Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Very Low Power Operation of Compact MMI Polymer Thermooptic Switch

This letter demonstrates a compact, very low power consumption, and low crosstalk multimode interference coupler-based polymer thermooptic photonic switch. The fabricated thin-film small-area heater confirmed the simulation results with operating power consumption as low as 8.9 mW. The switching crosstalk obtained was less than - 23 dB.
VON WILLEBRAND'S DISEASE AND PREGNANCY

Abstract. Seven new cases of pregnancy combined with von Willebrand's disease have been reported. Altogether the patients had 11 deliveries, and one abortion after 10 weeks' gestation. The diagnosis was based on the determination of the bleeding time, factor VIII coagulant activity (VIII C), factor VIII‐related antigen (VIII RAg) and the ristocetin co‐factor (VIII RCoF). Two of our 6 parturients showed profuse bleeding at delivery; in addition one patient showed bleeding after abortion at 10 weeks' gestation. Vaginal delivery is generally safe in patiens with von Willebrand's disease. There is a great risk of copious bleeding especially in connection with early abortion, when factor VIII levels are low.
Selection of Weighting Factors in Weighted Clustering Algorithm in MANET

There are different clustering algorithms in MANET for selection of clusterhead in a network. The selection of clusterhead has many advantages like increases the efficiency and stability of the network, larger life time, low energy consumption, aggregation of topology information, lower communication bandwidth, spatial reuse, routing efficiency and etc. The concept of clustering is implemented in different networks due to its growing advantage, but the method of formation of a cluster in MANET, showing the orientation of node movement and then selecting the clusterhead is field of interest. Weight based Clustering Algorithm (WCA) for the selection of clusterhead considers combined weight metric. The co-efficient used in weight calculations are w1, w2, w3 and w4, the sum of these co-efficient is 1. They are actually used to normalize the factors like node degree, transmission power, mobility and battery power. Any of these factors in a weight metric can be used for the election procedure of clusterhead. The co-efficient used in weight calculations are assumed as such that, the factor which has higher importance is given higher coefficient value. The weights related to metric has no predefined values initially, that means it lacks knowing the weights of all the nodes before clustering phenomenon occurs for the selection of clusterhead. Thus, primarily before starting clustering phenomenon for the selection of clusterhead, the selection of weights for all the nodes participating in a network is done by tuning the effect of weights in terms of throughput and end to end delay with variation of mobility. The combination of weights which gives the optimum value of throughput and end to end delay at ranges of mobility are selected and used for the selection of clusterhead.
Public Rental Housing as Middle-Class Entitlement? Economic Analysis of the Slovak Public Rental Housing Policy

The article explores economics of public rental housing policy in Slovakia. Our principal research question is: why has construction of such housing not succeeded in activating rental market and labour mobility? The secondary question is: does the policy ensure that public housing projects are economically meaningful and well-targeted? Four case studies were examined to determine who bears the costs of housing construction and whether disadvantaged groups benefit from the public housing subsidies. We show that there are no constraints pushing for targeted allocation to lower-income families. With proper calculation of costs, municipalities allocate housing, but share only a small percentage of the costs and bear risk of rent non-payment. The current framework thus provides incentives for local governments to prefer indefinite leases to middle-class tenants. Therefore, it is simply owner-occupied housing in disguise, but there is a substantial subsidy compared to market cost of housing – approximately 50%.
Highly-Sensitive Sonogram for Assessment of Chirp in Semiconductor Mode-Locked Lasers

We report on the detailed characterization of ultrashort pulses emitted from a 1.5- AlGaInAs/InP semiconductor passively mode-locked laser, operating at a repetition frequency of 35 GHz. Both the temporal and phase profiles of the pulses are retrieved using a sonogram technique that utilizes a highly-sensitive two-photon absorption waveguide detector. The system enables full characterization of pulses with energy as low as 10 fJ and peak power level of 5 mW, which is only inaccessible by a limited number of high-sensitivity measurement approaches. We show that the pulses exhibit a prevailing positive linear chirp across a wide range of biasing conditions. Its high sensitivity to the gain section current proves the dominant contribution of the gain conditions to the group delay characteristics of the emitted pulses.
Are there genetic influences on addiction: evidence from family, adoption and twin studies.

