Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
REGULATION BY PRICES, QUANTITIES, OR BOTH: A REVIEW OF INSTRUMENT

An actuator (1), in particular for operation of fuel injectors in fuel injection systems of internal combustion engines, has in this embodiment a plurality of layers (2) of a piezoelectric or magnetostrictive material arranged in a stack. The actuator (1) is prestressed by a tie rod (6) arranged in a central recess (5) by way of opposing threads (7 and 8). Securing the device and the transfer of force are accomplished by a cover plate (3) and a bottom plate (4). The prestress can also be created by a sheathing (9) surrounding the actuator (1), which transfers an axial force component onto the layers (2) via the cover plate (3) and the bottom plate (4) by flanging of projecting ends (10).
Test of the C-CAPM for the Philippines: 1981-1997

This paper presents a test of multi-period asset pricing models using quarterly Philippine data. Using a consumption-based asset-pricing model, the study finds the rate of time preference to be 5.20 percent (on an annual basis). The estimated risk aversion coefficient of 0.043 seems to be on the low side when compared with estimates for other countries. Hansen’s J-test finds favorable evidence for the C-CAPM as the overidentifying restrictions are not rejected.
Theoretical analysis and performance of OFDM signals in nonlinear fading channels

This paper presents an analytical framework to calculate the average symbol-error rate (SER) of uncoded orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) systems in realistic scenarios impaired by transmitter nonlinearity and frequency-selective fading channels. The results are applicable to cyclically extended OFDM signals characterized by a high number of carriers, which can be modeled as complex Gaussian processes. To avoid intercarrier interference, we also assume that the symbol duration is shorter than the channel coherence time. We derive analytical SER results in Rayleigh and Rice frequency-selective fading channels, for both the nonlinear amplification and the ideal predistortion case. Simulations results demonstrate the validity of the analytical results.
Low-Energy Shock Wave for Enhancing Recruitment of Endothelial Progenitor Cells: A New Modality to Increase Efficacy of Cell Therapy in Chronic Hind Limb Ischemia

Background— Stem and progenitor cell therapy is a novel approach to improve neovascularization and function of ischemic tissue. Enhanced tissue expression of chemoattractant factors such as stromal cell–derived factor 1 and vascular endothelial growth factor is crucial for the recruitment of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) during acute ischemia. In chronic ischemia, however, expression of these chemoattractants is less pronounced, which results in insufficient EPC recruitment into the target tissue. Therefore, we investigated the effect of targeted extracorporeal shock wave (SW) application in order to facilitate EPC recruitment into nonischemic and chronic ischemic tissue. Methods and Results— Hind limb adductor muscles of nude rats were treated with 500, 1000, and 2000 impulses of focused low-energy SW (flux density level: 0.05 mJ/mm2). Twenty-four hours later, mRNA expression of the chemoattractant stromal cell–derived factor 1 was significantly increased with 1000 impulses (stromal cell–derived factor 1/GAPDH: 0.95±0.09) and 2000 impulses (stromal cell–derived factor 1/GAPDH: 1.17±0.24; both P<0.05 versus untreated). Histologically, the number of vascular endothelial growth factor–positive endothelial cells per myocyte was significantly increased with 2000 impulses (0.24±0.05 versus 0.09±0.02; P<0.01). This preconditioning effect resulted in significantly enhanced recruitment and homing of EPCs that were intravenously infused 24 hours after SW treatment (P<0.05). In a rat model of chronic hind limb ischemia, SW-facilitated EPC treatment resulted in a significant increase in relative blood flow recovery as assessed by laser Doppler imaging (P<0.05). Conclusions— Preconditioning of both nonischemic and chronic ischemic tissue with low-energy SW improves recruitment of circulating EPCs via enhanced expression of chemoattractant factors. Thus, SW-facilitated cell therapy may improve the efficacy of EPC treatment in patients with chronic ischemia.
Follistatin operates downstream of Wnt4 in mammalian ovary organogenesis

