Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An evanescent wave biosensor. II. Fluorescent signal acquisition from tapered fiber optic probes

For pt.I see ibid., vol.41, no.6, p.578-84 (1994). A biosensor was developed using antibodies, fluorescence and the evanescent wave to detect antigen binding at the surface of an optical fiber. Cladding was removed from the core along the distal end of a step-index optical fiber, and recognition antibodies were immobilized on the declad core to form the probe sensing region. Immersing the declad probe in aqueous solution creates a V-number mismatch between the immersed probe and the clad fiber. Probes created with reduced sensing region radius exhibited improved response by decreasing the V-number mismatch. Tapering the radius of this region has further improved probe response. Ray tracing analysis of the tapered probe demonstrated that the evanescent wave penetration depth increases along the length of the taper. Experiments correlating position of refraction along the taper with launch angle at the proximal end were realized in the ray tracing model. An evanescent wave immunoassay was performed with a series of the tapered fiber probes, each tapered from the fiber core radius (100 /spl mu/m) to different end radii. An end radius of 29 /spl mu/m was found to produce maximal signal from the tapered probe. Factors leading to the determination of the optimized probe are discussed. <<ETX>>
Areal capacity limit on the growth of small cell density in heterogeneous networks

We consider heterogeneous network (HetNet) systems comprising of two different types of base-stations (BSs): macro and small BSs. In the previous studies for HetNet, it is observed that the distribution of signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR) is independent of the BS density. This implies that network throughput increases linearly with the number of BSs. In this paper, however, we have identified key practical factors which degrade the SINR distribution for dense HetNet. On the contrary to the previous studies, limited network throughput is verified by evaluating the areal capacity with respect to the density of BS under the practical channel model. The observation is made regardless of the deployment scenario whether the two types of BSs share the same frequency band or not. Based on the analysis and the simulation results provided in this paper, we present principal guidelines for cell deployment and system operation to improve the areal capacity of dense HetNet systems.
Long-term experience with the omniscience cardiac valve.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS OF THE STUDY This study reports mortality and morbidity rates observed with the Omniscience valve prosthesis. Complication rates were calculated from a prospective, long-term follow up study of patients with the Omniscience valve prosthesis in the aortic, mitral, or both aortic and mitral positions. METHODS The Omniscience heart valve was implanted into 200 consecutive patients (42.5% aortic valve replacement (AVR); 51.5% mitral valve replacement (MVR); 6% AVR/MVR), with an average age of 57 +/- 12 years, at the author's institution. Patients were checked regularly at a clinic which specialized in prosthetic valve follow up. Only one patient was lost to follow up during this 13-year period (99.5% completeness of follow up). RESULTS The total follow up was 1475 patient-years (pt-yr); mean follow up 8.0 +/- 2.9 years. Survival probability at 12 years, including freedom from both early and late mortalities, was 67.1 +/- 6.7% for AVR and 62.8 +/- 6.0% for MVR patients. There were no structural valve failures. Twelve-year freedom from thromboembolism was 85.5 +/- 5.0% and 85.2 +/- 6.5% for AVR and MVR, respectively. For thromboembolism + anticoagulation-related hemorrhage, the 12-year freedom rates were 79.4 +/- 5.3% for AVR and 77.3 +/- 6.7% for MVR patients. CONCLUSIONS The Omniscience valve demonstrated a low risk of late complications, comparable with that of other modern mechanical valves. Omniscience valve patients also exhibited excellent hematology values and good functional improvement during this long-term prospective follow up. It is concluded that the Omniscience valve has satisfactory long-term clinical performance in both the aortic and mitral positions.
Study of Random Variation in Germanium-Source Vertical Tunnel FET

