Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Integrated lasers for biophotonic Lab-on-a-Chip systems in polymer

Lab-on-a-Chip (LoC) systems enable biomedical or chemical testing for point-of-care analysis at the patient's bedside or in the field. Our work is focused on developing optical LoCs based on polymers by integrating microfluidic channels, optical waveguides, and miniaturized lasers on different platforms. The chips introduced in our work are using optical and fluidic interconnects only. While some of our photonic structures require features with lateral dimensions in the range of 100 nm, the microfluidic channels are more than one order of magnitude above this regime. In order to allow for mass production, the processes for multiscale replication of the chips are optimized for a minimal number of parallel production steps.
Design of C-TYPE passive filter for arc furnaces

R. Klempka, AGH University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Automatics, Computer Science and Biomedical Engineering, Krakow, Poland The article presents an example of power supply system modernization in one of Polish steelworks. For the existing power system containing 3rd harmonics filters it was necessary to design a C-type filter for the 2nd harmonics. Two design methods have been presented. The first method is based on the assumption concerning the desired harmonic current flow of filter adjustment between the filter and power grid. The second method was based on using a genetic algorithm, searching for the RT resistance value of the filter. Applying the genetic algorithm makes it possible to take into account the broad spectrum of the electrical environment where the filter will be working.
Sexual behaviour patterns and other risk factors for HIV infection in rural Tanzania: a case–control study

Objective:To examine the association between HIV infection and patterns of sexual behaviour and other risk factors in a rural Tanzanian population in a case–control study, nested within a randomized trial of improved sexually transmitted disease treatment. Methods:All HIV-positive patients from the baseline survey of the randomized trial were eligible as cases. Cases (n = 338) and controls (a random sample of one in eight HIV-negative persons; n = 1078) were interviewed about risk factors for HIV infection using a structured questionnaire. Results:A significantly higher HIV prevalence was found among men and women not currently employed in farming [men: odds ratio (OR), 2.08; women: OR, 3.65], women who had travelled (OR, 3.27), educated women (OR, 4.51), and widowed/ divorced people compared with those currently married (men: OR, 3.10; women: OR, 3.54). Two spouse-related factors were significantly associated with HIV, even after adjustment for the sexual behaviour of the index case: HIV was more prevalent in men with younger spouses (P = 0.020 for trend) and in women married to men currently employed in manual work, office work or business (OR, 2.20). In women only, blood transfusions were associated with a higher HIV prevalence (OR, 2.40), but only a small population attributable fraction (4%). There was an increased HIV prevalence associated with increasing numbers of injections. Reported number of lifetime sexual partners was significantly associated with HIV infection (women: OR, 7.33 if ≥10 lifetime partners compared with ≤1; men: OR, 4.35 for ≥50 compared with ≤1). After adjustment for confounders, male circumcision was associated with a lower HIV prevalence (OR, 0.65; P = 0.11). Conclusions:In these rural communities, many HIV infections occur through sexual transmission. Some people are at high risk of HIV infection through large numbers of sex partners, whereas some are at risk through their spouse or regular partner. The role of circumcision in HIV transmission is unclear. Commercial sex seems to play a negligible role in HIV transmission in these communities. Our results confirm marked heterogeneity in HIV risk, indicating the scope for risk reduction strategies.
Introduction to GSM and GSM Mobile RF Transceiver Derivation

This document provides an overview on the key measurements required for testing GSM transceivers. GSM mobile performance derivation is also discussed. This overview is intended to help a RF designer with no GSM RF system knowledge to get up to speed with the GSM system. Various systems are compared (GSM900, DCS1800, PCS1900, CT2, and DECT). Key design issues such as phase error and frequency error, TX output power, Adjacent Channel Power (ACP), spectral splatter and spurious are discussed.
Mitigating voltage droop during scan with variable shift frequency

This paper describes an innovative approach for executing scan patterns on the tester that significantly reduces peak voltage droop during scan shift by stepping up the shift frequency during the beginning of each scan load/unload procedure. A methodology is presented to tune one or more frequency steps to achieve the largest reduction in voltage droop. Using this approach, higher target shift frequencies can be achieved which directly reduce test time and cost. Results are presented from the GPU of a 32-nm APU to which variable shift patterns were applied to achieve a 23.3% test time reduction in high volume production.
Multiple user writing on dirty paper

Writing on dirty paper, a variation of the standard additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channel with the channel output is considered. The Gaussian noise noncausally known at the transmitter does not affect the capacity of the AWGN channel. This is known as WDP property. The WDP property for three Gaussian multiple user channels with known capacity region is established. The achievable rate regions of corresponding discrete channels is proved. Although those regions may be suboptimal in general, they turn out to be optimal for these Gaussian channels. Alternative proofs can be obtained by successive uses of Costa's WDP coding scheme, from which the WDP property can be established for more general noise and state distributions.
Generalization Bounds for Minimum Volume Set Estimation based on Markovian Data

