Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
KINETIC CHARACTERIZATION OF THE REDOX COMPONENTS IN SOLUBILIZED MEMBRANES FROM PORCINE NEUTROPHILS: REDUCTION WITH DITHIONITE AND PHOTOEXCITED NAD(P)H

Abstract— Cytochrome b558 in solubilized membranes prepared from porcine neutrophils was reduced by dithionite with a second‐order rate constant of 2.5 times 106 M‐1 s‐1 at pH 7.4 and 20°C accompanied by spectral changes with peaks at 428 nm and 560 nm and isosbestic points at 420 and 441 nm. When an anaerobic mixture of solubilized membranes and NAD(P)H was exposed to a white light, cytochrome b558 was reduced biphasically but with almost the same spectral profiles as in the dithionite reduction. Thus, participation of redox component(s) of unknown nature in the photochemical reduction was suggested.
Postpartum Sexuality and the Lactational Amenorrhea Method for Contraception

This chapter reviews the literature on postpartum coital behavior, anovulatory and ovulatory bleeding episodes, and the methodology and efficacy of Lactational Amenorrhea Method and progesterone-only oral contraceptives. Of interest is the finding that breastfeeding women may resume coital behavior earlier postpartum, but report increased discomfort over time. The high efficacy of the Lactational Amenorrhea Method is confirmed and data illustrating possible relaxation of some criteria are presented. The conflicting guidance of CDC and WHO concerning immediate postpartum use of progestin-only methods is presented. The dearth of recent studies calls for new research on these topics.
Research of sensorless control for multiphase induction motor based on high frequency injection signal technique

This paper introduces multiphase induction motor drives system under sensorless conditions, which is simulated and analyzed by utilizing its multiple control freedoms in the mode of high frequency signal injection. In this method, because nine phase induction motor have four orthogonal d-q planes compared to traditional three phase induction motor, so high harmonic plane can be used for other applications, for example, extracting rotor position based on high frequency injection signal technique. In the multiphase induction motor, inductance value is smaller in the high harmonic plane contrast to fundamental plane, in other words, it can get larger current signal amplitude under the same voltage amplitude, reducing the difficulty of the position signal extraction. changing rotor slot numbers will affect the air-gap length distribution, and it can be concluded that there is a saliency in the d7-q7 plane through modulation of rotor slots. The module is simulated in the environment of simulink and ansoft.
Simulation eulérienne des conséquences matériaux induites par soudage FSW

Dans cet article, une strategie de maillage mobile est proposee pour la simulation numerique du soudage par friction malaxage et les consequences materiaux induites, pour des geometries de pions complexes. Elle est basee sur un formalisme eulerien et prend en compte les transferts de chaleur, la me-canique et une equation d'advection de maniere a integrer l'historique du materiau. La premiere section decrit la modelisation physique. La methode et le traitement numerique sont detailles dans la deuxieme partie et la derniere section presente un exemple de soudage afin d'illustrer l'efficacite de la methode proposee.
Diagnóstico do ensino superior aplicando-se técnicas multivariadas

Neste trabalho, foram elaborados e aplicados tres tipos de questionarios para avaliar aspectos relacionados com o processo de aprendizagem no ensino superior. Selecionaram-se ao acaso seis disciplinas do curso de Agronomia, Faculdade de Agronomia, Medicina Veterinaria e Zootecnia, da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso. Os estudantes participaram na avaliacao de forma anonima e voluntaria. Os enderecos para o acesso aos questionarios foram enviados aos seus respectivos correios eletronicos. Os itens foram avaliados conforme a escala de Likert, atribuindo-se notas entre 1 (pessimo) e 5 (otimo). As tecnicas multivariadas utilizadas foram analise de agrupamento, componentes principais e analise fatorial. Conclui-se que as principais caracteristicas do processo de aprendizagem podem ser identificadas por meio de questionarios, as tecnicas multivariadas possibilitaram sintetizar e interpretar de forma adequada diversos fatores envolvidos no processo de aprendizagem do ensino superior, e a analise multivariada apresentou-se como uma util ferramenta para subsidiar decisoes inerentes ao referido processo.
A comparison of task scheduling strategies for multiprocessor systems

