Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A cryogenic focal plane array for 85-115 GHz using MMIC preamplifiers

A new focal plane array for 85-115 GHz is described. This array has 16 pixels, and uses InP MMIC preamplifiers with 40 dB gain, followed by a wideband subharmonic mixer to convert to a 5-20 GHz IF band. A low loss isolator is used to achieve an excellent input match. Square corrugated feed horns are used for efficient filling of the focal plane. Critical components are operated at a temperature of 20 K. The noise temperature varies from 50-130 K, including all pixels, across the full band.
Visibility Widgets: Managing Occlusion of Quantitative Data in 3D Terrain Visualization

In 3D visualization of terrain, occlusion has detrimental impact on discovering, accessing, and spatially relating embedded data. This can lead to significant loss of information. To address this issue, we present visibility widgets: compact auxiliary views that visualize occluded data, their locations, and related properties, and thus, support users in revealing hidden information. Our widgets comprise different occlusion management strategies for detecting and analyzing invisible data inside as well as outside of the field of view. In addition, each widget is designed complementary and transient to facilitate interactive exploration and navigation while not monopolizing the user's attention. We demonstrate the application of our visibility widgets in a flexible visualization tool, focusing on visual exploration of hazardous weather phenomena in 3D terrain.
Des‐1‐Asp‐Angiotensin II: POSSIBLE INTRARENAL ROLE IN HOMEOSTASIS IN THE DOG

The relative effects of des-1-Asp-angiotensin II and angiotensin II on renal function, including renin secretion, were investigated in normal and sodium-depleted dogs. Intrarenal arterial infusion of the heptapeptide fragment into normal dogs at a rate which was calculated to increase blood levels by only 7 ng/100 ml decreased renal blood flow from 254 ± 8 ml/min to 220 ± 12 and 219 ± 12 ml/min (P < 0.01 for both values) after 10 and 30 minutes of infusion, respectively; renin secretion decreased from 502 ± 214 ng/min to 253 ± 109 and 180 ± 53 ng/min (P < 0.05 for both values). Infusion of angiotensin II at the same rate decreased renal blood flow from 251 ± 26 ml/min to 224 ± 22 and 220 ± 16 ml/min (P < 0.01 and 0.025, respectively) and decreased renin secretion from 374 ± 25 ng/min to 166 ± 76 and 131 ± 37 ng/min (P < 0.025 for both values). Neither peptide significantly changed mean arterial blood pressure, creatinine clearance, or excreted sodium in these dogs. Infusion of des-1-Asp-angiotensin II into sodium-depleted dogs decreased renin secretion from 1094 ±211 ng/min to 768 ± 132 and 499 ± 31 ng/min (P < 0.025 for both values) after 10 and 30 minutes of infusion. Angiotensin II infusion decreased renin secretion from 1102 ± 134 to 495 ±235 and 502 ± 129 ng/min in these dogs (P < 0.05 and 0.025, respectively). Neither peptide significantly altered renal blood flow, arterial blood pressure, creatinine clearance, or excreted sodium in the sodium-depleted dogs. The data demonstrated that these two peptides have similar effects on the rennin secretory mechanism and the vascular receptor at the level of the renal arterioles.
The effect of sexual abstinence on females' educational attainment

A number of studies have shown that teenagers who abstain from sex are more likely to graduate from high school and attend college than their sexually active peers. However, it is unclear whether this association represents a causal relationship or can be explained by unmeasured heterogeneity. We employ a variety of statistical techniques to distinguish between these hypotheses, using data on females from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. Our results provide evidence that delaying first intercourse leads to an increased likelihood of graduating from high school. This relationship appears to be strongest among respondents in the bottom third of the ability distribution. Controlling for fertility reduces, but does not eliminate, the estimated effect of delaying intercourse.
Real‐time imaging of the medullary circuitry involved in the generation of spontaneous muscle sympathetic nerve activity in awake subjects

