Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Phosphate doping into monoclinic BiVO4 for enhanced photoelectrochemical water oxidation activity.

Phos-phorus is a typical dopant for silicon or germanium to make itan n-type semiconductor. However, it has been rarely used asdopant for semiconductor photocatalysts. This is rathersurprising because other non-metallic elements, such as N,C, and S, have been widely used as anionic dopants forphotocatalysts to reduce their band-gap energies.
Stability Analysis of Interconnected Systems With “Mixed” Negative-Imaginary and Small-Gain Properties

In this letter, an analytical framework is proposed to examine stability of two stable, linear time invariant systems interconnected in positive feedback where the systems have “mixed” properties of negative-imaginary and small-gain. Using the notion of dissipativity, the interconnection of systems is guaranteed to be finite-gain stable under the condition that the dc loop gain is contractive. This work builds on Griggs, and exploits a new set of frequency dependent triplets that was introduced in above reference to “mix” two unconditional stability statements, i.e., small-gain and passivity. Unlike the above reference the present work explores the important question of how a conditional stability statement as needed when two negative-imaginary systems are connected in a feedback loop can be “mixed” with an unconditional stability statement as needed when two contractive systems are connected in a feedback loop. The usefulness of the proposed analytical framework is demonstrated via a numerical example.
A new device to reduce the consumption of a halogenated anaesthetic agent*

We report the first clinical application of a new anaesthetic agent‐saving device. The principles of a heat–moisture exchanger have been further developed to create a device that reduces inhalational agent consumption. Sixteen patients were randomly allocated to receive isoflurane through either a vaporiser or through the agent‐saving device. A coaxial Mapleson D system (Bain) was used in both groups. A standard ventilatory setting was used, aiming for normocapnia. Mean (SD) isoflurane consumption was 24.5 (2.8) ml.MAC‐hour−1 with the vaporiser, compared with 15.2 (3.0) ml.MAC‐hour−1 with the new device (p < 0.05). This corresponded to a 40% saving in the consumption of isoflurane. The amount of isoflurane that was scavenged to the atmosphere was reduced by an average of 55%.
A reconfigurable slot antenna with switchable polarization

A novel reconfigurable slot antenna architecture allowing polarization switching is presented. The antenna shape consists of a slot-ring with perturbations which are switched on and off using pin-diodes. Two antennas allowing switching either between linear and circular polarization or between two circular polarizations are demonstrated. The antenna architecture is interesting for commercial wireless applications because it is compatible with modern fabrication processes and can be realized on low cost dielectric materials.
Monetary and Exchange Rate Policy in Lithuania

The paper describes Lithuanian monetary and exchange rate developments. Experiences of the other two Baltic states Estonia and Latvia have been analysed as well. New monetary and financial institutions introduced in all Baltic states faced several problems. One was how to maintain the credibility for new fixed exchange rates in order to preserve positive effect on the economy due to the sharp fall of the inflation. The currency board system has been proposed as a reasonable solution. Central Banks of Estonia and Lithuania are operating under the currency board arrangement. The main objective was to keep monetary expansion and inflation under control. Lithuania undertook several currency reforms. After two year experience of the floating exchange rate, the Lithuanian Government pegged Lithuanian currency to the US dollar in April 1994. From that moment the Lithuanian Central bank has been operating like strict currency board. As an outcome, inflation rates slightly went down and credibility of the Lithuanian currency, the litas, increased. The paper concludes that under an instability in the transitional economies the Currency Board can serve as an anti-inflationary tool creating convertibility and credibility effects. Moreover, the exchange rate pegging might prevent the government's inflationary policy. The period after the reforms in Lithuania and also in Estonia is too short for definitive conclusions. But, from historical point of view the currency board's arrangements in those countries helped to reach the currency credibility and economic stability to a certain extent.
Multiagent data collection in Lycos

