Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Millimeter-Sized Marine Plastics: A New Pelagic Habitat for Microorganisms and Invertebrates

Millimeter-sized plastics are abundant in most marine surface waters, and known to carry fouling organisms that potentially play key roles in the fate and ecological impacts of plastic pollution. In this study we used scanning electron microscopy to characterize biodiversity of organisms on the surface of 68 small floating plastics (length range = 1.7–24.3 mm, median = 3.2 mm) from Australia-wide coastal and oceanic, tropical to temperate sample collections. Diatoms were the most diverse group of plastic colonizers, represented by 14 genera. We also recorded ‘epiplastic’ coccolithophores (7 genera), bryozoans, barnacles (Lepas spp.), a dinoflagellate (Ceratium), an isopod (Asellota), a marine worm, marine insect eggs (Halobates sp.), as well as rounded, elongated, and spiral cells putatively identified as bacteria, cyanobacteria, and fungi. Furthermore, we observed a variety of plastic surface microtextures, including pits and grooves conforming to the shape of microorganisms, suggesting that biota may play an important role in plastic degradation. This study highlights how anthropogenic millimeter-sized polymers have created a new pelagic habitat for microorganisms and invertebrates. The ecological ramifications of this phenomenon for marine organism dispersal, ocean productivity, and biotransfer of plastic-associated pollutants, remains to be elucidated.
Effect of carbon nanotubes on dynamic mechanical properties, TGA, and crystalline structure of polypropylene

This paper is devoted to the preparation of thermoplastic nanocomposites of polypropylene (PP) and different amounts of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) in the range 0.25–2 wt %. The effect of SWNT content on the dynamic mechanical behavior, thermal degradation, crystalline structure, and the kinetic crystallizability of PP were studied. The results obtained from dynamic mechanical thermal analyzer (DMTA) showed that the maximum storage modulus was achieved when 1 wt % SWNT was added into the pristine polymer. Thermal stability of the nanocomposites was measured by thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA). From the TGA results, it was found that the weight fraction of PP which was located at the interface for the nanocomposite containing 0.5% SWNT was about 60%, and this value did not change much with the addition of higher amounts of SWNT. Moreover, the thickness of the interface between PP and SWNT was estimated to be of the order of 101 nm which is very close to the radii of gyration of PP molecular chains. Wide angle X-ray diffractometer (WAXD) was used to explore the crystalline structure of water and slow-cooled samples. It was found that the crystallization of PP in 040 lattice plane increased for the nanocomposites compared with PP for both cooling rates studied. It was also found that the kinetic crystallizability values were nearly the same for PP and the nanocomposites. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Manufacturing of ionic polymer-metal composites (IPMCs) that can actuate into complex curves

Ionic polymer-metal composites (IPMC) are soft actuators with potential applications in the fields of medicine and biologically inspired robotics. Typically, an IPMC bends with approximately constant curvature when voltage is applied to it. More complex shapes were achieved in the past by pre-shaping the actuator or by segmentation and separate actuation of each segment. There are many applications for which fully independent control of each segment of the IPMC is not required and the use of external wiring is objectionable. In this paper we propose two key elements needed to create an IPMC, which can actuate into a complex curve. The first is a connection between adjacent segments, which enables opposite curvature. This can be achieved by reversing the polarity applied on each side of the IPMC, for example by a through-hole connection. The second key element is a variable curvature segment. The segment is designed to bend with any fraction of its full bending ability under given electrical input by changing the overlap of opposite charge electrodes. We demonstrated the usefulness of these key elements in two devices. One is a bi-stable buckled IPMC beam, also used as a building block in a linear actuator device. The other one is an IPMC, actuating into an S-shaped curve with gradually increasing curvature near the ends. The proposed method of manufacturing holds promise for a wide range of new applications of IPMCs, including applications in which IPMCs are used for sensing.
Dealcoholized red and white wines decrease oxidative stress associated with inflammation in rats

In vitro experiments have demonstrated that polyphenols exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The present study was designed to test whether dealcoholized red (DRW) and white (DWW) wines can decrease the oxidative stress associated with inflammation in vivo. Rats were fed for 15 d either a control diet or one supplemented with DRW or DWW. Finally, a granuloma was induced by subcutaneous administration of carrageenan. Although DRW showed higher antioxidant activity in vitro than DWW, both wines decreased the number of cells recruited into the granuloma pouch. Malondialdehyde decreased in plasma and inflammatory exudate from rats fed with DRW- and DWW-rich diets. Moreover, the concentration of NO increased in exudate, which correlates with the increase in the citrulline:arginine ratio. Polymorphonuclear leucocytes from the inflammatory exudate of rats fed dealcoholized wines showed decreased superoxide anion (O2∙−) production and increased NO production ex vivo. This change in NO production resulted from increased expression and activity of inducible NO synthase (EC 1.14.13.39). Moreover, the up regulation of cyclo-oxygenase-2 (EC 1.14.99.1) protein expression observed in rats fed the DRW-rich diet was not related to a direct effect of NO. The present results indicate that the non-alcoholic compounds of wines not only improve antioxidant status in an inflammatory situation, but also limit cell infiltration, possibly through a decrease in O2∙− and an increase in NO production.
Detectors in Barrier Structures of Metal-Lamellar Semiconductors

