Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The level of complement C3 is associated with the severity of atherosclerosis but not with arterial calcification in peripheral artery disease.

AIM Recent evidences show correlations between atherosclerosis and the serum level of third component of complement (C3). However, there is less data on the connection of C3 and the severity of atherosclerosis. The aim of our study was to evaluate the association of serum C3 levels with atherosclerosis and arterial calcification in patients with chronic lower extremity atherosclerosis. METHODS In a single centre cross-sectional study 103 patients and 109 healthy controls were examined. Sera were analyzed for C3. To identify the severity of atherosclerosis and calcification, ankle-brachial Doppler index, angiographic Bollinger score, arterial calcification score and carotid intima-media thickness was determined. RESULTS Serum level of C3 was significantly higher in the lower extremity atherosclerosis group than in healthy patients (P=0.00004). In the patient group, serum level of C3, C4 was significantly and inversely associated with ABI (r=-0.246, P=0.014), (r=-0.259, P=0.011). C3 inversely correlates with Bollinger score (r= -0.357, P=0.028). Among our patients no correlation was found between C3 levels and CS (P=0.672, r=-0.046) or between C3 levels and carotid IMT (r=0.104, P=0.351). The serum levels of different complement components were associated with C-reactive protein, Hba1c, peptide-C and insulin. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that C3 serum levels are associated with ABI and angiographic parameters of atherosclerosis, but do not relate to the severity of calcification.
A Simple Gate-Dielectric Fabrication Process for AlGaN/GaN Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor High-Electron-Mobility Transistors

This letter reports a simple processing method for fabricating metal-oxide-semiconductor high-electron-mobility transistors (MOS-HEMTs) by using hydrogen peroxide (H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>) oxidation technique. Aluminum oxide (AlO<sub>x</sub>) was formed on the surface of the AlGaN barrier as the gate dielectric of the MOS-gate structure. By using the capacitance-voltage measurement, the dielectric constant (κ) of AlO<sub>x</sub> was determined to be 9.2. The present MOS-HEMT has demonstrated enhanced saturation drain current density at V<sub>GS</sub> = 0 V (I<sub>DSS0</sub>) of 552.3 mA/mm, maximum extrinsic transconductance (g<sub>m, max</sub>) of 136 mS/mm, wide gate voltage swing of 2.9 V, and two-terminal gate-drain breakdown/turn-on voltages (BV<sub>GD</sub>/V<sub>on</sub>) of -132.2/1.82 V.
Effect of Different Substrates and Casing Materials on the Growth and Yield of Calocybe indica

Abstract Calocybe indica, a tropical edible mushroom, is popular because it has good nutritive value and it can be cultivated commercially. The current investigation was undertaken to determine a suitable substrate and the appropriate thickness of casing materials for the cultivation of C. indica. Optimum mycelial growth was observed in coconut coir substrate. Primordia initiation with the different substrates and casing materials was observed between the 13th and 19th day. The maximum length of stalk was recorded from sugarcane leaf, while diameter of stalk and pileus, and thickness of pileus were found in rice straw substrate. The highest biological and economic yield, and biological efficiency were also obtained in the rice straw substrate. Cow dung and loamy soil, farm-yard manure, loamy soil and sand, and spent oyster mushroom substrates were used as casing materials to evaluate the yield and yield-contributing characteristics of C. indica. The results indicate that the number of effective fruiting bodies, the biological and economic yield, and the biological efficiency were statistically similar all of the casing materials used. The maximum biological efficiency was found in the cow dung and loamy soil casing material. The cow dung and loamy soil (3 cm thick) was the best casing material and the rice straw was the best substrate for the commercial cultivation of C. indica
Multi-objective optimization for peer-to-peer multipoint video conferencing using layered video

