Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Probabilistic load-flow computation using point estimate method

A new probabilistic load-flow solution algorithm based on an efficient point estimate method is proposed in this paper. It is assumed that the uncertainties of bus injections and line parameters can be estimated or measured. This paper shows how to estimate the corresponding uncertainty in the load-flow solution. The proposed method can be used directly with any existing deterministic load-flow program. For a system with m uncertain parameters, it uses 2m calculations of load flow to calculate the statistical moments of load-flow solution distributions by weighting the value of the solution evaluated at 2m locations. The moments are then used in the probability distribution fitting. Performance of the proposed method is verified and compared with those obtained from Monte Carlo simulation technique and combined simulation and analytical method using several IEEE test systems.
Effect of Rifampin and Rifabutin on the Pharmacokinetics of Lersivirine and Effect of Lersivirine on the Pharmacokinetics of Rifabutin and 25-O-Desacetyl-Rifabutin in Healthy Subjects

ABSTRACT Lersivirine is a nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) with a unique resistance profile exhibiting potent antiviral activity against wild-type HIV and several clinically relevant NNRTI-resistant strains. Lersivirine, a weak inducer of the cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzyme CYP3A4, is metabolized by CYP3A4 and UDP glucuronosyltransferase 2B7 (UGT2B7). Two open, randomized, two-way (study 1; study A5271008) or three-way (study 2; study A5271043) crossover phase I studies were carried out under steady-state conditions in healthy subjects. Study 1 (n = 17) investigated the effect of oral rifampin on the pharmacokinetics (PKs) of lersivirine. Study 2 (n = 18) investigated the effect of oral rifabutin on the PKs of lersivirine and the effect of lersivirine on the PKs of rifabutin and its active metabolite, 25-O-desacetyl-rifabutin. Coadministration with rifampin decreased the profile of the lersivirine area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time zero to 24 h postdose (AUC24), maximum plasma concentration (Cmax), and plasma concentration observed at 24 h postdose (C24) by 85% (90% confidence interval [CI], 83, 87), 83% (90% CI, 79, 85), and 92% (90% CI, 89, 94), respectively, versus the values for lersivirine alone. Coadministration with rifabutin decreased the lersivirine AUC24, Cmax, and C24 by 34% (90% CI, 29, 39), 25% (90% CI, 16, 33), and 58% (90% CI, 52, 64), respectively, compared with the values for lersivirine alone. Neither the rifabutin concentration profile nor overall exposure was affected following coadministration with lersivirine. Lersivirine and rifabutin reduced the 25-O-desacetyl-rifabutin AUC24 by 27% (90% CI, 21, 32) and Cmax by 27% (90% CI, 19, 34). Lersivirine should not be coadministered with rifampin, which is a potent inducer of CYP3A4, UGT2B7, and P-glycoprotein activity and thus substantially lowers lersivirine exposure. No dose adjustment of rifabutin is necessary in the presence of lersivirine; an upward dose adjustment of lersivirine may be warranted when it is coadministered with rifabutin.
How Should a Group Living Unit for Demented Elderly Be Designed to Decrease Psychiatric Symptoms?

Summary:The main objectives were to study relationships between the design of group living (GL) units and psychiatric symptoms in demented patients before, 6 months after, and 1 year after admission to GL units. The study population comprised 105 demented elderly (83 ± 6 years), 37% with dementia of Alzheimer's type and 58% with vascular dementia. The patients were relocated by the municipal care planning team after clinical examination. An observational scale (the Organic Brain Syndrome scale) was used to assess confusional symptoms and disorientation. The physical environment was assessed by an architect using the Therapeutic Environment Screening Scale, which evaluates general design, space, lighting, noise, communication area, floor plan, and related factors. Less than 15% of the patients had no signs of dyspraxia, hallucinosis, dysphasia, or depression at admission, whereas 66% or more reported lack of vitality, aggressiveness, or restlessness. Fourteen out of 18 units had a corridor-like design (group A), one unit an L-shaped design (group B), and the others a square or H-shaped design (group C). Patients living in the B unit had less disorientation than the others at the 6-month follow-up. After 1 year, the patients in the A units had more dyspraxia, lack of vitality, and disorientation of identity. The communication areas in the units were negatively associated with “disorientation for recent memory” and “lack of vitality,” adjusted for type of dementia (r = −0.13 to −0.16). The size of the activity area, indoor public rooms in square meters, was not correlated to confusional reactions and disorientation. In conclusion, a GL unit design that facilitates perception without reducing the communication area is to be preferred.
Natural competence in the genus Streptococcus: evidence that streptococci can change pherotype by interspecies recombinational exchanges

