Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Fonts for Digital Publishing and Display

Advances in digital technology have greatly facilitated the design of new type fonts. Today, hundreds of thousands of fonts can be found in various visual appearances or styles, which are used in digital publishing and information display. As a result, it has become important to find ways of evaluating their impact on our daily lives: (1) ease in reading, (2) comprehension of the texts, and (3) eye-strain. This paper summarizes an in-depth inquiry into the following topics: (a) impact of fonts on digital publishing and display, (b) the influence of typographic features on reading, (c) the role of fonts in reading, (d) effect of spacing on reading speed and comprehension, and (e) machine reading of early styles of ancient Chinese characters. Several insightful questions on this subject are asked, and answers have been provided through this paper and the oral presentations. A comprehensive list of references is included at the end of each section for further studies and research.
Digital Loss-Free Resistor for power factor correction applications

The synthesis of a Digital Loss-Free Resistor (DLFR) based on a boost converter in Pulse-Width-Modulation (PWM) operation is presented. The proposed control law is obtained by applying discrete-time sliding mode control theory on the discrete-time model of the boost converter to control the input current. The control law calculates the duration of the switch on-time at the beginning of each switching period in order to reach the proposed discrete-time sliding surface. The resulting digital Loss-Free Resistor (DLFR) can be used as a preregulator for power factor correction in one-phase circuits. Simulations are in good agreement with theoretical predictions.
Shc Regulates Epidermal Growth Factor-induced Activation of the JNK Signaling Pathway*

Two adaptor molecules, Grb2 and Shc, have been implicated in the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation by receptor tyrosine kinases such as the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Here we show that the EGF-mediated ERK activation is abolished by loss of Grb2, whereas this response is not affected by loss of Shc. Conversely, the EGF-mediated c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activation is dependent on Shc, but not Grb2. These findings strongly support distinct roles for Grb2 and Shc in controlling ERK and JNK activation after EGF stimulation.
Why are angiotensin concentrations so high in the kidney?

Purpose of reviewRecent studies have reported that intrarenal angiotensin II content and angiotensin II concentrations in the proximal tubular fluid and renal interstitial fluid are much greater than the circulating angiotensin II levels. These high intrarenal angiotensin II levels are responsible for regulating renal hemodynamics and tubular transport. Recent findingsIntrarenal angiotensin II levels have been assessed from total tissue contents as well as renal interstitial fluid and proximal tubular fluid concentrations. Total tissue contents expressed per gram of tissue weight are greater than plasma angiotensin II concentrations; tubular fluid concentrations and renal interstitial fluid concentrations are even greater in the range of 3-10 pmoles/ml. In hypertensive states, there is also an increased intracellular accumulation of angiotensin II mediated by angiotensin type 1 receptor-dependent endocytosis. The high intrarenal angiotensin II levels are also caused by the presence of angiotensinogen messenger RNA and protein in the proximal tubule cells. Furthermore, there is positive amplification by which increases in circulating angiotensin II stimulate increased production and secretion of angiotensinogen, which is also manifested as an increased urinary excretion rate. SummaryThe ability of the kidney to generate high intratubular and interstitial concentrations allows the kidney to regulate intrarenal levels in accord with the homeostatic needs for the regulation of renal hemodynamics and tubular reabsorption and the regulation of sodium balance. When inappropriately stimulated, high intrarenal angiotensin II levels contribute to excessive salt and water retention, the development of hypertension, and long-term proliferative effects leading to renal injury.
Asymmetric Analysis between Nominal Interest Rate and Inflation: A Case of Pakistan

