Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Measurement System for MEMS Dynamics Characterization with Environmental Control Facility

Testing of microstructure dynamics is necessary to develop reliable and marketable microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) products. A measurement system for three-dimensional motions and dynamics characterization of MEMS is presented in this paper. The system integrates phase shifting interferometry, microvision, stroboscopic illumination, and base excitation, thus is able to measure the surface shapes and deformations as well as the in-plane and out-of-plane motions of microstructures. Moreover, it includes an environmental control facility, which can generate variable pressure and/or temperature for MEMS testing. A novel hybrid block matching algorithm is also proposed to extract the in-plane displacement from vision images with a sub-pixel resolution. The experimental work conducted on several typical MEMS devices such as microresonator arrays, AFM cantilevers, pressure sensor membranes and printed circuit boards confirms that such a measurement system is effective and efficient to characterize MEMS dynamics with a nanometer resolution
Thrombomodulin as a marker of vascular and lymphatic tumours

The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of a new commercially available antibody to thrombomodulin as an endothelial marker in formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissue. The expression of thrombomodulin in a variety of 50 vascular and lymphatic neoplasms and malformations was compared to the expression of von Willebrand factor, QBend 10 (CD34) and JC70 (CD31). We showed that thrombomodulin was the best marker of lymphatic endothelium and also stained a higher percentage of malignant vasoformative tumours when compared to the other markers. We recommend the assessment of thrombomodulin expression in the differential diagnosis of malignant vasoformative neoplasms and in the detection of lymphatic endothelium for evidence of tumour permeation.
Interleukin-2 with or without LAK cells in metastatic renal cell carcinoma: a report of a European multicentre study.

Between October 1987 and November 1988, 95 European patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma have been treated with recombinant interleukin-2 (rIL-2) (EuroCetus) at 18 X 10(6) IU/m2/day (equivalent to 3 X 10(6) Cetus Units/m2/day) according to the West schedule in two trials. 1. Forty-two patients received rIL-2 alone. Median time between initial diagnosis and metastases was three months. Eighty-one percent of the patients had at least two involved sites at inclusion and 86% underwent prior nephrectomy. Twenty-seven patients (64%) received two successive courses. Over 80% of the planned dose was administered in 69% and 44% of patients during courses 1 and 2, respectively. Fever, hypotension, weight gain, rise in creatinine level, hepatic disturbances, anaemia and thrombocytopenia were commonly observed but resolved promptly after completion of therapy. No toxic death was recorded. Two (6%) complete responses (CR), four (13%) partial responses (PR), four stable diseases (SD) and 22 progressive diseases (PD) were observed. The response rate is 6/32 (19%); the median progression-free survival time is not reached at 218+ days (92-394). 2. Fifty-three patients received rIL-2 with lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells. Median time from primary diagnosis to metastases was three months. Eighty-five percent of patients had at least two involved sites though 73% had previously undergone nephrectomy. Forty patients (75%) received two successive induction courses. Most patients, i.e. respectively, 77% and 60%, were given at least 80% of the planned dose during courses 1 and 2. Median numbers of LAK cells infused were 13.1 and 11.6 X 10(9) nucleated cells per course, respectively. Toxicity was not different from that described above; no toxic death occurred; five CR (10%), nine PR (18%), 11 SD and 26 PD were observed. The response rate is 14/51 (27%) and the median progression-free survival time is not reached at 7.2+ months (3-13.1). In conclusion, rIL-2, with or without LAK cells, is obviously active on metastatic renal cell carcinoma. The difference in response rate between the two trials is not statistically significant but has to be paralleled with the difference in dose received by the patients rather than with the addition of a cellular therapy. Toxicity was always manageable and reversible. The association of rIL-2 with other lymphokines should represent a major issue to improve the response rate and will be considered in further European studies.
Optimizing the giant magnetoresistance of NiFe/Cu/Co pseudo spin-valves prepared by magnetron sputtering

We study the dependence of magnetic and magnetotransport properties of NiFe/Cu/Co pseudo spin-valves on the pressure of the Ar sputtering gas during magnetron deposition. The giant magnetoresistance (GMR) ratio as a function of the sputtering pressure behaves nonmonotonically with a maximum of about 4% at an intermediate pressure of 0.87×10−2 mbar. Magneto-optic Kerr-effect measurements reveal different coercive fields and independent switching of the Co and NiFe layers. The structural characterization by x-ray scattering shows no significant pressure dependence. However, we observe by atomic force microscopy a variation of the grain structure with increasing sputtering pressure; the grain size first decreases and then the grains start clustering for highest pressures. The reduced coercive field and the lower GMR ratio indicate that the clustered grains have weaker magnetic pinning and increased spin-independent scattering.
Creating a Culturally Relevant Curriculum for Disengaged Girls

