Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Laminated waveguide as radiating element for array applications

This paper reports on the study of a new antenna as well as a five-element array prototype developed for communications in K-band and suitable for low temperature co-fired ceramic technology. The radiating element is an open waveguide realized in laminated technology. A special coaxial-to-waveguide transition has also been designed as feed port for measuring the prototypes. The element exhibits a 1 GHz bandwidth centered at 20.7 GHz and a 2.7 dBi gain. In an array configuration, mutual coupling between the elements is lower than -18 dB across the bandwidth. The simulated boresight radiation pattern of a five-element array is stable over the bandwidth and the gain reaches 9.2 dBi at 20.7 GHz. The measurements of the radiation pattern for a 20-degree scan angle, as well as the simulation, demonstrate the scanning capability of this array
Mixed treatment comparison of dronedarone, amiodarone, sotalol, flecainide, and propafenone, for the management of atrial fibrillation.

AIMS Mixed treatment comparisons (MTC) were performed to assess the relative efficacy and tolerability of the main anti-arrhythmic drugs used for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF)/flutter. METHODS AND RESULTS Electronic databases were systematically searched to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining amiodarone, dronedarone, flecainide, propafenone, sotalol, or placebo for the treatment of AF. Thirty-nine RCTs met inclusion criteria and were combined using MTC models to provide direct and indirect comparisons in a single analysis. Results are presented vs. placebo. Amiodarone had the largest effect in reducing AF recurrence (OR 0.22, 95% CI 0.16-0.29). Amiodarone was associated with the highest rate of patients experiencing at least one serious adverse event (OR 2.41, 95% CI 0.96-6.06) and treatment withdrawals due to adverse events (OR 2.91, 95% CI 1.66-5.11). Dronedarone was associated with the lowest rate of proarrhythmic events including bradycardia (OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.02-2.08). Dronedarone significantly reduced the risk of stroke (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.57-0.84). Trends towards increased mortality for sotalol (OR 3.44, 95% CI 1.02-11.59) and amiodarone (OR 2.17, 95% CI 0.63-7.51) were found, which were stronger when small studies randomizing <100 subjects per group were excluded. CONCLUSIONS Amiodarone has been demonstrated to be the most effective drug in maintaining sinus rhythm. Differences in outcomes between the anti-antiarrhythmic drugs were reported, with sotalol and possibly amiodarone increasing mortality and dronedarone possibly decreasing the incidence of serious adverse events and proarrhythmia.
Energy recovery from domestic and agro-waste streams in Uganda: a socioeconomic assessment

Recovering energy from waste offers dual benefits – a) improved waste management, and b) provision of reliable energy to households, institutions and commercial entities. In this report, we present a socioeconomic assessment of three energy business models (briquette manufacturing, on-site (public toilet) energy generation, and agro-waste electricity generation) based on feasibility studies carried out in the city of Kampala, Uganda. We assess the potential economic, environmental and social impacts of waste-to-energy business models taking into consideration a life cycle of emissions to provide decision makers with the overall costs and benefits of the models to society versus a business-as-usual scenario.
Antigenic Equivalence of Human T-Cell Responses toMycobacterium tuberculosis-Specific RD1-Encoded Protein Antigens ESAT-6 and Culture Filtrate Protein 10 and to Mixtures of Synthetic Peptides

