Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Energy Analysis of Decoders for Rakeness-Based Compressed Sensing of ECG Signals

In recent years, compressed sensing (CS) has proved to be effective in lowering the power consumption of sensing nodes in biomedical signal processing devices. This is due to the fact the CS is capable of reducing the amount of data to be transmitted to ensure correct reconstruction of the acquired waveforms. Rakeness-based CS has been introduced to further reduce the amount of transmitted data by exploiting the uneven distribution to the sensed signal energy. Yet, so far no thorough analysis exists on the impact of its adoption on CS decoder performance. The latter point is of great importance, since body-area sensor network architectures may include intermediate gateway nodes that receive and reconstruct signals to provide local services before relaying data to a remote server. In this paper, we fill this gap by showing that rakeness-based design also improves reconstruction performance. We quantify these findings in the case of ECG signals and when a variety of reconstruction algorithms are used either in a low-power microcontroller or a heterogeneous mobile computing platform.
A Neuroprotective Mechanism of YGY‐E in Cerebral Ischemic Injury in Rats

SUMMARY Aims: To investigate the anticerebral ischemic properties of YGY‐E (apigenin‐7‐O‐β‐d‐glucopyranosy l‐4′‐O‐α‐L‐rhamnopy‐ranosid, a flavonoid glycoside extracted from plant phoenix‐tail fern), focusing on its effects on neuronal apoptosis. Methods:In vitro YGY‐E treatment was examined in primary cultured rat hippocampal neurons subjected to hypoxia‐reoxygenation (H‐R) injury. In addition, in vivo effects of YGY‐E on neuronal apoptosis were measured by Hoechst staining and in situ DNA end labeling (TUNEL). Finally, B cell lymphoma/lewkmia‐2 (Bcl‐2) level in ischemic rat brain tissue was evaluated with immunohistochemistry and western blot analyses. Results:In vitro YGY‐E (50–100 μg/mL) treatment increased the survival rate compared to that of the vehicle‐treated group (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively). In in vivo experiments, YGY‐E (2.5–10 mg/kg) decreased the percentage of apoptotic neurons (P < 0.01), increased Bcl‐2 (P < 0.01) in ischemic rat brain tissue. These effects were dose dependent. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that YGY‐E's neuroprotective effects may be because of its inhibition of neuronal apoptosis by increasing Bcl‐2 expression.
Patrones de Diseño para el Modelo de Redes en Sistemas de Información Geográfica

Este articulo describe dos patrones de diseno que facilitan el desarrollo de sistemas de informacion geografica (SIG) orientados a objetos. El primero de ellos, denominado Objeto Espacial, captura los aspectos estructurales y dinamicos comunes que tienen las entidades espaciales representadas en diversos SIG. El segundo, denominado Grafo Espacial, es un patron cuyo proposito es proveer una solucion reutilizable al problema de la representacion, manipulacion y visualizacion de redes de servicios en SIG. La reutilizacion del patron Grafo Espacial permite que una red de servicios pueda representarse de una manera muy natural. Cada nodo o enlace de la red es definido mediante un objeto espacial, lo cual agrega realismo a la manipulacion y visualizacion de la red. Ambos patrones simplifican el diseno de aplicaciones SIG proporcionando estructuras de diseno reutilizables en dominios relacionados con el manejo de datos espaciales y redes de servicios. Palabras claves: Sistemas de informacion geografica, Ingenieria de software orientado a objetos, Patrones de diseno.
The Bacterial Magnetosome: A Unique Prokaryotic Organelle

