Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Lightwave S-Parameter Measurement Techniques

The state-of-the-art in lightwave network analysis is reviewed. Existing commercial instruments use simple architectures which limit the type of calibrations that are available for lightwave S-parameter measurements. However, recent research at The University of Leeds has demonstrated the feasibility of using reversible test sets and modular approaches, which offer the option of full two-port self calibration routines for the first time. Experimental results for the error-corrected S-parameter measurement of optical, optoelectronic and electro-optic two-ports are presented.
A sticky stick? The locus of morphological representation in the lexicon

It is demonstrated that the meaning given to an ambiguous word (e.g., stick) can be biased by the masked presentation of a polymorphemic word derived from that meaning (e.g., sticky). No bias in interpretation is observed when the masked prime is a word that is semantically related to the target with no morphological relationship (e.g., glue), though such a semantically based bias is revealed when the prime is unmasked. Because the masked priming results cannot be explained in terms of facilitation of processing at either the form level or the semantic level, it is concluded that an intermediate level provides the locus of the effect, referred to here as the ‘lemma’ level. Thus, any model of lexical processing needs to incorporate such an intermediate level to capture the relationship between stem morphemes and their derived forms.
Study on Relationships among Compensation Model, Psychological Contract Fit and Organizational Effectiveness

Using data of 128 employers and 526 employees from 20 companies, the paper studies the relationships among compensation model, psychological contract fit and organizational effectiveness, based on the review of the past research about compensation and psychological contract. Results show that the obligation fit between the employer and the employees in the employees' psychological contract affect the relationship between compensation model and organizational effectiveness significantly. Furthermore, compensation model moderate the psychological contract fit between the employer and the employees and intention to turnover significantly. At last, the paper discussed the implications of the study and the directions for future research.
Differential effects of GH and GH-releasing peptide-6 on astrocytes.

GH and GH secretagogues (GHSs) are involved in many cellular activities such as stimulation of mitosis, proliferation and differentiation. As astrocytes are involved in developmental and protective functions, our aim was to analyse the effects of GH and GH-releasing hexapeptide on astrocyte proliferation and differentiation in the hypothalamus and hippocampus. Treatment of adult male Wistar rats with GH (i.v., 100 μg/day) for 1 week increased the levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and decreased the levels of vimentin in the hypothalamus and hippocampus. These changes were not accompanied by increased proliferation. By contrast, GH-releasing hexapeptide (i.v., 150 μg/day) did not affect GFAP levels but increased proliferation in the areas studied. To further study the intracellular mechanisms involved in these effects, we treated C6 astrocytoma cells with GH or GH-releasing hexapeptide and the phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor, LY294002, and observed that the presence of this inhibitor reverted the increase in GFAP levels induced by GH and the proliferation induced by GH-releasing hexapeptide. We conclude that although GH-releasing hexapeptide is a GHS, it may exert GH-independent effects centrally on astrocytes when administered i.v. , although the effects of both substances appear to be mediated by the PI3K/Akt pathway.
A review on green silver nanoparticles based on plants: synthesis, potential applications and eco-friendly approach.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are extensively used in various industries due to their unique physico-chemical and antimicrobial properties. Many natural biomolecules in plants (inactivated plant tissue, plant extracts and living plant) such as proteins/enzymes, amino acids, polysaccharides, alkaloids, alcoholic compounds, and vitamins could be involved in bioreduction, formation and stabilization of AgNPs. In this review, the role of plant based biomolecules in the synthesis of AgNPs along with their characteristics, antimicrobial activities and applications are investigated.
Images of turbulence in a tokamak plasma

