Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Realization of Long Period Fiber Grating in Reflection Mode Operating Near Turn Around Point

A method of fabrication of a reflection-type long-period fiber grating (LPFG) operating near turn around point has been presented along with theoretical details. We have shown that removal of multiple resonant bands due to unwanted phase shift introduced after cleaving the grating at an arbitrary location can be accomplished by tailoring the phase matching curve of the cladding mode. This also allows us to enhance the sensitivity of the sensor. The grating can be cleaved at any arbitrary location within the grating structure. Therefore, the probe-type sensor head can be made considerably small. We have presented performance characteristics in detail. The sensitivity of the device has been found to be ~1300 nm/RIU and is superior to majority of the reflection-type LPFG sensors where mostly lower order cladding modes were considered.
A Comparison of the Ability Level of Human Resource Roles and Their Perceived Importance among HR Professionals in the Malaysian Government Linked Companies (GLCs)

This paper compares the ability level against the perceived importance of the Human Resource roles in the Malaysian government linked companies. The companies comprise of fourteen government linked companies that make up the G20 group of GLCs. These companies were chosen because they contribute to more than 70% of capitalization of the listed GLCs and have a workforce of nearly 148,000 headcount. Sixty nine HR Managers who were involved in strategic decision making were represented in the study sample. The research design was a correlational study. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. The questionnaire solicited the perception of the respondents on their ability level of each HR Roles. Four domains of HR Roles were studied: Strategic Partner Role, Change Champion Role, Admin Expert Role and Employee Advocate/Agent Role. The study found that there was a vast difference in their ability level against their perceived importance of the particular HR Role. The mean score for Admin Expert Role was the highest and the Strategic Partner Role was the lowest among the four roles. However, the total effect score showed that the Employee Advocate/Agent Role scored the highest and the Change Champion Role scored the lowest. This juxtaposition suggests that what is actually practiced (ability) is not the same as what is professed (importance). As such it would benefit the HR Managers and their superiors to know that there is a difference in role ability towards role expectations and hence, find ways to improve the performance of the HR Managers and minimize a disparity in role expectation. This will indivertibly increase job performance and satisfaction overall.
Overproduction of single-stranded-DNA-binding protein specifically inhibits recombination of UV-irradiated bacteriophage DNA in Escherichia coli

Overproduction of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA)-binding protein (SSB) in uvr Escherichia coli mutants results in a wide range of altered phenotypes. (i) Cell survival after UV irradiation is decreased; (ii) expression of the recA-lexA regulon is slightly reduced after UV irradiation, whereas it is increased without irradiation; and (iii) recombination of UV-damaged lambda DNA is inhibited, whereas recombination of nonirradiated DNA is unaffected. These results are consistent with the idea that in UV-damaged bacteria, SSB is first required to allow the formation of short complexes of RecA protein and ssDNA that mediate cleavage of the LexA protein. However, in a second stage, SSB should be displaced from ssDNA to permit the production of longer RecA-ssDNA nucleoprotein filaments that are required for strand pairing and, hence, recombinational repair. Since bacteria overproducing SSB appear identical in physiological respects to recF mutant bacteria, it is suggested that the RecF protein (alone or with other proteins of the RecF pathway) may help RecA protein to release SSB from ssDNA.
A new method for high-resolution measurement of semiconductor laser linewidth in coherent optical systems

A method for the observation of laser linewidth during operation in a coherent optical system is presented. The measurements agree well with the theoretical calculations and show that the power density spectrum of the backscattered intensity from a single-mode fiber corresponds to the laser spectrum with twice the source linewidth, shifted to baseband. <<ETX>>
Islet Function in Offspring of Mothers on Low-Protein Diet During Gestation

