Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
CAF 1 plays an important role in mRNA deadenylation separate from its contact to CCR 4

The CAF1 protein is a component of the CCR4–NOT deadenylase complex. While yeast CAF1 displays deadenylase activity, this activity is not required for its deadenylation function in vivo, and CCR4 is the primary deadenylase in the complex. In order to identify CAF1-specific functional regions required for deadenylation in vivo, we targeted for mutagenesis six regions of CAF1 that are specifically conserved among CAF1 orthologs. Defects in residues 213–215, found to be a site required for binding CCR4, reduced the rate of deadenylation to a lesser extent and resulted in in vivo phenotypes that were less severe than did defects in other regions of CAF1 that displayed greater contact to CCR4. These results imply that CAF1, while affecting deadenylation through its contact to CCR4, has functions in deadenylation separate from its contact to CCR4. Synthetic lethalities of caf1D, but not that of ccr4D, with defects in DHH1 or PAB1, both of which are involved in translation, further supports a role of CAF1 separate from that of CCR4. Importantly, other mutations in PAB1 that reduced translation, while not affecting deadenylation by themselves or when combined with ccr4D, severely blocked deadenylation when coupled with a caf1 deletion. These results indicate that both CAF1 and factors involved in translation are required for
Long-term use of inhaled glucocorticoids in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and risk of bone fractures: a narrative review of the literature

Abstract Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) demonstrate a greater osteoporosis prevalence than the general population. This osteoporosis risk may be enhanced by treatment with inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs), which are recommended for COPD management when combined with long-acting bronchodilators, but may also be associated with reduced bone mineral density (BMD). We conducted a narrative literature review reporting results of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of an ICS versus placebo over a treatment period of at least 12 months, with the aim of providing further insight into the link between bone fractures and ICS therapy. As of 16 October 2017, we identified 17 RCTs for inclusion. The ICSs studied were budesonide (six studies), fluticasone propionate (five studies), mometasone furoate (three studies), beclomethasone dipropionate, triamcinolone acetonide, and fluticasone furoate (one each). We found no difference in the number of bone fractures among patients receiving ICSs versus placebo across the six identified RCTs reporting fracture data. BMD data were available for subsets of patients in few studies, and baseline BMD data were rare; where these data were given, they were reported for treatment groups without stratification for factors known to affect BMD. Risk factors for reduced BMD and fractures, such as smoking and physical activity, were also often not reported. Furthermore, a standardized definition of the term “fracture” was not employed across these studies. The exact relationship between long-term ICS use and bone fracture incidence in patients with stable COPD remains unclear in light of our review. We have, however, identified several limiting factors in existing studies that may form the basis of future RCTs designed specifically to explore this relationship.
Distribution voltage control considering the impact of PV generation on tap changers and autonomous regulators

Summary form only given. The uptake of variable megawatts from photovoltaics(PV) challenges distribution system operation. The primary problem is significant voltage rise in the feeder that forces existing voltage control devices such as on-load tap-changers and line voltage regulators to operate continuously. The consequence is the deterioration of the operating life of the voltage control mechanism. Also, conventional non-coordinated reactive power control can result in the operation of the line regulator at its control limit (runaway condition). This paper proposes an optimal reactive power coordination strategy based on the load and irradiance forecast. The objective is to minimize the number of tap operations so as not to reduce the operating life of the tap control mechanism and avoid runaway. The proposed objective is achieved by coordinating various reactive power control options in the distribution network while satisfying constraints such as maximum power point tracking of PV and voltage limits of the feeder. The option of voltage support from PV plant is also considered. The problem is formulated as constrained optimization and solved through the interior point technique. The effectiveness of the approach is demonstrated in a realistic distribution network model.
An Augmented Reality Application for Studying the Lives of Animals

Augmented reality is an interaction tool for human and machine that integrates the digital information with the users environment in real time, uses the existing environment and overlays new information on top of it. This paper discusses the development process of an interactive augmented reality for children in learning about the lives of animals. Children can see the lives of animals in real three-dimensional form. The main objective of this study is to aid students and it could potentially enhance their learning process about the lives of animals. The study found that children’s perception of the use of augmented reality is positive based on the average score was quite good.
Ef £ cient Collision Detection for Curved Solid Objects

