Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Design and performance of a low-noise charge-detection amplifier for VPCCD devices

This paper describes the design and performance of a low-noise amplifier used with virtual phase charge-coupled devices. Topology of the detection node, details of the operation, and computer simulations for critical device parameters are presented. Attention is focused on the noise performance and charge-detection sensitivity. A simple noise model is developed and used to derive an expression for the noise equivalent number of electronsN_eewhich is then used to optimize the amplifier design. Finally, predictions obtained from the model are compared with measurements, and conclusions are drawn for the maximum attainable performance. In addition to the thermally generated noise, usually measured in buried-channel MOS transistors, an excess noise is sometimes seen at moderate to large drain biases. This phenomenon is also observed in this amplifier. However, an explanation for the effect, confirmed by measurement, is presented and a method to avoid degradation of the amplifier performance is found.
Unsupervised Traffic Flow Classification Using a Neural Autoencoder

To cope with the varying delay and bandwidth requirements of today&#x2019;s mobile applications, mobile wireless networks can profit from classifying and predicting mobile application traffic. State-of-the-art traffic classification approaches have various disadvantages: port-based classification methods can be circumvented by choosing non-standard ports, protocol fingerprinting can be confused by the use of encryption, and current supervised learning methods for analyzing the statistical properties of network flows try to detect predefined classes, such as e-mail or FTP traffic, learned during training. In this paper, we present a novel approach to unsupervised traffic flow classification using statistical properties of flows and clustering based on a neural autoencoder. A novel time interval based feature vector construction and a semi-automatic cluster labeling method facilitate traffic flow classification independent of known traffic classes. An experimental evaluation on real data captured over a period of four months is presented. The obtained results show that 7 different classes of mobile traffic flows are detected with an average precision of 80% and an average recall of 75%.
Quantitative Measurement of Hepatic Fibrosis with Gadoxetic Acid-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B Infection: A Comparative Study on Aspartate Aminotransferase to Platelet Ratio Index and Fibrosis-4 Index

Objective To quantitatively measure hepatic fibrosis on gadoxetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients and identify the correlations with aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) and fibrosis-4 index (FIB-4) values. Materials and Methods This study on gadoxetic acid-enhanced 3T MR imaging included 81 patients with CHB infection. To quantitatively measure hepatic fibrosis, MR images were analyzed with an aim to identify inhomogeneous signal intensities calculated from a coefficient of variation (CV) map in the liver parenchyma. We also carried out a comparative analysis between APRI and FIB-4 based on metaregression results. The diagnostic performance of the CV map was evaluated using a receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results In the MR images, the mean CV values in control, groups I, II, and III based on APRI were 4.08 ± 0.92, 4.24 ± 0.80, 5.64 ± 1.11, and 5.73 ± 1.28, respectively (p < 0.001). In CHB patients grouped by FIB-4, the mean CV values of groups A, B, and C were 4.22 ± 0.95, 5.40 ± 1.19, and 5.71 ± 1.17, respectively (p < 0.001). The mean CV values correlated well with APRI (r = 0.392, p < 0.001) and FIB-4 (r = 0.294, p < 0.001). In significant fibrosis group, ROC curve analysis yielded an area under the curve of 0.875 using APRI and 0.831 using FIB-4 in HB, respectively. Conclusion Gadoxetic acid-enhanced MR imaging for calculating a CV map showed moderate correlation with APRI and FIB-4 values and could be employed to quantitatively measure hepatic fibrosis in patients with CHB.
New aspect of plant–rhizobia interaction: Alkaloid biosynthesis in Crotalaria depends on nodulation

