Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A switch controlled resistor based CMOS PGA with DC offset cancellation for WSN RF chip

In this paper, a programmable gain amplifier (PGA) for wireless sensor network (WSN) is proposed and implemented using 0. 18μm CMOS process. A fully differential feedback configuration is adopted, and the variable gains are achieved by switch controlled resistor (SCR) network. DC feedback technique is also utilized to eliminate the DC offset. SCR network layout design is essential to maintain the accuracy of the gain value under process variations. Local and global common centroid symmetric layout techniques are applied to ensure the matching of the resistors in SCR network. Post-simulation results show that the PGA has 0dB∼60dB variable gain range and 1dB gain resolution; the minimum DC attenuation is 20dB over whole gain range; the pass-band range is 10.8Hz∼20.15MHz under most gain configurations; output swing is 1.4V; and the PGA consumes 3.7mA current with 1.8V supply voltage. Chip measurement results show that the PGA can achieve 2.23dB∼56.66dB variable gain range after minor bias voltage adjustment; and the total current it consumes is about 5.2mA.
Forest structure estimation using SAR, LiDAR, and optical data in the Canadian Boreal forest

One of the most fundamental new technical challenges of a DESDynI space-borne mission is the fusion of the several sensor modalities - LiDAR, SAR, InSAR, and Optical - in order to accurately estimate desired 3D vegetation structures and biomass parameters in areas where the sensors overlap, and to extrapolate them over continuous areas where lidar data is absent. The objective of this paper is to use measured datasets in conjunction with our sensor forward models to develop and validate an estimation algorithm that fuses various remote sensing technologies with a minimal amount of ground information and yields an accurate estimate of forest structure, including biomass, canopy height, and tree species.
Importance of proper scaling of aerobic power when relating to cardiometabolic risk factors in children

Background: The relationship between cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRF) and aerobic power (VO2max) scaled as mL O2 per kilogram body mass is controversial because mass includes both fat and fat-free mass, and fat mass is independently associated with the CMRF. Aim: To examine common units used to scale VO2max and their relationships to mean blood pressure (MBP), total cholesterol (TC), HDL cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and cumulative risk score (z-score). Subjects: 1784, 8–18 year-old youths, 938 girls and 886 boys. Methods: Fasting blood samples were obtained. VO2max was estimated in mL/min from cycle ergometry and scaled to body mass (kg), fat free mass (kgFFM), body surface area (m2), height (cm) and allometric (mL/kg0.67/min). Results: Unadjusted correlations between CMRF and many of the scaled VO2max units were significant (p < 0.0001), especially for MBP, HOMA-IR, HDL and z-score, with lower correlations for TC and TG. After adjusting for ancestry, sex, height and body fat associations were greatly weakened (r < 0.09), except for MBP. Conclusions: On a population basis, the physical characteristics of the child, especially body fat, are more related to CMRF than any scaled units of VO2max; thus care is needed when relating fitness and health issues.
The moderating effect of self-efficacy and gender on work engagement for restaurant employees in the United States

Purpose The purpose of the study was to examine the moderating effect of self-efficacy and gender on work engagement. Design/methodology/approach The survey study was conducted on 149 restaurant employees, and multiple regression analyses were used to analyze the data. Findings Self-efficacy significantly moderated the impact of perceived organizational support on work engagement, but the moderating effect of self-efficacy was only significant for women with low self-efficacy. Self-efficacy did not moderate the impact of work engagement on intent to leave. Practical implications The results of the study provide suggestions for managing men and women with different levels of self-efficacy in the hospitality workplace. Originality/value The focus of previous studies on work engagement has primarily been on its antecedents and outcomes, but little is known about individual differences in the relationship between work engagement and its antecedents/outcomes. This is the first study investigating self-efficacy and gender as moderators of work engagement in the hospitality industry.
Vitamin D Deficiency in HIV-Infected Women on Antiretroviral Therapy Living in the Tropics

