Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Potential of micromachined photonics: miniaturization, scaling, and applications in continuously tunable vertical air-cavity filters

In technology and nature, tailored scaling represents a principle of success which allows the effectiveness of physical effects to be enhanced. For our optical microsystems, we state that appropriate miniaturization increases the mechanical stability and the effectiveness of spectral tuning by electrostatic and thermal actuation since the relative significance of the fundamental physical forces involved considerably changes with scaling. These basic physical principles are rigorously applied in micromachined 1. 55μm vertical-resonator-based filters, capable of wide, monotonic and kink-free tuning by a single control parameter. Tuning is achieved by mechanical actuation of one or several air-gaps which are part of a vertical resonator including two ultra-highly reflective DBR mirrors of strong refractive index contrast: (I) Δn=2.17 for InP/air-gap DBR's (3.5 periods) using GaInAs sacrificial layers and (II)Δn=0.5 for Si3N4/SiO2 DBR’s (12 periods) with a polymer sacrificial layer to implement the air-cavity. In semiconductor multiple air-gap filters, a continuous tuning of >9% of the absolute wavelength is obtained. Varying the reverse voltage (U=0 . 3.2V) between the membranes (electrostatic actuation), a tuning range up to 142nm was obtained. The correlation of the wavelength and the applied voltage is accurately reproducible without any hysteresis. The extremely wide tuning range and the very small voltage required are record values to the best of our knowledge. Principles of III/V semiconductor micromachining and the detailed technological fabrication process of our filters are focused.
An Effective reduction of Gait Recognition Time by using Gender Classification

This work investigates the possibility of utilizing gender classification in gait recognition to reduce search space time as gender classification reduces the total number of search subjects from database. In this paper, gender classification is performed by utilizing Sparse spatiotemporal features along with most effective features, more informative less effective features and shape features. The spatiotemporal interest points are detected by improved Harris corner detector which is simulated annealing optimized Harris corner detector. The spatiotemporal interest points among the video frames are treated as the central point around which a cuboid of pixel values are extracted and processed to form final descriptor. The most effective features and more informative less effective features are extracted by the cofactor entropy while the shape features are extracted using angular radial transform and FFT and the feature fusion is performed using BAT as in our previous works. Then the Sparse Multi-kernel Support Vector Machine (SM-SVM) is used for subject classification. Experimental results show that the proposed method provides efficient gender classification and thus reduces the gait recognition time.
Non-isotopic in situ hybridisation and immunophenotyping of infected cells in the investigation of human fetal parvovirus infection.

AIMS: To compare the use of biotinylated and digoxigenin labelled probes for diagnosis of human fetal parvovirus B19 infection in formalin fixed, paraffin wax embedded tissues; and to assess the cellular distribution of the virus in positive cases. METHODS: Sections of lung tissue from 23 cases of anatomically normal non-immune fetal hydrops presenting between 1984 and 1989, and from 13 control cases of hydrops due to chromosomal abnormality were probed for B19 DNA by in situ hybridisation using both biotinylated and digoxigenin labelled probes. The distribution of the virus was then investigated in all cases of fetal B19 infection confirmed in this laboratory to date (n = 11) by combining in situ hybridisation for viral DNA (using the digoxigenin system) with immunohistological labelling for a range of cellular antigens. RESULTS: Five unequivocal cases of B19 infection were identified among the 23 fetuses with unexplained hydrops using both probe labels. When combined with data from previous studies of the period 1974-1983, the results indicate that B19 infection was responsible for 27% of cases of anatomically normal non-immune hydrops and 8% of all cases, of non-immune hydrops presenting to this hospital over 15 years. False positive signal was seen in an additional three cases, using biotinylated probes. Digoxigenin labelled probes gave greater specificity and permitted detailed investigation of tissues high in endogenous biotin. Though most cells containing B19 DNA colabelled as erythroid precursors, viral DNA was frequently detected within mononuclear-phagocytic cells. In three cases viral signal was also found within occasional myocardial cells labelled by antibody to desmin. CONCLUSIONS: A relatively high proportion of cases of anatomically normal, non-immune hydrops are caused by B19 infection. Digoxigenin is a more reliable probe label than biotin for in situ hybridisation in archival fetal tissues. Double labelling for cellular antigens and viral nucleic acid is a powerful technique for investigating virus-host cell interactions, and provides evidence that cell types other than those of erythroid lineage may have a role in human fetal parvovirus infection.
The impact of depression on activities of daily living skills in individuals who have undergone coronary artery bypass graft surgery

