Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Highly linear low voltage low power CMOS LNA

A highly linear, low voltage, low power, low noise amplifier (LNA) using a novel nonlinearity cancellation technique is presented in this paper. Parallel Inductor (PI) matching is used to increase LNA gain by 3dB at the desired frequency. The linear LNA was designed and simulated in a TSMC 0. 18μm CMOS process at 5GHz frequency. By employing the proposed technique, the IIP3 is improved by 12dB in contrast to the conventional folded cascode LNA, reaching −1dBm without having any significant effect on the other LNA parameters such as gain, NF and also power consumption. The proposed LNA also delivers a voltage gain (S21) of 12.25dB with a noise figure of 3.5dB, while consuming only 1.28mW of DC power with a low supply voltage of 0.6V.
Airborne particulates and hospital admissions for cardiovascular disease: a quantitative review of the evidence.

This is a quantitative review of studies characterizing the relationship between exposure to airborne particulates and hospital admissions for cardiovascular disease. A MEDLINE search and a review of reference lists were conducted to identify time-series studies that considered particles less than 10 microm or 2.5 microm in diameter (PM(10) and PM(2.5), respectively) and their association with day-to-day variation in cardiovascular admissions. The results of these studies were standardized to give estimates of the percentage increase in hospital admissions associated with an increase in ingestion of ambient particles of 10 microg/m3. The results were grouped and compared on the basis of the specific outcomes and exposure measures. When studies that considered the association between PM(10) exposure and specific cardiovascular outcomes were pooled (after exclusion of outliers), a 10-microg/m(3) increase in PM(10) was associated with increases in admission rates of 0.8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.5, 1.2%) for congestive heart failure, 0.7% (95% CI: 0.4, 1.0%) for ischemic heart disease, and 0.2% (95% CI: -0.2, 0.6%) for cerebrovascular accidents. These effects tended to diminish substantially when gaseous co-pollutants were considered. The extent to which these effects are due to fine particles is unclear. The available studies indicate that exposure to airborne particles is associated with hospital admissions for cardiovascular disease; but the magnitude of this effect depends strongly on the specific disease category being considered, the time lag used in the analysis, and the type and amount of co-pollutants. Future studies should include careful consideration of the role of co-pollutants in this association, the interaction of particles with temperature, the impact of particle size on this effect, and the extent to which the observed effect involves short-term "harvesting. "
Assessing 3D Scan Quality Through Paired-comparisons Psychophysics

Consumer 3D scanners and depth cameras are increasingly being used to generate content and avatars for Virtual Reality (VR) environments and avoid the inconveniences of hand modeling; however, it is sometimes difficult to evaluate quantitatively the mesh quality at which consumer available 3D scans should be exported, and whether the object perception might be affected by its shading. We propose using a paired-comparisons test based on psychophysics of perception to do that evaluation. As psychophysics is not subject to opinion, skill level, mental state, or economic situation it can be considered a quantitative way to measure how people perceive the mesh quality. In particular, we compare four different levels of mesh quality (1K, 5K, 10K and 20K triangles). We present two studies within subjects: in one we investigate the influences of seeing an object in a regular screen vs. in a Head Mounted Display (HMD); while in the second experiment we aim at detecting the effects of shading into quality perception. At each iteration of the pair-test comparisons participants pick the mesh that they think had higher quality; by the end of the experiment we compile a preference matrix. The results show a correlation between real and assessed quality, despite participants' reported uncertainty. We also find an interaction with quality and shading, which gains importance for quality perception when the mesh has high definition. Furthermore, we assess the subjective realism of the most/least preferred scans using an Immersive Augmented Reality (IAR) video-see-through setup to compare the real vs the 3D scanned object in the same HMD environment. Results show higher levels of realism were perceived through the HMD than when using a regular monitor, although the quality was similarly perceived in both systems.
Retrovirus-mediated HO gene transfer into endothelial cells protects against oxidant-induced injury.

