Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Auxiliary drives for emissions reduction

Conventional propulsion systems are matched to meet power demand at designed operating points. Off-design conditions result in sub-optimal operation of prime movers since these are sized to cater for the peak power requirement. Hybridisation of power sources enables the advantages of separate sources to be exploited to best match actual operating conditions. In this work, permanent magnet machines are considered as auxiliary drives, providing propulsion at low ship speeds, complementing their use as shaft generators. Various topologies of auxiliary drive layout were analysed, considering different machine torque and speed ratings according to installation choice. As part of this study, the examination of auxiliary electrical drives was performed on a RoRo and tug with a view to assess reductions in exhaust gas emissions and fuel consumption. The two vessels were considered under typical operating scenarios. By means of simulation, the emissions and fuel consumption under auxiliary propulsion were quantified and compared to the contribution from the main engine. Significant emission savings were observed for the RoRo case particularly due to the use of cleaner fuel as a source. In the tug case, emission reductions could not be observed for this particular setup since the auxiliary drive system only adds additional inefficiencies in the propulsion system. Capital costs are significant, and the use of diesel fuel represents an increased cost. Yet if emission reductions are incentivised, auxiliary drives using permanent magnet machines are an attractive solution.
Résultats à long terme de la photo-kératectomie thérapeutique dans les dystrophies cornéennes épithéliales

Les ECR sont un motif frequent de consultation ophtalmologie. Les causes les plus frequentes sont la dystrophie microkystique de Cogan et les traumatismes corneens superficiels. Leur traitement est initialement conservateur mais pour les cas rebelles un traitement chirurgical s'impose. La PKT represente actuellement l'alternative la plus populaire. Son utilisation dans les ECR donne des taux de reussite de 70% a 100%. Son evaluation a court terme a ete le sujet de plusieurs travaux dans la litterature, mais ses resultats a long terme n'ont fait l'objet que de peu de travaux. OBJECTIF : L'objectif de l'etude est d'evaluer l'efficacite a long terme de la PKT sur les symptomes des ECR. MATERIEL ET METHODES : Etude retrospective et mono-centrique portant sur 60 yeux de 60 patients entre 2005 et 2010. Nous avons inclus les patients ayant ete operes par PKT "agressive" (profondeur d'ablation de 15 μm apres desepithelialisation sur les 8 mm centraux). Nous les avons repartis en trois groupes selon l'etiologie des ECR (post-traumatique, dystrophie de Cogan, et idiopathique), et avons definis 3 types de symptomes (douleur oculaire, vision trouble, douleur et vision trouble). Les criteres etudies sont l'effet du laser sur les symptomes (taux de 1re recidive, delai des 1re recidives, gene actuelle, taux de retraitements), la MAVC et la refraction. RESULTATS : Le suivi moyen est de 66 mois. L'objectif therapeutique a ete atteint chez 93% des patients, et 92% des patients declaraient etre satisfaits par le laser. Mais un tiers des patients ressentaient toujours une sensation d'œil sec les obligeant a s'instiller des collyres mouillants. Le taux de 1re recidive est de 31,5%. La majorite des recidives ont eu lieu durant la 1re annee. Deux recidives tardives ont eu lieu apres cinq ans de suivi. Le taux de retraitement est de 10%. La MAVC moyenne est restee stable apres laser a 8/10, de meme que le cylindre. Nous avons constate un shift hypermetropique (p = 0,03). Nous n'avons pas releve de complications serieuses.CONCLUSION : La PKT est une technique sure et efficace pour traiter les ECR ainsi que pour lisser les irregularites de la surface corneenne. Des recidives tardives sont possibles et imposent un suivi a long terme des patients.
[Multisite study for norming and standardizing neuropsychological instruments in healthy people for Spanish population: methods and characteristics of Normacog project].

