Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Phenotypic characterization of Vibrio vulnificus biotype 2, a lipopolysaccharide-based homogeneous O serogroup within Vibrio vulnificus

In this study, we have reevaluated the taxonomic position of biotype 2 of Vibrio vulnificus. For this purpose, we have biochemically and serologically characterized 83 biotype 2 strains from diseased eels, comparing them with 17 biotype 1 strains from different sources. Selected strains were also molecularly analyzed and tested for eel and mouse pathogenicity. Results have shown that biotype 2 (i) is biochemically homogeneous, indole production being the main trait that distinguishes it from biotype 1, (ii) presents small variations in DNA restriction profiles and outer membrane protein patterns, some proteins being immunologically related to outer membrane proteins from biotype 1, (iii) expresses a common lipopolysaccharide (LPS) profile, which is immunologically identical among strains and distinct from that of LPS of tested biotype 1 strains, and (iv) contains at least two high-Mr plasmids. Regarding host range, we have confirmed that both biotypes are pathogenic for mice but only biotype 2 is pathogenic for eels. On the basis of these data, we propose that biotype 2 of V. vulnificus constitutes an LPS-based O serogroup which is phenotypically homogeneous and pathogenic for eels. In this article, the serogroup is designated serogroup E (for eels).
Enhancement of cross-polarization discrimination in a dual-polarization slot antenna

In this paper, a high cross-polarization discrimination (XPD) dual-polarization slot antenna for indoor small-cell base station is proposed. The proposed antenna has a symmetric structure and differential feeding structure. A symmetric structure and differential feeding structure induce destructive interference of cross-polarization components in the far field in major planes. Therefore, the high XPD can be achieved. Furthermore, a very similar radiation pattern is observed not only between the major planes of each polarization, but also between the two polarizations. In measurement results, the antenna has a 10-dB reflection bandwidth of 180 MHz, port isolation between two polarization ports of more than 40 dB, a maximum gain of 4.2 dBi, and average XPD of 26.4 dB.
Optimal codec selection algorithm for audio streaming

Currently, one of the most valued parameters by the Internet Service Providers is the bandwidth. Generally, multimedia networks transmit a huge amount of data, so saving bandwidth in multimedia streaming, means saving costs. Moreover, real time multimedia streaming is a critical case, because it is not delay tolerant and error tolerant. In this paper, we study for each bitrate and for each music genre the most appropriate audio codec to save bandwidth. We have observed that if the used hardware (server, clients or network hardware) has resource limitations, some codecs are more efficient than others. In this paper, we describe the performed study and propose an optimum audio codec selection algorithm based on our study.
Helping Older Adults Meet Nutritional Challenges

ABSTRACT Prevention of premature chronic diseases is an important component of healthy aging. Nutrition education can help to reduce the risk of premature chronic diseases in some older adults. Home delivered meals and congregate dining services assist vulnerable elderly persons by providing opportunities for nutritional and social support. Screening and assessment tools identify factors affecting nutritional health and can also provide specific directions for planning, implementation, and evaluation of tailored interventions. Dietitians and allied health professionals are well positioned to assist a heterogeneous population of older adults in securing nutritional adequacy.
Two New Species of Sarcocystis (Apicomplexa: Sarcocystidae) Infecting the Wolverine (Gulo gulo) From Nunavut, Canada

