Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Parasitic Compensation and Hence Isolation Improvement of PIN Diode-Based Switches

This brief presents a transmission line based resonant technique to nullify the parasitic effect of a PIN diode used to design a narrowband high frequency switch. Resonant condition is obtained by using a section of transmission line in series with a single PIN diode in a shunt branch. The method guarantees isolation improvement at any design frequency lower than the series resonant frequency of a diode. It does not use any lumped component other than those required for biasing. Thus, the method greatly improves the high frequency performance of a PIN diode as a switch. A transmission line based analysis is carried out to obtain the design equations. The theoretical prediction is verified by fabrication and measurement. A single-pole-single-throw (SPST) switch using just one single PIN diode provides measured isolation of 40 dB and insertion loss of 1.5 dB at 10.55 GHz. The return loss is more than 20 dB over 10.2-10.8 GHz. A low cost NXP semiconductors BAP64-02 PIN diode with high parasitic and the manufacturer specified highest frequency as 6 GHz is used to show the competency of the proposed method. A second SPST switch using two diodes provides isolation of 72 dB, insertion loss of 1.8 dB and return loss of 35 dB at 10.55 GHz. An SP4T switch is also fabricated and tested. Measured 1 dB compression point for all the switches is higher than 23 dBm.
Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 1–Derived Peptide Inhibits Janus Kinase/Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription Pathway and Improves Inflammation and Atherosclerosis in Diabetic Mice

Objective—Activation of Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) pathway by hyperglycemia and dislypidemia contributes to the progression of diabetic complications, including atherosclerosis. Suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) proteins negatively regulate Janus kinase/STAT and have emerged as promising target for anti-inflammatory therapies. We investigated whether a cell-permeable lipopeptide corresponding to the kinase inhibitory region of SOCS1 could reduce atherosclerosis in diabetic mice and identified the mechanisms involved. Approach and Results—Streptozotocin-induced diabetic apolipoprotein E–deficient mice (aged 8 and 22 weeks) were given intraperitoneal injections of vehicle, SOCS1-derived peptide, or control mutant peptide for 6 to 10 weeks. SOCS1 therapy suppressed STAT1/STAT3 activation in atherosclerotic plaques of diabetic mice and significantly reduced lesion size at both early and advanced stages of lesion development compared with vehicle group. Plaque .
Compact Mixed-Signal Convolutional Neural Network Using a Single Modular Neuron

This paper demonstrates a compact mixed-signal (MS) convolutional neural network (CNN) design procedure by proposing a MS modular neuron unit that alleviates analog circuit related design issues such as noise. Through the first step of the proposed procedure, we design a CNN in software with a minimized number of channels for each layer while satisfying the network performance to the target, which creates low representational and computational cost. Then, the network is reconstructed and retrained with a single modular neuron that is recursively utilized for the entire network for the maximum hardware efficiency with a fixed number of parameters that consider signal attenuation. For the last step of the proposed procedure, the parameters of the networks are quantized to an implementable level of MS neurons. We designed the networks for MNIST and Cifar-10 and achieved compact CNNs with a single MS neuron with 97% accuracy for MNIST and 85% accuracy for Cifar-10 whose representational cost and computational cost are reduced to least two times smaller than prior works. The estimated energy per classification of the hardware network for Cifar-10 with a single MS neuron, designed with optimum noise and matching requirements, is $0.5\mu $ J, which is five times smaller than its digital counterpart.
Slack and Crash Risk

We examine how a firm’s operational slack is associated with current income and future stock price crash risk. By doing so, we test the validity of a firm’s alternative motivations for holding operational slack. We show that Supply Chain Slack, which is based on excess working capital, is associated with higher current profits and higher future crash risk. This evidence is consistent with the firm hoarding bad news. In contrast, SG&A Slack, which is based on excess selling, general, and administrative expenses, is associated with lower current income and lower future crash risk. This evidence is consistent with the firm insuring against rare and adverse events. Furthermore, a firm’s stock price crash risk is lower when a slack type is more costly, consistent with both motivations. Overall, our findings suggest a stronger profit-crash risk tradeoff when firms hold more operational slack.
Recurrent delirium over 12 months predicts dementia: results of the Delirium and Cognitive Impact in Dementia (DECIDE) study

