Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Grating-Free and Bragg-Grating-Based Raman Lasers Made With Highly Nonlinear Photonic Crystal Fibers

We study both experimentally and theoretically power and spectral characteristics of two types of Raman fiber lasers (RFLs) fully made with highly nonlinear photonic crystal fibers (HNL-PCFs). The first laser cavity is free from wavelength-selective mirrors, yielding a grating-free RFL which simply oscillates within a Fabry-Perot cavity formed by weak broadband Fresnel reflections from the fiber ends. In the second laser, Bragg grating mirrors have been written inside the core of the PCF and we demonstrate the oscillation of a Bragg-grating-based RFL fully made with a PCF. Power characteristics of both lasers are analyzed from simple models dealing with powers of optical waves which are assumed to be coupled through the only stimulated Raman scattering inside the laser cavity. Optical power spectra of both lasers are described and compared with optical power spectra of RFLs made with conventional fibers.
Income inequality and economic development: evidence from sub-Saharan African countries

The present paper used data from sub-Saharan african countries to analyze the relationship between income inequality and economic development. We used nonparametric and parametric methods to test their relationship. Our results are robust given that we used two different methods to archive our results. Both results confirm an N-shaped relationship between Income inequality and economic development.
Vertical integration of system-on-chip concepts in the digital design curriculum

The rapid evolution of System-on-Chip (SoC) challenges academic curricula to keep pace in instilling multidisciplinary/interdisciplinary system thinking. This paper presents such a curricular prototype that cuts across artificial course boundaries and provides a meaningful exploration of diverse facets of SoC design. More specifically, a series of experimental contents towards a digital flow SoC product design — a simplified transmission control protocol (TCP) stack are systematically developed and implemented at all levels of the Rowan Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) curriculum. The detailed project and its laboratory modules of progressive complexity are discussed. Its implementation in the existing ECE curriculum is also presented.
EBP2 Is a Member of the Yeast RRB Regulon, a Transcriptionally Coregulated Set of Genes That Are Required for Ribosome and rRNA Biosynthesis

ABSTRACT In an effort to identify sets of yeast genes that are coregulated across various cellular transitions, gene expression data sets derived from yeast cells progressing through the cell cycle, sporulation, and diauxic shift were analyzed. A partitioning algorithm was used to divide each data set into 24 clusters of similar expression profiles, and the membership of the clusters was compared across the three experiments. A single cluster of 189 genes from the cell cycle experiment was found to share 65 genes with a cluster of 159 genes from the sporulation data set. Many of these genes were found to be clustered in the diauxic-shift experiment as well. The overlapping set was enriched for genes required for rRNA biosynthesis and included genes encoding RNA helicases, subunits of RNA polymerases I and III, and rRNA processing factors. A subset of the 65 genes was tested for expression by a quantitative-relative reverse transcriptase PCR technique, and they were found to be coregulated after release from alpha factor arrest, heat shock, and tunicamycin treatment. Promoter scanning analysis revealed that the 65 genes within this ribosome and rRNA biosynthesis (RRB) regulon were enriched for two motifs: the 13-base GCGATGAGATGAG and the 11-base TGAAAAATTTT consensus sequences. Both motifs were found to be important for promoting gene expression after release from alpha factor arrest in a test rRNA processing gene (EBP2), which suggests that these consensus sequences may function broadly in the regulation of a set of genes required for ribosome and rRNA biosynthesis.
Oxaliplatin Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics in Adult Cancer Patients with Impaired Renal Function

Purpose: To characterize the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of oxaliplatin in cancer patients with impaired renal function. Experimental Design: Thirty-four patients were stratified by 24-h urinary creatinine clearance (CrCL) into four renal dysfunction groups: group A (control, CrCL, ≥60 mL/min), B (mild, CrCL, 40-59 mL/min), C (moderate, CrCL, 20-39 mL/min), and D (severe, CrCL, <20 mL/min). Patients were treated with 60 to 130 mg/m2 oxaliplatin infused over 2 h every 3 weeks. Pharmacokinetic monitoring of platinum in plasma, plasma ultrafiltrates, and urine was done during cycles 1 and 2. Results: Plasma ultrafiltrate platinum clearance strongly correlated with CrCL (r2 = 0.712). Platinum elimination from plasma was triphasic, and maximal platinum concentrations (Cmax) were consistent across all renal impairment groups. However, only the β-half-life was significantly prolonged by renal impairment, with values of 14.0 ± 4.3, 20.3 ± 17.7, 29.2 ± 29.6, and 68.1 h in groups A, B, C, and D, respectively (P = 0.002). At a dose level of 130 mg/m2, the area under the concentration time curve increased in with the degree of renal impairment, with values of 16.4 ± 5.03, 39.7 ± 11.5, and 44.6 ± 14.6 μg·h/mL, in groups A, B, and C, respectively. However, there was no increase in pharmacodynamic drug-related toxicities. Estimated CrCL using the Cockcroft-Gault method approximated the measured 24-h urinary CrCL (mean prediction error, −5.0 mL/min). Conclusions: Oxaliplatin pharmacokinetics are altered in patients with renal impairment, but a corresponding increase in oxaliplatin-related toxicities is not observed.
Smile esthetics: the influence of posterior maxillary gingival margin position.