This study examined the relationships between instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) skills and a range of demographic, medical, neuropsychological and psychological variables in patients following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Participants (N = 111; 92 males, 19 females; 111 white British or Irish ethnicity) completed a battery of demographic and medical questionnaires, and standardised neuropsychological, psychological and functional assessments in a within-subjects, cross-sectional design. Correlational analyses identified significant relationships between three covariates (current smoking, anxiety and depression) and IADL functioning. Subsequent logistic regression analysis revealed that only post-operative depression independently predicted IADL functioning. It is important that clinicians recognise the bi-directional nature of the relationship between depression and IADL functioning as evidenced in this study, and ensure that these factors are addressed in the assessment and treatment of CABG patients in order to maximise surgical benefits. It is hoped that future research will build upon the finding of this study to increase our understanding of the impact of depression on IADL functioning, and to develop effective methods of intervention for at-risk individuals.
A near-lossless predictive compression encoding based on hexagonal sampling

In this paper, a method for lossless and near-lossless compression of large digital images is proposed. This method is based on the hexagonal sampling for predictive encoding. First, the original rectangular-based image is converted to hexagonal-based image. Then, the converted image is segmented to hexagonal sub-images with different side length. We illustrate the efficiency of the proposed approach by applying it to a series of digital images. The simulation results demonstrate that compared with the traditional predictive encoding, our lossless compression method can offer a 37.35% improvement of Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR), and a 5.5% improvement of compression ratio.
METHODOLOGIES IN SPECTRAL ANALYSIS OF LARGE DIMENSIONAL RANDOM MATRICES , A REVIEW

In this paper, we give a brief review of the theory of spectral analysis of large dimensional random matrices. Most of the existing work in the literature has been stated for real matrices but the corresponding results for the complex case are also of interest, especially for researchers in Electrical and Electronic Engineering. Thus, we convert almost all results to the complex case, whenever possible. Only the latest results, including some new ones, are stated as theorems here. The main purpose of the paper is to show how important methodologies, or mathematical tools, have helped to develop the theory. Some unsolved problems are also stated.
JAK2 Activates TFII-I and Regulates Its Interaction with Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase

ABSTRACT TFII-I is a transcription factor that shuttles between the cytoplasm and nucleus and is regulated by serine and tyrosine phosphorylation. Tyrosine phosphorylation of TFII-I can be regulated in a signal-dependent manner in various cell types. In B lymphocytes, Bruton's tyrosine kinase has been identified as a TFII-I tyrosine kinase. Here we report that JAK2 can phosphorylate and regulate TFII-I in nonlymphoid cells. The activity of TFII-I on the c-fospromoter in response to serum can be abolished by dominant negative JAK2 or the specific JAK2 kinase inhibitor AG490. Consistent with this, we have also found that JAK2 is activated by serum stimulation of fibroblasts. Tyrosine 248 of TFII-I is phosphorylated in vivo upon serum stimulation or JAK2 overexpression, and mutation of tyrosine 248 to phenylalanine inhibits the ability of JAK2 to phosphorylate TFII-I in vitro. Tyrosine 248 of TFII-I is required for its interaction with and phosphorylation by ERK and its in vivo activity on the c-fos promoter. These results indicate that the interaction between TFII-I and ERK, which is essential for its activity, can be regulated by JAK2 through phosphorylation of TFII-I at tyrosine 248. Thus, like the STAT factors, TFII-I is a direct substrate of JAK2 and a signal-dependent transcription factor that integrates signals from both tyrosine kinase and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways to regulate transcription.
Integrating Decentralized Rainwater Management in Urban Planning and Design: Flood Resilient and Sustainable Water Management Using the Example of Coastal Cities in The Netherlands and Taiwan