Abstract Background Delirium is common, distressing and associated with poor outcomes. Previous studies investigating the impact of delirium on cognitive outcomes have been limited by incomplete ascertainment of baseline cognition or lack of prospective delirium assessments. This study quantified the association between delirium and cognitive function over time by prospectively ascertaining delirium in a cohort aged ≥ 65 years in whom baseline cognition had previously been established. Methods For 12 months, we assessed participants from the Cognitive Function and Ageing Study II-Newcastle for delirium daily during hospital admissions. At 1-year, we assessed cognitive decline and dementia in those with and without delirium. We evaluated the effect of delirium (including its duration and number of episodes) on cognitive function over time, independently of baseline cognition and illness severity. Results Eighty two of 205 participants recruited developed delirium in hospital (40%). One-year outcome data were available for 173 participants: 18 had a new dementia diagnosis, 38 had died. Delirium was associated with cognitive decline (−1.8 Mini-Mental State Examination points [95% CI –3.5 to –0.2]) and an increased risk of new dementia diagnosis at follow up (OR 8.8 [95% CI 1.9–41.4]). More than one episode and more days with delirium (>5 days) were associated with worse cognitive outcomes. Conclusions Delirium increases risk of future cognitive decline and dementia, independent of illness severity and baseline cognition, with more episodes associated with worse cognitive outcomes. Given that delirium has been shown to be preventable in some cases, we propose that delirium is a potentially modifiable risk factor for dementia.
Plant-soil feedback contributes to predicting plant invasiveness of 68 alien plant species differing in invasive status

1. Understanding what species characteristics allow some alien plants to become invasive while others fail to is critical to our understanding of community assembly processes. While many characteristics have been shown to predict plant invasiveness, the importance of plant-soil feedbacks (PSFs) in invasions has been difficult to assess since individual studies include only a few species and use disparate methodology. 2. We studied PSFs of 68 invasive and non-invasive alien species in a single two-phase garden experiment, and compared the relative importance of PSF, residence time, phylogenetic novelty and plant traits for plant invasiveness. Additionally, we tested for relationships between PSF, residence time and phylogenetic novelty. 3. PSF for seedling establishment belonged to five best predictors of plant invasiveness, along with specific leaf area, height, seedling growth rate, and residence time. Invasive species had more positive PSF for seedling establishment, but not for biomass, than non-invasive species. Phylogenetically novel species experienced less negative PSF than species with native congeners, suggesting they benefit more from enemy release. PSF of non-invasive species, contrary to that of invasive species, was becoming more negative with increasing residence time. 4. Synthesis. We demonstrated that PSF plays a role in predicting invasiveness that is comparable with other species characteristics that are more commonly studied. PSF should thus receive more attention in studies predicting community structure and in programs assessing the likely invasions of aliens.
DIFFUSION BURNING OF LIQUIDS

Abstract : In the last 15 years a considerable amount of experimental and some theoretical information on the combustion of liquids in tanks has accumulated; but has not been widely published. Part I of the book is concerned with the flammability and ignition of liquids and the properties of mixtures of liquids. Part II is devoted to the burning of liquids. Problems investigated include those connected with the shape and dimensions of flames, pulsations, temperature, radiation and various combustion regimes. Changes in the composition of liquids during combustion, measurements of burnup rates, temperature distribution in burning liquids, and reasons for the appearance and development of a hot homothermic layer in burning gasoline, petroleum and certain other liquids are discussed. The problem of the ejection of a burning liquid during combustion and the serious consequences that may ensue are considered. Part III is concerned with the mechanism of extinguishing flames from liquids in tanks by means of foam, sprays of water and other methods.
Association of various genes with susceptibility to multiple sclerosis in Lebanese population of Bekaa region: A preliminary study