Abstract Infection with Sarcocystis species is common in many species of animals, but it has not yet been reported in wolverines (Gulo gulo). Histological sections of tongues from 41 wolverines in the Kitikmeot Region, Nunavut, Canada, were examined for sarcocysts. Sarcocysts were found in 33 (80.4%) wolverines. Two structurally distinct types of sarcocysts were found. Type A sarcocysts were thin (<1 µm thick) walled. Ultrastructurally, the parasitophorous vacuolar membrane (Pvm) had minute undulations, but it lacked villar protrusions and was not invaginated into the granular layer. The bradyzoites were slender, about 5 × 1 µm in size. Structurally, these sarcocysts were distinct from known species of Sarcocystis and possessed a novel 18S and ITS-1 sequence, sharing 98% and 78% sequence similarity with Sarcocystis canis. A new species name, Sarcocystis kalvikus, is proposed for type A sarcocysts. In contrast, type B sarcocysts had relatively thicker (about 2 µm) cyst walls and larger bradyzoites, each about 10 × 2–3 µm. Ultrastructurally, the Pvm on the sarcocyst wall had villar protrusions that were either mushroom-like or sloping. Molecular analysis identified a unique 18S and ITS-1 sequence that placed them in a clade within the Sarcocystidae. Based on histology, TEM, and genetic data, the new name, Sarcocystis kitikmeotensis, is proposed. Sarcocystis kalvikus was found in 14 (34.1%), S. kitikmeotensis was found in 7 (17%), and both species were found in 12 (29.2%) of 41 wolverines.
Joint application of STBC and RAKE receivers in multipath Rayleigh fading channels

This letter investigates the issues on joint application of STBC systems and RAKE receivers in a CDMA system. We show the advantages of using STBC-RAKE receivers in multipath Rayleigh fading channels via error probability analysis and extensive computer simulations. Specifically, this study leads to a better understanding of the interplay between spatial diversity by STBC and multipath diversity via RAKE receivers.
Control structure and limitations of biochemical networks

Biochemical networks typically exhibit intricate topologies that hinder their analysis with control-theoretic tools. In this work we present a systematic methodology for the identification of the control structure of a reaction network. The method is based on a bandwidth reduction technique applied to the incidence matrix of the network's graph. In addition, in the case of mass-action and stable networks we show that it is possible to identify linear algebraic dependencies between the time-domain integrals of some species' concentrations. We consider the extrinsic apoptosis pathway and an activation-inhibition mechanism to illustrate the application of our results.
An Essential Role for RAX Homeoprotein and NOTCH–HES Signaling in Otx2 Expression in Embryonic Retinal Photoreceptor Cell Fate Determination

The molecular mechanisms underlying cell fate determination from common progenitors in the vertebrate CNS remain elusive. We previously reported that the OTX2 homeoprotein regulates retinal photoreceptor cell fate determination. While Otx2 transactivation is a pivotal process for photoreceptor cell fate determination, its transactivation mechanism in the retina is unknown. Here, we identified an evolutionarily conserved Otx2 enhancer of ∼500 bp, named embryonic enhancer locus for photoreceptor Otx2 transcription (EELPOT), which can recapitulate initial Otx2 expression in the embryonic mouse retina. We found that the RAX homeoprotein interacts with EELPOT to transactivate Otx2, mainly in the final cell cycle of retinal progenitors. Conditional inactivation of Rax results in downregulation of Otx2 expression in vivo. We also showed that NOTCH–HES signaling negatively regulates EELPOT to suppress Otx2 expression. These results suggest that the integrated activity of cell-intrinsic and -extrinsic factors on EELPOT underlies the molecular basis of photoreceptor cell fate determination in the embryonic retina.
Recent advances in enhancing the sensitivity of electrophoresis and electrochromatography in capillaries and microchips (2008–2010)

Capillary electrophoresis has been alive for over two decades now; yet, its sensitivity is still regarded as being inferior to that of more traditional methods of separation such as HPLC. As such, it is unsurprising that overcoming this issue still generates much scientific interest. This review continues to update this series of reviews, first published in Electrophoresis in 2007, with an update published in 2009 and covers material published through to June 2010. It includes developments in the fields of stacking, covering all methods from field‐amplified sample stacking and large volume sample stacking, through to ITP, dynamic pH junction and sweeping. Attention is also given to on‐line or in‐line extraction methods that have been used for electrophoresis.
Attention and working memory deficits in mild cognitive impairment

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) has emerged as a classification for a prodromal phase of cognitive decline preceding the emergence of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We examined neuropsychological functioning in a sample of 60 adults with amnestic-MCI (a-MCI), 32 with subjective complaints of memory impairment (subjective-MCI, s-MCI), 14 with mild AD, and 25 age-matched controls. Both the a-MCI and s-MCI groups displayed impaired attentional processing, working memory capacity, and semantic language, with a-MCI displaying additional impairments to verbal and/or visual memory. These results indicate that further research is needed to examine cognitive decline in nonamnestic variants of MCI.
Continuous patient‐controlled epidural infusion of levobupivacaine plus sufentanil in labouring primiparous women: effects of concentration*

