Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modulation Scheme Analysis for High-Efficiency Three-Phase Buck-Type Rectifier Considering Different Device Combinations

The three-phase buck-type rectifier features a step-down ac-dc conversion function, smaller filter size, inrush current limiting capability, and potential for high efficiency, where its switching loss is dependent on the modulation scheme and the specific semiconductors used. In this paper, three different device combinations are compared through experiments on their switching characteristics for the buck rectifier application. It is shown that the switching performance of two series-connected devices becomes worse than a single device due to the superposition of the nonideal semiconductor characteristics. Moreover, the switching loss in the commutation between two switches is usually higher than the one in the commutation between a switch and the freewheeling diode. Taking into consideration both types of commutations, the switching loss of the buck rectifier is then modeled and the analytical equations are derived for four space vector modulation schemes. According to the analysis, each modulation scheme has its own field for high-efficiency application. The most advantageous modulation scheme is identified in this paper for each of the device combinations investigated.
Throughput-Based MAC Layer Handoff in WLAN

We propose a MAC layer handoff mechanism for IEEE 802.11 WLAN to give benefit to bandwidth-greedy applications at STAs. In order to find an optimal AP, we investigate a new measurement method called TFC (Transient Frame Capture) to estimate the achievable throughput from APs. Since TFC is employed under promiscuous mode, it avoids service degradation through the current associated AP. In addition, the mechanism is a client-only solution which does not require any modification on APs. We develop an analytic model for the throughput estimation and demonstrate it through experimental studies.
Reconfigurable Hardware Accelerators: Opportunities, Trends, and Challenges

With the emerging big data applications of Machine Learning, Speech Recognition, Artificial Intelligence, and DNA Sequencing in recent years, computer architecture research communities are facing the explosive scale of various data explosion. To achieve high efficiency of data-intensive computing, studies of heterogeneous accelerators which focus on latest applications, have become a hot issue in computer architecture domain. At present, the implementation of heterogeneous accelerators mainly relies on heterogeneous computing units such as Application-specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), and Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). Among the typical heterogeneous architectures above, FPGA-based reconfigurable accelerators have two merits as follows: First, FPGA architecture contains a large number of reconfigurable circuits, which satisfy requirements of high performance and low power consumption when specific applications are running. Second, the reconfigurable architectures of employing FPGA performs prototype systems rapidly and features excellent customizability and reconfigurability. Nowadays, in top-tier conferences of computer architecture, emerging a batch of accelerating works based on FPGA or other reconfigurable architectures. To better review the related work of reconfigurable computing accelerators recently, this survey reserves latest high-level research products of reconfigurable accelerator architectures and algorithm applications as the basis. In this survey, we compare hot research issues and concern domains, furthermore, analyze and illuminate advantages, disadvantages, and challenges of reconfigurable accelerators. In the end, we prospect the development tendency of accelerator architectures in the future, hoping to provide a reference for computer architecture researchers.
Expected Emittance Growth and Beam Tail Repopulation-From Errors at Injection into the LHC

The preservation of the transverse emittance of the proton beam at injection into the LHC is crucial for luminosity performance. The population of the beam tails is also important for beam losses and collimation. The transfer and injection process is particularly critical in this respect, and several effects can contribute to the expected emittance increase and tail repopulation, like optical and geometrical mismatch, injection offsets and coupling, etc. The various effects are described, together with the tolerance limits on the parameters, and the expected contributions evaluated analytically where possible. The emittance growth and tail distributions are also simulated numerically using realistic errors. The implications for the tolerances on the matching of the transfer lines are discussed.
IDENTIFICATION OF TWO NEW β-THALASSEMIA SPLICE MUTATIONS: IVS-I-1 (G → C) AND IVS-I (−2) (A → C)

