells. In a candidate gene approach, we analyzed the SOX17 gene in hypomyelinating leukodystrophies (HL) characterized by a permanent deficit in the amount of central nervous system myelin. Five genes are involved in the aetiology of HL but 40% of HL remains without known genetic origin (UHL). New sequence variations in SOX17 were identified but all correspond to nonpathogenic variants, suggesting that SOX17 is not involved in UHL phenotype. In one patient, we identified the c.775T>A (p.Tyr259Asn) variation already reported as causative of congenital kidney and urinary tract abnormalities (CAKUT). Nevertheless, since our patient did not present such a phenotype, we propose that this variant may alternatively represent an “at‐risk” allele for CAKUT rather than a causative allele. This observation strengthens the idea that caution must be taken when linking genetic variation to disease, especially in discrete phenotypes such as CAKUT.
Carpal tunnel syndrome pain treated with low-level laser and microamperes transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation: A controlled study.

OBJECTIVE To investigate whether real or sham low-level laser therapy (LLLT) plus microamperes transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS) applied to acupuncture points significantly reduces pain in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). DESIGN Randomized, double-blind, placebo-control, crossover trial. Patients and staff administered outcome measures blinded. SETTING Outpatient, university-affiliated Department of Veterans Affairs medical center. PARTICIPANTS Eleven mild to moderate CTS cases (nerve conduction study, clinical examination) who failed standard medical or surgical treatment for 3 to 30 months. INTERVENTION Patients received real and sham treatment series (each for 3-4wk), in a randomized order. Real treatments used red-beam laser (continuous wave, 15mW, 632.8nm) on shallow acupuncture points on the affected hand, infrared laser (pulsed, 9.4W, 904nm) on deeper points on upper extremity and cervical paraspinal areas, and microamps TENS on the affected wrist. Devices were painless, noninvasive, and produced no sensation whether they were real or sham. The hand was treated behind a hanging black curtain without the patient knowing if devices were on (real) or off (sham). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) score, sensory and motor latencies, and Phalen and Tinel signs. RESULTS Significant decreases in MPQ score, median nerve sensory latency, and Phalen and Tinel signs after the real treatment series but not after the sham treatment series. Patients could perform their previous work (computer typist, handyman) and were stable for 1 to 3 years. CONCLUSIONS This new, conservative treatment was effective in treating CTS pain; larger studies are recommended.
Infection of the Laboratory Mouse with the Intracellular Pathogen Ehrlichia chaffeensis

ABSTRACT To determine the basis of susceptibility and resistance to human monocytic ehrlichiosis (HME), immunocompetent and immunocompromised mice were infected with Ehrlichia chaffeensis and bacterial loads were measured by PCR and by immunohistochemistry. Immunocompetent (C.B-17 and C57BL/6) mice cleared the bacteria within 10 days, but immunocompromised SCID and SCID/BEIGE mice developed persistent infection in the spleen, liver, peritoneal cavity, brain, lung, and bone marrow and became moribund within 24 days. Both immunocompromised strains lack T and B lymphocytes, but the SCID/BEIGE strain is also deficient in natural killer (NK) cell function. During advanced stages of disease, the infections were associated with wasting, splenomegaly, lymphadenopathy, liver granulomas and necroses, intravascular coagulation, and granulomatous inflammation. Histochemical and immunohistochemical localization studies confirmed the presence of bacteria in tissues, and viable bacteria were cultured from infected animals. The data reveal that T and/or B cells play an essential role during resistance of immunocompetent mice to infection with E. chaffeensis and demonstrate the utility of immunocompromised mice as an experimental model for the study of HME.
Contrasting academic and lay press print coverage of the 2013-2016 Ebola Virus Disease outbreak

Under a traditional paradigm, only those with the expected background knowledge consume academic literature. The lay press, as well as government and non-government agencies, play a complementary role of extracting findings of high interest or importance and translating them for general viewing. The need for accurate reporting and public advising is paramount when attempting to tackle epidemic outbreaks through behavior change. Yet, public trust in media outlets is at a historic low. The Crisis and Emergency Risk Communication (CERC) model for media reporting on public health emergencies was established in 2005 and has subsequently been used to analyze media reporting on outbreaks of influenza and measles as well as smoking habits and medication compliance. However, no media analysis had yet been performed on the 2013–2016 Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak. This study compared the EVD information relayed by lay press sources with general review articles in the academic literature through a mixed-methods analysis. These findings suggest that comprehensive review articles could not serve as a source to clarify and contextualize the uncertainties around the EVD outbreak, perhaps due to adherence to technical accuracy at the expense of clarity within the context of outbreak conditions. This finding does not imply inferiority of the academic literature, nor does it draw direct causation between confusion in review articles and public misunderstanding. Given the erosion of the barriers siloing academia, combined with the demands of today’s fast-paced media environment, contemporary researchers should realize that no study is outside the public forum and to therefore consider shifting the paradigm to take personal responsibility in the process of accurately translating their scientific words into public policy actions to best serve as a source of clarity.
Memory function in psychiatric patients over sixty, some methodological and diagnostic implications.

