Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
New Gate-Bias Voltage-Generating Technique With Threshold-Voltage Compensation for On-Glass Analog Circuits in LTPS Process

A new proposed gate-bias voltage-generating technique with threshold-voltage compensation for analog circuits in the low-temperature polycrystalline silicon (LTPS) thin-film transistors (TFTs) is proposed. The new proposed gate-bias voltage-generating circuit with threshold-voltage compensation has been successfully verified in an 8-mum LTPS process. The experimental results have shown that the impact of TFT threshold-voltage variation on the biasing circuit can be reduced from 30% to 5% under a biasing voltage of 3 V. The new proposed gate-bias voltage-generating technique with threshold-voltage compensation enables the analog circuits to be integrated and implemented by the LTPS process on glass substrate for an active matrix LCD panel.
Asian Financial Crisis and Exchange Rate Pass-Through in Korea

This paper empirically examines the asymmetric price setting behavior on exchange rate volatility from foreign firms of Koreaâ€™s major trading partners which causes an incomplete exchange rate pass-through into import prices in Korea. The study demonstrates that there exists a significant difference between the exchange rate pass-through to aggregate import prices in Korea during the post-Asian financial crisis period and its counterpart during the pre-crisis period. The results from time series data support that both short-term and long-term exchange rate pass-through elasticities to import prices in the Korean economy during the post-Asian financial crisis period are greater than those during the pre-crisis period. The pass-through can be endogenous to the monetary policy regime. For the case of Korea, pass-through rates into import prices at least during the post-crisis period are more a function of macroeconomic conditions and international markets than the domestic monetary policy.
Protein Truncation Test

The protein truncation test detects mutations at the protein level that lead to premature translation termination. The method has evolved considerably since is original publication in this manual. This thoroughly revised unit describes what is now the preferred method for performing the protein truncation test. Transcription and translation are performed in separate reactions; during translation, biotin‐labeled or N‐terminally tagged proteins are synthesized. The translation products are detected on immunoblots via chemiluminescence. An Alternate Protocol using coupled in vitro transcription/translation and radiolabeled proteins is also presented.
Effect of different phytases on the performance, nutrient retention and tibia composition in broiler chickens

Abstract. The effect of different phytases on the performance response, nutrient utilization and tibia characteristics of chickens was investigated. The five pelleted diets were the following: positive control (PC) with added monocalcium phosphate; negative control (NC) formulated with equivalency values of phytase for Ca and digestible P; and three further diets where different phytases were individually added to the NC diet at 500 FTU/kg. The phytases were derived either from Aspergillus (phytase I), or E. coli (phytases II and III). Compared to PC, the performance parameters, as well as apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn), mineral retention, bone breaking force and tibia mineral content were suppressed by the reduction of dietary Ca and digestible P. All phytases enhanced the overall body weight gains and feed conversion ratio in comparison with NC, but none outperformed PC. Only phytase II improved AMEn compared to NC and PC group. However only phytase I outperformed NC group in terms of mineral retention and P retention was higher than phytase II and III. No significant differences were observed in fat digestibility and N retention. Bone strength among phytases did not differ and all improved this parameter compared to the NC diet. However, even though all phytases enhanced tibia minerals content, the improvement was less pronounced with phytase III. Moreover, the differences in all analysed tibia minerals between phytase III and II were significant suggesting that even among 6-phytases derived from and expressed in the same organism, different efficacy or mode of action can occur.
Hepatocyte entry leads to degradation of autoreactive CD8 T cells