We proceed from a relatively weak notion of agency in cooperating software system components to describe the data collection activities of the Lycos Internet information retrieval services. The characteristics of agency of interest include autonomy, social ability, reactivity, and proactivity. The original and simple Lycos spiders, once implemented in Perl, have evolved into a true multiagent system of cooperating components that can visit and analyze more than 10,000,000 Web pages each day. There are three kinds of cooperating components:
Escherichia coli purB gene: cloning, nucleotide sequence, and regulation by purR

Escherichia coli purB encodes adenylosuccinate lyase (ASL), the enzyme that catalyzes step 8 in the pathway for de novo synthesis of IMP and also the final reaction in the two-step sequence from IMP to AMP. Gene purB was cloned and found to encode an ASL protein of 435 amino acids having a calculated molecular weight of 49,225. E. coli ASL is homologous to the corresponding enzymes from Bacillus subtilis and chickens and also to fumarase from B. subtilis. Gene phoP is 232 bp downstream of purB. Gene purB is regulated threefold by the purine pool and purR. Transcriptional regulation of purB involves binding of the purine repressor to the 16-bp conserved pur regulon operator. The purB operator is 224 bp downstream of the transcription start site and overlaps codons 62 to 67 in the protein-coding sequence.
Segmentation And Recognition Of 3D Objects In Automatic Navigation

This paper presents a segmentation and recognition method of 3D objects in automatic navigation. In the first part of this paper, a segmentation method based on nautical scene is proposed, which is composed of image preprocess, ROI detection, subarea process and object detection. In addition, an applied visual resolution calculation method is presented to control the simplification of original 3D model. Then a novel clustering method is introduced to merge the aspect graphs ulteriorly after viewpoint space partition to the simplified model. Finally, the segmented object will be sent to compare with the aspect graphs of the 3D model, using an improved method of Fourier descriptor. A set of experiments based on ship models are designed and implemented, and the results demonstrate the effectiveness of the method proposed in this paper.
Per-prediction for PHY mode selection in OFDM communication systems

Modern wireless communication standards like HiperLAN/2 or IEEE802.11a provide a high degree of flexibility on the physical layer (PHY) allowing the data link control (DLC) layer to choose transmission parameters with respect to the currently observed link quality. This possibility of so-called link adaptation (LA) is a key element for meeting quality of service (QoS) requirements and optimizing system performance. The decisions made by the LA algorithm are typically based on a prediction of the packet error rate (PER) implied by a certain transmit parameter setting. With most existing LA schemes, this prediction is based on the observed signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) or carrier-to-interference ratio (CIR), respectively. For frequency selective channels, however, the SNR alone does not adequately describe the channel quality. It is shown in this paper that LA schemes based on an accurate description of the momentary channel status can outperform conventional schemes with respect to throughput and reliability. Based on a novel "indicator" concept, schemes for obtaining an accurate prediction of the PER by evaluation of the channel transfer function are presented and evaluated by software simulation.
The expressive dimension

Abstract Expressives like damn and bastard have, when uttered, an immediate and powerful impact on the context. They are performative, often destructively so. They are revealing of the perspective from which the utterance is made, and they can have a dramatic impact on how current and future utterances are perceived. This, despite the fact that speakers are invariably hard-pressed to articulate what they mean. I develop a general theory of these volatile, indispensable meanings. The theory is built around a class of expressive indices. These determine the expressive setting of the context of interpretation. Expressive morphemes act on that context, actively changing its expressive setting. The theory is multidimensional in the sense that descriptives and expressives are fundamentally different but receive a unified logical treatment.
Lipids and endothelial function: effects of lipid-lowering and other therapeutic interventions

Coronary arteries are regulated by neuronal mechanisms, hormones and paracrine mediators. The importance of endothelium-dependent mechanisms has recently been recognized. The endothelium responds to mechanical and chemical signals from the blood by releasing mediators that modulate vascular tone and structure, platelet function, coagulation and monocyte adhesion. Important relaxing factors are nitric oxide, prostacyclin and a putative hyperpolarizing factor. Nitric oxide also inhibits smooth muscle proliferation and, together with prostacyclin, platelet function. Bradykinininduced nitric oxide production is reduced by angiotensinconverting enzyme. Endothelin-1, thromboxane A2 and prostaglandin H2 are contracting factors. Thromboxane A2 and prostaglandin H2 activate platelets, while endothelin has no direct platelet effects, but causes smooth muscle proliferation. In hypercholesteremia, endothelium-dependent relaxation is impaired and contraction as well as adhesion of monocytes and platelets enhanced. Pharmacological correction of hyperlipidemia by statins also improves or normalizes endothelial dysfunction in patients. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors have similar effects.
Use of Senior Centers as a Moderator of Stress-Related Distress Among Latino Elders

