Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Development of 3D thermoelectric generators using Bi and Sb elements

This paper presents new devices to scavenge energy by developing a miniature power source for operating electronic components. Following our development of 2D thermoelectric devices, we conceived new processes and technology steps to develop 3D devices. Thermoelectric (TE) devices are realized with bismuth and antimony layers. These two elements are deposited by PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition). Bi and Sb micro-devices have been manufactured with an area of 1 cm2, including more than 63000 junctions. Each step of process fabrication has been optimized and will be presented. Different devices structures have been realized. Thus each devices performance will be reviewed and estimated as a function of their structure design.
Identification of ARIA regulating endothelial apoptosis and angiogenesis by modulating proteasomal degradation of cIAP-1 and cIAP-2

Endothelial apoptosis is a pivotal process for angiogenesis during embryogenesis as well as postnatal life. By using a retrovirus-mediated signal sequence trap method, we identified a previously undescribed gene, termed ARIA (apoptosis regulator through modulating IAP expression), which regulates endothelial apoptosis and angiogenesis. ARIA was expressed in blood vessels during mouse embryogenesis, as well as in endothelial cells both in vitro and in vivo. ARIA is a unique protein with no homology to previously reported conserved domain structures. Knockdown of ARIA in HUVECs by using small interfering RNA significantly reduced endothelial apoptosis without affecting either cell migration or proliferation. ARIA knockdown significantly increased inhibitor of apoptosis (cIAP)-1 and cIAP-2 protein expression, although their mRNA expression was not changed. Simultaneous knockdown of cIAP-1 and cIAP-2 abolished the antiapoptotic effect of ARIA knockdown. Using yeast 2-hybrid screening, we identified the interaction of ARIA with 20S proteasome subunit α-7. Thereafter, we found that cIAP-1 and cIAP-2 were degraded by proteasomes in endothelial cells under normal condition. Overexpression of ARIA significantly reduced cIAP-1 expression, and this reduction was abolished by proteasomal inhibition in BAECs. Also, knockdown of ARIA demonstrated an effect similar to proteasomal inhibition with respect to not only expression but also subcellular localization of cIAP-1 and cIAP-2. In vivo angiogenesis studied by Matrigel-plug assay, mouse ischemic retinopathy model, and tumor xenograft model was significantly enhanced by ARIA knockdown. Together, our data indicate that ARIA is a unique factor regulating endothelial apoptosis, as well as angiogenesis, presumably through modulating proteasomal degradation of cIAP-1 and cIAP-2 in endothelial cells.
Metabolic engineering of Lactococcus lactis: influence of the overproduction of alpha-acetolactate synthase in strains deficient in lactate dehydrogenase as a function of culture conditions

The als gene for alpha-acetolactate synthase of Lactococcus lactis MG1363 was cloned on a multicopy plasmid under the control of the inducible L. lactis lacA promoter. More than a hundredfold overproduction of alpha-acetolactate synthase was obtained in L. lactis under inducing conditions as compared with that of the host strain, which contained a single chromosomal copy of the als gene. The effect of alpha-acetolactate synthase overproduction on the formation of end products in various L. lactis strains was studied under different fermentation conditions. Under aerobic conditions and with an initial pH of 6.0, overexpression of the als gene resulted in significant acetoin production that amounted to more than one-third of the pyruvate converted. However, the effect of the alpha-acetolactate synthase overproduction was even more pronounced in the lactate dehydrogenase-deficient strain L. lactis NZ2700. Anaerobic cultivation of this strain resulted in a doubling of the butanediol formation of up to 40% of the converted pyruvate. When cultivated aerobically at an initial pH of 6.8, overexpression of the als gene in L. lactis NZ2700 resulted in the conversion of more than 60% of the pyruvate into acetoin, while no butanediol was formed. Moreover, at an initial pH of 6.0, similar amounts of acetoin were obtained, but in addition approximately 20% of the pyruvate was converted into butanediol. These metabolic engineering studies indicate that more than 80% of the lactose can be converted via the activity of the overproduced alpha-acetolactate synthase in L. lactis.
Mobile-based wearable-type of driver fatigue detection by GSR and EMG

