Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
NLSTT-MRAM: Robust spin transfer torque MRAM using non-local spin injection for write

In this work we propose a magnetic random access memory (MRAM) bit-cell design based on non-local spin transfer torque (NLSTT). In the proposed bit-cell, the data is written into the free layer of a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) using spin diffusion current (non-local spin injection), without injecting charge current into the tunneling oxide. Thus, the reliability issues, related to dielectric breakdown due to high tunneling current density (for high switching speed) are significantly mitigated. Separation of read and write current paths in the bit-cell helps in optimizing read and write separately. Hence, higher MgO thickness can be used for higher cell TMR and higher read disturb margin. Higher MTJ resistance resulting from thicker MgO also lets us use voltage mode sensing, that achieves higher speed for read operation. In the proposed bit-cell, we employ two supplementary spin injectors with tilted axis anisotropy, in order to compensate for the comparatively lower efficiency for non-local spin injection. Analysis of the proposed NLSTT-MRAM bit-cell is done using a physics based simulation framework, benchmarked with experimental data for lateral spin valve (LSV). Apart from high reliability, the proposed bit-cell achieves 110% higher tunnel magneto resistance (TMR) and 4X higher read margin for I ns switching speed as compared to standard I-transistor-I MTJ (1-T I-R) STT -MRAM of similar area.
Effects of exogenous human heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor on DNA synthesis of hepatocytes in normal mouse liver.

Heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF) has been reported to stimulate DNA synthesis of the hepatocytes in culture and highly express in regenerating rat liver after partial hepatectomy. We examined mitogenic effects and activation of transcription factors caused by exogenous human HB-EGF (hHB-EGF) in mouse liver. The mean labeling index in hepatocytes of hHB-EGF-injected mice was 2.6%, a significant increase over that in saline-injected controls (under 0.01%). By exogenous hHB-EGF injection, activation of transcription factors such as nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB and activator factor (AP)-1 was observed in the liver. By Northern blot analysis, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) gene expression in the liver was found to be induced in the hHB-EGF-injected mice. In conclusion, intravenously injected hHB-EGF showed a limited but definite effect on the DNA synthesis of hepatocytes in the mice liver. HB-EGF may serve as a hepatotrophic factor in vivo.
Strategic HR system differentiation between jobs: The effects on firm performance and employee outcomes

The purpose of this research was to understand whether firms apply different human resource management systems to different occupations within the same organization (HR differentiation) and how the extent to which they do so may influence firm and employee outcomes. We conducted two studies pertaining to these questions. The first study was based on data collected from managers, and the results suggest that firms differentiate their HR investments based on the strategic value of occupations to the firm, which was further associated with the human capital of those occupations. Differentiation in human capital was also associated with firm performance. The second study was based on data obtained from nonmanagement employees. The findings indicated that employees who were recipients of less HR system investment had lower fairness perceptions, which were further associated with higher turnover intentions and lower organizational citizenship behavior. Although the evidence from these studies suggests that firms may realize benefits from strategic HR system differentiation, managers should carefully consider how to balance the effects of differentiation on firm performance and employee well-being before implementing such systems.
Music signal spotting retrieval by a humming query using model driven path continuous dynamic program

This paper presents a method to retrieve similar intervals of feature sequence of music acoustic data by using a query sequence composed of intervals extracted from a humming or singing wave data. The method is called “Model driven path Continuous Dynamic Programming (mp-CDP)” which is a modification of Continuous Dynamic Programming (CDP) commonly used for spotting retrieval. The key feature of mp-CDP is to determine variations of the local path of CDP in advance by a reference sequence pattern which is a model to be matched. The paper confirms the usefulness of the proposed method based on retrieval experiments for 20 popular music tracks in WAV format.
Vascular adaptation in athletes: is there an ‘athlete's artery’?

