Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Dielectric Resonator-Loaded Minkowski Fractal-Shaped Slot Loop Heptaband Antenna

A multiband fractal co-planar waveguide (CPW)-fed slot antenna loaded with a dielectric resonator conforming to multiple wireless standards is presented in this paper. The Minkowski fractal geometry is utilized to generate multiple frequency bands as well as to provide a miniaturized design compared to its Euclidean counterpart. The idea behind placing the dielectric load is to serve a dual purpose of enhancing the impedance bandwidth of the antenna at the upper frequency band as well as improving the overall gain of the antenna. The slot loop acts as a hybrid antenna performing the task of both an antenna as well as a feed mechanism for the dielectric slab to radiate. Design guidelines involving closed form formulae and equivalent model consisting of lumped resonators, distributed resonators and impedance transformers of the dielectric-loaded fractal slot antenna are provided to present an insight into the functioning of the antenna. The reflection coefficient parameters of the antenna yield a close match between the circuit model and those obtained from full wave simulator. The proposed antenna exhibits a heptaband performance with a maximum gain of 3.1 dBi.
First Streptococcus pyogenes Signature-Tagged Mutagenesis Screen Identifies Novel Virulence Determinants

ABSTRACT The virulence of bacterial pathogens is a complex process that requires the dynamic expression of many genes for the pathogens to invade and circumvent host defenses, as well as to proliferate in vivo. In this study, we employed a large-scale screen, signature-tagged mutagenesis (STM), to identify Streptococcus pyogenes virulence genes important for pathogenesis within the host. Approximately 1,200 STM mutants were created and screened using the zebrafish infectious disease model. The transposon insertion site was identified for 29 of the 150 mutants that were considered attenuated for virulence. Previously reported streptococcal virulence genes, such as mga, hasA, amrA, smeZ, and two genes in the sil locus, were identified, confirming the utility of the model for revealing genes important for virulence. Multiple genes not previously implicated in virulence were also identified, including genes encoding putative transporters, hypothetical cytosolic proteins, and macrolide efflux pumps. The STM mutant strains display various levels of attenuation, and multiple separate insertions were identified in either the same gene or the same locus, suggesting that these factors are important for this type of acute, invasive infection. We further examined two such genes, silB and silC of a putative quorum-sensing regulon, and determined that they are significant virulence factors in our model of necrotizing fasciitis. sil locus promoter expression was examined under various in vitro conditions, as well as in zebrafish tissues, and was found to be differentially induced. This study was a unique investigation of S. pyogenes factors required for successful invasive infection.
“Whatever It Takes” Is All You Need: Monetary Policy and Debt Fragility

The valuation of government debt is subject to strategic uncertainty. Pessimistic lenders, fearing default, bid down the price of debt, leaving a government with a higher debt burden. This increases the likelihood of default, thus confirming the pessimism of lenders. Can monetary interventions mitigate debt fragility? With one-period commitment to a state-contingent policy, the monetary authority can indeed overcome strategic uncertainty. Under discretion, debt fragility remains unless reputation effects are sufficiently strong. Simpler forms of interventions, such as an inflation target, cannot eliminate debt fragility. (JEL E31, E43, E52, E62, G01, H63)
Role of abnormal anterior pituitary hormones-growth hormone and prolactin in active systemic lupus erythematosus.