ABSTRACT The early secreted antigenic target 6-kDa protein (ESAT-6) and culture filtrate protein 10 (CFP-10) are promising antigens for reliable immunodiagnosis of tuberculosis. Both antigens are encoded by RD1, a genomic region present in all strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and M. bovis but lacking in all M. bovis bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccine strains. Production and purification of recombinant antigens are laborious and costly, precluding rapid and large-scale testing. Aiming to develop alternative diagnostic reagents, we have investigated whether recombinant ESAT-6 (rESAT-6) and recombinant CFP-10 (rCFP-10) can be replaced with corresponding mixtures of overlapping peptides spanning the complete amino acid sequence of each antigen. Proliferation of M. tuberculosis-specific human T-cell lines in response to rESAT-6 and rCFP-10 and that in response to the corresponding peptide mixtures were almost completely correlated (r = 0.96,P < 0.0001 for ESAT-6; r = 0.98,P < 0.0001 for CFP-10). More importantly, the same was found when gamma interferon production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells in response to these stimuli was analyzed (r = 0.89, P < 0.0001 for ESAT-6;r = 0.89, P < 0.0001 for CFP-10). Whole protein antigens and the peptide mixtures resulted in identical sensitivity and specificity for detection of infection with M. tuberculosis. The peptides in each mixture contributing to the overall response varied between individuals with different HLA-DR types. Interestingly, responses to CFP-10 were significantly higher in the presence of HLA-DR15, which is the major subtype of DR2. These results show that mixtures of synthetic overlapping peptides have potency equivalent to that of whole ESAT-6 and CFP-10 for sensitive and specific detection of infection with M. tuberculosis, and peptides have the advantage of faster production at lower cost.
Prices and consumer purchasing preferences at the border: Evidence from a multi-country household scanner data set

Studies employing micro price data to examine the extent of international goods market integration tend to find that borders induce arbitrage-impeding transaction costs which contribute to segment national markets. Analyzing household scanner price data from the three euro area countries Belgium, Germany and Netherlands, we document that Belgian households living in the vicinity of the border to Netherlands pay almost 10% more for the same good as their Dutch counterparts. German consumers on the other hand face prices that are on average up to around 3% smaller than those in the neighboring Netherlands. Counterfactual evidence for within-country price discontinuities provides no evidence of any existing border effects. The induced costs of crossing national borders amount to at least 13%. We also find evidence on border discontinuities in various household preference characteristics (such as demand elasticities and goods valuation) and household shopping patterns such as shopping frequencies.
Circulating TNF receptors predict cardiovascular disease in patients with chronic kidney disease

Abstract Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the main public health problem in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD); however, there is no established biomarker for predicting CVD morbidity and mortality in CKD. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of circulating tumor necrosis factor receptors (cTNFRs) in predicting CVD risk in CKD patients. We prospectively recruited 984 patients with CKD from 11 centers between 2006 and 2012. The levels of cTNFR1 and cTNFR2 were determined by performing an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. During the mean follow-up period of 4 years, 36 patients experienced a CVD event. The median serum concentrations of cTNFR1 and cTNFR2 were 2703.4 (225.6–13,057.7) and 5661.0 (634.9–30,599.6) pg/mL, respectively, and the cTNFR1 level was closely correlated with the cTNFR2 level (r = 0.86, P < .0001). The urinary protein-to-creatinine ratio (UPCR) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were significantly correlated with the cTNFR2 level (r = 0.21 for UPCR, r = −0.67 for eGFR; P < .001 for all). Similar correlations were observed for serum cTNFR1 (r = 0.21 for UPCR, r = −0.75 for eGFR; P < .001 for all). In the Cox proportional hazard analyses, cTNFR1 (hazard ratio [HR] 2.506, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.186–5.295, P = .016) and cTNFR2 (HR 4.156, 95% CI 1.913–9.030, P < .001) predicted CVD risk even after adjustment for clinical covariates, such as UPCR, eGFR, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. cTNFR1 and 2 are associated with CVD and other risk factors in CKD, independently of eGFR and UPCR. Furthermore, cTNFRs could be relevant predictors of CVD in CKD patients.
Apoplastic Peroxidases and Lignification in Needles of Norway Spruce (Picea abies L.)

