Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Computer-aided synthesis of matching networks for multi-stage broadband microwave amplifiers

Design of amplifier matching networks typically involve graphical or numerical methods which are tedious and time-consuming. We report here a technique to synthesize broadband matching networks using a commercially available mathematical package which speeds up the synthesis process. The package developed in this study offers an additional capability of producing inter-stage networks with prescribed gain-frequency slopes. This feature compensates for the transistor roll-off thus giving an amplifier with a flat broadband response. A broadband microwave amplifier design is presented in this paper to illustrate the capability of the package, and the amplifier which result was then simulated on a commercially available microwave design package for comparison.
Distributed dynamic-TDD resource allocation in femtocell networks using evolutionary game

Since uplink (UL) and downlink (DL) traffic loads are time-variant in femtocells, it is essential to adopt dynamic time-division duplexing (TDD) to effectively adjust the uplink and downlink transmission resources. However, the cross-link interference between dynamic TDD femtocells decreases the throughput gain of dynamic TDD. In this paper, we propose an evolutionary game-based distributed approach to choose the UL-DL configuration in order to minimize interference and maximize the system throughput in a large-scale femtocell network. A multiple populations evolutionary game is formulated to model femtocells with different traffic loads. We prove that the evolutionarily stable strategy (ESS) of the considered multiple populations evolutionary game is the optimal configuration which maximizes the system throughput. Simulation results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed evolutionary game-based approach for system throughput optimization in femtocells employing dynamic TDD.
Repatriation in Australian organisations: Effects of function and value of international assignment on program scope

The rapid internationalisation of organisations in recent years has heightened interest in the need for cross-cultural preparation and support of individuals undertaking international assignments, and the reverse culture shock and adjustment issues that face repatriates. Research has suggested that organisations that do not successfully repatriate their employees will lose financially from attrition and lose knowledge gained from repatriates' international experience. Prior research has demonstrated that intense repatriation programs are the most e fective means of retaining repatriates and transferring their knowledge, yet many organisations do not employ repatriation programs. This paper investigates factors that influence Australian organisations to utilise repatriation programs, and proposes that the function of international transfer and organisations' beliefs about the value of international experience will determine the scope of repatriation programs. Based on research conducted in 2003, the findings suggest that Australian organisations recognise the importance of repatriation, but provide insu ficient support.
Length of negative resection margin does not affect local recurrence and survival in the patients with gastric cancer.

AIM To investigate the influence of the resection margin on local recurrence and survival in gastric cancer patients. METHODS We reviewed the medical records of 1788 patients who had undergone gastrectomy for gastric cancer at the Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, South Korea, between May 2003 and July 2009. The patients were divided into early and advanced gastric cancer groups. In each group, we analyzed the relationship between clinicopathologic factors and survival outcomes, and compared the hazard rates of event occurrence between patients with resection margins above and below the cut-off value, using a Cox proportional hazard model. RESULTS The early and advanced gastric cancer groups included 1001 and 787 patients, respectively. The hazard rates of event occurrence did not significantly differ between the patients with resection margins above the cut-off value and those with resection margins below the cut-off value (P > 0.05, in all comparisons). Based on the multivariable analyses, the proximal and distal resection margins were not significantly associated with survival outcomes and local recurrence (P > 0.05, in all analyses). CONCLUSION The proximal or distal resection margins did not affect the prognosis of patients with gastric cancer if the margins were pathologically negative.
Modeling smoking history: a comparison of different approaches.

The impact of cigarette smoking on various diseases is studied frequently in epidemiology. However, there is no consensus on how to model different aspects of smoking history. The aim of this investigation was to elucidate the impact of several decisions that must be made when modeling smoking variables. The authors used data on lung cancer from a case-control study undertaken in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, in 1979-1985. The roles of smoking status, intensity, duration, cigarette-years, age at initiation, and time since cessation were investigated using time-dependent variables in an adaptation of Cox's model to case-control data. The authors reached four conclusions. 1) The estimated hazard ratios for current and ex-smokers depend strongly on how long subjects are required to not have smoked to be considered "ex-smokers. " 2) When the aim is to estimate the effect of continuous smoking variables, a simple approach can be used (and is proposed) to separate the qualitative difference between never and ever smokers from the quantitative effect of smoking. 3) Using intensity and duration as separate variables may lead to a better model fit than using their product (cigarette-years). 4) When estimating the effects of time since cessation or age at initiation, it is still useful to use cigarette-years, because it reduces multicollinearity.
To Buy or to Read: How a Platform Shapes Reviewing Behavior

