Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Enhancing Parametric Sensitivity in Electrically Coupled MEMS Resonators

In an array of identical resonators coupled through weak springs, a small perturbation in the structural properties of one of the resonators strongly impacts coupled oscillations causing the vibration modes to localize. Theoretical studies show that measuring the variation in eigenstates due to such vibration-mode localization can yield orders of magnitude enhancement in signal sensitivity over the technique of simply measuring induced resonant-frequency shifts. In this paper, we propose the application of mode localization for detecting small perturbations in stiffness in pairs of nearly identical weakly coupled microelectromechanical-system resonators and also examine the effect of initial mechanical asymmetry caused by fabrication tolerances in such sensors. For the first time, the variation in eigenstates is studied by coupling the resonators using electrostatic means that allow for significantly weaker coupling-spring constants and the possibility for stronger localization of vibration modes. Eigenstate variations that are nearly three orders of magnitude greater than the corresponding shifts in the resonant frequency for an induced perturbation in stiffness are experimentally demonstrated. Such high electrically tunable parametric sensitivities, together with the added advantage of intrinsic common-mode rejection, pave the way to a new paradigm of mechanical sensing.
Vision-based determination of wheel camber angle and tire deflection

Abstract Accurate determination of vehicle's lateral behavior is necessary in the domain of vehicle dynamics and more particularly in the context of improvement of vehicle safety. Thus, a cutting-edge knowledge of its interaction with the road surface is primordial. In consequence, the integration of a force model, representing the tire/ground interface, into the global vehicle model is needed. The validity of such a model directly depends on its nature and more particularly on the determination accuracy of its inputs and outputs. This paper focalizes on an input: the wheel/road camber angle. Studies in collaboration with a carmaker have shown a required measurement accuracy lower than ±0.1° in order to identify the tire model parameters from real data with a high precision. Different existing solutions were studied and their accuracy was estimated. In parallel, a new method for direct camber determination was developed in the laboratory. Its vision-based principle's major purpose is to give an accurate measurement: its precision is robust to the road unevenness and the vehicle's velocity. The tire deflection is estimated in the same time. The method feasibility and its measurement precision were studied from real tests with the laboratory test car.
Evolution of the hemiascomycete yeasts: on life styles and the importance of inbreeding

The term ‘breeding system’ is used to describe the morphological and behavioural aspects of the sexual life cycle of a species. The yeast breeding system provides three alternatives that enable hapoids to return to the diploid state that is necessary for meiosis: mating of unrelated haploids (amphimixis), mating between spores from the same tetrad (intratetrad mating, automixis) and mother daughter mating upon mating type switching (haplo‐selfing). The frequency of specific mating events affects the level of heterozygosity present in individuals and the genetic diversity of populations. This review discuses the reproductive strategies of yeasts, in particular S. cerevisiae (Bakers' or budding yeast). Emphasis is put on intratetrad mating, its implication for diversity, and how the particular genome structure could have evolved to ensure the preservation of a high degree of heterozygosity in conjunction with frequent intratetrad matings. I also discuss how the ability of yeast to control the number of spores that are formed accounts for high intratetrad mating rates and for enhanced transmission of genomic variation. I extend the discussion to natural genetic variation and propose that a high level of plasticity is inherent in the yeast breeding system, which may allow variation of the breeding behaviour in accordance with the needs imposed by the environment. BioEssays 28: 696–708, 2006. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Despachador de tareas de tiempo real por eventos temporizados

El desarrollo de despachadores presenta una serie de inconvenientes a la hora de implementarlos (conmutacion de tareas, manejo de pila, etc), sin embargo el calculo del segmento de tiempo asignado a la ejecucion de una tarea (ranura) es muy importante cuando se desea lograr una buena performance. En [1], [2], [6] y [8] se demostro que el rendimiento de Sistemas de Tiempo Real (STR) funcionando en un esquema de Prioridades Fijas (PF) ordenados por periodos monotonicos crecientes (PMC), es muy sensible al tiempo de duracion de la ranura elegida. El presente trabajo describe un despachador PMC, cuyas ranuras, disparadas por un timer, no son fijas, sino que se adecuan a la proxima tarea a ser despachada, logrando un rendimiento optimo. Dicho esquema basicamente reduce el “overhead” y evita todo tipo de bloqueo inherente en los sistemas de ranuras fijas, pues se comporta practicamente como un esquema de despacho de tareas manejado por eventos.
Environmental survival mechanisms of the foodborne pathogen Campylobacter jejuni

