Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Binary Grating of Subwavelength Silver and Quantum Wires as a Photonic-Plasmonic Lasing Platform With Nanoscale Elements

This paper considers the scattering of an H-polarized plane wave by a freestanding periodic grating that contains two circular cylinders on each period, one made of silver and the other of dielectric. If such a grating is made of deeply subwavelength wires, the reflection and transmission coefficients demonstrate both plasmon and grating resonances. To clarify them, we also discuss the scattering by similar gratings made of either silver or dielectric wires only. However, the main attention is paid to the associated lasing eigenvalue problem for the dielectric cylinders pumped to become quantum wires, i.e., to obtain a “negative-absorption” complex refractive index. The analysis is done using a meshless analytical-numerical method with guaranteed convergence. The computations show that, in this composite periodic cavity, material thresholds of lasing for the grating modes can be much lower than for the plasmon modes.
Single-photon multiple ionization of argon in the K-edge region.

The individual charge state and total ion yields resulting from the photoionization of argon gas have been measured as a function of photon energy through the [ital K] edge using synchrotron radiation and time-of-flight spectroscopy. We have formulated a model for the mean ion charge [ital [bar q]]([ital h][nu]) observed at nominal photon energy [ital h][nu], and have determined the mean ion charge [ital [bar q]] resulting from the decay of the atom following [1[ital s]]4[ital p], [1[ital s]]5[ital p], and [1[ital s]][var epsilon][ital p] photoabsorption. We have also characterized the energy-dependent photoelectron recapture probability due to postcollision interaction. In contrast with the recent analysis by Doppelfeld [ital et] [ital al]. [J. Phys. B 26, 445 (1993)], we find that the gradual increase in [ital [bar q]]([ital h][nu]) that begins approximately 20 eV below the argon [ital K] edge can be attributed to lifetime energy broadening of the [ital K]-hole state and the finite energy width of the x-ray source.
A new delay time compensation principle for parallel connected IGBTs

The parallel connection of IGBTs is being applied in various low and medium voltage converters. The selection of the devices, the manual parameterization of gate units and the substantial device de-rating are substantial disadvantages of state of the art converters with parallel connected IGBTs. This paper introduces a new, low expensive and automated delay time compensation method without additional current measurements. The structure and function of the new scheme are described in detail. Finally, the performance of the new delay time compensation principle is verified by experimental investigations of two parallel connected (1700V, 450 A) IGBT modules.
Clinical reasoning in neurology: use of the repertory grid technique to investigate the reasoning of an experienced occupational therapist.

BACKGROUND/AIM The aim of this paper is to describe the use of a structured interview methodology, the repertory grid technique, for investigating the clinical reasoning of an experienced occupational therapist in the domain of upper limb hypertonia as a result of brain injury. METHOD Repertory grid interviews were completed before and after exposure to a protocol designed to guide clinical reasoning and decision-making in relation to upper limb neurological rehabilitation. Data were subjected to both qualitative and quantitative analyses. RESULTS Qualitative analysis focussed on clinical reasoning content. Common themes across the pre- and post-exposure interviews were the use of theoretical frameworks and practice models, the significance of clinical expertise, and discrimination of 'broad' and 'specific' aspects, as well as differentiation between 'therapist and client-related' aspects of the clinical situation. Quantitative analysis indicated that for both pre- and post-exposure repertory grids, clinical reasoning was structured in terms of two main concepts. In the pre-exposure grid, these were related to the therapist's role, and to the 'scope' of practice tasks (either broad or specific). In the post-exposure grid the two main concepts were upper limb performance, and client-centred aspects of the therapy process. CONCLUSIONS The repertory grid technique is proposed as an effective tool for exploring occupational therapy clinical reasoning, based on its capacity for accessing personal frames of reference, and elucidating both the meaning and the structure supporting clinical reasoning.
Reverse Gate-Current of AlGaN/GaN HFETs: Evidence of Leakage at Mesa Sidewalls

