Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A new continuum model for suspensions of gyrotactic micro-organisms

A new continuum model is formulated for dilute suspensions of swimming microorganisms with asymmetric mass distributions. Account is taken of randomness in a cell's swimming direction, p, by postulating that the probability density function for p satisfies a Fokker–Planck equation analogous to that obtained for colloid suspensions in the presence of rotational Brownian motion. The deterministic torques on a cell, viscous and gravitational, are balanced by diffusion, represented by an isotropic rotary diffusivity Dr, which is unknown a priori, but presumably reflects stochastic influences on the cell's internal workings. When the Fokker-Planck equation is solved, macroscopic quantities such as the average cell velocity Vc, the particle diffusivity tensor D and the effective stress tensor Σ can be computed; Vc and D are required in the cell conservation equation, and Σ in the momentum equation. The Fokker-Planck equation contains two dimensionless parameters, λ and ε; λ is the ratio of the rotary diffusion time D-1r to the torque relaxation time B (balancing gravitational and viscous torques), while ε is a scale for the local vorticity or strain rate made dimensionless with B. In this paper we solve the Fokker–Planck equation exactly for ε = 0 (λ arbitrary) and also obtain the first-order solution for small ε. Using experimental data on Vc and D obtained with the swimming alga, Chamydomonas nivalis, in the absence of bulk flow, the ε = 0 results can be used to estimate the value of λ for that species (λ ≈ 2.2; Dr ≈ 0.13 s−1). The continuum model for small ε is then used to reanalyse the instability of a uniform suspension, previously investigated by Pedley, Hill & Kessler (1988). The only qualitatively different result is that there no longer seem to be circumstances in which disturbances with a non-zero vertical wavenumber are more unstable than purely horizontal disturbances. On the way, it is demonstrated that the only significant contribution to Σ, other than the basic Newtonian stress, is that derived from the stresslets associated with the cells’ intrinsic swimming motions.
Analogue modulation characteristics of InP membrane microdisc laser for in-building networks

Using thin membrane InP microdisc lasers heterogeneously integrated on a silicon on insulator (SOI) substrate having a broadband analogue modulation bandwidth of 11 GHz, analogue direct modulation with radio data signals (64 and 256 QAM, 20M symbols/s at 5 GHz RF carrier) is demonstrated. The demonstration shows the potential of the microdisc laser as a low-energy analogue optical transmitter with error-vector magnitude penalties of 3.6 and 4.2% for 64 and 256 QAM, respectively, and the low biasing currents for both DC (4 mW) and RF (0.1 mW) signals, which are compatible with signals and currents which can be supplied by a simple CMOS driving chip.
Facilitation within Species: A Possible Origin of Group-Selected Superorganisms

Facilitation (positive interactions) has emerged as a dominant ecological mechanism in many ecosystems. Its importance has recently been expanded to include intraspecific interactions, creating the potential for higher-level natural selection within species. Using multiple lines of evidence, we show that conspecific facilitation within the southern beech tree, Nothofagus pumilio, appears to overcome competition in two life phases. In a seedling experiment addressing stress and planting-density effects, we found that mortality was lowest (∼0%) where there was no stress and was indistinguishable across densities. Furthermore, in mature forests (45 years old), genetically variable, merged individuals had lower mortality (−50%) than unmerged individuals in locations without identifiable stress. Thus, a full understanding of the occurrence of facilitation may require a more general model of resource improvements than the commonly cited stress gradient hypothesis. Additionally, the merged trees showed a density-dependent mortality pattern at the level of the group. These data demonstrate a potential mechanism (facilitation) driving natural selection at this higher level, via stem merging. These merged “superorganisms” would confirm theoretical predictions whereby facilitation acts as an ecological mechanism driving group selection.
Physical and mechanical properties of nanoreinforced particleboard composites.