To map the incidence of natural competence in the genus Streptococcus, we used PCR to screen a number of streptococcal strains for the presence of the recently identified competence regulation operon, containing the comC, -D, and -E genes. This approach established that the operon is present in strains belonging to the S. mitis and S. anginosus groups, but it was not detected in the other strains examined. Competence is induced in S. pneumoniae and S. gordonii by strain-specific peptide pheromones, competence-stimulating peptides (CSPs). With its unique primary structure, each CSP represents a separate pheromone type (pherotype), which is recognized by the signalling domain of the downstream histidine kinase, ComD. Thus, all bacteria induced to competence by a particular CSP belong to the same pherotype. In this study, we identified a number of new pherotypes by sequencing the genes encoding the CSP and its receptor from different streptococcal species. We found that in several cases, these genes have a mosaic structure which must have arisen as the result of recombination between two distinct allelic variants. The observed mosaic blocks encompass the region encoding the CSP and the CSP-binding domain of the histidine kinase. Consequently, the recombination events have led to switches in pherotype for the strains involved. This suggests a novel mechanism for the adaptation of naturally competent streptococci to new environmental conditions.
Improving the quality of documentation of paediatric post-take ward rounds: the impact of an acrostic

Background Review of patients’ notes while investigating clinical incidents showed a recurring problem of poor documentation of important aspects of the paediatric post-take ward round. Purpose of the study To evaluate the impact of an acrostic (type of mnemonic), created to reflect the aspects of care that should be documented after every ward round, on the completeness of note keeping. Study design The acrostic, ‘Please Verify Information For Doctors, Please Note Every Plan, was developed in 2010 to make it easy to remember the important aspects of post-take ward round, which are: Problem; Vital signs; Investigations; Fluids; Drugs; Patient/Parental concerns; Nursing concerns; Examination; Plan. The acrostic was introduced to doctors at a teaching session and included in the mandatory induction programme for all new doctors. Impact of use of the acrostic was evaluated in 2011 by audit of case notes before and after its introduction, with re-audit 2 years later. A survey of junior doctors on their attitude to its use was carried out in 2014. Results Introduction of the acrostic led to significant improvement in the documentation of problem (84% vs 94%), investigations (26% vs 72%), fluids (16% vs 74%), drugs (26% vs 76%), patient/parental concerns (16% vs 72%) and nursing concerns (4% vs 48%). Most (95% (19/20)) of the junior doctors agreed that the acrostic provided them with an easy format to document important aspects of post-take ward rounds. Conclusions Our patient notes now reflect much more clearly the input of patients and their parents/carers and the involvement of the multiprofessional team.
An investigation of least squares based methods for source localization from time difference of arrival measurements

The least squares based methods for source localization from time difference of arrival (TDOA) measurements are investigated. Also, the weighted least squares based version of an existing method is proposed. The proposed method and the existing ones in the literature are compared in terms of the performance under several source and sensors position scenarios and different noise levels.
The Development and Application of Transaction Cost Economics in Taiwan

