Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Integration of Low-Power ASIC and MEMS Sensors for Monitoring Gastrointestinal Tract Using a Wireless Capsule System

This paper presents a wireless capsule microsystem to detect and monitor the pH, pressure, and temperature of the gastrointestinal tract in real time. This research contributes to the integration of sensors (microfabricated capacitive pH, capacitive pressure, and resistive temperature sensors), frequency modulation and pulse width modulation based interface IC circuits, microcontroller, and transceiver with meandered conformal antenna for the development of a capsule system. The challenges associated with the system miniaturization, higher sensitivity and resolution of sensors, and lower power consumption of interface circuits are addressed. The layout, PCB design, and packaging of a miniaturized wireless capsule, having diameter of 13 mm and length of 28 mm, have successfully been implemented. A data receiver and recorder system is also designed to receive physiological data from the wireless capsule and to send it to a computer for real-time display and recording. Experiments are performed in vitro using a stomach model and minced pork as tissue simulating material. The real-time measurements also validate the suitability of sensors, interface circuits, and meandered antenna for wireless capsule applications.
Identification of Putative Kunitz-Type Proteinase Inhibitor as an Allergenic Protein in Potato.

Cooked potato (Solanum tuberosum) is one of the first solid foods in a child’s diet and is considered to be safe, although a European questionnaire-based study at 17 clinics from 15 cities found potato to be the 25th most prevalent cause of self-reported allergic symptoms [1]. Potato is also used to make emollients and cleansing masks. Allergic reactions to raw and cooked potato have multiple clinical presentations. In sensitized individuals, handling raw potato can induce immediate IgE-mediated manifestations, namely, respiratory involvement and contact dermatitis. Ingestion of cooked potato can trigger both immediate and late reactions, such as chronic eczema flares; there are reports of anaphylaxis following exposure to this tuber [2,3]. A 2-year-old white boy was referred to our allergy department with a history of lip edema and surrounding erythema a few minutes after ingestion of his first soup (made of potato, carrot, and pumpkin) when he was 4 months old. No respiratory, gastrointestinal, or cardiovascular signs or symptoms were reported. After the initial episode, the same clinical picture was triggered every time the child ate the same soup, with complete and spontaneous resolution of symptoms between episodes. The child’s mother sequentially withdrew each ingredient from the soup, eventually realizing that symptoms were elicited by the ingestion of potato. After a similar reaction when hen egg was introduced, a strict potato and egg avoidance diet was started, and the symptoms resolved. The remaining foods were introduced without further reactions. The child had previously undergone orchidopexy. The physical examination was normal, and skin prick tests to aeroallergens and latex extracts (Leti) were negative. Given the relatively long duration of the avoidance diet, we first performed additional prick-to-prick tests with raw and cooked potato. The results were positive to raw potato (at 2 and 4 years of age). The ImmunoCAP FEIA system (Phadia) revealed an increase in specific IgE (kUA/L) to S tuberosum (23.60, >100, and 63.90 at 2, 3, and 4 years of age, respectively); specific IgE to latex was below 0.35 kUA/L. The ImmunoCAP ISAC Microarray Panel summary of positive IgE results (ISU) was as follows: Gal d 1, 2.7; Gal d 2, 1.4; Act d 1, 1.0. After the initial in vivo skin tests and in vitro tests, an oral food challenge was proposed, although it was not performed before the age of 5 years owing to parental refusal. The oral challenge with cooked potato was negative, thus enabling reintroduction of cooked potato in the child’s regular diet. With a serum sample from our patient and raw potato extract, 2-dimensional immunoblotting and MALDI-TOF/TOF mass spectrometry analysis made it possible to identify and characterize an IgE-reactive protein that exhibited sequence homology with putative Kunitz-type proteinase inhibitor of S tuberosum (molecular weight of 20.491 kDa and isoelectric point of 5.17) (Figure) [4]. Only 4 potato allergens have been characterized, namely, patatin (Sol t 1) and 3 water-soluble glycoproteins that are
The Nocturnal Activity of Fruit Flies Exposed to Artificial Moonlight Is Partly Caused by Direct Light Effects on the Activity Level That Bypass the Endogenous Clock