The bacterial magnetosome is a unique prokaryotic organelle comprising magnetic mineral crystals surrounded by a phospholipid bilayer. These inclusions are biomineralized by the magnetotactic bacteria which are ubiquitous, aquatic, motile microorganisms. Magnetosomes cause cells of magnetotactic bacteria to passively align and swim along the Earth's magnetic field lines, as miniature motile compass needles. These specialized compartments consist of a phospholipid bilayer membrane surrounding magnetic crystals of magnetite (Fe3O4) or greigite (Fe3S4). The morphology of these membrane-bound crystals varies by species with a nominal magnetic domain size between 35 and 120 nm. Almost all magnetotactic bacteria arrange their magnetosomes in a chain within the cell there by maximizing the magnetic dipole moment of the cell. It is presumed that magnetotactic bacteria use magnetotaxis in conjunction with chemotaxis to locate and maintain an optimum position for growth and survival based on chemistry, redox and physiology in aquatic habitats with vertical chemical concentration and redox gradients. The biosynthesis of magnetosomes is a complex process that involves several distinct steps including cytoplasmic membrane modifications, iron uptake and transport, initiation of crystallization, crystal maturation and magnetosome chain formation. While many mechanistic details remain unresolved, magnetotactic bacteria appear to contain the genetic determinants for magnetosome biomineralization within their genomes in clusters of genes that make up what is referred to as the magnetosome gene island in some species. In addition, magnetosomes contain a unique set of proteins, not present in other cellular fractions, which control the biomineralization process. Through the development of genetic systems, proteomic and genomic work, and the use of molecular and biochemical tools, the functions of a number of magnetosome membrane proteins have been demonstrated and the molecular mechanism for the biomineralization of magnetosomes in these organisms is beginning to be revealed.
Wideband 400-Element Electronically Reconfigurable Transmitarray in X Band

A fully electronically reconfigurable 400-element transmitarray is studied numerically and experimentally in X-band. The array operates in linear polarization and consists of 20 × 20 unit-cells. A 1-bit phase resolution has been selected for the unit-cell in order to reduce the complexity of the biasing network and steering logic, the insertion loss and the overall cost of the antenna system. The unit-cell stack-up is simple and is made of four metal layers: active side, biasing lines, ground plane and passive side. Two p-i-n diodes are integrated on the active side of each cell in order to control its transmission phase. The active array contains 800 diodes in total. It demonstrates experimentally pencil beam scanning over a 140 × 80-degree window over a 15.8% fractional bandwidth, with a maximum gain of 22.7 dBi at broadside. We also show that the same antenna array can be used for beam shaping applications (flat-top beam). The experimental results presented between 8 and 12 GHz are in good agreement with the theoretical performance calculated using full-wave electromagnetic simulations and an in-house CAD tool based on analytical modeling.
Value of Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes Urine Output Criteria in Critically Ill Patients: A Secondary Analysis of a Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study

Background: Urine output (UO) is an essential criterion of the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) definition and classification system for acute kidney injury (AKI), of which the diagnostic value has not been extensively studied. We aimed to determine whether AKI based on KDIGO UO criteria (KDIGOUO) could improve the diagnostic and prognostic accuracy, compared with KDIGO serum creatinine criteria (KDIGOSCr). Methods: We conducted a secondary analysis of the database of a previous study conducted by China Critical Care Clinical Trial Group (CCCCTG), which was a 2-month prospective cohort study (July 1, 2009 to August 31, 2009) involving 3063 patients in 22 tertiary Intensive Care Units in Mainland of China. AKI was diagnosed and classified separately based on KDIGOUO and KDIGOSCr. Hospital mortality of patients with more severe AKI classification based on KDIGOUO was compared with other patients by univariate and multivariate regression analyses. Results: The prevalence of AKI increased from 52.4% based on KDIGOSCr to 55.4% based on KDIGOSCr combined with KDIGOUO. KDIGOUO also resulted in an upgrade of AKI classification in 7.3% of patients, representing those with more severe AKI classification based on KDIGOUO. Compared with non-AKI patients or those with maximum AKI classification by KDIGOSCr, those with maximum AKI classification by KDIGOUO had a significantly higher hospital mortality of 58.4% (odds ratio [OR]: 7.580, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.141–13.873, P < 0.001). In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, AKI based on KDIGOUO (OR: 2.891, 95% CI: 1.964–4.254, P < 0.001), but not based on KDIGOSCr (OR: 1.322, 95% CI: 0.902–1.939, P = 0.152), was an independent risk factor for hospital mortality. Conclusion: UO was a criterion with additional value beyond creatinine criterion for AKI diagnosis and classification, which can help identify a group of patients with high risk of death.
Gap junction communications influence upon fibroblast synthesis of Type I collagen and fibronectin