Abstract. This study collected 89 papers related to transaction cost theory published between 1992 and 2013 from 19 journals in the Taiwan Social Sciences Citation Index database, and used bibliometrics and network analysis to examine the theory’s applications and development. The results show that the theory has mostly been applied in studies on technology management, transaction information, stocks/foreign exchange/investment, business transfers, strategies, opportunistic behaviors, performance, theoretical integration, human resources, relations, knowledge management, and consumer behaviors. Of these topics, strategies had the most samples; followed by stocks/foreign exchange/investment, which accounted for 19.10% of the total; followed by relations, with 17.98%; and technology management, with 11.24%. The greatest numbers of publications were observed in 1997 and 2007. Connections between the authors appeared to be weak and cross-referencing was rare. Apparently, more time is required for the formation of a research community with strong coherence and knowledge integration capabilities. Keywords. Bibliometrics, Network analysis, Transaction cost theory. JEL. M10, L33, L52.
[The surgical treatment and outcome of nonmetastatic osteosarcoma of the extremity with pathologic fractures].

OBJECTIVE To demonstrate the influence of pathologic fracture and the form of surgical therapy on the survival rate and the prognosis of the patients with osteosarcoma. METHODS From 1992 to 2001 retrospective analysis was done for 22 patients with pathological fracture out of 189 patients with primary extremity osteosarcoma. The 22 patients presented as primary extremity osteosarcoma with pathologic fracture without prior treatment. They were 7 females and 15 males and their age ranged from 8 to 36 years old. Most of diseases located in humerus and femurs. Limb salvage underwent in 12 patients (allograft 2, bone cement spacer 4, local resection 1, prosthesis 4 and rotation-plasty 1) and amputation in 10. All these patients had pre and post operative chemotherapy. The 22 patients followed 8 to 146 months after surgery, and the average was 54.7 months. The minimum follow-up for survive patient was 36 months. RESULTS The 54.5% patients had limb-salvage surgery and 45.5% had amputation, and the limb salvage was lower than non-fracture patients (71.9%), but without significance (P = 0.096). Nine patients developed lung metastases and died in 8 to 26 months postoperatively. The five-year estimated survival rate was 53.4%. The recurrent rates were 16.7% and 10.0% in limb salvages and amputation respectively. The lung metastases rates were 25% and 60% in limb salvages and amputation respectively. CONCLUSION The performance of a limb-salvage procedure in carefully selected patients with pathologic fracture does not significantly increase the risk of local recurrence or death.
Cannabinoid receptors in submandibular acinar cells: Functional coupling between saliva fluid and electrolytes secretion and Ca2+ signalling

Cannabinoid receptors (CBRs) belong to the G protein-coupled receptor superfamily, and activation of CBRs in salivary cells inhibits agonist-stimulated salivation and modifies saliva content. However, the role of different CBR subtypes in acinar cell physiology and in intracellular signalling remains unclear. Here, we uncover functional CB1Rs and CB2Rs in acinar cells of rat submandibular gland and their essential role in saliva secretion. Pharmacological activation of CB1Rs and CB2Rs in the submandibular gland suppressed saliva outflow and modified saliva content produced by the submandibular gland in vivo. Using Na+-selective microelectrodes to record secretory Na+ responses in the lumen of acini, we observed a reduction in Na+ transport following the activation of CBRs, which was counteracted by the selective CB1R antagonist AM251. In addition, activation of CB1Rs or CB Rs caused inhibition of Na+-K+ 2 -ATPase activity in microsomes derived from the gland tissue as well as in isolated acinar cells. Using a Ca2+ imaging technique, we showed that activation of CB1Rs and CB2Rs alters [Ca2+]cyt signalling in acinar cells by distinct pathways, involving Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE), respectively. Our data demonstrate the expression of CB1Rs and CB2Rs in acinar cells, and their involvement in the regulation of salivary gland functioning.
N-acetylcysteine and azithromycin affect the innate immune response in cystic fibrosis bronchial epithelial cells in vitro