The effects of HIV/AIDS and antiretroviral drugs on vitamin D metabolism are still mostly unknown. This was a cross-sectional study to estimate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and identify its association with the clinical and metabolic parameters among 214 HIV-positive female patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Brazil. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (< 30 ng/ml) was 40.65% (87/214). Hypercholesterolemia, high LDL-c, duration of use of current antiretroviral regimen, hypertriglyceridemia, body mass index, age, hypertension, time with AIDS ≥ 10 years and hyperglycemia were selected for multivariate analysis (p < 0.20). After this analysis, hypercholesterolemia and use of current antiretroviral regimen ≥ 3 years remained independently associated with vitamin D deficiency. There was an inverse statistically significant correlation between total cholesterol and serum 25(OH)D levels. High prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was found among HIV-positive women on ART and was independently associated with its prolonged use and with hypercholesterolemia.
Next-Generation Sequencing of Pulmonary Large Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma Reveals Small Cell Carcinoma–like and Non–Small Cell Carcinoma–like Subsets

Purpose: Pulmonary large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) is a highly aggressive neoplasm, whose biologic relationship to small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) versus non-SCLC (NSCLC) remains unclear, contributing to uncertainty regarding optimal clinical management. To clarify these relationships, we analyzed genomic alterations in LCNEC compared with other major lung carcinoma types. Experimental Design: LCNEC (n = 45) tumor/normal pairs underwent targeted next-generation sequencing of 241 cancer genes by Memorial Sloan Kettering-Integrated Mutation Profiling of Actionable Cancer Targets (MSK-IMPACT) platform and comprehensive histologic, immunohistochemical, and clinical analysis. Genomic data were compared with MSK-IMPACT analysis of other lung carcinoma histologies (n = 242). Results: Commonly altered genes in LCNEC included TP53 (78%), RB1 (38%), STK11 (33%), KEAP1 (31%), and KRAS (22%). Genomic profiles segregated LCNEC into 2 major and 1 minor subsets: SCLC-like (n = 18), characterized by TP53+RB1 co-mutation/loss and other SCLC-type alterations, including MYCL amplification; NSCLC-like (n = 25), characterized by the lack of coaltered TP53+RB1 and nearly universal occurrence of NSCLC-type mutations (STK11, KRAS, and KEAP1); and carcinoid-like (n = 2), characterized by MEN1 mutations and low mutation burden. SCLC-like and NSCLC-like subsets revealed several clinicopathologic differences, including higher proliferative activity in SCLC-like tumors (P < 0.0001) and exclusive adenocarcinoma-type differentiation marker expression in NSCLC-like tumors (P = 0.005). While exhibiting predominant similarity with lung adenocarcinoma, NSCLC-like LCNEC harbored several distinctive genomic alterations, including more frequent mutations in NOTCH family genes (28%), implicated as key regulators of neuroendocrine differentiation. Conclusions: LCNEC is a biologically heterogeneous group of tumors, comprising distinct subsets with genomic signatures of SCLC, NSCLC (predominantly adenocarcinoma), and rarely, highly proliferative carcinoids. Recognition of these subsets may inform the classification and management of LCNEC patients. Clin Cancer Res; 22(14); 3618–29. ©2016 AACR.
VHL-mediated disruption of Sox9 activity compromises β-cell identity and results in diabetes mellitus

β-Cell dysfunction contributes to diabetes mellitus. Puri et al. show that deletion of the von Hippel-Lindau (Vhlh) gene is deleterious to canonical β-cell gene expression. Vhlh loss triggers erroneous expression of factors normally active in progenitor cells, including Sox9. β-Cell-specific expression of Sox9 results in diabetes mellitus. This study reveals that perturbed β-cell identity contributes to diabetes mellitus.
Modulation of ongoing EMG by different classes of low‐threshold mechanoreceptors in the human hand