The main goal of this paper is to establish generalization bounds for minimum volume set estimation for regenerative Markov chains. We obtain new maximal concentration inequality in order to show that learning rate bounds depend not only on the complexity of the class of candidate sets but also on the ergodicity rate of the chain X , expressed in terms of tail conditions for the length of the regenerative cycles. Finally, we show that it is straightforward to extend the preceding results to the Harris recurrent case.
Applying a clustering genetic algorithm for extracting rules from a supervised neural network

The main challenge to the use of supervised neural networks in data mining applications is to get explicit knowledge from these models. For this purpose, a clustering genetic algorithm for rule extraction from artificial neural networks is developed. The methodology is based on the clustering of the hidden units activation values. A simple encoding scheme that yields to constant-length chromosomes is used thus allowing the application of the standard genetic operators. A consistent algorithm to avoid some of the drawbacks of this kind of representation is also developed. In addition, a very simple heuristic is applied to generate the initial population. The individual fitness is determined based on the number of objects belonging to each cluster, as well as on the Euclidean distances among the objects. The developed algorithm is experimentally evaluated in the Australian credit approval database.
A Case-based Enterprise Information System for Thermal Power Plants' Safety Assessment

Security assessment of Thermal Power Plants (TPP) is one of the important means to guarantee the safety of production in thermal power production enterprises. Modern information technology may play a more important role in TPP safety assessment. Essentially, the evaluation of power plant systems relies to a large extent on the knowledge and length of experience of the experts. Therefore in this domain Case-Based Reasoning (CBR) is introduced for the security assessment of TPPs since this methodology models expertise through experience management. This paper provides a case-based approach for the management system security assessment decision making of TPPs (MSSATPP). A case matching method named CBRGrey is introduced in which Delphi approach and Grey System theory are integrated. Based on this method, we implement a prototype of enterprise assessment information system (CBRSYS-TPP) for the panel of
Is Consciousness primary 1

Six arguments against the view that conscious experience derives from a material basis are reviewed. These arguments arise from epistemology, phenomenology, neuropsychology, and philosophy of quantum mechanics. It turns out that any attempt at proving that conscious experience is ontologically secondary to material objects both fails and brings out its methodological and existential primacy. No alternative metaphysical view is espoused (not even a variety of Spinoza's attractive double-aspect theory). Instead, an alternative stance, inspired from F. Varela's neurophenomenology is advocated. This unfamiliar stance involves (i) a complete redefinition of the boundary between unquestioned assumptions and relevant questions ; (ii) a descent towards the common ground of the statements of phenomenology and objective natural science : a practice motivated by the quest of an expanding circle of intersubjective agreement.
Fine specificity of antibodies produced in rhesus monkeys following in vivo treatment with anti‐T cell murine monoclonal antibodies

The immune response of 23 rhesus monkeys against different murine monoclonal antibodies (mAb) administered in vivo as immunosuppressive agents has been analyzed. Seven mAb specific for either helper‐inducer (CD4 molecules) or cytotoxic/suppressor (CD8 molecules) T cells, that cross‐react with monkey lymphocytes, were administered i.v. for 10 consecutive days in rhesus monkeys. Nineteen of the animals were recipients of a skin or renal allotransplant. Nineteen out of the 23 monkeys developed a significant immune response against the injected monoclonal. This response was restricted in its specificity since unrelated murine monoclonals were not recognized by the monkeys' anti‐monoclonal immunoglobulins. Fine analysis of the monkeys' sera revealed that the antibodies produced against the xenogeneic proteins selectively exhibited two major specificities i.e., anti‐isotypic and anti‐idiotypic. On practical basis, these results suggest that an animal already immunized against a given mAb should still be sensitive to the therapeutic effect of another monoclonal sharing the same specificity but different idiotype.
A Fixed-Frequency Beam-Scanning Microstrip Leaky Wave Antenna Array

A novel two-element fixed-frequency beam-scanning microstrip leaky wave antenna (MLWA) array is presented in this letter. By controlling the phase shifter, the mainlobe of the microstrip leaky wave antenna array is steered at the fixed frequency. The measured H-plane radiation patterns and the simulated results show that the mainlobe can be scanned from 41deg to 62deg continuously when the operating frequency fixes at 7 GHz. This new MLWA array can be used as a collision avoidance system or automotive radar system.
Effect of acute changes in glucose concentration on neuronal activity and plasticity in the rat hippocampus.

