Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Low voltage cycling of programmable metallization cell memory devices

Future nanoscale memory technologies must ultimately be able to operate at power supply voltages in the order of 0.6 V or less. We have demonstrated in this work that it is possible to utilize symmetric program–erase (P–E) cycling for Ag/Ag–Ge–S/W programmable metallization cell devices at voltages below 0.6 V and still maintain an OFF/ON resistance ratio well in excess or 10 over a wide range of program and erase currents (0.27, 1.6, 55 and 220 µA) as set by a series resistance. The distributions of resistance values for 104 P–E cycles indicate that the margins between the highest on- and lowest off-state resistances are sufficient for unambiguous differentiation in all but the lowest current case in which there is some overlap. In addition, there is no substantial change in switching speed for up to 1.5 × 106 P–E operations, the maximum number of cycles attempted in this study.
Burkholderia pseudomallei Isolates from Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo, Are Predominantly Susceptible to Aminoglycosides and Macrolides

ABSTRACT Melioidosis is a potentially fatal disease caused by the saprophytic bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei. Resistance to gentamicin is generally a hallmark of B. pseudomallei, and gentamicin is a selective agent in media used for diagnosis of melioidosis. In this study, we determined the prevalence and mechanism of gentamicin susceptibility found in B. pseudomallei isolates from Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo. We performed multilocus sequence typing and antibiotic susceptibility testing on 44 B. pseudomallei clinical isolates from melioidosis patients in Sarawak district hospitals. Whole-genome sequencing was used to identify the mechanism of gentamicin susceptibility. A novel allelic-specific PCR was designed to differentiate gentamicin-sensitive isolates from wild-type B. pseudomallei. A reversion assay was performed to confirm the involvement of this mechanism in gentamicin susceptibility. A substantial proportion (86%) of B. pseudomallei clinical isolates in Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo, were found to be susceptible to the aminoglycoside gentamicin, a rare occurrence in other regions where B. pseudomallei is endemic. Gentamicin sensitivity was restricted to genetically related strains belonging to sequence type 881 or its single-locus variant, sequence type 997. Whole-genome sequencing identified a novel nonsynonymous mutation within amrB, encoding an essential component of the AmrAB-OprA multidrug efflux pump. We confirmed the role of this mutation in conferring aminoglycoside and macrolide sensitivity by reversion of this mutation to the wild-type sequence. Our study demonstrates that alternative B. pseudomallei selective media without gentamicin are needed for accurate melioidosis laboratory diagnosis in Sarawak. This finding may also have implications for environmental sampling of other locations to test for B. pseudomallei endemicity.
Quantification of infarct size by thallium‐201 single‐photon emission computed tomography using the unfolded map method. Comparison with QRS score and angiographic infarct size at 4 weeks after infarction

A new technique of data processing, the unfolded map method, was used with thallium‐201 single‐photon emission computed tomography to quantify infarct size in 35 patients with single‐vessel disease at 4 weeks after their first myocardial infarction (24 anterior and 11 inferior infarcts), and the results were compared with those obtained by electrocardiography and contrast left ventriculography. The myocardial borders and the infarcted region were defined using the threshold technique and a cutoff value of 55%. Count profile data for each short‐axis slice were unfolded zonally into single planes with the same ratio, and their areas were calculated from the slice thickness and radius. Thus, the size of the unfolded map represented the actual left ventricular myocardial area Infarct size was quantitated from the ratio of pixels in the infarcted region to those in the whole map, and the ratio itself was used as the percent infarct size. Although a defect 1 cm in diameter (0.8 cm2) could not be detected in a phantom study, defects ≥ 2 cm in diameter (≥3.1 cm2) could be measured satisfactorily. The infarct size and percent infarct size determined by the unfolded map method correlated well with the QRS score (r = 0.841 and r = 0.838), the percentage of abnormally contracting segments on left ventriculography (r = 0.835 and r = 0.87 7), and the ejection traction (r = ‐0.835 andr = ‐0.856). These data indicate that the unfolded map method provides adequate quantification of infarct size, even in the chronic phase, without complicated data processing.
A review of guidelines on benign prostatic hyperplasia and lower urinary tract symptoms: are all guidelines the same?