The effects of two different concentrations of epidural levobupivacaine were compared when used to provide analgesia for labour. Primiparous women in spontaneous uncomplicated labour were enrolled in a prospective, randomised and partially double‐blinded study. The study solutions were either 0.568 mg.ml−1 levobupivacaine (low concentration group) or 1.136 mg.ml−1 levobupivacaine (high concentration group), with sufentanil 0.45 μg. ml−1 added to both solutions. Epidural analgesia was initiated with 20 ml of the study solution, followed by a standardised algorithm of top‐up bolus injections. Epidural analgesia was then continued by self‐administered boluses of 5‐ml plus a continuous infusion of 5 ml.h−1. Analgesia was found to be more efficacious in the high‐concentration group. The dose of levobupivacaine administered was higher and sometimes overstepping recommended limits in the high concentration group, but with no observed increase in side‐effects. The choice between these two concentrations may still be made according to the patient’s and the practitioner’s preferences. The effects of an intermediate concentration should be studied in the future.
Long-term health benefits and costs of measurement of carotid intima–media thickness in prevention of coronary heart disease

Objective: Recently, it was demonstrated that information on carotid intima–media thickness (CIMT) and plaque may improve coronary heart disease (CHD) risk prediction through reclassification of some individuals to the correct risk category using the Framingham risk score. Our objective was to assess the currently unknown cost-effectiveness of CIMT measurements in primary prevention. Methods: A hypothetical cohort of men and women aged 50–59 years and at intermediate or high CHD risk based on data from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study was simulated using a Markov model. Myocardial infarction (MI) events were used as a proxy for CHD. The effectiveness of pharmaceutical treatment was varied in the analysis. Sensitivity analysis was performed to obtain robust results. Results: CIMT-based reclassification induced a 1% lower absolute risk of MI and 0.01–0.02 increase in quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) for men, and a 1–3% lower risk, and 0.03–0.05 increase in QALYs for women, over a period of 20–30 years. Corresponding costs were an additional $100 per man, and a cost-saving of $200–300 per woman. Over a 10-year period CIMT measurements were cost-effective with a probability of 66% (men), and 94% (women). Over a 30-year period, CIMT measurements had acceptable cost-effectiveness for men and women. Conclusion: Performing CIMT measurements in asymptomatic men and women aged 50–59 years results in additional, but small, health benefits. It takes time for these health benefits to outweigh the initial CIMT measurement costs. Our results support CIMT measurements for cardiovascular risk stratification, in particular for women, when focusing on long-term health.
Telemetry, analysis and wireless data communications for a measuring station

The present work describes the telemetric wireless communication system of a measuring station, implemented at the hot water source place. The telemetric unit of the measuring station collects continuously data of various physicochemical factors. The integrated systems is able to continuously measure, process and transmit via a radio transmitter data regarding radon, OPR, conductivity, water temperature and PH. An additional unit receives and stores data in convenient form for data analysis. The second part of the work presents a statistical study of the transmitted data with a novel general linear model analysis that selects the best fitting polynomial model for future prediction.
Differentiating attention styles and regulatory aspects of self-reported interoceptive sensibility

