Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Encouraging Energy Efficiancy: Pricing, Education, and Framing

Encouraging Energy Efficiency: Pricing, Education, and Framing By Carrie A. Gill Doctor of Philosophy of Environmental and Natural Resource Economics University of Rhode Island The US residential sector consumed over 20 quadrillion Btu of energy in 2015, costing households billions of dollars in energy bills in addition to negative environmental and health externalities from conventional energy generation. Reducing energy consumption and promoting energy efficiency are critical for controlling costs, minimizing negative environmental impacts, and ensuring security of energy supply. Regulators and policy makers rely on a suite of strategies to promote energy efficiency and conservation. These strategies vary in degree of control over individual freedom of choice, effectiveness and impact, and political and practical feasibility. In this dissertation, I investigate the effects of three strategies to promote energy efficiency. In the first manuscript, I examine the effects of a time-varying residential electricity rate structure. One challenge of promoting energy efficiency is that the true marginal costs of electricity are not passed onto the majority of consumers who are charged a flat rate for electricity. I exploit quasi-random assignment of TOU rates and use a regression discontinuity framework to identify the causal effects of TOU pricing on four outcomes over the twelve months following treatment for high-use households. Though microeconomic theory predicts households shift consumption from peak to off-
5 Muscle , myosin and single molecules

Historically, muscle physiologists began working with whole muscles and then progressed to making mechanical and biochemical measurements from individual muscle fibres and myofibrils. The development of motility assays in vitro went a step further by using the individual protein filaments (myosin and actin) that make up the sarcomere. The logical conclusion to this reductionist approach is the development of single-molecule technologies, which have recently enabled measurement of the individual protein–protein interactions that underlie muscle contraction. Results from such experiments have provided insights into the mechanism of actomyosin and other molecular motors. However, some of the results obtained by different laboratories seem contradictory and others at variance with conventional ideas of actomyosin force production. In this chapter we hope to provide an introduction for the newcomer, highlighting problems of interpretation of single-molecule experiments and current areas of controversy. The scope of the chapter is limited to the study of actomyosin. However, these powerful techniques are also used to study other molecular motors such as kinesin, dynein, RNA polymerase, the bacterial flagellar motor and F1-ATPase [1].
Anticardiolipin antibodies and lupus anticoagulants comprise separate antibody subgroups with different phospholipid binding characteristics

Autoantibodies to phospholipid antigens can be characterized using solid phase immunoassays to detect anticardiolipin antibodies (ACA) or in phospholipid‐dependent clotting tests where lupus anticoagulant (LA) activity can be demonstrated. It has not been established whether each activity is due to the same or separate antibody subgroups. Plasma from two patients with high levels of both activities were used for purification of ACA and LA using sequential ion‐exchange, gel‐filtration, and anti‐Ig affinity chromatography. Plasma could be separated into fractions containing each activity in the absence of the other. In these fractions, antibodies responsible for LA activity do not bind to isolated phospholipids in solid phase immunoassays, and conversely antibodies binding in these assays (ACA) do not possess LA activity, suggesting LA are directed against a more complex lipid epitope. In addition, in one patient ACA was of IgG isotype only, whilst LA was due to IgG and IgM isotypes. In this patient, the IgG‐ACA was heterogenous with three peaks clearly separated on ion‐exchange chromatography. Affinity purified antiphospholipid antibodies have been previously prepared from a number of patients using a phospha‐tidyl‐serine column and antibodies purified in this manner possess ACA but not LA activity. Taken together, these data indicate that tests for ACA and LA define separable subgroups of phospholipid binding antibodies, thus explaining the discordance often seen between the two activities.
Interleukin-2 accelerates CD4 cell reconstitution in HIV-infected patients with severe immunosuppression despite highly active antiretroviral therapy: the ILSTIM study – ANRS 082