Whilst the existence of a specific phenotype characterized as ‘athlete's heart’ is generally acknowledged, the question of whether athletes exhibit characteristic vascular adaptations has not been specifically addressed. To do so in this symposium, studies which have assessed the size, wall thickness and function of elastic, large muscular and smaller resistance arteries in athletes have been reviewed. Notwithstanding the caveats pertaining to cross‐sectional comparisons between athletes and ‘matched’ control subjects, these studies reveal increased conduit artery size, including enlargement of epicardial arteries and those supplying skeletal muscle. Evidence that peak limb blood flow responses are enhanced in athletes further suggests that resistance arteries undergo increases in total cross‐sectional area. Such increases can be localized to those arteries supplying active muscle leading to speculation, supported by exercise training studies in humans and animal and cellular data, that arterial enlargement is associated with repetitive episodic increases in arterial shear stress which elicit endothelium‐mediated remodelling. Such structural remodelling at conduit and resistance artery level may play a role in accommodating the substantial increase in cardiac output apparent in endurance athletes; arterial pressure is not increased at rest or during exercise in athletes (versus control subjects). Arterial wall remodelling also occurs in athletes but, in contrast to the impact of shear stress on remodelling of arterial lumenal dimensions, the impact of endurance athletic status on wall thickness may be a systemic, rather than localized, phenomenon. Finally, the question of whether the arteries of athletes exhibit enhanced function is moot. Somewhat paradoxically, measures of conduit and resistance artery endothelial function may not be enhanced, compared with healthy control subjects. This may relate to the inherent difficulty of improving arterial function which is already normal, or the time course and transient nature of functional change. It may also relate to the impact of compensatory structural remodelling, as arterial lumen size and wall thickness both affect functional responsiveness. In summary, there is clear evidence for an impact of athletic status on arterial structure and function, at least with respect to the impact of endurance training. Arterial adaptation may, to some extent, emulate that evident in the hearts of endurance athletes, and it is tempting to speculate that similar mechanisms may be at play.
Microfinance Traps and Relational Exchange Norms: A Field Study of Women Entrepreneurs in Tanzania**

In interdependent social groups, microfinance traps occur when conflicts arise between borrowers’ affective ties related to family needs and instrumental ties related to obligations toward their loan group. Thus, the social capital that facilitates microfinancing can lead to conflicting obligations toward business needs and economic obligations toward family. Building on an inductive field study among female entrepreneurs in Tanzania, we conceptualize microfinance traps. By using relational contract theory to interpret the qualitative data, we argue that microfinance traps can be reduced by balancing role integrity, preserving norms and reciprocity, and harmonizing the social matrix toward the family and loan group.
An Analysis of Citizen Science Based Research: Usage and Publication Patterns

The use of citizen science for scientific discovery relies on the acceptance of this method by the scientific community. Using the Web of Science and Scopus as the source of peer reviewed articles, an analysis of all published articles on “citizen science” confirmed its growth, and found that significant research on methodology and validation techniques preceded the rapid rise of the publications on research outcomes based on citizen science methods. Of considerable interest is the growing number of studies relying on the re-use of collected datasets from past citizen science research projects, which used data from either individual or multiple citizen science projects for new discoveries, such as for climate change research. The extent to which citizen science has been used in scientific discovery demonstrates its importance as a research approach. This broad analysis of peer reviewed papers on citizen science, that included not only citizen science projects, but the theory and methods developed to underpin the research, highlights the breadth and depth of the citizen science approach and encourages cross-fertilization between the different disciplines.
Uncomplicated Central Vein Catheterization of High Risk Patients with Real Time Ultrasound Guidance

