Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Molecular Characterization of Cadmium Resistance in Streptococcus thermophilus Strain 4134: an Example of Lateral Gene Transfer

ABSTRACT Two genes (cadCSt and cadASt [subscript St represents Streptococcus thermophilus]), located on the chromosome of S. thermophilus 4134, were shown to constitute a cadmium/zinc resistance cassette. The genes seem to be organized in an operon, and their transcription is cadmium dependent in vivo. The proposed product of the cadA open reading frame (CadASt) is highly similar to P-type cadmium efflux ATPases, whereas the predicted protein encoded by cadCSt (CadCSt) shows high similarity to ArsR-type regulatory proteins. The observed homologies and G+C content of this cassette and surrounding regions suggest that this DNA was derived from Lactococcus lactis and may have been introduced relatively recently into the S. thermophilus 4134 genome by a lateral gene transfer event. The complete cassette confers cadmium and zinc resistance to both S. thermophilus and L. lactis, but expression of cadASt alone is sufficient to give resistance. By using electrophoretic mobility shift assays it was shown that the CadCSt protein is a DNA binding protein that binds specifically to its own promoter region, possibly to two copies of an inverted repeat, and that this CadCSt-DNA interaction is lost in the presence of cadmium. Using lacZ fusion constructs it was shown that the cadmium-dependent expression of CadASt is mediated by the negative regulator CadCSt. A model for the regulation of the expression of cadmium resistance in S. thermophilus is discussed.
Interfacing Differential Capacitive Sensors to Microcontrollers: A Direct Approach

This paper is a continuation of a previous work with regard to the direct connection of differential sensors to microcontrollers without using intermediate electronics between them. This paper focuses on the measurement of differential capacitive sensors, whereas the previous work dealt with the resistive counterparts. The proposed circuit is analyzed, and the main limitation seems to be the fact that the magnitude of the input parasitic capacitances of the microcontroller is similar to or even higher than the sensor capacitances. Methods to overcome this limitation are proposed, particularly when measuring low-value differential capacitive sensors such as microelectromechanical system (MEMS) sensors. Experimental tests of the circuit have been carried out by measuring a commercial capacitive accelerometer working as a tilt sensor. Although such a sensor has a low value (1.5 pF) and low sensitivity (0.105 pF/g), the measurement has shown a nonlinearity error of 1% full-scale span (FSS), which is a remarkable value considering the simplicity of the circuit.
Spinal μ‐opioid receptor‐sensitive lower limb muscle afferents determine corticospinal responsiveness and promote central fatigue in upper limb muscle

We aimed to elucidate the role of group III/IV locomotor muscle afferents in the development of central fatigue and the responsiveness of the corticospinal tract in relation to an unexercised arm muscle. Intrathecal fentanyl, a μ‐opioid receptor agonist, was employed to attenuate afferent feedback from the leg muscles during intense cycling exercise characterized by either no or severe peripheral locomotor muscle fatigue. In the absence of locomotor muscle fatigue, group III/IV‐mediated leg afferent feedback facilitates the responsiveness of the motor pathway to upper limb flexor muscles. By contrast, in the presence of leg fatigue, group III/IV locomotor muscle afferents facilitate supraspinal fatigue in a remote muscle not involved in the exercise and disfacilitate the responsiveness of associated corticospinal projections.
Miconazole gel compared with Zataria multiflora Boiss. gel in the treatment of denture stomatitis

An open, randomized, controlled study with two parallel treatment groups was done to evaluate the efficacy of a miconazole 2% gel compared with Zataria multiflora 0.1% gel applied four times daily for 2 weeks, in the treatment of Candida‐associated denture stomatitis. Twenty four patients were included in the study. The efficacy variables were the colony count of Candida from the palatal mucosa and the denture surface and the erythema surface of the palatal mucosa on days 0, 7, 14, 21 and 28 after commencement of therapy. Twelve patients received miconazole gel and twelve Z. multiflora gel. The erythema surface was significantly reduced by both gels. No significant difference was seen between the two groups (p < 0.05). There was a significant reduction in the colony count of the palatal mucosa in both groups (except on days 21 and 28 in the Zataria group p = 0.07 and 0.08). Miconazole treatment reduced the number of denture colonies more efficiently than Z. multiflora except for day 21 when the efficacy of both groups was similar (p = 0.17). The results indicate that Z. multiflora gel reduced the surface erythema of the palate more efficiently than miconazole gel but did not reduce the colony count of the denture surface as efficiently as miconazole. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Methods of complete surface reconstruction through merging of point clouds according to stereo vision data