b-Thalassemia (thal) is a common hereditary anemia caused by mutations that reduce or abolish expression from the b-globin genes. More than 180 different b-thal mutations have been reported, the vast majority of which are point mutations or small insertions=deletions within the b-gene (1). b-Thal is most common among populations originating from regions of the world where malaria is or has been endemic, including the Mediterranean Basin, the Middle East, Africa, the Indian subcontinent, and Southeast Asia. Relatively small numbers of common b-thal mutations can be found for each high-risk population, thereby facilitating efficient strategies for mutation detection. In heterogeneous multicultural populations such as Canada, mutation screening must accommodate a broader spectrum of mutations. Here we report two cases of high Hb A2 b-thal trait, due to previously unreported mutations involving the IVS-I donor splice sequences. Both patients are 20-year-old Canadian women whose ethnic backgrounds are uncertain. Patient #1 had a history of thalassemia trait on her mother’s side of the family, which was of Italian descent. She was pregnant at the time of examination and her hematology results were as follows: Hb 8.6 g=dL, MCV 72.7 fL, MCH 22.5 pg, MCHC HEMOGLOBIN, 26(1), 87–89 (2002)
Enhanced Availability of Drivetrain Through Novel Multiphase Permanent-Magnet Machine Drive

This paper deals with a novel multiphase permanent-magnet (PM) machine drive to enhance drivetrain availability in electric traction applications. It describes the development of new winding configurations for six-phase PM brushless machines with 18 slots and eight poles, which eliminate and/or reduce undesirable space harmonics in the stator magnetomotive force. In addition to improved power/torque density and efficiency with a reduction in eddy current loss in rotor PMs and copper loss in end-windings, the developed winding configuration also enhances availability of drivetrain, in a variety of applications requiring a degree of fault tolerance, by employing it as two independent three-phase windings in a six-phase interior-PM machine, which is designed and optimized for a given set of specifications for an electric vehicle, under thermal, electrical, and volumetric constraints. This paper also describes the design and development of a six-phase inverter with independent control for both sets of three-phase windings. The designs of the motor and the inverter are validated by a series of preliminary tests on the prototype machine drive.
Evaluation of the RapID CB Plus System for Identification of Coryneform Bacteria and Listeriaspp

ABSTRACT In a stress test, the recently introduced RapID CB Plus system (Remel Inc. [formerly Innovative Diagnostic Systems], Norcross, Ga.) was challenged with a diverse set of gram-positive rods comprising 345 strains of coryneform bacteria and 33 strains of Listeriaspp. representing a total of 49 different taxa. Overall, within 4 h, the system correctly identified 80.9% of the strains on the species level and 12.2% of the strains on the genus level. Only 3.7% strains were misidentified, and for 3.2% of the strains no identification was provided. Difficulties with the system were mainly due to occasional uncertainties in reading reactions for acid production from carbohydrates and, to a lesser extent, aminopeptidase reactions. It is concluded that the system may also perform well under the conditions of a routine clinical laboratory.
Time limits in a two-tier unemployment benefit scheme under involuntary unemployment

The consequences of introducing or tightening time limits on the receipt of high unemployment benefits are studied in a shirking model. Stricter time limits have an ambiguous impact on the net wage, and changes of utility levels of employed workers and recipients of high unemployment benefits have the same sign as the variation in the net wage. The utility differential between the two groups of unemployed shrinks. The relative income position of skilled workers moves in the same direction as the net wage of unskilled workers. When access to high benefits is denied for shirkers who are caught, stricter time limits may decrease employment.
A selective decision-fusion rule for cooperative spectrum sensing using energy detection

Increasing the number of terminals in a cognitive radio network is known to improve the accuracy of cooperative spectrum sensing at the cost of reducing the useful communication time. This downside can be partially mitigated using decision-based fusion and/or sequential reporting. This paper proposes a novel selective decision-based cooperative spectrum sensing strategy that limits the reporting time to a single reporting slot with a possibility for retransmissions using automatic repeat request. The terminal with the highest energy estimate sends its local decision to the fusion center to make a final decision. Potential decoding errors are mitigated using threshold-based automatic repeat request. The performance of the proposed strategy is studied using rigorous mathematical analysis and intensive computer simulations. Results show observable performance enhancements compared with some benchmark strategies in terms of detection accuracy and agility. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Flow Cytometric Detection of Pathogenic E. coli in Food

