Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
High compactness / high isolation 3D-broadside couplers design methodology

This paper presents an analytical design methodology for 3D broadside couplers using new concept of compensation by coupled lines at both ends of a main coupler section. This compensation technique introduces a degree of freedom in the design which can enhance the compactness or the isolation of the coupler. Simulations have been performed and good agreement with the analytical analysis is observed. Two demonstrators have been then optimized and demonstrate a size reduction of 50% or a 10 dB isolation improvement depending on the compensation scheme followed.
Reduced order delayed systems by means of Laguerre functions and Krylov subspaces

In this paper, we propose an algorithm for model order reduction of large scale systems that can be described by delayed differential equations. The algorithm is based on the combination of a Laguerre expansion technique for the delays and higher order Krylov subspaces. Pertinent numerical results validate the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed model order reduction approach.
Effects of Light on the Intraocular Pressure of Aqueous Humor

High Intraocular Pressure (IOP) for longer period of time may guide the eye to different deceases and Glaucoma is one of them. Continuous, non-invasive and comfortable way of measuring IOP is necessary to detect the high IOP at the very early stage. Few methods are involved widely to measure the IOP in the doctor’s chamber. Some other methods can be used by the person himself but those are still in research stage. In this paper, we utilize the basic characteristics of white light and also the physical characteristics of aqueous humor and cornea to propose a continuous, non-invasive way to measure IOP. The change of intraocular pressure is relates to the change of refractive index and that changes are shown with proper plotting.
Great Britain AN ULTRASTRUCTURAL STUDY OF INTERSPECIFIC CELL FUSION INDUCED BY INACTIVATED SENDAI VIRUS

An electron-microscopic examination was made of the process of cell fusion induced by Sendai virus inactivated by ultraviolet light. Ehrlich ascites cells, HeLa cells, rabbit macrophages, rat lymphocytes and nucleated hen erythrocytes were chosen for study because it had previously been shown that these cells could be fused together, with varying degrees of facility, to form artificial heterokaryons. Cells which had large numbers of microvilli on their surfaces fused together more readily than those which had not, but the presence of microvilli was not essential for fusion to occur. Fusion appeared in all cases to be initiated by the formation of small cytoplasmic bridges between the cells; but virus particles, although present elsewhere on the surface of the cells, were not detected at or near the cytoplasmic bridges. HeLa-hen erythrocyte heterokaryons were formed by the fusion of HeLa cells with red cell ghosts.
Evolution of the Pedicled TRAM Flap: A Prospective Study of 500 Consecutive Cases by a Single Surgeon in Asian Patients

Although free flap has largely replaced pedicled transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap, the latter has also evolved by increased understanding of anatomy and physiology. We report the outcomes in 500 consecutive pedicled TRAM in Asian patients performed by a single surgeon, providing incidences of complications and ideas of prevention. Fascia was minimally harvested with full width of muscle. The eighth intercostals nerve was severed and back-cut was made at the lateral belly. Anterior rectus sheath was directly repaired. Breast complication occurred in 24.6% with the most common being skin envelope necrosis. Major flap loss occurred in 1 (0.2%), and the incidence of fat necrosis was 14.2%. Abdominal complication rate was 16.4%, and bulging occurred in 3%. Exercise performance was almost completely restored after 1 year. Pedicled TRAM is still a competitive procedure with overall flap survival rate of 99.8%, yielding consistent results with acceptable complication rates for most patients under experienced hands.
Design of Rectenna for Energy Harvesting From Ambient GSM and WLAN Frequency Bands

Ambient wireless energy harvesting is a process of collecting unused wireless energy, which is abundantly available around us. Most of today’s wireless communication services use GSM 900, GSM 1800 and WLAN frequency bands. The energy in these three frequency bands are available at most of the places at all the times. For harvesting this energy, this paper targets the design of a multiband antenna that encompasses the above said three frequency bands completely. For this purpose, a planar microstrip tri-band dipole antenna is proposed and designed. The antenna output drives a voltage doubler circuit through an impedance matching network (IMN). The simulations of antenna are performed in ADS, EMDS and EM-Pro simulation softwares. The targeted rectenna is simulated in ADS, which has the capability to harvest one third of the available power.
Characterization of cast Al86Mn3Be11 alloy