Although most self-reactive T cells are eliminated in the thymus, mechanisms to inactivate or control T cells specific for extrathymic antigens are required and exist in the periphery. By investigating the site in which autoreactive T cells are tolerized, we identify a unique mechanism of peripheral deletion in which naïve autoreactive CD8 T cells are rapidly eliminated in the liver after intrahepatic activation. T cells actively invade hepatocytes, enter endosomal/lysosomal compartments, and are degraded. Blockade of this process leads to accumulation of autoreactive CD8 T cells in the liver and breach of tolerance, with the development of autoimmune hepatitis. Cell into cell invasion, or emperipolesis, is a long-observed phenomenon for which a physiological role has not been previously demonstrated. We propose that this “suicidal emperipolesis” is a unique mechanism of autoreactive T-cell deletion, a process critical for the maintenance of tolerance.
Echo‐planar spin‐echo and inversion pulses

The echo‐planar k‐space trajectory can be used as the basis for any two‐dimensional selective pulse. The main application is spectral‐spatial pulses, which must be based on the echoplanar trajectory. In this paper we show how echo‐planar spinecho (EPSE) pulses may be designed.
Collagenase-aided Insertion of Intracortical Microelectrode Arrays: Evaluation of Insertion Force and Chronic Recording Performance

Typically intracortical electrodes are required to puncture the intact pia mater during insertion which in the process can lead to brain dimpling and trauma. Furthermore, there is interest in the development of more flexible substrates to reduce relative micromotion after implantation, but such device have difficulty penetrating the pia without buckling. In this paper a strategy for reducing the mechanical integrity of the pia's collagen network by treatment with collagenase is evaluated experimentally. Measurements of the insertion force were carried out with a load cell during computer controlled slow (10 mum/sec) electrode insertion into the cortex of rats. It is shown that controlled application of collagenase reduces the peak insertion force experienced by the microwire arrays around 30% on average. In addition, chronic neural recordings (up to 1 month) suggest that there is no appreciable difference in the signal quality as recorded from the collagenase treated and the control sites. The results suggest the technique is useful for reducing insertion forces without compromising neural recording capabilities
Angiogenic T cells are decreased in rheumatoid arthritis patients

Objective The mechanisms underlying the increased cardiovascular risk (CVR) of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients remain unclear. Since the recently discovered angiogenic T cells (Tang) could have a role in endothelial repair through cooperating with endothelial progenitor cells (EPC), the main aim of this study was to analyse the Tang and EPC populations in relation to disease-specific features and traditional CVR factors. Methods Tang (CD3+CD31+CXCR4+) and EPC (CD34+VEGFR2+CD133+) populations were quantified by flow cytometry in peripheral blood samples from 103 RA patients and 18 matched healthy controls (HC). Clinical features and traditional CVR factors were obtained from clinical records, and 28-joint Disease Activity Score was used for measuring disease activity. Interferon (IFN) α serum levels were measured by immunoassays. Results Tang and EPC were strongly decreased in RA patients. In HC, but not in patients, both populations were positively correlated and inversely related to low density lipoprotein- and total-cholesterol levels. Sex, diabetes, dyslipidaemia, hypertension or obesity did not significantly influence Tang in patients, although detected in smokers. However, Tang were closely related to disease activity, autoantibody positivity and IFNα levels. Multiple regression analysis adjusted for traditional CVR factors confirmed that only disease activity, age at diagnosis, antinuclear antibody positivity and smoking habit could predict Tang frequency. Finally, patients who had suffered a CV event since their RA diagnosis presented higher Tang decrease and IFNα levels than those who were CV event-free. Conclusions Disease-specific parameters, including disease activity, autoantibody profiles and IFNα levels, are associated with Tang decrease in RA, thus probably accounting for CVR.
A Landscape-Based Ecological Classification System for River Valley Segments in Michigan ’ s Upper Peninsula RR 2085 December 2006

