Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Improvement of the performance of the PECVD SiO2/Si3N4 double-layer electrets

In this paper, multiple approaches were attempted to improve the performance of PECVD SiO2/Si3N4 double-layer electrets on glass, including different electrode structures, as well as various corona charging conditions. Both chargeability and charge stability of the PECVD SiO2/Si3N4 double-layer electret at high temperature and high humidity were investigated. It is proven that samples with both lower and back electrodes has simpler process but exhibits similar chargeability and charge stability to those having lower electrode contact with ground directly by welding lead. High charging temperature can increase chargeability but has no effect on charge stability melioration. Long-term observation implies that if the electrets have to work outside properly, heat treatment will be necessary, although hermetic packaging is the best option. PECVD SiO2/Si3N4 double-layer electrets can endure high temperature lower than 250°C and shows good charge stability under high humidity.
On Beauville surfaces

We prove that if a finite group G acts freely on a product of two curves C1×C2 so that the quotient S = C1×C2/G is a Beauville surface then C1 and C2 are both non hyperelliptic curves of genus ≥ 6; the lowest bound being achieved when C1 = C2 is the Fermat curve of genus 6 and G = (Z/5Z). We also determine the possible values of the genera of C1 and C2 when G equals S5, PSL2(F7) or any abelian group. Finally, we produce examples of Beauville surfaces in which G is a p-group with p = 2, 3.
A Probe into the Differences Between China English Rhythm and American English Rhythm

This thesis makes a comparative study on the differences between China English rhythm and American English rhythm as well as the relationship between speakers’ intonation perception and production with the combined method of sound recording and perception test. Chinese is Tone Language, while English is Intonation Language. Although both tone and intonation are manifested by pitch variation, tone is used to convey the meaning at the word level, while intonation at the sentence or discourse level. The findings of the research indicate that while learning a foreign language based on intonation, Chinese English speakers, as influenced by their tone language, have great difficulties in grasping the rhythm pattern. This is also confirmed by the perception test. The research suggests that we should pay more attention to the training of intonation rather than the pronunciation of single words.
On time interval measurements using BCG

Time intervals measured between the electrocardiogram (ECG), the photoplethysmogram (PPG) or the impedance plethysmogram (IPG), have long been used to noninvasively assess cardiovascular function. Recently, the ballistocardiogram (BCG) has been proposed as an alternative physiological signal to be used in time interval measurements for the same purpose. In this work, we study the behavior of the RJ interval, defined as the time between the R wave of the electrocardiogram (ECG) and the J wave of the BCG, under fast pressure changes induced by paced respiration and tracked by a beat-to-beat blood pressure (SBP and DBP) waveform monitor. The aim of this work is to gain a deeper understanding of these newly proposed time intervals and to further assess their usefulness to determine cardiovascular performance.
Double‐Blind Placebo‐Controlled Trial of Flunarizine as Add‐on Therapy in Epilepsy

Summary: In a therapy‐resistant epileptic population with partial complex seizures with or without secondary generalization, addition of flunarizine to existing therapy was accompanied by a significant reduction in complex partial and tonic‐clonic seizures. This result did not appear to be due to serial effects or changes in the plasma levels of the co‐medication. Side effects were rare. The serum flunarizine levels (13.8 ng/ml; range, 3–32.5 ng/ml) were lower than previously reported on a daily dose of 10 mg. This may reflect increased metabolism due to induction of liver enzymes by the co‐medication. Given this finding, together with the low incidence of side effects, a further study is required to determine whether higher blood levels would give an improved degree and incidence of seizure reduction.
Aberrant hypermethylation of the major breakpoint cluster region in 17p11.2 in medulloblastomas but not supratentorial PNETs

Deletions of 17p have been consistently reported in up to 50% of medulloblastomas (MBs), and the major breakpoint interval has been localized to chromosome segment 17p11.2. Based on several reports linking aberrant DNA methylation and chromosomal disruption, we examined the methylation pattern in this region by employing restriction landmark genomic scanning (RLGS). Several CpG islands located in the major breakpoint cluster region were identified using a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) contig of the breakpoint region. A long‐range methylation map was established for 20 MBs and 5 supratentorial primitive neuroectodermal tumors (stPNETs). Selected CpG islands were examined using Southern and bisulfite sequencing analysis. Aberrantly hypermethylated CpG islands in 17p11.2 were found in 33% of MBs. Interestingly, one CpG island was methylated in MBs, but not in any of the examined stPNETs. A BAC clone covering three of the methylated CpG islands was partially sequenced in the search for a potential tumor suppressor gene. None of the expressed sequence tag sequences and full‐length mouse/human cDNAs that were associated with aberrant methylation showed a change in expression levels due to methylation. The potential link between chromosomal instability in 17p11.2 and hypermethylation in this region is discussed. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Development of a THz photoconductive horn antenna