1. The aim of the research is to examine the relationship of certain aspects of mental functioning to the psychiatric illnesses of old age. The present paper has attempted to attack the problem of differential “memory function” by examining the discriminating power of certain test results as between “functional”, “doubtful” and “organic” groups of elderly patients. 2. The design of the present study shows that spuriously positive results may arise from inadequate control over factors contributing to the selection of the criterion groups. 3. The investigation fails to confirm, for the patients tested, the diagnostic usefulness of certain tests in common use. 4. The results fail to confirm the predictions of “Ribot's Law” as applied to memory in these elderly patients. 5. The study shows significant differences between the means of the results of the psychiatric groups on some tasks which appear to involve “memory function”. These differences cannot be accounted for merely in terms of group differences in general intelligence. The nature of the possible underlying “memory function” remains to be further examined. 6. The investigation so far shows that the best discrimination between the groups is achieved by a simple perceptual task (Bender Gestalt). 7. The study fails to show differences between groups on any of the tests which are sufficiently great to enable these tests to be immediately employed as useful diagnostic instruments.
Gradual refinement types

Refinement types are an effective language-based verification technique. However, as any expressive typing discipline, its strength is its weakness, imposing sometimes undesired rigidity. Guided by abstract interpretation, we extend the gradual typing agenda and develop the notion of gradual refinement types, allowing smooth evolution and interoperability between simple types and logically-refined types. In doing so, we address two challenges unexplored in the gradual typing literature: dealing with imprecise logical information, and with dependent function types. The first challenge leads to a crucial notion of locality for refinement formulas, and the second yields novel operators related to type- and term-level substitution, identifying new opportunity for runtime errors in gradual dependently-typed languages. The gradual language we present is type safe, type sound, and satisfies the refined criteria for gradually-typed languages of Siek et al. We also explain how to extend our approach to richer refinement logics, anticipating key challenges to consider.
A Modified Principal Component Technique Based on the LASSO

In many multivariate statistical techniques, a set of linear functions of the original p variables is produced. One of the more difficult aspects of these techniques is the interpretation of the linear functions, as these functions usually have nonzero coefficients on all p variables. A common approach is to effectively ignore (treat as zero) any coefficients less than some threshold value, so that the function becomes simple and the interpretation becomes easier for the users. Such a procedure can be misleading. There are alternatives to principal component analysis which restrict the coefficients to a smaller number of possible values in the derivation of the linear functions, or replace the principal components by “principal variables. ” This article introduces a new technique, borrowing an idea proposed by Tibshirani in the context of multiple regression where similar problems arise in interpreting regression equations. This approach is the so-called LASSO, the “least absolute shrinkage and selection operator,” in which a bound is introduced on the sum of the absolute values of the coefficients, and in which some coefficients consequently become zero. We explore some of the properties of the new technique, both theoretically and using simulation studies, and apply it to an example.
Proteins of rough microsomal membranes related to ribosome binding. II. Cross-linking of bound ribosomes to specific membrane proteins exposed at the binding sites

Two proteins (ribophorins I and II), which are integral components of rough microsomal membranes and appear to be related to the bound ribosomes, were shown to be exposed on the surface of rat liver rough microsomes (RM) and to be in close proximity to the bound ribosomes. Both proteins were labeled when intact RM were incubated with a lactoperoxidase iodinating system, but only ribophorin I was digested during mild trypsinization of intact RM. Ribophorin II (63,000 daltons) was only proteolyzed when the luminal face of the microsomal vesicles was made accessible to trypsin by the addition of sublytical detergent concentrations. Only 30--40% of the bound ribosomes were released during trypsinization on intact RM, but ribosome release was almost complete in the presence of low detergent concentrations. Very low glutaraldehyde concentrations (0.005--0.02%) led to the preferential cross-linking of large ribosomal subunits of bound ribosomes to the microsomal membranes. This cross-linking prevented the release of subunits caused by puromycin in media of high ionic strength, but not the incorporation of [3H]puromycin into nascent polypeptide chains. SDS- acrylamide gel electrophoresis of cross-linked samples a preferential reduction in the intensity of the bands representing the ribophorins and the formation of aggregates which did not penetrate into the gels. At low methyl-4-mercaptobutyrimidate (MMB) concentrations (0.26 mg/ml) only 30% of the ribosomes were cross-linked to the microsomal membranes, as shown by the puromycin-KCl test, but membranes could still be solubilized with 1% DOC. This allowed the isolation of the ribophorins together with the sedimentable ribosomes, as was shown by electrophoresis of the sediments after disruption of the cross-links by reduction. Experiments with RM which contained only inactive ribosomes showed that the presence of nascent chains was not necessary for the reversible cross-linking of ribosomes to the membranes. These observations suggest that ribophorins are in close proximity to the bound ribosomes, as may be expected from components of the ribosome- binding sites.
Landscapes of Literacy: The Challenges of Reading Cree-English Dual Language Picture Books as a Decolonizing Strategy

The article theorizes the possibilities of a decolonizing methodology in a reading of David Bouchard’s Cree-English dual language picture books Nokum is My Teacher and The Drum Calls Softly. Paulo Freire’s (1971) call to educators to become teacher-learners and Luis Urrieta Jr.’s (2007) concept of figured worlds as they relate to forms of identity work to inform the reading. The article suggests that not only can dual language picture books be read as social documents, but also that reading these texts as a decolonizing strategy provides opportunity for dialogic engagement across cultural boundaries. Keywords : Cree; education; decolonizing pedagogy; dual language texts; picture books; language revitalization
Validation of a Flow Cytometry Based Binding Assay for Evaluation of Monoclonal Antibody Recognizing EGF Receptor

An ideal test used to characterize a product must be appropriate for the measurement of product quality, manufacturing consistency, product stability, and comparability studies. Flow cytometry has been successfully applied to the examination of antibodies and receptors on membrane surfaces; however, to date, the analytical validation of cytometry based assays is limited. Here we report on the validation of a flow cytometry-based assay used in the evaluation of nimotuzumab binding to cells over-expressing EGFR on cell surface. The assay was validated by examining, assay robustness, specificity, repeatability and intermediate precision. The assay was highly specific, robust for all studied factors except for cell fixation with 1% paraformaldehyde and met criteria for precision with RSD < 2%. In addition the assay has stability-indicating properties evidenced by the ability to detect changes in mAb degraded samples. Most importantly, the assay demonstrated to be useful for its intended use.