Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Some Aspects of Sampling Load Curve Data On Distribution Systems

Engineering studies of distribution systems often require data on the behavior of electric load as a function of time, often represented by a daily load profile. This paper examines the characteristics of techniques for the representation of load profiles. The type of sampling and the rate (hourly, every fifteen minutes) determine the quality of the information obtained. The need for these qualities as a function of number of custoiers and other aspects of analysis is studied. Several pitfalls in load curve analysis are presented. Guidelines for valid interpretation and use of load curve data are developed and presented.
The precision and accuracy of Nellcor and Masimo oximeters at low oxygen saturations (70%) in newborn lambs

Background Administration of oxygen in the delivery room is informed by oxygen saturation (SpO2). An oxygen saturation range of 60%–70% is the threshold for administering oxygen in the first minutes after birth. The accuracy of newer generation oximeters to measure SpO2 has not been compared against the ‘gold standard’, direct arterial blood oxygen saturation (SaO2) when SaO2 is low. The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy and precision of Nellcor and Masimo oximeters to measure SpO2 when SaO2 <70%. Method Prospective observational study in ventilated anaesthetised newborn lambs with an indwelling carotid artery catheter. Ventilation was adjusted to achieve hypoxaemia. Nellcor (Oxi-Max 600 with Max-N sensor) and Masimo (Rad 4 with low noise optical probe (LNOP) sensor) sensors were applied to the right forelimb (preductal). An arterial blood sample was collected at 1–5 min intervals when the animal was hypoxic. The displayed SpO2 was recorded. We used Bland–Altman analysis to determine precision and accuracy of each oximeter when SaO2 <70%. Results 17 lambs were studied, 165 measurements were obtained, 123 were SaO2 <70%. The mean difference (±1.96 SD) Nellcor SpO2-SaO2 when SaO2 <70% was 17% (−12% to 46%). The mean difference (±1.96 SD) Masimo SpO2-SaO2 when SaO2 <70% was 13% (−19% to 45%). Conclusions At SaO2<70%, both monitors overestimated oxygen saturation (SpO2) compared with the gold standard. Both oximeters were equally inaccurate when SaO2 was low.
Causal Inference in Law: An Epidemiological Perspective

Causal inference lies at the heart of many legal questions. Yet in the context of complicated disease litigation, in particular, the causal inquiry is beset with difficulties due to gaps in scientific knowledge concerning the precise biological processes underlying such diseases. Civil courts across the globe, faced with increased litigation on such matters, struggle to adhere to their judicial fact-finding and decision-making role in the face of such scientific uncertainty. An important difficulty in drawing evidentially sound causal inferences is the binary format of the traditional legal test for factual causation, being the ‘but for’ test, which is based on the condicio-sine-qua-non principle. To the question ‘would the damage have occurred in the absence of the defendant's wrongful behaviour’ the ‘but for’ test requires a simple yes or no answer. This is increasingly deemed unsatisfactory in cases in which, given the state of science, true causation cannot possibly be determined with certainty.
CpG‐DNA stimulates cellular and humoral immunity and promotes Th1 differentiation in aged BALB/c mice

We examined whether CpG‐DNA could be used as adjuvant to induce a T helper cell type‐1 (Th1) immunity in aged BALB/c mice that showed a Th2 polarization. Bordetella pertussis and complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) were used as well. Immunization with ovalbumin (OVA)/CpG‐DNA showed that the immunoglobulin G (IgG)2a/IgG1 ratio and OVA‐specific T cell response were similar in young and aged mice. OVA/CpG‐DNA induced the secretion of interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) and absence of interleukin (IL)‐5. Similar results were found in mice immunized with OVA/CFA. When mice were immunized with OVA/B. pertussis, we found that the IgG2a/IgG1 ratio and OVA‐specific T cell response were lower in aged mice and elicited IFN‐γ and IL‐5. In vitro CpG‐DNA stimulated antigen‐presenting cells to display IL‐12 and up‐regulate the expression of major histocompatibility complex class II and B7‐2 on B cells as efficiently in aged as in young mice, but the up‐regulation of B7‐1 was stronger i aged mice. The findings demonstrate that CpG‐DNA is able to induce a young‐like Th1 specific immune response in aged mice.
Perceptions of Decisional Referents in Legislative Decisionmaking

Previous studies of American legislative behavior have postulated that legislators seek to maximize certain "middle-range" values in their choice-making behavior and to minimize others. Using data collected in Iowa, this study examines the rankings given to six such middle-range values, labelled decisional referents or criteria-state interests, district interests, legislator's conscience, governor's preferences, political parties, and interest groups-by three types of political actors-legislators, political influentials, and the public. Through a paired comparison technique, the preferences among these criteria are ranked and then compared for each type of respondent. Similar rankings of these middle-range values by legislators, political influentials, and the public are used as evidence toward confirming a belief-sharing linkage model between representatives and various types of constituents. Legislative involvement in political decisionmaking is a widely recognized feature of American political systems; however, political science studies of legislative choice making have tended to focus either on specific decisions, using a case study approach, or on factors affecting macrolevel decisions,
Introduction of soluble proteins into the MHC class I pathway by conjugation to an HIV tat peptide.