Driver fatigue had been a major reason that leads to road accidents. This paper focuses on investigating the usage of electromyography and galvanic skin response to detect the driver fatigue symptoms. The study reveals that the variation of EMG signal patterns can be mapped to simulate the driving behavior. In the study, five attachment positions of EMG sensors are observed to indicate the best position of the mapping for wheel steering control behavior. Hereby, the study also reveals that the changing variations of EMGs in frequency-domain are excellent and significant fatigue indicator than the usual time-domain features. On the other hand, existing systems only focused on analyzing the signal pattern of GSR, but not the variation of GSR in accordance to frequency analysis, which is one of our main objectives study. The sensed EMGs and GSRs are transmitted to the mobile device via Bluetooth Low Energy. The analysis takes part in mobile device with implemented fatigue monitoring application. If the developed classifier indicates the driver vigilance level dropped to dangerous predefined threshold, a vibration warning will be triggered to alert the driver. In fact, the experiment results revealed that the significant differences in EMG and GSR features are managed to determine the driver fatigue in five seconds interval. The developed SVM classifier of mobile application shows average of 92% fatigue detection accuracy rate.
How Locally Specific Factors May Impact the Delivery of HIV-Related Services to the Severely Mentally Ill in Washington, DC.

Mental illness is a known barrier to HIV care in public health care settings. Estimated HIV seroprevalence among the Severely Mentally Ill (SMI) individuals in the US is 6.9%, but there is a lack of evidence-based strategies to engage them consistently in HIV-related services such as testing, prevention, (early) diagnosis, and linkage with care. Although adults with mental illnesses are more likely to have been HIV-tested than those without mental illness, the high prevalence rates suggest that additional preventive efforts targeting this population are needed. With 2.5% HIV seroprevalence among its residents, Washington DC is a home to the most severe urban HIV epidemic in the US. There have been improvements across multiple affected sociodemographic groups in DC between years 2008 and 2012: linkage to care within 3 months of HIV diagnosis increased from 57.3% to 85.7%; the rates of viremia suppression increased from 57.4% to 61.0%; average CD4 count at time of diagnosis increased from 330 to 435; and late testing decreased from 56% to 44%. However, the surveillance efforts have not specifically identified SMI individuals as a risk group, so it is not clear to what extent SMI individuals have been included in, or benefited from, these advances. Reported barriers to providing HIV testing to SMI individuals include patient-related (e.g., cognitive problems, inadequate insight, inability to navigate services) and structural factors (e.g., staff shortage, inadequate training, time pressure). Here we describe additional factors that might be specific to Washington DC and may affect the delivery of HIV testing or other HIV-related services to SMI individuals. Within a larger qualitative study, we conducted three focus groups, with 14 providers (6 social workers, 6 case managers, 1 nurse practitioner, 1 nurse) from eight DC-based outpatient community clinics, who serve SMI clients. All participants were females, mostly white (n = 12); mostly in their 30s (n = 5) and 40s (n = 4), with experience in care-giving settings ranging from 5 to 29 years. Our qualitative analysis drew on Grounded Theory. Coding was conducted by the second and fourth authors, and inter-rater reliability verified by running Coding Comparison queries, utilizing nVivo Version 9 (QSR International Pty Ltd.). The participants’ DC-specific narratives clustered into three themes, as follows.
Comparison of enterovirus 71 and coxsackie-virus A16 clinical illnesses during the Taiwan enterovirus epidemic, 1998.

