Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Experimental investigation of amplified piezoelectric stack actuators 50XS, 60S and 120S for the actuation of microgrippers

Amplified Piezoelectric Actuator (APA), is a mechanical amplified preloaded stack actuator increasingly popular in micro actuation. Subsequently, piezoelectric stack actuators have been utilized often in microgripping applications due to its large force and precise micro displacement. This paper presents the experimental testing and results of Amplified Piezoelectric Actuators (APA) APA 50SX, APA 60S and APA 120S which can be used for actuation of a 2-DOF compliant microgripper. In this work a static force measurement experimental arrangement has been setup to measure and get the graphical relationship of Force-Displacement-Voltage which can be used determine the input force to the microgripper at various displacement and voltage levels. The above three APA's are tested and APA 120S is found to be the most suitable option whose data is then validated on the microgripper experimental arrangement. An average deviation of 9.74% is observed from the real-time measured values and 10.33% deviation from the FEM results. The obtained values are in good correlation and the experimental test procedure provides the complete static data for the above actuators.
Pridnestrovian Migrant Workers in the Country of the Recipient: Quality of Life and Employment Features

The article pays the attention to the role of Pridnestrovian migrants at the Russian labor market regarding the life’s quality, social interaction and employment. Authors think that migration policy of native and welcoming sides should be based on pragmatic approach when migrants’ labor should promote the development of human capital. Positive prerequisites of such process are social, demographic, professional, linguistic and cultural characteristics of Pridnestrovian migrants. The article contains the results of the survey of migrants (n=270), living in all regions of Pridnestrovie, conducted by the employees of the Pridnestrovie State University named after T.G. Shevchenko. The sample is formed based on heterogeneity of respondents and includes such criteria as gender, age, level of education, ethnicity and citizenship. The main emphasis in the research has been done on the study of the relationship of the following indicators: goals, quality of life, social relationships, and employment.
Importance of retardation and fatigue/interest domains for the diagnosis of major depressive episode after stroke: a four months prospective study.

OBJECTIVE Post-stroke major depressive episode is very frequent, but underdiagnosed. Researchers have investigated major depressive episode symptomatology, which may increase its detection. This study was developed to identify the depressive symptoms that better differentiate post-stroke patients with major depressive episode from those without major depressive episode. METHOD We screened 260 consecutive ischemic stroke patients admitted to the neurology clinic of a university hospital. Seventy-three patients were eligible and prospectively evaluated. We assessed the diagnosis of major depressive episode using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV and the profile of depressive symptoms using the 31-item version of the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. For data analysis we used cluster analyses and logistic regression equations. RESULTS Twenty-one (28.8%) patients had a major depressive episode. The odds ratio of being diagnosed with major depressive episode was 3.86; (95% CI, 1.23-12.04) for an increase of one unit in the cluster composed by the domains of fatigue/interest and retardation, and 2.39 (95% CI, 1.21-4.71) for an increase of one unit in the cluster composed by the domains of cognitive, accessory and anxiety symptoms. The domains of eating/weight and insomnia did not contribute for the major depressive episode diagnosis. CONCLUSION The domains of retardation and interest/fatigue are the most relevant for the diagnosis of major depressive episode after stroke.
Sexual abuse at a Swedish daycare centre: allegations, confessions and evaluations

In September 1997, sexual abuse at a Swedish daycare centre was disclosed. The suspect, a male member of the staff, admitted having abused six children. A total of 30 children were included in the police investigation. In this study, these cases were evaluated individually using a child psychiatric method. Information was collected from the police investigation and from interviews with parents. The conclusions–categorized as “abuse likely”, “abuse conceivable” or “abuse uncertain”–were compared with the children's own reports, the legal evaluations and the confessions of the suspects.
Economic evaluation of consumer awareness, attitudes and willingness to pay for genetically modified foods in kenya: The case of maize meal in Nairobi

