Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A broadband second-order mode synthesizer based on an 3×1 multimode interference coupler and phase shifters using silicon waveguides

In this paper, we present a novel mode synthesizer based on a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) platform with the advantages of broad bandwidth, high mode conversion efficiency and large fabrication tolerance. By using a 3×1 multimode interference (MMI) coupler, a sinusoidal symmetric Y junction coupler and two linear butterfly-shaped phase shifters, mode synthesis from the fundamental mode TE0 and the first-order mode TE1 to the second-order mode TE2 is achieved by means of numerical simulation. Phase variation in this structure is discussed and performance analysis of the mode synthesizer is performed by means of the numerical method. Simulation results obtained by using three dimension beam propagation method (3D-BPM) incorporated with effective index method (EIM) show high performance of the device with mode conversion efficiency up to more larger than 88% (corresponding to insertion loss less than 0.52 dB) in the whole C-band. The width and length tolerances of the multimode interference coupler are quite large, which can be corresponding up to 50 nm and 900 nm, respectively. In addition, the length deviation of the phase shifters can be up to 500 nm. Large tolerances allow to fabricate the device by using current CMOS technology.
Connecting gender and colonialism in sentencing Indigenous people : the application of subsection 718.2(e) of the Canadian Criminal Code

Connecting Gender and Colonialism in Sentencing Indigenous People: The Application of Subsection 718.2(e) of the Canadian Criminal Code By Rachelle Lee Coward December, 2017, Halifax, Nova Scotia Abstract: This study examined seventy-two published case judgements involving Indigenous people being sentenced in criminal courts across Canada. The research analyses whether judges recognize the intersection of gender and colonialism in Indigenous women’s lived experiences. I found that judges do not sentence intersectionally and an intersectional analysis shows that the practices of law are colonial and gendered. Section 718.2(e) is used by judges to define Indigenous identity. Judges strip Indigenous people of the power to define Indigenous identity, constructing Indigenous identity through restrictive definitions that exclude many Indigenous people from the benefits of section 718.2(e). Additionally, judges overlooked how gender interacts with colonialism when sentencing Indigenous women. For instance, domestic violence was often a precursor to Indigenous women’s violence. Law treats gender and colonialism as mutually exclusive categories of experience making it difficult for judges to recognize Indigenous women’s circumstances. This study examined seventy-two published case judgements involving Indigenous people being sentenced in criminal courts across Canada. The research analyses whether judges recognize the intersection of gender and colonialism in Indigenous women’s lived experiences. I found that judges do not sentence intersectionally and an intersectional analysis shows that the practices of law are colonial and gendered. Section 718.2(e) is used by judges to define Indigenous identity. Judges strip Indigenous people of the power to define Indigenous identity, constructing Indigenous identity through restrictive definitions that exclude many Indigenous people from the benefits of section 718.2(e). Additionally, judges overlooked how gender interacts with colonialism when sentencing Indigenous women. For instance, domestic violence was often a precursor to Indigenous women’s violence. Law treats gender and colonialism as mutually exclusive categories of experience making it difficult for judges to recognize Indigenous women’s circumstances. GENDER, AND COLONIALISM 4
Estrogen Receptor Reduces CYP1A1 Induction in Cultured Human Endometrial Cells*

