Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Process variability and its effect on plant performance

This report presents the preliminary findings of a research study to determine the factors which enable a manufacturing plant to simultaneously achieve high labour productivity, fast, reliable delivery and high quality consistency. The conclusions are based on analysis of a database containing details of 953 manufacturing plants in the UK. Based on the performance measures mentioned above, a composite performance measure was calculated for each plant in the database. The plants were then divided into groups of high performers, medium performers and low performers. Using statistical analysis, those differences between the high and low‐performing plants that were significant were identified. The main factors differentiating high‐performing plants from the rest were those associated with low process variability, high schedule stability and more reliable deliveries by suppliers.
Resident choice and the survey process: the need for standardized observation and transparency.

PURPOSE To describe a standardized observation protocol to determine if nursing home (NH) staff offer choice to residents during 3 morning activities of daily living (ADL) and compare the observational data with deficiency statements cited by state survey staff. DESIGN AND METHODS Morning ADL care was observed in 20 NHs in 5 states by research staff using a standardized observation protocol. The number of observations in which choice was not offered was documented for 3 morning ADL care activities and compared with deficiency statements made by surveyors. RESULTS Staff failed to offer choice during morning ADL care delivery for at least 1 of 3 ADL care activities in all 20 NHs. Observational data showed residents were not offered choice about when to get out of bed (11%), what to wear (25%), and breakfast dining location (39%). In comparison, survey staff issued only 2 deficiencies in all 20 NHs relevant to choice in the targeted ADL care activities, and neither deficiency was based on observational data. IMPLICATIONS Survey interpretative guidelines instruct surveyors to observe if residents are offered choice during daily care provision, but standardized observation protocols are not provided to surveyors to make this determination. The use of a standardized observation protocol in the survey process similar to that used by research staff in this study would improve the accuracy and transparency of the survey process.
Delay-Dependent Stability for Load Frequency Control With Constant and Time-Varying Delays

Load frequency control (LFC) requires transmitting measurements from remote RTUs to control center and control signals from the control center to plant side. Constant delays exist in the conventional dedicated communication channels, while the future usage of open communication networks will introduce time-varying delays. Those delays would degrade the dynamic performance of LFC and in the worst case, cause instability. The maximal delay time which allows an LFC scheme embedded with controllers to retain stable is defined as the delay margin. This paper investigates the delay-dependent stability of the LFC scheme by using Lyaponuv-theory based delay-dependent criterion and linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) techniques. Case studies are carried out based on one-area and multi-area LFC schemes installed with proportional-integral (PI) controllers, respectively. Relationship between the gains of PI controller and the delay margin of the LFC scheme are investigated and results obtained can be used to tune the PI controllers to achieve a compromise between the dynamic performance and the delay margin. Both constant and time-varying delays are considered. The effectiveness of the criterion used is verified by simulation studies.
FUNCTIONAL CHARACTERISTICS OF PEYER'S PATCH LYMPHOID CELLS

Peyer's patches from normal mice contain antigen-sensitive B and T cells, but lack the accessory adherent cell type(s) required both for the induction of humoral immune responses and for the induction of allograft reactions against cell surface alloantigens. Immune responsiveness can be restored to cultures of Peyer's patch cells by the addition of either APEC or ME. Peyer's patch B cells can be specifically induced by antigen to synthesize humoral antibody. Peyer's patch T cells can cooperate in B-cell induction and can be induced to mediate an allograft reaction against an allogeneic stimulus. Peyer's patch lymphoid aggregates appear to be a storehouse of antigen-sensitive cells sequestered in such a way as to lack an accessory cell type or factor required for induction,
In vitro inhibition and induction of human cytochrome P450 enzymes by SIPI5357, a potential antidepressant

This study investigated the in vitro drug–drug interaction potential of SIPI5357, an arylalkanol‐piperazine derivative used in the treatment of depression. Drug–drug interaction occurs via inhibition or induction of enzymes involved in their metabolism. In human liver microsomes, SIPI5357 showed the strongest inhibition of CYP2D6, followed by CYP3A4 (testosterone) and CYP2C8. Inhibition was observed in a concentration‐dependent manner, with IC50 values of 18.45 µM, 36.63 µM (CYP3A4/testosterone), 89.23 µM, respectively. SIPI5357 was predicted not to cause significant metabolic drug–drug interaction via inhibition of CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2E1 or CYP3A4 (midazolam) because the IC50 values for these enzymes were both >100 µM (200 times maximum plasma concentration [Cmax]). SIPI5357 showed a mixed model inhibition of CYP2D6 (Ki = 11.12 µM). The value of [I]/Ki for CYP2D6 inhibition by SIPI5357 is below the FDA cut‐off value of 0.1; it is therefore reasonable to assume that SIPI5357 will not cause significant CYP2D6 inhibition. However, positive controls (50 µM omeprazole and 25 µM rifampin) caused the anticipated CYP induction, but the highest concentration of SIPI5357 (5 µM; 10 times plasma Cmax) had a minimal effect on CYP1A2 and CYP3A4 mRNA levels in freshly isolated human hepatocytes, suggesting that SIPI5357 is not an inducer of these enzymes. However, significant induction of CYP2B6 was observed at 0.5 µM and 5 µM. In conclusion, SIPI5357 might cause drug–drug interaction via induction of CYP2B6. The in vivo drug–drug interaction potential deserves further investigation. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Alliances: Why Write Them Down?

