Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Changing Demographics: The Diminishing Role of Age and Gender in Computer Usage

As the changing demographics of the workplace influence how organizations operate, the need to reexamine relationships between these demographic variables and their effect on the organization continues. This study provides an empirical examination of the effect of two demographic variables, age and gender, and any moderating impact anxiety, enjoyment, and/or peer pressure may have on computer usage. Based on our analysis of 292 knowledge workers, we identified no significant difference between men and women and/or young and old regarding their computer usage in the workplace. Therefore, the findings from this study do not seem to support earlier research regarding age and gender, which indicated that these variables did impact computer usage. However, the moderating construct (anxiety) did appear to be significant in the employees’ computer usage.
Theoretical study of the ionization of an alkali atom adsorbed on a metal surface by a laser-assisted subfemtosecond pulse

The first numerical simulation of the process of ionization of an atom adsorbed on a metal surface by the subfemtosecond pulse is presented. The streaking scheme is considered, when a weak sub-femtosecond pulse comes together with a strong IR pulse with a variable delay between them. The problem is analyzed with numerical solving the non-stationary Schroedinger equation in the cylindrical coordinate. The results obtained are compared with ones in the gas phase. We show that the surface influences the DDCS, but the observation of this influence, beside the trivial polarization shift of the energy of the initial state, requires a quite high experimental resolution.
BIOLOGICAL CONTROL SYSTEMS--A CRITICAL REVIEW AND EVALUATION. DEVELOPMENTS IN MANUAL CONTROL. NASA CR-190.

R e c e n t d e v e l o p m e n t s i n mathematical models f o r the human manual c o n t r o l system are r e v i e w e d and e v a l u a t e d as p a r t o f a s t u d y o f the f i e l d of b i o l o g i c a l c o n t r o l systems. A p p l i c a t i o n of c o n t r o l models f o r i n v e s t i g a t i o n of t h e " f i n e s t r u c t u r e ' ' i s stressed, ra ther t h a n human e n g i n e e r i n g a s p e c t s . E v i d e n c e for a n d a g a i n s t d i s c r e t e models of' t h e human o p e r a t o r i s p r e s e n t e d a n d a number of s u c h models a r e c o m p a r e d . T h e a c l a p . t i v e c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s of t h e o p e r a t o r and two b a s i c m o d e l l i n g approaches are p r e s e n t e d a n d s e v e r a l models 1-eviewed. Detailed d i s c u s s i o n i s I n c l u d e d o n c o r r e l a t i o n o f m a n u a l r e s p o n s e c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s and physiol o g i c a l data f o r m u s c l e , l e a d i n g t o mode l s Lnor the p o s t u r a l c o n t r o l a n d v o l u n t a r y c o n t r o l system i n t e r a c t i o n s .
Invulnerability analysis of vehicular ad hoc networks based on temporal networks

As network invulnerability can provide the optimization of network topology control, protocol development and network management with new guidance, the invulnerability properties for vehicular ad hoc networks against random attacks and intentional attacks are analyzed in this paper. Based on vehicular mobility simulation with VanetMobiSim, it is firstly shown that the traditional static approach when adopted in VANETs whose topology frequently changed over time overestimates system invulnerability while a temporal approximation captures more accurately the system performance. Then the influences by patterns of attacks, communication range and network density on invulnerability of VANETs are given. The experimental results show that VANETs have a strong invulnerability faced with random attacks while its invulnerability under intentional attacks is fairly low and the temporal invulnerability increases with communication radius getting larger under intentional attack. However, the effect of communication radius on temporal invulnerability for VANETs faced with random attack is uncertain. What is more, node density has a positive impact on invulnerability.
Torque ripple reduction of a variable flux motor

