Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Slaughter Pigs Are Commonly Infected by Closely Related but Distinct Gastric Ulcerative Lesion-Inducing Gastrospirilla

ABSTRACT An association between (unculturable) gastrospirillum-like organisms (GLO) and ulcerative lesions in the pars oesophagea in stomachs of swine has been claimed. In dogs GLO detected by microscopy may represent several Helicobacter species or subspecies. Therefore we investigated which Helicobacter spp. are present in stomachs of swine and their possible association with ulcerative lesions of the pars oesophagea. The presence ofHelicobacter spp. in the antrum and pars oesophagea in 122 stomachs of slaughter swine was determined by microscopy (n = 122), by culture on selective and nonselective media (n = 112), and by a genus-specific 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) PCR (n = 80). GLO could not be cultured. Phylogenetic analysis of 43 16S rDNA fragments (out of 54 PCR-positive biopsy specimens) revealed the presence of Helicobacter heilmannii type 1 in 42 of them. This correlated with the presence of bacteria with GLO morphology. Helicobacter bilis 16S rDNA was amplified directly from one sample harboring bacteria with H. bilis morphology. The association betweenHelicobacter spp. and gastric lesions was investigated with a second group of 41 pigs with (n = 21 cases) or without (n = 20 controls) gastric lesions. Fifteen of the 21 cases were positive by PCR or microscopy, compared to 7 of 20 of the controls (P = 0.03). 16S rDNA sequence analysis of 7 of 14 PCR-positive cases revealed the presence of H. heilmannii type 1. Microscopy showed bacteria with GLO morphology. One sample (cases) was culture negative but PCR positive for Helicobacter pullorum-related 16S rDNA. In conclusion, our findings indicate that H. heilmannii type 1 is the predominant Helicobacter spp. in the stomachs of pigs and that its presence is associated with ulcerative lesions in the pars oesophagea.
Modeling and simulation of power converter systems using SystemC system-level description language

Power electronics converters have experienced a significant advance in recent years. One of the keystones in the advance has been the development of new control techniques, many of them based on digital control. However, this has also implied an increment in the complexity of control architectures and their development. The aim of this paper is to propose a simulation test-bench for power converters including its control architecture that allows the designer to trace digital, analog signals along with the software running in the system. This proposal is based in the SystemC system description language, and a design flow valid for any generic power converter is given. The proposed design-flow is applied to a resonant converter for induction heating featuring a FPGA-based control architecture. The results obtained show an increased system debug capability with an enhanced simulation time.
Decision Support System for the Elbe River Water Quality Management

A decision support system (DSS) for integrated river basin management of the German part of the Elbe river basin is currently under development, which involves taking account water quantity, chemical quality and ecological state of surface waters. The Elbe is one of the largest river basins in middle Europe having multiple land and water use demands. A hierarchical approach was developed to meet the various spatial and temporal scales when dealing with hydrologic, ecologic, economic and social aspects related to water systems. Four subsystems were defined: catchment, river network, main channel and floodplain. For each module, a system diagram was worked out which describes the properties, processes and data influencing the water flow and substance load. The modules are connected by water and substance flow, which guarantee the interactions between the different scales and consequences of measures on all subsystems. In close collaboration with the users, management objectives, scenarios and measures were defined. The DSS integrates models, spatial and non-spatial data and analysis tools under a user-friendly GIS-based interface, which confronts the decision maker with possible measures as well as multiple management objectives. Three conceptual models were selected and coupled to meet the user requirements. A model for the calculation of the long-term nutrient discharges in 130 sub-catchments from non-point and point sources, a simulation model of the waste water pathways (point-sources) and the aquatic fate assessment was coupled with a GIS-based discrete digitized river network of the Elbe. For the precipitationrunoff simulation, a distributed conceptual hydrological model was selected and calibrated for the same subcatchments. Long-term discharge time series from gauging stations are being used to calibrate the hydrological discharges. A transport and elimination model describes the downstream fate of the chemical. Temporal concentration distributions of chemicals in each river stretch can be calculated from variable and uncertain input data. With the example of phosphate attached to eroded soil particles the applicability of the Elbe DSS to support decisions for the improvement of the water quality is demonstrated.
Plaque formation by infectious bronchitis virus in chicken embryo kidney cell cultures.