Abstract Little is known about the moderating effects of community services on psychological distress among Latino elders. This study explores the use of senior centers as an intervention strategy to moderate the harmful impact of stress on psychological distress. The study was conducted using data from the 1988 National Survey of Hispanic Elderly People (N = 2,299). To examine the direct and moderating effects of the use of senior centers on the relationship between stress and psychological distress we applied multiple regression analysis to an initial model, a direct effect model, and a moderating model. The results indicated that, under stressful life situations, respondents who used senior centers experienced lower levels of psychological distress than those who did not. Implications of the findings for senior centers and for further research are discussed.
Marker Detection in Electron Tomography: A Comparative Study

Abstract We conducted a comparative study of three widely used algorithms for the detection of fiducial markers in electron microscopy images. The algorithms were applied to four datasets from different sources. For the purpose of obtaining comparable results, we introduced figures of merit and implemented all three algorithms in a unified code base to exclude software-specific differences. The application of the algorithms revealed that none of the three algorithms is superior to the others in all cases. This leads to the conclusion that the choice of a marker detection algorithm highly depends on the properties of the dataset to be analyzed, even within the narrowed domain of electron tomography.
Properties of cutaneous touch receptors in cat

In their analysis of discharge patterns in cutaneous afferent fibres in cat, Maruhashi, Mizuguchi & Tasaki (1952) noted some fibres which showed discharge to mechanical stimulation of small receptive fields, often with spots of high sensitivity. The receptors adapted rapidly. Recently Witt & Hensel (1959) described responses in cutaneous fibres of cat with receptors sensitive to both mechanical and thermal stimuli. The receptors of such fibres often displayed localized areas of mechanical sensitivity. They also showed many of the characteristics of cold receptors previously described in the tongue (Hensel & Zotterman, 1951a), responding particularly to phasic cooling. In the course of a study of fibre diameter and receptor function in isolated fibres of sural nerve, described in the paper which follows (Hunt & McIntyre, 1960), it was found that a type of receptor could be categorized which possessed features some of which were noted by Maruhashi et al. (1952) and by Witt & Hensel (1959). These receptors, which, together with their fibres, have been called touch units, have highly localized regions of mechanical sensitivity and many show responses to thermal as well as tactile stimuli. This paper is concerned with a detailed description of touch receptors in the skin of cat innervated by the sural nerve. The data are derived from study of 114 isolated touch units.
Production of soluble CD34 by human myeloid cells

CD34, a glycophosphoprotein present in lymphohaematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, as well as in other cell types, exists in both transmembrane and intracytoplasmic forms. Transmembrane CD34 expression, which is high in the earliest haematopoietic precursors, decreases as cells mature. However, to our knowledge, there is no information on whether a decrease in transmembrane CD34 can also predict a release of the molecule from the cell membrane into the extracellular fluid. To investigate the above possibility, we studied conditions (incubation time, cell density and proliferative status) in human myeloid cells (lines KG‐1a, KG‐1 and cord blood‐derived cells) that may cause a decrease in surface CD34 and the generation of a soluble form of the molecule. The latter, as demonstrated by Western blot analysis, adds more complexity to the proposed structural features and functional properties of CD34 in myeloid cells.
Cycling of Synaptic Vesicles: How Far? How Fast!

