Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A novel antenna for GPS and Iridium satellite phone applications in M2M communication

The Archimedean spiral antenna is a popular type of selfcomplementary antenna. This study presents a two-arm Archimedean spiral antenna for GPS and Iridium applications. Circular symmetrical artificial magnetic conductor (AMC) is used as a ground plane in low-profile two-arm spiral antenna design. Proposed AMC structure enhanced the gain and axial ratio characteristics of traditional sipral antenna. Simulation results show good axial ratio, impedance match and stable gain for both operation bands.
Ethylene Response Factors in Jasmonate Signaling and Defense Response

Plants are continually exposed to potential pathogens and herbivores and have evolved defenses to counter such opportunistic invasions, including both physical (i.e. waxy cuticles, cell walls) and biochemical (i.e. defense compounds) barriers (for review, see [Grennan, 2006][1]). A key component to
High step-up isolated DC-DC converter with multi-cell diode-capacitor network

The existing high step-up DC-DC converters with multi-cell diode-capacitor network have large inrush current issue and strict LC filter requirement which are not suitable to achieve both high efficiency and high power density in relatively low switching frequency and large power application. In order to meet high step-up voltage regulation and compulsory electrical isolation due to public safety, this paper proposes a single-switch isolated DC-DC converter which exploits the features of multi-winding transformer and diode-capacitor voltage boost cell. The new topology has the following advantages 1). increase voltage boost capability and avoid extreme large duty ratio. 2) achieve almost zero output voltage ripples which reducing the inductance in output LC filter, 3) reduce transformer turns ratio and magnetic component volume. Furthermore, it can use the transformer leakage inductor and auxiliary switch to achieve zero-voltage switching (ZVS), which is beneficial to reduce the switching loss and increase efficiency.
Impact of interferon alfa‐2b and ribavirin on progression of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C

The extent of liver fibrosis is an important prognostic factor in patients infected with hepatitis C virus. Administration of a combination of interferon and ribavirin produces a superior viral clearance response rate than interferon alone. The effect of this combination regimen on hepatic fibrosis has not been established. To determine the impact of combination regimen or interferon alone on the progression of liver fibrosis we pooled individual data of 1,509 patients with pretreatment and post‐treatment biopsies from 3 randomized trials. Fibrosis progression and regression rates between biopsies were calculated by the Kaplan‐Meier method and by the fibrosis progression rate per year. The percentage of patients without significant fibrosis (stage 0 or 1) at 96 weeks was 68 ± 4% (mean ± SE) when treated by combination regimen for 48 weeks, 64 ± 4% by interferon alone for 48 weeks, 42 ± 7% by combination regimen for 24 weeks (lower than both 48‐week regimens P < .001), and 24 ± 9% interferon alone for 24 weeks (lower than the combination regimen for 24 weeks; P = .02). Three factors were independently associated with fibrosis reduction: sustained viral response, duration of treatment, and baseline fibrosis stage (all P < .001 in proportional hazards regression model). These results show that interferon and ribavirin combination therapy significantly reduces the rate of fibrosis progression in patients with hepatitis C. This effect was most prominent in patients who achieved a virologic response, those receiving 48 weeks of therapy, and in patients with significant fibrosis at baseline.
Population structure of Friesea grisea (Collembola, Neanuridae) in the Antarctic Peninsula and Victoria Land: evidence for local genetic differentiation of pre-Pleistocene origin

Abstract Friesea grisea is the only springtail species currently described from both East (Victoria Land) and West Antarctica (Antarctic Peninsula), although levels of genetic divergence between the two regions suggest the possibility of cryptic species. Determining the genetic structure of populations in the two regions is necessary in order to compare the effects of the different environmental conditions in the two regions, the different evolutionary histories of their inhabitants, and for assessing any influence of latitude in each region on genetic diversity. We analysed sequences of the mitochondrial COX1 and ATP6 genes from a total of 111 individuals for 17 sites (nine on the Antarctic Peninsula and eight in Victoria Land), to assess levels of genetic diversity. Both regions have their own unique sets of haplotypes, differing by about 20% of their nucleotide sequences. A similar number of haplotypes was found in the two regions, and within each we found two groups of populations sharing no haplotypes. In the Antarctic Peninsula, two, presumably ancestral, haplotypes are dominant in frequency. In Victoria Land, the Cape Hallett population showed a distinct set of haplotypes, genetically different from the southernmost populations, suggesting differentiation on pre-Pleistocene timescales.
Preparation and Evaluation of a Sustained-Release Formulation of Nifedipine HPMC Tablets