The present study tries to analyze a two-regime vector error-correction model (VECM) along a single cointegrating vector by assuming threshold effect in the error-correction term advanced by Hansen and Seo (2002). Through Hansen linearity test (1990), nonlinearity has been detected in inflation rate series. Hansen and Seo (2002) test of threshold cointegration specified the nonlinear long run relationship between inflation rate and nominal interest rate (discount rate) and provided different error correction term for more and less persistent regimes. In order to extract maximum likelihood estimates in the model the Hansen and Seo (2002) algorithm has been applied between discount rate and inflation rate in Pakistan for covering the period from 1981-q1-2012q4. The linear and nonlinear estimates are yielded by algorithm of Hansen and Seo (2002) along critical values are used for the sake of testing threshold effects. The LM statistics of the test through bootstrap p-values are presented graphically, threshold effect in error correction term and the density bootstrap p-values also presented. In all phenomenon’s, the linear cointegration null hypothesis has been rejected against the alternative hypothesis of threshold cointegration
Within-subject variation in hemoglobin mass in elite athletes.

UNLABELLED Illicit autologous blood transfusion to improve performance in elite sport is currently undetectable, but the stability of longitudinal profiles of an athlete's hemoglobin mass (Hbmass) might be used to detect such practices. PURPOSE Our aim was to quantify within-subject variation of Hbmass in elite athletes, and the effects of potentially confounding factors such as reduced training or altitude exposure. METHODS A total of 130 athletes (43 females and 87 males) were measured for Hbmass an average of six times during a period of approximately 1 yr using carbon monoxide rebreathing. Linear mixed models were used to quantify within-subject variation of Hbmass and its associated analytical and biological components for males and females, as well as the effects of reduced training and moderate altitude exposure in certain athletes. RESULTS The maximum within-subject coefficient of variation (CV) for Hbmass was 3.4% for males and 4.0% for females. The analytical CV was ~2.0% for both males and females, and the long-term biological CV, after allowing for analytical variation, was 2.8% for males and 3.5% for females. On average, self-reported reduced training resulted in a 2.8% decrease in Hbmass and altitude exposure increased Hbmass by 1.5% to 2.9%, depending on the duration and type of exposure. CONCLUSIONS The within-subject CV for Hbmass of ~4% indicates that athletes may experience changes up to ~20% with a 1-in-1000 probability. Changes of this magnitude for measures taken a few months apart suggest that Hbmass has a limited capacity to detect autologous blood doping. However, changes in Hbmass may be a useful indicator when combined with other measures of blood manipulation.
The ethos and transformational nature of professional studies

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the work-based learning (WBL) ethos of a professional studies doctoral program, a higher degree by research program implemented in Australia. Design/methodology/approach This is a preliminary case study of one higher degree by research program and two doctoral candidates participating in the program to explore the ethos and outcomes of the program. Findings The program has sought to develop a different type of higher education ethos, one characterized by an open-door communications policy, a critical friend philosophy, an emphasis on teamwork, pro tem supervision and a new model for doctoral supervision, self-designed work-based projects, self-directed research programs and the development of professional identity. Originality/value The characteristics and contributions of WBL programs at the doctoral level have been well documented in the academic literature, but the unique ethos, if there is one, of such programs has yet to be fully examined. This study goes some of the way to answering the question of whether such programs have a unique ethos and if so what are its features and how might it contribute to student development.
Mindfulness-based stress reduction is associated with improved glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a pilot study.

CONTEXT Psychological distress is linked with impaired glycemic control among diabetics. OBJECTIVE Estimate changes in glycemic control, weight, blood pressure, and stress-related psychological symptoms in patients with type 2 diabetes participating in a standard Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program. DESIGN Prospective, observational study. SETTING Academic health center. PATIENTS Adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. INTERVENTIONS Participation in MBSR program for heterogeneous patient population. Diet and exercise regimens held constant. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HA1c), blood pressure, body weight, and Symptom Checklist 90-Revised (anxiety, depression, somatization, and general psychological distress scores). RESULTS Eleven of 14 patients completed the intervention. At 1 month follow-up, HA1c was reduced by 0.48% (P = .03), and mean arterial pressure was reduced by 6 mmHg (P = .009). Body weight did not change. A decrease in measures of depression, anxiety, and general psychological distress was observed.
Methotrexate in Crohn’s disease: a new face for an old drug?