In light of the proposed introduction of Bt maize in Kenya, a consumer survey was conducted with 604 urban respondents in Nairobi, Kenya, in November and December 2003 to determine consumers’ awareness, attitudes and willingness to pay (WTP) for GM foods in three points of sale namely supermarkets, kiosks and posho mills. WTP for GM maize meal was estimated using the Contingent Valuation method, with a dichotomous choice framework and a double-bounded logit model. The model was further expanded to analyze the factors that influence WTP. The results show that 38% of the respondents are aware of GM crops. Newspapers are the main sources of information about GM crops, followed by schools/colleges. Most consumers believe in the technology’s positive impacts, with more than 80% agreeing that it increases productivity and offers a solution to the world’s food problem. However, consumers are concerned about environmental and health risks, as well as ethical and equity issues. Half of the respondents agree that the technology leads to a loss of original varieties, and that insect resistant GM crops could have an effect on untargeted insects. About a third fear that consumption of GM foods can damage one’s health while’ 40% fear it could cause allergic reactions. Half of the respondents perceive GM food as artificial, and 36% are of the view that GM products are being forced on developing countries. Most consumers (68%) would be willing to buy GM maize meal if it were offered at the same price as their favourite maize meal brands. Nairobi consumers are willing to pay KShs 58 for a 2kg packet for GM maize meal, which is a 13.7% premium over average current maize meal prices (KShs 51), confirming acceptance of the use of GM technology. Cognitive
Potentiation and depression of synaptic transmission in the olfactory cortex of the guinea‐pig

1. The extracellular field potentials of the olfactory cortex evoked by stimulation of the lateral olfactory tract (l.o.t.) were studied in in vitro preparations from the olfactory cortex. The field potentials comprised an initial diphasic wave — the l.o. t. compound action potential — followed by a negative wave of about 10 msec duration which in turn was followed by a low amplitude positive wave of long duration (100 msec or more). In this paper, the size of the negative field potential (extracellularly recorded EPSP) has been studied during and after periods of repetitive stimulation of the l.o. t.
Political leadership and ‘non-traditional’ development cooperation

Abstract This article explores the relationships between (so-called) ‘non-traditional’ development cooperation (NTDC) and political leadership. Using the case studies of Brazil and South Korea, we propose that certain emblematic elements of NTDC discourse and practice can act to influence the relationship with political leaders in particular ways. These are (a) elevated language of affect, (b) interleaving of personal biographies with the developmental trajectories of states, (c) the use of NTDC to legitimise domestic policies and promote domestic political leadership, (d) the prominence of presidential diplomacy and (e) the challenges confronting rapidly expanding domestic development cooperation institutions and systems.
Mapping of high-bit algorithm to low-bit for optimized hardware implementation

This paper presents the outcome of a novel technique for mapping a class of high data width algorithms to low data width for efficient hardware implementation. The complexity of mapping an algorithm in hardware directly depends upon the data path size as all the registers and computational blocks depend on this size. Reducing the data path requirement can result in substantial savings in hardware. Folding techniques classically reduce the bit-widths. Our techique reduces the data path width without folding or timesharing the hardware resources. The technique is implemented on the advanced encryption standard (AES) algorithm and substantial savings in hardware cost is reported. Using this technique the 32-bit AES is implemented on a byte-systolic 8-bit architecture. The proposed crypto processor architecture resulted in efficient hardware resource utilization reducing data-path, buses, registers and memories to 8-bits, minimizing control logic, area and power. Unlike commercially available AES architectures, which incorporate separate hardware modules for key expansion, the proposed crypto processor design reuses the same architecture for both key expansion and encryption. The proposed design offers moderately high data rates when mapped on FPGA.
Diagnostic performance of gadobenate dimeglumine enhanced MR angiography of the iliofemoral and calf arteries: a large-scale multicenter trial.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to compare gadobenate dimeglumine-enhanced MR angiography and unenhanced time-of-flight MR angiography for the detection of significant peripheral arterial occlusive disease using digital subtraction angiography as our reference standard. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Two hundred seventy-two patients underwent MR angiography and digital subtraction angiography of the iliofemoral arteries. MR angiography was performed before (2D time-of-flight acquisitions) and after (spoiled gradient-echo acquisitions) the administration of 0.1 mmol/kg of gadobenate dimeglumine at 1-2 mL/s. Contrast-enhanced MR angiography and digital subtraction angiography of the calf arteries were performed in 241 of 272 participants. Images were evaluated on-site and by four blinded reviewers (three for MR angiography, one for digital subtraction angiography). Comparative diagnostic performance for the detection of significant (> or = 51% vessel lumen narrowing) disease was evaluated using the McNemar test and generalized estimating equations. Interobserver agreement was assessed with generalized kappa statistics. The chi-square test was used to compare technical failure rates. RESULTS Digital subtraction angiography confirmed significant disease (597 stenoses, 386 occlusions) in 983 iliofemoral segments. The sensitivity (54-80.9%), specificity (89.7-95.3%), and accuracy (85-87.5%) of contrast-enhanced MR angiography for the detection of significant iliofemoral disease were significantly (p < 0.001, all reviewers) better than those of time-of-flight MR angiography (33.2-62.8%, 74.3-88.9%, and 68-77.3%, respectively). Similar diagnostic performance was obtained for the calf arteries. The technical failure rate with contrast-enhanced MR angiography (2.5-3.4%) was similar to that of digital subtraction angiography (1.4%) and significantly (p < 0.001) lower than that of time-of-flight MR angiography (6.2-18.0%). Significantly better reproducibility (p < 0.001) was obtained with contrast-enhanced MR angiography (82% vs 65.2% agreement; kappa = 0.66 vs 0.45). CONCLUSION Improved diagnostic performance and reproducibility are achievable with gadobenate dimeglumine-enhanced MR angiography in patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease.
Influence of Intracranial Electrode Density and Spatial Configuration on Interictal Spike Localization: A Case Study