AIMS In this exciting era of gene discovery, we review evidence from family, adoption and twin studies that examine the genetic basis for addiction. With a focus on the classical twin design that utilizes data on monozygotic and dizygotic twins, we discuss support in favor of heritable influences on alcohol, nicotine, cannabis and other illicit drug dependence. METHODS We review whether these genetic factors also influence earlier stages (e.g. experimentation) of the addictive process and whether there are genetic influences specific to each psychoactive substance. RESULTS Converging evidence from these studies supports the role of moderate to high genetic influences on addiction with estimates ranging from 0.30 to 0.70. The changing role of these heritable factors as a function of gender, age and cultural characteristics is also discussed. We highlight the importance of the interplay between genes and the environment as it relates to risk for addiction and the utility of the children-of-twins design for emerging studies of gene-environment interaction is presented. CONCLUSIONS Despite the advances being made by low-cost high-throughput whole genome association assays, we posit that information garnered from twin studies, especially extended twin designs with power to examine gene-environment interactions, will continue to form the foundation for genomic research.
URINARY CADMIUM ELIMINATION AS A BIOMARKER OF EXPOSURE FOR EVALUATING A CADMIUM DIETARY EXPOSURE - BIOKINETICS MODEL

The Cadmium Dietary Exposure Model (CDEM) utilizes national survey data on food cadmium concentrations and food consumption patterns to estimate dietary intakes in the U.S. population. The CDEM has been linked to a modification of the cadmium biokinetic model of Kjellström and Nordberg (KNM) to derive predictions of kidney and urinary cadmium that reflect U.S. dietary cadmium intake and related variability. Variability in dietary cadmium intake was propagated through the KNM using a Monte Carlo approach. The model predicts a mean peak kidney cadmium burden of approximately 3.5 mg and a 5th-95th percentile range of 2.2-5.1 mg in males. The corresponding peak renal cortex cadmium concentration in males is 15 µg/g wet cortex (10-22, 5th-95th percentile). Predicted kidney cadmium levels in females were higher than males: 5.1 (3.3-7.6) mg total kidney, 29 (19-43) µg/g wet cortex. Predicted urinary cadmium in males and females agreed with empirical estimates based on the NHANES III, with females predicted and observed to excrete approximately twice the amount of cadmium in urine than males. An explanation for the higher urinary cadmium excretion in females is proposed that is consistent with the NHANES III data as well as experimental studies in humans and animals. Females may absorb a larger fraction of ingested dietary cadmium than males, and this difference may be the result of lower iron body stores in females compared to males. This would suggest that females may be at greater risk of developing cadmium toxicity than males. The predicted 5th-95th percentile values for peak kidney cadmium burden are approximately 60% of the peak kidney burden (8-11 mg) predicted for a chronic intake at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) chronic reference dose of 1 µg/kg-d.
Mutational analysis of the mitochondrial tRNA genes and flanking regions in umbilical cord tissue from uninfected infants receiving AZT‐based therapies for prophylaxis of HIV‐1

