Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Micro-Raman temperature measurements for electric field assessment in active AlGaN-GaN HFETs

Temperature profiles in the source/drain (S/D) opening of a single finger AlGaN-GaN heterostructure field-effect transistor were studied at increasing S/D voltages by micro-Raman spectroscopy with <1 /spl mu/m spatial resolution. These profiles imply high field regions near the gate edge of length /spl sim/0.4 /spl mu/m for S/D voltages between 45 and 75 V. Electric field strengths of /spl sim/1.2 and /spl sim/1.9 MV/cm are estimated for 45 and 75 V S/D voltage. The experimental results are in excellent agreement with 2-D Monte Carlo simulations.
Physical-Layer Security for Proximal Legitimate User and Eavesdropper: A Frequency Diverse Array Beamforming Approach

Transmit beamforming and artificial noise-based methods have been widely employed to achieve physical-layer (PHY) security. However, these approaches may fail to provide satisfactory secure performance if the channels of legitimate user (LU) and eavesdropper (Eve) are highly correlated, which usually occurs in the case of close-located LU and Eve. The goal of this paper is to address the PHY security problem for proximal LU and Eve in millimeter-wave transmissions. To this end, we propose a novel frequency diverse array (FDA) beamforming approach, which intentionally introduces some frequency offsets across array antennas to decouple the highly correlated channels of LU and Eve. By exploiting this decoupling capability, the FDA beamforming can degrade Eve’s reception and thus enhance PHY security. Leveraging FDA beamforming, we aim to maximize the secrecy rate by jointly optimizing the frequency offsets and the transmit beamformer. This secrecy rate maximization problem is difficult due to the tightly coupled variables. However, we show that it can be reformulated into a form only depending on the frequency offsets. Building upon this reformulation, we further employ the block successive upper-bound minimization method to iteratively obtain a solution with stationary convergence guarantee. Numerical results demonstrate that FDA beamforming can provide higher secrecy rate than conventional beamforming, especially for proximal LU and Eve.
Congestive heart failure in older women treated with adjuvant anthracycline chemotherapy for breast cancer.

PURPOSE Limited data are available on long-term cardiac safety of adjuvant anthracycline chemotherapy in breast cancer patients over age 65 years. We evaluated rates and predictors of congestive heart failure (CHF) in this population. PATIENTS AND METHODS We used the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Medicare database and included women with no history of CHF who were age 66 to 80 years and diagnosed with stage I to III breast cancer from 1992 to 2002. Cumulative rates of CHF were estimated, and multivariable Cox regression analysis was used to determine factors associated with the development of CHF. RESULTS A total of 43,338 women were included. Anthracycline-treated women were younger, with fewer comorbidities and more advanced disease than women who received nonanthracycline or no chemotherapy (P < .001 for each). The adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for CHF was 1.26 (95% CI, 1.12 to 1.42) for women aged 66 to 70 treated with anthracycline compared with other chemotherapy. For women aged 71 to 80, adjuvant chemotherapy type was not associated with CHF. The following baseline characteristics were significant predictors of CHF: age (HR, 1.79 per 10 years; 95% CI, 1.66 to 1.93), black race (HR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.30 to 1.50), trastuzumab treatment (HR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.21 to 1.77), hypertension (HR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.39 to 1.52), diabetes (HR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.66 to 1.83), and coronary artery disease (HR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.39 to 1.79). Left-sided radiotherapy did not confer an elevated risk of CHF (HR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.98 to 1.11). CONCLUSION Women aged 66 to 70 years who received adjuvant anthracyclines had significantly higher rates of CHF. The difference in rates of CHF continued to increase through more than 10 years of follow-up.
Developing a scholarship community.

