Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Compact Bluetooth/UWB Dual-Band Planar Antenna With Quadruple Band-Notch Characteristics

A compact Bluetooth/Ultrawideband (UWB) dual- band planar antenna with quadruple band-notch characteristics is presented. The proposed structure consists of a UWB semi-elliptical planar monopole, attached to an approximate trapezoidal spiral for 2.45-GHz Bluetooth application. The proposed antenna utilizes rectangular resonant spiral structures for rejection of quadruple frequency bands, i.e., WiMAX (3.3-3.6 GHz), WLAN (5.15-5.35, 5.725-5.825 GHz), and ITU 8 GHz. These resonant spirals are capacitively coupled with the microstrip feedline. The band-notch characteristics are controlled by changing the effective length of the spirals along with coupling gaps between the feedline and the spirals. The proposed antenna also achieves sharp reduction in the gain and efficiency at all the notch frequencies. However , at the passbands, the gain and radiation efficiency are almost stable. A good agreement between the simulated and measured results shows that the proposed antenna with surface dimensions of 24 × 17 mm2 is suitable for Bluetooth/UWB dual-band applications.
Contextualizing agile systems engineering

Several agile methods were proposed that should provide more agility for Systems Engineering. But there was little discussion about the right context for Agile Systems Engineering. This paper shows under which conditions the main principle of agile development can be applied successfully. Therefore prior research about context of agile software development is reviewed. Additionally 20 system developing companies are being interviewed. A classification scheme that divides the context into feasibility and demand for agility is presented. Also contextual factors are listed to classify companies or projects within this scheme. Real company examples are demonstrated for the different situations in this scheme. And recommendations concerning agility are given.
Analysis of the Functional Polymorphism in the Cytochrome P450 CYP2C8 Gene rs11572080 with Regard to Colorectal Cancer Risk

In addition to the known effects on drug metabolism and response, functional polymorphisms of genes coding for xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes (XME) play a role in cancer. Genes coding for XME act as low-penetrance genes and confer modest but consistent and significant risks for a variety of cancers related to the interaction of environmental and genetic factors. Consistent evidence supports a role for polymorphisms of the cytochrome P450 CYP2C9 gene as a protecting factor for colorectal cancer susceptibility. It has been shown that CYP2C8 and CYP2C9 overlap in substrate specificity. Because CYP2C8 has the common functional polymorphisms rs11572080 and rs10509681 (CYP2C8*3), it could be speculated that part of the findings attributed to CYP2C9 polymorphisms may actually be related to the presence of polymorphisms in the CYP2C8 gene. Nevertheless, little attention has been paid to the role of the CYP2C8 polymorphism in colorectal cancer. We analyzed the influence of the CYP2C8*3 allele in the risk of developing colorectal cancer in genomic DNA from 153 individuals suffering colorectal cancer and from 298 age- and gender-matched control subjects. Our findings do not support any effect of the CYP2C8*3 allele (OR for carriers of functional CYP2C8 alleles = 0.50 (95% CI = 0.16–1.59; p = 0.233). The absence of a relative risk related to CYP2C8*3 did not vary depending on the tumor site. We conclude that the risk of developing colorectal cancer does not seem to be related to the commonest functional genetic variation in the CYP2C8 gene.
Commercial Real Estate Derivatives: The End or the Beginning?

In this article, the authors argue that the development of commercial real estate derivatives is not at a dead end but rather in a starting phase marked by the ambitious introduction of futures contracts to the IPD index, which covers the U.K. commercial real estate sector, on EUREX. The authors believe that the introduction of futures in this asset class will also open new opportunities for more advanced derivatives to be traded on EUREX over-the-counter or further down the line. They highlight the importance of forward IPD curves in designing strategies that will trade not only the level of the commercial real estate prices but also the shape of this curve.
Trends in Lung Cancer Incidence Rates, Oklahoma 2005–2010