SUMMARY Nine strains of avian infectious bronchitis virus, adapted and grown by serial passage in primary chicken embryo kidney (CEK) cells, produced cytopathic effects in monolayer cultures of CEK cells and formed plaques under an agar overlay medium. Plaque morphology appeared to be constant for a virus strain or clone when examined in CEK cells under defined conditions. Plaque counts were essentially the same when virus was assayed at 37 and 40 C, although mean plaque size of most strains was greater at 40 C.
A 5th‐Century‐AD Sewn‐Plank River Barge at St Maria in Padovetere (Comacchio‐FE), Italy: an interim report

This article reports on the remains of a 5th‐century‐AD river barge excavated in 2014 and 2015. Most of the flat bottom and one side are preserved. The barge is at least 20 m in length and 2.9 m across the floor, and is constructed using sewn planks, iron nails and mortise‐and‐tenon fasteners. Both flush‐laid and lapstrake planks are recorded. Archaeological, historical, iconographic and ethnographic evidence is used to propose explanations for features, such as the use of lapstrakes, a possible steering system and platform, and the likely position of a pump, while setting the barge in the context of the North Adriatic shipbuilding tradition.
Lung toxicity of hard metal particles and production of interleukin-1, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, fibronectin, and cystatin-c by lung phagocytes.

Hard metal alloys (WC-Co) are made of a mixture of cobalt (Co; 6%) and tungsten carbide (WC; 94%) particles. Chronic inhalation of hard metal dust can lead to the development of a fibrosing alveolitis, the pathogenesis of which is still undefined. The present investigation was undertaken to assess the effect of Co, WC, and WC-Co particles on the release by lung phagocytes of interleukin-1 (IL-1), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), fibronectin, and cystatin-c. The responses were compared with those induced by two other lung toxicants, i.e., crystalline silica (DQ12) and arsenic trioxide (As2O3). IL-1 and TNF-alpha activities produced in the presence and absence of LPS stimulation were measured with the aid of bioassays while fibronectin and cystatin-c were determined by latex immunoassays. In vitro, maximal noncytotoxic doses of As2O3, Co, WC, or WC-Co did not significantly affect the production of these mediators by rat alveolar macrophages. In contrast, DQ12 enhanced the production of TNF-alpha (with and without LPS stimulation) and IL-1 (after LPS stimulation) and decreased cystatin-c release (in the absence of LPS). Following a single intratracheal instillation of the different test preparations in the rat, the response of the lung phagocytes obtained by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) 24 hr later was examined. We were unable to detect any consistent effect of Co (0.06 mg/100 g body wt), WC (1 mg/100 g body wt), or WC-Co treatment (1 mg/100 g body wt) on the production of the above mediators. In contrast, after LPS stimulation, As2O3 (0.5 mg/100 g body wt) and DQ12 (1 mg/100 g body wt) stimulated the production of TNF-alpha and IL-1. In the absence of LPS, As2O3 stimulated fibronectin and cystatin-c production and DQ12 stimulated cystatin-c release. Since the dose of WC-Co used in vivo (1 mg/100 g body wt) caused pronounced lung inflammation (increased LDH, protein, and albumin levels in BAL fluid), we conclude that the acute lung toxicity of WC-Co particles is not mediated through enhanced production of the examined mediators by lung phagocytes.
Effects of cognitive task demands on subsequent symptoms and activity in adults with symptomatic osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE Adults with osteoarthritis (OA) experience fatigue in daily life that is negatively related to physical activity; however, it is unclear how task demands affect fatigue and occupational performance. We examined effects of a cognitive task on subsequent symptoms and activity. METHOD Adults with knee or hip OA completed a standardized cognitive task during a lab visit. Objective physical activity and symptoms were tracked during two home-monitoring periods (i.e., 4-day period before and 5-day period after the lab visit). Multilevel modeling was used to compare pretask with posttask fatigue, pain, and activity levels. RESULTS Fatigue increased and pain decreased for 2 days after performing the lab task. The authors found no pretask to posttask changes in activity levels. At posttask, daily fatigue and activity patterns changed relative to baseline. CONCLUSION For adults with symptomatic OA, cognitive task demands may be an important contributor to fatigue and pain.
Low-Cost Post-Bond Testing of 3-D ICs Containing a Passive Silicon Interposer Base