A low-protein diet (8 vs. 20%) administered during pregnancy affects the structure and function of the endocrine pancreas of the offspring. At 21.5 days of gestation, we reported a reduction of cell proliferation, islet size, islet vascularization, and pancreatic insulin content. In this study, we demonstrated an impairment of insulin secretion of these fetal islets when stimulated in vitro with amino acids such as arginine and leucine. If the offspring is kept on the same low-protein diet during suckling, weaning, and adulthood, fasting insulin levels remain low in the presence of normal blood glucose levels. Glucose tolerance at 70 days is impaired, with lower insulin response. In addition, permanent functional damage seems to be induced in utero by a low-protein diet, because a normal diet given from birth to adulthood does not restore normal insulin response after a glucose challenge. Our experimental results stress the impact of a balanced diet with qualitative and quantitative amino acid composition for the fetal endocrine pancreas to develop normally, without lasting functional and structural consequences in adulthood.
An evaluation of anaesthetic loss from a closed breathing system

We present the results of a laboratory study of the loss of isoflurane from a to‐and‐fro system, ventilated with oxygen, using a standard ventilator connected to the system via a long corrugated tube (the trunk) in place of the reservoir bag. No conventional fresh gas supply is used and isoflurane is injected as a liquid directly into the soda lime canister. The loss of isoflurane from the system due to mixing in the trunk was generally less than that lost by absorption into rubber and plastic system components. Glass syringes used for injection of liquid isoflurane were found to be a potential source of much greater leaks. The results showed that a to‐and‐fro system ventilated with oxygen via an open trunk functions as a virtually completely closed anaesthetic breathing system.
The self-efficacy scale for preschool teachers regarding asthma care: instrument development and validation.

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to develop and test the psychometric properties of a questionnaire that assesses preschool teachers' self-efficacy in providing asthma care. METHODS A total of 407 teachers from 54 preschools in Taiwan participated in the study by completing the asthma management self-efficacy scale. We assessed validity of the scale through expert opinion, exploratory factor analysis, and confirmatory factor analysis. The reliability of the scale was assessed using Cronbach's alpha. RESULTS A 10-items questionnaire was developed to assess self-efficacy concerning asthma treatment. On the basis of explorative factor analysis, 2 major factors emerged from the 10 self-efficacy items that together explained 61.68% of the total variance in teachers' self-efficacy with regard to asthma care. We named these factors "prevention of an asthma episode" and "the treatment of an asthma exacerbation. " Confirmatory factor analysis revealed that the 2-factor model provided the best goodness-of-fit. CONCLUSIONS This scale could provide health professionals with useful information concerning preschool teachers' self-efficacy with respect to the management of asthma in the preschool setting.
Suppressive Effect of IL-4 on IL-13-Induced Genes in Mouse Lung1

Although IL-4 signals through two receptors, IL-4Rα/common γ-chain (γc) and IL-4Rα/IL-13Rα1, and only the latter is also activated by IL-13, IL-13 contributes more than IL-4 to goblet cell hyperplasia and airway hyperresponsiveness in murine asthma. To determine whether unique gene induction by IL-13 might contribute to its greater proasthmatic effects, mice were inoculated intratracheally with IL-4 or IL-13, and pulmonary gene induction was compared by gene microarray and real-time PCR. Only the collagen α2 type VI (Ca2T6) gene and three small proline-rich protein (SPRR) genes were reproducibly induced >4-fold more by IL-13 than by IL-4. Preferential IL-13 gene induction was not attributable to B cells, T cells, or differences in cytokine potency. IL-4 signaling through IL-4Rα/γc suppresses Ca2T6 and SPRR gene expression in normal mice and induces these genes in RAG2/γc-deficient mice. Although IL-4, but not IL-13, induces IL-12 and IFN-γ, which suppress many effects of IL-4, IL-12 suppresses only the Ca2T6 gene, and IL-4-induced IFN-γ production does not suppress the Ca2T6 or SPRR genes. Thus, IL-4 induces genes in addition to IL-12 that suppress STAT6-mediated SPRR gene induction. These results provide a potential explanation for the dominant role of IL-13 in induction of goblet cell hyperplasia and airway hyperresponsiveness in asthma.
Simple alignment technique for molding and transfer of 3D PDMS structure using the mechanical alignment jig

