Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Microwave noise modeling of InP based MODFETs biased for low power consumption

This paper presents the fabrication, experimental characterization and modeling of 0.15 μm gate-length lattice matched MODFETs based on InP technology. The variation of the drain noise temperature of the Pospieszalski model (T/sub D/) with the applied bias has been investigated under very low power consumption conditions, and a noticeably complex dependence of this factor on the drain current has been observed. In fact, T/sub D/ can decrease with increasing drain currents, and suffers a strong increase as a function of the drain voltage even at very low values of the drain current. However, all of these effects can be qualitatively explained from physical considerations.
Abnormal Voltages within Transformers

Mathematical analysis is made of a rectangular wave impinging upon a transformer winding and quantitative values deduced of the resulting internal voltage stresses in terms of transformer constants. It is shown that the conclusions also apply in part to abrupt impulses and approximate idea is given of the reaction of a transformer to high frequencies. The difference between operating transformer with isolated and grounded neutral is shown. Energy losses are not considered in the mathematics although the manner in which the results are affected is pointed out. Finally, theoretical results are compared with impulse and high-frequency tests made in the laboratory.
THE TESTING OF MYCORRHIZAL PREPARATIONS «MICEFIT» AND «MYKONET» AT CUCUMBER CULTIVATION

The influence of the pre-sowing soaking of seeds into the solution of Indian “Mykonet” (Mn) and Russian “Micefit” (Mc) on the different phases of development, morphometric and biochemical indices of cucumber has been studied. The both preparations stimulated seed germination, growth, and development of plants. The Mn contents a mushrooms’ spores, which improve the content of soil beneficial microflora. It can explain the prolong stimulation of this preparation and its efficiency. The Mc contents only mushrooms’ metabolites, which made it less effective in the stimulation of growth and development of the plants. The both preparations improved the development of all phenological phases, increased yield because of earlier and prolonged fruiting. The seed productivity and seed weight were also increased. During two-years investigations, application of the Mn has increased the yield and seed productivity up to 15-18%, while the Mc has increased the yield and seed productivity up to 12-16%. The biochemical characteristics (dry matters, sugars) were also improved.
Quality of life in coeliac disease: qualitative interviews to develop candidate items for the Coeliac Disease Assessment Questionnaire

Background Coeliac-specific measures have been criticized for not complying with current guidance on the development of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). The aim of this study was to develop a measure to assess health-related quality of life in adults with coeliac disease (CD), in accordance with current guidance for PROM development. Methods In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with adults with CD. A thematic analysis was undertaken to develop a coding framework. All interviews were analyzed according to this framework. Interviewing continued until data saturation was achieved. Candidate items were developed on the basis of the interview findings. Results The analysis revealed 6 themes: 1) symptoms, 2) gluten-free diet, 3) emotional health, 4) impact on activities, 5) relationships, and 6) financial issues. Data saturation was reached after 8 interviews, but a total of 23 interviews were conducted to include a wide enough range of diverse participants. From the themes, 64 candidate items (9 for symptoms, 15 for emotional health, 16 for gluten-free diet, 7 for relationships, 12 for impact on activities, and 5 for financial issues) were developed to form the first draft of the Coeliac Disease Assessment Questionnaire (CDAQ). Conclusion The 64 items reflect all the issues of importance to people with CD. Next, these items will be pretested and refined to lead to a shorter draft version of the CDAQ before it is administered in a survey to produce a final version with subscales.
Effects of a Multicourse, Composite Examination Method on the Performance of PharmD Students in a Basic Pharmacokinetics Course

Objective. To investigate the effects of multicourse, composite examinations on student performance in a pharmacokinetics course. Methods. A linear, mixed-effects model was used to analyze student performance in identical daily quiz and examination questions in a pharmacokinetics course at two pharmacy schools. The same instructor taught the entire course at both institutions. The only difference between the two courses was the method of administration of examinations between the two school cohorts. Results. Students’ scores on identical daily quizzes that were administered similarly to students in both schools were the same. However, student grades on multicourse examinations were significantly lower than those administered as individual course examinations in the other school group. The effect size was 1.15, indicating a large difference between the two cohorts in terms of their examination scores. The mixed-effects model revealed a negligible difference (0.622%) between the two student cohorts in terms of their academic abilities but showed a substantial effect (9.40%) for the examination format in favor of single course assessment. Conclusion. When compared to traditional, individual course examination, multicourse, composite examinations may significantly lower student grades in a pharmacokinetics course.
Neck Circumference Positively Relates to Cardiovascular Risk Factors in College Students