We explore how platforms influence user-generated content by comparing reviews made on the retail platform Amazon, with those on the (non-retail) community platform Goodreads. We find the retail setting gives rise to shorter, more declamatory, and persuasive reviews, while the non-retail community generates longer, more reflective, tentative reviews with more diverse punctuation. These differences are pronounced enough to enable automatic inference of the platform from which reviews were taken with over 90% F1. Significant differences in star-ratings appear to parallel differences in review content. Both platforms allow users to give feedback on reviews. Experiments show that a subtle difference in the review feedback features influences review-promotion behavior, which may in part explain the differences in review content. Our results show that the context and design of a platform has a strong but subtle effect on how users write and engage with content.
Magnetic resonance analysis of the effects of acute ammonia intoxication on rat brain. Role of NMDA receptors

Acute ammonia intoxication leads to rapid death, which is prevented by blocking N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors. The subsequent mechanisms leading to death remain unclear. Brain edema seems an important step. The aim of this work was to study the effects of acute ammonia intoxication on different cerebral parameters in vivo using magnetic resonance and to assess which effects are mediated by NMDA receptors activation. To assess edema induction, we injected rats with ammonium acetate and measured apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) in 16 brain areas. We also analyzed the effects on T1, T2, and T2* maps and whether these effects are prevented by blocking NMDA receptors. The effects of acute ammonia intoxication are different in different brain areas. T1 relaxation time is reduced in eight areas. T2 relaxation time is reduced only in ventral thalamus and globus pallidus. ADC values increased in hippocampus, caudate‐putamen, substantia nigra and cerebellar cortex, reflecting vasogenic edema. ADC decreased in hypothalamus, reflecting cytotoxic edema. Myo‐inositol increased in cerebellum and substantia nigra, reflecting vasogenic edema. N‐acetyl‐aspartate decreased in cerebellum, reflecting neuronal damage. Changes in N‐acetyl‐aspartate, T1 and T2 are prevented by blocking NMDA receptors with MK‐801 while changes in ADC or myo‐inositol (induction of edema) are not.
Filamin A Is Required for T Cell Activation Mediated by Protein Kinase C-θ1

Induction of T cell responses following engagement of the Ag-specific TCR depends on TCR-initiated rearrangements of the cellular actin cytoskeleton and highly coordinated and tightly regulated interactions and of diverse intracellular signaling proteins. In this study, we show that filamin A (FLNa), an actin-binding and signal mediator scaffolding protein, is required for T cell activation. Following Ag stimulation, FLNa was recruited to the T cell-APC contact area, where it colocalized with protein kinase C-θ (PKCθ). Depletion of FLNa by RNA interference did not affect TCR-induced early tyrosine phosphorylation or actin polymerization but, nevertheless, resulted in impaired IL-2 expression by human primary T cells and reduced activation of NF-κB, AP-1, and NFAT reporter genes in transfected T cells. TCR stimulation induced stable physical association of FLNa with PKCθ. Furthermore, the TCR/CD28-induced membrane translocation of PKCθ was inhibited in FLNa-depleted T cells. These results reveal novel role for FLNa in the TCR/CD28 signaling pathway leading to transcription factor activation and IL-2 production, and suggest that this role is mediated, in part, through the inducible interaction of FLNa with PKCθ.
Effect of Metformin on Potassium-adapted and Nonadapted Diabetic Rats

Purpose: To assess the effects of potassium adaptation on some biochemical parameters in diabetic rats treated with metformin. Methods: Diabetes was induced via intraperitoneal administration of streptozotocin in potassiumadapted and non-adapted rats and, then metformin (350 mg/kg) was administered orally. The following parameters were then evaluated 24 h after drug administration: urine volume, plasma glucose, plasma and urine creatinine and creatinine clearance. Lipid profiles and plasma and urine urea were also determined. Results: The blood glucose of the potassium-adapted diabetic group was not significantly reduced on treatment with metformin, compared to non-adapted diabetic rats which were significantly reduced (p < 0.05) on metformin treatment. The potassium-adapted group treated with metformin had significantly higher creatinine clearance (p < 0.05) than the non adapted group. Urine volumes for both the diabetic and the potassium-adapted diabetic rats were significantly lower (p < 0.05) on treatment with metformin. Conclusion: The results indicate that potassium adaptation induces resistance to treatment with metformin and increases creatinine clearance in diabetic rats.
Cooperative Correlation Based Spectrum Sensing for DMB-T Systems

Cooperative spectrum sensing scheme for Digital Multimedia Broadcasting-Terrestrial (DMB-T) system in China is investigated in this paper. There are three frame header modes defined in DMB-T Standard. For frame header mode 2, the only PN sequence is utilized to perform waveform-based spectrum sensing, and an improved synchronization algorithm is proposed. For frame header mode 1 and 3, extended pseudonoise (PN) sequences are proposed to be the local correlation sequences to perform waveform-based spectrum sensing. The performance of the proposed schemes is analyzed theoretically. Moreover, the performance of cooperative spectrum sensing schemes over the Rayleigh fading reporting channel is studied. When the probability of false alarm is 0.01 and the number of signal frame used is 1, it is shown that the probabilities of missed detection of the proposed schemes are much lower than that of the present PN correlation (PNC) and cyclic extension correlation (CEC) schemes. And the performance of the cooperative spectrum sensing is limited by both local detectors and the probability of reporting error.
Environmental impacts of technological change in Bangladesh agriculture: farmers' perceptions, determinants, and effects on resource allocation decisions

