Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reduced haze of transparent conductive films by smaller diameter silver nanowires

Silver nanowires (Ag NWs) have received considerable attention for flexible transparent conductive films (TCFs) since they provide a relatively low sheet resistance at a high transmittance. However, the diffuse light scattering, haze, has been regarded as a hurdle to achieve clarity of films. Here we revisit the Mie scattering theory to calculate the extinction and scattering coefficients of Ag NWs which were employed to estimate haze of TCFs. The theory predicted a decrease in haze with a decrease in Ag NW diameter which was supported by experimental investigations carried out using Ag NWs with 5 different diameters (17.6, 19.9, 22.5, 24.3, and 29.6 nm). Overall, excellent properties of TCFs (haze = 0.21%–1.8%, transmittance = 95.33%–98.45%, sheet resistance = 20.87–81.76 Ω sq−1) were obtained. Ag NWs with a diameter of 17.6 nm provided minimum haze values at equivalent sheet resistances (e.g., haze = 0.21%, transmittance = 98.45%, sheet resistance = 77.36 Ω sq−1) compared with ones with lager diameters and the controls in literatures. This work investigated the interdependence between haze and NW diameter and might provide a design guide for flexible Ag NW TCFs.
The cytochrome P450scc system opens an alternate pathway of vitamin D3 metabolism

We show that cytochrome P450scc (CYP11A1) in either a reconstituted system or in isolated adrenal mitochondria can metabolize vitamin D3. The major products of the reaction with reconstituted enzyme were 20‐hydroxycholecalciferol and 20,22‐dihydroxycholecalciferol, with yields of 16 and 4%, respectively, of the original vitamin D3 substrate. Trihydroxycholecalciferol was a minor product, likely arising from further metabolism of dihydroxycholecalciferol. Based on NMR analysis and known properties of P450scc we propose that hydroxylation of vitamin D3 by P450scc occurs sequentially and stereospecifically with initial formation of 20(S)‐hydroxyvitamin D3. P450scc did not metabolize 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3, indicating that modification of C25 protected it against P450scc action. Adrenal mitochondria also metabolized vitamin D3 yielding 10 hydroxyderivatives, with UV spectra typical of vitamin D triene chromophores. Aminogluthimide inhibition showed that the three major metabolites, but not the others, resulted from P450scc action. It therefore appears that non‐P450scc enzymes present in the adrenal cortex to some extent contribute to metabolism of vitamin D3. We conclude that purified P450scc in a reconstituted system or P450scc in adrenal mitochondria can add one hydroxyl group to vitamin D3 with subsequent hydroxylation being observed for reconstituted enzyme but not for adrenal mitochondria. Additional vitamin D3 metabolites arise from the action of other enzymes in adrenal mitochondria. These findings appear to define novel metabolic pathways involving vitamin D3 that remain to be characterized.
Measurement of serum thyroglobulin is of value in detecting tumour recurrence following treatment of differentiated thyroid carcinoma by lobectomy

Serum thyroglobulin was measured in 243 samples from 84 patients (20 men and 64 women, with a mean age of 48·9(14) years) with differentiated thyroid carcinoma treated by lobectomy, and in 58 patients treated by total thyroidectomy. Both groups were given thyroxine to suppress thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). Three patients in the lobectomy group and eight in the thyroidectomy group had evidence of tumour recurrence. Serum thyroglobulin concentration was elevated in the presence of known recurrent tumour (P < 0·001) irrespective of the type of operation, and in its absence tended to be higher in the lobectomy than in the thyroidectomy group (median 4 μg/l versus 2 μg/l, P < 0·05). Serum thyroglobulin levels of less than 10 μg/l could confirm the absence of otherwise known tumour recurrence in both groups with a specificity of 100 per cent, and sensitivities of 80 per cent and 86 per cent in the lobectomy and thyroidectomy groups respectively. Exclusion of samples liable to spurious elevation of thyroglobulin improved the sensitivity in the lobectomy group to 92 per cent. Despite the presence of residual thyroid tissue, measurement of serum thyroglobulin can exclude the presence of significant metastases in most patients following lobectomy for thyroid carcinoma.
Gonotrophic and embryonic development of the Palaearctic screwworm fly Wohlfahrtia magnifies