Simple alignment technique for the purpose of PDMS molding and transfer is proposed. In order to realize suggested technique, specially designed mechanical jig is devised. This jig helps the mechanical alignment and the clamping of the same-sized wafers. Silicon-on-glass wafer is used as a carrier substrate of the thin PDMS structure. 3D PDMS structure for the cap of sensor has been molded and transferred to the sensor using the jig. Though principle and procedure of alignment is very simple, relatively high alignment precision of 10µm has been achieved. All caps of the sensor chips have survived without peeling during dicing process.
C5a Receptor Oligomerization

Recent studies demonstrate that members of the superfamily of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) form oligomers both in vitro and in vivo. The mechanisms by which GPCRs oligomerize and the roles of accessory proteins in this process are not well understood. We used disulfide-trapping experiments to show that C5a receptors, expressed in mammalian cells, reside in membranes as oligomers (Klco, J. M., Lassere, T. B., and Baranski, T. J. (2003) J. Biol. Chem. 278, 35345–35353). To begin to address how C5a receptors form oligomers, we now use fluorescence resonance energy transfer experiments on human C5a receptors expressed in the lower eukaryote Saccharomyces cerevisiae. C5a receptors tagged with variants of the green fluorescent protein display energy transfer in intact yeast, demonstrating that mammalian accessory proteins are not required for C5a receptor oligomerization. In both intact yeast cells and membrane preparations, agonist does not affect FRET efficiency, and little energy transfer is observed between the C5a receptor and a co-expressed yeast pheromone receptor (encoded by STE2), indicating that C5a receptor oligomerization is both receptor-specific and constitutive. FRET studies performed on fractionated membranes demonstrate similar levels of energy transfer between tagged C5a receptors in endoplasmic reticulum compared with plasma membrane, and urea washing of membranes has little effect on the extent of energy transfer. The oligomerization of C5a receptors expressed in yeast displays characteristics similar to those observed for other GPCRs studied in mammalian cells. This model system should prove useful for further studies to define mechanisms of oligomerization of mammalian GPCRs.
Recognition Quality Improvement in Automatic Speech Recognition System for Polish

This paper discusses a mixed parameterization modeling method in a speaker independent Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) system for Polish keywords. The goal of this project is to improve the recognition quality in Polish commands and instructions recognition system based on mel-frequency cepstrum coefficients (MFCC) modeling. In this project we studied the recognition quality using a mixed speech modeling consisting of MFCC and prosodic parameters. We experimentally showed that the mixed modeling yields better recognition quality than a simple MFCC modeling.
Improving the Generalization Ability of Restricted Boltzmann Machines via Theta Pure Dependency

The Restricted Boltzmann Machine (RBM) is an important probabilistic graphical model which often serves as a building block for deep belief networks (DBNs). A critical issue for DBNs is overfitting. The generalization ability of models is affected if an inappropriate model complexity is selected. In order to mitigate this problem, we introduce the Pure Dependency-Restricted Boltzmann Machine (PD-RBM). Compared to the regular RBM, the PD-RBM can adaptively change its structure in the face of different data in order to make its model complexity fit data. The establishment of the structure of PD-RBMs is based on Theta Pure Dependency (TPD), which is a statistical measure of variable dependency, defined under the Information Geometry framework. When specific data is given, we show an algorithm that is used to establish the structure of PD-RBMs. We evaluate the PD-RBM on different datasets. Our experiments show that it significantly improves test performance.
Electron Microscopy and X-ray Diffraction Studies of Lotus tetragonolobus A Isolectin Cross-linked with a Divalent Lewisx Oligosaccharide, an Oncofetal Antigen*