Recently peaceful use of the nuclear energy and radioactive nuclides has increased the radiation pollution factor in the world and radiation safety problems have become actual ones. The development of the nuclear power engineering, protection and processing of radioactive wastes of nuclear reactors, the use of radioactive isotopes in national economy, nuclear explosion, industrial wastes and etc. may cause the radioactive pollution of the environment. In the case of such pollution the environment as well as living organisms are exposed to radioactive radiation (a-, b-, γ- etc.). Radioactive substances emit radioactive rays and as their decay time varies for natural and artificial radioactive substances the time of their environmental effect ranges from some years to million years.
An Integrative Review of the Influence of Expectancies on Pain

Expectancies can shape pain experiences. Attention for the influence of expectancies on pain has increased particularly due to research on placebo effects, of which expectancy is believed to be the core mechanism. In the current review, we provide a brief overview of the literature on the influence of expectancies on pain. We first discuss the central role of expectancy in the major psychological learning theories. Based on these theories, different kinds of expectancies can be distinguished. Pain experiences are influenced particularly by response expectancies directly pertaining to the pain experience itself, but can also be affected by self-efficacy expectancies regarding one’s ability to cope with pain, and possibly by stimulus expectancies regarding external events. These different kinds of expectancies might interact with each other, and related emotions and cognitions, as reflected by various multifaceted constructs in which expectancies are incorporated. Optimism and pain catastrophizing, in particular, but also hope, trust, worry, and neuroticism have been found to be associated with pain outcomes. We conclude with recommendations for further advancing research on the influence of expectancies on pain and for harnessing expectancy effects in clinical practice.
An Algorithm for Magnitude Comparison in RNS based on Mixed-Radix Conversion II

The residue number system (RNS) has computational advantages for large integer arithmetic because of its parallel carry free, and high-speed arithmetic nature. However, magnitude comparison is a very complex operation for RNS. This paper presents a new comparison algorithm based on the modification of Mixed-Radix Conversion II technique. The new algorithm uses small modulo operations only and has a linear time complexity in terms of the size of the moduli set.
A retrospective study on the management of patients with rituximab refractory follicular lymphoma

Given that there are currently no clear recommendations regarding therapeutic options for rituximab refractory/relapsed follicular lymphoma patients, this study aimed to describe the real‐life management of patients with refractory follicular lymphoma after systemic rituximab‐containing regimens (rFL), and rFL patient characteristics. In this retrospective, national, multicentre study, descriptive analyses were mainly performed according to rituximab‐containing regimen at rFL diagnosis [rituximab monotherapy (R‐MONO), rituximab + chemotherapy (R‐COMBO), and ongoing rituximab maintenance (R‐MAINTAIN)]. The 459 analysed patients experienced rituximab‐refractoriness between October 2013 and September 2015: R‐MONO: 58 (13%), R‐COMBO: 197 (43%), R‐MAINTAIN: 204 (44%). Post‐refractoriness strategies were heterogeneous: idelalisib ± rituximab (22%), without anti‐lymphoma treatment (21%), rituximab‐chemotherapy (21%) and stem cell transplantation (18%). Rituximab was continued in combination in 41% of cases. Chosen strategies varied according to patient age (without anti‐lymphoma treatment: 28% of patients if ≥65 years vs. 12% if <65 years old; stem‐cell transplantation: 4% vs. 38%), treatment line at rFL, FL International Prognostic Index score and prior treatment. This French retrospective study, the first one conducted in a large cohort of rFL patients, showed that further strategies were highly heterogeneous, depending notably on patient characteristics and previous treatment. These data are the basis for a better understanding of rFL management and for the design of clinical trials in these patients.
Polarization Properties of Polymer Photonic Crystal Fiber with Square-Lattice Elliptical Air-Hole

A novel type of photonic crystal fiber for high birefringence and zero-walkoff is proposed based on polymer, the fiber is composed of a solid polymer core and a cladding with square lattice elliptical air-holes along the fiber length. The optical birefringence and polarization-dependent leakage loss are studied numerically based on the full-vector finite element method(FEM). Numerical results show that the proposed fiber has heightened modal birefringence of the order of 10-2; and the leakage loss is reduced to 0.08dB/m at wavelength of 0. 65μm when it has 10 rings of elliptical air-holes. So the proposed PCFs may be useful in the field of high birefringence polarization-maintaining optical communication.
A 230–260GHz wideband amplifier in 65nm CMOS based on dual-peak Gmax-core