Internal jugular vein cannulation has become a routine and clinically important aspect of medical care of critically ill patients. The landmark guided technique usually affords rapid and easy vascular access, but is not always successful and may be complicated by arterial puncture, hematoma, or pneumothorax. Some categories of patients, in particular patients with no external landmarks and patients with coagulopathies, appear to be at an increased risk of complications. We report the experience of internal jugular vein cannulation by a single operator with the external landmark technique in 10 patients and with ultrasound guidance in 31 patients, including 12 high risk patients. These patients had severe coagulopathies due to hepatic failure, HELLP syndrome, excess of anticoagulation treatment, or they had no external anatomic landmarks because of anasarca or obesity, were unable to maintain the horizontal position, or were external landmark catheterization failures. With the availability of the ultrasound device, success and complication rates improved markedly, suggesting that the ultrasound technique is easy to learn and rapidly produces an improvement over the external landmark method. In particular the 13 cannulations performed in 12 high risk patients were all successful at the first attempt, with no complications. In the overall population successful cannulations improved from 80% to 100%, first attempt success from 20% to 87% and carotid punctures decreased from 33% to 3.2%. Our results confirm that ultrasound guided cannulation of the internal jugular vein allows safer operation in high risk patients or when access problems are anticipated.
Colony stimulating factor‐1 (CSF‐1) stimulates temperature dependent phosphorylation and activation of the RAF‐1 proto‐oncogene product.

The serine/threonine kinase RAF‐1 is phosphorylated in intact macrophages in response to CSF‐1 at 37 degrees C The augmented phosphorylation of RAF‐1 and a concomitant increase in RAF‐1 associated serine/threonine kinase activity are kinetically later events than CSF‐1 induced protein tyrosine phosphorylation. Furthermore, phosphoamino acid analysis of RAF‐1 reveals the presence of phosphoserine, trace amounts of phosphothreonine but no phosphotyrosine and the phosphorylated RAF‐1 does not react with anti‐phosphotyrosine antibodies. In contrast to CSF‐1 induced protein tyrosine phosphorylation, RAF‐1 phosphorylation and activation are temperature dependent and do not occur at 4 degrees C. Furthermore, coprecipitation experiments failed to reveal any noncovalent association of RAF‐1 with the CSF‐1 receptor. Thus, while RAF‐1 is not a direct substrate for the CSF‐1 receptor tyrosine kinase in vivo, its temperature dependent phosphorylation and activation represent an intriguing aspect of the CSF‐1 response.
Visual-servo controller applied to the leader of a robot team with a centralized formation control

This work implements a visual-servo control that generates motor commands for a mobile robot according to a visual target. This robot is also the leader of a robot team that uses a centralized, non-linear and stable control to keep group formation. Therefore, whenever the target moves, the leader moves to correct its position and orientation, also forcing the whole team to move in formation. The combination of these two controllers will allow the future implementation of a hybrid cooperation strategy, joining a decentralized (visual-servo control) and a centralized (the formation control) approaches. Some experiments were done, so the system performance could be analyzed.
Changes in [Ca2+]i and membrane currents during impaired mitochondrial metabolism in dissociated rat hippocampal neurons

1 This study was designed to establish the basis for altered membrane excitability during the inhibition of mitochondrial metabolism in central mammalian neurons. Perforated whole‐cell patch clamp and fluorimetric techniques were combined to examine changes in membrane currents, intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) and mitochondrial potential (ΔΨm) in neurons dissociated from the CA1 subfield of the hippocampus of young rats. 2 On application of the mitochondrial inhibitor NaCN, or the uncoupler carbonyl cyanide p‐trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone (FCCP), the membrane potential hyperpolarized and membrane conductance increased. Under voltage clamp, an outward current was seen. The reversal potential of the current at −83 mV and its dependence on extracellular [K+] confirmed that this was a K+ conductance. 3 Simultaneous recordings of [Ca2+]i and current showed a striking correlation between a rise in [Ca2+]i and the developed outward current. Flash photolysis of the caged Ca2+ chelator, diazo‐2, reversed both the rise in [Ca2+]i and the outward current. The current was reduced by 80% by charybdotoxin, was attenuated by 10 mm TEA+ but was unaffected by apamin or by the KATP channel blocker tolbutamide (400 μm−1 mm). These data suggest strongly that the current is carried by Ca2+‐dependent K+ channels. 4 Simultaneous recordings of membrane current, ΔΨm and [Ca2+]i revealed the sequence of events in response to impaired mitochondrial function (CN, FCCP or anoxia): ΔΨm depolarized, followed rapidly by an increase in [Ca2+]i followed in turn by the outward current. [Ca2+]i and membrane current recovered only after mitochondrial repolarization. 5 The rise in [Ca2+]i appeared to result from an increased Ca2+ influx through voltage‐gated Ca2+ channels. It was dependent on extracellular Ca2+ and was much reduced by methoxyverapamil (D600). The rate of Mn2+ quench of fura‐2 fluorescence was increased by the inhibitors, and the inhibitors induced a small inward current when K+ channels were blocked that preceded the rise in [Ca2+]i. However, the increase in [Ca2+]i showed no obvious dependence on membrane potential in cells clamped at a range of holding potentials from −90 to −45 mV. 6 Thus, removal of oxygen, uncoupling mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation or inhibition of respiration, all lead to mitochondrial depolarization, an increased Ca2+ influx through (voltage‐gated) channels, even at hyperpolarized membrane potentials, raising [Ca2+]i which in turn drives an increased K+ conductance that modulates membrane excitability.
Structures of the first and second double‐stranded RNA‐binding domains of human TAR RNA‐binding protein