BACKGROUND The role of anterior pituitary hormones in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) remains controversial. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES We determined the expression levels of human growth hormone (GH), prolactin (PRL), and their receptors in subjects presenting with SLE, and modulation of disease severity. MATERIALS AND METHODS Forty-seven subjects and ten healthy controls were assessed for possible association between SLE disease activity and levels of serum PRL, GH and thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH). In peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), specific binding and mRNA expression of receptors for GH (GHR), and PRL (PRLR) were determined by receptor-ligand binding assay (RLBA) and RT-PCR. PBMC of recruited subjects were treated with hPRL and rhGH to assess IgG production and antibodies against dsDNA. RESULTS In active SLE subjects we found elevated PRL and GH levels. Study subject PBMCs displayed augmented GHR and PRLR protein and mRNA expression. Study subjects also showed a positive correlation in serum PRL levels and specific antibodies against dsDNA, SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI), and proteinuria. However, a negative correlation was found between serum PRL levels and complement component C3. We found a positive correlation between specific binding rates of PRLR and GHR and both SLE activity and dsDNA antibody titers. Enhanced IgG and anti-dsDNA secretion was observed in cultured PBMC stimulated by PRL or GH with/without PHA, PWM, IL-2 or IL-10. In active SLE, a close association was found between augmented PRL and GH levels, expression and specific binding activities of PRLR and GHR, and changes in the specific titer of anti-dsDNA. CONCLUSION Anterior pituitary hormones play an important role in the pathogenesis of SLE. High levels of growth hormone (GH) and prolactin (PRL) play a role in pathogenesis of SLE, which is correlated with SLE disease activity and antibodies against dsDNA. The mechanism of GH and PRL in SLE was complicated and should be studied further.
Factors influencing the underrepresentation of women in the role of superintendency as perceived by selected school board members and superintendents of school districts in Region XX, Education Service Center in Texas

Factors Influencing the Underrepresentation of Women in the Role of Superintendency as Perceived by Selected School Board Members and Superintendents of School Districts in Region XX, Education Service Center in Texas. (August 2004) Vivian S. Barrios, B.S., Southwest Texas State University; M.S., Southwest Texas State University Chair of Advisory Committee: Dr. Clifford L. Whetten School board members, superintendents, and assistant superintendents from Region XX, Education Service Center in Texas were surveyed to examine their perceptions regarding the underrepresentation of women in the role of superintendency. Individual t-tests were performed and frequency data were utilized to obtain group means. When compared, the administrative group indicates that there is a significant difference (p<0.05) between genders. Female administrators cite concerns with factors hindering their career advancement to the superintendency. Research findings of this study included: 1. Data from this study reveal women's concerns with limited time for career mobility, career aspirations being placed behind family responsibilities, and family commitments being a priority to career advancement.
A two-dimensional biased coin design for dual-agent dose-finding trials

Background: Given the limited efficacy observed with single agents, there is growing interest in Phase I clinical trial designs that allow for identification of the maximum tolerated combination of two agents. Purpose: Existing parametric designs may suffer from over- or under-parameterization. Thus, we have designed a nonparametric approach that can be easily understood and implemented for combination trials. Methods: We propose a two-stage adaptive biased coin design that extends existing methods for single-agent trials to dual-agent dose-finding trials. The basic idea of our design is to divide the entire trial into two stages and apply the biased coin design, with modification, in each stage. Results: We compare the operating characteristics of our design to four competing parametric approaches via simulation in several numerical examples. Under all simulation scenarios we have examined, our method performs well in terms of identification of the maximum tolerated combination and allocation of patients relative to the performance of its competitors. Limitations: In our design, stopping rule criteria and the distribution of the total sample size among the two stages are context-dependent, and both need careful consideration before adopting our design in practice. Efficacy is not a part of the dose-assignment algorithm, nor used to define the maximum tolerated combination. Conclusion: Our design inherits the favorable statistical properties of the biased coin design, is competitive with existing designs, and promotes patient safety by limiting patient exposure to toxic combinations whenever possible.
Long-Term Results of Optic Nerve Sheath Fenestration for Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension: Earlier Intervention Favours Improved Outcomes

Abstract The role of optic nerve sheath fenestration (ONSF) in the management of idiopathic intracranial hypertension remains controversial, with indications, risks, and benefits compared to cerebro-spinal fluid diversion procedures not fully elucidated. We report a retrospective record review of 37 patients (50 eyes) which had undergone ONSF by a single surgeon. Visual acuity (VA) improved in 22% of operated eyes and 17% of fellow eyes; stabilized in 54% of operated and 74% of fellow eyes; and deteriorated in 24% of operated and 9% of fellow eyes. Better pre-operative VA (p = 0.01), colour vision (p = 0.002), and earlier intervention (p = 0.04) were associated with stabilization. We conclude that ONSF often stabilizes vision and visual fields. Our results were best in patients with better pre-operative vision and in those with earlier intervention.
Mechanism of photoelectron yield enhancement from Ag clusters.