The interactions of lectins with multivalent carbohydrates often leads to the formation of highly ordered cross-linked lattices that are amenable to structural studies. A particularly well ordered, two-dimensional lattice is formed from fucose-specific isolectin A from Lotus tetragonolobuscross-linked with difucosyllacto-N-neohexaose, an oligosaccharide possessing the Lewisx determinant, which is an oncofetal antigen. A combination of electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, simulation of electron micrographs, and molecular model building was used to determine the relative positions of the tetrameric lectin and bivalent carbohydrate within the lattice. X-ray diffraction from unoriented pellets was used to determine the lattice dimensions and analysis of electron micrographs was used to determine the lattice symmetry. Molecular models of the lattice were constructed based on the known structure of the jack bean lectin concanavalin A and the high degree of sequence homology between the two lectins. Using the symmetry and dimensions of the lattice and its appearance in filtered electron micrographs, molecular models were used to determine the orientation of the lectin in the lattice, and to define the range of lectin-oligosaccharide interactions consistent with the structural data. The present study provides the first description of a highly ordered, two-dimensional, cross-linked lattice between a tetravalent lectin and a bivalent carbohydrate.
catena-Poly[[[aqua(4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine-κ2 N,N′)zinc]-μ-3-chlorobenzene-1,2-dicaboxylato-κ2 O 2:O 3] [[(4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine-κ2 N,N′)zinc]-μ-3-chlorobenzene-1,2-dicaboxylato-κ2 O 2:O 3]]

In the title compound, {[Zn(C8H3ClO4)(C12H12N2)(H2O)]·[Zn(C8H3ClO4)(C12H12N2)]}n, one Zn2+ ion is five-coordinated by two O atoms from two different 3-chlorobenzene-1,2-dicarboxylate ligands, one O atom from a water molecule and two N atoms from a 4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine ligand, while the second Zn2+ ion is four-coordinated by two O atoms from two different 3-chlorobenzene-1,2-dicarboxylate ligands, and two N atoms from a 4,4′-bimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine ligand. The crystal structure exhibits a three-dimensional supramolecular structure composed of alternate Zn(C8H3O4Cl)(C12H12N2) and Zn(C8H3O4Cl)(C12H12N2)(H2O) chains, which are linked together by face-to-face π–π interactions [shortest centroid–centroid distances of 3.661 (4) and 3.6901 (3) Å], O—H⋯O and C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds.
Towards automatic music transcription: note extraction based on independent subspace analysis

Due to the increasing amount of music available electronically the need of automatic search, retrieval and classification systems for music becomes more and more important. In this paper an algorithm for automatic transcription of polyphonic piano music into MIDI data is presented, which is a very interesting basis for database applications, music analysis and music classification. The first part of the algorithm performs a note accurate temporal audio segmentation. In the second part, the resulting segments are examined using Independent Subspace Analysis to extract sounding notes. Finally, the results are used to build a MIDI file as a new representation of the piece of music which is examined.
Microsatellite variation in natural Drosophila melanogaster populations from New South Wales (Australia) and Tasmania

Microsatellite variation was studied at 48 microsatellite loci in 10 Drosophila melanogaster populations to investigate the population structure on the Australian east coast. Low, but statistically significant population differentiation was observed among most populations. The populations on the Australian mainland did not show evidence for isolation by distance. We conclude that the population structure of D. melanogaster on the Australian mainland is probably the result of a shared history (recent colonization). The observed differences between local D. melanogaster populations probably reflect variation in effective population sizes rather than patterns of gene flow. Two populations from Tasmania were more differentiated from the Australian mainland than a population from Israel, raising the question whether they are derived from the Australian mainland or colonized from a different source population.
Genetic evaluation for coronary artery disease

There is substantial evidence that genetic factors contribute to coronary artery disease (CAD). Currently, family history collection and interpretation is the best method for identifying individuals with genetic susceptibility to CAD. Family history reflects not only genetic susceptibility, but also interactions between genetic, environmental, cultural, and behavioral factors. Stratification of familial risk into different risk categories (e.g., average, moderate, or high) is possible by considering the number of relatives affected with CAD and their degree of relationship, the ages of CAD onset, the occurrence of associated conditions, and the gender of affected relatives. Familial risk stratification should improve standard CAD risk assessment methods and treatment guidelines (e.g., Framingham CAD risk prediction score and Adult Treatment Panel III guidelines). Individuals with an increased familial risk for CAD should be targeted for aggressive risk factor modification. Individuals with a high familial risk might also benefit from early detection strategies and biochemical and DNA-based testing, which can further refine risk for CAD. In addition, individuals with the highest familial risk might have mendelian disorders associated with a large magnitude of risk for premature CAD. In these cases, referral for genetic evaluation should be considered, including pedigree analysis, risk assessment, genetic counseling and education, discussion of available genetic tests, and recommendations for risk-appropriate screening and preventive interventions. Research is needed to assess the feasibility, clinical validity, clinical utility, and ethical, legal, and social issues of an approach that uses familial risk stratification and genetic evaluation to enhance CAD prevention efforts.
Ultrasound guided compression therapy in 134 patients with iatrogenic pseudo-aneurysms: advantage of routine duplex ultrasound control of the puncture site following transfemoral catheterization.