Two-dimensional measurements of density fluctuations in the DIII-D tokamak, obtained with the Beam Emission Spectroscopy diagnostic, have allowed for construction of images and movies of plasma turbulence which are greatly aiding an understanding of tokamak turbulence phenomena. The measurements are obtained in the radial and poloidal plane at a spatial resolution of near 1 cm (about five ion gyroradii). Assembly of synchronized discrete measurements provides a low spatial resolution, high sensitivity, high throughput, high time resolution (/spl Delta/t=1 /spl mu/s) imaging system. These measurements have shed light on such processes as flow shear, turbulent eddy interaction and shearing, and provide direct visualization of long wavelength turbulence in a hot plasma.
Evaluation of Symptomatic Carotid Plaques by Tissue Characterization Using Integrated Backscatter Ultrasound and Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Background: Unstable carotid plaques that consist of large lipid pool and intraplaque hemorrhage are more likely to cause cerebral infarction. We previously developed an integrated backscatter (IBS) ultrasound color-coded mapping method to evaluate the tissue characteristics of plaques. The purpose of this study was to determine whether 3-dimensional IBS color-coded mapping and signal intensity ratio (SIR) from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could distinguish the early symptomatic plaques from late symptomatic plaques. Methods: We performed quantitative tissue characterization of carotid plaques measuring IBS values and the SIR from T1-weighted MRI images in 95 carotid plaques (>50% stenosis) in 95 patients (45 symptomatic, 50 asymptomatic). Results: The percent unstable component volume (UCV) that consisted of lipid pool and intraplaque hemorrhage and the SIR of symptomatic carotid plaques were higher than those of asymptomatic plaques (57.8 ± 25.1 vs. 46.8 ± 25.1%, p = 0.036; 1.31 ± 0.25 vs. 1.21 ± 0.26, p = 0.047). In patients that were imaged within 3 days of symptom onset, the %UCV and SIR were significantly higher than the values in patients that were imaged 30–180 days after symptom onset (73.1 ± 18.4 vs. 38.7 ± 18.4%, p < 0.001; 1.38 ± 0.22 vs. 1.22 ± 0.26, p = 0.031). From the analysis of receiver operating characteristic curves, a %UCV of 50% (measured by IBS) and an SIR of 1.25 (measured by MRI) were the most optimal cutoff values for identifying early symptomatic plaques. Conclusions: Noninvasive quantitative tissue characterization of atherosclerotic lesions in carotid arteries using IBS ultrasound and MRI is useful to distinguish early symptomatic plaques from late symptomatic plaques.
The role of damping in ultrasonic friction reduction

We observed the dynamic interaction between a fingertip and an ultrasonically vibrating plate using Laser Doppler Vibrometry in order to investigate the causes of ultrasonic friction reduction. Observations were made both for a human finger and for artificial fingertips constructed to exhibit different amounts of damping. The data suggest that fingertip dynamics play an important role in friction reduction. In particular, the fingertips were all found to exhibit forced oscillations in response to the plate motion, but with different relative phases. Fingertips with lower damping oscillated more in-phase with the plate, while fingertips with higher damping oscillated more out-of-phase with the plate, and also exhibited greater friction reduction. These results are reflected in a model.
Glucose represses PPARαgene expression via AMP‐activated protein kinase but not via p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase in the pancreatic β‐cell

Background: Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor α (PPARα) regulates the expression of fatty acid metabolism genes and is thought to play a role in the regulation of insulin secretion and lipid detoxification. We have examined the mechanism whereby glucose decreases PPARα gene expression in the pancreatic β‐cell.
In Vitro Susceptibilities of Mycoplasma hominis to Six Fluoroquinolones as Determined by E Test

ABSTRACT Twenty isolates of Mycoplasma hominis were tested for their susceptibility to six fluoroquinolones by the E test. The MICs at which 90% of the isolates were inhibited (in micrograms per milliliter) were as follows: sparfloxacin, 0.031; clinafloxacin, moxifloxacin, and trovafloxacin, 0.063; levofloxacin, 0.25; and ciprofloxacin, 0.5. Increasing the amount of inoculum or incubation in CO2 elevated MICs by ≤1 dilution. E tests produce fluoroquinolone MICs comparable to those obtained by agar and microbroth dilution for M. hominis.
Examining the Role of Business Analytics in Healthcare Value Chain