The objective of the present study was to investigate the correlation of soluble apoplastic peroxidase activity with lignification in needles of field-grown Norway spruce (Picea abies L.) trees. Apoplastic peroxidases (EC 1.11.1.7) were obtained by vacuum infiltration of needles. The lignin content of isolated cell walls was determined by the acetyl bromide method. Accumulation of lignin and seasonal variations of apoplastic peroxidase activities were studied in the first year of needle development. The major phase of lignification started after bud break and was terminated about 4 weeks later. This phase correlated with a transient increase in apoplastic guaiacol and coniferyl alcohol peroxidase activity. NADH oxidase activity, which is thought to sustain peroxidase activity by production of H2O2, peaked sharply after bud break and decreased during the lignification period. Histochemical localization of peroxidase with guaiacol indicated that high activities were present in lignifying cell walls. In mature needles, lignin was localized in walls of most needle tissues including mesophyll cells, and corresponded to 80 to 130 [mu]mol lignin monomers/g needle dry weight. Isoelectric focusing of apoplastic washing fluids and activity staining with guaiacol showed the presence of strongly alkaline peroxidases (isoelectric point [greater than or equal to] 9) in all developmental stages investigated. New isozymes with isoelectric points of 7.1 and 8.1 appeared during the major phase of lignification. These isozymes disappeared after lignification was terminated. A strong increase in peroxidase activity in autumn was associated with the appearance of acidic peroxidases (isoelectric point [less than or equal to] 3). These results suggest that soluble alkaline apoplastic peroxidases participate in lignin formation. Soluble acidic apoplastic peroxidases were apparently unrelated to developmentally regulated lignification in spruce needles.
Adventurous Foreign Direct Investment

Abstract Purpose: The aim of this paper is to explore the phenomenon of an advanced form of internationalization: foreign direct investment (FDI) in a distant location. We label this transaction “adventurous FDI, and explain how this new concept is related to, yet distinct from, other widely studied theories: born global companies, the LLL model, and the Uppsala model. We propose a theoretical typology of adventurous FDI based on two critical factors for risk-taking: distance and embeddedness. Methodology: We present a theoretical proposal of a typology of AFDIs. To support our proposal, we illustrate the typology with examples from a longitudinal study of foreign direct investments undertaken in the years 2007-2009 by Polish firms. Selection of the time period for this study is justified by the fact that the number of FDI transactions and AFDIs has almost doubled in the observed time period. We apply methods of social network analysis to identify embeddedness of FDIs and use geographic distance measures to classify transactions on a distance scale. Originality: Current theories of foreign direct investment (FDI) focus broadly on either gradual learning or instant globalization. We identify a new category which we term “adventurous FDI”. The distinctive features of adventurous FDI includes the exploration of many unknowns related to distant locations and the use of advanced internationalization forms. We propose that embeddedness in country networks is instrumental to adventurous FDI, as the rapid learning inherent in such network arrangements enables firms to overcome the ambiguity associated with vast geographic, psychic, and cultural distance.
Relationship between sleep apnea, fat distribution, and insulin resistance in obese children.

BACKGROUND Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with obesity, inflammation, and insulin resistance. The role of fat distribution in OSA pathogenesis has not been established in children. The objective of the study is to examine the relationship between fat distribution, OSA, and insulin resistance in an unselected population of obese children. METHODS All obese (BMI > 95th percentile) children (ages 5-18 y) seen at a pediatric obesity clinic were invited to participate. Subjects underwent polysomnography, and were tested for dyslipidemia, inflammation, and insulin resistance measured by the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA). In a subset of subjects, magnetic resonance (MRI) imaging was used to determine the abdominal visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue areas and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) spectroscopy was used to intramyocellular lipids in leg muscles. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS 31 obese subjects enrolled and completed polysomnography and serum testing, and 19 subjects underwent MRI/MRS. The mean age was 12.6 ± 3.0 y and the mean body mass index (BMI) was 39.5 ± 11.2 kg/m(2). Forty-eight percent had OSA (mean apnea hypopnea index [AHI] 6.26 ± 6.77 events/h) Subjects with OSA had significantly increased BMI, log HOMA, triglycerides, and leptin compared to those without OSA. In regression analysis, only BMI z-score was associated with log HOMA. In the subset of patients with imaging data, visceral fat area was strongly predictive of AHI (p = 0.003, r(2) = 0.556). BMI z-score, gender, and age were not predictive. CONCLUSIONS Visceral fat distribution is independently predictive of OSA severity in obese children.
Factors That Contribute to Enrollment in Band Programs

