Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analyzing the impacts of plug-in electric vehicles on distribution networks in British Columbia

The impact of uncontrolled charging of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) on distribution networks is investigated using a probabilistic approach based on Monte Carlo simulations. A model simulating daily residential and commercial electrical demand estimates the existing demand on the networks. A PEV operator model simulates the actions of drivers throughout a typical day to estimate the demand for vehicle charging. Three networks are studied that are typical of suburban, urban and rural networks, respectively. The analysis is focused on peak demand increases, secondary transformer overloading and voltage drops in the networks. PEV charging significantly increases the peak demand on all networks causing larger voltage drops and increasing the probability of transformer overloading.
Chemically induced forestomach papillomas in transgenic mice carry mutant human c-Ha-ras transgenes.

Forestomach papillomas and skin papillomas were induced very efficiently by a single dose administration of the chemical carcinogen methylnitrosourea (MNU) in transgenic mice (rasH2 line) carrying human hybrid c-Ha-ras genes, which encode the prototype p21 gene product. The incidence of forestomach papillomas was dose dependent; when 50 mg/kg of MNU were administered i.p., all of the transgenic mice (56 of 56) developed forestomach papillomas within 12 weeks after administration, whereas 5 and 0.5 mg/kg of MNU induced papillomas in 2 of 19 and 1 of 19 mice, respectively. Nine of 56 transgenic mice (16%) also developed skin papillomas at sites wounded by bites or scratches. Only 1 of 77 nontransgenic littermates developed forestomach papillomas after administration of 50 mg/kg of MNU, and no skin papillomas appeared within 12 weeks after MNU administration. The transgenes (integrated copy number, 5-6) in the tumors developed in 55 of 56 affected transgenic mice (98%) contained at least 1 copy of the transgene that was activated by somatic point mutation at the 12th codon, from GGC (Gly) to GAC (Asp). Because somatic point mutations at the 12th or 61st codon of transgenes have never been detected in normal tissues of transgenic mice thus far examined, these mutational activations of transgenes are tumor-specific events. RNA expression of these activated transgenes was also detected. From these results, it is suggested that somatic mutational activation of the human c-Ha-ras transgene plays a causative role in the occurrence of forestomach and skin papillomas induced by MNU administration in these transgenic mice. This transgenic mouse provides a unique screening system for chemicals that induce or suppress papillomagenesis.
Cognitive function in the community setting: the neighbourhood as a source of ‘cognitive reserve’?

Background Existing research has found a positive association between cognitive function and residence in a socioeconomically advantaged neighbourhood. Yet, the mechanisms underlying this relationship have not been empirically investigated. Objective To test the hypothesis that neighbourhood socioeconomic structure is related to cognitive function partly through the availability of neighbourhood physical and social resources (eg, recreational facilities, community centres and libraries), which promote cognitively beneficial activities such as exercise and social integration. Methods Using data from a representative survey of community-dwelling adults in the city of Chicago (N=949 adults aged 50 and over), cognitive function was assessed with a modified version of the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status instrument. Neighbourhood socioeconomic structure was derived from US census indicators. Systematic social observation was used to directly document the presence of neighbourhood resources on the blocks surrounding each respondent's residence. Results Using multilevel linear regression, residence in an affluent neighbourhood had a net positive effect on cognitive function after adjusting for individual risk factors. For white respondents, the effects of neighbourhood affluence operated in part through a greater density of institutional resources (eg, community centres) that promote cognitively beneficial activities such as physical activity. Stable residence in an elderly neighbourhood was associated with higher cognitive function (potentially due to greater opportunities for social interaction with peers), but long term exposure to such neighbourhoods was negatively related to cognition. Conclusions Neighbourhood resources have the potential to promote ‘cognitive reserve’ for adults who are ageing in place in an urban setting.
Algorithmic Accountability Reporting: On the Investigation of Black Boxes

I'm indebted to a number of people who were generous with their time in providing feedback and helping me to think through and shape the ideas presented here. I'm grateful to those whom I interviewed about their experience reverse engineering stories, including and Cliff Stein, whose collective feedback greatly improved the work. I've also benefited from the intellectual environment at the Tow Center at Columbia University, created by Emily Bell and Taylor Owen, the helpful feedback from other Tow Fellows, and the copyediting of Abigail Ronck. Any mistakes left are on me. 1 " We should interrogate the architecture of cyberspace as we interrogate the code of Congress. " – Lawrence Lessig
Using LINQ as a universal tool for defining architectural assertions

