Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Automatic phase recovery properties of adaptive blind equalization algorithms

Assuming the intersymbol interference (ISI) has been removed by an adaptive equalizer which employs a suitable blind equalization algorithm, the output constellation may still be rotated by an arbitrary phase angle. These angles are the result of the existence of undesirable local minima in the phase parameter space. A simple technique to identify all such angles is presented. In addition, the stability of the rotated solutions and the range of phase angles that leads to such solutions can be determined too. Three blind algorithms, namely the multi-modulus algorithm (MMA), the reduced constellation algorithm (RCA), and the constant modulus algorithm (CMA) are analyzed using this approach. The immunity of the MMA towards such solutions is verified analytically while the susceptibility of the RCA towards them, especially the 45deg-solution, is verified through simulations. Our analysis also agrees with the well known fact that the CMA is indeed phase-blind.
Respiratory muscle function and exercise limitation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a review

ABSTRACT Introduction: Respiratory muscle dysfunction is common and contributes to dyspnea and exercise limitation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Improving dynamic function of respiratory muscles during exercise might help to reduce symptoms and improve exercise capacity. Areas covered: The aims of this review are to 1) summarize physiological mechanisms linking respiratory muscle dysfunction to dyspnea and exercise limitation; 2) provide an overview of available therapeutic approaches to better maintain load-capacity balance of respiratory muscles during exercise; and 3) to summarize current knowledge on potential mechanisms explaining effects of interventions aimed at optimizing dynamic respiratory muscle function with a special focus on inspiratory muscle training. Expert commentary: Several mechanisms which are potentially linking improvements in dynamic respiratory muscle function to symptomatic and functional benefits have not been studied so far in COPD patients. Examples of underexplored areas include the study of neural processes related to the relief of acute dyspnea and the competition between respiratory and peripheral muscles for limited energy supplies during exercise. Novel methodologies are available to non-invasively study these mechanisms. Better insights into the consequences of dynamic respiratory muscle dysfunction will hopefully contribute to further refine and individualize therapeutic approaches in patients with COPD.
Profile of Amblyopia in School going (5-15 years) Children at State Level Referral Hospital in Uttarakhand.

INTRODUCTION Amblyopia is one of the common causes of childhood visual impairment. The prevalence of amblyopia usually varies according to the age group of the studied population and the factors prevailing in that region. The upper limit of the critical time when amblyopia can develop is around eight years of age and it can be permanent if corrective measures are not taken in time. AIM The purpose of study was to know the profile and pattern of amblyopia in children aged 5-15 years with refractive error in Uttarakhand and to compare it with national and regional (South Asian) studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS In the present retrospective cross-sectional study, 360 children from 5-15 yrs of age who attended the OPD during the period between September 2014 to February 2015, had undergone detailed Ophthalmic examination. The children having vision < 6/12 with out organic lesion were included in the study. The children with strabismus, previous ocular surgery and ocular diseases were excluded. Chi-Square test was done for statistical analysis (IBM SPSS Version 23). RESULTS The percentage of amblyopia was 8.6% (n=31) with insignificant gender variation (p-value>0.05). Amblyopia due to astigmatism (combined) was in 41.93% (n=13) followed by Hypermetropia [32.25% (n=10)] and least in myopia [25.8% (n=8)]. In 51.61% cases age of presentation was 5-10 years while rest belonged to > 10 years of age. Binocular amblyopia was more (58.06%) then unilateral amblyopia (41.93%). CONCLUSION Refractory errors are second most common cause of paediatrc amblyopia. Amblyopia and associated strabismus can have devastating psychosocial and economical fall outs. Our study emphasizes the need of visual screening of school children and prescribing them correct spectacles at appropriate time.
On the Formation of Glycolaldehyde (HCOCH2OH) and Methyl Formate (HCOOCH3) in Interstellar Ice Analogs

