Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Light changes the atmospheric reactivity of soot

Soot particles produced by incomplete combustion processes are one of the major components of urban air pollution. Chemistry at their surfaces lead to the heterogeneous conversion of several key trace gases; for example NO2 interacts with soot and is converted into HONO, which rapidly photodissociates to form OH in the troposphere. In the dark, soot surfaces are rapidly deactivated under atmospheric conditions, leading to the current understanding that soot chemistry affects tropospheric chemical composition only in a minor way. We demonstrate here that the conversion of NO2 to HONO on soot particles is drastically enhanced in the presence of artificial solar radiation, and leads to persistent reactivity over long periods. Soot photochemistry may therefore be a key player in urban air pollution.
Leaf caching in the leafcutting ant Atta colombica: organizational shift, task partitioning and making the best of a bad job

Leafcutting ants (Atta and Acromyrmex) sometimes form piles or caches of leaves on foraging trails. Laboratory experiments have shown that leaf caching at the nest entrance by Atta cephalotes and Atta colombica is adaptive because it occurs when a colony's leaf delivery rate exceeds its leaf-processing rate and serves to increase the probability that a dropped leaf is eventually recovered. We examined the occurrence and adaptive value of leaf caching on foraging trails in field colonies of A. colombica in Panama. The probability of leaf caching was positively related to trail traffic with cache locations being frequently associated with changes in gradient or terrain along the trail. Artificially blocking foraging trails resulted in caching behaviour but only when the blockage was near the leaf source or the nest entrance. This mirrors individual leaf dropping on trails and bottleneck-induced nest entrance caching in the laboratory. Leaves were recovered more rapidly from caches but because leaves were not selected according to forager size they were transported back to the nest more slowly than normally foraged leaves. Thus, whilst caching provides benefits, by increasing the likelihood of leaf recovery, it imposes a cost through mismatching forager and load size. Leaf caching is an example of an organizational shift (from direct foraging to foraging with task partitioning) and we provide a minimum estimate of the cost of this shift. Leaf caching encompasses two behaviours, leaf dropping and cache formation. Leaf dropping, and therefore the switch to task partitioning, is not in itself adaptive and cache formation has costs as well as benefits. We propose that leaf caching is making the best of a bad job if for some reason it is necessary for foragers to put down their leaf.
A three-dimensional collagen-fiber network model of the extracellular matrix for the simulation of the mechanical behaviors and micro structures

Abstract The extracellular matrix (ECM) provides structural and biochemical support to cells and tissues, which is a critical factor for modulating cell dynamic behavior and intercellular communication. In order to further understand the mechanisms of the interactive relationship between cell and the ECM, we developed a three-dimensional (3D) collagen-fiber network model to simulate the micro structure and mechanical behaviors of the ECM and studied the stress–strain relationship as well as the deformation of the ECM under tension. In the model, the collagen-fiber network consists of abundant random distributed collagen fibers and some crosslinks, in which each fiber is modeled as an elastic beam and a crosslink is modeled as a linear spring with tensile limit, it means crosslinks will fail while the tensile forces exceed the limit of spring. With the given parameters of the beam and the spring, the simulated tensile stress–strain relation of the ECM highly matches the experimental results including damaged and failed behaviors. Moreover, by applying the maximal inscribed sphere method, we measured the size distribution of pores in the fiber network and learned the variation of the distribution with deformation. We also defined the alignment of the collagen-fibers to depict the orientation of fibers in the ECM quantitatively. By the study of changes of the alignment and the damaged crosslinks against the tensile strain, this paper reveals the comprehensive mechanisms of four stages of ‘toe’, ‘linear’, ‘damage’ and ‘failure’ in the tensile stress–strain relation of the ECM which can provide further insight in the study of cell-ECM interaction.
Molecular organization of the genes required for the synthesis of type 1 capsular polysaccharide of Streptococcus pneumoniae: formation of binary encapsulated pneumococci and identification of cryptic dTDP‐rhamnose biosynthesis genes

