Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Quasi-elliptic filter based on SIW combline resonators using a coplanar line cross-coupling

In this paper, a novel electric coupling for Substrate Integrated Waveguide (SIW) bandpass filter is proposed, designed and applied in combline SIW structure. The electric coupling is obtained by means of an open-ended coplanar transmission line which couples combline SIW resonators. The proposed coupling structure can introduce mixed electric and magnetic coupling thus helping to enhance the filter selectivity. To prove the concept, a quasi-elliptic cross-coupled 4-pole SIW filter is designed including transmission zeros (TZs) at both sides of the pass-band. The filter is centred at 5.75 GHz with absolute bandwidth of 114 MHz (2%). The TZs are set at 5.63 GHz and 5.87 GHz. The measured results confirm the performances of the proposed structure, showing the advantages of wider upper stop-band, higher compactness and easy integration with planar structures.
Expanded characterization of the social interaction abnormalities in mice lacking Dvl1

Dvl1 is one of three murine Dishevelled genes widely expressed in embryonic development and in the adult central nervous system. Dishevelled proteins are a necessary component of the Wnt and planar cell polarity developmental signaling pathways. We reported previously that mice deficient in Dvl1 exhibited abnormal social interaction and sensorimotor gating. To assess the validity of our earlier findings, we replicated the previous behavioral tests and included several new assays. The behaviors assessed included: social interaction, sensorimotor reflexes, motor activity, nociception, prepulse inhibition of acoustic startle (PPI) and learning and memory. Assessments with an explicit social component included: social dominance test, whisker trimming, nest building, home‐cage huddling and ultrasonic vocalization rate analysis in pups. In addition, separate cohorts of wildtype and Dvl1‐null mice were assessed for social recognition of a conspecific. Replicating the original report, Dvl1‐null mice were impaired in several tasks containing an explicit social component. However, no impairment was obser‐ ved in the social memory task. A previously observed deficit in PPI did not replicate in two institutions. In conclusion, we provide evidence that the social interaction phenotype of Dvl1‐deficient mice has a strong genetic influence, but the sensorimotor gating deficit was subject to environmental influences. The specificity of observed social interaction deficits also suggests that lack of Dvl1 is associated with deficits in the recognition of social hierarchy and dominance.
The effect of resource type and regulatory focus on customer engagement behavior: A self-concept perspective?

Although there are many recent studies explore the antecedents of customer engagement behavior (CEB), few empirical studies have explored the mechanisms that connect these antecedents to CEB. Based on self-schema theory, this research uses experiment and investigation methods to explore the influence of the type of customer-invested resource (time vs. money) and customers' regulatory focus (promotion-focused vs. prevention-focused) on CEB and the mechanisms that underlying this process. The results of two empirical studies show that promotion-focused customers initiate more recommendation and complaint behaviors when the amount of time (vs. money) spent in the shopping experience is emphasized, whereas this effect does not exist for prevention-focused customers. A self-concept connection mediates the moderating role of regulatory focus in the relationship between types of resources and recommendation, whereas this mediating role of self-concept connection does not exist in complaint. In summary, the influence of customer-invested resources on CEB varies according to a customer's regulatory focus.
Effects of feeding bile acids and a bile acid sequestrant on hepatic bile acid composition in mice[S]

An improved ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC/MS/MS) method was established for the simultaneous analysis of various bile acids (BA) and applied to investigate liver BA content in C57BL/6 mice fed 1% cholic acid (CA), 0.3% deoxycholic acid (DCA), 0.3% chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA), 0.3% lithocholic acid (LCA), 3% ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), or 2% cholestyramine (resin). Results indicate that mice have a remarkable ability to maintain liver BA concentrations. The BA profiles in mouse livers were similar between CA and DCA feedings, as well as between CDCA and LCA feedings. The mRNA expression of Cytochrome P450 7a1 (Cyp7a1) was suppressed by all BA feedings, whereas Cyp7b1 was suppressed only by CA and UDCA feedings. Gender differences in liver BA composition were observed after feeding CA, DCA, CDCA, and LCA, but they were not prominent after feeding UDCA. Sulfation of CA and CDCA was found at the 7-OH position, and it was increased by feeding CA or CDCA more in male than female mice. In contrast, sulfation of LCA and taurolithocholic acid (TLCA) was female-predominant, and it was increased by feeding UDCA and LCA. In summary, the present systematic study on BA metabolism in mice will aid in interpreting BA-mediated gene regulation and hepatotoxicity.
Maternal Betamethasone and Chorioamnionitis Induce Different Collagenases during Lung Maturation in Fetal Sheep