PURPOSE Successful replacement of posterior teeth using contemporary prosthodontic techniques in esthetically demanding cases relies upon visual replication of the natural posterior dentition and surrounding gingival architecture. There is currently little in the way of guidance for creating ideal or acceptable gingival relationships for posterior teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted comparing perceptions of four groups of individuals to six digitally manipulated images with various posterior teeth gingival margin position configurations. A total of 120 volunteers aged 12 years to 80 years, comprising 30 patients diagnosed with hypodontia, 30 patients diagnosed with periodontal disease, 30 patients without either condition, and 30 qualified dentists were recruited from the Eastman Dental Institute & Hospital, London. A ranked order of preference for each set was obtained, and this was repeated after a minimum time interval of 10 minutes. RESULTS Posterior gingival margin configurations from 0 mm to 2 mm (measured at the first premolar) were deemed most esthetic by the majority of the patient groups; dentists had a strong preference for the 1 mm configuration. Dentists appeared to be more perceptive to the alterations in gingival positions. CONCLUSIONS Posterior gingival margin configurations where the first premolar margins were 1 mm lower than the canine margins were deemed the most esthetically pleasing; however, it is likely that a range of acceptability of 1 mm deviations from this ideal exists.
Aging Successfully: The Importance of Physical Activity in Maintaining Health and Function

&NA; Physicians caring for middle‐aged and older patients frequently overlook the importance of regular physical activity. Exercise on a routine basis is an important component of successful aging. It has been shown that many age‐related declines in musculoskeletal function can be markedly reduced by participation in some form of regular exercise. Examination of records from masters athletic competitions has been used to determine the true rate of age‐related functional declines in highly trained, healthy individuals and further supports these findings. Declines in physical abilities for masters athletes are gradual, which suggests that for many, the potential for participation in competitive athletics can persist well into the seventh decade of life. Recent studies indicate that health gains can be achieved with relatively low volumes of exercise. Indeed, the greatest benefit is seen when one “goes from doing nothing to doing something. ” Current data suggest that a cumulative total of 30 to 50 minutes of aerobic exercise a day performed 3 to 5 days a week and one set of resistance exercises targeting the major muscle groups twice a week can produce significant health benefits. The aerobic conditioning requirement need not be a formal or structured activity, but can be satisfied through regular participation in many common physical tasks (e.g., walking, gardening, housekeeping). Musculoskeletal injuries are a major cause of noncompliance with any exercise regimen and are especially debilitating for older individuals. Prompt recognition of injury and treatment that emphasizes alternative conditioning exercises and minimizes “downtime” are especially important. Orthopaedists should be aware of the pattern of musculoskeletal injuries seen in this population, so as to assist their patients in avoiding these problems.
An empirical analysis of the role of immigrant networks on legalization in the United States

This paper examines the importance of immigrant networks on the likelihood of obtaining a U.S. immigrant visa. In order to control for the endogeneity arising from the formation of migration networks, we exploit variation in historical settlement patterns of earlier immigrants. Using panel data from the Mexican Migration Project, we find that the size of immigrant network at the destination is strongly positively related to the propensity to apply for a U.S. visa. In addition, estimating a hazard model of visa approval reveals that the wait time for visa approval is inversely associated with the size of the visa applicant's migration network at the destination in the case of employment-based applications. The results indicate that in addition to improving its members' earning potentials directly in the labor market, migration networks confer non-pecuniary benefits attached to legal status.
Improving the Nutritional Quality of Charitable Meals for Homeless and Vulnerable Adults: A Mixed Method Study of Two Meals Services in a Large English City