Binary mixtures of methanol (CH3OH) and carbon monoxide (CO) ices were irradiated at 10 K with energetic electrons to mimic the energy transfer processes that occur in the track of the trajectories of MeV cosmic-ray particles. The formation of glycolaldehyde (HCOCH2OH) was established through the appearance of new bands in the infrared spectrum at 1757, 1700, 1690, 1367, 1267, and 1067 cm-1. A second C2H4O2 isomer, methyl formate (HCOOCH3), was also identified by absorptions appearing at 1718, 1159, and 914 cm-1. Mass spectrometer signals during the warm-up of the ice sample showed sublimation of both the glycolaldehyde and methyl formate; these species were monitored via the C2H4O2+ molecular ion at mass-to-charge ratio, m/e, of 60 originating from both glycolaldehyde and the methyl formate isomer. The latter was distinguishable by the presence of a second signal at m/e = 45, i.e., the HCO2+ ion. Kinetic fits of the column densities of the reactants and products suggest the initial step of the formation process is the cleavage of a C–H bond in the methanol molecule to generate either the hydroxymethyl (CH2OH) or methoxy (CH3O) radical plus atomic hydrogen. The hydrogen atom holds excess kinetic energy, allowing it to overcome entrance barriers required; therefore, a hydrogen could add to a CO molecule, generating the formyl radical (HCO). This can recombine with the hydroxymethyl radical to form glycolaldehyde or with the methoxy radical to yield methyl formate. Similar processes are expected to form glycolaldehyde and methyl formate in the interstellar medium on grains and possibly on cometary ices, thus providing alternatives to gas-phase processes for the generation of complex species whose fractional abundances compared with H2 of typically a few times 10-9 cannot be accounted for solely by gas-phase chemistry.
Alteration of placental haemostatic mechanisms in idiopathic intrauterine growth restriction

Intrauterine growth restriction is a complication of pregnancy with a high probability of perinatal morbidity and mortality. It appears to be caused by abnormal development of placental vasculature. Haemostatic processes are important for the development of the placenta, and an imbalance between procoagulant and anticoagulant factors has been associated with risk of intrauterine growth restriction. Objective. To evaluate coagulation abnormalities in placenta of pregnancies complicated with idiopathic intrauterine growth restriction. Materials and methods. Five placentas from pregnancies with idiopathic intrauterine growth restriction were compared to 19 controls. We performed gross and histological examination of the placenta. Analysis was made of both mRNA expression by real-time PCR and protein by ELISA of tissue factor and thrombomodulin in placental tissue. Results. Results based on histological evaluation were consistent with an increased prothrombotic state in placentas from pregnancies with idiopathic intrauterine growth restriction, and thrombosis of chorionic vessels was the most important finding. The study showed an increased expression of tissue factor protein (p=0.0411) and an increase in the ratio of tissue factor/thrombomodulin mRNA (p=0.0411) and protein (p=0.0215) in placentas from pregnancies with idiopathic intrauterine growth restriction. There were no statistically significant differences neither between cases and controls in the mRNA levels of tissue factor or thrombomodulin nor at the protein level of thrombomodulin. Conclusion. Evidence of alteration of local haemostatic mechanisms at the level of the placenta, including abnormal expression of tissue factor and tissue factor/ thrombomodulin ratio, in pregnancies that occur with idiopathic intrauterine growth restriction is presented.
Lizards in ‘nuclear families’: a novel reptilian social system in Egernia saxatilis (Scincidae)

Recent research has revealed unsuspected complexity in social organization among squamate reptiles. In particular, large Australian scincid lizards of the genus Egernia have been reported to occur in large aggregations of closely related individuals. However, the ‘nuclear family’ structure found in many other ‘social’ organisms (especially birds) has not been reported from reptiles. Our field studies on black rock skinks (Egernia saxatilis) in southeastern Australia document exactly this pattern. We quantified group composition using behavioural observations at regular intervals over three field seasons, and took tissue samples for parentage analysis. On the focal rock outcrop 72% of lizards were typically found as part of a stable social grouping, with individuals physically associated with other group members in a third of observations. Eighty‐five per cent of juveniles lived in social groups, 65% in family groups with at least one of their parents (including 39% with both parents as revealed by parentage analysis of five microsatellite loci). Broader sampling in surrounding areas revealed similar patterns of group size, composition and relatedness. Overall, of the groups that contained more than one adult, 83% contained a single adult pair. Long‐term monogamy and group stability were evident from our genetic data, with up to three annual cohorts of full‐sib offspring living with their biological parents. Our data expand the range of social systems known for reptiles, and reveal strong convergence towards ‘nuclear family’ systems in distantly related vertebrates.
Regulation of cellulase and pectinase activities in cherry tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill var. cerasiforme) fruit by use of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP).