To understand the central neural processes involved in blood pressure regulation we recorded muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) via a tungsten microelectrode in the common peroneal nerve while performing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) of the brainstem at 3T. Blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) changes in signal intensity were measured over 4 s every 8 s (200) volumes; MSNA was recorded during the previous 4 s epoch, which takes into account peripheral conduction delays along unmyelinated axons and neurovascular coupling delays. Analysis of temporal coupling between BOLD signal intensity and nerve signal intensity revealed sites in which the two signals covaried, but only in the medulla. Because scans were conducted in a caudorostral direction, we could constrain the analysis to the medulla by only examining the first 1 s of the fMRI and nerve signals. Increases in MSNA were associated with robust bilateral increases in signal intensity in the dorsolateral region of the medulla that corresponds to the human equivalent of the rostal ventrolateral medulla (RVLM). Reciprocal decreases in signal intensity occurred in the regions of the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) and caudal ventrolateral medulla (CVLM). Group analysis also revealed increases in signal intensity in the caudal pressor area (CPA), medullary raphé (MR), and dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMX). We have shown for the first time that this combined approach of recording sympathetic neural activity and fMRI provides real‐time imaging of the neural processes responsible for the generation of sympathetic nerve activity in awake human subjects. Hum Brain Mapp, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Strategic purchasing and innovation: a relational view

The purchasing function of large firms has slowly evolved from the operational task of ordering products and services towards a strategic part of business. However, the full implications of strategic purchasing for firm innovation have yet to be explored. The contribution of this study is two-fold. First, we develop a relational view of strategic purchasing embracing both the quality of the purchasing function and the properties of its internal and external relations. Second, based on exploratory empirical analysis, we propose four patterns of the link between strategic purchasing and innovation. We find that strategic purchasing is an enabling, but not necessary, condition for a contribution of purchasing to innovation, which in turn mostly relates to the relational resources of purchasing.
Approximating Digital 3D Shapes by Rational Gaussian Surfaces

A method for approximating spherical topology digital shapes by rational Gaussian (RaG) surfaces is presented. Points in a shape are parametrized by approximating the shape with a triangular mesh, determining parameter coordinates at mesh vertices, and finding parameter coordinates at shape points from interpolation of parameter coordinates at mesh vertices. Knowing the locations and parameter coordinates of the shape points, the control points of a RaG surface are determined to approximate the shape with a required accuracy. The process starts from a small set of control points and gradually increases the control points until the error between the surface and the digital shape reduces to a required tolerance. Both triangulation and surface approximation proceed from coarse to fine. Therefore, the method is particularly suitable for multiresolution creation and transmission of digital shapes over the Internet. Application of the proposed method in editing of 3D shapes is demonstrated.
Randomized study of adding inhaled iloprost to existing bosentan in pulmonary arterial hypertension.

RATIONALE Small, open-label studies suggest that combinations of existing therapies may be effective for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). OBJECTIVE To evaluate the safety and efficacy of adding inhaled iloprost, a prostacyclin analog, to the endothelin receptor antagonist bosentan in patients with PAH. METHODS In a randomized, multicenter, double-blind trial, inhaled iloprost (5 mug) or placebo was added to stable monotherapy with bosentan for 12 wk. Efficacy endpoints included change from baseline in 6-min-walk distance (6-MWD), modified New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class, hemodynamic parameters, and time to clinical worsening. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS A total of 67 patients with PAH (55% idiopathic PAH, 45% associated PAH, 94% NYHA class III, and mean baseline 6-MWD of 335 m) were randomized. At Week 12, patients receiving iloprost had a mean increase in 6-MWD of 30 m (p = 0.001); placebo patients had a mean 6-MWD increase of 4 m (p = 0.69), with a placebo-adjusted difference of +26 m (p = 0.051). NYHA status improved by one class in 34% of iloprost versus 6% of placebo patients (p = 0.002). Iloprost delayed the time to clinical worsening (p = 0.0219). Improvements were noted in postinhalation placebo-adjusted change in mean pulmonary artery pressure (-8 mm Hg; p < 0.001) and pulmonary vascular resistance (-254 dyn x s x cm(-5); p < 0.001). Combination therapy was well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS Within the limitations of a relatively small sample size, results of this study demonstrate that the addition of inhaled iloprost in patients with PAH with reduced exercise capacity on bosentan monotherapy is safe and efficacious.
Analysing Java's safety guarantees under concurrency