Inadequate nutrition may contribute to poor health in homeless and vulnerable adults. Charitable meals are critical to this group’s nutrition. The nutrient content of charitable meals at 2 organizations was assessed. Ethnography investigated organizational practice; semistructured interviews explored influences on meal provision. Meals were adequate for energy and the majority of nutrients but exceeded thresholds of saturated fat, salt, and sugars and lacked vitamin D and selenium in both organizations. Organizations were constrained by budget, equipment, food donations, volunteer capabilities, and time. Organizational values influenced meal provision; strategies to reduce fat, salt, and sugar content may be resisted because of an ethos of hospitality and overprovision.
Is Distance the Same Across Cultures? A Measurement-Equivalence Perspective on the Cultural Distance Paradox

Purpose - The purpose of this chapter is to make sense of the cultural distance paradox through a basic assessment of the cross-cultural comparability of cultural distance measures. Cultural distance between a base country and partner countries is a key construct in international business (IB). However, we propose that what exactly is measured by cultural distance is unique for each country that is chosen as the base country to/from which cultural distance to a set of partner countries is calculated.Methodology/approach - We use a mathematical argument to establish that cultural distance may correlate rather differently with the culture of partner countries depending on which base country one considers, e.g., the U.S. or China. We then use empirical analysis to show the relevance of this argument, using Hofstede's data on national culture for 69 countries.Findings - Results show that cultural distance indeed has very different correlations with partner country culture, depending on which country one selects as the base country in one's distance calculations.Practical implications - Implication of our findings is that measured cultural distance is not equivalent across different base countries. The effect of cultural distance on such issues as foreign market entry mode or market selection, therefore, lacks international generalizability.Originality/value of chapter - This chapter presents the first assessment of the cross-cultural comparability of cultural distance. Paradoxical findings that plague extant cultural distance research may be understood from the found lack of measurement equivalence.
The impact of student facilitation on student engagement in asynchronous online discussion

The impact of student facilitation on student engagement in asynchronous online discussion Robin T. Bowen Lack of engagement in asynchronous online discussion is a common issue due to insufficient participation, disinterest in discussion, superficial discussion, and the influence of peer behaviors. The purpose of this study was to enhance student engagement in asynchronous online discussion by using student-led discussion and peer assessment. A mixed methods design was utilized in this study to offset quantitative and qualitative research weaknesses and to draw on the strengths of both (Plano Clark & Creswell, 2008). The control group participated in the discussion managed by the instructor, who posted weekly discussion questions to a class discussion board and facilitated the discussion. The experimental group worked in smaller discussion groups, led by a different student each week who posed a discussion question, facilitated the group discussion, and conducted a peer review. Interviews and discussion post analysis showed that students were behaviorally engaged and the way in which they demonstrated cognitive and emotional engagement varied. Survey results indicated that there was no statistically significant difference in the control group and experimental groups’ cognitive and emotional engagement, and academic performance. Students liked the student-led format, however, they preferred participating rather than leading. Directions for future research on student engagement in online discussion were identified.
Bacterial Cultures of the Middle Meatus and Bronchoalveolar Lavage in Chronic Rhinosinusitis

The role of bacteria in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is still debated and their effect on the lower airways is less known. The aim of this study was to identify the individual bacterial species in CRS and to correlate these microbiological data with the clinical findings and associated bacterial cultures of the lower airways. This prospective study included 25 CRS patients scheduled for functional endoscopic sinus surgery. Preoperatively, pulmonary function and CT examinations were performed together with endoscopic and clinical assessment. Under aseptic conditions, with the patient under general anesthesia, 25 bronchoalveolar lavages (BALs) via the endotracheal tube and 50 endoscopically guided middle meatal specimens were obtained. All the specimens were examined for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and correlated to the associated neutrophilic cellular changes. Positive bacterial cultures were obtained in 71% of the middle meatal specimens and 8% of the BAL specimens. Three subgroups of lower airway involvement were identified, i.e. asthma, small airway disease (SAD) and normal lower airways. In SAD only, there was a significant correlation between the cultured bacteria of the left (p = 0.04) and the right (p = 0.04) middle meatus and the presence of local neutrophilia. In asthma, middle meatal bacterial cultures correlated with nasal blockage (p = 0.04) and CT Lund-Mackay score (p = 0.04). Conclusion: Middle meatal cultures were frequently positive, mainly aerobic Gram-positive bacteria. In SAD, a mixed flora of Gram-positive aerobic bacteria and anaerobic bacteria was observed that correlated with neutrophilic inflammation. BAL cultures do not show infection or colonization of the lower airways, despite functional abnormalities in 60% of the patients.
Future Time Perspective and Gratitude in Daily Life: A Micro–Longitudinal Study