In rats polyvinyl alcohol sponge subcutaneous implants treated with gap junctional intercellular communications (GJIC) uncouplers showed reduced deposition of connective tissue. Do uncouplers inhibit the synthesis and deposition of a new connective tissue by fibroblasts? Confluent human dermal fibroblasts in serum‐free medium received either endosulfan or oleamide, GJIC uncouplers. Collected media were subjected to Dot Blot analysis for native Type I collagen and fibronectin. Uncoupler‐treated fibroblasts released less Type I collagen, while there was no change in fibronectin release. Collagen synthesis was restored to normal, when the uncouplers were removed, showing that these uncouplers were reversible and not toxic to cells. Northern blot analysis revealed procollagen α1 (I) mRNA was minimally affected by endosulfan. Oleamide‐treated 17‐day chick embryo calvaria explants were incubated with Type I collagen antibody, frozen, cryosectioned, and then subjected to rhodamine (Rh) tagged anti‐mouse‐IgG antibody, to detect newly deposited Type I collagen. Fluorescent antibody‐collagen complexes were localized on the periphery of cells in control calvaria, but absent around cells in oleamide‐treated calvaria. GJIC optimize collagen synthesis but not fibronectin synthesis. The lack of connective tissue deposited in granulation tissues treated with uncouplers appears related to the inhibition of collagen synthesis. These findings suggest that altering GJIC might control collagen deposition in scarring. J. Cell. Biochem. 98: 735–743, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pre-exercise antioxidant enzyme activities determine the antioxidant enzyme erythrocyte response to exercise

Free radical production increases during exercise and oxidative damage occurs in several tissues. We examined the effects of three different exercise tests on the pattern of change of erythrocyte enzyme antioxidant activities. The tests were a short maximal exercise test, a submaximal prolonged exercise test and a cycling stage during competition. The participants were amateur and professional cyclists with different training statuses and different basal erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme activities. The maximal test produced no changes in the erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme activities of amateur sportsmen. The submaximal test, performed at 80% of maximal oxygen uptake, decreased erythrocyte catalase (12%), glutathione peroxidase determined with H2O2 (14%) and glutathione reductase (16%); superoxide dismutase activity increased by about 25%. The cycling stage performed by professional cyclists increased erythrocyte catalase (29%) and glutathione reductase (10%) activities. The in vivo changes in glutathione reductase activity were confirmed by in vitro measurements: hydrogen peroxide decreased and the presence of catalase increased the activity of this enzyme. In conclusion, we suggest that the different erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme responses to diverse exercise tests can be explained by the effects of hydrogen peroxide and the superoxide anion on the antioxidant enzyme activities in erythrocytes.
Control of flea populations in a simulated home environment model using lufenuron, imidacloprid or fipronil

Control strategies were evaluated over a 6‐month period in a home simulation model comprising a series of similar carpeted pens, housing matched groups of six cats, in which the life‐cycle of the flea Ctenocephalides felis felis Bouché (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae) had been established. Additional adult fleas were placed on the cats at intervals to mimic acquisition of extraneous fleas from outside the home. Treatment strategies included a single subcutaneous deposition of injectable lufenuron supported by initial treatments with a short‐acting insecticidal spray, or monthly topical applications of imidacloprid or fipronil. An untreated control group indicated that conditions were suitable for flea replication and development. Controls had to be combed on 18 occasions to remove excessive flea burdens and two developed allergic reactions. Lufenuron cats were combed once and required two insecticidal treatments in the first month to achieve control. Even so, small flea burdens were constantly present thereafter. Imidacloprid and fipronil treatments appeared to give virtually complete control throughout. Single fleas were found on imidacloprid cats on two occasions, whereas none were recovered from fipronil cats at any time after the first treatment. Tracer cats were used to monitor re‐infestation rates at the end of the trial period. Small numbers of host‐seeking fleas were demonstrated in all treatment pens, indicating that total eradication had not been accomplished. It is concluded that the home environment simulation model incorporating tracer animals could provide a powerful tool for studying flea population dynamics under controlled conditions but improved techniques are needed for quantifying other off‐host life‐cycle stages.
Captive European Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) in Breeding Condition Show an Increased Cardiovascular Stress Response to Intruders