Background: Despite effective highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), some patients infected with HIV have persistently low CD4 cell counts with risk of HIV disease progression. The addition of interleukin-2, a cytokine that stimulates CD4 T lymphocyte helper cells, may benefit patients with discordant responses. Methods: A total of 72 HIV-infected patients with CD4 cell counts of 25–200 × 106 cells/l (median 145) and plasma HIV RNA < 1000 copies/ml were randomized in a multicentre study to receive open-label 4.5 × 106 IU interleukin-2 subcutaneously twice daily for 5 days every 6 weeks plus their ongoing HAART or were maintained on HAART alone (control group). After 24 weeks, all patients received interleukin-2 therapy plus HAART up to week 80. Primary end-point was the CD4 T cell area under the curve minus baseline up to week 24. Results: After four cycles of interleukin-2, in an intent-to-treat analysis, the respective median CD4 cell area under the curve minus baseline values were +51 and +11 cells in the interleukin-2 (n = 34) and the control group (n = 36) (P < 0.0001). The percentage of patients in the two groups with CD4 cell counts > 200 × 106 cells/l was 81% and 33%, respectively (P < 0.0001). At week 80, the median CD4 cell counts in the two groups were 380 and 270 × 106 cells/l, respectively. Interleukin-2 treatment was reasonably well tolerated and did not result in sustained increases in plasma HIV RNA levels. Conclusions: Administration of interleukin-2 produces significant and sustained increase in CD4 cell counts in HAART-treated patients with persistent CD4 cell counts < 200 × 106 cells/l.
How single-member districts are reinforcing local independents and strengthening mayors: on the electoral reform in Polish local government

ABSTRACT In this article, we investigate whether the design of the electoral system used in the elections of local councils affects the position of national parties and their main competitors, local independent lists. We study the case of the electoral reform enacted recently in Poland which modified the rules of council elections by introducing the first-past-the-post (FPTP) system, quite rarely used in local elections. Using empirical evidence from the municipalities where FPTP replaced the open-list proportional representation (OLPR) system, we demonstrate that the introduction of single-member districts, and majoritarian rule in council elections, increased the number of single independents, unaffiliated to any party or committee, and limited the (already poor) presence of party candidates and councillors. The reform also strengthened the position of directly elected mayors, in Poland – usually independent, by assuring many of them safe majorities in councils. We found that the share of seats for the winning mayor’s list increased by 10 pp on average after the reform.
Provision of U-city web services using cloud computing

U-city is a future city with high-tech and provides citizens many kinds of U-city services. Because necessary computing resources for U-city services are different, cloud computing that assigns and manages such resources dynamically must be supported in the U-city. As well, U-city portal must support one stop services for the execution of automatic operation to enable users to use U-city services on the web easily. To meet these requirements, we made a U-city portal that integrated various kinds of web services for cloud computing in the U-city altogether. We developed the Virtual Machine Job Manager(VMJM) of the U-city portal for one stop services on the cloud platform, which uses the OpenNebula virtual infrastructure and the Haizea as virtual machine resource management scheduler. It enables general users to execute and monitor U-city services on the virtual machines automatically without experts' knowledge. That is, in this paper, we present web services for cloud computing in the U-city.
Hypomethylation: One Side of a Larger Picture

Abstract: Hypomethylation signifies one end of a spectrum of DNA methylation states. In most cases hypomethylation refers to a relative state that represents a change from the ‘normal’ methylation level. Hypomethylation, when approached from a topographical perspective, has been used to describe either overall decreases in the methylation status of the entire genome (global hypomethylation) or more localized relative demethylation of specific subsets of the genome, such as the promoter regions of protooncogenes or normally highly methylated repetitive sequences. Global hypomethylation accompanied by gene‐specific hypermethylation is observed in at least two important settings: cancer and aging. Global hypomethylation is generally reflective of decreased methylation in CpGs dispersed throughout repetitive sequences as well as the bodies of genes. Hypomethylation of repetitive and parasitic DNA sequences correlates with a number of adverse outcomes. For example, decreased methylation of repetitive sequences in the satellite DNA of the pericentric region of chromosomes is associated with increased chromosomal rearrangements, a hallmark of cancer. Decreased methylation of proviral sequences can lead to reactivation and increased infectivity. However, hypomethylation in cancer can also affect the CpGs in the promoters of specific genes—namely, protooncogenes—leading to their overexpression and resulting in the functional outcome of increased cell proliferation. Thus, hypomethylation, in a variety of settings in which it represents a deviation from ‘normal,’ appears to correlate with progression to cancer and offers potential mechanisms to explain the carcinogenic process.
The analysis of high speed slotless permanent magnet brushless DC motor based on soft magnetic ferrite

