Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Design of a 5kW, 1U, 10kW/ltr. resonant DC-DC converter for telecom applications

The demand for decreasing cost and volume and also for increasing efficiency leads to a constantly increasing power density of converter systems. For maximising the power density of a 5 kW telecom supply an optimisation procedure that automatically balances the switching frequency, semiconductor and passive losses, and thermal performance has been developed. This procedure and the belonging analytical converter and transformer models are presented in this paper. Moreover, the resulting optimised design, which has a power density of 10 kW/ltr. and an efficiency of 96% at a height of 1 U, is presented.
Gene clusters governing the production of hemolysin and mannose-resistant hemagglutination are closely linked in Escherichia coli serotype O4 and O6 isolates from urinary tract infections

The genes encoding alpha-hemolysin and mannose-resistant hemagglutination were shown to be closely linked in cloned DNA from two Escherichia coli urinary tract isolates of serotypes O4 (J96) and O6 (C1212). DNA hybridization experiments demonstrated that the hly and mrh gene clusters of other E. coli O6 serotypes were also linked. Colony hybridizations showed that most normal fecal E. coli do not contain hly and mrh DNA but much of the intervening DNA between these two gene clusters is common among all E. coli. We have further demonstrated that there is a small (about 1 kilobase) region of homology located on both sides of the hly sequence and present elsewhere in the C1212 strain. We suggest that linkage of hly and mrh occurred through a transposition event, and we discuss the potential significance of this linkage in the acquisition of virulence determinants by these bacteria.
FootStriker: an EMS-based assistance system for real-time running style correction

Today, ambitioned amateur athletes often do not have access to professional coaching but still invest great effort in becoming faster runners. Apart from a pure increase in the quantitative training load, a change of the running technique, e.g. transitioning from heel striking to fore- or midfoot running, can be highly effective and usually prevents knee-related injuries. With this demo, we highlight factors to consider when determining EMS actuation phases for real-time running style correction in an outdoor scenario. During actuation the wearable applies electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) in the flight phase of a stride after having detected a heel-strike with force sensing resistors (FSR) in a sensor insole. To complement the original FootStriker lab prototype, we address the applicability in the field of the aforementioned real-time running style correction system.
DNA polymorphisms around the apo Al gene in normal and hyperlipidaemic individuals selected for a twin study

We have investigated the allele frequencies, in a Norwegian population, of two restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) in the apolipoprotein (apo) AI‐CIII‐AIV gene region. The study group consisted of clinically well twins and their unrelated spouses. In the normotri‐glyceridaemic individuals tested, the frequency of the rare allele (S2) of the RFLP detected using the restriction enzyme Sst I was 0.17; for the RFLP detected with the enzyme Xmn I, the rare allele (X2) frequency was 0.06. The frequency of the S2 allele was lower in individuals with serum triglyceride levels above 1.7 mmol 1‐1, but this was not statistically significant. Conversely, the frequency of the X2 allele was higher in individuals with raised serum triglyceride levels, but similarly, did not reach statistical significance. Taken together with the data from our previous study on UK individuals, these results support the suggestion that inherited variations in this apolipoprotein gene cluster are involved in the determination of serum triglyceride levels.
Linear Precoder Design To Minimize Peak To Average Power Ratio ( PAPR ) For MIMO-OFDM System

We propose a direct precoding plan for a solitary client numerous input–multiple-yield Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) framework to minimize top to normal force degree (PAPR) by utilizing repetitive spatial assets at the transmitter through a particular worth decay based summed up converse. The proposed precoder focused around the summed up converse is made out of two sections. One is for minimizing Peak to Average Power Ratio (PAPR), and the other is for getting the multiplexing addition. Additionally, the proposed precoder contains a scalar parameter B that measures the got sign to-clamor power proportion (SNR) misfortune at the expense of PAPR diminishment. Indeed in instances of little SNR misfortune, the proposed plan drastically lessens PAPR. Moreover, reenactment results demonstrate that we can acquire a PAPR near to 0.5 by utilizing many transmission radio wires with little SNR
Accuracy of Diagnostic Tests to Detect Asymptomatic Bacteriuria During Pregnancy

