Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
DURATION OF ANTIGEN SHEDDING AND DEVELOPMENT OF ANTIBODY TITERS IN MALAYAN TIGERS (PANTHERA TIGRIS JACKSONI) NATURALLY INFECTED WITH SARS-CoV-2

Abstract: Natural infection of three captive Malayan tigers (Panthera tigris jacksoni) with SARS-CoV-2 caused mild to moderate symptoms of lethargy, anorexia, and coughing. Each tiger was longitudinally sampled opportunistically via consciously obtained oral, nasal, and/or fecal samples during and after resolution of clinical signs, until 2 wk of negative results were obtained. Persistent shedding of SARS-CoV-2 genetic material was detected via reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction in feces up to 29 d after initial onset of clinical signs, but not in nasal or oral samples. Tigers became resistant to behavioral training to obtain nasal samples but tolerated longitudinal oral sampling. Serum was obtained from two tigers, and antibody titers revealed a robust antibody response within 9 d of onset of clinical signs, which was sustained for at least 3 mon. The tigers were infected despite the use of masks and gloves by husbandry personnel. No known cause of the outbreak was identified, despite extensive investigational efforts by the regional health department. No forward cross-species transmission was observed in primates housed in nearby enclosures. The increasing regularity of reports of SARS-CoV-2 infection in nondomestic felids warrants further investigations into shedding and immunity.
Resonant-structure micromotors

Resonant-structure micromotors operate on the principle of mechanical resonance, so that the armature is driven for maximum displacement and power. The application of resonance in motors is placed in historical perspective and the scaling issues for such resonant systems are identified and quantified. Along with a conventional, tensile-element resonant-structure, an novel, crab-leg flexure system is described, and the stress and flexural spring constant formulas are derived. <<ETX>>
InP/GaInAsP phase-shifted Mach-Zehnder modulator for wavelength-independent (1530-1560 nm) performance in 10 Gbit/s transmission over dispersive fiber

Mach-Zehnder modulators are attractive components for high-bit-rate data transmission over standard dispersive fiber because they allow for the adjustment of the value and sign of the frequency chirp. Recently, it has been shown that the use of an InP/GaInAsP /spl pi/-phase-shifted Mach-Zehnder modulator driven in a push-pull configuration scheme led to negatively chirped signals with a propagation distance of about 120 km at 10 Gbit/s at a wavelength of 1560 nm. We investigate its use in the simple single-arm modulation scheme and perform the 10 Gbit/s transmission experiments at various wavelengths (1530-1560 nm) in order to check its compatibility as a modulator within a wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) source. The vertical structure of the Mach-Zehnder modulator is composed of an undoped 20 multiple quantum well waveguide layer (GaInAsP/InP).
Design of novel ultra-wideband antenna with individual SRR

A novel small ultra-wideband antenna (UWB) design using an individual split-ring resonator and coupled microstrip line structure is proposed. The radiation property of the antenna is numerically simulated and experimentally measured. The absolute frequency band, where S11 is less than −10 dB, is found to be across the entire UWB spectrum from 3.6 to 14.6 GHz. The gain at every frequency for the antenna is larger than 2.4 dBi.
Medijska etika in profesionalnost v digitalnem komunikacijskem okolju: odzivi izvajalcev medijske samoregulacije in regulacije

Z digitalizacijo komunikacijskega okolja je prišlo do regulativnega neravnovesja, v katerem so na eni strani regulirani in fi nančno podhranjeni mediji, na drugi pa neregulirane in ekonomsko močne digitalne platforme. Pri tem državljani vse več informacij in medijskih ali medijskim podobnih vsebin sprejemajo prek platform. Cilj študije je raziskati odzive teles medijske samoregulacije na vprašanja na področju novinarske etike in profesionalnosti, povezana z digitalizacijo, ter pripravljenost teles medijske samoregulacije in zakonsko podprtih medijskih regulatorjev za sodelovanje pri urejanju digitalnega komunikacijskega okolja. Analiza etičnih kodeksov ter intervjuji s predstavniki medijskih samoregulativnih teles in medijskih regulatorjev iz štirih držav, nastalih na območju nekdanje Jugoslavije, so razkrili podobnosti pri prilagajanju medijske samoregulacije vprašanjem digitalnega komunikacijskega okolja, a niso nakazali strinjanja glede možnosti poseganja države vanj ter glede krepitve sodelovanja medijskih samoregulatorjev in regulatorjev pri njegovem urejanju.
Signal-adapted recursive interpolating wavelet packets