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a multifactorial, polygenic, neurodegenerative autoimmune disease. Interleukin 7–receptor alpha (IL7-Rα), Human Leukocyte Antigen DRB1*1501 (HLA-DRB1*1501), Tumor protein p53 (Tp53) and Synapsin III (SynIII) genes play a crucial role in this disease. This study aims at investigating specific genetic variants with MS occurrence in the Lebanese population of Bekaa province. MS patients (n=28) and controls (n=28) living in the Bekaa region in Lebanon participated in the study. DNA was purified from the collected blood samples. PCR-RFLP and sequencing of amplified PCR products from the targeted genes were performed along with convenient statistical tests. Genotype and allele frequencies of the studied genes were not statistically significant between MS patients and controls. No significance was noticed in rs1494558 and rs1494555 of IL7-Rα where T/T genotype was lower in patients (P=0.106) and A allele was higher in patients (P=0.108), respectively. Haplotypes stratification for rs1494555 and rs6897932 of IL7-Rα shows an increase in AT haplotype (P=0.248) and a decrease in GC haplotype (P=0.251) in MS patients and this was independent with HLA DRB1*1501. Also, no association was shown neither with smoking (P=0.105) nor with gender (P=0.788). Although no association was shown between the studied SNPs and MS in the Lebanese population living in the Bekaa region, this research is considered of high interest since it is one of the first studies done in Lebanon that permits a better comprehension of the genetic implication in the disease.
The effects of salt and rainfall pattern on morphological and photosynthetic characteristics of Phragmites australis (Poaceae)1

Abstract. Phragmites australis is regarded as an important cosmopolitan species that has the potential to enhance the structure, function, and stability of the Yellow River delta, China. This study investigated the responses of Phragmites australis to various hydrologic and salinity conditions with a focus on plant growth, leaf morphology, biomass and allocation, gas exchange, and chlorophyll fluorescence physiology. The plants were subjected to a full factorial design with three soil salinity levels, two levels of rainfall amounts, and two watering frequencies. Results from a 62-day experiment revealed that both higher soil salinity and lower rainfall amounts greatly reduced plant growth, average leaf area, and photosynthetic characteristics (e.g., net photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, and stomatal conductance). The interactive effects of soil salinity and rainfall amounts were found on most gas-exchange parameters and biomass parameters. Lower rainfall frequency reduced total chlorophyll concentration, intercellular carbon dioxide, and stomatal limitation value, but the total biomass and biomass of each part were not affected. Although it may suffer from higher salinity and drought in the long term, Phragmites australis will continue to dominate wetland communities of the Yellow River delta, at least in the short term.
The abduction of phylogenetic hypotheses

4 Introduction . 5 Classes of inference . 6 Deduction . 8 Induction . 12 Abduction . 17 Distinctions between deductive and non-deductive inferences . 20 New premises . 20 Support of conclusion . 23 Requirement of total evidence . 26 Single versus multiple conclusions . 27 Classes of entities . 27 Abduction, deduction, and induction: operational relations . 28 Abduction and the ‘context of discovery’ . 36 The goal of phylogenetic systematics: inferences of explanatory hypotheses or inferences of objects in need of explanation? 38 The formal structure of phylogenetic inference . 48 The abductive inference of phylogenetic hypotheses: human reasoning . 49 The abductive inference of phylogenetic hypotheses: computer algorithms . 66 The inferential basis of phylogenetic systematics: some implications . 67 Deductive versus non-deductive phylogenetic inference . 68 Theory selection and phylogenetic inference . 69 Abduction, parsimony, and likelihood . 74 Parsimony in abduction . 76 Likelihood in abduction . 77 Testing phylogenetic hypotheses . 7 9 The contexts of testing . 81 The mechanics of testing explanatory hypotheses . 83
Molecular and Cellular Characterization of Dopamine Neuron Stimulating Peptides