States formalize some relations into military alliances. A formal commitment could increase credibility by signaling an intention to come to the aid of another state or by creating commitment by altering the costs and benefits of such intervention. In this review, I lay out three considerations in a decision to intervene in a war. Signals require some costs to trasmit information, and I examine some possible costs in alliances. A state's willingness to intervene could be enhanced by audience costs for failure to honor a commitment. Neorealist arguments about alliances are flawed in asserting that security is a public good and in failing to realize that all states have both status quo and revisionist interests. This review surveys a number of smaller topics in alliances—the tradeoff between arms and allies, burden sharing, alliance management and duration, nonsecurity benefits, and domestic politics.
esolution in the ApoTome and the confocal laser canning microscope : comparison rwed

rwed Weigel etlev Schild ndré Zeug* niversity of Göttingen epartment of Neurophysiology and Cellular Biophysics umboldtallee 23 7073 Göttingen, Germany and eutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft-Research Center for the Molecular Physiology of the Brain FZT 103 öttingen, Germany Abstract. The essential feature of the confocal laser scanning microscope cLSM is the generation of optical sections by the removal of out-of-focus light. About ten years ago, structured illumination microscopy SIM was introduced as an alternative method for obtaining optical sections from biological specimens. Here we compare the resolution of the ApoTome commercial SIM by Zeiss to that achieved by a cLSM Zeiss LSM 510 . If fluorescent beads are used as test objects, then the ApoTome will achieve a lower axial resolution than the cLSM. In contrast to that, its lateral resolution scores slightly better. If subresolution homogeneous fluorescent layers are used as test objects, then the ApoTome will achieve a higher axial resolution than the cLSM. The ApoTome’s axial resolution is homogeneous over the field-of-view while that of the cLSM changes markedly. Finally, the anisotropy of the ApoTome’s resolution was found to be negligible for standard applications while its capability to resolve fine structures within stained tissue slices is limited to one or two cell layers and thus worse than in the cLSM. © 2009 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers. DOI: 10.1117/1.3083439
The specification and estimation of a disequilibrium labour market model

In this study an aggregate labour market model is formulated and its parameters estimated, using Maltese annual time-series data, covering the years 1955–79. The constraint that the wage rate clears the market in all periods is not imposed and the model is specified in such a way as to enable the reseacher to judge whether or not the assumption of equlibrium is valid. One conclusion that emerges from this study is that the Maltese labour market was not characterized by equilibrium during the period under consinderation.
Presence of neutrophil extracellular traps and antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies associated with vasculitides

Context: Anti-neutrophil p-ANCA antibodies are directed against antigens in the peripheral cytoplasm of both neutrophilic granulocytes and monocytes. They are detected in several autoimmune disorders and are particularly associated with systemic vasculitis. Case Report: We report a case of a 54-year-old female presenting with a pruritic rash, including purpura and diffuse erythema. A biopsy with hematoxylin and eosin (H & E) analysis, direct immunofluorescence (DIF), immunohistochemistry (IHC) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for ANCAs were performed. The H & E staining demonstrated leukocytoclastic vasculitis, with focal vascular fibrinoid necrosis. The DIF revealed evidence of vasculitis, the presence of p-ANCAs and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). The IHC displayed autoreactivity to myeloperoxidase within the vessels. The IHC aided in ruling out any intrinsic autofluorescence of the vessels. Conclusions: By observing the deposition of neutrophil extracellular traps and myeloperoxidase in inflamed skin vessels, biopsy analysis may alert physicians for rapid therapeutic intervention in patients presenting with possible vasculitides.
Surgery for Recurrent Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