INTRODUCTION Many neuropsychological tests used in Spain have been normed on Spanish-speaking persons in the USA and South America. In addition, the normative samples often span limited age or educational ranges, potentially decreasing their representativeness of the population, the interpretation of test results, and clinical decisions based on them. This study is part of the Normacog project which seeks to standardize neuropsychological instruments in a representative sample of Spanish society. AIM To present the normalization methodology undertaken in the Normacog project and the sociodemographic characteristics of participants and Spanish population. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Seven hundred and eleven participants aged 18-90 years were recruited from different geographical regions in Spain. Their sociodemographic characteristics, medical history, habits, native language, bilingualism and handedness were taken into account. Each participant completed 19 tests that assess a wide variety of cognitive domains such as verbal and visual memory, executive functions, processing speed or naming and verbal fluency. RESULTS The final normative sample mirrors the population of Spain in age, education, and sex distributions. CONCLUSIONS This article describes the normalization methodology and the characteristics of participants included in the multicenter Normacog study. This study seeks to standardize and normalize neuropsychological instruments, taking into account the sociodemographic characteristics of Spanish population. The Normacog project will provide normative data that are appropriate to our cultural environment, and essential for using these measures to form reliable clinical and diagnostic inferences.
Aseptic meningitis and encephalitis: the role of PCR in the diagnostic laboratory

In this study we have devised a simple and robust PCR strategy to detect a wide range of viruses, bacteria, and parasites, all of which are capable of causing aseptic meningitis and encephalitis. The techniques developed have been used in a routine diagnostic virology laboratory to test prospectively 2,233 cerebrospinal fluid specimens. A virus was detected in 147 specimens of cerebrospinal fluid from 143 patients. Four sets of primers were sufficient to detect the virus in 135 (94%) of the PCR-positive patients. We conclude that with appropriate primers, PCR can be systematically and economically applied to test for a range of organisms in a routine diagnostic laboratory. In our opinion, PCR will soon become the "gold standard" test for viral infections of the central nervous system.
A parallel algorithm and architecture for robot path planning

Path planning is an essential step in any mobile robot system. In this paper, we propose a parallel algorithm and architecture for this computationally intensive problem. The parallel implementation is based on the trulla algorithm proposed by the authors in Proc. 5th Intl. Conf. on Intelligent Robots and Systems, Raleigh, NC, USA (July 1992). The algorithm uses a wavefront-like propagation technique and computes the near-optimal paths from every point in the grid space to the specified destination. The algorithm is implemented on a linear systolic array architecture which is simple and regular in structure and can be implemented as a VLSI system. Currently, a prototype VLSI chip with 5 processor cells is being implemented. <<ETX>>
High Motility of Triple-negative Breast Cancer Cells Is Due to Repression of Plakoglobin Gene by Metastasis Modulator Protein SLUG*

Background: High motility of aggressive breast cancer cells is associated with high SLUG and low plakoglobin levels. Results: SLUG binds to plakoglobin gene promoter and represses its expression. Conclusion: SLUG-induced increase in breast cancer cell motility is due to repression of plakoglobin by SLUG. Significance: Management of SLUG level should diminish the motility and thus aggressiveness in breast cancer cells. One of highly pathogenic breast cancer cell types are the triple negative (negative in the expression of estrogen, progesterone, and ERBB2 receptors) breast cancer cells. These cells are highly motile and metastatic and are characterized by high levels of the metastasis regulator protein SLUG. Using isogenic breast cancer cell systems we have shown here that high motility of these cells is directly correlated with the levels of the SLUG in these cells. Because epithelial/mesenchymal cell motility is known to be negatively regulated by the catenin protein plakoglobin, we postulated that the transcriptional repressor protein SLUG increases the motility of the aggressive breast cancer cells through the knockdown of the transcription of the plakoglobin gene. We found that SLUG inhibits the expression of plakoglobin gene directly in these cells. Overexpression of SLUG in the SLUG-deficient cancer cells significantly decreased the levels of mRNA and protein of plakoglobin. On the contrary, knockdown of SLUG in SLUG-high cancer cells elevated the levels of plakoglobin. Blocking of SLUG function with a double-stranded DNA decoy that competes with the E2-box binding of SLUG also increased the levels of plakoglobin mRNA, protein, and promoter activity in the SLUG-high triple negative breast cancer cells. Overexpression of SLUG in the SLUG-deficient cells elevated the motility of these cells. Knockdown of plakoglobin in these low motility non-invasive breast cancer cells rearranged the actin filaments and increased the motility of these cells. Forced expression of plakoglobin in SLUG-high cells had the reverse effects on cellular motility. This study thus implicates SLUG-induced repression of plakoglobin as a motility determinant in highly disseminating breast cancer.
Human Mitochondrial SUV3 and Polynucleotide Phosphorylase Form a 330-kDa Heteropentamer to Cooperatively Degrade Double-stranded RNA with a 3′-to-5′ Directionality*

