Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Harmonic Mode-Locking of a Quantum-Dot Laser Diode

A detailed study of harmonic mode-locking in a quantum-dot laser diode is presented. Mode-locking of the 1<sup>st</sup>, 2<sup>nd</sup>, 3<sup>rd</sup> and 6<sup>th</sup> harmonics are demonstrated, corresponding to repetition rates ranging from 39 GHz to 238 GHz
A novel model for single photon detectors

A novel model useful to simulate single-photon avalanche diodes (SPADs) is here presented. The developed description uses both voltage-controlled analog switch and Verilog-A description codes and it overcomes the drawbacks of the models reported in literature. Moreover, it exhibits a better fitting with the experimental results extracted from real devices. Many Spectre simulations confirmed the validity of the developed model.
A natural unification of GNM and ANM and the role of inter-residue forces

The Gaussian network model (GNM) and anisotropic network model (ANM) are two elastic network models that have been widely used to study protein fluctuation dynamics. Both models have strengths and weaknesses. Attempts have been made in the past to unify the two models but they had severe limitations. This work presents a novel theoretical result that shows how GNM and ANM can be unified through taking into account the effect of inter-residue forces. The unified model, called the force spring model, or FSM, is reduced to ANM when all the inter-residue forces are set to zero. Moreover, the unification reveals the role of inter-residue forces in protein fluctuation dynamics. Specifically, the effect of inter-residue forces is closely examined by studying the changes in mean-square fluctuations when inter-residue forces are present.
Predominant dystonia with marked cerebellar atrophy

Background: Dystonia syndromes constitute a heterogeneous group of phenotypes that may be caused by different heredodegenerative, metabolic, or genetic diseases. Objective: To describe the characteristics of an unusual dystonia-plus phenotype associated with cerebellar atrophy. Methods: We selected patients with predominant dystonia and cerebellar atrophy among the 861 families referred to us for genetic testing from 1992 to 2003. The main secondary heredodegenerative causes and the major genes responsible for hereditary dystonias and autosomal dominant or recessive ataxias were excluded. Results: We identified 12 patients in 8 families with an unusual dystonia-plus phenotype characterized by dystonia and cerebellar atrophy on brain MRI. The mean age at onset was 27.3 ± 11.5 years (range: 9 to 42 years) and the mean disease duration 14.7 ± 7.7 years (range: 4 to 30). At onset, dystonia was focal or multifocal, mainly affecting vocal cords (n = 8) and upper limbs (n = 2). During the disease course spasmodic dysphonia became severe in five patients, leading to complete aphonia in two. Dystonia became generalized in five. Cerebellar ataxia was limited to unsteadiness in most patients and progressed very slowly. The paucity of clinical cerebellar signs contrasted with the marked cerebellar atrophy on brain MRI in most patients. Four families with two affected sibs support the hypothesis of an autosomal recessive disorder. However, X-linked inheritance is possible since only men were affected. Conclusion: We have characterized an unusual familial phenotype associating dystonia and cerebellar atrophy in 12 male patients.
House dust mite allergen activates human eosinophils via formyl peptide receptor and formyl peptide receptor‐like 1

The objective was to evaluate which receptors house dust mite (HDM) and birch pollen extracts engage to activate human eosinophils. Chemotaxis and degranulation were studied in eosinophils pretreated with pertussis toxin and other antagonists of G protein‐coupled receptors, e.g. the formyl peptide receptor (FPR), CC chemokine receptor 3 (CCR3) and leukotriene receptor B4 (LTB4R). Inhibition of the FPR as well as desensitization of the receptor rendered eosinophils anergic to activation by the allergens. Blockade of CCR3 or LTB4R did not affect eosinophilic reactivity. It was determined by PCR that human eosinophils express the FPR family members FPR and FPR‐like 1 (FPRL1). HDM, unlike birch pollen, evoked calcium fluxes in HL‐60 cells transfected with FPR or FPRL1. Although both allergens gave rise to calcium transients in neutrophils, which also express FPR and FPRL1, only the HDM response was decreased by the FPR antagonist. Moreover, neutrophils migrated toward HDM but not to birch pollen. Eosinophils pretreated with inhibitors of MAPK p38, ERK1/2 or protein kinase C exhibited diminished responsiveness to the aeroallergens. This study indicates that FPR and FPRL1 mediate the activation of eosinophils by HDM, whereas birch pollen employs other pathways shared with FPR to activate human eosinophils.
Resolving the nuclear dust distribution of the Seyfert 2 galaxy NGC 3081