European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) alter their physiology and behavior between seasons, becoming territorial during the spring/summer and flocking during the fall/winter. We used captive male starlings in breeding (photostimulated to 18L:6D) and nonbreeding (11L:13D) conditions to determine whether changing physiology and behavior alters their reaction to crowding. One or five intruders entered a resident’s cage without human disturbance. A subcutaneous heart rate transmitter recorded cardiovascular output in residents. Corticosterone and testosterone were measured in plasma samples taken before and after the intrusion. While corticosterone concentrations did not change, heart rate changed significantly, indicating that these responses can be regulated independently. Long‐day birds showed a significantly elevated heart rate response to the single‐bird intrusion compared to short‐day birds. Whereas five intruders elicited an identical peak response in both groups, long‐day birds also demonstrated an equivalent response to one intruder. In addition, one intruder induced longer elevation in heart rate for long‐day birds. Male starlings in breeding condition, therefore, demonstrate an increased sensitivity to additional conspecifics. This seasonal shift in response suggests that a higher tolerance for intrusion (i.e., considering a nearby starling as less stressful) may facilitate flocking behavior, while a lower tolerance may aid in territoriality.
Impact of exercise on affective responses in female adolescents with type I diabetes

Background: Adolescent is a time of profound biologic, intellectual, psychological, and socioeconomic change that they will face a crisis. Therefore, compatibility may be exposed to many hazards, such as depression, anxiety, and other emotional problems. Nevertheless, a planned regular exercise enhances physical and mental health of adolescent female with diabetes. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of exercise on emotional reactions of female adolescents with type I diabetes. Materials and Methods: This study was a quasi-experimental research conducted in Endocrine and Metabolism Research Centre. A total of 72 patients were randomly allocated in the two groups. The intervention group did aerobic exercise for 45 minutes, while the control group did not aerobic exercise. Data were collected using a Symptom Checklist (SCL)-90 questionnaire. Data were analyzed and using descriptive and inferential statistics methods and SPSS software. Results: The results showed that the mean score for physical symptoms, depression, obsession-compulsion, interpersonal sensitivity, aggression, phobia, paranoid ideation, psychosis, and anxiety in the test group significantly decreased after intervention than before intervention. The average score in the control group did not differ. The average total score of emotional reactions in the test group after the intervention decreased before the intervention significantly (P = 0.001). However, in the control group, the mean scores did not differ (P = 0.97). Conclusion: The findings showed that regular exercise is effective on affective responses of adolescent females with type I diabetes.
Induction of complement-dependent and -independent neutralizing antibodies by recombinant-derived human cytomegalovirus gp55-116 (gB)

The human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) envelope glycoprotein complex gp55-116 was expressed in both Escherichia coli and cells infected with a recombinant vaccinia virus. E. coli produced a single protein of Mr 100,000 which approximated the size of the nonglycosylated gp55-116 precursor found in HCMV-infected cells. Cells infected with the recombinant vaccinia virus contained three intracellular forms of Mr 160,000, 150,000, and 55,000 which were detected by a monoclonal antibody reactive with gp55. Comparison of the immunological properties of these recombinant proteins indicated that several of the HCMV gp55-116 monoclonal antibodies and sera from patients infected with HCMV reacted with the vaccinia virus-derived proteins whereas a more restricted group of monoclonal antibodies recognized the E. coli-produced protein. Immunization of mice with either E. coli or vaccinia virus recombinant HCMV gp55-116 resulted in production of virus-neutralizing antibodies. In contrast to the almost exclusive production of complement-dependent neutralizing antibodies following immunization with recombinant vaccinia virus, the E. coli-derived protein induced complement-independent neutralizing antibodies.
Multiple clock drawing scoring systems: simpler is better

