Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
“Equi-Ripple” Synthesis of Multiband Prototype Filters Using a Remez-Like Algorithm

This letter illustrates a new procedure for evaluating the characteristic polynomials associated to the prototype of a multiband microwave filter. This procedure is based on the Remez algorithm and allows an equiripple response in the assigned filter passbands and stopbands, once the number of poles in each passband and the number of imaginary transmission zeros in each stopband are assigned. Some examples and comparisons are reported to show the effectiveness of the new algorithm which has proved to be significantly faster than a similar one recently published in the literature.
Genetic studies of cell fusion induced by herpes simplex virus type 1

Eight cell fusion-causing syn mutants were isolated from the KOS strain of herpes simplex virus type 1. Unlike the wild-type virus, the mutants produced plaques containing multinucleated cells, or syncytia. Fusion kinetics curves were established with a Coulter Counter assay for the mutants and wild-type virus in single infections of human embryonic lung (HEL) cells, for the mutants and wild-type virus in mixed infections (dominance test), and for pairs of mutants in mixed infections (complementation test). In single infections, fusion began 4 to 6 h after infection and proceeded with an exponential decrease in the number of small single cells. At some later time that was characteristic of the mutant, there was a significant reduction in the rate of fusion for all but possibly one of the mutants. Although the wild-type virus did not produce syncytial plaques, it did induce a small amount of fusion that stopped abruptly about 2 h after it started. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that both mutants and wild type induce an active fusion inducer and that the activity of this inducer is subsequently inhibited. The extent of fusion is apparently determined by the length of the interval during which the fusion inducer is active. That fusion is actively inhibited in wild-type infections is indicated by the observation that syn mutant-infected cells fused more readily with uninfected cells than with wild-type infected cells. Fusion was decreased in mixed infections with the mutants and wild-type virus, but the mutants displayed a codominant fusion phenotype. Fusion was not decreased in mixed infection with pairs of mutants, indicating that the mutants, with one possible exception, are members of the same complementation group. A linkage map was established for six of the mutants by analysis of recombination frequencies.
Comparison of different options for harvest of a therapeutic protein product from high cell density yeast fermentation broth

Recovery of therapeutic protein from high cell density yeast fermentations at commercial scale is a challenging task. In this study, we investigate and compare three different harvest approaches, namely centrifugation followed by depth filtration, centrifugation followed by filter‐aid enhanced depth filtration, and microfiltration. This is achieved by presenting a case study involving recovery of a therapeutic protein from Pichia pastoris fermentation broth. The focus of this study is on performance of the depth filtration and the microfiltration steps. The experimental data has been fitted to the conventional models for cake filtration to evaluate specific cake resistance and cake compressibility. In the case of microfiltration, the experimental data agrees well with flux predicted by shear induced diffusion model. It is shown that, under optimal conditions, all three options can deliver the desired product recovery ( >80%), harvest time ( <15 h including sequential concentration/diafiltration step), and clarification ( <6 NTU). However, the three options differ in terms of process development time required, capital cost, consumable cost, ease of scale‐ability and process robustness. It is recommended that these be kept under consideration when making a final decision on a harvesting approach. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Are remittances good for economic growth? The role of political institutions

ABSTRACT Within a sample of 109 developing countries for the period 1975–2014 and controlling for country and time-fixed effects, this article presents evidence that workers’ remittances are more effective in promoting growth in developing countries with strong democratic institutions. The evidence is robust to alternative samples and different measures of democratic institutions.
Colorectal cancer‐susceptibility single‐nucleotide polymorphisms in Korean population

Considering the significant racial and ethnic diversity in genetic variation, it is unclear whether the genome‐wide association studies‐identified colorectal cancer (CRC)‐susceptibility single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) discovered in European populations are also relevant to the Korean population. However, studies on CRC‐susceptibility SNPs in Koreans are limited.
Predictive value of semen parameters in in vitro fertilisation pregnancy outcome

This study investigated retrospectively the predictive value of routine semen analysis in pregnancy by in vitro fertilisation (IVF). The selected (n = 796) cycles were divided into two groups: pregnancy group (group 1; n = 264) and nonpregnancy group (group 2; n = 532), in which the female partners were normal or just had tube problems. No significant differences were found in the percentage of normal sperm morphology, sperm motility, sperm progressive motility, rapid progressive motility (rapid) and concentration between the two groups (P > 0.05). However, teratozoospermic index (TZI) and sperm deformity index (SDI) showed statistically significant differences between the two groups (P < 0.05). The number of retrieved eggs (P = 0.001), fertilisation rate (P = 0.000) and number of embryos transferred (P = 0.020) in group 1 were significantly higher than those in group 2, but no significant differences were noted in cleavage rates, and good quality embryo rates between the two groups (P > 0.05). Using receiver operating characteristics curve, we found that semen parameters (morphology, motility and concentration), fertilisation rate, TZI and SDI were not good indicators for pregnancy by IVF. Thus, the semen parameters evaluated according to criteria of the World Health Organization are no good predictors for accurately identifying the IVF outcome. However, TZI and SDI may be more informative than other semen parameters.
Are numbers special? Comparing the generation of verbal materials from ordered categories (months) to numbers and other categories (animals) in an fMRI study

