Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dual-Band Dual-Mode Textile Antenna on PDMS Substrate for Body-Centric Communications

A dual-band antenna for off- and on-body communications in the 2.45- and 5.8-GHz Industrial, Scientific, and Medical bands is presented. The two radiation characteristics, i.e., patch-like radiation for the off-body link and monopole-like radiation for the on-body link, are achieved by utilizing inherently generated TM $_{11}$ and TM$_{02}$ modes of a circular patch antenna. A shorting pin and two arc-shaped slots are employed to tune both modes to the desired operating frequencies. This approach allows a realization of a dual-band dual-mode antenna with a very simple structure, i.e., a single radiator with a simple feed. A further advantage of the proposed antenna is its realization using a silver fabric integrated onto a flexible polydimethylsiloxane substrate that makes it more practical for wearable applications. An experimental investigation of the antenna performance has been carried out in free space and on a semisolid human muscle equivalent phantom, which shows a robust performance against the human body loading effect. When placed on the phantom, the measured bandwidths of 84 and 247 MHz in the 2.45- and 5.8-GHz bands, respectively, are achieved with the corresponding peak gains of 4.16 and 4.34 dBi, indicating a promising candidate for body-centric communications.
Efficient excitation of dielectric-loaded surface plasmon-polariton waveguide modes at telecommunication wavelengths

The excitation of surface plasmon-polariton (SPP) waveguide modes in subwavelength dielectric ridges deposited on a thin gold film has been characterized and optimized at telecommunication wavelengths. The experimental data on the electromagnetic mode structure obtained using scanning near-field optical microscopy have been directly compared to full vectorial three-dimensional finite element method simulations. Two excitation geometries have been investigated where SPPs are excited outside or inside the dielectric tapered region adjoint to the waveguide. The dependence of the efficiency of the SPP guided mode excitation on the taper opening angle has been measured and modeled. Single-mode guiding and strong lateral mode confinement of dielectric-loaded SPP waveguide modes have been characterized with the near-field measurements and compared to the effective-index method model.
Reply to Willis: Powerful predictions of biodiversity from ecological models and scaling laws

Knowing the number of species ( S ) in an ecological system (i.e., species richness) is of primary importance to understanding biodiversity. Willis (1) states that the only “statistically admissible” way to estimate S is by modeling the number of species with n = 1, 2, 3, . individuals, which is known as the frequency ratio method (2). Once this is accomplished, Willis (1) states that S can then be estimated via extrapolation through probabilistic models. However, extrapolations of richness estimates across orders of magnitude can be unsound (1, 3) and the data required by statistical estimators, such as frequency ratios, do not … [↵][1]1To whom correspondence may be addressed. Email: ken{at}weecology.org or lennonj{at}indiana.edu. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
On Rational Solutions of Systems of Linear Differential Equations

Let K be a field of characteristic zero and M(Y) =N a system of linear differential equations with coefficients in K(x). We propose a new algorithm to compute the set of rational solutions of such a system. This algorithm does not require the use of cyclic vectors. It has been implemented in Maple V and it turns out to be faster than cyclic vector computations. We show how one can use this algorithm to give a method to find the set of solutions with entries in K(x)logx of M(Y) =N.
Co-administration of tissue plasminogen activator and hyperbaric oxygen in ischemic stroke: a continued promise for neuroprotection

Intravenous recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (r-tPA, alteplase) remains the recommended therapy for acute ischemic stroke. However, several factors are limiting its practical use. It makes it urgent for us to search more efficient strategies that can save the ischemic neurons, and safely extend the time window, while in the mean time reducing the detrimental effects for stroke thrombolysis. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is considered to be potentially neuroprotective. Co-administration of r-tPA and HBOT has already been proved to be effective, safe and feasible in myocardial infarction. In this article, we would like to review whether HBOT has any beneficial effects on r-tPA thrombolysis. If there is, what is the underlying possible mechanisms and how to optimize for maximal effects?
Performance‐related stress symptoms in simulated patients

