Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Unitraveling-Carrier Photodiodes for Terahertz Applications

Device design for unitraveling-carrier photodiodes (UTC-PDs) and their derivative structures is reconsidered from the point of view of terahertz (THz) applications. A key design procedure for maximizing their bandwidth is optimization by incorporating hybrid absorbers. The effect of quasi-field in p-type absorber is carefully examined. It has been shown that the initial velocity transient must be taken into account to evaluate the effective average velocity. Photomixers integrating a hybrid-absorber UTC-PD and a bow-tie antenna were fabricated and characterized. THz-wave generation by the photomixers in a frequency range of up to around 2.5 THz was confirmed. The observed THz-wave output exhibits significant changes with bias voltage, where the decrease in the output with increasing negative bias voltage is more pronounced at higher frequencies. This output behavior is due to the change in electron velocity in the diode depletion layer associated with the overshoot effect. From the dependence of the output power on frequency, effective electron velocity is found to be as high as $6 \times 10^{7}$ cm/s at optimum bias voltage of -0.4 V.
The Value of Information in Some Variations of the Stopping Problem

In stopping problems, the decision maker receives a sequence of candidates and decides whether to select the current candidate and thereby stop the search or whether to continue surveying. Some examples include searching for an apartment, selecting an employee for a job, or choosing a new product or service from a sequence of vendors. Most of the literature on stopping problems assumes that the decision maker can perfectly evaluate the candidate when surveyed. We consider practical variations where surveying a candidate may provide no further information or imperfect information about its value. We show how the stopping problem can be considered an extension of the two-action (go/no-go) problem and present threshold optimal policies for the general problem. For the case where surveying candidates provides no further information and the uncertain values of candidates are normally distributed, we present analytical results that highlight how the value of information is affected by the parameters. With the help of an illustrative example, we demonstrate how a model that ignores sequential decisions could potentially severely underestimate the value of information. We also present a data-driven application of our results by studying the value of reports to a potential used car buyer.
A novel DNA methylation score accurately predicts death from prostate cancer in men with low to intermediate clinical risk factors

Clinically aggressive disease behavior is difficult to predict in men with low to intermediate clinical risk prostate cancer and methylation biomarkers may be a valuable adjunct for assessing the management of these patients. We set to evaluate the utility of DNA methylation to identify high risk disease in men currently considered as low or intermediate risk. DNA was extracted from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded transurethral prostate resection tissues collected during the years 1990−96 in a watchful-waiting cohort of men in the UK. The primary end point was death of prostate cancer, assessed by reviewing cancer registry records from 2009. Methylation was quantified by pyrosequencing assays for six genes (HSPB1, CCND2, TIG1, DPYS, PITX2, and MAL) with established biomarker value in prostate cancer. A novel prognostic methylation score was developed by multivariate Cox modelling using the six methylation biomarkers in 385 men with low-and-intermediate clinical risk variables and its prognostic value compared to two previously defined clinically-derived risk scores. Methylation score was the most significant variable in univariate and bivariate analysis in men with low-to-intermediate CAPRA risk score. When combined with CAPRA score the hazard ratio was 2.02; 95% confidence interval, 1.40−2.92. For a methylation score sensitivity of 83% the specificity was 44%, while the maximum achieved sensitivity by CAPRA was 68% at a specificity of 44%. The derived methylation score is a strong predictor of aggressive prostate cancer that could have an important role in directing the management of patients with low-to-intermediate risk disease. The estimated areas under the curve (AUC) at 10 years of follow-up were 0.62 (95% CI: 0.51, 0.70) and 0.74 (95% CI: 0.65, 0.82) for CAPRA, and combined (CAPRA + methylation) risk score (CRS) respectively.
Automatic Segmentation and Labeling of Speech Corpus Based on HMM with Adaptation

In this article we advise to adopt the adaptive technique of acoustic model in the automatic segmentation and labeling of speech corpus. Since the precision of the data segmentation only based on speaker independent model is not good enough, we should transform the speaker independent model into the speaker dependent one. The training method leading to speaker dependent model needs a large amount of training data and will cost a lot of time, while the adaptive method can modify model parameters to match current speaker in a short time with a few training data and get comparatively precise segmentation results. And at the same time, in order to make the segmentation results more precise, we also combine the boundary adjustment based on the features of acoustics and phonetics and adopt an iterative procedure.
Optimal LMP Decomposition for the ACOPF Calculation