Softening, which accompanies ripening fruits is also to a large extent, responsible for the damage that occurs during handling and shipping. The effects of 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) application at different ripening stages (mature green, breaker, breaker + 2 days and breaker + 4 days) on cellulase and pectinase activities of cherry tomato fruit (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. var. cerasiforme) were studied. Fruit were exposed to a 5µl -1 1-MCP concentration and enzyme activity was determined viscometrically. Both cellulase and pectinase activities were suppressed by 1-MCP treatment, especially in MG and BR fruit. 1-MCP delayed cellulase activity peak by at least 3 days and 6 days in treated MG and BR fruit, respectively compared to their corresponding controls. In treated MG fruit, pectinase activity was suppressed and the initiation delayed by 3 days compared to untreated fruit. Results indicate that 1-MCP when applied at either MG or BR stages of ripening is beneficial for at least 10 days.
Comparison of losses of heterozygosity and replication errors in primary colorectal carcinomas and corresponding liver metastases

In order to investigate genetic alterations specific to liver metastases of colorectal carcinomas, losses of heterozygosity and replication errors have been compared in 15 cases of primary colorectal carcinoma and in the corresponding metastatic liver tumours. Fifteen microsatellite markers located on 13 different chromosomal arms were used in the study. The LOH patterns of the primary and the metastatic tumours were identical in eight cases and showed differences in seven cases. Areas of deletion predominantly or completely common to the colorectal and the metastatic tumour were detected on chromosomes 5q, 8p, 17p, 18q, and 22q. Preferential loss in metastatic tumours was observed on chromosomal arm 3p. Replication errors were found in four primary tumours and in three of the corresponding secondaries. A replication error phenotype specific to a metastasis was not observed. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inflammation-based prognostic score for hepatocellular carcinoma patients on sorafenib treatment.

BACKGROUND No reliable prognostic predictor is known for patients undergoing sorafenib treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). PATIENTS AND METHODS In 81 patients receiving sorafenib treatment for advanced HCC, we evaluated the prognostic significance of an inflammation-based prognostic score, the Glasgow prognostic score [evidenced by an elevated C-reactive protein level (>1.0 mg/dl) and hypoalbuminemia (<3.5 g/dl)] and compared it with Child-Pugh grade, Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer staging system, Japan Integrated Staging (JIS) score, and the performance status by Cox-proportional analysis. RESULTS Median overall survival after sorafenib administration was 11.3 months. On multivariate analysis, Glasgow prognostic score (0 vs. 1 and 2; p<0.001), JIS score (1 and 2 vs. 3 and 4; p=0.001), and performance status (0 vs. 1; p=0.001) were found to be independently associated with survival. CONCLUSION The Glasgow prognostic score has significant prognostic value in patients undergoing sorafenib treatment for advanced HCC.
Quantification of the Specific Translocator Protein Signal of 18F-PBR111 in Healthy Humans: A Genetic Polymorphism Effect on In Vivo Binding