OF DISSERTATION MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF THE DOPAMINE NEURON STIMULATING PEPTIDES Parkinson’s disease, the second most common neurodegenerative disease, is characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons within the substantia nigra. Currently, the treatments available for PD are symptomatic treatments that do not stop the progression of the disease. Trophic molecules, such as glial cell-line derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), have been evaluated as potential therapeutic molecules that could stop the loss of neurons and potentially restore some of the neurons that have already been lost. However, these trophic molecules are large making them difficult to produce and delivery. Here we characterize three peptides (DNSP-5, DNSP-11, and DNSP-17) to determine it they are stable and offer protective effects similar to GNDF allowing them to be potential therapeutic molecules. The data presented here involves the evaluation of the molecular and cellular mechanism of DNSP-5, DNSP-11, and DNSP-17, which are derived from prosequence of GDNF. Initial studies were carried out to evaluate the physical characteristics of these three peptides to determine their viability as potential therapeutic molecules. The structure and stability of these peptides were evaluated. Based on the data it was determined that the three peptides do not interact in vitro, allowing for further individual evaluations of the peptides. It was also determined that the peptides were stable when stored at both -80°C and 37°C for one month, allowing them to both potentially be stored during treatment. Cell culture assays and proteomic profiling were utilized to determine binding partners and potential mechanisms through which DNSP-11 may be able to mediate apoptosis. It was determined that DNSP-11 was able to interact with a variety of binding partners that are involved in metabolism. These studies have aided in the understanding of neurotrophic factor prosequence function, but will also serve as a starting point for the development of novel trophic factors for PD treatment. Finally, the interaction between DNSP-11 and GAPDH was evaluated as a potential anti-apoptotic mechanism. GAPDH has previously shown to play a role in mediating apoptotic pathways. It was hypothesized that the observed interaction between DNSP-11 and GAPDH could mediate that role of GAPDH in apoptosis and afford DNSP-11 its observed anti-apoptotic effects. It was observed that while DNSP-11’s interaction with GAPDH may play a role in its anti-apoptotic effects, it does not appear to be the only mechanism involved. Based on this data, it is likely that the other metabolic binding partners play a role in DNSP-11’s anti-apoptotic mechanisms and therefore, these interactions should be further evaluated.
Mathematical Literacy in Setting Model Eliciting Activities Nuanced Ethnomathematics

Mathematical literacy in the era of disruption is one of the main demands for students in developing new literacy. Mathematical literacy as the capacity of individuals to formulate, apply, and interpret mathematics in various contexts. In this case, it will be easier for students if mathematics learning is bridged between mathematics in daily life based on local culture and school mathematics. Local culture taken as a problem sheet are objects that are in Malaka District, NTT. Model eliciting activities (MEAs) are one of the solutions in developing collaboration capabilities, building connection capabilities between mathematics and real life. The purpose of this study was to find out the MEAs learning with ethno-mathematical power is better than DL learning. This research is quantitative research. Data collection methods in this study were observation, tests, documentation and literature studies. Analysis of the data used was the proportion test and independent t test. The researcher chose the class used by random sampling obtained by class VIII G as the experimental class that received MEAs learning with an ethnomatematics nuance consisting of 32 students and class VIII B as a control class that received Discovery Learning (DL) learning consisting of 32 students. The results showed that the mathematical literacy skills of students who received MEAs learning with ethnomatematic nuances were completed individually and classically, this was indicated by the value of and ( ) , where H0 is rejected. The average and proportion of mathematics literacy abilities of the experimental class students with an average of 78.38 is better than the control class of 71.38. Starting from the perspective of ethnomatematics, literacy is best understood as the integration of schools and cultural contexts through
Evaluation of the Pseudomonas fluorescens Isolate for Sheath Blight Disease Management of Rice in Field Condition