The objective of this work is to design a suitable rule for the energy reference selection in the AC optimal power flow (ACOPF)-based locational marginal price (LMP) calculation. In the case of the ACOPF model, the congestion component of the LMP vector exhibits strong dependence on the energy reference. This in turn makes the hourly values of financial transmission rights (FTRs) to be reference dependent, and, thus, is a source of dispute. In order to resolve this dispute, a direct optimization framework is developed in this work exploring the interrelationship between the congestion components of locational marginal prices at individual buses. The objective function and the constraints of this optimization model are carefully designed looking at the true motive of the LMP decomposition. At the same time, necessary attention is paid so as to ensure revenue adequacy in the FTR settlement. The optimization problem that is ultimately to be solved is a simple quadratic programming problem with only one variable and two constraints. The effectiveness of the proposed methodology is verified through a case study on a modified IEEE 30-bus system. The framework developed also unveils several interesting features of the LMP components that were under cover until now.
A Bandpass Graphene Frequency Selective Surface With Tunable Polarization Rotation for THz Applications

In order to achieve tunable polarization rotation of the transmitted wave and controllable bandpass response simultaneously, a new graphene frequency selective surface (GFSS) is proposed for terahertz applications. The GFSS is built up by sandwiching a high-resistivity Si-substrate with a graphene patch array and a graphene sheet, both of which are electromagnetically biased. The configuration is analyzed by using an equivalent tensorial surface conductivity and transmission matrices of graphene structures, which is validated by full-wave simulations. The transmission coefficient, axial ratio, and polarization rotation angle of the bandpass GFSS are captured. An observable polarization rotation angle is obtained with a relatively large transmittance, which is superior to the graphene sheet and bandstop patch-type structures. The passband frequency is found to be not sensitive to the incident angle for either TE- or TM-polarized incidence, while it can be shifted from 1.6 to 2.2 THz with the polarization rotation angle varying from 24° to 16° by changing the chemical potential from 0.6 to 1 eV. When the applied magnetic field is set up to 3 T, the maximum rotation angle of polarization reaches up to 30° for TM incidence and 45° for TE incidence while the passband remains around 2 THz.
Similarities and Differences Between Flow Boiling in Microchannels and Pool Boiling

Recent literature indicates that under certain conditions the heat transfer coefficient during flow boiling in microchannels is quite similar to that under pool boiling conditions. This is rather unexpected, as microchannels are believed to provide significant heat transfer enhancement under single-phase as well as flow boiling conditions. This article explores the underlying heat transfer mechanisms and illustrates the similarities and differences between the two processes. Formation of elongated bubbles and their passage over the microchannel walls have similarities to the bubble ebullition cycle in pool boiling. During the passage of elongated bubbles, the longer duration between two successive liquid slugs leads to wall dryout and a critical heat flux that may be lower than that under pool boiling conditions. A clear understanding of these phenomena will help in overcoming these limiting factors and in developing strategies for enhancing heat transfer during flow boiling in microchannels.
Differential effects of maternal betamethasone and cortisol on lung maturation and growth in fetal sheep.

OBJECTIVES We asked whether maternal or fetal cortisol treatments induced fetal lung maturation and growth restriction compared with betamethasone and whether medroxyprogesterone (MPA) influenced lung maturation. STUDY DESIGN Pregnant sheep were randomized to receive MPA or saline solution at 100 days of gestation. At 117 days of pregnancy, ewes were randomized to receive maternal or fetal treatments with 0.5 mg/kg betamethasone, four injections of hydrocortisone given over 4.5 hours or saline solution. Body weight and lung maturation were evaluated at 125 days. RESULTS Maternal betamethasone decreased in birth weight by 16% and induced lung maturation. Fetal cortisol or betamethasone induced only lung maturation. Maternal cortisol caused neither growth restriction nor lung maturation. MPA did not alter lung function in control lambs or in betamethasone-treated preterm lambs. CONCLUSIONS Maternal cortisol treatments had no apparent effects on the fetus, suggesting that growth restriction caused by betamethasone may result from unidentified effects on the maternal-placental unit.
Multiple model concepts in navigational applications

In this work we study multi model approaches for the purpose of online EKF tuning in strapdown navigation applications. Based on the weaknesses of a single navigation filter (with fixed parameters) not being able to comply with multiple noise conditions, we suggest a parallel application of multiple filters. Each filter corresponds to a hypothesis of the system noise matrix. The likelihood of each model is determinable using the normalized innovation squared (NIS) in presence of position observations (e.g. via GPS). In detail, we examine two methods commonly applied in target tracking algorithms: the interactive multiple model (IMM) and the autonomous multiple model (AMM) approach. An analysis of the two architectures is presented outlining pros and cons. Finally, results of the filter bank approach are compared to a conventional navigation filter based on synthetic and experimental data.
Incorporation of Municipal Biosolids Affects Organic Nitrogen Mineralization and Elephantgrass Biomass Production