The design-for-assembly technique requires realistic physically based simulation algorithms and in particular efficient geometric collision detection routines. Instead of approximating mechanical parts by large polygonal models, we work with the much smaller original CAD-data directly, thus avoiding precision and tolerance problems. We present a generic algorithm, which can decide whether two solids intersect or not. We identify classes of objects for which this algorithm can be efficiently specialized, and describe in detail how this specialization is done. These classes are objects that are bounded by quadric surface patches and conic arcs, objects that are bounded by natural quadric patches, torus patches, line segments and circular arcs, and objects that are bounded by quadric surface patches, segments of quadric intersection curves and segments of cubic spline curves. We show that all necessary geometric predicates can be evaluated by finding the roots of univariate polynomials of degree at most 4 for the first two classes, and at most 8 for the third class. In order to speed up the intersection tests we use bounding volume hierarchies. With the help of numerical optimization techniques we succeed in calculating smallest enclosing spheres and bounding boxes for a given set of surface patches fulfilling the properties mentioned above.
At the human level

Both historical representations and legal traditions have helped to shape the image of unlawful fighters according to what they are not. The history of the opposing categories of regular and irregular combatants reveals how these two are fundamentally connected, which consequently means that we must exercise caution when it comes to the words we use to describe or question such classifications. In order to study irregular combatants, this article adopts a grassroots approach, leaving predominant norms aside. It focuses on the motives, recruitment procedures and internal operations of unlawful combatant groups, as well as how they interact with their environment. From this perspective, the article highlights the importance of irregular combatants’ relationships with civilians and forces us to reconsider their use of arms and the acts of violence they commit.
Experimental verification of design techniques of permanent magnet synchronous motors for low torque ripple applications

High performance motor drive applications require smooth torque with minimum torque ripple. This paper is focused on identifying various design parameters in stator and rotor that can be used in reducing the torque ripple of a sinusoidally excited permanent magnet (PM) brushless DC (BLDC) motor. The paper investigates the sensitivity of various design parameters on torque ripple and torque linearity that must be considered at the design stage for low torque ripple applications. The torque ripple due to electromagnetic origin is considered and the effect of saturation on torque ripple and torque linearity with current is discussed. Finite element analysis along with experimental data is provided to validate the findings. Design techniques have been provided to minimize the overall torque ripple and increase the torque linearity. Tradeoff between magnetic flux per pole and electrical loading of the machine is needed for low torque ripple performance. This also provides superior torque linearity.
VCSEL-Based Tilted Fiber Grating Vibration Sensing System

A fiber-optic vibration sensing system that uses a tilted fiber Bragg grating (TFBG) and a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) has been demonstrated. The backward-propagating low-order cladding modes excited by the TFBG can be effectively recoupled to the fiber core via a lateral-offset-splice upstream the TFBG and the amount of recoupling varies strongly with fiber curvature, providing the sensing mechanism. VCSEL with matched wavelength enables the recoupling to work at a high power level and an improved optical signal-to-noise ratio better than 40 dB is achieved. Meanwhile, VCSEL provides a high-speed continuous wavelength tuning over 1 ~ 2 nm which perfectly covers the strongest recoupling band, making the demodulation filter unnecessary. Dynamic vibration measurement up to 200 Hz has been achieved via cost-effective normalized power detection.
Examining the relation between PTSD and insomnia on aggression

ABSTRACT Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and poor sleep have been identified as potential causals factor in aggression, violence, and impulsive behavior. Given the high cost of aggression to society and public health, identifying modifiable factors related to aggression, such as insomnia, may guide treatment strategies to help decrease aggression. Participants were 143 Veterans seeking treatment for PTSD at a VA outpatient PTSD clinic. Linear and logistic regression analyses were used to examine the relation between PTSD and insomnia on aggression. Results from bivariate analyses indicated that while both PTSD and insomnia severity were associated with higher aggression scores independently, when PTSD and insomnia were examined together, PTSD severity was the only significant predictor of aggression. Interaction effects yielded nonsignificant results suggesting that poor sleep did not moderate the PTSD and aggression relation. Results suggest that addressing PTSD symptoms as a first treatment target may be more important for decreasing risk for aggression than targeting insomnia. More research is needed to understand whether treating PTSD and insomnia reduces aggression in Veterans.
A Resonant Vibrating Tactile Probe for Biomedical Applications Based on IPMC