This article concerns the stack of algorithms which can be applied to the task of 3d reconstruction using stereo vision techniques. Stereo vision data represented as a set of single-valued surfaces of the point clouds that have overlaping areas. They may differ in density and regularity, but the whole reconstructed object model consists of a subset of single-valued surfaces. Thus, the task is to find a method of transformation of these original surfaces by minimizing some functional chracterizing the degree of matching. Considered the methods of representation of the point cloud as two-dimensional discrete functions, suggested variants of the measure of differences between source datasets, as well as methods of mutual localization of surfaces.
Soft Computing Techniques Applied to Distribution Network Reconfiguration: A Survey of the State-of-the-Art

Network reconfiguration is the process of alteringthe topological structure of distribution feeders to achievemore reliable and economic operation of distribution network. Distribution Network Reconfiguration (DNR) is a multiobjective, combinatorial, non-differentiable constrainedoptimization problem. This strategy nowadays is veryfrequently used by distribution engineers to meet variousobjectives like loss minimization and power qualityenhancement. This paper describes the various possibleobjectives and constraints of radial network reconfiguration. This paper also presents a comprehensive review of variousstrategies of network reconfiguration which are mainly basedon heuristic methods and intelligent optimization algorithm.
In the ear of the beholder: neural correlates of adaptation to voice gender

While high‐level adaptation to faces has been extensively investigated, research on behavioural and neural correlates of auditory adaptation to paralinguistic social information in voices has been largely neglected. Here we replicate novel findings that adaptation to voice gender causes systematic contrastive aftereffects such that repeated exposure to female voice adaptors causes a subsequent test voice to be perceived as more male (and vice versa), even minutes after adaptation [S.R. Schweinberger et al., (2008) , Current Biology, 18, 684–688). In addition, we recorded event‐related potentials to test‐voices morphed along a gender continuum. An attenuation in frontocentral N1–P2 amplitudes was seen when a test voice was preceded by gender‐congruent voice adaptors. Additionally, similar amplitude attenuations were seen in a late parietal positive component (P3, 300–700 ms). These findings suggest that contrastive coding of voice gender takes place within the first few hundred milliseconds from voice onset, and is implemented by neurons in auditory areas that are specialised for detecting male and female voice quality.
¿Es tan diferente la crisis financiera de sub-prime en EEUU? Una comparacion historica internacional [“Is The 2007 U.S. Subprime Crisis So Different? An International Historical Comparison,”]

Es verdaderamente la crisis financiera 2007-2008 de las hipotecas sub-prime en EEUU, un fenomeno nuevo y diferente? Nuestro examen de los registros historicos mas extensos encuentra asombrosas similitudes, tanto cuantitativas como cualitativas, con 18 crisis financieras en paises industrializados durante la temprana posguerra. En particular, la aceleracion de los precios de las acciones y de las viviendas en EEUU (que la literatura sobre crisis financieras destaca como el mejor indicador lider para paises que experimentan grandes entradas de capitales,) sigue muy de cerca el promedio verificado en las primeras crisis. Otra similitud importante es la forma en V invertida adoptada por la curva de crecimiento de la produccion en Estados Unidos, a medida que la economia se enfriaba en visperas de la crisis. Entre los otros indicadores, la aceleracion de la deuda publica estadounidense esta algo por debajo del promedio de otros episodios; la inflacion pre-crisis tambien esta en un nivel inferior. Por otro lado, la trayectoria de su deficit en cuenta corriente es peor que el promedio. Una pregunta critica es si la crisis estadounidense resultara ser similar a las mas severas crisis de los paises industrializados, en cuyo caso el crecimiento podria caer significativamente por debajo de la tendencia durante un periodo prolongado. O resultara ser similar a los episodios mas leves, en los que la recuperacion fue relativamente rapida? Mucho dependera de cuan grande resulte el shock sobre el sistema financiero y, en menor medida, en la eficacia de la subsiguientes medidas de politica economica que se adopten en respuesta a la crisis.
Susceptibility-weighted Imaging in Thrombolytic Therapy of Acute Ischemic Stroke