Campylobacter spp. continue to be the greatest cause of bacterial gastrointestinal infections in humans worldwide. They encounter many stresses in the host intestinal tract, on foods and in the environment. However, in common with other enteric bacteria, they have developed survival mechanisms to overcome these stresses. Many of the survival mechanisms used by Campylobacter spp. differ from those used by other bacteria, such as Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. This review summarizes the mechanisms by which Campylobacter spp. adapt to stress conditions and thereby increase their ability to survive on food and in the environment.
Semi-Data-Aided Nonlinear Carrier Recovery for BPSK Burst-Mode Transmissions

This paper focuses on carrier frequency recovery for BPSK burst transmissions over AWGN channel. Semi-data- aided (SDA) nonlinear frequency estimation algorithms based on maximum-likelihood (ML) principle are derived. According to the algorithms, fewer pilot symbols and some unknown data symbols can be used together for frequency estimation in order that both estimation accuracy and spectral efficiency can be satisfied simultaneously. Simulations are employed to assess the performance of the algorithms. The corresponding Cramer-Rao bounds are discussed. The theoretical analysis of the threshold effect of one estimator is also presented and compared with simulation results.
VESICULAR STORAGE AND RELEASE OF ACETYLCHOLINE IN TORPEDO ELECTROPLAQUE SYNAPSES

Abstract— The disposition of newly synthesized ACh subsequent to depletion of vesicular endogenous ACh by stimulation was studied in the electromotor nerve terminals of Torpedo marmorata using [3H]acetate as a precursor of ACh. Little vesicular [3H]ACh could be isolated from tissue immediately after stimulation at 1 Hz. After 3 h post‐stimulation recovery the newly synthesized [3H]ACh is found predominantly in a subpopulation of vesicles distinct from the vesicles containing most of the endogenous poorly labelled ACh. Restimulation of the tissue causes release of highly labelled ACh with a specific radioactivity (SRA) comparable to that of the newly synthesized [3H]ACh in the highly labelled subpopulation of vesicles and significantly greater than the SRA of ACh in the main vesicular pool or the total tissue.
Optimizing targeted gene delivery: Chemical modification of viral vectors and synthesis of artificial virus vector systems

In comparison to classical medicines, gene therapy has the potential to mediate the highest possible level of therapeutic specificity. Every normal or diseased cell can switch on or off a gene expression cassette in a tissue-, disease-, and time-dependent fashion, by use of specific transcription factors that are active only in a given unique situation. In practice, we face the problem in realizing the concept: the delivery of nucleic acids into target cells is very ineffective and presents a formidable challenge. Key issues for future developments include improved targeting, enhanced intracellular uptake, and reduced toxicity of gene vectors. The currently used classes of vectors have complementary characteristics, such as high intracellular efficiency of viral vectors on the one hand and low immunogenicity and greater flexibility of nonviral vectors on the other hand. The merge of viral and nonviral vector technologies is highlighted as an encouraging strategy for the future; concepts include chemically modified viral vectors (“chemo-viruses”) and synthesis of virus-like systems (“synthetic viruses”). Examples for the development of vectors toward artificial synthetic viruses are presented.
The effect of retinoic acid on chemosensitivity of PA‐1 human teratocarcinoma cells and its modulation by an activated N‐ras oncogene

Combination of chemotherapeutic drugs with agents that induce cell differentiation is a possible means of improving cancer chemotherapy. To explore this approach we used 4 cell lines established from the human teratocarcinoma‐derived cell line PA‐1; 2 retinoic acid (RA)‐sensitive lines compared to 2 RA‐resistant lines transformed by an activated N‐ras oncogene. Equal numbers of colony‐forming cells were exposed for 72 hr to 10−6M RA and subsequently to a range of concentrations of cisplatinum, etoposide or bleomycin. Enhanced cytotoxicity of cisplatin and etoposide (3‐ to 5‐fold) was observed in the N‐ras‐transformed cell lines compared to the non‐transformed lines. Treatment with RA caused an increase in the cytotoxicity of all 3 drugs to the 2 RA‐sensitive cell lines. In contrast, a reduction of cytotoxicity was observed in the 2 N‐ras‐transformed lines. Our results indicate that sensitivity to cytotoxic agents can be increased by RA in RA‐sensitive cells, but the opposite effect is seen in N‐ras transformed, RA‐resistant cells. Therefore, a general rationale for combination therapy with RA and cytotoxic drugs cannot be inferred.
Lymphogranuloma venereum: an emerging cause of proctitis in men who have sex with men