Abstract Two features distinguish Java from other main-stream programming languages like C and C++: its built-in support for concurrency and safety guarantees such as type safety or safe execution in a sandbox. In this work, we build a formal, unified model of Java concurrency, validate it empirically, and analyse it with respect to the safety guarantees using a proof assistant. We show that type safety and Java's data race freedom guarantee hold. Our analysis, however, revealed a weakness in the Java security architecture, because the Java memory model theoretically allows pointer forgery. As a result, this work clarifies the specification of the Java memory model.
Creation of a Magnetic Boundary Condition in a Radiating Ground Plane to Excite Antenna Modes

The creation of a magnetic boundary condition into the plane of symmetry in a radiating ground plane of a portable device is proposed to enhance its radiation efficiency and bandwidth. This magnetic boundary condition is achieved by exciting the antenna through symmetrical feeding. A novel antenna consisting of a symmetrical folded dipole is presented in order to exemplify how a broad bandwidth and very good radiation properties can be obtained with the proposed technique. The Theory of Characteristic Modes is used to analyze and compare a folded dipole with the symmetrical folded dipole. This study shows how the magnetic boundary condition favors excitation of antenna modes in a broad bandwidth while avoiding excitation of transmission line modes. Two different prototype antennas, a monopole and a symmetrical folded dipole with an LC-balun, were implemented and measured. The measured -6 dB impedance bandwidth of the monopole extends from 0.95 GHz to 2.15 GHz. In turn, the bandwidth of the symmetrical folded dipole extends from 0.90 GHz to 1.96 GHz. The average of the measured total efficiencies at the aforementioned bandwidth is -1.6 dB for both prototypes. The measured maximum total gain at 0.95 GHz is 2.6 dBi for the monopole and 1.9 dBi for the symmetrical folded dipole.
Effect of increased adiposity on insulin sensitivity and adipokine concentrations in horses and ponies fed a high fat diet, with or without a once daily high glycaemic meal.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY The relative influences of obesity and adaptation to high glycaemic diets on the development of insulin dysregulation in equids are unclear. OBJECTIVES To determine whether increased adiposity per se is responsible for the decreased insulin sensitivity often observed in obese horses or whether a dietary glycaemic response is critically important. STUDY DESIGN Randomised controlled trial. METHODS Eighteen horses and ponies were studied over a 20-week period. They received ad libitum hay plus either a high fat (low glycaemic) diet (FAT; n = 6) or a similar (isocaloric) diet containing 1.5 g/kg bwt once daily glucose (GLU; n = 6) to induce obesity. A third group received a control ration (CON; n = 6). Adiposity was monitored using body condition score (BCS) and total body fat mass percentage (TBFM) determined using a deuterium oxide dilution technique. Insulin sensitivity was assessed using a frequently sampled i.v. glucose tolerance test. Plasma concentrations of glucose, insulin, leptin, adiponectin, tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and serum amyloid A (SAA) were measured. RESULTS The FAT and GLU groups became obese (BCS ≥7) whereas the CON group maintained moderate condition (BCS ≤6). Total body fat mass and leptin concentrations were increased in the FAT and GLU groups than in the CON group (P<0.001 and P = 0.003, respectively). Values for both insulin-dependent (SI) and insulin-independent (Sg) glucose disposal were higher in the GLU group compared with the FAT and CON groups (P = 0.006 and P = 0.03, respectively). There were no differences in adiponectin, TNF-α or SAA between groups (all P≥0.4). CONCLUSIONS Increased adiposity did not reduce insulin sensitivity in either the FAT or the GLU diet groups, suggesting that obesity per se might not be responsible for the lower SI values reported in previous studies. Contrary to expectations, once daily glucose appeared to increase insulin sensitivity. Further work is required into the dietary causes of insulin resistance in equids.
Motion Determination Using Non-uniform Sampling Based Density Clustering