Considering the characters of high permeability, high resistivity, low loss and low cost for soft magnetic ferrite in high-frequency alternating magnetic field, this paper proposes a novel high speed permanent-magnet motor based on soft magnetic ferrite. Soft magnetic ferrite ring is used for stator core, rare earth permanent magnet ring serves as the rotor poles, and the slotless configuration with long effective air gap is adopted. The size matching design between the stator magnetic ring and the permanent magnet magnetic ring can make them work in their best operating points respectively, and lower core loss and higher power density will be ensured in the motor. This paper describes an improved analytical model for analyzing the characters of air-gap magnetic field distribution and derives the expressions of phase winding induced electromotive force. The analytical results are compared with those of finite element method and the prototype test, which verify the accuracy of the analytical method is satisfactory, and provide a theoretical basis for the design of this type of motor.
An empirical study of adolescent dating aggression in the U.K.

The present study provides one of the first empirical investigations of adolescent dating aggression (ADA) in Britain. The survey found almost half of sampled boys, and more than half of sampled girls, experienced psychological, physical and/or sexual aggression. The study found no significant association between religious affiliation, household composition, age, social class or the use of alcohol and ADA. The study also combined quantitative and qualitative methods to investigate the "symmetry of violence" theory, concluding that when the meaning and context of aggression are considered, male physical and sexual aggression is a significant problem in adolescent heterosexual relationships.
Glaucoma and Alzheimer Disease: One Age-Related Neurodegenerative Disease of the Brain

Background: Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG) is the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide. Elevated intraocular pressure is considered an important risk factor for glaucoma; however, a subset of patients experiences a progression of the disease even in presence of normal intraocular pressure values. This implies that risk factors other than intraocular pressure are involved in the pathogenesis of glaucoma. A possible relationship between glaucoma and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer Disease has been suggested. In this regard, we recently described a high prevalence of alterations typical of glaucoma, using Heidelberg Retinal Tomograph-3, in a group of patients with Alzheimer Disease. Interestingly, these alterations were not associated with elevated intraocular pressure or abnormal Central Corneal Thickness values. Alzheimer Disease is the most common form of dementia with progressive deterioration of memory and cognition. Complaints related to vision are common among Alzheimer Disease patients. Methods: In this paper researches related to glaucoma and Alzheimer disease are reviewed. Results: Diseases characteristics, i.e. common features, risk factors and pathophysiological mechanisms gathered in the recent literature do suggest that Alzheimer Disease and glaucoma can be considered both age-related neurodegenerative diseases that may co-exist in the elderly. Conclusion: In conclusion, preclinical and clinical evidence gathered so far support the notion that glaucoma is a widespread neurodegenerative condition whose common pathogenetic mechanisms with other diseases, i.e. Alzheimer Disease, should be further investigated as they may shed new light on these diseases improving both diagnosis and treatments.
Investigation on static electrification phenomenon of ester liquids and mineral oil

This paper aims at the comparison of the Electrostatic Charging Tendency (ECT) of mineral, vegetable and synthetic oils using a spinning disk system (CIGRE Cell) covered on its both sides with different types of pressboards and papers. The ECT of insulating oils generated by the charge concentration gradient at the oil - pressboard/paper interfaces are analyzed in function of the rotating speed of the disk. It is shown that the generated charge is slightly higher with vegetable oil than that with mineral and synthetic ester oils. This may be due to differences in the molecular structures of these oils, whose interaction with the pressboard/paper is different; the phenomena occurring at the double-layer (interface) are not identical. However, the differences observed do not constitute an obstacle to the use of vegetable oil as a substitute for mineral or synthetic oils, with respect to the problems and risks associated with static electrification phenomena.
Differences in the Diameter of Facial Nerve and Facial Canal in Bell’s Palsy—A 3-Dimensional Temporal Bone Study