A nifedipine (NF) polyethylene glycol (PEG) solid dispersion was prepared. Using this solid dispersion, NF hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) matrix tablets were prepared. Both the high-viscosity grade HPMC (Methocel K15M) and low-viscosity grade HPMC (Methocel K100) were applied in the tablets to form the matrix. The dissolution and absorption of NF from the tablet were evaluated as a formulation that had a sustained release over 24 hr. The Hixson-Crowell equation and Higuchi equation were used to investigate the dissolution mechanism, and the erosion and diffusion codependent mechanism was established. Adalat GITS 30 was used as a reference dosage form. Each beagle dog was also administered an intravenous injection to obtain the pharmacokinetics parameters. The Loo-Riegelman method was applied to study the in vitro/in vivo correlation of the tested tablets and Adalat GITS 30, and significant correlation was proved. Absolute bioavailability and comparative bioavailability of the tested tablet were studied. The results indicated that the NF HPMC tablet could be an ideal 24-hr sustained-release formulation.
Small antenna using 2-D interdigital composite right/left-handed (CRLH) transmission lines

In this paper, we propose a small antenna based on composite right/left-handed (CRLH) transmission lines. Interdigital capacitors are used to enhance series capacitances and it is built in a single layer, so that it lowers a resonant frequency while keeping a physical same size. It is observed that the resonant frequencies are 3.028 GHz and 2.724 GHz, corresponding to n=-1 and -2 modes, respectively. Therefore, the proposed structure enables the antenna size more compact and simplifies a fabrication.
Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 ICP27 Induces p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Signaling and Apoptosis in HeLa Cells

ABSTRACT The herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) protein ICP27 has been implicated in a variety of functions important for viral replication including host shutoff, viral gene expression, activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases p38 and Jun N-terminal protein kinase (JNK), and apoptosis inhibition. In the present study we sought to examine the functions of ICP27 in the absence of viral infection by creating stable HeLa cell lines that inducibly express ICP27. Here, we characterize two such cell lines and show that ICP27 expression is associated with a cellular growth defect. The observed defect is caused at least in part by the induction of apoptosis as indicated by caspase-3 activation, annexin V staining, and characteristic changes in cellular morphology. In an effort to identify the function of ICP27 responsible for inducing apoptosis, we show that ICP27 expression is sufficient to activate p38 signaling to a level that is similar to that observed during wild-type HSV-1 infection. However, ICP27 expression alone is unable to lead to a strong activation of JNK signaling. Using chemical inhibitors, we show that the ICP27-mediated activation of p38 signaling is responsible for the observed induction of apoptosis in the induced cell lines. Our findings suggest that during viral infection, ICP27 activates p38 and JNK signaling pathways via two distinct mechanisms. ICP27 directly activates p38 signaling, leading to stimulation of the host cell apoptotic pathways. In contrast, robust activation of JNK signaling by ICP27 requires one or more delayed early or late viral gene products and may be associated with the inhibition of apoptosis.
Dip-slide: an aid to quantitative urine culture in general practice.

areas of old infarction. This figure is in close agreement with that of Johansson (1966), who, on clinical criteria, suspected that only 24 out of 142 cases (17%) of chronic heart block were ischaemic in origin. He offered no pathological explanation for 64 out of 142 cases (45%) which were classified as "' primary " heart block. In the present post-mortem series 21 out of 53 cases (40%) were due to bundle branch fibrosis. The pathological basis of primary heart block is therefore bilateral bundle-branch fibrosis; the cause remains unknown, but it is certainly not due to coronary artery disease.
Continous renal replacement therapy and intermittent hemodialysis in acute kidney injury: equivalent or complementary?