We demonstrate that Microsoft LINQ can be used as a convenient tool to define architectural assertions. We introduce an abstract model of software based on a directed multigraph and formalize the notion of software architecture and architectural assertions. We demonstrate how Microsoft Visual Studio can be harnessed to extract the architecture of a given software project and append it with assertions using LINQ notation. In particular we explain the flow of data processing that takes place within Visual Studio engine. We follow with examples of assertions selected to demonstrate the expressive power of our approach. We conclude by showing subsequent areas of research worth following in order to deepen the research indicated in this paper.
Subtypes of learning and memory on the California Verbal Learning Test–Second Edition (CVLT–II) in the standardization sample

The purpose of this study was to determine representative, core profile subtypes of learning and memory, based on four variables representing different latent constructs, in the standardization sample of the California Verbal Learning Test–Second Edition (CVLT–II; Delis, Kramer, Kaplan, & Ober, 2000). Two-stage cluster analysis identified six reliable subtypes. Variability in both level and pattern of performance contributed to the differentiation of these subtypes. Level of education was meaningfully related to variability in overall performance of the subtypes. Implications for the interpretation of CVLT–II findings obtained in clinical practice are discussed.
The gender pay gap and son preference: evidence from India

Abstract This study explores the role of the gender pay gap in explaining the downward trend in son preference in India. This hypothesis is based on the underlying theory that parents allocate more resources to male children because the expected returns are higher for male relative to female children. However, rising relative earnings of women in India may increase the expected returns to investing in girls, and ultimately help to lower son preference in general. Using data from the 2005–2006 National Family and Health Survey (NFHS) and the 2004 Integrated Public Use Microdata Series-International (IPUMS-International), we construct a gender pay gap measure from exogenous labor demand to identify the effect on reported son preference among men and women. Regression results confirm that reducing the gender pay gap helps lower son preference among men and women.
A deletional frameshift mutation in spectrin β‐gene associated with hereditary elliptocytosis in spectrin Napoli

Summary. We studied a clinically manifest. dominantly transmitted elliptocytosis in an Italian family. We found a new spectrin variant, designated spectrin Napoli. Its β‐chain was truncated in its C‐terminal region (apparent MW 216kD. It its C‐terminal region (apparent MW 216kD. It displayed a low expression level (15%). There was a 8 nt deletion; CTTTTGAGAAGT → CTGT (nt 62556262), starting after condon 2053. This deletion was followed by a 54nt (18 amino acids missense sequence and terminated by the TGA triplet which normally overlaps codons 2074 and 2075 (CTTGAG0. The overall length of the mutrated β‐chain was comparable to that found in spectrin Nice, spectrin Tokyo and spectrin Tandil, which are other variants with truncated β‐chains; however, a distinct nonsense codon was used in spectrin Napoli.
Connecting the Dots: Measuring Effectiveness and Affectiveness in Software Systems

The summary presented in this paper highlights the results obtained in a four-years project aiming at analyzing the development process of software artifacts from two points of view: Effectiveness and Affectiveness. The first attribute is meant to analyze the productivity of the Open Source Communities by measuring the time required to resolve an issue, while the latter provides a novel approach for studying the development process by analyzing the affectiveness expressed by developers in their comments posted during the issue resolution phase. Affectivenes is obtained by measuring Sentiment, Politeness and Emotions.
Recutting the cornea versus lifting the flap: comparison of two enhancement techniques following laser in situ keratomileusis.

PURPOSE To evaluate enhancement techniques following laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). METHODS Recutting was performed on 263 eyes and the flap was lifted in 55 eyes that had LASIK for simple myopia or myopic astigmatism. The time interval between LASIK and retreatment was 340+/-46 days (range, 270 to 892 days) in the recutting group and 215+/-36 days (range, 53 to 617 days) in the flap lifting group. Mean spherical equivalent refraction, refractive cylinder, uncorrected and best spectacle-corrected visual acuity were examined prior to, and 1, 3, and 6 months after retreatment. RESULTS Seventeen eyes were lost to follow-up in the lifting group and 53 eyes in the recutting group. In the recutting group, mean spherical equivalent refraction improved from -1.48+/-1.25 D to -0.49+/-0.88 D at 6 months. In the flap lifting group, mean spherical equivalent refraction improved from -1.05+/-1.49 D to -0.45+/-0.39 D at 6 months. Refractive cylinder did not change significantly in either group (P = .2). There was a significant increase in uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) of 6/6 in each group. In the recutting group, UCVA of 6/6 increased from 3.8% to 65.2% at 6 months, and in the lifting group from 3.6% to 71.1% at 6 months. In the recutting group, seven free flaps and three macerated flaps that required removal occurred. One eye in the recutting group and two in the lifting group developed significant epithelial ingrowth. No patient lost more than one line of best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA). CONCLUSION Both procedures were safe, effective, and highly predictable for enhancements, but flap complications may be more likely with recutting.
7th HUPO World Congress: The Human Disease Glycomics/Proteomics Initiative (HGPI) Session 17 August 2008, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