ABSTRACT Background and objective. We have previously reported that N-acetylcysteine (NAC), ambroxol and azithromycin (AZM) (partially) correct the chloride efflux dysfunction in cystic fibrosis bronchial epithelial (CFBE) cells with the ΔF508 homozygous mutation in vitro. Methods. In the present paper, we further investigated possible immunomodulatory effects of these drugs on the regulation of the innate immune system by studying the expression of the cytosolic NOD-like receptors NLRC1 and NLRC2, and interleukin (IL)-6 production in CFBE cells. Results. Under basal conditions, PCR and Western Blot data indicate that the NLRC2 receptor has a reduced expression in CF cells as compared to non-CF (16HBE) cells, but that the NLRC1 expression is the same in both cell lines. AZM significantly upregulated NLRC1 and NLRC2 while NAC upregulated only NLRC2 receptor expression in CF cells. Reduced basal IL-6 production was found in CF cells as compared to non-CF cells. MDP (an NLRC2 agonist), NAC and AZM, but not Tri-DAP (an NLRC1 agonist), increased IL-6 production in CF cells, indicating that in CF cells IL-6 upregulation is independent of NLRC1, but involves the activation of NLRC2. Conclusion. Overall, the results indicate that NAC and AZM not only can correct the chloride efflux dysfunction but also have a weakly strengthening effect on the innate immune system.
Self-Organization as a Perspective for Organizational Learning: A New Role for Learning Practitioners

This chapter introduces the perspective of self-organization for organizational learning. Using the perspective of organizations as actor networks in which common activities are established through the connected behaviour of individual actors, it argues that organizational learning entails altered and different behaviour on the part of actors, leading to alterations in the ways in which individual behaviour is interconnected. Organizational learning is fuelled by ambiguity perceived by the organization’s actors who try to make “sense” of their surroundings, when they observe it, grapple with it, grasp it, and manipulate it. In this chapter, the author elaborates on the implications of this perspective for organizational learning and the learning practitioner in the role of leader.
Appealing Diversified Enrollments: A Holistic Marketing and Promotion Mix for Technical Education

Abstract—Modern history has shown that only those countries, which could acquire capability to develop and apply science and technology, have found great success to grow their wealth and improve living conditions of their population. Technical education in India contributes a major share to the overall education system and plays a vital role in the social and economic development of the nation. There is a rapid growth of technical education in last decade in terms of the no. of institutes and intake capacity in India, however, institutes failed to attract enrollments which observed noticeable gap in between the actual no. of enrollments and intake capacity. In the year 2015-16, 46% of seats were vacant in Technical Education (TE) in India. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the influence of promotion mix on diversified enrollments in selecting institute of Technical education. The study found that diversified characteristics of enrollments are related with the promotion mix of TE institute in selection of technical educational institute. This study investigates the usefulness of school visits, institution publications, websites, campus visits, word-of-mouth (friends, alumni, school teachers), advertisements (radio, television, magazines) and events on campus, as a tools of promotion mix. Social Networking and Institute's Website are the emerging tools of promotion mix in selection TE institute in Khandesh Region. This article provides relationship of promotion mix & diversified characteristics of enrollments on institutional choices. Different communication strategies of promotion mix can be used based on diversified characteristics (segmentation) of enrollments to attract enrollments. The paper represents new form of promotion mix of educational service, that affects students' decision in selecting their technical educational institute. The survey is delimited to the enrollments of technical education belonging to North Maharashtra University, Jalgaon and located in Khandesh region of India.
Gender Equality Results in Adb Projects, Sri Lanka Country Report

Rapid gender assessments of 12 projects in four countries were undertaken as part of the Asian Development Bank’s commitment to improving aid effectiveness. The assessment of three loans in Sri Lanka found that positive gender equality results were achieved due to the implementation of gender action plans and provisions. Gender action plans were effective tools for ensuring that both women and men participated in and benefited from projects. Gender equality results and gender action plans contributed directly to achieving loan outcomes and improved project effectiveness. This report then discusses the gender equality results achieved for each project, summarizes factors that enhanced the quality of project design and implementation, and makes recommendations to maximize gender equity as a driver of change.
Bowel wall thickening in patients with Crohn's disease: CT patterns and correlation with inflammatory activity.