Months, days of the week, and numbers differ from other verbal concepts because they are ordered in a sequence, whereas no order is imposed on members of other categories, such as animals or tools. Recent studies suggest that numbers activate a representation of their quantity within the intraparietal sulcus (IPS) automatically, that is, in tasks that do not require the processing of quantity. It is unclear, however, whether ordered verbal materials in general and not only numbers activate the IPS in such tasks. In the present functional magnetic resonance imaging study word generation of months, numbers, and animals were compared. Word generation of numbers and nonnumerical materials from an ordered category (months) activated the IPS more strongly than generating items from a not‐ordered category such as animals or the verbal control conditions. An ROI analysis of three subregions within the anterior IPS revealed that the most anterior and lateral of these regions, human intraparietal area hIP2, shows a greater sensitivity to ordered materials than the other two areas, hIP1 and hIP3. Interestingly, no difference in activation was observed within the IPS between numbers and months suggesting that the activation of the IPS might not be modulated by the additional quantity information carried by numbers. Hum Brain Mapp, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Practice patterns in the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in primary practice: the CAGE study.

BACKGROUND The information on usual care for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in primary care is limited in Canada. OBJECTIVE To evaluate primary care practice in patients with COPD in Quebec and Ontario compared with recommended care. METHODS The COPD Care Gap Evaluation (CAGE) was a prospective, cross-sectional study. Physicians' self-reported data of enrolled COPD patients were compared with the recommended care for the level of disease severity (using the Canadian Thoracic Society classification by symptoms) and stability, derived from Canadian Thoracic Society COPD guidelines. Pharmacological treatment, spirometric confirmation of diagnosis and nonpharmacological management, including smoking cessation counselling, influenza immunization and referral for pulmonary rehabilitation, were assessed. RESULTS Participating physicians (n=161; 44 in Quebec, 117 in Ontario) recruited 1090 patients (320 in Quebec, 770 in Ontario). The mean (+/- SD) age of the patients was 69.9+/-10.4 years; 60% were male and 40% were currently smoking. Pharmacological treatment that matched guideline recommendations was identified in 34% of patients. Discrepancies between reported and recommended treatment stemmed from nonprescription of long-acting bronchodilators (LABDs) for patients with moderate (27%) and severe (21%) COPD, nonprescription of two long-acting beta agonists (a beta(2)-agonist and an anticholinergic) for patients with severe COPD (51%), and prescription of inhaled corticosteroids (63%) and LABDs (47%) for patients with mild COPD for which the treatment is not recommended. Spirometric confirmation of diagnosis, as recommended by the guidelines, was reported in 56% of patients. For nonpharmacological management, smoking cessation counselling (95%) and influenza immunization (80%) were near optimal. Referral for pulmonary rehabilitation (9%) was not common. Differences between provinces were seen mainly in the prescription of short-acting bronchodilators (89% in Quebec, 76% in Ontario) and LABDs (60% in Quebec, 80% in Ontario). CONCLUSIONS Substantial gaps between recommended and current care exist in the management of COPD patients in primary care practice. Undertreatment of patients with severe COPD has potential clinical implications, including loss of autonomy and hospitalization.
Three is The Answer: Combining Relationships to Analyze Multilayered Terrorist Networks

In this paper we introduce a methodology to create multilayered terrorist networks, taking into account that the main challenges of the data behind the networks are incompleteness, fuzzy boundaries, and dynamic behavior. To account for these dark networks’ characteristics, we use knowledge sharing communities in determining the methodology to create 3-layered networks from each of our datasets. We analyze the resulting layers of three terrorist datasets and present explanations of why three layers should be used for these models. We also use the information of just one layer, to identify the Bali 2005 attack community.
Sorting of GFP tagged NtSyr1, an ABA Related Syntaxin