Before 2003, lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) was rare in developed nations. Several large clusters of LGV in men who have sex with men have been reported across Europe and in the United States of America (USA) since 2003. LGV is caused by L1, L2 and L3 serovars of Chlamydia trachomatis and is a sexually transmitted infection. LGV causes genital ulcers, infected inguinal lymph nodes (buboes) and proctitis/proctocolitis. Treatment with a three-week course of doxycycline prevents rectal strictures, bowel obstruction, bowel perforation and possibly death. Clinicians seeing men who have sex with men with inguinal lymphadenopathy and bowel symptoms should be aware of this current epidemic.
Acute Inhibition of 11β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type-1 Improves Memory in Rodent Models of Cognition

Mounting evidence suggests excessive glucocorticoid activity may contribute to Alzheimer's disease (AD) and age-associated memory impairment. 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type-1 (HSD1) regulates conversion of glucocorticoids from inactive to active forms. HSD1 knock-out mice have improved cognition, and the nonselective inhibitor carbenoxolone improved verbal memory in elderly men. Together, these data suggest that HSD1 inhibition may be a potential therapy for cognitive deficits, such as those associated with AD. To investigate this, we characterized two novel and selective HSD1 inhibitors, A-918446 and A-801195. Learning, memory consolidation, and recall were evaluated in mouse 24 h inhibitory avoidance. Inhibition of brain cortisol production and phosphorylation of cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), a transcription factor involved in cognition, were also examined. Rats were tested in a short-term memory model, social recognition, and in a separate group cortical and hippocampal acetylcholine release was measured via in vivo microdialysis. Acute treatment with A-801195 (10–30 mg/kg) or A-918446 (3–30 mg/kg) inhibited cortisol production in the ex vivo assay by ∼35–90%. Acute treatment with A-918446 improved memory consolidation and recall in inhibitory avoidance and increased CREB phosphorylation in the cingulate cortex. Acute treatment with A-801195 significantly improved short-term memory in rat social recognition that was not likely due to alterations of the cholinergic system, as acetylcholine release was not increased in a separate set of rats. These studies suggest that selective HSD1 inhibitors work through a novel, noncholinergic mechanism to facilitate cognitive processing.
Molecular characterization of the plasmid‐encoded eps gene cluster essential for exopolysaccharide biosynthesis in Lactococcus lactis

Lactococcus lactis strain NIZO B40 produces an extracellular phosphopolysaccharide containing galactose, glucose, and rhamnose. A 40 kb plasmid encoding exopolysaccharide production was isolated through conjugal transfer of total plasmid DNA from strain NIZO B40 to the plasmid‐free L. lactis model strain MG1614 and subsequent plasmid curing. A 12 kb region containing 14 genes with the order epsRXABCDEFGHIJKL was identified downstream of an iso‐IS982 element. The predicted gene products of epsABCDEFGHIJK show sequence homologies with gene products involved in exopolysaccharide, capsular polysaccharide, lipopolysaccharide, or teichoic acid biosynthesis of other bacteria. Transcriptional analysis of the eps gene cluster revealed that the gene cluster is transcribed as a single 12 kb mRNA. The transcription start site of the promoter was mapped upstream of the first gene epsR. The involvement of epsD in exopolysaccharide (EPS) biosynthesis was demonstrated through a single gene disruption rendering an exopolysaccharide‐deficient phenotype. Heterologous expression of epsD in Escherichia coli showed that its gene product is a glucosyltransferase linking the first sugar of the repeating unit to the lipid carrier.
Title : Boundary lubrication with a liquid crystal monolayer