Introduction During the first 4 years of the 6‐year undergraduate medical curriculum at Maastricht University, the Netherlands, students practise clinical skills in simulated patient (SP) encounters at the Skillslab. Generally, these encounters are instructive and enjoyable for both students and SPs. However, in conversations with SP trainers, some SPs have mentioned experiencing adverse symptoms due to performing a patient role. Some published studies have reported similar findings in SPs. We explored the seriousness of this problem by surveying SPs on the occurrence and severity of stress symptoms related to performing patient roles. We also examined by which variables the symptoms were influenced.
Effect of dietary neutral detergent fiber on ileal digestibility and portal flux of nitrogen and amino acids and on nitrogen utilization in growing pigs.

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of dietary NDF on apparent ileal and fecal digestibility and portal flux of nitrogen (N) and amino acids, and on N retention in growing pigs. In four equal portions (at 0600, 1200, 1800, and 2400) barrows on Treatment B received a basal diet, based on casein, cornstarch, and dextrose, at a feeding level of 2.6 times energy for maintenance. Barrows on Treatment B+NDF received an additional amount of 15% (wt/wt) of purified wheat bran NDF (pNDF). In Exp. 1, four ileally cannulated barrows (40 to 75 kg) were used in a crossover arrangement comprising two treatments and three periods. The addition of pNDF decreased ileal N digestibility from 94.1 to 88.9% (P < .001), whereas ileal digestibility of most amino acids was 2 to 5.5 percentage units lower (P < .001). Utilization of ileally digested N increased from 64 to 72% with the addition of pNDF, presumably because of the contribution of pNDF to the energy supply. In Exp. 2, three barrows (30 to 54 kg) fitted with catheters in the portal vein and the mesenteric vein and artery were used in a crossover arrangement comprising two treatments and five periods. Portal absorption of nutrients was derived by multiplying the porto-arterial plasma concentration differences by portal vein plasma flow. The pNDF did not significantly affect the absorption of ileally digested amino acids and the portal flux of ammonia and urea. The results showed that addition of NDF reduced amino acid digestibility, but not the portal flux of digested amino acids, and NDF energy presumably improved utilization of ileally digested amino acids.
Comment on "On the Origin of Interictal Activity in Human Temporal Lobe Epilepsy in Vitro"

For more than a decade, there has been extensive discussion about whether hippocampal sclerosis causes enhanced neuronal excitability as a prerequisite for seizure generation. The disorder known as Ammon’s horn sclerosis (AHS) is characterized by pronounced cell loss and gliosis in various regions of the hippocampal formation, leaving the subiculum generally intact (1, 2). Given the hypothesis that epileptic activity is generated within the hippocampal formation when the CA3 and CA1 regions are damaged or even absent, it is feasible that the adjacent subiculum is uniquely responsible for the generation of limbic seizures. Using multielectrode recordings in hippocampal brain slices of patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) and hippocampal sclerosis, Cohen et al. (3) detected spontaneous, rhythmic spikes in the subiculum—but rarely in the CA3 or CA1 regions. This activity closely resembled the discharges seen on the electroencephalograms (EEGs) of these patients. Cohen et al. (3) therefore concluded that in patients with AHS, deafferentation of the subiculum initiates an epileptogenic plasticity that includes changes in glutamatergic or -aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic signaling. We find that even in nonsclerotic hippocampal tissue, as graded by Wyler (4), the subiculum shows cellular and synaptic changes which suffice to generate an epileptic focus. To elucidate this issue further, we investigated the contribution of subicular cells to interictal activity recorded in EEGs of TLE patients with (AHS, Wyler score W3, W4; n 7) and without hippocampal sclerosis (non-AHS, W0-W2;
Composition, coagulation properties and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese yield of Italian Brown and Italian Friesian herd milks