This paper examines torque ripple in a new topology of variable flux machine with AlNiCo magnet. To reduce the torque ripple, the design and finite element modeling of this machine are reviewed and the finite element model results are verified with the prototyped motor. The effects of various electrical, magnetic and geometrical parameters such as load, magnetization level of the magnet, tooth and yoke width and magnet dimensions, on both torque mean value and torque ripple are discussed using the verified finite element model. Finally, modified rotor structure is presented that reduces the torque ripple by 35% with the same torque mean value and magnetization current for the motor. The torque ripple of the modified design is analyzed for a wide range of load and speed.
Bortezomib, Paclitaxel, and Carboplatin as a First-Line Regimen for Patients with Metastatic Esophageal, Gastric, and Gastroesophageal Cancer: Phase II Results from the North Central Cancer Treatment Group (N044B)

Purpose: This study was undertaken to explore the response rate of a first-line, three-drug regimen that consisted of bortezomib, paclitaxel, and carboplatin in patients with metastatic adenocarcinoma of the esophagus, gastroesophageal junction, or gastric cardia. Patients and Methods: Patients with the above diagnosis and acceptable organ function were treated intravenously on a 21-day cycle with the following: bortezomib 1.2 mg/m2 on days 1, 4, and 8; paclitaxel 175 mg/m2 on day 2; and carboplatin with an area under the curve of 6 on day 2. Patients received indefinite treatment unless they manifested tumor progression or severe adverse events. All were monitored for tumor response as well as other clinical outcomes. Results: The cohort included 35 eligible patients with a median age of 59 years (range, 36–78) and an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance score of 0, 1, and 2 in 60%, 34%, and 6% of patients, respectively. Although this regimen was well tolerated, the tumor response rate was lower than that anticipated at 23% (95% confidence interval: 10%, 40%), thereby prompting premature study closure. There were no complete responses. The median survival for the cohort was 8.9 months (95% confidence interval: 5.9, 12.8). Conclusion: As prescribed in this trial and for this indication, this regimen does not merit further testing.
Requirement of CD4 T cells for skin graft rejection against thymus leukemia (TL) antigen and multiple epitopes on the TL molecule recognized by CD4 T cells.

By selective depletion of CD4 and CD8 T cells in vivo using the respective mAbs, we demonstrate that CD4 T cells are necessary for skin graft rejection against thymus leukemia (TL) Ag. The skin expressing T3b-TL Ag from transgenic C3H Tg.Con. 3-1 mice given chimeric H-2Kb/T3b-TL gene was rejected when grafted onto C3H/He recipient mice. Depletion of CD4, but not of CD8, T cells blocked rejection. CD8 CTL were generated in MEM (control)-treated C3H/He recipient mice, while Thy-1+ CD4- CD8- CTL were generated in CD8-depleted recipient mice after rejection. However, no CTL were generated in CD4-depleted or both CD4- and CD8-depleted recipient mice. Thus, the generation of both CD8 and Thy-1+ CD4- CD8- CTL was dependent on CD4 T cells. Ab blocking indicated that both CD8 and Thy-1+ CD4- CD8- CTL were TCR alphabeta and recognized TL Ag. We furthermore demonstrated that CD4 T cells in spleen cells from C3H/He mice that had rejected C3H Tg.Con. 3-1 skin showed a weak, but significant, proliferative response to in vitro stimulation with mitomycin C-treated C3H Tg.Con. 3-1 spleen cells. Analysis of the reactivity of bulk CD4 T cell lines to 73 synthetic overlapping peptides encompassing the entire T3b-TL molecule showed that CD4 T cells recognized multiple epitopes on the T3b-TL molecule in an APC-dependent manner.
The Effect of Whole-Body Vibration Training and Conventional Strength Training on Performance Measures in Female Athletes