Reverse gate-current of AlGaN/GaN heterostructure field-effect transistor is studied over a wide range of lattice-temperatures from 150 to 490 K. For gate-source voltages approaching zero, volt signatures of gate-to-2-D electron gas leakage through the sidewalls of the mesa are observed. For exploring this leakage path, a set of devices built on a number of alternative isolation features of different geometries, and with different number of gate-covered sidewalls, are investigated. Among these devices, which were realized on an identical layer structure (produced following the same fabrication technology with identical gate-length and -width), as the number of isolation-feature sidewalls overlapping with the gate metal increases, an increase in the gate-current is observed. The identified sidewall leakage is not only consequential in devices built on isolation-feature geometries presenting more than two sidewalls, but it can also compete with mechanisms such as Poole-Frenkel (PF), Fowler-Nordheim, and trap-assisted tunneling (TAT), which are traditionally considered in devices built on cubic mesas. In this paper, the relevance of these other transport mechanisms is also re-evaluated. It is observed that at temperatures below 320 K, among all of the explored devices, sidewall leakage becomes more dominant than the PF and trap-assisted tunneling (TAT) processes.
AORTIC MURAL THROMBI ASSOCIATED WITH ULCERATIVE COLITIS

A 47-year-old heavy smoker male was admitted with complaints of abdominal pain, frequent bloody stools (up to 12 per day), rectal bleeding, anorexia and signifi cant weight loss of 5 week-duration. A diffuse abdominal pain was noted on physical examination. Biological fi ndings revealed elevated C-reactive protein (22,8 mg/dl), mild leukocytosis (12630/mm3), severe microcytic anemia (7,5 g/dl) and hypoalbuminemia. Abdominal computed tomography demonstrated a left-sided infl ammatory colitis and aortic thrombi. Arterial thrombi were further characterized by aortic computed angiography revealing a large 5,4 cm-sized fl oating thrombus, adhering to a calcifi ed plaque at the level of thoraco-abdominal junction and a smaller one appended on the left side of aortic arch (fi gure 1). No peripheral embolization was found. At colonoscopy, macroscopic and microscopic fi ndings demonstrated an active ulcerative colitis. Thrombophilia screening was negative, the only abnormality of coagulation work-up being an elevated factor VIIIa. The patient gradually improved upon treatment with systemic glucocorticoids and mesalazine and anticoagulation with curative dose of low molecular weight heparin (nadroparin, 8000 anti-Xa IU, bid).
Surgically relevant normal and variant renal parenchymal and vascular anatomy in preoperative 16-MDCT evaluation of potential laparoscopic renal donors.

OBJECTIVE Using 16-MDCT, we describe and quantify the frequency and types of renal anatomic variants and findings relevant for preoperative evaluation and surgical planning for potential laparoscopic renal donors. MATERIALS AND METHODS On 16-MDCT, 126 consecutive potential donors underwent scanning before contrast administration and after i.v. power injection of nonionic contrast material during the arterial, nephrographic, and excretory phases. On a 3D workstation, CT images were evaluated retrospectively in consensus by three abdominal imagers. The number and branching pattern of bilateral renal arteries and veins, including anomalies of the inferior vena cava and lumbar-gonadal axis, were categorized along with the frequency of incidental findings of the renal parenchyma and collecting system. RESULTS Major arterial variants including supernumerary and early branching arteries were present in 16% and 21%, respectively, of left kidneys and 22% and 15%, respectively, of right kidneys. Major and minor venous variants were detected in 11% and 58% of left kidneys and 24% and 3% of right kidneys. Late confluence of the venous trunk was identified in 17% of left kidneys and 10% of right kidneys. Incidental parenchymal and urothelial abnormalities, most commonly cysts and calyceal calcifications, were identified in 30% of the kidneys. Other relevant incidental findings included focal infarcts, cortical scars, atrophic scarred kidney, and bilateral papillary necrosis. Urothelial variants included bilateral simple ureteroceles and rightsided complete duplicated collecting system. CONCLUSION 16-MDCT angiography and urography allow confident detection and classification of a variety of anatomic and incidental anomalies relevant to the preoperative selection of potential laparoscopic renal donors and to surgical planning.
Android Malware Detection using Decision Trees and Network Traffic

