Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Robustness and reliability of MOEMS for miniature spectrometers

Tunable MOEMS Fabry-Perot interferometers (FPIs) are key elements in the miniaturization of spectroscopic instrumentation. Robustness and high reliability of the MOEMS structure are important factors especially for sensors utilized in challenging environments such as in space- and automotive applications. This paper presents reliability assessment of two types of MOEMS optical filters; a tunable ALD (atomic layer deposition) –based surface micromachined FPI for visible – near-infrared range, and a tunable FPI for mid- infrared applications based on LPCVD (low-pressure chemical vapor deposition) thin-film micromachining. High-G shock tests were performed on both MOEMS FPIs. The FPI structures can survive mechanical impact up to 18 000 G without any detectable changes in the capacitance, while detected failure mechanisms in this range arise from packaging and not from the MOEMS structures. The effect of DDMS SAM (dichlorodimethylsilane self-assembled monolayer) coating to prevent in-use stiction was evaluated in both humidity- and impact tests. In humidity tests, 20% stiction rate in non-coated devices vs. 0% stiction rate in DDMS-coated LPCVD FPIs under pull-in was observed. These results indicate good shock-impact robustness for both types of surface-micromachined structures, while DDMS SAM can be utilized to improve in-use reliability of MOEMS.
Effects of electrophysiological remodeling in human right atrium: a simulation study

Atrial fibrillation (AF) induces variations in channel characteristics of human atrial myocytes. Data from experimental AF studies was incorporated in a computational model It was used to investigate the effects of electrophysiological remodeling on myocardial behavior This model was integrated in a schematic 2D model of human right atrium including the sinoatrial node, crista terminalis, pectinate muscles, and the atrial working myocardium. Heterogeneous, anisotropic conduction was reconstructed with the monodomain approach. In both normal and pathological case, the models were excited with 68 bpm by the sinoatrial node depolarizing spontaneously. A slightly decreased conduction velocity was reconstructed in the remodeling case. The repolarization period was abbreviated from physiologically 325 ms to 145 ms. A shortened effective refractory period (ERP) and an attenuated ERP-rate relationship were identified. Both factors provide a substrate for AF recurrence
Control by Interconnection and Standard Passivity-Based Control of Port-Hamiltonian Systems

The dynamics of many physical processes can be suitably described by Port-Hamiltonian (PH) models, where the importance of the energy function, the interconnection pattern and the dissipation of the system is underscored. To regulate the behavior of PH systems it is natural to adopt a Passivity-Based Control (PBC) perspective, where the control objectives are achieved shaping the energy function and adding dissipation. In this paper we consider the PBC techniques of Control by Interconnection (CbI) and Standard PBC. In CbI the controller is another PH system connected to the plant (through a power-preserving interconnection) to add up their energy functions, while in Standard PBC energy shaping is achieved via static state feedback. In spite of the conceptual appeal of formulating the control problem as the interaction of dynamical systems, the current version of CbI imposes a severe restriction on the plant dissipation structure that stymies its practical application. On the other hand, Standard PBC, which is usually derived from a uninspiring and non-intuitive ldquopassive output generationrdquo viewpoint, is one of the most successful controller design techniques. The main objectives of this paper are: (1) To extend the CbI method to make it more widely applicable-in particular, to overcome the aforementioned dissipation obstacle. (2) To show that various popular variants of Standard PBC can be derived proceeding from a unified perspective. (3) To establish the connections between CbI and Standard PBC proving that the latter is obtained restricting the former to a suitable subset-providing a nice geometric interpretation to Standard PBC-and comparing the size of the set of PH plants for which they are applicable.
The open duration of fetal ACh receptor‐channel changes during mouse muscle development