Artificial moonlight was recently shown to shift the endogenous clock of fruit flies and make them nocturnal. To test whether this nocturnal activity is partly due to masking effects of light, we exposed the clock‐mutants per01, tim01, per01;tim01, cyc01, and ClkJRK to light/dark and light/dim‐light cycles and determined the activity level during the day and night. We found that under moonlit nights, all clock mutants shifted their activity significantly into the night, suggesting that this effect is independent of the clock. We also recorded the flies under continuous artificial moonlight and darkness to judge the effect of dim constant light on the activity level. All mutants, except ClkJRK flies, were significantly more active under artificial moonlight conditions than under complete darkness. Unexpectedly, we found residual rhythmicity of per01 and especially tim01 mutants under these conditions, suggesting that TIM and especially PER retained some activity in the absence of its respective partner. Nevertheless, as even the double mutants and the cyc01 and ClkJRK mutants shifted their activity into the night, we conclude that dim light stimulates the activity of fruit flies in a clock‐independent manner. Thus, nocturnal light has a twofold influence on flies: it shifts the circadian clock, and it increases nocturnal activity independently of the clock. The latter was also observed in some primates by others and might therefore be of a more general validity.
A similar gene is shared by both the variant surface glycoprotein and procyclin gene transcription units of Trypanosoma brucei

The genes for the variant surface glycoprotein (VSG) and procyclin are expressed in a mutually exclusive manner during the life cycle of Trypanosoma brucei and synthesize the most abundant mRNAs specific to the bloodstream and procyclic stages of the parasite, respectively. Genes belonging to the polycistronic transcription unit of the VSG gene (expression site-associated genes [ESAGs]) are uniquely expressed in the bloodstream form, but some members of ESAG families (genes related to ESAGs [GRESAGs]) are independently transcribed outside the VSG gene expression site. We report here that a gene related to ESAG 2, GRESAG 2.1, is present and expressed in a procyclin gene transcription unit (PARP A locus), which is polycistronic. Members of the ESAG 2 family are thus present in the two major differentially stage-regulated transcription units of this parasite.
Role of reinvestment in a competitive market

In the present work we study asymptotic dynamics of a multi-dimensional piecewise smooth map which models an oligopoly market where competitors use adaptive scheme for reaction choice. Each competitor also defines the moment for renewing the capital equipment depending on how intensively the latter is used. Namely, the larger output is produced, the quicker the capital exhausts. It is shown then that the asymptotic dynamics of the map is rather sensitive to initial conditions, which leads to coexistence of different metric attractors. We also investigate stability of trajectories representing Cournot equilibria, which in this case are not fixed but periodic points. In particular, it is shown that several such Cournot equilibria, belonging to different invariant manifolds, may coexist some of them being locally asymptotically stable and some being unstable.
Internal structures , Lymphedema in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer

A n estimated 49,260 Americans developed head and neck cancer (HNC) and 11,480 died from oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx cancer in 2010 (American Cancer Society [ACS], 2010). The overall incidence of HNC in the United States has decreased slightly since the 1990s; however, the incidence of tongue and tonsillar cancer has increased because of a rise in the incidence of human papilloma virus (HPV)-associated cancers (Mouth Cancer Foundation, 2008; National Cancer Institute [NCI], 2008). This trend is critical to note because patients with HPV-associated tumors tend to be younger, nonsmokers, and nondrinkers (ACS, 2008; Argiris, Karamouzis, Raben, & Ferris, 2008). Early detection and multimodality therapy have led to improvement in overall survival rates, leaving many patients with HNC at risk for experiencing secondary complications from their cancer treatment (Bentzen et al., 2003; Oncology Nursing Society, 2007). More than half a million HNC survivors are living in the United States (Jemal et al., 2007; NCI, 2008; Oishi, 2007). Because of the increase in the number of HNC survivors, healthcare providers are spending more time and effort identifying and managing the late effects of cancer therapy. One of the common but overlooked late effects of HNC therapy is secondary lymphedema. Lymphedema results from an inability of the lymphatic system to transport the lymph fluid volume delivered to tissues (NCI, 2007). Cancer, surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy may disrupt lymphatic structures; therefore, HNC survivors are at risk for developing this potentially debilitating late effect (Dennert & Horneber, 2007; Lymphoedema Framework, 2006; Murphy, Gilbert, & Ridner, 2007; Ridner, 2008). Lymphedema may involve external (Hammond, 2007; Zimmermann et al., 2005) and internal (Bruns et al., 2004; Micke et al., 2003) structures. Involvement of external sites may lead to decreased range of motion in the neck and shoulders. In addition, the face, neck, and shoulders are highly visible structures that are integral to a person’s sense of self. External lymphedema, when severe, may lead to issues with body image (Micke et al., 2003), isolation, and social avoidance. Internal structures, Lymphedema in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer
Bone scintigraphy in the canine cruciate deficiency model of osteoarthritis. Comparison of the unstable and contralateral knee.