Motion analysis in sequential images has many applications in both modern military and civilian environments. Motion determination based on frame difference is to determine the number, location and size of moving targets using the spatial clue. Density-based clustering algorithm DBSCAN is introduced into motion determination in this paper, which can discover clusters of arbitrary shape as well as to distinguish noise in spatial database, but it can only work well on data sets where cluster densities are similar. However, significant density difference usually occurs among different moving regions in frame difference images, and DBSCAN can not work well on them. This paper proposed a non-uniform sampling method to smooth the density difference among different moving regions, which makes it possible to obtain reasonable clustering results by DBSCAN. On the other hand, the sampling scheme can reduce the size of point data dramatically, which speeds up the clustering process for moving targets. Some experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Enhancing Clinical Practice and Education With High-fidelity Human Patient Simulators

Research shows that students exhibit increased autonomy and self-confidence when delivering patient care after practicing first with high-fidelity human patient simulators (HPS). Practicing clinical skills on a high-fidelity HPS allows students to learn in a highly adaptable, safe educational environment that fosters autonomy, independence, and the development of sound analytical skills. The author discusses the use of patient simulators in nursing education, a definition of a high-fidelity HPS, and their value to clinical practice and education. A cost-effective example of how to acquire a high-fidelity HPS without going over budget is provided.
On the importance of mentorship.

My whole life, I’ve tried to look beyond athletes or individuals who choose to advance their career illegally. The same applies to business executives who have committed fraud or personally benefitted from unethical transactions. It’s hard to see how anyone who plays by the rules can succeed in such a cut-throat world. When trying to analyze areas in my professional life where I’ve found success, I was surprised when I found the key to success sitting in my own lap. Mentorship is the one true practice that will ensure success in your business.
Patients in Transition: E-Messages as a Tool for Collaboration between Hospital and Community Healthcare -- A Norwegian Case

To strengthen collaboration between hospitals and community healthcare in Norway, an electronic messaging system was introduced. We argue that technology support for collaboration can be understood in terms of the concepts of collaboration embedded in the technology (workflow, information exchange, and communication). We analyze the e-messaging system from these three perspectives and show that its relative success is a result of how the system supports all three collaboration ideas.
Role of the corticotropin‐releasing factor receptor type 2 in the control of food intake in mice: a meal pattern analysis

The actions of corticotropin‐releasing factor (CRF) and related peptides are mediated by two receptors (CRF1 and CRF2). The respective role of each subtype in the control of food intake remains poorly known. In the present study, we examined the quantity and microstructure of ingestive behavior of knockout (KO) mice lacking CRF2 receptors and their wild‐type (WT) littermates. Under basal conditions, CRF2 KO mice showed increased nocturnal food intake, evident as an increased zenith in circadian cosinor analysis of food intake. Microstructure analysis revealed that this greater food intake reflected increased meal size, rather than meal frequency, suggesting a decreased satiating value of food. Following acute restraint stress, CRF2 KO mice showed an intact immediate anorectic response with increased latency to eat and decreased meal size. However, CRF2 deletion abolished the prolonged phase of restraint‐induced anorexia. CRF2 KO mice did not differ from WT controls in feeding responses to food deprivation or injection of ghrelin receptor agonists. Independent of genotype, food deprivation increased food intake, with dramatic changes in meal size, meal frequency, water : food ratio and eating rate. Acyl‐ghrelin or BIM‐28131, a potent ghrelin analog, dose‐dependently stimulated food intake by increasing meal size (ghrelin, BIM‐28131) and meal number (BIM‐28131), while slowing the average eating rate (BIM‐28131) similarly in WT and KO mice. These results suggest that the CRF2 receptor is involved in the control of meal size during the active phase of eating and following acute exposure to stress.
Activation of neutrophils by N-formyl chemotactic peptides.