Novel composite materials having desired performance properties can be developed by nanotechnology. The major objective of this research was to produce nanomaterial-reinforced particleboard composites with enhanced physical and mechanical performance. Urea formaldehyde adhesive used to produce particleboard composites was reinforced with nanoSiO2, nanoAl2O3, and nanoZnO at loading level of 0%, 1%, and 3%. To evaluate physical properties density, thickness swelling, water absorption, and equilibrium moisture content were determined while modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, bonding strength, and screw withdrawal strength tests were carried out to evaluate mechanical properties of the particleboard composites. The results acquired in this work revealed that nanomaterial reinforcement technique significantly affected the physical and mechanical performance properties of the particleboard composites. The findings showed that the modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, bonding strength, and screw withdrawal resistance of the composites improved by all the nanomaterials used in this study, except 3% nanoZnO. It was also determined that using 1% nanoSiO2 or 1% nanoAl2O3 in the composites had the best results in the bonding strength and screw withdrawal resistance. The findings indicate that it is possible to produce novel wood composites by using proper nanomaterial type and loading level.
Occlusion invariant face recognition system

Face recognition has acquired a lot of attention in market and research communities, but still remained very accosting in real time applications. It is one of the several techniques used for identifying an individual. In face recognition system there are many factors which affect the performance of a system. The major factors affecting the face recognition system are pose, illumination, ageing, occlusion and expression etc. Among the above mentioned problem an occlusion is most affecting problem in face recognition. In a face recognition system due to obstacles like sunglasses, scarf etc. we cannot recognize a face image. So first we detect an occlusion from a face image by using a SVM (Support Vector Machine) classifier. To resolve the occlusion problem, each face is divided into k local regions which are analyzed in isolation. We discard an occluded part in a face image and based on remaining non-occluded part of a face image we will recognize a face image. For face recognition purpose we will be using a near set theory.
Comparison of wavelet families with application to WiMAX traffic forecasting

This paper deals with a wavelet based forecasting method for WiMAX traffic time series. It is based on an algorithm composed by a few steps. One of these steps is the computation of the Stationary Wavelet Transform, SWT. This transform has two parameters: the mother wavelet which generates the decomposition and the number of decomposition levels. The aim of this paper is to propose a strategy for the selection of the first parameter. Our work is centered on the following wavelet families Daubechies, Coiflet, Symmlet, Biorthogonal and Reverse Biorthogonal. Some simulation results prove the efficiency of the proposed selection method.
In vitro screening of immunomodulatory properties of synbiotics in chicken DT40 cell line.

Synbiotics (prebiotic & probiotic) are used to stimulate the proper composition of the intestinal microflora in farm animals. One of the desired properties of synbiotics is connected with the immunostimulatory potential that allows for maturation of the immune system and regulation of its functions. This study aimed at selecting synbiotics with the most pronounced immunostimulatory properties, expressed by regulation of immune-related genes. For this purpose we used an in vitro assay based on the DT40 cell line stimulation with different synbiotics and downstream analysis of gene expression. We used a combination of three prebiotics: RFO, inulin, Bi2tos, and three probiotic bacteria strains of Lactococcus lactis. Stimulation was carried out at 37°C and in a 5% CO2 atmosphere for 9 hours. Downstream analysis of gene expression was performed at the mRNA level, using the RT-qPCR method. Each of the 20 analysed genes belonged to (1) cytokines/chemokines/ regulatory molecules regulated by preand probiotics (i.e. IFN-γ, IFN-β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12p40, STAT4, CD3, CD80; iNOS), (2) the TLR2 signalling pathway (TLR2, MyD88) or (3) genes associated with the response of chickens to molecular patterns derived from gram-positive bacteria, i.e. lipoteichoic acid (MAPK8IP3, MAP2K4, MAP2K3, ITGB4, KLHL6, UNC13D and CARD11). The combination of the prebiotic inulin and probiotic Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis SL2 provided the strongest regulation of the immune-related genes, which proves the immunostimulatory potential of this synbiotic.
Effect of Looping On the Lifetime Of A Multi-Sink Wireless Sensor Network Deployed For Healthcare Monitoring System

