Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genome-Wide Identification of Novel sRNAs in Streptococcus mutans

Small RNAs (sRNAs) are important gene regulators in bacteria, but the identities and functions of sRNAs in Streptococcus mutans, the principal bacterium involved in the formation of dental caries, are unknown. In this study, we identified 15 putative sRNAs in S. mutans and show that they respond to four common stress-inducing conditions present in human mouth: sugar-phosphate stress, hydrogen peroxide exposure, high temperature, and low pH. ABSTRACT Streptococcus mutans is a major pathobiont involved in the development of dental caries. Its ability to utilize numerous sugars and to effectively respond to environmental stress promotes S. mutans proliferation in oral biofilms. Because of their quick action and low energetic cost, noncoding small RNAs (sRNAs) represent an ideal mode of gene regulation in stress response networks, yet their roles in oral pathogens have remained largely unexplored. We identified 15 novel sRNAs in S. mutans and show that they respond to four stress-inducing conditions commonly encountered by the pathogen in human mouth: sugar-phosphate stress, hydrogen peroxide exposure, high temperature, and low pH. To better understand the role of sRNAs in S. mutans, we further explored the function of the novel sRNA SmsR4. Our data demonstrate that SmsR4 regulates the enzyme IIA (EIIA) component of the sorbitol phosphotransferase system, which transports and phosphorylates the sugar alcohol sorbitol. The fine-tuning of EIIA availability by SmsR4 likely promotes S. mutans growth while using sorbitol as the main carbon source. Our work lays a foundation for understanding the role of sRNAs in regulating gene expression in stress response networks in S. mutans and highlights the importance of the underexplored phenomenon of posttranscriptional gene regulation in oral bacteria. IMPORTANCE Small RNAs (sRNAs) are important gene regulators in bacteria, but the identities and functions of sRNAs in Streptococcus mutans, the principal bacterium involved in the formation of dental caries, are unknown. In this study, we identified 15 putative sRNAs in S. mutans and show that they respond to four common stress-inducing conditions present in human mouth: sugar-phosphate stress, hydrogen peroxide exposure, high temperature, and low pH. We further show that the novel sRNA SmsR4 likely modulates sorbitol transport into the cell by regulating SMU_313 mRNA, which encodes the EIIA subunit of the sorbitol phosphotransferase system. Gaining a better understanding of sRNA-based gene regulation may provide new opportunities to develop specific inhibitors of S. mutans growth, thereby improving oral health.
NMR metabolomics of symbioses between bacterial vaginosis associated bacteria

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a dysbiosis of the vaginal microbiome, characterised by low levels of lacto-bacilli and overgrowth of a diverse group of bacteria, and associated with higher risk of a variety of infections, surgical complications, cancer and spontaneous preterm birth (PTB). Despite the lack of a consistently applicable aetiology, Prevotella spp. are often associated with both BV and PTB and P. bivia has known symbiotic relationships with both Peptostreptococcus anaerobius and Gardnerella vaginalis. Higher risk of PTB can also be predicted by a composite of metabolites linked to bacterial metabolism but their specific bacterial source remains poorly understood. Here we characterise diversity of metabolic strategies among BV associated bacteria and lactobacilli and the symbiotic metabolic relationships between P. bivia and its partners and show how these influence the availability of metabolites associated with BV/PTB and/or pro- or anti-inflammatory immune responses. We confirm a commensal relationship between Pe. anaerobius and P. bivia, refining its mechanism; P. bivia supplies tyrosine, phenylalanine, methionine, uracil and proline, the last of which leads to a substantial increase in overall acetate production. In contrast, our data indicate the relationship between P. bivia and G. vaginalis strains, with sequence variant G2, is mutualistic with outcome dependent on the metabolic strategy of the G. vaginalis strain. Seven G. vaginalis strains could be separated according to whether they performed mixed acid fermentation (MAF) or bifid shunt (BS). In co-culture, P. bivia supplies all G. vaginalis strains with uracil and received substantial amounts of asparagine in return. Acetate production, which is lower in BS strains, then matched that of MAF strains while production of aspartate increased for the latter. Taken together, our data show how knowledge of inter- and intra-species metabolic diversity and the effects of symbiosis may refine our understanding of the mechanism and approach to risk prediction in BV and/or PTB.
Virus-Host Interactions and Genetic Diversity of Antarctic Sea Ice Bacteriophages