1 We performed an RNase protection assay on cultured C2C12 mouse myotubes, demonstrating that the γ subunit of the fetal muscle acetylcholine receptor (AChR) exists as two splice variants, which differ in the presence of the amino terminal exon 5. 2 We studied unitary ACh‐evoked events in fibres acutely dissociated from the hindlimb flexor digitorum brevis muscle of BALB/C mice aged between embryonic day 16 (E16) and postnatal day 6 (P6). 3 At all ages, the channel conductance was about 30 pS, typical of the fetal form of the AChR. The mean open time increased significantly from 6 ms at E16 to 9 ms at E19, then decreased to about 5 ms during the first postnatal week. The lengthening of the open time was considerably delayed in hypothyroid mice. Data were recorded at 24‐26 °C. 4 On the basis of previously reported experiments in heterologous expression systems, we suggest that the modulation of channel open time is related to the expression of the AChR incorporating the γs subunit. These events might be coupled to the crucial modifications in muscle innervation that take place during the same developmental period.
Co-ordination of hydraulic and stomatal conductances across light qualities in cucumber leaves

Long-term effects of light quality on leaf hydraulic conductance (Kleaf) and stomatal conductance (gs) were studied in cucumber, and their joint impact on leaf photosynthesis in response to osmotic-induced water stress was assessed. Plants were grown under low intensity monochromatic red (R, 640 nm), blue (B, 420 nm) or combined red and blue (R:B, 70:30) light. Kleaf and gs were much lower in leaves that developed without blue light. Differences in gs were caused by differences in stomatal aperture and stomatal density, of which the latter was largely due to differences in epidermal cell size and hardly due to stomatal development. Net photosynthesis (AN) was lowest in R-, intermediate in B-, and highest in RB- grown leaves. The low AN in R-grown leaves correlated with a low leaf internal CO2 concentration and reduced PSII operating efficiency. In response to osmotic stress, all leaves showed similar degrees of stomatal closure, but the reduction in AN was larger in R- than in B- and RB-grown leaves. This was probably due to damage of the photosynthetic apparatus, which only occurred in R-grown leaves. The present study shows the co-ordination of Kleaf and gs across different light qualities, while the presence of blue in the light spectrum seems to drive both Kleaf and gs towards high, sun-type leaf values, as was previously reported for maximal photosynthetic capacity and leaf morphology. The present results suggest the involvement of blue light receptors in the usually harmonized development of leaf characteristics related to water relations and photosynthesis under different light environments.
Noninvasive Targeted Transcranial Neuromodulation via Focused Ultrasound Gated Drug Release from Nanoemulsions

Targeted, noninvasive neuromodulation of the brain of an otherwise awake subject could revolutionize both basic and clinical neuroscience. Toward this goal, we have developed nanoparticles that allow noninvasive uncaging of a neuromodulatory drug, in this case the small molecule anesthetic propofol, upon the application of focused ultrasound. These nanoparticles are composed of biodegradable and biocompatible constituents and are activated using sonication parameters that are readily achievable by current clinical transcranial focused ultrasound systems. These particles are potent enough that their activation can silence seizures in an acute rat seizure model. Notably, there is no evidence of brain parenchymal damage or blood-brain barrier opening with their use. Further development of these particles promises noninvasive, focal, and image-guided clinical neuromodulation along a variety of pharmacological axes.
Changes in Resting State Effective Connectivity in the Motor Network Following Rehabilitation of Upper Extremity Poststroke Paresis

Abstract Background: A promising paradigm in human neuroimaging is the study of slow (<0.1 Hz) spontaneous fluctuations in the hemodynamic response measured by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Spontaneous activity (i.e., resting state) refers to activity that cannot be attributed to specific inputs or outputs, that is, activity intrinsically generated by the brain. Method: This article presents pilot data examining neural connectivity in patients with poststroke hemiparesis before and after 3 weeks of upper extremity rehabilitation in the Accelerated Skill Acquisition Program (ASAP). Resting-state fMRI data acquired pre and post therapy were analyzed using an exploratory adaptation of structural equation modeling (SEM) to evaluate therapy-related changes in motor network effective connectivity. Results: Each ASAP patient showed behavioral improvement. ASAP patients also showed increased influence of the affected hemisphere premotor cortex (a-PM) upon the unaffected hemisphere premotor cortex (u-PM) following therapy. The influence of a-PM on affected hemisphere primary motor cortex (a-M1) also increased with therapy for 3 of 5 patients, including those with greatest behavioral improvement. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that network analyses of resting-state fMRI constitute promising tools for functional characterization of functional brain disorders, for intergroup comparisons, and potentially for assessing effective connectivity within single subjects; all of which have important implications for stroke rehabilitation.
Transverse susceptibility studies of recording media