As the most popular device for terahertz (THz) generation and detection, photoconductive antenna has attracted a lot of attention in recent years. The conventional photoconductive antenna has a relatively omni-directional radiation pattern and not all the radiated power can be used in a typical THz system. This paper is aimed at developing a photoconductive horn antenna with a uni-directional radiation pattern thus more radiated power from the antenna can be collected at the desired direction. Both theoretical and numerical approaches are employed to aid the design. The optimised emitter and horn are obtained, and how to make this design a reality is also discussed. A proto-type is made and simulated results show that a directivity of 18.7 dBi can be achieved by this new antenna.
Marker tracking for video-based augmented reality

In augmented reality (AR) systems, virtual objects, graphics or texts are added to the real scene to improve the person's perception. Virtual and real information must be aligned strictly in the combination of scenes. The key of augmented reality is 3D registration technology which is based on tracking the artificial marker in the scene effectively. Using linear programming theory, this paper presents a tracking method which can recognize the vertices of any convex polygon in augmented reality system since most of the markers are squares. The transformation matrix of camera can be estimated at the aid of coordinates of the four vertices.
Primer ID Validates Template Sampling Depth and Greatly Reduces the Error Rate of Next-Generation Sequencing of HIV-1 Genomic RNA Populations

ABSTRACT Validating the sampling depth and reducing sequencing errors are critical for studies of viral populations using next-generation sequencing (NGS). We previously described the use of Primer ID to tag each viral RNA template with a block of degenerate nucleotides in the cDNA primer. We now show that low-abundance Primer IDs (offspring Primer IDs) are generated due to PCR/sequencing errors. These artifactual Primer IDs can be removed using a cutoff model for the number of reads required to make a template consensus sequence. We have modeled the fraction of sequences lost due to Primer ID resampling. For a typical sequencing run, less than 10% of the raw reads are lost to offspring Primer ID filtering and resampling. The remaining raw reads are used to correct for PCR resampling and sequencing errors. We also demonstrate that Primer ID reveals bias intrinsic to PCR, especially at low template input or utilization. cDNA synthesis and PCR convert ca. 20% of RNA templates into recoverable sequences, and 30-fold sequence coverage recovers most of these template sequences. We have directly measured the residual error rate to be around 1 in 10,000 nucleotides. We use this error rate and the Poisson distribution to define the cutoff to identify preexisting drug resistance mutations at low abundance in an HIV-infected subject. Collectively, these studies show that >90% of the raw sequence reads can be used to validate template sampling depth and to dramatically reduce the error rate in assessing a genetically diverse viral population using NGS. IMPORTANCE Although next-generation sequencing (NGS) has revolutionized sequencing strategies, it suffers from serious limitations in defining sequence heterogeneity in a genetically diverse population, such as HIV-1 due to PCR resampling and PCR/sequencing errors. The Primer ID approach reveals the true sampling depth and greatly reduces errors. Knowing the sampling depth allows the construction of a model of how to maximize the recovery of sequences from input templates and to reduce resampling of the Primer ID so that appropriate multiplexing can be included in the experimental design. With the defined sampling depth and measured error rate, we are able to assign cutoffs for the accurate detection of minority variants in viral populations. This approach allows the power of NGS to be realized without having to guess about sampling depth or to ignore the problem of PCR resampling, while also being able to correct most of the errors in the data set.
The relationship between interpersonal perception and post‐traumatic stress disorder‐related functional impairment: a social relations model analysis

This study used Kenny's social relations model to examine the relationship between Post‐Traumatic Stress Disorder‐related impairment and interpersonal perceptions. Participants were 124 students who had previously completed the Post‐traumatic Stress Diagnostic Scale as part of a larger study. After engaging in brief dyadic conversations with 3 other students, participants recorded perceptions of personality traits for themselves, their interaction partners and how they believed their partners saw them (metaperceptions). Results indicated that those with more severe post‐traumatic stress disorder‐related impairment saw themselves negatively and believed their interaction partners also viewed them negatively. However, these individuals were not seen differently by others, except that they were rated as less dependable. Our findings suggest that post‐traumatic stress disorder is associated with negative beliefs about the self that may influence self‐esteem and interpersonal relationships.
Increased Levels of Lipid Peroxidation Products Malondialdehyde and 4-Hydroxynonenal after Perinatal Hypoxia