In this work, recursive interpolating wavelet packets with shape parameter vectors are constructed and the parameter-adaptive decomposition algorithms are presented, which are based on the subband coding gain. Unlike the previous structure-adaptive one in which every node employs the same pair of filters, the shape parameter vectors of every node are signal-adaptively selected in our approaches, thus an adaptive decomposition with the optimal parameter vectors is obtained. Moreover, the approach resolves the design of two-band interpolating principal component filter banks. The experiment results show that the presented approaches can markedly improve the coding gain.
Power balance of a hybrid power source in a power plant for a small propulsion aircraft

This paper analyzes two different architectures for a hybrid power source comprising a PEM (polymer electrolyte membrane) fuel cell and a Li ion battery. The hybrid power source feeds the propulsion motor of an all electrical aircraft, the Boeing Fuel Cell Demonstrator. The architectures are an unregulated and a regulated hybrid power source. The regulation is achieved by means of a controllable series boost converter (SBC) connected in series with the fuel cell. Both architectures have been simulated, implemented and tested in the Boeing Fuel Cell Demonstrator Airplane.
Displacement currents and the real part of high-frequency conductance of the resonant-tunneling diode

I have shown that weak variation of the tunnel transparency of the collector barrier with bias has substantial (and frequently crucial) effect on the high-frequency properties of the resonant-tunneling diodes (RTDs). Also it has been shown that the real part of the RTD conductance can be negative and large at the frequencies much higher than the reciprocal quasibound-state lifetime in the quantum well between the barriers of RTD, if (as opposed to common practice) the RTD collector is heavily doped and does not have thick spacer layers. The displacement currents are responsible for the effects. A simple equivalent circuit of RTD is proposed, and it fairly well describes the published experimental data.
Emerging Roles of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells in Diabetes

Diabetes is a syndrome characterized by hyperglycemia with or without insulin resistance. Its etiology is attributed to the combined action of genes, environment and immune cells. Myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) is a heterogeneous population of immature cells with immunosuppressive ability. In recent years, different studies have debated the quantity, activity changes and roles of MDSC in the diabetic microenvironment. However, the emerging roles of MDSC have not been fully documented with regard to their interactions with diabetes. Here, the manifestations of MDSC and their subsets are reviewed with regard to the incidence of diabetes and diabetic complications. The possible drugs targeting MDSC are discussed with regard to their potential of treating diabetes. We believe that understanding MDSC will offer opportunities to explain pathological characteristics of different diabetes. MDSC also will be used for personalized immunotherapy of diabetes.
EMPLOYMENT OF IN VITRO TECHNOLOGY FOR LARGE SCALE MULTIPLICATION OF PINEAPPLES (ANANAS COMOSOS)

Experiments were carried out for the micropropagation of pineapples. It is thus possible to produce disease free, uniform propagules at needed quantity and at appropriate time of the year. BAP @ 0.5 mg/L showed better results for the number and length of shoots per explant. IBA and NAA were employed for appropriate root initiation and development and the best media observed containing IBA @ 1.5 mg/L alone. This was followed by field experiments to determine an appropriate media for in situ plant growth in green houses, for acclimatizing the plants.
Extensive Abdominal Skin Necrosis Following Anterior Component Separation for a Large Ventral Hernia: A Case Report