OBJECTIVE: A dipslide is a plastic paddle coated with agar that is attached to a plastic cap that screws onto a sterile plastic vial. Our objective was to estimate the diagnostic accuracy of the dipslide culture technique to detect asymptomatic bacteriuria during pregnancy and to evaluate the accuracy of nitrate and leucocyte esterase dipslides for screening. METHODS: This was an ancillary study within a trial comparing single-day with 7-day therapy in treating asymptomatic bacteriuria. Clean-catch midstream samples were collected from pregnant women seeking routine care. Positive and negative likelihood ratios and sensitivity and specificity for the culture-based dipslide to detect and chemical dipsticks (nitrites, leukocyte esterase, or both) to screen were estimated using traditional urine culture as the “gold standard. ” RESULTS: A total of 3,048 eligible pregnant women were screened. The prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria was 15%, with Escherichia coli the most prevalent organism. The likelihood ratio for detecting asymptomatic bacteriuria with a positive dipslide test was 225 (95% confidence interval [CI] 113–449), increasing the probability of asymptomatic bacteriuria to 98%; the likelihood ratio for a negative dipslide test was 0.02 (95% CI 0.01–0.05), reducing the probability of bacteriuria to less than 1%. The positive likelihood ratio of leukocyte esterase and nitrite dipsticks (when both or either one was positive) was 6.95 (95% CI 5.80–8.33), increasing the probability of bacteriuria to only 54%; the negative likelihood ratio was 0.50 (95% CI 0.45–0.57), reducing the probability to 8%. CONCLUSION: A pregnant woman with a positive dipslide test is very likely to have a definitive diagnosis of asymptomatic bacteriuria, whereas a negative result effectively rules out the presence of bacteriuria. Dipsticks that measure nitrites and leukocyte esterase have low sensitivity for use in screening for asymptomatic bacteriuria during gestation. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN, isrctn.org, 1196608 LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II
Behavior Problems of Residents with Dementia in Special Care Units

The prevalence and correlates of behavior problems were assessed among 614 residents with dementia living in 70 special care units (SCUs) throughout the country. We assessed behavior problems at admission, using a comprehensive measure of behavior problems, the Memory and Behavior Problems Checklist–Nursing Home version. Overall, behavior problems were quite prevalent, with some problems reported for >90% of the sample. Emotional distress was a frequent area of concern, second only to memory-related problems. Although the overall number of behavior problems was not associated with cognitive impairment, age, or gender, item analyses revealed relationships between these variables and individual behavior problems. The applicability of these findings to the care of the SCU resident is discussed.
An expert system approach for classification of heart sounds and murmurs

The various types of heart valvular problems can be classified from the auscultation of heart sounds and murmurs that only requires the use of the stethoscope. To discriminate the various heart sounds and murmurs, the signal parameters are estimated using the instantaneous energy and frequency estimation (IEFE) technique. The parameters are then used as inputs to an expert system classifier to classify the heart sounds and murmurs based on the rule-based method.
Iron and Zinc Nutrition in the Economically-Developed World: A Review

This review compares iron and zinc food sources, dietary intakes, dietary recommendations, nutritional status, bioavailability and interactions, with a focus on adults in economically-developed countries. The main sources of iron and zinc are cereals and meat, with fortificant iron and zinc potentially making an important contribution. Current fortification practices are concerning as there is little regulation or monitoring of intakes. In the countries included in this review, the proportion of individuals with iron intakes below recommendations was similar to the proportion of individuals with suboptimal iron status. Due to a lack of population zinc status information, similar comparisons cannot be made for zinc intakes and status. Significant data indicate that inhibitors of iron absorption include phytate, polyphenols, soy protein and calcium, and enhancers include animal tissue and ascorbic acid. It appears that of these, only phytate and soy protein also inhibit zinc absorption. Most data are derived from single-meal studies, which tend to amplify impacts on iron absorption in contrast to studies that utilize a realistic food matrix. These interactions need to be substantiated by studies that account for whole diets, however in the interim, it may be prudent for those at risk of iron deficiency to maximize absorption by reducing consumption of inhibitors and including enhancers at mealtimes.
Properties of Normalization for a math based intermediate representation