ABSTRACT Introduction: Methotrexate is commonly used in rheumatoid arthritis but randomised controlled trials demonstrated its efficacy also in Crohn’s disease. Methotrexate, although marginally used in clinical practice, is considered an appropriate immunomodulator particularly in patients refractory or intolerant to thiopurines. Areas covered: A literature search using ‘methotrexate’, ‘Crohn’s disease’ and ‘Inflammatory Bowel Disease’ as key words, identified randomised controlled trials, meta-analyses and observational studies. The aim of this review is to summarise and critically discuss the available evidence concerning the efficacy and safety of methotrexate in the treatment of Crohn’s disease. Expert commentary: Methotrexate is effective in inducing and maintaining remission in steroid-dependent CD at a dose of 25 mg/week and 15 mg/week, respectively. Data from observational studies suggest that methotrexate may be as efficacious as thiopurines with a similar safety profile. In specific clinical settings, (patients with a history of malignancy or young Epstein-Barr Virus–seronegative patients), methotrexate compete favourably with thiopurines.
A mycobacterial lipoarabinomannan specific monoclonal antibody and its F(ab′)2 fragment prolong survival of mice infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Lipoarabinomannan (LAM) is a major structural carbohydrate antigen of the outer surface of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. High antibody titres against LAM are often seen in active tuberculosis (TB). The role of such LAM‐specific antibodies in the immune response against TB is unknown. Here we have investigated a monoclonal antibody (MoAb) SMITB14 of IgG1 subclass and its corresponding F(ab′)2 fragment directed against LAM from M. tuberculosis strain H37Rv. MoAb SMITB14 was shown by immunofluorescence to bind to whole cells of the clinical isolate M. tuberculosis strain Harlingen as well as to M. tuberculosis H37Rv. The binding of MoAb SMITB14 to LAM was inhibited by arabinomannan (AM) and oligosaccharides (5·2 kDa) derived from LAM, showing that the MoAb binds specifically to the AM carbohydrate portion of LAM. In passive protection experiments BALB/c mice were infected intravenously with M. tuberculosis Harlingen. MoAb SMITB14 was added intravenously either prior to, or together with, the bacteria. The antibody proved to be protective against the M. tuberculosis infection in terms of a dose‐dependent reduction in bacterial load in spleens and lungs, reduced weight loss and, most importantly, increased long‐term survival.
A dual-edged triggered explicit-pulsed level converting flip-flop with a wide operation range

In a multiple supply voltage system, the level converters are inserted between two different voltage domains. However, those level converters may cause the propagation delays and power consumption. In order to eliminate the overhead of level conversion, a dual-edged triggered explicit-pulsed level converting flip-flop (DETEP-LCFF) with a wide operation range is proposed. It is composed of a clock pulse generator and a modified differential cascode voltage switch with pass gate (DCVSPG) latch. The clock pulse generator has the symmetric pulse triggering time and holding period helping shorten the D-Q delay. By employed diode-connected PMOS transistors and two NMOS transistor stacked below the diode PMOS transistors, the proposed DETEP-LCFF can be operated from near-threshold region to super-threshold region. It is implemented in TSMC 65nm CMOS technology. It functions correctly across all process corners with a wide input voltage range, from 400mV to 1V. The proposed LCFF has a minimum D-Q delay of 781ps, a setup time of - 610ps, and a power dissipation of 2. 3μW when the input voltage is 0.4V.
Characterization of the Winter Midwestern Particulate Nitrate Bulge