This research explores how healthcare organizations are leveraging business analytics (BA) capabilities and techniques to improve quality of care and reduce cost. Given the increased interest and investment in BA, it is important to have a good understanding of what analytics capabilities healthcare organizations use to enhance value. Using Burns et al. (2002) healthcare value chain framework as a basis, we will identify the various analytics techniques/capabilities and subsequently classify them into three generally accepted classification of analytics: descriptive, predictive and prescriptive. Based on extensive search of the literature, complimented by a follow-up case study of a large regional hospital, analytics applications will be mapped onto the value chain framework in the contest of healthcare. The study will contribute to practice and academia by clearly illustrating how healthcare organizations currently utilizes or should be using analytic capabilities and techniques in order to enable them close the quality gaps.
enetic diversity of symbiotic Bradyrhizobium elkanii populations recovered from noculated and non-inoculated Acacia mangium field trials in Brazil

Acacia mangium is a legume tree native to Australasia. Since the eighties, it has been introduced into many tropical countries, especially in a context of industrial plantations. Many field trials have been set up to test the effects of controlled inoculation with selected symbiotic bacteria versus natural colonization with indigenous strains. In the introduction areas, A. mangium trees spontaneously nodulate with local and often ineffective bacteria. When inoculated, the persistence of inoculants and possible genetic recombination with local strains remain to be explored. The aim of this study was to describe the genetic diversity of bacteria spontaneously nodulating A. mangium in Brazil and to evaluate the persistence of selected strains used as inoculants. Three different sites, several hundred kilometers apart, were studied, with inoculated and non-inoculated plots in two of them. Seventy-nine strains were isolated from nodules and sequenced on three housekeeping genes (glnII, dnaK and recA) and one symbiotic gene (nodA). All but one of the strains belonged to the Bradyrhizobium elkanii species. A single case of housekeeping gene transfer was detected among the 79 strains, suggesting an extremely low rate of recombination within B. elkanii, whereas the nodulation gene nodA was found to be frequently transferred. The fate of the inoculant strains varied depending on the site, with a complete disappearance in one case, and persistence in another. We compared our results with the sister species Bradyrhizobium japonicum, both in terms of population genetics and inoculant strain destiny. © 2011 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.
A 2-cycle algorithm for source coding with a fidelity criterion

Since the birth of rate-distortion theory with the landmark paper of Shannon, research has centered on the extension of his theory to new situations and on the calculation of rate-distortion functions. Comparatively little has been done toward developing efficient algorithms for encoding information sources at rates near Shannon's rate-distortion limit. This paper reports one such algorithm, the 2-cycle algorithm, used with randomly chosen tree codes. In analyzing the 2-cycle algorithm, we present the first theoretical analysis of a realizable algorithm for tree coding of sources with a fidelity criterion. The algorithm may prove to be the first practical method of coding whose design actually derives from rate-distortion theory. Analysis proceeds by bounding methods related to difference equations and branching processes. Upper bounds on average distortion and encoding work are obtained and the latter are shown bounded as long as the coding rate exceeds Shannon's rate-distortion function. Of particular interest is the stack-searched branching process bound of Section IV. The two cycles of the algorithm are described fully in terms of expectations and probabilities, and recursions are listed to compute these quantities. Concluding the paper is numerical analysis, by theory and by simulation, with respect to the binary i.i. d, source and Hamming distortion measure. These numerical results are sufficient to optimize the algorithm over its free parameters.
An ontology of scientific experiments

The formal description of experiments for efficient analysis, annotation and sharing of results is a fundamental part of the practice of science. Ontologies are required to achieve this objective. A few subject-specific ontologies of experiments currently exist. However, despite the unity of scientific experimentation, no general ontology of experiments exists. We propose the ontology EXPO to meet this need. EXPO links the SUMO (the Suggested Upper Merged Ontology) with subject-specific ontologies of experiments by formalizing the generic concepts of experimental design, methodology and results representation. EXPO is expressed in the W3C standard ontology language OWL-DL. We demonstrate the utility of EXPO and its ability to describe different experimental domains, by applying it to two experiments: one in high-energy physics and the other in phylogenetics. The use of EXPO made the goals and structure of these experiments more explicit, revealed ambiguities, and highlighted an unexpected similarity. We conclude that, EXPO is of general value in describing experiments and a step towards the formalization of science.
Selective Life‐Long Skeletal Myofiber—Targeted VEGF Gene Ablation Impairs Exercise Capacity in Adult Mice