Sheath blight is one major biotic constraints of rice. The disease is caused by Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn (teleomorph: Thanetophorus cucumeris (Frank) Donk). The disease has been named as “Sheath blight” because of primary infection on leaf sheath. The symptoms of the disease appear on leaf and leaf sheath as 2-3 cm long greenish gray lesions, turning to straw colour and surrounded by bluish gray narrow bands. The lesions increase in size and girdle the stem. Once the infection is established, it spread through contact between diseased and healthy plants. Spherical grayish black sclerotia are formed under natural conditions on the lesions which fall in the field slightly damage. In severe infection, sclerotia form even on the grain. Sclerotia serve as a major source of primary inoculums (Ou, 1985). The diseased ear, grains remain unfilled. Wide host range of the pathogen Rhizoctonia solani makes management of the disease a different task. The yield loss due to this disease is reported to range from 5.2 to 50 % depending on the International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 7 Number 08 (2018) Journal homepage: http://www.ijcmas. com
Determinants of Adoption of Improved Bread Wheat Production Technology in Southern Ethiopia

Bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is one of the major staple and cash crops for smallholder farmers in Ethiopia and is mainly grown in the central and southeastern highlands of the country. Adoption of improved agricultural technologies is one of the most important issues to insure food self-sufficiency as well as food security. However, the adoption and dissemination of improved agricultural technologies are constrained by many factors. The aim of this study was to examine factors affecting adoption and intensity of adoption of improved bread wheat production technology. Multistage sampling techniques were employed. Using a systematic random sampling technique, 168 household heads were taken as sample respondents. Structured interview schedules, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews were used as primary data collection instruments. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistical analysis; mainly Chi-square test, F-test, and Pearson correlation were employed. A Tobit econometrics model was also employed with the help of statistical software. The results revealed that household heads sex, level of education, active labor force members, total land holding size, access to credit, participation in training, exposure to mass media, and frequency contact of extension agents were found to have a significant influence on adoption and intensity of adoption of improved bread wheat production technology. The overall finding of this study underlines the importance of institutional support in the areas of extension services and facilitating access to credit in order to enhance the adoption of new technologies. Therefore, the bureau of agriculture and other development practitioners should give focus to strengthening institutional support to improve the adoption of bread wheat technology. Keywords: Adoption, Technology, Bread Wheat, Tobit model DOI: 10.7176/FSQM/97-07 Publication date: May 31 st 2020
In vitro Anti-trypanosomal activity of curcumin isolated from Curcuma longa (Turmeric) rhizomes

The exponential rate of cell divisions observed in African trypanosomes has prompted the hypothesis that substances with potent anti-proliferative potential against cancer cells may exhibit anti-trypanosomal activities. Curcumins have been reported to inhibit cancerous cell proliferation in animal models. In the present study, the invitro anti-trypanosomal potential of curcumin isolated from rhizomes of Curcuma longa was evaluated against T. b. brucei, Federe strain. The method of was adopted in the extraction of curcumin from powdered Rhizomes of Curcuma longa. The invitro assay, conducted in 96-well titre plate, over test concentrations of 0.156 and 10 mg/ml, revealed that Curcumin demonstrated anti-trypanosomal activity after 8 hours of incubation, with significant reduction of trypanosome counts in wells containing various concentrations of the isolate compared to the control wells.
Biological and molecular characterization of Potato yellow blotch virus, a new species of the genus Potyvirus

A new species of the genus Potyvirus infecting potatoes, with the proposed name Potato yellow blotch virus (PYBV), was discovered in a breeding line 99m-022-026 in Scotland. The infected plants show isolated yellow blotches on the leaves. The genome of PYBV contains a large open reading frame encoding a single polyprotein of 3054 amino acids. Sequence analysis shows that PYBV is closely related to Potato virus A (PVA), with an overall 72% identity at the nucleotide level for the whole genome. The least conserved P1 protease gene shares only 50% nucleotide identity with PVA. The host range of PYBV was comparable to PVA on solanaceaous and non-solanaceous indicator plant species with the exception of Solanum demissum A and Y. Different symptoms were also observed for PYBV and PVA in Nicotiana benthamiana, Nicotiana hesperis and Nicotiana occidentalis P1. The susceptibility of potato (Solanum tuberosum) cultivars to PYBV and PVA was similar. In over 5 years of investigation, PYBV has not been found in commercial seed and ware potato crops in Scotland.