Growing popularity of Android mobile operating system has not only attracted user community but also the malware developers towards this platform. Large number of malicious apps have been detected in the past years in Google Play Store and third party app markets. Many detection techniques have been proposed in the literature for Android malware detection but network traffic analysis of malwares has not been explored as compared to other parameters like permissions or system calls. In this paper we propose a technique for detecting malwares based upon network traffic of malwares. We compare network traffic of malwares with that of normal apps and find the features which distinguish both types of traffic. Based upon these features we build a decision tree classifier to detect normal and malicious apps from the testing dataset. Results show that such network traffic analysis is highly efficient in detecting Android malwares and accuracy of more than 90% is achieved by our experiments. Keywords— Android Malware, Malware Detection, Network Traffic, Decision Trees.
Modeling and close-loop control strategies of Switched Z-source Isolated Bidirectional DC-DC Converter

The Switched Z-source Isolated Bidirectional DC-DC Converter (SZIBDC) is a novel topology that inherits the advantages of Dual Active Bridge (DAB) while overcoming its disadvantages. This paper presents the small-signal model of open-loop SZIBDC firstly. After that, five kinds of close-loop control strategies based on PI-regulator or Fuzzy Logic Controller (FLC) are theoretically analyzed and validated by simulation results. Their performance has been investigated from the perspective of steady and transient states. Finally a comparative study is made and relevant conclusions are drawn.
Determination of drug absorption rate in time‐variant disposition by direct deconvolution using beta clearance correction and end‐constrained non‐parametric regression

A novel numerical deconvolution method is presented that enables the estimation of drug absorption rates under time‐variant disposition conditions. The method involves two components. (1) A disposition decomposition‐recomposition (DDR) enabling exact changes in the unit impulse response (UIR) to be constructed based on centrally based clearance changes iteratively determined. (2) A non‐parametric, end‐constrained cubic spline (ECS) input response function estimated by cross‐validation. The proposed DDR‐ECS method compensates for disposition changes between the test and the reference administrations by using a ‘beta’ clearance correction based on DDR analysis. The representation of the input response by the ECS method takes into consideration the complex absorption process and also ensures physiologically realistic approximations of the response. The stability of the new method to noisy data was evaluated by comprehensive simulations that considered different UIRs, various input functions, clearance changes and a novel scaling of the input function that includes the ‘flip‐flop’ absorption phenomena. The simulated input response was also analysed by two other methods and all three methods were compared for their relative performances. The DDR‐ECS method provides better estimation of the input profile under significant clearance changes but tends to overestimate the input when there were only small changes in the clearance. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of a global algorithm for wavefront reconstruction for Shack–Hartmann wave‐front sensors and thick fundus reflectors

Conventional aberration analysis by a Shack–Hartmann aberrometer is based on the implicit assumption that an injected probe beam reflects from a single fundus layer. In fact, the biological fundus is a thick reflector and therefore conventional analysis may produce errors of unknown magnitude. We developed a novel computational method to investigate this potential failure of conventional analysis.
Identification and Characterisation of Edwardsiella tarda Virulence Genes

Edwardsiella tarda is a pathogen that causes systemic infection in many commercially important fish species. In this study, an attempt was made to identify E. tarda virulence genes based on attenuation of virulence due to gene disruption by transposon mutagenesis. A total of 230 mutants from an existing library of 440 alkaline phosphatase (PhoA) fusion mutants generated by TnphoA mutagenesis were screened for decreased virulence in vivo. An attenuated and growth deficient mutant (M19) was selected for its high LD50 value. Southern blot analysis of the M19 EcoRV digested genome confirmed the presence of a single TnphoA insertion. The disrupted gene shares sequence homology with the type 1 fimbrial protein subunit precursor (fimA) of Serratia marcescens and the long polar fimbria protein A precursor (lpfA) of Salmonella typhimurium. This indicates that fimbriae may play a role in host-pathogen interactions in E. tarda infection.
Network Deployment and RRM Strategies for Green Mobile Communications