Wnt4‐/‐ XX gonads display features normally associated with testis differentiation, suggesting that WNT4 actively represses elements of the male pathway during ovarian development. Here, we show that follistatin (Fst), which encodes a TGFβ superfamily binding protein, is a downstream component of Wnt4 signaling. Fst inhibits formation of the XY‐specific coelomic vessel in XX gonads. In addition, germ cells in the ovarian cortex are almost completely lost in both Wnt4 and Fst null gonads before birth. Thus, we propose that WNT4 acts through FST to regulate vascular boundaries and maintain germ cell survival in the ovary. Developmental Dynamics 230:210–215, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Multilayer Network Analysis of Investment Patterns

SECTION 1. INTRODUCTION/MOTIVATION/PROBLEM DEFINITION Sociologists recognize that actors are likely to prefer familiar exchange partners, with which they have already exchanged previously, to unfamiliar exchange partners Familiarity from prior exchange increases the actor's trust that the exchange partner will perform as expected, thus reducing the actor's uncertainty in the outcome of the exchange. However, analyses of repeated exchange, particularly in the context of startup investment, have been limited to inter­organizational exchange. Such analyses evaluate a firm's decision to invest in a company following prior investment. Some studies appeal to individual­level analysis of the investor (Sorenson and Stuart 2007) [5], but halt this precision in the case of the startup. There is much to learn about the structural relationship between investment decisions and the individual entrepreneur. Our research drills beyond the observation of repeat investment in a company, to analyze the longitudinal, dynamic possibility that investment is based on the individual entrepreneur rather than the company. We theorize that investment follows the entrepreneur, demonstrating a spillover effect from an entrepreneur's prior success. Confirming this theory would indicate that investors attribute a startup's success to the entrepreneur rather than the organization or the product. Our hypothesis is that a startup that hires an employee from a separate startup that has received investment will also receive investment from the same investor. This behavior can be designated as an investor " following " an employee, or, more directly, an employee " being followed " by an investor. We use similarity metrics on a multiplex network to test our hypothesis. Multiplexity has previously been evaluated via proxies such as cohesion, or multiple distinct pathways between nodes A and B (Powell et al. 2005) [4]. Our research leverages innovative multiplex network analysis and network alignment techniques to retain the longitudinal, multidimensional complexity of investment­employment networks and directly compare the similarity of sub­networks across the layers of this multiplex network. Our analysis builds on three critical studies of multiplex network analysis. First, Kivela et al. 2014 [7] define multiplex networks as occurring when one network (layer A) is connected to another network (layer B) via a uniting set of nodes in common. We use this definition to generate our network, described below. Second, Szell et al. 2010 [8] demonstrates that distinct roles in a network can be analyzed as a multiplex network, where each role comprises a different layer linked together by the individual performing the given …
Investigation of receiving pot core effect on magnetic flux density in inductive coupling-based wireless power transfer

This paper studies an inductive-based wireless power transfer system for low power applications at short distances. The transferring power system has been modeled, simulated, and analyzed via finite element method. As the world becomes more dependent on technology, huge strides are being made towards improving transmission efficiency and designing sufficient transceivers. A wireless power transfer (WPT) system includes important parts such as: coil, core, and driver. This paper studies magnetic flux density of inductive coupling-based WPT system with discussions on effect of air gap and shape of receiving core. Based on the performed simulation the use of pot core as receiving core is proposed. It is concluded that this type of core can reduce dependency of magnetic flux density to air gap in receiving side. Electromagnetic results also are presented in this work.
Dynamic Application Mapping Algorithm for Wireless Network-on-Chip

Because of high bandwidth, low latency and flexible topology configurations provided by wireless NoC, this emerging technology is gaining momentum to be a promising future on-chip interconnection paradigm. However, congestion occurrence in wireless routers reduces the benefit of high speed wireless links and significantly increases the network latency, therefore, in this paper, a Dynamic Application Mapping Algorithm (DAMA) is introduced for wireless NoCs in order to reduce both internal and external congestion. DAMA has three key steps: finding the first node to map, choosing the first task to be mapped onto the first node, and allocation of the remaining tasks to the remaining nodes. Simulation results show significant gain in the mapping cost functions compared to state-of-the-art works.
Using the WACC to Rate a New Project