There are several ways in which waiting ready tasks can be organized. The two basic organizations are the centralized organization and the distributed organization. The paper considers the impact of task scheduling strategies on the performance of the distributed organization. In particular, it shows that the performance of the distributed organization is comparable to that of the centralized organization when adaptive strategies are used. It further shows that such adaptive strategies can be efficiently implemented without incurring unacceptable overhead. <<ETX>>
Effective noise minimization in multichannel recording circuits processed in modern technologies for neurobiology experiments

This paper presents an effective method of input referred noise minimization (IRN) of recording stages dedicated to neurobiology experiments and processed in submicron or nanometer technologies. We analyze different approaches for IRN minimization and propose solution based on the on-chip analogue noise averaging. The proposed approach allows for almost 2.5 times IRN minimization with only 8 time power consumption increase whereas other on-chip analogue methods provides much less noise minimization efficiency. The method is confirmed by measurements of 8-channel integrated circuit fabricated in 180nm commercial process. The chip is composed of the 8-recording channels that are individually digitally assisted for enlarging IC functionality. The recording part is divided into two separate channels, i.e. an Action Potential (AP) stage and a Local Field Potential (LFP) stage. The voltage gain of the AP and LFP stages can be switched between 56/50 dB and 50/45 dB respectively. Corner frequencies of a particular stages can be digitally controlled in a wide range, i.e. the upper cut-off frequency can be changed in the 20 Hz - 2 kHz (LFP stage) while the lower cut-off frequency can be tuned at the 120 mHz - 3 kHz (LFP and AP stage). The upper cut-off frequency of the AP stage is equal to 6.9 kHz. A single recording channel is supplied from ±0.9 V and consumes about 4.8 μW of power. For a default channel configuration the Input Referred Noise is equal to 5.6 μV resulting in 4.38 of Noise Efficiency Factor (NEF) while for on-chip averaging mode enabled the IRN can be limited to 2.4 μV resulting in 5.3 of NEF.
Use of modelling and simulation techniques to support decision making on the progression of PF-04878691, a TLR7 agonist being developed for hepatitis C.

AIM To use non-linear mixed effects modelling and simulation techniques to predict whether PF-04878691, a toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) agonist, would produce sufficient antiviral efficacy while maintaining an acceptable side effect profile in a 'proof of concept' (POC) study in chronic hepatitis C (HCV) patients. METHODS A population pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PKPD) model was developed using available 'proof of pharmacology' (POP) clinical data to describe PF-04878691 pharmacokinetics (PK) and its relationship to 2',5'-oligoadenylate synthetase (OAS; marker of pharmacology) and lymphocyte levels (marker of safety) following multiple doses in healthy subjects. A second model was developed to describe the relationship between change from baseline OAS expressed as fold change and HCV viral RNA concentrations using clinical data available in HCV patients for a separate compound, CPG-10101 (ACTILON™), a TLR9 agonist. Using these models the antiviral efficacy and safety profiles of PF-04878691 were predicted in HCV patients. RESULTS The population PKPD models described well the clinical data as assessed by visual inspection of diagnostic plots, visual predictive checks and precision of the parameter estimates. Using these relationships, PF-04878691 exposure and HCV viral RNA concentration was simulated in HCV patients receiving twice weekly administration for 4 weeks over a range of doses. The simulations indicated that significant reductions in HCV viral RNA concentrations would be expected at doses > 6 mg. However at these doses grade ≥ 3 lymphopenia was also predicted. CONCLUSIONS The model simulations indicate that PF-04878691 is unlikely to achieve POC criteria and support the discontinuation of this compound for the treatment of HCV.
The Effect of Adhesive Layers on the Dynamic Behavior of Surface-bonded Piezoelectric Sensors with Debonding