We report here the molecular organization of the capsular locus (cap1 ) of the type 1 pneumococcus. This locus is located between dexB and aliA and flanked by IS1167 insertion elements. Sequence analysis showed that the cluster contains 11 genes (cap1A to cap1K ), which are apparently arranged as a single transcriptional unit. The presence of a functional promoter (cap1p ) located upstream of cap1A has been demonstrated and the transcription start point was mapped by primer‐extension analysis. A 14.3 kb fragment containing the genes cap1ABCDEFGHIJK and including cap1p was sufficient to allow the synthesis of a type 1 capsule in Streptococcus pneumoniae. An internal deletion of cap1E leads to an unencapsulated phenotype demonstrating that this gene is essential for capsular production. The cap1K gene has been expressed in Escherichia coli resulting in UDP‐glucose dehydrogenase (UDP‐GlcDH) activity. Moreover, this gene was able to restore the synthesis of type 3 capsule when cloned into a plasmid and introduced by transformation into S. pneumoniae cap3A mutants deficient in UDP‐GlcDH. In marked contrast with what was previously thought, recombination between cap1K and cap3A does occur. We provide data on the molecular mechanism that leads to the formation of binary encapsulated pneumococcal cells, i.e. strains that simultaneously produce type 1 and type 3 capsules. Downstream of cap1K, one truncated and three complete open reading frames homologous to those involved in the biosynthesis of dTDP‐rhamnose, a monosaccharide that does not participate in the formation of type 1 polysaccharide, have been identified in all the clinical strains of type 1 pneumococcus tested. Our results provide new insights into the generation of capsule diversity in pneumococci.
Single Passband Microwave Photonic Filter With Continuous Wideband Tunability Based on Electro-Optic Phase Modulator and Fabry–Pérot Semiconductor Optical Amplifier

We propose and experimentally demonstrate a microwave photonic filter based on an electro-optic phase modulator (EOPM) and a Fabry-Pérot semiconductor optical amplifier (FP-SOA). A microwave photonic filter with a single passband between 0 and 40 GHz is obtained. In the single passband microwave photonic filter, the microwave subtraction effect is introduced in optical domain to improve the performance. A theoretical model is established to describe the operation principle of the microwave photonic filter, and the predicted results show good agreement with the experimental results. In the experiment, the center frequency and the 3-dB bandwidth are 18.3 GHz and 99.5 MHz, respectively, with the corresponding Q factor of 184, and the rejection ratio and shape factor are 34.3 dB and 5, respectively. The continuous wideband tunability of the microwave photonic filter is also demonstrated by adjusting the bias current of FP-SOA.
Australian women living with HIV/AIDS are more sceptical than men about antiretroviral treatment

A national survey of 925 people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in Australia conducted in the second half of 1997 showed that the proportion of HIV-positive women (61%) reporting they currently used antiretroviral treatment was significantly lower than that of men (79%). Women (37%) were also significantly less likely than men (59%) to report that they believe new treatments have brought hope and better prospects for PLWHA. Thirteen women and 63 men who completed the survey also participated in an in-depth interview which further explored the use of, and attitudes to, antiretroviral drugs for HIV/AIDS and their impact on personal relationships and work-related issues. Taken together, the survey and interview data suggest that male PLWHA have positive albeit qualified views about antiretrovirals and believe their health and future prospects have been improved by advances in treatments. In contrast, female PLWHA were sceptical about treatments and were unwilling to link their future prospects to the outcomes of antiretroviral therapy. Multivariate analysis of the correlates of attitudes to treatments revealed gender to be a significant independent predictor of more positive attitudes. These results are important considerations for health care workers in ensuring that HIV treatment services become more acceptable to HIV-positive women.
Introducing extreme data storage middleware of schema-free document stores using MapReduce