The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between neck circumference (NC) and other anthropometric measures and examine cut-off points for males and females according to existing waist circumference cut-off levels in this age group. Across 8 universities, 1562 students underwent a physical assessment. Spearman rho correlations (ρ) were calculated to determine associations between NC and other continuous variables of health. Receiving operating characteristic curves were constructed to assess the optimal cut-off levels of NC of males and females with central obesity. Participants were predominantly Caucasian (67%), female (70%), and outside of Appalachia (82%). Forty-one percent of males and 34% of females had a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2. In both sexes, significant positive correlations were seen between NC and body weight, BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference, and systolic blood pressure (all p-values < 0.0001). NC ≥ 38 cm for males and ≥33.5 cm for females were the optimal cut-off values to determine subjects with central obesity. NC has been identified to closely correlate with other anthropometric measurements related to disease and could be used as a convenient, low-cost, and noninvasive measurement in large-scale studies.
Real-time optimal guidance

This paper describes an algorithm for repetitive in-flight calculation of optimal rocket steering laws for orbital injection and rendezvous missions. The algorithm is based on a general "indirect" method of solving the optimal-trajectory problem as a boundary-value problem in ordinary differential equations, and it avoids assuming artificial physical simplifications or specialized mission definitions. At each guidance cycle the solution to the boundary-value problem is updated by a single iteration of Newton's method using partial derivatives obtained by numerical integration of variational differential equations. Simulation results show that a precalculuted linear steering law provides adequate initialization to assure that this iterative guidance scheme recovers from worst-case in-flight perturbations and achieves desired end conditions with near-minimum cost.
Heat shock proteins are differentially expressed in brain and spinal cord: implications for multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease characterized by demyelination, inflammation and neurodegeneration throughout the central nervous system. Although spinal cord pathology is an important factor contributing to disease progression, few studies have examined MS lesions in the spinal cord and how they differ from brain lesions. In this study we have compared brain and spinal cord white (WM) and grey (GM) matter from MS and control tissues, focusing on small heat shock proteins (HSPB) and HSP16.2. Western blotting was used to examine protein levels of HSPB1, HSPB5, HSPB6, HSPB8 and HSP16.2 in brain and spinal cord from MS and age‐matched non‐neurological controls. Immunohistochemistry was used to examine expression of the HSPs in MS spinal cord lesions and controls. Expression levels were quantified using ImageJ. Western blotting revealed significantly higher levels of HSPB1, HSPB6 and HSPB8 in MS and control spinal cord compared to brain tissues. No differences in HSPB5 and HSP16.2 protein levels were observed, although HSPB5 protein levels were higher in brain WM versus GM. In MS spinal cord lesions, increased HSPB1 and HSPB5 expression was observed in astrocytes, and increased neuronal expression of HSP16.2 was observed in normal‐appearing GM and type 1 GM lesions. The high constitutive expression of several HSPBs in spinal cord and increased expression of HSPBs and HSP16.2 in MS illustrate differences between brain and spinal cord in health and upon demyelination. Regional differences in HSP expression may reflect differences in astrocyte cytoskeleton composition and influence inflammation, possibly affecting the effectiveness of pharmacological agents.
Effect of cellular mass on chondrogenic differentiation during embryoid body formation

One approach to cell differentiation is to use the natural capacity of pluripotent stem cells to form three germ layers via embryoid bodies (EB). However, unification of this process during in vitro culture remains challenging and many microenvironmental factors including the number of cells in the culture can influence differentiation patterns. The number of cells serves a crucial role as it determines access to nutrients, the distribution of oxygen concentration and cellular interactions, all of which influence the fate of the differentiated cells. The influence of EBs derived from human pluripotent cells on the chondrogenic potential of such cells is not well understood. For this reason, the present study sought to determine the effect of varying amounts of cells on the properties of EBs derived from human embryonic stem cells (BG01V cell line). In the present study, 500–2,000 cells per well were cultivated from 5 to 15 days in suspension cell culture. Expression of pluripotency genes and germ layer markers were evaluated in order to determine the EBs with the greatest and least mesodermal properties. Genes associated with pluripotency and chondrogenesis were also evaluated to assess the influence of suspension culture duration and EB size on chondrogenic differentiation. Immunofluorescence staining for pluripotent and chondrocyte-associated proteins confirmed successful differentiation into chondrocyte-like cells. Alcian blue staining confirmed deposition of proteoglycans. These results suggested that EBs formed in 500-cell wells possess the highest mesodermal and prochondrogenic properties. Differentiation of EBs into chondrocytes on day 5 in 500-cell wells was more efficient than in that observed in larger and older EBs.
Zoonotic Fecal Pathogens and Antimicrobial Resistance in Canadian Petting Zoos