Objective: To provide a comprehensive and latest overview of susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) in the application of thrombolysis in acute ischemic stroke, and to update the decision-making effect and clinical value of SWI on identifying stroke patients suitable for thrombolytic therapy and possible benefits and risks followed. Data Sources: Literatures referred to this review were collected from PubMed, Medline, and EMBASE published till May 2017, using the search terms including susceptibility-weighted imaging, gradient-echo, T2*, thrombolysis, recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA), thrombolytic therapy, and stroke. Study Selection: Papers in English or with available English abstracts were considered, with no limitation of study design. References were also identified from the bibliographies of identified articles and the authors’ files. Results: SWI is of guiding significance for thrombolytic therapy in stroke patients, it can predict the location and length of thrombus and ischemic penumbra. It is worthy of noting that susceptibility vessel sign (SVS) on SWI can be used to predict recanalization after thrombolytic therapy and whether it is better to implement endovascular thrombolectomy in combination or alone. SWI is sensitive in detecting cerebral microbleed (CMB), and CMB might not be a contraindication for thrombolytic therapy, yet CMBs in multiple foci could possibly be related to intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) after thrombolysis. SVS and CMB on SWI sequence are of instructive value in performing antiplatelet therapy after thrombolytic therapy. Cerebral venous change on SWI is related to lower recanalization rate and poor outcome after thrombolysis. Conclusions: It seems that SWI can be applied to guide individualized thrombolytic therapies and assist clinicians in making better decisions by weighing benefits and risks. However, there still exist controversies about the relationship between signs on SWI and thrombolytic therapy.
Efficient Multiply-by-3 and Divide-by-3 Algorithms and Their Fast Hardware Implementation

SUMMARY This study presents efficient algorithms for performing multiply-by-3 (3N) and divide-by-3 (N/3) operations with the additions and subtractions, respectively. No multiplications and divisions are needed. Full adder (FA) and full subtractor (FS) can be implemented to realize the N3 and N/3 operations, respectively. For fast hardware implementation, this paper introduces two basic cells UCA and UCS for 3N and N/3 operations, respectively. For 3N operation, the UCA-based ripple carry adder (RCA) and carry lookahead adder (CLA) designs are proposed and their speed performances are estimated based on the delay data of standard cell library in TSMC 0. 18µm CMOS process. Results show that the 16-bit UCA-based RCA is about 3 times faster than the conventional FA-based RCA and even 25% faster than the FA-based CLA. The proposed 16-bit and 64-bit UCA-based CLAs are 62% and 36% faster than the conventional FA-based CLAs, respectively. For N/3 operations, ripple borrow subtractor (RBS) is also presented. The 16-bit UCS-based RBS is about 15.5% faster than the 16-bit FS-based RBS.
Options and Limitations of the Cognitive Psychological Approach to the Treatment of Dyslexia

If the field of cognitive psychology is to avoid the use of introspective methods, it must focus on the objective norms or rules for correct performance of cognitive tasks and not on subjective processes. In this manner, the cognitive approach will be more logical than empirical. Cognitive psychology alone is not able to answer the question "Why is it that some people have difficulty following some of the cognitive norms or rules? " Behaviorism and connectionism can make more important contributions here. In the treatment of dyslexia, emphasis must be placed on the fact that reading is a skill that requires both automatization and awareness. To have a flexible and functional combination of these, we must borrow from cognitive psychology, connectionism, and behaviorism.
Neuronal synchrony reveals working memory networks and predicts individual memory capacity