Abstract. Gonotrophic and embryonic development of Wohlfahrtia magnifica were studied on pupae and adults reared in the laboratory. Gonotrophic development in screwworm begins 8 days after pupation in yellow eye pharate adults. The adult female emerges with its oocytes at stage 3 and requires only 2 days for complete oogenesis and 5 days for complete embryogenesis. Mating occurs 2–5 days after adult emergence, starting the embryonic development. Each female produces an average of 76.8 active larvae which can produce a traumatic lesion in their hosts. When food sources were regularly supplied, synchronization of gonotrophic stages can be observed. These stages together with the embryonic ones are described.
Optimal PWM method for electric and electro-hydraulic power steering applications

This paper presents a methodology for choosing the optimal PWM method for the 3-phase automotive drives applications for electric and electro-hydraulic power steering. It shows how some of the automotive specific requirements transpose to PWM requirements. A system overview with motor and control principles has been presented, followed by the method of power loss calculations based on datasheet parameters and, after that, an overview of the PWM Methods is given. These Methods are compared based on: power loss minimisation, usage of the battery voltage, quality of output current and noise emission minimisation.
Private link between signal and response in Bacillus subtilis quorum sensing

Significance In a social process called “quorum sensing” (QS) bacteria secrete and share signaling molecules that bind to specific receptors and induce adaptive responses within the population. We use the ComQXP QS system of Bacillus subtilis to study the intracellular codependence of two essential QS functions: signal production and signal response. We demonstrate that the QS signal-deficient mutants have an overly responsive QS system, a disturbed balance between primary and secondary metabolism, and an overproduction of the secondary metabolite surfactin in the presence of exogenously provided signal. Such mutants fail to compete with the socially active signal producers due to surfactin-related mechanisms that discriminate the two populations. We believe that a constraint on signal production preserves QS functionality in the natural microbial populations. Bacteria coordinate their behavior using quorum sensing (QS), whereby cells secrete diffusible signals that generate phenotypic responses associated with group living. The canonical model of QS is one of extracellular signaling, where signal molecules bind to cognate receptors and cause a coordinated response across many cells. Here we study the link between QS input (signaling) and QS output (response) in the ComQXPA QS system of Bacillus subtilis by characterizing the phenotype and fitness of comQ null mutants. These lack the enzyme to produce the ComX signal and do not activate the ComQXPA QS system in other cells. In addition to the activation effect of the signal, however, we find evidence of a second, repressive effect of signal production on the QS system. Unlike activation, which can affect other cells, repression acts privately: the de-repression of QS in comQ cells is intracellular and only affects mutant cells lacking ComQ. As a result, the QS signal mutants have an overly responsive QS system and overproduce the secondary metabolite surfactin in the presence of the signal. This surfactin overproduction is associated with a strong fitness cost, as resources are diverted away from primary metabolism. Therefore, by acting as a private QS repressor, ComQ may be protected against evolutionary competition from loss-of-function mutations. Additionally, we find that surfactin participates in a social selection mechanism that targets signal null mutants in coculture with signal producers. Our study shows that by pleiotropically combining intracellular and extracellular signaling, bacteria may generate evolutionarily stable QS systems.
Efficient parallel processing algorithm for fast calculation of 3D filtering using the VR FHT

in this paper we present an efficient and adaptable three dimensional (3D) parallel filtering algorithm based on the fast 3-D vector-radix fast Hartley transform (3-D VR FHT). This algorithm is suitable for high resolution / high speed multidimensional signal and video processing. The 3-D parallel algorithm is highly efficient as it solves the problems of computations overhead and performance limitations associated with the block filtering method by eliminating the overlapping segments and boundary conditions in the parallel filter structure. It also lifts the restrictions on the input size for high performance, as both the 3-D input data and impulse response of the system are segmented into smaller subsections. These subsections are independent and can be simultaneously processed. The algorithmpsilas structure and mathematical derivation are given and the performance of the algorithm is tested on a real multiprocessor parallel system.
Developmental, qualitative, and ultrastructural differences between ovine and bovine embryos produced in vivo or in vitro