BACKGROUND The following study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of ultrasound guided compression therapy (UGCT) of iatrogenic postcatheterization pseudo-aneurysms (PA) on the one hand and to justify the usefulness of the routine colour duplex control of the puncture site following transfemoral catheterization, on the other hand. MATERIAL AND METHODS During the study period 142 patients with (PA) following transfemoral catheterization were identified by means of colour duplex examination Eighty of these 142 patients were identified during a routine colour duplex control of the puncture site the day after PTA/angiography because of peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) [group A]; the remaining 62 patients with symptomatic groins were referred from other departments [group B]. RESULTS In 8 patients of group B UGCT was considered to be contra-indicated, they were primarily treated by surgical repair of the PA. A total of 134 patients (group A 80 patients, group B 54 patients) underwent an UGCT. In total the success rate of UGCT was in group A 100% and in group B 78%. 12/54 patients (all group B) with failure of UGCT underwent a secondary surgical repair of the PA. Within group B there was a negative correlation between delay of diagnosis/UGCT and success (p < 0.04), whereas the size of the sheath did not influence the outcome of the UGCT (p = 0.3). CONCLUSION Our study confirms the effectiveness and safety of UGCT. Routine colour duplex control of the puncture site the day following the removal of the sheath after percutaneous catheterization and UGCT of PAs without delay can increase the success rate of UGCT and minimize the need for surgical repair of PAs.
CONTRACTILE PROTEINS IN ENDOTHELIAL CELLS *

Although it is generally accepted that cytoplasmic actomyosin interactions generate force for cellular and subcellular movements, the nature of the tensionproducing mechanism has not been revealed. '-3 To reach this goal, biochemists must learn what milieu regulates the assembly and dismantling of the motor,4 while molecular anatomists must reveal the precise form and arrangement of the component parts and the manner in which they are anchored within cells and tissues to produce functional motility in vivo. In addition to their presumed role in cell motility, the biophysical properties of cytoplasmic actomyosin and the associated proteins,1,2,4,5 contribute to the maintenance of cytoplasmic structure during motility and quiescence. Light microscopic studies using time-lapse videotapes to document cell movements prior to the localization of the contractile proteins with specific markers indicate that when actomyosin is involved in structural support of the cytoplasm its form and distribution differ from those seen during cell movements.6 Fast-moving cells display a diffuse or randomized distribution of contractile proteins (FIGURE 1)and slow-moving cells possess combinations of diffuse and fibrous straining patterns (FIGURE 2). By contrast, immobilized cells possess mostly fibrous staining for actin and myosin (FIGURE 3). These results conclusively demonstrate an inverse correlation between stress-fiber density and cell motility.6 Thus, although it has been demonstrated that stress fibers possess an assortment of contractile proteins as well as contractile potential in model systems in uitro,7.8 it is unlikely they are important for moving cells in vivo.6 What role do stress fibers play in uivo? Until this time, little was known regarding the existence and function of these bundles of contractile proteins. Only in the vascular endothelium had bundles of 6-7 nm (actin) filaments been ob~erved,~ but it was not known whether they also contained the other contractile proteins localized to stress fibers of cultured cells (e.g. myosin and cr-actinin). lo We searched in tissues for cells with a microfilamentous bundle system comparable to the stress fibers of immobilized cells grown in tissue culture,