E. coli O157:H7 is one of the more important food pathogens, andrapid, quantitative methods to evaluate foods for the presence of this pathogen are needed. This unit provides exactly that: a very much simplified flow cytometric assay for detection of E. coli O157:H7 in a well established vehicle of infection, ground beef. The method uses commercially available FITC‐conjugated specific antibody to this bacterial serotype. Sample preparation and bacterial enrichment procedures are described. Direct and indirect approaches for quantification of the number of bacteria are given. A key feature of the assay is the reduction in time compared with plate‐counting methods; the tradeoff is a slight reduction in sensitivity. Particularly useful is the simultaneous inclusion of a spiked sample to ensure a positive control. In addition, the unit provides hints on sorting the organisms if desired.
Neuropsychiatric correlates of traumatic brain injury (TBI) among Australian prison entrants

Primary objective: To investigate the association between reported past traumatic brain injury (TBI) and demographic, neuropsychiatric and criminographic parameters among individuals recently received into custody. Research design: A random sample of men recently received into the New South Wales (Australia) criminal justice system were screened for a history of TBI and the details of up to five separate TBI episodes were obtained. We also screened for depression, psychosis, personality disorder, drug and alcohol use, and ‘social connectedness’. Main outcome and results: Among the 200 study participants, 82% reported past TBI. TBI was associated with a history of engagement in contact sports, school expulsion, daily illicit drug use, depression and psychosis. Conclusions: Past TBI is common among prisoners entering the criminal justice system and, amongst other correlates, appears to be highly associated with increased rates of major mental illness.
New Evidence for Middle Bronze Age Chronology and Synchronisms in the Levant: Radiocarbon Dates from Tell el-Burak, Tell el-Dabʿa, and Tel Ifshar Compared

We report a set of radiocarbon data for the Middle Bronze Age monumental building at Tell el-Burak in Lebanon, dating it to the 19th century b.c., and summarize the relevant archaeological information concerning the stratigraphy and dating of the building. The radiocarbon data from Tell el-Burak is consistent with the high Middle Bronze Age radiocarbon dates recently reported for Tell el-Dabʿa in the eastern Nile Delta and with radiocarbon dates for Middle Bronze Age Tel Ifshar in the coastal plain of Israel. A comparison of these radiocarbon dates questions the current (low) Middle Bronze Age absolute chronology of the southern Levant, which is largely based on the stratigraphic sequence of Tell el-Dabʿa. Due to open questions in the archaeological dating of Tell el-Dabʿa, we argue against using a single site as a main reference for dating the Middle Bronze Age in the Levant and argue for adopting a comprehensive and independent approach based on archaeological, historical, and radiocarbon evidence from all relevant sites.
Inspiratory CO2 increases orthostatic tolerance during repeated tilt.

INTRODUCTION The partial pressure of end tidal CO2 (PetCO2) is known to decrease with head-up tilt. Decreases in arterial CO2 reduce cerebral blood flow (CBF) and may increase the incidence of presyncope. We measured cerebral and central cardiovascular responses to repeated tilt where: 1) PetCO2 was allowed to change with tilt (eucapnic): and 2) PetCO2 was clamped at supine levels (isocapnic). METHODS In eight healthy subjects breath-by-breath measurements were made of ventilation (VE) and PetCO2 along with beat-by-beat measurements of blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR) and middle cerebral artery mean flow velocities (MFV). Following 30-min in the supine position, a series of six 10-min 90 degrees head-up tilts were performed, with 30-s of supine between each. Presyncopal subjects were returned immediately to the supine position. RESULTS Statistical comparisons were made between the supine, and the first and last minute of the first tilt. BP, HR responses were not different between the eu- and isocapnic conditions; however, by the end of the first tilt VE was significantly higher than supine. MFV and BP at brain level decreased and HR increased from supine to tilt. MFV was higher in the isocapnic compared with the eucapnic condition but decreased from the beginning to the end of the first tilt in both conditions (i.e., tilt #1: eucap. 49.4 to 46.7; isocap. 65.0 to 59.6 cm s(-1); p < 0.05) while the BP remained constant. Five subjects were presyncopal in the study. With isocapnic tilt, presyncopal time was not reduced but was extended in four of the five subjects (2.2, 5.5, 6.3 and 31 min) yet at presyncope the values for MFV, BP and HR were the same in both conditions. CONCLUSIONS Inspiratory CO2 contributed to increased MFV at the beginning of tilt and increased orthostatic tolerance.
Sub-millimetre wave material characterization