The TAR RNA‐binding Protein (TRBP) is a double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA)‐binding protein, which binds to Dicer and is required for the RNA interference pathway. TRBP consists of three dsRNA‐binding domains (dsRBDs). The first and second dsRBDs (dsRBD1 and dsRBD2, respectively) have affinities for dsRNA, whereas the third dsRBD (dsRBD3) binds to Dicer. In this study, we prepared the single domain fragments of human TRBP corresponding to dsRBD1 and dsRBD2 and solved the crystal structure of dsRBD1 and the solution structure of dsRBD2. The two structures contain an α−β−β−β−α fold, which is common to the dsRBDs. The overall structures of dsRBD1 and dsRBD2 are similar to each other, except for a slight shift of the first α helix. The residues involved in dsRNA binding are conserved. We examined the small interfering RNA (siRNA)‐binding properties of these dsRBDs by isothermal titration colorimetry measurements. The dsRBD1 and dsRBD2 fragments both bound to siRNA, with dissociation constants of 220 and 113 nM, respectively. In contrast, the full‐length TRBP and its fragment with dsRBD1 and dsRBD2 exhibited much smaller dissociation constants (0.24 and 0.25 nM, respectively), indicating that the tandem dsRBDs bind simultaneously to one siRNA molecule. On the other hand, the loop between the first α helix and the first β strand of dsRBD2, but not dsRBD1, has a Trp residue, which forms hydrophobic and cation‐π interactions with the surrounding residues. A circular dichroism analysis revealed that the thermal stability of dsRBD2 is higher than that of dsRBD1 and depends on the Trp residue.
Association ofBactericera cockerelli (Homoptera: Psyllidae) with “Zebra Chip,” a New Potato Disease in Southwestern United States and Mexico

Abstract A new defect of potato,Solanum tuberosum L. , “zebra chip,” so named for the characteristic symptoms that develop in fried chips from infected potato tubers, has recently been documented in several southwestern states of the United States, in Mexico, and in Central America. This defect is causing millions of dollars in losses to both potato producers and processors. Zebra chip plant symptoms resemble those caused by potato purple top and psyllid yellows diseases. Experiments were conducted to elucidate the association between the psyllidBactericera cockerelli (Sulc) (Homoptera: Psyllidae) and zebra chip by exposing clean potato plants to this insect under greenhouse and field conditions. Potato plants and tubers exhibiting zebra chip symptoms were tested for phytoplasmas by polymerase chain reaction. Potato psyllids collected from infected potato fields also were tested. Results indicated that there was an association between the potato psyllid and zebra chip. Plants exposed to psyllids in the greenhouse and field developed zebra chip. In the greenhouse, 25.8 and 59.2% of tubers exhibited zebra chip symptoms in the raw tubers and fried chips, respectively. In the field, 15 and 57% of tubers showed symptoms in raw tubers and chips, respectively. No zebra chip was observed in tubers from plants that had not been exposed to psyllids, either in the greenhouse or field. No phytoplasmas were detected from potato plants or tubers with zebra chip symptoms, suggesting that these pathogens are not involved in zebra chip. Of the 47 samples of potato psyllids tested, only two tested positive for the Columbia Basin potato purple top phytoplasma.
The Linnaean system and its 250-year persistence