2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) exerts its toxic action via the aryl hydrocarbon (Ah) receptor, which induces a battery of xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes, including the cytochrome P450 isozyme, CYP1A1. TCDD-induced 7-ethoxycoumarin-O-deethylase activity was reduced 75% in cultured human endometrial ECC-1 cells exposed to various concentrations of 17β-estradiol for up to 72 h, with a half-maximal effective concentration (EC50) of 0.9 nm. Reduced enzyme activity was correlated with decreased CYP1A1 mRNA levels, and transcription. Exposure to TCDD plus 17β-estradiol also reduced CYP1A1 activity in MCF-7 breast cancer cells but not in Hep-3B human liver cells or HuE primary human keratinocytes, suggesting that the effect was specific to estrogen-regulated cells. Estrogen receptor antagonists 4-hydroxytamoxifen and 7α-[9-(4,4,5,5,5-pentafluoro-pentylsulfinyl)nonyl]estra-1,3,5(10)-triene3, 17β-diol restored TCDD-induced CYP1A1 transcription, steady-state mRNA levels, and enzymatic activity in ECC-1 cells. Gel mobility shift assay showed that 17β-estradiol had little effect on Ah receptor binding to its DNA-responsive element. 17β-Estradiol did not alter the induction of another Ah receptor-regulated gene,CYP1B1, suggesting that altered Ah receptor binding to DNA does not mediate reduced CYP1A1 transcription. Transfecting ECC-1 cells with a general transcription factor involved in CYP1A1 induction, nuclear factor-1, reversed 17β-estradiol antagonism of dioxin induced-CYP1A1. The data suggest that 17β-estradiol reduced CYP1A1 expression at the transcriptional level by squelching available nuclear factor-1, a transcription factor that interacts with both Ah and estrogen receptors.
Income and Markers of Immunological Cellular Aging

Objective Socioeconomic disadvantage may contribute to poor health through immune-related biological mechanisms. We examined the associations between socioeconomic status, as measured by annual household income, and T-cell markers of aging, including the ratios of CD4 and CD8 effector cells to naïve cells (E/N ratio) and the CD4/CD8 T-cell ratio. We hypothesized that participants with a lower income would have higher E/N ratios and lower CD4/CD8 ratios compared with participants with a higher income, and that these associations would be partially mediated by elevated cytomegalovirus (CMV) IgG antibody levels, a virus implicated in aging and clonal expansion of T cells. Methods Data were from 79 individuals who participated in the population-based Detroit Neighborhood Health Study. We used linear regression to quantify the association between a $10,000 decrease in income and each ratio outcome. Results After adjustment for age, sex, race, smoking, medication use, and lifetime history of mental health conditions, lower income was associated with a 0.41 (95% confidence interval = 0.09–0.72) log-unit increase in the CD4 E/N ratio and a 0.20 (95% confidence interval = 0.02–0.39) log-unit increase in the CD8 E/N ratio. CMV immunoglobulin G antibody level partially mediated these associations. Conclusions Our study suggests that low socioeconomic status is associated with immunological aging as measured by the E/N ratio and that impaired immune control of CMV may partially mediate these associations.
Effect of high salt diet on blood pressure and renal damage during vascular endothelial growth factor inhibition with sunitinib.

BACKGROUND Antiangiogenic treatment with the multitargeted vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor inhibitor sunitinib associates with a blood pressure (BP) rise and glomerular renal injury. Recent evidence indicates that VEGF derived from tubular cells is required for maintenance of the peritubular vasculature. In the present study, we focussed on tubular and glomerular pathology induced by sunitinib and explored whether a high salt (HS) diet augments the BP rise and renal abnormalities. METHODS Normotensive Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats were exposed to a normal salt (NS) or HS diet for 2 weeks and subsequently for 8 days to sunitinib or vehicle administration after which the rats were euthanized and kidneys excised. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) was telemetrically measured. Urine was sampled for proteinuria and endothelinuria, and blood for measurement of endothelin-1, creatinine and cystatin C. RESULTS Compared with the NS diet, MAP rapidly rose by 27 ± 3 mmHg with the HS diet. On sunitinib, MAP rose further by 15 ± 1 with the NS and by 23 ± 4 mmHg with the HS diet (P < 0.05). The HS diet itself had no effect on proteinuria, endothelinuria or the plasma levels of endothelin-1, creatinine and cystatin C. Only with the HS diet, sunitinib administration massively increased proteinuria and endothelinuria and these two parameters were related (r = 0.50, P < 0.01). Likewise, renal glomerular pathology was enhanced during sunitinib with the HS diet, whereas tubulointerstitial injury or reduced peritubular capillary density did not occur. CONCLUSIONS An HS diet induces a marked BP rise in WKY rats and exacerbates both the magnitude of the BP rise and glomerular injury induced by sunitinib.
Forecasting urea prices

