Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Deposited Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) thin films by DC- Magnetron Sputtering on Polyethylene Terephthalate Substrate (PET)

This paper is presenting the Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) thin films of low resistivity with different thicknesses. The thin films of ITO are deposited on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate by means of DCsputtering. The properties of the deposited films samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmittance electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and Raman spectroscopy. The obtained results for the surface morphology, the sheet resistance, the resistivity, the carrier concentration, Hall mobility, optical transmittance and the transmittance ratio of the ITO films deposed on PET substrate are reported. Details on the sample preparations and experimental details will be presented.
Improved state-space averaged representation of LED drivers considering the dynamic model of the load

This paper introduces an improved stat-space averaged representation of switching power converters for LED driving taking into consideration the equivalent electrical model of the LED array being driven. This allows for exact prediction of the large-signal behavior of the converter when presented with duty-cycle, load and input voltage disturbances, as well as obtaining the accurate small-signal transfer functions for proper control loop design. Simulation and experimental results are given to validate the state-space model presented, which are then compared to the classical approach to modeling such LED drivers.
Human herpesvirus 8-derived viral IL-6 induces PTX3 expression in Kaposi's sarcoma cells

Objective To analyse if human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8)-derived viral interleukin-6 (vIL-6) has the capacity to activate Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) cells to elicit a local acute-phase response. Design Proinflammatory activation of KS cells was compared using vIL-6, human IL-6, as well as the complex of human IL-6 with the soluble IL-6 receptor, and expression of the novel acute-phase protein pentraxin-3 (PTX3) was analysed. Methods We established primary KS cell cultures from patients with AIDS-associated and classical KS and expressed recombinant HHV8-derived vIL-6 in COS-7 cells. Expression of PTX3 by vIL-6-stimulated KS cell cultures was analysed by quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction. Mitogenic effects of vIL-6 on the KS cells of distinct aetiology were compared by [3H]thymidine incorporation. Results We show that vIL-6 induced a marked and sustained expression of the novel acute-phase protein PTX3 in human primary KS cell cultures. vIL-6 directly activated KS cells, which uniquely expressed gp130, the signal-transducing subunit of the IL-6 receptor, but were negative for the IL-6-binding unit (IL-6R). In contrast, human IL-6 did not stimulate KS cells in the absence of the full IL-6R. Expression of PTX3 messenger RNA increased by more than 25-fold in vIL-6-stimulated KS cells after 24 h. Particularly after extended incubation with the virokine, vIL-6 mediated a pronounced mitogenic effect on KS cells. Conclusion The induction of an extrahepatic acute-phase response by vIL-6-activated KS cells may contribute to local tissue damage and the attraction of inflammatory cells, and add to a more aggressive phenotype.
An evaluation of nurse prescribing. Part 1: a literature review.

BACKGROUND Prescriptive authority for nurses was first introduced by America in 1969, followed later by the UK, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and Sweden. A review of research conducted internationally was performed to inform the development of prescribing policies and practice and to guide future research. AIMS This article, the first of a 2-part literature review, aims to provide a summary of the research conducted in relation to nurse prescribing and confidence in prescribing, the impact of prescribing on relationships, and education for prescribing. METHOD A number of electronic databases were searched in March 2009 and 155 results were retrieved. Forty-four studies satisfied the criteria for inclusion. Twenty-two of these studies are included in this part of the review. FINDINGS Seventeen studies were UK based, with USA, Australia and Sweden represented by a minority of studies. Seven studies addressed nurse prescribers' confidence, while eight studies focused on the impact nurse prescribing has on interprofessional relationships. The final seven studies addresses the knowledge base and educational preparation of nurses for the prescribing role. CONCLUSION This review has demonstrated the diversity of research conducted in the area of confidence in prescribing, interprofessional relationships and education. It has identified areas which require further investigation, which will inform the future development of nurse and midwife prescribing.
Mutational analysis of the DNA-binding domain of the CYS3 regulatory protein of Neurospora crassa