Exercise is dependent on adequate oxygen supply for mitochondrial respiration in both cardiac and locomotor muscle. To determine whether skeletal myofiber VEGF is critical for regulating exercise capacity, independent of VEGF function in the heart, ablation of the VEGF gene was targeted to skeletal myofibers (skmVEGF−/−) during embryogenesis (∼ E9.5), leaving intact VEGF expression by all other cells in muscle. In adult mice, VEGF levels were decreased in the soleus (by 65%), plantaris (94%), gastrocnemius (74%), EDL (99%) and diaphragm (64%) (P < 0.0001, each muscle). VEGF levels were unchanged in the heart. Treadmill speed (WT 86 ± 4 cm/sec, skmVEGF−/− 70 ± 5 cm/sec, P = 0.006) and endurance (WT 78 ± 24 min, skmVEGF−/− 18 ± 4 min, P = 0.0004) were severely limited in skmVEGF−/− mice in contrast to minor effect of conditional skmVEGF gene deletion in the adult. Body weight was also reduced (WT 22.8 ± 1.6 g, skmVEGF−/−, 21.1 ± 1.5, P = 0.02), but the muscle mass/body weight ratio was unchanged. The capillary/fiber ratio was lower in skmVEGF−/− plantaris (WT 1.51 ± 0.12, skmVEGF−/− 1.16 ± 0.20, P = 0.01), gastrocnemius (WT 1.61 ± 0.08, skmVEGF−/− 1.39 ± 0.08, P = 0.01), EDL (WT 1.36 ± 0.07, skmVEGF−/− 1.14 ± 0.13, P = 0.03) and diaphragm (WT 1.39 ± 0.18, skmVEGF−/− 0.79 ± 0.16, P = 0.0001) but, not in soleus. Cardiac function (heart rate, maximal pressure, maximal dP/dt, minimal dP/dt,) in response to dobutamine was not impaired in anesthetized skmVEGF−/− mice. Isolated soleus and EDL fatigue times were 16% and 20% (P < 0.02) longer, respectively, in skmVEGF−/− mice than the WT group. These data suggest that skeletal myofiber VEGF expressed during development is necessary to establish capillary networks that allow maximal exercise capacity. J. Cell. Physiol. 231: 505–511, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Differential effects of neurotrophins on ocular dominance plasticity in developing and adult cat visual cortex

In the present study we examine the influence of neurotrophins on experience‐dependent synaptic rearrangement in developing and adult visual cortex. Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) or nerve growth factor (NGF) was continuously infused into cortical area 18, and the functional architecture of the cortex was examined by use of optical and electrophysiological recording techniques. In kittens, BDNF infusion during monocular deprivation (MD) reversed the normally occurring ocular dominance (OD) shift towards the non‐deprived eye so that the deprived eye dominated the BDNF‐treated cortex after MD. Under conditions of equal activation of thalamocortical synapses, i.e. when animals were either subject to binocular deprivation (BD) or reared without deprivation, BDNF infusion did not disrupt binocularity of cortical units, but reversed the natural OD bias towards the contralateral eye in favour of the ipsilateral eye. In addition, BDNF treatment in kittens led to a loss of the orientation selectivity of cortical units irrespective of rearing conditions. In adult animals, BDNF influenced neither OD distributions nor orientation selectivity. The effect of NGF was markedly different. It was ineffective in kittens but in adult animals it caused a shift of OD towards the deprived eye when MD was combined with NGF infusion. However, in this case orientation selectivity was preserved. Thus, both neurotrophins have profound activity‐ and age‐dependent effects on the functional architecture of the visual cortex. Moreover, our results indicate that simple substitution of neurotrophins in excess is unlikely to compensate for deprivation effects by preserving or restoring the normal functional architecture of the cortex.
Peculiarities of the free radical processes in rat liver mitochondria under toxic hepatitis on the background of alimentary protein deficiency.