This paper considers the application of Wireless Sensor Networks in healthcare monitoring systems. The KPS protocol with and without looping in Wireless Sensor Networks is also discussed. The KPS protocol is used for efficient delivery of messages of interest in the form of packets generated from different source nodes to multiple sink nodes within different geographic target regions. In the KPS protocol, forwarding potential is used along with the concept of Fermat point. This paper will focus on the lifetime of a Wireless Sensor Networks in healthcare monitoring systems. The lifetime of the network is considered in terms of the number of rounds, wherein each round is described by the complete transmission of the packet from the source node to the multiple sink nodes. Keywords—Wireless Sensor Networks; Fermat Point; Lifetime of Wireless Sensor Network; Healthcare Monitoring Systems; Grid deployment; KPS Protocol.
Understanding the Properties of Silicon Solar Cells Aluminium Contact Layers and Its Effect on Mechanical Stability

As the thickness of silicon solar wafer and solar cells becomes thinner, the cells are subjected to high stress due to the thermal coefficient mismatch induced by metallization process. Handling and bowing problems associated with thinner wafers become increasingly important, as these can lead to cells cracking and thus to high yield losses. The goal of this work to provide experimental understanding of Al rear side microstructure development and mechanical properties as well as correlate the obtained results with fracture behaviour of the cell. It is shown that the aluminium back contact has a complex microstructure, consisting of five main components: 1) the back surface field layer; 2) a eutectic layer; 3) spherical (3 - 5 μm) hypereutectic Al-Si particles surrounded by a thin aluminium oxide layer (200 nm); 4) a bis- muth-silicate glass matrix; and 5) pores (14 vol%). It was concluded that the eutectic layer thickness and waviness depends on Al particle size, amount of Al paste and textured surface roughness of silicon wafers. The Young’s modulus of the Al-Si particles is estimated by nano-indentation and the overall Young’s modulus is estimated on the basis of bowing measurements and found to be ~43 GPa. It was found, that there is a relation between aluminium paste composition, eutectic layer thickness, mechanical strength and bowing of solar cells. Three main parameters were found to affect the mechanical strength of mc-silicon solar cells with an aluminium contact layer, namely the eutectic layer thickness and uniformity, the Al layer thickness (which results from the Al particle size and its distribution), and the amount of porosity and the bismuth glass fraction.
Proteomic analysis of transcription factor interactions in myeloid stem cell development and leukaemia

Recent results indicate that interactions of transcription factors with other nuclear proteins play an important role in stem cell development, lineage commitment and differentiation in the haematopoietic system, and the pathogenesis of myeloid leukaemias. High-throughput proteomics by mass spectrometric analysis of gel-separated proteins can identify multi-protein complexes and changes in the expression of multiple proteins simultaneously. This review describes an application of proteomic methods (2D gel electrophoresis (GE) and mass spectrometry (MS)), which can be used to identify regulated protein targets of transcription factors important in myeloid differentiation and leukaemia. This global high-throughput functional proteomics approach could lead to new insights into the network of protein–protein interactions and target proteins involved in myeloid stem cell development and leukaemia as well as provide new targets for rational pathogenesis-based therapies of leukaemia and cancer.
Characteristics of Multiple Plasma Plumes and Formation of Bullets in an Atmospheric- Pressure Plasma Jet Array

An atmospheric-pressure plasma jet array source driven by a pulsed bipolar wave of several tens of kilohertz was designed and characterized. This source was assembled with each individual module. Thus, it is possible to adjust the area of treatment by arranging the number of jets. It has the potential to greatly enhance the scale of surface treatment over that of a single plasma jet. Multiple plasma plumes were generated and propagated to grounded-surface relatively uniformly without an auxiliary circuit. Due to the large separation between each jet, plasma bullets propagate through their individual gas channels. The transition from the bullet to the continuous modes occurred at an applied voltage of 5.5 kVpp. The interaction between adjacent plasma plumes and behaviors of primary bullet and subbullet are investigated with intensified charge coupled device camera images.
The Ligands of Estrogen Receptor α Regulate Cytochrome P4502C9 (CYP2C9) Expression