Objective:This study evaluates the outcome of patients who underwent surgery for recurrent pancreatic cancer. Summary Background Data:Recurrence of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma occurs in up to 80% of pancreatic cancer patients within 2 years of a potential curative resection because, in most cases, occult (local and/or distant) micrometastases are present at the time of the initial resection. Methods:Thirty patients were operated for recurrent pancreatic cancer between October 2001 and April 2005. Median time between the initial resection and recurrence was 12.0 months. While 15 patients were resected, 15 patients either underwent palliative bypass or only exploration. Prospectively recorded data were analyzed retrospectively. Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier estimation and log-rank test. Results:The overall median survival of patients with recurrent disease was 29.0 months. After the first reresection/exploration for recurrent disease, the median survival was 11.4 months. There was a tendency of increased median survival in the group of patients undergoing resection (17.0 months) compared with the bypass/exploration group (9.4 months), although this difference was not significant (P = 0.084). In addition, patients with a prolonged interval (>9 months) from resection to recurrence were more likely to benefit from reresection compared with patients with recurrence within 9 months (median survival 17.0 vs. 7.4 months; P = 0.004). The in-hospital morbidity and mortality rate of resected patients was 20% and 6.7% compared with 13.3% and 0% of patients who underwent only exploration/palliative bypass. Conclusion:Resection for recurrent pancreatic cancer can be carried out safely. Further studies are required to address the question whether a subgroup of patients might actually benefit from this procedure.
Validity of parent report measures of vocabulary development for children with Down syndrome.

This study investigated the validity of a parent report measure of vocabulary development, the MacArthur Communicative Development Inventory: Words and Sentences (CDI), in children with and without developmental disabilities. Concurrent validity was examined by comparing results from the CDI and laboratory measures of vocabulary in 44 children with Down syndrome and 46 typically developing children with mental ages from 12 to 27 months. Significant correlations between . 70 and . 82 were obtained. Predictive validity was examined by measuring the vocabulary of 20 children with Down syndrome and 23 typically developing children first at approximately 20 months mental age and later at a mental age of approximately 28 months. Significant correlations were obtained between the CDI at Time A and all but one of the vocabulary measures at Time B (r = .46 to .66). These results establish the validity of parent measures of vocabulary development for children with Down syndrome and confirm their validity for typically developing children.
Performance disclosure on the web: an exploration of the impact of managers¿ perceptions of stakeholder concerns

Using an exploratory research perspective, we examine how multinational firms' executives' motivations map into corporate website performance disclosure. Our focus is on managements' beliefs about the relevance of financial, social and environmental performance disclosures and how these beliefs relate to the firm's website disclosure practices. For 56 companies, we use managers' perceptions along with data captured from websites. Employing factor and regression analysis, we find that executives' perceptions of stakeholders' importance affect their firms' web-based disclosure practices and foci. Additionally, strategic focus, media, size of organization, profitability, leverage and analyst following are found influential in explaining types of performance disclosures made.
Nanosensor electrical immunoassay for quantitative detection of NT-pro brain natriuretic peptide.

AIM To demonstrate a label-free electrical immunoassay for profiling vascular biomarker N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) associated with improved cardiac risk prediction. MATERIALS & METHODS A high-density nanowell-based electrical immunoassay has been designed by integrating nanoporous aluminum oxide onto printed circuit board chips for the detection of NT-proBNP. The concentration of the biomarker is quantitatively determined by measuring impedance changes to the electrical double layer within the nanowells using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Detection sensitivity in the fg/ml range was obtained due to spatial confinement of the target biomarkers in size-matched nanowells. RESULTS & DISCUSSION Electrical immunoassay performance was determined for the detection of NT-proBNP in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and human serum (HS). The lower limit of detection for the sensor was observed to be 10 fg/ml in PBS and 500 fg/ml in HS. The upper limit of detection was observed to be 500 fg/ml in PBS and 500 ng/ml in HS. CONCLUSION A label-free technique for detection of NT-proBNP at clinically relevant concentrations for evaluating cardiac risk is demonstrated. High sensitivity and specificity, robust detection and low volume (100 µl) per assay project the technology to be a successful competitor to traditional ELISA-based techniques.
Optimization of Rb-82 PET acquisition and reconstruction protocols for myocardial perfusion defect detection