ABSTRACT Findings from physical education research conducted over the last two decades suggest that girls' experiences in and perceptions of physical education in many team sport‐based programs are less than satisfactory. Team sports taught within a traditional multi‐activity format often permit dominant aggressive male players to control the game, marginalizing and alienating low‐skilled girls and boys. This paper critiques the circumstances often found in sport based physical education and reports the use of an innovative approach to team‐sport curriculum entitled, ‘Sport for Peace’, to enhance girls' levels of engagement and satisfaction in urban high school physical education. In this research, seven teachers and 15 girls were involved in the curriculum innovation in three urban high schools. Teachers trained and mentored using the curriculum implemented the program in two classes in each school. The implementation process was described using observation protocols and the teachers and girls were inter.
CONVEXITY IN TANDEM QUEUES

We derive convexity results and related properties for the value functions of tandem queuing systems. The results for standard multiserver queues are new. For completeness, we also prove and generalize existing results on tandems of controllable queues. The results can be used to compare queuing systems. This is done for systems with and without batch arrivals and for systems with different numbers of on–off sources.
Amyloid Precursor Protein Family-induced Neuronal Death Is Mediated by Impairment of the Neuroprotective Calcium/Calmodulin Protein Kinase IV-dependent Signaling Pathway*

The aberrant metabolism of β-amyloid precursor protein (APP) and the progressive deposition of its derived fragment β-amyloid peptide are early and constant pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease. Because APP is able to function as a cell surface receptor, we investigated here whether a disruption of the normal function of APP may contribute to the pathogenic mechanisms in Alzheimer's disease. To this aim, we generated a specific chicken polyclonal antibody directed against the extracellular domain of APP, which is common with the β-amyloid precursor-like protein type 2. Exposure of cultured cortical neurons to this antibody (APP-Ab) induced cell death preceded by neurite degeneration, oxidative stress, and nuclear condensation. Interestingly, caspase-3-like protease was not activated in this neurotoxic action suggesting a different mode of cell death than classical apoptosis. Further analysis of the molecular mechanisms revealed a calpain- and calcineurin-dependent proteolysis of the neuroprotective calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IV and its nuclear target protein cAMP responsive element binding protein. These effects were abolished by the G protein inhibitor pertussis toxin, strongly suggesting that APP binding operates via a GTPase-dependent pathway to cause neuronal death.
Psychological Assessment in Cardiac Rehabilitation

Background: While there has been an upsurge of interest in the psychiatric correlates of myocardial infarction, little is known about the presence of psychological distress in the setting of cardiac rehabilitation. Methods: A consecutive series of 61 patients with recent myocardial infarction who participated in a cardiac rehabilitation program was evaluated by means of both observer-rated (DSM and DCPR) and self-rated (Psychosocial Index) methods. A follow-up of this patient population was undertaken (median = 2 years). Survival analysis was used to characterize the clinical course of patients. Results: Twenty percent of patients had a DSM-IV diagnosis (in half of the cases minor depression). An additional 30% of patients presented with a DCPR cluster, such as type A behavior and irritable mood. Only high levels of self-perceived stressful life circumstances and psychological distress approached statistical significance as a psychological risk factor for cardiovascular events after myocardial infarction. Conclusions: Psychological evaluation of patients undergoing cardiac rehabilitation needs to incorporate both clinical (DSM) and subclinical (DCPR) methods of classification. Type A behavior was present in about a quarter of patients and can be studied in specific subgroups of cardiovascular patients defined by DCPR.
Understanding and promoting adoption of conservation technologies by rural landholders

Research on adoption of rural innovations is reviewed and interpreted through a cross-disciplinary lens to provide practical guidance for research, extension and policy relating to conservation technologies. Adoption of innovations by landholders is presented as a dynamic learning process. Adoption depends on a range of personal, social, cultural and economic factors, as well as on characteristics of the innovation itself. Adoption occurs when the landholder perceives that the innovation in question will enhance the achievement of their personal goals. A range of goals is identifiable among landholders, including economic, social and environmental goals. Innovations are more likely to be adopted when they have a high “relative advantage” (perceived superiority to the idea or technology that it supersedes), and when they are readily trialable (easy to test and learn about prior to adoption). Non-adoption or low adoption of a number of conservation technologies is readily explicable in terms of their failure to provide a relative advantage (particularly in economic terms), and/or a range of difficulties that farmers may have in trialling them. Implications for research, extension, and policy are discussed.
Olfactory route for cerebrospinal fluid drainage into the cervical lymphatic system in a rabbit experimental model