Heme oxygenase (HO)-1 is a stress protein that has been implicated in defense mechanisms against agents that may induce oxidative injury, such as endotoxins, heme, and cytokines. Overexpression of HO-1 in cells might, therefore, protect against oxidative stress produced by certain agents, specifically heme, by catalyzing its degradation to bilirubin, which by itself has antioxidant properties. We report for the first time the successful transduction of human HO-1 gene into rat lung microvessel endothelium using replication-defective retroviral vector. Cells transduced with human HO-1 gene exhibited a 2.1-fold increase in HO-1 protein level, which was associated with a 2.3-fold elevation in enzyme activity compared with that in nontransduced cells. The cGMP content in transduced endothelial cells was increased by 2.9-fold relative to that in nontransduced cells. Moreover, human HO-1 gene-transduced endothelial cells acquired substantial resistance to toxicity produced by exposure to heme and H2O2compared with that in nontransduced cells. The protective effect of enhancement of HO-1 activity against heme and H2O2was reversed by pretreatment with stannic mesoporphyrin, a competitive inhibitor of HO. These data demonstrate that the induction of HO-1 in response to injurious stimuli represents an important mechanism for moderating the severity of cell damage. Regulation of HO activity in this manner may have clinical applications.
Recognition of Electromyographic Signals Using Cascaded Kernel Learning Machine

Electromyographic (EMG) signals recognition is a complex pattern recognition problem due to its property of large variations in signals and features. This paper proposes a novel EMG classifier called cascaded kernel learning machine (CKLM) to achieve the goal of high-accuracy EMG recognition. First, the EMG signals are acquired by three surface electrodes placed on three different muscles. Second, EMG features are extracted by autoregressive model (ARM) and EMG histogram. After the feature extraction, the CKLM is performed to classify the features. CKLM is composed of two different kinds of kernel learning machines: generalized discriminant analysis (GDA) algorithm and support vector machine (SVM). By using GDA, both the goals of the dimensionality reduction of input features and the selection of discriminating features, named kernel FisherEMG, can be reached. Then, SVM combined with one-against-one strategy is executed to classify the kernel FisherEMG. By cascading SVM with GDA, the input features will be nonlinearly mapped twice by radial-basis function (RBF). As a result, a linear optimal separating hyperplane can be found with the largest margin of separation between each pair of postures' classes in the implicit dot product feature space. In addition, we develop a digital signal processor (DSP)-based EMG classification system for the control of a multi-degrees-of-freedom prosthetic hand for the practical implementation. Based on the clinical experiments, the results show that the proposed CKLM is superior to other frequently used methods, such as k-nearest neighbor algorithm, multilayer neural network, and SVM. The best EMG recognition rate 93.54% is obtained by CKLM.
The Association of Plasma DHEA and DHEA Sulfate with Breast Cancer Risk in Predominantly Premenopausal Women

Concentrations of adrenal androgens are positively associated with postmenopausal breast cancer risk; however, results in premenopausal women are conflicting. Therefore, we conducted a prospective nested case-control study within the Nurses' Health Study II cohort to examine the relationship of DHEA and DHEA sulfate (DHEAS) with breast cancer risk in predominantly premenopausal women. Blood samples were collected from 1996 to 1999. The analysis included 317 cases of breast cancer diagnosed after blood collection and before June 1, 2003; for each case, two controls were matched on age, fasting status, time of day and month of blood collection, race/ethnicity, and timing of blood draw within the menstrual cycle. No associations were observed between DHEA or DHEAS levels and breast cancer risk overall [in situ and invasive; DHEA relative risk (RR), top versus bottom quartile, 1.2; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 0.8-1.8, Ptrend = 0.53; DHEAS RR, 1.3; 95% CI, 0.9-2.0; Ptrend = 0.07]. However, both DHEA and DHEAS were positively associated with estrogen receptor–positive/progesterone receptor–positive breast cancer (DHEA RR, 1.6; 95% CI, 0.9-2.8, Ptrend = 0.09; DHEAS RR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.1-3.3, Ptrend = 0.02). We observed a significant interaction by age, with an RR for DHEAS of 0.8 (95% CI, 0.4-1.5, Ptrend = 0.62) for women <45 years old and 2.0 (95% CI, 1.2-3.5, Ptrend = 0.003) for women ≥45 years old; results were similar for DHEA. Our results suggest that adrenal androgens are positively associated with breast cancer among predominately premenopausal women, especially for estrogen receptor–positive/progesterone receptor–positive tumors and among women over age 45 years. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006;15(5):967–71)
Injuries of the trachea and bronchi