In this paper, a vibrating tactile probe is presented. The probe exploits the dependence of its resonant frequency on the varying load and hence on the contacted material. This methodology allows the recognition of different materials by observing the electrical quantities involved in the probe dynamics. More specifically, two ionic polymer-metal composite (IPMC) strips are used, one as actuator and one as sensor, that work together for the recognition of materials. The actuator forces the system into resonant conditions that, as stated before, change with the mechanical properties of the contacted material. The output signal produced by the IPMC sensor contains the information required for the estimation of the contacting material. The sensing capabilities could be exploited in various biomedical applications, such as catheterism and surgical resection of tumors. The model and the experimental validation of the proposed probe are reported. For each material, different surveys were collected to estimate the uncertainty of the resonant frequency and hence to obtain the characteristic diagram of the device along with its uncertainty. The reported results show that the developed probe can be used to distinguish among different materials.
Development of Chemical Reactivity Matrix Databases for Industrial Applications

The major hazard with which the chemical industry is concerned is misidentifying chemical reactivity and hazards. The impacts of misidentifying chemicals hazards in the process industries may be predicted by the application of chemical reactivity matrix. However, the applications of these models require competency in computer programming. Therefore, the objective of this project is to develop an application which is able to study the chemical reactivity and hazards. The application is developed using JAVA programming language and MySQL database. The application is helpful to know the chemical descriptions, chemical hazards, safety issues of chemicals and predict the new hazards when these chemicals are mixed with each others. The methodology of the project includes; search relevant information and chemical data that are related to the project. The development of the software has been divided into five stages, which are: planning the application, building the database, building the Graphical User Interface (GUI), writing the computer program, software validation and verification. This application required chemical name, Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) number or United Nation/North American (UN/NA) number as inputs for and the outputs of the software can be displayed as results. The users able to know regarding to the description of the chemical which are chemical properties. Furthermore, the users can mix the chemicals as an input then predict the hazards of the mixing chemical as an output. The software is able to present the hazard of mixing two chemicals. The chemical reactivity matrix application is useful and feasible due to its user friendlies and ability to function as a stand alone application and it is compatible with all windows operating system. Furthermore, the cost of developing the software is cheap and the application can be updated by user. The software has been tested with few case studies and the results shows a good agreement with the other results from different softwares.
Space-time transmit code and receive filter design for colocated MIMO radar

This paper considers the design problem of Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) radar space-time transmit code (STTC) and space-time receive filter (STRF) for a moving point-like target in the presence of signal-dependent interference. An iterative procedure, whose convergence is analytically proved, is devised to maximize the Signal to Interference plus Noise Ratio (SINR) accounting for both a similarity constraint and constant modulus requirements on the probing waveform. Each iteration of the algorithm, involves the solution of hidden convex problems. Specifically, both a convex problem (whose solution is provided in closed form) and a set of fractional programming problem, that can be globally solved in polynomial time via the Dinkelback's procedure, are solved. The computational complexity is linear in the number of iterations and polynomial with the sizes of the STTC and the STRF. Finally, numerical results are provided to assess the quality of the devised procedure.
Managing complexity in an autonomous vehicle

Team Tormenta fielded an autonomous vehicle in the DARPA Grand Challenge 2005. Limiting the complexity of the autonomous system design, construction, and testing was crucial in rapidly designing a cost-effective working system. This approach allowed Team Tormenta to field a competitive vehicle on a low budget competing in the qualification trials.
Wideband circularly polarized slotted-patch antenna with a reflector

A design for wideband circularly-polarized (CP) antennas with unidirectional radiation is described. The antenna structure is mainly composed of a rectangular slotted patch and a metallic reflector. First, the CP design for the stand-alone slotted patch antenna is investigated, and a 3dB-axial-ratio bandwidth of 53 % is obtained. Then, the metallic reflector is placed at the rear of the slotted patch to generate unidirectional radiation. Experimental results demonstrate that the slotted patch antenna with a reflector has almost the same CP bandwidth as the stand-alone slotted patch antenna, and it has good impedance matching as well as stable radiation patterns across the CP operating frequencies.
Medical pluralism in beliefs and practices surrounding epilepsy care in Uganda