A sensitive vertical denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) method, using 13 unipolar psoralen‐clamped PCR primer pairs, was developed for detecting sequence variants in the 22 tRNA genes and flanking regions (together spanning ∼21%) of the human mitochondrial genome. A study was conducted to determine (i) if mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) polymorphisms and/or mutations were detectable in healthy newborns and (ii) if prepartum 3′‐azido‐2′,3′‐dideoxythymidine (AZT) based HIV‐1 prophylaxis was associated with significant increases in mtDNA mutations and changes in the degree of heteroplasmy of sequence variants in uninfected infants born to HIV‐1‐infected mothers. DGGE analysis of umbilical cord tissue (where vascular endothelium and smooth muscle cells are the major source of mtDNA) showed that mtDNA sequence variants were significantly elevated by threefold in AZT‐treated infants compared with unexposed controls (P < 0.001), with 24 changes observed in 19/52 (37%) treated newborns (averaging 0.46 changes/subject) versus only eight changes found in 7/55 (13%) unexposed newborns (averaging 0.15 changes/subject). Six distinct sequence variants occurring in unexposed controls were predominately synonymous and homoplasmic, representing previously reported polymorphisms. Uninfected infants exposed to a combination of AZT and 2′,3′‐dideoxy‐3′‐thiacytidine and “maternal HIV‐1” had a significant shift in the spectrum of mutations (P = 0.04) driven by increases in nonsynonymous heteroplasmic sequence variants at polymorphic sites (10 distinct variants) and novel sites (four distinct variants). While the weight of evidence suggests that prepartum AZT‐based prophylaxis produces mtDNA mutations, additional research is needed to determine the degree to which fetal responses to maternal HIV‐1 infection, in the absence of antiretroviral treatment, contribute to prenatal mtDNA mutagenesis. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. , 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A turn propensity scale for transmembrane helices.

Using a model protein with a 40 residue hydrophobic transmembrane segment, we have measured the ability of all the 20 naturally occurring amino acids to form a tight turn when placed in the middle of the hydrophobic segment. Turn propensities in a transmembrane helix are found to be markedly different from those of globular proteins, and in most cases correlate closely with the hydrophobicity of the residue. The turn propensity scale may be used to improve current methods for membrane protein topology prediction.
Presumptive identification of streptococci with a new test system

A test is described that could replace bacitracin susceptibility for presumptive identification of group A streptococci as well as 6.5% NaCl agar tolerance for presumptive identification of enterococcal streptococci. The L-pyrrolidonyl-beta-naphthylamide test, based on hydrolysis of pyrrolidonyl-beta-naphthylamide, was used in conjunction with the CAMP and bile-esculin tests to presumptively identify the streptococci. Among the beta-hemolytic streptococci; 98% of 50 group A, 98% of 46 group B, and 100% of 70 strains that were not group A, B, or D were correctly identified by the new presumptive test scheme. Among the non-beta-hemolytic streptococci; 96% of 74 group D enterococcal, 100% of 30 group D nonenterococcal, and 82% of 112 viridans strains were correctly identified by the new presumptive test scheme.
Day-ahead reserve capacity procurement based on mixed-integer bilevel linear programming

This paper models the the reserve capacity procurement problem in Denmark to account for the sequential clearing of the reserve availability market and the energy market, and the forecast error of system wind power and demand. The problem is modeled as a stochastic mixed-integer bilevel linearing programming problem. A real case of Western Denmark is studied. In the case analyzed, the EENS induced by the forecast error reduces from 312.4 MWh to 0 when 40 MW reserve capacity is procured. It is also shown that procuring more reserve capacity does not necessarily reduce the EENS.
[Effect of baicalin on the proliferation of insulinoma cell line].

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of baicalin on the proliferation of insulinoma cell line and the molecular mechanism involved. METHODS Such methods as light microscope, MTT assay, flow cytometry and Western blotting were applied to investigate the effects of baicalin (0, 100, 200, and 400 microg/ml baicalin treated for 24 h or 200 microg/ml baicalin treated at different time points) on the cell proliferation, cell survival rate, the cell cycle and related molecular mechanisms. RESULTS The number of proliferating cells obviously decreased with the increase of baicalin under the light microscope, and the survival rate of cells decreased as determined by MTT assay. After being treated with baicalin, the number of insulinoma cells in S-phase obviously decreased from 38.2% (0 microg/ml) to 9.4% (400 microg/ml), and the number of cells in phase G1 increased from 56.4% (0 microg/ml) to 85.9% (400 microg/ml). In the meantime, the expression of cyclin D1 was obviously declined by Western blotting. CONCLUSION Baica-lin can inhibit the proliferation of insulinoma cells, and the down-regulation of the expression of cyclin D1 might also be involved in these events.
Projected least-squares algorithms for constrained FIR filter design

