Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Group-Delay-Based Chipless RFID Humidity Tag Sensor Using Silicon Nanowires

This letter proposes, for the first time, a wireless passive chipless RFID tag for identification and humidity sensing applications. The proposed sensor tag, based on time domain, consists of cascaded group of transmission-line sections (C-sections) coupled at alternative ends capable of producing group delay peaks at a particular frequency. C-sections allow producing a unique ID for a tag. Sensing is achieved by depositing silicon nanowires on the strips of the C-sections group. Silicon nanowires are very sensitive to environmental humidity variation, which in turn changes the radar cross section (RCS), phase, and group delay of the tag. This feature is utilized for humidity sensor applications. The proposed sensor tag is experimentally verified. An RCS change of 30 dB and group delay variation of nearly 22.3 ns was observed near the fundamental frequency over a bandwidth of 40 MHz for a relative humidity variation of 60.2%-88%. Measurements were performed in a real environment. The obtained results confirm the very good potential of nanowires in humidity sensor applications.
Depopulation of Caged Layer Hens with a Compressed Air Foam System

During the 2014-2015 US highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak, 50.4 million commercial layers and turkeys were affected, resulting in economic losses of $3.3 billion. Rapid depopulation of infected poultry is vital to contain and eradicate reportable diseases like HPAI. The hypothesis of the experiment was that a compressed air foam (CAF) system may be used as an alternative to carbon dioxide (CO₂) inhalation for depopulating caged layer hens. The objective of this study was to evaluate corticosterone (CORT) and time to cessation of movement (COM) of hens subjected to CAF, CO₂ inhalation, and negative control (NEG) treatments. In Experiment 1, two independent trials were conducted using young and spent hens. Experiment 1 consisted of five treatments: NEG, CO₂ added to a chamber, a CO₂ pre-charged chamber, CAF in cages, and CAF in a chamber. In Experiment 2, only spent hens were randomly assigned to three treatments: CAF in cages, CO₂ added to a chamber, and aspirated foam. Serum CORT levels of young hens were not significantly different among the CAF in cages, CAF in a chamber, NEG control, and CO₂ inhalation treatments. However, spent hens subjected to the CAF in a chamber had significantly higher CORT levels than birds in the rest of the treatments. Times to COM of spent hens subjected to CAF in cages and aspirated foam were significantly greater than of birds exposed to the CO₂ in a chamber treatment. These data suggest that applying CAF in cages is a viable alternative for layer hen depopulation during a reportable disease outbreak.
Monetary, prudential and fiscal policy: how much coordination is needed?*

ABSTRACT Prior to the crisis, central bankers, prudential authorities and fiscal policy-makers had clearly defined roles with little or no conflict. The crisis revealed a variety of overlaps, where policies seem to overlap in important ways. Does this mean that three policy realms can no longer remain separate? I address the question by examining the relationship of monetary policy to financial stability, the potential role for prudential policy in macroeconomic stabilization, and the importance of monetary and fiscal policy coordination. My conclusion is that the pre-crisis consensus largely holds. Each policy authority continues to have a distinct job. Monetary policy tools should retain their focus on price stability. Prudential authorities should retain their focus on financial stability. Similarly, in almost all instances, fiscal policy should retain their traditional focus on providing public goods and social insurance.
ANALYSIS OF FACTORS INFLUENCING COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE IN SELECTED SAVINGS AND CREDIT CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES IN NAIROBI NORTH DISTRICT