Synaptic transmission is based on the regulated exocytotic fusion of synaptic vesicles filled with neurotransmitter. In order to sustain neurotransmitter release, these vesicles need to be recycled locally. Recent data suggest that two tracks for the cycling of synaptic vesicles coexist: a slow track in which vesicles fuse completely with the presynaptic plasma membrane, followed by clathrin-mediated recycling of the vesicular components, and a fast track that may correspond to the transient opening and closing of a fusion pore. In this review, we attempt to provide an overview of the components involved in both tracks of vesicle cycling, as well as to identify possible mechanistic links between these two pathways. Synaptic vesicles are the major secretory organelles within the nervous system that store and secrete nonpeptide neurotransmitters. Upon electrical stimulation and the consequent influx of calcium into the presynaptic nerve terminal, a fraction of the synaptic vesicles fuses with the plasma membrane and releases its neurotransmitter content into the synaptic cleft. Because the nerve terminal can be far away from the protein synthesis machinery, which is located in the somatodendritic part of a neuron, synaptic vesicles are regenerated locally by recycling. Physiological experiments indicate that in addition to the well-established slow mode for the cycling of vesicles, many synapses may have the capacity to regenerate fusion-competent synaptic vesicles by a much faster pathway within seconds. Although the same fusion machinery appears to be utilized by both the fast and slow tracks of vesicle cycling, a number of unique components are involved in the slow reformation of synaptic vesicles by clathrin-mediated endocytosis. In this STKE Review, which includes 2 figures, 2 animations, and 217 citations, we describe here the unique and the shared components of each track and attempt to identify common mechanisms that could serve as a link between these pathways.
Dose-dependent activation of Ca2+-activated K+ channels by ethanol contributes to improved endothelial cell functions.

BACKGROUND Regular moderate alcohol (EtOH) intake seems to protect against both coronary artery disease and ischemic stroke, whereas the risk increases with heavy EtOH consumption. Effects of EtOH on endothelial cell function may be relevant to these disparate effects. Potassium channels play an important role in the regulation of endothelial cell functions. Therefore, we investigated whether Ca-activated K channels (BKCa) are modulated by EtOH. Furthermore, we examined whether EtOH-induced changes of endothelial nitric oxide (NO) formation and cell proliferation are due to BKCa activation. METHODS The patch-clamp technique was used to investigate BKCa activity in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). NO formation was analyzed by using the fluorescence dye 4,5-diaminofluorescein. Endothelial proliferation was examined by using cell counts and measuring [H]thymidine incorporation. RESULTS EtOH dose-dependently (10-150 mmol/liter) modulated BKCa-activity, with the highest increase of open-state probability at a concentration of 50 mmol/liter (n = 13; p < 0.05). Inside-out recordings revealed that this effect was due to direct BKCa activation, whereas open-state probability was not changed in cell-attached recordings after pertussis toxin preincubation. EtOH (10 and 50 mmol/liter) caused a significant increase of NO levels, which was blocked by the highly selective BKCa inhibitor iberiotoxin (100 nmol/l; n = 30; p < 0.05). Higher concentrations of EtOH (100 and 150 mmol/liter) significantly reduced NO synthesis (n = 30; p < 0.05). Both methods revealed a significant increase of HUVEC proliferation, which was inhibited by iberiotoxin (n = 30; p < 0.05). At a concentration of 150 mmol/liter, EtOH caused a significant reduction of endothelial proliferation. CONCLUSIONS EtOH directly activates BKCa in HUVEC, leading to an increase of endothelial proliferation and production of NO. These results indicate a possible beneficial effect of low-dose EtOH on endothelial function, whereas higher concentrations must be considered as harmful.
An audio amplifier providing up to 1 Watt in standard digital 90-nm CMOS

An audio amplifier in a standard 90-nm dual gate-oxide CMOS technology is designed for direct connection to the battery in a mobile phone. Special techniques have been applied to run it from a supply voltage of up to 5.5 V. The circuit does not require a dedicated supply voltage generator; it can be integrated on the same chip with the digital signal processor, and provides high output power, good power supply rejection, and good efficiency
An ergonomics study of thumb movements on smartphone touch screen