Significance Nodules are typical organs at the roots of legumes (Fabaceae) in which symbiotic rhizobia fix atmospheric nitrogen. The fabaceous genus Crotalaria is known to produce toxic alkaloids as part of its chemical defense. We show that, in Crotalaria, nodulation triggers the biosynthesis of these alkaloids. The first specific enzyme of their biosynthesis is of plant origin and is expressed exclusively in the nodules. Infection of legume hosts by rhizobial bacteria results in the formation of a specialized organ, the nodule, in which atmospheric nitrogen is reduced to ammonia. Nodulation requires the reprogramming of the plant cell, allowing the microsymbiont to enter the plant tissue in a highly controlled manner. We have found that, in Crotalaria (Fabaceae), this reprogramming is associated with the biosynthesis of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs). These compounds are part of the plant’s chemical defense against herbivores and cannot be regarded as being functionally involved in the symbiosis. PAs in Crotalaria are detectable only when the plants form nodules after infection with their rhizobial partner. The identification of a plant-derived sequence encoding homospermidine synthase (HSS), the first pathway-specific enzyme of PA biosynthesis, suggests that the plant and not the microbiont is the producer of PAs. Transcripts of HSS are detectable exclusively in the nodules, the tissue with the highest concentration of PAs, indicating that PA biosynthesis is restricted to the nodules and that the nodules are the source from which the alkaloids are transported to the above ground parts of the plant. The link between nodulation and the biosynthesis of nitrogen-containing alkaloids in Crotalaria highlights a further facet of the effect of symbiosis with rhizobia on the ecologically important trait of the plant’s chemical defense.
Cruise holiday or Deep sea terror

While two other research outputs by the same author have looked at the 1) cruise holiday consumer’s needs and perspectives regarding security and 2) whether demographic factors have an impact on individual’s security perceptions, this current study is trying to delve even deeper and attempts to understand firstly the exact level of importance placed on security when an individual plans or considers a cruise holiday. The issue of security is placed in amongst a few other criteria and respondents were asked to weigh and rank them.Secondly, the study explores the reasons behind security perceptions and whether they are common to all or most respondents of the study. This part informs us whether we all think alike and whether our perceptions of security, particularly terrorism, are similar.Thirdly, the study forces the research respondents to imagine various possible maritime terrorist attack scenarios and state what they believe will be the most likely way a cruise ship can be attacked. For this third part, respondents would have had to recall and use all their knowledge of cruising, security and terrorism, previous experience and exposure to the subject , in order to answer the question.
Exercise as a countermeasure for physiological adaptation to prolonged spaceflight.

Exercise represents the primary countermeasure used during spaceflight to maintain or restore maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max), musculoskeletal structure, and orthostatic function. However, no single exercise or combination of prescriptions has proven entirely effective in restoring cardiovascular and musculoskeletal functions to preflight levels following prolonged spaceflight. As human spaceflight exposures increase in duration, assessment and development of various effective exercise-based protective procedures become paramount. This must involve improvement in specific countermeasure prescription as well as development of additional approaches that will allow space travelers greater flexibility and medical safety during long flights. Effective exercise prescription will be based on identification of basic physiological stimuli that maintain normal function in terrestrial gravity and understanding of how specific combinations of exercise characteristics e.g., duration, frequency, intensity, mode) can mimic these stimuli and affect the overall process of adaptation to microgravity. This can be accomplished only with greater emphasis of research on ground-based experiments. Future attention must be directed to improving exercise compliance while minimizing both crew time and the impact of the exercise on life-support resources.
Rapid induction of omega‐3 fatty acids (EPA) in Nannochloropsis sp. by UV‐C radiation

Omega‐3 fatty acids, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), provide substantial health benefits. As global fish stocks are declining and in some cases are contaminated with heavy metals, there is a need to find more sustainable land‐based sources of these essential fatty acids. The oleaginous microalga Nannochloropsis sp. has been identified as a highly efficient producer of omega‐3 fatty acids. In this study, we present a new process to rapidly induce biosynthesis of essential fatty acids, including EPA in Nannochloropsis sp. BR2. Short exposure to UV‐C at a dose of 100 or 250 mJ/cm2 led to a significant increase in total cellular lipid contents when compared to mock‐treated controls. A low dosage of 100 mJ/cm2 also led to a twofold increase in total EPA content within 24 h that constituted 30% of total fatty acids and up to 12% of total dry weight at higher dosages. UV‐C radiation may find uses as an easily applicable external inducer for large‐scale production of omega‐3 production from microalgae. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2015;112: 1243–1249. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Differential VoIP service in Wi-Fi networks and priority QoS maps