ABSTRACT Managing urea price risk is a concern of firms in the urea supply chain due to high price volatility and relatively slow transportation. This study develops urea price forecasting models as a way to reduce price risk. The forecasting models are evaluated based on multiple accuracy measures and compared to Fertilizer Week, a commercial forecast. An autoregressive model with exogenous variables (ARX) using a window size of 48 months outperforms the other models. No statistical difference exists between our best model and Fertilizer Week. Encompassing tests show that a combination model using the two models outperforms using Fertilizer Week forecasts alone. A combined model using 66.8% of and 33.2% of the ARX brings about the minimum forecast error.
In My Own Words: Misunderstanding of Pap Smears and Colposcopy Among Appalachian Women

Objective. To evaluate knowledge of Pap smear screening and colposcopy among Appalachian women. Materials and Methods. English-speaking women (18 years or older) referred for colposcopy after abnormal Pap testing at a teaching hospital in the southeastern United States were studied. Structured interviews were conducted to assess demographic characteristics, health literacy skills using the Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine, understanding of the Pap smear and colposcopy, state anxiety, and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia distress. Results. The mean age of women was 29.6 ± 10.94, 93.2% white, 50.2% high school graduates or had an equivalency diploma, and 55.3% current cigarette use. Approximately one fifth (n = 22) of women had limited health literacy skills. Overall, womens' understanding of the Pap test, meaning of abnormal Pap test results, identification of risk factors contributing to abnormal Pap test results, and understanding of colposcopy was limited. Health literacy skills was the lone characteristic to significantly predict overall understanding of the Pap smear and colposcopy (unstandardized β coefficient [SE] = 0.68 [0.02], p < .05). Conclusions. These findings demonstrate that Pap smear and colposcopy knowledge is associated with health literacy skills. Health care providers should be aware that many women lack sufficient knowledge of the Pap smear and colposcopy and tailor counseling during the clinical encounter accordingly.
Realistic cooperative control mechanism of multiple AUVs

Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) has turned to be an effective mean for scientific, industrial and naval applications. The focus of research of AUV is gradually moving towards multiple autonomous underwater vehicles (MAUV) in recent years. This paper describes an investigation into cooperative control of MAUV. Firstly, a distributed control architecture (MOOS) was applied to MAUV system. According to MOOS, functionalities of AUV were organized in a modular manner and a unified information exchange mechanism was used to ensure an efficient communication between different modules. Secondly, a behavior based control strategy was proposed to enable the AUV to cooperate with each other intelligently and adaptively. Interval programming algorithm was applied to make sure that behaviors of each AUV can be coordinated in a timely and optimal manner. Stability of behavior-based control of AUV was analyzed. Finally, a distributed simulation environment was established and a series of simulation were carried out to verify the feasibility of methods mentioned above.
BDNF/ TrkB interaction regulates migration of SVZ precursor cells via PI3‐K and MAP‐K signalling pathways

Neuroblasts born in the subventricular zone (SVZ) migrate along the rostral migratory stream, reaching the olfactory bulb (OB) where they differentiate into local interneurons. Several extracellular factors have been suggested to control specific steps of this process. The brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been demonstrated to promote morphological differentiation and survival of OB interneurons. Here we show that BDNF and its receptor TrkB are expressed in vivo throughout the migratory pathway, implying that BDNF might also mediate migratory signals. By using in vitro models we demonstrate that BDNF promotes migration of SVZ neuroblasts, acting both as inducer and attractant through TrkB activation. We show that BDNF induces cAMP response element‐binding protein (CREB) activation in migrating neuroblasts via phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3‐K) and mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAP‐K) signalling. Pharmacological blockade of these pathways on SVZ explants significantly reduces CREB activation and impairs neuronal migration. This study identifies a function of BDNF in the SVZ system, which involves multiple protein kinase pathways leading to neuroblast migration.
A Web Service Platform dedicated to building mixed reality solutions

While many attempts have been done towards creating mixed reality platforms for mobile client devices, there have not been any significant efforts at the server/infrastructure side. We demonstrate our Mixed Reality Web Service Platform (MRS-WS) [2] dedicated to enabling rapid creation of mixed reality solutions, those being either desktop or mobile. Focusing on common interfaces and functions across user generated and commercial geo-content, we provide an appealing developer offering, which we are currently evaluating via a closed set of university partners. Our plan is to gradually expand the developer API access to more partners, before deciding if it is ready for fully public developer access.
Research methods' education: Empirical testing of a technique for assessing prior knowledge: Experiment B