The purpose of this study was to examine factors that band directors may be able to use in enhancing enrollment in band programs. The categories of predictor variables were school leadership, level of support, student characteristics, band leadership, and band leader characteristics. There was one criterion variable, band enrollment. Stepwise multiple regression was used to determine which predictor variables explained a portion of the criterion variable, band enrollment. A sample of 400 active band directors was drawn from the membership of the American School Band Directors Association. A table of random numbers was used to select the sample. Data were collected from responses to a questionnaire that was mailed to all persons in the sample. Usable responses were received from 250 males and 65 females. Results of a stepwise multiple regression indicated that five variables accounted for 86.7% of the variance in band enrollment. These five variables in the order of the amount of variance accounted for are (1) the total number of students in the band director's school, (2) the relationship between the band director and constituents (principal component one), (3) revenue per band student, (4) proportion of students on iii free or reduced-price lunch in the band director's school, and (5) race of the band director. One of the main implications of this study appears to be broadly associated with the kinds of relationships a band director develops with the members of the band community. Even though the band director cannot do anything about the size of the student body, the challenge is for band directors to use strategies that enhance their relationships with the band community. iv DEDICATION This dissertation is dedicated with love and appreciation to my daughter, Cassandra. It was only with her love, reassurance, and consistent encouragement that the project could be completed. v ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The researcher expresses sincere appreciation to Dr. and chairperson of the dissertation committee. The completion of this dissertation could not have been accomplished without his guidance, encouragement, stimulation, and feedback during the planning and writing of the study. His expertise and wise counsel through the complete process was immeasurable. Appreciation is also extended to Dr. for serving on the dissertation committee and for providing valuable guidance and encouragement to the researcher. Special appreciation is extended to the band directors who participated in this study. A special thanks is extended to Paulette Gardner for her diligence and assistance throughout the …
Melatonin potentiates cisplatin‐induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in human lung adenocarcinoma cells

Melatonin produces anti‐cancer effects via several mechanisms, including by induction of apoptosis. In this way, it has been shown to be of use, in combination with chemotherapeutic drugs, for cancer treatment. The study described here has evaluated effects of melatonin on cytotoxicity, apoptosis and cell cycle arrest induced with the chemotherapeutic agent cisplatin, in human lung adenocarcinoma cisplatin‐sensitive cell line (SK‐LU‐1), which previously had only limit data.
The impact of multidrug resistance in healthcare-associated and nosocomial Gram-negative bacteraemia on mortality and length of stay: cohort study.

Multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (MDR-GNB) are an emerging public health threat. Accurate estimates of their clinical impact are vital for justifying interventions directed towards preventing or managing infections caused by these pathogens. A retrospective observational cohort study was conducted between 1 January 2007 and 31 July 2009, involving subjects with healthcare-associated and nosocomial Gram-negative bacteraemia at two large Singaporean hospitals. Outcomes studied were mortality and length of stay post-onset of bacteraemia in survivors (LOS). There were 675 subjects (301 with MDR-GNB) matching study inclusion criteria. On multivariate analysis, multidrug resistance was not associated with 30-day mortality, but it was independently associated with longer LOS in survivors (coefficient, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.21-0.48; p < 0.001). The excess LOS attributable to multidrug resistance after adjustment for confounders was 6.1 days. Other independent risk factors for higher mortality included male gender, higher APACHE II score, higher Charlson comorbidity index, intensive care unit stay and presence of concomitant pneumonia. Concomitant urinary tract infection and admission to a surgical discipline were associated with lower risk of mortality. Appropriate empirical antibiotic therapy was neither associated with 30-day mortality nor LOS, although the study was not powered to assess this covariate adequately. Our study adds to existing evidence that multidrug resistance per se is not associated with higher mortality when effective antibiotics are used for definitive therapy. However, its association with longer hospitalization justifies the use of control efforts.
A Review of Variant Hemoglobins Interfering with Hemoglobin A1c Measurement

Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is used routinely to monitor long-term glycemic control in people with diabetes mellitus, as HbA1c is related directly to risks for diabetic complications. The accuracy of HbA1c methods can be affected adversely by the presence of hemoglobin (Hb) variants or elevated levels of fetal hemoglobin (HbF). The effect of each variant or elevated HbF must be examined with each specific method. The most common Hb variants worldwide are HbS, HbE, HbC, and HbD. All of these Hb variants have single amino acid substitutions in the Hb β chain. HbF is the major hemoglobin during intrauterine life; by the end of the first year, HbF falls to values close to adult levels of approximately 1%. However, elevated HbF levels can occur in certain pathologic conditions or with hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin. In a series of publications over the past several years, the effects of these four most common Hb variants and elevated HbF have been described. There are clinically significant interferences with some methods for each of these variants. A summary is given showing which methods are affected by the presence of the heterozygous variants S, E, C, and D and elevated HbF. Methods are divided by type (immunoassay, ion-exchange high-performance liquid chromatography, boronate affinity, other) with an indication of whether the result is artificially increased or decreased by the presence of a Hb variant. Laboratorians should be aware of the limitations of their method with respect to these interferences.
Knowledge management, intellectual capital, structural holes, economic complexity and national prosperity

The purpose of this paper is to tie together the insights from the body of research relating to economic complexity theory, structural holes, non-price based competition, and knowledge management. The insights relating to generating national prosperity are synthesised through an intellectual capital lens. ,The paper uses literature review combined with insights from an Australian project on state-based economic complexity. ,The connectivist and autopoietic epistemological paradigms are found to be most aligned with the need to manage transformation between organisational and human resources that will achieve causal ambiguity and hence inimitability. This inimitability forms the basis for achieving non-price based competition and if there is a rich network of economic agents that, both individually and collectively through collaboration, have these characteristics a large share of the economy can operate on the basis of non-priced based competition. If all these agents have an export focus the economic complexity of the economy will be high, and likely increasing, which will enable both the creation and the appropriation of large amounts of value and hence result in increasing national prosperity. ,Findings are only relevant for OECD countries given the origins of the data used. ,Managerial implications are outlined as are major implications for public policy. ,This is the first time that these concepts are linked.
An Event-Driven Multi-Kernel Convolution Processor Module for Event-Driven Vision Sensors

Event-Driven vision sensing is a new way of sensing visual reality in a frame-free manner. This is, the vision sensor (camera) is not capturing a sequence of still frames, as in conventional video and computer vision systems. In Event-Driven sensors each pixel autonomously and asynchronously decides when to send its address out. This way, the sensor output is a continuous stream of address events representing reality dynamically continuously and without constraining to frames. In this paper we present an Event-Driven Convolution Module for computing 2D convolutions on such event streams. The Convolution Module has been designed to assemble many of them for building modular and hierarchical Convolutional Neural Networks for robust shape and pose invariant object recognition. The Convolution Module has multi-kernel capability. This is, it will select the convolution kernel depending on the origin of the event. A proof-of-concept test prototype has been fabricated in a 0.35 μm CMOS process and extensive experimental results are provided. The Convolution Processor has also been combined with an Event-Driven Dynamic Vision Sensor (DVS) for high-speed recognition examples. The chip can discriminate propellers rotating at 2 k revolutions per second, detect symbols on a 52 card deck when browsing all cards in 410 ms, or detect and follow the center of a phosphor oscilloscope trace rotating at 5 KHz.