Warnings commonly formulated about the use of the "weighted average cost of capital" (WACC) are at all inapplicable when dealing with a new project. In this case, namely, the WACC must be calculated with respect to properly defined book values, not to yet non-existing market ones; nor can a really new project be a "carbon copy" of the firm that undertakes it (even admitting that this last already exists). Finally, it is highly improbable that the ratio between debt and equity components of the outstanding invested capital remains constant, nor can be supposed that a Modigliani-Miller type relation connects the two required rates of return. As a consequence, the WACC of the project will in principle be yearly variable, and have therefore the nature of a vector: it is impossible to use it for comparisons, and is exceedingly complicate to use it for discounting. In the whole, to the aim of rating a new project, it can be judged a highly inadvisable tool. Two further remarks. The first: Miller's "non linear WACC" is, on its side, a scalar parameter, but can reliably be used to decide about a new project only in trivial cases. The second: explicitly considering the "tax shield effect" is not necessary to rate a new project. Anyway, the cash flow it generates should be discounted at a rate not bigger than the one used for the debt.
Alterations in Cortical Excitation and Inhibition in Genetic Mouse Models of Huntington's Disease

Previously, we identified progressive alterations in spontaneous EPSCs and IPSCs in the striatum of the R6/2 mouse model of Huntington's disease (HD). Medium-sized spiny neurons from these mice displayed a lower frequency of EPSCs, and a population of cells exhibited an increased frequency of IPSCs beginning at ∼40 d, a time point when the overt behavioral phenotype begins. The cortex provides the major excitatory drive to the striatum and is affected during disease progression. We examined spontaneous EPSCs and IPSCs of somatosensory cortical pyramidal neurons in layers II/III in slices from three different mouse models of HD: the R6/2, the YAC128, and the CAG140 knock-in. Results revealed that spontaneous EPSCs occurred at a higher frequency, and evoked EPSCs were larger in behaviorally phenotypic mice whereas spontaneous IPSCs were initially increased in frequency in all models and subsequently decreased in R6/2 mice after they displayed the typical R6/2 overt behavioral phenotype. Changes in miniature IPSCs and evoked IPSC paired-pulse ratios suggested altered probability of GABA release. Also, in R6/2 mice, blockade of GABAA receptors induced complex discharges in slices and seizures in vivo at all ages. In conclusion, altered excitatory and inhibitory inputs to pyramidal neurons in the cortex in HD appear to be a prevailing deficit throughout the development of the disease. Furthermore, the differences between synaptic phenotypes in cortex and striatum are important for the development of future therapeutic approaches, which may need to be targeted early in the development of the phenotype.
Transgenic Overexpression of 14-3-3 Zeta Protects Hippocampus against Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Status Epilepticus In Vivo

14-3-3 proteins are ubiquitous molecular chaperones that are abundantly expressed in the brain where they regulate cell functions including metabolism, the cell cycle and apoptosis. Brain levels of several 14-3-3 isoforms are altered in diseases of the nervous system, including epilepsy. The 14-3-3 zeta (ζ) isoform has been linked to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) function in neurons, with reduced levels provoking ER stress and increasing vulnerability to excitotoxic injury. Here we report that transgenic overexpression of 14-3-3ζ in mice results in selective changes to the unfolded protein response pathway in the hippocampus, including down-regulation of glucose-regulated proteins 78 and 94, activating transcription factors 4 and 6, and Xbp1 splicing. No differences were found between wild-type mice and transgenic mice for levels of other 14-3-3 isoforms or various other 14-3-3 binding proteins. 14-3-3ζ overexpressing mice were potently protected against cell death caused by intracerebroventricular injection of the ER stressor tunicamycin. 14-3-3ζ overexpressing mice were also potently protected against neuronal death caused by prolonged seizures. These studies demonstrate that increased 14-3-3ζ levels protect against ER stress and seizure-damage despite down-regulation of the unfolded protein response. Delivery of 14-3-3ζ may protect against pathologic changes resulting from prolonged or repeated seizures or where injuries provoke ER stress.
Will an Unsupervised Self-Testing Strategy for HIV Work in Health Care Workers of South Africa? A Cross Sectional Pilot Feasibility Study

