Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Laser sterilization of microorganisms

The effect of light from a variety of laser sources was investigated in a microbicidal capacity under a number of different conditions. Initially, Escherichia coli, Serratia marcescens, Staphylococcus aureus, Deinococcus radiodurans, Micrococcus luteus, Bacillus subtilis, B. stearothermophilus, Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae were exposed to near infrared light, from a high-powered, 1064 nm, Neodymium:Yttrium Aluminium Garnet (Nd:YAG) laser, as lawned cultures on agar plates. The effect of the different Nd:YAG laser operation parameters (pulse repetition frequency, pulse energy, pulse width and beam diameter) were also investigated on lawned cultures of E. coli. A system of quantifying the effect of the laser light on microorganisms lawned on agar plates, which utilised the non-uniform energy distribution of the laser beam, was developed and the different organisms and laser parameters were compared. Nd:YAG laser light killed all microorganisms mentioned above, producing clear areas within the microbial lawns. For each microbial species, a dose/response curve was obtained of area of clearing versus energy density (Jcm-2). The energy density that produced an inactivated/sterilized area (IA) equal to 50 percent of the beam area was designated the IA50-value and was plotted. Average IA50-values were all within a three fold range and varied from 1768 Jcm-2 for Serratia marcescens to 4489 Jcm-2 for vegetative cells of Bacillus stearothermophilus. The differences in sensitivity could not be attributed to cell shape, size, pigmentation, or Gram reaction. The PRF, pulse energy and beam diameter all affected the sterilization capability of Nd:YAG laser on a lawned culture of E. coli. The average IA50-value at a PRF of 10 Hz was 2800 Jcm-2 which was decreased to 2200 Jcm-2 as the PRF was increased to 30 Hz. Similarly, an increase in the pulse energy from 10 J to 30 J enhanced the sterilization efficiency of the Nd:YAG laser on E. coli lawned on agar surfaces with a reduction in the average IA50-value from 2700 Jcm-2 to 1850 Jcm-2 respectively. Variation in the beam diameter was shown to have a large effect on the threshold energy density (the lowest ED required to sterilize an area in the bacterial lawn). Laser light at a beam diameter of 2.75 cm had a threshold energy density of 1400 Jcm-2 which was reduced to 800 Jcm-2, with a beam diameter of 1.25 cm. There was not such a notable effect on the IA50-values with only 200 Jcm-2 separating both of these beam diameters. The pulse width of Nd:YAG laser light did not affect the bactericidal ability of laser light. At the lowest energy densities where sterilization was achieved for the majority of organisms (around 2000 Jcm-2), no effect was observed on the nutrient agar surface, but as the energy density was increased, a depression in the agar surface was formed, followed by localised melting of the agar. Also around the periphery of the cleared areas microcolonies were frequently observed which indicated sub-lethal damage to the microbial cells. Preliminary investigations indicate that these colonies contain auxotrophic organisms.
Dual Constrained Question Embeddings with Relational Knowledge Bases for Simple Question Answering

Embedding based approaches are shown to be effective for solving simple Question Answering (QA) problems in recent works. The major drawback of current approaches is that they look only at the similarity (constraint) between a question and a head, relation pair. Due to the absence of tail (answer) in the questions, these models often require paraphrase datasets to obtain adequate embeddings. In this paper, we propose a dual constraint model which exploits the embeddings obtained by Trans* family of algorithms to solve the simple QA problem without using any additional resources such as paraphrase datasets. The results obtained prove that the embeddings learned using dual constraints are better than those with single constraint models having similar architecture.
Architecture for Payload Planning System (PPS) Software Distribution

The complex and diverse nature of the pay load operations to be performed on the Space Station requires a robust and flexible planning approach, and the proper software tools which tools to support that approach. To date, the planning software for most manned operations in space has been utilized in a centralized planning environment. Centralized planning is characterized by the following: performed by a small team of people, performed at a single location, and performed using single-user planning systems. This approach, while valid for short duration flights, is not conducive to the long duration and highly distributed payload operations environment of the Space Station. The Payload Planning System (PPS) is being designed specifically to support the planning needs of the large number of geographically distributed users of the Space Station. This paper problem provides a general description of the distributed planning architecture that PPS must support and describes the concepts proposed for making PPS available to the Space Station payload user community.
Algebraic methods in mechanism analysis and synthesis

SUMMARY Algebraic methods in connection with classical multidimensional geometry have proven to be very efficient in the computation of direct and inverse kinematics of mechanisms as well as the explanation of strange, pathological behavior. In this paper, we give an overview of the results achieved within the last few years using the algebraic geometric method, geometric preprocessing, and numerical analysis. We provide the mathematical and geometrical background, like Study's parametrization of the Euclidean motion group, the ideals belonging to mechanism constraints, and methods to solve polynomial equations. The methods are explained with different examples from mechanism analysis and synthesis.
Lamb wave propagation simulation in smart composite structures