Background: Fetal lung maturation occurs after both maternal corticosteroid administration and chorioamnionitis. The effectors of this antenatally-induced lung maturation are not understood. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) 2 and 9 are type-IV collagenases that can degrade alveolar basement membranes. Objectives: We hypothesized that the structural changes of lung maturation by both antenatal corticosteroid treatment and chorioamnionitis would be associated with increases in these MMPs. Methods: 64 pregnant ewes were randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups: intra-amniotic injection of 10 mg endotoxin, maternal intramuscular injection of 0.5 mg/kg betamethasone, both treatments combined or saline-treated controls. We quantified MMP-2 which is derived from connective tissue and MMP-9 which is predominantly derived from neutrophils in fetal lung fluid of lambs after maternal corticosteroid therapy and induction of chorioamnionitis and the combination of both therapies given at 109–111 days’ gestational age with delivery 1, 5 or 15 days later. Results: Betamethasone, endotoxin and the combined treatments increased both surfactant pool size, lung gas volume and reduced alveolar wall thickness at 15 days. MMP-2 concentration was increased after betamethasone. MMP-9 concentration increased after endotoxin-induced chorioamnionitis but decreased by the combined treatments. Conclusion: Lung maturation via different pathways may use different forms of collagenases for remodelling lung structure.
Short-term treatment with proton-pump inhibitors as a test for gastroesophageal reflux disease: a meta-analysis of diagnostic test characteristics.

BACKGROUND A response to proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) is commonly considered to support the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, the accuracy of this diagnostic strategy has not been well established. OBJECTIVE To estimate the diagnostic test characteristics of successful PPI treatment with objective measures of GERD by performing a meta-analysis based on the published literature. DATA SOURCES English-language studies were identified by searching the Cochrane Clinical Trial Register and MEDLINE from 1 January 1980 through 1 July 2003. STUDY SELECTION Studies in which the clinical response to a short course (1 to 4 weeks) of normal- or high-dose PPI therapy could be compared with objective measures of GERD (24-hour pH monitoring, endoscopy findings, symptom questionnaires). DATA EXTRACTION Studies were screened for inclusion by 1 author. Final decisions on exclusion were made by consensus with 2 of the other authors. Two investigators independently extracted the data. Information extracted included patient characteristics, study design, setting, specific type and dose of medication, duration of treatment, and definitions of outcomes. DATA SYNTHESIS Sensitivity and specificity were determined by comparing a clinical response to PPIs with objective measures for GERD. The summary receiver-operating characteristic curve method was used to summarize test characteristics across studies. Sensitivity and specificity were also combined independently by using a random-effects model. Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria and provided sufficient data. With 24-hour pH monitoring as the reference standard, the positive likelihood ratio ranged from 1.63 to 1.87, and combined estimates of sensitivity and specificity were 0.78 (95% CI, 0.66 to 0.86) and 0.54 (CI, 0.44 to 0.65), respectively. These values were lower with the other reference standards. LIMITATIONS Data were insufficient to determine the effect of various doses of PPIs and duration of therapy on test characteristics. CONCLUSION Successful short-term treatment with a PPI in patients suspected of having GERD does not confidently establish the diagnosis when GERD is defined by currently accepted reference standards.
Long-term clinical outcome and risk of catheter ablation in elderly with non-paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) became an effective therapy for patients with drug-refractory AF and Catheter ablation of Non-Paroxysmal AF for elderly remains a challenging task. The outcome of AF ablation in Elderly is not clear. OBJECTIVE The aim of the present study was to investigate the long-term outcomes of catheter ablation in patients with non-paroxysmal AF and the predictors of AF termination, and the clinical outcomes associated with termination and non-termination. METHODS A total of 95 non-paroxysmal AF patients who received a stepwise catheter ablation were enrolled. There were 46 patients (48.4%) suffering from recurrences (37 patients with AF and 9 patients with atrial flutter/atrial tachycardia) after single procedure during a median follow-up period of 25.6 months. AF termination by ablation was achieved in 73 of the 95 patients RESULTS The AF non-termination after procedure and CHA2DS2-VASc scores ≥3 were significant predictors of recurrences in the multivariable analysis. In AF termination group: for a CHA2DS2-VASc scores of 0, 1-2, and ≥3 the recurrence rates were 29% (8/28), 39% (12/31) and 64% (9/14) respectively. Similarly, In AF non-termination group: for a CHA2DS2-VASc scores of 0, 1-2, and ≥3 the recurrence rates were 63% (5/8), 75% (6/8), and 100% (6/6), respectively. Of the patients with CHA2DS2-VASc scores of ≥3 in AF non-termination group all experienced recurrences within 2 year after the single procedure. CONCLUSIONS The catheter ablation may be effective in eliminating part of non-paroxysmal AF for elderly. In addition, the present study demonstrated that CHA2DS2-VASc scores and non-termination after procedure were useful predictors of AF recurrence.
Psychological Predictors of Retirement Saving Behavior: An Empirical Analysis of Muslims Staff in Melaka

