Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Gold Bow-Tie Shaped Aperture Nanoantenna: Wide Band Near-field Resonance and Far-Field Radiation

In this paper, the optical bow-tie shaped aperture nanoantenna excited by a plane wave is numerically investigated based on the finite integration technique (FIT) where both near-field resonant properties, and far-field radiation characteristics are studied. Different from conventional metallic antennas used in the radio frequency range, gold aperture nanoantenna with a dimension of tens of nanometers is capable of producing a localized enhanced field. The enhanced filed is equivalent to a strong light spot which can lead to the resolution improvement of the microscopy and optical lithography, thus increasing the optical data storage capacity. Compared with previous studies, the present work improves calculations in terms of broader bands specially in optical range, where the nanoantenna's surface plasmon resonance is appositely described in terms of properly chosen frequency dependent permittivity. It is found from our observation that in the near-field, the bow-tie shaped aperture nanoantenna possesses strong resonant properties. These properties, dependent on the polarization directions of the excitation source and the geometrical parameters of nanoantenna, are studied in detail. In addition, the far-field characteristics of the nanoantenna such as directivity and gain are studied for the first time via computed aperture nanoantenna's pattern. The promising results of this study may have useful potential applications in near-field sample detection, optical microscopy, etc.
Child and adolescent growth disorders--an overview.

BACKGROUND While many children presenting with apparent disorders of growth will be short or tall children growing normally, it is important to identify those children who have an underlying pathological cause. Parental expectation and anxiety will often accompany growth issues and this needs to be addressed. OBJECTIVE The article aims to assist the clinician in distinguishing pathological short stature from normal variants, and to guide in the management of normal variants and common pathologies. DISCUSSION Pathological short stature can be distinguished from normal variants by careful history and examination followed by accurate assessment of the growth parameters of height, weight, body proportions and growth velocity, and judicious use of investigations. Growth is a dynamic process that requires multiple measurements over time. If the patient has a nonpathological cause of short stature, explanation and reassurance are critical--for both the parents and child--to feel supported and comfortable with their height outcome.
The Bacterial Heterotrimeric Amidotransferase GatCAB: functions, structures and mechanism-based inhibitors

tRNA-dependent amidotransferases (AdT) are essential enzymes for protein biosynthesis in many bacteria and in all archaea. As AdT is essential for a number of pathogenic bacteria, and it is absent from mammalian cytoplasm, it is considered as a putative target for novel inhibitors that could be lead compounds to develop a new class of antibiotics. Besides GatFAB of Saccharomyces cerevisiae mitochondria and GatAB of Plasmodium falciparum apicoplast, all reported AdT can be divided into two groups: heterodimeric GatDE and heterotrimeric GatCAB. The latter is required to catalyze the conversion of Glu-tRNAGln and/or Asp-tRNAAsn into Gln-tRNAGln and/or Asn-tRNAAsn in many pathogenic bacteria. Recently determined high resolution crystal structures of several GatCAB could be used to design new inhibitors. In this review, we highlight the essential role of AdT for the faithful translation of glutamine and/or asparagine codons, we describe important features of the crystal structures of several GatCAB as well as tRNA/AdT/aaRS complexes for the formation of Gln-tRNAAsn and AsntRNAAsn, we fi nally summarize discoveries of AdT inhibitors based on their analogy to glutamine, adesosine tripoliphosphate and 3’-end of tRNA. Review Article The Bacterial Heterotrimeric Amidotransferase GatCAB: functions, structures and mechanism-based
Molecular Diversity within Lactobacillus helveticus as Revealed by Genotypic Characterization