OBJECTIVES Diabetes mellitus is a major public health concern in many regions of the world, including the Caribbean. Diabetes is associated with multi-system pathology and central nervous system complications have been receiving increasing attention (dementia, cognitive decline and memory loss). While such pathology has been shown to be associated with long term derangement in glucose metabolism, less is known about the effects of acute changes in glucose concentration on neuronal function. This study assesses the effects of acute changes in glucose concentration upon neuronal transmission and neuronal plasticity. METHODS We made use of extracellular recordings from hippocampal slices of young adult rats and exposed them to changes in glucose concentration for 60 minutes before assessing synaptic plasticity. Experiments were carried out at both 30 degrees C and 35 degrees C. RESULTS At 30 degrees C, glucose concentrations of 30 mM and 4 mM had little effect upon population spike potentials (PSP). However reducing glucose concentration to 2 mM, 1 mM and 0 mM respectively resulted in a progressive decrease in the size of PSP until they were completely abolished. Similar results were observed at 35 degrees C except that 30 mM caused a significant increase in PSP size. Changes in glucose concentration had no effect upon synaptic plasticity at either 30 degrees C or 35 degrees C except below 2 mM glucose. CONCLUSION Acute changes in glucose concentration have a limited impact on neuronal transmission unless concentrations drop below 2 mM. However there seems to be little impairment of synaptic plasticity even at very low concentrations of glucose. We suggest that short term acute changes in glucose concentrations may not contribute directly to the cognitive decline associated with diabetes unless extremely severe.
Postural Sway Dynamics and Complexity Matching during the Disclosure of a Concealable Stigmatized Identity

This positional paper is the first of its kind to provide a framework to bridge the gap between disclosure research and embodied cognition via postural sway behavior. Despite the potential for experiencing discrimination or stigmatization, research suggests that revealing a concealable stigmatized identity (CSI), or any identity that can be hidden but when revealed has the potential for social devaluation, often leads to positive psychological and interpersonal outcomes. However, this typically only happens when a disclosure confidant provides support in response to disclosure. Therefore, this work aims to uncover how someone’s antecedent goals (either approach or avoidance oriented) can impact the disclosure event using an embodied perspective whereby goal orientation has the propensity to affect unconscious behaviors such as postural sway. Healthy adults typically exhibit complex, fractal sway behaviors; therefore, any loss of complexity could be associated with maladaptive disclosure motivations. Finally, we suggest a future plan of research aimed at capturing the disclosure confidant’s perception of the disclosure event and if they are more likely to exhibit complexity matching in their postural sway behaviors as a function of disclosure motivation.
[Reply: iodine concentration in urine and salt consumption in women between 12 to 49 years of age in Peru].

Sr. Editor. Efectivamente, los resultados del estudio, muestran que la mediana de yoduria en mujeres entre 12 a 49 años fueron 250,4 ug/L, considerados niveles por encima de lo recomendado por la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS), que indica una ingesta de yodo más que adecuado y con cierto riesgo de hipertiroidismo inducido por yodo según la OMS (1), pero en ninguna parte del artículo se menciona que la mediana de yoduria es excesiva. Por otra parte, considerar que el nivel de 200-299 μg/L sea considerado como niveles que permitan asegurar la mayor ingesta de yodo requerida durante la gestación y lactancia, es una propuesta y aún no está aprobada por la OMS.
SALIVARY ELECTROLYTE AS A BIOMARKER IN CARIES ACTIVE TYPE II DIABETES - A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Correspondence : Mithra N. Hegde Senior Professor & HOD, Department of Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics A.B. Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences, Nitte University, Mangalore 575 018, Karnataka, India. Mobile: +91 9845284411 E-mail: drhegdedentist@gmail.com Abstract: Background : Diabetes Mellitus and dental caries association has been determined successfully but the electrolyte imbalance responsible is still under investigation. Aims : This study aims to evaluate the salivary electrolyte concentration in non-diabetic and diabetic patients with active dental caries. Methods and Material : 60 diabetic individuals with active dental caries were selected fulfilling the inclusion criteria as the study group with equal number as controls. 5ml of saliva was collected from the patient, centrifuged and the supernatant obtained was subjected to
Time to attainment of recovery from borderline personality disorder and stability of recovery: A 10-year prospective follow-up study.