Differential VoIP services for Wi-Fi will greatly enhance the experience of mobile wireless users who have requested premium service for their VoIP applications. In this work we present detailed simulations of modified 802.11b protocols that purport to provide differential service to wireless VoIP users. The modified protocol we identify as providing the best differential service whilst maintaining the least starvation to best effort users - involves a modified minimum contention window, combined with a modified back-off time. A detailed differential VoIP capacity analysis of this modified protocol is presented. Also, we introduce the notion of a "priority service QoS map" for wireless VoIP. Such a map is a two dimensional representation of the VoIP QoS metrics available to a mobile priority VoIP user, as a function of location. We outline how our VoIP capacity analysis is used to construct a priority service QoS map, and discuss the practical benefits of relaying such maps to mobile users of wireless VoIP
The Impact of Access to Health Facilities on Maternal Care Use, Travel Patterns, and Health Status: Evidence from Longitudinal Data from Uganda

This paper investigates whether new health facilities affect maternal care use, maternal/child health, and travel patterns to facilities. Community- and mother-level fixed effects models are applied to decade-long panel data from Uganda. The results show that the openings of large facilities increase delivery at formal facilities, while new clinics increase regular antenatal care usage. The first facility of each type drives these results, and the impact of a large facility was found only in areas that initially had clinics. These results imply that clinics link mothers with the national health system and underscore the importance of making health facilities accessible.
Oncoprotein 18 overexpression increases the sensitivity to vindesine in the human lung carcinoma cells

Oncoprotein 18 (op18) was first isolated as a molecule overexpressed in several malignant cells, suggesting a function of op18 in malignant processes, such as differentiation in hematologic malignancies, op18 also was found to enhance microtubule deassembly in the cells. Antimitotic agents that bind to tubulin have been used for chemotherapy to treat solid tumors, such as lung carcinoma. Vinca alkaloids, such as vindesine and vincristine, have commonly been used for chemotherapy of nonsmall cell lung carcinoma. The authors examined the role of op18 in the sensitivity of human lung carcinoma cells to antimitotic agents.
Renal function with use of a tenofovir-containing initial antiretroviral regimen

Objectives:To determine whether tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) is associated with renal dysfunction when used as part of an initial antiretroviral regimen and to assess the effect of ritonavir-boosted protease inhibitor (PI/r) coadministration on renal function in TDF-treated patients. Design:Analysis from a prospective observational cohort. Methods:We compared all antiretroviral-naive patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of more than 50 ml/min per 1.73 m2 (modification of diet in renal disease equation) who initiated either TDF (n = 201) or any alternative nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) (n = 231) after 1 January 2002. Results:Patients taking both TDF and NRTIs experienced an initial decline in eGFR during the first 180 days of therapy, but eGFR stabilized between 180 and 720 days. There was no difference between TDF and NRTI use in 25 or 50% decline in eGFR at 1 or 2 years or in change in eGFR at 6, 12, or 24 months. Those taking TDF and a PI/r had a greater median decline in eGFR than those taking TDF and a non-NRTI at 6 months (P = 0.01), with trends at 12 (P = 0.08) and 24 months (P = 0.08). There was no difference in median GFR decline between those on an NRTI and PI/r vs. an NRTI and non-NRTI. Conclusion:Our data are consistent with results of clinical trials, which have shown no evidence of renal toxicity when TDF is used as part of an initial regimen. Our results support the use of TDF as a component of the initial antiretroviral regimen, and suggest that the eGFR should be monitored more closely when TDF is used with a PI/r.
Quality of life assessment after percutaneous aortic valve implantation.