Traumatic rupture of the trachea or the bronchi is reported with increasing frequency. Such rupture may follow penetrating wounds, but the common cause is blunt trauma of the throat or thorax. When the proximal trachea is damaged other cervical structures are usually involved. By contrast the distal trachea or bronchi are not infrequently the only thoracic structures damaged. In particular there may be no rib fractures, or obvious fractures may be uncomplicated and insignificant. Thoracic rupture usually occurs in the vicinity of the carina. Central rupture generally presents with emphysema of the mediastinum and neck. Diagnosis can usually be confirmed by tracheobronchoscopy. Rupture of the peripheral bronchi generally presents with pneumothorax and atelectasis. Central rupture should be treated by primary suture. Lobectomy is often necessary when small bronchi are ruptured.
Sequence variants in COL4A1 and COL4A2 genes in Ecuadorian families with keratoconus

Purpose Keratoconus (KTCN) is a non-inflammatory, usually bilateral disorder of the eye which results in the conical shape and the progressive thinning of the cornea. Several studies have suggested that genetic factors play a role in the etiology of the disease. Several loci were previously described as possible candidate regions for familial KTCN; however, no causative mutations in any genes have been identified for any of these loci. The purpose of this study was to evaluate role of the collagen genes collagen type IV, alpha-1 (COL4A1) and collagen type IV, alpha-2 (COL4A2) in KTCN in Ecuadorian families. Methods COL4A1 and COL4A2 in 15 Ecuadorian KTCN families were examined with polymerase chain reaction amplification, and direct sequencing of all exons, promoter and intron-exon junctions was performed. Results Screening of COL4A1 and COL4A2 revealed numerous alterations in coding and non-coding regions of both genes. We detected three missense substitutions in COL4A1: c.19G>C (Val7Leu), c.1663A>C (Thr555Pro), and c.4002A>C (Gln1334His). Five non-synonymous variants were identified in COL4A2: c.574G>T (Val192Phe), c.1550G>A (Arg517Lys), c.2048G>C (Gly683Ala), c.2102A>G (Lys701Arg), and c.2152C>T (Pro718Ser). None of the identified sequence variants completely segregated with the affected phenotype. The Gln1334His variant was possibly damaging to protein function and structure. Conclusions This is the first mutation screening of COL4A1 and COL4A2 genes in families with KTCN and linkage to a locus close to these genes. Analysis of COL4A1 and COL4A2 revealed no mutations indicating that other genes are involved in KTCN causation in Ecuadorian families.
Computational design of drug candidates for influenza A virus subtype H1N1 by inhibiting the viral neuraminidase-1 enzyme

Abstract It is critical to seek potential alternative treatments for H1N1 infections by inhibiting neuraminidase-1 enzyme. One of the viable options for inhibiting the activity of neuraminidase- 1 is peptide drug design. In order to increase peptide stability, cyclization is necessary to prevent its digestion by protease enzyme. Cyclization of peptide ligands by formation of disulfide bridges is preferable for designing inhibitors of neuraminidase-1 because of their high activity and specificity. Here we designed ligands by using molecular docking, drug scan and dynamics computational methods. Based on our docking results, short polypeptides of cystein-arginine-methionine-tyrosine- -proline-cysteine (CRMYPC) and cysteine-arginine-aspargine- phenylalanine-proline-cysteine (CRNFPC) have good residual interactions with the target and the binding energy ΔGbinding of -31.7402 and -31.0144 kcal mol-1, respectively. These values are much lower than those of the standards, and it means that both ligands are more accessible to ligand-receptor binding. Based on drug scan results, both of these ligands are neither mutagenic nor carcinogenic. They also show good oral bioavailability. Moreover, both ligands show relatively stable molecular dynamics progression of RMSD vs. time plot. However, based on our metods, the CRMYPC ligand has sufficient hydrogen bonding interactions with residues of the active side of neuraminidase-1 and can be therefore proposed as a potential inhibitor of neuraminidase-1
Queueing Analysis of Deadline-Constrained Broadcasting in Wireless Networks