For quantitative evaluation of lipid peroxidation after perinatal hypoxia in umbilical arterial cord blood samples from 109 healthy, acidotic, and asphyctic neonates with a gestational age ranging from 26 to 41 wk, the levels of aldehydic lipid peroxidation products malondialdehyde (MDA) and 4-hydroxynon-2-enal (HNE) were measured. Furthermore, the concentrations of oxidized and reduced glutathione (GSSH and GSH) and the purine compounds hypoxanthine and uric acid were determined. With increasing gestational age MDA and HNE levels increased. Furthermore, an increased level of GSH was also found. After perinatal hypoxia the concentrations of MDA and HNE rose distinctly (p < 0.001), reflecting sensitively the extent ofin vivo lipid peroxidation. HNE is proposed to be a new parameter for quantitative evaluation of posthypoxic cellular damage in the perinatal period. HNE is a more specific parameter for estimation of lipid peroxidation processes in comparison with MDA. Additionally, HNE is cytotoxic and mutagenic at nanomolar concentrations. The increased levels of both MDA and HNE were accompanied by a strong decrease of GSH concentrations (p < 0.001), indicating the rapid consumption of GSH via a glutathione peroxidase reaction but additionally the high reactivity of HNE with sulfhydryl groups. During oxygen deficiency, increased levels of hypoxanthine (p < 0.01) and uric acid (p < 0.05) were due to the accelerated degradation of purine nucleotides. The rate of purine degradation including xanthine oxidase reactions characterizes the extent of an important radical source during oxygen deficiency, contributing to peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids and the formation of secondary aldehydic lipid peroxidation products.
İterative receiver for DS-CDMA systems in the presence of time-varying channels

In this paper, we present an efficient iterative receiver structure of tractable complexity for joint multiuser detection and multichannel estimation (JDE) of direct-sequence code-division multiple-access systems operating in the presence of time-varying flat fading channel. The time-varying channel is assumed to be modeled according to a piece-wise constant channel. An optimality criterion is defined and analytical expressions for the corresponding optimized weight coefficients are given. Monte-Carlo simulations of a synchronous scenario show that the proposed JDE receiver have excellent multiuser efficiency and are robust against errors in the estimation of the channel parameters.
The intergenerational relationships of gay men and lesbian women.

OBJECTIVES Despite the demonstrated importance of intergenerational ties across the life course, few studies examine relationships between gay men and lesbians and their later life parents and parents-in-law. The present study examines how midlife to later life gay men and lesbians in intimate partnerships conceptualize these intergenerational ties. METHOD Qualitative analysis of 50 in-depth interviews collected with midlife to later life gay men and lesbians (ages 40-72) in long-term intimate partnerships. RESULTS Findings reveal 4 central ways respondents describe supportive parent-child and parent-child in-law relationships: integration, inclusion through language, social support, and affirmations. Findings reveal 3 central ways individuals distinguish strained parent-child and parent-child in-law relationships: rejection in everyday life, traumatic events, and the threat of being usurped. Findings further articulate how intergenerational ambivalence is distinguished through descriptions of a parent as simultaneously supportive (via subthemes of solidarity) and rejecting (via subthemes of strain). DISCUSSION Findings from this study provide empirical evidence of how support, strain, and ambivalence in intergenerational ties are identified and experienced by gay men and lesbian women. This study reveals a new lens to view relationships between midlife to later life adults and their aging parents and parents-in-law and further identifies linkages between solidarity-conflict and ambivalence paradigms.
On the cloaking effects associated with anomalous localized resonance

Regions of anomalous localized resonance, such as occurring near superlenses, are shown to lead to cloaking effects. This occurs when the resonant field generated by a polarizable line or point dipole acts back on the polarizable line or point dipole and effectively cancels the field acting on it from outside sources. Cloaking is proved in the quasistatic limit for finite collections of polarizable line dipoles that all lie within a specific distance from a coated cylinder having a shell permittivity where is the permittivity of the surrounding matrix, and is the core permittivity. Cloaking is also shown to extend to the Veselago superlens outside the quasistatic regime: a polarizable line dipole located less than a distance d/2 from the lens, where d is the thickness of the lens, will be cloaked due to the presence of a resonant field in front of the lens. Also a polarizable point dipole near a slab lens will be cloaked in the quasistatic limit.
Random Jump Index: A Trustworthy Index for Random Insertion

This paper presents an improved structure of Jump Index for trustworthy key search retention, called Random Jump Index. Unlike Jump Index, in which sequences must be strictly monotonically increased, this new jump index supports inserting of random sequences. This property enhances the efficiency of building index largely compared with Jump Index. Random Jump Index has the similar query efficiency of Jump Index. The structure of random jump ensures that every element has the unique and fixed path in this index, the index is fossilized. Therefore, Random Jump Index is a trustworthy index.
Regional analysis of D2 dopamine receptors in Parkinson's disease using SPECT and iodine-123-iodobenzamide.