AIMS To assess the NYHA class and the quality of life (QoL) scores after percutaneous aortic valve implantation (PAVI) with the 18-Fr CoreValve prosthesis. METHODS AND RESULTS From April 2007 until August 2008, 57 consecutive patients with aortic stenosis were evaluated for PAVI. Of these, 30 patients with successfully prosthesis implantation had more than 5-month follow-up. QoL assessment was realized with the SF-12v2 Health-Survey, a simple questionnaire designed for self-administration that provides easily interpretable scales for physical [physical component summary (PCS)] and mental [mental component summary (MCS)] health. The questionnaire was administered before and 5 months after PAVI. All 30 patients had a marked upgrading in haemodynamic and echocardiographic parameters (peak-to-peak gradient from 64 +/- 23 to 2 +/- 0.4; P < 0.001; aortic valve area index from 0.3 +/- 0.1 to 0.9 +/- 0.3; P < 0.001), with an improvement in New York Heart Association (NYHA) class at discharge and after 5 months. Mean pre-operative SF-12v2 scores showed a severe impairment of perceived quality of life compared with general Italian population >75 years, both for physical (PCS-baseline 28.5 vs. 37.9, P < 0.001) and mental scores (MCS-baseline 37.8 vs. 45.4, P < 0.001). After 5 months, a striking improvement in both scores (PCS 41.3-MCS 48.3; P < 0.001) was observed. CONCLUSION Our preliminary results show a marked short-term improvement in functional status and physical and mental health in patients underwent PAVI.
Treatment of spinal fractures using Lubra plates

Summary The purpose of this retrospective study was to review the clinical use along with the shortand long-term outcome in patients treated with Lubra plates to stabilize spinal fracture and dislocations that were considered unstable at time of surgery according to the ‘three compartment theory’. The data that were collected included breed, age, gender, body weight of the patients, cause of injury, neurological grade (pre- and postoperative), radiographic findings, surgical treatment, and clinical and radiological outcome. Thirteen dogs and two cats were included with thoracic (1 case), thoracolumbar (3 cases), midlumbar (5 cases) and caudal lumbar (6 cases) vertebral fractures. For stabilization, the small-sized (3 cases), medium-sized (6 cases), and large-sized (6 cases) Lubra plates were used. The clinical outcome was excellent in 10/15 patients, functional in 2/15 and poor in 3/15 with a median follow-up period of nine years (range 2 months to 12 years). The fractures eventually stabilized by ventral spondylosis. No implant failure was seen, however demineralization of the spinous processes necessitated implant removal in one case. Our results suggest that Lubra plating is an appropriate technique for thoracolumbar and lumbar vertebral fractures as well as luxations in dogs and cats. The prognosis for neurological recovery was excellent when the animal had a neurological grade of 3 and was not paralyzed.
Chemotherapy of small-cell carcinoma of lung: a randomized comparison of alternating and sequential combination chemotherapy programs.

One hundred forty-seven eligible patients with small-cell carcinoma of the lung (SCCL) have been randomized to receive alternating (A) or sequential (S) combination chemotherapy. Initial treatment was with three cycles of VAM (A) or two cycles of POCC (S). VAM consists of VP16-213 200 mg/m2 intravenously (IV) day 1, Adriamycin (Adria Laboratories, Columbus, Ohio) 50 mg/m2 IV day 1, and methotrexate 30 mg/m2 IV day 1 repeated at 21-day intervals. POCC consists of cyclophosphamide 600 mg/m2 IV days 1 and 8, vincristine 1.5 mg/m2 (maximum, 2 mg) IV days 1 and 8, CCNU 60 mg/m2 po day 1, and procarbazine 100 mg/m2 po days 2 through 15. After initial treatment, all patients received whole brain radiation therapy (3,000 rad/10 fractions/2 wk). Patients with limited disease in addition received irradiation encompassing the tumor, hilar, mediastinal, and supraclavicular regions (5,000 rad/25 fractions/5 wk). After radiation, patients on arm A received POCC alternating with VAM; patients on arm S received POCC until progression when they were to be treated with VAM. The alternating arm was superior with respect to rate of complete remission (CR), median disease-free survival (MDFS), and median survival (MS). The advantage of alternating therapy was not as clearly demonstrated in the limited disease groups when interposition of involved field radiation delayed the initiation of the alternating schedule. In limited disease alone, comparing arm A with arm S, no statistically significant differences were noted. The CR rate was 42% v 54%, MDFS was 14 v 10 months, and MS was 16 v 10 months. In extensive disease, the CR rate was 44% v 20% (P = .03), MDFS was 6 v 4 months (P = .003), and MS was 10 v 7 months (P = .001). Improved treatment outcome in SCCL is achieved when combination chemotherapy regimens of similar effectiveness are administered in an alternating rather than sequential schedule.
Differences in nausea, vomiting, and retching between younger and older outpatients receiving cancer chemotherapy.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether there were differences in the side effects of nausea, vomiting, and retching (N, V, and R) between younger ( < 65 years, n = 102) and older ( > or = 65 years, n = 25) persons receiving outpatient chemotherapy. A longitudinal 4-month study was used for the 127 participants recruited from 18 settings. Participants completed two questionnaires (Inventory of N, V, and R and Behavior Checklist) over the course of the study. The pattern between the younger and older patients' N, V, and R subscale scores was consistent in that the younger patients' scores were consistently (except on one occasion) higher than the older patients' scores, but this difference was statistically insignificant. This study furthers our understanding of N, V, and R and has several clinical implications.
Forward Trading and Collusion in Supply Functions