With the intense Competition within the financial industry, there was need to research on Saccos in order to establish their competitive advantage and how they could remain relevant in the market. The objectives of the study were; to assess the effect of capitalization on the competitive advantage of Saccos in Nairobi North District, to assess the levels of information technology utilization by Nairobi North District Saccos and to assess the marketing levels of Nairobi North District Saccos. The research design used was descriptive research design. Data was obtained through the use of self-administered questionnaires. Questionnaires included both open and close ended questions. The data was analyzed using quantitative research techniques and was presented in form of regression analysis, pie charts, tables and graphs. The statistical tools which included statistical package for Social Sciences Software (SPSS) and Microsoft excel were used. A sample of eight SACCOs was taken from a population of two hundred and forty SACCOs in Nairobi North District using purposive sampling. The target respondents were the top and middle management staff of the selected Saccos. Six questionnaires were distributed to each SACCO to be completed by two top level management staff and four middle level management staff. The study established that SACCOs faced tough competition; they were undercapitalized making them not able to give proper service to their members. SACCOs’ had inadequate information systems. Some of the selected SACCOs indicated a good attempt towards marketing whereas some did not take marketing seriously. The researcher recommended that SACCOs consider acquiring robust and complete information systems, to open up the common bond to enable them gain more customers to create funds for loaning, to use marketing tool and to retain more profits in an effort to improve on their capital. The researcher also recommended that Saccos create alliances to work with, to create a team of experts to guide on a robust information system that will benefit big and small Saccos. It was also recommended that Saccos retain earnings to help create capital. On marketing, every organization that is in business must market its products and so for Saccos. Key Words: Capitalization, competitive Advantage, Information Technology, Marketing Levels
Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor increases expression of adhesion receptors on endothelial cells through activation of p38 MAPK.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is specific for the granulocytic cell line, although receptors for this cytokine have been found in other cell types including endothelial cells. These observations prompted us to investigate the potential effect of G-CSF on the endothelium. DESIGN AN METHODS: Endothelial cell monolayers were exposed to G-CSF to evaluate: i) signal transduction mechanisms, ii) expression of adhesion receptors at the cell surface, and iii) leukocyte adhesion on EC monolayers. RESULTS Exposure of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (EC) in culture to G-CSF resulted in the activation of the signal transduction pathways JAK/STAT (JAK-1, STAT-1 and STAT-3) and RAS/MAPK (MAPK p42/44 and p38 MAPK). We also observed significantly increased expression of the adhesion receptors, E-selectin (ELAM-1), vascular endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 and intracelleular adhesion molecule-1 at the cell surface in response to G-CSF, increases that were followed by an augmented adhesion of leukocytes on the previously exposed EC monolayers. These effects were blocked by the presence of SB203580, a p38 MAPK inhibitor, by U0126, a MAPK p42/44 inhibitor, and by inhibiting the G-CSF receptor with a specific antibody. INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate that G-CSF increases the expression of adhesion receptors on EC, promoting leukocyte adhesion. This effect seems to be triggered by the signaling events that follow receptor binding. Results from experiments using specific inhibitors suggest that activation of p38 MAPK is required to promote expression of adhesion receptors in endothelial cells and the recruitment of leukocytes in response to G-CSF.
3-Nitrotyrosine and glutathione antioxidant system in patients in the early and late stages of bipolar disorder.

BACKGROUND There has been an increasing interest in the role of oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder. To explore this further, we evaluated the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione S-transferase (GST), as well as 3-nitrotyrosine levels and carbonyl content in patients in the early (within 3 years of illness onset) and late (a minimum of 10 years of illness) stages of bipolar disorder. METHODS We matched 30 patients in the early stage and 30 patients in the late stage of bipolar disorder, diagnosed according to DSM-IV criteria, with 60 healthy controls (30 matched for each group of patients). We measured symptomatic status using the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression and the Young Mania Rating Scale. RESULTS We found a significant increase in 3-nitrotyrosine levels among patients in the early (p < 0.010) and late (p < 0.010) stages of bipolar disorder. The activity of GR and GST was increased only among patients in the late stage of illness. Glutathione peroxidase activity and carbonyl content did not differ among the groups. LIMITATIONS Limitations of our study include its cross-sectional design, which did not allow us to examine direct causative mechanisms or the effects of progression of illness, and the potential environmental bias introduced by comparing patient groups recruited from different regions of the world. CONCLUSION Our data indicate a possible tyrosine nitration-induced damage in patients with bipolar disorder that is present from the early stage of illness. Our data also indicate that patients in the late stage of illness demonstrate enhanced activity of GR and GST, which could suggest the involvement of a compensatory system in bipolar disorder.
Altered cortico‐striatal synaptic plasticity and related behavioural impairments in reeler mice

Reelin‐deficient mice have been used to investigate the role of this extracellular protein in cortico‐striatal plasticity and striatum‐related behaviours. Here we show that a repetitive electrical stimulation of the cortico‐striatal pathway elicited long‐term potentiation (LTP) in homozygous reeler (rl/rl) mice, while causing long‐term depression in their wild‐type (+/+) littermates. The N‐methyl‐d‐aspartic acid (NMDA) receptor antagonist d‐(–)‐2 amino‐5‐phosphonopentanoic acid prevented the induction of LTP in (rl/rl) mice, thus confirming that this form of synaptic plasticity was NMDA receptor‐dependent. Interestingly, in the presence of tiagabine, a blocker of γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) re‐uptake system, the probability that (rl/rl) mice showed LTP decreased significantly, thus suggesting an impaired GABAergic transmission in reeler mutants. Consistent with this view, a decreased density of parvalbumin‐positive GABAergic striatal interneurons was found in (rl/rl) mice in comparison to (+/+) mice. Finally, compatible with their abnormal striatal function (rl/rl) mice exhibited procedural learning deficits. Our data, showing alterations in cortico‐striatal plasticity largely depending on a depressed GABAergic tone, delineate a mechanism whereby the lack of reelin may affect cognitive functions.
Application of physiological genomics to the study of hearing disorders