Very little is known about sea ice microbes despite the significant role played by sea ice in the global oceans as well as microbial input into biogeochemical cycling. Studies on the sea ice viruses have been typically limited to -omics-based approaches and microscopic examinations of sea ice samples. ABSTRACT Although we know the generally appreciated significant roles of microbes in sea ice and polar waters, detailed studies of virus-host systems from such environments have been so far limited by only a few available isolates. Here, we investigated infectivity under various conditions, infection cycles, and genetic diversity of the following Antarctic sea ice bacteriophages: Paraglaciecola Antarctic GD virus 1 (PANV1), Paraglaciecola Antarctic JLT virus 2 (PANV2), Octadecabacter Antarctic BD virus 1 (OANV1), and Octadecabacter Antarctic DB virus 2 (OANV2). The phages infect common sea ice bacteria belonging to the genera Paraglaciecola or Octadecabacter. Although the phages are marine and cold-active, replicating at 0°C to 5°C, they all survived temporal incubations at ≥30°C and remained infectious without any salts or supplemented only with magnesium, suggesting a robust virion assembly maintaining integrity under a wide range of conditions. Host recognition in the cold proved to be effective, and the release of progeny viruses occurred as a result of cell lysis. The analysis of viral genome sequences showed that nearly one-half of the gene products of each virus are unique, highlighting that sea ice harbors unexplored virus diversity. Based on predicted genes typical for tailed double-stranded DNA phages, we suggest placing the four studied viruses in the class Caudoviricetes. Searching against viral sequences from metagenomic assemblies, we revealed that related viruses are not restricted to Antarctica but are also found in distant marine environments. IMPORTANCE Very little is known about sea ice microbes despite the significant role played by sea ice in the global oceans as well as microbial input into biogeochemical cycling. Studies on the sea ice viruses have been typically limited to -omics-based approaches and microscopic examinations of sea ice samples. To date, only four cultivable viruses have been isolated from Antarctic sea ice. Our study of these unique isolates advances the understanding of the genetic diversity of viruses in sea ice environments, their interactions with host microbes, and possible links to other biomes. Such information contributes to more accurate future sea ice biogeochemical models.
Using humor to disguise racism in television news: the case of the Roma

Abstract It has been argued that more research is needed on the role of humor in the expression of racism. One reason is that, in the ‘post racial’ society, overt racism has become publicly unacceptable and, therefore, tends to appear in more concealed forms. In this paper, as part of a larger project on media representations of the Roma, we look at the role of humor in a Romanian television news clip reporting on the financial rewards of begging. We draw on the critical scholarship in humor research and carry out a multimodal critical discourse analysis of a news report selected from a larger corpus. We argue that through humor a recontextualisation of the Roma’s situation takes place, transforming their actual situation of poverty and social marginalisation into a humorous account of cultural failure, incompetence, stupidity and calculated money grabbing. We show that humor is one way by which culture becomes represented as embodied by ethnic minorities.
Introducing Berry phase gradients along the optical path via propagation-dependent polarization transformations

Abstract As a classical or quantum system undergoes a cyclic evolution governed by slow change in its parameter space, it acquires a topological phase factor known as the geometric or Berry phase. One popular manifestation of this phenomenon is the Gouy phase which arises when the radius of curvature of the wavefront changes adiabatically in a cyclic manner, for e.g., when focused by a lens. Here, we report on a new manifestation of the Berry phase in 3D structured light which arises when its polarization state adiabatically evolves along the optical path. We show that such a peculiar evolution of angular momentum, which occurs under free space propagation, is accompanied by an accumulated phase shift that elegantly coincides with Berry’s prediction. Unlike the conventional dynamic phase, which accumulates monotonically with propagation, the Berry phase observed here can be engineered on demand, thereby enabling new possibilities; such as spin-dependent spatial frequency shifts, and modified phase matching in resonators and nonlinear interactions. Our findings expand the laws of wave propagation and can be applied in optics and beyond.
A New Precision Automatic Microwave Measurement System

The Hewlett-Packard computer-controlled network analyzer performs fully automatic rapid characterizations of passive and active networks through their scattering parameters. It is extremely flexible in both measurement capability and presentation results, and provides standards laboratory accuracy. System operation is discussed, and in particular, the sources of error involved in making such measurements are dealt with: imperfect standards used for calibration, instrumentation, and signal source accuracy and repeatability errors. Total system accuracies and some measurement results are given.
An optimum accelerometer configuration and simple algorithm for accurately detecting falls

This paper describes the development of an accurate, accelerometer based fall detection system capable of distinguish between Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and fall-events. Using simulated fall-events onto crash mats (under supervised conditions) and ADL performed by elderly subjects, distinguishing between falls and ADL is achieved using an accelerometer-based sensor, mounted on the trunk and thigh of the person. Data analysis was performed using MATLAB® to determine the peak accelerations recorded during eight different types of falls. A fall detection algorithm was proposed using simple thresholding techniques. Results from an evaluation of the detection algorithm show that a fall-event can be distinguished from an ADL with 100% accuracy using a single threshold applied to the resultant acceleration signal from a tri-axial accelerometer located at the chest. Thresholding was thus demonstrated to be capable of discriminating between an ADL and a fall-event, when those falls were simulated falls.
An Adaptive Tool Path Generation for Fused Deposition Modeling