The behavior of a piezoelectric sensor is strongly affected by the bonding condition along the interface between the sensor and the host structure. This article presents an analytical study of the effect of the mechanical and geometrical properties of the adhesive layer on the coupled dynamic electromechanical behavior of a thin piezoceramic sensor bonded to an elastic medium. A sensor model with an imperfect adhesive bonding layer is proposed to simulate the two dimensional electromechanical behavior of the integrated system. The analytical solution of the problem is provided by solving the resulting integral equations in terms of the interfacial stress. Numerical simulation is conducted to study the effect of the bonding layer upon the dynamic response of the sensor under different loading frequencies. The interfacial debonding and its effect on the interlaminar strain and stress transfer mechanisms are discussed in detail.
On Geographical Variations in the Normal Range of Joint Motion

Fifty Saudi Arabian men 30 to 40 years of age without present or previous history of injury or disease related to the lower extremities were randomly selected for measurement of the range of motion in the basic planes of hip, knee, and ankle joint. The results were compared to a similar study from Scandinavia. There was a highly significant difference in external rotation of the hip, flexion of the knee, and dorsiflexion of the ankle. Cultural differences in the activities of daily life are suggested to explain the differences in the range of motion.
Reactivation of the Paternal X Chromosome in Early Mouse Embryos

It is generally accepted that paternally imprinted X inactivation occurs exclusively in extraembryonic lineages of mouse embryos, whereas cells of the embryo proper, derived from the inner cell mass (ICM), undergo only random X inactivation. Here we show that imprinted X inactivation, in fact, occurs in all cells of early embryos and that the paternal X is then selectively reactivated in cells allocated to the ICM. This contrasts with more differentiated cell types where X inactivation is highly stable and generally irreversible. Our observations illustrate that an important component of genome plasticity in early development is the capacity to reverse heritable gene silencing decisions.
COHORT PROFILE Cohort Profile : The Newcastle Thousand Families 1947 Birth Cohort

The initial thoughts leading to the development of the Thousand Families Study arose through observations made by Sir James Spence, one of the first full-time paediatricians in the United Kingdom and from 1942, the first holder of a University Chair of Child Health in England. Prior to the Second World War, the city council in Newcastle upon Tyne, the city in Northern England in which Spence was based, became increasingly concerned about the high-infant mortality rate in the city (in 1939 the rate was 62 per 1000 live births). At that time the city council had a responsibility for the health of its citizens. They asked Spence to undertake a review of all deaths of children under the age of 5 years. He concluded that the excess infant mortality was due to death from acute infection. Further research was curtailed by the Second World War. At the end of the war, the young doctors began to return to take up their former careers. One of those was Fred Miller and in 1946 Spence is reported to have said to him at a weekly departmental meeting ‘Well Freddie, isn’t it time we did something about these infections? ’. So began the Newcastle Thousand Families Study. The study was initially planned for only 1 year and aimed to confirm the earlier finding that acute infection was the major cause of infant mortality in the city, and in particular identify which factors put infants at a higher risk of such infections. However, it continued throughout childhood and has evolved into a longitudinal cohort study now in its seventh decade. The first 15 years of the study were funded jointly by Newcastle City Health Department, the City Health Committee and the Nuffield Foundation. Follow-ups in early adulthood were funded by a variety of sources including the Department for Health and Social Security, The Medical Research Council, the Social Science Research Council, the Joseph Rowntree Trust, the WT Grant Foundation (New York), the Newcastle Inner Cities Fund, the Joel Joffe Trust and the Home Office. Funding for the follow-up at age 50 years and subsequent analyses were primarily provided by the Wellcome Trust with additional contributions from the Newcastle Healthcare Charity, the Sir James Knott Trust and the Minnie Henderson Trust Fund.
The investigation of arm width in terahertz cross metal structures