Planning is one from the most important elements in Islam. In addition, good wealth management is well encouraged in Islam and it cannot be achieved without proper planning and action. Therefore, retirement planning as a degree for future wealth protection, should being a part of top priority in financial planning. However according to Manulife Investor Sentiment Index 2013, less than half of Malaysians have started planning for their retirement, while fewer than one in five consider such planning as their first or second financial priority. The result from that survey was contradicted from what should be practiced by Muslims. Therefore, this study investigates the psychological predictors of retirement saving behavior (RSB) among Muslims staff in Melaka. The questionnaire was designed into two sections; demographic and psychological predictors of retirement saving behavior. The results identified goal clarity and social interaction influence RSB, while self control did not has significant influence on RSB. Goal clarity was found to be the most influence predictor, as having goal clarity in specific areas will lead individual with powerful focus and a mission to drives towards results. The findings from this study give benefit to policy maker as well as to Malaysian wealth advisor. Besides, this research gives significant implications for working individuals to do early planning for their retirement.
Activation of the Ras‐related GTPase Rap1 by thymocyte TCR engagement and during selection

Signals mediated by activation of the small GTPase Ras play an essential role both in thymocyte development and in TCR‐mediated activation of mature T cells. Given the critical requirement of Ras signaling pathways in thymocyte development, and recent indications that Rap1 may negatively regulate Ras‐dependent signaling pathways, we examined the possible involvement of Rap1 in thymocyte TCR signaling. We find that Rap1 and proposed regulators of Rap1 (the proto‐oncogene product Cbl, Crk family adaptor proteins, and the Rap1 guanine nucleotide exchange factor C3G) are expressed at equivalent levels in both double‐negative and double‐positive murine thymocytes. Rap1 was transiently activated following TCR stimulation of both total thymocytes and purified double‐positive thymocytes, and this activation correlated with tyrosine phosphorylation of Cbl and Cbl association with CrkL. TCR‐dependent Rap1 activation was enhanced by co‐stimulation through CD28 and could be mimicked by treatment of thymocytes with phorbol ester and calcium. In contrast to mature peripheral T lymphocytes, Rap1 stimulation by CD3 ligation in thymocytes did not require intracellular calcium mobilization. Intriguingly, we found a clear elevation of activated Rap1 in thymocytes undergoing positive selection, suggesting a functional role for Rap1 in thymocyte development and selection.
An instructional approach on teacher inquiry, online questionnaire, and TPACK

Integrating technology in K-12 classroom is a complex challenge for teachers. This article provides an overview on the conceptualization of Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK), action research, and questionnaires for data collection and processing. It presents how an instructional approach which incorporated the process of teacher inquiry and technological means is implemented into one educational technology course at a university in the northeastern region of the United States. The effectiveness of such an instructional approach on TPACK among participants of the course has been confirmed in this study. Discussion and conclusion of building a stronger pre- and in-service teachers' TPACK for educational technology courses are included.
Excess Mannose Limits the Growth of Phosphomannose Isomerase PMI40 Deletion Strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae*[boxs]

Phosphomannose isomerase (PMI40) catalyzes the conversion between fructose 6-phosphate and mannose 6-phosphate and thus connects glycolysis, i.e. energy production and GDP-mannose biosynthesis or cell wall synthesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. After PMI40 deletion (pmi-) the cells were viable only if fed with extracellular mannose and glucose. In an attempt to force the GDP-mannose synthesis in the pmi- strain by increasing the extracellular mannose concentrations, the cells showed significantly reduced growth rates without any alterations in the intracellular GDP-mannose levels. To reveal the mechanisms resulting in reduced growth rates, we measured genome-wide gene expression levels, several metabolite concentrations, and selected in vitro enzyme activities in central metabolic pathways. The increasing of the initial mannose concentration led to an increase in the mannose 6-phosphate concentration, which inhibited the activity of the second enzyme in glycolysis, i.e. phosphoglucose isomerase converting glucose 6-phosphate to fructose 6-phosphate. As a result of this limitation, the flux through glycolysis was decreased as was the median expression of the genes involved in glycolysis. The expression levels of RAP1, a transcription factor involved in the regulation of the mRNA levels of several enzymes in glycolysis, as well as those of cell cycle regulators CDC28 and CLN3, decreased concomitantly with the growth rates and expression of many genes encoding for enzymes in glycolysis.
High-harmonic spectroscopy with two-color counter-rotating bi-circular fields