The rate of superoxide anion radical, hydroxyl radical and hydrogen peroxide generation, the level of oxidative modification of mitochondrial proteins in the liver of rats with toxic hepatitis was investigated on the background of alimentary protein deficiency. We did not find significant increases of the intensity of free radical processes in liver mitochondria of rats maintained on the protein-deficient ration. The most significant intensification of free radical processes in liver mitochondria is observed under the conditions of toxic hepatitis, induced on the background of alimentary protein deprivation. Under these conditions the aggravation of all studied forms of reactive oxygen species generation was observed in liver mitochondria. The generation rates were increased as follows: O2 – by 1.7 times, Н2О2 – by 1.5 times, •ОН – practically double on the background of accumulation of oxidized mitochondria-derived proteins. The established changes in thiol groups’ redox status of respiratory chain proteins insoluble in 0.05 M sodium-phosphate buffer (pH 11.5), and changes of their carbonyl derivatives content may be considered as one of the regulatory factors of mitochondrial energy-generating function.
Spatiotemporally Non-Uniform Ca2+ Dynamics of Cardiac Purkinje Fibers in Mouse Myocardial Infarct

Surviving Purkinje fibers in myocardial infarct are regarded as an important substrate in arrhythmogenesis. However, poorly understood are functional properties of Purkinje fibers in the infarcted heart. We sought to visualize intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) dynamics of Purkinje fiber networks in the mouse myocardial infarct. Using 3- to 4-day-old or 7- to 9-day-old infarcted hearts after the left coronary-artery ligation corresponding, respectively, to acute or healing phase, we conducted rapid fluo4-fluorescence imaging on the endocardial surface of the left ventricular septum by macro-zoom fluorescence microscopy and rapid-scanning confocal microscopy. In contrast with the intact heart, where uniform Ca2+ transients propagated rapidly, the infarcted heart exhibited slow, non-uniform impulse propagations. On confocal microscopy, Purkinje fibers in the peri-infarct zone exhibited non-uniform [Ca2+]i dynamics: beat-to-beat alternans of the Ca2+ transient amplitude in and among the individual fibers, whereas the intact fibers exhibited uniform Ca2+ transients. Such non-uniform [Ca2+]i dynamics were more conspicuous in the acute infarcted hearts than in the healing ones. In accordance with [Ca2+]i dynamics, fixed fluo4-loaded heart preparations exhibited definitive connexin-40 plaques in the peri-infarct Purkinje fibers, whereas the subjacent myocardium presented coagulative necrosis and granulation tissues, respectively. The surviving Purkinje fibers in the peri-infarct zone exhibited non-uniform [Ca2+]i dynamics, which may lead to arrhythmogenesis.
Preferences for professional versus informal care at end of life amongst African-American drug users with HIV/AIDS

With the advent of antiretroviral therapies, persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIVs) are living longer but with increased impairment and care needs. The purpose of this study was to assess whether a vulnerable population of PLHIVs preferred informal versus professional care when unable to care for themselves, and individual and support network factors associated with preference for informal care. The findings have potential implications for facilitating the population's informal care at end of life. Data were from the BEACON study, which examined social factors associated with health outcomes among former or current drug-using PLHIVs in Baltimore, MD. Structural equation modeling was used to identify individual and support network characteristics associated with PLHIVs' preference for informal (family or friends) compared to professional care. The structural equation model indicated preference for informal care was associated with female sex, greater informal care receipt, reporting one's main partner (i.e., boy/girlfriend or spouse) as the primary source of informal care, and a support network comprised greater numbers of female kin and persons supportive of the participant's HIV treatment adherence. Not asking for needed help to avoid owing favors was associated with preferring professional care. Findings suggest that interventions to promote informal end of life care should bolster supportive others' resources and skills for care provision and treatment adherence support, and should address perceived norms of reciprocity. Such intervention will help ensure community caregiving in a population with high needs for long-term care.