1 We have previously demonstrated that the input from single FA I and SA II cutaneous mechanoreceptors in the glabrous skin of the human hand is sufficiently strong to modulate ongoing EMG of muscles acting on the digits. Some unresolved issues have now been addressed. 2 Single cutaneous (n= 60)), joint (n= 2)) and muscle spindle (n= 34)) afferents were recorded via tungsten microelectrodes inserted into the median and ulnar nerves at the wrist. Spike‐triggered averaging was used to investigate synaptic coupling between these afferents and muscles acting on the digits. The activity of 37% of FA I (7/19), 20% of FA II (1/5) and 52% of SA II afferents (11/21) evoked a reflex response. The discharge from muscle spindles, 15 SA I and two joint afferents did not modulate EMG activity. 3 Two types of reflex responses were encountered: a single excitatory response produced by irregularly firing afferents, or a cyclic modulation evoked by regularly discharging afferents. Rhythmic stimulation of one FA I afferent generated regularly occurring bursts which corresponded to the associated cyclic EMG response. 4 Selectively triggering from the first or last spike of each burst of one FA I afferent altered the averaged EMG profile, suggesting that afferent input modulates the associated EMG and not vice versa. 5 The discharge from single FA I, FA II and SA II afferents can modify ongoing voluntary EMG in muscles of the human hand, presumably via a spinally mediated oligosynaptic pathway. Conversely, we saw no evidence of such modulation by SA I, muscle spindle or joint afferents.
Managing economic feasibility and social relationships: interventions to prevent dysfunctional conflict in public–private partnerships

Large engineering projects such as urban development projects that are organised as public–private partnerships (PPPs) often encounter critical problems that directly affect the partnerships. Literature indicates that characteristics specific to PPPs contribute to these critical problems becoming dysfunctional conflicts. Consequently, objectives are no longer met and projects suffer. This study identified interventions that prevent these dysfunctional conflicts. In the literature, no interventions at an operational level that are suitable for use ‘at the negotiating table’ and are also applicable for urban development PPP projects were found. Hence, based on a review of literature on interventions, a perspective for action was developed on interventions that are likely to succeed. Subsequently, in a study of 10 cases of urban development PPP projects, these (and other) interventions were found. All interventions can be categorised under economic feasibility or social relationship. We conclude that dysfunctional conflicts in urban development PPP projects can be prevented by managing economic feasibility and social relationships. Under certain conditions, this also seems applicable to other PPPs.
Dextran Sulfate Facilitates Anti‐CD4 mAb‐Induced Long‐Term Rat Cardiac Allograft Survival After Prolonged Cold Ischemia

Ischemia/reperfusion injury leads to activation of graft endothelial cells (EC), boosting antigraft immunity and impeding tolerance induction. We hypothesized that the complement inhibitor and EC‐protectant dextran sulfate (DXS, MW 5000) facilitates long‐term graft survival induced by non‐depleting anti‐CD4 mAb (RIB 5/2). Hearts from DA donor rats were heterotopically transplanted into Lewis recipients treated with RIB 5/2 (20 mg/kg, days—1,0,1,2,3; i.p.) with or without DXS (grafts perfused with 25 mg, recipients treated i.v. with 25 mg/kg on days 1,3 and 12.5 mg/kg on days 5,7,9,11,13,15). Cold graft ischemia time was 20 min or 12 h. Median survival time (MST) was comparable between RIB 5/2 and RIB 5/2+DXS‐treated recipients in the 20‐min group with >175‐day graft survival. In the 12‐h group RIB 5/2 only led to chronic rejection (MST = 49.5 days) with elevated alloantibody response, whereas RIB 5/2+DXS induced long‐term survival (MST >100 days, p < 0.05) with upregulation of genes related to transplantation tolerance. Analysis of the 12‐h group treated with RIB 5/2+DXS at 1‐day posttransplantation revealed reduced EC activation, complement deposition and inflammatory cell infiltration. In summary, DXS attenuates I/R‐induced acute graft injury and facilitates long‐term survival in this clinically relevant transplant model.
Essays on the theory of investment subsidy

In this thesis, we investigate a firm's investment timing decision and choice of market entry mode under uncertainty and irreversibility. We investigate how a host country can affect the firm's investment decisions through providing investment incentives. The real options approach to valuation is applied, and three main theoretical contributions are provided in this thesis. First, we derive the optimal form of subsidy package and find that the optimal subsidy package should always compensate the firm for giving up the investment opportunity and making the investment immediately. By making a trade-off between the host country's incremental welfare benefits and the costs of the subsidy package, we obtain the optimal timing to provide it. We also examine the effects of preemption risk on the timing of investment and the value of a subsidy package. Second, we consider the timing of investment and the choice of entry modes. We evaluate the investment projects and derive the investment thresholds when the firm can choose between a joint venture (JV) and a wholly-owned subsidiary (WOS). We find that when there is no subsidy offered, the firm prefers a WOS, while the host country prefers a JV. When there are subsidies offered by the host country, we find that both the firm and the host country prefer a WOS. A JV will be preferred only if it has some distinctive welfare benefits that are not associated with a WOS, for instance knowledge transfer benefits. Last, we introduce product market competition into the problems of investment timing and choice of entry mode. We find that competition will not alter the conclusions we have obtained. The optimal mode of entry is a WOS, unless a JV has some distinctive welfare benefits that cannot be provided by a WOS.
Roles of the Laodelphax striatellus Down syndrome cell adhesion molecule in Rice stripe virus infection of its insect vector