Background In South Africa, stigma, discrimination, social visibility and fear of loss of confidentiality impede health facility-based HIV testing. With 50% of adults having ever tested for HIV in their lifetime, private, alternative testing options are urgently needed. Non-invasive, oral self-tests offer a potential for a confidential, unsupervised HIV self-testing option, but global data are limited. Methods A pilot cross-sectional study was conducted from January to June 2012 in health care workers based at the University of Cape Town, South Africa. An innovative, unsupervised, self-testing strategy was evaluated for feasibility; defined as completion of self-testing process (i.e., self test conduct, interpretation and linkage). An oral point-of-care HIV test, an Internet and paper-based self-test HIV applications, and mobile phones were synergized to create an unsupervised strategy. Self-tests were additionally confirmed with rapid tests on site and laboratory tests. Of 270 health care workers (18 years and above, of unknown HIV status approached), 251 consented for participation. Findings Overall, about 91% participants rated a positive experience with the strategy. Of 251 participants, 126 evaluated the Internet and 125 the paper-based application successfully; completion rate of 99.2%. All sero-positives were linked to treatment (completion rate:100% (95% CI, 66.0–100). About half of sero-negatives were offered counselling on mobile phones; completion rate: 44.6% (95% CI, 38.0–51.0). A majority of participants (78.1%) were females, aged 18–24 years (61.4%). Nine participants were found sero-positive after confirmatory tests (prevalence 3.6% 95% CI, 1.8–6.9). Six of nine positive self-tests were accurately interpreted; sensitivity: 66.7% (95% CI, 30.9–91.0); specificity:100% (95% CI, 98.1–100). Interpretation Our unsupervised self-testing strategy was feasible to operationalize in health care workers in South Africa. Linkages were successfully operationalized with mobile phones in all sero-positives and about half of the sero-negatives sought post-test counselling. Controlled trials and implementation research studies are needed before a scale-up is considered.
Parkinson's Disease: Increased Motor Network Activity in the Absence of Movement

We used a network approach to assess systems-level abnormalities in motor activation in humans with Parkinson's disease (PD). This was done by measuring the expression of the normal movement-related activation pattern (NMRP), a previously validated activation network deployed by healthy subjects during motor performance. In this study, NMRP expression was prospectively quantified in 15O-water PET scans from a PD patient cohort comprised of a longitudinal early-stage group (n = 12) scanned at baseline and at two or three follow-up visits two years apart, and a moderately advanced group scanned on and off treatment with either subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (n = 14) or intravenous levodopa infusion (n = 14). For each subject and condition, we measured NMRP expression during both movement and rest. Resting expression of the abnormal PD-related metabolic covariance pattern was likewise determined in the same subjects. NMRP expression was abnormally elevated (p < 0.001) in PD patients scanned in the nonmovement rest state. By contrast, network activity measured during movement did not differ from normal (p = 0.34). In the longitudinal cohort, abnormal increases in resting NMRP expression were evident at the earliest clinical stages (p < 0.05), which progressed significantly over time (p = 0.003). Analogous network changes were present at baseline in the treatment cohort (p = 0.001). These abnormalities improved with subthalamic nucleus stimulation (p < 0.005) but not levodopa (p = 0.25). In both cohorts, the changes in NMRP expression that were observed did not correlate with concurrent PD-related metabolic covariance pattern measurements (p > 0.22). Thus, the resting state in PD is characterized by changes in the activity of normal as well as pathological brain networks.
Combining SIFT and Invariant Color Histogram in HSV space for Deformation and viewpoint Invariant Image Retrieval