cys-3, the major sulfur regulatory gene of Neurospora crassa, activates the expression of a set of unlinked structural genes which encode sulfur catabolic-related enzymes during conditions of sulfur limitation. The cys-3 gene encodes a regulatory protein of 236 amino acid residues with a leucine zipper and an upstream basic region (the b-zip region) which together may constitute a DNA-binding domain. The b-zip region was expressed in Escherichia coli to examine its DNA-binding activity. The b-zip domain protein binds to the promoter region of the cys-3 gene itself and of cys-14, the sulfate permease II structural gene. A series of CYS3 mutant proteins obtained by site-directed mutagenesis were expressed and tested for function, dimer formation, and DNA-binding activity. The results demonstrate that the b-zip region of cys-3 is critical for both its function in vivo and specific DNA-binding in vitro.
Digital control for power supply of a transmitter with variable reference

RF power amplifiers can save much energy if they are supplied with a variable voltage as described in the state of the art. The design of the power supply of these amplifiers is challenging since many requirements have to be accomplished: very low output voltage ripple; wide output voltage variation at kHz frequencies; fast load current steps; etc. A typical solution is the use of a multiphase dc-dc converter based on the buck topology. In this paper, we propose the use of digital control for these power supplies. The main advantage is that current loops are removed. The design of this control circuit and main trade-offs are discussed. The results obtained from a 240 W prototype show the advantages and the limitations of this proposal.
Formation of the 3′ end on U snRNAs requires at least three sequence elements.

The structural requirements for 3′ end formation on the Xenopus laevis U1B snRNA gene have been studied. Three sequence elements are shown to be required. The first is a conserved sequence element found immediately 3′ of all vertebrate U snRNA genes studied so far. The second is a gene internal sequence potentially capable of forming a stem‐loop structure close to the 3′ end of the RNA. The third element lies upstream of these, and may be part of the gene promoter. Experiments designed to investigate the mechanism of 3′ end formation on primary U1B snRNA transcripts failed to find evidence for a processing event.
Trends in perinatal mortality and cerebral palsy in Western Australia, 1967 to 1985.

OBJECTIVE--To analyse the trends in stillbirths, neonatal deaths, and cerebral palsy in all infants born in Western Australia from 1967 to 1985. To relate these trends to changes in perinatal care, particularly in relation to avoidance of intrapartum asphyxia in term infants and the increased survival of low birthweight infants. DESIGN--Descriptive epidemiological study calculating population rates for perinatal deaths and cerebral palsy according to year of birth and birth weight. SETTING--Western Australia. SUBJECTS--All infants born after 20 weeks' gestation or weighing at least 400 g (live and stillborn). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES--Stillbirths, neonatal deaths (from perinatal death certificates), and cerebral palsy (from a population based register). RESULTS--Overall stillbirth rates fell from 12.1/1000 total births in 1967-70 to 8.1 in 1983-5. Early neonatal mortality fell from 13.0/1000 live births to 4.4 over the same period whereas total cerebral palsy rates remained at around 2-2.5/1000 live births. Death rates fell in all birth weight categories, particularly in low birthweight infants between 1975 and 1985, the period when birthweight data were available. In contrast, cerebral palsy rates in infants under 1500 g rose significantly over this period (from 12.1 in 1968 to 64.9 in 1985). The rise was seen in all spastic categories, including severely and multiply handicapped children. CONCLUSIONS--Large increases in the use of interventions aimed at reducing birth asphyxia and handicaps had not (by 1985) resulted in lower rates of cerebral palsy. This suggests that birth asphyxia is not a major cause. The increased survival of low birthweight infants has resulted in more cerebral palsy in this group, due either to postnatal complications of immaturity or prenatal damage to the fetal brain. These findings have implications for planning perinatal care and for litigation for putative obstetric malpractice in cerebral palsy cases.
On signal reconstruction algorithms and speedup opportunities