Through-silicon vias (TSVs) provide high-density vertical interconnects between dies and enable the creation of 3-D ICs having higher performance and lower power consumption than traditional 2-D ICs. A practical TSV-based 3-D integration approach is to place multiple dies (or die stacks) side by side on a passive silicon interposer base, in which there are TSVs and metal wires serving as interconnects. In this paper, we propose a post-bond design-for-test architecture and a test strategy for such interposer-based 3-D ICs. Functional package pins and interconnects are reused to build multibit parallel test access mechanisms (PTAMs), which provide post-bond test access with no or low extra area costs. Four PTAM architectures are presented, and the corresponding PTAM optimization algorithms are proposed which can quickly identify the best PTAM configuration to achieve the shortest test time. We also propose an algorithm for adding dedicated test interconnects to improve test bandwidth at the expense of extra microbumps and metal wires. Experimental results show that the proposed techniques are effective in test length (and therefore test time) reduction. Moreover, cost-benefit analysis results suggest that our approaches have lower total test costs compared with a base-case one-bit JTAG-only solution.
The Impact of Explanation Facilities in User Acceptance of Expert System Advice

Providing explanations for recommended actions is deemed one of the most important capabilities of expert systems (ES). There is little empirical evidence, however, that explanation facilities indeed influence user confidence in, and acceptance of, ES-based decisions and recommendations. This paper investigates the impact of ES explanations on changes in user beliefs toward ES-generated conclusions. Grounded on a theoretical model of argument, three alternative types of ES explanations A trace, justification, and strategy A were provided in a simulated diagnostic expert system performing auditing tasks. Twenty practicing auditors evaluated the outputs of the system in a laboratory setting. The results indicate that explanation facilities can make ES-generated advice more acceptable to users and that justification is the most effective type of explanation to bring about changes in user attitudes toward the system. These findings are expected to be generalizable to application domains that exhibit similar characteristics to those of auditing: domains in which decision making tends to be judgmental and yet highly consequential, and the correctness or validity of such decisions cannot be readily verified.
Analysis of the Effect of AC Noise on DC Bias of VGA for UHF RFID using Chip-package Co-modeling and Simulation

Ever since radio frequency identification (RFID) was first introduced, the demand for smaller and low-power-consuming RFID system never stopped increasing. Many researchers dealt and successfully reduced the size. But as the size of and RFID system is reduced, the noise coupling between blocks became more severe. Especially, when noise is coupled to variable gain amplifier (VGA) block, the output may be damaged and lead to failure in reading tags. But finding and simulating sources and effect of noise is very complicated and time consuming. Thus, it is crucial to model and simplify the system. In this paper, the noise and its effect on VGA for UHF RFID is modeled, simulated, and modeled.
Evaluation of Materials for the Separation of Germanium from Gallium, Zinc and Cobalt

In the past 68 Ge (Germanium-68) was purified with toxic organic solvents in liquid-liquid extractions making the product unacceptable by the FDA (food and drug Administration) for human use. The authors report initial studies utilizing three or four columns consisting of sequences of AG1, AG50, Chelex 100 and/or Sephadex G25 resins. Five purification methods were examined and a separation consisting of the sequence: AG1-Chelex100-Sephedex G25 provided 87% recovery of germanium. Fractionation of the elution resulted in high germanium concentrations.
Environmental ocean and plume modeling for deep sea mining in the Bismarck Sea