Nearly 60% of patients admitted to intensive care units have evidence of acute kidney injury (AKI). In the recent AKI EPI study, 13.5% of patients admitted to ICUs were treated with renal replacement therapy (RRT) and 23.5% of patients with AKI required RRT (1).
The digestibility of the phytic acid of oatmeal in adult man

The opinion is widely held that oatmeal may have a detrimental effect upon Ca absorption because of its high content of phytate-P. The only investigation undertaken specifically to study this effect in man is-that of Burton (1929-30), who compared absorptions and retentions of Ca and P in children and adults receiving wheat and oatmeal diets. This worker found better retentions of Ca when wheat diets were taken. The children were irradiated with ultra-violet light, and in four cases out of six the Ca absorptions and retentions were several times the normal values established by Duckworth & Warnock (1942). Further, the Ca intake was not equalized, so that in all subjects but one the Ca intake was greater on the wheat than on the oatmeal diet. Steggerda & Mitchell (1939), who incidentally used a basal diet rich in oatmeal to keep the Ca intake low, found Ca absorption and requirement within normal ranges. Since McCance & Widdowson (1935, 1942) found that, under their experimental conditions, adult man excreted approximately half the ingested phytate-P of wheaten flour and that the phytates seriously interfered with the absorption of dietary calcium, it appeared desirable to investigate the utilization of phytate-P in oatmeal at various levels of Ca intake. At the same time it was thought desirable to follow the balances of Ca and Fe.
Spatial association rules mining for land use based on fuzzy concept lattice

Spatial data mining can extract the spatial patterns and characteristics, general relations of spatial and non spatial data, and other data features in common that hidden in the spatial database. Formal concept analysis theory is very suitable for data mining research. In this paper, a fuzzy concept lattice is proposed to mine the spatial association of knowledge. The incremental algorithm and drawing algorithm of Hasse are established, and the index tree is applied in this algorithm to solve the problem of complex spatialsystem. This paper selects the land use database and other data of Yicheng, Hubei province, China, which are integrated by existing mathematical models. These data compose a new data set that can be mining by proposed algorithm. The fuzzy concept lattice is applied to acquire the spatial association rules of land use.
Evaluation of mental stress using physiological signals

In this paper, an objective method for the evaluation of mental stress has been proposed using physiological sensors. Brain and autonomous nervous system are believed to be affected by stress. It will be useful to measure the changes of physiological signals in these parts to evaluate stress. Stress stimuli which should be used in physiological studies to evolve stress has very crucial role in generating good results. Correlation of results from multiple sensors data can enhance the accuracy of results and can provide a common metric to evaluate mental stress.
PLASMA PANCREATIC POLYPEPTIDE IN THE HUMAN NEONATE

Abstract. Lucas, A. , Adrian, T. E. , Bloom, S. R. and Aynsley‐Green, A. (University Department of Paediatrics, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford and Hammersmith Hospital, London). Plasma pancreatic polypeptide in the human neonate. Acta Paediatr Scand, 69: 211, 1980. —Plasma pancreatic polypeptide (PP) concentrations have been studied in 197 healthy term and preterm infants. At birth plasma concentrations were lower than those found in the young fasting adult (p > 0.01), but by the sixth postnatal day in both term and preterm infants basal concentrations had risen to adult levels. In preterm infants, who were studied at two further postnatal ages, 13 and 24 days, basal plasma PP concentrations peaked at 13 days with levels that were over twice those seen in fasting adults (p > 0.005). However, the marked PP elevations following feeding that have been reported in adults, were not seen in any of the groups of neonates studied. PP physiology thus appears to differ in neonates and adults. These findings may be relevant to adaptation to postnatal life.
Design and analysis of microstrip antenna with frequency reconfigurable in MIMO environment