Abstract A previously unobserved multi-state region of elevated particulate nitrate concentration was detected as a result of the expansion of the Interagency Monitoring of Protected Visual Environments (IMPROVE) network of remote-area particulate matter (PM) speciation monitoring sites into the midwestern United States that began in 2002. Mean winter ammonium nitrate concentrations exceed 4 μg/m3 in a region centered in Iowa, which makes it responsible for as much as half of the particle light extinction. Before these observations, particulate nitrate in the United States was only observed to be a dominant component of the fine PM (PM2.5) in parts of California and some urban areas. Comparisons of the spatial patterns of particulate nitrate with spatial patterns of ammonia and nitrogen oxide emissions suggest that the nitrate bulge is the result of the high emissions of ammonia associated with animal agriculture in the Midwest. Nitrate episodes at several locations in the eastern United States are shown to be associated with transport pathways over the Midwest, suggesting long-range transport of either ammonia or ammonium nitrate. Thermodynamic equilibrium modeling conducted by others on data from the Midwest shows the relative importance of atmospheric ammonia and nitric acid in the production of PM2.5. This is a particular concern as the sulfur dioxide emissions in the United States are reduced, which increases the amount of ammonia available for ammonium nitrate production.
Legal and Institutional Adaptation to Climate Uncertainty: A Study of International Rivers

This study seeks to understand why nations find it difficult to include climate-uncertainty mechanisms in treaties regulating international rivers. It also aims to examine the implications of not adopting these mechanisms, particularly during a crisis. The study focuses on the negotiation process of three water treaties, and seeks to identify the underlying reasons behind the inclusion - or exclusion - of such mechanisms. Second, it reviews how the treaties performed and evolved during drought. The first case study is the current drought along the lower Rio Grande and the 1944 water treaty between Mexico and the USA; the second is the 1961-1964 drought along the Great Lakes and the 1909 water treaty between Canada and the USA and, finally, it examines the 1997-2000 water shortage in the Jordan Basin and the 1994 treaty between Israel and Jordan. It was found that issues of sovereignty, water stress, power asymmetry, optimistic water scenarios and the nature of the treaties as “package deals” impede riparians from adopting some of these mechanisms. Among them is a joint institution with wide scope and geographical jurisdiction, an escape clause, allocating water according to percentage of flow, balance mechanism and a binding arbitration procedure. By excluding these mechanisms the anticipated political cost of an agreement decreases. However, this exclusion process limits the ability of these treaties and their institutions to manage a crisis situation, which may in turn engender controversy between the riparians as to how to divide the water in such a situation. Yet, it was found that during crises, treaties tend to evolve as the different parties supplement them with new legal and institutional measures that provide only partial immediate remedy to the crisis at hand. This stresses the need to incorporate mechanisms that are simultaneously politically feasible and hydrologically effective.
Nail psoriasis: clinical features, pathogenesis, differential diagnoses, and management

Psoriasis is the skin disease that most frequently affects the nails. Depending on the very nail structure involved, different clinical nail alterations can be observed. Irritation of the apical matrix results in psoriatic pits, mid-matrix involvement may cause leukonychia, whole matrix affection may lead to red lunulae or severe nail dystrophy, nail bed involvement may cause salmon spots, subungual hyperkeratosis, and splinter hemorrhages, and psoriasis of the distal nail bed and hyponychium causes onycholysis whereas that of the proximal nail fold causes psoriatic paronychia. The more extensive the involvement, the more severe is the nail destruction. Pustular psoriasis may be seen as yellow spots under the nail or, in case of acrodermatitis continua suppurativa, as an insidious progressive loss of the nail organ. Nail psoriasis has a severe impact on quality of life and may interfere with professional and other activities. Management includes patient counseling, avoidance of stress and strain to the nail apparatus, and different types of treatment. Topical therapy may be tried but is rarely sufficiently efficient. Perilesional injections with corticosteroids and methotrexate are often beneficial but may be painful and cannot be applied to many nails. All systemic treatments clearing widespread skin lesions usually also clear the nail lesions. Recently, biologicals were introduced into nail psoriasis treatment and found to be very effective. However, their use is restricted to severe cases due to high cost and potential systemic adverse effects.
Detection of Helicobacter pylori infection in children with a standardized and simplified 13C-urea breath test.