–I developed a classification system for streams in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (UP) using a landscape-based approach that was originally developed for Lower Peninsula (LP) Michigan streams. Multiple linear regression, cluster analysis, and graphical techniques were used to examine stream attribute data (stream size, temperature, hydrology, gradient, water chemistry, valley type, fish community, and connectivity to one of the Great Lakes) and watershed attributes (surficial geology, land use, elevation, expected groundwater flow) to develop classification categories. Stream segments were classified based on examination of watershed characteristics and known relationships between these characteristics and stream attributes. I classified a total of 81 UP river systems into 596 discrete segments. Classified stream segments ranged from 0.4 to 187 km long and represented a broad range of stream types. Classifications used for UP rivers were modified from those developed for LP streams for water temperature, stream hydrology, stream gradient, and fish community because of substantial differences between UP and LP rivers. The UP VSEC system should be helpful to resource managers as a communication and learning tool as they manage UP stream resources. Efforts should now be directed to combining the UP and LP classifications into a single statewide stream classification system. This would provide resource managers statewide with a valuable tool for understanding and managing Michigan’s stream resources. Research directed at gaining a better understanding of the factors influencing Michigan’s stream habitats and fish communities in the Lower Peninsula (LP) resulted in the development of a river classification framework termed Valley Segment Ecological Classification (VSEC) (Seelbach et al. 2006; Wehrly et al. 2006; Zorn et al. 2002). The VSEC system classifies river valley segments according to expected streamflow regime, temperature regime, fish community composition, etc. The classification process places breakpoints between adjacent river valley segments where significant change occurs in the river network (e.g., a major tributary junction, change in channel gradient and sinuosity, change in surficial geology). The VSEC system of classification is based on relationships between watershed characteristics and stream attributes. The VSEC process relies on catchment-scale attributes (e.g., surficial geology, land use, gradient) and mathematical models to assign attributes to stream segments. For example, multiple linear regression models were developed for LP rivers and these models were used to predict stream temperature from surficial geology, maximum daily air temperature, riparian shading, etc. (Wehrly et al. 2006). Classifying streams according to discrete attributes helps our understanding of rivers as systems and can be used to enhance communication about stream resources. The original development of the VSEC system did not include Upper Peninsula (UP) rivers in part because the physical, climatic, and
Addressing the Irreducible Needs of Interprofessional Education: Creating and Sustaining an Institutional Commons for Health Professions Training

Leaders in health professions education schools and programs are under pressure to respond to new accreditation requirements for interprofessional education (IPE). The work of creating and sustaining an IPE program at an academic health center is in many ways analogous to the challenge of creating and sustaining a “commons”—a set of resources shared by many, but owned by none. In this Commentary, the authors borrow from the work of Nobel Laureate Elinor Ostrum to describe the “design principles” necessary to build and maintain the set of common resources needed to successfully implement and sustain an IPE program. They interpret these principles in the context of their own experiences implementing IPE programs and recommend three institutional structural elements necessary to build and sustain an IPE program: (1) a representative governance body, (2) an accountable director or leader, and (3) a structure supporting vertical and horizontal communication and authority.
Radiofrequency ablation: Effect of pharmacologic modulation of hepatic and renal blood flow on coagulation diameter in a VX2 tumor model.

PURPOSE To determine whether pharmacologic agents can be used to modulate blood flow in hepatic and renal tumors sufficiently to alter the extent of radiofrequency (RF)-induced coagulation. MATERIALS AND METHODS VX2 tumors (8-15 mm) were implanted in the liver (n = 25) or kidney (n = 8) of 33 New Zealand White rabbits. RF was applied to tumors for 6 minutes with use of conventional electrodes (125 mA +/- 35; 90 degrees C +/- 2 degrees C tip temperature). In the hepatic model, blood flow was modulated with use of halothane, epinephrine, or arsenic trioxide (2-6 mg/kg). Laser Doppler flowmetry was used to quantify changes in hepatic blood flow. Correlation of blood flow with induced coagulation diameter was performed. RF ablation was then performed in a renal model with and without arsenic trioxide. RESULTS For liver tumors, halothane and arsenic trioxide reduced blood flow to 40.3% +/- 17.8% and 29% +/- 15% of normal, respectively, whereas epinephrine increased blood flow to 207.8% +/- 97.9%. Correlation of blood flow to coagulation diameter was demonstrated (R(2) = 0.40). Coagulation measured 7 mm +/- 1 with epinephrine, 10 mm +/- 1 with normal blood flow, 12 mm +/- 3 with halothane, and 13 mm +/- 3 with arsenic trioxide (P <.04 compared with controls). In the renal model, arsenic trioxide decreased blood flow (44% +/- 16%) and increased coagulation diameter (10.9 mm +/- 1) compared with controls (84% +/- 11% and 7.6 mm +/- 1; P <.01, both comparisons). CONCLUSIONS RF-induced coagulation necrosis in rabbit hepatic and renal tumors is affected by tumor blood flow. Pharmacologic modulation of tumor blood flow may provide a noninvasive way to decrease blood flow during thermally mediated ablation therapy, potentially enabling the creation of larger zones of coagulation necrosis.
Satisfaction Formation Process for Iranian Airline Passengers Case of IranAir