A pressing environmental question facing the ocean is the potential impact of possible deep-sea mining activities. This work presents our initial results in developing an ocean and plume modeling system for the Bismark Sea where deep sea mining operations will probably take place. We employ the MSEAS modeling system to both simulate the ocean and to downscale initial conditions from a global system (HYCOM) and tidal forcing from the global TPXO-8 Atlas. We found that at least 1.5 km resolution was needed to adequately resolve the multiscale flow fields. In St. Georges channel, the interaction between the tides, background currents, and underlying density fields increased the subtidal flows. Comparing to historical transport estimates, we showed that tidal forcing is needed to maintain the correct subtidal transport through that Channel. Comparisons with past simulations and measured currents all showed good agreement between the MSEAS hindcasts. Quantitative comparisons made between our hindcasts and independent synoptic ARGO profiles showed that the hindcasts beat persistence by 33% to 50%. These comparisons demonstrated that the MSEAS current estimates were useful for assessing plume advection. Our Lagrangian transport and coherence analyses indicate that the specific location and time of the releases can have a big impact on their dispersal. Our results suggest that ocean mining plumes can be best mitigated by managing releases in accord with such ocean modeling and Lagrangian transport forecasts. Real-time integrated mining-modeling-sampling is likely to provide the most effective mitigation strategies.
Different Characteristics of Bubbles in Different Types of Sonochemical Reactors

Computer simulations of bubble oscillations in water have revealed that characteristics of bubbles depend on types of sonochemical reactors. When the acoustic amplitude is large at 20 kHz, the bubble content when a bubble collapses is mostly water vapor and the temperature inside a bubble at the collapse is relatively low. On the other hand, when the acoustic amplitude is relatively low, the bubble content when a bubble collapses is mostly noncondensable gas and the bubble temperature is relatively high. In a horn-type sonochemical reactor, the former type of bubbles are dominant because many bubbles exist near the horn-tip where the acoustic amplitude is large, while in a standing-wave type reactor the latter type of bubbles are dominant because the primary Bjerknes force gathers bubbles at a region where acoustic amplitude is relatively low.
An edge-detection method based on adaptive canny algorithm and iterative segmentation threshold

In the technology of crack detection, the traditional Canny algorithm uses fixed spatial scale coefficient of Gauss filter and empirical values of the high and low thresholds, and it has defective in self-adaptability because it is unable to correct parameters according to the actual image. This paper proposes a method based on adaptive Canny algorithm and iterative threshold segmentation algorithm to detect surface crack. Firstly, in the process of image smoothing, the adaptive Canny algorithm automatically calculates difference between the gray value of present pixel and the average gray value of image in the filter window, and the difference is set as the spatial scale coefficient for Gauss filter of the current pixel. Secondly, the Otsu method is applied to calculate image gradient histogram so as to get high and low thresholds and those new values are applied to detect the edge of the crack. Finally, based on the iterative threshold segmentation algorithm, the image with crack is binarized, and the breakpoints in the crack and the cavities inside the crack are eliminated by morphological dilation. Experimental results show that the new crack detection method can well retain crack edge and get better effect on noise cancellation. It can also reduce the false and missed detections. Better results can be achieved on crack detection.
Spectrophotometric determination of uranium using 2-(2- Thiazolylazo)-p-Cresol (TAC) in the presence of surfactants