Rights: © 2014 American Physical Society (APS). This is the accepted version of the following article: Chen, W. & Kulju, S. & Foster, A. S. & Alava, Mikko J. & Laurson, L. 2014. Boundary lubrication with a liquid crystal monolayer. Physical Review E. Volume 90, Issue 1. 012404/1-9. ISSN 1539-3755 (printed). DOI: 10.1103/physreve.90. 012404, which has been published in final form at http://journals.aps. org/pre/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevE.90. 012404.
Special populations: The female player and the youth player

Abstract Females and youth are frequently described as “special” populations in football literature, but together these two populations outnumber male players. What makes females “special” is that they tend to eat less when training and competing than their male counterparts, leading to lower intakes of energy, carbohydrate, and some nutrients. Youth football players are special in regard to energy and nutrient requirements to promote growth and development, as well as to fuel sport. There is limited research on the dietary habits of these two populations, but the available literature suggests that many female and youth players need to increase carbohydrate intake, increase fluid intake, and develop dietary habits to sustain the demands of training and competition.
Effects of Dietary Eritadenine on the Liver Microsomal Δ6-Desaturase Activity and Its mRNA in Rats

Eritadenine, a hypocholesterolemic factor of Lentinus edodes mushroom, has a wide range of effects on lipid metabolism such as an increase in the liver microsomal phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) concentration, a decrease in the liver microsomal Δ6-desaturase activity, and an alteration of the fatty acid and molecular species profile of liver and plasma lipids. In this study, the time-dependent effects of dietary eritadenine on several variables concerning lipid metabolism were investigated in rats to clarify the sequence of metabolic changes caused by eritadenine, with special interest in the association of the liver microsomal phospholipid profile and the activity of Δ6-desaturase. The effect of dietary eritadenine on the abundance of mRNA for Δ6-desaturase was also investigated. When the time required for a half-change of variables was estimated during the first 5 days after the change from the control diet to the eritadenine-supplemented (50 mg/kg) diet, the change rates of the variables were fastest in the following order: alteration of the liver microsomal phospholipid profile>decrease in liver microsomal Δ6-desaturase activity>alteration of the fatty acid and molecular species profiles of microsomal and plasma phosphatidylcholine (PC)>decrease in the plasma cholesterol concentration. There was a significant correlation between the Δ6-desaturase activity and liver microsomal PE concentration, but not PC concentration, or the proportion of PC and PE or the PC/PE ratio. The suppression of Δ6-desaturase activity by dietary eritadenine was accompanied by a significant reduction in the abundance of mRNA for the enzyme. These results suggest that dietary eritadenine might suppress the activity of liver microsomal Δ6-desaturase by altering the microsomal phospholipid profile, as represented by an increase in PE concentration, and that the effect of eritadenine is mediated by the regulation of gene expression.
Rydberg-atom phase-sensitive detection and the quantum Zeno effect.

We present a scheme for experimentally observing the quantum Zeno effect using the quantum-nondemolition measurement recently proposed by Brune et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 65, 976 (1990)]. The Zeno effect refers to the freezing of the (unitary) free dynamics of a system by rapid measurements. We generalize the Zeno effect to be any change in the survival probability of an initial state induced by very rapid measurements, when such measurements are the dominant source of fluctuations in the system. We derive a master equation for the evolution of a cavity mode when the photon number is monitored by this method. This equation describes a phase-diffusion process. We propose that this measurement scheme be used to monitor the exchange of a single photon between the cavity and a single Rydberg atom. We show that for very rapid monitoring the free oscillation of the atomic inversion is disrupted and the atom can be trapped close to the initial excited state. This is the quantum Zeno effect.
Maturation of NaV and KV Channel Topographies in the Auditory Nerve Spike Initiator before and after Developmental Onset of Hearing Function