Research methods education is a topic of growing interest in academic pro-grams. Previously authors reported on KICSS 2015 that learning and studying may present a challenge when trying to apply students' prior knowledge. This study continues addressing the question of whether or not an internal session comprising open discussion and brainstorming followed by asynchronous commenting and ending with self-reflection might help to assess students' prior knowledge. Empirical research took place in the context of the METIS project1 in two separate phases at the Technische Universitat Dresden, Germany. During the second phase, which is reported here, data was collected again from international students (n=12) completing the Master Programme “Vocational Education and Personal Capacity Building” during the summer semester of 2013. This seminar also dealt with a similar topic as the first, “research methods and analysis of an empirical study,” at the same university. The main change between the experiments was to realize the differences between assessing lower and higher levels of knowledge. For the first experimental group (presented at KICSS 2015), the study found that there are no significant differences between the control and treatment group in terms of cognitive achievement and students' attitudes. However, authors additionally tested recalling two extra higher levels of knowledge, the integration and application of knowledge. Surprisingly, the test found that there was a significant difference between pre- and post-cognitive tests. Finally, students were asked to connect their prior knowledge successfully through the con-ducted discussion panel. In other words, brainstorming and discussion sessions followed by asynchronous commenting and ending with a self-reflection report (portfolio) were applied to explore students' prior knowledge at the level of integration and application of knowledge.
Computer-aided detection of masses at mammography: interactive decision support versus prompts.

PURPOSE To compare effectiveness of an interactive computer-aided detection (CAD) system, in which CAD marks and their associated suspiciousness scores remain hidden unless their location is queried by the reader, with the effect of traditional CAD prompts used in current clinical practice for the detection of malignant masses on full-field digital mammograms. MATERIALS AND METHODS The requirement for institutional review board approval was waived for this retrospective observer study. Nine certified screening radiologists and three residents who were trained in breast imaging read 200 studies (63 studies containing at least one screen-detected mass, 17 false-negative studies, 20 false-positive studies, and 100 normal studies) twice, once with CAD prompts and once with interactive CAD. Localized findings were reported and scored by the readers. In the prompted mode, findings were recorded before and after activation of CAD. The partial area under the location receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for an interval of low false-positive fractions typical for screening, from 0 to 0.2, was computed for each reader and each mode. Differences in reader performance were analyzed by using software. RESULTS The average partial area under the location ROC curve with unaided reading was 0.57, and it increased to 0.62 with interactive CAD, while it remained unaffected by prompts. The difference in reader performance for unaided reading versus interactive CAD was statistically significant (P = .009). CONCLUSION When used as decision support, interactive use of CAD for malignant masses on mammograms may be more effective than the current use of CAD, which is aimed at the prevention of perceptual oversights.
The roles of the metallurgy, nonmetal products and chemical industry sectors in air pollutant emissions in China

The metallurgy, nonmetal products and chemical industry sectors (MN&C) are the three major industrial sources of air pollutants in China. Previous studies have focused on calculating emissions from MN&C via production-based accounting and identifying the drivers of MN&C using consumption-based accounting. However, these previous studies did not discuss how the total outputs from MN&C upstream and downstream industries influence air pollutant emissions. In this study, we use a pure backward linkage (PBL) method to quantify emissions from industries upstream of MN&C and to evaluate how the downstream industries drive the outputs of MN&C in China. We find that the emissions from industries upstream of MN&C are generally higher than the production-based emissions of MN&C. In particular, the chemical industry largely increased its contribution to air pollution according to the PBL method. Furthermore, much of upstream emissions of MN&C are embodied in the interregional trade, transferring substantial emissions from the eastern region to inland provinces. Regarding the drivers of MN&C, our results reveal that consumption-based accounting underestimates the importance of many sectors. The outputs of these previously underestimated sectors could maximally cover 80% of metallurgy, 85% of nonmetal products and 25% of chemical industry outputs. We suggest that improving the structure of MN&C would considerably help decrease the environmental burden on the entire supply chain. Additionally, improving the productivities of MN&C downstream industries could also address the air pollution caused by MN&C.
Leaky-feeder radio communication: A historical review