Preliminary cross–sectional evidence suggests that future time perspective (FTP) is associated with dispositional gratitude, but research on daily perceptions of FTP and their relations to daily gratitude is lacking. In this study, we addressed this gap by examining how FTP and gratitude jointly unfold in daily life and how these relations vary within and across individuals. A micro–longitudinal design (N = 331, adults aged 18–77) with daily assessments over two workweeks was employed to examine the relations between gratitude and two components of FTP (remaining opportunities and time). Three important results from random intercepts cross–lagged panel models stand out. First, we found evidence for within–person day–to–day carry–over effects in FTP and gratitude. Second, FTP and gratitude were systematically related within and across individuals. Third, age and dispositional forms of FTP and gratitude predicted between–person differences in FTP and gratitude in daily life. Finally, exploratory multilevel analyses have shown that the associations between daily FTP and gratitude vary across ages at the between–person level but not at the within–person level. Overall, these findings advance our understanding of perceptions of FTP in daily life and their associations with gratitude in adulthood. © 2019 European Association of Personality Psychology
The spot-forward relationship in the Atlantic salmon market

ABSTRACT This study examines the Fish Pool salmon futures contract with respect to how well the market performs in terms of the futures price being an unbiased estimator of the spot price and whether the market provides a price discovery function. Using data for 2006–2014 and with futures prices with maturities up to 6 months we find that spot and lagged futures prices are cointegrated and that the futures price provides an unbiased estimate of the spot price. We also find that, with the exception of the front month, that the causality is one-directional. The spot prices lead futures prices between 1–6 months maturity. Hence, while the spot and lagged futures prices are unbiased estimates, we do not find support for the hypothesis that futures prices provide a price discovery function. Rather, it seems that innovations in the spot price influence futures prices. This finding is not uncommon in new and immature futures contracts markets. Hence, the salmon futures market is still immature and has not yet reached the stage where futures prices are able to predict future spot prices.
Mapping Current, Future and Ideal Family Structure and Relations in Emerging Adults

Among a large repertory of empirical studies inspired by the modelling approach (de Rosa, 1990, 2013b, 2014 a) and briefly summarized in de Rosa’s theoretical article included in this special issue, this empirical contribution presents some considerations based on a recent pilot investigation on social representations of current, future and ideal family. Imaginary and normative dimension of such social representation were explored by a multi-method approach, including verbal and graphical projective instruments: a) hand- drawings; b) associative network (de Rosa, 2002a, 2003a); c) questionnaire. Given the space limits, we selected some reflections based only on the use of images and figurative techniques, administered both as stimulus (artistic representations) and as product (hand drawings) on a population of emerging adults (138 Italian university students, aged between 20 and 29 years). Taking into account the transformations occurring in the family relations during the last decades in the Italian society, we started to explore in this preliminary study how social representations of the roles within the family (gender issues) and social representations of generational bonds emerge in their iconic representations of the current, future and ideal family.
Active and Selective Transcytosis of Cell-Free Human Immunodeficiency Virus through a Tight Polarized Monolayer of Human Endometrial Cells

ABSTRACT We report that both primary and laboratory-adapted infectious human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) isolates in a cell-free form are capable of transcytosis through a tight and polarized monolayer of human endometrial cells. Trancytosis of cell-free HIV occurs in a strain-selective fashion and appears to be dependent on interactions between HIV envelope glycoproteins and lectins on the apical membrane of the epithelial cells. These findings provide new insights into the initial events occurring during heterosexual transmission of the virus.
Herbicidal agents from actinomycetes against selected crop plants and weeds

About 64 total actinomycetes were isolated from various coastal soils. Sixteen actinomycete isolates were screened for herbicidal principles. Out of these, five potent isolates were selected for characterisation and identification. Based on their morphological, biochemical and physiological characteristics, the actinomycete isolates were identified as Glyomyces, Saccharomonospra and Streptomyces sp. The Streptomycetes isolates were tested for herbicidal principles by germination inhibition assay. About 10 crop seeds were tested for herbicidal activity with Streptomycetes isolates. The crop seeds did not show growth inhibition. Four weed seeds were tested for herbicidal activity with Streptomyces isolates. Streptomyces inhibits the growth of Echinochilora crusgalli, but it could not inhibit the growth of Echinochilora colonum, Parthenium sp. , or Ageratum conizoites. The present study concludes that Streptomyces isolates will be a bioherbicide against E. crusgalli. Further study is required to confirm the activity of Streptomyces isolates against E. crusgalli under field conditions.