An Al86Mn3Be11 alloy cast into copper mould was subjected to metallographic investigation. The as‐cast microstructure consisted of a quasicrystalline icosahedral phase (i‐phase), Be4AlMn phase and, occasionally, a hexagonal phase. Al‐rich solid solution represented the dominant phase. The chemical compositions of phases were determined using AES. The composition of the Be4AlMn slightly deviated from the stoichiometric composition, whereas the composition of the i‐phase was approximately Al52Mn18Be30, containing an appreciable amount of Be. The average composition of the hexagonal phase was Al66Mn21Be13. Deep etching and particle extraction provided a deep insight into the three‐dimensional morphology of the i‐phase and the hexagonal phase, whereas Be4AlMn was slightly attacked by the etchant. The i‐phase was present predominantly in the form of dendrites and a rodlike eutectic phase. The hexagonal phase was primarily in the form of hexagonal platelets, whereas Be4AlMn was rather irregular in shape. The morphology of the i‐phase can be explained by predominant growth in 3‐fold directions and the lowest energy of the 5‐fold planes, leading to the faceting and adopting a pentagonal dodecahedron shape. The brightnesses of phases in the backscattered electron images were rationalized by determining their backscattering coefficients. TEM investigation showed considerable phason strain in the i‐phase, and the polycrystalline nature of the Be4AlMn phase.
Feasibility and usability of a wearable orthotic for stroke survivors with hand impairment

Abstract Purpose: The concept of a vibrating wristband, to improve dextrous hand function of stroke survivors, was recently proposed with clinical results and is referred to as ‘TheraBracelet’ in this paper. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate feasibility of a portable, wearable TheraBracelet, and to apply usability evaluation techniques to assess potential demands of TheraBracelet and to identify critical improvement needs of the prototype. Method: A prototype was developed with a vibrating element housed in an elastic wristband and connected to a wearable electronics box via a cable. Expectation for TheraBracelet and evaluation of the prototype were obtained from 10 chronic stroke survivors using surveys before and after using the prototype and House of Quality analysis. Results: The survey for expectation showed stroke survivors’ willingness to try out TheraBracelet at a low cost. The survey evaluating the prototype showed that the current prototype was overall satisfactory with a mean rating of 3.7 out of 5. The House of Quality analysis revealed that the priority improvement needs for the prototype are to improve clinical knowledge on long-term effectiveness, reduce cost, ease donning/doffing and waterproof. Conclusions: This study presents a potential for a low-cost wearable hand orthotic likable by stroke survivors. Implications for Rehabilitation Feasibility for a portable wearable wristband-type hand orthotic was demonstrated. The survey showed stroke survivors are willing to try such an orthotic at low cost. The current prototype was rated overall satisfactory by stroke survivors. This study provides a potential for a low-cost wearable hand orthotic likable by stroke survivors.
SPEER—A New Family of Testis-Specific Genes from the Mouse1

Abstract Differential cloning revealed a partial mRNA sequence expressed in the mouse testis, which on further molecular characterization proved to be a member of a new family of 14 transcribed genes. Six of the genes appear to be expressed pseudogenes. The remainder indicate an open reading frame of approximately 200–220 amino acids encoding proteins with a very high proportion of alpha helical secondary structure, comprising approximately 15% glutamate residues. Because of this property, the family has been named SPErm-associated glutamate (E)-Rich protein (SPEER). Three members were chosen for more detailed characterization: SPEER-1 (pseudogene), SPEER-2, and SPEER-4D. All three are expressed tissue specifically in the testis of mice, with only very weak expression evident in the rat testis but in no other species tested. Using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), all three transcripts can be detected also in the epididymis, presumably due to the presence of spermatozoa. All three transcripts are expressed to high levels in haploid germ cells at the spermatocyte-spermatid transition. SPEER-1 mRNA is present in the cytoplasm as a sense transcript, SPEER-2 appears to be made mostly as an antisense transcript, whereas SPEER-4D appears to be localized within a subcellular compartment as a conventional sense transcript. Codon usage analysis suggests that all but the pseudogenes can be expressed as protein, confirmed for SPEER-2 and SPEER-4D by in vitro transcription/translation. An antibody raised against a peptide region of SPEER-4D, which probably cross-reacts with other SPEER members, immunohistochemically stains the nuclei of early round spermatids. While there are no true homologies to other proteins in the genome databases, some motifs are present that suggest a relationship to nuclear matrix proteins, implying that the SPEER family is a new group of haploid sperm-specific nuclear factors.
Complementary split ring resonators using equilateral triangular Koch fractal curves

Equilateral triangular complementary split ring resonators which is substituted for the Koch-fractal curves is used to the composite right/left-handed transmission lines, and the resonant frequency is reduced by 22% and 34% respectively when 1 and 2 order Koch-fractal curves complementary split ring resonators are applied. The equivalent circuit model of the structure is presented and the electrical parameters are also extracted. It is observed that the simulation, circuit model and measurement results are consistent with each other, which demonstrates the correctness of the proposed structure.
A questionnaire for the assessment of the multiple dimensions of motion sickness.