Note: Univ wisconsin,dept phys,stoughton,wi 53589. univ wisconsin,ctr synchrotron radiat,istoughton,wi 53589. Faraci, g, univ catania,departimento fis,ctr interuniv struttura mat,nazl struttura mat grp,corso italia 57,i-95129 catania,italy.ISI Document Delivery No.: AN033 Reference LSE-ARTICLE-1989-013doi:10.1103/PhysRevB.40. 4209 Record created on 2006-10-03, modified on 2017-05-12
Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in TLR 9 Are Highly Associated with Susceptibility to Bacterial Meningitis in Children

Marieke S. Sanders,1,2, Gijs Th. J. van Well,2,3, Sander Ouburg,1 Patric S.J. Lundberg,4 A. Marceline van Furth,2 and Servaas A. Morré1 1Department of Pathology, Laboratory for Immunogenetics, and 2Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Immunology and Rheumatology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam; and 3Department of Pediatrics, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands; 4Department of Microbiology and Molecular Cell Biology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia
The (ab)use of import duty waivers in Nigeria

An increasingly popular but disturbing method of misappropriating government revenue in Nigeria is the practice of granting all manner of indiscriminate waivers of tariffs and duties on imported commodities under the directive of the Presidency. This paper critiques the law, use and abuse of duty waivers in Nigeria. It argues that although the President, on the advice of the Tariff Council, has powers to grant waivers, such powers are neither supposed to be granted indiscriminately nor in secret. The granting of indiscriminate waivers to individual operators in an industry rather than to the entire industry distorts national economic and industrial development which is normally the very essence of granting such waivers. The paper also raises questions about the implications of the granting of indiscriminate duty waivers by the Presidency for fiscal relationships in a federal state.
Latent prosodic modeling (LPM) for speech with applications in recognizing spontaneous Mandarin speech with disfluencies

In this paper, a new approach of Latent Prosodic Modeling (LPM) for analyzing the prosody of speech is presented. Based on a set of newly defined prosodic characters, prosodic terms, documents, and the Probabilistic Latent Semantic Analysis (PLSA) framework, prosody can be modeled using a set of prosodic states representing various latent factors such as speakers, speaking rate, utterance modality, intonation behavior, etc. in terms of some probabilistic relationships with the observed prosodic features. Organizing the training data based on this new model may also produce more delicate classification models for various speech processing applications considering the prosody. In the initial application example, we showed the use of this model on the task of disfluency IP detection for spontaneous Mandarin speech recognition, and improved IP detection accuracy and speech recognition performance were obtained in the experiments.
Characterization of a murine p53SER246 mutant equivalent to the human p53SER249 associated with hepatocellular carcinoma and aflatoxin exposure

A mutation in the tumor suppressor p53 gene resulting in an Arg→Ser substitution in position 249 is found frequently in human hepatocellular carcinomas associated with hepatitis B infection and with aflatoxin exposure. To determine the significance of this mutation in an in vivo experimental model using transgenic mice, we introduced a two‐nucleotide change in the mouse p53 gene at amino‐acid position 246, which is equivalent to position 249 in human p53, by the recombinant polymerase chain reaction mismatched primer method. This p53 mutation resulted in the same change, an Arg→Ser substitution, as in the human p53 gene at position 249. We now report that the protein product of this mutant mouse p53ser246 had properties similar to those of the wild‐type protein when tested by binding to (i) monoclonal antibodies PAb246 and PAb240, (ii) simian virus 40 large T antigen, and (iii) heat‐shock protein. However, it had mutant‐type transforming properties when tested for colony formation with an osteosarcoma cell line. It was not active, as is wild‐type p53, in transcription activation of the muscle creatine kinase promoter. These properties are the same as those found in the p53trp248 product of the p53 mutation associated with the Li‐Fraumeni syndrome. Although less is known about the human p53ser249 product associated with hepatocellular carcinoma, the mutant murine p53ser246 protein shares the known properties of the human gene product. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Antagonistic effects of cyproterone acetate and oestradiol on the development of the fetal rat prostate gland induced by androgens in organ culture