The Clinical Practice Guidelines on BPH/LUTS are examined by authors from London and Poitiers. They found in their review of the literature that the overall and methodological quality of such guidelines varies widely. They acknowledge the difficulties in developing careful guidelines, but suggest a formal appraisal of quality and methods, as these are the ones more likely to help urologists in decision‐making.
Correction of Elbow Flexion Contracture in Late Obstetric Brachial Plexus Palsy Through Arthrodiatasis of the Elbow (Ioannina Method)

Inadequate elbow extension is a recognized sequela after obstetric brachial plexus injury because of muscle imbalance and adversely affects the ability to perform sufficiently most daily living activities. The various methods that have been used to correct this deformity do not offer a satisfactory outcome in the long term and show a tendency for gradual recurrence. We present a new technique of a closed gradual arthrodiatasis using a unilateral hinged elbow external fixator. The technique was applied in 10 patients with elbow flexion contracture as a sequela of brachial plexus birth palsy. Loss of elbow extension measured 55 degrees at average. With a mean device application of 8.8 weeks all patients gained full elbow extension. No major complications were noted. All patients were satisfied with the outcome. This novel technique (closed gradual arthrodiatasis of the elbow joint) has a definite role in the treatment of elbow flexion contracture in late cases of obstetric palsy, given the otherwise limited surgical options.
The direct Lyapunov method for the stabilisation of the Furuta pendulum

A nonlinear controller for the stabilisation of the Furuta pendulum is presented. The control strategy is based on a partial feedback linearisation. In a first stage only the actuated coordinate of the Furuta pendulum is linearised. Then, the stabilising feedback controller is obtained by applying the Lyapunov direct method. That is, using this method we prove local asymptotic stability and demonstrate that the closed-loop system has a large region of attraction. The stability analysis is carried out by means of LaSalle's invariance principle. To assess the controller effectiveness, the results of the corresponding numerical simulations are presented.
Energy-efficient tree-based cooperative data aggregation for wireless sensor networks

Cooperative communication is shown to be a promising technology to significantly reduce the energy consumption. Moreover, data aggregation is an essential operation in wireless sensor networks where the tree-based underlying network structure is often used to support this operation. Thus, this paper studies the energy efficient data aggregation problem through cooperative communication with the aware tree-based topology structure in wireless sensor networks. We first design a polynomial time centralised algorithm to solve this problem. This algorithm starts from an arbitrary aggregation tree and determines the optimal transmission policy and the corresponding time slot for each node to transmit the aggregation data to its father node. We also prove the optimality for this algorithm. Then, a distributed algorithm is proposed in which each node can determine its transmission policy and time slot with only local information. The energy efficiency of the proposed algorithms is evaluated and verified by simulations.
Accurate and fast characterization of a class of quasiplanar structures

Propagation and losses for some quasiplanar transmission structures will be characterized by using an accurate and fast quasi-analytical solution. This latter is derived from a recently proposed modified transverse resonance method (MTRM), in which an analytical preprocessing has been introduced. The quasistatic contribution is obtained by an entirely analytical solution, so the resultant system of linear equations is very efficient. Furthermore, the resistive boundary conditions as well as the complex substrate permittivity are taken into account in an intrinsic manner, leading to an accurate determination of dielectric and conductor losses in lossy transmission lines.
On super-resolution in astronomical imaging