The Normalization transformation plays a key role in the compilation of Diderot programs. The transformations are complicated and it would be easy for a bug to go undetected. To increase our confidence in normalization part of the compiler we provide a formal analysis on the rewriting system. We proof that the rewrite system is type preserving, value preserving (for tensor-valued expressions), and terminating.
Detection of Influenza A Virus in Pigs in Lagos, Nigeria

This study detected and subtyped strains of influenza virus from pigs in Lagos, South-western Nigeria. A total of 116 (58 nasal and 58 throat) samples from healthy pigs were analysed from two different sites in Ayedoto farm at Ojo Local Government between June and September, 2010 using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Influenza virus type A 31(26.7%) was detected. Subtyping was done using RT-PCR with H1, H3 and H5 primers and only subtypes H1 [5(16.1%)] and H5 [5(16.1%)] were detected. No positive detection was made for subtype H3. This research work is the first documented detection of influenza A virus in pigs in Lagos, Nigeria and demonstrates the need for a sustainable surveillance mechanism of swine and other influenza viruses to be able to prevent influenza epidemic in the environment. Keywords: Subtype, Influenza A, Pig, Lagos
U1-Mediated Exon Definition Interactions Between AT-AC and GT-AG Introns

A minor class of metazoan introns has well-conserved splice sites with 5′-AU-AC-3′ boundaries, compared to the 5′-GU-AG-3′ boundaries and degenerate splice sites of conventional introns. Splicing of the AT-AC intron 2 of a sodium channel (SCN4A) precursor messenger RNA in vitro did not require inhibition of conventional splicing and required adenosine triphosphate, magnesium, and U12 small nuclear RNA (snRNA). When exon 3 was followed by the 5′ splice site from the downstream conventional intron, splicing of intron 2 was greatly stimulated. This effect was U1 snRNA-dependent, unlike the basal AT-AC splicing reaction. Therefore, U1-mediated exon definition interactions can coordinate the activities of major and minor spliceosomes.
In vivo confocal microscopy in fungal keratitis

Background: Fungal keratitis is a major blinding eye disease found throughout the world, particularly in developing countries. Given the recent increase in Fusarium keratitis infections in contact lens wearers owing to contact lens solutions, a warning was recently issued by the Food and Drug Administration, making it a public health concern in developed countries. Objective: To show the advantages of in vivo confocal microscopy imaging using the Heidelberg Retina Tomograph II-Rostock Cornea Module (HRTII-RCM) in the early diagnosis of fungal keratitis. Methods: HRTII-RCM confocal microscopy was performed on five patients presenting with fungal keratitis and on three donor corneas contaminated with Fusarium solani, Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida albicans. Results: Direct microscopic evaluation of corneal smears and culture revealed the presence of F solani in four cases and C albicans in one case. HRTII-RCM examination of the infected patients and contaminated donor corneas revealed numerous high-contrast elements resembling Fusarium, Aspergillus hyphae or Candida pseudofilaments in the anterior stroma. Conclusion: HRTII-RCM in vivo confocal microscopy is a new, non-invasive and rapid technique for the early diagnosis of fungal keratitis, showing high-resolution images resembling fungal structures in the early phase of the disease.
Phylogeographic patterns of host‐race evolution in Tephritis conura (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Host‐race evolution is a prime candidate for sympatric speciation because host shifts must take place in the presence of both hosts. However, the geographic context in which the shift takes place may have strong allopatric or peripatric components if the primary host within a localized area is scarce or even goes extinct. Inference of the relative importance of the geographic mode of speciation may be gained from phylogeographic imprints. Here, we investigate the phylogeography of host races of the tephritid fly Tephritis conura from sympatric, parapatric and allopatric populations of Cirsium heterophyllum and Cirsium oleraceum (Asteraceae) in Europe, for addressing the age and direction, and the geographic context of host‐race formation. Haplotype networks of the host races differed significantly in molecular diversity and topology. However, host‐race haplotypes were nested within the same network, with a central haplotype H1 being the most common haplotype in both host races. C. heterophyllum flies were genetically more diverse and substructured than flies from C. oleraceum, suggesting that the latter is the derived race. The phylogeographic imprint indicates either that C. heterophyllum flies colonized C. oleraceum during range expansion or that heterophyllum flies went extinct in an area where oleraceum flies persisted (followed by re‐immigration). These imprints are in concordance with peripatric diversification, probably in the European Alps and related to the last ice age, where the host‐race diversification was largely completed before the postglacial range expansion on C. oleraceum to current areas of sympatry and parapatry with C. heterophyllum.
Effects of transportation on early embryonic death in mares.