Time-constrained broadcasting is an essential operation needed for data dissemination and real-time multimedia broadcasting over wireless networks. This letter considers a deadline-constrained broadcasting based on the slotted Aloha in wireless networks, in which various relevant features, including message delivery deadline, node distribution, and stochastic message arrival process, are taken into consideration. First, our system is modeled as a discrete-time Geo/Geo/1 queue with a constant delivery deadline until the end of service. Next, we derive various performance measures such as loss probability, queue length distribution, mean waiting time, and successful delivery probability (SDP), which is a critical performance metric for a deadline-constrained broadcasting. Finally, we derive the maximum achievable SDP and the corresponding optimal access probability as a function of the message arrival rate and the node density.
Lung cancer screening update

Abstract Low-dose computed tomography (ld-CT) for lung cancer screening in high-risk subjects is performed within clinical trials and has started to be used in routine clinical practice. The technique is well defined, even if some methodological problems are still debated, such as the measurements of pulmonary nodules, the size to define them as clinically significant, the management of small or non-solid nodules and the best diagnostic work-up to optimize diagnostic accuracy. The data derived from an IEO observational study, started in 2000, shows a high prevalence and incidence of early stage lung cancer detected at ld-CT, demonstrating the need to prolong observation for a long period of time. The high survival rate of patients with screening-detected cancer has recently been debated in a number of papers using statistical models, but the advantage of the yearly ld-CT for the individuals is unquestionable; its benefit on the population base has still to be demonstrated by ongoing randomized trials.
Biochemical, Histological and Behavioral Consequences of Nephrectomy in Young and Aged Mice

Background: This study investigates the effect of nephrectomy in young and aged mice on some biochemical, histological and behavioural aspects. Methods: Each age group, 2- and 12-months-old, comprised a sham-operated group, a unilaterally nephrectomized group and a subtotally nephrectomized group. Consequences of nephrectomy were examined 10 days postsurgery on urea and guanidino compound levels in body fluids and brain; the remaining kidney by light-microscopic examination; and learning and memory abilities using the Morris water maze task. Results: Effect of nephrectomy on urea and guanidino compound levels in plasma, urine and brain was significantly more pronounced in the young age group. Some guanidino compounds show a tendency to decrease with aging in the sham-operated group and the two nephrectomized groups. Higher compensatory kidney hypertrophy was found in younger nephrectomized mice whereas in older mice glomerular mesangial expansion was a common feature. Finally, young mice with subtotal nephrectomy displayed a slight but significant impairment in memory and learning; whilst old nephrectomized mice manifested no impairment. Conclusions: Nephrectomy induces more changes in younger mice than in older mice as observed in higher variation of urea and guanidino compound levels, glomerular volume and kidney hypertrophy and decline in spatial learning and memory.
Cracking and damping in reinforced high strength concrete beams

Laboratory tests have been conducted on 8 full-size simply-supported reinforced high strength concrete (HSC) beams. For each beam, the instantaneous and residual crack widths at different load levels were measured. In addition, each beam was subjected to free vibration tests in which the logarithmic decrements of damping corresponding to various residual crack widths were recorded. The authors have previously published some empirical formulas for the prediction of average and maximum crack widths, as well as logarithmic decrement of damping in reinforced normal strength concrete (NSC) beams. Comparisons with test results from all the 8 HSC beams indicate that these prediction formulas may also be applicable to HSC beams.
The effect of cell cycle and expression of cyclin B1 and cyclin C protein in hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG2 and SMMC-7721 after of silencing β-catenin gene.