Our work is an attempt to fulfil one of the aims of astronomical imaging, that is, to obtain information at high angular resolution. Stars as point sources can be represented by Dirac δ -functions whose Fourier transforms contain information about the position and the (integrated) intensity at all angular frequencies. Thus, we can deconvolve unresolved images of star fields even at angular distances smaller than the diffraction limit of the telescope with which the observations are performed. We give an example of reconstruction of the image of two stars with an angular separation of a factor 2.5 less than $\alpha_\mathrm{Ra}=1.22\times\lambda/D$. However, we find that super-resolution is feasible only for point sources. For extended objects the information about intensity fluctuations at angular frequencies $u>u_\mathrm{max}=D/\lambda=1/\alpha_\mathrm{min}$ is irretrievably lost. We discuss the impossibility of super-resolution for the Sun using a numerically simulated image of solar granulation. However, one can enhance the contrast of solar images, though without increasing angular resolution beyond the diffraction limit.
Outcome of Renal Insufficiency Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery

Renal insufficiency (RI) is a prognostic marker in patients with cardiovascular disease. In this study, the latest standard of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) calculation, that is the modification of diet in renal disease (MDRD) study equation, is used to measure the difference in the outcome of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery in various GFR groups. Between 2000 and 2005, 1,055 patients underwent CABG surgery and were categorized into 5 groups according to the National Kidney Foundation guidelines: stage 1 = normal renal function; stage 2 = mild RI; stage 3 = moderate RI; stage 4 = severe RI; stage 5 = end-stage renal failure (excluded). Precautions were taken in RI patients to avoid perioperative hypotension, fluid overload and limited cardioplegia; cardiopulmonary bypass time was kept at a minimum by performing an essential number of grafts only. Thirty-day mortality occurred in 5 of 1,052 patients (0.48%) with no statistical difference in stages 1–4. There was increase in bleed requiring reoperation and total complications from stages 1 to 4, but it was not statistically significant. Preoperative renal dysfunction in CABG surgery patients is an important predictor of outcome. Patients undergoing CABG surgery can have acceptable results without significant increase in complications and mortality provided that risk factors are minimized perioperatively.
Maturation of envelope‐specific antibody responses to linear determinants in monkeys inoculated with attenuated SIV

We have previously used a panel of quantitative and qualitative serological assays to define a lengthy and complex maturation of envelope‐specific antibody responses in monkeys experimentally infected with attenuated simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) that is closely associated with the temporal development of enduring and protective immunity to experimental virus challenge. To elucidate in more detail the changes in antibody specificity associated with this maturation, we describe here ‘domain‐specific’ serological studies to characterize the evolution of antibody responses to defined linear determinants of the SIV envelope protein. The results of these studies reveal for the first time distinguishing differences in the evolution of antibody populations to distinct envelope peptide segments, as determined by measurements of antibody titer and avidity, indicating different patterns of antibody maturation to distinct linear envelope antigenic determinants. Thus, these data demonstrate the potential for domain‐specific serology to produce a high‐resolution characterization of SIV‐specific antibody responses that can be used to evaluate experimental vaccine responses and to identify potential immune correlates of protection.
Controller design and implementation of indirect current control based utility-interactive inverter system

The indirect current control algorithm has been proposed for seamless transfer of utility-interactive inverters. The inverter is able to provide critical loads with a stable and seamless voltage during control mode change as well as clearing time. This paper proposes an indirect current controller based on classical control theory so that the controller gains can easily be determined. Also, a PLL technique is proposed to maintain the constant frequency during the unintentional islanding. A passive islanding detection based on current variation which is suitable for the indirect current control is proposed. The proposed control method is validated through simulation and experiment.
Molecular epidemiological typing of Enterobacter cloacae isolates from a neonatal intensive care unit: three-year prospective study.