Abaqus/Standard simulation of Lamb waves in smart composite plates is investigated for detecting delamination type damage. Composite plates typical of aerospace structures are used and a PZT actuator is surface bonded to excite Lamb waves. Abaqus model of composite plate uses layered solid elements. Piezoelectric (PZT-5H) actuator is modeled using piezoelectric elements that have both displacement and electric potential degrees of freedom. Perfect bonding between composite plate and PZT actuator is assumed. Simulation results obtained with appropriate level of structural damping are correlated with experimental measurements. The effect of delamination size on the structural response is studied. It is shown that the size and the location of delamination can be quantified using Lamb wave measurements.
EPIGEAN COLEOPTERANS OF LLULLAILLACO NATIONAL PARK (ANTOFAGASTA REGION, CHILE)

Abstract We characterized the taxonomic richness of epigean coleopterans and assessed the sampling quality in Llullaillaco National Park (Antofagasta Region, Chile). The study was conducted in representative sites of the national park during the years 2017 and 2018. A total of 185 specimens were captured, belonging to 21 species grouped in 19 genera and 10 families. Entomochilus Solier and Praocis Eschscholtz being the only genera with more than one species. The accumulation curves demonstrating that the inventory of epigean coleopteran richness is still incomplete for the sampled area. This work is the first inventory of arthropod species richness in high-Andean ecosystems, but additional samplings in other habitats and seasons are required to expand the inventory of coleopteran fauna for this protected area.
A Science Gateway for Biodiversity and Climate Change Research

Climate and biodiversity systems are closely interlaced across a wide range of scales. To better understand the mutual interaction between climate change and biodiversity there is a strong need for multidisciplinary skills, tools and a large variety of heterogeneous, distributed data sources. In this regard, the EUBrazilCloudConnect project provides a user-centric research environment built on top of a federated cloud infrastructure across Europe and Brazil to serve scientific needs. One of the test cases implemented in this project focuses on climate change and biodiversity research. The BioClimate is the Science Gateway of the use case. It aims at providing the end-users with a highly integrated environment, addressing mainly data analytics requirements. This paper presents a complete overview about BioClimate and the scientific environment delivered to the user community at the end of the project.
Electrochemical Determination of Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) Using a Copper-Based Metal-Organic Framework (Cu-MOF) and Gold Nanoparticles (AuNPs) with Exonuclease III (Exo III) Assisted Recycling by Differential Pulse Voltammetry (DPV)

Abstract A sensitive electrochemical biosensor was designed for determination of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) using a copper-based metal-organic framework (Cu-MOF), which has strong electrochemical activity and exonuclease III (Exo III)-assisted recycling for dual signal amplification. Hairpin DNA (S1) was immobilized on the electrode. The AFB1 was recognized by aptamer DNA (S2) and complementary DNA (S3) was released. The S3 hybridized with the hairpin S1 to form the Exo III hydrolyzed double-stranded DNA, leaving a partial sequence of hairpin DNA (S1′) on the electrode and releasing S3 for the next cycle of the opening and digestion of hairpin S1. The amplified S1′ then was able to combine with more signal probes. Cu-MOF bond gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) by -NH2 were immobilized to capture DNA (S4) to obtain Cu-MOF/AuNPs/S4. This signal probe Cu-MOF/AuNPs/S4 was able to hybridize with the electrode and generate an amplified electrochemical signal. Under the optimized conditions, this electrochemical biosensor for AFB1 exhibited a low detection limit of 6.7 × 10−7 ng/mL at a signal-to-noise equal to 3 and a wide linear range from 10−6 to 1 ng/mL. The biosensor was also used to analyze AFB1-spiked beer sample with recovery values between 96% and 103%. This method has the potential to become a valuable technology for detecting various toxins by the selection of the appropriate aptamer DNA.
[Transurethral holmium laser enucleation for prostate adenoma greater than 100 g].

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of transurethral holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) for prostate adenoma greater than 100 g. METHODS Sixty BPH patients with the prostate larger than 100 g were randomized to two treatment groups of HoLEP (n = 32) and open prostatectomy (n = 28). Comparisons were made between the two groups in operating time, blood loss, bladder irrigating time, catheterization time and hospital stay, as well as in the international prostate symptom score (IPSS), quality of life (QOL) score, maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax) and postvoid residual volume (PVR) before and 3 months after the surgery. RESULTS Compared with the open prostatectomy group, the operating time was significantly longer (P < 0.01) but the blood loss, mean bladder irrigating time, catheterization time and hospital stay were significantly less in the HoLEP group (P < 0.01). Three-month follow-up revealed that HoLEP and open prostatectomy resulted in a similarly significant improvement in IPSS, QOL, Qmax and PVR (P < 0.01 ), with no statistical difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION HoLEP and open prostatectomy are equally effective procedures for removal of large prostate adenomas, but the former is a better surgical option for prostate adenomas larger than 100 g for its greater safety, less pain and faster recovery.
Economics of Crime