The objective of this study was to compare bovine and ovine oocytes in terms of (1) developmental rates following maturation, fertilization, and culture in vitro, (2) the quality of blastocysts produced in vitro, assessed in terms of their ability to undergo cryopreservation, and (3) the ultrastructural morphology of these blastocysts. In vitro blastocysts were produced following oocyte maturation/fertilization and culture of presumptive zygotes in synthetic oviduct fluid. In vivo blastocysts were used as a control from both species. In Experiment 1, the cleavage rate of bovine oocytes was significantly higher than that of ovine oocytes (78.3% vs. 58.0%, respectively, P < 0.001). The overall blastocyst yield was similar for both species (28.7% vs. 29.0%). However, when corrected for cleavage rate, significantly more ovine oocytes reached the blastocyst stage at all time‐points (36.6% vs. 50.0% on day 8, for bovine and ovine, respectively, P < 0.001). Following vitrification, there was no difference in survival between in vivo produced bovine and ovine blastocysts (72 hr: 85.7% vs. 75.0%). However, IVP ovine blastocysts survived at significantly higher rates than IVP bovine blastocysts at all time points (72 hr: 47.4% vs. 18.1%, P < 0.001). At the ultrastructural level, compared with their in vivo counterparts, IVP blastocysts were characterized by a lack of desmosomal junctions, a reduction in the microvilli population, an increase in the average number of lipid droplets and increased debris in the perivitelline space and intercellular cavities. These differences were more marked in bovine IVP blastocysts, which also displayed electron‐lucent mitochondria and large intercellular cavities. These observations may in part explain the species differences observed in terms of cryotolerance. In conclusion, the quality of ovine blastocysts was significantly higher than their bovine counterparts produced under identical in vitro conditions suggesting inherent species differences between these two groups affecting embryo quality. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 62: 320–327, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis of Optimal Finite-Frequency Controllers Able to Accommodate Passivity Violations

In this paper, we explore the relationship between the hybrid passivity/finite-gain systems framework and the generalized Kalman-Yakubovich-Popov (GKYP) lemma. In particular, we investigate how to optimally design finite-frequency (FF) controllers that possess strictly positive real (SPR) properties over a low-frequency range and bounded real (BR) properties over a high-frequency range. Such FF SPR/BR controllers will be used to control systems that have experienced a passivity violation. We first review the hybrid passive/finite-gain systems framework and how linear time-invariant hybrid passive/finite-gain systems relate to systems with low-frequency FF positive real (PR) or SPR properties, and high-frequency FF BR properties as characterized by the GKYP lemma. Optimal design of FF SPR/BR controllers is considered next. A convex optimization problem constrained by a set of linear matrix inequalities is posed where constraints are imposed using various forms of the GKYP lemma, yielding optimal FF SPR/BR controllers. The FF SPR/BR controllers are optimal in that they approximate the traditional H2 control solution. Finally, FF SPR/BR controllers are used within a gain-scheduling architecture to control a two-link flexible manipulator. Experimental results successfully demonstrate closed-loop stability and good closed-loop performance.
Field trial of automatic chromatic dispersion compensation for 40-Gb/s-based wavelength path protection

We report the results of the field trial of generalized multiprotocol label switching-based 40-Gb/s wavelength path protection by photonic cross-connect. In the trial, an automatic chromatic dispersion (CD) compensator was applied to maintain the quality of a signal after protection operation to compensate for the residual CD along the wavelength path. From the results of the field trial, we have made sure that the automatic CD compensation system is essential for the future all-optical wavelength path network.
Interrelationships Among Cortisol, 17-Hydroxyprogesterone, and Androstenendione Exposures in the Management of Children With Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