We present a multi-objective approach and corresponding formulations for the optimal operation of a peer-to-peer multipoint video conferencing system. The system aims end-points with low bandwidth connections (i.e., single full-quality video in and out) and makes use of layered video to achieve that each participant can view any other participant’s video at anytime. This may cause some of the peers receive lower quality video. Moreover, since the peers may have to forward the video they receive, this may cause larger delays for the peers that receive the video after it is forwarded by several peers. Objective formulations to determine the number of lower quality video receiving peers and the delay experienced by the peers are derived. A multi-objective optimization approach for minimizing both simultaneously is described. An extension that allows multiple video requests from the participants with sufficient bandwidth is proposed. Formulations to minimize the number of lower quality video receivers while maximizing the number of additional video requests are presented. A multi-objective optimization technique assigning importance weights to each of these objectives and its sensitivity to changes in the weights are shown. The use of multi-objective optimization techniques within a system is demonstrated through example scenarios. The effects of our optimization approach on the percentage of base quality receiving peers are examined through simulations.
Maximum Likelihood Parameter Estimation for Latent Variable Models Using Sequential Monte Carlo

We present a sequential Monte Carlo (SMC) method for maximum likelihood (ML) parameter estimation in latent variable models. Standard methods rely on gradient algorithms such as the expectation-maximization (EM) algorithm and its Monte Carlo variants. Our approach is different and motivated by similar considerations to simulated annealing (SA); that is we propose to sample from a sequence of artificial distributions whose support concentrates itself on the set of ML estimates. To achieve this we use SMC methods. We conclude by presenting simulation results on a toy problem and a non-linear non-Gaussian time series model
Factors Influencing the Career Choice of Prospective Teachers

A T the present time there is a critical nationwide shortage of teachers which is expected to become even more critical within the next few years. According to a U. S. Office of Education circular, &dquo;the need for teachers in all fields and at all levels is expected to increase beyond the supply for an indefinite period ahead. &dquo;’ Nevertheless, we are not recruiting a sufficient number of persons into the teaching profession to eliminate even the
Effect of Dietary Phytase Transgenic Corn on Physiological Characteristics and the Fate of Recombinant Plant DNA in Laying Hens

The study aimed to evaluate the potential effects of feeding with phytase transgenic corn (PTC) on organ weight, serum biochemical parameters and nutrient digestibility, and to determine the fate of the transgenic DNA in laying hens. A total of 144 50-week-old laying hens were grouped randomly into 2 treatments, with 8 replicates per treatment and 9 hens per replicate. Each treatment group of hens was fed with diets containing 62.4% non-transgenic conventional corn (CC) or PTC for 16 weeks. The phytase activity for CC was 37 FTU/kg of DM, whereas the phytase activity for PTC was 8,980 FTU/kg of DM. We observed that feeding PTC to laying hens had no adverse effect on organ weight or serum biochemical parameters (p>0.05). A fragment of a poultry-specific ovalbumin gene (ov) was amplified from all tissues of hens showing that the DNA preparations were amenable to PCR amplification. Neither the corn-specific invertase gene (ivr) nor the transgenic phyA2 gene was detected in the breast muscle, leg muscle, ovary, oviduct and eggs. The digestibility data revealed no significant differences between the hens that received the CC- and PTC-based diets in the digestibility of DM, energy, nitrogen and calcium (p>0.05). Phosphorus digestibility of hens fed the PTC-based diet was greater than that of hens fed the CC-based diet (58.03% vs 47.42%, p<0.01). Based on these results, it was concluded that the PTC had no deleterious effects on the organ weight or serum biochemical parameters of the laying hens. No recombinant phyA2 gene was detected in muscle tissues and reproductive organs of laying hens. The novel plant phytase was efficacious in improving the phosphorus digestibility of laying hens.
Changes to Intestinal Transport Physiology and Carbonate Production at Various CO2 Levels in a Marine Teleost, the Gulf Toadfish (Opsanus beta)