The Linnaean system of nomenclature has been used and adapted by biologists over a period of almost 250 years. Under the current system of codes, it is now applied to more than 2 million species of organisms. Inherent in the Linnaean system is the indication of hierarchical relationships. The Linnaean system has been justified primarily on the basis of stability. Stability can be assessed on at least two grounds: the absolute stability of names, irrespective of taxonomic concept; and the stability of names under changing concepts. Recent arguments have invoked conformity to phylogenetic methods as the primary basis for choice of nomenclatural systems, but even here stability of names as they relate to monophyletic groups is stated as the ultimate objective. The idea of absolute stability as the primary justification for nomenclatural methods was wrong from the start. The reasons are several. First, taxa are concepts, no matter the frequency of assertions to the contrary; as such, they are subject to change at all levels and always will be, with the consequence that to some degree the names we use to refer to them will also be subject to change. Second, even if the true nature of all taxa could be agreed upon, the goal would require that we discover them all and correctly recognize them for what they are. Much of biology is far from that goal at the species level and even further for supraspecific taxa. Nomenclature serves as a tool for biology. Absolute stability of taxonomic concepts—and nomenclature—would hinder scientific progress rather than promote it. It can been demonstrated that the scientific goals of systematists are far from achieved. Thus, the goal of absolute nomenclatural stability is illusory and misguided. The primary strength of the Linnaean system is its ability to portray hierarchical relationships; stability is secondary. No single system of nomenclature can ever possess all desirable attributes: i.e., convey information on hierarchical relationships, provide absolute stability in the names portraying those relationships, and provide simplicity and continuity in communicating the identities of the taxa and their relationships. Aside from myriad practical problems involved in its implementation, it must be concluded that “phylogenetic nomenclature” would not provide a more stable and effective system for communicating information on biological classifications than does the Linnaean system.
Entrepreneurs' business skills and growth orientation in business development

This article explores how the business skills that small and medium-sized entrepreneur possesses and value affect growth orientation in the context of business development. It focuses on the topic through a theoretical framework an entrepreneur and growth orientation. These two elements are key factors in growing and developing business and in strategic entrepreneurship (SE). SE balances two separate elements related to business development: advantage-seeking (AS) actions and opportunity-seeking (OS) actions. The findings of our exploratory quantitative study show that only the skills that entrepreneurs' value affect their growth orientation: the more entrepreneurs value a certain business skill or skills, the more significant they see their self-reported growth orientation to be. The findings further indicate the balance as strategic-oriented.
Distribution of Diverse Escherichia coli between Cattle and Pasture

Escherichia coli is widely considered to not survive for extended periods outside the intestines of warm-blooded animals; however, recent studies demonstrated that E. coli strains maintain populations in soil and water without any known fecal contamination. The objective of this study was to investigate whether the niche partitioning of E. coli occurs between cattle and their pasture. We attempted to clarify whether E. coli from bovine feces differs phenotypically and genotypically from isolates maintaining a population in pasture soil over winter. Soil, bovine fecal, and run-off samples were collected before and after the introduction of cattle to the pasture. Isolates (363) were genotyped by uidA and mutS sequences and phylogrouping, and evaluated for curli formation (Rough, Dry, And Red, or RDAR). Three types of clusters emerged, viz. bovine-associated, clusters devoid of cattle isolates and representing isolates endemic to the pasture environment, and clusters with both. All isolates clustered with strains of E. coli sensu stricto, distinct from the cryptic species Clades I, III, IV, and V. Pasture soil endemic and bovine fecal populations had very different phylogroup distributions, indicating niche partitioning. The soil endemic population was largely comprised of phylogroup B1 and had a higher average RDAR score than other isolates. These results indicate the existence of environmental E. coli strains that are phylogenetically distinct from bovine fecal isolates, and that have the ability to maintain populations in the soil environment.