CRA acknowledges financial support from STFC (ST/G001758/1) and from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (MICINN) through project Consolider-Ingenio 2010 Programme grant CSD2006-00070: First Science with the GTC. AMPG and JIGS acknowledge the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (MICINN) through project AYA2008-06311-C02-01/02. AAR acknowledges the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation through projects AYA2010-18029 (Solar Magnetism and Astrophysical Spectropolarimetry). AAH and PE acknowledges support from the Spanish Plan Nacional de Astronomia y Astrofisica under grant AYA2009-05705-E. MP acknowledges Junta de Andalucia and Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation through projects PO8-TIC-03531 and AYA2010-15169. PACS has been developed by a consortium of institutes led by MPE (Germany) and including UVIE (Austria); KU Leuven, CSL, IMEC (Belgium); CEA, LAM (France); MPIA (Germany); INAF-IFSI/OAA/OAP/OAT, LENS, SISSA (Italy); IAC (Spain). This development has been supported by the funding agencies BMVIT (Austria), ESA-PRODEX (Belgium), CEA/CNES (France), DLR (Germany), ASI/INAF (Italy) and CICYT/MCYT (Spain). SPIRE has been developed by a consortium of institutes led by Cardiff University (UK) and including University of Lethbridge (Canada); NAOC (China); CEA, LAM (France); IFSI, University of Padua (Italy); IAC (Spain); Stockholm Observatory (Sweden); Imperial College London, RAL, UCL-MSSL, UKATC, University of Sussex (UK); and Caltech, JPL, NHSC, University of Colorado (USA). This development has been supported by national funding agencies: CSA (Canada); NAOC (China); CEA, CNES, CNRS (France); ASI (Italy);MCINN (Spain); SNSB (Sweden); STFC (UK) andNASA(USA).
Patterns of illicit drug use and opioid abuse in patients with chronic pain at initial evaluation: a prospective, observational study.

BACKGROUND Over the years, there has been a shift toward the increased reliance on opioids for the treatment of chronic pain. It is well known that some patients do not provide an appropriate history or underestimate their drug intake, and may exaggerate reported pain levels. Numerous studies have documented the incidence of illicit drug use and abuse of opioids in chronic pain patients. It is not known what proportion of patients have already been exposed to controlled substances prior to presenting for interventional pain management. OBJECTIVE To evaluate and identify the prevalence of controlled substance use, demographic characteristics, and psychological characteristics of patients presenting for interventional pain management along with illicit drug use. STUDY DESIGN A prospective, observational study. METHODS A total of 100 patients presenting at an interventional pain management setting for initial evaluation were evaluated by detailed history and urine drug testing for controlled substance use and illicit drug use. RESULTS Duration of pain on average was 9.3 years, 57% of the patients had involvement of more than one body region, 90% were taking opioids, 47% had been seen by 5 or more providers, and more than 70% presented with psychological problems. Twenty-three patients tested positive for illicit drugs and 12 patients were positive for opioids even though they had no prescription and denied taking opioids. Twenty-seven patients either under-reported (16) or over-reported (11) opioid use. CONCLUSION Ninety percent of these patients were taking opioids. Twenty-seven patients incorrectly reported opioid use, either underuse or overuse, with 23 patients using illicit drugs, 12 using non-prescription opioids, and with 35 of 100 patients at initial evaluation exhibiting one of the abuse behaviors.
Molecular structure of serum transferrin at 3. 3-A resolution