Jones, MT, Parker, BM, and Cortes, N. The effect of whole-body vibration training and conventional strength training on performance measures in female athletes. J Strength Cond Res 25(9): 2434-2441, 2011—The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of regular whole-body vibration (WBV) training on lower body strength and power. National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III softball athletes (n = 9) completed the 9-week protocol as part of their off-season strength and conditioning program. The athletes were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups. Week 1, pretesting included 3 repetition maximum (3RM) back squat, standing long jump (SLJ), and vertical countermovement jump (VCMJ). Phase I training (weeks 2-4) consisted of either WBV training (group 1) or conventional strength training (CST, group 2). The primary programmatic difference between WBV and CST was the inclusion of WBV sets after squat sets. Posttesting (3RM squat, SLJ, VCMJ) occurred at week 5. Phase II training (weeks 6-8) consisted of either WBV training (group 2) or CST (group 1). Posttesting was repeated at week 9 after the completion of phase II. Three 2 × 2 mixed factorial analyses of variance were computed. No significant differences (p > 0.05) were found between groups or between groups and testing period for the SLJ, VCMJ, and estimated 1RM back squat. Increases (p < 0.05) were observed in SLJ, VCMJ, and back squat from pretest to posttest 1. Back squat increased (p < 0.05) from posttest 1 to posttest 2. All the athletes experienced significantly greater (p < 0.05) percent changes from pretest to posttest 1 for SLJ and VCMJ. These results indicate that the inclusion of WBV as part of an off-season strength and conditioning program has no apparent benefit over CST methods for collegiate softball players.
Mental Representations Acquired Through Language: A Study of Orientation Specificity

Four experiments investigated alignment effects in the mental representation of spatial descriptions. Participants read descriptions of simple routes, which were described as a map (Experiment 1) or as a navigable journey (Experiments 2 to 4). In a subsequent reaction time task, spatial judgments were made from imagined perspectives that were either aligned or misaligned with the first segment of the route. In Experiment 2, similar response latencies were found for aligned and misaligned judgments. In the other experiments, response latencies were fastest when aligned with the first route segment. The results suggest that procedural variables can determine the magnitude of alignment effects based on the initial perspective.
ADEPT — The advanced database environment for planning and tracking

The Advanced Database Environment for Planning and Tracking (ADEPT) is a system that provides the ability to define and manage process definitions. These predefined definitions can be instantiated to create project plans. In managing such plans, ADEPT ensures adherence to predefined process definitions. Unlike most commercial project planning systems, project plans in ADEPT can include information that is tracked across multiple projects. In addition, ADEPT provides the ability to track other kinds of project details besides simple task information and milestone dates. It supports both operational (that is, day-to-day) management of single projects and strategic management of information that crosses project boundaries. It was built on top of a commercial client-server relational database system and uses the standard Structured Query Language (SQL) to model process definitions as object-oriented semantic networks. ADEPT features include real-time reporting, generation of HyperText Markup Language (HTML) reports, report subscription, tracking of quality records, e-mail notification of database transactions, and authorization access control.
The efficacy of brief dynamic psychotherapy: a meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE Insurance companies, legislators, and funding agencies have become increasingly concerned with efficacy and accountability in regard to psychotherapy, and psychodynamic therapy is a primary target of concern because it is widely practiced in outpatient settings. This paper is a meta-analytic review of recent well-controlled studies of the efficacy of brief dynamic therapy. METHOD The meta-analysis included both published studies, located through an extensive computerized search of psychiatry and psychology journals, and studies reported at conferences. Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria: use of a specific form of short-term dynamic psychotherapy as represented in a treatment manual or manual-like guide; comparison of brief dynamic therapy and a waiting list control condition, nonpsychiatric treatment, alternative psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, or other form of dynamic therapy; provision of the information necessary for calculation of effect sizes; at least 12 therapy sessions; and therapists who were trained and experienced in brief dynamic therapy. The outcome measures compared were target symptoms, psychiatric symptoms generally, and social functioning. RESULTS Brief dynamic therapy demonstrated large effects relative to waiting list conditions but only slight superiority to nonpsychiatric treatments. Its effects were about equal to those of other psychotherapies and medication. CONCLUSIONS These data confirm previous indications that various psychotherapies do not differ in effectiveness, although this finding should not be generalized to all patient populations, outcome measures, and treatment types. Also, the highly controlled conditions of these studies limit conclusions about actual practice. Future studies should address various treatment lengths, follow-up assessments, and specific treatments, patient groups, and outcome measures.
Examining the Association Between Comorbidity Indexes and Functional Status in Hospitalized Medicare Fee-for-Service Beneficiaries