Constrained finite-impulse response (FIR) filter design with time- and frequency-domain linear constraints can be generally transformed into a, or a series of, constrained least-squares problems, which can be generally reformulated as positive definite quadratic programming (QP) problems. This paper presents a novel algorithm referred to as a projected least-squares (PLS) algorithm for the positive definite QP problems. The PLS algorithm essentially projects the unconstrained (least-squares) minimization solution successively onto the boundaries of active constraints that are identified by an active-set strategy. The PLS algorithm has been applied to the constrained least-squares design of FIR filters directly, and to the constrained Chebyshev design of FIR filters in an iterative fashion. The PLS algorithm is compared with the most widely used interior-point methods and an active-set method through design examples of low-pass filters with specified passband and stopband ripples, Nyquist filter constraints and step response constraints. All these examples demonstrate the high efficiency of the PLS algorithm.
Performance Measurement Systems Must Be Engineered

The aim of this paper, which puts special emphasis on IT-related aspects, is threefold. • First, it defines requirements a modern Performance Measurements System (PMS) should meet. The list of requirements generated can be used both to assess a current PMS, and to identify ways to improve an existing PMS. • Second, it reports the findings of an empirical study, which seeks to identify the shortcomings of existing PMSs. • Third, a life cycle for PMSs is suggested.
Platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) retains independent prognostic significance in advanced stage marginal zone lymphoma patients treated with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisone combination chemotherapy (R-CVP): Consortium for Improving Survival of Lymphoma trial

Background Rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CVP) is one of the effective chemotherapeutic regimens for patients with advanced stage marginal zone lymphoma (MZL). However, prognostic factors that affect the outcome of treatment for MZL are not well understood. Methods Between August 2006 and June 2013, patients with newly diagnosed stage III and IV MZL treated with R-CVP as a first-line therapy from 15 institutions were retrospectively analyzed. Patients' clinical and laboratory data at diagnosis were collected by review of medical records. Results A total of 80 patients were analyzed. Bone marrow involvement was observed in 30% cases. Twelve patients (15%) had nodal MZL, and 41.3% patients exhibited multiple mucosa-associated lymphoma tissue sites. Overall response rate was 91.3%, including 73.8% achieving complete response. Advanced MZL patients treated with R-CVP showed a 3-year progression-free survival (PFS) rate of 69.6%. Prognostic markers significantly affecting PFS in univariate analysis were platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR, <95 vs. ≥95, P=0.014), serum albumin (≤3.9 vs. >3.9 g/dL, P=0.008), and the International Prognostic Index (IPI) score (1 vs. 2–4, P=0.032). In multivariate analysis, only PLR (<95 vs. ≥95, HR 0.367, 95% CI, 0.139–0.971, P=0.043) was an independent risk factor for PFS. Conclusion PLR ≥95 at diagnosis is an independent prognostic marker for PFS in advanced stage MZL patients treated with R-CVP. This marker may aid clinicians in predicting the response to R-CVP chemotherapy in stage III and IV MZL patients.
Modeling Pirated Music Compact Discs ( CDs ) Purchase Behaviour in Tanzania Mainland

Despite all the effort made to convince consumers on the consequences of purchase of pirated music CDs and consumption, it still unknown how they dare to continue purchase these unethical music CDs in Tanzania. This shows that there is a low level of purchase of original music CDs in Tanzania by Generation Y. Furthermore, there seems to be an absence of enforcement on government regulation among her citizens such as lack of penalty, fines, lack of awareness of risk involved in purchasing pirated music CDs, expensive original music CDs prices, lack of self-regulatory efficacy and the issue of what influences others affected also the purchases of original music CDs in Tanzania. The main objective of this study is to propose a research model for determining pirated music CDs in Tanzania. The literature also identifies four probable factors (Idolatry, subjective norm, self-regulatory efficacy and governmental regulations) that could be the causal factors for poor purchase behaviour of original music CDs. The proposed methodology is the quantitative approach by collecting primary data from consumers represented by Generation Y at eight selected Malls at Daressalaam City in Tanzania. The data collected will be analyzed using partial least square. The expected findings will illustrate the real factors that could affect purchase behavior of original music CDs which could benefit the policy makers, consumers and the marketers of Music industry in Tanzania.
Non‐HLA Lymphocytotoxic Antibodies in HIV‐Seropositive and HIV‐Seronegative Hemophiliacs