Purpose Lung cancer is the second most frequently diagnosed cancer among men and women in the United States. With cigarette smoking causing the majority of cases, patterns in lung cancer are often monitored to understand the impact of anti-tobacco efforts. The purpose of this research was to investigate trends in lung cancer incidence rates for the period 2005–2010 in Oklahoma. Methods Data on Oklahoma’s incident cases of lung cancer (2005–2010) were obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention WONDER system. Annual percent change (APC) was calculated by linear regression to characterize trends in lung cancer incidence rates over time for the overall population, by gender, by age group, and by age group within gender. Rates were considered to increase or decrease if the p-value for trend was <0.05. Results From 2005 through 2010, lung cancer incidence rates declined from 81.96 to 68.19 per 100,000 population, with an APC of -3.58% (p-value: 0.0220). When subgroups were examined, declines were observed among all males (APC: -4.25%; p-value: 0.0270), males <65 years (APC: -5.32%; p-value: 0.0008), females <65 years (APC: -4.85%; p-value: 0.0044), and persons aged 55–64 years (APC: -6.38%; p-value: 0.0017). Conclusions Declines in lung cancer incidence rates occurred during 2005–2010 among the overall population and within select demographic groups in Oklahoma. Although trends were stable for several demographic groups, rates of lung cancer incidence were lower in 2010 compared to 2005. Continued evidence-based tobacco control efforts are needed to ensure further reductions in lung cancer incidence rates in the state of Oklahoma.
Demands, responsibility, and influence in Malawi’s participatory agricultural extension services

ABSTRACT Participatory governance offers the potential to deliver responsive and accountable services. This article tests this expectation by looking at how members of participatory extension platforms in Malawi understand the meaning of “demand-driven” services, and allocate responsibility and influence in service provision. Results show that most respondents agree on bottom-up extension services that respond to expressed farmers’ needs (86% of respondents), and assign responsibility and influence widely across state and non-state actors. While these findings suggest that these participatory mechanisms can promote responsiveness to farmers’ needs and accountability, they also point toward different governance challenges in extension services.
[Prevalence of asymptomatic intracranial artery stenosis in middle-aged and elderly population in the community of Foshan city, Guangdong province: a cross-sectional study].

OBJECTIVE To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of asymptomatic intracranial artery stenosis in middle-aged and elderly population in the community of Foshan city, Guangdong province. METHODS Subjects from residential communities were chosen through Cluster sampling method. Physical data and history were collected. Serum fasting glucose, total cholesterol and triglycerides concentrations were tested with venous blood samples. Intracranial artery stenosis was diagnosed by transcranial Doppler (TCD). Data was analyzed by the software SPSS 18.0. RESULTS 1405 subjects met the inclusive criteria, among which 163 (11.6%) were found one (7.4%) or more (4.2%) stenotic arteries, and the standardized rate was 10.3%. 9.89% of the SICA, and 3.05%, 2.29%, 1.59%, 1.38%, 0.89% of basilar artery, middle cerebral artery, anterior cerebral artery, vertebral artery, posterior cerebral artery were found stenotic respectively. Data from the age-stratified analysis showed that the prevalence in these above 70 (27.8%) was significantly higher than that under age 70 (7.5%) (P = 0.000). Single factor and logistic regression analysis demonstrated the history of diabetes mellitus and elevated systolic pressure present were significantly different between stenotic group and the non-stenotic group (P = 0.000, P = 0.000), which were the independent risk factors of asymptomatic stenosis of intracranial arteries (OR = 2.362, 95%CI: 1.194 - 4.674;OR = 1.024, 95%CI: 1.016 - 1.031). CONCLUSION Comparatively high prevalence of asymptomatic intracranial artery stenosis in middle-aged and aged community population was found in the Southern part of China, especially among the age group above 70. History of diabetes and elevated systolic pressure seemed to be the independent risk factors of asymptomatic stenosis of intracranial arteries.
Does the Howard‐Dolman Really Measure Stereoacuity?

ABSTRACT The Howard‐Dolman (H‐D) is a version of Howard's stereoacuity test (H) which has almost completely eclipsed the original. However, there is reason to believe that the H‐D is not as good a test as the H. To find out whether or not the H‐D gave results similar to the H, 34 subjects were tested by both procedures with the same stereoacuity tester. This was fully automated and programmable. There are at least four ways of relating H‐D findings to stereoacuity. None of these gave results comparable to those found with the H. Therefore, the H‐D may be of questionable worth for clinical and scientific use. The same conclusion can be drawn regarding the relation between the H‐D constant error and aniseikonia.
Challenging tensions and contradictions: Critical, theoretical and empirical perspectives on social enterprise

This document is the author deposited version. You are advised to consult the publisher's version if you wish to cite from it. Published version BULL, Michael, RIDLEY-DUFF, Rory, WHITTAM, Geoffrey and BAINES, Susan (2018). Challenging tensions and contradictions: Critical, theoretical and empirical perspectives on social enterprise. International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behaviour and Research, 24.
Prophylactic surgery decisions and surveillance practices one year following BRCA1/2 testing.