PURPOSE To report the results of a multidisciplinary, interinstitutional writing support group established to facilitate faculty scholarly productivity. ORGANIZING CONCEPT: The road to scholarship can be filled with many obstacles, among them time constraints, teaching and meeting demands, student needs, office interruptions, and lack of colleagueship. The problems associated with lack of colleagueship, in particular, can be compounded for faculty who work in isolated contexts with few, if any, senior faculty to serve as mentors. METHODS OF DEVELOPMENT: The Western Writers Coercion Group evolved over a 2-year period from a small group of nursing faculty at a single institution to include, by its second year, 21 faculty from five western university campuses and three academic disciplines. The group met biweekly via teleconference with the objectives of defining and accomplishing realistic individual scholarship goals and providing a forum for the critical exchange of ideas. RESULTS The ongoing support and mentoring of the group led to significant writing outcomes in the form of manuscripts submitted for publication, abstracts submitted for conference presentation, grant proposals developed, and collegial relationships formed. DISCUSSION Although the benefits of group participation varied somewhat for faculty at different points in the career trajectory, they seemed to accrue at all levels of development. Group members underscored the many less quantifiable advantages of group participation: exposure to broader professional perspectives, the formation of key professional relationships, the enrichment of multidisciplinary input, and individualized assistance with time management, goal setting, and actual drafts. CONCLUSIONS The structure and experience of this group, which continues to meet regularly, might be a model to guide other groups of scholars who face geographic isolation and who struggle with balancing time and work and finding motivation for the process of writing.
Reduction of biofilm formation on titanium surface with ultraviolet-C pre-irradiation

Purpose Ultraviolet-C irradiation on titanium implants has been recently introduced as photofunctionalization to enhance osseointegration, which possibly also provide anti-microbial function to titanium surface as with photocatalyst. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of ultraviolet-C pre-irradiation to various topographical titanium surfaces on the attachment or biofilm formation of wound pathogens in comparison with that of ultraviolet-A pre-irradiation, with consideration for the physicochemical mechanism. Materials and methods The amount of wound pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes on titanium disks with mirror-polished, turned, acid-etched, or shot-blasted surfaces with or without 500 J/cm2 ultraviolet-A or ultraviolet-C pre-irradiation for 8 h incubation in brain heart infusion broth was evaluated by fluorescence microscopic quantification with 5-cyano-2, 3-ditolyl-2 H-tetrazolium chloride staining for viable bacteria. The surface roughness, wettability, and atomic composition of the surface were evaluated before and after ultraviolet-A or ultraviolet-C irradiation. Results Regardless of topographies, the amount of bacterial attachment and accumulation was lower on ultraviolet-C pre-irradiated surfaces than on the non-irradiated surface through 8 h incubation. The reducing effect of bacterial accumulation on the roughened surfaces by ultraviolet-A pre-irradiation was inferior to that by ultraviolet-C. Despite no effect on surface topography, ultraviolet-C irradiation changed wettability to superhydrophilicity and reduced carbon contents on any titanium surface with a greater degree than those by ultraviolet-A irradiation. Conclusion Ultraviolet-C irradiation reduced the attachment and biofilm formation of wound pathogens on various topographical titanium surfaces, rivaling or surpassing UVA irradiation in degree. The mechanism might involve superhydrophilicity and carbon elimination on the surface.
Best Practices in the Management of IT Outsourcing in the Public Sector

We look1 at the best practices of IT outsourcing in the public sector. Based on an empirical study of the perceptions of IT project managers and their outsourcing providers at the State level in Mexico. Our survey reveals a set of best practices in IT outsourcing projects. Some of the best practices identified include the continuity of IT projects, and the quality of technical specifications.
Les formes de cooperation dans le theatre public

Le marche du travail theâtral se caracterise par son extreme atomisation et, pour une grande majorite de professionnels de l’espace theâtral, la possibilite d’accumuler des ressources depend de leur inscription dans des reseaux qui garantissent le partage des memes conventions. Mais, plus que dans d’autres espaces artistiques, l’inscription dans ces reseaux s’accompagne, pour une minorite souvent tres integree, de la constitution de collectifs stables de production. D’une part, il existe des noyaux de professionnels fortement organises dans des compagnies independantes qui assurent une activite permanente et multiforme. D’autre part, des mouvances structurent des echanges permanents entre des professionnels de quelques compagnies economiquement et esthetiquement proches.
Guest editors' introduction: Actor-network theory and information systems. What's so special?

