Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
RoSe: A Subgigahertz Wireless Sensor Platform With Housing-Integrated Overmolded Antenna

A wireless sensor platform for use in ultralow-power wireless sensor networks (WSNs) is presented. The proposed round sensor (RoSe) node is physically robust, is resistant to humidity, and has a housing that can be in direct contact with food. These characteristics are achieved via injection molding technology which is investigated at both the component and the system levels. The results of injection molding tests on the node's electronic components are reported, while a housing-integrated overmolded antenna is conceived and realized. The radiator, operating in the subgigahertz industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) band (ISM 868 or 915 MHz), has been characterized, and a good correspondence with theoretical predictions is observed. The proposed system enables industrialized mass production and results in a generic platform for wireless monitoring applications. In this paper, we present the RoSe node with a temperature sensor for use in food cold chain management, i.e., for use at temperatures down to -30 °C and in frequent contact with water due to condensation or cleaning. Its ultralow-power characteristics are demonstrated by the analysis of the charge consumption when the node performs specific tasks both in a test case and operating in a WSN. Long-term battery lifetime results while running a demo WSN are also presented.
Microbiological Characterization of Wet Wheat Distillers' Grain, with Focus on Isolation of Lactobacilli with Potential as Probiotics

ABSTRACT Wet wheat distillers' grain (WWDG), a residue from ethanol fermentation, was examined from a microbiological perspective. After storage, WWDG was characterized by a high content of lactobacilli, nondetectable levels of other bacteria, occasional occurrence of yeasts, and a pH of about 3.6 and contained a mixture of lactic acid, acetic acid, and ethanol. The composition of lactobacilli in WWDG was simple, including primarily the species Lactobacillus amylolyticus, Lactobacillus panis, and Lactobacillus pontis, as determined by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Since the use of WWDG as pig feed has indicated a health-promoting function, some relevant characteristics of three strains of each of these species were examined together with basal physiological parameters, such as carbohydrate utilization and growth temperature. Seven of the strains were isolated from WWDG, and two strains from pig feces were included for comparison. It was clear that all three species could grow at temperatures of 45 to 50°C, with L. amylolyticus being able to grow at temperatures as high as 54°C. This finding could be the explanation for the simple microflora of WWDG, where a low pH together with a high temperature during storage would select for these organisms. Some strains of L. panis and L. pontis showed prolonged survival at pH 2.5 in synthetic stomach juice and good growth in the presence of porcine bile salt. In addition, members of all three species were able to bind to immobilized mucus material in vitro. Especially the isolates from pig feces but, interestingly, some isolates from WWDG as well possessed properties that might be of importance for colonization of the gastrointestinal tracts of pigs.
Adherence of human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients to antiretroviral therapy.

The impact of demographic, psychosocial, and medical regimen-related variables on adherence of 123 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients to antiretroviral therapy was assessed by means of refill methodology. Satisfaction with social support (P = .029), problem-focused coping (P = .027), and active-behavioral coping (P = .011) correlated significantly with adherence, whereas loss of motivation (P = .006), hopelessness (P = .16), and avoidant coping (p = .015) correlated with nonadherence. At the 6-month follow-up, the mean CD4 cell count differed significantly among adherent versus nonadherent patients (a mean increase of 78/mm3 vs. a mean decrease of 5/mm3; P = .018). Adherence did not correlate with the number of antiretroviral medications consumed per day (mean, 3.0 vs. 2.5). Non-Caucasian patients were more likely to be nonadherent than Caucasian patients (relative risk, 2.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-5.3; P = .013); this difference was not explained by age, education, employment, income, history of intravenous drug use, or medical regimen. Non-Caucasian patients, however, were less satisfied with their social support (P = .04) and informational support (P = .016) and were more likely to utilize emotion-focused coping (P = .01). Thus, satisfaction with social support and coping style significantly impacted adherence and likely accounted for the observed racial difference in adherence among HIV-infected patients.
Endogenous adult neural stem cells: Limits and potential to repair the injured central nervous system

Mitotic activity persists in various regions of the adult mammal CNS. While evidences of neurogenesis appeared, many studies focused on the features of the adult stem cells from germinative areas such as the subventricular zone of the lateral ventricles, the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus, the cortex, the fourth ventricle and the central canal of the spinal cord. In the present paper, we review the potentialities of the adult germinative areas in terms of proliferation, migration and differentiation in non pathological situation and in response to different type of CNS injury. Adult endogenous stem cells are activated in response to various injuries but their capacities to migrate and to undergo either neurogenesis or gliogenesis differ according to the lesion‐type and the germinative zone from which they arise. Different works demonstrated that epigenic factors such as growth factors can enhance the repair potential of the adult stem cells. Reactivation and mobilization of endogenous stem cells as well as demonstration of their long‐term survival and functionality appear to be interesting strategies to investigate in order to promote endogenous repair of the adult CNS. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The evolution of song repertoires and immune defence in birds