BACKGROUND A limited number of attempts have been made to develop a questionnaire that assesses the experience of motion sickness. Further, many available questionnaires quantify motion sickness as a unidimensional construct. METHOD Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses of motion sickness descriptors were used to derive and verify four dimensions of motion sickness, which were defined as gastrointestinal, central, peripheral, and sopite-related. These dimensions of motion sickness were then used to construct a motion sickness assessment questionnaire (MSAQ) that was administered to individuals who were exposed to a rotating optokinetic drum. RESULTS Total scores from the MSAQ correlated strongly with overall scores from the Pensacola Diagnostic Index (r = 0.81, p < 0.001) and the Nausea Profile (r = 0.92, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The MSAQ is a valid instrument for the assessment of motion sickness. In addition, the MSAQ may be used to assess motion sickness as a multidimensional rather than unidimensional construct.
Characterization and expression profile of AmphiCD63 encoding a novel member of TM4SF proteins from amphioxus Branchiostoma belcheri tsingtauense

The study on CD antigen genes remains lacking in the cephalochordate amphioxus to date. In this report, the cDNA encoding CD63 was identified for the first time from the gut cDNA library of amphioxus Branchiostoma belcheri tsingtauense. Primary structural examination showed that the protein encoded by the cDNA contained four potential transmembrane domains characteristic of transmembrane 4 superfamily (TM4SF) proteins and a conserved CCG motif in the putative major extracellular loop. BLAST search revealed that the cDNA is closely associated with other known CD63 antigen genes, and it was thus designated AmphiCD63. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that AmphiCD63 is extremely close to vertebrate CD63, CD151 and CD53, suggesting they may have been evolved from a common ancestral gene. RT-PCR analysis exhibited that AmphiCD63 mRNA was abundant in muscle, ovary, foregut including hepatic caecum and hindgut, while it was present at considerably lower levels in notochord and gill and absent in testis.
Performance Improvement of Organic Thin-Film Transistors by Electrode/Pentacene Interface Treatment Using a Hydrogen Plasma

Pentacene-based organic thin-film transistors (TFTs) have been fabricated with and without treatment by hydrogen (H2) plasma at the interface between the electrode and the pentacene surface. Processing with a H2 plasma was carried out in a plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition with varying treatment times. The interface treatment by H2 plasma resulted in improved device electrical properties. Removal of oxygen from the pentacene surface occurs due to slight etching by the plasma. Sufficient flux density of the H2 plasma leads to full pentacene-surface coverage by rearranging the hydrogen with carbon instead of oxygen. Atomic force microscopy profiles reveal the morphology changes of the pentacene surface after treatment, and secondary ion mass spectrometry shows the change via compositional depth profiles indicating H2 , O2, and C-H binding. Hydrogen treatment, therefore, appears to modify the interface by removing the surface oxygen layer, resulting in better performance of the organic TFT
It’s a Trap! The Influence of Instrumental Manipulation Checks on Response Non-Differentiation and Gricean Norm Effects

The instructional manipulation check (IMC) is a methodological tool designed to measure whether participants read the instructions in a survey, and thus, it is frequently used in online studies to identify inattentive participants. However, research on survey design has suggested that participants can infer intentions from prior questions, affecting responses to later questions. As the IMC tells participants of a communicative context wherein the experimenter intends to trick participants into giving wrong answers, this study assessed whether the simple inclusion of an IMC could lead to additional cognitive processing that subsequently reduced participants’ satisficing behaviors (Study 1), while increasing classic Gricean norm effects (Study 2). The results showed that the IMC did not affect participants’ satisficing behaviors or their responses to several of the Gricean norm effect measures, with one exception. Implications and future research areas are discussed.
Development of a three-dimensional organ culture model for corneal wound healing and corneal transplantation.

PURPOSE To develop and evaluate a three-dimensional organ culture system of the cornea anterior chamber that could replicate the in vivo processes occurring during corneal wound healing and corneal transplantation. METHODS Bovine corneoscleral buttons were clamped in a specially designed chamber through the sclera outside the limbus. The epithelium was exposed to air, and its anterior surface was automatically irrigated. The endothelial layer was perfused separately with media under normal intraocular pressure. Wound healing and corneal transplantation were observed using light, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS The organ culture system maintained the epithelium, the putative epithelial stem cells in the limbus, the stroma, and the endothelium in good condition for the 10-day period during which the system was evaluated. The authors observed that the processes of wound healing and corneal transplantation in the model appeared similar to those occurring in vivo. CONCLUSIONS In vitro model closely replicated the in vivo processes of wound healing and corneal transplantation. The authors believe this model will be useful for basic investigations into the cornea, such as study of the response of the cornea to surgery, wound healing, toxins, and therapeutic agents.
Interleukin-17A Enhances Host Defense against Cryptococcal Lung Infection through Effects Mediated by Leukocyte Recruitment, Activation, and Gamma Interferon Production