This study aimed to better understand the potential public health risk associated with zoonotic pathogens in agricultural fairs and petting zoos in Canada. Prevalence of Salmonella, Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O157:H7, and top six non-O157 STEC serogroups in feces (n = 88), hide/feather (n = 36), and hand rail samples (n = 46) was assessed, as well as distributions of antimicrobial resistant (AMR) broad and extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing E. coli. Prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in pig nasal swabs (n = 4), and Campylobacter, Cryptosporidium, and Giardia in feces was also assessed. Neither Salmonella nor MRSA were detected. Campylobacter spp. were isolated from 32% of fecal samples. Cryptosporidium and Giardia were detected in 2% and 15% of fecal samples, respectively. Only one fecal sample was positive for STEC O157, whereas 22% were positive for non-O157 STEC. Multi-drug resistance (MDR) to antibiotics classified as critically and highly important in human medicine was proportionally greatest in E. coli from cattle feces. The β-lactamase-producing E. coli from pig, horse/donkey feces, and hand rail samples, as well as the STEC E. coli from handrail swabs were MDR. The diversity and prevalence of zoonotic pathogens and AMR bacteria detected within agricultural fairs and petting zoos emphasize the importance of hygienic practices and sanitization with respect to reducing associated zoonotic risks.
Chitin and chitosan biopolymer production from the Iranian medicinal fungus Ganoderma lucidum: Optimization and characterization

Abstract Chitin and chitosan with unique properties and numerous applications can be produced from fungus. The production of chitin and chitosan from the mycelia of an Iranian Ganoderma lucidum was studied to improve cell growth and chitin productivity. Inoculum size and initial pH as two effective variables on the growth of G. lucidum and chitin production were optimized using response surface method (RSM) by central composite design (CCD). The results verified the significant effect of these two variables on the cell growth and chitin production. In optimum conditions, including pH = 5.7 and inoculum size of 7.4%, the cell dry weight was 5.91 g/L and the amount of chitin production was 1.08 g/L with the productivity of 0.083 g/(L day). The produced chitin and chitosan were characterized using XRD and FTIR. Moreover, the antibacterial activity of the produced chitosan was investigated and compared with the commercial chitosan. The results showed that the produced chitin and chitosan had suitable quality and the Iranian G. lucidum would be a great source for safe and high-quality chitin and chitosan production.
Dielectric Breakdown of Perspex Electrets in Nonuniform Fields

Perspex electrets having a sphere-plane electrode geometry were made by heating to 160°C, and cooling to 20°C while a positive-forming voltage of 15 kV was continuously applied to the spherical electrode. Their mean breakdown voltage for positive impulse breakdown was higher by 18 kV than that of similar specimens termed nonelectrets, which had undergone the same heat treatment but to which no forming voltage was applied, and was lower by 38 kV when the polarity of the breakdown voltage was reversed. When the electrets were depolarized by reheating to 160°C with their electrodes short-circuited, their mean breakdown own voltage was the same as that of nonelectrets. These results are consistent with a homocharge in the electret close to the electrode, which can be released during depolarization by heating. Measurement of depolarization current using electrets made from flat plates of Perspex supports this view.
Radio Transmission to and from Underground Coal Mines - Theory and Measurement

Research involved in the development of a radio communication system for use in coal mine disasters is described. Theoretically predicted field strengths for surface to mine and mine to surface propagation are compared with measurements in coal mines in Colorado and Pennsylvania. It is concluded that surface-to-mine voice communication is practical using a horizontal wire antenna operating at audio frequencies, and that mine-to-surface interrupted CW signaling is practical using multiple-turn horizontal loop antennas. This research has resulted in an emergency through-the-earth communication system that is being evaluated by the U.S. Bureau of Mines for use in mine rescue operations.
Autoimmune Neurology

Autoimmune neurology is a rapidly developing specialty driven by an increasing recognition of autoimmunity as the cause for a broad set of neurologic disorders and ongoing discovery of new neural autoantibodies associated with recognizable clinical syndromes. The diversity of clinical presentations, unique pathophysiology, and the complexity of available treatments requires a dedicated multidisciplinary team to diagnose and manage patients. In this article, we focus on antibody-associated autoimmune encephalitis (AE) to illustrate broader themes applicable to the specialty. We discuss common diagnostic challenges including the utilization of clinical assessment tools along with the determination of the prognostic significance of certain autoantibodies, with a focus on implications for long-term management. A growing body of literature demonstrates the long-term cognitive, behavioral, and physical sequelae of AE. Dedicated resources are needed to effectively manage these patients. These resources may be best provided by experienced neurology clinics in partnership with other neurologic subspecialists, as well as psychiatrists, neuropsychologists, and physical medicine and rehabilitation providers.
Prevalence of celiac disease in Iranian patients with rheumatologic disorders