Song repertoires (the number of different song types sung by a male) in birds provide males with an advantage in sexual selection because females prefer males with large repertoires, and females may benefit because offspring sired by preferred males have high viability. Furthermore, males with large repertoires suffer less from malarial parasites, indicating that a large repertoire may reflect health status. We hypothesize that sexual selection may cause a coevolutionary increase in parasite virulence and host immune defence because sexual selection increases the risk of multiple infections that select for high virulence. Alternatively, a female mate preference for healthy males will affect the coevolutionary dynamics of host–parasite interactions by selecting for increased virulence and hence high investment by hosts in immune function. In a comparative study of birds, repertoire size and relative size of the spleen, which is an important immune defence organ, were strongly, positively correlated accounting for almost half of the variance. This finding suggests that host–parasite interactions have played an important role in the evolution of song repertoires in birds.
Development of a recA Gene-Based Identification Approach for the Entire Burkholderia Genus

ABSTRACT Burkholderia is an important bacterial genus containing species of ecological, biotechnological, and pathogenic interest. With their taxonomy undergoing constant revision and the phenotypic similarity of several species, correct identification of Burkholderia is difficult. A genetic scheme based on the recA gene has greatly enhanced the identification of Burkholderia cepacia complex species. However, the PCR developed for the latter approach was limited by its specificity for the complex. By alignment of existing and novel Burkholderia recA sequences, we designed new PCR primers and evaluated their specificity by testing a representative panel of Burkholderia strains. PCR followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of an 869-bp portion of the Burkholderia recA gene was not sufficiently discriminatory. Nucleotide sequencing followed by phylogenetic analysis of this recA fragment differentiated both putative and known Burkholderia species and all members of the B. cepacia complex. In addition, it enabled the design of a Burkholderia genus-specific recA PCR that produced a 385-bp amplicon, the sequence of which was also able to discriminate all species examined. Phylogenetic analysis of 188 novel recA genes enabled clarification of the taxonomic position of several important Burkholderia strains and revealed the presence of four novel B. cepacia complex recA lineages. Although the recA phylogeny could not be used as a means to differentiate B. cepacia complex strains recovered from clinical infection versus the natural environment, it did facilitate the identification of clonal strain types of B. cepacia, B. stabilis, and B. ambifaria capable of residing in both niches.
Clog-integrated plantar visualization system for evaluating activity during walking

This study involves the development of a novel sensing system for the planta while walking on any surface and in any condition. In the study, the main aim is the visualization of the planta. A plantar image is reflected at the reflecting surface and captured by a camera embedded in a clog. The obtained visual information differs from the pressure and IMU data obtained from conventional sensors as it provides detailed information on the plantar surface. This is used to investigate the relationship between the activity in the toe area and stumbling experiences. The results indicate that high toe activity is associated with the group with no stumbling experiences and low toe activity is associated with the group with stumbling experiences.
A low power thyristor-based CMOS programmable delay element

A delay element insensitive to power supply and temperature variations becomes important as circuits speeds increase. A delay element, based on a CMOS thyristor, is proposed in this paper. This thyristor uses current rather than voltage to control the delay, exhibiting a low power supply noise, sensitivity of 94.3% and a temperature variation sensitivity of 314 PPM//spl deg/C. A technique to cancel the charge sharing effect during switching is incorporated into the delay element to further enhance power supply insensitivity. The delay element is combined with a bandgap reference voltage generator to produce a digitally controlled variable delay line. Simulation results show that the proposed delay element has lower power supply and temperature sensitivity than a classical chain of inverters. The power consumed by the proposed delay element is lower than an inverter chain, and is much lower than a differential delay element.
Cost-effectiveness of self-management of blood pressure in hypertensive patients over 70 years with suboptimal control and established cardiovascular disease or additional cardiovascular risk diseases (TASMIN-SR)