Since 1992, there has been an increase in the incidence of Enterobacter sepsis in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of the authors' hospital. From 1995 to 1997, a prospective molecular epidemiological survey of the colonizing and infecting strains isolated from neonates was conducted. Enterobacter cloacae was the most frequent cause of neonatal sepsis, accounting for 19.2% of all neonatal infections, reaching a peak incidence of 2.2/1000 during 1996. Fifty isolates from the NICU and four epidemiologically unrelated strains were characterized by pulse-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), ribotyping, enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus (ERIC)-PCR and plasmid profiling. PFGE was the most discriminatory technique and identified 13 types (two of them classified into two and three subtypes) compared with ERIC-PCR, plasmid profiling and ribotyping that identified 11, 11 and seven types, respectively. A good correlation was found between all techniques. Five different clones caused 15 cases of sepsis. Clones A and B were prevalent in 1995 and 1996, but they were not isolated in 1997. An outbreak caused by clone G in 1997 was controlled by cohort nursing and hygienic measures, without changing the antibiotic policy. Strains were characterized by their antibiotic resistance pattern and divided into three groups. Group I correlated with PFGE types A, B1 and B2, which hyperproduced Bush type 1 chromosomal beta-lactamase and expressed extended-spectrum ? -lactamases (ESBLs). Group II only hyperproduced Bush type 1 chromosomal beta-lactamase and correlated with PFGE-types D1, D2, D3 and I. Finally, Group III, with inducible beta-lactamases, correlated with the rest of PFGE types. The sudden disappearance of E. cloacae after reinforcement of hygienic measures confirms the importance of patient-to-patient transmission.
CSF rhinorrhea complicated by recurrent pyogenic meningitis due to congenital anterior skull base defect: Report of two cases

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea is the result of an osseous defect at the skull base coupled with a disruption of the dura mater and arachnoid with a resultant pressure gradient leading to the CSF leak. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea is a potentially dangerous condition as the risk of intracranial infection is increased if it persists. Therefore, accurate preoperative localization of the site of leakage as well as its appropriate management is mandatory. We here report two children with CSF rhinorrhea due to congenital anterior skull base defect, complicated by recurrent pyogenic meningitis, underwent surgical repair with uneventful post-operative period. In this article, etiologies, laboratory investigation including imaging and management are also discussed in brief.
BPCONT: An Auto Driver for the Continuation of Branch Points of Algebraic and Boundary-Value Problems

BPcont, a driver for the software package Auto for the numerical continuation of simple branch points of algebraic and boundary-value problems, is described in detail. Simple branch points are points in the continuation space where two solution branches intersect transversally. Detection and accurate location of branch points along the continuation of a solution branch and switching to the continuation of the other branch are implemented in Auto and other software packages, but branch point continuation has not been fully supported. BPcont fills this gap. It handles both generic problems, where branch point continuation is performed in two extra parameters, and nongeneric cases, where one extra parameter is typically involved due to problem-specific symmetries. This paper presents the extended algebraic and boundary-value problems which define branch point continuation, discusses their initialization at branch point detection and the symmetry-breaking technique used to automatically handle nongeneric cases, and describes the BPcont implementation. Several examples, including generic and nongeneric algebraic problems, generic and nongeneric periodic boundary-value problems, and a nongeneric nonperiodic boundary-value problem, are also presented. (A corrected version of this paper has been appended to the originally posted pdf.)
Engineering magnetic domain-wall structure in permalloy nanowires

Using Lorentz transmission electron microscopy we investigate the behavior of domain walls pinned at non-topographic defects in Cr(3 nm)/Permalloy(10 nm)/Cr(5 nm) nanowires of width 500 nm. The pinning sites consist of linear defects where magnetic properties are modified by a Ga ion probe with diameter ~ 10 nm using a focused ion beam microscope. We study the detailed change of the modified region (which is on the scale of the focused ion spot) using electron energy loss spectroscopy and differential phase contrast imaging on an aberration (Cs) corrected scanning transmission electron microscope. The signal variation observed indicates that the region modified by the irradiation corresponds to ~ 40-50 nm despite the ion probe size of only 10 nm. Employing the Fresnel mode of Lorentz transmission electron microscopy, we show that it is possible to control the domain wall structure and its depinning strength not only via the irradiation dose but also the line orientation.
Feathered Detectives: Real-Time GPS Tracking of Scavenging Gulls Pinpoints Illegal Waste Dumping