The clock drawing test (CDT) is a widely used cognitive screening tool that has been well accepted among clinicians and patients for its ease of use and short administration time. Although there is ample interest in the CDT as a screening instrument, there remains a range of CDT administration and scoring systems with no consensus on which system produces the most valid results while remaining user friendly. The aims of this review are to synthesize the available evidence on CDT scoring systems' effectiveness and to recommend which system is best suited for use at the clinical frontlines.
Organization of excitatory and inhibitory local networks in the caudal nucleus of tractus solitarius of rats revealed in in vitro slice preparation

Morphological and physiological properties of neurons in the caudal nucleus of tractus solitarius (NTS) of rats were studied in vitro by whole‐cell recording and intracellular staining with biocytin. Synaptic responses following the solitary tract stimulation were also investigated to elucidate anatomical substrates of the underlying local circuits. Biocytin‐filled NTS cells were divided into three groups according to the pattern of their axonal arborization: (1) local circuit neurons whose axon collaterals were extensively distributed within the NTS with the main axons leaving the NTS; (2) presumed interneurons whose axon collaterals seemed to be restricted within the NTS; and (3) projection neurons whose axons had few, if any, collaterals. Both local circuit neurons and presumed interneurons had small cell bodies (< 150 μm2 in somal area) and exhibited tonic regular spiking at depolarized membrane potentials. Polysynaptic excitatory background activity was increased and lasted for 300–1000 msec in these neurons following solitary tract stimulation. The projection neurons had medium to large cell bodies (> 150 μm2 in somal area). Inhibitory postsynaptic responses produced by an increased Cl‐conductance were recorded in these projection neurons. These findings suggest that excitatory local networks are organized by an assembly of the local circuit neurons in the caudal NTS, and that the interneurons are arranged to connect the excitatory local network with medium to large projection neurons via inhibitory synapses. Visceral afferent information is probably processed in the highly organized excitatory and inhibitory local networks within the caudal NTS and conveyed to other brain regions. © 1996 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Head ultrasonograhy as a screening tool in apparently healthy asymptomatic term neonates.

BACKGROUND The rate of brain abnormalities in asymptomatic term neonates varies substantially in previous studies. Some of these rates may justify general screening of healthy newborns by head ultrasound (HUS). OBJECTIVES To assess the incidence of intracranial abnormalities among asymptomatic term newborns with HUS and to detect high-risk populations that might need such screening. METHODS This was a prospective study in 493 term newborns who underwent HUS and a neurological evaluation during the first 3 days of life. The neurological examination results were unknown to the sonographist and the examiner was blinded to the HUS findings. The abnormal HUS findings were classified as significant or non-significant according to the current literature. RESULTS Abnormal HUS was found in 11.2% of the neonates. Significant findings were noted in 3.8% of the infants. There was no association between non-structural HUS findings (hemorrhage or echogenicity) and mode of delivery. There was no relationship between any HUS abnormality and birth weight, head circumference and maternal age, ethnicity, education or morbidity. The rate of abnormal neurological, hearing or vision evaluation in infants with a significant abnormal HUS (5.2%) was comparable to the rate in infants with normal or non-significant findings on HUS (3.1%). CONCLUSIONS There is no indication for routine HUS screening in apparently healthy term neonates due to the relatively low incidence of significant brain abnormalities in these infants in our population.
Test-retest reliability of team consensus best-estimate diagnoses of axis I and II disorders in a family study.

OBJECTIVE The present study examined the test-retest reliability of team consensus best-estimate diagnoses of axis I and II disorders. METHOD As part of a series of family studies of outpatients with depressive and personality disorders, best-estimate diagnoses of relatives were derived in team diagnostic conferences held regularly over 4 years. Diagnoses were based on all available information, including direct interviews, family history data, and treatment records, and explicit guidelines were developed to resolve discrepancies between data sources. To evaluate the reliability of the team best-estimate diagnoses, 92 relatives were independently rediagnosed after a 2-year interval. RESULTS The reliability of both axis I and II disorders was good to excellent. The results were similar for cases in which diagnoses were based on direct interviews plus informant data and cases in which diagnoses were based on informant data alone. CONCLUSIONS These data indicate that the team consensus best-estimate diagnostic method can be applied consistently, even over an interval of several years.