Background A previous economic analysis of self-management, that is, self-monitoring with self-titration of antihypertensive medication evaluated cost-effectiveness among patients with uncomplicated hypertension. This study considered cost-effectiveness of self-management in those with raised blood pressure plus diabetes, chronic kidney disease and/or previous cardiovascular disease. Design and methods A Markov model-based economic evaluation was undertaken to estimate the long-term cost-effectiveness of self-management of blood pressure in a cohort of 70-year-old ‘high risk’ patients, compared with usual care. The model used the results of the TASMIN-SR trial. A cost–utility analysis was undertaken from a UK health and social care perspective, taking into account lifetime costs of treatment, cardiovascular events and quality adjusted life years. A subgroup analysis ran the model separately for men and women. Deterministic sensitivity analyses examined the effect of different time horizons and reduced effectiveness of self-management. Results Base-case results indicated that self-management was cost-effective compared with usual care, resulting in more quality adjusted life years (0.21) and cost savings (–£830) per patient. There was a 99% chance of the intervention being cost-effective at a willingness to pay threshold of £20,000 per quality adjusted life year gained. Similar results were found for separate cohorts of men and women. The results were robust to sensitivity analyses, provided that the blood pressure lowering effect of self-management was maintained for more than a year. Conclusion Self-management of blood pressure in high-risk people with poorly controlled hypertension not only reduces blood pressure, compared with usual care, but also represents a cost-effective use of healthcare resources.
Effect of Infants' Behavior on Mothers' Responsiveness toward Them in Macaca fascicularis

Anesthesia was used to reduce filial cues to maternal behavior in Macaca fascicularis, and changes thereby in the mothers' behaviors toward their own and alien infants were observed. Effects of infants' general anesthesia on the mothers were obvious in increses in their grooming and sniffing toward younger infants aged 60 days or less, and in decreases in their contact and embrace toward older infants aged 61 days or more. Anesthetized younger infants of the mothers' own were directed contact and grooming more frequently by the mothers than were alien anesthetized younger infants. Aggression was not observed toward the anesthetized infants. Thus, loss of movement in the infants revealed an active role of the mothers of the younger infants to maintain relationships with their offspring, but this active role decreased in the mothers of the older infants. In the second part of the study, an odor of generally anesthetized infants was reduced by hypoesthesia of mothers' olfaction. As a result of this, sniffing decreased toward the younger alien infants and so did grooming toward the younger own infants. The effect of olfactory hypoesthesia in the mothers was thus seen only toward the younger infants, which indicates an active role of young infants' odor in arousing the mothers' positive attention to them.
Assessing Comorbid Substance Use in Detained Psychiatric Patients: Issues and Instruments for Evaluating Treatment Outcome

This review assesses the issues involved in the selection and treatment of patients comorbid for mental illness and substance misuse being treated in secure psychiatric facilities. It includes those individuals who have a history of offending and whose placement is the result of severe behavioral disturbance. The relevant issues in the assessment and treatment of these patients are reviewed and a battery of tests is suggested on the basis of their usefulness with this population in terms of their brevity, ease of administration, and for their value in planning treatment, providing motivational feedback, and monitoring change. The paucity of assessment tools developed specifically for this patient population is highlighted.
Escaping Death: Mitochondrial Redox Homeostasis in Cancer Cells

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are important signaling molecules that act through the oxidation of nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids. Several hallmarks of cancer, including uncontrolled proliferation, angiogenesis, and genomic instability, are promoted by the increased ROS levels commonly found in tumor cells. To counteract excessive ROS accumulation, oxidative stress, and death, cancer cells tightly regulate ROS levels by enhancing scavenging enzymes, which are dependent on the reducing cofactor nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH). This review focuses on mitochondrial ROS homeostasis with a description of six pathways of NADPH production in mitochondria and a discussion of the possible strategies of pharmacological intervention to selectively eliminate cancer cells by increasing their ROS levels.
Numerical Computations of Viscous, Incompressible Flow Problems Using a Two-Level Finite Element Method

We consider two-level finite element discretization methods for the stream function formulation of the Navier--Stokes equations. The two-level method consists of solving a small nonlinear system on the coarse mesh and then solving a linear system on the fine mesh. The basic result states that the errors between the coarse and fine meshes are related superlinearly. This paper demonstrates that the two-level method can be implemented to approximate efficiently solutions to the Navier--Stokes equations. Two fluid flow calculations are considered to test problems which have a known solution and the driven cavity problem. Stream function contours are displayed showing the main features of the flow.
Afterlives of the Tour Saint-Jacques: Plotting the Perceptual History of an Urban Fragment

Appended to a medieval Parisian church in the sixteenth century and stranded by revolutionary destruction, the Gothic Tour Saint-Jacques figures prominently in the city9s nineteenth- and twentieth-century architectural imagination. This study of the modern afterlives of an emblematic monument, featured in the projects of Haussmann, Le Corbusier, and the surrealists, uses the lens of "perceptual history," or a plotting of the ways in which the site has been read and inhabited over time, to argue that successive representations of a city fabric have a transformative effect on the lived reality of that fabric. To anchor this rumination within a larger speculation on the how and why of heritage making, we focus as well on the tower9s emergent patrimonial status, consolidated by the physical fixes of repeated restoration and the fixing of its image by graphic and photographic representation. The traumas of the tower9s particular semantic journey offer compelling evidence of the availability of symbolic redefinition as a viable and even necessary option for historic architectures under pressure in our inherited city centers. Repeatedly spared by its own mutability, the Tour Saint-Jacques would now appear inviolate, embraced as a trace of an unrecoverable past, a contact zone between contemporary Parisians and their forebears.
Assessment of the stoichiometry and efficiency of CO2 fixation coupled to reduced sulfur oxidation