OBJECTIVES To compare enterovirus 71 (EV 71) with coxsackievirus A16 (Cox A16) clinical illness in patients at Chang Gung Children's Hospital during Taiwan's enterovirus epidemic of 1998. METHODS With the use of the immunofluorescence assay and neutralization test, 177 cases of EV 71 and 64 cases of Cox A16 illness were confirmed from April to September, 1998. The clinical signs and symptoms, complications and case fatality rates were compared. RESULTS Three-fourths of the cases were younger than 3 years of age, and the ratio of males to females was 1.3 in the EV 71 group and 1.2 in the Cox A16 group. In the EV 71 group 120 (68%) cases were uncomplicated, including 94 cases of hand, foot and mouth disease and 15 cases of herpangina, and 57 (32%) cases had complications, including 13 (7.3%) cases of aseptic meningitis, 18 (10%) cases of encephalitis, 4 (2.3%) cases of polio-like syndrome, 8 (4.5%) cases of encephalomyelitis and 12 (6.8%) cases of fatal pulmonary edema. Fourteen (7.9%) patients died, including 12 cases of pulmonary edema and 2 cases of encephalitis; seven (4%) patients had sequelae. By contrast, 60 (94%) of the 64 cases of Cox A16 infection were uncomplicated and only 4 (6.3%) cases were complicated by aseptic meningitis; no fatalities or sequelae were observed. By multivariate analysis vomiting (P = 0.01) and fever higher than 39 degrees C plus lasting longer than 3 days (P = 0.02) were significantly more frequent in the EV 71 group. CONCLUSION EV 71 illness is more severe with significantly greater frequency of serious complications and fatality than is illness caused by Cox A16.
SPEED-CONTROLLED ELECTRICAL DRIVE WITH NOVEL DISTURBANCE OBSERVER UDC 621 . 313

This paper presents the design of a digitally-controlled speed electrical drive in the presence of arbitrary external immeasurable load disturbances. The extraction of a known class of external disturbances is achieved by using the novel DOB (Disturbance Observer), in which the discrete-time model of external disturbance is included implicitly. It is shown, analytically, by simulation, and experimentally, that the proposed modification of disturbance observer enables the entire rejection of a known class of immeasurable external disturbances, in the steady-state, regardless of the DOB filter cutoff frequency. Thus the speed of disturbance extraction and quality of closed-loop system set-point transient response can be achieved independently. The proposed design procedure is carried out by the speed-controlled drive with a vectorcontrolled induction motor. Both the simulation and experimental results illustrate the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed technique.
Clinical utility of a panfungal polymerase chain reaction assay for invasive fungal diseases in patients with haematologic disorders

Invasive fungal diseases (IFDs) are life‐threatening events in patients with haematologic disorders, and the spectrum of the aetiological pathogens continues to expand. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical utility of a panfungal polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for the management of IFDs in such patients.
Ageing of amorphous silicon devices in dependence of irradiance dose

The ageing behaviour of amorphous silicon (a-Si) devices is investigated in dependence of different light and temperature conditions. Eight a-Si mini-modules are illuminated and kept at constant temperature in an environmental chamber. The ageing behaviour is characterised in terms of a temperature-dependent irradiance dose rather than the exposure time or irradiance dependence in order to investigate possible ageing dependencies of environmental strains and to develop models for device long-term degradation.
Glatiramer acetate (Copaxone) treatment in relapsing–remitting MS

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of glatiramer acetate (GA, Copaxone; Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd., Petah Tiqva, Israel) by MRI-based measures in patients with relapsing–remitting (RR) MS. Methods: Twenty-seven patients with clinically definite RR-MS were treated with either 20 mg of GA by daily subcutaneous self-injection (n = 14) or placebo (n = 13) for approximately 24 months. Axial dual-echo fast-spin-echo T2-weighted images and T1-weighted images before and after gadolinium (Gd) were acquired at 1.5 tesla and transferred into an image processing computer system. The main outcome measures were the number of Gd-enhanced T1 and T2 lesions and their volume as well as brain parenchyma volume. Results: The values of age, disease duration, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score, the number of T1- and T2-weighted lesions, and their volume were similar between GA- and placebo-receiving groups at the entry of this study. There was a decrease in the number of T1-enhanced lesions (p = 0.03) and a significant percent annual decrease of their volume in GA recipients compared with those of placebo recipients. There were no significant differences between changes in the two groups in the number of T2 lesions and their volume. The loss of brain tissue was significantly smaller in the GA group compared with that of the placebo group. Conclusions: These results show that GA treatment may decrease both lesion inflammation and the rate of brain atrophy in RR-MS.
Body composition, water turnover and energy turnover assessment with labelled water