Cytochrome P4502C9 (CYP2C9) is an important drug-metabolizing enzyme responsible for the metabolism of approximately 16% of all clinically relevant drugs. It was shown previously that the activity of CYP2C9 in vivo is inhibited by oral contraceptives. The mechanisms of this effect have not been elucidated. We hypothesize that this may occur because of the sex steroid-dependent activation of estrogen receptor α (ERα) with further transactivation of the CYP2C9 gene. Here, we show that the CYP2C9 promoter indeed contains a functionally relevant estrogen responsive element (ERE) half-site at position −149/−145. Its ERα binding activity was tested by the luciferase gene reporter assay. Promoter constructs bearing this site were cotransfected with ERα into Huh7 hepatoma cells and treated with various ERα ligands including 4-hydroxytamoxifen (4-OHT), raloxifene (R), 17β-estradiol (EE), and 17α-ethinylestradiol (ETE). The luciferase activity driven by the wild-type CYP2C9 promoter construct was up-regulated by 4-OHT and R and significantly or marginally suppressed by ETE and EE, respectively. An identical effect was observed in primary hepatocytes treated with these compounds. Mutations introduced into the ERE half-site abolished the observed effects in the Huh7 cells. Electrophoretic mobility-shift assay revealed sequence-specific binding of a nuclear protein to the oligonucleotide containing the ERE half-site, which was identified as ERα by antibody supershift analysis. In addition, the association of ERα with CYP2C9 promoter was strongly supported by chromatin immunoprecipitation data. Taken together, these results indicate that ERα and its ligands play an important role in the regulation of CYP2C9 expression.
Binding Site Selection for the Plant MADS Domain Protein AGL15

AGL15 (for AGAMOUS-like 15) is currently the only reported member of the plant MADS domain family of transcriptional regulators that preferentially accumulates during embryo development. Additionally, AGL15 is one of the more divergent members of the MADS domain family, including within the DNA-binding domain. Previous studies have shown that MADS domain proteins bind to DNA sequences with an overall consensus of CC(A/T)6GG (called a CArG motif). Nonetheless, different MADS domain proteins exhibit similar yet distinct binding site preferences that may be critical for differential gene regulation. To determine the consensus sequence preferentially bound by AGL15 in vitro, PCR-assisted binding site selection assays were performed. AGL15 was observed to prefer a CArG motif with a longer A/T-rich core and is to date the only plant MADS domain protein having such a preference. Next, the Arabidopsis genome data base was searched for genes containing AGL15 binding sites as candidates for direct regulation by AGL15. One gene, DTA4 (for Downstream Target of AGL15-4), was identified by this method, and then confirmed as a direct target of AGL15 in vivo.
Contrasting Two Dimensions of Disaster-Induced Water-Shortage Experiences: Water Availability and Access

The value of a good is contingent on an individual’s experience that reveals the nature of the good. This study investigates the effects of a water shortage due to the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Disaster in 2011 on the voluntary management of community wells in the water-rich town of Otsuchi, Japan. A questionnaire survey based on a choice experiment (CE) framework was conducted in 2015 in which a total of 127 residents participated. The responses were then analyzed using two types of logit models that consider preference heterogeneity across survey participants. The results revealed that the severity and duration of the water shortage had opposing effects on people’s attitudes toward the wells. More specifically, increasingly severe water shortages due to the unavailability of water rendered people less supportive of the wells, whereas water shortages of a longer duration caused by limited access to water resources made people more supportive.
Women living with chronic illness experienced transition that involved stages of distress and a quest for ordinariness