Customer satisfaction in Iranian airlines has obsessed my mind for a long time, moreover losing market share by Iranian airlines and high competition by foreign airline companies in the airline market in Iran were the major motivation for such research . An important aspect of customer relationship management (CRM), is customer satisfaction. This research has been focused on CRM, customer satisfaction, expectation disconfirmation theory and the SERVQUAL instrument. As far as studied no similar and such comprehensive research has been conducted in the airline industry in Iran. This research is focusing on the customer point of view. Data collection was done on nine IranAir international routes during flight. Both theoretical and managerial implications were obtained from the study. The theoretical implication shows strong relationship between expectation disconfirmation and perceived performance which forms satisfaction. By this research, the expectation disconfirmation theory is confirmed in the airline industry. The most important and crucial managerial implication is that airlines with old aircraft fleet can still achieve customer satisfaction process, hence old aircraft fleet is just one factor of several factors influencing and determining customer satisfaction formation process, the highest priority which Iranian airlines have to focus on is the company’s responsiveness aspects regarding their customers.
Molecular characterization of an Aeromonas salmonicida mutant with altered surface morphology and increased systemic virulence

The asoA gene of Aeromonas salmonicida is located approximately 7 kb downstream of the A‐layer structural gene, vapA. A 6 kb Bam HI fragment containing aso A was cloned and marker‐exchange mutagenesis using a kanamycin‐resistance cassette was performed to generate an aso A mutation in the low‐virulence strain A449L. When analysed by electron microscopy, the mutant A449L‐MB exhibited an altered surface morphology. Strands and blebs of membranous material were observed protruding from the disorganized cell surface. This material was shown to contain lipopolysaccharide and A‐layer subunit protein. The disorganization of the surface of A449L‐IV1B had no apparent effect on virulence when the bacteria were administered to rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) by bath Immersion. However, when administered by intraperitoneal injection, the mutant A449L‐MB was found to exhibit significantly increased virulence. The predicted amino acid sequence of AsoA shows homology to a number of polytopic membrane proteins involved in translocation across the cytoplasmic membrane.
The production of freeze‐dried immobilized cultures of Streptococcus thermophilus and their acidification properties in milk

C.P. CHAMPAGNE, N.J. GARDNER, L. SOULIGNAC and J.P. INNOCENT.2000. The aim of this study was to prepare alginate‐immobilized freeze‐dried cultures of Streptococcus thermophilus and to compare the acidifying activities of these rehydrated cultures with classical free cell liquid inoculants. Streptococcus thermophilus BT1 grew in alginate beads and the population reached 1010 cfu g−1 after 6 h incubation. Re‐inoculation of the beads in fresh medium with a further 6 h incubation did not improve the biomass level, but extending the incubation at 42 °C to 24 h caused significant death. The rehydrated immobilized cell technology (ICT) starter contained 13% free cells. In acidifying activity tests, the ICT culture had a similar acidification curve to that of a classical milk‐grown free cell culture, except that it reached lower final pH values. Although the differences between the ICT and liquid cultures were not important, there were significant effects of inoculation level on lag time, maximum acidification rate and on the pH and time at which the acidification rate was at its highest.
RIP140 Represses the “Brown-in-White” Adipocyte Program Including a Futile Cycle of Triacyclglycerol Breakdown and Synthesis