Auditory nerve excitation and thus hearing depend on spike-generating ion channels and their placement along the axons of auditory nerve fibers (ANFs). The developmental expression patterns and native axonal locations of voltage-gated ion channels in ANFs are unknown. Therefore, we examined the development of heminodes and nodes of Ranvier in the peripheral axons of type I ANFs in the rat cochlea with immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy. Nodal structures presumably supporting presensory spiking formed between postnatal days 5 (P5) and P7, including Ankyrin-G, NaV1.6, and Caspr. These immature nodal structures lacked low-voltage-activated KV1.1 which was not enriched at juxtaparanodes until approximately P13, concurrent with the developmental onset of acoustic hearing function. Anatomical alignment of ANF spike-initiating heminodes relative to excitatory input from inner hair cell (IHC) ribbon synapses continued until approximately P30. High-voltage-activated KV3.1b and KV2.2 were expressed in mutually exclusive domains: KV3.1b was strictly localized to nodes and heminodes, whereas KV2.2 expression began at the juxtaparanodes and continued centrally along the first internode. At spike-initiating heminodes in the distal osseous spiral lamina, NaV1.1 partly overlapped NaV1.6 and ankyrin-G. ANFs displayed KV7.2 and KV7.3 at heminodes, nodes, internodes, and the unmyelinated synaptic terminal segments beneath IHCs in the organ of Corti. In response to sound, spikes are initiated at the heminode, which is tightly coupled to the IHC ribbon synapse ∼20–40 μm away. These results show that maturation of nodal alignment and ion channel content may underlie postnatal improvements of ANF excitability and discharge synchrony. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Acoustic and electrical hearing depends on rapid, reliable, and precise spike generation in auditory nerve fibers. A limitation of current models and therapies is a lack of information on the identities and topographies of underlying ion channels. We report the developmental profile of the auditory nerve spike generator with a focus on NaV1.1, NaV1.6, KV1.1, KV2.2, KV3.1b, KV7.2, and KV7.3 in relation to the scaffold ankyrin-G. Molecular anatomy of the spike generator matures in the weeks after developmental onset of hearing function. Subcellular positioning of voltage-gated ion channels will enable multicompartmental modeling of auditory nerve responses elicited by afferent chemical neurotransmission from hair cells and modulated by efferent neurotransmitters or evoked by extracellular field stimulation from a cochlear implant.
Interleukin 18

IL-18 was identified as a factor promoting IFN- (cid:2) production (1) and it was originally called IFN- (cid:2) –inducing factor (IGIF). Further study indicated IL-18 had a structure related to IL-1 (2) and later it was found that the IL-18 receptor re-sembles that for IL-1 (3–4). IL-18, like IL-1 and agents interacting with Toll receptors, signals via MyD88 which activates TNF receptor–associated factor and ultimately nuclear factor (cid:3) B (5). Like IL-1, IL-18 is made as an inactive pre-cursor that is cleaved by caspase-1 (interleukin-1–converting enzyme) to produce active cytokine (6). Many cell types have been reported to produce IL-18, including macrophages and dendritic cells (7); IL-18 mRNA or protein is also seen in Kupffer cells (8), astrocytes and microglia (9), intestinal and airway epithelial cells (10), and in kerotinocytes (11) and osteoblasts (12). What induces IL-18 has not been ex-tensively studied, but IL-18 is found after bacterial (13) and viral (14) infection and, by inference, in many other infectious diseases. IL-18 production from many cells is constitu-tive or prolonged after induction (15). An important, but not well-explored, role for IL-18 can also be inferred from the
Safety and efficacy of strength training in patients with sporadic inclusion body myositis

We studied the effects of a 12‐week progressive resistance strength training program in weakened muscles of 5 patients with sporadic inclusion body myositis (IBM). Strength was evaluated with Medical Research Council (MRC) scale ratings and quantitative isometric and dynamic tests. Changes in serum creatine kinase (CK), lymphocyte subpopulations, muscle size (determined by magnetic resonance imaging), and histology in repeated muscle biopsies were examined before and after training. After 12 weeks, the values of repetition maximum improved in the least weakened muscles, 25–120% from baseline. This dynamic effect was not captured by MRC or isometric muscle strength measurements. Serum CK, B cells, T‐cell subsets, and NK cells remained unchanged. Repeat muscle biopsies did not reveal changes in the number and degree of degenerating fibers or inflammation. The size of the trained muscles did not change. We conclude that a supervised progressive resistance training program in IBM patients can lead to gains in dynamic strength of the least weak muscles without causing muscle fatigue and muscle injury or serological, histological, and immunological abnormalities. Even though the functional significance of these gains is unclear, this treatment modality is a safe and perhaps overlooked means of rehabilitation of IBM patients. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Muscle Nerve 20: 1242–1248, 1997