Our understanding of human energy metabolism has benefited greatly from the application of water labelled with 2H and 18O for the measurement of total body water, water turnover and total daily energy expenditure. Applications include validation of techniques for the assessment of dietary intake and physical activity, assessment of water and energy requirement and the assessment of the effect of dietary and physical activity interventions, including its use with endurance athletes competing at the highest level. Critical aspects of the application are isotope dose preparation, sample collection, sample analysis and the calculation procedure. The labelled-water method can easily be applied in normal living conditions, including exercise, and in the clinical setting. However, sample analysis requires a sophisticated laboratory with an isotope-ratio mass spectrometer and a sample preparation system. Examples of insights based on labelled-water studies are: (1) self-reported dietary intakes often underestimate energy requirements; (2) subjects have problems maintaining energy balance when daily energy expenditure exceeds 2.5 times resting energy expenditure. Devices for the assessment of physical activity validated using labelled water allow the study of activity patterns and strategies to influence the activity level of a sedentary society.
Plasma Therapies in Thrombotic Syndromes

Background Plasma therapies are being applied to thombotic syndromes, but there are limited controlled studies. Objective To review the evidence and the current practices for plasma therapies in thrombotic syndromes. Methods Expert-enhanced evidence-based analysis. Evidence obtained as of Dec 31, 2002 using Pub Med electronic reference library and expert-obtained library for a total of > 3,000 references obtained using the terms plasma therapy or plasma exchange or plasmapheresis or plasmafiltration or sorbents each combined with the words thrombotic syndrome or sepsis or septic shock. The authors screened the abstracts, reviewed the agreed set of papers, and compiled the recommendations. Results Plasma therapies, which alter the plasma components in patients, have been applied in thrombotic syndromes worldwide. In these patients, there is a biologic plausibility for plasma therapies since they have molecules that are prothrombotic and/or antifibrinolytic which would put them at risk for microvascular thrombosis and end-organ damage. There are respectively one randomized controlled trial (RCT) in primary thrombotic syndrome, and secondary thrombotic syndrome, which showed an improvement in mortality in applying plasma therapies (plasma exchange by centrifugation). However, there are numerous non-randomized and case series. Plasma exchange is accepted as the standard therapy for primary thrombotic syndrome as in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). However, no consensus has been reached for plasma exchange in secondary thrombotic syndromes such as in sepsis, hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), thrombocytopenia associated multiple organ failure, TTP/HUS, s/p bone marrow or solid organ transplant, HELLP syndrome, immunologic disorders, drug exposure, or pancreatitis. Conclusions As we understand more about the pathophysiology of thrombotic syndromes, specific plasma therapies can be applied for the specific need of a particular patient population. There are sufficient preliminary data to recommend a definitive RCT to evaluate the efficacy of the different types of plasma therapies in secondary thrombotic syndromes.
Work time control and sleep disturbances: prospective cohort study of Finnish public sector employees.

OBJECTIVES Employee control over work times has been associated with favorable psychosocial and health-related outcomes, but the evidence regarding sleep quality remains inconclusive. We examined cross-sectional and prospective associations between work time control and sleep disturbances in a large working population, taking into account total hours worked. METHODS The data were from a full-panel longitudinal cohort study of Finnish public sector employees who responded to questions on work time control and sleep disturbances in years 2000-2001, 2004-2005, 2008-2009, and 2012. The analysis of cross-sectional associations was based on 129,286 person measurements from 68,089 participants (77% women) aged 17-73 years (mean 43.1). Data from 16,503 participants were used in the longitudinal analysis. Log-binomial regression analysis with the generalized estimating equations method was used. RESULTS Consistently in both cross-sectional and longitudinal models, less control over work time was associated with greater sleep disturbances in the total population and among those working normal 40-hour weeks. Among participants working more than 40 hours a week, work time that was both very high (cross-sectional prevalence ratio compared to intermediate work time control [PR] 1.32, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05-1.65) and very low (PR 1.23, 95% CI 1.08-1.39) was associated with sleep disturbances, after adjustment for potential confounding factors. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that having few opportunities to influence the duration and positioning of work time may increase the risk of sleep disturbances among employees. For persons working long hours, very high levels of control over working times were also associated with increased risk of sleep disturbances. CITATION Salo P, Ala-Mursula L, Rod NH, Tucker P, Pentti J, Kivimäki M, Vahtera J. Work time control and sleep disturbances: prospective cohort study of Finnish public sector employees.
Impact of implant surface and grafting protocol on clinical outcomes of endosseous implants.