Frequency reconfigurable planar ultra-wide band multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna array designs are presented in this paper. To achieve Frequency Reconfigurability, Four stub are used to introduce the narrow band feature connected to the Micro strip feed line via pin diodes. The dielectric substrate used is an FR4 substrate with a dielectric constant εr = 4.3, thickness of 1.52 mm, and a loss tangent of 0.02 fed by a 50 Ω micro strip lines. The designed antenna operates at ultra-wide band frequency ranging from 3.1 GHz to 10.6 GHz and Narrow band ranging from 4.5 GHz to 5.93 GHz which is suitable for high speed WLAN applications with isolation better than 15 dB.
Prevalence and Antibiotic Resistance against Tetracycline in Campylobacter jejuni and C. coli in Cattle and Beef Meat from Selangor, Malaysia

Campylobacter is a major foodborne pathogen frequently associated with human bacterial gastroenteritis in the world. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and antibiotic resistance of Campylobacter spp. in the beef food system in Malaysia. A total of 340 samples consisting of cattle feces (n = 100), beef (n = 120) from wet markets and beef (n = 120) from hypermarkets were analyzed for Campylobacter spp. The overall prevalence of Campylobacter was 17.4%, consisting of 33% in cattle fecal samples, 14.2% in raw beef from wet market and 7.5% in raw beef from the hypermarket. The multiplex-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) identified 55% of the strains as C. jejuni, 26% as C. coli, and 19% as other Campylobacter spp. A high percentage of Campylobacter spp. were resistant to tetracycline (76.9%) and ampicillin (69.2%), whilst low resistance was exhibited to chloramphenicol (7.6%). The MAR Index of Campylobacter isolates from this study ranged from 0.09 to 0.73. The present study indicates the potential public health risk associated with the beef food system, hence stringent surveillance, regulatory measures, and appropriate interventions are required to minimize Campylobacter contamination and prudent antibiotic usage that can ensure consumer safety.
Optimising the benefits of community health workers’ unique position between communities and the health sector: A comparative analysis of factors shaping relationships in four countries

ABSTRACT Community health workers (CHWs) have a unique position between communities and the health sector. The strength of CHWs’ relationships with both sides influences their motivation and performance. This qualitative comparative study aimed at understanding similarities and differences in how relationships between CHWs, communities and the health sector were shaped in different Sub-Saharan African settings. The study demonstrates a complex interplay of influences on trust and CHWs’ relationships with their communities and actors in the health sector. Mechanisms influencing relationships were feelings of (dis)connectedness, (un)familiarity and serving the same goals, and perceptions of received support, respect, competence, honesty, fairness and recognition. Sometimes, constrained relationships between CHWs and the health sector resulted in weaker relationships between CHWs and communities. The broader context (such as the socio-economic situation) and programme context (related to, for example, task-shifting, volunteering and supervision) in which these mechanisms took place were identified. Policy-makers and programme managers should take into account the broader context and could adjust CHW programmes so that they trigger mechanisms that generate trusting relationships between CHWs, communities and other actors in the health system. This can contribute to enabling CHWs to perform well and responding to the opportunities offered by their unique intermediary position.
Scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy analysis of submicrometer coal fly ash particles.

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX) were used to analyze two groups of submicrometer coal fly ash particles from eastern and western power plants. The composition of the particles was related to the composition of the regional coal used. No sulfur was detected in the ash from the plant using low-sulfur western coal. The power plant using the higher sulfur concentration eastern coal produced ash containing 1.5% SO/sub 2/ equivalent. Similar correlations were found for other elements. While essentially all of the particles were spherical, the topography of the two groups was different. The particles from the Bull Run, TN (eastern), collection had a variable topography ranging from smooth to a few surface nodules. These surface nodules had a slightly elevated sulfur concentration. The particles from the Mojave, NV (western), collection were covered with surface nodules of varying size; none were glass smooth.
First-order theorem proving modulo equations