Urbanized delta areas worldwide share a growing tendency of exposure to water stress induced by the effects of climate change and anthropogenic factors, threatening the operation of infrastructure systems and future urban development. The important synergistic impacts coexisting with freshwater scarcity are increasing urbanization rates, subsiding soils, saltwater intrusion in aquifers and rivers, coastal erosion, and increased flooding. Innovative design strategies and concepts for the integration of decentralized rainwater management measures can contribute to the integrated and climate resilient planning of urban spaces that are threatened by climate change scenarios that worsen the security of urban infrastructures and the future availability of fresh water. Decentralized rainwater management, including retention, storage, and reuse strategies that are integrated into spatial planning and urban design, can reduce flood risks while simultaneously enhancing freshwater availability. This paper discusses a paradigm shift in urban water management, from centralized to decentralized management (that is, from threats to opportunities), using the example of two case studies. Concepts and strategies for building climate resilient cities, which address flood control, the protection of freshwater resources, and the harmonization of a natural and more sustainable water balance, are presented for Almere (Rhine Schelde Delta, The Netherlands) and Hsingchu (Dotzpu Delta, Taiwan).
Vibration control of two-connected piezoelectric flexible plate using nonlinear algorithm and T-S fuzzy controller

This article focuses on the active vibration control of a kind of two-connected piezoelectric flexible plate. A finite element model of the connected plate integrated with distributed piezoelectric sensors and actuators is derived, including bending and torsional vibrations. In this model, two connected hinges are simplified as regular plate elements to facilitate the system. A modified optimization method based on the energy dissipation rate is used for the optimal placement of piezoelectric sensors and actuators. The bending and torsional vibrations of the two-connected plate can be decoupled on measurement and driving control, due to the appropriate placement of the lead zirconate titanate sensors and actuators. The proportional and derivative control, the proposed nonlinear controller, and T-S fuzzy control algorithms are applied to suppress the bending and torsional vibrations of the two-connected plate. The numerical simulation and experimental results demonstrate that the last two control algorithms can suppress the low-order bending and torsional vibration more effectively than that of the designed proportional and derivative control algorithm.
Formation and Secretion of Induced Penicillinase in Protoplasts of Staphylococcus aureus

Conditions suitable for induced formation and secretion of penicillinase (EC 3.5.2.6) in protoplasts of Staphylococcus aureus were determined. No requirement was found for cells to be exposed to inducer prior to formation of protoplasts. Neither cell wall components nor mesosomes appeared to be necessary for induction or secretion. In medium containing 1.1 M sucrose about half of the formed enzyme was soluble, whereas in medium containing 0.37 M sodium succinate only about 10% of the penicillinase remained protoplast-bound. Low concentrations of polyanions (dextran sulfate and potassium polyvinyl-sulfonate) inhibited the formation of induced penicillinase, as did 4-acetamido-4′-isothiocyano-stilbene 2,2′-disulfonic acid. None of these compounds inhibited the activity of native penicillinase, and none would be expected to pass through the protoplast membrane. Penicillinase, denatured in 4 M urea, could be renatured by dilution in the presence of benzylpenicillin, and the above three inhibitors interfered strongly with this process. The results are taken as evidence that penicillinase may be secreted through the protoplast membrane in an incompletely folded form.
Grape Juice Concentrate Protects Rat Liver Against Cadmium Intoxication: Histopathology, Cytochrome C and Metalloproteinases Expression