The Human Disease Glycomics/Proteomics Initiative (HGPI) Session was held on August 17, 2008, at the HUPO World Congress in Amsterdam. Reports were made on the progress of the first and second analytical pilot studies to profile N‐ and O‐linked glycan structures of standard glycoproteins utilizing laboratories from around the world. In addition, recent advances in glycan structural analyses were presented, including the use of O‐linked glycan libraries of standards, use of negative mode nano‐LC‐MS for O‐linked glycan analysis, and identification of aberrant O‐glycosylation of IgA1 as a cause of IgA nephropathy. A report was made of a newly discovered lectin, malectin, which appears to function in the folding/quality control of glycoproteins with N‐linked glycans and may regulate several human disorders whose etiology involves protein quality control in the ER. The major glycan ligand for malectin was identified using a novel printed glycan microarray. Advances in the analysis of the genes that are associated with glycan expression and recognition – the glycotranscriptome – were described, as well as technologies to determine the relative quantitation of N‐ and O‐linked glycans from as few as 2×106 cells. These technologies are being applied to identify potential biomarkers of stem and cancer cells.
The variability of gasoline demand in Cameroon

ABSTRACT In this study, three models were used and historical data were considered for the years 1994–2013 to estimate short- and long-run price and income elasticities of gasoline demand in Cameroon. All three models produce significant estimates with price elasticity ranging between −1.433 and −0.151, while income elasticities range between 0.179 and 1.801. As it is the case in other developing countries where gasoline elasticities have been reported, consumers are highly inelastic in the short run whereas elasticities are greater than unity in the long run. This shows that gasoline demand in the long run is principally determined by the pace of economic activity. These results are in accordance with findings in three other African countries with comparable demographics to that of Cameroon. The results are useful in implementing policies aimed at regulating gasoline demand through price changes.
Phase-Only Speech Reconstruction Using Very Short Frames

This paper aims to investigate potentials existing in speech phase spectrum. We observed that the window shape and scale incompatibility error (SIE) are two important factors which deeply influence the quality of phase-only reconstructed speech. After evaluating effects of different windows, we found Chebyshev window with dynamic range of 25 to 30 dB the best option. Inspiring from Hilbert transform relations, we removed the SIE and found the reason for quality improvement of ordinary phase-only reconstructed speech by frame length extension. Results show that phase spectrum, even in very short frame lengths such as 16 ms, can be highly informative.
Metformin for weight loss and metabolic control in overweight outpatients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to determine whether metformin promotes weight loss in overweight outpatients with chronic schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. METHOD In a double-blind study, 148 clinically stable, overweight (body mass index [BMI] ≥27) outpatients with chronic schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder were randomly assigned to receive 16 weeks of metformin or placebo. Metformin was titrated up to 1,000 mg twice daily, as tolerated. All patients continued to receive their prestudy medications, and all received weekly diet and exercise counseling. The primary outcome measure was change in body weight from baseline to week 16. RESULTS Fifty-eight (77.3%) patients who received metformin and 58 (81.7%) who received placebo completed 16 weeks of treatment. Mean change in body weight was -3.0 kg (95% CI=-4.0 to -2.0) for the metformin group and -1.0 kg (95% CI=-2.0 to 0.0) for the placebo group, with a between-group difference of -2.0 kg (95% CI=-3.4 to -0.6). Metformin also demonstrated a significant between-group advantage for BMI (-0.7; 95% CI=-1.1 to -0.2), triglyceride level (-20.2 mg/dL; 95% CI=-39.2 to -1.3), and hemoglobin A1c level (-0.07%; 95% CI=-0.14 to -0.004). Metformin-associated side effects were mostly gastrointestinal and generally transient, and they rarely led to treatment discontinuation. CONCLUSIONS Metformin was modestly effective in reducing weight and other risk factors for cardiovascular disease in clinically stable, overweight outpatients with chronic schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder over 16 weeks. A significant time-by-treatment interaction suggests that benefits of metformin may continue to accrue with longer treatment. Metformin may have an important role in diminishing the adverse consequences of obesity and metabolic impairments in patients with schizophrenia.
Comparison of Recombinant Tissue Factor Pathway Inhibitors Expressed in Human SK Hepatoma, Mouse C127, Baby Hamster Kidney, and Chinese Hamster Ovary Cells