Based on prior research, multiple discriminable dimensions of interoception have been defined: awareness, accuracy and sensibility. Some investigators defined interoceptive awareness as metacognitive awareness of interoceptive accuracy, assessed as correspondence between subjective confidence in and objective accuracy of one's heartbeat detection. However, metacognitive awareness has been understood quite differently: ‘a cognitive set in which negative thoughts/feelings are experienced as mental events, rather than as the self’ or as ‘error awareness’. Interoceptive sensibility, defined as self-reported interoception, distinguishes self-reported interoception from objective interoceptive accuracy, but does not differentiate between anxiety-driven and mindful attention styles towards interoceptive cues, a distinction of key clinical importance: one attention style is associated with somatization and anxiety disorders; the other has been viewed as healthy, adaptive, resilience-enhancing. The self-report Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness was developed to differentiate these attention styles. It has been translated into 16 languages and applied in cross-sectional and longitudinal studies. Findings from these applications suggest that differentiating interoceptive sensibility according to attention style and regulatory aspects (i) provides insights into the psychology of interoceptive awareness, (ii) differentiates between clinically maladaptive and beneficial interoceptive attention, and (iii) helps elucidate therapeutic approaches that claim to provide health benefits by training mindful styles of bodily awareness. This article is part of the themed issue ‘Interoception beyond homeostasis: affect, cognition and mental health’.
A new FPGA packing algorithm based on the modeling method for logic block

Logic block packing is a necessary procedure of synthesis in FPGA CAD flow. In academic field, the existent packing algorithm, such as TV-Pack, is architecture-dependent and only applied to a certain type of logic blocks. In this paper, a novel function level modeling method for logic block is proposed. Furthermore, universal pack, a universal logic block packing algorithm based on this modeling, is presented and implemented. The experimental results show that this algorithm is architecture-independent and able to deal well with different types of logic blocks. Then the modeling method is proved to be right and quite effective for logic block packing
Credibility of voluntary disclosure in financial firms*

Financial firms are more vulnerable to the investors’ lacking in confidence, and a speculative run could happen when all investors lose their confidence and withdraw simultaneously. In addition to the existing discussions on endogenous misreporting cost such as reputation, propriety and social norm effects, this paper demonstrated that the threat of speculative run can serve as an endogenous misreporting cost which prevents the bank manager from lying in their voluntary disclosures. Hence, voluntary disclosures such as management earnings forecast can be informative, and the degree of information revelation will be positively related to depositors’ perspectives on the random investment shock.
Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomographic Imaging of the Early Time Course of Therapy-Induced Cell Death Using Technetium 99m Tricarbonyl His-Annexin A5 in a Colorectal Cancer Xenograft Model

As apoptosis occurs over an interval of time after administration of apoptosis-inducing therapy in tumors, the changes in technetium 99m (99mTc)-tricarbonyl (CO)3 His-annexin A5 (His-ann A5) accumulation over time were examined. Colo205-bearing mice were divided into six treatment groups: (1) control, (2) 5-fluorouracil (5-FU; 250 mg/kg), (3) irinotecan (100 mg/kg), (4) oxaliplatin (30 mg/kg), (5) bevacizumab (5 mg/kg), and (6) panitumumab (6 mg/kg). 99mTc-(CO)3 His-ann A5 was injected 4, 8, 12, 24, and 48 hours posttreatment, and micro–single-photon emission computed tomography was performed. Immunostaining of caspase-3 (apoptosis), survivin (antiapoptosis), and LC3-II (autophagy marker) was also performed. Different dynamics of 99mTc-(CO)3 His-ann A5 uptake were observed in this colorectal cancer xenograft model, in response to a single dose of three different chemotherapeutics (5-FU, irinotecan, and oxaliplatin). Bevacizumab-treated mice showed no increased uptake of the radiotracer, and a peak of 99mTc-(CO)3 His-ann A5 uptake in panitumumab-treated mice was observed 24 hours posttreatment, as confirmed by caspase-3 immunostaining. For irinotecan-, oxaliplatin-, and bevacizumab-treated tumors, a significant correlation was established between the radiotracer uptake and caspase-3 immunostaining (r = .8, p < .05; r = .9, p < .001; r = .9, p < .001, respectively). For 5-FU- and panitumumabtreated mice, the correlation coefficients were r = . 7 (p = .18) and r = . 7 (p = .19), respectively. Optimal timing of annexin A5 imaging after the start of different treatments in the Colo205 model was determined.
Design of a driver IC for an ultrasound catheter ablation system