The authors report the results of a study aimed at the comparison of the basic chemical composition, the main protein fractions distribution, rennet coagulation properties and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese yield of vat milk from Italian Brown and Italian Friesian herds. Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese factories which manufacture milk separately from Italian Brown herds and Italian Friesian herds were used in the study. Thirteen cheesemaking trials were performed at 10 different commercial cheese factories. The study was carried out from March to October 2003. For each cheesemaking trial in each factory, approximately 1100 kg milk from Italian Brown cows and from Italian Friesian cows were processed in parallel. The animals involved in the study came from farms with comparable management practices, size, location, number of lactation and days in milking. Each vat contained milk obtained by combining milk collected during the evening milking (partially skimmed milk by natural creaming) and the following morning milking (full-cream milk), from at least 2 dairy herds. Milk from Italian Brown cows is characterised by a higher casein content (27·1 v. 23·7 g/kg; P[les ]0·0001) than Italian Friesian cows' milk. Curd firming time (k20) of Italian Brown cows' milk was markedly lower than that of Italian Friesian cows' milk (6·6 v. 10·0 min; P[les ]0·001). This implies a higher rate of aggregation of para-casein micelles for Italian Brown cows' milk. The coagulum of Italian Brown cows' milk had better rheological properties and lower losses of fat in the cheese whey. Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese yield at 24 h was also higher for Italian Brown cows' milk, +0·99 kg cheese for every 100 kg vat milk.
Using storage organelles for the accumulation and encapsulation of recombinant proteins

Plants have been used to produce many diverse and valuable recombinant proteins, including subunit vaccines, antibodies and antibody fragments, hormones, blood products, cytokines, and enzymes. Different plant species and platforms have been explored as production hosts, each with unique properties in terms of the gene transfer method, production time, environmental containment, scalability, downstream processing strategy, protein folding and accumulation, and overall costs. Seed‐based systems have many advantages because they exploit the natural storage properties of seeds, which facilitate batch processing and distribution. Seeds possess specialized storage organelles that may be used to accumulate recombinant proteins, offering stability both in planta and after harvest in the final preparation/formulation. The post‐harvest stabilizing effect of seeds allows recombinant subunit vaccines and antibodies to be delivered via the mucosal route because they are better able to withstand this harsh microenvironment when protected by the plant matrix. Native storage organelles such as starch granules and protein bodies offer this protective effect, but protein storage organelles can also be induced ectopically in vegetative tissues. In this paper, we discuss the technical capabilities of storage organelle‐based expression platforms and their potential applications.
NCC27, a homolog of intracellular Cl- channel p64, is expressed in brush border of renal proximal tubule.

NCC27, a 27-kDa homolog of the intracellular chloride channel p64, was recently described as a chloride channel in nuclear membrane. We probed human Northern blots for NCC27 and found an approximately 1.7-kb message in all tissues examined, including kidney, the transcript being most abundant in heart and skeletal muscle.NCC27-specific antisera was raised to a COOH-terminal peptide derived from the NCC27 coding region. Using this antisera, we find NCC27 is expressed in an intracellular vesicular compartment in HeLa cells, PancI cells, and macrophages. In human and mouse kidney, NCC27 is expressed at low levels in most cells of the kidney. NCC27 is highly expressed in glomeruli, in periarterial smooth muscle, and in the apical membrane of a subset of cortical tubule cells. Double staining with nephron segment-specific lectins indicates that the NCC27-expressing cells are proximal tubule cells.
APRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION OF THE BIOMECHANICAL AND PERCEPTUAL INFLUENCE OF CHAIN RESISTANCE ON THE PERFORMANCE OF THE SNATCH