This paper presents an adaptive tool path generation method for Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM). The proposed method consists of three steps. First, an adaptive slicing considering both surface quality and building time is proposed for following tool path generation. Second, a hybrid tool path strategy is introduced to improve the boundary contours accuracy. This step is an adaptive process to choose an appropriate proportional relationship between the two types of tool paths according to the specific fabrication requirements. For further improvement, a tool path adjustment is employed on the original tool paths. A case study of a sliced layer is used to verify the feasibility and advantage of the proposed method.
Extent, Nature, and Covariates of Multitasking of Rail Passengers in an Urban Corridor

A study of the frequency and nature of multitasking on Dutch trains is described. Descriptive and model analyses were carried out on the basis of field observations on intercity and regional trains. The most frequent task was “doing nothing,” followed by “talking socially” and “reading a newspaper. ” On average, most time was spent in “study,” followed by “reading a book,” and “puzzles. ” A multinomial logistic regression model that describes the relationship between the probability of conducting a particular task and several personal and travel context variables is estimated. The most important variables that influence probability of the distinguished tasks are the presence of accompanying persons, age of traveler, travel day, type of train, crowdedness of train, and time of day. This type of information is useful for train companies to improve service quality and design marketing efforts and pricing regimes.
Thermal and hydraulic behavior of plate fin and strip fin heat sinks under varying bypass conditions

Tests have been conducted in a wind tunnel with nine heat sinks of three different types, including plate fin heat sinks and strip fin heat sinks arranged in both in-line and staggered arrays. For each type, tests were run with fin heights (H) of 10, 20 and 30 mm while the heat sink width (B) was kept constant and equal to 52.8 mm. The wind tunnel duct width (CB) was varied in such a way that results were obtained for B/CB=0.84, 0.67, and 0.33. The wind tunnel height (CH) was varied similarly, and data were recorded for H/CH=1, 0.67, and 0.33 while the duct Reynolds number was varied between 2000 through 14000. An empirical bypass correlation has been fitted to the experimental data. Generally, the agreement between experimental data and correlation is within /spl plusmn/10% for the thermal resistance, and within /spl plusmn/20% for the pressure drop. From the experimental data, the fraction of the total airflow passing through each heat sink has been estimated and is compared to a simple physical bypass model.
MEASUREMENTS OF WATER VELOCITY INSIDE THE MODEL OF THE FLOTATION MACHINE

This paper presents an experimental investigation of the velocity field inside the laboratory model of the flotation machine. The crucial working elements of the flotation machine are stator and rotor. These elements force water flow inside the flotation tank and determine course and effectiveness of the flotation process. Hence, the time-resolved particle image velocimetry technique was applied to capture velocity field inside rotor and stator region and in the close vicinity of these elements. Utilised measurement technique allowed us to capture average water velocity field as well as basic turbulence parameters like turbulent kinetic energy and Reynolds stresses. The aims of this study are experimental determination of the velocity distribution inside the flotation tank and gathering measurement data for validation of the mathematical model of the flotation process.
A Sub-1V, Micropower Bandgap Reference

Bandgap references are used in many ICs to produce ‘stable’ and ‘temperature-independent’ voltage. This thesis describes a sub-1V bandgap reference in 40 nm and 0.16 µm CMOS technologies that is functional from -40 oC to 125 oC. Traditionally, BJT based references are commonly used, but produce an output voltage of 1.2 V and are not suitable for supply voltages below 1 V. Previously area-intensive solutions that were based on resistive sub-divisions were used to realize sub-1V references. In this work, a compact and low power ‘bandgap’ reference was implemented in standard CMOS technology using a device known as a Dynamic Threshold MOSFET (DTMOST). 20 chips have been taped out in NXP 0.16 µm CMOS technology (C14) and packaged in Ceramic DIL packages. A 3 ? spread of 1.25 % is observed. The chips work down to a supply of 0.9 V and occupy 0.05 mm2. Also, a prototype has been designed in a 40 nm CMOS process and post-layout simulations have been performed. The chip works down to a supply of 0.8 V and occupies 0.05 mm2. Simulated 3? spread is 3.7 %. The total current consumption for the chips in both technologies is less than 4 µA in the worst case corners.
Human-Centered Robotics and Interactive Haptic Simulation