Chemolithoautotrophic sulfur oxidizing bacteria (SOB) couple the oxidation of reduced sulfur compounds to the production of biomass. Their role in the cycling of carbon, sulfur, oxygen, and nitrogen is, however, difficult to quantify due to the complexity of sulfur oxidation pathways. We describe a generic theoretical framework for linking the stoichiometry and energy conservation efficiency of autotrophic sulfur oxidation while accounting for the partitioning of the reduced sulfur pool between the energy generating and energy conserving steps as well as between the main possible products (sulfate vs. zero-valent sulfur). Using this framework, we show that the energy conservation efficiency varies widely among SOB with no apparent relationship to their phylogeny. Aerobic SOB equipped with reverse dissimilatory sulfite reductase tend to have higher efficiency than those relying on the complete Sox pathway, whereas for anaerobic SOB the presence of membrane-bound, as opposed to periplasmic, nitrate reductase systems appears to be linked to higher efficiency. We employ the framework to also show how limited rate measurements can be used to estimate the primary productivity of SOB without the knowledge of the sulfate-to-zero-valent-sulfur production ratio. Finally, we discuss how the framework can help researchers gain new insights into the activity of SOB and their niches.
Lethal Malaria: Marchiafava and Bignami Were Right

One hundred and twenty years ago, the Italian malariologists Marchiafava and Bignami proposed that the fundamental pathological process underlying lethal falciparum malaria was microvascular obstruction. Since then, several alternative hypotheses have been proposed. These formed the basis for adjunctive interventions, which have either been ineffective or harmful. Recent evidence strongly suggests that Marchiafava and Bignami were right.
Design of Silicon Phoxonic Crystal Waveguides for Slow Light Enhanced Forward Stimulated Brillouin Scattering

We propose and design the silicon phoxonic crystal waveguides to achieve forward stimulated Brillouin scattering (FSBS). The waveguides with honeycomb-lattice structure are able to support the photonic and phononic band gaps simultaneously. By the optimized design, the corresponding optical and acoustic defect modes are tightly confined in the line defect to enhance acousto-optic coupling, resulting in the intramode and intermode FSBS. The three-dimensional (3D) full-vectorial theoretical formulation is applied to analyze the influences of structural parameters on FSBS gain. By the coupled-mode equations, we explore the FSBS process taking into account the slow light enhanced factor, two-photon and free-carrier absorptions in the slow-light phoxonic crystal waveguide. The results indicate that 18 dB Stokes amplification is obtained with 100 mW pump power in a short waveguide length of 200 μm. Such approach enables the realization of on-chip FSBS with CMOS technologies.
Bacillus subtilis Metabolism and Energetics in Carbon-Limited and Excess-Carbon Chemostat Culture

ABSTRACT The energetic efficiency of microbial growth is significantly reduced in cultures growing under glucose excess compared to cultures growing under glucose limitation, but the magnitude to which different energy-dissipating processes contribute to the reduced efficiency is currently not well understood. We introduce here a new concept for balancing the total cellular energy flux that is based on the conversion of energy and carbon fluxes into energy equivalents, and we apply this concept to glucose-, ammonia-, and phosphate-limited chemostat cultures of riboflavin-producing Bacillus subtilis. Based on [U-13C6]glucose-labeling experiments and metabolic flux analysis, the total energy flux in slow-growing, glucose-limited B. subtilis is almost exclusively partitioned in maintenance metabolism and biomass formation. In excess-glucose cultures, in contrast, uncoupling of anabolism and catabolism is primarily achieved by overflow metabolism, while two quantified futile enzyme cycles and metabolic shifts to energetically less efficient pathways are negligible. In most cultures, about 20% of the total energy flux could not be assigned to a particular energy-consuming process and thus are probably dissipated by processes such as ion leakage that are not being considered at present. In contrast to glucose- or ammonia-limited cultures, metabolic flux analysis revealed low tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle fluxes in phosphate-limited B. subtilis, which is consistent with CcpA-dependent catabolite repression of the cycle and/or transcriptional activation of genes involved in overflow metabolism in the presence of excess glucose. ATP-dependent control of in vivo enzyme activity appears to be irrelevant for the observed differences in TCA cycle fluxes.