Introduction: Hernia surgery is one of the most common operative procedures, performed in about 20 million cases per year all over the world, with ventral hernia accounting for about 30% of the cases. Although the introduction of the anterior component separation (ACS) method, popularized primarily by Oscar Ramirez, has greatly facilitated the closure of the largest abdominal wall defects, the 30-year experience in this technique has pointed to the risk of ischemic skin complications consequential to the major subcutaneous tissue dissection required. The aim of this case presentation of a patient who developed extensive necrosis of the abdominal wall skin following ACS procedure is to emphasize the importance of preserving rectus abdominis perforator blood vessels in order to preserve skin vitality. Case Presentation: We present a case of a 58-year-old female patient with a large recurrent ventral hernia. The hernial defect was closed by placing a large (30 × 25 cm) polypropylene mesh in the retro-rectus space using the Rives-Stoppa technique. To facilitate upper fascia closure ACS according to Ramirez was performed bilaterally. The rectus perforator vessels were not preserved. Recovery of the patient was complicated with the extensive abdominal skin necrosis which was successfully treated with negative pressure wound therapy. Discussion: Transection of the musculocutaneous perforators of the epigastric artery during ACS results with the compromised blood supply of the abdominal skin depending solely upon the intercostal arteries. Skin ischemia following ACS is a serious complication that can be presented with extensive necrosis associated with high morbidity and even mortality, while the treatment is long lasting, complex, and expensive. Considering the ever-increasing prevalence of large ventral hernias, ever greater popularity of the ACS technique, and the growing proportion of surgeons performing large ventral hernia operations independently, we think that the role of preserving perforated rectus vessels has not been emphasized enough. Therefore, the objective of this case study is to stimulate surgeons to preserve skin vascularity and promote it in their routine in order to avoid these severe postoperative complications.
Normal Ranges of Right Atrial Strain and Strain Rate by Two-Dimensional Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Normal range values of right atrial (RA) phasic function markers are essential for the identification of normal and abnormal values, comparison with reference values, and the clinical meaning of obtained values. Accordingly, we aimed to define the normal range values of RA phasic function markers obtained by 2D speckle-tracking echocardiography through a meta-analysis and determine the main sources of heterogeneity among reported values. Methods: PUBMED, SCOPUS, and EMBASE databases were searched for the following keywords: “right atrial/right atrium” and “strain/speckle/deformation” and “echocardiography. ” Studies were selected that included a human healthy adult group without any cardiovascular diseases or risk factors and that were written in the English language. For the calculation of each marker of RA phasic functions, a random-effect model was used. Meta-regression was employed to define the major sources of variabilities among reported values. Results: Fifteen studies that included 2,469 healthy subjects were selected for analysis. The normal range values for RA strain and strain rate were 42.7% (95% CI, 39.4 to 45.9%) and 2.1 s−1 (95% CI, 2.0 to 2.1 s−1) during the reservoir phase, respectively, 23.6% (95% CI, 20.7 to 26.6%) and −1.9 s−1 (95% CI, −2.2 to −1.7 s−1) during the conduit phase, correspondingly, and 16.1% (95% CI, 13.6 to 18.6%) and −1.8 s−1 (95% CI, −2.0 to −1.5 s−1) during the contraction phase, respectively. The sources of heterogeneity for the normal range of these markers were the number of participants, the type of software, the method of global value calculation, the right ventricular fractional area change, the left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction, the RA volume index, sex, the heart rate, the diastolic blood pressure, the body mass index, and the body surface area. Conclusions: Using 2D speckle-tracking echocardiography, we defined normal values for RA phasic function markers and identified the sources of heterogeneity as demographic, anthropometric, hemodynamic, and echocardiography factors. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd. york.ac. uk/prospero/display_record. php? ID=CRD42021236578, identifier: CRD42021236578.
pH-Dependent Mechanisms of Influenza Infection Mediated by Hemagglutinin

Influenza hemagglutinin (HA) is a viral membrane bound protein that plays a critical role in the viral life cycle by mediating entry into target cells. HA exploits the lowering of the pH in the endosomal compartment to initiate a series of conformational changes that promote access of the viral genetic material to the cytoplasm, and hence viral replication. In this review we will first discuss what is known about the structural properties of HA as a function of pH. Next, we will discuss the dynamics and intermediate states of HA. We will then discuss the specific residues that are thought to be titrated by the change in pH and possible mechanisms for the pH triggered conformational changes. Finally, we will discuss small molecules that disrupt the pH trigger and thus serve as potential therapeutic strategies to prevent influenza infection.
Yohimbine-Induced Reactivity of Heart Rate Variability in Unmedicated Depressed Patients With and Without Adverse Childhood Experience

Stressful life events play a role in the pathogenesis of major depressive disorder (MDD) and many patients with MDD were exposed to developmental stress due to adverse childhood experiences (ACE). Furthermore, dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system and higher incidence of cardiovascular disease are found in MDD. In MDD, and independently in individuals with ACE, abnormalities in heart rate variability (HRV) have been reported. While these are often confounded, we systematically investigated them with a study which included MDD patients with/without ACE as well as healthy individuals with/without ACE. With this study, we investigated the influence of noradrenergic stimulation on HRV reactivity in unmedicated participants in a randomized, double-blind, repeated measures design. Our sample consisted of men and women with MDD and ACE (n = 25), MDD without ACE (n = 24), healthy participants with ACE (n = 27), and without ACE (n = 48). Participants received a 10 mg single dose of the alpha-2 antagonist yohimbine that increases noradrenergic activity or placebo on 2 separate days, with ECG recordings before and after drug administration at defined intervals. We found lower basal HRV in MDD and ACE: patients with MDD had reduced RMSSD whereas participants with ACE had lower LF-HRV. Contrary to our hypothesis, there was no effect of yohimbine. With this study, we were able to replicate previous findings on HRV differences in MDD and ACE. From the null effect of yohimbine, we conclude that the yohimbine-induced sympathetic activation is not a significant driver of HRV in MDD and ACE.
Design for Realizing Arbitrary Fractional Divider Based on FPGA which Duty Cycle is up to 50%