Municipal biosolids (MBS) represents an alternative source of nutrients for the production of bioenergy crops like elephantgrass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.). Two experiments were conducted during 2 yr in Florida to evaluate the effect of soil incorporation vs. surface application of MBS on: (i) elephantgrass dry matter (DM) yield, tissue N and P concentration and removal, and soil C and P (Exp. 1); and (ii) organic N mineralization and DM decomposition rates of MBS measured in the field using a litter bag incubation technique (Exp. 2). In Exp. 1, three treatments supplied 350 kg total N ha -1 yr -1 from surface-applied municipal biosolids (MBS-SA), soil-incorporated municipal biosolids (MBS-INC), and surface-applied ammonium nitrate (NH 4 NO 3 ). A fourth treatment provided 700 kg total N ha -1 yr -1 from MBS-SA (double rate of municipal biosolids, 2x-MBS). In Exp. 2, MBS was field incubated in litter bags placed on the soil surface or at a 5-cm soil depth. Elephantgrass DM yield, and N and P removal were greater for MBS-INC than MBS-SA. Dry matter yield for MBS-INC was not different than for NH 4 NO 3 fertilizer (22.5 vs. 24.3 Mg ha -1 ). Removal of N and P increased 39 and 10 kg ha -1 yr -1 , respectively, for MBS-INC and MBS-SA. Total organic N mineralized was greater for MBS-INC (386 g kg -1 ) than MBS-SA (308 g kg -1 ). Incorporation of MBS increases elephantgrass DM yield and nutrient removal compared to surface application and allows MBS to replace a greater proportion of inorganic N fertilizer.
Inhibition of PI3Kδ Reduces Kidney Infiltration by Macrophages and Ameliorates Systemic Lupus in the Mouse

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a human chronic inflammatory disease generated and maintained throughout life by autoreactive T and B cells. Class I phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3K) are heterodimers composed of a regulatory and a catalytic subunit that catalyze phosphoinositide-3,4,5-P3 formation and regulate cell survival, migration, and division. Activity of the PI3Kδ isoform is enhanced in human SLE patient PBLs. In this study, we analyzed the effect of inhibiting PI3Kδ in MRL/lpr mice, a model of human SLE. We found that PI3Kδ inhibition ameliorated lupus progression. Treatment of these mice with a PI3Kδ inhibitor reduced the excessive numbers of CD4+ effector/memory cells and B cells. In addition, this treatment reduced serum TNF-α levels and the number of macrophages infiltrating the kidney. Expression of inactive PI3Kδ, but not deletion of the other hematopoietic isoform PI3Kγ, reduced the ability of macrophages to cross the basement membrane, a process required to infiltrate the kidney, explaining MRL/lpr mice improvement by pharmacologic inhibition of PI3Kδ. The observations that p110δ inhibitor prolonged mouse life span, reduced disease symptoms, and showed no obvious secondary effects indicates that PI3Kδ is a promising target for SLE.
A modification to the Valsalva manoeuvre improves its effectiveness in treating supraventricular tachycardia

Commentary on : Appelboam A, Reuben A, Mann C, et al. Postural modification to the standard Valsalva manoeuvre for emergency treatment of supraventricular tachycardias (REVERT): a randomised controlled trial. Lancet 2015;386:1747–1753. [OpenUrl][1][CrossRef][2][PubMed][3] One of the many applications of the VM is its use for arresting episodes of SVT based on the relatively sudden reduction of heart rate in response to the increased venous return … [1]: {openurl}? query=rft.jtitle%253DLancet%26rft.volume%253D386%26rft.spage%253D1747%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.1016%252FS0140-6736%252815%252961485-4%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F26314489%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [2]: /lookup/external-ref? access_num=10.1016/S0140-6736(15)61485-4&link_type=DOI [3]: /lookup/external-ref? access_num=26314489&link_type=MED&atom=%2Febnurs%2F19%2F3%2F77.atom
Marginal zone cells--the primitive streak-inducing component of the primary hypoblast in the chick.

(1) Removal of both the area opaca and the marginal zone of the area pellucida from a blastoderm stripped of its hypoblast (type-IV operation) prevents the regeneration of a normally functioning primary hypoblast. (2) Stage-XIII E.G. & K blastoderms (prior to the appearance of PS) after a type-IV operation do not form a primitive streak. (3) In order type-IV operated blastoderms in which the primitive streak has already begun to appear, the regeneration of a non-functional hypoblast did not support the normal maturation of the primitive streak, and in many cases the already existing rudimentary streak was absorbed. (4) Type-IV operated blastoderms from stage 3+ H + H and on developed normally. (5) It is concluded that the cellular contribution of the marginal zone to the primary hypoblast is instrumental in the latter's capacity to induce a PS.
Dynamic scaling of growing interfaces.