&NA; Bell’s palsy is hypothesized to result from virally mediated neural edema. Ischemia occurs as the nerve swells in its bony canal, blocking neural blood supply. Because viral infection is relatively common and Bell’s palsy relatively uncommon, it is reasonable to hypothesize that there are anatomic differences in facial canal (FC) that predispose the development of paralysis. Measurements of facial nerve (FN) and FC as it follows its tortuous course through the temporal bone are difficult without a 3D view. In this study, 3D reconstruction was used to compare temporal bones of patients with and without history of Bell’s palsy. Methods Twenty-two temporal bones (HTBs) were included in the study, 12 HTBs from patients with history of Bell’s palsy and 10 healthy controls. Three-dimensional models were generated from HTB histopathologic slides with reconstruction software (Amira), diameters of the FC and FN were measured at the midpoint of each segment. Results The mean diameter of the FC and FN was significantly smaller in the tympanic and mastoid segments (p = 0.01) in the BP group than in the controls. The FN to FC diameter ratio (FN/FC) was significantly bigger in the mastoid segment of BP group, when compared with the controls. When comparing the BP and control groups, the narrowest part of FC was the labyrinthine segment in control group and the tympanic segment in the BP. Conclusion This study suggests an anatomic difference in the diameter of FC in the tympanic and mastoid segments but not in the labyrinthine segment in patients with Bell’s palsy.
Activity‐dependent slowing of conduction differentiates functional subtypes of C fibres innervating human skin

1 The effects of impulse activity on conduction in cutaneous C fibres have been examined in 46 microneurographic recordings from 11 normal subjects and 11 diabetic patients with normal nerve conduction. A tungsten microelectrode was inserted into a cutaneous nerve, usually the superficial peroneal close to the ankle, and intraneural microstimulation was used to identify an area of skin innervated. Three minute trains of 0.25 ms stimuli at 1, 2 and 4 Hz were then delivered to the surface of the skin, separated by intervals of 6 min with stimulation at 0.25 Hz. Slowing and block of conduction were measured from the nerve responses for up to seven C units per stimulation sequence. 2 Three types of C unit were distinguished by their responses to repetitive stimulation: type 1 units slowed progressively during the 3 min trains; slowing of type 2 units reached a plateau within 1 min; while type 3 units hardly slowed at all. Data from normal and diabetic subjects did not differ and were pooled. After 3 min at 2 Hz, the percentage increases in latency were for type 1, 28.3 ± 9.7 (n= 63 units, mean ±s.d.); for type 2, 5.2 ± 1.6 (n= 14); and for type 3, 0.8 ± 0.5 (n= 5), with no overlap. After 3 min at 4 Hz, 58% of type 1 units (but no type 2 or 3 units) blocked intermittently. Recovery of latency after stimulation was faster for type 2 than for type 1 units, but conduction velocities of the three types were similar. 3 Type 1 units were identified as nociceptors and 7 type 2 units were identified as ‘cold’ fibres, activated by non‐noxious cold, with no overlap in modality. None of the units tested was activated by weak mechanical stimuli or reflex sympathetic activation. 4 Spike waveforms were averaged for 18 type 1, 10 type 2 and 6 type 3 units. All units had predominantly triphasic action potentials with a major negative peak, but those of type 3 units were on average both smaller and briefer than those of type 1 and type 2 units. 5 It is concluded that repetitive electrical stimulation reliably differentiates nociceptive from cold‐specific C fibres innervating human hairy skin, as has previously been shown for the rat. Cold fibres can propagate impulses continuously at much higher rates than nociceptive fibres. The nature of the type 3 units is unclear.
Prognostic factors in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma receiving systemic chemotherapy