This article measures the impact of modern technology adoption in raising farmers' environmental awareness and the impact of farmers' environmental awareness on resource use by utilizing survey data from 21 villages in three agro-ecological regions of Bangladesh. The econometric analysis is based on the application of the Tobit model explaining farmers' environmental awareness in the first stage and a profit function examining environmental awareness and resource use relationships in the second stage. Results reveal that the "level" and "duration" of involvement with modern technology raises farmers' environmental awareness, and that farmers' environmental awareness reduces resource use including chemicals. Farmers, who are aware of the adverse environmental impacts of modern agricultural technology, use lower amounts of all inputs in order to avoid further environmental damage. Therefore, efforts to raise farmers' environmental awareness are expected to enhance intangible benefits accruing from a relatively less chemical-intensive environment. Copyright 2005 International Association of Agricultural Economics.
Smart Eagle - A bird's-eye view on heterogeneous networks for commercial and industrial sites

IT infrastructures in commercial and industrial sites are recently undergoing an evolution, which requires them to integrate large numbers of heterogeneous devices, often using multi-protocol networks. One of the driver of this evolution is represented by a recent trend in the energy sector, where local sites are encouraged to build their own microgrids. Furthermore, the lowering costs of sites automation and monitoring systems are making their adoption by industrial and commercial sites much easier to justify.In order to make the most out of these innovations, the communication between all the players of these systems is vital, and a constant monitoring of it essential. However, despite the importance of the data network, there exist currently no vendor-independent analysis and management tools tailored for such networks, usually comprised of various, sometimes very different, network types. Therefore, we present Smart Eagle, a distributed network analysis and monitoring tool capable of dealing with building automation and low-rate wireless personal area networks. We introduce the architecture of Smart Eagle, and report on our experience in taking measurements on an existing site management communication network. In particular, we were able to gather meaningful measurements from both IEEE 802.15. 4 and KNX networks, without intervening on existing devices or on the underlying network infrastructure.
Broad tumor spectrum in a mouse model of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) is an inherited cancer predisposition syndrome typified by development of tumors in parathyroid, pituitary and endocrine pancreas, as well as less common sites including both endocrine and nonendocrine organs. Deletion or mutation of the tumor suppressor gene MEN1 on chromosome 11 has been identified in many cases of MEN1 as well as in sporadic tumors. The molecular biology of menin, the protein encoded by MEN1, remains poorly understood. Here we describe a mouse model of MEN1 in which tumors were seen in pancreatic islets, pituitary, thyroid and parathyroid, adrenal glands, testes and ovaries. The observed tumor spectrum therefore includes types commonly seen in MEN1 patients and additional types. Pancreatic pathology was most common, evident in over 80% of animals, while other tumor types developed with lower frequency and generally later onset. Tumors of multiple endocrine organs were observed frequently, but progression to carcinoma and metastasis were not evident. Tumors in all sites showed loss of heterozygosity at the Men1 locus, though the frequency in testicular tumors was only 36%, indicating that a different molecular mechanism of tumorigenesis occurs in those Leydig tumors that do not show loss of the normal Men1 allele. Menin expression was below the level of detection in ovary, thyroid and testis, but loss of nuclear menin immunoreactivity was observed uniformly in all pancreatic islet adenomas and in some hyperplastic islet cells, suggesting that complete loss of Men1 is a critical point in islet tumor progression in this model. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Enriching students' experience in logistics and transportation through simulation

Student’s employability is crucial factor that brings development to all economy. The present study looked into simulation content development which is all about developing, enriching and the applications of internet protocols in order to enrich the work-related competencies experience among graduate in the field of logistics and transportations. The study was carried out within multi-national and local manufacturing companies, third party companies and government agency which are selected from Peninsular Malaysia. The sampling of the study focuses on undergraduate studying technology management and logistics and transportation in the public universities. A framework was proposed in the study that will cover the education through simulation in logistics and transportation. A qualitative approach was mainly conducted to gather data in the study. The findings assert that the resources involved in the outbound and inbound processes are computerized documentation. The study contributes to the body of knowledge on the enrichment of the student’s employability. It also provided a practical recommendation for the organizations, employees and fresh graduate from the universities. Keywords : Employability; Simulation; Enriching; Outbound and Inbound JEL Classifications: M000
Phillips Curves, Monetary Policy, and a Labor Market Transmission Mechanism