ABSTRACT Infection of C57BL/6 mice with the moderately virulent Cryptococcus neoformans strain 52D models the complex adaptive immune response observed in HIV-negative patients with persistent fungal lung infections. In this model, Th1 and Th2 responses evolve over time, yet the contribution of interleukin-17A (IL-17A) to antifungal host defense is unknown. In this study, we show that fungal lung infection promoted an increase in Th17 T cells that persisted to 8 weeks postinfection. Our comparison of fungal lung infection in wild-type mice and IL-17A-deficient mice (IL-17A−/− mice; C57BL/6 genetic background) demonstrated that late fungal clearance was impaired in the absence of IL-17A. This finding was associated with reduced intracellular containment of the organism within lung macrophages and deficits in the accumulation of total lung leukocytes, including specific reductions in CD11c+ CD11b+ myeloid cells (dendritic cells and exudate macrophages), B cells, and CD8+ T cells, and a nonsignificant trend in the reduction of lung neutrophils. Although IL-17A did not alter the total number of CD4 T cells, decreases in the total number of CD4 T cells and CD8 T cells expressing gamma interferon (IFN-γ) were observed in IL-17A−/− mice. Lastly, expression of major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC-II) and the costimulatory molecules CD80 and CD86 on CD11c+ CD11b+ myeloid cells was diminished in IL-17A−/− mice. Collectively, these data indicate that IL-17A enhances host defenses against a moderately virulent strain of C. neoformans through effects on leukocyte recruitment, IFN-γ production by CD4 and CD8 T cells, and the activation of lung myeloid cells.
Spatial and temporal patterns of transcription of a wound‐induced gene in potato.

Transcriptional fusions between the gene encoding win2 from potato and the reporter gene encoding beta‐glucuronidase (GUS) have been used to study the spatial and temporal patterns of wound induced gene activity in transgenic potato and tobacco plants. Gene fusions containing a full length win2 promoter were found to be correctly regulated in response to mechanical wounding in transgenic potato, but not in the heterologous host, tobacco. Sequences greater than 560 bp upstream of the transcription start site of win2 were shown to be important for wound inducibility. The dramatic induction of GUS activity detected using fluorometric assays of extracts of wounded and aged leaves of several independent win2‐‐GUS transformants was consistent with the kinetics of win2 mRNA accumulation. Histochemical analysis of wounded leaves showed that transcription first occurred in cells immediately adjacent to the wound, and was then progressively induced in cells associated with the vascular system at a distance from the wound site. In tubers, a localized response to wounding was observed, and this only spread to other parts of the tuber if it had started to sprout. It was concluded that active vascular transport was necessary for the spread of wound response. Win2‐‐GUS fusions were also expressed as part of normal plant development, as GUS activity was detected in the developing buds and in a layer of cells associated with the lenticels of unwounded tubers.
Clinical Decision Support Technology to Increase Advance Care Planning in the Primary Care Setting

Physicians are often unable to guide patients through the advance care planning (ACP) process due to cost and time constraints. We conducted a retrospective analysis in the primary care setting targeting older adults without an advance medical directive (AMD). An ACP educational packet was sent to intervention patients before their health maintenance examination (HME). Additionally, their physicians had access to a computerized clinical decision support system on AMD completion at the time of the HME. Control participants' physicians had access to the computerized decision support system and traditional resources only. All participants who received the packet were sent a follow-up survey. In all, 21.6% of intervention participants completed an AMD, compared with 4.1% of control participants. Combining clinical decision support systems and standardized processes enhances the ACP process.
Reactivity of the human hemoglobin “Dark side”

Summary: Ligand binding to the heme distal side is a paradigm of biochemistry. However, X‐ray crystallographic studies highlighted the possibility that O2 and NO2− may bind to the proximal heme side of ferrous human hemoglobin (Hb) α‐chains complexed with the α‐hemoglobin stabilizing protein and to ferric human hemoglobin β‐chains, respectively. Strikingly, the role generally played by the proximal HisF8 residue is played by the distal HisE7 side chain forming the trans axial ligand of the heme–Fe atom. This: i) brings to light that Hb may utilize both heme distal and proximal sides for ligand discrimination, ii) draws attention to the nonequivalence of α‐ and β‐chains, and iii) highlights the possibility that partially unfolded Hb derivatives may display transient ligand‐binding properties different from those of the native globin. © 2013 IUBMB Life, 65(2)121–126, 2013