A model is proposed for the evolution of the profile of a growing interface. The deterministic growth is solved exactly, and exhibits nontrivial relaxation patterns. The stochastic version is studied by dynamic renormalization-group techniques and by mappings to Burgers's equation and to a random directed-polymer problem. The exact dynamic scaling form obtained for a one-dimensional interface is in excellent agreement with previous numerical simulations. Predictions are made for more dimensions.
Positive affect and pain: mediators of the within-day relation linking sleep quality to activity interference in fibromyalgia

Abstract Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic pain condition often resulting in functional impairments. Nonrestorative sleep is a prominent symptom of FM that is related to disability, but the day-to-day mechanisms relating the prior night's sleep quality to next-day reports of disability have not been examined. This study examined the within-day relations among early-morning reports of sleep quality last night, late-morning reports of pain and positive and negative affect, and end-of-day reports of activity interference. Specifically, we tested whether pain, positive affect, and negative affect mediated the association between sleep quality and subsequent activity interference. Data were drawn from electronic diary reports collected from 220 patients with FM for 21 consecutive days. The direct and mediated effects at the within-person level were estimated with multilevel structural equation modeling. Results showed that pain and positive affect mediated the relation between sleep quality and activity interference. Early-morning reports of poor sleep quality last night predicted elevated levels of pain and lower levels of positive affect at late-morning, which, in turn, predicted elevated end-of-day activity interference. Of note, positive affect was a stronger mediator than pain and negative affect was not a significant mediator. In summary, the findings identify 2 parallel mechanisms, pain and positive affect, through which the prior night's sleep quality predicts disability the next day in patients with FM. Furthermore, results highlight the potential utility of boosting positive affect after a poor night's sleep as one means of preserving daily function in FM.
Title Page Effects of Aging on Vocal Fundamental Frequency and Vowel Formants in Men and Women

Purpose: This study reports data on vocal fundamental frequency (fo) and the first four formant frequencies (F1, F2, F3, F4) for four vowels produced by speakers in 3 adult-age cohorts, in a test of the null hypothesis that there are no age-related changes in these variables. Participants were 43 men and 53 women between the ages of twenty to ninety-two years. Results: The most consistent age-related effect was a decrease in fo for women. Significant differences in F1, F2, and F3 were vowel-specific for both sexes. No significant differences were observed for the highest formant F4. Conclusions: Women experience a significant decrease in fo, which is likely related to menopause. Formant frequencies of the corner vowels change little across several decades of adult life, either because
Candidal carriage in the oral cavity of human immunodeficiency virus-infected subjects.

OBJECTIVES We sought to assess asymptomatic oral carriage of Candida species and relative density in human immunodeficiency virus-infected (HIV+) subjects, as well as to determine whether yeast carriage is associated with CD4+ cell count, HIV-1 RNA quantity, gender, route of HIV transmission, antiretroviral therapy, or smoking. STUDY DESIGN A cross-sectional analysis of oral rinses from HIV+ and healthy subjects was undertaken. Oral candidal carriage and relative species were investigated in 42 HIV+ and 41 healthy individuals, all of whom were seen at the Palermo University Department of Oral Sciences, Italy. Data were managed and analyzed by means of the computer software package StatView 5.0. 1. RESULTS Carriage rate was 61.9% and 29.3% (P =.003) among HIV+ and healthy subjects, respectively. Similarly, density carriage in the HIV+ group was found to be significantly higher than in the control group (P = .0002). Among HIV+ subjects, Candida carriage was significantly associated with smoking, whereas density was not. Oral candidal carriage and relative density were not significantly associated with the other 4 parameters evaluated. Candida albicans was the most frequently recovered species. CONCLUSIONS Asymptomatic candidal carriage and relative density were found to be significantly higher in the oral cavity of HIV+ subjects-but not associated with CD4+ counts or HIV-1 RNA quantities.
Phenotypic and Functional Analysis of LCMV gp 33-41-Specific CD 8 T Cells Elicited by Multiple Peptide Immunization in Mice Revealed the Up-regulation of PD-1 Expression on Antigen-Specific CD 8 T Cells

The phenotype and function of antigen-specific CD8 T cells are closely associated with the efficacy of a therapeutic vaccination. Here we showed that multiple immunizations with LCMV gp33-41 peptide (KAV) in Freund’s adjuvant could induce KAV-specific CD8 T cells with low expression of CD127 and CD62L molecules. The inhibitory receptor PD-1 was also expressed on a substantial part of KAV-specific CD8 T cells, and its expression level on KAV-specific CD8 T cells in spleen and lymph nodes was much higher when compared to those in peripheral blood. Furthermore, KAV-specific CD8 T cells could specifically kill KAV-pulsed target cells in vivo but the efficiency was low. These data suggest that prime-boost vaccination schedule with peptide in Freund’s adjuvant can elicit antigen-specific CD8 T cells of effector-like phenotype with partial functional exhaustion, which may only provide short-term protection against the pathogen. Cellular & Molecular Immunology. 2007;4(6):431-437.