Efficient turnover of unnecessary and misfolded RNAs is critical for maintaining the integrity and function of the mitochondria. The mitochondrial RNA degradosome of budding yeast (mtEXO) has been recently studied and characterized; yet no RNA degradation machinery has been identified in the mammalian mitochondria. In this communication, we demonstrated that purified human SUV3 (suppressor of Var1 3) dimer and polynucleotide phosphorylase (PNPase) trimer form a 330-kDa heteropentamer that is capable of efficiently degrading double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) substrates in the presence of ATP, a task the individual components cannot perform separately. The configuration of this complex is similar to that of the core complex of the E. coli RNA degradosome lacking RNase E but very different from that of the yeast mtEXO. The hSUV3-hPNPase complex prefers substrates containing a 3′ overhang and degrades the RNA in a 3′-to-5′ directionality. Deleting a short stretch of amino acids (positions 510–514) compromises the ability of hSUV3 to form a stable complex with hPNPase to degrade dsRNA substrates but does not affect its helicase activity. Furthermore, two additional hSUV3 mutants with abolished helicase activity because of disrupted ATPase or RNA binding activities were able to bind hPNPase. However, the resulting complexes failed to degrade dsRNA, suggesting that an intact helicase activity is essential for the complex to serve as an effective RNA degradosome. Taken together, these results strongly suggest that the complex of hSUV3-hPNPase is an integral entity for efficient degradation of structured RNA and may be the long sought RNA-degrading complex in the mammalian mitochondria.
Measuring mobile learning readiness: scale development and validation

– Based on the literature on technology readiness, online learning readiness, and mobile computer anxiety, the purpose of this paper is to develop and validate a mobile learning readiness (MLR) scale which can be used to assess individuals’ readiness to embrace m-learning systems. , – Based on previous literature, this study conceptualizes the construct of MLR and generates an initial 55-item MLR scale. A total of 319 responses are collected from a three-month internet-based survey. Based on the sample data, this study provides an empirical validation of the MLR construct and its underlying dimensionality, and develops a generic MLR scale with desirable psychometric properties, including reliability, content validity, criterion-related validity, convergent validity, discriminant validity, and nomological validity. , – This study develops and validates a 19-item MLR scale with three dimensions (i.e. m-learning self-efficacy, optimism, and self-directed learning). A tentative norm of the MLR scale is presented, and the scale’s theoretical and practical applications are also discussed. , – This study is a pioneering effort to develop and validate a MLR scale. The results of this study are helpful to researchers in building m-learning theories and to educators in assessing and promoting individuals’ acceptance of m-learning systems.
A novel 6T-SRAM cell technology designed with rectangular patterns scalable beyond 0.18 /spl mu/m generation and desirable for ultra high speed operation

A novel 6T-SRAM cell layout designed with rectangular patterns has been developed. Employing this layout, 4.13 /spl mu/m/sup 2/ and 5.33 /spl mu/m/sup 2/ cells with word transistor width of 0.25 /spl mu/m and 0.75 /spl mu/m are obtained, respectively, based on the 0.20 /spl mu/m rule. Among the various layouts of 6T-SRAM cells, this layout provides minimum cell size and the smallest bit line capacitance with word transistor width over 0.75 /spl mu/m for the ultra high speed operation. It is also demonstrated quantitatively that the optimized SRAM cell layout for high speed use is different from that for low power use. The cell layout proposed also provides the excellent scalability beyond 0.18 /spl mu/m generation due to its highly simplified pattern design.
CONCISE COMMUNICATION: Predictors of HIV risk behavior among Russian men who have sex with men: an emerging epidemic