ABSTRACT Lactobacillus helveticus is a homofermentative thermophilic lactic acid bacterium that is used in the manufacture of Swiss type and long-ripened Italian cheeses, such as Emmental, Grana, and Provolone cheeses. Substantial differences in several technologically important characteristics are found among L. helveticus strains isolated from natural dairy starter cultures. In the present study we investigated the genotypic diversity of 74 strains isolated from different dairy cultures used for manufacturing Grana and Provolone cheeses and six collection strains. A restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of both total genomic DNA and the 16S rRNA gene (ribotyping) was used as genotypic fingerprinting. A multivariate statistical analysis of the data enabled us to identify significant genotypic heterogeneity inL. helveticus. We found that genotypic fingerprinting could be used to distinguish strains; in particular, it was possible to associate the presence of specific strain genotypes with dairy ecosystem sources (e.g., Grana or Provolone cheese). Our data contribute to the description of microbial heterogeneity in L. helveticus and provide a more solid basis for understanding the functional and ecological significance of the presence of differentL. helveticus biotypes in natural dairy starter cultures.
A Decision Support System for Intermodal Train Planning

Train planning is the process of assigning containers to certain wagons on an intermodal train. Currently, there is limited decision support used for train planning in Australia leading to costly rehandles when loading trains. Intermodal terminals are highly integrated systems that create a difficult planning environment for computerised decision support systems. We have addressed this difficulty for the specific problem of train planning by developing a detailed mathematical optimisation model. This paper describes the model and how it was implemented within a software system called ITP - Intermodal Train Planner. Numerical experiments are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of ITP.
Isolation and characterization of antibiotic LL-AC541.

A new basic, water-soluble antibiotic designated LL-AC541, produced by a strain of Streptomyces hygroscopicus (NRRL 3111), was isolated as a hydrochloride salt; [alpha](D) (25), - 58 degrees , melting point, 200 to 215 C (decomposition). It is structurally related to streptothricin but does not contain beta-lysine. Isolation procedures, physicochemical properties, antimicrobial spectrum, and in vivo testing results are presented. Another very closely related antibiotic obtained from the same fermentation is briefly described.
Evaluation of de-scum methodology for through silicon via (TSV) etch to improve TSV defects performance

3D chip stacking are the solution for achieving more transistors on microchips. Through Si via (TSV) is the key for 2.5D and 3D technology. In this paper, a novel integrated de-scum technique are evaluated to improve both etch and litho process margin and TSV profile. Using a proper and optimized de-scum methodology for TSV etch we demonstrated a defect free TSV profile without any significant process integration impact and also throughput loss.
Local Passive Acoustic Monitoring of Narwhal Presence in the Canadian Arctic: A Pilot Project

Long-term community-based monitoring of narwhals ( Monodon monoceros ) is needed because narwhals are important to local Inuit and are facing changes in their environment. We examined the suitability of passive acoustic recording for monitoring narwhals, using data gathered in the Canadian Arctic from an autonomous acoustic recorder (Repulse Bay, 2006) and a hand-held digital recorder (Koluktoo Bay, 2006 – 08). We found a relationship between the number of narwhals observed passing a fixed point and the number of calls heard. In addition, we found that an automated call detector could isolate segments of recording containing narwhal vocalizations over long recording periods containing non-target sound, thus decreasing the time spent on the analysis. Collectively, these results suggest that combining passive acoustic sampling with an automated call detector offers a useful approach for local monitoring of the presence and relative abundance of narwhals.
The Effects of Meaning-Based Auditory Training on Behavioral Measures of Perceptual Effort in Individuals with Impaired Hearing

Abstract There has been considerable interest in measuring the perceptual effort required to understand speech, as well as to identify factors that might reduce such effort. In the current study, we investigated whether, in addition to improving speech intelligibility, auditory training also could reduce perceptual or listening effort. Perceptual effort was assessed using a modified version of the n-back memory task in which participants heard lists of words presented without background noise and were asked to continually update their memory of the three most recently presented words. Perceptual effort was indexed by memory for items in the three-back position immediately before, immediately after, and 3 months after participants completed the Computerized Learning Exercises for Aural Rehabilitation (clEAR), a 12-session computerized auditory training program. Immediate posttraining measures of perceptual effort indicated that participants could remember approximately one additional word compared to pretraining. Moreover, some training gains were retained at the 3-month follow-up, as indicated by significantly greater recall for the three-back item at the 3-month measurement than at pretest. There was a small but significant correlation between gains in intelligibility and gains in perceptual effort. The findings are discussed within the framework of a limited-capacity speech perception system.
LECTERN II SYSTEM DEMONSTRATION