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate if grape juice concentrate is able to protect rat liver against cadmium toxicity. For this purpose, histopathological analysis, cytochrome C expression and immunoexpresssion of metalloproteinases (MMP) 2 and 9 were investigated. A total of 15 Wistar rats weighing 250 g on the average, and 8 weeks age were distributed into 3 groups (n=5), as follows: Control group (non-treated group, CTRL); Cadmium group (Cd) and grape juice concentrate group (Cd+GJ). Histopathological analysis revealed that liver from animals treated with grape juice concentrate improved tissue degeneration induced by cadmium intoxication. Animals intoxicated with cadmium and treated with grape juice concentrate showed higher cytochrome C gene expression in liver cells. No significant statistically differences (p>0.05) were found to MMP 2 and 9 immunoexpression between groups. Taken together, our results demonstrate that grape juice concentrate is able to prevent tissue degeneration in rat liver as a result of increasing apoptosis.
Learning Efficient Linear Predictors for Motion Estimation ( Version 1 . 13 )

A novel object representation for tracking is proposed. The tracked object is represented as a constellation of spatially localised linear predictors which are learned on a single training image. In the learning stage, sets of pixels whose intensities allow for optimal least square predictions of the transformations are selected as a support of the linear predictor. The approach comprises three contributions: learning object specific linear predictors, explicitly dealing with the predictor precision – computational complexity trade-off and selecting a view-specific set of predictors suitable for global object motion estimate. Robustness to occlusion is achieved by RANSAC procedure. The learned tracker is very efficient, achieving frame rate generally higher than 30 frames per second despite the Matlab implementation.
Improving information security compliance - A process-oriented approach for managing organizational change

: Enterprises typically have to comply with many different legal, regulatory and internal requirements. Particularly in the context of information processing, there are dedicated regulations which demand the protection of the information infrastructure. From the authors’ point of view, organizational aspects are thereby one of the most critical improvement areas. However, the related organizational change process can be challenging in order to appropriately define and anchor adequate roles within the organization. To align the organization to the specific requirements of information security (IS), it is necessary to change the current organizational state into one that better supports the IS compliance performance. A process-oriented approach for managing the organizational change to improve information security compliance is presented in this contribution. The approach uses Business Aligned Information Security Management (BAISeM) and principles that have been derived from standards like ITIL, CObIT and ISO 27001. In order to illustrate the approach, the context of IT service continuity is selected as an example.
Polymer films as planarization and sacrificial layers for uncooled infrared focal plane arrays

This paper presents a planarization procedure using polymer films to achieve a flat CMOS surface of Readout Integrated Circuit (ROIC) for the integration between uncooled infrared focal plane arrays and ROIC. At the same time, the polymer film is also used as the sacrificial layers. After amorphous Silicon (a-Si) film was deposited using plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD), and patterned using inductively coupled plasma (ICP), the polymer sacrificial layer should be removed to form a-Si self-supporting micro-bridge structure. So the thickness of polymer film determine the height of the micro-bridge; the soft curing temperature determines if the contact hole can be etched by developer during the first photolithography; and the rate of dry etching determines whether the sacrificial layers of the structure can be released successfully. In this paper, the curing temperature, surface roughness, etching process of polymer films are systematically researched. On this basis, polymer film as planarization successfully reduces the 2μm height of the bumps on ROIC to less than 83 nm, over the planarized polymer mesas, bolometer arrays are fabricated. Then the polymer film as sacrificial are removed by ICP and 160x120 self-supporting micro-bridge structure arrays are successfully fabricated.
Sampling rate reduction for 60 GHz UWB communication using compressive sensing