OBJECTIVE The purposes of this study were to determine time to attainment of recovery from borderline personality disorder and to assess the stability of recovery. METHOD A total of 290 inpatients who met both DSM-III-R and Revised Diagnostic Interview for Borderlines criteria for borderline personality disorder were assessed during their index admission using a series of semistructured interviews and self-report measures. The same instruments were readministered every 2 years for 10 years. RESULTS Over the study period, 50% of participants achieved recovery from borderline personality disorder, which was defined as remission of symptoms and having good social and vocational functioning during the previous 2 years. Overall, 93% of participants attained a remission of symptoms lasting at least 2 years, and 86% attained a sustained remission lasting at least 4 years. Of those who achieved recovery, 34% lost their recovery. Of those who achieved a 2-year remission of symptoms, 30% had a symptomatic recurrence, and of those who achieved a sustained remission, only 15% experienced a recurrence. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, the results of this study suggest that recovery from borderline personality disorder, with both symptomatic remission and good psychosocial functioning, seems difficult for many patients to attain. The results also suggest that once attained, such a recovery is relatively stable over time.
Episodic Selection and the Maintenance of Competence and Natural Transformation in Bacillus subtilis

We present a new hypothesis for the selective pressures responsible for maintaining natural competence and transformation. Our hypothesis is based in part on the observation that in Bacillus subtilis, where transformation is widespread, competence is associated with periods of nongrowth in otherwise growing populations. As postulated for the phenomenon of persistence, the short-term fitness cost associated with the production of transiently nongrowing bacteria can be compensated for and the capacity to produce these competent cells can be favored due to episodes where the population encounters conditions that kill dividing bacteria. With the aid of a mathematical model, we demonstrate that under realistic conditions this “episodic selection” for transiently nongrowing (persisting) bacteria can maintain competence for the uptake and expression of exogenous DNA transformation. We also show that these conditions for maintaining competence are dramatically augmented even by rare episodes where selection favors transformants. Using experimental populations of B. subtilis and antibiotic-mediated episodic selection, we test and provide support for the validity of the assumptions behind this model and the predictions generated from our analysis of its properties. We discuss the potential generality of episodic selection for the maintenance of competence in other naturally transforming species of bacteria and critically evaluate other hypotheses for the maintenance (and evolution) of competence and their relationship to this hypothesis.
Detection and control of influenza outbreaks in well-vaccinated nursing home populations.

BACKGROUND Influenza outbreaks continue to occur in nursing homes despite high vaccination coverage among residents. Recommendations for outbreak control in institutions such as nursing homes advises use of antiviral drugs to reduce influenza transmission. METHODS Influenza surveillance was performed among elderly residents of nursing homes in Michigan during 2 influenza seasons. The antiviral drug oseltamivir was used for outbreak control at the discretion of nursing home staff once influenza transmission was confirmed by virus isolation or rapid antigen detection. RESULTS During 2000-2001, influenza was not confirmed in any of the 28 participating homes, despite transmission of types A (H1N1) and B in the community. During 2001-2002, influenza type A (H3N2) transmission was confirmed in 8 (26%) of 31 participating homes; influenza vaccine coverage among residents was 57%- 98% in outbreak-associated homes. Oseltamivir was used in all homes with influenza transmission; outbreak control varied according to the rapidity of outbreak recognition and the extent of antiviral use. Reported adverse events were primarily gastrointestinal reactions and rashes. Analysis of the usefulness of rapid antigen detection tests for outbreak recognition indicated a sensitivity of only 77% (specificity, 92%). CONCLUSIONS Oseltamivir was reasonably well tolerated, and its use, along with continued promotion of vaccination coverage among nursing home residents and staff, should be a valuable addition to institutional outbreak-control strategies.
Surgical treatment of internal carotid artery occlusion.

PURPOSE Nonoperative treatment of recent internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion is associated with increased recurrent stroke rates. We analyzed our results of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) for treatment of symptomatic recent ICA occlusion to evaluate its feasibility, safety, and outcomes. METHODS From 1990 to 2002, all patients with transient ischemic attack (TIA), amaurosis fugax, and minor stroke underwent duplex ultrasound (US) scanning and arteriography to confirm the diagnosis of ICA occlusion. Within 2 weeks of symptom onset, patients underwent operative exploration with attempted CEA. ICA occlusion was detected at preoperative angiography and confirmed at surgery. Patients with extensive ICA plaque not amenable to endarterectomy underwent external CEA with ICA ligation. RESULTS Over 12 years, 87 patients with symptomatic ICA occlusion underwent 90 operations for ICA exploration. In 30 patients (18 men, 12 women) with TIA (45%), amaurosis fugax (19%), or minor stroke (36%), CEA to treat ICA occlusion was technically successful. There was 1 postoperative stroke, 2 asymptomatic internal carotid occlusions, and no restenoses (mean follow-up, 26 months; range, 1-93 months). In 57 patients (37 men, 20 women) with TIA (41%), amaurosis fugax (27%), or stroke (32%) in whom CEA was unsuccessful, external CEA was performed. In this group there were no postoperative strokes, 2 asymptomatic external carotid artery occlusions, and 1 restenosis (>70%) (mean follow-up, 22 months; range, 1-73 months). There were no late strokes in either group. CONCLUSION Operative exploration and endarterectomy to treat symptomatic ICA occlusion is feasible and safe. Patients with symptomatic ICA occlusion should be considered candidates for CEA.