Deployment of asynchronous learning systems is still very limited mainly because of the use of expensive video to record and play back classroom lectures. The key advantage of the Lectern II approach is that all important lecture components can be effectively captured without video. Lectern II employs the touch-sensitive screen technology to build a “digital desk,” which is shown to be able to effectively support and transparently capture the standard classroom lecturing activity. Similar to the hardware set up described in [1] Lectern II consists of a high resolution touch-sensitive screen, a PC, a video projector, and a microphone. The PC and the touch sensitive screen can be substituted with a tablet PC as illustrated in figure 1. Instructors carry out the entire lecturing activity using the touch sensitive screen, while its contents are mirrored on a big screen via the video projector. A digital pen is used to emphasize important points, draw illustrations and formulas, or simply attract students’ attention to some location on the slide. Meanwhile, the voice is being recorded through a microphone. The whole setup consists of only two pieces and thus can be conveniently carried by the instructor and easily shared among many classrooms. Recorded lectures can be edited and automatically uploaded to a Web server, and than searched and viewed via a standard streaming player. As the total cost of a complete Lectern II system is under $4,000, Lectern II represents the first course lecture recording system that has the potential to be widely deployed in the classrooms of universities and K-12 schools. More details about the implementation of the Lectern II system can be found in [2].
A rapid method to assess the aggressiveness of Eutypa lata isolates and the susceptibility of grapevine cultivars to Eutypa dieback.

Une methode a ete mise au point en serre pour etudier le deperissement de la vigne du a Eutypa lata. Des cylindres de mycelium et de milieu PDA ont ete places dans des trous perces 4 cm au-dessous des bourgeons de boutures non racinees. Les pousses montrent les symptomes foliaires caracteristiques de la maladie des le stade F. La severite des symptomes depend de l'isolat d'E lata utilise. Tous les isolats se sont reveles capables de coloniser les boutures mais certains n'ont pas induit de symptomes foliaires. Tous les cepages ont montre les symptomes de la maladie et differents niveaux de sensibilite ont ete mis en evidence
Storytelling Neighborhood Paths to Belonging in Diverse Urban Environments

This article develops and tests a communication infrastructure model of belonging among dwellers of urban residential environments.The concept of a communication infrastructure—a storytelling system set in its communication action context—is discussed. Storytelling neighborhood, the communication process through which neighborhood discussion transforms people from occupants of a house to members of a neighborhood, is proposed as an essential component of people’s paths to belonging, an attachment to a residential area that is evidenced in everyday exchange behaviors. A multimethod research design is employed to study seven residential areas in Los Angeles through the use of multilingual data collection to discover the relevant factors that determine belonging in new and old immigrant communities. A communication infrastructure model that posits storytelling as an intervening process between structural location and belonging is proposed and tested. Overall, the most important factor in creating belonging was found to be an active and integrated storytelling system that involves residents,community organizations, and local media. The diagnostic potentials of the communication infrastructure approach and the policy implications of the findings are discussed. In this article, we develop and test a storytelling model of belonging among dwellers of urban residential places in Los Angeles.Of particular concern are the features of a storytelling process that motivate people, individually and
Effects of steam-flaked sorghum grain or corn and supplemental fat on feedlot performance, carcass traits, longissimus composition, and sensory properties of steers.