Hydrocortisone is the standard replacement therapy for children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). Relationships between cortisol exposures and pharmacodynamic responses of 17-hydroxyprogesterone and androstenedione exposures have not been systematically evaluated. Objectives (1) Assess individual oral hydrocortisone pharmacokinetics; (2) relate the observed cortisol exposure in each subject to the observed exposures of 17-hydroxyprogesterone and androstenedione; (3) determine potential individualized treatment regimens based on each subject’s pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters. Methods Thirty-four patients (18 boys, 16 girls, aged 1.4 to 18.1 years) with CAH underwent 6-hour pharmacokinetic studies. Results were analyzed by noncompartmental methods to obtain the area under the curve (AUC) for cortisol, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, and androstenedione; maximum concentration and time-to-maximum concentration for cortisol; and minimum and time-to-minimum concentration for 17-hydroxyprogesterone and androstenedione. Results Mean (SD) cortisol half-life and Cmax were 1.01 (0.20) hours and 24.4 (5.4) μg/dL, respectively. The AUCs for cortisol, 17-hydroxyprogesterone and androstenedione were 40.8 (14.5) μg hour/dL, 29,490 (23,539) ng hour/dL, and 680 (795) ng hour/dL, respectively. No significant relationships existed between cortisol AUCs and the AUCs of either 17-hydroxyprogesterone (P = 0.32) or androstenedione (P = 0.99); nor were there differences between the change-from-baseline concentrations for cortisol with either 17-hydroxyprogesterone (P = 0.80) or androstenedione (P = 0.40). Cortisol simulations indicated that although four daily doses decreased 24-hour hypercortisolemia and hypocortisolemia, substantial periods of each remained. Conclusions Concentration profiles of cortisol, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, and androstenedione are highly variable in children with CAH, and knowledge of them can assist in personalizing the therapy of CAH patients. Hydrocortisone’s rapid half-life and the lack of a sustained-released product make it difficult to closely approximate normal circadian profiles.
A comparative study between Australian and South African university sport students volunteer motives and constraints

Volunteering plays an integral part in the success of numerous South African and Australian organisations and university students have been identified as a latent target population with the greatest potential for volunteering. Organisations who wish to recruit students should be knowledgeable regarding their motives and constraints in order to increase community and sport volunteer activities. The purpose of this study was to identify and compare the motives and constraints influencing volunteerism amongst South African and Australian sport students. A non-probability convenience sampling design was used to collect data from 278 South African and 208 Australian students enrolled in a sport curriculum at two universities in the Gauteng province and three universities within the Queensland area. The volunteer questionnaire developed by Auld and Cuskelly (2001) was used to gather data. The study identified slight egoistic differences in volunteer constraining and motivating factors between South African and Australian sport students. However, students from both countries indicated a low social motivation factor but an equal perceived confidence in their ability to solve problems when volunteering. The comparative results could aid organisations to broaden their current recruitment operations.
Strategic Sustainability Procedures: Focusing Business Strategic Planning on the Socio‐Ecological System in an Island Context

This article illustrates how strategic sustainability procedures (SSPs) can be applied in the tourism accommodation sector in the Caribbean island of Grenada. SSPs are conceptualized from an adapted framework for strategic sustainable development (FSSD). Part 1 of the adapted FSSD defines the vision for the sustainability of the socio-ecological system or a vision for sustainability. Part 2 describes sustainable development processes and actions that businesses can implement to move towards the vision. These two systems exchange materials, energy and waste flows (MEWFs). The article shows how strategic actions to optimize MEWFs between the systems can lead to the vision for sustainability. Utilizing a mixed methods approach, ‘visioning and vision linking’, ‘developing sector strategic actions’ and ‘monitoring and evaluation’ were formulated into SSPs in an island context. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Dynamic Moral Hazard: A Longitudinal Examination of Automobile Insurance in Canada