A sensitive and selective spectrophotometric method is proposed for the rapid determination of uranium using 2-(2- Thiazolylazo)-p-Cresol (TAC). The reaction between TAC and uranium (VI) is instantaneous at pH 6.5 and the absorbance remains stable for over 3 h. N-cetyl-N,N,N-trimethylamonium bromide (CTAB) and triton X-100 are used for increasing the sensitivity and solubility of the system respectively. The method allows the determination of uranium in the range from 0.30 to 12.0 mg mL-1 with a molar absorptivity of 1.31 x 104 L mol-1 cm-1 and features a detection limit of 26 ng mL-1 at 588 nm. The selectivity of the reagent was improved by the use of (1,2-cyclohexylenedinitrilo) tetraacetic acid (CyDTA) as masking agent. The proposed method has been successfully applied to the determination of uranium in mine drainage waters. The precision (R.S.D. < 2%) and the accuracy obtained were satisfactory.
Variations in the Bioactive Compounds Composition and Biological Activities of Loofah (Luffa cylindrica) Fruits in Relation to Maturation Stages

The present work aimed to determine the antioxidant and antiproliferative potential of Luffa cylindrica fruits collected at two different maturation stages and to identify and compare their functional components composition. The MeOH extracts of L. cylindrica fruits harvested at 60 – 65 days after seeding (S1) and 85 – 90 days after seeding (S2) were investigated for their antioxidant activity using various assays. Furthermore, the antiproliferative activity of the extracts against HeLa human cervical cancer cells was explored with xCELLigence real time cell analyzer, while the effect of the samples on the membrane integrity of the same cell line was assessed using LDH cytotoxicity leakage assay. Ultimately, the phytochemicals were analyzed using GC/MS and HPLC/TOF‐MS. The S1 sample had higher contents and more diversity in the phenolic compounds composition than S2. Furthermore, the S1 extract showed the highest antioxidant and antiproliferative activity, while the S2 extract had higher cytotoxicity towards HeLa cells. The findings revealed that the time of harvest has a big impact on the phytochemicals content and activity and that harvesting L. cylindrica at an early stage before the beginning of the development of the cellulose fibrous system is recommended for a rich phytochemical composition and efficient antioxidant and antiproliferative activities.
A selective annotated bibliography of materials recommended for junior high classrooms regarding resistance during the Holocaust

The Holocaust is a topic that is regularly taught in schools around the country, yet teachers are not necessarily instructed about what to teach regarding this time in history. The purpose of this project was to create a selective annotated bibliography of recommended resources for junior high school teachers to use when teaching about resistance during the Holocaust. The researcher questioned the appropriate role of historical fiction among teaching resources for a junior high school unit about resistance during the Holocaust, and she considered what resources were available for teaching junior high school students about resistance during the Holocaust. The project was completed by selecting resources from the following: the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum’s website, Yad Vashem’s website, Western Illinois University’s Leibovitz Collection Holocaust Curriculum Cases, and Wilson’s Middle and Junior High Core Collection. The selected resources were analyzed using an analysis tool developed by the researcher. An annotated bibliography was then constructed which included a citation, setting, summary, and suggestion for use for each resource.
PROTOPLANETARY DISKS : THE EFFECT OF RADIAL DRIFT AND VISCOUS GAS ACCRETION

The C/O ratio is a defining feature of both gas giant atmospheric and protoplanetary disk chemistry. In disks, the C/O ratio is regulated by the presence of snowlines of major volatiles at different distances from the central star. We explore the effect of radial drift of solids and viscous gas accretion onto the central star on the snowline locations of the main C and O carriers in a protoplanetary disk, H2O, CO2 and CO, and their consequences for the C/O ratio in gas and dust throughout the disk. We determine the snowline locations for a range of fixed initial particle sizes and disk types. For our fiducial disk model, we find that grains with sizes ∼0.5 cm . s . 7 m for an irradiated disk, and ∼0.001 cm . s . 7 m for an evolving and viscous disk, desorb at a size-dependent location in the disk, which is independent of the particle’s initial position. The snowline radius decreases for larger particles, up to sizes of ∼7 m. Compared to a static disk, we find that radial drift and gas accretion in a viscous disk move the H2O snowline inwards by up to 40 %, the CO2 snowline by up to 60 %, and the CO snowline by up to 50 %. We thus determine an inner limit on the snowline locations when radial drift and gas accretion are accounted for.