Serum transferrin is a metal-binding glycoprotein, molecular weight ca. 80,000, whose primary function is the transport of iron in the plasma of vertebrates. The X-ray crystallographic structure of diferric rabbit serum transferrin has been determined to a resolution of 3.3 A. The molecule has a . beta cap alpha. structure of similar topology to human lactoferrin and is composed of two homologous lobes that each bind a single ferric ion. Each lobe is further divided into two dissimilar domains, and the iron-binding site is located within the interdomain cleft. The iron is bound by two tyrosines, a histidine, and an aspartic acid residue. The location of the 19 disulfide bridges is described, and their possible structural roles are discussed in relation to the transferrin family of proteins. Mapping of the intron/exon splice junctions onto the molecule provides some topological evidence in support of the putative secondary role for transferrin in stimulating cell proliferation.
Breastfeeding and the risk of hospitalization for respiratory disease in infancy: a meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE To examine breastfeeding and the risk of hospitalization for lower respiratory tract disease in healthy full-term infants with access to modern medical care. DATA SOURCES MEDLINE, personal communication with researchers, the OVID databases, Dissertation Abstracts Online, and BIOSIS. STUDY SELECTION The titles, abstracts, and text of studies from developed countries were explored for breastfeeding exposure measures and lower respiratory tract disease hospitalization rates. For summary statistics, we required 3 inclusion criteria: (1) a feeding contrast of a minimum of 2 months of exclusive breastfeeding (no formula supplementation) vs no breastfeeding and (2) study populations that excluded sick, low birth weight or premature infants and (3) reflected affluent regions; 27% of studies met these criteria. DATA EXTRACTION We abstracted data from all relevant reports. DATA SYNTHESIS Data from all primary material (33 studies) indicated a protective association between breastfeeding and the risk of respiratory disease hospitalization. Nine studies met all inclusion criteria, and 7 cohort studies were pooled. The feeding contrasts in these 7 studies were 4 or more months of exclusive breastfeeding vs no breastfeeding. The summary relative risk (95% confidence interval) was 0.28 (0.14-0.54), using a random-effects model. This effect remained stable and statistically significant after adjusting for the effects of smoking or socioeconomic status. CONCLUSION Among generally healthy infants in developed nations, more than a tripling in severe respiratory tract illnesses resulting in hospitalizations was noted for infants who were not breastfed compared with those who were exclusively breastfed for 4 months.
Old and new Norwegian records of Camillidae (Diptera), a family missing from the checklist

Eleven specimens of Camilla flavicauda Duda 1922 were accidentally reared indoors in Oslo, and a twelfth one was later found free living. In addition, four old specimens of Camilla glabra (Fallen, 1823) were found in the collection of the Natural History Museum in Oslo. These constitute the first records of the small family Camillidae for Norway. The identification literature and the likely substrate of the larvae of C. flavicauda are discussed.
Epstein-Barr Virus EB2 Protein Exports Unspliced RNA via a Crm-1-Independent Pathway

ABSTRACT Human herpesviruses encode posttranscriptional activators that are believed to up-regulate viral replication by facilitating early and late gene expression. We have reported previously that the Epstein-Barr virus protein EB2 (also called M or SM) promotes nuclear export of RNAs that are poor substrates for spliceosome assembly, an effect that closely resembles the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 Rev-dependent nuclear export of unspliced viral RNA. Here we present experimental data showing that EB2 efficiently promotes the nuclear export of unspliced RNA expressed from a Rev reporter construct. Site-directed mutagenesis as well as domain swapping experiments indicate that a leucine-rich region found in the EB2 protein, which matches the consensus sequence for the leucine-rich nuclear export signal, is not a nuclear export signal per se. Accordingly, leptomycin B (LMB), a specific Crm-1 inhibitor, impairs Rev- but not EB2-dependent nuclear export of unspliced RNA. Moreover, EB2 nucleocytoplasmic shuttling visualized by a heterokaryon assay is, unlike Rev shuttling, not affected by LMB. We also show that overexpression of an N-terminal deletion mutant of Nup214/can, a major nucleoporin of the nuclear pore complex involved in several aspects of nuclear transport, blocks both Rev- and EB2-dependent nuclear export of RNA. These results strongly suggest that EB2 nuclear export of unspliced RNA is mediated by a Crm-1-independent pathway.
Relations explicites entre différentes représentations d'image dans un modèle de graphe visuel