An optimally designed germanium-source vertical tunnel FET (V-TFET) is investigated using technology computer aided design simulation. Three consecutive band-to-band tunneling (BTBT) mechanisms (i.e., lateral, vertical, and additional vertical BTBT) are used in the V-TFET to enhance its performance as well as to maintain an average subthreshold slope below 60 mV/decade at 300 K. The impact of various V-TFET parameters on its performance is also investigated. Furthermore, the impact of threshold voltage variation (σ VTH) due to random variability [e.g., line-edge roughness (LER) and random dopant fluctuation (RDF)] on the performance of the VTFET is studied. The LER in the V-TFET is found that the electric field is increased by the LER in the source region, resulting in the generation of lucky paths, which can lead to increase σ VTH. Without a gate-to-source overlap region in the V-TFET, RDF/LER-induced σ VTH is considerably increased by a lateral tunneling mechanism. As a result, the gate-to-source overlap region in the V-TFET is critical to enhancing the performance and designing a variation-aware V-TFET. Last but not least, field-induced quantum confinement leads to delay the onset voltage of the vertical BTBT, so that the device performance and process-induced random variation (especially, RDF) are significantly deteriorated.
Le chien de montagne des Pyrénées : aptitudes et utilisations

Le chien de montagne des Pyrenees, appele aussi Patou, a ete amene d'Asie dans nos montagnes ou il s'est installe. Longtemps cantonne dans sa region d'origine comme gardien de troupeau, il en sortit et fut connu du grand public grâce a sa beaute. Chien rustique, sa selection s'est faite par l'elimination des individus les plus faibles, le dotant d'une grande resistance aux conditions exterieures. Les pathologies les plus courantes de cette race sont celles des geants de l'espece canine dont il fait partie. Dans les Pyrenees ou la tradition pastorale est tres forte, il fait partie du paysage, en compagnie du Berger des Pyrenees ou labrit, il a ete longtemps un allie indispensable au berger. Ses caracteristiques en font un redoutable gardien et face aux grands predateurs que sont le loup et l'ours, ses ennemis ancestraux, il n'eprouve aucune crainte. Devenu inutile au debut du siecle avec la disparition de ses adversaires, il a failli disparaitre. Aujourd'hui, il revient sur le devant de la scene pour aider les hommes a retrouver l'equilibre ecologique qu'ils ont detruit. De telles capacites ont ete exploitees dans des domaines bien differents, ses qualites de gardiens furent utilisees par d'autres que les bergers, il fut tres tot le protecteur de proprietes et de bâtiment comme le château de Foix. L'armee aussi s'est interessee a lui, sa force fut mise a profit pour le transport de materiel. Mais, la tâche dans laquelle il excelle et qui le rend attachant aupres du grand public et sans nul doute celle de chien de compagnie, il aime a se faire dorloter et ne manque pas si besoin est, de proteger ses maitres.
Automatic Human Movement Assessment With Switching Linear Dynamic System: Motion Segmentation and Motor Performance

Performance assessment of human movement is critical in diagnosis and motor-control rehabilitation. Recent developments in portable sensor technology enable clinicians to measure spatiotemporal aspects to aid in the neurological assessment. However, the extraction of quantitative information from such measurements is usually done manually through visual inspection. This paper presents a novel framework for automatic human movement assessment that executes segmentation and motor performance parameter extraction in time-series of measurements from a sequence of human movements. We use the elements of a Switching Linear Dynamic System model as building blocks to translate formal definitions and procedures from human movement analysis. Our approach provides a method for users with no expertise in signal processing to create models for movements using labeled dataset and later use it for automatic assessment. We validated our framework on preliminary tests involving six healthy adult subjects that executed common movements in functional tests and rehabilitation exercise sessions, such as sit-to-stand and lateral elevation of the arms and five elderly subjects, two of which with limited mobility, that executed the sit-to-stand movement. The proposed method worked on random motion sequences for the dual purpose of movement segmentation (accuracy of 72%–100%) and motor performance assessment (mean error of 0%–12%).
Evidence for orphan nuclear receptor TR4 in the etiology of Cushing disease