We present refutationally complete calculi for first-order clauses with equality. General paramodulation calculi cannot efficiently deal with equations such as associativity and commutativity axioms. Therefore we will separate a set of equations (called E-equations) from a specification and give them a special treatment, avoiding paramodulations with E-equations but using E-unification for the calculi. Techniques for handling such E-equations known in the context of purely equational specifications (e.g. computing critical pairs with E-equations or introducing extended rules) can be adopted for specifications with full first-order clauses. Methods for proving completeness results are based on the construction of equality Herbrand interpretations for consistent sets of clauses. These interpretations are presented as a set of ground rewrite rules and a set of ground instances of E-equations forming a Church-Rosser system. The construction of such Church-Rosser systems differs from constructions without considering E-equations in a non-trivial way. E-equations influence the ordering involved. Methods for defining E-compatible orderings are discussed. All these aspects are considered especially for the case that E is a set of associativity and commutativity axioms for some operator symbols (then called AC-operators). Some techniques and notions specific to specifications with AC -operators are included.
Twenty‐four‐hour intragastric pH profiles and pharmacokinetics following single and repeated oral administration of the proton pump inhibitor pantoprazole in comparison to omeprazole.

BACKGROUND: Pantoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor characterized by a low potential to interact with the cytochrome P450 enzyme system in man. Its effect on intragastric pH following single and repeated oral intake was investigated in comparison to omeprazole by continuous intragastric pH‐metry at doses recommended for treatment of peptic ulcer disease. METHODS: Sixteen healthy male subjects underwent two dosing periods. From day 1 to day 7, they were given once daily by mouth 40 mg pantoprazole in one period and 20 mg omeprazole in the other period, according to a double‐blind randomized crossover design. Twenty‐four‐hour intragastric pH was recorded and frequent blood samples for pharmacokinetic analysis were taken on day 1 and day 7. A placebo pH profile was obtained prior to each treatment period. RESULTS: Pantoprazole was significantly more effective than omeprazole with regard to increase in 24‐h and daytime pH, following both single (median 24‐h pH: 1.45 vs. 1.3, P < 0.05; median daytime pH: 1.6 vs. 1.3, P < 0.01) and repeated (median 24‐h pH: 3.15 vs. 2.05, P < 0.01; median daytime pH: 3.8 vs. 2.65, P < 0.05) oral intake. As compared to the first dose, repeated administration of both drugs markedly increased the effect on intragastric pH. With pantoprazole, steady‐ state serum concentrations were obtained after the first dose, but not with omeprazole. Both drugs were well tolerated without relevant changes in vital signs of clinical laboratory parameters. CONCLUSION: Pantoprazole 40 mg is significantly more effective than omeprazole 20 mg in raising intragastric pH.
Cytokines and Bone Loss in a 5‐Year Longitudinal Study—Hormone Replacement Therapy Suppresses Serum Soluble Interleukin‐6 Receptor and Increases Interleukin‐1‐Receptor Antagonist: The Danish Osteoporosis Prevention Study

The proinflammatory cytokines interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) and IL‐6 may play a central role in the acceleration of postmenopausal bone loss, but observational studies have led to contradictory results. Estrogen‐dependent changes in the production of IL‐1 receptor antagonist (IL‐1ra) and the soluble IL‐6 receptor (sIL‐6R) potentially modify cytokine bioactivity. We therefore assessed the impact of menopause and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on cytokines and activity modifiers in serum within a 5‐year longitudinal study. One hundred sixty perimenopausal women (age 50.1 ± 2.8 years) were randomized to HRT or no treatment. Serum IL‐6 increased with age (r = 0.16; p < 0.05), but cytokines did not correlate with baseline bone mineral density (BMD). HRT led to small increases in IL‐1ra (p < 0.001) and IL‐6 (p < 0.05), with a decrease in sIL‐6R (p < 0.01) and no change in IL‐1β. No changes were observed in the control group. IL‐1ra was inversely correlated with bone loss at the ultradistal forearm (r = 0.29; p < 0.05) and to a lesser degree at the spine (r = 0.20; p = 0.09). In addition, there was a weak positive correlation between sIL‐6R and bone loss at the ultradistal forearm (r = 0.26; p < 0.05). High IL‐6 levels were associated with slower bone loss (spine r = 0.31, p < 0.01) and controlling for age did not diminish this association. The percent change in sIL‐6R during HRT was correlated with the bone loss at the femoral neck (r = −0.29; p < 0.01) and weakly with bone loss in the spine (r = −0.16; p = 0.17). In conclusion, serum IL‐1ra and sIL‐6R are influenced by HRT and are associated with the rate of bone loss in perimenopausal women.