Compressive Sensing (CS) reduces sampling data at the cost of increased signal reconstruction time. This problem has been addressed by a different set of algorithmic approaches under various realistic assumptions. Graphical Processing Units (GPU), Multicore architectures, distributed cloud computing are among technologies used to speed up data intensive and compute intensive algorithms. In this study, state of the art sample reconstruction algorithms (SRA) have been presented and surveyed. Opportunities to speed up their performances using parallel & distributed computing platforms have been also investigated and summarized. Finally, the study concludes with a detailed list of project ideas for further developments of these algorithms.
Performance of a Mixed Effects Logistic Regression Model for Binary Outcomes With Unequal Cluster Size

ABSTRACT When a clustered randomized controlled trial is considered at a design stage of a clinical trial, it is useful to consider the consequences of unequal cluster size (i.e., sample size per cluster). Furthermore, the assumption of independence of observations within cluster does not hold, of course, because the subjects share the same cluster. Moreover, when the clustered outcomes are binary, a mixed effect logistic regression model is applicable. This article compares the performance of a maximum likelihood estimation of the mixed effects logistic regression model with equal and unequal cluster sizes. This was evaluated in terms of type I error rate, power, bias, and standard error through computer simulations that varied treatment effect, number of clusters, and intracluster correlation coefficients. The results show that the performance of the mixed effects logistic regression model is very similar, regardless of inequality in cluster size. This is illustrated using data from the Prevention Of Suicide in Primary care Elderly: Collaborative Trial (PROSPECT) study.
Microbial Desulfurization of Alkylated Dibenzothiophenes from a Hydrodesulfurized Middle Distillate by Rhodococcus erythropolis I-19

ABSTRACT Rhodococcus erythropolis I-19, containing multiple copies of key dsz genes, was used to desulfurize alkylated dibenzothiophenes (Cx-DBTs) found in a hydrodesulfurized middle-distillate petroleum (MD 1850). Initial desulfurization rates of dibenzothiophene (DBT) and MD 1850 by I-19 were 5.0 and 2.5 μmol g dry cell weight−1 min−1, more than 25-fold higher than that for wild-type bacteria. According to sulfur K-edge X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) analysis, thiophenic compounds accounted for >95% of the total sulfur found in MD 1850, predominantly Cx-DBTs and alkylated benzothiophenes. Extensive biodesulfurization resulted in a 67% reduction of total sulfur from 1,850 to 615 ppm S. XANES analysis of the 615-ppm material gave a sulfur distribution of 75% thiophenes, 11% sulfides, 2% sulfoxides, and 12% sulfones. I-19 preferentially desulfurized DBT and C1-DBTs, followed by the more highly alkylated Cx-DBTs. Shifting zero- to first-order (first-order) desulfurization rate kinetics were observed when MD 1850 was diluted with hexadecane. Apparent saturation rate constant (K0) and half-saturation rate constant (K1) values were calculated to be 2.8 μmol g dry cell weight−1 min−1 and 130 ppm, respectively. However, partial biocatalytic reduction of MD 1850 sulfur concentration followed by determination of initial rates with fresh biocatalyst led to a sigmoidal kinetic behavior. A competitive-substrate model suggested that the apparentK1 values for each group of Cx-DBTs increased with increasing alkylation. Overall desulfurization rate kinetics with I-19 were affected by the concentration and distribution of Cx-DBTs according to the number and/or lengths of alkyl groups attached to the basic ring structure.
Thermodynamic cycles executed in a looped-tube thermoacoustic engine.

A looped-tube thermoacoustic engine is composed of only a stack of plates, across which a steep temperature gradient is furnished. In spite of the absence of any mechanical parts like pistons and valves, the energy conversion from heat flow into acoustic power flow is performed in the stack. The thermoacoustically induced acoustic field was observed through the simultaneous measurements of pressure and velocity of the working gas, and the thermodynamic cycle executed in the stack was studied. The experimental results show that the acoustic field is tuned without any external forces so as to realize the efficient thermodynamic cycles as possible.
Pulse pressure is a predictor of vascular endothelial function in middle-aged subjects with no apparent heart disease