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the addition of chains to a barbell during the performance of the snatch would invoke differences in execution compared with lifting a conventional barbell without chains. Additionally, subjects were asked whether they perceived that the addition of chains had effects on their performance, and, if so, what those effects were. Four male and 3 female competitive weightlifters who regularly used chains as part of their training programs participated in the study. They were compared lifting 80% of 1 repetition maximum (1RM) using conventional barbells with 80% of 1RM, 5% of which was accounted for by chains. The same procedure was used with 85% of 1RM. Variables examined included maximum vertical displacement of the bar, maximum bar velocity, rate of force production of the bar, and vertical ground reaction forces for the first pull, unweighting, and second pull phases of the lift. Results indicated that there were no statistically significant differences between the chain vs. no-chain conditions at either 80% or 85% of 1RM. In contrast, 100% of the subjects stated that they perceived that the addition of chains made them work harder during the snatch. They suggested that the chains forced them to pull harder throughout the lift and that oscillation of the chains required their shoulders, abdominals, and back to work harder to stabilize the bar in the catch phase. Although statistical results indicate that chains have no influence on the snatch technique, chains may have a psychological impact and possibly invoke a physiological training response by increasing strength of muscles required to stabilize the bar during the catch phase if used over time.
Amlodipine at high dose increases preproendothelin-1 expression in the ventricles and aorta of normotensive rats

Background High doses of dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers can activate the sympathetic nervous system and the renin–angiotensin system. Both noradrenaline and angiotensin II stimulate preproendothelin-1 gene expression, yet the effects of high doses of dihydropyridines on preproendothelin-1 expression in vivo remain unknown. Objectives To investigate the effects of high doses of dihydropyridines on preproendothelin-1 expression in the ventricles and aorta of normotensive rats. Methods Sprague–Dawley rats were treated with amlodipine 5 or 20 mg/kg per day (Amlo 5 or Amlo 20) in drinking water for 5 days or 5 weeks. Systolic blood pressure and heart rate were measured by tail-cuff plethysmography. Gene expression was examined by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Results Amlo 5 increased heart rate during the first week only and had no effect on blood pressure and ventricular weight and gene expression. Amlo 20 reduced blood pressure transiently and increased heart rate consistently. It did not change relative left ventricular weight (corrected for body weight) after 5 days, but increased it after 5 weeks; it increased relative right ventricular weight at both time points. Aorta weight (mg/mm) was decreased after 5 weeks of treatment with both dosages of amlodipine. Preproendothelin-1 mRNA levels were increased by Amlo 20 in the ventricles and aorta and, concomitantly, renin mRNA was increased in the kidney. Less consistently, interleukin-6 mRNA also increased in ventricles, whereas cardiotrophin-1 mRNA remained unchanged. The sensitivity of isolated aorta to the contractile effect of noradrenaline was decreased by Amlo 5, but not by Amlo 20. Conclusions In Sprague–Dawley rats, high-dose amlodipine, while promoting neurohormonal activation, induced overexpression of preproendothelin-1 mRNA in the ventricles and aorta. Endothelin-1 overexpression could contribute to the lack of inhibitory effect of high-dose amlodipine on ventricular mass in normotensive rats.
The world awaits the next pandemic: will it be H5N1, the ‘bird flu’?

papers over the past year with dire predictions of a global pandemic resulting in millions of deaths with catastrophic economic and political consequences. The majority of people who have been infected so far have been children with a mortality rate of greater than 50 per cent. So what do pediatric nurses on both side of the Atlantic Ocean need to know about this condition to educate and protect their families, the children they care for, and their communities?
[Histomorphometric analysis of the bone tissue in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes (DMNID)].

The effects of long-term diabetes mellitus on mineral metabolism and bone integrity remain ill defined. Several studies have shown that patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) have reduced bone mass. However, the effect of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) on bone mass has been controversial. Quantitative histologic assessments were completed in iliac crest bone samples obtained from 26 patients (13 male and 13 female) with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) and normal renal function (serum creatinine 1.00 +/- 0.04 mg/dl). The mean age was 67.42 +/- 2.74 yrs, range 50-89 yrs. For the control group the bone samples were taken from 20 non-diabetic subjects (11 male and 9 female) with a mean age of 57.95 +/- 3.96 yrs, range 33-91 yrs, n.s, that had suffered sudden or violent death. Significant lower values were present in the diabetic group for bone volume (p < 0.0001), osteoid volume (p < 0.005), osteoid thickness (p < 0.0001), cortical thickness (p < 0.05) and osteoblast surface (p < 0.05). Linear regression analysis revealed significant positive correlations of osteoid volume with osteoid thickness and osteoid surface in both groups. Our results suggest that the mechanism(s) underlying diabetic osteopenia may involve decreased bone turnover as reflected in a paucity of osteoblasts and diminished quantities of osteoid. A proeminent additional feature was a reduction in the cortical thickness.
Is there a link between chronic Helicobacter pylori infection and coronary heart disease?