Most marine teleosts defend blood pH during high CO2 exposure by sustaining elevated levels of HCO3− in body fluids. In contrast to the gill, where measures are taken to achieve net base retention, elevated CO2 leads to base loss in the intestine of marine teleosts studied to date. This loss is thought to occur through transport pathways previously demonstrated to be involved with routine osmoregulation in marine teleosts. The main objective of this study was to characterize the intestinal transport physiology of the gulf toadfish (Opsanus beta) when exposed to varied levels of CO2: control, 5,000, 10,000, and 20,000 μatm CO2 (0.04, 0.5, 1, and 2 kPa, respectively). Results of this study suggest that intestinal apical anion exchange is highly responsive to hypercarbia, evidenced by a dose-dependent increase in intestinal luminal HCO3− (mmol L−1) that was mirrored by a reduction in Cl− (mmol L−1). Despite activation of HCO3− transport pathways typically used during osmoregulation, fractional fluid absorption was only significantly lower at the highest level of CO2. Although increased HCO3− excretion could provide more substrate for intestinally produced carbonates, carbonate production was not significantly increased during hypercarbia at the levels tested. This study is among the first to thoroughly characterize how compensation for elevated CO2 affects transport physiology and carbonate production in the marine fish intestine. This deeper understanding may be particularly relevant when considering the impacts of future predicted ocean acidification, where prolonged base loss may alter the energetic cost of acid-base balance or osmoregulation in marine fish.
Protection and inﬂammatory markers following exposure of guinea pigs to sarin vapour: comparative efﬁcacy of three oximes

The purpose of the present study was to compare the antidotal efﬁcacy and the combined effects on inﬂammatory markers of three oximes — toxogonine, TMB4 and 2‐PAM — in combination with anticholinergic drugs following exposure to sarin vapour by inhalation.
Emotional Intelligence

This study empirically examines the construct of emotional Intelligence (EI) cross-culturally. Participants (N = 200) from Germany (N = 100) and India (N = 100) completed the Emotional Intelligence Scale, NEO-Five Factor Personality Inventory (Form-S) and Hofstede's Value Survey (Module 94). The major objectives of the study were to examine cross-culturally (a) the factor structure of EI, and (b) the construct of EI as distinct from personality. Results revealed different factor structures for these two cultures, and the construct of EI failed to correlate with the dimensions of personality. Implications of the findings for leadership in a specific culture as well as across different cultures are discussed. L'intelligence émotionnelle : structure factorielle et validité dans diverses cultures (Sudeep Sharma, Juergen Deller, Ramakrishna Biswal et Manas K. Mandal) Cette étude est un examen transculturel de l'intelligence émotionnelle (IE). Les participants ( N = 200) d'Allemagne (N = 100) et d'Inde (N = 100) ont complété l'échelle d'intelligence émotionnelle, NEO- Five Factor Personality Inventory et le module de valeur de la surveillance de 1994 (Hofstede's Value Survey — Module 94). L'étude avait pour objectifs majeurs d'examiner de façon transculturelle (i) la structure des facteurs de l'IE et (ii) le construct de l'IE comme étant distinct de la personnalité. Les résultats ont révélé différentes structures factorielles pour ces deux cultures, tandis que le construct de l'IE n'a pas pu être corrélé aux dimensions de la personnalité. Les implications de ces résultats pour le leadership dans une culture spécifique et pour des cultures différentes sont examinées.
Glomerulopathy in the KK.Cg-Ay/J Mouse Reflects the Pathology of Diabetic Nephropathy

The KK.Cg-A y/J (KK-A y) mouse strain is a previously described model of type 2 diabetes with renal impairment. In the present study, female KK-A y mice received an elevated fat content diet (24% of calories), and a cohort was uninephrectomized (Unx) to drive renal disease severity. Compared to KK-a/a controls, 26-week-old KK-A y mice had elevated HbA1c, insulin, leptin, triglycerides, and cholesterol, and Unx further elevated these markers of metabolic dysregulation. Unx KK-A y mice also exhibited elevated serum BUN and reduced glomerular filtration, indicating that reduction in renal mass leads to more severe impairment in renal function. Glomerular hypertrophy and hypercellularity, mesangial matrix expansion, podocyte effacement, and basement membrane thickening were present in both binephric and uninephrectomized cohorts. Glomerular size was increased in both groups, but podocyte density was reduced only in the Unx animals. Consistent with functional and histological evidence of increased injury, fibrotic (fibronectin 1, MMP9, and TGFβ1) and inflammatory (IL-6, CD68) genes were markedly upregulated in Unx KK-A y mice, while podocyte markers (nephrin and podocin) were significantly decreased. These data suggest podocyte injury developing into glomerulopathy in KK-A y mice. The addition of uninephrectomy enhances renal injury in this model, resulting in a disease which more closely resembles human diabetic nephropathy.
Practical performance evaluation of ethernet networks with flow-level network modeling