The present study analyzed the anatomical association between intracranial subarachnoid space and the cervical lymphatic system. X-ray contrast medium and Microfil® (Microfil compounds fill and opacify microvascular and other spaces of non-surviving animals and post-mortem tissue under physiological injection pressure) were injected into the cisterna magna of the rabbit, and perineural routes of cerebrospinal fluid outflow into the lymphatic system were visualized. Under a surgical operating microscope, Microfil was found within the subarachnoid space and along the olfactory nerves. At the nasal mucosa, a lymphatic network was identified near the olfactory nerves, which crossed the nasopharyngeal region and finally emptied into the superficial and deep cervical lymph nodes. Under a light microscope, Microfil was visible around the olfactory nerves and within lymphatic vessels. These results suggested that cerebrospinal fluid drained from the subarachnoid space along the olfactory nerves to nasal lymphatic vessels, which in turn, emptied into the cervical lymph nodes. This anatomical route, therefore, allowed connection between the central nervous system and the lymphatic system.
Hormonal regulation of connexin 43 expression and gap junctional communication in human osteoblastic cells.

We have recently shown that connexin 43 (Cx43), a major gap junction protein in osteoblasts, is expressed with an increase in cell density (CHIBA, H. et al. (1993). Cell Struc. Funct. , 18: 419-426). In the present study, we examined what kinds of hormones and cytokines regulate the gap junction protein in osteoblastic cells, using a human osteoblastic cell line (SV-HFO) after reaching a confluent density to avoid influence of cell proliferation. Either retinoic acid (RA) or transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) induced the Cx43 expression of SV-HFO cells, as revealed by Northern blot analysis and immunocytochemistry. These modulators also increased gap junctional intercellular communication, in terms of the extent of dye transfer. On the other hand, 1 alpha, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 did not influence the Cx43 expression and gap junctional intercellular communication of the cells. These results suggest that RA and TGF-beta might maintain bone tissue as an organized tissue in vivo by increasing intercellular communication of osteoblastic cells.
Initiation of active contraction by photogeneration of adenosine‐5'‐triphosphate in rabbit psoas muscle fibres.

Mechanical and biochemical descriptions of the muscle cross‐bridge cycle have been correlated. Skinned muscle fibres of rabbit psoas muscle in rigor were incubated in solutions containing approximately equal to 30 microM‐Ca2+ ions and P3‐1‐(2‐nitro)phenylethyladenosine‐5'‐triphosphate, 'caged ATP', an inert photolabile precursor of ATP. ATP was liberated from caged ATP within the fibres by pulses of 347 nm radiation from a frequency‐doubled ruby laser. The mechanical responses of muscle fibres to the rapid increase of ATP concentration were monitored. Tension dropped briefly and then rose above the rigor value to the level characteristic of a steady active contraction. Liberation of ATP decreased in‐phase stiffness (measured at 500 Hz) from the rigor level to a maintained value intermediate between rigor and relaxed values. Out‐of‐phase stiffness increased to a maintained level indicating a phase lead of tension with respect to imposed length oscillations. Rigor tension was varied prior to photolysis by slight alterations of fibre length. Tension traces starting at different rigor tensions converged to a common tension level at the same rate, whether or not Ca2+ was included in the medium. These data suggest that the rate of cross‐bridge detachment by ATP from the rigor state is not influenced by Ca2+. Analysis of the tension records, in terms of sequential detachment and reattachment reactions, provided a measure of cross‐bridge reattachment rate and an alternate measure of the detachment rate. Detachment from the rigor state was approximately proportional to the ATP concentration, with a second‐order rate constant of at least 5 X 10(5) M‐1 S‐1. Reattachment with force generation had no detectable dependence on the concentration of ATP liberated by photolysis. A simple kinetic model of the cross‐bridge cycle in terms of chemically defined intermediates was compatible with most of the experimental data. The ATP dependence of cross‐bridge detachment, the kinetics of maintained cross‐bridge reattachment in the presence of Ca2+, and transient reattachment and final relaxation in the absence of Ca2+ were explained. In this model, reversibility of cross‐bridge attachment and the steps leading to force production allow the relatively high observed detachment rate to be accommodated with other data relating to active contraction. These data include the steady ATPase rate of active muscle fibres and the fewer attached cross‐bridges in active contractions compared to rigor.
Creating nanoscopic collagen matrices using atomic force microscopy

The atomic force microscope (AFM) is introduced as a biomolecular manipulation machine capable of assembling biological molecules into well‐defined molecular structures. Native collagen molecules were mechanically directed into well‐defined, two‐dimensional templates exhibiting patterns with feature sizes ranging from a few nanometers to several hundreds of micrometers. The resulting nanostructured collagen matrices were only ∼3‐nm thick, exhibited an extreme mechanical stability, and maintained their properties over the time range of several months. Our results directly demonstrate the plasticity of biological assemblies and provide insight into the physical mechanisms by which biological structures may be organized by cells in vivo. These nanoscopic templates may serve as platforms on non‐biological surfaces to direct molecular and cellular processes. Microsc. Res. Tech. 64:435–440, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Unintentional parathyroidectomy during total thyroidectomy