A highly sensitive transverse susceptometer has been developed for the investigation of magnetic recording media. The susceptometer was based on the design of Pareti and Turilli[4] with modifications to the solenoid and sensing coils. The modifications have resulted in an improvement in the signal to baseline ratio of a factor of 525, and a reduction in random noise. The increase in the sensitivity of the susceptometer allowed the investigation of Advanced Metal Particle (AMP) tapes and the measurement of the imaginary component of the transverse susceptibility (TS) proposed by Papusoi[5]. Also, a modification was developed which allowed the investigation of the non-linear TS, proposed by Chantrell et al[7]. The work reported for the latter two techniques was the first experimental demonstration of these measurements on magnetic recording media. Samples of Co-y-Fe203, Cr02, mixed y-Fe203 / Cr02 and AMP tapes were investigated, as were y- Fe201, Cr0 2 and AMP powders. The investigations suggested that the incoherent reversal mode was dominant in the systems containing Cr02, with coherent reversal dominant in the remaining systems. The anisotropy peaks measured using the non-linear IS were found to be less dependent on sample texture than those of the traditional linear measurement. In particular the anisotropy peaks of the non-linear TS for incoherently reversing systems appeared to be independent of texture and it was proposed that these were a direct measure of the anisotropy field distribution, although independent verification was not performed. The determination of magnetic coating thickness after Sollis and Bissell[6] was extended to allow the measurement of AMP tapes. A computer model was developed to investigate the error in the technique due to the particulate nature of the coating. The results of the model indicated that the error increased as coating thickness and volume packing fraction decreased. Correction factors were determined for MP3 and MP4 particle based systems. The detection of the imaginary component of TS and its close agreement with the theoretical predictions of Papusoi suggested that the dassification of TS as a 'stiffness' method of anisotropy field determination might be in error.
Securing handheld devices and fingerprint readers with ECG biometrics

This paper investigates the feasibility of collecting viable biometric electrocardiogram (ECG) signals from fingertips. A system for biometric recognition on handheld electronic devices is proposed and analyzed from a flexibility and a permanence point of view. The recognition algorithm is based on the previously proposed Autocorrelation/ Linear Discriminant Analysis (AC/LDA) [3]. In order to assess the flexibility of the acquisition procedure from the fingertips, various electrode configurations are examined along with signal permanence over different signal collection periods. The experimental results indicate very promising error rates (EER of 8.7% over 22 subjects), for ECG data obtained when touching a sensing surface with the fingertips. The envisioned applications include security on handheld electronic devices, such as smartphones and smart cards, as well as multimodal systems which combine ECG and fingerprint biometric readers.
On the Error of Computing ab+cd using Cornea, Harrison and Tang's Method

In their book, Scientific Computing on the Itanium, Cornea et al. [2002] introduce an accurate algorithm for evaluating expressions of the form ab+cd in binary floating-point arithmetic, assuming an FMA instruction is available. They show that if p is the precision of the floating-point format and if u = 2-p, the relative error of the result is of order u. We improve their proof to show that the relative error is bounded by 2u+7u2+6u3. Furthermore, by building an example for which the relative error is asymptotically (as p → ∞ or, equivalently, as u → 0) equivalent to 2u, we show that our error bound is asymptotically optimal.
A Rational Approach to Perioperative Fluid Management

Replacement of assumed preoperative deficits, in addition to generous substitution of an unsubstantiated increased insensible perspiration and third space loss, plays an important role in current perioperative fluid regimens. The consequence is a positive fluid balance and weight gain of up to 10 kg, which may be related to severe complications. Because the intravascular blood volume remains unchanged and insensible perspiration is negligible, the fluid must accumulate inside the body. This concept brings into question common liberal infusion regimens. Blood volume after fasting is normal, and a fluid-consuming third space has never been reliably shown. Crystalloids physiologically load the interstitial space, whereas colloidal volume loading deteriorates a vital part of the vascular barrier. The endothelial glycocalyx plays a key role and is destroyed not only by ischemia and surgery, but also by acute hypervolemia. Therefore, undifferentiated fluid handling may increase the shift toward the interstitial space. Using the right kind of fluid in appropriate amounts at the right time might improve patient outcome.
Discovery of heavily-obscured AGN among seven INTEGRAL hard X-ray sources observed by Chandra