High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) is generally administered externally, or through body orifices such as the esophagus, the urethra, the uterus, or the rectum. The devices used in conventional treatment are not suitable to be used in endoscopic interventions or in intravascular catheterization due to their dimensions. This paper presents the design of a drive integrated circuit for driving a CMUT therapy array of 2 mm diameter such that whole device fit through key holes in endoscopic treatment or through vessels. The proposed ASIC is composed of (1) an 8 channel drive signal generator, (2) 8 high voltage drivers, and (3) a PLL for the local generation of a high frequency tunable master clock signal based on a low frequency reference. All designs are in austriamicrosystems h35 High-Voltage CMOS technology with 1.3×3 mm2 die area including ESD protection pads.
Iron overload accelerates bone loss in healthy postmenopausal women and middle‐aged men: A 3‐year retrospective longitudinal study

Despite extensive experimental and animal evidence about the detrimental effects of iron and its overload on bone metabolism, there have been no clinical studies relating iron stores to bone loss, especially in nonpathologic conditions. In the present study, we performed a large longitudinal study to evaluate serum ferritin concentrations in relation to annualized changes in bone mineral density (BMD) in healthy Koreans. A total of 1729 subjects (940 postmenopausal women and 789 middle‐aged men) aged 40 years or older who had undergone comprehensive routine health examinations with an average 3 years of follow‐up were enrolled. BMD in proximal femur sites (ie, the total femur, femur neck, and trochanter) was measured with dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry using the same equipment at baseline and follow‐up. The mean age of women and men in this study was 55.8 ± 6.0 years and 55.5 ± 7.8 years, respectively, and serum ferritin levels were significantly higher in men than in women (p < 0.001). The overall mean annualized rates of bone loss in the total femur, femur neck, and trochanter were −1.14%/year, −1.17%/year, and −1.51%/year, respectively, in women, and −0.27%/year, −0.34%/year, and −0.41%/year, respectively, in men. After adjustment for potential confounders, the rates of bone loss in all proximal femur sites in both genders were significantly accelerated in a dose‐response fashion across increasing ferritin quartile categories (p for trend = 0.043 to <0.001). Consistently, compared with subjects in the lowest ferritin quartile category, those in the third and/or highest ferritin quartile category showed significantly faster bone loss in the total femur and femur neck in both genders (p = 0.023 to <0.001). In conclusion, these data provide the first clinical evidence that increased total body iron stores could be an independent risk factor for accelerated bone loss, even in healthy populations. © 2012 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
A novel 60 GHz compact-range gigabit wireless access system adopting a large array antenna

This paper is a review of a novel compact-range wireless access system proposed for multi-Gb/s data transfer in the 60 GHz band. A large array antenna adopted in the access point generates a quasi-plane wave and forms a stable communication zone proportional to the antenna size. The mobile user standing everywhere within the coverage, receives a stable signal almost free of multi-path. The prototype of a short range gigabit wireless access system including a BB module and a RF front end is established. The system performances such as RF receiving level, bit-error rate and signal-to-noise ratio will be evaluated to verify our proposal.
The ameliorated longevity and pharmacokinetics of valsartan released from a gel system of ultradeformable vesicles

Objective: The present study traces the development and characterization of the gel formulation of valsartan-loaded ultradeformable vesicles for management of hypertension. Materials and methods: The prepared gel formulation of ultradeformable vesicles was evaluated for in vitro skin permeation, release kinetics, skin irritation, pharmacokinetics, and stability. Results and discussion: The in vitro skin permeation study showed that the gel formulation of ultradeformable vesicles presented a flux value of 368.74 μg/cm2/h, in comparison to that of the traditional liposomal gel formulation, with an enhancement ratio of 26.91, through rat skin. The data for release kinetics showed that the release profile followed zero-order kinetics, and that the drug release mechanism was non-Fickian. The results of the skin irritation study demonstrated that the prepared formulation was safe, less irritant, and well-tolerated for transdermal delivery. The results of the pharmacokinetic study demonstrated that the AUC value of valsartan after transdermal administration was apparently increased. The formulation stored under a refrigerated condition showed greater stability, and results were found to be within the specification under storage conditions. Conclusion: It is evident from this study that the gel formulation of ultradeformable vesicles of valsartan is a promising delivery system for lipophilic drugs, and has reasonably good stability characteristics.