Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of Frequency and Number of Piezoelectric Probes in Sonication-assisted Exfoliation of Graphite Layers into Graphene Oxide

A self-custom-made ultrasound generator using piezoelectric probes has been constructed to reduce graphite layers via liquid-phase exfoliation into graphene oxide (GO) material. The ultrasound frequency and the number of piezoelectric probes are varied with values of 20 kHz, 30 kHz and 35 kHz, and 1 probe, 2 probes and 3 probes, respectively. The solutions obtained from the sonication process show a temperature increase of 1°C or 2°C compared to room temperature. Colour changes of the solution before sonication, after sonication, and after being left overnight are also exhibited; that is from dark, dark blue, to greyish blue, respectively. The solutions are then characterised using UV-Vis spectrophotometer and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The UV-Vis results show the presence of GO material at an absorbance peak of 270 nm. Increasing the frequency and number of the probes decreases the absorbance peaks of the solutions. The best GO sample solution is obtained for an ultrasound frequency of 35 kHz and using 3 piezoelectric probes. Images from SEM show rod-like carbon materials stacked on top of each other in the form of flower-like structures. The widths of these rod-like materials vary from 1 to 2 microns, whereas the thicknesses of these materials are around 300 nm to 1.5 microns.
Frequency of Sustained Intracranial Pressure Elevation during Treatment of Severe Intraventricular Hemorrhage

Background: Elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) is an important marker of neurological deterioration. The occurrence and significance of elevated ICP and low cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) in aggressively treated spontaneous intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) are not defined. Methods: We performed a secondary longitudinal exploratory data analysis of a randomized multicenter trial of urokinase (UK) versus placebo (Pcb) as a treatment for IVH. Eleven IVH patients who required an external ventricular drain (EVD) were randomized to receive either intraventricular UK or Pcb every 12 h until clinical response permitted EVD removal. ICP and CPP were recorded every 4 or 6 h, as well as before and 1 h after EVD closure for administration of study agent. ICP, CPP and the proportion of ICP readings above 20, 30, 40 and 50 mm Hg were analyzed. Results: Six UK and 5 Pcb patients aged 39–74 years (mean ± standard deviation; 53 ± 11 years) were enrolled. Initial ICP ranged from 0 to 38 mm Hg (10.9 ± 11.0), initial CPP from 65 to 133 mm Hg (100.5 ± 17.7). We recorded 472 ICP readings over the entire monitoring period. Of these 65 (14%) were >20 mm Hg, 23 (5%) >30 mm Hg, 9 (2%) >40 mm Hg and 3 (<1%) >50 mm Hg. Only 2 of 141 intraventricular injections of study agent with EVD closure were not tolerated and required reopening of the EVD. Conclusions: In the intensive care unit, initial ICP measured with an EVD was uncommonly elevated (1/11 patients) in this group of severe IVH patients despite acute obstructive hydrocephalus. Frequent monitoring reveals ICP elevation >20 mm Hg in 14% of observations during use of EVD. ICP elevation, though it can occur, is not routinely associated with EVD closure for thrombolytic treatment with UK.
Thermodynamic instability of compound and formation of nanosized particles nearby the critical point of phase generating media

An analysis is presented for the possibility of metal dispersion, driven by the development of thermodynamic instabilities of its physical state in the vicinity of the critical point in an electrical explosion of conductors (EEC). A new geometrical configuration of conductors, arranged in a thin-walled cylindrical shell on a rigid dielectric cylinder with axially guided, internal return current is proposed. This constrains the part played by instabilities of non-thermodynamic origin and provides the required power density distributed uniformly in the conductor. For metals of the aluminum and copper type, the rates of heating have been estimated, which ensure homogeneous vaporization as the key factor governing the mechanism of liquid metal dispersion during the development of thermodynamic instabilities in the material. Directions in which magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) modeling of high-power electrical discharge in EEC should be pursued in the development of optimal regimes for energy injection into the conductor are outlined. Processes governing condensation of explosion products in an aqueous environment in the case of the particles being electrically charged and involved in chemical interaction with supercritical fluids have been analyzed. The method of synthesis proposed will eventually permit the production of oxide nanoparticles which differ from nanoparticles of the same oxides synthesized in electrical discharge in air and other oxygen-containing gas media, as well as in hydrothermal synthesis employed in its classical methodological implementation.
TAL Effectors: Customizable Proteins for DNA Targeting