OBJECTIVE To examine the effects on 99mTc medronate (MDP) bone scintigraphy of unilateral anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) transection in the unstable and contralateral knee of dogs. METHODS Bone scintigraphy was performed in 5 dogs at baseline and 6 and 12 weeks after ligament transection, with images of both knees obtained 3-4 h after intravenous injection of the radionuclide. An image of the T4-T5 vertebral region was also acquired as an internal standard. In 3 additional dogs, scintigraphy was performed at baseline and 5 1/2 weeks after sham ACL transection. RESULTS A marked increase in uptake of 99mTc MDP was seen in the unstable knee. In contrast, in all but one case uptake in the contralateral knee did not increase significantly. Sham ligament transection had no effect on uptake of the radionuclide. CONCLUSION Changes occur in subchondral bone as well as in articular cartilage in the unstable knee in this model. The bony changes, which could be either primary or secondary to early changes in the biomechanical properties of the cartilage, may contribute to the pathogenesis of cartilage damage. No appreciable effects on bone turnover in the contralateral knee could be proved in this study.
The intrinsic dimensionality of signal collections

In view of the trend toward the representation of signals as physical observables characterized by vectors in an abstract signal space, rather than as time or frequency functions, it is desirable that dimensionality be defined in a manner independent of the choice of basis on which the vectors are projected. The intrinsic dimensionality of a collection of signals is defined to be equal to the number of free parameters required in a hypothetical signal generator capable of producing a close approximation to each signal in the collection. Thus defined, the dimensionality becomes a relationship between the vectors representing the signals. This relationship need not be a linear one and does not depend on the basis onto which the vectors are projected in the signal-measuring process. A digital computer program for estimating this dimensionality from the signal coefficients on an arbitrary basis has been developed. The program makes use of some results obtained from a multi-dimensional scaling problem in experimental psychology and utilizes an inverse relationship between the variance in interpoint distances within a hypersphere and the dimensionality of the hypersphere. Using this method, the results are believed to be independent of the choice of orthogonal basis, and no prior knowledge of the analytical form of the signals is assumed. The validity of the program is tested and verified by using it to estimate the dimensionality of signals of known structure.
F3 Neuronal Adhesion Molecule Controls Outgrowth and Fasciculation of Cerebellar Granule Cell Neurites: A Cell-Type-Specific Effect Mediated by the Ig-like Domains

F3 is a glycane phosphatidylinositol-anchored neuronal adhesion glycoprotein which consists of immunoglobulin (Ig) domains and fibronectin type III repeats. Here we showed that total F3 or F3-Ig domains when presented as membrane components of CHO transfected cells influenced growth cone morphology, strongly inhibited outgrowth, and induced fasciculation of cerebellar granule cell axons. An F3-Ig-Fc chimera induced neurite fasciculation from cerebellar neuron aggregates when used as a coated substrate but not in the soluble form. The F3 effect on neurite elongation is highly specific for neuronal cell types since under the same experimental conditions it did not modify neurite outgrowth of hippocampal neurons and was shown to stimulate elongation of neurites from sensory neurons in both membrane-anchored and soluble form. Our results provide evidence to extend the proposed role of F3 and strongly suggest that axonal-growth-controlling molecules may quite generally exert dual actions which are likely to depend on the receptor repertoire of the responding neuron.
Induction of Apoptosis by Antrodia camphorata in Human Premyelocytic Leukemia HL-60 Cells