BACKGROUND A number of epidemiological studies have reported on associations of coronary heart disease and raised levels of IgG serum antibodies to Helicobacter pylori. There is substantial uncertainty about the interpretation of these reports, however, as some authors have emphasised the most extreme findings to claim that a causal association exists, whereas others have reported the existence of no strong correlations. METHODS A systematic review of the published literature was conducted. RESULTS More than twenty relevant epidemiological reports were identified. There was a tendency towards larger odds ratios in smaller case-control studies that recruited controls opportunistically (e.g., hospital inpatients without heart disease) and that did not adjust for many confounders. Overall, the prospective studies reported no strong correlations between coronary heart disease and H. pylori infection. Even in a combined analysis, however, these studies were too small to be able to confirm or refute the existence of weak associations. CONCLUSION Residual confounding by causal risk factors may well account for the weak associations that have been reported between coronary heart disease and H. pylori.
An integrated seven port hybrid charger for smart home applications

Multi Input Multi Output (MIMO) converter topologies play vital role in low power applications. In this paper a novel converter topology which interfaces seven ports, i.e. two input power ports (PV array and grid), one bidirectional port (battery) and four isolated parallel load ports is proposed. The hybrid charger is derived from the semi isolated forward converter topology. Load ports give fixed output voltage of 12 V DC with different current ratings for residential applications like 3 W, 5 W LED lights, 5 W compatible mobile charger and 25 W DC fan. The modes of operation and design considerations of converter are presented. The operation has been experimentally validated with average DC load of 50 W power rating prototype. The test results are satisfying IEC 61215 and IEC 60068-2-30: 2005, IEC 60068-2-14: 2009 standards under different environmental conditions.
Isolation of a possible archetypal JC virus DNA sequence from nonimmunocompromised individuals

We molecularly cloned JC polyomavirus DNAs from urine samples of eight nonimmunosuppressed patients and two healthy individuals. The cloned viral DNAs all contained an archetypal regulatory sequence from which various regulatory sequences of JC polyomavirus isolates derived from patients with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy could have evolved by deletion and amplification.
Endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression in ischemia-reperfusion injury after living related-donor renal transplantation

Abstract.Ischemia-reperfusion injury during renal transplantation has been linked to early graft dysfunction and late graft failure. Nitric oxide (NO), produced by NO synthase (NOS), participates in the recovery from ischemia. We correlated the intensity of graft immunoreactivity for the endothelial NOS isoform (eNOS) during early reperfusion with graft function in 25 children receiving grafts from related donors. Renal allograft biopsy specimens were obtained before transplantation, 1 h after renal artery reperfusion, and 1 year after transplantation. Immunohistochemical staining for eNOS occurred mainly within the endothelium of glomerular capillaries and peritubular capillaries as well as in tubule cells. The mean intensity score for eNOS staining (0–9) was 3.0±1.4 before transplantation, 4.5±1.9 at 1 h, and 3.3±1.9 at 1 year (baseline vs 1 h, P<0.05). Creatinine clearance (ml/min) in patients with a 1-h eNOS score of below 5 and of at least 5, respectively, was 77.1±28.4 vs 104.3±25.3 at 1 month, 78.7±33.4 vs 105.2±24.4 at 3 months, 64.7±30.1 vs 100.1±25.3 at 1 year, 58.2±31.3 vs 84.7±18.8 at 3 years, and 71.2±19.7 vs 78.3±23.1 at 5 years (P<0.05 for 1 month, 1 year, and 3 years). We concluded that elevated eNOS expression after reperfusion in living related-donor renal transplantation enhances the recovery from renal ischemia and, consequently, reduces late graft deterioration.