Generating and applying new knowledge from the wealth of available genomic information is hindered, in part, by the difficulty of altering nucleotide sequences and expression of genes in living cells in a targeted fashion. Progress has been made in engineering DNA binding domains to direct proteins to particular sequences for mutagenesis or manipulation of transcription; however, achieving the requisite specificities has been challenging. Transcription activator–like (TAL) effectors of plant pathogenic bacteria contain a modular DNA binding domain that appears to overcome this challenge. Comprising tandem, polymorphic amino acid repeats that individually specify contiguous nucleotides in DNA, this domain is being deployed in DNA targeting for applications ranging from understanding gene function in model organisms to improving traits in crop plants to treating genetic disorders in people.
The polymicrobial hypothesis of bacterial vaginosis causation: a reassessment

Summary The cause of bacterial vaginosis remains controversial. The two leading hypotheses are that Gardnerella vaginalis is the specific aetiologic agent versus the polymicrobial hypothesis that G. vaginalis acts in concert with other bacteria, principally anaerobes, to produce the disease. Here we reassess the prevailing polymicrobial hypothesis, finding it conceptually problematical. No host initiating factors as postulated have been identified, nor is there conclusive evidence that G. vaginalis lacks diagnostic specificity for the disease. The polymicrobial hypothesis, presupposing a unique disruption of vaginal microecology, is inconsistent with the epidemiological profile of the syndrome, which is that of a sexually transmitted disease. The epidemiological and clinical similarities between bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis suggest a similar pathogenetic process; i.e., primary causation by a specific agent, with secondary anaerobic activation and resultant amine production.
Repeat work bouts increase thermal strain for Australian firefighters working in the heat

Background: Firefighters regularly re-enter fire scenes during long duration emergency events with limited rest between work bouts. It is unclear whether this practice is impacting on the safety of firefighters. Objectives:To evaluate the effects of multiple work bouts on firefighter physiology, strength, and cognitive performance when working in the heat. Methods: Seventy-seven urban firefighters completed two 20-minute simulated search and rescue tasks in a heat chamber (105 ± 5°C), separated by a 10-minute passive recovery. Core and skin temperature, rate of perceived exertion (RPE), thermal sensation (TS), grip strength, and cognitive changes between simulations were evaluated. Results: Significant increases in core temperature and perceptual responses along with declines in strength were observed following the second simulation. No differences for other measures were observed. Conclusions: A significant increase in thermal strain was observed when firefighters re-entered a hot working environment. We recommend that longer recovery periods or active cooling methods be employed prior to re-entry.
Levels of TNF‐α, soluble TNF receptors (sTNFR1, sTNFR2), and cognition in bipolar disorder

Tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) may play an important role in bipolar disorder (BD) pathogenesis. There is only one study about a relationship between TNF‐α levels and cognitive impairments in BD. The aim of the present study was to see whether TNF‐α, soluble P55 TNF receptor (sTNFR1), and soluble P75 TNF receptor (sTNFR2) levels in BD patients are different from controls and to investigate the relationships between the levels of TNF‐α, sTNFR1, and sTNFR2 and the cognitive functions in euthymic BD patients and controls.
Modeling the effect of sonication parameters on size and dispersion temperature of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) by response surface methodology (RSM)