The arthropod Down syndrome cell adhesion molecule (Dscam) mediates pathogen‐specific recognition via an extensive protein isoform repertoire produced by alternative splicing. To date, most studies have focused on the subsequent pathogen‐specific immune response, and few have investigated the entry into cells of viruses or endosymbionts. In the present study, we cloned and characterized the cDNA of Laodelphax striatellus Dscam (LsDscam) and investigated the function of LsDscam in rice stripe virus (RSV) infection and the influence on the endosymbiont Wolbachia. LsDscam displayed a typical Dscam domain architecture, including 10 immunoglobulin (Ig) domains, six fibronectin type III domains, one transmembrane domain and a cytoplasmic tail. Alternative splicing occurred at the N‐termini of the Ig2 and Ig3 domains, the complete Ig7 domain, the transmembrane domain and the C‐terminus, comprising 10, 51, 35, two and two variable exons, respectively. Potentially LsDscam could encode at least 71 400 unique isoforms and 17 850 types of extracellular regions. LsDscam was expressed in various L. striatellus tissues. Knockdown of LsDscam mRNA via RNA interference decreased the titres of both RSV and Wolbachia, but did not change the numbers of the extracellular symbiotic bacterium Acinetobacter rhizosphaerae. Specific Dscam isoforms may play roles in enhancing the infection of vector‐borne viruses or endosymbionts.
Criterion-related validity of the 20-m shuttle run test in youths aged 13–19 years

Abstract We assessed the agreement between maximal oxygen consumption ([Vdot]O2max) measured directly when performing the 20-m shuttle run test and estimated [Vdot]O2max from five different equations (i.e. Barnett, equations a and b; Léger; Matsuzaka; and Ruiz) in youths. The 20-m shuttle run test was performed by 26 girls (mean age 14.6 years, s = 1.5; body mass 57.2 kg, s = 8.9; height 1.60 m, s = 0.06) and 22 boys (age 15.0 years, s = 1.6; body mass 63.5 kg, s = 11.5; height 1.70 m, s = 0.01). The participants wore a portable gas analyser (K4b2, Cosmed) to measure [Vdot]O2 during the test. All the equations significantly underestimated directly measured [Vdot]O2max, except Barnett's (b) equation. The mean difference ranged from 1.3 ml · kg−1 · min−1 (Barnett (b)) to 5.5 ml · kg−1 · min−1 (Léger). The standard error of the estimate ranged from 5.3 ml · kg−1 · min−1 (Ruiz) to 6.5 ml · kg−1 · min−1 (Léger), and the percentage error ranged from 21.2% (Ruiz) to 38.3% (Léger). The accuracy of the equations available to estimate [Vdot]O2max from the 20-m shuttle run test is questionable at the individual level. Furthermore, special attention should be paid when comparisons are made between studies (e.g. population-based studies) using different equations. The results of the present study suggest that Barnett's (b) equation provides the closest agreement with directly measured [Vdot]O2max (cardiorespiratory fitness) in youth.
Phage φ29 protein p56 prevents viral DNA replication impairment caused by uracil excision activity of uracil-DNA glycosylase