Network models for evaluating the behavior of networks are important tools in traffic engineering for dimensioning networks and provisioning bandwidth for different applications. We present in this paper a flow-level network model for the performance evaluation of IP networks with support of long-lived TCP and UDP flows. While flow-level network models for TCP and UDP flows have already been investigated, a vast majority of previous studies often do not take into account the importance of cross-traffic. This paper presents topologies where cross-traffic has a major impact on the performance of TCP flows and shows how previous models are not accurate enough. We consider in our study Ethernet LANs with low latencies and show how to apply our framework to networks with Ethernet switches using priority based scheduling, fair-queuing scheduling, or hierarchical scheduling based on the former algorithms. We assess the accuracy of our approach by comparing the results of our model with results of the discrete event simulator OMNeT++.
Cost of Capital in Imperfect Competition Settings

This paper analyzes the role of information in pricing and cost of capital in securities markets characterized by imperfect competition among investors. Imperfect competition results in markets being less than perfectly liquid. Our analysis demonstrates that the interaction between illiquid markets and asymmetric information gives rise to a role for information in cost of capital that is absent in perfect competition settings such as the Capital Asset Pricing Model. Our results are relevant to a large empirical literature that examines the relation between various information attributes and the cost of capital.
A Study on Efficient Generation of Decision Trees Using Genetic Programming

For pattern recognition, the decision trees (DTs) are more efficient than neural networks (NNs) for two reasons. First, the computations in making decisions are simpler. Second, important features can be selected automatically during the design process. On the other hand, NNs are adaptable, and thus have the ability to learn in changing environment. Noting that there is a simple mapping from DT to NN, we can design a DT first, and then map it to an NN. By so doing, we can integrate the symbolic (DT) and the sub-symbolic (NN) approaches, and have advantages of both. For this purpose, we should design DTs which are as small as possible. In this paper, we continue our study on the evolutionary design of the decision trees based on genetic programming, and propose two new methods to reduce the tree sizes. The effectiveness of the new methods are tested through experiments with a character recognition problem.
Privacy Concerns and the Purchasing of Travel Services Online

The travel industry has come to rely heavily on information and communication technologies to facilitate relations with consumers. Compiling consumer data profiles has become easier and it is generally thought that this has led to an increase in consumers' privacy concerns, which may have an adverse impact on their willingness to purchase online. Three specific aspects of privacy that have received attention from researchers are unauthorized secondary use of data, invasion of privacy, and errors. A study was undertaken to examine the effects of these factors on prior purchase of travel services via the Internet and future purchase probability. No evidence was found to indicate that such privacy concerns affect online purchase behavior within the travel industry. Managerial implications are discussed.
Contribution of a professional development programme to the quality and retention of teachers in an urban environment

This study examined the effects of a professional development programme aimed at equipping teachers for the challenges of teaching in urban schools. The contribution of the programme to teacher quality and teacher retention was evaluated using a mixed research design in which both quantitative (N = 133) and qualitative (N = 42) approaches were used. The results showed a significant effect of the programme on teacher knowledge and self-efficacy. Furthermore, teachers greatly appreciated the programme and they perceived a positive impact on their competences, self-efficacy and professional orientation. The opportunity to share experiences within a network of teachers was considered the most valuable element of the programme.
Single-chip CMOS pulse generator for UWB systems

This paper presents a single-chip pulse generator developed for Ultra Wide Band (UWB) wireless communication systems based on impulse radio technology. The chip has been integrated in a CMOS 130-nm technology with a single supply voltage of 1.2 V. The basic concept is to combine different delayed edges in order to form a very short duration "logical" pulse, and then filter it, so as to obtain an UWB pulse. It is possible to vary the output pulse shape, and thus the corresponding spectrum, just by acting on the delayed edge combination. Furthermore, the pulse generator supports both position modulation (2-PPM) and polarity modulation (BPSK modulation) in order to convey data through the air. Its power consumption remains less than 10 mW for a raw data rate of up to 160 Mb/s. Spectral and temporal measurements of the single-chip pulse generator are presented with an illustration of the modulation effects on the power spectral density (PSD)
Effects of concurrent endurance and strength training on running economy and .VO(2) kinetics.