In this paper the material characterization at sub-millimetre wave frequencies facility recently developed at the European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESA-ESTEC) to complement existing antenna ranges is presented. By means of a Quasi Optical test bench, transmission/reflection measurements from 50 to 500 GHz are performed. Complex material parameters are then calculated from transmission measurements. As a first experimental campaign and in support to industry the transmission properties of several energetic materials (C4, RDX, TNT, PETN and Semtex-H) and barrier materials have been measured and material parameters extracted.
Morphology and Efficiency: The Case of Polymer/ZnO Solar Cells

The performance of polymer solar cells critically depends on the morphology of the interface between the donor‐ and acceptor materials that are used to create and transport charge carriers. Solar cells based on poly(3‐hexylthiophene) and ZnO were fully characterized in terms of their efficiency and three‐dimensional (3D) morphology on the nanoscale. Here, we establish a quantitative link between efficiency and morphology by using the experimental 3D morphology as direct input for a 3D optoelectronic device model. This model includes the effects of exciton diffusion and quenching; space‐charge; recombination, generation, drift and diffusion of charge carriers; and the injection/extraction of carriers at the contacts. The observed trend in internal quantum efficiency as a function of layer thickness is reproduced with a single set of parameters. Several morphological aspects that determine the internal quantum efficiency are discussed and compared to other organic solar cells. This first direct use of morphological data in an optoelectronic device model highlights the importance of morphology in solar cells.
An integrative approach for using multidisciplinary design optimization in AEC

Multidisciplinary Design Optimization (MDO) has the potential to increase the economic and environmental performance of buildings. However, the application of MDO in building design requires a specific method and procedure. To describe this method, this paper first surveys the relevant aspects with regard to their compatibility to the quantitative mathematical form of optimization. These considerations lead to an interactive procedure of design modeling and optimization. To realize this procedure, the next section describes how the optimization model is set up embedded in the building model. This integrative approach extends the static structure of build models to a dynamic model including information on analysis, variation, and evaluation. An exemplary hall design serves to illustrate the application of the proposed methods and to discuss the information gain by optimization. This allows to draw conclusions on how the described integrative method uses MDO as a tool for exploring the design space and for supporting the decision-making process.
Permutation optimization for SIMD devices

Single-instruction-multiple-data (SIMD) devices have been widely incorporated into baseline instruction level parallelism (ILP) processors to enable more efficient data level parallelism (DLP) support. This paper addresses the unsolved problem of the need to permute the SIMD elements packed in registers for maximum parallelism performance. An implicit data permutation (IDP) mechanism is proposed for handling various permutation operations without performance overhead. Various ways can be used to implement IDP mechanism. One way is to modify the baseline processors with permutation vector register file (PVRF) and associated new extended instructions. The PVRF allows accessing the data by using permutation pattern in addition to the existing row pattern. This method is described in detail and experimental results show that distinct performance speedup can be achieved, which is 47% higher than current SIMD techniques on average.
Search Engine Result Page with Visual Context and Already Rendered Snippets