This study investigated the relationships between thumb muscle activity and thumb operating tasks on a smartphone touch screen with one-hand posture. Six muscles in the right thumb and forearm were targeted in this study, namely adductor pollicis, flexor pollicis brevis, abductor pollicis brevis (APB), abductor pollicis longus, first dorsal interosseous (FDI) and extensor digitorum. The performance measures showed that the thumb developed fatigue rapidly when tapping on smaller buttons (diameter: 9 mm compared with 3 mm), and moved more slowly in flexion–extension than in adduction–abduction orientation. Meanwhile, the electromyography and perceived exertion values of FDI significantly increased in small button and flexion–extension tasks, while those of APB were greater in the adduction–abduction task. This study reveals that muscle effort among thumb muscles on a touch screen smartphone varies according to the task, and suggests that the use of small touch buttons should be minimised for better thumb performance. Practitioner Summary: Through measurements of electromyography, thumb performance and perceived exertion, this study reveals that demand on FDI increases when the thumb taps small buttons and in flexion–extension orientation, but that demand on APB increases in adduction–abduction orientation. The decreased thumb performance with small buttons is attributed to a combination of smaller targets and increased demand on FDI.
PROBLEMATIKA DEWAN PENGAWAS SYARIAH DAN SOLUSINYA

Sharia Supervisory Board has an important role to ensure that the business has been run in accordance with Islamic Sharia principles. In fact, there are several issues that led to the supervision mechanism will not deliver as expected, so it can make sharia business deviated from the provisions of Islamic law. There are four problems that need to be addressed so that the oversight of Sharia Supervisory Board mechanisms run optimally, namely: legislation, organization and management, human resources and performance, as well as facilities and infrastructure. Therefore, the state, the Sharia Supervisory Board, business managers, and academicians, needs to be involved to create a good oversight mechanism on Sharia Supervisory Board. Keyword s : Sharia Supervisory Board, Bank Indonesia, Legislasi, Organization, Management
Systemic Tropheryma whipplei: Clinical Presentation of 142 Patients With Infections Diagnosed or Confirmed in a Reference Center

Culture of Tropheryma whipplei, the agent of Whipple disease (WD), was achieved in our laboratory in 2000, allowing new perspectives for the diagnosis of this disease and for the description of other potential clinical manifestations caused by this microorganism. Since 2000, we have developed new tools in our center in Marseille, France, to optimize the diagnosis of T whipplei infections. Classic WD was characterized by positive periodic acid-Schiff performed on duodenal biopsy. In the absence of duodenal histologic involvement, localized infections were defined by specific positive T whipplei polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results obtained using samples of other tissues and body fluids. The physicians in charge of patients were asked to complete a questionnaire. A total of 215 diagnoses were performed or confirmed and, among these, 142 patients with sufficient clinical data were included. Herein, we report epidemiologic data, clinical manifestations, and diagnostic tools of T whipplei infections. In the 113 patients with classic WD, the main symptom was arthralgia (88/113, 78%), which explains the many cases misdiagnosed as inflammatory rheumatoid disease (56/113, 50%). Frequently immunosuppressive treatments, more recently including tumor necrosis factor inhibitor, had been previously prescribed (50%) and were often responsible for more rapid clinical progression (43%). Sometimes a short course of antibiotics improved the clinical status. Endocarditis was the second most frequent manifestation of T whipplei, with 16 cases. The clinical picture of this entity corresponds to cardiovascular involvement with acute heart failure (50%) occurring without fever (75%) or previous valvular disease (69%). Neurologic symptoms were the third major manifestation. Other localized infections such as adenopathy, uveitis, pulmonary involvement, or joint involvement were sporadic. Infection with T whipplei resulted in multifaceted conditions. Some localized infections due to this agent have recently been reported and may correspond to emerging entities. Patients with inflammatory rheumatoid disease must be systematically interviewed to determine the efficacy of previous immunosuppressive and antibiotic therapies. Abbreviations: CSF = cerebrospinal fluid, PAS = periodic acid-Schiff, PCR = polymerase chain reaction, WD = Whipple disease.