In this paper, the effects of the arm length and the width of cross-dipole and Jerusalem cross on resonance characteristics are investigated. By adjusting the geometry parameters of the two kinds of cross structures, the influence of arm length and width on the equivalent inductance and equivalent capacitance is analyzed by the simulations. The comparative analysis demonstrates that the width of cross-dipole has more influence on the equivalent inductance than equivalent capacitance. The conclusions in this paper would useful in the calculation of the equivalent inductance and capacitance in the LC resonance.
Weekend and night outcomes in a statewide trauma system.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether mortality and clinical outcomes vary for injured patients in a mature trauma system on weeknights and weekends compared with weekdays. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. SETTING Pennsylvania trauma system. PATIENTS A total of 90,461 patients over 5 years. INTERVENTION Treatment at a level I, II, or III trauma center. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES In-hospital mortality, time to procedures, and length of stay. RESULTS In adjusted analyses, patients presenting on weeknights were no more likely to die than patients presenting during weekdays, and patients presenting on weekends were less likely to die than patients presenting on weekdays (odds ratio = 0.89; 95% confidence interval, 0.81-0.97). Presenting on weeknights was associated with longer intensive care unit stay (incidence rate ratio = 1.06; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-1.10) and longer hospital stay (incidence rate ratio = 1.02; 95% confidence interval, 1.00-1.04). Presenting on weekends was associated with longer intensive care unit stay (incidence rate ratio = 1.04; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-1.10) but not longer hospital stay. Delays to laparotomy or craniotomy were not seen in either group. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrate comparable mortality among injured patients presenting on weeknights vs weekdays and lower mortality among injured patients on weekends vs weekdays. Systems-based solutions of the trauma model are protective against the weekend effect and inform care for other emergency care-sensitive conditions.
Emergence of KPC-Producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Trinidad and Tobago

ABSTRACT In 2006, the first isolate of KPC-2-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the world was identified in Colombia. Recently, similar strains have been reported in Puerto Rico. We now report KPC-2-producing P. aeruginosa in Trinidad and Tobago. Surveillance for similar strains is warranted, considering their wide geographic spread and known association with mobile genetic elements.
Slow-wave sleep deficiency and enhancement: Implications for insomnia and its management

Abstract In humans, slow-wave sleep (SWS) consists of stages 3 and 4 of non rapid eye movement (nonREM) sleep. The low-frequency, high-amplitude slow waves that dominate the electroencephalogram (EEG) during SWS can be quantified as slow-wave activity (SWA). SWS and SWA are regulated very accurately in response to variations in the duration and intensity of wakefulness and sleep. SWA declines more or less independently of circadian phase during the course of a sleep episode, indicating that it is primarily under homeostatic rather than circadian control. An age-related decline in SWS and SWA is well established. In some studies, apprehension, depression and insomnia have been associated with reductions in SWS and SWA. Experimental reductions of SWS through SWS deprivation (without altering total sleep time or REM duration) have been reported to lead to an increase in daytime sleep propensity and reductions in performance. SWS and SWA are therefore thought to contribute to the recovery processes that occur during sleep. Most currently prescribed hypnotics, such as the benzodiazepines and Z-drugs, suppress SWA. Some compounds have been shown to enhance SWS and SWA in healthy volunteers through GAT-1 inhibition, GABA-A modulation, GABA-B modulation, and 5HT2A antagonism. Pharmacological enhancement of SWS has also been observed in insomnia. The effects of SWS enhancement on other sleep parameters will be discussed.
Solving the net matching problem in high-performance chip design