Exocytosis molecular mechanisms in plant cells are not fully understood. The full characterisation of molecular determinants, such as SNAREs, for the specificity in vesicles delivery to the plasma membrane should shed some light on these mechanisms. Nicotiana tabacum Syntaxin 1 (NtSyr1 or SYP121) is a SNARE protein required for ABA control of ion channels and appears involved in the exocytosis of exogenous markers. NtSyr1 is mainly localised on the plasma membrane, but when over expressed the protein also appears on endomembranes. Since NtSyr1 is a tail-anchored protein inserted into the target membrane post-translationally, it is not clear whether its initial anchoring site is the ER or the plasma membrane. In this study, we investigated the sorting events of NtSyr1 in vivo using its full-length cDNA or its C-terminal domain, fused to a GFP tag and transiently expressed in protoplasts or in the leaves of Nicotiana tabacum cv. SR1. Five chimeras were produced of which two were useful to investigate the protein sorting within the endomembrane system. One (GFP-H3M) had a dominant negative effect on exocytosis; the other one (SP1-GFP) resulted in a slow targeting to the same localisation of the full-length chimera (GFP-SP1). The insertion of signal peptides on SP1-GFP further characterised the insertion site for this protein. Our data indicates that NtSyr1 is firstly anchored on ER membrane and then sorted to plasma membrane.
Conserved roles of fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 signaling in the regulation of inner cell mass development in bovine blastocysts

A common process during preimplantation mammalian development is blastocyst formation, which utilizes signaling through fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2), yet the mechanisms through which FGFR2 signaling affect preimplantation development in bovine embryos remain incompletely understood. Here, we used RNA‐interference to investigate the in vitro development, the frequency of blastomere apoptosis, and the mRNA expression of developmental marker genes in FGF receptor 2‐knockdown (FGFR2‐KD) bovine embryos. A reduction in FGFR2 mRNA did not affect preimplantation development or the frequency of apoptotic blastomeres, but did enhanced proliferation of the inner cell mass in blastocysts (P < 0.05)—which differs from the phenotype reported for bovine embryos using a pharmacological approach (treatment with the pan‐FGFR blocker PD173074), but agrees with previous results obtained using mouse embryos. Moreover, the expression of an epiblast marker gene, NANOG, and a primitive endoderm marker gene, GATA6, remained unchanged, whereas the expression of another primitive endoderm marker gene, HNF4A, was significantly reduced in FGFR2‐KD embryos. Therefore, FGFR2 signaling appears to be associated with the regulation of inner cell mass development and proliferation during blastocyst formation in cattle. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 83: 516–525, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of graphene oxide-based nano-coatings on electrical ageing

In previous works, we have shown that partial discharge activity in a cavity can deplete oxygen, thus leading to partial discharge suppression. In order to suppress as much as possible partial discharge activity, it is thus essential to improve the oxygen impermeability. In this study, sandwich-like samples of cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) have been coated with organic-inorganic hybrid coatings containing graphene oxide (GO) in order to hinder the oxygen permeability. The samples containing a cavity having fixed geometry were subjected to electrical ageing above partial discharge inception voltage, while partial discharges were monitored. The electrical aging test was carried out in two cycles. Between cycles, the samples were extracted from the test vessel (full of silicone oil, to prevent surface discharges) and exposed to air, to investigate whether the coating could effectively prevent oxygen ingress in the cavity. Next, aging tests were carried out till breakdown. The effect of GO is thus evaluated indirectly through PD activity behavior, and by statistics of the breakdown times. Experimental results show the effectiveness of the coating and highlight the dependence of partial discharge degradation rates on coating composition.
Design of magnetic tweezers for DNA manipulation

We study different configurations of permanent magnets and ferromagnetic circuit, in order to optimize the magnetic field for the so-called ``magnetic tweezers'' technique, for studing mechanical properties of DNA molecules. The magnetic field is used to pull and twist a micron-sized superparamagnetic bead,tethered to a microscope slide surface by a DNA molecule. The force applied to the bead must be vertical, pointing upwards, being as strong as possible, and it must decrease smoothly as the magnets are moved away from the bead. In order to rotate the bead around the vertical axis, the field must be horizontal. Moreover, the volume occupied by the magnets is limited by the optical system. We simulate different configurations by solving the equations for the static magnetic field; then, we test some of the configurations by measuring the force acting on a bead tethered by a DNA molecule. One of the configurations is able to generate a magnetic field ten times stronger than usually reported.
The Fiscal Impacts of Privatization Reforms in Pakistan: A Dynamic Analysis

There are various reasons of privatization attraction for the regime of the developing nations. These revenues from the sale of state owned enterprises can demonstrate a possible resolution to persistent deficits. The study initiates a fresh avenue of research by evaluating the fiscal impact of privatization receipt. The factors that leads to persistent fiscal budget deficits and explain how empirical research on the fiscal impact of privatization would be a legitimate extension of this inquiry. For the long run and short run analysis Co-integration and VECM techniques are used. In present study it is found that there exist short run and long run relation among the macroeconomic variables, but the result of short run suggest that though there exists a short run relation the effects are not positive. Moreover, in the long run privatization caters only a minimal proportion of government expenditure. While Gross Domestic Product, Gross Fixed Capital Formation, GDP per Capita, Real Effective Exchange Rate, Unemployment have a positive and significant impact on government in the long run. Macroeconomic instability shows a negative impact in the long run. In short run the Gross Domestic Product, Gross Fixed Capital Formation and Real Effective Exchange Rate have significant positive impact while macroeconomic instability, GDP per Capita and Unemployment have no immediate impact in the short run. The study also confirms that there exist a causal relationship between Privatization and Government Expenditure
Tess: A geometric hashing algorithm for deriving 3D coordinate templates for searching structural databases. Application to enzyme active sites