Receptor-interacting protein 140 (RIP140) is a corepressor of nuclear receptors that is highly expressed in adipose tissues. We investigated the role of RIP140 in conditionally immortal preadipocyte cell lines prepared from white or brown fat depots. In white adipocytes, a large set of brown fat-associated genes was up-regulated in the absence of RIP140. In contrast, a relatively minor role can be ascribed to RIP140 in the control of basal gene expression in differentiated brown adipocytes because significant changes were observed only in Ptgds and Fabp3. The minor role of RIP140 in brown adipocytes correlates with the similar histology and uncoupling protein 1 and CIDEA staining in knockout compared with wild-type brown adipose tissue (BAT). In contrast, RIP140 knockout sc white adipose tissue (WAT) shows increased numbers of multilocular adipocytes with elevated staining for uncoupling protein 1 and CIDEA. Furthermore in a white adipocyte cell line, the markers of BRITE adipocytes, Tbx1, CD137, Tmem26, Cited1, and Epsti1 were repressed in the presence of RIP140 as was Prdm16. Microarray analysis of wild-type and RIP140-knockout white fat revealed elevated expression of genes associated with cold-induced expression or high expression in BAT. A set of genes associated with a futile cycle of triacylglycerol breakdown and resynthesis and functional assays revealed that glycerol kinase and glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase activity as well as [3H]glycerol incorporation were elevated in the absence of RIP140. Thus, RIP140 blocks the BRITE program in WAT, preventing the expression of brown fat genes and inhibiting a triacylglycerol futile cycle, with important implications for energy homeostasis.
Dynamic Analysis of All-Optical Wavelength Conversion of Differential Phase-Shift Keyed Signals Based on Semiconductor Optical Amplifier Mach–Zehnder Interferometer

All-optical wavelength conversion of differential phase-shift keyed (DPSK) signals based on semiconductor optical amplifier Mach-Zehnder interferometer (SOA-MZI) is simulated and analyzed. The results show that, to obtain both good quality of the converted signal and high conversion efficiency, phase difference between the upper and lower arms of MZI should be near ¿, which suggests strong cross-phase-modulation (XPM) and cross-gain-modulation (XGM) for optimized operation of this wavelength converter, while weak XPM and XGM will lead to sacrifice of conversion efficiency. The results also show larger wavelength up-conversion range, and suggest non-return-to-zero (NRZ) format for 10 Gb/s operation while return-to-zero (RZ) format for 40 Gb/s operation. Besides, short carrier lifetime is preferred for high-speed applications and appropriate linewidth enhancement factor can be utilized to mitigate amplitude fluctuation of the converted signal if the carrier lifetime is not short enough.
Methoden der Zukunfts- und Szenarioanalyse Überblick, Bewertung und Auswahlkriterien

Facing growing complexity and uncertainty of social and environmental contexts, e.g. globalisation, climate change, dynamics of markets of energy and resources, geopolitical security risks and conflicts as well as technological change, it is more important than ever to reflect today’s decisions prospectively and to adjust them in a future-oriented and sustainable way. Therefore the work with scenarios provides a central tool. This study gives a structured overview over the broad range of scenario-methods, including important combinations with other methods of futures-analysis. Three ideal types of scenario techniques (scenarios based on trend-extrapolation, systematic-formalised scenariotechniques and creative-narrative scenario-techniques) are discussed regarding their origins and premises, their similarities and differences as well as their strengths and weaknesses. Combinations with other methods and techniques of scenario transfer are presented, too. Furthermore, a practical check-list has been developed, which allows specifying the methodological design of concrete foresight projects. This check-list focuses on key decisions to clarify if and how scenario-methods can be applied successfully and in a targeted manner.