Cushing disease (CD) is a life-threatening disorder attributed to excess pituitary tumor-derived adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and adrenal steroid secretion caused by pituitary tumors. Whereas CD was first described in 1932, the underlying genetic basis driving tumor growth and ACTH secretion remains unsolved. Here, we show that testicular orphan nuclear receptor 4 (TR4, nuclear receptor subfamily 2, group C, member 2) is overexpressed in human corticotroph tumors as well as in human and mouse corticotroph tumor cell lines. Forced overexpression of TR4 in both human and murine tumor cells increased proopiomelanocortin transcription, ACTH secretion, cellular proliferation, and tumor invasion rates in vitro. Conversely, knockdown of TR4 expression reversed all phenotypes. Mechanistically, we show that TR4 transcriptionally activates proopiomelanocortin through binding of a direct repeat 1 response element in the promoter, and that this is enhanced by MAPK-mediated TR4 phosphorylation. In vivo, TR4 overexpression promotes murine corticotroph tumor growth as well as enhances ACTH and corticosterone production, whereas TR4 knockdown decreases circulating ACTH and corticosterone levels in mice harboring ACTH-secreting tumors. Our findings directly link TR4 to the etiology of corticotroph tumors, hormone secretion, and cell growth as well as identify it as a potential target in the treatment of CD.
Clinician expectations for portable electronic devices as cognitive-behavioural orthoses in traumatic brain injury rehabilitation

Objective : To ascertain experiences and expectations of clinicians as to uses of portable electronic devices such as hand-held computers as cognitive-behavioural orthoses in TBI rehabilitation. Design : Survey study. Procedures : A survey developed and piloted with the input of clinician focus groups was completed by 81 TBI clinicians from a variety of disciplines and work settings. Results : About half of the respondents reported prior exposure to clients with TBI who had used portable electronic aids. Of 10 key cognitive/behavioural areas, respondents saw most potential for devices in the areas of learning/memory, planning/organization and initiation; less potential was seen for social/interpersonal or behavioural difficulties. However, many respondents also identified learning and memory abilities as essential client characteristics for successful use of portable electronics. Cost was identified as a significant barrier to use of portable devices in rehabilitation. Respondents expressed low confidence overall in their ability to guide clients in use of devices; those who reported personal use were significantly more confident than those who did not. Conclusion : Clinicians believe that new electronic devices have potential for treatment of some cognitive impairments, but clinical experimentation may be limited by costs of technology and low clinician confidence.
Cloud-assisted real-time transrating for http live streaming

With the increasing trend for hand-held devices, such as the intelligent mobile phone and tablet PC, users have an increasing demand for network media streaming service. However, in the course of streaming media, the unstable network bandwidth often causes frozen play or delay to degrade user experience. A cloudassisted real-time transcoding mechanism is proposed in this paper, which contains HTTP live streaming protocol, a coding mode transition state machine, and three bandwidth evaluations of error patterns. In the proposed mechanism, the variance in current network is able to be observed according to the bandwidth evaluation results; if different transcoding strategies are used in different modes, the appropriate media segment bit rate is able to be calculated, which is transcoded into the segment to meet the current bandwidth conditions, it makes the users can obtain appropriate media quality automatically through the HTTP redirection technique. Using cloud computing the user will take different transrating media clips into different transrators according to the users' needs, using this technology to increase the transrating efficiency to achieve real-time transrating. Finally, the peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) and bandwidth utilization rate are analyzed as the reference index of improvement in media quality. According to the experimental results, the PSNR can be increased by about 2.8 dB in general network behavior, and the bandwidth utilization rate can be maintained above 80 percent during streaming.
A novel CRM1‐dependent nuclear export signal in adenoviral E1A protein regulated by phosphorylation

Adenoviral E1A is a versatile protein that can reprogram host cells for efficient viral replication. The nuclear import of E1A is mediated by a nuclear localization signal; however, whether E1A can be actively exported from the nucleus is unknown. We first reported a CRM1‐dependent nuclear export signal (NES) in E1A that is conserved in the group C adenoviruses. We showed that CRM1 and E1A coimmunoprecipitated and that blockage of CRM1 function by leptomycin B or small interfering RNA resulted in the nuclear localization of E1A. Through mutational analyses, we identified an active canonical NES element within the E1A protein spanning amino acids 70–80. We further demonstrated that phosphorylation of adjacent serine (S)89 resulted in the cytoplasmic accumulation of E1A. Interestingly, coincident with the accumulation of cells in the S/G2/M phase and histone H1 phosphorylation, E1A was relocated to the cytoplasm at the late stage of the viral cycle, which was blocked by the CDC2/CDK2 inhibitor roscovitine. Importantly, titration of the progenies of the viruses in infected cells showed that the replication efficiency of the NES mutant adenovirus was up to 500‐fold lower than that of the wild‐type adenovirus. Collectively, our data demonstrate the existence of a NES in E1A that is modulated by the phosphorylation of the S89 residue and the NES plays a role for an efficient viral replication in the host cells. —Jiang, H. , Olson, M. V. , Medrano, D. R. , Lee, O. H. , Xu, J., Piao, Y. , Alonso, M. M. , Gomez‐Manzano, C. , Hung, M. C. , Yung, W. K. A. , Fueyo, J. A novel CRM1‐dependent nuclear export signal in adenoviral E1A protein regulated by phosphorylation. FASEB J. 20, E2098–E2107 (2006)
Can sugammadex save a patient in a simulated ‘cannot intubate, cannot ventilate’ scenario?