A dual-peak maximum achievable gain core design technique is proposed. It has been adopted into a 4-stage wideband amplifier. Implemented in a 65nm CMOS, the amplifier achieves 3dB bandwidth of 30GHz (230∼260GHz), gain of 12.4±1.5dB, and peak PAE of 1.6% while dissipating 23.8mW, which corresponds to the widest bandwidth and highest gain per stage among other reported CMOS amplifiers operating above 200GHz.
Autologous platelet gel to treat chronic decubital ulcers: a randomized, blind controlled clinical trial in dogs.

OBJECTIVE To determine the efficacy of topical application of the autologous platelet gel (PG) in canine chronic protracted decubital ulcers. STUDY DESIGN Prospective, randomized, blind controlled clinical trial. ANIMALS Dogs (n = 18) with bilateral chronic wounds caused by protracted decubitus ulcers. METHODS For each dog, wound side was randomized to receive either platelet gel (group PG) every 5 days for 5 dressing changes, or paraffin gauzes dressings (group C), as negative control. Wound healing and wound surfaces were compared at admission and then evaluated every 5th day, until day 25. Outcome variables were: open wound area, reduction of open wound surface compared to admission and to each preceding dressing change, time to complete epithelialization. RESULTS Significant differences in healing process were observed at day 5 and continued throughout the entire study period (P < .00001). At 25 days, mean percent reduction in wound area was 93.5% in group PG and 13.2% in group C (P < .00001). CONCLUSIONS Appropriately prepared autologous PG, an inexpensive, readily available blood derivative, applied topically results in more rapid healing of chronic non-healing decubital ulcers in dogs than those treated by use of paraffin-impregnated gauzes.
Stem cells in lung repair and regeneration: Current applications and future promise

Lung diseases are major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The progress in regenerative medicine and stem cell research in the lung are currently a fast‐growing research topic that can provide solutions to these major health problems. Under normal conditions, the rate of cellular proliferation is relatively low in the lung in vivo, compared to other major organ systems. Lung injury leads to the activation of stem/progenitor cell populations that re‐enter the cell cycle. Yet, little is known about stem cells in the lung, despite common thoughts that these cells could play a critical role in the repair of lung injuries. Nor do we fully understand the cellular and architectural complexity of the respiratory tract, and the diverse stem/progenitor cells that are involved in the lung repair and regeneration. In this review, we discuss the conceptual framework of lung stem/progenitor cell biology, and describe lung diseases, in which stem cell manipulations may be physiologically significant. In addition, we highlight the challenges of lung stem cell‐based therapy.
Spectrum Access In Cognitive Radio Using a Two-Stage Reinforcement Learning Approach

With the advent of the fifth generation of wireless standards and an increasing demand for higher throughput, methods to improve spectral efficiency of wireless systems have become very important. In the context of cognitive radio, a substantial increase in throughput is possible if the secondary user can make smart decisions regarding which channel to sense and when or how often to sense. Here, we propose an algorithm to not only select a channel for data transmission, but also to predict how long the channel will remain unoccupied so that the time spent on channel sensing can be minimized. Our algorithm learns in two stages—a reinforcement learning approach for channel selection and a Bayesian approach to determine the duration for which sensing can be skipped. Comparisons with other methods are provided through extensive simulations. We show that the number of sensing operations is minimized with negligible increase in primary user interference; this implies that less energy is spent by the secondary user in sensing, and also higher throughput is achieved by saving the time spent on sensing.
Compiler-integrated program mutation

A method for integrating support for program mutation into a compiler is presented. The method is both efficient and sufficiently powerful to support program mutation software testing. Moreover, existing research suggests that this approach appears to be essential for the cost-effective application of program mutation to testing large commercial software systems. It is believed that a compiler-integrated approach will provide a significant increase in the efficiency of several existing testing tools and allow program mutation to be effectively used to test commercial software systems. <<ETX>>
Telomerase Induction in HPV Infection and Oncogenesis

Telomerase extends the repetitive DNA at the ends of linear chromosomes, and it is normally active in stem cells. When expressed in somatic diploid cells, it can lead to cellular immortalization. Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are associated with and high-risk for cancer activate telomerase through the catalytic subunit of telomerase, human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT). The expression of hTERT is affected by both high-risk HPVs, E6 and E7. Seminal studies over the last two decades have identified the transcriptional, epigenetic, and post-transcriptional roles high-risk E6 and E7 have in telomerase induction. This review will summarize these findings during infection and highlight the importance of telomerase activation as an oncogenic pathway in HPV-associated cancer development and progression.
Listening Effort: How the Cognitive Consequences of Acoustic Challenge Are Reflected in Brain and Behavior