Urban waste impacts human and environmental health, and waste management has become one of the major challenges of humanity. Concurrently with new directives due to manage this human by-product, illegal dumping has become one of the most lucrative activities of organized crime. Beyond economic fraud, illegal waste disposal strongly enhances uncontrolled dissemination of human pathogens, pollutants and invasive species. Here, we demonstrate the potential of novel real-time GPS tracking of scavenging species to detect environmental crime. Specifically, we were able to detect illegal activities at an officially closed dump, which was visited recurrently by 5 of 19 GPS-tracked yellow-legged gulls (Larus michahellis). In comparison with conventional land-based surveys, GPS tracking allows a much wider and cost-efficient spatiotemporal coverage, even of the most hazardous sites, while GPS data accessibility through the internet enables rapid intervention. Our results suggest that multi-species guilds of feathered detectives equipped with GPS and cameras could help fight illegal dumping at continental scales. We encourage further experimental studies, to infer waste detection thresholds in gulls and other scavenging species exploiting human waste dumps.
Effects of pioglitazone and metformin on carbohydrate metabolism in experimental models of glucose intolerance

The aim of the study was to compare the effects of pioglitazone and metformin on carbohydrate metabolism in diabetic and insulin resistant rats. Male albino rats were randomized into seven groups. The first, control group received high carbohydrate diet. The second, third and fourth groups were fed high fat diets for 6 weeks and either left untreated, or given pioglitazone (2.7 mg/kg/day) or metformin (180 mg/kg/day) in the last 3 weeks. The 5 th , 6 th , and 7 th groups were made diabetic by single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ, 50 mg/kg) on day 15 of the 6-week high fat regimen. They were either left untreated, or given pioglitazone or metformin in the last 3 weeks. High fat diet induced insulin resistance evidenced by increased serum glucose, associated with increase in liver glucose-6-phosphatase and decrease in liver glucose6-phosphate dehydrogenase and glucokinase activities. No significant difference was observed between rats treated with either pioglitazone or metformin. Both treatments showed significant increase in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity by ~20 %, decrease in glucose-6-phosphatase activity by ~25 %, and decreases in liver and kidney glycogen. In diabetic rats, both pioglitazone and metformin decreased elevated serum glucose by ~30 %. Only metformin caused more than 2-fold increase in hepatic glycogen content, and normalized glucose-6-phosphatase activity. Only pioglitazone normalized elevated renal glycogen content and increased glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity. In conclusion pioglitazone and metformin had comparable effects on estimates of carbohydrate metabolism and insulin sensitivity in insulin resistant rats, but different effects in diabetic rats.
Long‐term sequential deferiprone–deferoxamine versus deferiprone alone for thalassaemia major patients: a randomized clinical trial

A multicentre randomized open‐label trial was designed to assess the effectiveness of long‐term sequential deferiprone–deferoxamine (DFO–DFP) versus DFP alone to treat thalassaemia major (TM). DFP at 75 mg/kg, divided into three oral daily doses, for 4 d/week and DFO by subcutaneous infusion (8–12 h) at 50 mg/kg per day for the remaining 3 d/week was compared with DFP alone at 75 mg/kg, administered 7 d/week during a 5‐year follow‐up. The main outcome measures were differences between multiple observations of serum ferritin concentrations. Secondary outcomes were survival analysis, adverse events, and costs. Consecutive thalassaemia patients (275) were assessed for eligibility; 213 of these were randomized and underwent intention‐to‐treat analysis. The decrease of serum ferritin levels during the treatment period was statistically significant higher in sequential DFP–DFO patients compared with DFP‐alone patients (P = 0·005). Kaplan–Meier survival analysis for the two chelation treatments did not show any statistically significant differences (long‐rank test, P = 0·3145). Adverse events and costs were comparable between the groups. The trial results show that sequential DFP–DFO treatment compared with DFP alone significantly decreased serum ferritin concentration during treatment for 5 years without significant differences regarding survival, adverse events, or costs. This trial was registered at http://www.clinicaltrials. gov as # NCT00733811.