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of sonication time and pulse frequency on average dispersion temperature (ART), particle size and zeta potential of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs). A two-factor, three-level response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize sonication time between 5 and 15 min and pulse frequency from 30 to 90%. SLNs made from stearyl alcohol (SA) and cetyl trimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) blend at 1:3 ratio were prepared by applying high-shear homogenization and sonication. Pulse frequency and time were found to have a significant effect on particle size and ART. The effect of sonication parameters on zeta potential, however, was insignificant. The optimal sonication parameters for preparing 100 nm SLNs made from a SA/CTAB blend was 60% pulse frequency at 40% power for 10 min. Optimized sonication parameters were then used to investigate the effect of lipid type on SLN size and zeta potential. The mean particle sizes of SLNs made with SA, cetyl palmitate, Precirol®, Dynasan118® and Compritol® were 98, 190, 350, 350 and 280 nm, respectively. In conclusion, pulse frequency and time were found to be critical for obtaining SLNs with desirable size, whereas the stability of the SLNs was dependent on their lipid content.
Effect of inhaled endotoxin on mucociliary clearance and airway inflammation in mild smokers and nonsmokers.

BACKGROUND In healthy nonsmokers, inhaled endotoxin [lipopolysaccharide (LPS)] challenge induces airway neutrophilia and modifies innate immune responses, but the effect on mucociliary clearance (MCC), a key host defense response, is unknown. Although smokers are chronically exposed to LPS through inhaled tobacco smoke, the acute effect of inhaled LPS on both MCC and airway inflammation is also unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of inhaled LPS on MCC in nonsmokers and mild smokers with normal pulmonary function. METHODS We performed an open-label inhalational challenge with 20,000 endotoxin units in healthy adult nonsmokers (n=18) and young adult, mild smokers (n=12). At 4 hr post LPS challenge, we measured MCC over a period of 2 hr, followed by sputum induction to assess markers of airway inflammation. RESULTS No significant changes in spirometry occurred in either group following LPS challenge. Following LPS, MCC was significantly (p<0.05) slowed in nonsmokers, but not in smokers [MCC=10±9% (challenge) vs. 15±8% (baseline), MCC=14±9% (challenge) vs. 16±10% (baseline), respectively]. Both groups showed a significant (p<0.05) increase in sputum neutrophils 6 hr post LPS challenge versus baseline. Although there was no correlation between the increased neutrophilia and depressed MCC post LPS in the nonsmokers, baseline neutrophil concentration predicted the LPS-induced decrease in MCC in the nonsmokers, i.e., lower baseline neutrophil concentration was associated with greater depression in MCC with LPS challenge (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS These data show that a mild exposure to endotoxin acutely slows MCC in healthy nonsmokers. MCC in mild smokers is unaffected by mild endotoxin challenge, likely due to preexisting effects of cigarette smoke on their airway epithelium.
A Comparison of ATMS and CSP Techniques

A fundamental problem for most AI problem solvers is how to control search to avoid searching subspaces which previously have been determined to be inconsistent. Two of the standard approaches to this problem are embodied in the constraint satisfaction problem (CSP) techniques which evolved from vision tasks and assumption-based truth maintenance system (ATMS) techniques which evolved from applying constraint propagation techniques to reasoning about the physical world. This paper argues that both approaches embody similar intuitions for avoiding thrashing and shows how CSPs can be mapped to ATMS problems and vice versa. In particular, Mackworth's notions of node, arc, and path consistency, Freuder's notion of it-consistency, and Dechter and Pearl's notion of directed K-consistency have precise analogs in the ATMS framework.
Oriented Structure of the Occlusion Distortion: Is It Reliable?