Although the biophysical principles of how the ear operates are reasonably well understood, little is known about the specific genes that confer normal function to the inner ear. Nevertheless, the recent implementation of genomic tools has led to extraordinary progress in the identification of mutated genes that cause non‐syndromic and syndromic forms of deafness. Part of this success is directly related to the sequencing of the human and mouse genomes and improved gene annotation methods. This review discusses how physiological genomic tools, such as genomic databases, expressed sequence tag databases and DNA arrays have been applied to find candidate genes for important molecular processes in the inner ear. It also illustrates, using the discovery of genes encoding essential components of cochlear K+ homeostasis as an example, how the combination of physiological genomic tools with physiological and morphological information has led to an in‐depth understanding of cochlear ion homeostasis. Finally, it discusses how the use of applied genomic tools, such as gene arrays, will further advance our knowledge of how the inner ear works, develops, ages and regenerates.
Effects of respiratory alkalosis on human skeletal muscle metabolism at the onset of submaximal exercise

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of respiratory alkalosis on human skeletal muscle metabolism at rest and during submaximal exercise. Subjects exercised on two occasions for 15 min at 55 % of their maximal oxygen uptake while either hyperventilating (R‐Alk) or breathing normally (Con). Muscle biopsies were taken at rest and after 1 and 15 min of exercise. At rest, no effects on muscle metabolism were observed in response to R‐Alk. In the first minute of exercise, there was a delayed activation of pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) in R‐Alk compared with Con, resulting in a reduced rate of pyruvate oxidation. Also, glycogenolysis was higher in R‐Alk compared with Con, which was attributed to a higher availability of the monoprotonated form of inorganic phosphate (Pi), resulting in an elevated rate of pyruvate production. The mismatch between pyruvate production and its oxidation resulted in net lactate accumulation. These effects were not seen after 15 min of exercise, with no further differences in muscle metabolism between conditions. The results from the present study suggest that respiratory alkalosis may play an important role in lactate accumulation during the transition from rest to exercise in acute hypoxic conditions, but that other factors mediate lactate accumulation during steady‐state exercise.
Are Left‐Wing Governments Really Pro‐Labor? An Empirical Investigation for Latin America

Are left‐wing governments in Latin America, as proclaimed by their leaders, really pro‐labor? It is often argued that left‐wing governments in Latin America have implemented pro‐labor policies. In this paper we put these claims to an empirical test using 37 aspects of de facto (practices) and de jure (laws) violations of labor rights. Using panel data on 26 Latin American and Caribbean countries during the period 1985–2002, we do not find any effect of left‐leaning chief executives on labor rights. While left‐leaning chief executives do legislate laws protecting labor rights, the enforcement of these laws is abysmally weak. Further evidence suggests that cohesive left‐wing governments are more likely to legislate laws protecting labor rights than diverse governments. These results are robust to alternative measures of ideology, estimation methods, and controlling for endogeneity. The policy implications suggest that irrespective of the political ideology, upholding labor rights in Latin America requires strengthening the enforcement capacity.
Serum level of the periostin, a homologue of an insect cell adhesion molecule, as a prognostic marker in nonsmall cell lung carcinomas

Periostin protein shares structural and sequence homology with fasciclin I, which is an insect adhesion molecule. Periostin has a typical signal peptide at the N‐terminal end, which suggests that it is a secreted protein. Recently, the authors developed a novel sandwich chemiluminescence assay to determine serum concentrations of periostin.
Burn Disasters—An Audit of the Literature

Abstract All events that result in disasters are unique, and it is impossible to become fully prepared. However, through thorough planning and preparedness, it is possible to gain a better understanding of the typical injury patterns and problems that arise from a variety of hazards. Such events have the potential to claim many lives and overwhelm local medical resources. Burn disasters vary in scope of injury and procedures required, and are much more labor and resource intensive than non-burn disasters. This review of the literature should help determine whether, despite each event having its own unique features, there still are common problems disaster responders face in the prehospital and hospital phases, what recommendations were made from these disasters, and whether these recommendations have been implemented into practice and the current disaster planning processes. The objective of this review was to assess: (1) prehospital and hospital responses used during past burn disasters; (2) problems faced during those disaster responses; (3) recommendations made following those disasters; (4) whether these recommendations were integrated into practice; and (5) the key characteristics of burn disasters and how they differ from other disasters. This review is important to determine why, despite having disaster plans, things still go wrong.
Simulation of ecohydrolgocal process using an optimality based model