Aims. We identify hard X-ray sources discovered by the INTEGRAL all-sky survey. We complete identification of a unique sample of active galactic nuclei (AGN) selected in the hard X-ray band (17−60 keV) with minimal effects from absorption. Subsequently, we determine the fraction of obscured AGN in the local Universe. Methods. We observed 7 INTEGRAL sources with the Chandra X-ray Observatory to refine their localization to ∼ 2a rcsec and to study their X-ray spectra. Results. Two sources are inferred to have a Galactic origin: IGR J08390−4833 is most likely a magnetic cataclysmic variable with a white dwarf spin period ∼1450 s; and IGR J21343+4738 is a high-mass X-ray binary. Five sources (IGR J02466−4222, IGR J09522−6231, IGR J14493−5534, IGR J14561−3738, and IGR J23523+5844) prove to be AGN with significant intrinsic X-ray absorption along the line of sight. Their redshifts and hard X-ray (17−60 keV) luminosities range from 0.025 to 0.25 and from ∼2×10 43 to ∼2 × 10 45 erg s −1 , respectively, with the distance to IGR J14493−5534 remaining unknown. The sources IGR J02466−4222 and IGR J14561−3738 are likely Compton-thick AGN with absorption column densities NH > 10 24 cm −2 , and the former further appears to be one of the nearest X-ray bright, optically-normal galaxies. Conclusions. With the newly-identified sources, the number of heavily-obscured (NH > 10 24 cm −2 ) AGN detected by INTEGRAL has increased to ∼10. Therefore, such objects constitute 10−15% of hard X-ray bright, non-blazar AGN in the local Universe. The small ratio (� 1%) of soft (0.5− 8.0 keV) to hard (17−60 keV) band fluxes (Chandra to INTEGRAL) and the non-detection of optical narrow-line emission in some of the Compton-thick AGN in our sample suggests that there is a new class of objects in which the central massive black hole may be surrounded by a geometrically-thick dusty torus with a narrow ionization cone.
Microsporogenesis, pollen mitosis and pollen tube growth in Gagea villosa (Liliaceae)

In this study, Gagea villosa (Bieb.) Duby was investigated by using light microscopy methods in cytological and cytoembryological respects. Anthers were tetrasporangiate. Anther wall was formed with an epidermis, endothecium, middle layer and tapetum. Tapetum was glandular type and it began to degenerate when microspores released from tetrads. Tapetum cells generally have one or two nuclei. Mitosis seen in tapetum cells was generally normal but micronuclei were found in some of them. Fibrous thickenings were determined in endothecium. Microsporogenesis and pollen mitosis were generally regular. Cytokinesis was successive type. Meiosis in pollen mother cells was asynchronous in one anther locus. Mature pollen grains were 2-celled. Pollen sterility was found to be 24%. Some of the fertile pollen grains, smaller than the normal were seen at the end of the pollen mitosis. Microgametophyte development was examined in vivo and in vitro. Germination ratio of pollen grains in vitro was 4%. Generally swollen pollen tube tips and weak development of some curled pollen tubes were seen. Callose plug formation was seen only in vivo pollen tube growth.
Poly(A) RNAs roam the cell nucleus and pass through speckle domains in transcriptionally active and inactive cells

any of the protein factors that play a role in nuclear export of mRNAs have been identified, but still little is known about how mRNAs are transported through the cell nucleus and which nuclear compartments are involved in mRNA transport. Using fluorescent 2’ O methyl oligoribonucleotide probes, we investigated the mobility of poly(A) RNA in the nucleoplasm and in nuclear speckles of U2OS cells. Quantitative analysis of diffusion using photobleaching techniques revealed that the majority of poly(A) RNA move throughout the nucleus, including in and out of speckles (also called SC-35 domains), which are enriched for splicing factors. Interestingly, in the M presence of the transcription inhibitor 5,6-dichloro-1D ribofuranosylbenzimidazole, the association of poly(A) RNA with speckles remained dynamic. Our results show that RNA movement is energy dependent and that the proportion of nuclear poly(A) RNA that resides in speckles is a dynamic population that transiently interacts with speckles independent of the transcriptional status of the cell. Rather than the poly(A) RNA within speckles serving a stable structural role, our findings support the suggestion of a more active role of these regions in nuclear RNA metabolism and/or transport.
Estimation of genetic parameters for growth, feed consumption, and conformation traits for double-muscled Belgian blue bulls performance-tested in Belgium.