PET is used to image active inflammatory processes by targeting the translocator protein (TSPO). In vitro, second-generation TSPO radioligands, such as PBR111, have been shown to bind to human tissue samples with either high affinity (high-affinity binders, HABs), low affinity (low-affinity binders, LABs), or an intermediate, mixed affinity (mixed-affinity binders, MABs). We previously explained these differences in affinity in human tissue via the rs6971 polymorphism in the TSPO gene and predicted that the specific signal from PET ligands in vivo would vary accordingly. In silico modeling predicted that 18F-PBR111 would have a moderate to high specific-to-nonspecific ratio in the normal human brain. To test these predictions, we present here the analysis and modeling of 18F-PBR111 data in healthy humans. Methods: Twenty-one subjects (9 HABs, 8 MABs, and 4 LABs), 28–62 y old, genotyped for the rs6971 polymorphism, underwent 120-min PET scans with arterial sampling after a bolus injection of 18F-PBR111. Compartmental models and Logan graphical methods enabled estimation of the total volume of distribution (VT) in regions of interest (ROIs). To evaluate the specific signal, we developed 2 methods to estimate the nondisplaceable volume of distribution (VND): the first assumed that the in vitro affinity ratio of 18F-PBR111 in HABs relative to LABs (4-fold) is preserved in vivo; the second modeled the difference in the HAB and MAB signals in the context of an occupancy plot. Results: A 2-tissue-compartment model described the data well, and a significant difference was found between the VT of HABs, MABs, and LABs across all ROIs examined (P < 0.05). We also found a significant correlation between VT and age for both HABs and MABs in most ROIs. The average VND estimated by the 2 methods was 1.18 ± 0.35 (method I: VND = 0.93, method II: VND = 1.42), implying that the 18F-PBR111 BPND was 2.78 ± 0.46 in HABs, 1.48 ± 0.28 in MABs, and 0.51 ± 0.17 in LABs and that the in vivo affinity ratio was similar to that measured in vitro. Conclusion: 18F-PBR111 shows a high specific signal in the healthy human brain in vivo. A large component of the variability in the signal across subjects is explained by genetic variation and age, indicating that 18F-PBR111 can be used for the quantitative assessment of TSPO expression.
Ecological Consequences of an Exceptionally Strong El Nino Event on Darwin's Finches.

We studied the effects of heavy rainfall associated with the El Nino event of 1982-1983 on the demography of Darwin's Ground Finch (Geospizinae) populations and their resources on Isla Daphne Major, Galapagos. Total rainfall during this period (1359 mm) was 10 times the previously recorded wet season maximum. Most plant species responded by dramatically increasing seed production; total seed biomass increased by an order of magnitude, and small seed biomass increased in relative abundance, from 20% of total seed biomass before 1983 to >80% at the peak of the event. Caterpillars, the main food used by finches while breeding, also became extremely abundant. Ground finch species, mainly the Medium Ground Finch (Geospiza fortis) and the Cactus Finch (G. scandens), responded to the increase in food supply by breeding repeatedly. Females of both species produced up to 10 clutches of eggs; normally they produce 1-5 clutches. The most productive female fortis and scandens individuals fledged 25 and 19 young, respectively. Some birds born at the beginning of the season bred successfully before the end. Clutch sizes were scarcely larger than before and overall fledging success per nest was lower than in a normal breeding season. The large number of young produced resulted in (1) increases in population sizes of both species by a factor of four, (2) a dramatic skew in the age structure of both species, with birds born in 1982-1983 making up >75% of each population in January 1984, and (3) >50% of the lifetime fledgling production of females born in 1978 occurring in this breeding season. Individuals of both species immigrated from nearby islands, and a nonresident species, the Large Ground Finch (G. magnirostris) immigrated and bred on the island. Severe El Nino events have important ecological and evolutionary effects on these birds. For example, the high proportion of lifetime reproductive success contributed under exceptionally favorable conditions may have influenced the evolution of life history characteristics in the finches. Overall, our results support the view that rare events can have a major influence on key population processes in long-lived birds living in temporally varying environments, and that long-term studies are necessary to detect such effects.
GENETICS OF STROKE