In this editorial introduction Allen Lee's definition of the information systems (IS) field is taken as the starting point: “Research in the information systems field examines more than just the technological system, or just the social system, or even the two systems side by side; in addition, it investigates the phenomena that emerge when the two interact” (Lee, A. “Editorial”, MISQ, Vol. 25, No. 1, 2001, p. iii). By emphasizing the last part of this, it is argued that actor‐network theory (ANT) can provide IS research with unique and very powerful tools to help us overcome the current poor understanding of the information technology (IT) artifact (Orlikowski, W. and Iacono, S., “Research commentary: desperately seeking the ‘IT’ in IT research – a call for theorizing the IT artifact”, Information Systems Research, Vol. 10 No. 2, 2001, pp. 121‐34). These tools include a broad range of concepts describing the interwoven relationships between the social.
Interaction between Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), LPS-Binding Protein (LBP), and Planar Membranes

Abstract The mechanism of interaction of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)binding protein, LBP, with differently composed symmetric and asymmetric planar lipid bilayers was investigated in electrical measurements (membrane current, potential, capacitance). From a change of the inner membrane potential difference, binding of LBP to membranes was deduced. After addition of LBP to one side of the membrane, binding of antiLBP antibodies and LPS to LBP on both sides of the bilayer was observed. Effects resulting from an interaction of antiLBP antiserum with membranebound LBP depend on the side of addition of the antiserum, indicating a directed intercalation of LBP into the membrane. Addition of LPS to the same side as LBP may induce a change of the conformation of LBP or its orientation in the membrane. Based on these observations, we propose that LBP intercalates in a directed orientation into negativelycharged membranes and assumes a transmembrane configuration. Moreover, preincubated complexes of LPS and LBP do not interact with membranes. These experiments show that reconstituted planar membranes are a suitable tool for investigations of the interaction of non poreforming proteins that are involved in signal transduction.
Hip subluxation and dislocation in cerebral palsy - a prospective study on the effectiveness of postural management programmes.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Hip subluxation and dislocation are common sequelae in children with bilateral cerebral palsy and are currently managed by surgical interventions. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of early postural management programmes on hip subluxation and dislocation at five years, and the need for treatment in children with bilateral cerebral palsy, and to compare these findings with a historical control group. METHODS A prospective cohort study followed 39 children who commenced using postural management equipment under 18 months of age. Levels of ability, type and amount of equipment use and treatments were recorded every three months. At 30 and 60 months, the hips were X-rayed and the hip migration percentage was measured. The results were compared with the historical control group. RESULTS Children who used equipment at recommended and moderate levels had significantly less chance of both hips being subluxed than those using equipment at minimal levels (two-tailed Fisher's exact chi(2) p = 0.024). The frequency of children with hip problems was significantly less in the intervention group in comparison to the historical control group at five years (chi(2) = 11.53, df = 2, p = 0.006). The frequency of children receiving bilateral or unilateral treatments, i.e. surgery, use of a hip and spinal orthosis and/or botulinum toxin injections, in the intervention group was significantly less compared to the historical control group (two-tailed Fisher's exact p = 0.001). CONCLUSION The early provision of postural management equipment has a role to play in reducing the number of hip problems and therefore the need for treatment of hip subluxation/dislocation in cerebral palsy at five years of age.
Applying infrared radiation image sensor to step-on interface: Touched point detection and tracking