Protection against most intracellular pathogens requires T cells that recognize pathogen-derived peptides in association with MHC class I molecules on the surface of infected cells. However, because exogenous proteins do not ordinarily enter the cytosol and access the MHC class I-processing pathway, protein-based vaccines that induce class I-restricted CTL responses have proved difficult to design. We have addressed this problem by conjugating proteins, such as OVA, to a short cationic peptide derived from HIV-1 tat (residues 49-57). When APC were exposed in vitro to such protein conjugates, they processed and presented the peptides in association with MHC class I molecules and stimulated CD8+ Ag-specific T cells. Moreover, Ag-specific CTLs were generated in vivo by immunizing mice with histocompatible dendritic cells that had been exposed to protein-tat conjugates.
Use of Naloxone by Emergency Medical Services during Opioid Drug Overdose Resuscitation Efforts

Abstract Naloxone administration is an important component of resuscitation attempts by emergency medical services (EMS) for opioid drug overdoses. However, EMS providers must first recognize the possibility of opioid overdose in clinical encounters. As part of a public health response to an outbreak of opioid overdoses in Rhode Island, we examined missed opportunities for naloxone administration and factors potentially influencing EMS providers’ decision to administer naloxone. We reviewed medical examiner files on all individuals who died of an opioid-related drug overdose in Rhode Island from January 1, 2012 through March 31, 2014, underwent attempted resuscitation by EMS providers, and had records available to assess for naloxone administration. We evaluated whether these individuals received naloxone as part of their resuscitation efforts and compared patient and scene characteristics of those who received naloxone to those who did not receive naloxone via chi-square, t-test, and logistic regression analyses. One hundred and twenty-four individuals who underwent attempted EMS resuscitation died due to opioid overdose. Naloxone was administered during EMS resuscitation attempts in 82 (66.1%) of cases. Females were nearly three-fold as likely not to receive naloxone as males (OR 2.9; 95% CI 1.2–7.0; p-value 0.02). Additionally, patients without signs of potential drug abuse also had a greater than three-fold odds of not receiving naloxone (OR 3.3; 95% CI 1.2–9.2; p-value 0.02). Older individuals, particularly those over age 50, were more likely not to receive naloxone than victims younger than age 30 (OR 4.8; 95% CI 1.3–17.4; p-value 0.02). Women, older individuals, and those patients without clear signs of illicit drug abuse, were less likely to receive naloxone in EMS resuscitation attempts. Heightened clinical suspicion for opioid overdose is important given the recent increase in overdoses among patients due to prescription opioids.
Minimization of Filter Capacitor for Medium-Voltage Current-Source Converters Based on Natural Sampling SVM

Current-source converters (CSCs) used in high-power (megawatt level) medium-voltage (MV) (2.3–6.6 kV) drives require three-phase capacitors to assist the commutation of switching devices and to filter out harmonics of the converter output PWM current. Different types of modulation schemes with different harmonic performance lead to different capacitor selections. Conventional space vector modulation (SVM) featuring high dynamic performance cannot be used in practice even with the help of active damping, which can effectively damp the possible LC resonance introduced by conventional SVM. Recently, a natural-sampling SVM (NS-SVM) is proposed for MV CSC drives. It features superior low-order harmonics and has been highly considered for MV CSCs in practice. This study, therefore, focuses on two issues. One is why conventional SVM cannot be used in practice even with the help of active damping. On this basis, the second is capacitor minimization based on NS-SVM. Finally, experimental verification is provided.
Focal liver lesion detection and characterization with diffusion-weighted MR imaging: comparison with standard breath-hold T2-weighted imaging.