Abstract. We tested serum samples from 11 HIV‐seropositive and 32 HIV‐seronegative Italian patients with hemophilia A or B for the presence of lymphocytotoxic antibodies (LCTAs). No patients had the acquired immune deficiency syndrome and all had received over many years heat‐untreated commercial clotting factors. LCTAs directed mainly to B cells, were significantly present in 5/6 HIV‐seropositive patients with hemophilia A and in 5/5 HIV‐seropositive patients with hemophilia B. The presence of LCTAs in HIV‐seronegative hemophiliacs was significantly correlated with both a decrease of T cells and an increase in serum levels of IgG and IgM.
Property Valuation Inaccuracy in Commercial Office Buildings: Establishing the Key Causative Factors

The paper aims to contribute to the empirical scarce literature on the causes of inaccuracy of property valuation in commercial office buildings by providing meaningful insights on the different causes likely to affect valuation accuracy in a developing country like Nigeria. Using Mean ranking, regression and factor analysis the causes have been ranked from a questionnaire distributed to a sample of 90 practitioners with a total of 61 completing the survey. The key findings of the statistical analysis indicated that professionals ranked the existing valuation methodology as the most established cause while only four of the causes make statistically unique contribution to the valuation methodology namely skill, experience and judgment of the valuer, types of property, the integrity of the individual Surveyor and lack of valuation standard manual. In a forward looking approach, the paper provides some recommendations that should minimise valuation inaccuracies in reports. The key limitation to the study is that it does not cover all classes of buildings as the scope of valuation is very enormous and the resources of this research were limited. Also, the use of closed ended questionnaires may limit the validity of the results. This research will be of interest to industry practitioners and academic researchers with an interest in property finance and valuation.
Hierarchical Unsupervised Image Segmentation based on Semidefinite Programming Paper ID : 941

Image segmentation based on graph representations has been a very active field of research recently. One major reason is that pairwise similarities (encoded by a graph) are also applicable in more general situations where prototypical image descriptors as partitioning cues are no longer adequate. In this context, we recently proposed a novel convex programming approach for segmentation in terms of optimal graph cuts which compares favorably with alternative methods in several aspects. In this paper we present a fully elaborated version of this approach along several directions: Different methods of image preprocessing are proposed to reduce the problem size by several orders of magnitude. Color and texture cues are combined to yield reasonable segmentations for a wide range of natural scenes. Furthermore, we argue that in the context of graph partitioning the hierarchical partition tree is a natural data structure as opposed to enforcing multiway cuts by additional optimization heuristics. Finally, we address various aspects regarding the fully automatic computation of the final segmentation. Numerous experimental results illustrate the encouraging performance of our approach for unsupervised image segmentation.
Uplink Capacity with Correlated Lognormal Shadow Fading

In this paper we study the effect of Base Station (BS) and User Terminal (UT) on the capacity of the Gaussian Cellular Multiple Access Channel. We also build a Monte Carlo simulator using realistic system parameters and distance dependent shadowing correlation estimation models. We are able to properly verify the theoretical analysis and we provide an insight on the maximum achievable capacity for real cellular systems.
Real-time detection of oscillations in control loops

This paper presents an online combined approach for detection of oscillations in control loops based on an adaptive modified version of the integral of absolute error (IAE) algorithm and on the Hilbert transform. The main contributions are: a) the combined approach using the modified IAE algorithm and the estimation of instantaneous frequency using the Hilbert transform; b) the detection of sustained and non sustained oscillations in real time. Experimental results on a DC motor setup demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed approach.