Purpose: Poor seizure outcomes after epilepsy surgery often reflect an incorrect localization of the epileptic sources by standard intracranial EEG interpretation because of limited electrode coverage of the epileptogenic zone. This study investigates whether, in such conditions, source modeling is able to provide more accurate source localization than the standard clinical method that can be used prospectively to improve surgical resection planning. Methods: Suboptimal epileptogenic zone sampling is simulated by subsets of the electrode configuration used to record intracranial EEG in a patient rendered seizure free after surgery. sLORETA and the clinical method solutions are applied to interictal spikes sampled with these electrode subsets and are compared for colocalization with the resection volume and displacement due to electrode downsampling. Results: sLORETA provides often congruent and at times more accurate source localization when compared with the standard clinical method. However, with electrode downsampling, individual sLORETA solution locations can vary considerably and shift consistently toward the remaining electrodes. Conclusions: sLORETA application can improve source localization based on the clinical method but does not reliably compensate for suboptimal electrode placement. Incorporating sLORETA solutions based on intracranial EEG in surgical planning should proceed cautiously in cases where electrode repositioning is planned on clinical grounds.
EFFECT OF ANTIMETABOLITE IMMUNOSUPPRESSANTS ON FLAVIVIRIDAE, INCLUDING HEPATITIS C VIRUS

Background. Recurrence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) after liver transplantation is almost universal and decreases both graft and patient survival. Medications that alter nucleic acid metabolism, including some common immunosuppressants used in HCV-infected patients, may affect viral replication. Methods. Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is in the Flaviviridae family and is closely related to HCV. We measured the effect of two immunosuppressants, azathioprine (AZA) and mycophenolate acid (MPA), on both BVDV replication by plaque assay and host-cell replication by flow cytometry. We also compared the effect of ribavirin and AZA on the level of HCV replicon RNA by real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Results. At doses that achieved similar cytotoxicity, AZA decreased BVDV replication 10 times more than MPA. The inhibition of BVDV by AZA occurred at lower doses than the cellular cytotoxicity and did not depend on cytotoxicity. A two-log reduction in viral titers occurred despite blocking the cytotoxicity of AZA by inhibiting ribonucleotide reductase with high concentrations of thymidine. A metabolite of AZA, 6-mercaptopurine, still possessed this antiviral effect, but a metabolite further downstream, 6-thioguanine, did not, even though 6-thioguanine is the metabolite responsible for cellular toxicity. The effect of AZA on a HCV replicon was at least as large as that of ribavirin. Conclusions. This report suggests that AZA is a more potent antiviral than MPA for Flaviviridae and may exert a specific antiviral effect on HCV. Additional clinical studies to investigate this previously unanticipated antiviral effect of AZA on HCV in the posttransplant setting are indicated.
ClC‐3 is a main component of background chloride channels activated under isotonic conditions by autocrine ATP in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells

In this study, the activation mechanisms of the background chloride current and the role of the current in maintaining of basal cell volume were investigated in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma CNE‐2Z cells. Under isotonic conditions, a background chloride current was recorded by the patch clamp technique. The current presented the properties similar to those of the volume‐activated chloride current in the same cell line and was inhibited by chloride channel blockers or by cell shrinkage induced by hypertonic challenges. Extracellular applications of reactive blue 2, a purinergic receptor antagonist, suppressed the background chloride current in a concentration‐dependent manner under isotonic conditions. Depletion of extracellular ATP with apyrase or inhibition of ATP release from cells by gadolinium chloride decreased the background current. Extracellular applications of micromolar concentrations of ATP activated a chloride current which was inhibited by chloride channel blockers and hypertonic solutions. Extracellular ATP could also reverse the action of gadolinium chloride. Transfection of CNE‐2Z cells with ClC‐3 siRNA knocked down expression of ClC‐3 proteins, attenuated the background chloride current and prevented activation of the ATP‐induced current. Furthermore, knockdown of ClC‐3 expression or exposures of cells to ATP (10 mM), the chloride channel blockers 5‐nitro‐2‐(3‐phenylpropylamino) benzoic acid (NPPB) and tamoxifen, or reactive blue 2 increased cell volume under isotonic conditions. The results suggest that ClC‐3 protein may be a main component of background chloride channels which can be activated under isotonic conditions by autocrine/paracrine ATP through purinergic receptor pathways; the background current is involved in maintenance of basal cell volume. J. Cell. Physiol. 226: 2516–2526, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Multinational Oil Firms’ CSR Initiatives in Nigeria: the Need of Rural Farmers in Host Communities

We examine the impact of multinational oil firms' Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) on agricultural production using binary logit model equation. The result indicates a significant relationship between CSR and agricultural production in oil host communities in Nigeria. This implies that CSR of a multinational oil firm is a critical factor for increasing participation of rural dwellers in agricultural production. The findings suggest for improved CSR investment of multinational oil firms on subsidized fertilizer, certified seed, crop protection products, farm power and rural transportation infrastructures. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A 1.3-GHz 350-mW Hybrid Direct Digital Frequency Synthesizer in 90-nm CMOS

This paper presents a low-power direct digital frequency synthesizer (DDFS) based on a hybrid design with a maximum operating frequency of 1.3 GHz. The proposed hybrid design is capable of extending the resolution of traditional nonlinear digital-to-analog converter (DAC)-based DDFS by adding a linear slope component to the approximated sine wave produced from a nonlinear DAC via an additional linear DAC. With an 11-bit combined DAC, the prototype DDFS produces a minimum spurious free dynamic range (SFDR) of 52 dBc from dc up to Nyquist frequency when clocked at 1.3 GHz. This 90-nm CMOS chip occupies 2 mm2 including bond pads and dissipates 350 mW with a 1.2-V digital supply and 2.5-V analog supply. The FOM of this chip is measured at 1207.9 GHz ·2 ENOB /W .
Characterization of a membrane‐bound aminopeptidase purified from Acyrthosiphon pisum midgut cells