The RRM strategies and the deployment guidelines to be adopted in a multi-layer heterogeneous mobile network with the goal of the optimization of the Area Power Consumption are presented in this paper: in the considered scenarios, several radio environments are considered, the coverage is guaranteed by different cell types, and the capacity and blockage probability are kept unaltered by the adoption of the green radio approaches with respect to basic configuration. The benefits in terms of energy savings are determined for all possible solutions: within this framework we compare alternative approaches, such as the macro-cell coverage and the strategies which resorts to a higher number of lower power micro-cells to cover the spot.
Role of antibiotic production by Erwinia herbicola Eh252 in biological control of Erwinia amylovora

Erwinia herbicola Eh252 is a nonpathogenic epiphytic bacterium that reduces fire blight incidence when sprayed onto apple blossoms before inoculation with Erwinia amylovora, the causal agent of fire blight. Eh252 was found to produce on minimal medium an antibiotic that inhibited the growth of E. amylovora. This antibiotic was inactivated by histidine but not by Fe(II), was sensitive to proteolytic enzymes, and showed a narrow host range of activity. To determine the role of this antibiotic in the control of fire blight, two prototrophic Tn5-induced mutants, 10:12 and 17:12, that had lost their ability to inhibit E. amylovora on plates (Ant- mutants) were compared with the wild-type strain for their ability to suppress fire blight in immature pear fruits. The two mutants had single Tn5 insertions in the chromosome; although they grew in immature pear fruits at a rate similar to that of the wild-type strain, neither of these mutants suppressed fire blight as well as Eh252 did. The Tn5-containing fragment isolated from 10:12 was used to mutagenize Eh252 by marker exchange. Derivatives that acquired the Tn5-containing fragment by homologous recombination lost the ability to inhibit E. amylovora on minimal medium. Furthermore, the three Ant- derivatives tested were also affected in their ability to inhibit E. amylovora in immature pear fruits. The results obtained suggest that antibiotic production is a determinant of the biological control of E. amylovora by Eh252, but that another mechanism(s) is involved.
Effects of low level dietary microalgae supplementation on the distal intestinal 9 microbiome of farmed rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss 10

15 In this study, high throughput 16S rRNA sequencing was used to investigate the effect of a 16 novel ingredient, dietary microalgae (Schizochytrium limacinum), on the distal intestinal 17 microbiome of farmed rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss. Dietary microalgae are rich in 18 omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, can be produced sustainably, and have been shown to 19 have beneficial effects on host health. Microbial community profiles were compared between 20 the distal intestinal contents of fish fed a control diet and a treatment diet that partially 21 substituted dietary microalgae for the fish oil component (5% inclusion). The results of this 22 research showed that the microbial communities of both fish populations were composed of 23 similar microbial taxa, however the treatment group fed the microalgae supplement possessed 24 a greater level of microbial diversity than those in the control group. A limited number of 25 bacterial taxa were discriminatory between diets and were significantly elevated in the 26 treatment group, notably operational taxonomic units (OTU’s) assigned to the genera 27 Streptococcus, Leuconostoc, Lactobacillus, Lactococcus and Weissella. However, the overall 28 structure of the intestinal microbiome between control and treatment groups was not found to 29 be significantly different. The treatment group displayed a heavier mean weight and condition 30 factor at the end of the trial period. The results of this study suggest that microalgae can be 31 used as a replacement for a proportion of fish oil in aquafeeds, with minor changes to the 32 intestinal microbiome of farmed rainbow trout, and positive effects on growth. 33
Pyruvate dehydrogenase E 1 α phosphorylation is induced by glucose but does not control metabolism-secretion coupling in INS-1 E clonal β-cells