Everyday conversation frequently includes challenges to the clarity of the acoustic speech signal, including hearing impairment, background noise, and foreign accents. Although an obvious problem is the increased risk of making word identification errors, extracting meaning from a degraded acoustic signal is also cognitively demanding, which contributes to increased listening effort. The concepts of cognitive demand and listening effort are critical in understanding the challenges listeners face in comprehension, which are not fully predicted by audiometric measures. In this article, the authors review converging behavioral, pupillometric, and neuroimaging evidence that understanding acoustically degraded speech requires additional cognitive support and that this cognitive load can interfere with other operations such as language processing and memory for what has been heard. Behaviorally, acoustic challenge is associated with increased errors in speech understanding, poorer performance on concurrent secondary tasks, more difficulty processing linguistically complex sentences, and reduced memory for verbal material. Measures of pupil dilation support the challenge associated with processing a degraded acoustic signal, indirectly reflecting an increase in neural activity. Finally, functional brain imaging reveals that the neural resources required to understand degraded speech extend beyond traditional perisylvian language networks, most commonly including regions of prefrontal cortex, premotor cortex, and the cingulo-opercular network. Far from being exclusively an auditory problem, acoustic degradation presents listeners with a systems-level challenge that requires the allocation of executive cognitive resources. An important point is that a number of dissociable processes can be engaged to understand degraded speech, including verbal working memory and attention-based performance monitoring. The specific resources required likely differ as a function of the acoustic, linguistic, and cognitive demands of the task, as well as individual differences in listeners’ abilities. A greater appreciation of cognitive contributions to processing degraded speech is critical in understanding individual differences in comprehension ability, variability in the efficacy of assistive devices, and guiding rehabilitation approaches to reducing listening effort and facilitating communication.
Rendering Rayon Fibres Antimicrobial and Thermal-Responsive via Layer-by-Layer Self-Assembly of Functional Polymers

A thermal-responsive polymer was prepared by partially acetalyzing poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA). The completely reversible polymer aggregation and dissolution occur above and below a low critical solution temperature (LCST) for the aqueous solution of the modified PVA. The partially acetalized PVA (APVA) with higher molecular weight and higher degree of acetalysis exhibited a lower LCST transition and was used as an anionic polymer for polymer complexation. Water-soluble polymer, cationic polyhexamethylene guanidine hydrochloride (CPHGH) with antimicrobial property, was also prepared. In conjunction with APVA, CPHGH created the unique antimicrobial polymer multilayers on the surfaces of rayon fibres via layer by layer (LbL) assembly. AFM images revealed that the particles generated by multilayers became larger after the material was treated at 60°C; while the roughness of the surfaces was increased as the layer number increased and then decreased. Moreover, antimicrobial tests also demonstrated that the rayon fiber assembled with (CPHGH/APVA) multilayers exhibited higher antimicrobial activity against E. coli and s. aureus.
Design and development of SoC based residential water meter monitoring system

Due to urbanization and climatic changes, depletion of water resource is witnessed predominantly in recent years. Specifically in cities, the residential sectors which are completely replaced by apartments demands more water requirement. Water has become a commodity which is purchased by these sectors. Accountability on the usage of this commodity becomes essential. Hence, in this research an efficient Internet of Things (IoT) based remote water metering solution is proposed. System on Chip (SoC) based design is developed to provide cost effective solution. The proposed system is implemented in real time to investigate the reliability and feasibility. The performance of the system is analyzed in terms of accuracy.
Xenotopic expression of alternative electron transport enzymes in animal mitochondria and their impact in health and disease

The mitochondrial respiratory chain in vertebrates and arthropods is different from that of most other eukaryotes because they lack alternative enzymes that provide electron transfer pathways additional to the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) system. However, the use of diverse experimental models, such as human cells in culture, Drosophila melanogaster and the mouse, has demonstrated that the transgenic expression of these alternative enzymes can impact positively many phenotypes associated with human mitochondrial and other cellular dysfunction, including those typically presented in complex IV deficiencies, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's. In addition, these enzymes have recently provided extremely valuable data on how, when, and where reactive oxygen species, considered by many as “by‐products” of OXPHOS, can contribute to animal longevity. It has also been shown that the expression of the alternative enzymes is thermogenic in cultured cells, causes reproductive defects in flies, and enhances the deleterious phenotype of some mitochondrial disease models. Therefore, all the reported beneficial effects must be considered with caution, as these enzymes have been proposed to be deployed in putative gene therapies to treat human diseases. Here, we present a brief review of the scientific data accumulated over the past decade that show the benefits and the risks of introducing alternative branches of the electron transport into mammalian and insect mitochondria, and we provide a perspective on the future of this research field.