We propose and implement a solution for applying an infrared radiation (IR) image sensor to step-on interface (SOI). SOI is a kind of natural human-robot interface what consists of a projector and a laser range scanner (LRG) sensor. And it enables any interactive touch applications on desktop or floor. We attempt to introduce an IR image sensor such as ASUS Xtion to SOI instead of LRG sensor. In this paper, we will describe the procedure that how to use the Xtion and detect touched point. We distinguish user's hand from background (surface) depends on depth data from ASUS Xtion, and detecting touching action when finger almost close to the background. The proposed processes involve IR depth image acquisition, seeking for hand and its contours by thresholding, recognition of touched areas and computing of theirs center position. The research enables ASUS Xtion be applied on SOI in a simple way. Moreover, this system can realize touch interaction on any surface.
Antimalarial agents from plant sources

The success of the antimalarial drug quinine and the discovery of artemisinin, the most potent antimalarial drug, both from plant sources, has led to the study of plants as antimalarial agents. The ethnopharmacological approach for the search of new antimalarial agents from plant sources has proved to be more predictive. This article gives a critical account of crude extracts, essential oils and secondary plant metabolites with diverse chemical structure possessing antimalarial activity against different malarial parasites. The major leads have been highlighted and some reported structure-activity relationships and their possible modes of action discussed.
Influence of Polymorphism (-G308A) TNF-α on the Periportal Fibrosis Regression of Schistosomiasis After Specific Treatment.

AIMS Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) is a proinflammatory cytokine and important mediator of severity for periportal fibrosis (PPF). We hypothesized that the (-G380A) polymorphism in the TNF-α gene is associated with regression of PPF after treatment for schistosomiasis mansoni. METHODS This is a retrospective cohort study, involving 124 Brazilian patients infected with Schistosoma mansoni, who were followed for 2 years after treatment to estimate the likelihood of PPF regression. Sociodemographic and clinical factors were also identified, with emphasis on specific treatment. RESULTS No statistical difference was observed between sociodemographic and clinical factors among the exposed groups. Genotypes (-308) GA/AA were positively associated with the degree of PFF regression (relative risk [RR] = 0.52; ρ = 0.025), as well as in the image pattern of PPF (RR = 0.56; ρ = 0.048), when compared with the genotype (-308) GG. There was no statistical difference in TNF-α serum levels between the exposed groups. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that the (-G308A) polymorphism of the TNF-α gene may be one of the factors that prevents the regression of the degree and pattern of PPF in the Brazilian population, and thus it may potentially be a predictive factor of PPF intensity in schistosomiasis.
Towards autonomous flight of micro aerial vehicles using ORB-SLAM

In the last couple of years a novel visual simultaneous localisation and mapping (SLAM) system, based on visual features, has emerged as one of the best, if not the best, systems for estimating the 6D camera pose whilst building a 3D map of the observed scene. This method is called ORB-SLAM and one of its key ideas is to use the same visual descriptor, a binary descriptor called ORB, for all the visual tasks, this is, for feature matching, relocalisation and loop closure. On the top of this, ORB-SLAM combines local and graph-based global bundle adjustment, which enables a scalable map generation whilst keeping real-time performance. Therefore, motivated by its performance in terms of processing speed, robustness against erratic motion and scalability, in this paper we present an implementation of autonomous flight for a low-cost micro aerial vehicle (MAV), where ORB-SLAM is used as a visual positioning system that feeds a PD controller that controls pitch, roll and yaw. Our results indicate that our implementation has potential and could soon be implemented on a bigger aerial platform with more complex trajectories to be flown autonomously.
Guidelines for the use of fresh‐frozen plasma, cryoprecipitate and cryosupernatant