(2002) J Adv Nurs 39, 146. Kralik D. The quest for ordinariness: transition experienced by midlife women living with chronic illness. ; . : . –54 . [OpenUrl][1][CrossRef][2][PubMed][3][Web of Science][4] QUESTION: What is the meaning of living with chronic illness for midlife women? A feminist participatory research design. No fixed setting because of data collection method (email and letter writing). 81 women aged 30–50 years (mean age 44 y) who identified themselves as living with adult onset chronic illness. Women were from Australia, New Zealand, Samoa, North America, and the United Kingdom. Through email and letter writing spanning 12 months, women told their stories about their experiences of living with chronic illness. The frequency of correspondence varied at the discretion of each participant. Correspondence data from participants were thematically analysed. A subset of engaged participants was actively involved in developing constructs and themes by offering validation, clarification, and interpretation. 2 major themes emerged: extraordinariness , which represented the phase of turmoil and distress that occurred when the women first experienced their chronic illness; and ordinariness , which occurred over time … [1]: {openurl}? query=rft.jtitle%253DJournal%2Bof%2Badvanced%2Bnursing%26rft.stitle%253DJ%2BAdv%2BNurs%26rft.aulast%253DKralik%26rft.auinit1%253DD. %26rft.volume%253D39%26rft.issue%253D2%26rft.spage%253D146%26rft.epage%253D154%26rft.atitle%253DThe%2Bquest%2Bfor%2Bordinariness%253A%2Btransition%2Bexperienced%2Bby%2Bmidlife%2Bwomen%2Bliving%2Bwith%2Bchronic%2Billness. %26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.1046%252Fj.1365-2648.2000. 02254.x%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F12100658%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [2]: /lookup/external-ref? access_num=10.1046/j.1365-2648.2000. 02254.x&link_type=DOI [3]: /lookup/external-ref? access_num=12100658&link_type=MED&atom=%2Febnurs%2F6%2F2%2F63.atom [4]: /lookup/external-ref? access_num=000176526300010&link_type=ISI
Intravesical onabotulinumtoxinA injections for refractory painful bladder syndrome.

BACKGROUND Bladder pain associated with interstitial cystitis and painful bladder syndrome (IC/PBS) is frequently excruciating and intractable. The use of onabotulinumtoxinA (BoNT-A) for relief of this type of bladder pain has not been well described. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravesical BoNT-A injection for treatment of IC/PBS refractory to conventional treatment. STUDY DESIGN Prospective, non-randomized study. SETTING A tertiary medical center in Taiwan. METHODS Sixty-seven patients with characteristic IC/PBS were enrolled. Intravesical injection of 100U of BoNT-A immediately followed by cystoscopic hydrodistention under intravenous general anesthesia. Changes of the urodynamic parameters, O'Leary-Sant Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index (ICSI) and Interstitial Cystitis Problem Index (ICPI), visual analog score (VAS) for pain, functional bladder capacity, and global response assessment (GRA) were evaluated at baseline and 6 months after BoNT-A injection. Adverse events that occurred after this procedure were also assessed. RESULTS Significant improvement was shown after intravesical injection of 100 U of BoNT-A. Baseline and 6 months after injection scores were: ICSI and ICPI (23.6 ± 5.9 versus 15.2 ± 8.5, P = 0.000), VAS (5.3 ± 2.2 versus 3.3 ± 2.4, P = 0.000), functional bladder capacity (136 ± 77.6 versus 180 ± 78.2, P = 0.000) and GRA (0.3 ± 0.8 versus 1.4 ± 1.0, P = 0.000). LIMITATIONS This study lacks a placebo control group so the placebo effect cannot be eliminated. This study also does not provide information about the efficacy of this treatment after 6 months. CONCLUSION Intravesical onabotulinumtoxinA injection appears to be a safe and effective therapeutic option for analgesia and increased bladder capacity for patients with IC/PBS. INSTITUTIONAL REVIEW: This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the Buddhist Tzu-chi General Hospital.
08302 Summary - Countering Insider Threats

This article summarizes the objectives and structure of a seminar with the same title, held from July 20th to July 25th, 2008, at Schloss Dagstuhl, Germany. The seminar brought together researchers and policy-makers from all involved communities, to clarify what it is that identifies an insider threat, and to develop a common vision of how an insider can be categorized as well as an integrated approach that allows a qualitative reasoning about the threat and the possibilities of attacks. This report gives an overview of the discussions and presentations during the week, as well as the outcome of these discussions.