This article examines moral hazard in the context of dynamic contracting in automobile insurance. Economic theory shows that experience rating of insurers results in state dependence of driving behavior under moral hazard. The empirical analysis is performed using a longitudinal data set from a Canadian automobile insurer. We employ dynamic nonlinear panel data models to distinguish the structural and spurious state dependence, and thus moral hazard and selection on unobservables. As a measure of the riskiness of driving, we consider the frequency, the number, as well as the cost of claims for the policyholder. We find that the state dependence in claim cost reflects both structural and spurious relationships, supporting the moral hazard hypothesis. However, the state dependence in claim occurrence is solely due to unobserved heterogeneity.
Information Processing with Frequency-Dependent Synaptic Connections

The efficacy of synaptic transmission between two neurons changes as a function of the history of previous activations of the synaptic connection. This history dependence can be characterized by examining the dependence of transmission on the frequency of stimulation. In this framework synaptic plasticity can also be examined in terms of changes in the frequency dependence of transmission and not merely in terms of synaptic strength which constitutes only a linear scaling mechanism. Recent work shows that the frequency dependence of transmission determines the content of information transmitted between neurons and that synaptic modifications can change the content of information transmitted. Multipatch-clamp recordings revealed that the frequency dependence of transmission is potentially unique for each synaptic connection made by a single axon and that the class of pre-postsynaptic neuron determines the class of frequency dependence (activity independent), while the unique activity relationship between any two neurons could determine the precise values of the parameters within a specific class (activity dependent). The content of information transmitted between neurons is also formalized to provide synaptic transfer functions which can be used to determine the role of the synaptic connection within a network of neurons. It is proposed that deriving synaptic transfer functions is crucial in order to understand the link between synaptic transmission and information processing within networks of neurons and to understand the link between synaptic plasticity and learning and memory.
Structure of the supernumerary ring and giant rod chromosomes in adipose tissue tumors

Supernumerary ring or giant rod marker chromosomes are a characteristic of well‐differentiated liposarcomas (WDLPS) and atypical lipomas (ALP) and are often observed as the sole cytogenetic abnormality, but are rare in lipomas. Using a combination of different methods, we extensively investigated the structure and composition of rings and giant rods in a series of 17 WDLPS‐ALP samples and three intra‐ or intermuscular lipomas (IMLP), revealing a unique combination of particular features strikingly related to these tumors. Although the rings and rods displayed in vitro and in vivo stability, the presence of alpha‐satellites could not be detected on these supernumerary structures. Comparative genomic hybridization analysis, in combination with fluorescence in situ hybridization, identified the chromosomal regions contributing to the formation of these chromosomes: in WDLPS‐ALP, all carried amplifications of 12q14–15 and the MDM2 gene, with variable other noncontiguous regions. In the three IMLP, the rings consistently carried amplifications of 12q15–21 and 1q21, but increased copies of MDM2 were found in only one case. Other genes located more proximal in 12q14–15 were amplified in several WDLPS‐ALP, but showed a normal copy number in IMLP. Furthermore, the immunohistochemical expression of the MDM2 protein was detected in most (12/14) WDLPS‐ALP, in 1–30% of the cells, but never in IMLP. These supernumerary chromosomes represent a peculiar kind of amplification structure, midway between double minute chromosomes and homogeneously staining regions, but the mechanisms underlying the formation of these structures remain obscure. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 24:30–41, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Self-assessment of health: an exploration of the effects of physical and psychological symptoms

Synopsis The clinician has no objective criteria of good health; he is likely to identify its presence only in the absence of disease and dysfunction. Yet the layman is able to give a global assessment of his own health as good, average or poor. The present paper explores the correlates of self-assessment of health in a large community sample and, by the use of two linear models, describes the effects of age, sex, reported symptoms, and long-standing illness on self-rated health status. It is suggested that global ratings are influenced by age and sex and by the experience of both physical and psychological symptoms, and that there are no interactive effects between symptoms and the demographic variables.