For 1,442 Belgian Blue bulls performance-tested at the Centre de Sélection de la Race Blanc-Bleue Belge, nine traits were observed: height at withers at 7 mo, height at withers at 13 mo, weight at 7 mo, weight at 13 mo, average feed consumption of concentrates, average daily gain, average feed consumption of concentrates per average daily gain, average feed consumption of concentrates per mean metabolic weight, and price per kilogram of live weight. This price is based on muscle conformation and is therefore used as muscle conformation score. Restricted maximum likelihood with a derivative-free algorithm was used to estimate (co)variance components because there were different models and missing values per trait. Estimates of heritabilities were above . 50 except for average feed consumption per average daily gain (.16) and average feed consumption per mean metabolic weight (.33). Estimates of genetic and phenotypic correlations between height at withers and weight traits were positive and moderate to high. Average daily gain showed a negative genetic correlation with weight at 7 mo (-.68) but had positive correlations with height at withers at 13 mo and weight at 13 mo (.22 and .43). Muscle conformation expressed as price per kilogram of live weight was related to low average feed consumption per average daily gain. Average feed consumption showed high correlations with weight at 7 mo and weight at 13 mo. Average feed consumption per average daily gain had a high negative genetic correlation with average daily gain (-.89).
Isolation of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis from Milk by Immunomagnetic Separation

ABSTRACT An immunomagnetic separation (IMS) technique was developed to facilitate selective isolation of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis cells from milk. Rabbit polyclonal antibodies against radiation-killed intact M. paratuberculosiscells were produced and used to coat sheep anti-rabbit immunoglobulin G (IgG) type M-280 Dynabeads. The rabbit anti-M. paratuberculosis IgG-coated beads (IMB) reacted strongly with laboratory strains of M. paratuberculosis as determined by slide agglutination, and microscopic examination confirmed that M. paratuberculosis cells attached to the IMB. The IMB were found to have a maximum binding capacity of 104 to 105 CFU of M. paratuberculosis. Studies showed that IMS selectively recoveredM. paratuberculosis from inoculated milk containing as few as 10 CFU of M. paratuberculosis per ml when 10 μl of IMB (ca. 106 beads) was added to 1 ml of milk and the preparation was incubated for 30 min at room temperature with gentle agitation. Larger volumes of milk (10 and 50 ml) were centrifuged and resuspended in 1 ml of phosphate-buffered saline–0.05% Tween 20 prior to IMS in order to increase the sensitivity of the method. Currently, primary isolation ofM. paratuberculosis from a milk sample relies on chemical decontamination, followed by culturing on Herrold’s egg yolk medium, which must be incubated at 37°C for up to 18 weeks. The potential value of our IMS method is as an aid for rapid detection ofM. paratuberculosis in milk when it is used in conjunction with end point detection methods, such as IS900PCR or an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
Heating effect of an electron beam impinging on a solid surface, allowing for penetration

The heating effect of an electron beam, under the assumption that the entire beam energy is imparted to the target surface (disc heating model), can be calculated fairly readily. At the high voltages and small beam diameters employed in electron-beam machining, however, the problem is complicated by penetration of electrons into the target. This effect is allowed for by a simple model of electron penetration due to Archard,9 by which the spatial distribution of power dissipation in the target is computed. The steady-state heat-flow problem is solved by relaxation. Results obtained on a digital computer, for a range of target materials and beam voltages, are resolved into two curves, from which correction factors for the effects of backscatterand electron-penetration depth can be read and applied to the data given by the disc heating model. Graphs are presented showing the maximum temperatures obtainable, with spots of given sizes, for a range of materials and voltages. The computations are substantially verified by experiment.