BACKGROUND Although genetic testing for breast cancer risk is clinically available, its impact on health-related behaviors is unknown. This study examined prophylactic surgery and surveillance behavior during the year following BRCA1/2 gene testing. METHODS Participants were female members (n = 216) of hereditary breast-ovarian cancer families (84 mutation carriers, 83 noncarriers and 49 test decliners). In this prospective observational study, utilization of prophylactic surgery and surveillance behavior were assessed 1-year following BRCA1/2 testing. RESULTS Only 3% of the unaffected carriers obtained prophylactic mastectomy during the 1-year follow-up period. Among the remaining females, carriers had significantly higher rates of mammography (68%) than noncarriers (44%); (OR = 7.1; C.I. = 1.36-37.1; P = 0.02). However, the adherence rate in carriers was unchanged from baseline, suggesting that this difference is attributable to a reduction in screening among noncarriers. Women ages 25-39 years were significantly less likely to obtain mammograms than those aged 40 years and older. Cancer-related distress had a positive but nonsignificant (P < 0.07) association with adherence in bivariate but not multivariate analysis. With regard to ovarian risk, only 13% of carriers obtained prophylactic oophorectomy; of the remaining female carriers, only 21% reported a CA125 and 15% reported a transvaginal ultrasound. CONCLUSION The vast majority of BRCA1/2 carriers may not opt for prophylactic surgery, and many do not adhere to surveillance recommendations. Greater attention to risk communication and medical decision-making is warranted.
Acting force measurement of microbeads and hemocytes in different mediums using inverted-embedded optical tweezers system

The IR laser was used to trap and manipulate particles and hemocytes in different medium, and the influence between the object and viscosity of medium can be measured. An "inverted-embedded optical tweezers system" that combined the laser and the inverted microscopy was installed, and it could observe and manipulate the objects simultaneously. The goal of this experiment is using the IR laser to manipulate hemocytes in blood (serum). Finally, the acting force can be measured and compared. It was obtained that the trapping force was 0.554 pN and influence radius was 14.2 mum when the 6 mum bead suspended in water and power was 6.5 mW. The trapping force was 0.368 pN and influence radius was 6.51 mum when the 9 mum WBC (white blood cell) cell suspended in serum and power was 4.5 mW. The trapping force was 0.168 pN and influence radius was 12.61 mum when the 12 mum BCC (K562, blood cancer cell) suspended in water and power was 4.5 mW. The trapping force would be enhanced when the power was increased and the trapping force of the object suspended in serum would be larger than that suspended in water at the same conditions.
The influence of dietary carbohydrates on experimental infection with Trichuris suis in pigs

Two experiments (Exps 1 and 2) were carried out to study the effect of dietary carbohydrates on the establishment of Trichuris suis in pigs. Two experimental diets based on barley flour were used; Diet 1 was supplemented with non-fermentable carbohydrates from oat hull meal, while Diet 2 was supplemented with fermentable carbohydrates from sugar beet fibre and inulin. In Exp. 1, thirty-two pigs were allocated randomly into 4 groups. Two groups were fed Diet 1 and 2 groups were fed Diet 2. Pigs from one of each diet group were inoculated with 2000 infective T. suis eggs each and the other two groups were uninfected controls. All pigs were slaughtered 8 weeks post-inoculation (p.i.). In Exp. 2, twenty-four pigs were allocated randomly into 2 groups and fed Diet 1 or Diet 2, respectively. All the pigs were inoculated with 2000 infective T. suis eggs. Six pigs from each group were slaughtered 8 weeks p.i. and the remaining 6 pigs from each group were slaughtered 12 weeks p.i. Infections were followed by faecal egg counts and worm burdens were assessed at necropsy. Pigs fed Diet 2 had lower egg counts in both experiments; in Exp. 2 the difference was significant (P<0·05). No differences were found in worm burdens 8 weeks p.i. in both experiments, however, worms from pigs on Diet 2 were significantly shorter (P<0·0001). Pigs fed Diet 2 and slaughtered 12 weeks p.i. had significantly lower worm counts (P<0·01) compared to pigs fed Diet 1. The results indicate that fermentable carbohydrates do not affect the establishment of T. suis in naïve pigs, but result in earlier expulsion and reduced growth of the established worms. Thus, diets with highly fermentable carbohydrates may be used in the control of T. suis.
Dielectric properties of POSS/LDPE and MgO/LDPE nanocomposites compounded by different techniques