60 GHz ultra wide-band (UWB) communication is an emerging technology for high speed short range communications. However, the requirement of high-speed sampling increases the cost of receiver circuitry such as analog-to-digital converter (ADC). In this paper, we propose to use a compressive sensing framework to achieve a significant reduction of sampling rate. The basic idea is based on the observation that the received signals are sparse in the time domain due to the limited multipath effects at 60 GHz wireless transmission. According to the theory of compressive sensing, by carefully designing the sensing scheme, sub-Nyquist rate sampling of the sparse signal still enables exact recovery with very high probability. We discuss an implementation for a low-speed A/D converter for 60 GHz UWB received signal. Moreover, we analyze the bit error rate (BER) performance for BPSK modulation under RAKE reception. Simulation results show that in the single antenna pair system model, sampling rate can be reduced to 2.2% with 0.3dB loss of BER performance if the input sparsity is less than 1%. Consequently, the implementation cost of ADC is significantly reduced.
On the Heating of the Solar Corona and the Acceleration of the Low-Speed Solar Wind by Acoustic Waves Generated in the Corona

We investigate possibilities of solar coronal heating by acoustic waves generated not in the photosphere but in the corona, focusing on heating in the mid- to low-latitude corona, where the low-speed wind is expected to come from. Acoustic waves of period τ ~ 100 s are triggered by chromospheric reconnection, one model of small-scale magnetic reconnection events recently proposed by Sturrock. These waves, having a finite amplitude, eventually form shocks to shape sawtooth waves (N-waves) and directly heat the surrounding corona by dissipation of their wave energy. Outward propagation of the N-waves is treated based on weak-shock theory, so that the heating rate can be evaluated consistently with physical properties of the background coronal plasma without setting a dissipation length in an ad hoc manner. We construct coronal structures from the upper chromosphere to outside 1 AU for various acoustic wave inputs, with a range of energy flux of Fw,0 = (1-20) × 105 ergs cm-2 s-1 and a period of τ = 60-300 s. The heating by the N-wave dissipation works effectively in the inner corona, and we find that waves of Fw,0 ≥ 2 × 105 ergs cm-2 s-1 and τ ≥ 60 s could maintain the peak coronal temperature, Tmax > 106 K. The model could also reproduce the density profile observed in the streamer region. However, due to its short dissipation length, the location of Tmax is closer to the surface than in observation, and the resulting flow velocity of the solar wind is lower than the observed profile of the low-speed wind. Cooperation with other heating and acceleration sources with larger dissipation lengths are inevitably needed to reproduce the real solar corona.
Is selective digestive decontamination useful in controlling aerobic gram-negative bacilli producing extended spectrum beta-lactamases?

AIMS To identify outbreak episodes of either carriage or infection due to extended spectrum beta-lactamases producing aerobic Gram-negative bacilli (AGNB-ESBL); to establish whether AGNB-ESBL, sensitive to tobramycin, become resistant over time; and to evaluate the impact of selective decontamination of the digestive tract (SDD) on abnormal carriage of AGNB-ESBL. DESIGN AND SETTING All children admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) over a 12-month period had biweekly surveillance cultures of throat and rectum and diagnostic cultures when clinically indicated. All AGNB were tested for ESBL, and the positive isolates were sent for molecular typing. The PICU uses SDD (parenteral cefotaxime and enteral polymyxin E/tobramycin) to control abnormal carriage. Patients who had at least one AGNB-ESBL were included in the study. RESULTS During the study period, 1,101 children were admitted to the PICU. There were 39 patients (3.5%) with a total of 236 cultures positive for AGNB-ESBL. Twenty-eight patients (2.5%) were carriers, and 11 (1%) had proven infections. Organisms isolated from the first culture were 14 patients with Klebsiella pneumoniae, 8 with Enterobacter cloacae, 7 with Citrobacter freundii, 5 with Klebsiella oxytoca, and 5 with Escherichia coli. In the first sample, 59% of isolates showed tobramycin resistance. Molecular typing confirmed that there were five different strains of K. pneumoniae and that similar strains were not isolated in the same period. CONCLUSIONS SDD is an effective measure to control AGNB-ESBL and to avoid outbreak episodes of either carriage or infection. When tobramycin resistance is found, replacing it with another aminoglycoside based on antibiogram may be more effective in achieving AGNB clearance.