Incidence of early embryonic death (EED) and associated changes in serum cortisol, progesterone and plasma ascorbic acid (AA) in transported mares were investigated. Mares were transported for 472 km (9 h) during either d 16 to 22 (T-3 wk, n = 15) or d 32 to 38 (T-5 wk, n = 15) of gestation. Blood samples were drawn from control, nontransported mares (NT-3 wk, NT-5 wk, n = 24) and transported mares pre-trip, midtrip, and at 0, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h post-transport and daily for the next 2 wk. Incidence of EED between transported and nontransported mares was not different (P greater than .05). Serum cortisol in all transported mares increased (P less than .05) relative to pre-trip values at midtrip and 0 h post-transport. Relative to NT mares, serum cortisol was higher (P less than .05) at midtrip in T-3 wk mares and 0 h post-transport in T-5 wk mares. Serum progesterone in all T mares increased (P less than .05) at midtrip relative to pre-trip values and was higher (P less than .05) in T-3 wk mares than in NT-3 wk mares at midtrip and 0 h post-transport. Post-transport decreases (P less than .05) in concentrations of progesterone were observed in mares that aborted. Plasma AA in transported mares increased (P less than .05) at midtrip in T-5 wk mares and decreased (P less than .05) relative to pre-trip values at 24 and 48 h post-transport (T-3 wk and T-5 wk mares, respectively). (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
A single-cable PVDF transducer readout IC for intravascular photoacoustic imaging

This paper presents a custom-designed single-cable readout IC for the reception of the broadband photoacoustic (PA) signal in intravascular photoacoustic (IVPA) imaging. The readout IC is intended for direct integration behind a broadband polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) transducer in an IVPA catheter tip to match the impedance between the small PVDF element and the connecting cable. The capability of the readout IC to work with a single cable that combines the output signal and the power supply ensures the mechanical flexibility of the IVPA catheter. Electrical measurements show that the readout IC provides a flat frequency response from 1 MHz to 20 MHz with a 6 mA external current supply. The acoustical measurements involving the readout IC and the PVDF transducer demonstrate a 60 dB dynamic range, a sensitivity of 3.8 μV/Pa at 2.25 MHz, and a broad receiving bandwidth from 2 MHz to 15 MHz.
Effects of Order and Sensory Modality in Stiffness Perception

The stiffness properties of an environment are perceived during active manual manipulation primarily by processing force cues and position-based tactile, kinesthetic, and visual information. Using a two alternative forced choice (2AFC) stiffness discrimination task, we tested how the perceiver integrates stiffness-related information based on sensory feedback from one or two modalities and the origins of within-session shifts in stiffness discrimination ability. Two factors were investigated: practice and the amount of available sensory information. Subjects discriminated between the stiffness of two targets that were presented either haptically or visuohaptically in two subsequent blocks. Our results show that prior experience in a unisensory haptic stiffness discrimination block greatly improved performance when visual feedback was subsequently provided along with haptic feedback. This improvement could not be attributed to effects induced by practice or multisensory stimulus presentation. Our findings suggest that optimization integration theories of multisensory perception need to account for past sensory experience that may affect current perception of the task even within a single session.
Vascular endothelial growth factor-D is increased in serum of patients with lymphangioleiomyomatosis.