Search engine result pages, aka SERP, provide page titles, URLs, and text based snippets of the searched pages. These help users to decide to click or not each searched page. Text based snippets, however, are different from the real page rendered by web browsers, after a user clicks one of the searched pages, the user may see an unexpected one. Even if the page is the expected one, the user cannot find immediately where the information they want to know is described in the page. In this paper, we propose visual patch, which is provided as a graphical snippet in SERP and is rendered by web browsers already. Visual patch is a visual context based snippet, not a thumbnail of the whole web page in a smaller size, and is trimmed around the occurrence of the query keyword in the same size as the original page rendered by web browsers. Users can see the layouts around the keyword and read the concrete text just before clicking the searched pages. Thus visual patch in SERP shows not web pages which may include the information users want to know, but the information they want to know or not.
Protective immunity to influenza: lessons from the virus for successful vaccine design

Evaluation of: Ichinohe T, Lee HK, Ogura Y, Flavell R, Iwasaki A. Inflammasome recognition of influenza virus is essential for adaptive immune responses. J. Exp. Med. 206(1), 79–87 (2009). The development of an effective influenza vaccine would require the ability to protect against infection with multiple influenza viral strains. In particular, mucosal and T-cell-mediated immunity may offer a more cross-reactive vaccine approach for the prevention of epidemic or potentially pandemic influenza. Thus, it is imperative to more fully understand the molecular events that occur in the host upon infection with a live virus and, in particular, to better evaluate the role of the distinct signaling pathways involved in developing protective immune responses. The paper under evaluation here introduces the notion that activation of caspase-1 inflammasomes in the hematopoietic cells in vivo are required for the establishment of Th1, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte and IgA responses to influenza virus infection.
Modeling the Attachment of Lightning Dart and Dart-Stepped Leaders to Grounded Objects

Attachment of downward subsequent dart leaders has been recently proposed as a possible mechanism of lightning damage of wind turbine blades. Since subsequent dart and dart-stepped leaders propagating after the first lightning discharge are one-to-two orders of magnitude faster than downward stepped leaders, the direct evaluation of the dart leader interception by upward connecting leaders from the turbine has not been attempted before. In this paper, the self-consistent leader inception and propagation model SLIM is used to evaluate the lightning attachment process of subsequent dart leaders by accounting the rapid changing electric fields produced by their fast descent toward the ground. For this, an improved evaluation of the charge per unit length required to thermalize the upward connecting leader is derived. The analysis considers upward connecting leaders propagating along the preheated channel of a prior discharge. Three study cases of lightning attachment of dart leaders and dart-stepped leader reported in rocket-triggered lightning experiments are evaluated. It is shown that reasonable predictions of the length, duration, and velocity of positive upward connecting leaders can be obtained with SLIM in agreement with the experimental results. Further research on upward leader discharges necessary to improve the modeling of attachment of dart lightning leaders is discussed.
The Use of Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Management of Foot and Ankle Conditions

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) contains growth factors derived from venous blood. Bone marrow concentrate (BMC) is an analogous platelet-rich product that is generated from bone marrow aspirate and might have the added advantage of containing mesenchymal stem cells. The active growth factors are platelet-derived growth factor, transforming growth factor β, vascular endothelial growth factor, hepatocyte growth factor, fibroblast growth factor, and epidermal growth factor. It is probable that a multitude of factors and cells play a role in inducing healing of hard or soft tissues that have been acutely or chronically injured or diseased. PRP can be used alone or in conjunction with surgical reconstruction to achieve better healing of tissues. Our group has treated 634 patients with PRP or BMC for nonunions, malunions, arthritis, malalignments, tendinopathies, tendon ruptures, plantar fasciitis, fractures, or ligament injuries that were performed in a variety of healthy and unhealthy patients. Overall, the results were favorable with very limited morbidity. In general, healing was more complete and rapid compared with historic norms, but failures can still occur. Condition-specific retrospective and prospective studies are underway to further establish the role of PRP in foot and ankle conditions and reconstructions.