PURPOSE To retrospectively compare diffusion-weighted (DW) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging with standard breath-hold T2-weighted MR imaging for focal liver lesion (FLL) detection and characterization, by using consensus evaluation and other findings as the reference standard. MATERIALS AND METHODS Approval for this retrospective HIPAA-compliant study was obtained from the institutional review board; informed consent was waived. Fifty-three consecutive patients (30 men, 23 women; mean age, 60.7 years) with at least one FLL of 1 cm or greater in diameter were evaluated. Two independent observers reviewed DW (b values of 0, 50, and 500 sec/mm(2)) and T2-weighted images for FLL detection and characterization. Reference standard for diagnosis was obtained from consensus review by the two observers of DW, T2-weighted, and dynamic contrast material-enhanced images, pathologic data, and follow-up imaging results. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) was measured for FLLs identified at consensus review. DW and T2-weighted images were compared for FLL detection and characterization by using a binary logistic regression model. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were conducted to evaluate the utility of ADC for diagnosis of malignancy. RESULTS Two hundred eleven FLLs (136 malignant, 75 benign) were detected at consensus review. Overall detection rate (averaged for two observers) was significantly higher for DW (87.7%) versus T2-weighted (70.1%) imaging (P < .001). FLL characterization was not significantly different between DW (89.1%) and T2-weighted (86.8%) imaging (P = .51). ADCs of malignant FLLs were significantly lower than those of benign FLLs (P < .001). The area under the curve for diagnosis of malignancy was 0.839, with sensitivity of 74.2%, specificity of 77.3%, positive predictive value of 85.5%, negative predictive value of 62.3%, and accuracy of 75.3%, by using a threshold ADC of less than 1.60 x 10(-3) mm(2)/sec. CONCLUSION DW MR imaging was better than standard breath-hold T2-weighted imaging for FLL detection and was equal to breath-hold T2-weighted imaging for FLL characterization.
Hume's Syndrome: Irrational Resistance to the Paranormal

One of the obstacles to progress in psychical research is irrational resistance to the phenomena. Among eighteenth-century Enlightenment writers, one type of resistance was evident that has persisted until present times. To illustrate, the present paper looks at David Hume's discussion of miracles in his An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding (1748/1955). Hume's essay actually lays out a good case for some extraordinary events reported about the death of the Jansenist Francois de Paris—phenomena produced by the so-called ''convulsionaries of St. Medard. '' The contradiction is resolved by Hume himself, who naively reveals what motivates him to deny the overwhelming testimony he reviews: namely, his fear of validating religion. This paper notes the same pressure to deny ''miracles'' in another eighteenth-century writer, Edward Gibbon; Gibbon, however, unlike Hume, yields to the pressure of evidence and admits one startling instance of a well-documented preternatural event. A third figure from the same century is cited, a rationalistic Promotor Fidei of the Catholic Church, Prosper Lambertini, who, ironically, may be cited as having advanced the cause of the scientific investigation of psychic phenomena. The lesson from history is not to be seduced by stereotypes: an empiricist can deny and distort facts; a religious believer can be critical and objective.
Measurement of the PPN Parameter (gamma) with radio signals from the Cassini Spacecraft at X- and Ka-Bands

Radio Doppler data from the Cassini spacecraft during its solar conjunction in June 2002 can be used to measure the bending of light by solar gravitation. In terms of the standard post-Newtonian parameter (gamma), we find that (gamma) - 1 = (-1.3 +/- 5.2)x10^-5 in agreement with the theory of General Relativity. This result implies that the parameter (omega) in the Brans-Dicke theory is greater than 9000 at a 95% confidence level.
Max-min partitioning of grid graphs into connected components

The partitioning of a rectangular grid graph with weighted vertices into p connected components such that the component of smallest weight is as heavy as possible (the max-min problem) is considered. It is shown that the problem is NP-hard for rectangles with at least three rows. A shifting algorithm is given which approximates the optimal solution. Bounds for the relative error are determined under a posteriori hypotheses. A further shifting algorithm is also given which allows for error estimates under a priori hypotheses and for asymptotic error estimates. A similar approach can be taken with the problem of finding the partition whose largest component is as small as possible (the min-max problem). The case of rectangles with two rows has a polynomial algorithm and is dealt with in another paper.
Negative affectivity and health-related quality of life.

OBJECTIVES Although personality is known to influence patients' self-ratings of health, its effects on reports of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) have not been fully described. We examined the relationship between a dimension of personality called negative affectivity (NA; a general disposition to experience negative mood states) and HRQOL, controlling for age and common chronic physical and mental diseases. METHODS We used data from 3 samples of veterans: the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Normative Aging Study (NAS), the Veterans Health Study (VHS), and the VA Women's Health Project (VA WHP). For each of the 8 SF-36 scales and the physical and mental component summary scales, 2 regression models were estimated, the first of which included only chronic diseases and age and the second of which added NA. RESULTS NA was consistently negatively associated with SF-36 scale scores in bivariate analyses. The regression models indicated that across the 3 samples, NA explained between 0% and 13.9% additional variance in the scales, with the least additional variance in the physical function domains (range 0-2.6%) and the most in the mental function domains (range 0-13.9%). Results from the summary scales were similar: NA explained none of the variance in the physical component summary and 3.5% to 10.4% in the mental component summary. These results were largely consistent across the 3 samples. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest the importance of NA in patients' ratings of HRQOL beyond that of age and chronic conditions. Thus, clinicians and researchers who rely on measures such as the SF-36 to assess health status should consider that personality, as well as underlying health, can affect self-ratings of HRQOL.
Low-field amorphous state resistance and threshold voltage drift in chalcogenide materials