BACKGROUND Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare destructive lung disease characterized by an abnormal proliferation of smooth muscle-like cells (LAM cells) in the lung and along the axial lymphatics. LAM demonstrates a heterogeneous clinical course, but there is no serum surrogate marker available for assessing the disease severity or predicting the disease progression. Since the authors have recently demonstrated the extensive LAM-associated lymphangiogenesis and its potential role in progression and metastasis of LAM cells, they hypothesized that serum levels of lymphangiogenic growth factors might be increased in LAM and become a surrogate marker for disease severity. METHODS AND RESULTS VEGF-A, VEGF-C, and VEGF-D in serum of 44 patients with LAM were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay. Only VEGF-D was significantly increased in LAM patients as compared with age- and gender-matched healthy volunteers (n=24) (LAM vs. control, geometric mean 95% CI; 1069.3 pg/mL (809.4 approximately 1412.6) vs. 295.9 pg/mL (262.6 approximately 333.5), p<0.0001). Serum VEGF-D levels negatively correlated with variables of pulmonary function tests, FEV1/FVC (forced expiratory volume in one second/forced vital capacity) (r=-0.365, p<0.05) and %DLco/VA (the percentage of diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide/alveolar volume to the predicted value) (r=-0.560, p<0.001). As expected, the group who received hormone therapy showed more deteriorated pulmonary function with higher serum VEGF-D levels than the group who was just observed without hormone therapy. Immunohistochemical examination of lung specimens demonstrated the positive immunoreactivity of LAM cells for VEGF-D. CONCLUSION Serum VEGF-D levels may be a valuable surrogate marker for evaluating the disease severity in LAM.
Quantitative evaluation of bacterium-driven microobject fabricated by optical tweezers

Micro/nano robots have been actively studied to lead the developments of the novel technologies, such as drug delivery systems (DDS) and micro/nano surgery inside human body. Recently, the micro living organisms, especially flagellated bacteria, have been used as the driving forces for the microobjects. To achieve the more precise control of the bacteria-driven microobjects, we previously developed the method to assemble single bacterium onto the microobject using optical tweezers, unlike the conventional random and mass attachment. The assembly of the single bacterium onto the 3 µm microbead using optical tweezers was experimentally demonstrated. And, it was confirmed that the bacterium was attached on the microbead firmly by observing the movement of the fabricated bacteria-driven microbead. In this paper, we quantitatively evaluate the movements of the bacterium-driven microobject fabricated using optical tweezers. The movements of the bacterium-driven microobject and control samples are analyzed using mean square displacement (MSD).
The Parkfield, California, Earthquake Prediction Experiment

Five moderate (magnitude 6) earthquakes with similar features have occurred on the Parkfield section of the San Andreas fault in central California since 1857. The next moderate Parkfield earthquake is expected to occur before 1993. The Parkfield prediction experiment is designed to monitor the details of the final stages of the earthquake preparation process; observations and reports of seismicity and aseismic slip associated with the last moderate Parkfield earthquake in 1966 constitute much of the basis of the design of the experiment.
Embryonic staging system for the short‐tailed fruit bat, Carollia perspicillata, a model organism for the mammalian order Chiroptera, based upon timed pregnancies in captive‐bred animals

There are approximately 4,800 extant species of mammals that exhibit tremendous morphological, physiological, and developmental diversity. Yet embryonic development has been studied in only a few mammalian species. Among mammals, bats are second only to rodents with regard to species number and habitat range and are the most abundant mammals in undisturbed tropical regions. Bat development, though, remains relatively unstudied. Here, we describe and illustrate a staging series of embryonic development for the short‐tailed fruit bat, Carollia perspicillata, based on embryos collected at timed intervals after captive matings. As Carollia can be readily maintained and propagated in captivity and is extremely abundant in the wild, it offers an attractive choice as a chiropteran model organism. This staging system provides a framework for studying Carollia embryogenesis and should prove useful as a guide for embryological studies of other bat species and for comparisons with other orders of mammals. Developmental Dynamics 233:721–738, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.