BACKGROUND/AIMS Abnormalities in cell cycle regulation are reported to be strongly associated with tumorigenesis and progression of tumors. Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and cell cycle play key roles during the genesis and development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Current studies indicated that expressions of cyclin A, E and D1 were affected after silencing of β-catenin gene in HCC, but it is unclear if other cyclins are affected. METHODOLOGY To determine the relation, small interference RNA (siRNA) against β-catenin was transfected into HCC cell lines HepG2 and SMMC-7721, and cell cycle and cyclin B1 and cyclin C protein expression were detected. RESULTS Cell cycle was arrested in G0/G1 at 72h after transfection and the cell cycle began to transfer from G0/G1 to G2/M through S and had a trend to revert at 96h. In addition, β-catenin protein expression was decreased at both 72 and 96h, although the level was slightly higher at 96h than that at 72h. However, cyclin B1 expression decreased at 72h and increased at 96h, cyclin C expression increased at 72h and decreased at 96h. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that silencing β-catenin gene may induce the changes of cell cycle and cyclin B1 and cyclin C protein expression. Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway probably takes part in the genesis and development of HCC through regulating cell cycle and the expression of cyclin B1 and cyclin C.
Gain-Scheduled Controllers for Linear Parameter-Varying Systems with Saturating Actuators: LMI-based Design

The design of state feedback gain-scheduled controllers for linear parameter-varying systems with saturating actuators is addressed in the paper. The parameters can vary arbitrarily fast inside a polytope with known vertices. Sufficient conditions for the existence of gain-scheduled controllers assuring asymptotic stability for initial conditions inside a region of the state space are provided in terms of parameter-dependent linear matrix inequalities. A complete characterization of the solutions of these inequalities is given in terms of homogeneous polynomially parameter-dependent matrices of arbitrary degree that can be obtained from finite linear matrix conditions, written in terms of the vertices of the polytope. A procedure based on an extension of Polya's Theorem produces a sequence of sufficient conditions which tend to the necessity as the level of relaxation increases. The scheduled controller is a homogeneous polynomially parameter-dependent state feedback gain of arbitrary degree that quadratically stabilizes the closed-loop system and provides an estimate of the domain of attraction of the origin, as illustrated by numerical examples.
Role of Host-Driven Mutagenesis in Determining Genome Evolution of Sigma Virus (DMelSV; Rhabdoviridae) in Drosophila melanogaster

Abstract Sigma virus (DMelSV) is ubiquitous in natural populations of Drosophila melanogaster. Host-mediated, selective RNA editing of adenosines to inosines (ADAR) may contribute to control of viral infection by preventing transcripts from being transported into the cytoplasm or being translated accurately; or by increasing the viral genomic mutation rate. Previous PCR-based studies showed that ADAR mutations occur in DMelSV at low frequency. Here we use SOLiDTM deep sequencing of flies from a single host population from Athens, GA, USA to comprehensively evaluate patterns of sequence variation in DMelSV with respect to ADAR. GA dinucleotides, which are weak targets of ADAR, are strongly overrepresented in the positive strand of the virus, consistent with selection to generate ADAR resistance on this complement of the transient, double-stranded RNA intermediate in replication and transcription. Potential ADAR sites in a worldwide sample of viruses are more likely to be “resistant” if the sites do not vary among samples. Either variable sites are less constrained and hence are subject to weaker selection than conserved sites, or the variation is driven by ADAR. We also find evidence of mutations segregating within hosts, hereafter referred to as hypervariable sites. Some of these sites were variable only in one or two flies (i.e., rare); others were shared by four or even all five of the flies (i.e., common). Rare and common hypervariable sites were indistinguishable with respect to susceptibility to ADAR; however, polymorphism in rare sites were more likely to be consistent with the action of ADAR than in common ones, again suggesting that ADAR is deleterious to the virus. Thus, in DMelSV, host mutagenesis is constraining viral evolution both within and between hosts.