The influence of cyproterone acetate and 17β‐estradiol on the induction of the rat prostate gland by androgens has been investigated in organ culture. The gland develops from its “anlage,” the urogenital sinus, as epithelial buds projecting from the urogenital epithelium into the surrounding mesenchyme. In 16.5‐day‐old male sinuses explanted in organ culture, testosterone or dihydrotestosterone induced such buds de novo; cyproterone acetate or 17/3‐estradiol combined with the androgens competitively inhibit the bud formation in most explants. In contrast, in 18.5‐day male sinuses both anti‐androgens are ineffective, and prostatic buds develop. The difference in response suggests that in the older tissue, exposure to endogenous testosterone before explanation has already set in motion events leading to the differentiation of the gland that are irreversible.
The Influence of Liking for Antismoking PSAs on Adolescents' Smoking-Related Behavioral Intentions

In this research, we examine the influence of liking for antismoking public service announcements (PSAs), relative to that of PSAs' perceived argument strength, on adolescents' smoking-related behavioral intentions. Data from the first Legacy Media Tracking Survey (LMTS–I) suggest that the relative persuasive impact of PSA liking and perceived argument strength varies as a function of message recipients' smoking status. PSA liking appears to be an important predictor of smoking intentions for never smokers, whereas perceived argument strength strongly predicts quitting intentions for current smokers. For former smokers, both perceived argument strength and PSA liking have significant effects on smoking intentions, with perceived argument strength exerting a stronger impact. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.
Osmosensitivity phenotypes of Agrobacterium tumefaciens mutants that lack periplasmic beta-1,2-glucan

The periplasmic cyclic beta-1,2-glucan of Agrobacterium tumefaciens is believed to maintain high osmolarity in the periplasm during growth of the bacteria on low-osmotic-strength media. Strains with mutations in the chvA or chvB gene do not accumulate beta-1,2-glucan in their periplasm and exhibit pleiotropic phenotypes, including inability to form crown gall tumors on plants. We examined the effects of medium osmolarity to determine whether some or all of these phenotypes result from suboptimal periplasmic osmolarity. The mutants grew more slowly than wild-type cells and exhibited altered periplasmic and cytoplasmic protein content when cultured in low-osmotic-strength media, but not when cultured in high-osmotic-strength media. These observations support a role for periplasmic glucan in osmoadaptation. However, the mutants were avirulent and exhibited reduced motility regardless of the osmolarity of the medium. Therefore, beta-1,2-glucan may play roles in virulence and motility that are unrelated to its role in osmoadaptation.
11β-HSD1 Modulates the Set Point of Brown Adipose Tissue Response to Glucocorticoids in Male Mice

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are potent regulators of energy metabolism. Chronic GC exposure suppresses brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenic capacity in mice, with evidence for a similar effect in humans. Intracellular GC levels are regulated by 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) activity, which can amplify circulating GC concentrations. Therefore, 11β-HSD1 could modulate the impact of GCs on BAT function. This study investigated how 11β-HSD1 regulates the molecular architecture of BAT in the context of GC excess and aging. Circulating GC excess was induced in 11β-HSD1 knockout (KO) and wild-type mice by supplementing drinking water with 100 μg/mL corticosterone, and the effects on molecular markers of BAT function and mitochondrial activity were assessed. Brown adipocyte primary cultures were used to examine cell autonomous consequences of 11β-HSD1 deficiency. Molecular markers of BAT function were also examined in aged 11β-HSD1 KO mice to model lifetime GC exposure. BAT 11β-HSD1 expression and activity were elevated in response to GC excess and with aging. 11β-HSD1 KO BAT resisted the suppression of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) and mitochondrial respiratory chain subunit proteins normally imposed by GC excess. Furthermore, brown adipocytes from 11β-HSD1 KO mice had elevated basal mitochondrial function and were able to resist GC-mediated repression of activity. BAT from aged 11β-HSD1 KO mice showed elevated UCP1 protein and mitochondrial content, and a favorable profile of BAT function. These data reveal a novel mechanism in which increased 11β-HSD1 expression, in the context of GC excess and aging, impairs the molecular and metabolic function of BAT.
Analysis of underivatized cellodextrin oligosaccharides by capillary electrophoresis with direct photochemically induced UV‐detection