PURPOSE It has been suggested that endurance training influences the running economy (CR) and the oxygen uptake (.VO(2)) kinetics in heavy exercise by accelerating the primary phase and attenuating the . VO(2) slow component. However, the effects of heavy weight training (HWT) in combination with endurance training remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of a concurrent HWT+endurance training on CR and the . VO(2) kinetics in endurance athletes. METHODS Fifteen triathletes were assigned to endurance+strength (ES) or endurance-only (E) training for 14 wk. The training program was similar, except ES performed two HWT sessions a week. Before and after the training period, the subjects performed 1) an incremental field running test for determination of . VO(2max) and the velocity associated (V(.VO2max)), the second ventilatory threshold (VT(2)); 2) a 3000-m run at constant velocity, calculated to require 25% of the difference between . VO(2max) and VT(2), to determine CR and the characteristics of the VO(2) kinetics; 3) maximal hopping tests to determine maximal mechanical power and lower-limb stiffness; 4) maximal concentric lower-limb strength measurements. RESULTS After the training period, maximal strength were increased (P < 0.01) in ES but remained unchanged in E. Hopping power decreased in E (P < 0.05). After training, economy (P < 0.05) and hopping power (P < 0.001) were greater in ES than in E. VO(2max), leg hopping stiffness and the . VO(2) kinetics were not significantly affected by training either in ES or E. CONCLUSION Additional HWT led to improved maximal strength and running economy with no significant effects on the . VO(2) kinetics pattern in heavy exercise.
ScienceDirect International Conference on Current Trends in ELT An Investigation into the Learners ' Attitudes towards Factors Affecting Their Exam Performance : A Case from Razi University

The importance of examination as an integral part of education cannot be denied. Also, nothing affects learners more than assessment and it is such a complicated process which is related to various kinds of factors. On the other hand, despite the fact that there is lots of research investigating factors affecting learners' performance in the examination, there is sacristy of research reporting learners' attitudes in this regard. Hence, based on metacognition and selfreflection conceptualizations, this study was an attempt to further our understanding of the factors affecting learners' performance in course examination with a focus on their attitude. Data was collected delivering up two set of questionnaires, developed by Rasul and Bukhsh (2011) and Cassady and Johnson (2002), to 30 TEFL freshman learners from Razi University. The obtained data was analyzed using descriptive statistics i.e. computing related frequency and mean for each category of the questionnaires. The difficulty level of the test, the environment of the examination administration, lack of familiarity with the examination objectives, anxiety and family problems were among the most cited factors. Bearing the importance of washback effect concept in mind, results of this study will have implications for university administrators, instructors, learners and their families. © 2014 Neemati, Hoshangi, and Shurideh.Published by Elsevier Ltd. Selection and peer-review under responsibility of Urmia University, Iran.
The relationship between working status and symptoms, quality of life and self-esteem in patients with schizophrenia in Turkey

Background: Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder with substantial socioeconomic burden associated with poorer psychosocial functioning during the course of illness. In schizophrenia patients, multiple factors play a role in occupational functioning. Aim: It was aimed to investigate the relationship between different working conditions and quality of life and self-esteem on patients with schizophrenia in Turkey. Methods: A total of 100 patients diagnosed as schizophrenic were divided into three groups: competitive working, supported working and unemployed. Results: The groups did not differ significantly with regard to psychotic symptoms, self-esteem and illness history. Working was associated with higher scores on quality of life subscales especially in supported working group, whereas unemployed patients had more depressive symptoms and autonomic drug side effects. Conclusion: Structured working programs which may improve social life of patients with schizophrenia in many aspects is warranted in Turkey.