The response of neutrophils to N-formyl peptides is mediated via a specific 50,000- to 60,000-dalton (Mr) receptor. Real-time kinetic analysis indicated that most of the cellular responses elicited by this ligand began within 5-10 s of addition to the cells at 37 C. Of three possible biochemical changes measured that could serve as transducers or second messengers, two, i.e., increases in cyclic AMP (cAMP) and intracellular free Ca2+, occurred within 5 s of stimulus addition. In contrast, internalization of the ligand by cells showed a latency time of 20-30 s, which indicates that it probably plays no role in triggering later responses. Using pulse binding techniques that allow the level of a given response to be measured as a function of the measured level of surface receptor occupancy, we found that O2- production required up to 30% receptor occupancy to elicit 50% of maximal response. In contrast, secretion, cAMP changes, Ca2+ changes, and membrane potential changes required less than 5% occupancy. Within 5 s, occupied receptors were converted at the cell surface to a slowly dissociating form. The receptors, exhibiting apparent higher affinity, were transiently associated with the cell cytoskeleton as defined by their conversion to a Triton X-100-insoluble form. Internalized receptor-ligand complexes were transported, in large part, to the Golgi apparatus. Further analyses of the mechanism of stimulation of leukocytes have been performed with monoclonal antibodies directed against the neutrophil surface. Data with these antibodies, which are not directed to the N-formyl peptide receptor, reveal that some modulated the N-formyl peptide-mediated responses and other antibodies initiated responses of the cells.
Erectile Dysfunction in the Elderly Man

When is a man getting on a bit? Admittedly there are only little objective data. We know that in 1945 Kinsey was among the first to collect data on sexuality [1]. In this study, only 18 of a total of 4,100 men were over 70 years old. The same can be learnt from the Massachusetts Male Ageing Study (MMAS) [2] of 1994, which is at present the most reliable one to be referred to later on: No man is older than 70. This may have initiated an age cohort study of men of over 70 [3] which was based on data obtained from a Men’s Luncheon Club in North California and published in 1999. Its only admission requirements for members were to be entitled to a pension, and secondly, to partake in a common meal at monthly intervals. To sum up, the sexuality of 1,200 men was assessed by means of a questionnaire focusing on its frequency, the desire for it, its quality, but also the partner’s share in it, etc. Included was assessment of the general state of health. A score for all 71 questions was built and published as Male Sexual Function Index. The graph shows an amazingly good result (fig. 1). There is even a slight rise to be noticed which may be attributed to the amenities of retirement. With an accompanying illness, however, the graph shows a downward tendency which is aggravating markedly if the patient has additional partnership problems. Accompanying illnesses are heart and cardiovascular diseases (34%) with diabetes mellitus occurring a little less often. Fig. 1. Curve line of the so-called Male Sexual Function Index. It remains on about the same level up to old age for those who are healthy. With a concomitant illness, it deteriorates markedly and it becomes even worse with partnership problems.
Genomic instability and cancer: lessons from Drosophila

Cancer is a genetic disease that involves the gradual accumulation of mutations. Human tumours are genetically unstable. However, the current knowledge about the origins and implications of genomic instability in this disease is limited. Understanding the biology of cancer requires the use of animal models. Here, we review relevant studies addressing the implications of genomic instability in cancer by using the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, as a model system. We discuss how this invertebrate has helped us to expand the current knowledge about the mechanisms involved in genomic instability and how this hallmark of cancer influences disease progression.