High-harmonic generation (HHG) is a nonlinear process that converts intense infrared (IR) radiation into high-frequency light [1, 2]. It can be understood as a sequence of three steps: (1) tunnel ionization of an atom or a molecule induced by the strong IR field, (2) laser-driven acceleration of the electron in the continuum, and (3) recombination with the parent ion resulting in the emission of harmonic light. Since there is a well-defined relationship between the duration of the electron excursion and the energy released during recombination, the harmonic spectrum provides snapshots of the laser-induced dynamics in the ion [3]. Very recently, the application of elliptically polarized fields has allowed to probe molecular chirality with sub-femtosecond time resolution [4], opening new directions in high-harmonic spectroscopy [5].
The Real Side of the High-Volume Return Premium

Prior literature demonstrates that increased trading activity of a firm’s stock is associated with abnormal future stock returns (the high-volume return premium) and interprets this phenomenon as evidence that increased visibility generates reductions in cost of capital. Motivated by this interpretation, we investigate whether increased trading activity entails changes in real corporate actions. We document a positive relation between abnormal trading volume, future investment expenditures, and financing cash flows. This positive relation is not subsumed by the arrival of investment-related news or other corporate disclosures or by subsequent earnings information and is concentrated among firms with high financial constraints and firms with lower levels of investor recognition. This paper was accepted by David Simchi-Levi, finance.
Intellectual Capital and Firm Performance of U.S. Multinational Firms: A Study of the Resource-Based and Stakeholder Views

The resource‐based view of the firm maintains that firms achieve a sustainable comparative advantage and earn superior profits by owning or controlling tangible as well as intangible strategic assets. The stakeholder view recommends that a better measure of financial performance than accounting profit is the total wealth created or net value added. Accordingly, this study examines the relationship between a return on total assets based on net value added (a la stakeholder view) and the specific intangible asset of intellectual capital to test the resource‐based view of the firm. The results, using a sample of US multinational firms, are statistically significant in support of both the resource‐based and stakeholder views.
Achievable diversity gain of K-user interference channel

Interference alignment (IA) is a powerful technique to handle interference between links that share the same wireless channel. It has been shown that IA can asymptotically help each link to achieve half of the degrees of freedom (DoF). This result solves one endpoint of the optimal diversity and multiplexing tradeoff (DMT) for interference channels, namely, the maximum multiplexing gain. In this paper, we shall focus on the other endpoint to investigate the maximum diversity gain. For an interference channel with K links where each link has a channel freedom (independent channels) of L, zero-forcing algorithm can achieve a diversity gain of L-K +1 for each link and a sum diversity gain of K(L - K + 1) for the whole network. The question we want to answer is whether interference alignment can provide a higher diversity gain, which will help determine the optimal DMT of interference channels. It will be shown that IA can increase the sum diversity gain by K - 1, where at most K - 2 of them can be utilized by one link.
Deep Independence Network Analysis of Structural Brain Imaging: Application to Schizophrenia

Linear independent component analysis (ICA) is a standard signal processing technique that has been extensively used on neuroimaging data to detect brain networks with coherent brain activity (functional MRI) or covarying structural patterns (structural MRI). However, its formulation assumes that the measured brain signals are generated by a linear mixture of the underlying brain networks and this assumption limits its ability to detect the inherent nonlinear nature of brain interactions. In this paper, we introduce nonlinear independent component estimation (NICE) to structural MRI data to detect abnormal patterns of gray matter concentration in schizophrenia patients. For this biomedical application, we further addressed the issue of model regularization of nonlinear ICA by performing dimensionality reduction prior to NICE, together with an appropriate control of the complexity of the model and the usage of a proper approximation of the probability distribution functions of the estimated components. We show that our results are consistent with previous findings in the literature, but we also demonstrate that the incorporation of nonlinear associations in the data enables the detection of spatial patterns that are not identified by linear ICA. Specifically, we show networks including basal ganglia, cerebellum and thalamus that show significant differences in patients versus controls, some of which show distinct nonlinear patterns.
On Malaysian Ringgit Exchange Rate Determination and Recent Depreciation

The Ringgit (MYR) has recently, since October 2015, suffered a large decline against most world currencies. In this study, based on the theory of exchange rate determination, we tested for a long run relationship between both MYRUSD and MYRGBP against the differential interest rate, differential money supply, price of world crude oil and Goods and Services Tax (GST, as dummy variable). We ran an Autoregressive Distributive Lag (ARDL) model on monthly data from January 2010 to January 2017. We found a negative long run relationship between MYRGBP and differential money supply and a positive long run relationship against the world crude oil price. As the Ringgit (MYR) supply increased relative to the British Pound, the Ringgit depreciated, and as the crude oil price strengthened, the Ringgit appreciated. A high dependency of the Ringgit on world crude oil implies a bad sign. In our view, Malaysia needs to work harder to attract foreign direct investment to maintain the value of the Ringgit at a healthy level.