This paper studies the effect of forward contracts on the stability of collusion among firms, competing in supply functions on the spot market. A forward market can increase the range of discount factors which allow to sustain collusion. On the contrary, collusion is destabilised when a potential deviator sells a significant amount forward. Results do not depend on the type (financial or physical) of contract fulfilment and are robust to different levels of demand uncertainty. As a policy implication, the study finds that liquid and anonymous forward markets are incompatible with collusion.
The expression of EMP1 is downregulated in oral squamous cell carcinoma and possibly associated with tumour metastasis

Aims To investigate the expression of EMP1 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) tissues and its correlation with available clinical parameters of patients with OSCC. Methods The mRNA levels of EMP1 were measured in 18 paired OSCC and corresponding adjacent normal tissues using RT-PCR. Another 45 pairs of OSCC samples were selected to detect the mRNA level of EMP1 using quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR). The protein levels of EMP1 were also evaluated in 60 cases of patients with OSCC using immunohistochemical staining. The correlation between EMP1 expression and clinical parameters was analysed with non-parametric analysis. Results The results of RT-PCR and qRT-PCR showed that, compared with the paired normal tissues, the mRNA levels of EMP1 were significantly decreased in OSCC. The immunohistochemical results indicated that the EMP1 protein was also downregulated in OSCC (p=0.031). Decreased expression of EMP1 was significantly correlated with clinical stage (p=0.002) and lymph node metastasis (p=0.044) of patients with OSCC. Meanwhile, there was a significant difference between OSCCs at early and advanced stages (p=0.003), and between OSCCs with lymph node metastasis and no lymph node metastasis (p=0.045), respectively. Conclusions The results suggest that EMP1 may be a tumour suppressor and associated with lymph node metastasis in OSCC.
Effectiveness of Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine in Infants by Maternal Influenza Vaccination Status

Background: Influenza virus infection can predispose patients to secondary pneumococcal infections. Children are at greatest risk for pneumococcal infection in the first year of life and are not considered fully protected by pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) until their third dose at 6 months of age. Infants less than 6 months cannot receive influenza vaccination, though maternal influenza vaccination can protect infants. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 9807 mother–infant pairs enrolled in a managed care organization for infants born June 1, 2002, to December 31, 2009. Exposure was assessed for receipt of infant PCV only and the combination of PCV and maternal influenza vaccine (trivalent inactivated vaccine). Outcomes of interest were acute otitis media and medically attended acute respiratory infection in the first year of life. We estimated the adjusted incidence of illness, incidence rate ratios and vaccine effectiveness using the ratio of incidence rate ratios between the periods of noncirculating influenza and that of at least local influenza circulation. Results: For medically attended acute respiratory infection, vaccine effectiveness for the combination of trivalent inactivated vaccine and PCV was 39.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 31.6%–46.7%) and for PCV only was 29.8% (95% CI: 11.4%–44.3%). For acute otitis media, vaccine effectiveness for the combination of trivalent inactivated vaccine and PCV was 47.9% (95% CI: 42%–53.3%) and for PCV only was 37.6% (95% CI: 23.1%–49.4%). Conclusion: In infants, the combination of maternal influenza vaccine and infant pneumococcal conjugate vaccination confers greater protection from acute otitis media infections and medically attended acute respiratory infections than does PCV alone.