Metallic oxide reinforced thermoplastics are good candidates as insulating material for HVDC cables because of their ability to limit or suppress space charges injection and accumulation. Furthermore, materials for applications for electrical engineering must also be able to evacuate heat. Therefore, the thermal properties of these nanocomposite materials need to be studied and evaluated in order to identify good candidates. In this paper, LDPE based nanocomposites reinforced by Magnesium Oxide (MgO) or Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxanes (POSS) were prepared either by mechanical alloying or by melt mixing and their dielectric properties were investigated for low loadings from 0 to 3 wt% in order to assess the efficiency of the compounding procedure in producing enhanced dielectric and thermal properties. The thermal step method was used to investigate the space charge behavior of the various nanocomposites. The space charge measurements have shown differences between the different nanocomposites reinforced by different kind of nanofillers and made by different preparation protocol. The thermal diffusivity behavior has also been investigated. None of the prepared nanocomposites showed significant increases in their dielectric losses in a broad range of frequencies and temperatures and no measurable increase in their dc conductivity.
HIGH-RESOLUTION OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY, AUTOFLUORESCENCE, AND INFRARED REFLECTANCE IMAGING IN SJÖGREN RETICULAR DYSTROPHY

Purpose: To describe the phenotype of three cases of Sjögren reticular dystrophy in detail, including high-resolution optical coherence tomography, autofluorescence imaging, and near-infrared reflectance imaging. Methods: Two unrelated teenagers were independently referred for ophthalmologic evaluation. Both underwent a full ophthalmologic workup, including electrophysiologic and extensive imaging with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, autofluorescence imaging, and near-infrared reflectance imaging. In addition, mutation screening of ABCA4, PRPH2, and the mitochondrial tRNALeu gene was performed in Patient 1. Subsequently, the teenage sister of Patient 2 was examined. Results: Strikingly similar phenotypes were present in these three patients. Fundoscopy showed bilateral foveal pigment alterations, and a lobular network of deep retinal, pigmented deposits throughout the posterior pole, tapering toward the midperiphery, with relative sparing of the immediate perifoveal macula and peripapillary area. This network is mildly to moderately hyperautofluorescent on autofluorescence and bright on near-infrared reflectance imaging. Optical coherence tomography showed abnormalities of the retinal pigment epithelium–Bruch membrane complex, photoreceptor outer segments, and photoreceptor inner/outer segment interface. The results of retinal function test were entirely normal. No molecular cause was detected in Patient 1. Conclusion: Imaging suggested that the lobular network of deep retinal deposits in Sjögren reticular dystrophy is the result of accumulation of both pigment and lipofuscin between photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelium, as well as within the retinal pigment epithelium.
Hnf1α (MODY3) Controls Tissue-Specific Transcriptional Programs and Exerts Opposed Effects on Cell Growth in Pancreatic Islets and Liver