This paper presents a novel approach to retrieve images which are taken at different viewpoints, using combined feature descriptors. The content of the image is extracted with two descriptors, Scale Invariant Feature Transform (SIFT) and Deformation and view point Invariant Color Histogram (ICH) in HSV color space. SIFT has been proven to be the most reliable descriptor for rotation, translation and partially to illumination and affine or 3D projection invariant image matching. However, it is designed for gray images. Invariant Histogram is developed for creating color Histogram based on color gradients which are invariant to deformation and changes in viewpoint and is developed in RGB color space. To increase the deformation and viewpoint invariance capability and thus to improve image recognition, SIFT features are combined with ICH in HSV color space for Image Retrieval. Experimental results show that robust retrieval can be achieved even for seriously occluded images.
Toward Code-Free Business Application Development

Conventional wisdom holds that building high-end business applications is unavoidably difficult because applications and the technology for implementing them are complex. Empirical evidence from real projects amply reinforces this conclusion. It can be argued that spiraling technical complexity makes it difficult to focus on the application's core business problem. Software development is gradually enabling people to express what they want from their business applications in increasingly human terms. More highly evolved development tools are one way to accelerate this trend.
Flying at No Mechanical Energy Cost: Disclosing the Secret of Wandering Albatrosses

Albatrosses do something that no other birds are able to do: fly thousands of kilometres at no mechanical cost. This is possible because they use dynamic soaring, a flight mode that enables them to gain the energy required for flying from wind. Until now, the physical mechanisms of the energy gain in terms of the energy transfer from the wind to the bird were mostly unknown. Here we show that the energy gain is achieved by a dynamic flight manoeuvre consisting of a continually repeated up-down curve with optimal adjustment to the wind. We determined the energy obtained from the wind by analysing the measured trajectories of free flying birds using a new GPS-signal tracking method yielding a high precision. Our results reveal an evolutionary adaptation to an extreme environment, and may support recent biologically inspired research on robotic aircraft that might utilize albatrosses' flight technique for engineless propulsion.
The Influence of 3-D Structure on Seismic Wave Propagation at Regional and Teleseismic Distances,

Abstract : Three-dimensional heterogeneity is pervasive in the Earth on a wide variety of scales. The aim of this project is to improve understanding of the influence of lateral variations in structure in the upper mantle on wave propagation at regional to far-regional and teleseismic distances. At regional scales we have investigated how to map the seismic velocity structure of a region exploiting records from natural events as a model for upgrading the knowledge base for verification studies. The primary focus of this aspect of the work is on the use of waveform inversion for surface waves (including higher modes) to determine three-dimensional shear wave structure, but receiver function studies of crustal structure and P wave tomography can be achieved with the same data. A set of deployments of portable broadband instruments in Australia have demonstrated how detailed knowledge of crustal and lithospheric structure can be built up by combining specific experiments (of about 6 months duration) with information available from permanent seismic stations. For global studies we have parametrized heterogeneous structures using a flexible interpolation scheme based on Delaunay tetrahedra. This approach is being applied to the construction of regionalized models of the upper mantle by inversion of travel times from selected events. The resultant three-dimensional model will be suitable for the prediction of wave propagation characteristics,such as travel time corrections for a wide range of seismic phases. These studies are designed to contribute to the support of a verification regime for a CTBT by providing improved knowledge of regional structure in different tectonic environments and developing representations of 3-D structure which can be used to aid in, for example, improved event location and characterization.
Islamic Capital Markets: A Comparative Approach

Islamic Capital Markets: A Comparative Approach (2nd Edition) looks at the similarities and differences between Islamic capital markets and conventional capital markets. The book explains each topic from both the conventional and the Islamic perspective, offering a full understanding of Islamic capital markets, processes, and instruments. In addition to a full explanation of Islamic products, the book also ensures a holistic understanding of the dual markets within which Islamic capital markets operate. Ideal for both students and current practitioners, the second edition of the highly successful Islamic Capital Markets: A Comparative Approach fills a large gap in the current literature on the subject, featuring case studies from Malaysia, Indonesia, Europe, and the Middle East. One of the few comprehensive, dedicated guides to the subject available, the book offers comprehensive and in-depth insights on the topic of Islamic finance for students and professionals alike.