Journal of Anaesthesia 1975; 47: 570–4. 4 Hackett GH, Hughes R, Payne JP. Recovery of spontaneous breathing following neuromuscular blockade with atracurium. British Journal of Anaesthesia 1986; 58: 494–7. 5 D’Honneur G, Lofaso F, Drummond GB, et al. Susceptibility to upper airway obstruction during partial neuromuscular block. Anesthesiology 1998; 88: 371–8. 6 Bisschops MMA, Holleman C, Huitink JM. Can sugammadex save a patient in a simulated ‘cannot intubate, cannot ventilate’ situation? Anaesthesia 2010; 65: 936–41. 7 Benumof JL. Preoxygenation: best method for both efficacy and efficiency? Anesthesiology 1999; 91: 603–5. 8 Pehböck D, Wenzel V, Voelckel W, et al. Effects of preoxygenation on desaturation time during hemorrhagic shock in pigs. Anesthesiology 2010; 113: 593–9.
The impact of restrictions on neonicotinoid and fipronil insecticides on pest management in maize, oilseed rape and sunflower in eight European Union regions†

Abstract BACKGROUND In 2013, the European Commission restricted the use of three neonicotinoids (clothianidin, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam) and the pyrazole fipronil, which are widely used to control early‐season pests. Here, we used original farm survey data to examine the impact of the restrictions on pest management practices in eight regional case studies including maize, oilseed rape and sunflower in seven European Union (EU) countries. RESULTS In four case studies, farmers switched to using untreated seeds as no alternative seed treatments were available. In three case studies, farmers switched to using unrestricted neonicotinoid‐ or pyrethroid‐treated seeds. In five case studies, farmers increased the use of soil or foliar treatments, with pyrethroids as the principal insecticide class. Other changes in pest management practices ranged from increased sowing density to more frequent scouting for pests. Many farmers perceived that the time, cost and amount of insecticides required to protect crops increased, along with pest pressure. Alternative seed treatments were mostly perceived as being less effective than the restricted seed treatments. CONCLUSION Farmers generally relied on alternative seed treatments or more soil/foliar treatments in the first growing season after the restrictions took effect. Further study is required to assess the effectiveness and sustainability of these alternatives compared with the restricted insecticides. © 2017 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Pharmacological regulators of autophagy and their link with modulators of lupus disease

Autophagy is a central regulator of cell survival. It displays both anti‐ and pro‐death roles that are decisive in the maintenance of cell homeostasis. Initially described in several eukaryotic cellular models as being induced under nutrient stress favouring survival by energy supply, autophagy was found later to display other decisive physiological roles, especially in the immune system. Thus, it is involved in antigen presentation and lymphocyte differentiation as well as in the balance regulating survival/death and activation of lymphocytes. Autophagy therefore appears to be central in the regulation of inflammation. The observation that autophagy is deregulated in systemic lupus erythematosus is recent. This discovery revives the programme dealing with the design and development of pharmacological autophagy regulators in the therapeutic context of lupus, a debilitating autoimmune disease that affects several million people in the world. A large number of molecules that positively and negatively regulate autophagy have been described, most of them with therapeutic indications in cancer and infection. Only a few, however, are effectively potent activators or inhibitors endowed with experimentally demonstrated selective properties. In this review article, we highlight the most relevant ones and summarize what we know regarding their mechanism of action. We emphasize the link between pharmacological regulators of autophagy and inducers or inhibitors of lupus disease and discuss the fundamental and pharmacological/therapeutic interest of this functional interplay.
Primary Culture of Skeletal Muscle Cells as a Model for Studies of Toxoplasma gondii Cystogenesis

Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan pathogen of birds and mammals, including humans. The infective stage, the bradyzoite, lives within cysts, which occur predominantly in cells of the central nervous system and skeletal and cardiac muscles, characterizing the chronic phase of toxoplasmosis. In the present study, we employed for the first time primary mouse culture of skeletal muscle cells (SkMC) infected with bradyzoites, as a cellular model for cystogenesis. The interconversion of bradyzoite and tachyzoite was analyzed by immunofluorescence using 2 stage-specific antibodies, i.e., anti-bradyzoite (anti-BAG1) and anti-tachyzoite (anti-SAG1). After 24 hr of interaction only bradyzoites were multiplying, as revealed by anti-BAG1 incubation; interconversion to tachyzoites was not observed. After 48 hr of infection, 2 types of vacuoles were seen, i.e., BAG1+ and SAG1+, indicating the presence of bradyzoites as well as their interconversion to tachyzoites. After 96 hr of infection, BAG1+ vacuoles presented a higher number of parasites when compared to 48 hr, indicating multiplication of bradyzoites without interconversion. Using ultrastructural analysis, bradyzoites were found to adhere to the cell membranes via both the apical and posterior regions or were associated with SkMC membrane expansions. During bradyzoite invasion of SkMC, migration of the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) profiles to the parasite invasion site was observed. Later, RER profiles were localized between the mitochondria and parasitophorous vacuole membrane (PVM) that contained the parasite. After 31 days of parasite-host cell infection, RER profiles and mitochondria were not observed in association with the cyst wall. Alterations of the PVM, including increased thickness and electrondensity gain on its inner membrane face, were observed 48 hr after infection. Cystogenesis was complete 96 hr after infection, resulting in the formation of the cyst wall, which displayed numerous membrane invaginations. In addition, an electron-dense granular region enriched with vesicles and tubules was present, as well as numerous intracystic bradyzoites. These results show that the in vitro T. gondii model and SkMC are potential tools for both the study of cystogenesis using molecular approaches and the drug screening action on tissue cysts and bradyzoites.
A phase III randomized, doúble‐blind, multiinstitutional trial of vaccinia melanoma oncolysate‐active specific immunotherapy for patients with stage II melanoma

Background. In a Phase II trial, surgical adjuvant active specific immunotherapy using a live vaccinia virus‐augmented allogeneic polyvalent melanoma cell lysate, vaccinia melanoma oncolysate (VMO), produced a significant disease free interval (DFI) in patients with International Union Against Cancer Stage II melanoma with positive lymph nodes. Therefore, a Phase III randomized prospective, double‐blind, multiinstitutional, surgical adjuvant VMO trial was performed to determine the efficacy of VMO to increase the DFI and the overall survival in this group of patients with Stage II disease.
The craft of tailoring

: The existence of a gap between art, design and craft has been historically argued. This argument has distanced theory from practice and has demeaned knowledge situated in the experience of tailors. The aim of this research is to explore and describe the elements that can reveal the existence of design thinking, design practice and concept of design in the craftsmanship of tailors in Bogota. The study describes the ideation/ creation process present in this craftsmanship and acknowledges the existence of a complete design process done by tailors. The study used a comparative case study design to explore and describe the elements that reveal an iterative design process. For each case analysis, synthesis, projection and communication were compared to identify patterns. In addition a participatory approach was used to involve participants in the research process. Analysis shows the existence of design elements in the craftsmanship of tailors. These elements are present through out the iterative process of design. They reveal actions and attitudes used by tailors to construct knowledge about the user, the process and the design existent in the craft of tailoring. The creation of a design space where ethical and aesthetical criteria are used to unravel desires and expectation. Finally, the craft of tailoring goes beyond the repetition of sewing patterns or predetermined movements and gestures preformed by the tailor. Its nature enables an understanding of design at the convergence of ethical, aesthetical and technical attitudes.