Summary Recombinant tissue factor pathway inhibitor (rTFPI) has been expressed in four mammalian expression systems using human SK hepatoma, mouse C127, baby hamster kidney (BHK), and Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells as hosts. On sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, the immunoaffinity purified rTFPIs all show broad bands and the mean molecular weight of SK hepatoma and C127 rTFPIs (M r ~ 38,000) appear larger than those of BHK and CHO rTFPIs (M r ~ 35,000). All these proteins inhibit factor Xa and appear to bind factor Xa with 1:1 stoichiometry. The ability of these proteins to inhibit tissue factor-induced coagulation in plasma was examined using a prothrombin time assay. The relative activities of SK rTFPI:C127 rTFPI:BHK rTFPI:CHO rTFPI were found to be 28:15:2.1:1. By Western blot using specific antisera against the amino- and carboxy-termini of TFPI as probes, it is found that all the immunoaffinity purified rTFPIs possess approximately equal amounts of the amino terminus, but the C127 and BHK rTFPIs are deficient in carboxy terminus and the CHO rTFPI is essentially devoid of this region of the protein. Mono S chromatography allowed separation of the full-length and the truncated molecules with high and low anticoagulant activities, respectively. The above results suggest that proteolysis of the carboxy terminus of TFPI occurs to different extent when TFPI is expressed in different cells and that the carboxy terminal region of the TFPI molecule is important for the inhibition of tissue factor-induced coagulation. Recombinant and non-recombinant SK hepatoma cells appear to produce TFPI with the least amount of proteolysis compared with other cell systems tested and SK TFPI functionally resembles TFPI circulating in the blood.
The accuracy of the HRBF networks

A procedure for the construction of 3D surfaces from range data in real-time is here described and discussed. The main goal is to observe the accuracy of the reconstruction through the phases of the 3D model reconstruction. The process is based on the connectionist model, named hierarchical radial basis functions networks (HRBF), which has been proved effective in the reconstruction of smooth surfaces from sparse noisy points. The network goal is to achieve a uniform reconstruction error, equal to measurement error, by stacking non-complete grids of Gaussians at decreasing scales. The HRBF properties allow reconstructing meshes from range data in real-time.
Adaptation of a hexapod-based robotic system for extended endoscope-assisted transsphenoidal skull base surgery.

OBJECTIVE To adapt a hexapod-based robotic system for use in extended endoscope-assisted transsphenoidal skull base surgery. METHODS A robotic system (Evolution 1, Universal Robot Systems, Schwerin, Germany) based on a hexapod design with an attached seventh axis is used as instrument holder. The instrument interface is operated via a joystick control. An endoscope is applied to the instrument interface, which is tracked by a navigation system (Stealth, Medtronic, USA). RESULTS The instrument holder was modified so that it could be applied in transsphenoidal surgery. Furthermore, translation and pivoting movements of the system were implemented, also a quick change between microscope and robotic-controlled endoscope was made possible. After extensive phantom testing two patients with large invasive pituitary adenomas were operated on using the robotic endoscope assistance during transsphenoidal surgery. The robotic assistance allowed the use of two additional instruments under endoscopic view. For example, drilling, suctioning, application of punches, as well as microsurgical tumor removal could be performed under endoscopic view. CONCLUSION A robotic system could be adapted for use in endoscope-assisted transsphenoidal skull base surgery allowing simultaneous use of two instruments under endoscopic view. This opens new possibilities to extend transsphenoidal skull base surgery.
Aberrant intrinsic brain activity and cognitive deficit in first-episode treatment-naive patients with schizophrenia

Background Given the important role of the default mode network (DMN) in cognitive function and the well-known neurocognitive deficit in schizophrenia, it is intriguing to examine systematically the relationship between neurocognitive dysfunction and aberrant intrinsic activities, and also functional connectivity, of the DMN in patients with schizophrenia. Method First-episode, treatment-naive patients with schizophrenia (FES) (n = 115) and healthy controls (n = 113) underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans and neurocognitive tests. Intrinsic neural activities evaluated by using the fragment amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (fALFF) and the resting-state functional connectivity assessed by seed-based correlational analysis were compared between patients and controls. Aberrant intrinsic activities and DMN connectivity in patients were then correlated to neurocognitive performance and clinical symptoms. Results Compared to controls, patients with FES showed decreased fALFF in the bilateral medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) and the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), and increased fALFF in the bilateral putamen. Increased functional connectivity with the DMN was observed in the left insula and bilateral dorsolateral PFC (DLPFC) in patients with FES. In patients, aberrant fALFF in the bilateral OFC were correlated with cognitive processing speed; fALFF in the left OFC and right putamen were correlated with the clinical factors excited/activation and disorganization; and increased DMN functional connectivity in the left insula was correlated with the clinical factors positive, excited/activation, disorganization and neurocognitive deficit in the domain of sustained attention. Conclusions These associations between neurocognitive dysfunction and aberrant intrinsic activities, and also functional connectivity, of the DMN in patients with schizophrenia may provide important insights into the neural mechanism of the disease.