Purpose​: In this study, patient and caregiver beliefs about epilepsy etiology and their health-seeking behaviors were investigated as a first step towards exploring a possible basis for collaboration within Uganda’s pluralistic health system. We explored differences amongst those with pluralistic versus singular beliefs about causes of epilepsy in a hospital based setting. Methods​: 626 participants were interviewed in three hospitals in Uganda regarding their beliefs about epilepsy and their care-seeking behaviors. Analyses were conducted to determine whether beliefs about epilepsy etiology tended to encompass solely biological explanations or whether they were more pluralistic, drawing upon biological, mystical and spiritual explanations for their conditions. The associations of these beliefs with various demographics and care-seeking behaviors were also investigated. Results​: The findings from this study indicate that people with epilepsy and their caregivers tend to hold multiple, and often simultaneous, understandings of the seizure etiology, with more than two thirds of this sample holding pluralistic beliefs. These pluralistic beliefs tended to be associated with greater delays in seeking biomedical care ​(p<0.005) and greater likelihood of accessing traditional or pastoral healers for care (p<0.1). People with pluralistic beliefs also tended to be younger (p<0.01), less educated (p<0.05) and have lower incomes(p<0.05) than those with only biological beliefs. Conclusions​: These results suggest reveal the importance of understanding sociocultural beliefs in mediating treatment bottlenecks for epilepsy care associated with medical pluralism. In order to adequately treat patients with epilepsy, there needs to be more inclusive approach to health care delivery that respects pluralistic beliefs.
Age at period cessation and trajectories of cardiovascular risk factors across mid and later life

Objective To examine the association between age at period cessation and trajectories of anthropometry, blood pressure, lipids and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) from midlife to age 69 years. Methods We used data from the UK Medical Research Council National Survey of Health and Development to examine the association between age at period cessation and trajectories of systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) from 36 to 69 years and trajectories of triglyceride, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and HbA1c from 53 to 69 years. Results We found no evidence that age at period cessation was associated with trajectories of log triglyceride, LDL-C and HDL-C from 53 to 69 years and trajectories of SBP or DBP from 36 to 69 years, regardless of whether period cessation occurred naturally or due to hysterectomy. While we found some evidence of associations of age at period cessation with log BMI, log WC and log HbA1c, patterns were not consistent and differences were small at age 69 years, with confidence intervals that spanned the null value. Conclusion How and when women experience period cessation is unlikely to adversely affect conventional cardiovascular risk factors across mid and later life. Women and clinicians concerned about the impact of type and timing of period cessation on conventional cardiovascular intermediates from midlife should be reassured that the impact over the long term is small.
Cost Reduction and Channel Capacity Enhancement of MIMO System Using Antenna Selection Techniques

MIMO technology has become very popular in a wireless communication system because of the many advantages of multiple antennas at the transmitting end and receiving end. The main advantages of MIMO systems are higher data rate and higher reliability without the need of extra power and bandwidth. The MIMO system provides higher data rate by using spatial multiplexing technique and higher reliability by using diversity technique. The MIMO systems have not only advantages, but also have disadvantages. The main disadvantage of MIMO system is that the multiple antennas required extra high cost RF modules. The extra RF modules increase the cost of wireless communication systems. In this research, the antenna selection techniques are proposed to minimize the cost of MIMO systems. Furthermore, this research also presents techniques for antenna selection to enhance the capacity of channel in MIMO systems.
A special kind of photonic crystal and enlargement of omnidirectional total reflection band

A special kind of one-dimensional magnetic photonic crystal (MPC) with the same refractive indices of the composites is investigated. We adopt the transmission matrix method to analyze the transmission properties of the special MPCs. The results indicate that the stop-band edges of TE mode coincide with those of TM mode, and the stop bands for both modes expand as the incident angle increases. Based on the incident angle domain method, the ODTR band determined by the wave impedance ratio can be enlarged using a heterostructure. Moreover, the requirement of ODTR of each sub-PC is unnecessary, which extends the range of materials.
An Improved Homogeneous Polynomial Approach for Adaptive Sliding-Mode Control of Markov Jump Systems With Actuator Faults

This paper investigates an adaptive sliding-mode controller design problem for a class of Markov jump systems with actuator faults. First, a more extensive faults model, which includes actuator loss of effectiveness, outage and stuck, is established. Moreover, a novel sliding surface function is designed and sufficient conditions are established to ensure stochastic stability of the Markov jump systems with known transition probability. Second, based on the adaptive sliding-mode algorithm and the fault compensation algorithm, a comprehensive control law is synthesized not only to overcome the boundary restrictions of actuator loss effectiveness and external disturbances, but also to ensure the properties of stochastic stability and the reachability of the sliding-mode dynamics. Third, an improved stochastically stability criterion, in the case of Markov jump system with uncertain transition probability, is derived based on the homogeneous polynomial matrix technique. Finally, two simulation examples are provided to support the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed control algorithms.