This review summarizes the clinical and genetic features of some of the mendelian and mitochondrial disorders associated with ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke and cerebrovascular malformations. For some conditions, such as sickle cell anemia and Fabry disease, specific diagnosis is important because there are proven disease-specific treatments. For other conditions that have as yet no proven disease-specific treatments, such as cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy and subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) and mitochondrial encephalopathy with lactic acidosis and strokelike symptoms (MELAS), a diagnosis has prognostic value and avoids exposing patients to unnecessary, potentially harmful therapeutic agents and diagnostic tests. The genetics of common stroke is also briefly reviewed.
A micropower class AB CMOS log-domain filter for DECT applications

This paper presents a micropower 2nd-order low-pass filter using the log-domain principle and integrated in a 0.35 µm CMOS process. It has been designed as an anti-aliasing filter for a DECT transceiver with a 45 kHz nominal cut-off frequency. The circuit uses transistors biased in weak inversion without requiring separate wells. It operates at 1.5V supply voltage and its current consumption is 8 µA in idle mode. The log-filter is implemented with an on-chip conditioner which allows for class AB operation. It can process input currents at 5 kHz that are 25 times larger than the 200 nA nominal current. Measurements up to 500 times the bias current have been done, since at 1 kHz the current input is only limited by strong inversion and by the supply voltage.
Two New Resveratrol Tetramers Isolated from Cayratia japonica (Thunb.) Gagn. with Strong Inhibitory Activity on Fatty Acid Synthase and Antioxidant Activity

Two new resveratrol tetramers, cajyphenol A (1) and cajyphenol B (2), together with two known resveratrol dimers, quadrangularin A (3) and pallidol (4), and resveratrol (5) were isolated from the stems of Cayratia japonica (Thunb.) Gagn. Their structures were established by means of NMR (1H,1H‐COSY, 1H,13C‐HSQC, HMBC, and NOESY) and ESI‐MS analyses. Compounds 1–5 showed fast‐binding inhibitory activities on fatty acid synthase with the IC50 values of 1.63±0.02, 1.49±0.03, 7.50±0.01, 11.1±0.01, and 10.2±0.01 μM, respectively. Compounds 1–5 also exhibited antioxidant activities in the ORAC assay.
Neighbourhood social environment and depressive symptoms in mid-life and beyond

ABSTRACT This prospective study examines the relationship between aspects of the neighbourhood social environment and subsequent depressive symptoms in over 7,500 participants of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA). Neighbourhood social environment at baseline was operationalised using four items capturing social cohesion and three items capturing perceived safety and associations with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) at two-year follow-up were assessed. Friendship quality and personal sense of control were tested as mediators of this relationship using structural equation modelling. Neighbourhood social cohesion was found to be associated with reporting fewer depressive symptoms independent of demographic and socioeconomic factors and baseline depressive symptoms. Friendship quality and sense of control mediated this association. The study highlights that greater personal sense of control, higher quality friendships and fewer depressive symptoms are found in neighbourhoods seen to be characterised by higher social cohesion.
Apoptosis: a possible tactic of Haemophilus somnus for evasion of killing by bovine neutrophils?

Haemophilus somnus is an important veterinary pathogen that causes respiratory disease, arthritis, septicaemia and abortion in cattle and sheep. In the present study we investigated the possibility that H. somnus resists killing by bovine neutrophils, by causing the latter to undergo morphological changes consistent with apoptosis. Both serum-sensitive and serum-resistant strains of H. somnus enhanced bovine neutrophil chromatin condensation and shape change (i.e. zeiosis) in vitro, suggesting that the cells were undergoing apoptosis. Heat-killed or formalin-killed H. somnus had less effect than viable H. somnus. Chromatin margination of neutrophils was greater whenH. somnus was opsonized with adult bovine serum, which facilitates phagocytosis of the bacteria. H. somnus culture filtrates did not cause bovine neutrophil chromatin condensation. These findings suggest that direct contact with H. somnus is required for the maximal effect on bovine neutrophils. Apoptosis was confirmed by flow cytometry, using propidium iodide staining to detect DNA fragmentation. These findings suggest that H. somnus can evade killing by bovine neutrophils, in part, by inducing these cells to undergo apoptosis.