The indications for transfusing fresh‐frozen plasma (FFP), cryoprecipitate and cryosupernatant plasma are very limited. When transfused they can have unpredictable adverse effects. The risks of transmitting infection are similar to those of other blood components unless a pathogen‐reduced plasma (PRP) is used. Of particular concern are allergic reactions and anaphylaxis, transfusion‐related acute lung injury, and haemolysis from transfused antibodies to blood group antigens, especially A and B. FFP is not indicated in disseminated intravascular coagulation without bleeding, is only recommended as a plasma exchange medium for thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (for which cryosupernatant is a possible alternative), should never be used to reverse warfarin anticoagulation in the absence of severe bleeding, and has only a very limited place in prophylaxis prior to liver biopsy. When used for surgical or traumatic bleeding, FFP and cryoprecipitate doses should be guided by coagulation studies, which may include near‐patient testing. FFP is not indicated to reverse vitamin K deficiency for neonates or patients in intensive care units. PRP may be used as an alternative to FFP. In the UK, PRP from countries with a low bovine spongiform encephalopathy incidence is recommended by the Departments of Health for children born after 1 January 1996. Arrangements for limited supplies of single donor PRP of non‐UK origin are expected to be completed in 2004. Batched pooled commercially prepared PRP from donors in the USA (Octaplas) is licensed and available in the UK. FFP must be thawed using a technique that avoids risk of bacterial contamination. Plastic packs containing any of these plasma products are brittle in the frozen state and must be handled with care.
Evolution of the chalcone synthase gene family in the genus Ipomoea.

The evolution of the chalcone synthase [CHS; malonyl-CoA:4-coumaroyl-CoA malonyltransferase (cyclizing), EC 2.3. 1.74] multigene family in the genus Ipomoea is explored. Thirteen CHS genes from seven Ipomoea species (family Convolvulaceae) were sequenced--three from genomic clones and the remainder from PCR amplification with primers designed from the 5' flanking region and the end of the 3' coding region of Ipomoea purpurea Roth. Analysis of the data indicates a duplication of CHS that predates the divergence of the Ipomoea species in this study. The Ipomoea CHS genes are among the most rapidly evolving of the CHS genes sequenced to date. The CHS genes in this study are most closely related to the Petunia CHS-B gene, which is also rapidly evolving and highly divergent from the rest of the Petunia CHS sequences.
Killing a Chinese Mandarin: The Moral Implications of Distance

Justice and injustice have been defined in reference to laws and persons in two ways. Now there are two kinds of laws, particular and general. By particular laws I mean those established by each people in reference to themselves, which again are divided into written and unwritten; by general laws I mean those based upon nature [KOcT& 4ir)Uv]. In fact, there is a general idea of just and unjust in accordance with nature, as all men in a manner divine, even if there is neither communication nor agreement between them. This is what Antigone in Sophocles evidently means, when she declares that it is just, though forbidden, to bury Polynices, as being naturally just: "For neither to-day nor yesterday, but from all eternity, these statutes live and no man knoweth whence they came. "I
A Simple , Rapid Technique for Determination of the Effects of Chemotherapeutic Agents on Mammalian Cell-Cycle

A simple, rapid protocol is described for separation of chemical agents into different classes, dependent upon their effects on cell-cycle traverse in line CHO Chinese hamster cells. The technique is a functional assay in that it measures the ability of synchronized cells to traverse the cell cycle on the basis of determination of the labeled and mitotic fractions in autoradiographs prepared from cultures receiving thymidine-3 H
Acculturation and coping strategies in the workplace

The paper presents empirical study of the level of organizational acculturation and the frequency of use of coping strategies in Bulgarian sample. The relationship between them and their dependence on socio-demographic factors were also examined. The aim of the research conducted was to verify the hypotheses that certain socio-demographic factors had a statistically significant impact on the phenomena studied, and that the use of controloriented coping strategies was related to higher levels of acculturation in organization. The results obtained when applying analysis of variance indicated statistically significant differences in the level of acculturation and the frequency of use of coping strategies depending on part of the socio-demographic factors observed, confirming partially the first hypothesis formulated. The second hypothesis was fully confirmed. The findings of correlation analysis indicated that high levels of acculturation in organization correlated statistically significantly with the coping strategies of Increasing efforts, Confidence in success, Change of situation and Time management, all of which are part of the control-oriented coping.