This paper proposes a novel method for realizing arbitrary fractional divider based on FPGA. Analyzing the limitations of the existing frequency-divided methods, a new model which consists of two-level dividers is put forward. An arbitrary frequency-divided clock output can be obtained by this method approaching 50% of duty cycle. When the division factor is greater than 128, the duty cycle can be very close to 50% of the clock output. This method is proved to be feasible on the FPGA chip of ALTERA.
Adolescents’ Personality Development – A Question of Psychosocial Stress

Following the relational-developmental systems approach, this three-wave study examines whether acute stress (T2) mediates the relationship between the development of personality traits from the beginning of 8th grade (T1, Mage = 15.63, SD = 0.59; 22 girls) to the end of 9th grade (T3). Using the Montréal Imaging Stress Task, which is a task that provokes acute social stress by negative social feedback, this study combined the functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), heart rate, and longitudinal survey data of 41 adolescents. Mediation analysis revealed that stress-induced left insula activation partially mediates the longitudinal stability of conscientiousness. These results highlight the impact of negative social feedback during stress on students’ personality development.
Regeneration in Echinoderms: Molecular Advancements

Which genes and gene signaling pathways mediate regenerative processes? In recent years, multiple studies, using a variety of animal models, have aimed to answer this question. Some answers have been obtained from transcriptomic and genomic studies where possible gene and gene pathway candidates thought to be involved in tissue and organ regeneration have been identified. Several of these studies have been done in echinoderms, an animal group that forms part of the deuterostomes along with vertebrates. Echinoderms, with their outstanding regenerative abilities, can provide important insights into the molecular basis of regeneration. Here we review the available data to determine the genes and signaling pathways that have been proposed to be involved in regenerative processes. Our analyses provide a curated list of genes and gene signaling pathways and match them with the different cellular processes of the regenerative response. In this way, the molecular basis of echinoderm regenerative potential is revealed, and is available for comparisons with other animal taxa.
Update and New Insights on Future Cancer Drug Candidates From Plant-Based Alkaloids

Cancer is a complex multifactorial disease that results from alterations in many physiological and biochemical functions. Over the last few decades, it has become clear that cancer cells can acquire multidrug resistance to conventional anticancer drugs, resulting in tumor relapse. Thus, there is a continuous need to discover new and effective anticancer drugs. Natural products from plants have served as a primary source of cancer drugs and continue to provide new plant-derived anticancer drugs. The present review describes plant-based alkaloids, which have been reported as active or potentially active in cancer treatment within the past 4 years (2017–2020), both in preclinical research and/or in clinical trials. In addition, recent insights into the possible molecular mechanism of action of alkaloid prodrugs naturally present in plants are also highlighted.
Microfabrication of new microelectrode arrays equipped with a ground surface configuration for focal neural microstimulation

Extracellular electrical stimulation of the central nervous system has been used empirically for decades, with both fundamental and clinical goals. Currently, microelectrode arrays (MEAs) offer new possibilities for CNS microstimulation, allowing in principle to activate only neurons located in the vicinity of the stimulation sites. To overcome the lack of focality of monopolar stimulations, multipolar approaches are commonly used, multiplying therefore the number of electrodes of the arrays and the complexity of the connection system behind. To overcome these limitations, we developed a ground surface configuration consisting in surrounding all the electrodes with a conductive surface laying over the MEA substrate, and using it for the stimulation current return. We first report the microfabrication of a prototype of MEA equipped with this configuration. We also perform experimental recordings of the potential field induced by microstimulations and confirm the expected increased focality with the ground surface configuration. This will open the way to focal ‘pixel-like’ microstimulation of neural networks using MEAs.
Development of a Modified Improved Point Method Experience Questionnaire

This study describes the development of an experience questionnaire for entry-level selection of Plumbing and Gas Inspectors. Though experience questionnaires are pervasive, previous research has identified particular approaches as more valid than others. The experience questionnaire we describe is based on the improved point method, in which applicants rate their experience performing various job-related behaviors. The scoring system provides differential points for levels of experience with various activities related to six performance dimensions. The resulting measure is both reliable and consistent with the Uniform Guidelines (1978) standards for content validity. One of the most pervasive approaches to personnel selection, particularly in public sector organizations, is the experience questionnaire. Numerous approaches to experience questionnaires have been proposed, all of which are based on the behavioral
A meter placement method for state estimation

In this paper a new meter placement method is presented. The method is comprehensive in that all the important aspects of the problem-cost, accuracy, reliability, and bad data processing capability requirements-are incorporated into the method. The problem is solved in three stages. The objective in the first stage is to place a minimum set of measurements which satisfies the desired accuracy requirements. In the second stage, additional meters are placed to incorporate reliability requirements which are defined in term of loss of RTUs. In the third stage, additional meters are placed to improve the bad data processing ability of the state estimation in terms of detecting and identifying the bad data. >