This paper develops a general equilibrium monetary model with performance incentives to study the inflation-unemployment relationship. A long-run downward-sloping Phillips curve can exist with perfectly anticipated inflation because workers’ incentive to exert effort depend on financial market returns. Consequently, higher inflation rates can reduce wages and stimulate employment. An upward-sloping or vertical Phillips Curve can arise instead, depending on agents’ risk aversion and the possibility of capital formation. Welfare might be higher away from the Friedman rule and with a central bank putting some weight on employment.
Factors Influencing the Role of Management Accounting in the Development of Performance Measures within Organizational Change Programs

Many companies are undergoing organizational changes encompassing innovative approaches to organizing production processes, restructuring work practices and developing new planning and control mechanisms. This paper explores the role that management accounting played in the development of performance measurement systems within five organizations implementing change programs. The major case study is of a large manufacturing firm undertaking changes which included the development or team structures, the adoption of a customer-focused strategy and the implementation of new performance measures systems. In this company, a lack of integration of operational performance measures with strategic priorities contributed to poor integration of team activities with overall strategy. The paper proposes five interrelated factors that may help explain the extent to which management accountants contribute to the development of integrated performance measures and change programs. Case evidence drawn from a further four firms is presented to provide some validation of conclusions drawn from the primary case study.
Is the Trading of Inverse ETFs a Bearish Signal?

In this study, we examine the trading activity of inverse ETFs in an attempt to explain whether inverse ETF volume contains bearish information about future market prices. Our two main results are, first, inverse ETF trading activity occurs after periods of negative returns suggesting that traders of those funds are not contrarian traders and are instead momentum traders. Second, we find that inverse ETF trading activity does not contain any predictive ability about future index price movements. Combined with our first finding, the second result indicates that there is little, if any, information contained in the trading of inverse ETFs. These conclusions hold when we condition on whether the ETF is leveraged and unleveraged.
Kir4.1 channels mediate a depolarization of hippocampal astrocytes under hyperammonemic conditions in situ

Increased ammonium (NH4 +) concentration in the brain is the prime candidate responsible for hepatic encephalopathy (HE), a serious neurological disorder caused by liver failure and characterized by disturbed glutamatergic neurotransmission and impaired glial function. We investigated the mechanisms of NH4 +‐induced depolarization of astrocytes in mouse hippocampal slices using whole‐cell patch‐clamp and potassium‐selective microelectrodes. At postnatal days (P) 18–21, perfusion with 5 mM NH4 + evoked a transient increase in the extracellular potassium concentration ([K+]o) by about 1 mM. Astrocytes depolarized by on average 8 mV and then slowly repolarized to a plateau depolarization of 6 mV, which was maintained during NH4 + perfusion. In voltage‐clamped astrocytes, NH4 + induced an inward current and a reduction in membrane resistance. Amplitudes of [K+]o transients and astrocyte depolarization/inward currents increased from P3–4 to P18–21. Perfusion with 100 μM Ba2+ did not alter [K+]o transients but strongly reduced both astrocyte depolarization and inward currents. NH4 +‐induced depolarization and inward currents were also virtually absent in slices from Kir4.1 −/− mice, while [K+]o transients were unaltered. Blocking Na+/K+‐ATPase with ouabain caused an immediate and complex increase in [K+]o. Taken together, our results are in agreement with the hypothesis that reduced uptake of K+ by the Na+, K+‐ATPase in the presence of NH4 + disturbs the extracellular K+ homeostasis. Furthermore, astrocytes depolarize in response to the increase in [K+]o and by influx of NH4 + through Kir4.1 channels. The depolarization reduces the astrocytes' capacity for channel‐mediated flux of K+ and for uptake of glutamate and might hereby contribute to the pathology of HE. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Riparian Landowner Efficacy in an Urbanizing Watershed

Many agricultural landscapes are rapidly transitioning to more heterogeneous land uses with diverse types of landowners. While previous research has focused on conservation practice adoption among agricultural landowners, we use an efficacy theory framework to contrast riparian management behaviors across full-time farmers, part-time farmers, and residential landowners. We conducted semistructured interviews of landowners and conservation organization representatives within an urbanizing watershed in central Pennsylvania. Interviews focused on riparian buffers, perceived buffer outcomes, and urbanization throughout the region. Our findings indicate that structural changes to the landscape brought forth by urbanization diminish landowners’ self-efficacy via reduced capacity to implement buffers on small, residential parcels. Additionally, landowners’ outcome expectations are hampered through nearby, urban causes of perceived riparian and water quality degradation. Urbanization may reduce efficacy across the landscape, challenging riparian buffer implementation. We discuss organizations’ roles in landowners’ efficacy and offer pathways for organizational adaptation to residential growth.