Visual working memory (VWM) is used to maintain sensory information for cognitive operations, and its deficits are associated with several neuropsychological disorders. VWM is based on sustained neuronal activity in a complex cortical network of frontal, parietal, occipital, and temporal areas. The neuronal mechanisms that coordinate this distributed processing to sustain coherent mental images and the mechanisms that set the behavioral capacity limit have remained unknown. We mapped the anatomical and dynamic structures of network synchrony supporting VWM by using a neuro informatics approach and combined magnetoencephalography and electroencephalography. Interareal phase synchrony was sustained and stable during the VWM retention period among frontoparietal and visual areas in α- (10–13 Hz), β- (18–24 Hz), and γ- (30–40 Hz) frequency bands. Furthermore, synchrony was strengthened with increasing memory load among the frontoparietal regions known to underlie executive and attentional functions during memory maintenance. On the other hand, the subjects’ individual behavioral VWM capacity was predicted by synchrony in a network in which the intraparietal sulcus was the most central hub. These data suggest that interareal phase synchrony in the α-, β-, and γ-frequency bands among frontoparietal and visual regions could be a systems level mechanism for coordinating and regulating the maintenance of neuronal object representations in VWM.
CMOS distance sensor based on single photon avalanche diode

This paper reports on a novel image sensor employing a Single Photon Avalanche Diode (SPAD) as light-sensing device. The sensor is specifically designed for Time-OfFlight 3D imaging applications. An active pixel containing a SPAD and a read-out channel has been designed. An averaging circuit is included in the pixel, allowing an increased resolution with a reduction of the overall measurement time. A 64x2 pixel linear array has been fabricated in a conventional industrial high-voltage 0. 8μm CMOS technology, together with some test structures aimed at SPAD characterization. An electro optical characterization of the test structures has been performed. The pixel array, although tailored for 3D imaging, can be also used to acquire the intensity map of a scene. A characterization of the operation in both modalities is presented.
Editorial To Tame the Wind: Advanced Control Applications in Wind Energy

The aim of this special section is to illustrate the potential of advanced control methods to improve wind power technologies, through a collection of contributions concerned with several aspects including mitigation of tower vibration and fatigue loads, wind preview control, estimation of rotor effective wind speed, identification of rotor dynamics, fault tolerant control, wind farm control, and airborne wind energy. A significant number of contributions in the section are concerned with mitigation of vibrations and load reduction of wind turbines, in different frameworks and with different actuators and control approaches.
Health-Related Quality of Life 3 Months After Kidney Transplantation as a Predictor of Survival Over 10 Years: A Longitudinal Study

Aim This study explores the association between kidney function, side effects of immunosuppressive treatment, coping self-efficacy, and physical and mental HRQoL at 3 months (baseline) after kidney transplantation (KT) and their impact on patient and graft survival for up to 10 years (follow-up). Methods A group of 151 patients provided at baseline their socioeconomic and medical (CKD-EPI) data and completed the End-Stage Renal Disease Symptom Checklist (perceived side effects), the coping self-efficacy scale, and the SF-36. At follow-up, patients’ health status was noted. Univariate GLM exploring the main effects of the independent variables on physical and mental HRQoL was performed; furthermore, Cox regression analyses were performed to determine whether the early posttransplantation factors predicted patient and graft survival. Results Less severe side effects of immunosuppressive treatment and higher efficacy in stopping unpleasant emotions were associated with both higher physical and mental HRQoL at baseline. Younger age was associated with higher physical HRQoL and older age, and lower efficacy in getting support from family and friend were associated with higher mental HRQoL. Patients reporting higher physical and mental HRQoL at 3 months and with higher age and better kidney function had higher odds of surviving with a functioning graft. Conclusion Older age, higher kidney function, and higher physical and mental HRQoL at baseline significantly improved the odds of graft and patient survival over 10 years. These results show the importance of close monitoring of early posttransplantation HRQoL along with kidney function and reported side effects because of their effect on long-term patient outcomes.
Environmental Stress and African Americans: The Other Side of the Moon