ABSTRACT Heterozygous HNF1A mutations cause pancreatic-islet β-cell dysfunction and monogenic diabetes (MODY3). Hnf1α is known to regulate numerous hepatic genes, yet knowledge of its function in pancreatic islets is more limited. We now show that Hnf1a deficiency in mice leads to highly tissue-specific changes in the expression of genes involved in key functions of both islets and liver. To gain insights into the mechanisms of tissue-specific Hnf1α regulation, we integrated expression studies of Hnf1a-deficient mice with identification of direct Hnf1α targets. We demonstrate that Hnf1α can bind in a tissue-selective manner to genes that are expressed only in liver or islets. We also show that Hnf1α is essential only for the transcription of a minor fraction of its direct-target genes. Even among genes that were expressed in both liver and islets, the subset of targets showing functional dependence on Hnf1α was highly tissue specific. This was partly explained by the compensatory occupancy by the paralog Hnf1β at selected genes in Hnf1a-deficient liver. In keeping with these findings, the biological consequences of Hnf1a deficiency were markedly different in islets and liver. Notably, Hnf1a deficiency led to impaired large-T-antigen-induced growth and oncogenesis in β cells yet enhanced proliferation in hepatocytes. Collectively, these findings show that Hnf1α governs broad, highly tissue-specific genetic programs in pancreatic islets and liver and reveal key consequences of Hnf1a deficiency relevant to the pathophysiology of monogenic diabetes.
The Role of Mimicry Isomorphism in Sustainable Development Operationalisation by SMEs in South Africa

The study surveyed 222 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from the Limpopo province of South Africa on the impact of mimicry isomorphism in making sustainable development operational. The research made use of self-administered questionnaires which were distributed, and the convenience sampling technique was used. Data analysis primarily comprised of exploratory factor analysis (EFA) through SPSS software version 24 confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modelling (SEM) through AMOS software version 24. The SEM results revealed that all three measured dimensions of sustainable development—namely, economic, environmental, and social—were significantly influenced by mimicry isomorphism. As such, the implications of the study are that strong evidence exists pertaining to the operationalisation of sustainable development due to mimetic isomorphism.
Expression of Functional D299G.T399I Polymorphic Variant of TLR4 Depends More on Coexpression of MD-2 Than Does Wild-Type TLR4

Two missense variants (D299G and T399I) of TLR4 are cosegregated in individuals of European descent and, in a number of test systems, result in reduced responsiveness to endotoxin. How these changes within the ectodomain (ecd) of TLR4 affect TLR4 function is unclear. For both wild-type and D299G.T399I TLR4, we used endotoxin⋅CD14 and endotoxin⋅MD-2 complexes of high specific radioactivity to measure: 1) interaction of recombinant MD-2⋅TLR4 with endotoxin⋅CD14 and TLR4 with endotoxin⋅MD-2; 2) expression of functional MD-2⋅TLR4 and TLR4; and 3) MD-2⋅TLR4 and TLR4-dependent cellular endotoxin responsiveness. Both wild-type and D299G.T399I TLR4ecd demonstrated high affinity (Kd ~ 200 pM) interaction of endotoxin⋅CD14 with MD-2⋅TLR4ecd and endotoxin⋅MD-2 with TLR4ecd. However, levels of functional TLR4 were reduced up to 2-fold when D299G.T399I TLR4 was coexpressed with MD-2 and >10-fold when expressed without MD-2, paralleling differences in cellular endotoxin responsiveness. The dramatic effect of the D299G.T399I haplotype on expression of functional TLR4 without MD-2 suggests that cells expressing TLR4 without MD-2 are most affected by these polymorphisms.
How Researchers Use Social Media to Promote their Research and Network with Industry

use of social media by researchers to promote their research and network product developers industry, and it presents a model of the use of social media by researchers. The data for this research was obtained by interviewing individual researchers of a research organization and surveying product developers from industry. The findings show that social media is seen as a good source of new information and contacts, and it is suitable for promoting awareness of research services and results. The results show that the speed and intensity of social media present challenges for researchers, but by being active in posting content and participating in discussions, researchers can derive benefits and enhance their personal reputations.
Improving precision in earthquake loss estimation

Abstract Using economic theory, this paper provides refinements and enhanced precision in the estimation of earthquake losses. We consider direct and indirect losses for business entities belonging to the COM4 occupancy class. We examine two loss categories: direct (content, relocation, business income, wages and rental), and indirect (business gross domestic product (GDP), employee GDP and supply-chain), together accounting for eight loss-types. Using HAZUS as a benchmark, we provide a comparative assessment of HAZUS and our proposed approach to loss estimation. The results show significant differences in total economic loss and individual loss categories between HAZUS and our proposed approach. We discuss implications of our findings for over- and under-allocation of scarce economic resources, and assessment of engineering designs from the perspective of social, economic, and public policy decisions, as well as academic research. Future extensions of this methodology into other loss categories and occupancy classes are discussed.