Aim: Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), and Fibromyalgia (FM) may have underlying non-diagnosed celiac disease (CD). Background: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of CD in patients with these underlying diseases in Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed among 300 consecutive patients with SLE, RA, and FM (each group 100 patients) since 2015 to 2017. The blood samples were collected and serum IgA anti-tissue trans-glutaminase (Anti-tTG) level was assessed for all patients. The seropositive patients underwent endoscopy and duodenal/jejunal biopsy according to the Marsh classification. Results: Out of 300 investigated patients with mean age of 41.2 years old, 92% of patients with SLE, RA and fibromyalgia were women. Among 100 patients with SLE, only 1 subject (1%), out of 100 patients with RA 3 subjects (3%), and none of the patients with fibromyalgia were seropositive for CD (with overall prevalence 1.4). All four patients were female and categorized as Marsh III. Conclusion: The results of the study indicated that patients with lupus have the same prevalence, but subjects with RA had three times higher prevalence rate than normal population for CD. Therefore, CD investigation in these individuals can improve their quality of life.
Label-Free Optical Detection of Mycotoxins Using Specific Aptamers Immobilized on Gold Nanostructures

This work focuses on the development of the novel label-free optical apta-sensors for detection of mycotoxins. A highly sensitive analytical method of total internal reflection ellipsometry (TIRE) combined with Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance (LSPR) phenomenon in nano-structured gold films was exploited here for the first time for detection of aflatoxin B1 and M1 in direct assay with specific aptamers immobilized on the surface of gold. The achieved detection of low molecular weight molecules, such as aflatoxin B1 and M1, in a wide range of concentrations from 100 ng/mL down to 0.01 ng/mL is remarkable for the LSPR method. The study of binding kinetics of aflatoxin molecules to their respective aptamers using dynamic TIRE measurements yielded the values of affinity constants in the range of 10−8–10−7 mol, which is characteristic for highly specific aptamer/target interactions similar to that for monoclonal antibodies. The effect of aptamers’ DNA chain length on their binding characteristics was analyzed.
Functional cerebral asymmetry analyses reveal how the control system implements its flexibility

The control system in human brain generally exerts the goal‐directed regulation on a variety of mental processes. To deal with different control demands, these brain areas of the control system, especially the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), may be flexibly recruited across different tasks. However, few studies have investigated how the flexibility of the control system is realized during cognitive control. Present study employed functional magnetic resonance imaging to examine the brain responses during two domain distinct conflict tasks (verbal color‐word Stroop and visuospatial arrow flanker). The voxel‐wise asymmetries in both functional activity and psychophysiological interaction (PPI) between these two tasks were compared. The results showed that the brain areas of control system were consistently activated in these two tasks. When considering functional cerebral asymmetries, the left DLPFC was dominantly activated during the Stroop task, while more symmetric DLPFC activation was found during the flanker task. The left DLPFC rather than the right DLPFC showed greater positive interaction with the visual areas V1 and V2 during the Stroop interference, but interactions of both the left and right DLPFC with the right visual area V5/MT were positively enhanced during the flanker interference. These results suggest that the flexible cognitive control is achieved by the control system's task‐specific activity and its top–down interaction with domain‐specific brain areas, in implementing flexible representation and modulation of control demands.
A Helical Antenna for Circular Polarization

A helical coil radiates a wave of circular polarization in a doughnut pattern if the area and pitch of the turns are properly related to the radianlength of the wave. For a coil whose dimensions are less than the radianlength, circular polarization requires that the area A of each turn and the pitch p be related to the radianlength l as follows: A=pl. The simplest form of helical antenna is a self-resonant coil of several turns. To obtain greater radiation power factor and efficiency, a multifilar winding is preferred, having a fractional turn for each of several helical wires connected in parallel with symmetry around the axis. This type of antenna offers television the advantages of circular polarization in suppressing echoes from reflecting surfaces.
Data management and sharing in neuroimaging: Practices and perceptions of MRI researchers

Neuroimaging methods such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) involve complex data collection and analysis protocols, which necessitate the establishment of good research data management (RDM). Despite efforts within the field to address issues related to rigor and reproducibility, information about the RDM-related practices and perceptions of neuroimaging researchers remains largely anecdotal. To inform such efforts, we conducted an online survey of active MRI researchers that covered a range of RDM-related topics. Survey questions addressed the type(s) of data collected, tools used for data storage, organization, and analysis, and the degree to which practices are defined and standardized within a research group. Our results demonstrate that neuroimaging data is acquired in multifarious forms, transformed and analyzed using a wide variety of software tools, and that RDM practices and perceptions vary considerably both within and between research groups, with trainees reporting less consistency than faculty. Ratings of the maturity of RDM practices from ad-hoc to refined were relatively high during the data collection and analysis phases of a project and significantly lower during the data sharing phase. Perceptions of emerging practices including open access publishing and preregistration were largely positive, but demonstrated little adoption into current practice.