This paper starts with a review the economics of criminal behavior. Then, the authors discuss the theory of public enforcement. The economic analysis of criminal behavior and criminal law has been a hugely successful enterprise. As an academic enterprise, it has achieved the goal of research—it has generated a large and growing literature. More important than academic success, however, has been the influence of this branch of learning on actual practice. The understanding of deterrence effects and rational responses by criminals has substantially changed the purpose and functioning of the criminal justice system.
Fast simulation of stent deployment with plastic beam elements

Coronary stent deployment is a reference cardiology intervention, used to treat atherosclerosis and prevent heart attacks. The outcomes of the intervention highly depend on the accuracy of the stent apposition, which could benefit from per-operative prediction tools. In this paper, we propose a fast and mechanically realistic 3D simulation of a coronary stent expansion. Our simulation relies on the finite element method and involves serially linked beam elements to model the slender geometry of a stent. The elements are implemented with a non-linear elasto-plastic behavior, describing realistically the complex deformation of a balloon-expandable stent. As a proof of concept, we simulated the free expansion of a coronary stent. The simulation output was compared with micro-CT data, acquired experimentally during the device expansion. Results show that the plastic beam model is able to reproduce successfully the final geometry of the stent. In addition, the use of 1D elements allows to achieve a significantly lower computational time than for equivalent literature simulations, based on 3D elements. This preliminary work highlights the compatibility of our method with clinical routine in terms of execution time. Further developments include the application of the method to more advanced simulation scenarios, with the addition of a personalized artery model.
Micafungin is more active against Candida albicans biofilms with high metabolic activity.

BACKGROUND The ability to form biofilm enables Candida spp. to cause catheter-related candidaemia. The use of agents with in vitro activity against Candida albicans biofilms, such as micafungin, could obviate catheter removal. The metabolic activity of C. albicans biofilms is strain-dependent, and cell wall formation is thought to be more prominent in biofilms showing high metabolic activity. METHODS We studied the antifungal activity of micafungin against 265 C. albicans isolates with different degrees of metabolic activity causing fungaemia in 246 patients admitted to Gregorio Marañón Hospital (January 2007 to June 2013). All strains were classified according to the metabolic activity of their biofilm, which was classified as low, moderate and high using XTT. Micafungin MICs for planktonic and sessile cells were assessed using the EUCAST E.Def 7.2 procedure and XTT reduction assay, respectively. The MIC was defined as a 50% and 80% reduction in metabolic activity compared with the control well. RESULTS Micafungin was uniformly more active against planktonic cells than against sessile cells (MIC50 ≤ 0.015 versus 8 mg/L), although it was not consistently active against all C. albicans biofilms. Isolates with low metabolic activity biofilms showed the lowest susceptibility to micafungin, followed by moderate and high metabolic activity biofilms (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that the metabolic activity of biofilm may have a role in future evaluations of micafungin for the eradication of C. albicans biofilms (e.g. the lock therapy approach).
Head detection based on skeleton graph method for counting people in crowded environments

Abstract. We describe a method for detecting heads in order to count people in crowded environments using a single camera. The main difference between this method and traditional ones consists of adapting skeleton graph analysis techniques for distinguishing individuals in crowded environments. First, a graph skeleton is calculated for each selected blob in a scene after having performed motion estimation. Then, the structural property of each blob is explored to detect possible heads in order to estimate the number of people. Each detected head in the skeleton silhouette is identified as being in an independent or partial occlusion state and is updated during a tracking process. Finally, the results of our experiments are presented to demonstrate the robustness of our method.
Chemistry of precipitation, streamwater, and lakewater from the Hubbard Brook Ecosystem Study: a record of sampling protocols and analytical procedures

The Hubbard Brook Ecosystem Study (HBES), begun in 1963, is a long-term effort to understand the structure, function and change in forest watersheds and associated aquatic ecosystems at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest in New Hampshire. Chemical analyses of streamwater and precipitation collections began in 1963, and analyses of lakewater collections began in 1967. This publication documents these collection methods, sites, and analytical techniques, providing a complete record to ensure the integrity of HBES data.
Loss of the E3 ubiquitin ligase LRSAM1 sensitizes peripheral axons to degeneration in a mouse model of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease

SUMMARY Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous condition characterized by peripheral axon degeneration with subsequent motor and sensory deficits. Several CMT gene products function in endosomal sorting and trafficking to the lysosome, suggesting that defects in this cellular pathway might present a common pathogenic mechanism for these conditions. LRSAM1 is an E3 ubiquitin ligase that is implicated in this process, and mutations in LRSAM1 have recently been shown to cause CMT. We have generated mouse mutations in Lrsam1 to create an animal model of this form of CMT (CMT2P). Mouse Lrsam1 is abundantly expressed in the motor and sensory neurons of the peripheral nervous system. Both homozygous and heterozygous mice have largely normal neuromuscular performance and only a very mild neuropathy phenotype with age. However, Lrsam1 mutant mice are more sensitive to challenge with acrylamide, a neurotoxic agent that causes axon degeneration, indicating that the axons in the mutant mice are indeed compromised. In transfected cells, LRSAM1 primarily localizes in a perinuclear compartment immediately beyond the Golgi and shows little colocalization with components of the endosome to lysosome trafficking pathway, suggesting that other cellular mechanisms also merit consideration.
Post-CMOS on-chip integration of 3D MEMS inductors using a novel chip embedding technique

This letter reports the integration of high-Q vertical ring inductors on individual small CMOS chips using a novel chip embedding technique. A small CMOS voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) chip which has 2×2mm2 in size and 5.8 GHz of operating frequency was used for post integration. The chip embedding technique enables the post-CMOS processing on such a tiny individual chip. The integration of vertical ring inductor on the CMOS chip was completed by Plastic Deformation Magnetic Assembly (PDMA). Both numerical simulation and experimental characterization of the inductor performance have been conducted. The vertical ring inductor manifests a stable inductance value over a wide frequency range (45MHz~8 GHz) and a high quality factor of 110 at the operation frequency of the VCO (5.8 GHz).
A novel Task scheduling method based on Black Hole Algorithm in Cloud Computing

Task scheduling problem has become an active research topic due to the tremendous growth in the use of cloud computing. Cloud computing is a heterogeneous system and it holds and processes large amount of complex data. Scheduling tasks efficiently can lead to better performance and more throughputs in the system. In this paper in order to minimize the cost of processing time and optimize performance, an improved scheduling algorithm is proposed to schedule tasks in cloud computing environments. Black Hole algorithm is a metaheuristic algorithm which is inspired by black hole phenomenon. This algorithm outperforms classical methods by using swarm behavior for searching solutions. We considered two costs for each task: memory and computation. A comparison is made between proposed algorithm and particle swarm optimization algorithm in task scheduling. Experimental results proved that proposed task scheduling algorithm is more accurate and has better performance.
Simulation of Topology Optimized Electrothermal Microgrippers

In this work, electrothermal microgrippers designed using topology optimization are modeled. The microgrippers are composed of two 5 μm-thick polysilicon actuators facing each other. The gap between the actuators are 2 μm in the initial state and the microgrippers are able to both fully close and further open this gap. The operation principle of the actuators is quite similar to that of a parallelbeam electrothermal actuator and relies on resistive heating by passing a current through the structure. COMSOL MEMS Module is used in order to model the temperature distribution, endeffector displacement and stiffness of both topology optimized and conventional parallelbeam actuators. End-effector displacement vs. bias voltage curves for both modes, i.e. open and close, of the microgrippers obtained through finite element analysis fit almost perfectly to the experimental data.
Complete mitochondrial genome of the cephalosporin-producing fungus Acremonium chrysogenum

Abstract Complete nucleotide sequence of the 27,266 bp mitochondrial genome of the сephalosporin C producing fungus Acremonium chrysogenum have been determined using whole genome shotgun sequencing approach. The circular mapping molecule encodes a usual set of mitochondrial proteins and RNA genes, including large and small ribosomal RNAs, 19 proteins and 26 tRNA genes and contains 2 introns. All structural genes are located on one strand and are apparently transcribed in one direction. Comparative analysis of this and previously sequenced Pezizomycotina mtDNAs revealed more extensive similarity between A. chrysogenum genome and those of Fusarium clade and specific synthenic patterns characteristic of Hypocrealean mitogenomes. Phylogenetic analysis based on catenated mitochondrial protein sequences confirmed current taxonomic position of A. chrysogenum within Hyprocreales and related taxa.
Online and coverage aware charging method in Wireless Rechargeable Sensor Networks

The wireless power transfer technology in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) lets the sensors replenish their energy through the Mobile Chargers (MCs). The new network is named Wireless Rechargeable Sensor Networks (WRSNs) in the literature. In these networks, the mobile charger scheduling is very important to retrieve the sensors' energy. In some of the proposed approaches, a deterministic and predetermined path is determined for MCs by using the information from the entire network. These approaches are not appropriate for the uncertain real networks in which the network changes over time. For this reason, we propose an online, grid-based and decentralized method. In this method, MCs select some sensors for renewing their energy by considering the status of the grid cells around them. The purpose of our method named Coverage Aware Charging (CAC) is to replenish the power of low-energy sensors as well as keeping a better network coverage. Finally, we evaluate CAC by using comprehensive simulation different situations.