Background Medicare data from acute hospitals do not contain information on functional status. This lack of information limits the ability to conduct rehabilitation-related health services research. Objective The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between 5 comorbidity indexes derived from acute care claims data and functional status assessed at admission to an inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF). Comorbidity indexes included tier comorbidity, Functional Comorbidity Index (FCI), Charlson Comorbidity Index, Elixhauser Comorbidity Index, and Hierarchical Condition Category (HCC). Design This was a retrospective cohort study. Methods Medicare beneficiaries with stroke, lower extremity joint replacement, and lower extremity fracture discharged to an IRF in 2011 were studied (N=105,441). Data from the beneficiary summary file, Medicare Provider Analysis and Review (MedPAR) file, and Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility–Patient Assessment Instrument (IRF-PAI) file were linked. Inpatient rehabilitation facility admission functional status was used as a proxy for acute hospital discharge functional status. Separate linear regression models for each impairment group were developed to assess the relationships between the comorbidity indexes and functional status. Base models included age, sex, race/ethnicity, disability, dual eligibility, and length of stay. Subsequent models included individual comorbidity indexes. Values of variance explained (R2) with each comorbidity index were compared. Results Base models explained 7.7% of the variance in motor function ratings for stroke, 3.8% for joint replacement, and 7.3% for fracture. The R2 increased marginally when comorbidity indexes were added to base models for stroke, joint replacement, and fracture: Charlson Comorbidity Index (0.4%, 0.5%, 0.3%), tier comorbidity (0.2%, 0.6%, 0.5%), FCI (0.4%, 1.2%, 1.6%), Elixhauser Comorbidity Index (1.2%, 1.9%, 3.5%), and HCC (2.2%, 2.1%, 2.8%). Limitation Patients from 3 impairment categories were included in the sample. Conclusions The 5 comorbidity indexes contributed little to predicting functional status. The indexes examined were not useful as proxies for functional status in the acute settings studied.
Asymmetry of brain and behavior in animals: Its development, function, and human relevance

Summary: Since the discovery of brain asymmetry in a wide range of vertebrate species, it has become possible to study development and expression of lateralized behavior accurately in well‐controlled experiments. Several species have emerged as useful models for investigating aspects of lateralization. Discussed here are: (1) the influence of exposure to light during embryonic development on lateralization, (2) effects of steroid hormones on lateralization, (3) developmental changes in which hemisphere is controlling behavior, and (4) asymmetry in memory formation and recall. The findings have bearing on understanding the development of hemispheric specialization in humans and are likely to provide insight into dysfunctional behavior associated with weak or absent lateralization and impaired interhemispheric communication (e.g., autism, schizophrenia, and dyslexia). This review features research on chicks, pigeons, and zebrafish, with the addition of some recent evidence of lateralization in bees. Discoveries made using these species have highlighted the interaction between experience, hormones, and genetic factors during development, and have provided some of the first clear evidence of the advantage of having a lateralized brain. genesis 52:555–571, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Theory of Mind Ability and Cooperation in the Prisoners Dilemma ∗

The ability to accurately assess others’ intents, beliefs, and emotions – called Theory of Mind (ToM) – is conjectured to be important for social cooperation. We study the role of ToM ability in fostering cooperation in the simultaneous and sequential prisoners dilemma (PD) games. Our norm-based model predicts that high ToM ability individuals will believe in more cooperation and cooperate at higher rates than low ToM ability individuals in the sequential PD game relative to the simultaneous PD game. Experimental results match these predictions and reveal that ToM ability affects cooperation via beliefs in others’ cooperativeness rather than fixed preference traits. JEL Classification: C73, C92, D03.
Chikungunya fever in travelers: clinical presentation and course.