Elevated pulse pressure (PP) is increasingly being recognized as a cardiovascular risk factor. To investigate whether PP is associated with endothelial function in subjects with no apparent heart disease we prospectively assessed brachial flow-mediated dilation (FMD) in 525 consecutive subjects with no apparent heart disease [323 (61%) men, mean age 52 ± 11I years, mean body mass index (BMI) 26 ± 4 kg/m2]. Following an overnight fast and discontinuation of all medications for ≥ 12 hours, the FMD and endothelium-independent, nitroglycerin-mediated vasodilation (NTG) were assessed using high-resolution linear array ultrasound. Univariate linear analysis revealed a significant inverse association between FMD and PP (r = —0.65, p < 0.01), systolic blood pressure (r = —0.52, p < 0.01) and age (r = —0.21, p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that PP was the strongest independent predictor of FMD. We therefore divided the study population into two groups: group A (n = 290) ≤ the median PP, and group B (n = 235) > the median PP of 50 mmHg. Male sex, hypertension, diabetes, BMI, heart rate, and the use of aspirin, long-acting nitrates, calcium channel blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and beta blockers were significantly more common in Group B compared with Group A. FMD but not NTG was significantly greater in patients with PP ≤ the median PP, compared with > the median PP (14.9 ± 7.9% vs 10.8 ± 8.8%, p < 0.001 and 16.1 ± 9.6% vs 14.8 ± 8.4%, p = 0.38; respectively). Thus, PP is inversely associated with brachial FMD in middle-aged subjects with no apparent heart disease, suggesting a potential mechanism whereby elevated PP contributes to cardiovascular disease. Long-term follow-up is warranted to elucidate the incidence of coronary artery disease in both study groups.
Essays on Asset Pricing and the Macroeconomy with Limited Stock Market Participation

In the first essay, I examine the role of personal and corporate income taxation on asset prices in a general equilibrium model featuring limited stock market participation. Taxes are modeled to redistribute income from stockholders, who are relatively richer, to non-stockholders. Under heavier taxation of stockholders, the equity premium rises and the risk-free rate drops. This effect is driven by an increased concentration of consumption risk among stockholders, who then demand a higher premium for bearing the aggregate equity risk. In a version of the model with a realistically calibrated proportional corporate income tax as well as a progressive personal income tax schedule, I find that the redistributive properties of the income tax system are responsible for a one percentage point increase in the after-tax equity risk premium compared to an economy without taxes.
Study on Dynamic Voltage Conditioner with One-Cycle Control

One-cycle control is a nonlinear modulation and control technique presented in 1991. It has been widely used in various kinds of inverters and active power filters because it possesses the distinguishing feature of higher control precision, better dynamic follow performance and simpler control circuit. In this paper, one cycle control technique is applied to the control process of DVC. A new control scheme for DVC by using one- cycle control is proposed. First, based on the analysis of power circuit, the control principle is in detail introduced. And then, the corresponding one-cycle control model for the proposed DVC is built up. Finally, the control model for single-phase DVC is simulated using Matlab based on theoretical analysis and given the control model. Both theory analysis and simulation results show that the new control scheme for DVC are correct and effectual.
Mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation in kidneys of beta(s) sickle cell mice.

Previous studies in beta(s) sickle cell mice demonstrated renal immunostaining for nitrotyrosine, which is putative evidence of peroxynitrite (ONOO(-)) formation. ONOO(-) is known to nitrate tyrosine residues of various enzymes, thereby interfering with phosphorylation and inactivating them. The present study examined the state of phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase signal transduction enzymes, i.e., p38, c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK), and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). Western blot performed with antibodies directed against specific phosphorylated threonine/tyrosine residues of these enzymes demonstrated reduced phosphorylation of renal p38 and a trend toward reduced phosphorylation of ERK. In contrast, phosphorylation of renal JNK was markedly increased compared with normal mice. The abundance of MAP kinase phosphatase-1 (MKP-1), a key upstream enzyme that modulates phosphorylation of MAP kinases, was not different in beta(s) versus normal mice. To determine whether nitration of tyrosine by ONOO(-) was responsible for reduced phosphorylation of p38 and ERK, mercaptoethylguanidine (MEG), a compound known to reduce inducible isoform of nitric oxide synthase activity and to scavenge ONOO(-), was administered to beta(s) mice for 5 d. MEG was found to restore phosphorylation of p38 and ERK toward normal levels. These observations provide evidence that ONOO(-) (or closely related reaction products of NO) contributes to dephosphorylation of p38 and ERK, and presumably reduces activity of these enzymes. The increased phosphorylation of JNK, which suggests activation of this signaling pathway by extracellular stress signals, may play a role in apoptosis in the kidneys of these mice. The changes in phosphorylation of MAP kinase pathways found in this study could have important consequences for regulation of nuclear transcription factors, and thus renal function and pathology in sickle cell kidneys.
Axial-Flux Permanent Magnet Brushless Motor for Slim Vortex Pumps

