Communication and Powering Scheme for Wireless and Battery-Less Measurement

The paper presents solution for wireless and battery-less measurement in the enclosed areas. The principle is based on passive RFID, nevertheless this paper is focused on high power-demanding applications such as MEMS accelerometers, gas sensors, piezoresistive strain gauges, etc. Standard FRID communication scheme (sensing the input current change on the primary side) cannot be used in this case, because the communication channel is overloaded by the high power load. Paper presents possible solution which is based on the dual frequency scheme – one frequency for powering and other for the communication. This is ensuring capability for measurement up to several centimeters on the frequency bands 125 kHz and 375 kHz. It can be suitable for continual measurement in isolated systems such as the rotating objects, concrete walls, enclosed plastic barrels, high temperature chambers etc

Coexisting depressive symptoms do not limit the benefits of chronic neuromodulation: A study of over 200 patients

Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/142918/1/nau23356_am.pdfhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/142918/2/nau23356.pd

Lower Bounds on the Degree of Block Ciphers

Only the method to estimate the upper bound of the algebraic degree on block ciphers is known so far, but it is not useful for the designer to guarantee the security. In this paper we provide meaningful lower bounds on the algebraic degree of modern block ciphers

Vitamin A Deficiency after Gastric Bypass Surgery: An Underreported Postoperative Complication

Introduction. Few data are available on vitamin A deficiency in the gastric bypass population. Methods. We performed a retrospective chart review of gastric bypass patients (n = 69, 74% female). The relationship between serum vitamin A concentration and markers of protein metabolism at 6-weeks and 1-year post-operative were assessed. Results. The average weight loss at 6-weeks and 1-year following surgery was 20.1 ± 9.1 kg and 44.1 ± 17.1 kg, respectively. At 6 weeks and 1 year after surgery, 35% and 18% of patients were vitamin A deficient, (<325 mcg/L). Similarly, 34% and 19% had low pre-albumin levels (<18 mg/dL), at these time intervals. Vitamin A directly correlated with pre-albumin levels at 6 weeks (r = 0.67, P < 0.001) and 1-year (r = 0.67,  P < 0.0001). There was no correlation between the roux limb length measurement and pre-albumin or vitamin A serum concentrations at these post-operative follow-ups. Vitamin A levels and markers of liver function testing were also unrelated. Conclusion. Vitamin A deficiency is common after bariatric surgery and is associated with a low serum concentration of pre-albumin. This fat-soluble vitamin should be measured in patients who have undergone gastric bypass surgery and deficiency should be suspected in those with evidence of protein-calorie malnutrition

Loss of SigB in Listeria monocytogenes strains EGD-e and 10403S leads to hypersensitivity to hydrogen peroxide in stationary phase under aerobic conditions

SigB is the main stress gene regulator in L. monocytogenes affecting the expression of more than 150 genes and thus contributing in multiple stress resistance. Despite its clear role in most stresses, its role in oxidative stress is uncertain as results accompanying the loss of sigB range from hyperresistance to hypersensitivity. Previously, these differences have been attributed to strain variation. In this study, we show conclusively that in contrast to all other stresses, loss of sigB results in hyperresistance against H2O2 (more than 8 log CFU ml-1 compared to the wild type) in aerobically-grown stationary phase cultures of 10403S and EGD-e.. Furthermore, growth at 30°C resulted in higher resistance to oxidative stress than at 37°C. Oxidative stress resistance seemed to be higher with higher levels of oxygen. Under anaerobic conditions, loss of SigB in 10403S did not affect survival against H2O2 while in EGD-e it resulted in a sensitive phenotype. During exponential phase, minor differences occurred as expected due to the absence of sigB transcription. Catalase tests were performed under all conditions and stronger catalase results corresponded well with higher survival underpinning the important role of catalase in this phenotype. Furthermore, we assessed the catalase activity in protein lysates which corresponded with the catalase tests and survival. In addition, RT-PCR showed no differences in transcription between the wild type and the ΔsigB in various oxidative stress genes. Further investigation of the molecular mechanism behind this phenotype and its possible consequences for the overall phenotype of L. monocytogenes are underway