In the energy spectrum of an occlusion sequence, the distortion term has the same orientation as the velocity of the occluding signal. Other works claimed that this oriented structure can be used to distinguish the occluding velocity from the occluded one. We argue that the orientation structure of the distortion cannot always work as a reliable feature due to the rapidly decreasing energy contribution. This already weak orientation structure is further blurred by a superposition of distinct distortion components. We also indicate that the superposition principle of Shizawa and Mase (1991) for multiple motion estimation needs to be adjusted.
Establishing CUTOFF Values for the Simplified Barthel Index in Elderly Adults in Residential Care Homes

We are grateful to the participants for their cooperation. Conflict of Interest: The study was supported by the Fondation de France and ABC Research Group. Prof. Beauchet has served as an unpaid consultant for Ipsen Pharma company and as a board member for G eriatrie, Psychologie et Neuropsychiatrie du Vieillissement. He has no relevant financial interest in this manuscript. Dr. Annweiler has served as an unpaid consultant for Ipsen Pharma company. He has no relevant financial interest in this manuscript. Author Contributions: Beauchet has full access to the data in the study. Study concept and design: Beauchet, Annweiler, de Decker. Acquisition of data: Remondi ere. Analysis and interpretation of data: Beauchet, Launay, Remondi ere, Annweiler, de Decker. Drafting of the manuscript: Beauchet, de Decker. Critical revision of the manuscript for important intellectual content: Remondi ere, Annweiler. Statistical expertise: Beauchet. Administrative, technical, amd material support: Beauchet. Study supervision: de Decker. Sponsor’s role: The sponsors had no role in the design and conduct of the study, in the collection, management, analysis, and interpretation of the data, or in the preparation, review, or approval of the manuscript.
Signatures of selection in embryonic transcriptomes of lizards adapting in parallel to cool climate

Populations adapting independently to the same environment provide important insights into the repeatability of evolution at different levels of biological organization. In the 20th century, common wall lizards (Podarcis muralis) from southern and western Europe were introduced to England, north of their native range. Nonnative populations of both lineages have adapted to the shorter season and lower egg incubation temperature by increasing the absolute rate of embryonic development. Here, we tested if this adaptation is accompanied by signatures of directional selection in the transcriptomes of early embryos and, if so, if nonnative populations show adaptive convergence. Embryos from nonnative populations exhibited gene expression profiles consistent with directional selection following introduction, but different genes were affected in the two lineages. Despite this, the functional enrichment of genes that changed their expression following introduction showed substantial similarity between lineages, and was consistent with mechanisms that should promote developmental rate. Moreover, the divergence between nonnative and native populations was enriched for genes that were temperature‐responsive in native populations. These results indicate that small populations are able to adapt to new climatic regimes, but the means by which they do so may largely be determined by founder effects and other sources of genetic drift.
REBELOTE, SQUINT, and ULTRAPETALA1 Function Redundantly in the Temporal Regulation of Floral Meristem Termination in Arabidopsis thaliana[W]

In Arabidopsis thaliana, flowers are determinate, showing a fixed number of whorls. Here, we report on three independent genes, a novel gene REBELOTE (RBL; protein of unknown function), SQUINT (SQN; a cyclophilin), and ULTRAPETALA1 (ULT1; a putative transcription factor) that redundantly influence floral meristem (FM) termination. Their mutations, combined with each other or with crabs claw, the genetic background in which they were isolated, trigger a strong FM indeterminacy with reiterations of extra floral whorls in the center of the flower. The range of phenotypes suggests that, in Arabidopsis, FM termination is initiated from stages 3 to 4 onwards and needs to be maintained through stage 6 and beyond, and that RBL, SQN, and ULT1 are required for this continuous regulation. We show that mutant phenotypes result from a decrease of AGAMOUS (AG) expression in an inner 4th whorl subdomain. However, the defect of AG activity alone does not explain all reported phenotypes, and our genetic data suggest that RBL, SQN, and, to a lesser extent, ULT1 also influence SUPERMAN activity. Finally, from all the molecular and genetic data presented, we argue that these genes contribute to the more stable and uniform development of flowers, termed floral developmental homeostasis.
Phase-less planar near-field antenna measurements: Noise analysis

This paper analyses the effect of noisy near-field amplitude data on the phase retrieval algorithm. Additive white Gaussian noise is applied on the signal. Signal-to-noise ratios between 3 dB and 60 dB are considered. It'll be shown that using the Iterative Fourier Transform the far-field data can be obtained even under low signal-to-noise ratio.
Glowbal IP: An adaptive and transparent IPv6 integration in the Internet of Things