A total of 71 consecutive patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma were analyzed retrospectively to determine the significant prognostic factors. All the patients received systemic chemotherapy in a phase 2 study from 1980 to 1990, with no other anticancer treatment. Median survival time and 1‐yr and 2‐yr survival rates were 5.6 mo, 23% and 5%, respectively. By the univariate analysis, a performance status of 0–1 and tumor size less than 50% of the liver cross‐sectional area were shown to be the factors most significantly favoring a better prognosis. By the multivariate analysis using the Cox proportional hazards model, a performance status of 0–1 (p < 0.001), absence of tumor thrombus in the main portal trunk (p = 0.003) and age less than 60 yr (p = 0.036) were independent favorable prognostic factors. A prognostic index was calculated from these three factors according to the following equation: 1.8109 × (0 = performance status of 0–1 and 1 = performance status of 2–3) + 0.9322 × (0 = tumor thrombus absent in the main portal trunk and 1 = present) + 0.6996 × (0 = age < 60 yr and 1 = age ± 60 yr). This index was used to classify the patients into three groups with a good, intermediate and poor prognosis. The median survival times for these three groups were 9.8, 3.8 and 1.9 mo, respectively (p < 0.01). The results of this study may be useful in the design and analysis of future clinical trials of systemic therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma. (HEPATOLOGY 1992;16:112–117.)
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor promotes innate immune responses by suppressing glucocorticoid‐induced expression of mitogen‐activated protein kinase phosphatase‐1

The pro‐inflammatory cytokine macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) acts as a physiological counter‐regulator of the immuno‐suppressive effects of glucocorticoids. However, the mechanisms whereby MIF exerts its counter‐balancing effect remain largely unknown. Here we report that MAPK phosphatase 1 (MKP‐1), an archetypal member of dual specificity phosphatase that inactivates MAPK activity in response to pro‐inflammatory stimuli, is a critical target of MIF‐glucocorticoid crosstalk. Recombinant MIF counter‐regulated in a dose‐dependent fashion dexamethasone inhibition of TNF and IL‐8 production by RAW 264.7 macrophages and U‐937 promonocytes stimulated with lipoplysaccharides (LPS) or with LPS plus phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate. Stimulation of RAW 264.7 macrophages with dexamethasone or dexamethasone plus LPS led to a robust up‐regulation of MKP‐1 mRNA and protein expressions that were counter‐regulated by addition of recombinant MIF. Antisense MIF macrophages expressing reduced levels of endogenous MIF produced higher amount of MKP‐1 and lower amount of TNF after exposure to dexamethasone and dexamethasone plus LPS, indicating that endogenous MIF acts in an autocrine fashion to override glucocorticoid‐induced MKP‐1 expression and inhibition of cytokine production. Taken together, these data identify MKP‐1 as a molecular target of MIF‐glucocorticoid crosstalk and provide a molecular basis for the control of macrophage responses by a pair of physiological regulators of innate immunity.
A type‐specific study of human papillomavirus prevalence in cervicovaginal samples in three different Spanish regions

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most frequent sexually transmitted viral infection. It is necessary to know HPV genotype distribution to identify how many women will be protected by HPV vaccines. During a period of 18 months, we have analyzed 2362 HPV positive reporting data from a secondary demand screening program in three regions in Spain (Cantabria, Leon and Burgos). The study has been conducted using polymerase chain reaction and tube array hybridization covering the 35 HPV genotypes described as affecting anogenital mucosa. There were no significant differences between the three regions according to genotype distribution. The most frequent were HPV16 (19.18%), HPV53 (11.26%) and HPV58 (7.66%). HPV18 was the source of 4.02% of infections. High‐risk HPVs were found in 1863/2362 cases. HPV16 was present in 24.3% of high‐risk infections and HPV18 was found in 5.1%. Uncommon genotypes (<5% of the total prevalence each) were found in 17,9% of the total high‐risk infections (334/1863). Multiple infections were diagnosed in 22% of the cases. The HPV genotype distribution is different from previously published data when multiple types are included in the screening. Both HPV16/18 account for 30% of high‐risk infections in a clinical setting in Spain. The presence of multiple genotypes is very common among the population.