PURPOSE The objectives of this study were to (1) evaluate the survival of implants placed in maxillary sinuses augmented with a 70:30 mixture of autogenous bone and anorganic bovine hydroxyapatite (Bio-Oss) at 1 and 5 years, (2) observe the difference in survival rate between 1-stage and 2-stage procedures, and (3) compare the survival rate of rough-surfaced implants with that of machined implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 30 consecutively patients (48 sinuses) with Cawood and Howell Class V and VI atrophy were evaluated. Lateral osteotomy techniques were used in all cases. Implants were placed either simultaneous with grafting (1-stage procedure) or after a delay (2-stage procedure), depending on the amount of residual bone. A 70:30 mixture of autogenous bone and anorganic bovine hydroxyapatite was used as the graft material. All patients were followed up at 1 year after prosthetic loading, while a limited group of these patients was followed up to 5 years. RESULTS In 8 patients where the residual crestal bone under the sinus floor assessed by computed tomography was at least 4.5 mm (mean, 5.3 mm), the 1-stage procedure was used for 11 sinus elevations and 32 implants. In 22 patients where the residual crestal bone was less than 4.5 mm (mean, 2.5 mm), the 2-stage procedure was used for 37 sinus elevations and 108 implants. For the 140 implants placed, the overall survival rate was 95.7% at the healing abutment surgery, and the cumulative survival rate was 94.9% at 1 and 5 years. The type of surgical technique was significantly associated with implant failure (P < .05); implants placed using the 1-stage procedure showed a failure rate of 12.5%, while implants placed with the 2-stage procedure had a failure rate of 2.8%. No significant difference in survival rate was observed with respect to implant surface. CONCLUSIONS A high survival rate was achieved when sinus elevation was performed with a combination of autogenous bone and anorganic bovine hydroxyapatite, even where a minimal amount of residual crestal bone was present. The survival rate was improved when implants were placed after a healing period.
Mechanisms of Salt Tolerance Conferred by Overexpression of the HAL1 Gene in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Overexpression of the HAL1 gene improves the tolerance of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to NaCl by increasing intracellular K+ and decreasing intracellular Na+. The effect of HAL1 on intracellular Na+ was mediated by the PMR2/ENA1 gene, corresponding to a major Na+ efflux system. The expression level of ENA1 was dependent on the gene dosage of HAL1 and overexpression of HAL1 suppressed the salt sensitivity of null mutants in calcineurin and Hal3p, other known regulators of ENA1 expression. The effect of HAL1 on intracellular K+ was independent of the TRK1 and TOK1 genes, corresponding to a major K+ uptake system and to a K+ efflux system activated by depolarization, respectively. Overexpression of HAL1 reduces K+ loss from the cells upon salt stress, a phenomenon mediated by an unidentified K+ efflux system. Overexpression of HAL1 did not increase NaCl tolerance in galactose medium. NaCl poses two types of stress, osmotic and ionic, counteracted by glycerol synthesis and sodium extrusion, respectively. As compared to glucose, with galactose as carbon source glycerol synthesis is reduced and the expression of ENA1 is increased. As a consequence, osmotic adjustment through glycerolsynthesis, a process not affected by HAL1, is the limiting factor for growth on galactose under NaCl stress. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.