Data warehousing has been embraced by organisations of all sizes. However, there are few publications on data warehouse of NoSQL. In this paper, an extreme data storage middleware EDSM of schema-free document stores using MapReduce is presented to address the issue of formulating no redundant data warehouse with small amount of storage space for the purpose of their composition in a way that utilises the MapReduce framework. The experiment is shown to successfully build the NoSQL data warehouse reducing data redundancy compared with document with timestamp and lifecycle tag solutions. Our experiment also provides insight into some of the key challenges and shortcomings that researchers and engineers face when designing the data warehouse middleware.
COMMON TRAJECTORY PREDICTION CAPABILITY FOR DECISION SUPPORT TOOLS

Trajectory prediction capabilities are an essential building block for most if not all Air Traffic Management Decision Support Tools (DSTs). DST applications range from en route to terminal operations with advisories ranging from passive flow suggestions to active clearance/instructions. Many past DSTs have been fielded with their own unique trajectory prediction capability. The objective of this paper is to identify significant performance factors and design considerations for developing a Common Trajectory Prediction Capability. A system engineering approach is used to resolve key design issues and tradeoffs such as the balance between prediction accuracy and computational speed for a variety of DST applications. Controller intent uncertainty, the major source of prediction error, is mitigated by the control advisories of advanced DSTs that close the control loop. Key aspects of a common trajectory prediction module are presented including an approach to dynamically adapt the performance to support a range of DST applications. The characteristics of different aircraft performance models, the flight path integration logic and software implementation issues are also discussed.
A novel reconfigurable broadband antenna for cognitive radio systems

Dynamic spectrum access based on cognitive radio systems is highly desired to satisfy the expanding wireless communication demand. However, cognitive radio is in need of a compact antenna that is capable of covering a large frequency range. In this paper, a novel reconfigurable broadband antenna is proposed, which is capable of a dynamic multiple channel access in the frequency range from 400 MHz to 4 GHz. The proposed antenna maintains the compact size so that it is suitable for mobile multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) applications. The antenna achieves a minimum -5 dB channel bandwidth of 33 MHz which is large enough for TV whitespace applications.
A 250mV 7.5μW 61dB SNDR CMOS SC ΔΣ modulator using a near-threshold-voltage-biased CMOS inverter technique

One of the most continuous trends in solid-state circuits is the decrease in power supply as a direct consequence of technology scaling. The fact that Vt does not scale linearly with supply voltage has encouraged several low-voltage design techniques recently [1–6]. The received voltage level in a wireless power transfer system decays rapidly with distance and also medical portable systems are calling for low-voltage circuitries.
Breast cancer prevention: A review of current evidence

The National Cancer Institute has created a breast cancer risk assessment tool that quickly estimates a woman's individualized absolute risk of developing breast cancer. Understanding the magnitude of risk is important because recent data show that breast cancer incidence may be reduced. All women may improve their overall health and thus perhaps minimize breast cancer risk by maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding cigarettes, limiting alcohol consumption, getting regular exercise, and avoiding non‐diagnostic ionizing radiation. Nevertheless, no lifestyle modifications have yet been proven to prevent or definitively lower the risk of breast cancer. In addition, women whose personal breast cancer risk is high may consider reducing risk by pharmacologic or surgical means. In such women, a five‐year course of tamoxifen reduced the risk of invasive breast cancer by 49%; women with lobular carcinoma in situ or atypical hyperplasia experienced even greater risk reductions. Because of the potential for vascular and endometrial side effects, women who are candidates for a preventive course of tamoxifen must be counseled regarding its relative risks and benefits. Prophylactic mastectomy offers at least a 90% reduction in the risk of breast cancer, but the physical and psychological changes involved in such a procedure make it a difficult choice for many women. Breast cancer risk assessment and appropriate counseling are becoming standard components of breast cancer screening and overall health maintenance.
A family of neofunctionalized Ty3/gypsy retrotransposon genes in mammalian genomes