One hundred forty British x Exotic crossbred, yearling steers (370 kg) were used in a 2 x 2 factorial experiment to evaluate main effects and the interaction of grain type (steam-flaked sorghum grain [SFSG] or steam-flaked corn [SFC]) and level of supplemental far (0 or 4% yellow grease [YG]) on feedlot performance, diet NE concentration, carcass traits, and chemical composition and sensory properties of longissimus muscle. Steer performance and estimated dietary NEm and NEg values were not different between SFSG and SFC. Supplemental YG improved (P less than or equal to .05) gain/feed and estimated NEm and NEg of both SFSG and SFC diets. Compared with steers fed SFSG, steers fed SFC had a more yellow (P less than .05) subcutaneous fat color. Supplemental YG had an additive effect (P less than .025) on yellow color of subcutaneous fat but improved (P less than .08) the lean color of longissimus muscle. Grain type or supplemental YG had no effect on sensory properties or mechanical shear of longissimus muscle. Longissimus muscle cholesterol content was elevated (P less than .05) by supplemental YG (.49 vs .52 mg/g of wet tissue for 0 vs 4% YG, respectively); however, the biological significance of this result is questionable. Similarly, effects of YG on increased (P less than .05) stearic acid concentration and a higher concentration (P less than .05) of linoleic acid measured in longissimus muscle of steers fed SFSG vs SFC were small in magnitude. These data indicate that under the conditions of this experiment, NE contents of SFSG and SFC were similar. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
TALK: Topology Aware LKH Key Management

Cryptographic key management for wireless sensor networks (WSNs) and mobile ad-hoc networks (MANETs) is a particularly challenging task, as they mostly consist of high counts of resource constrained nodes, especially when group communication and dynamic network membership capabilities are required. The logical key hierarchy (LKH) is a well-known class of protocols which aims to solve the key management problem and minimize rekeying overhead, using hierarchical structures and taking advantage of multicast communication. In this work we propose a method for obtaining LKH structures by taking into account the topology of the underlying network, leading to a further decrease in rekeying costs, in terms of packet transmissions.
REACTIVITY OF SINGLET OXYGEN TOWARD AMINO ACIDS AND PEPTIDES

Quenching of singlet oxygen (1O2) in D2O‐ethanol by the amino acids tryptophan, tyrosine, histidine, methionine, cysteine and their derivatives was measured by exciting the sensitizers rose bengal or meso‐tetra (N‐methyl‐4‐pyridyl)porphyrin tetratosylate in the presence of oxygen and the above quenchers in solution. In our polar solvent, containing 75% D2O on a molar basis it was found that (1) substitution of the aromatic ring in indole, phenol and imidazole by the electron‐donating methyl group increases the total (i.e. nonreactive and reactive) quenching rate constant by a factor of five to eight. Free or blocked amino and carboxyl groups removed by two methylene groups from the ring counteract the above increase in the rate constant. The reactive quenching of singlet oxygen, which leads to oxidative destruction of the aromatic ring, correlates with the above substitution effects. It has been proposed that the quenching process takes place by formation of an exciplex between 1O2 and the quencher. Thus our results indicate that the better an electron donor the amino acid residue is the more pronounced is the charge transfer contribution in the exciplex formed with 1O2 and the more likely it is to lead to charge separation and hence to a chemical reaction. (2) Oligopeptides in solution or peptide bonds linked to the amino acid residue have only a minor effect on singlet oxygen. It can therefore be expected that the polypeptide chains per se in the protein network will not interact significantly with the single oxygen molecules present. The quenching of the latter should, to a first approximation, depend only on the presence of the above reactive amino acid residues and to their accessibility to 1O2 as well as on the effective dielectric constant within the protein structure.
Steganography : random LSB insertion using discrete logarithm