A single membrane‐bound aminopeptidase N (APN) occurs in the pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum Harris) midgut, with a pH optimum of 7.0, pI of 8.1 and molecular mass of 130 kDa. This enzyme accounts for more than 15.6% of the total gut proteins. After being solubilized in detergent, APN was purified to homogeneity. The enzyme is a glycoprotein rich in mannose residues, which binds the entomotoxic lectins of the concanavalin family. The internal sequence of APN is homologous with a conservative domain in APNs, and degenerated primers of highly conserved APN motifs were used to screen a gut cDNA library. The complete sequence of APN has standard residues involved in zinc co‐ordination and catalysis and a glycosyl‐phosphatidylinositol anchor, as in APNs from Lepidoptera. APN has a broad specificity towards N‐terminal amino acids, but does not hydrolyze acidic aminoacyl‐peptides, thus resembling the mammalian enzyme (EC 3.4.11.2). The kcat/Km ratios for different di‐, tri‐, tetra‐, and penta‐peptides suggest a preference for tripeptides, and that subsites S1, S2′ and S3′ are pockets able to bind bulky aminoacyl residues. Bestatin and amastatin bound APN in a rapidly reversible mode, with Ki values of 1.8 µm and 0.6 µm, respectively. EDTA inactivates this APN (kobs 0.14 m−1·s−1, reaction order of 0.44) at a rate that is reduced by competitive inhibitors. In addition to oligopeptide digestion, APN is proposed to be associated with amino‐acid‐absorption processes which, in contrast with aminopeptidase activity, may be hampered on lectin binding.
Randomised controlled pilot study to assess the feasibility of a Mediterranean Portfolio dietary intervention for cardiovascular risk reduction in HIV dyslipidaemia: a study protocol

Introduction HIV drug treatment has greatly improved life expectancy, but increased risk of cardiovascular disease remains, potentially due to the additional burdens of infection, inflammation and antiretroviral treatment. The Mediterranean Diet has been shown to reduce cardiovascular risk and mortality in the general population, but no evidence exists for this effect in the HIV population. This study will explore the feasibility of a randomised controlled trial (RCT) to examine whether a Mediterranean-style diet that incorporates a portfolio of cholesterol-lowering foods, reduces cardiovascular risk in people with HIV dyslipidaemia. Methods and analysis 60 adults with stable HIV infection on antiretroviral treatment and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol >3 mmol/L will be recruited from 3 West Midlands HIV services. Participants will be randomised 1:1 to 1 of 2 dietary interventions, with stratification by gender and smoking status. Participants allocated to Diet1 will receive advice to reduce saturated fat intake, and those to Diet2 on how to adopt the Mediterranean Portfolio Diet with additional cholesterol-lowering foods (nuts, stanols, soya, oats, pulses). Measurements of fasting blood lipids, body composition and arterial stiffness will be conducted at baseline, and month 6 and 12 of the intervention. Food intake will be assessed using the Mediterranean Diet Score, 3-day food diaries and metabolomic biomarkers. Questionnaires will be used to assess quality of life and process evaluation. Qualitative interviews will explore barriers and facilitators to making dietary changes, and participant views on the intervention. Qualitative data will be analysed using the Framework Method. Feasibility will be assessed in terms of trial recruitment, retention, compliance to study visits and the intervention. SD of outcomes will inform the power calculation of the definitive RCT. Ethics The West Midlands Ethics Committee has approved this study and informed consent forms. This trial is the first to test cholesterol-lowering foods in adults with HIV. Trial registration number ISRCTN32090191; Pre-results.
Original Research Articles – Basic Science: Variable impairment of wound healing in the heterozygous collagenase‐resistant mouse

Collagen undergoes dramatic reorganization during wound repair. Matrix metalloproteinases degrade and remodel collagen in a tightly controlled process. The collagenase‐resistant mouse, Col1a1tm1Jae, produces type I collagen, which is resistant to degradation by human matrix metalloproteinase 1. These mice grow normally but develop thickened skin with age. We have previously reported that the early wound repair response in homozygous mutant (Col1a1r/r) mice is delayed compared to wild type (Col1a1+/+). However, the late‐stage scar of Col1a1r/r wounds was not significantly altered compared to Col1a1+/+. Here we have investigated the response of heterozygous mice (Col1a1+/r) to wounding, not previously reported. Wound reepithelialization was delayed to a similar degree to wounds in the Col1a1r/r mice. However, the recovery of impaired wound contraction was faster in Col1a1+/r than in Col1a1r/r mice, but still slower than in wild‐type animals. Analysis of wound protein extracts showed expression of some matrix metalloproteinases was prolonged in both the Col1a1r/r and Col1a1+/r wounds compared to wild type. We suggest the partial resistance of collagen to collagenase‐mediated degradation in the heterozygous animals causes equivalent impairment of keratinocyte migration compared to homozygous collagenase‐resistant mice, but that wound contraction during late‐stage healing is only partially retarded.