It is well established that sequence templates such as those in the PROSITE and PRINTS databases are powerful tools for predicting the biological function and tertiary structure for newly derived protein sequences. The number of X‐ray and NMR protein structures is increasing rapidly and it is apparent that a 3D equivalent of the sequence templates is needed. Here, we describe an algorithm called TESS that automatically derives 3D templates from structures deposited in the Brookhaven Protein Data Bank. While a new sequence can be searched for sequence patterns, a new structure can be scanned against these 3D templates to identify functional sites. As examples, 3D templates are derived for enzymes with an O‐His‐O “catalytic triad” and for the ribonucleases and lysozymes. When these 3D templates are applied to a large data set of nonidentical proteins, several interesting hits are located. This suggests that the development of a 3D template database may help to identify the function of new protein structures, if unknown, as well as to design proteins with specific functions.
Cerebral Diffusion Tensor MR Tractography in Tuberous Sclerosis Complex: Correlation with Neurologic Severity and Tract-Based Spatial Statistical Analysis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The neurologic significance of residual cerebral white matter tracts, identified on diffusion tensor tractography, has not been well studied in tuberous sclerosis complex. We aimed to correlate the quantity of reconstructed white matter tracts with the degree of neurologic impairment of subjects with the use of DTI and determined differences in white matter integrity between patients with tuberous sclerosis complex and controls with the use of voxelwise analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this case-control study, 16 patients with tuberous sclerosis complex and 12 control subjects underwent DTI. Major white matter tracts, comprising bilateral PF and CF, were reconstructed and assessed for quantity, represented by NOP and NOF. A neurologic severity score, based on the presence of developmental disability, seizure, autism, and other neuropsychiatric disorders, was calculated for each subject. We then correlated this score with white matter quantity. Voxelwise tract-based spatial statistics was used to determine differences in FA, axial, and radial diffusivity values between the tuberous sclerosis complex group and the control subjects. RESULTS: NOP and NOF of CF, bilateral PF, and MWT in the tuberous sclerosis complex group were all significantly lower than those in the control subjects (P < .05). The neurologic severity score was moderately negatively correlated with NOF and NOP regarding CF (r = −.70; r = −.75), bilateral PF (r = −.66; r = −.68), and MWT (r = −.71; r = −.74). Tract-based spatial statistics revealed that patients with tuberous sclerosis complex showed a widespread reduction (P < .05) in FA and axial diffusivity in most cerebral white matter regions. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with tuberous sclerosis complex with reduced residual white matter were neurologically more severely affected. Tract-based spatial statistics revealed decreased FA and axial diffusivity of the cerebral white matter in the tuberous sclerosis complex group, suggesting reduced axonal integrity.
Monitoring of wheeze duration during spontaneous respiration in asthmatic patients

Respiratory sound analysis can offer important information related to pulmonary diseases. Wheezes have been reported as adventitious respiratory sounds in asthmatic or obstructive patients, during forced exhalation maneuvers. In this work, we propose a method for monitoring and analysis of respiratory sounds in frequency domain, during spontaneous ventilation. The database analyzed was acquired during spontaneous ventilation for 120 seconds (DBsv), of 26 asthmatics patients. Using an autoregressive model (AR, order 16), the power spectral density (PSD) was calculated for every phase of expiration and inspiration and the maximum frequency (fp) was estimated. From this parameter we study the time duration of the wheezes. The effect of bronchodilator inhalation in asthmatic patients was studied analyzing the duration of the wheezes in the bandwidth 600-2000 Hz (HFband). The wheeze duration is evaluated as the number of consecutive segments, with fp is inside of HFband, (for 3 or more segments in a cycle). The difference of the wheeze duration inside the respiratory cycles (Dwheez), before and after bronchodilator inhalation (POST) was evaluated. It was found a good correlation between Dwheez and FEV1 % improvement ( FEV1%_imp), for FEV1%_imp > 8%, whereas values FEV1%_imp < 8% did not show any change of Dwheez. This last result suggests no difference in the wheeze duration between the baseline and POST records. This method could predict the FEV1%_imp by means of estimation of Dwheez during spontaneous ventilation