Protein p56 encoded by the Bacillus subtilis phage φ29 inhibits host uracil-DNA glycosylase (UDG) activity. In previous studies, we suggested that this inhibition is likely a defense mechanism developed by phage φ29 to prevent the action of UDG if uracilation occurs in DNA either from deamination of cytosine or the incorporation of dUMP during viral DNA replication. In this work, we analyzed the ability of φ29 DNA polymerase to insert dUMP into DNA. Primer extension analysis showed that viral DNA polymerase incorporates dU opposite dA with a catalytic efficiency only 2-fold lower than that for dT. Using the φ29 DNA amplification system, we found that φ29 DNA polymerase is also able to carry out the extension of the dA:dUMP pair and replicate past uracil. Additionally, UDG and apurinic-apyrimidinic endonuclease treatment of viral DNA isolated from φ29-infected cells revealed that uracil residues arise in φ29 DNA during replication, probably as a result of misincorporation of dUMP by the φ29 DNA polymerase. On the other hand, the action of UDG on uracil-containing φ29 DNA impaired in vitro viral DNA replication, which was prevented by the presence of protein p56. Furthermore, transfection activity of uracil-containing φ29 DNA was significantly higher in cells that constitutively synthesized p56 than in cells lacking this protein. Thus, our data support a model in which protein p56 ensures an efficient viral DNA replication, preventing the deleterious effect caused by UDG when it eliminates uracil residues present in the φ29 genome.
Complex genetic architecture of population differences in adult lifespan of a beetle: nonadditive inheritance, gender differences, body size and a large maternal effect

Evolutionary responses to selection can be complicated when there is substantial nonadditivity, which limits our ability to extrapolate from simple models of selection to population differentiation and speciation. Studies of Drosophila melanogaster indicate that lifespan and the rate of senescence are influenced by many genes that have environment‐ and sex‐specific effects. These studies also demonstrate that interactions among alleles (dominance) and loci (epistasis) are common, with the degree of interaction differing between the sexes and among environments. However, little is known about the genetic architecture of lifespan or mortality rates for organisms other than D. melanogaster. We studied genetic architecture of differences in lifespan and shapes of mortality curves between two populations of the seed beetle, Callosobruchus maculatus (South India and Burkina Faso populations). These two populations differ in various traits (such as body size and adult lifespan) that have likely evolved via host‐specific selection. We found that the genetic architecture of lifespan differences between populations differs substantially between males and females; there was a large maternal effect on male lifespan (but not on female lifespan), and substantial dominance of long‐life alleles in females (but not males). The large maternal effect in males was genetically based (there was no significant cytoplasmic effect) likely due to population differences in maternal effects genes that influence lifespan of progeny. Rearing host did not affect the genetic architecture of lifespan, and there was no evidence that genes on the Y‐chromosome influence the population differences in lifespan. Epistatic interactions among loci were detectable for the mortality rate of both males and females, but were detectable for lifespan only after controlling for body size variation among lines. The detection of epistasis, dominance, and sex‐specific genetic effects on C. maculatus lifespan is consistent with results from line cross and quantitative trait locus studies of D. melanogaster.
First-principles study of zinc oxide: The p-type doping perspective

The first-principles study with pseudopotentials method based on density functional theory was performed to investigate the native point defects specially oxygen and zinc vacancy of pure ZnO. Also Ag-doped ZnO was studied to determine the ability of p-type conductivity. This investigation was carried out under oxygen-rich (O-rich) and zinc-rich (Zn-rich) conditions. The results indicate that oxygen and zinc vacancies are shallow donors and deep acceptors, respectively. The formation energies show that the oxygen vacancy can easily occur under Zn-rich condition. This would lead to the compensation of p-type doping. We also show that the substitutional Ag atom on the Zn lattice site could be considered as a p-type doping candidate.
Internet Governance and Global Self Regulation : Building Blocks for a General Theory of Self Regulation

The following exposition sets out to identify the basic theoretical and empirical building blocks for a general theory of self-regulation. It uses the Internet as an empirical basis since its global reach and technical characteristics create interdependencies between actors that transcend national boundaries and allow for non-governmental forms of regulation to emerge. The current wave of globalization increasingly creates global interdependencies that open avenues to new forms of self-regulation. A study of the Internet from this perspective provides us with the conceptual tools needed to interpret these developments and develop tools to direct regulatory policies more effectively. The first part of this exposition provides the theoretical building blocks by analyzing the concept of self-regulation. The second part provides empirical building blocks by analyzing the state of affairs of one of the most contested types of regulation on the Internet, its domain name system. The third part of the exposition integrates the findings of the first and second part of the inquiry and concludes by emphasizing the characteristics of the Internet and by accentuating the relevance of the Internet situation to the development of a general theory of self-regulation in a global context.