A family of at least eleven genes called Mar related to long terminal repeat retrotransposons from the Ty3/gypsy group, including two genes previously identified as such, is present in human and mouse genomes. Single orthologous copies were identified for most Mar genes in different mammals. All of them have lost essential structural features necessary for autonomous retrotransposition before divergence between mouse and human. Three Mar genes also have introns at identical positions in human and mouse. Hence, Mar genes do not correspond to functional retrotransposons. Mar genes evolved under purifying selection, strongly suggesting that they are not pseudogenic relics but rather neofunctionalized retrotransposon genes. All putative Mar proteins display sequence similarity to the capsid-like domain of the Gag protein of Tf1/Sushi retrotransposons. In addition, three Mar proteins have conserved the Gag CCHC zinc finger motif, suggesting a role in nucleic acid binding. Some Mar genes have also retained from their retrotransposon origin a –1 ribosomal frameshifting between the gag-related open reading frame and a region encoding a putative aspartyl protease domain. EST analysis revealed that the majority of Mar genes are expressed in brain as well as in other tissues and organs. Some Mar proteins might function as transcription factors or be involved in the control of cell proliferation and apoptosis. Strikingly, as many as eight Mar genes are located on the X chromosome in human, mouse and other mammals, and at least two of the autosomal genes are subject to imprinting. We suggest that retrotransposons might be a source for epigenetically regulated genes. Epigenetic regulation of these neogenes might be derived from the cellular defense mechanisms having controlled their retrotransposon ancestor.
Substrates for zero temperature coefficient Love wave sensors

Microacoustic Love wave delay lines show high sensitivity to perturbations such as mass depositions on the wave-guide surface. Furthermore, because of their shear polarization, Love waves are ideally suited for liquid sensing applications. Using a Love wave delay line as feedback element in an oscillator allows the realization of viscosity sensors, and, using a chemical interface, chemical sensors, where the output signal is the oscillation frequency. To achieve a high effective sensitivity, the cross-sensitivity to temperature has to be kept low. We outline the proper choice of a material and especially focus on the influence of crystal cut and the major device design parameters (mass sensitivity and coupling coefficient) on the temperature coefficient of the sensor.
A non-isolated dual-input DC-DC converter with wide input voltage range for renewable energy sources

This paper presents a new non-isolated dual-input dc-dc converter. The proposed converter can transfer energy from different input sources to the output load individually and simultaneously. In addition, by operating in the step-up/down mode, the input voltages can be higher or lower than the output voltage which leads to a wide input voltage range. This feature is suitable for renewable energy systems that have wide voltage variations. The validity of the proposed converter is confirmed by experimental results from a prototype with 36–72V/24–60V inputs and a 48V/200W output.
Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction in Athletes

Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction is a disease with high prevalence among elite athletes and it can be up to 70%. Diagnosing this condition is essential to accurately manage the condition preserving excellent lung function among athletes. In this article is presented a review of studies on exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, methods of diagnosis
Intravenous recombinant tumor necrosis factor in the treatment of AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma.

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) has demonstrated antitumor activity against a variety of tumors and is particularly cytotoxic to capillary endothelial cells, which are the presumed cell of origin of Kaposi's sarcoma. We evaluated the toxicity and clinical antitumor and antiretroviral effects of recombinant TNF administered at a once weekly dose of 100 micrograms/m2 intravenously for 8 weeks in five men with AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma and without prior opportunistic infection. One patient was removed from study at week 4 due to rapid progression of Kaposi's sarcoma, another patient with stage IV disease and a pretreatment CD4 count of 11 developed fever, hypotension, and pneumonia at week 7 and died 8 days after discontinuing recombinant TNF. No pathogenic organisms were isolated. He had marked eschar formation of his Kaposi's sarcoma lesions, particularly in areas previously exposed to radiation therapy. Uniform toxicities included fevers, rigors, and headaches during drug infusion that were ameliorated by prophylactic meperidine hydrochloride and acetaminophen. All experienced fatigue and three had arthralgias. One patient had transient hypotension which corrected with i.v. fluids. No significant hematologic, hepatic, or renal toxicities were seen. All patients had some progression of their Kaposi's sarcoma on study. There was no change in CD4 or CD8 count or in CD4:CD8 ratios. Serum human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) p24 antigen levels increased greater than 50% in three patients. We conclude that, as a single agent, at a dose of 100 micrograms/m2 recombinant TNF by i.v. infusion has no obvious antitumor or antiretroviral effects in patients with AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma.
Inverse Class F Power Amplifier for WiMAX Applications with 74% Efficiency at 2.45 GHz