Antrodia camphorata (A. camphorata) is well known in Taiwan as a traditional Chinese medicine, and it has been shown to exhibit antioxidant effects. In this study, the ability of A. camphorata to induce apoptosis was studied in cultured human premyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cells. Treatment of the HL-60 cells with a variety of concentrations of the fermented culture broth of A. camphorata (25-150 mg/ml) resulted in dose- and time-dependent sequences of events marked by apoptosis, as shown by loss of cell viability, chromatin condensation, and internucleosomal DNA fragmentation. Furthermore, apoptosis in the HL-60 cells was accompanied by the release of cytochrome c, activation of caspase-3, and specific proteolytic cleavage of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). This increase in A. camphorata-induced apoptosis was also associated with a reduction in the levels of Bcl-2, a potent cell-death inhibitor, and an increase in those of the Bax protein, which heterodimerizes with and thereby inhibits Bcl-2. The data suggest that A. camphorata exerts antiproliferative action and growth inhibition on HL-60 cells through apoptosis induction and that it may have anticancer properties valuable for application in drug products.
A new circuit topology for battery charger from 200V DC source to 12V for hybrid automotive applications

The research target is the development of the DC/DC converter for charging from 200V NiMH or Li-Ion battery to 12V Lead-acid storage battery in hybrid cars such as Toyota Prius. In car, a 12V Lead-acid storage battery is used to operate air conditioner, main lights and various actuators in engine control unit etc. Before the lead-acid battery ends up all the discharge, it should be charged using the alternator. In order to improve fuel efficiency, it is necessary to implement a so-called charge control, where the battery charge is executed in deceleration period avoiding the acceleration period of the car. In Hybrid cars, as a high voltage NiMH battery is equipped, it is possible to charge 12V Lead-acid storage battery from the high voltage battery. By using this scheme, it is realized not only to take off the alternator but also to improve braking touch for the car driver, because all regenerative energy can be absorbed in the high voltage battery. Furthermore the fuel efficiency can be improved easily for the reason why the efficiency of DC/DC converter is much higher than that of alternator.
Combining Shared State with Speculative Parallelism in a Functional Language

Purely functional programming languages have proven to be an attractive option for implementing parallel applications. The absence of mutable state eliminates the possibility for race conditions, which relieves programmers from reasoning about the exponential interleavings of threads and nondeterministic behavior. Unfortunately, there are applications that, by making use of shared state, can achieve significant constant factor speedups compared to their purely functional counterparts. IVars have been proposed as a possible solution, allowing threads to share information via write-once references, while preserving a deterministic semantics. However, in the presence of speculative parallelism (cancelation), this determinism guarantee is lost. In this work we show how to go about combining these two features by proposing a dynamic rollback mechanism for enforcing determinism. We have formalized the semantics of a parallel functional language extended with IVars, speculative parallelism, and our proposed rollback mechanism using the Coq proof assistant and have proven that it preserves determinism. Additionally, we describe a preliminary implementation in the context of the Manticore project and give some initial performance results.
Detection of cholesterol associated with calcium mineral using confocal fluorescence microscopy.