Glucose-induced insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells depends on mitochondrial activation. In the organelle, glucose-derived pyruvate is metabolised along the oxidative and anaplerotic pathway to generate downstream signals leading to insulin granule exocytosis. Entry into the oxidative pathway is catalysed by pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) and controlled in part by phosphorylation of the PDH E1α subunit blocking enzyme activity. We find that glucose but not other nutrient secretagogues induce PDH E1α phosphorylation in INS-1E cells and rat islets. INS-1E cells and primary β-cells express pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDK) 1, 2 and 3, which mediate the observed phosphorylation. In INS-1E cells, suppression of the two main isoforms, PDK1 and PDK3, almost completely prevented PDH E1α phosphorylation. Under basal glucose conditions, phosphorylation was barely detectable and therefore the enzyme almost fully active (90% of maximal). During glucose stimulation, PDH is only partially inhibited (to 78% of maximal). Preventing PDH phosphorylation in situ after suppression of PDK1, 2 and 3 neither enhanced pyruvate [. ] AKHMEDOV, Dmitry, et al. Pyruvate dehydrogenase E1α phosphorylation is induced by glucose but does not control metabolism-secretion coupling in INS-1E clonal β-cells. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta, 2012, vol. 1823, no. 10, p. 1815-24 DOI : 10.1016/j.bbamcr. 2012.07. 005
Integrated data acquisition and processing to determine metabolite contents, relaxation times, and macromolecule baseline in single examinations of individual subjects

Absolute quantitation of clinical 1H‐MR spectra is virtually always incomplete for single subjects because the separate determination of spectrum, baseline, and transverse and longitudinal relaxation times in single subjects is prohibitively long. Integrated Processing and Acquisition of Data (IPAD) based on a combined 2‐dimensional experimental and fitting strategy is suggested to substantially improve the information content from a given measurement time. A series of localized saturation‐recovery spectra was recorded and combined with 2‐dimensional prior‐knowledge fitting to simultaneously determine metabolite T1 (from analysis of the saturation‐recovery time course), metabolite T2 (from lineshape analysis based on metabolite and water peak shapes), macromolecular baseline (based on T1 differences and analysis of the saturation‐recovery time course), and metabolite concentrations (using prior knowledge fitting and conventional procedures of absolute standardization). The procedure was tested on metabolite solutions and applied in 25 subjects (15–78 years old). Metabolite content was comparable to previously found values. Interindividual variation was larger than intraindividual variation in repeated spectra for metabolite content as well as for some relaxation times. Relaxation times were different for various metabolite groups. Parts of the interindividual variation could be explained by significant age dependence of relaxation times. Magn Reson Med, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Orbital decay of supermassive black hole binaries in clumpy multiphase merger remnants

We simulate an equal-mass merger of two Milky Way-size galaxy discs with moderate gas fractions at parsec-scale resolution ncluding a new model for radiative cooling and heating in a multi-phase medium, as well as star formation and feedback from supernovae. The two discs initially have a $2.6\times10^6\mathrm{~M_{\odot}}$ supermassive black hole (SMBH) embedded in their centers. As the merger completes and the two galactic cores merge, the SMBHs form a a pair with a separation of a few hundred pc that gradually decays. Due to the stochastic nature of the system immediately following the merger, the orbital plane of the binary is significantly perturbed. Furthermore, owing to the strong starburst the gas from the central region is completely evacuated, requiring $\sim10$~Myr for a nuclear disc to rebuild. Most importantly, the clumpy nature of the interstellar medium as a major impact on the the dynamical evolution of the SMBH pair, which undergo gravitational encounters with massive gas clouds and stochastic torquing by both clouds and spiral modes in the disk. These effects combine to greatly delay the decay of the two SMBHs to separations of a few parsecs by nearly two orders of magnitude, $\sim 10^8$ yr, compared to previous work. In mergers of more gas-rich, clumpier galaxies at high redshift stochastic torques will be even more pronounced and potentially lead to stronger modulation of the orbital decay. This suggests that SMBH pairs at separations of several tens of parsecs should be relatively common at any redshift.