This paper presents a novel approach, the first to our knowledge, tha t exploits a com- plete extension of the language modeling approach from information retrieva l to the problem of graph-based image retrieval and categorization. Since photographic im ages are 2D data, we first use image regions and local interest points (mapped to automatically in duced concepts) and then relationships between these regions to build a complete graph repr esentation of im- ages. The results obtained on categorizing of RobotVision collection from Im ageCLEF 2009 (containing of 5 rooms in an indoor environment) show that (a) the proce dure to automatically induce concepts from an image is effective, and (b) the use of spatial relatio nships, in addition to concepts, for representing an image content helps improve the classifie r accuracy.
Relationship Between Self‐Injurious Behaviors and Levels of Aggression in Children and Adolescents Who Were Subject to Medicolegal Examination ,

Aggression, which is defined as a behavior causing harm or pain, is a behavioral pattern typically expected in children and adolescents who are involved in criminal activities. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between aggression and self‐injurious behavior (SIB) in children and adolescents. The study was performed in 295 cases which were sent for medicolegal examination. The mean age of the subjects was 14.27 ± 1.05 years (age range 10–18 years). The aggression levels of the subjects were determined using the Aggression Questionnaire (AQ), which is an updated form of the Buss‐Durkee Hostility Inventory. The mean total AQ score of the subjects with and without SIB was 78.04 ± 21.0 and 62.75 ± 18.05, respectively (p < 0.01). There were significant statistical differences between the two groups with respect to their subscale scores (p < 0.01). It was concluded that the levels of aggression increased in children and adolescents who were involved in criminal activities when the SIBs increased.
Purification and characterization of testicular transferrin secreted by rat Sertoli cells.

Sertoli cells synthesize and secrete a transferrin-like protein (testicular transferrin) [Skinner & Griswold (1980) J. Biol. Chem. 255, 1923-1925]. The purpose of the present study was to purify and characterize testicular transferrin and to compare it with serum transferrin. Testicular transferrin was obtained from the medium of cultured rat Sertoli cells, whereas serum transferrin was obtained from rat serum. Both proteins were purified with the use of phenyl-Sepharose hydrophobic chromatography and transferrin immunoaffinity chromatography. The purified proteins were shown to have similar molecular masses (75 000 Da) and amino acid compositions. The pattern of tryptic peptides from testicular and serum transferrin were found to be essentially the same when analysed by reverse-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography. The carbohydrate composition of both transferrins was determined by several colorimetric assays and g.l. c. Testicular transferrin, isolated from cell culture medium, had increased amounts of glucose, galactose and glucosamine. Serum transferrin that was incubated with cell culture medium also had a large amount of associated glucose. The results show that testicular transferrin and serum transferrin are structurally very similar and are possibly products of the same gene expressed in two different tissues, the testis and liver. However, the amount of carbohydrate associated with these two proteins is different.
Preclinical evaluation of a miniaturized Deep Brain Stimulation electrode lead

The effect of miniaturizing the electrode lead for Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) therapy was investigated in this work. A direct comparison was made between a miniature lead (0.65 mm diameter) and a lead of standard size (1.3 mm). Acute in vivo implantation in two cat brains was performed to evaluate surgical trauma and confirm capacity to target thalamic nuclei. Insertion into a homogeneous gel model of neural tissue was used to compare insertion forces while visualizing the process. The standard size cannula, used first to guide lead insertion, required substantially higher insertion force compared with the miniature version and produced a significantly larger region of tissue disruption. The characteristic hemorrhage and edema extended 119-352 μm from the implanted track surface of the miniature lead and cannula, while these extended 311-571 μm for the standard size lead and cannula. A miniature DBS implant can reduce the extent of trauma and could potentially help improve neural function preservation after functional neurosurgery.
Challenge of pain.