Ecohydrological modeling is essential to assess impact of climate change and intense human activities (land use change) on hydrological process and ecosystem to support watershed management. The traditional ecohydrological models have the deficit in coupling ecological and hydrological processes, and parameterizing vegetation parameters. Recently, optimality hypothesis, proposed by Eagleson, has been introduced to ecohydrology research which has given rise to a novel framework for modeling ecohydrological process. However, as optimality-based model has just spring up in ecohydrology, it has not been fully tested and more application of this kind of model is needed. In this study, we tried to apply an optimality-model to simulate ecohydrological process so as to test the model and support watershed management. The model has been tested in the Walnut Gulch watershed. With collected data from the study area, the model was used to simulate hourly evaportranspiration and GPP and so on. The validation result showed that, the results produced by the model were in good agreement with observed values. The VOM model can effectively overcomes the problem of traditional watershed ecohydrological models in depict ecological and hydrological coupling, the haunting task of vegetation parameters calibration. This could come to a conclusion the optimality-based ecohydrological model could be a potential approach to simulate ecohydrological process.
All fiber optics circular-state swept source polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography

Abstract. A swept source (SS)-based circular-state (CS) polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) constructed entirely with polarization-maintaining fiber optics components is proposed with the experimental verification. By means of the proposed calibration scheme, bulk quarter-wave plates can be replaced by fiber optics polarization controllers to, therefore, realize an all-fiber optics CS SSPS-OCT. We also present a numerical dispersion compensation method, which can not only enhance the axial resolution, but also improve the signal-to-noise ratio of the images. We demonstrate that this compact and portable CS SSPS-OCT system with an accuracy comparable to bulk optics systems requires less stringent lens alignment and can possibly serve as a technology to realize PS-OCT instrument for clinical applications (e.g., endoscopy). The largest deviations in the phase retardation (PR) and fast-axis (FA) angle due to sample probe in the linear scanning and a rotation angle smaller than 65 deg were of the same order as those in stationary probe setups. The influence of fiber bending on the measured PR and FA is also investigated. The largest deviations of the PR were 3.5 deg and the measured FA change by ∼12 to 21 deg. Finally, in vivo imaging of the human fingertip and nail was successfully demonstrated with a linear scanning probe.
PhaC and PhaR Are Required for Polyhydroxyalkanoic Acid Synthase Activity in Bacillus megaterium

ABSTRACT Polyhydroxyalkanoic acids (PHAs) are a class of polyesters stored in inclusion bodies and found in many bacteria and in some archaea. The terminal step in the synthesis of PHA is catalyzed by PHA synthase. Genes encoding this enzyme have been cloned, and the primary sequence of the protein, PhaC, is deduced from the nucleotide sequences of more than 30 organisms. PHA synthases are grouped into three classes based on substrate range, molecular mass, and whether or not there is a requirement for phaE in addition to thephaC gene product. Here we report the results of an analysis of a PHA synthase that does not fit any of the described classes. This novel PHA synthase from Bacillus megaterium required PhaC (PhaCBm) and PhaR (PhaRBm) for activity in vivo and in vitro. PhaCBm showed greatest similarity to the PhaCs of class III in both size and sequence. Unlike those in class III, the 40-kDa PhaE was not required, and furthermore, the 22-kDa PhaRBm had no obvious homology to PhaE. Previously we showed that PhaCBm, and here we show that PhaRBm, is localized to inclusion bodies in living cells. We show that two forms of PHA synthase exist, an active form in PHA-accumulating cells and an inactive form in nonaccumulating cells. PhaC was constitutively produced in both cell types but was more susceptible to protease degradation in the latter type. Our data show that the role of PhaR is posttranscriptional and that it functions directly or indirectly with PhaCBm to produce an active PHA synthase.
Rastafarian-herbalists’ enregisterment of multilingual voices in an informal marketplace

What do we mean when we talk about “multilingual voice” in the post-apartheid sociolinguistic context of South Africa? In this paper, I explore this question by reporting on an ethnographic fieldwork project that involved the participant-observation of Rastafarian-herbalists trading goods in an informal marketplace. I focus in the paper on Rastafarian-herbalists’ language practices and participation in ideological debates surrounding the ethics of Rastafarian religious practices as they navigate the complex yet regimented linguistic landscape of the informal marketplace in which they trade their goods. Furthermore, I explore in the paper how the marginalized trading lives of the Rastafarian-herbalists are characterized by the daily negotiation of power and diversity discourses as they try to define their voices. Their engagement with diverse multilingual populations, I argue, not only provides them with excellent opportunities to expand their multilingual repertoires, but also teaches them to manage strategically “multilingual voices” in interaction in order to sell their products. I argue further that although we cannot take stock of all types of marginalization, we should develop sociolinguistic approaches that are not only sympathetic to the marginalization of people and languages in the everyday, but also attune our methodologies to accurately capture experiences in small places such as the ones where Rastafarian-herbalists trade.