UNLABELLED The goal of this study was to examine the relationship between D2 dopamine receptor density and levodopa dosage, disease duration and dyskinesia in Parkinson's disease (PD). METHODS Iodine-123-iodobenzamide SPECT scans were obtained from 14 PD patients and 12 age-matched controls using a three-headed camera in conjunction with MRI and a fiducial-based image registration system to define regions of interest. Basal ganglia/cerebellum counts/voxel ratios in dorsal and ventral head of caudate and anterior and posterior putamen were measured at 30, 60, 120 and 180 min postinjection. As in 11C-raclopride studies, ratios obtained at that time when they asymptomatically approach a maximum value (180 min) were accepted as the best measure of receptor density. RESULTS Among PD patients, a trend towards an inverse correlation between regional basal ganglia/cerebellum ratios and levodopa dosage achieved significance in ventral caudate (F = 6.244, p = 0.037); similarly, an inverse correlation between these ratios and disease duration achieved significance in anterior putamen (F = 13.144, p = 0.007). Ratios were significantly lower in anterior putamen in patients with dyskinesia (t = 3.068, p = 0.042). CONCLUSION In PD, the previously observed inverse correlation between levodopa dosage and D2-receptor density appears to be most prominent in the least dopamine-depleted region, ventral caudate. There may be a genuine effect of disease duration on receptor density in putamen and reduced receptor density in anterior putamen may be associated with dyskinesia.
IMPROVING INTAKE AND PERFORMANCE OF FORAGE-BASED RATIONS

Animal performance is the product of the supply, nutrient and energy concentration, intake, digestibility, and metabolism of a ration. Assuming that the ration is freely available, intake is the most important factor that affects animal performance. Of the variation in digestible dry matter (DDM) or digestible energy (DE) intake among animals and feeds, 60 to 90% is related to differences in intake, whereas only I 0 to 40% is related to differences in digestibility (Crampton et al., 1960; Reid, 1961).
Identifying Environmental Factors That Influence the Outcomes of People With Traumatic Brain Injury

Objectives:To determine the types of environmental barriers reported by persons with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and to identify the relations between environmental barriers and such components of societal participation as employment, community mobility, social integration, and life satisfaction. Design:Seventy-three persons with TBI who were participating in the TBI Model Systems program at Craig Hospital were surveyed at 1 year, using a new measure of the environment, the Craig Hospital Inventory of Environmental Factors (CHIEF), which rates frequency and impact of 25 barriers. Results:Transportation, the surroundings, government policies, attitudes, and the natural environment were the environmental barriers with the greatest reported impact. Those who were married, older, and unemployed or not in school reported the most barriers overall. Additionally, those reporting a greater impact from environmental barriers also reported lower levels of participation and life satisfaction. Conclusions:Although environmental barriers affect TBI survivors and play a role in their outcomes, their interplay with other, perhaps as yet unidentified, factors requires continued research. CHIEF may be a valuable tool for understanding the environment's role in the lives of people with TBI, and identifying the general environmental domains where interventions are needed to reduce their negative impact.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DRIVERS' BLOOD ALCOHOL CONCENTRATION CBAC) AND ACTUAL DRIVING PERFORMANCE DURING HIGH SPEED TRAVEL.

INTRODUCTION The disabling influence of alcohol-use on daily life functions has always been as notorious as its allurement. Yet much research— effort has been spent in this field since Goldberg Cl) demonstrated scientifically such detrimental effects with his experimental psychological test-battery in 1943. Only few authors could repro­ duce the dose—dependent relationship that he found, while others couldn’t find dose dependency or even any relationship at all. Epidemiological research gave lead to the a1coho 1 — 1 egis1 ation that has been introduced by many gouvernements. Borkenstein C2) was the first to demonstrate a relation between b1ood—a 1 coho 1—concen­ tration CBAC) and accident-risk in the famous Grand-Rapids study. These results were confirmed by many authors since C3). O ’Hanlon C4) develloped a method to measure objectively the influence of conditional changes on aspects of real driving perfoi mance. The method has proven to be very sensitive for the effects of prescription drugs. This work was done and continuous still as a part of the research effort of the Traffic Research Center of the State University in Groningen Cthe Netherlands) on participation in traffic as a behavioural phenomenon. The aim of this study was to establish a dose—effect relationship between BAC and objectively measurable aspects of real driving performance. Such relation can also serve as calibration of the method and gives an indication of implications of the effects registrered after drug-use.