Results: Most MSM were bisexual; 79% had female partners in their lives and 37% had female partners in the previous 3 months. Sexually transmitted disease treatment was reported by 32% of the men, 23% had sold sex to gain money, and knowledge about critical HIV risk-reduction steps was low. Of all men surveyed, 38% had unprotected anal sex in the previous 3 months, consistent condom use was reported by only 30% of men, and most recent anal intercourse occasions 37% of particpants'. Regression analyses showed that high-risk behavior was predicted by poor safer sex attitudes, weak behavior change intentions, low knowledge about AIDS risk, perceived peer norms that did not support safer sex, and having a boyfriend.
Multimodal Attribute Extraction

The broad goal of information extraction is to derive structured information from unstructured data. However, most existing methods focus solely on text, ignoring other types of unstructured data such as images, video and audio which comprise an increasing portion of the information on the web. To address this shortcoming, we propose the task of multimodal attribute extraction. Given a collection of unstructured and semi-structured contextual information about an entity (such as a textual description, or visual depictions) the task is to extract the entity's underlying attributes. In this paper, we provide a dataset containing mixed-media data for over 2 million product items along with 7 million attribute-value pairs describing the items which can be used to train attribute extractors in a weakly supervised manner. We provide a variety of baselines which demonstrate the relative effectiveness of the individual modes of information towards solving the task, as well as study human performance.
Triggering of Human Parainfluenza Virus 3 Fusion Protein (F) by the Hemagglutinin-Neuraminidase (HN) Protein: an HN Mutation Diminishes the Rate of F Activation and Fusion

ABSTRACT For human parainfluenza virus type 3 and many other paramyxoviruses, membrane fusion mediated by the fusion protein (F) has a stringent requirement for the presence of the homotypic hemagglutinin-neuraminidase protein (HN). With the goal of gaining further insight into the role of HN in the fusion process, we developed a simple method for quantitative comparison of the ability of wild-type and variant HNs to activate F. In this method, HN/F-coexpressing cells with red blood cells (RBC) bound to them at 4°C are transferred to 22°C, and at different times after transfer 4-guanidino-neu5Ac2en (4-GU-DANA) is added; this inhibitor of the HN-receptor interaction then releases all reversibly bound RBC but not those in which F insertion in the target membrane or fusion has occurred. Thus, the amount of irreversibly bound (nonreleased) RBC provides a measure of F activation, and the use of fluorescently labeled RBC permits microscopic assessment of the extent to which F insertion has progressed to fusion. We studied two neuraminidase-deficient HN variants, C28a, which has two mutations, P111S and D216N, and C28, which possesses the D216N mutation only. C28a but not C28 exhibits a slow fusion phenotype, although determination of the HNs' receptor-binding avidity (with our sensitive method, employing RBC with different degrees of receptor depletion) showed that the receptor-binding avidity of C28a or C28 HN was not lower than that of the wild type. The F activation assay, however, revealed fusion-triggering defects in C28a HN. After 10 and also 20 min at 22°C, irreversible RBC binding was significantly less for cells coexpressing wild-type F with C28a HN than for cells coexpressing wild-type F with wild-type HN. In addition, F insertion progressed to fusion more slowly in the case of C28a HN-expressing cells than of wild-type HN-expressing cells. Identical defects were found for P111S HN, whereas for C28 HN, representing the 216 mutation of C28a, F activation and fusion were as rapid as for wild-type HN. The diminished fusion promotion capacity of C28a HN is therefore attributable to P111S, a mutation in the stalk region of the molecule that causes no decrease in receptor-binding avidity. C28a HN is the first parainfluenza virus variant found so far to be specifically defective in HN′s F-triggering and fusion promotion functions and may contribute to our understanding of transmission of the activating signal from HN to F.
Optimization of electronic packaging structure taking into account of its life cycle energy consumption and environmental pollution