Slim pump for cooling devices play an important role for cooling the electronics apparatus. This paper develops an axial-flux internal rotor type motor for the low-profile vortex pump. The integrated motor-pump structure is composed of an internal permanent magnet (PM) disc rotor and double-sided external coreless stators with windings piled up on the printed circuit board (PCB). The impeller is disposed on the periphery of the magnet and a fluid dynamic bearing (FDB) is set in the centre of the magnet to rotate relative to the centre shaft. A prototype of the axial-flux motor pump and drive circuit has been made and tested. Both simulated and experimental results show that the proposed motor would be an acceptable solution for the slim notebook (NB) applications.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration Approval: Crizotinib for Treatment of Advanced or Metastatic Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer That Is Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase Positive

On August 26, 2011, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved crizotinib (XALKORI Capsules, Pfizer Inc.) for treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that is anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) positive as detected by an FDA-approved test. The Vysis ALK Break-Apart FISH Probe Kit (Abbott Molecular, Inc.) was approved concurrently. In two multicenter, single-arm trials, patients with locally advanced or metastatic ALK-positive NSCLC previously treated with one or more systemic therapies received crizotinib orally at a dose of 250 mg twice daily. In 119 patients with ALK-positive NSCLC by local trial assay, the objective response rate (ORR) was 61% [95% confidence intervals (CI), 52%–70%] with a median response duration of 48 weeks. In 136 patients with ALK-positive NSCLC by the to-be-marketed test, the ORR was 50% (95% CI, 42%–59%) with a median response duration of 42 weeks. The most common adverse reactions (≥25%) were vision disorder, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, edema, and constipation. Accelerated approval was granted on the basis of the high ORRs and durable responses. On November 20, 2013, crizotinib received full approval based on an improvement in progression-free survival in patients with metastatic ALK-positive NSCLC previously treated with one platinum-based chemotherapy regimen. Clin Cancer Res; 20(8); 2029–34. ©2014 AACR.
Investigation of Preconditioning Techniques for the Iteratively Regularized Gauss--Newton Method for Exponentially Ill-Posed Problems

We examine preconditioning techniques for exponentially ill-posed problems which significantly reduce the total complexity of regularized Newton methods. The construction of the preconditioners exploits the close connection of the CG method, which is applied to solve the linear systems, and Lanczos' method, which is used to determine spectral data to construct and update spectral preconditioners. In examples from acoustic and electromagnetic scattering problems we show the superiority of our preconditioned Newton methods when compared with other kinds of Newton methods.
Vacuum-deposited, nonpolymeric flexible organic light-emitting devices.

We demonstrate mechanically flexible, organic light-emitting devices (OLED's) based on the nonpolymetric thin-film materials tris-(8-hydroxyquinoline) aluminum (Alq(3)) and N, N(? ) -diphenyl- N, N(? ) -bis(3-methylphenyl)1- 1(? ) biphenyl-4, 4(? ) diamine (TPD). The single heterostructure is vacuum deposited upon a transparent, lightweight, thin plastic substrate precoated with a transparent, conducting indium tin oxide thin film. The flexible OLED performance is comparable with that of conventional OLED's deposited upon glass substrates and does not deteriorate after repeated bending. The large-area (~1 - cm>(2)) devices can be bent without failure even after a permanent fold occurs if they are on the convex substrate surface or over a bend radius of ~0.5>cm if they are on the concave surface. Such devices are useful for ultralightweight, flexible, and comfortable full-color flat panel displays.