This work focuses on the development of a CE method allowing, for the first time, the simultaneous separation of the underivatized first seven cellodextrin oligomers (glucose, cellobiose, cellotriose, cellotetraose, cellopentaose, cellohexaose, and celloheptaose), with a view to analyze the hydrolysates obtained after partial acid depolymerization of nitrocellulose, and eight carbohydrates (ribose, xylose, fructose, mannose, galactose, maltose, lactose, and sucrose), which might be potential interfering compounds in explosives samples. Separation was achieved with a highly alkaline BGE containing sodium chloride and direct mid‐UV‐absorbance detection was performed after photo‐oxidation in the detection window. EOF was reversed to speed up the analysis using a dynamic capillary coating by hexadimethrine bromide. A central composite design was carried out to determine the effects of BGE conductivity and sodium hydroxide concentration on resolutions between neighboring peaks, and analysis time. A desirability analysis on modeled responses was applied to maximize resolutions and to minimize analysis time. The simultaneous analysis in 20 min total runtime of the 15 carbohydrates plus internal reference (naphthalene sulfonate) was carried out at 25°C with a BGE composed of 77.4 mM NaOH and 183 mM NaCl to adjust the conductivity at the optimum value. Finally, the resolution robustness was checked. This new method should also be of interest to monitor food and nonfood crop products.
A PCR-based diagnostic assay for detecting DNA of the olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae, in the gut of soil-living arthropods

Abstract Bactrocera oleae (Rossi) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is considered the most devastating pest of the olive tree worldwide. In an effort to develop management and biological control strategies against this pest, new molecular tools are urgently needed. In this study, we present the design of B. oleae-specific primers based on mitochondrial DNA sequences of cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene. Two pairs of B. oleae-specific primers were successfully designed and named as SBo1-F/SBo1-R and SBo2-F/SBo1-R, being able to amplify 108 and 214 bp COI fragments, respectively. The specificity of designed primers was tested by amplifying DNA from phylogenetically related (i.e. Diptera order) and other non-pest insects living in olive groves from the Mediterranean region. When using these primers on a PCR-based diagnostic assay, B. oleae DNA was detected in the gut content of a soil-living insect, Pterostichus globosus (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Carabidae). The detection of B. oleae DNA in the guts of arthropods was further optimized by adding bovine serum albumin enhancer to the PCR reaction, in order to get a fast, reproducible and sensitive tool for detecting B. oleae remains in the guts of soil-living arthropods. This molecular tool could be useful for understanding pest–predator relationships and establishing future biological control strategies for this pest.
Making a Theory Useful: Lessons Handed Down

What makes a theory useful? Whether one is evaluating and investigating one's own or another's theory, there are some useful lessons to keep in mind. One lesson is that the reason a “good” theory should be testable, be coherent, be economical, be generalizable, and explain known findings is that all of these characteristics serve the primary function of a theory—to be generative of new ideas and new discoveries. Other lessons concern how to develop a theory (whether one's own or an adopted one). One lesson is to know what the theory is and what it is not—don't make it into something else either by “improving” it or by unfairly dismissing it. Know the theory's domain of applicability—do test its limits but don't overextend it. Know when the theory makes a prediction and when it does not—know when it is simply silent. This article concludes by offering the metaphor that the lessons for developing a theory to make it useful have a lot in common with good parenting. For example: Neither spoil nor abuse the theory; neither neglect nor abandon it; support and nurture the theory; don't overprotect it but do defend it; be patient with the theory—don't push it too hard or too fast; and finally, don't forget to love and enjoy it.