In high-performance chip design, the problem of net matching is often critical for achieving correct circuit performance. We adopt a conservative design, to route all matched nets with identical topologies and equal wire lengths to achieve zero skew. The problem is formulated as a variant of the D-dimensional Steiner tree problem. We propose a two-stage solution. The first stage uses an iterative improvement strategy to generate the Steiner tree topology for all the nets. The second stage places the nodes using one of two methods. The first approach expresses the optimal Steiner node positions as a linear programming solution, with average computational complexity O(n/sup 2/m/sup 2/), where n is the number of nets and m is the number of pins. Improved efficiency is achieved under the other approach by transforming the Manhattan metric to an l/sub /spl infin// norm using a 45/spl deg/ rotation of the solution space. The norm is then approximated by either an l/sub /spl lambda// norm, for suitably large values of /spl lambda/, or an exponential "penalty" function. The solution space in both approaches becomes strictly convex, allowing us to apply a greedy approach which converges to an optimal solution with great efficiency, leading to a dramatic speed-up versus the linear programming approach.
Hybrid plasmonic waveguide with centimeter-scale propagation length for nanoscale optical confinement.

A centimeter-scale hybrid plasmonic waveguide (HPW) structure based on a grating is proposed at telecom wavelengths. The high-contrast grating is formed by Si and air placed in an air slot created in the high-index region for attaining nanoscale optical confinement. High-contrast gratings help enhance the propagation length up to 3.6 cm with very low loss of 0.11 dB/mm. Further, the extremely large figure of merit 1,129,623 (>107) with nanoscale confinement of 0.00081/μm2 is introduced. In the present work, finite-element-method-based COMSOL Multiphysics software was applied to simulate and analyze the properties of a HPW structure. The proposed HPW device can be used for next-generation applications of nanolasers and modulators.
The social implications of location-based services: an observational study of users

Location-based services (LBS) are applications capable of utilising the position of a device, and its user, in the provision of a value-added service. With such applications comes the ability for an individual's location to be monitored either willingly or covertly by others, thus introducing a set of challenges from a social perspective. This article reports on the results of an observational study that required participants to maintain a digital location chronicle – global positioning system data log, daily diary entry and personal reflection – over a 2-week period. The primary aim of this exercise was for participants to observe, reflect and record their experiences during and at the completion of the participant observation, in order to reveal the ensuing collective implications. This study is a further research based on previous work concerning LBS user attitudes (Abbas 2010), and as such concentrates on the Gen-Y or young adult consumer group. This investigation considers additionally the importance of LBS within a social context, whereby participants are prompted to reflect on their willingness to be monitored or tracked by a partner, parent, friend, employer and/or stranger. The results are presented in terms of the social implications. The dominant themes in the respective relationship categories are presented in each context. It was noted that participants’ readiness to grant access to their location information is heavily dependent on the amount of trust existing within a specific relationship, whether there is a perceived privacy threat, the amount of control a participant wishes to maintain, and if there is concern in relation to personal security and safety being compromised. Additional technological and device-related issues were also observed.
PROTECTIVE IMMUNE RESPONSE TO EXPERIMENTAL INFECTION WITH SARCOCYSTIS NEURONA IN C57BL/6 MICE

Immunocompetent C57BL/6 mice were infected with Sarcocystis neurona merozoites to assess the protective immune response to active infection. Using a direct agglutination test, all infected mice seroconverted to S. neurona merozoite antigens by day 14 postinfection (PI). Further, mice developed splenomegaly and bilateral symmetrical lymphadenopathy by day 14 PI, which appeared to be resolving by day 28 PI. Histologic analysis revealed a marked increase in germinal center formation in the spleen and lymph nodes by day 14 PI. Corresponding to gross and histopathological changes, the percentage of B-cells decreased significantly by day 14 PI but then increased significantly and persisted at day 28 PI in the blood, spleen, and multiple lymph nodes. There was a sharp nonspecific significant decrease in CD4 percentages by day 14 PI in the blood, spleen, and lymph nodes. Early-activation CD8 lymphocytes (CD62/CD8) were significantly down-regulated coinciding with a significant compensatory up-regulation of memory (CD44/CD8) lymphocytes in multiple organs. We propose that the protective cell-mediated immune response to S. neurona involves both CD4 and CD8 cells, with CD8 lymphocytes appearing to play a more critical role.