The purpose of this study is to optimize the dynamic Rb-82 cardiac PET acquisition and reconstruction protocols for maximum myocardial perfusion defect detection using realistic simulation data and task-based evaluation. Time activity curves (TACs) of different organs under both rest and stress conditions were extracted from dynamic Rb-82 PET images of five normal patients. Combined SimSET-GATE Monte Carlo simulation was used to generate nearly noise-free cardiac PET data from a time series of 3D NCAT phantoms with organ activities modeling different pre-scan delay times (PDTs) and total acquisition times (TATs). Poisson noise was added to the nearly noise-free projections and the OS-EM algorithm was applied to generate noisy reconstructed images. The channelized Hotelling observer (CHO) with 32× 32 spatial templates corresponding to four octave-wide frequency channels was used to evaluate the images. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was calculated from the CHO rating data as an index for image quality in terms of myocardial perfusion defect detection. The 0.5 cycle cm−1 Butterworth post-filtering on OS-EM (with 21 subsets) reconstructed images generates the highest AUC values while those from iteration numbers 1 to 4 do not show different AUC values. The optimized PDTs for both rest and stress conditions are found to be close to the cross points of the left ventricular chamber and myocardium TACs, which may promote an individualized PDT for patient data processing and image reconstruction. Shortening the TATs for <∼3 min from the clinically employed acquisition time does not affect the myocardial perfusion defect detection significantly for both rest and stress studies.
Detection of mobile applications leaking sensitive data

Smart phones are the most popular and used devices by people. They host numerous types of data which can be classified as public and private. It is a new phenomenon to develop some malicious applications to exfiltrate personal data from smart phones. Hence personal data on these devices such as short messages, contacts, photos, videos, GPS locations, etc. require a specialized security mechanism which protects them from being leaked by malicious applications. The main problem is the disclosure of sensitive information when mobile applications try to access them via android permissions. This situation tells us that these mobile applications will probably leak the sensitive data. Therefore, some solutions especially considering data leakage on smart phones are required. This paper has two goals which are detecting the applications leak sensitive data and analyzing benign applications whether they have malicious intents or not. In this study, a sensitive data leakage prevention system for Android systems was proposed. J48 classification algorithm was used to detect mobile applications leaking sensitive data. In addition, trusted mobile applications downloaded from Google Play Store were evaluated whether they have any similarity with malicious mobile applications or not by clustering with K-Means clustering algorithm. The result has shown that the proposed system can detect malign and benign applications in 98.6% accuracy.
Measuring Skills Mismatch

The author develops a new methodology to measure occupational skill requirements in New York City. The analysis matches locally derived skill ratings for detailed census occupations to years of local schooling and then estimates the change in mean skill requirements for employed New York City residents and the change in local employment of occupational skills classed by level of required education during the 1980s. The results show insignificant change in employment weighted skill means for all occupations. But the disaggregated analysis shows skill requirements bifurcated during the decade, with employment growth concentrated in college-level and sub–high school graduate–level occupations relative to high school graduate–level occupations. The findings suggest that demand-side forces are destroying mid-skilled jobs, casting doubt on the efficacy of supply-side policy measures intended to improve labor market outcomes for workers with less than a college education.
Mapping of calf muscle oxygenation and haemoglobin content during dynamic plantar flexion exercise by multi-channel time-resolved near-infrared spectroscopy

A compact and fast multi-channel time-resolved near-infrared spectroscopy system for tissue oximetry was developed. It employs semiconductor laser and fibre optics for delivery of optical signals. Photons are collected by eight 1 mm fibres and detected by a multianode photomultiplier. A time-correlated single photon counting board is used for the parallel acquisition of time-resolved reflectance curves. Estimate of the reduced scattering coefficient is achieved by fitting with a standard model of diffusion theory, while the modified Lambert–Beer law is used to assess the absorption coefficient. In vivo measurements were performed on five healthy volunteers to monitor spatial changes in calf muscle (medial and lateral gastrocnemius; MG, LG) oxygen saturation (SmO2) and total haemoglobin concentration (tHb) during dynamic plantar flexion exercise performed at 50% of the maximal voluntary contraction. At rest SmO2 was 73.0 ± 0.9 and 70.5 ± 1.7% in MG and LG, respectively (P = 0.045). At the end of the exercise, SmO2 decreased (69.1 ± 1.8 and 63.8 ± 2.1% in MG and LG, respectively; P < 0.01). The LG desaturation was greater than the MG desaturation (P < 0.02). These results strengthen the role of time-resolved near-infrared spectroscopy as a powerful tool for investigating the spatial and temporal features of muscle SmO2 and tHb.
Spatial patterns in local taxation: tax mimicking or error mimicking?

This paper tests for mimicry in local tax setting, by using a panel data set of the English non-metropolitan districts in the 1980s — when property tax rate variability across districts was highest. The results confirm the presence of large and significant spatial interactions among districts. Even after allowing for district-specific and time effects, a district appears to be significantly affected by its neighbours' policies. A 10% increase in the local property tax rate of a district's neighbours leads to an increase of 4–5% in its own property tax rate. On the other hand, the absence of correlation in tax rates between lower tier (district) authorities and upper tier (county) authorities suggests that the spatial pattern in district tax rates is not simply driven by spatially auto-correlated shocks.