Due to advances in ICT, most of information are kept electronically. Consequently, the security of information has become a fundamental issue. Besides cryptography, steganography can be employed to secure information. Steganography is a technique of hiding information in digital media, whereby the message is embedded in a digital host before passing it through the network. Hence, the existence of the message is unknown. Besides hiding data for confidentiality, this approach of information hiding can be extended to copyright protection for digital media: audio, video, and images. In this paper, we proposed the Secure Information Hiding System (SIHS) that is based on Least Significant Bit (LSB) technique in hiding messages in an image. The system enhanced the LSB technique by randomly dispersing the bits of the message in the image and thus making it harder for unauthorized people to extract the original message. Discrete logarithm calculation technique is used for determining the location of the image pixels to embed the message. The proposed algorithm provides a stego-key that will be used during the embedding and extracting of the message.
Genetic relationships between Tribolium castaneum and T. confusum based on mitochondrial DNA sequences

The flour beetles Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) and T. confusum (Jacquelin du Val) are economically important, morphologically similar and sympatrically distributed stored-product pests throughout the world. To clarify their genetic relationships, two regions of the mitochondrial DNA, the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and the cytochrome b (Cytb), were sequenced for 100 individuals. Three and four haplotypes were identified for the COI and Cytb sequences, respectively, and there were no shared haplotypes between the two species in either sequence. Haplotype sequences within species differed by small numbers of nucleotide substitutions in the COI and Cytb region, and the substitutions did not result in the change of the encoded amino acids in both regions. In contrast, there were many substitutions between haplotypes of T. castaneum and T. confusum in the COI and Cytb regions, and the substitutions resulted in some encoded amino acid changes. Phylogeny incorporating two other Tribolium flour beetle species revealed that, the two species pairs, T. castaneum and T. freemani, and T. confusum and T. destructor, were more closely related than T. castaneum and T. confusum, which was not completely consistent with the phylogenetic relationships inferred from morphological data. Therefore, these results demonstrate that T. castaneum and T. confusum are genetically distinct from each other even though their morphology and size are very similar, and the COI and Cytb sequences are very useful for quantifying the genetic differentiation and phylogenetic relationships between species, especially morphologically similar species.
A new forward based converter with power factor correction

The paper presents a forward converter with power factor correction. The novelty of the paper consists in a combination between a forward converter and a valley fill circuit. The auxiliary winding of forward converter is included in valley fill converter. The new converter has a high power factor. The paper will present the design, simulations and experimental results of the proposed circuit. Another important advantage of the proposed circuit is a reduced stress of the power transistor.
Generation of Human Alloantigen-Specific Regulatory T Cells under Good Manufacturing Practice-Compliant Conditions for Cell Therapy

Natural regulatory T cells (Tregs) may have a great therapeutic potential to induce tolerance in allogeneic cells and organ transplantations. In mice, we showed that alloantigen-specific Tregs (spe-Tregs) were more efficient than polyclonal Tregs (poly-Tregs) in controlling graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Here we describe a clinical-grade compliant method for generating human spe-Tregs. Tregs were enriched from leukapheresis products with anti-CD25 immunomagnetic beads, primed twice by allogeneic mature monocyte-derived dendritic cells (mDCs), and cultured during 3 weeks in medium containing interleukin 2 (IL-2), IL-15, and rapamycin. After 3 weeks of culture, final cell products were expanded 8.3-fold from the initial CD25+ purifications. Immunophenotypic analyses of final cells indicate that they were composed of 88 ± 2.6% of CD4+ T cells, all expressing Treg-specific markers (FOXP3, Helios, GARP, LAP, and CD152). Spe-Tregs were highly suppressive in vitro and also in vivo using a xeno-GVHD model established in immunodeficient mice. The specificity of their suppressive activity was demonstrated on their ability to significantly suppress the proliferation of autologous effector T cells stimulated by the same mDCs compared to third-party mDCs. Our data provide evidence that functional alloantigen Tregs can be generated under clinical-grade compliant conditions. Taking into account that 130 × 106 CD25+ cells can be obtained at large scale from standard leukapheresis, our cell process may give rise to a theoretical final number of 1 × 109 spe-Tregs. Thus, using our strategy, we can propose to prepare spe-Tregs for clinical trials designed to control HLA-mismatched GVHD or organ transplantation rejection.