A detailed investigation of the time evolution for the low-field resistance R/sub off/ and the threshold voltage V/sub th/ in chalcogenide-based phase-change memory devices is presented. It is observed that both R/sub off/ and V/sub th/ increase and become stable with time and temperature, thus improving the cell readout window. Relying on a microscopic model, the drift of R/sub off/ and V/sub th/ is linked to the dynamic of the intrinsic traps typical of amorphous chalcogenides, thus providing for the first time a unified framework for the comprehension of chalcogenide materials transient behavior.
Utilizing Gesture Recognition Technology in Children's Interactive Storybook

Technological development has significantly affected children's everyday life over the last decades. Interactive technologies have become an inseparable part of their daily lives. In this paper, we present the results of a case study of product designs that aims to provide new opportunities for children to enjoy traditional storybook, more interactive fashion. Also, the aim was to increase understanding about full-body gesture technology when users are young children. The initial prototype of the Kinetic Stories application was evaluated in an empirical study. Overall 6 child participants, aged 4 to 6 years, participated to the evaluation. Based on our findings, gestural-based input method shows great potential to activate younger children to experience traditional storybook more active way and child has possibility to become an active part of the storytelling experience.
Rethinking email message and people search

We show how a number of novel email search features can be implemented without any kind of natural language processing (NLP) or advanced data mining. Our approach inspects the email headers of all messages a user has ever sent or received and it creates simple per-contact summaries, including simple information about the message exchange history, the domain of the sender or even the sender's gender. With these summaries advanced questions/tasks such as "Who do I still need to reply to? " or "Find 'fun' messages sent by friends. " become possible. As a proof of concept, we implemented a Mozilla-Thunderbird extension, adding powerful people search to the popular email client.
Impact of granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (CSF) and granulocyte–macrophage CSF in patients with malignant lymphoma: a systematic review

Summary. The granulopoiesis‐stimulating factors, granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) and granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF), are used to prevent neutropenia and febrile neutropenia in patients with malignant lymphoma. The question as to whether G‐CSF/GM‐CSF improves dose‐intensity, tumour response and overall survival (OS) has not yet been answered. As the results from single studies are inconclusive, a systematic review was performed to determine the effectiveness of G‐CSF/GM‐CSF. Randomized controlled trials comparing prophylaxis with G‐CSF/GM‐CSF versus no prophylaxis in adult patients with malignant lymphoma undergoing conventional chemotherapy were included. Medical databases (Cochrane Library, Medline, Embase) and conference proceedings were searched. All authors were contacted to obtain missing data. We included 11 studies making a total of 1434 patients. Compared with no prophylaxis, G‐CSF/GM‐CSF significantly reduced the relative risk (RR) for neutropenia {RR 0·64 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0·55–0·75]} febrile neutropenia (RR 0·74 [95% CI 0·62–0·89]) and infection (RR 0·74 [95% CI 0·64–0·85]). G‐CSF/GM‐CSF did not decrease infection‐related mortality (RR 2·07 [95% CI 0·81–5·34]), improve complete remission (CR) (RR 1·06 [95% CI 0·96–1·16]) or OS (HR 0·98 [95% CI 0·81–1·18]). In conclusion, G‐CSF/GM‐CSF given during conventional chemotherapy in malignant lymphoma patients reduced the RR of neutropenia, febrile neutropenia and infection. However, there is no evidence that G‐CSF/GM‐CSF improved CR and OS in this clinical setting.
The Opportunistic Serpent: Male Garter Snakes Adjust Courtship Tactics to Mating Opportunities

Reproductive males encounter potential mates under a range of circumstances that influence the costs, benefits or feasibility of alternative courtship tactics. Thus, males may be under strong selection to flexibly modify their behaviour. Red-sided garter snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis) in Manitoba overwinter in communal dens, and court and mate in large aggregations in early spring. The number of males within a courting group varies considerably, as do the body sizes of both males and females. We manipulated these factors to set up replicated courtship groups in outdoor arenas, and analysed videotapes of 82 courtship trials to quantify courting behaviours of male snakes. Larger and more heavy-bodied males courted more vigorously than did their smaller, thinner-bodied rivals, and large females attracted more intense courtship. The major effect, however, involved the number of rival males competing for copulation. Males in large groups not only reduced their overall vigour of courtship, but also modified their tactics in such a way as to benefit from the courtship activities of rival males. That is, they devoted less energy to inducing female receptivity (which requires energy-expensive caudocephalic waving) and more effort to behaviour (tail-searching) that enhanced their own probability of mating if the female gaped her cloaca. This social parasitism reveals an unsuspected plasticity and complexity in the behavioural tactics of reproducing male snakes.