A new field of robotics is emerging. Robots are today moving towards applications beyond the structured environment of a manufacturing plant. They are making their way into the everyday world that people inhabit. The paper focuses on models, strategies, and algorithms associated with the autonomous behaviors needed for robots to work, assist, and cooperate with humans. In addition to the new capabilities they bring to the physical robot, these models and algorithms and more generally the body of developments in robotics is having a significant impact on the virtual world. Haptic interaction with an accurate dynamic simulation provides unique insights into the real-world behaviors of physical systems. The potential applications of this emerging technology include virtual prototyping, animation, surgery, robotics, cooperative design, and education among many others. Haptics is one area where the computational requirement associated with the resolution in real-time of the dynamics and contact forces of the virtual environment is particularly challenging. The paper describes various methodologies and algorithms that address the computational challenges associated with interactive simulations involving multiple contacts and impacts between human-like structures.
Performance evaluation of generalized selection combining over Nakagami fading channels

A performance analysis of the generalized selection combining (GSC) diversity scheme over Nakagami-m fading channels is presented. We show that by using the Dirichlet transformation, it is possible to derive a relatively simple expression for the moment generating function of the GSC signal-to-noise ratio output and to consequently develop a well-structured procedure for obtaining the average error rate in a form suitable for numerical evaluation. Numerical examples for several modulations of interest show that, for a fixed number of available diversity paths, the more severe is the fading the more diminishing are the returns obtained for an increasing number of combined paths. These numerical results also show that a significant performance improvement can be gained by increasing the number of available diversity paths for a fixed number of combined paths, especially for channels subject to low amount of fading.
The Need for Quality Aviation Safety Graduates: An Educational Challenge

The authors investigated a previously unaddressed problem within curricula of the United States (U.S.) aviation institutions of higher education. Graduates of these institutions were not being prepared to work within safety departments of the U.S. air carriers involved with one or more of the five current, voluntary Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) programs. To ascertain the need for a solution, a subjective instrument was developed and personally administered to 13 participants within the industry. The qualitative results were interpreted, and, in combination with the knowledge gained from the immersion of a professor within a research organization, resulted in the curricular placement of some of the aforementioned content on one campus of one U.S. aviation university during the spring semester of 2005.
Design of Tracked Agricultural Robots for Apple Orchards

To solve the problems of heavy protection tasks and low operational intelligence in China's apple production, this paper designs a crawler-type agricultural robot dedicated to the apple orchard, which is easy to obtain growth information and plant protection of fruit trees in apple orchards. Based on the working environment of the agricultural robot, the parameter indexes are designed; the motion model of the lifting sprayer is established and the length dimension of the lifting frame is obtained; the parameter requirements of the robot's driving motor are derived based on its force and motion analysis; the control system of the robot is designed using the control flow chart. The simulation results show that the structure and control system of the robot meet the design requirements. The design is also of reference value for the design of other fruit tree protection robots.
Finding Solutions to the Integer Case Constraint Satisfiability Problem Using Grover’s Algorithm

Constraint satisfiability problems, crucial to several applications, are solved on a quantum computer using Grover’s search algorithm, leading to a quadratic improvement over the classical case. The solutions are obtained with high probability for several cases and are illustrated for the cases involving two variables for both 3- and 4-bit numbers. Methods are defined for inequality comparisons, and these are combined according to the form of the satisfiability formula, to form the oracle for the algorithm. The circuit is constructed using IBM Qiskit and is verified on an IBM simulator. It is further executed on one of the noisy intermediate-scale quantum processors from IBM on the cloud. Noise levels in the processor at present are found to be too high for successful execution. Running the algorithm on the simulator with a custom noise model lets us identify the noise threshold for successful execution.
Analyze the subordination structure between domain-specific vocabulary and meaning with the Word2Vec training process

Word2vec uses the relationship between the occurrence of words before and after a sentence as the basis for training, which is similar to the human habit of using words. A single word2vec model has only a fixed word vector space and can only rely on a single word vector similarity for clustering, so the word2vec training process will begin to gradually disperse the word vector space and tend to homogeneous phenomenon for clustering assistance. During training, words that are more similar are dispersed more slowly than other words because the possibility of subgroups with a closer semantic relationship can be observed. In addition, the data used in the experiments of this study are Chinese datasets.
Narenciye Ağaç Yaprak Hastalıklarının Evrişimli Sinir Ağları ile Sınıflandırılması

Disease factor in citrus trees greatly affects productivity and quality of the products. Consequently, diseases in the citrus trees harm the farmers financially. Early detection of diseases allows taking necessary precautions and increasing the productivity. As a result, the financial losses of the farmers will be minimized. In this study, a convolutional neural network model, which provides classification of leaf images, has been proposed in order to detect citrus diseases on leaf images. In addition, the classification performances of VGG16 and AlexNet architectures in terms of transfer learning idea for citrus leaf diseases were measured and compared with the custom model. The performances of the models were obtained on a leaf dataset containing images of four different disease and healthy citrus leaf classes. The created ESA model and transfer learning architectures as VGG16 and AlexNet classified the dataset with the accuracy rates of 82.64%, 93.39% and 92.56%, respectively.