Problems of radio communication in mines, tunnels and other confined spaces are being increasingly solved by the use of leaky-feeder techniques. As first described in 1956 these comprised a simple open-braided coax or a twin-lead connected to one or more standard VHF base stations: nowadays they incorporate remarkably simple and inexpensive line-powered signal boosters or 'repeaters' to compensate for line losses as they occur and can provide virtually unlimited range without dependence on linking land-lines. For use in coal mines the entire system can be made intrinsically safe, since the power drawn by a typical present-day signal booster need be only a few milliwatts of DC.
Site-Specific Blockade of RAGE-Vd Prevents Amyloid-β Oligomer Neurotoxicity

In the genesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), converging lines of evidence suggest that amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) triggers a pathogenic cascade leading to neuronal loss. It was long assumed that Aβ had to be assembled into extracellular amyloid fibrils or aggregates to exert its cytotoxic effects. Over the past decade, characterization of soluble oligomeric Aβ species in the brains of AD patients and in transgenic models has raised the possibility that different conformations of Aβ may contribute to AD pathology via different mechanisms. The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), a member of the Ig superfamily, is a cellular binding site for Aβ. Here, we investigate the role of RAGE in apoptosis induced by distinct well characterized Aβ conformations: Aβ oligomers (AβOs), Aβ fibrils (AβFs), and Aβ aggregates (AβAs). In our in vitro system, treatment with polyclonal anti-RAGE antibodies significantly improves SHSY-5Y cell and neuronal survival exposed to either AβOs or AβAs but does not affect AβF toxicity. Interestingly, using site-specific antibodies, we demonstrate that targeting of the Vd domain of RAGE attenuates AβO-induced toxicity in both SHSY-5Y cells and rat cortical neurons, whereas inhibition of AβA-induced apoptosis requires the neutralization of the C1d domain of the receptor. Thus, our data indicate that distinct regions of RAGE are involved in Aβ-induced cellular and neuronal toxicity with respect to the Aβ aggregation state, and they suggest the blockage of particular sites of the receptor as a potential therapeutic strategy to attenuate neuronal death.
α-Actinin Immunization Elicits Anti-Chromatin Autoimmunity in Nonautoimmune Mice1

Anti-dsDNA Abs are characteristic of lupus and can be found deposited in the kidneys of lupus mice. Previously, we have shown that pathogenic anti-dsDNA Abs as well as Ig eluted from the kidneys of nephritic lupus mice cross-react with α-actinin. Moreover, cross-reactivity with α-actinin characterizes nephritogenic anti-dsDNA Abs in humans with lupus as well. To determine whether Abs generated against α-actinin in vivo cross-react with nuclear Ags, we s.c. immunized 10-wk-old female BALB/c mice (and several other nonautoimmune mice strains) with α-actinin in adjuvant. Immunized but not control mice displayed high titers of anti-nuclear Abs and IgG anti-chromatin autoantibodies, hypergammaglobulinemia, renal Ig deposition, and proteinuria. The specificity of the anti-chromatin response was determined by Western blotting of purified chromatin with serum from α-actinin immunized mice. By proteomic analysis, a 25-kDa doublet band was conclusively identified as high mobility group box (HMGB) proteins 1 and 3, and a 70-kDa band was identified as heat shock protein 70 (hsp70), both of which are known antigenic targets in murine lupus. Binding to purified HMGB1 and hsp70 by immunized mice sera was confirmed by ELISA and Western blot. Immunized mice sera binding to both 25- and 70-kDa bands were significantly inhibited by α-actinin and chromatin. Importantly, a panel of nephritogenic mAbs had significantly higher affinity for α-actinin, chromatin, HMGB, and hsp70 as compared with nonpathogenic Abs, suggesting a common motif in these Ags that is targeted by pathogenic autoantibodies.