The Internet of Things IoT requires scalability, extensibility and a transparent integration of multi-technology in order to reach an efficient support for global communications, discovery and look-up, as well as access to services and information. To achieve these goals, it is necessary to enable a homogenous and seamless machine-to-machine M2M communication mechanism allowing global access to devices, sensors and smart objects. In this respect, the proposed answer to these technological requirements is called Glowbal IP, which is based on a homogeneous access to the devices/sensors offered by the IPv6 addressing and core network. Glowbal IP's main advantages with regard to 6LoWPAN/IPv6 are not only that it presents a low overhead to reach a higher performance on a regular basis, but also that it determines the session and identifies global access by means of a session layer defined over the application layer. Technologies without any native support for IP are thereby adaptable to IP e.g. IEEE 802.15. 4 and Bluetooth Low Energy. This extension towards the IPv6 network opens access to the features and methods of the devices through a homogenous access based on WebServices e.g. RESTFul/CoAP. In addition to this, Glowbal IP offers global interoperability among the different devices, and interoperability with external servers and users applications. All in all, it allows the storage of information related to the devices in the network through the extension of the Domain Name System DNS from the IPv6 core network, by adding the Service Directory extension DNS-SD to store information about the sensors, their properties and functionality. A step forward in network-based information systems is thereby reached, allowing a homogenous discovery, and access to the devices from the IoT. Thus, the IoT capabilities are exploited by allowing an easier and more transparent integration of the end users applications with sensors for the future evaluations and use cases.
By‐passing the nonsense mutation in the 4CV mouse model of muscular dystrophy by induced exon skipping

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a severe neuromuscular disorder, is caused by protein‐truncating mutations in the dystrophin gene. Absence of functional dystrophin renders muscle fibres more vulnerable to damage and necrosis. We report antisense oligomer (AO) induced exon skipping in the B6Ros.Cg‐Dmdmdx–4Cv/J (4CV) mouse, a muscular dystrophy model arising from a nonsense mutation in dystrophin exon 53. Both exons 52 and 53 must be excised to remove the mutation and maintain the reading frame.
Near junction thermal management of GaN HEMTs via wafer bonding

Gallium nitride (GaN)-based high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) offer excellent performance in power conversion and high frequency power amplification. However, device self-heating limits reliable output power to 1/8th of reported maximums. Device-level thermal management is therefore critical for reliable high power operation. This thesis proposes and examines wafer bonded GaN-on-SiC HEMTs as a thermally efficient alternative to growth structures. This work first compares the thermal properties of this novel structure to the state-of-the-art. It then develops suitable wafer bonding techniques to fabricate this structure. In addition, the bonded interface thermal conductivity is measured via time domain thermoreflectance. The results of these measurements are analyzed to determine the thermal performance of the structure. In all, this thesis shows that the proposed bonded technology is a promising method for the fabrication of the next generation of GaN HEMTs. These devices are expected to perform at a level equivalent to GaN-on-diamond devices, although further process development is needed to achieve high bonding yields. Thesis Supervisor: Tomás Palacios Title: Professor
Multiresolution Supervised Classification of Panchromatic and Multispectral Images by Markov Random Fields and Graph Cuts

The problem of supervised classification of multiresolution images, which are composed of a higher resolution panchromatic channel and of several coarser resolution multispectral channels, is addressed in this paper by proposing a novel contextual method based on Markov random fields. The method iteratively exploits a linear mixture model for the relationships between data at different resolutions and a graph cut approach to Markovian energy minimization to generate a contextual classification map at the highest resolution available in the input data set. The estimation of the parameters of the method is performed by extending recently proposed techniques based on the expectation-maximization and Ho-Kashyap's algorithms. The method is experimentally validated with semisimulated and real data involving both IKONOS and Landsat-7 ETM+ images, and the results are compared with those generated by previous approaches to the classification of multiresolution imagery.