This work proposes the steps to design a high efficiency inverse class F power amplifier (PA). In the first step, the optimal termination conditions for the inverse class F are extracted through load-pull measurement. Afterward, low loss and precisely tunable output matching network was chosen in order to obtain high efficiency of the PA. The fabrication of an inverse class F power amplifier for WiMAX applications at a carrier frequency equal to 2.45 GHz following the described design procedure is carried out and the obtained results demonstrate a measured power added efficiency equal to 71.5% and drain efficiency equal to 74%.
The effect of different combinations of dietary energy and protein on the composition of ostrich eggs

Nutrition of breeding female birds can influence egg quality and is therefore extremely important for the development of the embryo and the successful hatching of a high quality chick. We investigated the effect of combining different levels of dietary energy and protein, with accompanied amino acid levels, in the diets of female ostriches on the composition of their eggs. Ninety pairs of breeding ostriches were divided randomly into nine groups of 10 pairs per group in a factorial design with three energy and three protein levels. The groups were fed diets with levels of 7.5, 8.5 and 9.5 MJ metabolisable energy/kg, each combined with each one of three protein levels 105, 120 and 135 g/kg respectively. Fresh eggs were collected from each group at the end of the breeding season and the albumen and yolk separated and analysed for protein and lipid content and for amino acid and mineral composition. No significant interaction between energy and protein levels occurred. Despite some differences in egg composition and amino acid concentrations, different dietary energy and protein levels for the most part had little or no effect on the composition of ostrich eggs.
Efficient sample rate conversion for software radio systems

A new sample rate conversion (SRC) method for software radio (SWR) systems is proposed. The method, which uses the window filter design and Lagrange functions, requires fewer computations than other SRC methods over a range of SRC factors for the wideband and high dynamic range signals that are typical of SWR systems. The computational requirements of the proposed SRC method and other SRC methods are compared and simulation results of the proposed method are discussed.
‘I've Got a Little List’ (Koko: Mikado). But is it Any Use?

INTRODUCTION In this presentation 'supervision registers' are placed in brief etymological and historical context. This is followed by a short critical account of the registration scheme and limited comparison is made with similar (but not directly comparable) systems in child care and probation. Finally, the crucial need for adequate assessment is stressed, as is the need for critical espousal ofthis new device.
Some serological and chemical studies on materials extracted from an amylolytic streptococcus from the rumen of the sheep.

and butanol as before. To the final aqueous layer ethanol (2 vol.) was added and after storing at + 10 for 48 hr. precipitate was removed on the centrifuge and diasolved in water (50ml.) to give a clear, viscous solution. This was centrifuged, a portion removed for precipitin tests andthe polysaccharide quantitatively precipitated from the remainder by addition of a little NaCl and ethanol (150 ml.). The polysaccharide was dried by trituration with acetone and in a vacuum desiccator over P.05 to give a white powder entirely soluble in water to a clear, viscous solution. the
A novel transmission-line voltage measuring method

A novel transmission-line monitoring method for estimating the transient voltage from the transient current alone is presented. This is based on the properties of traveling waves instigated on high-voltage transmission lines as a result of a fault, switching operation, or a lightning strike. The method is unique in that superimposed voltage transients can be deduced without employing measurements taken from voltage transducers. It is demonstrated that full advantage can be made of the broad bandwidth of the current transducers to improve fault location and enable high-speed traveling wave protection to be applied on power systems.