Unintentional parathyroidectomy during thyroidectomy has been evaluated in a few studies. Moreover, the impact of the surgeon's experience and operative technique has not been evaluated. Our aim was to identify the incidence of unintentional parathyroidectomy during total thyroidectomy, its clinical consequences, and factors affecting its occurrence.
Knowledge Management Processes and Their Impact on Organizational Performance, the Adoption Balanced Scorecard: The Moderating Role of Quality Assurance Standards—An Applied Study on Private Jordanian Universities

The study aims to identify the knowledge management processes and their impact on the organizational performance in the Jordanian private universities, the impact of knowledge management on organizational performance was tested next. Finally, the quality assurance standard as a moderating variable was studied.The study was conducted on Jordanian private universities with a stratified proportionate random sample consisted of (334) faculty members. Questionnaires were distributed to the sample to collect the primary data needed to achieve the study goals.The results of testing hypothesis showed significant impact of knowledge management processes on the organizational performance, and showed significant impact of the quality assurance standards on improving the impact of knowledge management on the organizational performance, where the coefficient of determination increased from (72.7%) to (81.2%) when studying the impact of combined knowledge management processes on the organizational performance.The study recommended the followings:-Universities should seek to establish a formal specialize department to test creative ideas, and then create working groups within universities, and create an incentive system for creative achievements, in order to support the process of knowledge discovery. -Universities should strive to acquire, develop, and distribute knowledge through the help of international expertise to encourage academic activities that increase the level of knowledge sharing. -Universities should follow the scientific and practical quality assurance standards because they represent leading indicators of success toward outstanding performance.
A randomized, double‐blind, crossover comparison among cetirizine, levocetirizine, and ucb 28557 on histamine‐induced cutaneous responses in healthy adult volunteers

Background: Cetirizine is a highly efficacious and long‐acting second‐generation H1‐receptor antagonist for the treatment of allergic diseases, such as allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria, in adults and children. Pharmacologic studies have demonstrated that cetirizine, a racemate mixture composed of equal amounts of two enantiomers, does not undergo hepatic metabolism to any significant level. The enantiomers are excreted mainly unchanged, predominantly in the urine and to a lesser extent in the faeces.
Integrating Citizens in Adaptive Management: A Propositional Analysis

Lee has advocated for the use of civic science in the implementation of adaptive management experiments, noting that people and political processes are central features of adaptive approaches to land management. This paper explores the growing relationship between the public and forest management agencies, and uses a propositional analysis to guide methods for integrating citizens into adaptive management situations. Important characteristics are organized and discussed in six thematic areas. Citizen-agency interactions are more effective when (1) they are open and inclusive, (2) they are built on skilled leadership and interactive forums, (3) they include innovative and flexible methods, (4) involvement is early and continuous, (5) efforts result in action, and (6) they seek to build trust among participants. Particular attention to the situational context of actions and decisions helps to determine the relevance of adaptive management for individuals in these settings.
Synchronous Machine Model With Voltage-Behind-Reactance Formulation of Stator and Field Windings

A synchronous machine model with saturation and cross saturation and an arbitrary rotor network representation that uses a voltage-behind-reactance representation for both the stator windings and the field winding of the machine is proposed. This allows the stator windings and the field winding to be represented as branches in a circuit solver, permitting straightforward simulation with connected circuitry. In particular, the model can be simulated with rectifier loads or with rectifier sources applied to the field winding. The model is validated against experimental data, and its utility is demonstrated in an excitation failure case study.
Recent advances in surgical management of parapharyngeal space tumors

Purpose of reviewTo summarize nuances in the surgical management of parapharyngeal space (PPS) tumors aimed to reduce postoperative sequelae without affecting oncologic outcomes. Recent findingsThe contemporary trend in surgery of PPS tumors is to develop minimally invasive approaches that allow tumor resection without the need for mandibulotomy or lateral skull base approaches. This can be obtained by refining well established surgical routes like the transcervical, improving those with limited applications like the transoral, and developing novel corridors like the transnasal (or the transoral/transvestibular). Therefore, careful surgical planning is mandatory in order to tailor treatment according to the patient and characteristics of the tumor, in view of a wide and heterogeneous choice of techniques (to be employed alone or in combination). SummaryTechnical refinements of transcervical and transoral approaches may lead to reduction in the rate of mandibulotomy performed for benign PPS tumors. This is also true when considering the possibility of combined approaches that provide excellent exposure and management of the upper PPS up to the skull base.