Foreword by Chester M. Pierce Preface Introduction: African Americans and Mundane Environmental Stress Of M.E. E.S. and Men: Case Studies of African American Single Fathers The Flip Side of Teen Mothers: Their Perspectives on Young Fathers Parenting: Mothers, Magic, M.E. E.S. , and Myths The Challenges of Getting a "Good Education": Black Students on White Campuses Professional Sisterhood: Standing in Stellar Space Summary Afterword by Walter Allen Bibliography Index
Water in Earth's Mantle: The Role of Nominally Anhydrous Minerals

Most minerals of Earth's upper mantle contain small amounts of hydrogen, structurally bound as hydroxyl (OH). The OH concentration in each mineral species is variable, in some cases reflecting the geological environment of mineral formation. Of the major mantle minerals, pyroxenes are the most hydrous, typically containing ∼200 to 500 parts per million H2O by weight, and probably dominate the water budget and hydrogen geochemistry of mantle rocks that do not contain a hydrous phase. Garnets and olivines commonly contain ∼1 to 50 parts per million. Nominally anhydrous minerals constitute a significant reservoir for mantle hydrogen, possibly accommodating all water in the depleted mantle and providing a possible mechanism to recycle water from Earth's surface into the deep mantle.
Reduced-order Mapping and Design-oriented Instability for Constant On-time Current-mode Controlled Buck Converters with a PI Compensator

The constant on-time current-mode controlled (COT-CMC) switching dc-dc converter is stable, with no subharmonic oscillation in its current loop when a voltage ripple in its outer voltage loop is ignored. However, when its output capacitance is small or its feedback gain is high, subharmonic oscillation may occur in a COT-CMC buck converter with a proportional-integral (PI) compensator. To investigate the subharmonic instability of COT-CMC buck converters with a PI compensator, an accurate reduced-order asynchronous-switching map model of a COT-CMC buck converter with a PI compensator is established. Based on this, the instability behaviors caused by output capacitance and feedback gain are investigated. Furthermore, an approximate instability condition is obtained and design-oriented stability boundaries in different circuit parameter spaces are yielded. The analysis results show that the instability of COT-CMC buck converters with a PI compensator is mainly affected by the output capacitance, output capacitor equivalent series resistance (ESR), feedback gain, current-sensing gain and constant on-time. The study results of this paper are helpful for the circuit parameter design of COT-CMC switching dc-dc converters. Experimental results are provided to verify the analysis results.
Intranasal Administration of Recombinant Neisseria gonorrhoeae Transferrin Binding Proteins A and B Conjugated to the Cholera Toxin B Subunit Induces Systemic and Vaginal Antibodies in Mice

ABSTRACT The transferrin binding proteins (TbpA and TbpB) comprise the gonococcal transferrin receptor and are considered potential antigens for inclusion in a vaccine against Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Intranasal (IN) immunization has shown promise in development of immunity against sexually transmitted disease pathogens, in part due to the induction of antigen-specific genital tract immunoglobulin A (IgA) and IgG. Conjugation of antigens to the highly immunogenic cholera toxin B subunit (Ctb) enhances antibody responses in the serum and mucosal secretions following IN vaccination. In the current study, we characterized the anti-Tbp immune responses following immunization of mice IN with recombinant transferrin binding proteins (rTbpA and rTbpB) conjugated to rCtb. We found that both rTbpA-Ctb and rTbpB-Ctb conjugates administered IN induced antibody responses in the serum and genital tract. IN immunization resulted in both IgA and IgG in the genital tract; however, subcutaneous immunization mainly generated IgG. Surprisingly, rTbpA alone was immunogenic and induced serum and mucosal antibody responses similar to those elicited against the rTbpA-Ctb conjugate. Overall, rTbpB was much more immunogenic than rTbpA, generating serum IgG levels that were greater than those elicited against rTbpA. Bactericidal assays conducted with sera collected from mice immunized IN with TbpA and/or TbpB indicated that both antigens generated antibodies with bactericidal activity. Anti-TbpA antibodies were cross-bactericidal against heterologous gonococcal strains, whereas TbpB-specific antibodies were less cross-reactive. By contrast, antibodies elicited via subcutaneous immunization were not cross-bactericidal against heterologous strains, indicating that IN vaccination could be the preferred route for elicitation of biologically functional antibodies.