In the traditional electronic packaging structure optimization model, the life cycle energy consumption and emission goals do not include in the optimal objectives. For the sustainable development purpose, it is necessary to consider the life cycle energy consumption and emission in the electronic packaging structure optimization. In this paper, the necessity and the model of taking into account of life cycle energy consumption and environmental pollution in electronic packaging system optimization has been illustrated, respectively. Moreover, the traditional and novel optimal models have been compared for demonstrating the difference between these two methods more clearly. The advantages of using the new model also illustrate by detail analysis. Illustrating the importance of these two factors in electronic packaging system optimization procedure is essentially important for making the future electronic packaging structure more environment-friendly and more sustainable.
Household hygiene practices in relation to dampness at home and current wheezing and rhino‐conjunctivitis among school age children

Good household hygiene practices may improve indoor air quality in the domestic environment. Conversely, a ‘hygiene hypothesis’ is challenging the importance of hygiene and sanitation at home. This study aims to investigate the relationship between household hygiene practices and dampness at home and current wheezing, asthma and other allergic conditions among Australian children. Nine hundred and ninety‐six children from four primary schools in Perth, Western Australia, were recruited for a domestic environmental and health survey during March and April of 2002. The results showed that high cleanliness scores were negatively associated with moulds at home before and after adjustment for age of dwelling (p < 0.001). High ventilation scores were inversely related with damp patches, condensation and moulds at home (p < 0.05). However, households with high cleanliness scores appeared to have significantly higher prevalence of current wheezing (p < 0.05) and current rhino‐conjunctivitis (p < 0.05) in children. The association remained even after controlling for confounders such as age and gender of children, asthma history of parents, passive smoking and dampness at home.
Community-acquired bacterial meningitis in adults with cancer or a history of cancer

Objectives: To study the incidence, clinical presentation, causative bacteria, and outcome of community-acquired bacterial meningitis in adults with cancer. Methods: We evaluated incidence and characteristics of patients with cancer included in a nationwide prospective cohort study of adults with community-acquired meningitis performed in the Netherlands from March 1, 2006, to September 31, 2014. All patients underwent a neurologic examination at hospital discharge, and outcome was graded using the Glasgow Outcome Scale. Results: Active cancer was identified in 68 of 1,351 episodes (5%) and a history of cancer in 87 (6%). The annual incidence of community-acquired bacterial meningitis was 2.71-fold (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.68–4.36, p < 0.001) increased for patients with cancer compared to patients without cancer in 2010, and 3.52-fold (95% CI 2.16–5.73, p < 0.001) in 2013. The clinical presentation of bacterial meningitis in patients with cancer compared to patients without cancer was similar. Patients with active cancer presented with lower leukocyte count in blood (12.1 × 109 cells/L vs 17.3 × 109 cells/L, p < 0.001) and CSF (670 cells/mm3 vs 2,567 cells/mm3, p < 0.001) and were more likely to be infected with Listeria monocytogenes (21% vs 5%, p < 0.001) than patients without cancer. Active cancer was identified as an independent risk factor for unfavorable outcome in bacterial meningitis (odds ratio 1.85, 95% CI 1.09–3.13). Conclusions: One of 8 patients with community-bacterial meningitis was identified to have a history of cancer and cancer was considered active in half of these patients. Patients with active cancer present with lower CSF leukocyte counts, are more likely to be infected with L monocytogenes, and are at high risk of unfavorable outcome.
Broadening of Omnidirectional Photonic Band Gap in Graphene Based one Dimensional Photonic Crystals

A simple design of one dimensional gradual stacked photonic crystal has been proposed. This structure exhibits a periodic array of alternate layers of Graphene and Silica. These are the materials of low and high refractive indices respectively. Here the structure considered has three stacks . Each stack has five alternate layers of Graphene and silica. The transfer matrix method has been used for numerical computation. In this paper, such a structure has wider reflection bands in comparison to a conventional dielectric PC structure and structure with Sio2 and Si layers for a constant gradual constant Υ at different incident angle. Keywords—Photonic crystal; Graphene; transfer matrix; gradual costant.