BACKGROUND The 13C-urea breath test, a reliable noninvasive method of detection of Helicobacter pylori in adults, needs validation in children. METHODS In order to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of 13C-urea breath test in children, the results of this test performed in 144 children were correlated with the histology and culture of contemporaneous gastric (antral and fundic) biopsy specimens. The test was performed with 2 mg/kg body weight 13C-Urea (maximum, 100 mg) ingested after a fat-rich test meal. Samples of expired breath taken at 0, 5, 10, 20, and 30 minutes were assayed with mass spectrometry. Results were considered positive when the curve of excretion of labeled carbon dioxide in the expired breath increased by 5%O or more above the baseline. RESULTS Discrepancies in H. pylori status were observed in 14 children. To improve and simplify the test, the results were reanalyzed using different cutoff values for each sampling time. The best results, with sensitivity of 95.7% and specificity of 95.2%, were obtained with a cutoff of 3.5%O at 20 minutes. CONCLUSIONS The 13C-urea breath test is a reliable method for the noninvasive detection of H. pylori infection in children. The test can be simplified and its accuracy improved using only the 0- and 20-minute breath samples and a cutoff of 3.5%O instead of the classical 5%O used in adults. The need for modification of the cutoff value may reflect the higher production of endogenous CO2 in children.
Multilocus sequence typing of Enterococcus faecalis isolates demonstrating different lesion types in broiler breeders

A total of 69 isolates of Enterococcus faecalis from broiler breeders demonstrating different lesion types and representing eight different flocks were characterized by multilocus sequence typing. Twenty isolates obtained from healthy birds representing two additional flocks were included for comparison. A total of 12 different sequence types (STs) was obtained. Correlation between ST and lesion type was not demonstrated. However, three STs (ST82, ST174, ST177) made up 81% of the isolates associated with lesions, indicating that these STs might be particularly associated with birds. In addition, ST174, the most frequently demonstrated ST, was only obtained from affected birds. Surprisingly, ST82, previously reported to be associated with amyloid arthropathy in layers worldwide, demonstrated a high degree of diversity as to lesion types, just as healthy carriers were demonstrated among broiler breeders. STs associated with healthy birds and lesions, respectively, did not demonstrate a phylogenetic relationship.
Debt, Poverty, and Personal 'Financial Distress'

The phrase “financial distress” pervades scholarship in bankruptcy, consumer law, and related fields. This Article questions the definitions scholars now often affix to this phrase and argues that it should be understood differently. I argue that “financial distress” should be defined and understood more broadly because the now-prevailing narrow definition tends to overstate the importance of distress caused by unmanageable debt and understate the importance of distress caused by poverty.
Experiments in the Heuristics of Human Information Processing

Research in financial accounting, managerial accounting, and auditing has reflected increased use of Bayesian decision theory. This theory has been used in such areas as cost-volume-profit analyses (Jaedicke and Robichek [1964]; Johnson and Simik [1966]; Hilliard and Leitch [1975]), the investigation of cost variances (Kaplan [1969; 1975]; Dyckman [1969]; Li [1970]; Ozan and Dyckman [1971]), auditing (Tracy [1969]; Sorensen [1969]; Scott [1973]; Kaplan [1973a; 1973b]), and information economics (Demski [1972]; Feltham [1972]; Demski and Feltham [1976]). ' A major feature of Bayesian decision theory is its reliance on subjective probability, which it regards as the quantified opinion of an idealized person faced with uncertainty (Savage [1972]). The subjective probability of an event is defined by the set of bets about the event such a person is willing to accept, and an internally consistent (or coherent) subjective probability can be derived for the person if his choices among bets about this event satisfy the axioms of the theory. A major contribution of Bayesian decision theory to accounting research is that by embedding a subjective interpretation of probability in a general theory of rational decision making, it provides for explicit recognition of uncertainty. Instead of focusing on models in which decision variables have known values or are treated as certainty equivalents, accounting researchers have tried to focus on models that incorporate the random nature of decision variables.