BACKGROUND Cholesterol and calcium are prominant components within human atherosclerotic lesions. Both accumulate predominantly within the central core region of lesions. Because of similarities in some crystallographic faces of cholesterol monohydrate and calcium apatite, it has been previously proposed that deposition of one may nucleate the deposition of the other. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN In this study, we have used the technique of confocal fluorescence microscopy to assess the spatial orientation of cholesterol in association with calcium mineral. Localization of cholesterol within mineral was carried out by staining cholesterol with the fluorescent probe, filipin. RESULTS With this technique, it was possible to localize cholesterol associated with the surface of hydroxyapatite seeds, cholesterol incorporated within calcium phosphate-cholesterol agglomerates produced in vitro, and cholesterol within apatite isolated from human atherosclerotic lesions. CONCLUSIONS The presence of cholesterol within the center of calcified granules from atherosclerotic plaque suggests that cholesterol or associated lipids may act to nucleate the deposition of apatite. Confocal fluorescence microscopy should be a useful technique by which to study the relationship of cholesterol associated with calcium minerals that occur not only in atherosclerotic blood vessels, but also in gallstones, and calcified cardiac valves.
Red sky at night or in the morning, to the equity market neither a delight nor a warning: the weather effect re-examined using intraday stock data

Unlike most of the existing literature on the weather effect, we conducted our analysis by employing intraday weather and market data, examining a large set of stocks rather than indices only, including volume and volatility data in the study and inspecting a wide number of weather variables (temperature, humidity, pressure, visibility, wind, cloud, rain and snow). Our analysis covered the Italian stock market for the period August 2005–March 2014 for a total of 2201 trading days. We conclude that no systematic relationship seems to exist between the weather and the Italian stock market. Moreover, our results raise doubts that testing the weather effect by limiting the analysis to indices only can lead to spurious conclusions.
Functional specialization for auditory–spatial processing in the occipital cortex of congenitally blind humans

The study of the congenitally blind (CB) represents a unique opportunity to explore experience-dependant plasticity in a sensory region deprived of its natural inputs since birth. Although several studies have shown occipital regions of CB to be involved in nonvisual processing, whether the functional organization of the visual cortex observed in sighted individuals (SI) is maintained in the rewired occipital regions of the blind has only been recently investigated. In the present functional MRI study, we compared the brain activity of CB and SI processing either the spatial or the pitch properties of sounds carrying information in both domains (i.e., the same sounds were used in both tasks), using an adaptive procedure specifically designed to adjust for performance level. In addition to showing a substantial recruitment of the occipital cortex for sound processing in CB, we also demonstrate that auditory–spatial processing mainly recruits the right cuneus and the right middle occipital gyrus, two regions of the dorsal occipital stream known to be involved in visuospatial/motion processing in SI. Moreover, functional connectivity analyses revealed that these reorganized occipital regions are part of an extensive brain network including regions known to underlie audiovisual spatial abilities (i.e., intraparietal sulcus, superior frontal gyrus). We conclude that some regions of the right dorsal occipital stream do not require visual experience to develop a specialization for the processing of spatial information and to be functionally integrated in a preexisting brain network dedicated to this ability.
Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of adding a cognitive behavioral treatment to the rehabilitation of chronic low back pain.

OBJECTIVE To investigate return to work and cost-effectiveness of the addition of cognitive-behavioral treatment to standard therapy compared to standard 3-week inpatient rehabilitation for patients with chronic low back pain. METHODS A prospective economic evaluation alongside a randomized controlled trial was performed. Outcomes included days off work due to spinal complaints, health-related quality of life, and direct and indirect disease-related costs. RESULTS A total of 409 patients with chronic low back pain, who were admitted to a 3-week inpatient rehabilitation, were randomly assigned to usual care or usual care plus cognitive behavioral treatment. Average incremental costs for psychological treatment during rehabilitation were Euros 127 (95% CI 125.6, 130.9; p < 0.001). Six months after rehabilitation, patients in the intervention group were absent from work an average of 5.4 (95% CI -1.4, 12.1; p = 0.12) days less than patients receiving usual treatment. Between groups, there were no significant differences in quality-adjusted life-years gained or in direct medical or nonmedical costs. The cognitive behavioral treatment showed lower indirect costs: Euros 751 (95% CI -145, 1641; p = 0.097). CONCLUSION Adding a cognitive behavioral component to standard therapy may reduce work days lost and thus decrease indirect costs. From a societal perspective, the cost of the psychological treatment was compensated by lower indirect costs.