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Essential and nonessential histone H2A variants in Tetrahymena thermophila

Although variants have been identified for every class of histone, their functions remain unknown. We have been studying the histone H2A variant hv1 in the ciliated protozoan Tetrahymena thermophila. Sequence analysis indicates that hv1 belongs to the H2A.F/Z type of histone variants. On the basis of the high degree of evolutionary conservation of this class of histones, they are proposed to have one or more distinct and essential functions that cannot be performed by their major H2A counterparts. Considerable evidence supports the hypothesis that the hv1 protein in T. thermophila and hv1-like proteins in other eukaryotes are associated with active chromatin. In T. thermophila, simple mass transformation and gene replacement techniques have recently become available. In this report, we demonstrate that either the HTA1 gene or the HTA2 gene, encoding the major H2As, can be completely replaced by disrupted genes in the polyploid, transcriptionally active macronucleus, indicating that neither of the two genes is essential. However, only some of the HTA3 genes encoding hv1 can be replaced by disrupted genes, indicating that the H2A.F/Z type variants have an essential function that cannot be performed by the major H2A genes. Thus, an essential gene in T. thermophila can be defined by the fact that it can be partially, but not completely, eliminated from the polyploid macronucleus. To our knowledge, this study represents the first use of gene disruption technology to study core histone gene function in any organism other than yeast and the first demonstration of an essential gene in T. thermophila using these methods. When a rescuing plasmid carrying a wild-type HTA3 gene was introduced into the T. thermophila cells, the endogenous chromosomal HTA3 could be completely replaced, defining a gene replacement strategy that can be used to analyze the function of essential genes.
Neural-network-based robust fault diagnosis in robotic systems

Fault diagnosis plays an important role in the operation of modern robotic systems. A number of researchers have proposed fault diagnosis architectures for robotic manipulators using the model-based analytical redundancy approach. One of the key issues in the design of such fault diagnosis schemes is the effect of modeling uncertainties on their performance. This paper investigates the problem of fault diagnosis in rigid-link robotic manipulators with modeling uncertainties. A learning architecture with sigmoidal neural networks is used to monitor the robotic system for any off-nominal behavior due to faults. The robustness and stability properties of the fault diagnosis scheme are rigorously established. Simulation examples are presented to illustrate the ability of the neural-network-based robust fault diagnosis scheme to detect and accommodate faults in a two-link robotic manipulator.
Super-Junction MOSFET and SiC Diode Application for the Efficiency Improvement in a Boost PFC Converter

This paper deals with the use of the last generation of super-junction (SJ) power MOSFET devices together with silicon carbide (SiC) Schottky diodes in an actual converter application. The main technological issues on the used devices are described and discussed. The impact of the particular features of the devices are analyzed and quantified in a case study regarding a DC-DC boost converter, which is used in a power factor corrector (PFC) converter. The switching transients have been carried out looking for actual applications, and the advantages of the devices are discussed in terms of energy saving and performance improvement. Moreover a comparison between the proposed solution and a traditional one, with reference to the electrical characteristics and the switching performances in a continuous mode 200 W PFC converter, has been carried out. Furthermore some considerations have been presented on the obtainable efficiency improvement of the converter by using the two proposed devices
Intrathecal IgM production at clinical onset correlates with a more severe disease course in multiple sclerosis

The intrathecal synthesis of IgM, determined at clinical onset in patients with multiple sclerosis, was found to correlate with the degree of disability (as evaluated by means of the Expanded Disability Status Scale) reached 15 years later (p<0.001). Moreover, a significant inverse correlation was observed between the value of the IgM index and time to the first relapse (p<0.001) and the initiation of the progressive phase of the disease (p = 0.01). The prognostic value of IgM in the CSF is confirmed in previous reports as well as by our study. If these findings are confirmed in patients with multiple sclerosis in a larger series, a helpful biological marker for selecting patients for immunomodulatory treatments will be available to neurologists.
Sparse partial optical Code and Wavelength Conversion architecture in hybrid WDM/OCDM OBS networks

The performance of Optical Code/Wavelength Conversion (OCWC) switch architectures are investigated in this work. We employed hybrid technologies within in Optical Burst Switching (OBS) networks, which include wavelength and optical code division multiplexing. The simulated results demonstrate the concomitant increase of optical codes per wavelength and the utilization of Sparse Partial Optical Code/Wavelength Conversion. Both lead to a considerable decrease of the Burst Blocking Probability (BBP). In addition, such hybrid approach also improves the utilization of network resources.