BACKGROUND An outbreak of chikungunya virus infection emerged in the southwest Indian Ocean islands in 2005, spread out to India, and resulted in an ongoing outbreak that has involved >1.5 million patients, including travelers who have visited these areas. METHODS Our study investigated 69 travelers who developed signs and symptoms compatible with chikungunya fever after returning home from countries involved in the epidemic. Twenty cases of infection that were confirmed by serological analysis, polymerase chain reaction, and/or cell culture were investigated. RESULTS All patients experienced flulike symptoms with fever and joint pain. No serious complications were observed, but 69% of the patients had persistent arthralgia for >2 months, and 13% had it for >6 months. Viral RNA could be detected in blood samples using reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction in 4 of 4 patients who presented to a health care facility during their first week of illness, and the virus was successfully isolated from blood samples obtained from 2 of these patients. Chikungunya virus-specific immunoglobulin M and/or immunoglobulin G antibodies were detected in all patients. However, initial testing of serum samples yielded negative results for 3 of 5 patients during the first week. CONCLUSIONS Chikungunya fever must be considered in travelers who develop fever and arthritis after traveling to areas affected by an ongoing epidemic. Related arthritis mainly affects smaller joints and often persists for extended periods. Serological testing may have negative results during the first week of the disease; diagnosis using polymerase chain reaction appears to be more reliable during this time. Travelers to areas of epidemicity should be informed of the risk of infection and of adequate preventive measures, such as protection against mosquitos.
A novel constant frequency sliding mode control of DC-DC converters

Sliding Mode Control (SMC) is a robust and easy to design control law, which can be applied to linear and nonlinear systems. It has been of great research interest for applications in power electronics and motor drives. Conventional/First order sliding mode suffers from chattering of the control input, which when used for DC-DC Converters, results in variable switching frequency of the power switch. This will lead to more switching losses and also makes the design of the converter passives difficult. This research work presents a modified version of SMC, called Constant Frequency SMC (CFSMC), which ensures that DC-DC Converters operate at constant switching frequency and yet remain as robust and easy to implement as the conventional SMC. The theory is developed and verified through simulations for Boost, Buck-Boost, SEPIC and Cuk Converters in MATLAB/SIMULINK.
NMR studies of structure, hydrogen exchange, and main‐chain dynamics in a disrupted‐core mutant of thioredoxin

Core‐packing mutants of proteins often approach molten globule states, and hence may have attributes of folding intermediates. We have studied a core‐packing mutant of thioredoxin, L78K, in which a leucine residue is substituted by lysine, using 15N heteronuclear two‐ and three‐dimensional NMR. Chemical shift differences between the mutant and wild‐type main‐chain resonances reveal that structural changes caused by the mutation are localized within 12 Å of the altered side chain. The majority of resonances are unchanged, as are many 1H‐1H NOEs indicative of the main‐chain fold, suggesting that the structure of L78K is largely similar to wild type. Hydrogen exchange studies reveal that residues comprising the central β‐sheet of both mutant and wild‐type proteins constitute a local unfolding unit, but with the unfolding/folding equilibrium approximately 12 times larger in L78K. The dynamics of main‐chain NH bonds in L78K were studied by 15N spin relaxation and compared with a previous study of wild type. Order parameters for angular motion of NH bonds in the mutant are on average lower than in wild type, suggesting greater spatial freedom on a rapid time scale, but may also be related to different rotational correlation times in the two proteins. There is also evidence of greater conformational exchange in the mutant. Differences between mutant and wild type in hydrogen exchange and main‐chain dynamics are not confined to the vicinity of the mutation. We infer that mispacking of the protein core in one location affects local dynamics and stability throughout.
The benzodiazepine story.

For 10 years Valium® (2) has been the most frequently prescribed drug. It is a safe, potent anxiolytic with pronounced muscle relaxant properties, and is the best known tranquilizer of its kind. It contains, as active ingredient, diazepam (7-chloro-1,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-phenyl-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one).