AIM To assess CT patterns of bowel wall thickening in patients with Crohn's disease and to correlate these patterns with inflammatory activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a retrospective review of 58 helical abdominal CT scans of 53 patients with pathologically proven Crohn's disease. CT patterns of thickened bowel wall were divided into four types based on patterns of mural stratification and enhancement: type A, multilayered mural stratification; type B, two layers with strong mucosal enhancement and prominent low-density submucosa; type C, two layers without strong mucosal enhancement; and type D, homogeneous enhancement. We evaluated CT findings of the bowel and adjacent structures. We also reviewed pathologic features and clinical data to determine inflammatory activity. RESULTS Fifty-five (95%) of 58 CT examinations showed bowel wall thickening. Of these 55 CT scans, type A pattern was found in 33 (60%), type B in 10 (18%), type C in five (9%), and type D in seven (13%). CT scans with type A showed significantly more wall thickening than those with either type C or type D. Histology revealed 43 cases with active disease and 12 with quiescent appearance. Thirty of 33 CT scans with type A and all 10 with type B were classified as acute disease, and three of five with type C and six of seven with type D as quiescent. CONCLUSION In patients with Crohn's disease, CT patterns of bowel wall thickening correlated with inflammatory activity. Thickened bowel wall with layering enhancement is predictive of acute disease, and that of homogeneous enhancement suggests quiescence.
Differences in response of two model estuarine crustaceans after lethal and sublethal exposures to chlorpyrifos

This study assessed the in vitro and in vivo effects of an acetylcholinesterase enzyme inhibitor (chlorpyrifos) in two estuarine crustaceans: grass shrimp (Palaemonetes pugio) and mysid (Americamysis bahia). The differences in response were quantified after lethal and sublethal exposures to chlorpyrifos and in vitro assays with chlorpyrifos-oxon. Results from the in vitro experiments indicated that the target enzyme, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), in the two species was similar in sensitivity to chlorpyrifos inhibition with IC50s of 0.98 nM and 0.89 nM for grass shrimp and mysids, respectively. In vivo experiments showed that mysids were significantly more sensitive to chlorpyrifos-induced AChE inhibition after 24 h of exposure. The in vivo EC50s for AChE inhibition were 1.23 μg L−1 for grass shrimp and 0.027 μg L−1 for mysids. Median lethal concentrations (24h LC50 values) were 1.06 μg L−1 for grass shrimp and 0.068 μg L−1 for mysids. The results suggest that differences in the response of these two crustaceans are likely related to differences in uptake and metabolism rather than target site sensitivity.
Genetics of neurodegenerative diseases

This issue contains a number of articles on neurodegenerative diseases, most of them genotypically analyzed with next-generation sequencing. Readers will find articles identifying potential mutations in new genes, articles examining different phenotypes associated with variation in the same gene, and a report showing an unusual phenotype associated with a known mutation in the PRNP gene. Finally, the imaging phenotypes of mutations in 2 different frontotemporal lobar dysfunction (FTLD) genes are compared.
Challenges of backsourcing of e-government services: A case study

Many government agencies have had to resort to outsourcing because of the lack of advanced information and communication technology (ICT) expertise and skills. Technology diffusion and the training of staff for high-end customized systems require outsourcing vendors to be on hand most times as detailed in the contract. Once the contract ends, agency staffs are left on their own to man the system and ensure the return on investment. Limited literature and the paucity of similar projects has resulted in this study, thus, the purpose of this research is to identify the backsourcing challenges faced by government agencies after the termination of the outsourcing contract. A cross-sectional approach with triangulation was designed for data gathering and analysis in answering the research questions. A two-phase non-probability sampling ensured the scope and right data collection technique. The preliminary findings from interviews showed that government agencies are not ready for back-sourcing and the customized system implemented will not be fully utilized. Details on the challenges faced by the agency will be elucidated in the paper, however, it is recommended that the gradual relinquishing of the ownership be done a year before the contract ends. Planning and monitoring of the project is mandatory for the success in efficient knowledge transfer and effective usage of the system.